Sleeping with the Enemy: The Pirates of Seton Hall

A lot has changed since the Hoyas beat the Hall in Newark, most notably Jaren Sina leaving the program. Did you see that coming and what's the biggest problem in your view with the Pirates right now?

There were actually whispers of Sina leaving last summer and that he had to be convinced to stay. I'm not sure how much of that was playing time since he saw 26 mpg as a freshman and playing time certainly wasn't the reason for his departure this year (32 mpg).

Seton Hall is playing some decent stretches of basketball in games right now, but they really put themselves in a hole during February that left no margin for error. They got in a real funk without Isaiah Whitehead (6-week injury) and have had trouble adjusting, especially the dynamic between him and Sterling Gibbs, since his return. How much of that is coaching and how much on the players would depend on who you ask.

Gun to your head. Will Willard survive this season? Even if your answer is yes, who do you want to see as the next head coach at Seton Hall?

You wouldn't need a gun to my head to provoke an answer, I'd be surprised if he were let go without a transfer exodus of some sort this off-season as I wrote here.

The popular name among Seton Hall fans has been Dan Hurley (Rhode Island), who played at Seton Hall but didn't have the best support from the fans when he did. I'd probably have to agree with most fans on him being a top candidate, although I don't think this will ultimately happen. URI probably makes the NIT this season with a young team and then Dances next year. I foresee Hurley leaving after 2015-16 or 2016-17 (his contract runs 2019-20) after attracting plenty of high-major offers. If he wants to stay local (NJ) and build a program, Seton Hall has a shot, if not, I'm not sure they can match contracts/facilities.

The recruitment and commitment of Isaiah Whitehead was supposed to signal somewhat of a sea change in South Orange, with the Pirates finally landing a top-flight recruit (and a new assistant to boot!). Assuming Whitehead leaves after this season, was it all worth it?

I'd be very surprised if Whitehead left after this season whether to pursue a professional career (it wouldn't be in the NBA) or via transfer. He hasn't shown nearly enough and will need at least another season under his belt.

Angel Delgado and Isaac Copeland are likely vying for Big East Rookie of the Year. Make your argument for Delgado.

My Rookie of the Year ballot would go something like this: Trevon Bluiett 1A, Delgado 1B, Copeland 2. Delgado is a top-5 freshman rebounder in the country (only behind Okafor and Jakob Poeltl in OReb%) and has 9 double-doubles in an offense that doesn't focus on feeding forwards, to say the least.

If the Rookie of the Year award were strictly Big East games, Copeland would have a much better chance as he has played as well as anyone over the last 10-plus games, but Bluiett and Delgado are neck-and-neck. Bluiett has scored in double figures 19 times.

I can see Delgado not winning the award, but it's really scary to think about where Seton Hall would be without him. Probably last in the country in both rebounding categories.

Other than Delgado, who have been bright spots for the Hall this season?

Sterling Gibbs was more or less expected to have a big season, but freshman two-guard Khadeen Carrington has done quite well and has flown a little under the radar. He stepped up with a pair of Rookie of the Week awards when Whitehead went down through strong driving to the basket and has started to develop his outside shot of late now that teams are playing off him more. He's going to be a very good four-year guard.

How will Seton Hall look next season? 

Assuming there is no exodus (although a Gibbs graduate transfer is always possible), they will again lack the interior presence they need. Stretch four Brandon Mobley graduates, leaving just Delgado and a core of forwards that are very raw. 7-footer Chier Ajou has a long way to go, while backup center Rashed Anthony has a high motor but a lot of room to develop post skills. The coaching staff missed on several top-150 senior forwards last summer/fall and desperately need a JuCo/eligible transfer.

Guards will be the strength between sophomores in Carrington and Whitehead plus a senior Gibbs.

Let's say you and I are watching this game at a sports bar with a diverse menù of wonderful food and beverage options. Discuss your order and feel free to give as much detail as possible.

I'm a blue collar eater. Cold pitcher(s) of Yuengling and 50-cent wings (hot or garlic parm) has to be the move.

Which 'sleeper' team can you see winning the Big East Tournament? 

Basically any team not named Villanova is a sleeper this year, right? I'm going with Providence to defend their title. Two go-to guys like Henton and Dunn will be an asset and Cooley knows how to pull the right strings.

If you don't think a potential 2-seed qualifies as a sleeper, then St. John's. Senior-laden and they are in peak form.

Final score prediction?

79-65 Georgetown