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During the upcoming weeks I will post a series of pressing questions as pertains to the program.
Today we'll discuss the team's starting lineup.
Often you hear that the starting lineup is not that important and what really matters is who is on the floor in crunch time. Made even more exacerbated by the fact that SHU coach Shaheen Holloway often plays 10 men or so in his rotation cutting down total minutes.
I understand that thinking but don't totally agree. Often the tone of a game is set early. Imposing your will on the opponent at home gets the crowd into the game immediately and creates momentum. On the road the opposite. It takes the crowd out of the game and sets the opposition on their heels.
With the current coach, new to his roster, with a group of players with few standouts. with the influx of transfers and freshmen, predicting a starting lineup this early without witnessing a practice is haphazardous at best. Still, I'll give it a shot.
PG
KADARY RICHMOND
6'6" 210 LBS
If the work ethic meets the approval of the head coach this will be a foregone conclusion. Richmond just might be the best and most important player on the team. He will set the tone for the offense, being the extension on the court of Shaheen Holloway.
Last season Richmond was up and down. Playing spectacular at times and mediocre at other times. He needs to be consistent for the Pirates as the ball will be in his hands a high percentage of the time when he is on the court.
If the opposition controls Richmond they cut the head off the SHU snake. If they do not, well see last season's UConn game.
Stats
View the profile of St. John's Red Storm Guard Kadary Richmond on ESPN. Get the latest news, live stats and game highlights.
www.espn.com
2G
AL-AMIR DAWES
6'2" 180 LBS
Most Seton Hall fans will not be familiar with the 6-2 shooting guard, a transfer from Clemson where he played 3 years for the ACC school.
Dawes' forte is his shooting accuracy from range. His last two seasons with the Tigers Dawes shot nearly 40% from the arc. That consistency will be sorely needed for his new team.
Will that pressure be too much for the newcomer? Doubtful says those that know him. Dawes has attitude and confidence in his game. Word is he will be a leader on and off the court for the Hall. Difficult for a first year player, but Dawes isn't your usual first year player. He projects to be up for the task and expectations are he will form a lethal starting guard combination with Kadary Richmond.
Stats
View the profile of Seton Hall Pirates Guard Al-Amir Dawes on ESPN. Get the latest news, live stats and game highlights.
www.espn.com
C
TYRESE SAMUEL
6'10" 235 LBS
Potential. Deadly and infuriating when not met. Look up the word in Webster's dictionary and there's a good chance you'll see a picture of Samuel next to the definition. He can wow at times on the court with his size and athleticism. Or he can disappear when you most need him.
Samuel should be a star on this current team. A go to player in the post or on the wing. Seton Hall fans see that but not with any consistency. One minute you see a player with the ability to soar to the basket and finish in spectacular fashion, or take his defender down low and simply score over him. And then for long periods of time Samuel will disappear on the court.
That must change if he wants to get starter minutes and just as importantly be on the court at game's end.
Stats
View the profile of Florida Gators Forward Tyrese Samuel on ESPN. Get the latest news, live stats and game highlights.
www.espn.com
PF
KC NDEFO
6'7" 206 LBS
My description of Ndefo is simply Seton Hall's version of a Swiss Army Knife. In short a man for all seasons who plays with an intensity which would make former Pirate Derrick Gordon proud.
Having Ndefo listed as a starter is no sure thing. He is prone to collecting fouls due to his on the court work ethic and shot blocking prowess, and the longer he is on the court the better chance he is forced to sit. A crucial aspect because you want him in the game as it winds down. For his defense, for his ability to pass, for his rebounding, and for his total effect on the game.
This position, power forward, can change from game to game. Maybe you see Alex Yetna here. Or maybe the combo forward Tray Jackson. Hell in a pinch Holloway can go small and insert Dre Davis. So look for multiple players inserted at this position during the season.
Stats
View the profile of Seton Hall Pirates Forward KC Ndefo on ESPN. Get the latest news, live stats and game highlights.
www.espn.com
SF
FEMI ODUKALE
6'6" 205 LBS
Here's another position that has a multitude of candidates. But for my taste until I see differently I am going with the defensively tough Pitt transfer. An intelligent player who can at any time be on the court at the 1, 2 or 3. The issue with Odukale playing a wing position is his shooting accuracy. Plain and simple it is the weakest part of his game. Last season the starting guard did not crack 40% from the field and shot only 33% from the arc. Not ideal for a 2 or 3 and passable at best for a point.
Still Odukale brings other aspects to his game. A warrior's mentality. An excellent passer. A decent rebounder. A strong penetrator. And as noted an excellent defender.
Stats
View the profile of Minnesota Golden Gophers Guard Femi Odukale on ESPN. Get the latest news, live stats and game highlights.
www.espn.com