Knowing Seton Hall

Special to Cracked Sidewalks, here is a rundown of the key players on the SHU roster by noted New Jersey-based sportswriter, Ray Floriani.

Knowing Seton Hall

by Ray Floriani

First the bad news for Seton Hall. Paul Gause is out of action with a broken knuckle which will keep him sidelined two to four weeks. Gause can score but his true worth is on the defensive end. The 5-11 junior often draws the opposition’s best guard or small forward and can change games with his defensive disruption.

At any rate, the Hall is basically a perimeter oriented team. They will shoot the three or look to penetrate off the dribble. They will also try to create offensive opportunities (coach Bobby Gonzalez aims for 12 steals a game) off their pressure defense. Even minus Gause expect some pressure.

They do not have an imposing inside game. Gonzalez hoped to bring along the big men in pre-conference games but had to go small a number of occasions (against Robert Morris and James Madison for example) just to get a victory.

Eugene Harvey 6-0 SO– Solid lead guard. Gets in the lane, handles pressure and is one of the best in the conference at his position. His liability is outside shooting. Still, he’s the Hall’s marquee player.

Jamar Nutter 6-2 SR– In a slump before a nice outing (career high 29 points) against Morgan State on Saturday. Nutter will let you know by his first couple of shots if he’s on or not.

John Garcia 6-9 SO– Best of the Hall big men. Does a nice job inside but needs additional assistance in the paint against Big East front courts.

Brian Laing 6-5 SWG - Can play the four spot. Undersized for that position but plays’ bigger’ than his listed height and is a relentless worker. Can also step out and hit the ten footer.

Jeremy Hazell 6-5 FR – Can score and is not afraid to take the three. Athletic enough to get inside and break down a defense.

Mike Davis and Augustine Okosun – Both are 6-11and in similar situations. Davis is a freshman while Okosun a junior. These two inside players could have used more seasoning in December. They will play well in stretches but one, if not both, has to be more consistent to help Garcia and Laing inside. Soon.

Ray, thanks very much!

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