My mind is bursting

[Seton75]

Where do we start? Defense like we haven't seen in ages. And all the guys played great D. So tough. We were the opposite of Jeb, we were very high energy.

We started both half like champs. A complete turnaround from last yeat. We excelled at the power spots, the wing and the point. I said today I didn't think most of us know how good this team is. I think we are learning quickly.

And we had many unforced turnovers...oh baby!!!!!!!

Jump aboard and leave the bad taste of last year at home. We might be pretty damned good.

 

[Hall91]

I hopeful based on what I've seen from this team over the last 2 weeks. Hopefully these kids don't let it go to their head and stay hungry as Whitehead mentioned.

 

[anon_x0d8d0dquuo4t]

Ish is the kind of player that other schools always had. An athletic, rebounding forward who can finish. Lots to like.

 

[dr bill1]

And to think he only lives a mile or so from campus and accepted Willard's offer without any drama and with great humility. I think Ishmael was a blessing.

 

[TheBluePirate]

Well said 75!

 

[Piratz]

I felt the same way, Seton75. That was a level of toughness and purposeful play unseen in a while around here.

 

[ironlung75]

I think there should be a 2 page Ish from Newark spread in the Post tomorrow. A biblical end of year coming of the Ish the David to the Twin Goliaths!

 

[49ers10]

75-ditto!
GO PIRATES!

 

[SHUHoopsFan]

I think the biggest thing to happen to this team was Willard putting Whitehead on the bench in OT vs WSU. There's now team offense, there's great team defense. There's a lot to be excited about. But we've been here before and every time we've been here we all say this is different. The big east is a marathon not a sprint, long ways to go but this is starting to look like a really good TEAM.

 

[TheBluePirate]

This does not seem to be a fragile team. They play all out tough!

 

[49ers10]

SHUHoopsFan-

Willard sent a message that was heard loud and clear by all of the players!

 

[SHUHoopsFan]

49ers, It's the "he's willing to do that to the leader, where do I stand?" way of thinking that raises everybody's attention. It's genius. Right now they are fun to watch but as we all know there are 17 more BE games left.

 

[anon_x0d8d0dquuo4t]

Interesting point you make, they beat Wichita with Whitehead on the bench at crunch time. And tonight, the lead increased when Desi was on the bench after he led the team in scoring in this game. There are a lot of offensive weapons this year, as opposed to past years when only two, maybe three guys, could give you points.

 

[SHUHoopsFan]

Raritan I credit Willard for making the move, but the real credit goes to Whitehead. He didn't pout or cause any problems, he went to work to make adjustments in his game. That's impressive leadership by a sophomore.

 

[Bobbie Solo]

I think the biggest thing to happen to this team was Willard putting Whitehead on the bench in OT vs WSU.

I had quite the laugh to myself when Dan tried telling me it was something about him being winded or exhausted or something when I brought it up the day of the game.

 

[Seton75]

I had quite the laugh to myself when Dan tried telling me it was something about him being winded or exhausted or something when I brought it up the day of the game.

Dan applauded kw for using that as cover. Go back and read what he said.

 

[Pirate64]

Dick - you're right. Let's put last year behind us.

These guys play tough. And if they don't, they sit. No matter who.

At last.

 

[HALL85]

75, you look like you're right about this team. Will you be right about Trump too???...

 

[anon_ezos2e9wn1ob0]

Whitehead is the leader of this team and he is starting to embrace what it takes to be an excellent point guard. Yeah he still makes some tough decisions but they are becoming less frequent. His bounce passes last night were world class. My favorite memory of the night was his penetration as the shot clock was late and he drew in the defense before a nifty pass around MU big man to Ish for the exclamation slam!

 

[SHUHoopsFan]

Knies, I expect ups and downs from Whitehead all year. The difference between now and a few games ago are the mistakes are 5 on 5 mistakes not mistakes of trying to do everything himself. It's going to take time and I don't expect him to have the position mastered by the end of this year. It's a work in progress. As long as he continues to play 5 on 5 we are in for a real treat watching an extremely talented player grow into a great player. Something we haven't seen in some time here.

 

[Halldan1]

Saw Ish play in HS and I had one concern. He was a skinny 6-5 PF (in my mind) and that wasn't going to get the job done at this level.

Then he grew nearly 3 inches the summer after his commitment and that changed everything.

What he did in HS would not have translated to Big East play at 6-5. But now at around 6-7 1/2 or 6-8 it does.

Very pleasant young man off the court but a killer on it. He recruited Seton Hall as much as we recruited him. He wanted to be here badly and he got his wish. And we are far the better for it.

 

[Seton75]

Raritan I credit Willard for making the move, but the real credit goes to Whitehead. He didn't pout or cause any problems, he went to work to make adjustments in his game. That's impressive leadership by a sophomore.

Yes, we'll said.

 

[Piratz]

The prodigy known as KenPom has Seton Hall's Adjusted Defensive Efficiency ranked #27 in the country. Getting back to his roots.

Previous rankings in the Willard Era:

2014-15 = 146th
2013-14 = 99th
2012-13 = 106th
2011-12 = 34th
2010-11 = 8th

 

[shupat08]

Whitehead is the leader of this team and he is starting to embrace what it takes to be an excellent point guard. Yeah he still makes some tough decisions but they are becoming less frequent. His bounce passes last night were world class. My favorite memory of the night was his penetration as the shot clock was late and he drew in the defense before a nifty pass around MU big man to Ish for the exclamation slam!

Last year IW would have taken that shot and had it blocked etc

I was so happy to see him make that pass and even happier to see Ish catch it and score effortlessly.