At a time when slumping Seton Hall needed supreme focus, there were distractions everywhere.
First came last Wednesday night’s strange postponement at Providence due to a slippery court and Desi Rodriguez’s ankle injury as the result of those conditions. Seton Hall handled that well, returning the next day to finish off the Friars. Then came the Yahoo Sports bombshell a day later, alleging former star player Isaiah Whitehead and former assistant coach Dwayne “Tiny” Morton were on an agent’s payroll, potentially landing the program in hot water as part of the FBI’s investigation into the sport’s corruption.
But the Pirates (20-9, 9-7) handled those distractions like an annoying defender, pushing past them, notching two big road victories, at Providence and St. John’s, to all but lock up their third straight NCAA Tournament berth.
“My team is focused on the season. It’s been like that all year,” said coach Kevin Willard, who declined to comment further on the Yahoo report after saying Saturday that Seton Hall has brought in New York City law firm Jackson Lewis P.C to conduct an internal investigation.
It’s been a successful, yet strange, conference season for the Pirates. They started 4-1, dropped six of eight, four by double-figures, and now have won three straight amid difficult circumstances.
“I like the way we bounced back from that tough stretch,” Willard said.
There was concern Seton Hall could miss the NCAA Tournament at one point during the slump, its defense so porous, the starts so sluggish. But that isn’t a concern anymore. Now it can boost its seed with a big finish, starting Wednesday against fourth-ranked Villanova at Prudential Center. Butler follows Saturday in what should be an emotional Senior Day.
Senior Khadeen Carrington has been at his best lately, averaging 23.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists over the last two games. Freshmen Myles Cale and Sandro Mamukelashvili have been bright spots, delivering when needed. But most importantly, the Pirates’ defense, the senior class’s calling card, has righted itself.
After allowing at least 83 points in four straight games, they haven’t given up more than 77 in the last three, out-rebounding two of the three opponents by significant margins and not letting any of the teams shoot better than 48 percent.
“We’re in a better spot defensively,” Willard said. “I think the guys are understanding the importance of effort on that end. I am happy with their mental mindset, understanding we have to defend and we have to defend for 40 minutes.”
Rodriguez, Seton Hall’s leading scorer, will be a game-time decision, according to Willard. He missed Saturday’s win over St. John’s due to the ankle injury.