1--Since the teams last played, who has stood out?
Jared Rhoden had a terrific game against Creighton, with 19 points, three assists and no turnovers. He made three huge shots late in the game. Jamir Harris had to run the point most of the game in the absence of Kadary Riichmond (thumb), and he played very steady basketball, although his stats were not eye-popping. He also hit a huge three. Myles Cale did his usual defensive job, locking down Alex O'Connell, who shot 1-for-11 and 1-for-7 from 3.
2--Samuel impressed me last time. Is he really emerging?
Yes, Tyrese Samuel had 13 points in only 22:34 at Creighton and is becoming much more assertive inside on offense. He was the Seton Hall player most hurt by the COVID pause because he was stuck at home in Canada without access to weight training, team nutrition, etc. Now he is back in form.
3--Is this Richmond's team?
Great question. It is becoming just that. Richmond, before re-injuring his thumb, was getting more and more comfortable at being the primary ballhandler in the absence of Bryce Aiken. Now the key is keeping him healthy.
4--How far can SHU go?
As always, it depends on matchups. The Pirates need to stay out of that 8-9 game and not face a heavyweight in the round of 32. If they can make it to a seventh seed, and face a jump-shooting team Saturday/Sunday, their length on defense will help them. They could struggle against a team that hammers the offensive glass.
5--Still not sold on Rhoden being a real #1 go to scorer/leader. Sell me on hm being one.
Sure. In the absence of Aiken, Rhoden also has had to do more. It took time, but he has made the adjustment to being The Man. He has scored in double figures in 11 of his last 12 games despite being circled on every opponent's game plan. He excels at the antiquated mid-range game, which is probably hard to stop in his case because a. He does it so well and b. Teams see it so rarely that it is hard to practice for. Teammates see him extending himself to the limit every game and have to respect that.
Jared Rhoden had a terrific game against Creighton, with 19 points, three assists and no turnovers. He made three huge shots late in the game. Jamir Harris had to run the point most of the game in the absence of Kadary Riichmond (thumb), and he played very steady basketball, although his stats were not eye-popping. He also hit a huge three. Myles Cale did his usual defensive job, locking down Alex O'Connell, who shot 1-for-11 and 1-for-7 from 3.
2--Samuel impressed me last time. Is he really emerging?
Yes, Tyrese Samuel had 13 points in only 22:34 at Creighton and is becoming much more assertive inside on offense. He was the Seton Hall player most hurt by the COVID pause because he was stuck at home in Canada without access to weight training, team nutrition, etc. Now he is back in form.
3--Is this Richmond's team?
Great question. It is becoming just that. Richmond, before re-injuring his thumb, was getting more and more comfortable at being the primary ballhandler in the absence of Bryce Aiken. Now the key is keeping him healthy.
4--How far can SHU go?
As always, it depends on matchups. The Pirates need to stay out of that 8-9 game and not face a heavyweight in the round of 32. If they can make it to a seventh seed, and face a jump-shooting team Saturday/Sunday, their length on defense will help them. They could struggle against a team that hammers the offensive glass.
5--Still not sold on Rhoden being a real #1 go to scorer/leader. Sell me on hm being one.
Sure. In the absence of Aiken, Rhoden also has had to do more. It took time, but he has made the adjustment to being The Man. He has scored in double figures in 11 of his last 12 games despite being circled on every opponent's game plan. He excels at the antiquated mid-range game, which is probably hard to stop in his case because a. He does it so well and b. Teams see it so rarely that it is hard to practice for. Teammates see him extending himself to the limit every game and have to respect that.
