Lots to be happy about

[Seton75]

All five starters played well. Ish was very good off the bench. Shot threes well, passed the ball and played good defense. We still have too many guys who leave their feet to easily on d. We could have done a better job on the boards.

I hate the early mass subs and once more it took us out of our game and put a halt to the fast start. Subbing one guy at a time may be less disruptive. To the starters credit, one they came back in after a five I minute drought that cut the lead from 15 to 4, they quickly built it back up.

It cracks me up at how dead the board is off a win. If we have a great season, it will drive Tom and Dan out if business.

 

[Shuathelete]

Its a football sunday and message boards are usually dead when their team plays a cupcake (our 3rd in a row). If we beat Witchita this board will be buzzing.

 

[SHUTAPS76]

All five starters played well. Ish was very good off the bench. Shot threes well, passed the ball and played good defense. We still have too many guys who leave their feet to easily on d. We could have done a better job on the boards.

I hate the early mass subs and once more it took us out of our game and put a halt to the fast start. Subbing one guy at a time may be less disruptive. To the starters credit, one they came back in after a five I minute drought that cut the lead from 15 to 4, they quickly built it back up.

It cracks me up at how dead the board is off a win. If we have a great season, it will drive Tom and Dan out if business.

I agree, 75. I like this team, and I like the way they seem to be getting better slowly but surely. It's been a long time since we went this deep. The turnovers are diminishing as well. The last remaining frustration for me is the foul shooting,

I also agree that the board seems to slow down with good news. Odd for sure, but I suspect the enthusiasm will pick up if we start to play well in conference.

Go Pirates!

 

[dr bill1]

I wish posters would try to stimulate the board with some provocative, insightful threads like last season. Is everyone so numb? Get up! This team may be the nucleus of an NCAA team before you know it.

 

[chickenbox]

Agreed, lots of positives today. Also liked Anthony getting some minutes and points - glad whatever issue there was with him has been resolved. Cool that our walk on that three. Free throw shooting remains worrisome and could sting us later

 

[SOBO1]

I was extremely happy with the way we played today.

Quality shot selection, great ball movement, team ball, intense defense. It was great.

 

[Hall91]

All five starters played well. Ish was very good off the bench. Shot threes well, passed the ball and played good defense. We still have too many guys who leave their feet to easily on d. We could have done a better job on the boards.

I hate the early mass subs and once more it took us out of our game and put a halt to the fast start. Subbing one guy at a time may be less disruptive. To the starters credit, one they came back in after a five I minute drought that cut the lead from 15 to 4, they quickly built it back up.

It cracks me up at how dead the board is off a win. If we have a great season, it will drive Tom and Dan out if business.

Agree on all. There is definitely something that Willard needs to rethink with those early 1sr half subs. Second game in a row where the team lost offensive momentum. He may want to let a ride with s short 7 to 8 person rotation for the first 12 minutes of the game. Let's these guys get in the flow and then keep them in the flow as long as possible.

 

[TheBluePirate]

75, not fair on your last charge. NFL Sunday plus Jets playing. I was at the Rock, but that is because football is not number one for me. Also, I am writing a lot about the women's team and frankly giving it my all. Do not take kindly to false positive types who say the fans are not showing up.

 

[SHUHoopsFan]

Everyone complains about the substitutions, but at some point the subs have to produce. Unless the starting 5 is going to average 35 minutes per game each, the subs need to provide quality minutes. The fact our subs can't build on the lead vs St. Peter's is a problem because what should be we expecting when they come in vs big east teams.

 

[mjs428]

Today we played great. Agree with seton about the mass subs. Desi scored 9points within the first few mins & he gets taken out immediately. Makes no sense

 

[NYC Pirate]

75, not fair on your last charge. NFL Sunday plus Jets playing. I was at the Rock, but that is because football is not number one for me. Also, I am writing a lot about the women's team and frankly giving it my all. Do not take kindly to false positive types who say the fans are not showing up.

I am pleased right now with both the Men and Women's Basketball programs in the early going. The women lost good players and have not lost a beat, probably more depth this year(too bad about Kat and Tara) They have an insane #8 RPI at the moment. Think back 5 years on that note. Are you kidding me?

The Men's Team is a different story because of all of the sidebars. "SO Far" they are holding up well and
look to be in a good place. I think KW and the coaching staff are doing a good job up until this point. Now
we'll see if they are real or frauds. I don't just mean the Wichita St. game. The BigEast looks to be a better
conference from top to bottom this year. Will we see a SHU team able to sustain a high level of play without the anticipated crash and burn scenario? I'm not worried about 3000 people at the Troy game or 4000 people for a pretty bad St. Peter's team. The battle is coming without doubt. The fans will show up if they play well and win. It's that simple.

 

[catholicman]

Today we played great. Agree with seton about the mass subs. Desi scored 9points within the first few mins & he gets taken out immediately. Makes no sense

Substitution patterns continue to be a concern--a head-scratching concern.

 

[Seton75]

75, not fair on your last charge. NFL Sunday plus Jets playing. I was at the Rock, but that is because football is not number one for me. Also, I am writing a lot about the women's team and frankly giving it my all. Do not take kindly to false positive types who say the fans are not showing up.

The fans didn't show up. I know of the nfl. But we had a very poor turnout nonetheless.

And the board is dead, as it often is after a win.

And we played a decent game. Few defensive breakdowns and good play on both sides. I think the possibility of this ream becoming as good of the pieces is visible.

And, Rashad and carter both looked good in their minutes. I am happy with what I saw in carter, and Rashad hit a couple of nice shots. He can make a hoop if he can stop with all the fouling. And the two guys who could not hit a shot are our two snipers. I see a good pkayer in Singh. He will calm down and hit his shot, but I like his scrappiness

 

[Bobbie Solo]

Oh yeah this board was quiet as a church mouse after the SJU & Nova wins last season. No hubbub at all.

The board is dead b/c people are fed up with Willard and could care less when we beat a guarantee game team. We beat WSU on Saturday and there will be a gazillion threads and comments. People are only going to care about the important games now. No one has any patience any more other than the pollyannas

 

[Seton75]

Fwiw, don't think anyone criticized the turnout in this thread till bp took offense at false positive posters. But the board is dead like it usually is off a win.l. fb Sunday or not.

Oh yeah this board was quiet as a church mouse after the SJU & Nova wins last season. No hubbub at all.

The board is dead b/c people are fed up with Willard and could care less when we beat a guarantee game team. We beat WSU on Saturday and there will be a gazillion threads and comments. People are only going to care about the important games now. No one has any patience any more other than the pollyannas

Yes, true. And some accused of pollyannaism just want to root for this team and these players this season.

 

[TheBluePirate]

75, please do pardon me, I have been trying to heap up a mountain of positive onto the board, my comment about "false positive" is most certainly not directed at you - you're a bellwether for good reason.

 

[HALL85]

This board is a very small sampling, but I think there's a segment that is in a wait and see approach. Personally I am not going to any out of conference games this year. Watching on TV only. Willard has sucked all of the juice out of this program and until he gets a signature win or two this year and can demonstrate that he is a big east level coach, I think you will continue to see that same level of apathy.

I think we've learned to be a little bit more prudent about the "turned the corner" threads.

 

[Halldan1]

Everyone complains about the substitutions, but at some point the subs have to produce. Unless the starting 5 is going to average 35 minutes per game each, the subs need to provide quality minutes. The fact our subs can't build on the lead vs St. Peter's is a problem because what should be we expecting when they come in vs big east teams.

I don't think most have a problem with subbing for players. I think the issue, as least as far as I am concerned is doing it in mass. Two games in a row with the team on fire and blowing out an opponent 4 guys came in at one time and the results were not good.

Against Troy a 9 point lead quickly became an 8 point deficit.

Yesterday as soon as Willard made his 4 man substitution St Peter's went on a 10-0 roll. And yes that did include time against most of our starters who came back in late during the run but their early momentum was lost and they struggled for a while before regaining their composure.

 

[cernjSHU]

I don't think most have a problem with subbing for players. I think the issue, as least as far as I am concerned is doing it in mass. Two games in a row with the team on fire and blowing out an opponent 4 guys came in at one time and the results were not good.

Against Troy a 9 point lead quickly became an 8 point deficit.

Yesterday as soon as Willard made his 4 man substitution St Peter's went on a 10-0 roll. And yes that did include time against most of our starters who came back in late during the run but their early momentum was lost and they struggled for a while before regaining their composure.

I agree that the mass substitution at just after the five minute mark of the game is not working. Plus, you have Desi who is lighting it up as the hot player gets taken out for another 6 minutes of the game and he never found his groove again.

Willard needs to stop mass substitutions. If you have a player who is hot, leave him out there a little longer. Substitute him at the 12 minute mark or if he so mints a foul. Ride the hot hand for awhile. Don't throw a wet blanket on him. Yesterday, there was no way I would have taken Desi out at the 14:45. Sub in two players. Bring in Gordon and Anderson. Next break in the action you bring in Ish and maybe Singh at that point.

 

[Halldan1]

I agree with the Desi comment but I think Willard feels that getting Veer minutes is important as moving forward we are going to need perimeter shooting to reach our potential.

Problem is Singh has been a shadow of himself since he hurt his wrist and has really struggled to date.

It will be interesting to see his substitution pattern against a Wichita State as opposed to Troy and St Peter's.

 

[SHUHoopsFan]

I don't think most have a problem with subbing for players. I think the issue, as least as far as I am concerned is doing it in mass. Two games in a row with the team on fire and blowing out an opponent 4 guys came in at one time and the results were not good.

I have no problem with the substitutions vs Troy and SPU, both teams are bad. During the course of the year we could face a number of different circumstances where a player misses a game and a few starters are in foul trouble. The time to get the subs work is vs Troy and vs SPU. Now I will disagree if our starters are kicking the crap out of a very good Witchita State team and he subs everyone out, but the last 2 games were the time to try things. Trying things early in the game is good for 2 reasons. One if it goes wrong we have time to take care of things like we did. Two the other team is not dejected down 30 and we get to see what the subs do vs kids who are playing hard. Neither time was it a success, but at some point we are going to need a group of 3 or 4 subs to produce in a key spot. There are certain non conference games to prepare for that. The preparation for those key moments was more important than keeping the starters in vs SPU to build the lead to 28-6.

 

[Halldan1]

Forget about all else for now and let's just discuss mass substituting.

When you mass substitute unless you go 10 players or so quality deep you are not preparing the bench players properly IMO.

A team like Seton Hall has a great divide between the top 7 players and the others. When you play a group together that is not cohesive instead of giving them quality time you expose them to playing 'bad basketball', which benefits no one.

It does more for let's say Veer Singh to play on the court with mostly starters than it does with mostly reserves. Same with other players.

BB is a game of rhythm, familiarity, talent and momentum. Break that up by mass substituting and you lose most of those factors and do the subs more harm than good.

 

[HallLine69]

Substitution patterns continue to be a concern--a head-scratching concern.

I was glad to see we took care of business. Played a poor team and crushed them. Our physical talent and athleticism far exceeds St. Peters'.

Having said that, I agree on the substitution thing. Too many subs in too early.

 

[TheBluePirate]

Gotta say it, I think Dan's observations and reasoning are on the money for me.

 

[Pirate64]

I didn't even realize the men were playing. So glad they won- nice comments from SP Coach Dunne in today's APP about our tenacity. .

 

[pmulcahy96]

I agree with Halldan's post 100%!

 

[Seton75]

Forget about all else for now and let's just discuss mass substituting.

When you mass substitute unless you go 10 players or so quality deep you are not preparing the bench players properly IMO.

A team like Seton Hall has a great divide between the top 7 players and the others. When you play a group together that is not cohesive instead of giving them quality time you expose them to playing 'bad basketball', which benefits no one.

It does more for let's say Veer Singh to play on the court with mostly starters than it does with mostly reserves. Same with other players.

BB is a game of rhythm, familiarity, talent and momentum. Break that up by mass substituting and you lose most of those factors and do the subs more harm than good.

Totally agree. You have to get the guys time. And this pattern is not limited to the last two games, it is part of how Kevin has subbed in his SH career.

Orr did it too, and I disliked it then. Maybe Coach K does it when his guys run off to a 15 pt lead in the first half, but I don't think he does. Keep the rhythm, blow the game wide open early if you can.

Bring in Gordon. A couple of minutes later, bring in Anderson, 90 seconds later bring in Veer, let Gordon stay as you bring the guard who you subbed for back in for the other one. Get the guys their rest and get the subs quality time while fitting into the context of what has been successful so far.

 

[Shuathelete]

I agree with the Desi comment but I think Willard feels that getting Veer minutes is important as moving forward we are going to need perimeter shooting to reach our potential.
.

As of now our full potential is having Desi on the court as much as possible. Who is our best 3 pt shooter? Its desi. Who is our best in transition? desi. Who can play d against a range of guys? desi. who mixes it up down low to grab boards? desi. Desiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

We are going to need perimeter shooting, and getting veer minutes is fine in my book, but you cant take away from desi. doesnt make sense if perimeter shooting is the goal. hes been en fuego. the more minutes for desi the more he'll grow the better we'll be.

 

[blueice2011]

All five starters played well. Ish was very good off the bench. Shot threes well, passed the ball and played good defense. We still have too many guys who leave their feet to easily on d. We could have done a better job on the boards.

I hate the early mass subs and once more it took us out of our game and put a halt to the fast start. Subbing one guy at a time may be less disruptive. To the starters credit, one they came back in after a five I minute drought that cut the lead from 15 to 4, they quickly built it back up.

It cracks me up at how dead the board is off a win. If we have a great season, it will drive Tom and Dan out if business.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To the Loyals of Seton Hall,

I usually wait one day before replying to this site to let my thoughts sink in about the entire game so here goes. There were things I liked about yesterday’s game and let me go there.

I loved how Isaiah shared the ball today. In so many ways he reminds me of Tom Brady. Most of the times his passes are crisp and right there for someone to make. When you do not see them make the basket or at least draw a foul, you are pretty sure he is not going to go back to you right away.

Isaiah defense and shot is on and hoping it stays hot for Wichita State.

Desi is hot from the corner and shooting so good and just so very athletic. He needs to watch his drives to the basket.

Angel now seems to come alive in the 2nd half of games.

Things that I have issues with right now.

First I do not think Veer should be anywhere near the court for at least the next game. His defense is definitely not there and he leaves his feet way too often.

Also, since the beginning of the season his shot is not there and is more a detriment to the team at this point.

As already mentioned here, mass substitutions when things are going well should definitely be abolished by Willard. Playing nice in the sandbox is OK, but not in basketball. Everyone doesn’t always win.

My one issue with Angel that I have seen this year is that once he makes his mind up to go the basket, everyone in the arena knows as well and is double teamed by the time he is moving toward the basket and does not dish off.

Finally, the thing that I still feel that is going to bite us in the butt is boxing out on the boards. We simply do not do it. There is no way St. Peters should have that many rebounds as us and the same holds true for Troy.

We definitely need to work with Ish and Michael underneath working weak side with and Angel. We keep getting beat with middle penetration and dishing off to the weak side big person underneath.

Was at least 20 points yesterday and just as much against Troy?

Well, wishing the very best against Wichita State on Saturday and we need to find a way to fill the seats. Administration needs to give incentive to get them to stay after exams on Friday for Saturday’s game. Nationally televised game. This is a chance to put us up on the map again.

 

[SPK145]

Trying to stay away from this board as much as possible, through no fault of Dan, Tom, or Sal's, it's become pretty unreadable.

St. Peter's is terrible but Seton Hall played fantastic yesterday. Will need to play at least as well on Saturday against Wichita State, who's demise has been greatly exaggerated. Last chance to get a good, quality OOC win. Ole Miss and Georgia were solid wins but not in the high quality category.

 

[Halldan1]

As of now our full potential is having Desi on the court as much as possible. Who is our best 3 pt shooter? Its desi. Who is our best in transition? desi. Who can play d against a range of guys? desi. who mixes it up down low to grab boards? desi. Desiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

We are going to need perimeter shooting, and getting veer minutes is fine in my book, but you cant take away from desi. doesnt make sense if perimeter shooting is the goal. hes been en fuego. the more minutes for desi the more he'll grow the better we'll be.

That's where you judge the game. If you feel that's it's not in jeopardy you try and slide in Singh with some of the starters for a few quality minutes. The time on the bench in that situation won't hurt Desi but it will help Veer. A player we need to improve to maximize our production.

Right now he is lost on the court on both sides of the ball so giving him PT against the likes of Troy and St Peter's with the hope he gains confidence and experience is smart IMO.

 

[anon_4htvdezyfe7k9]

I know he's been dealing with that wrist injury, but we're essentially out of time to try to get him going against the likes of those teams with Wich.State and then UFC before a pretty rough BE schedule stretch after hosting Depaul. @ Nova, Creighton, @ Providence, Nova again, and @ Xavier.

 

[shupat08]

Veer.... As of now, his shot is off... He lets guys BLOW by him on D... He leaves his feet... He picked up 3 fouls in like 2 minutes yesterday.

 

[jwc69]

Oh yeah this board was quiet as a church mouse after the SJU & Nova wins last season. No hubbub at all.

The board is dead b/c people are fed up with Willard and could care less when we beat a guarantee game team. We beat WSU on Saturday and there will be a gazillion threads and comments. People are only going to care about the important games now. No one has any patience any more other than the pollyannas

There you go again, another stupid swipe at Willard. You are boring !

 

[SHUHoopsFan]

Dan forgetting everything else, I completely agree with the mass substitution theory in general. However these past 2 games are the games it's important to get the bench minutes. This is the time to get max minutes for the bench. These guys will be needed at some point and part of the responsibilities of a coach is to take the group he has now and make that group the best they can be by March. I would much rather see subs getting max minutes now than getting important minutes with little experience later on.

 

[Piratefan2009]

There you go again, another stupid swipe at Willard. You are boring !

Hardly a swipe at Willard. He has a 30-60 conference record with no NCAA appearances. People are fed up with him. That isn't a swipe, it is a fair observation backed up by the lack of attendance and enthusiasm for the program at large.

He followed it up with saying what pretty much everyone agrees with. What shuts up your detractors? Just win. Don't complain about youth, or injuries, or white kids that can't shoot. Just win. There have been plenty of examples, such as SJU and Nova last year, or in Theodore's last year after beating Connecticut, where the fans came out in droves to support this team and Willard.

 

[Halldan1]

Dan forgetting everything else, I completely agree with the mass substitution theory in general. However these past 2 games are the games it's important to get the bench minutes. This is the time to get max minutes for the bench. These guys will be needed at some point and part of the responsibilities of a coach is to take the group he has now and make that group the best they can be by March. I would much rather see subs getting max minutes now than getting important minutes with little experience later on.

Again, not questioning bench minutes. Just the pattern of mass substitutions which leads to ragged play which benefits no one on the court.

Keep to your rotation but sub accordingly allowing the bench quality time with the starters.

 

[Shuathelete]

That's where you judge the game. If you feel that's it's not in jeopardy you try and slide in Singh with some of the starters for a few quality minutes. The time on the bench in that situation won't hurt Desi but it will help Veer. A player we need to improve to maximize our production.

Right now he is lost on the court on both sides of the ball so giving him PT against the likes of Troy and St Peter's with the hope he gains confidence and experience is smart IMO.

Yea i am in favor of playing him. I like veer, even though so far he isnt giving me much to like.

seems to be a mental thing but he'll come around.

 

[anon_4htvdezyfe7k9]

Hardly a swipe at Willard. He has a 30-60 conference record with no NCAA appearances. People are fed up with him. That isn't a swipe, it is a fair observation backed up by the lack of attendance and enthusiasm for the program at large.

He followed it up with saying what pretty much everyone agrees with. What shuts up your detractors? Just win. Don't complain about youth, or injuries, or white kids that can't shoot. Just win. There have been plenty of examples, such as SJU and Nova last year, or in Theodore's last year after beating Connecticut, where the fans came out in droves to support this team and Willard.

Love how almost every game the announcers praise his overall record and the job he's done when the overall record graphic comes on the screen. (they always omit the BE record). I know FS1 broadcasters probably have to do that, but have a little journalistic integrity and just don't mention it or at least provide a semblance of balance in their comments.

 

[mbraue]

Substitution patterns continue to be a concern--a head-scratching concern.

Willard is famous for rigid substitution patterns. Don't take out guys who have it going. Desi had 9 early and he pulled him out. We lost momentum and luckily it's St. Peter's so we could climb back in.

Let's not take the air out of the balloon against Wichita State. If someone is hot, leave them in.

The team played great defense on Sunday and played smart bb overall. Defensive intensity for the whole game was good to see, good passing and great 3 point shooting got it done. I like this team - got out-rebounded on Sunday but defense is it's calling card so far, and that's a good thing. Shots will be off some games - defense needs to be the constant. Let's keep up the intensity! Go Pirates! Whitehead played well - didn't force shots.

He and Carrington are so good off the dribble - NBA-caliber drives at times. Will bear lots of fruit in Big East - they are good foul shooters and can find teammates off the drive.