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Desi Rodriguez Embraces Change, Thriving in New Role

Halldan1

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Jan 1, 2003
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Nov. 22, 2015


OLE MISS GAME PREVIEW

Charleston, S.C. - Change normally never comes easily.

That’s what this time of year is for in college basketball. For freshmen and transfers, it’s a time to adjust to a new program and eventually know their role. For players making a position change, it can be that much more difficult because just when they thought they may have known their role, they are being asked to make an adjustment.

While it may be a challenge to cope with for many, one man wearing Pirate Blue is making his transition to small forward look easy.

Desi Rodriguez (Bronx, N.Y.) was not on a “sophomores to watch” or “players that can take a big leap” list.

It does not matter to him, because his efforts are giving Seton Hall a huge offensive boost, and the Bronx product is thriving at The Hall. The adjustment from the power forward spot to the “3” has allowed Rodriguez to expand his game, which now features an improved perimeter jump shot and an increased ability to stretch defenses out.

“The transition to small forward has me feeling like I’m in the right position,” Rodriguez said. “I really worked during the summer at becoming a better player, and the coaches have supported me since day one. The biggest thing I had to work on was defending on ball screens and switching with guards. That’s a huge reason why I keep trying to get faster.”

We saw Rodriguez’s potential right from the get-go in his rookie season with the blue and white. He made strides in the Paradise Jam, tallying 8.3 points and 4.3 boards while earning all-tournament honors in the run to a title for the Pirates. One of three to play in all 31 games, he ranked in the top-20 in the BIG EAST with 4.8 boards per contest in league play.

“Last year, I was really looking to show the coaching staff that I could get the minutes that I wanted,” Rodriguez said. “Now I’ve got to do more than that. I want to take a leadership role and it’s something I think will make me better.”

What’s the difference this year beyond the position change?

Rodriguez is no longer showing potential in flashes. He’s putting out results, and he’s doing it consistently. His head coach Kevin Willard knows why.

“Desi had a great summer,” said Willard, who is in his sixth season at The Hall. “He’s put the work in and that’s what’s made him better. Seeing him put out these results consistently is huge for us.”

Rodriguez has exploded to a red-hot start, scoring at least 10 points while grabbing five or more rebounds in all four games this season, which is a career-best for the Abraham Lincoln High School graduate. In this week’s Charleston Classic, he has totaled 29 points and 14 boards in two contests, leading the way for the Pirates with a career-high 18 in a 67-59 win over Bradley Friday to advance to a Sunday showdown with Ole Miss.

While he’s flourishing on the court, Rodriguez’s life away from basketball makes him feel even more comfortable.

“It means so much to be close to home,” he said. “I get to see my mom and my siblings and it really helps to stay in touch with everybody that I’ve gotten to know as a kid.”

With all of the things going right in South Orange for the sophomore, he says it would not be possible without his favorite thing about being a Pirate.

“The fans,” he said when asked the question.

“They are with us every single step of the way. You see them here this week. They’re amazing. They come when we’re at home and when we’re on the road and they’re loud. It makes you want to play harder. They’re the best.”

Rodriguez and the Pirates battle Ole Miss on Sunday at 3:30 pm in their Charleston Classic finale. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3 and on the radio on 570 AM. Follow along on twitter as well @SetonHallMBB.

You can follow John Fanta on twitter @John_Fanta and go to SHUPirates.com/allaccess for Pirate Sports Network coverage throughout the season.

Pirate Men's Basketball Home

http://www.shupirates.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/112215aaa.html
 
Not too bad for the 'throw in' player in the Whitehead commitment. :p
 
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