Review: 2017 Seton Hall Media Day

South Orange, NJ--During Big East Media Day a couple of weeks ago in 20 miles east at Madison Square Garden, Kevin Willard's Pirates squad was ranked to finish second in the Big East according to the rest of the coaches (Mack, Wright, Mullin, Cooley, McDermott, Ewing, etc). He answered some questions at his home in the Walsh Gymnasium on the campus of Seton Hall University, as the basketball team welcomed the media inside their house.

Almost every notable player for the Pirates team has returned this season, which includes big man Angel Delgado, who led the country in rebounds, along with testing the NBA waters, by deciding pretty late that he would return to school for his senior year. A very smart choice to do so, because if he didn't get chosen in the draft, he would've forgone his senior season, and his fourth year of eligibility in the NCAA. That in most opinions, wouldn't have been the smartest choice.

During Big East Media Day, the 2017-18 preseason all Big East teams came out, which included just a couple Pirates. Seniors Khadeen Carrington and Angel Delgado were named to the Big East All Preseason First Team.

"Get my degree, and finish the legacy with these guys. That's the most important thing in my decision of returning." Angel Delgado spoke to me at Media Day today. Obviously we know there was more to that, such as maybe family. And the possibility of not being good enough to get chosen where he maybe have hoped to be chosen. So he stayed in school. Only an opinion, and a guess.

Missing Madison Jones this season will hurt, who had significant playing time. And contributed 5.8 PPG, and ranked third in the BIG EAST in steals with 1.8.

Projected Lineup for Seton Hall Pirates

G- Khadeen Carrington

G- Myles Powell

G- Desi Rodriguez

F- Michael Nzei

C- Angel Delgado

After finishing the season with a loss against Arkansas in the NCAA tournament by a whopping six points and finishing the season overall 21-12, the critics are out on the Pirates, to finish very high, and a potential final four bid this season. "I think the (expectations) is a work in progress. These guys have worked hard to get the recognition they are getting. But getting here is what really matters. They can't lose that work ethic. But now they have to work a little more to get a little more results." Head Coach Kevin Williard told the media today. 

Kevin Williard comments to media after questions, "Myles Powell has played as well as any freshman or sophomore that I've ever had. He's working hard on the defensive end. On both ends really. Myles Cale, after his shoulder surgery, is progressing greatly. And Jordan (Walker) is progressing, but everyone needs to be patient with him. He's only 18 years old. The more he matures, the better he gets. Aaron Gordon, playing better for us everyday.

Michael Nzei spoke with me about this season, "I mean I've always been ready to help this team. The coach (Williard) makes the plan, and we as the players, have to have the passion in us to help the team win. I believe individually, I have to do everything on both sides of the ball."

Seton Hall begins the season with a charity tip off from Walsh Gymnasium vs. La Salle on Thursday. Then begins the non-conference season vs. Fairleigh Dickinson on FS2 at Prudential Center. They begin BIG EAST play versus Creighton on December 28th at the Rock.