2007-2008 Big East Conference Preview- #9

#9- Seton Hall Pirates

Prudential Center, Newark, NJ.

Last season: 13-16 (4-12). No postseason.
Head coach: Bobby Gonzalez, 2nd season. 13-16 at Seton Hall.
Assistant coaches: Kevin Murphy, Dermon Player, Scott Adubato.

New additions: Mike Davis (3 star C), Michael Glover (4 star PF), Jeremy Hazell (4 star SG), Augustine Okosun (JC transfer/2 star C), Brandon Walters (3 star C).

Losses: Stan Gaines (6.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg), Grant Billmeier (3.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg), Carl Marshall (1.9 ppg, 0.5 rpg), Mani Messy (1.5 ppg, 1.1 rpg), Kashif Pratt (0.5 ppg, 0.5 rpg).

Roster: (#, Ht/Wt, Pos., Class, Hometown, last year’s stats)

35 Larry Davis 6-4/185 G So. Middle Village, NY (7.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.6 apg)
13 Mike Davis 6-11/255 F/C Fr. Brooklyn, NY
31 John Garcia 6-9/265 F/C So. Brentwood, NY (4.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 0.2 apg)
22 Paul Gause 5-11/188 G Jr. Pittsgrove, NJ (8.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.7 apg)
23 Michael Glover 6-6/200 F Fr. Bronx, NY
15 Eugene Harvey 6-0/165 G So. Brooklyn, NY (16.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.2 apg)
21 Jeremy Hazell 6-5/185 G Fr. Bronx, NY
14 Brian Laing 6-5/215 G/F Sr. Bronx, NY (16.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.1 apg)
2 Jamar Nutter 6-2/205 G Sr. Bloomfield, NJ (12.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.9 apg)
25 Augustine Okosun 6-11/240 F/C Jr. Benin City, Nigeria
33 Brandon Walters 6-9/225 F Fr. Brooklyn, NY

Bobby Gonzalez’s young, first year squad, one of the smallest in Big East history last season, was remarkably competitive in so many games but could not close the deal because of their painful lack of depth and height. The 8th most unlucky team in the nation last year according to kenpom.com, Seton Hall’s actual record (13-16) was three wins less than what it should have been based on that statistic. After years of mediocrity under George Blaney, Tommy Amaker, and Louis Orr, Bobby Gonzalez came to South Orange last season with a vision. He said he wanted to change everything and he has just about done that. In addition, the Pirates are moving into a beautiful new arena, the Prudential Center (aka The Rock) in downtown Newark, NJ. This facility is state of the art and will provide Gonzalez with a tremendous advantage in recruiting. He wants to build a champion at Seton Hall and he is well on his way. One of the more polarizing coaches in America, Gonzalez gets what he wants and leave no stone unturned. He’s played to his recruiting strength by loading the roster with New York and New Jersey recruits. Look for Bobby Gonzalez to lead the Big East in technical fouls this year but at the same time lead the league in passion and intensity.

Backcourt:

Gonzalez has assembled one of the better backcourts in the conference this season, starting with Eugene Harvey. This dynamic playmaker out of Brooklyn, NY makes everything go for this Seton Hall team. Harvey averaged 16.5 ppg as a freshman last season while dishing out over four assists at the same time. For a small guy, he gets to the basket easily and finishes, in addition to being a terrific passer. Harvey’s weak point is his outside shooting. He did manage to shoot 30% from three point range last year, but that was mostly a result of wide open looks. Reports are that he has improved his shooting, but it remains to be seen by how much. He’s one of the better point guards in the conference and the nation, appearing on many top players lists (including one on this very website). Paul Gause, the Big East leader in steals, will likely earn a starting job at least early on in the season. Gause is a dynamic defender and a great rebounder for a guard, but he needs to improve his shot as well. Gause is a guy who will hustle 100% of the time and provide a spark to the other players on the floor. Senior Jamar Nutter returns, one of the leading three point shooters in the conference last year, even though it was a disappointing and inconsistent season for him. He’ll be counted on to provide senior leadership along with Brian Laing. Laing is one of the most underrated players in the entire country, averaging 16.5 ppg last season as an undersized power forward. He’ll see time at the three this year. Look for him to light it up and have a great senior season. Larry Davis and dead-eye freshman shooter Jeremy Hazell will see lots of time off the bench in this very deep backcourt for the Pirates.

Frontcourt:

Seton Hall’s biggest question mark will be the frontcourt. Only one proven Big East player returns and that is John Garcia. He has been hampered by knee problems his entire career and while not 100%, he is in the best shape of his life. He should have a good year, significantly upping his points per game average. Freshmen Mike Davis and Mike Glover will provide Garcia with much needed rest. Davis has a very strong frame and will bang with the big boys all season long. This crafty lefty should have a very good freshmen season for the Pirates. The name Glover should be familiar to Big East fans. Mike’s brother was former St. John’s standout Anthony Glover. Mike isn’t as tall or wide as his brother, but he finds ways to score in what one could describe as a “wiry” fashion. Glover will be a very solid four year player for Coach Gonzalez. Junior college transfer Augustine (Austin) Okosun will get up and down the court in Gonzalez’s up tempo pressing style of play. He’s one of the fastest 6-11 guys you will ever see. Freshman Brandon Walters does not figure to see much time this year, but scouts have said he is a pro prospect down the road. Seton Hall will be similar to last year in terms of style, but the way they win games will be different. Their backcourt will keep coming at you and wear you down for 40 minutes every night and their defense will be much improved over the swiss cheese defense they played last season. All of this makes the Pirates one of the biggest sleepers in the country this season. Still, it will take some time for the young guys to gel and learn how to win in the Big East. Once they do, watch out.

Schedule:

11/11- vs. Monmouth
11/18- vs. Robert Morris
11/20- vs. Loyola Maryland
11/23- vs. Navy (Philadelphia, PA)
11/24- vs. Virginia or Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)
11/28- at Princeton
12/1- at St. Mary’s
12/4- vs. St. Peter’s
12/8- at Penn State
12/22- vs. James Madison
12/27- vs. North Carolina State
12/31- vs. Delaware State
1/3- vs. Connecticut
1/5- vs. Morgan State
1/8- at Marquette
1/12- at Pittsburgh
1/17- vs. South Florida
1/19- vs. Louisville
1/24- at Providence
1/27- vs. Cincinnati
1/30- at Rutgers
2/2- at Georgetown
2/6- vs. Notre Dame
2/9- at Villanova
2/12- vs. Marquette
2/17- at West Virginia
2/23- vs. DePaul
2/26- at South Florida
3/1- at St. John’s
3/5- vs. Syracuse
3/9- vs. Rutgers

Projected record: 21-10 (10-8).
Postseason: NIT.