Forgive my bitterness at the end of this wasted season, but I can’t help but think that for at least the past 5 years, SHU has been the top program in this area.
UConn was in the hinterlands of the AAC, Rutgers was a mess, and St. John’s was another disaster. Yet, did Willard take advantage of that golden opportunity he was given over those years? Nope, Nyet, No way.
Recruiting was, to put it gently, far below par. Instead of grabbing the opportunity to build the dominant program in the area, Willard shit the bed. And this team reflected that, as best illustrated by the fact that he was forced to start a former walk on who received a well-deserved scholarship and should’ve been a rotation player, but is not a legit Big East starter.
And now, for the first time in 37+ years, Rutgers will make the NCAA tournament in a year where Seton hall does not also make it. UConn is back to becoming UConn. And, frankly, St. John’s is playing a really good, likable style of basketball with a damn good coach who will very likely be eating SHU’s lunch on the recruiting trail. Just frustrating
UConn was in the hinterlands of the AAC, Rutgers was a mess, and St. John’s was another disaster. Yet, did Willard take advantage of that golden opportunity he was given over those years? Nope, Nyet, No way.
Recruiting was, to put it gently, far below par. Instead of grabbing the opportunity to build the dominant program in the area, Willard shit the bed. And this team reflected that, as best illustrated by the fact that he was forced to start a former walk on who received a well-deserved scholarship and should’ve been a rotation player, but is not a legit Big East starter.
And now, for the first time in 37+ years, Rutgers will make the NCAA tournament in a year where Seton hall does not also make it. UConn is back to becoming UConn. And, frankly, St. John’s is playing a really good, likable style of basketball with a damn good coach who will very likely be eating SHU’s lunch on the recruiting trail. Just frustrating
