Jeff Borzello, Seton Hall News

OPTIMISM HIGH AT SETON HALL FOR 2009-10 SEASON

SHU Players expecting big things this season with mix of returning players and incoming transfers

by JEFF BORZELLO

For a team that went 7-11 in the Big East last season and has finished above .500 in the conference just four times since 1993, Seton Hall is certainly getting a lot of publicity heading into the season.

The Pirates are being discussed as a potential NCAA Tournament team and, on paper, they do have the pieces to be a threat in the Big East.

“With the guys we have coming in, we’re definitely a team on the rise,” senior guard Eugene Harvey said. “Guys are getting along and playing together. I’m hoping to make some type of postseason. With the talent coming in, we can compete in the league.”

Junior guard Jeremy Hazell echoed that sentiment.

“We think we can move up,” Hazell said. “We have six new guys with four starters. As long as we have chemistry and cohesiveness, we’ll have a lot of depth and options. Everyone is excited.”

Despite the optimism in South Orange, N.J., the conference’s coaches apparently are taking a wait-and-see approach – Seton Hall was picked to finish 10th in the preseason poll.

Head coach Bobby Gonzalez is confident about his group, but he also understands the ranking.

“Because we haven’t done it yet, people are still unsure,” Gonzalez said. “It’s a little bit of motivation. Preseason predictions matter, they mean something, but it’s still early. Everyone likes their team in October.”

Much of the optimism for the Pirates centers around the return of three double-figure scorers and the arrival of New Mexico State transfer Herb Pope and Missouri transfer Keon Lawrence.

Pope is a Pennsylvania native who averaged 11.1 points and 6.8 rebounds in the WAC, while Lawrence is from nearby Newark, N.J. and averaged 11.0 points per game with Missouri.

“We’re looking forward to the year,” said Hazell, who averaged 22.7 points per game last season. “We have a lot of options. Last year, I had to take a lot of shots. This year, we have different options so I won’t have to take as many. Teams can’t double-team me.”

Along with Pope and Lawrence, the Pirates also bring in sophomore Melvyn Oliver, Memphis transfer Jeff Robinson, JUCO recruit Jamel Jackson and freshman Ferrakohn Hall. Throw in the return of Hazell, Harvey (12.5 ppg), Robert Mitchell (14.6 ppg, 8.0 rpg), Jordan Theodore and a healthy John Garcia, and Seton Hall has a ton of talent on its hands.

Will chemistry be a potential issue?

“So far, no,” Harvey said. “I mean, we have a great group of guys. Guys are getting along, but we have to translate it onto the court. I don’t think it will be a problem. I believe the guys want to win, they’re going to sacrifice.”

“I don’t think we’re going to have a problem,” Hazell added. “People are saying we’re not going to get along, but everybody’s getting along. We’re underrated, so we have to prove that we’re a better team.”

If chemistry and playing time do not become detrimental to the team, Gonzalez might have the most offensive talent in the Big East.

Harvey and Theodore can both play the point; Hazell and Lawrence are scorers; Pope and Mitchell are match-up problems in the frontcourt; and Garcia is a force down low when healthy. And don’t forget about Oliver, who Hazell said is the most impressive newcomer so far.

“It’ll be tough, a lot of us can start,” Harvey said. “We just have to put guys in the best situation to win. Who’s playing the most minutes, depends who’s hot. The guys are coming together, the guys are going hard.”

While there are certainly potential problems with the Pirates, there is obvious optimism throughout the program. Everyone involved is cautiously excited about the possibilities.

Said Hazell: “We want to make the Tournament, but we’re going to take it one game at a time.”

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