Seton Hall - 2nd Game
- Thread starter Knight
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Seton Hall thoughts:http://www.bigeastboards.com/
beast of the east
Active member
I'm getting tired of thanking you for fair posts. The only correction I would make is that right now we are not stuck in a rut, but are mired somewhere just below the minimum bar of regular NCAA tourney appearances. Today the place was pretty much filled to the rafters. 30 minutes before game time there were long lines to get through security. It was a good crowd, but by no means electric. Those of you who were never in the building in the days where you had to scream at the person next to you for them to maybe hear you, don't know just how ridiculously loud CA can be.
I don't want to bash our student fans, because the group that supports the team appears to be loyal, loud, and always there. I really don't understand why it isn't 4x present size. Way back when, with no dorms on campus, the lower sections of Alumni Hall would become so mobbed as to have three people crammed into every two bleacher slots, with fans sitting in the aisles (fire hazard for sure).
But that aside, today was a really nice win, and for my $1200, there isn't a better sports bargain in town than a pair of SJU season tickets to see high level college basketball and a really scrappy, likeable bunch of kids wearing our uniforms.
Today reminds me of why I love college basketball (as opposed to the NBA). Sir'Dom sending kisses to the crowd brought a tear to my eye like a proud parent enjoying a special event with his kid. I felt the same way 4 years ago. This group, like that one, is very special.
Some thoughts from the game:
Jordan had six assists and just ONE turnover. He really brought it on D and on the glass, and seemed to be completely on the same page as everyone else. Guys were were looking to get him involved and he was looking to do the same. Made a number or very nice passes. We are a completely different caliber of team when he is in sync and plays well.
I liked how we tried to establish the post. We have to keep going to that, even if it's not successful right away. It helps the spacing and it gives the D something to think about. I want opposing bigs worrying about digging in for position right away instead of getting ready to help on D and fill driving lanes. This is about the time last year CO started to show a little offense..it would really help if we can get him to that point in the next 2-3 weeks. I'd still like to see Amar get some touches down there. He got one today and passed out to Harrison when Dee's defender went to help. Harrison touched-passed it over to Greene for a wide-open trey. At the very least it could result in some inside-out looks for Green and Harrison. Also, Amar slipped to the basket open a few times after setting screens, but the guards didn't see him. Gotta hit those.
JDR gave us three minutes today without any real change to the score. Probably doesn't seem like much, but that is big. We were able to bring in CO a little more fresh and with less of a foul situation. I really don't mind him coming in to start the second half. It's a tough position for him to be in, but it can help us stay fresh for when it counts. Besides, CO seems to pick up a foul in the first 90 seconds of the second half like clockwork when he starts. JDR is so foul prone...it's crazy...but he completely accepts his role and bring max effort.
Amar gave us 9 solid minutes. He wasn't spectacular, but he held serve. I wanted to see him on Delgado, but he spent most of his time matched up with Rodriguez and Mobley. 10-12 quality minutes from Amar will be huge going forward. It looks like we're almost there. He's becoming a legit Big East contributor. He's excellent at boxing out which doesn't show up in the stats since he just pins his guy and drives them back several feet.
Felix played a very solid five minutes. Two offensive boards, a beautiful assist on a drive (not credited in the box score), just missed a nice put-back, and drew an offensive foul on Whitehead. Most importantly, he didn't seem nervous or timid for the first time in a while. That is huge. If we are going to start Balamou in the future, I'd really like to see an alley-oop diagrammed for him off the tip. It's indefensible if executed properly and really sets the tone.
Branch played very well. He's a great spark off the bench when he plays like this. I like him and Amar in the game at the same time (although they had one miscue on a pass). He has a very pretty shot when he gets it in rhythm and get the feet set. Any time he can get that step-back midrange, I'd have him take it. Same theme with him...he needs to be more aggressive. We need Branch, Greene, Jordan, and Harrison taking all the open good looks from deep and drives to the basket when the lane is open. Just about any rhythm jumper or drive by Branch is a good thing IMO.
Phil is money with the inside-out threes. He just shoots dagger after dagger every game now when teams make a run. He had some good takes as well. Better spacing and passing will open up more of those looks, as will Greene continuing to hit those deep shots. Seems to be getting better every week. Big Shot Phil.
Pointer played like the Big East P.O.Y. again today. Just wow.
I like Donny Marshall as an announcer. He's articulate, really understands the game, a former Big East guy that respects the history and style of play of the conference, and he is always very complimentary of our program and past stars like Mullin, Sealy, and Lopez.
40-39 on the glass is extremely impressive. 20 assists might be even more impressive.
Xavier game will be one of the biggest games in years. So much at stake it is crazy. We are...
Jordan had six assists and just ONE turnover. He really brought it on D and on the glass, and seemed to be completely on the same page as everyone else. Guys were were looking to get him involved and he was looking to do the same. Made a number or very nice passes. We are a completely different caliber of team when he is in sync and plays well.
I liked how we tried to establish the post. We have to keep going to that, even if it's not successful right away. It helps the spacing and it gives the D something to think about. I want opposing bigs worrying about digging in for position right away instead of getting ready to help on D and fill driving lanes. This is about the time last year CO started to show a little offense..it would really help if we can get him to that point in the next 2-3 weeks. I'd still like to see Amar get some touches down there. He got one today and passed out to Harrison when Dee's defender went to help. Harrison touched-passed it over to Greene for a wide-open trey. At the very least it could result in some inside-out looks for Green and Harrison. Also, Amar slipped to the basket open a few times after setting screens, but the guards didn't see him. Gotta hit those.
JDR gave us three minutes today without any real change to the score. Probably doesn't seem like much, but that is big. We were able to bring in CO a little more fresh and with less of a foul situation. I really don't mind him coming in to start the second half. It's a tough position for him to be in, but it can help us stay fresh for when it counts. Besides, CO seems to pick up a foul in the first 90 seconds of the second half like clockwork when he starts. JDR is so foul prone...it's crazy...but he completely accepts his role and bring max effort.
Amar gave us 9 solid minutes. He wasn't spectacular, but he held serve. I wanted to see him on Delgado, but he spent most of his time matched up with Rodriguez and Mobley. 10-12 quality minutes from Amar will be huge going forward. It looks like we're almost there. He's becoming a legit Big East contributor. He's excellent at boxing out which doesn't show up in the stats since he just pins his guy and drives them back several feet.
Felix played a very solid five minutes. Two offensive boards, a beautiful assist on a drive (not credited in the box score), just missed a nice put-back, and drew an offensive foul on Whitehead. Most importantly, he didn't seem nervous or timid for the first time in a while. That is huge. If we are going to start Balamou in the future, I'd really like to see an alley-oop diagrammed for him off the tip. It's indefensible if executed properly and really sets the tone.
Branch played very well. He's a great spark off the bench when he plays like this. I like him and Amar in the game at the same time (although they had one miscue on a pass). He has a very pretty shot when he gets it in rhythm and get the feet set. Any time he can get that step-back midrange, I'd have him take it. Same theme with him...he needs to be more aggressive. We need Branch, Greene, Jordan, and Harrison taking all the open good looks from deep and drives to the basket when the lane is open. Just about any rhythm jumper or drive by Branch is a good thing IMO.
Phil is money with the inside-out threes. He just shoots dagger after dagger every game now when teams make a run. He had some good takes as well. Better spacing and passing will open up more of those looks, as will Greene continuing to hit those deep shots. Seems to be getting better every week. Big Shot Phil.
Pointer played like the Big East P.O.Y. again today. Just wow.
I like Donny Marshall as an announcer. He's articulate, really understands the game, a former Big East guy that respects the history and style of play of the conference, and he is always very complimentary of our program and past stars like Mullin, Sealy, and Lopez.
40-39 on the glass is extremely impressive. 20 assists might be even more impressive.
Xavier game will be one of the biggest games in years. So much at stake it is crazy. We are...
redfan259999888
Active member
I'm thinking there is plenty of seats available for Monday? Want to watch the seniors one more time in person. Yeah I know there's the G-Town game, but hate going to noon games.
beast of the east
Active member
You know, I was choked up also, and don't remember the last time I was at a game and so moved. I have some pictures I took in the closing moments that I will post here. I think that for Dom and D'Angelo in particular, it was much more than their last home game. I think both demonstrated a real affinity for our fans, and they both went out of their way to demonstrably thank us.
The only time I remember anything like that was after Mullin's last home game at CA, where the entire crowd at Alumni Hall chanted for his return to the court after the team had gone to the locker room. It was much like a rock concert, with fans chanting for an encore. Mullin returned after a couple of minutes, but brought the entire team with him, and as they returned to the floor Mullin applauded both the fans, and his teammates.
I won't feel the personal sting if this team doesn't make the tournament, but I will feel for these guys who have given their all over four years. They deserve a ticket to the dance, and I hope they earn one
About SH...
Desi Rodriguez will be a good one. He's long, tough, and versatile. He just needs to get a consistent jumper to maximize his game.
Angel Delgado is just a beast. I wanted him to sign with us badly. He just plays within himself and doesn't try to be anything he's not. All-Big East 2-3 times before he's done. I'm not sure of his measured height, but he looks like an NBA prospect in spite of his lack of elite athleticism.
Khadeem Carrington - Solid again. He's playing a role too big for where he's at right now in his career, but he could end up being a better pickup than Whitehead even if he doesn't put up the same #s or attract the same attention. His shooting %s will improve drastically with time. A possible Phil Greene type...maybe a little more upside scoring in the lane. I think SH would gladly take that.
Isiah Whitehead - He's clearly very talented, but he is an awful teammate at this point. As a frosh, he's nothing compared to Gibbs as junior (not a fair comparison, I admit)...any struggle over touches or control is comical. Whitehead could really help the team as a secondary scorer that concentrates on playing tough defense and hitting the offensive glass. Like Rysheed Jordan, he's dangerous when he's focused on doing that and just taking what's there on offense--which would be plenty if he was just patient.
When your team is in a scoring drought, set up the offense and try to get something going to the basket. IW just launched long threes or drove recklessly 1 on 5 whenever he wanted without regard to the situation. Sampsonesque but worse. There is nothing that will piss off teammates faster than running down on offense only to see a kid launch a shot without anyone else even touching the ball or waiting something to develop. I would have let that kid shoot 40 shots today if he wanted.
Desi Rodriguez will be a good one. He's long, tough, and versatile. He just needs to get a consistent jumper to maximize his game.
Angel Delgado is just a beast. I wanted him to sign with us badly. He just plays within himself and doesn't try to be anything he's not. All-Big East 2-3 times before he's done. I'm not sure of his measured height, but he looks like an NBA prospect in spite of his lack of elite athleticism.
Khadeem Carrington - Solid again. He's playing a role too big for where he's at right now in his career, but he could end up being a better pickup than Whitehead even if he doesn't put up the same #s or attract the same attention. His shooting %s will improve drastically with time. A possible Phil Greene type...maybe a little more upside scoring in the lane. I think SH would gladly take that.
Isiah Whitehead - He's clearly very talented, but he is an awful teammate at this point. As a frosh, he's nothing compared to Gibbs as junior (not a fair comparison, I admit)...any struggle over touches or control is comical. Whitehead could really help the team as a secondary scorer that concentrates on playing tough defense and hitting the offensive glass. Like Rysheed Jordan, he's dangerous when he's focused on doing that and just taking what's there on offense--which would be plenty if he was just patient.
When your team is in a scoring drought, set up the offense and try to get something going to the basket. IW just launched long threes or drove recklessly 1 on 5 whenever he wanted without regard to the situation. Sampsonesque but worse. There is nothing that will piss off teammates faster than running down on offense only to see a kid launch a shot without anyone else even touching the ball or waiting something to develop. I would have let that kid shoot 40 shots today if he wanted.
Class of 72
Active member
Long long day of STJ's basketball, Acquista Trattoria and then shopping with Mrs 72.
Best atmosphere at the old arena in years. Happy for the seniors and they returned the love by beating a young,talented and underrated Seton Hall team that is suffering from froshititis. They will be dangerous in the Big East tourney with Gibbs.
Seeing these seniors play their last Big East game at Carnesecca was emotional and I can't help to think of what a difference in Lavin's record and this team's potential would have been had one player not reneged on his commitment. Rico Gathers was the missing piece of a front court that could have changed our profile to be a top 10 team and a sure shot NCAA team the past 3 years.
These players needed that missing piece to complement their athletic talent and aggressive play.
They still need to take care of at least two more games and win one in the Big East tourney to be locks for the NCAA tournament imo. It will be nice to impress a couple of recruits to lean our way and apparently the staff is working overtime to get commits. Hoping for the best but...........
Best atmosphere at the old arena in years. Happy for the seniors and they returned the love by beating a young,talented and underrated Seton Hall team that is suffering from froshititis. They will be dangerous in the Big East tourney with Gibbs.
Seeing these seniors play their last Big East game at Carnesecca was emotional and I can't help to think of what a difference in Lavin's record and this team's potential would have been had one player not reneged on his commitment. Rico Gathers was the missing piece of a front court that could have changed our profile to be a top 10 team and a sure shot NCAA team the past 3 years.
These players needed that missing piece to complement their athletic talent and aggressive play.
They still need to take care of at least two more games and win one in the Big East tourney to be locks for the NCAA tournament imo. It will be nice to impress a couple of recruits to lean our way and apparently the staff is working overtime to get commits. Hoping for the best but...........
