Post by 01- PirateDave on Mar 11, 2015 23:07:53 GMT -6
Time is running out for Kevin Willard at Seton Hall
AsburyPark 10:29 p.m. EDT March 11, 2015
Big East Tournament-Seton Hall vs Marquette
(Photo: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY)
NEW YORK – There was no miraculous upset to affix a silver lining to an otherwise dismal season like a year ago, when Seton Hall stunned No. 3 Villanova in the Big East quarterfinals.
Instead, it was a one-sided loss to a Marquette team in as bad a shape as the Pirates are, in front of a sparse crowd in a Madison Square Garden completely devoid of atmosphere.
And maybe that was a fitting end, with nothing to gloss over a stunning fall from grace after rising to No. 19 in the nation.
There won't even be a postseason tournament bid for a team that once sported a 12-2 record. Just an inglorious ending in the 8-seed vs. 9-seed game.
So now what?
RELATED: Seton Hall collapse ends in rout at Big East Tourney
Even with what transpired on this hallowed hardwood Wednesday night, all signs indicate coach Kevin Willard will be back for a sixth season.
It's time to tighten the leash, though.
Six years is more than enough time to at least turn the corner with a program. Just look at what Ed Cooley's done at Providence. Maryland's a Big Ten powerhouse in Mark Turgeon's fourth season.
ASBURY PARK PRESS
Seton Hall's Angel Delgado wins Big East Rookie of the Year
Sure, Seton Hall's a different animal for a lot of reasons. But a non-competitive, 78-56 loss to close Year 5 is unacceptable.
The Pirates were a young team this season, starting two freshman against Marquette.
"When you have as many young guys who have never had to go through what they went through,'' Willard said, "playing great competition every night, going against older, stronger kids every night, I just think experience counts.''
Fair enough.
But it's time to starting winning next season or it's time to move on. And by winning I don't mean a game-over .500 for an NIT bid. There need to be clear signs that a brighter future has finally arrived, which is hopefully a 20-plus win campaign and return to the NCAA Tournament.
No more excuses.
Willard needs to prove he can clean up the poor locker room chemistry, which showed on the court. It got so bad starting guard Jaren Sina up and bolted in the middle of the season.
As for injuries, every team has them at this time of the year. That's why good teams have depth.
Patience is one thing. A commitment to program-building is enviable. But the basketball universe seems to be passing Seton Hall by right now. Thank heavens for Rutgers.
If not, no contract is too big to eat, as distasteful as it may be.
As the clock wound down on the season, what struck you is how Seton Hall was unable to make any kind of run at a Marquette team that improved to 13-18.
"We became very fragile the second half of the year, which sometimes happens,'' Willard said. "Their fight and their grit is still there they're just not mentally able to get over the hump.''
That's where coaches need to make a difference. And over the past two months, it's hard to see where Willard made any difference at all.
AsburyPark 10:29 p.m. EDT March 11, 2015
Big East Tournament-Seton Hall vs Marquette
(Photo: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY)
NEW YORK – There was no miraculous upset to affix a silver lining to an otherwise dismal season like a year ago, when Seton Hall stunned No. 3 Villanova in the Big East quarterfinals.
Instead, it was a one-sided loss to a Marquette team in as bad a shape as the Pirates are, in front of a sparse crowd in a Madison Square Garden completely devoid of atmosphere.
And maybe that was a fitting end, with nothing to gloss over a stunning fall from grace after rising to No. 19 in the nation.
There won't even be a postseason tournament bid for a team that once sported a 12-2 record. Just an inglorious ending in the 8-seed vs. 9-seed game.
So now what?
RELATED: Seton Hall collapse ends in rout at Big East Tourney
Even with what transpired on this hallowed hardwood Wednesday night, all signs indicate coach Kevin Willard will be back for a sixth season.
It's time to tighten the leash, though.
Six years is more than enough time to at least turn the corner with a program. Just look at what Ed Cooley's done at Providence. Maryland's a Big Ten powerhouse in Mark Turgeon's fourth season.
ASBURY PARK PRESS
Seton Hall's Angel Delgado wins Big East Rookie of the Year
Sure, Seton Hall's a different animal for a lot of reasons. But a non-competitive, 78-56 loss to close Year 5 is unacceptable.
The Pirates were a young team this season, starting two freshman against Marquette.
"When you have as many young guys who have never had to go through what they went through,'' Willard said, "playing great competition every night, going against older, stronger kids every night, I just think experience counts.''
Fair enough.
But it's time to starting winning next season or it's time to move on. And by winning I don't mean a game-over .500 for an NIT bid. There need to be clear signs that a brighter future has finally arrived, which is hopefully a 20-plus win campaign and return to the NCAA Tournament.
No more excuses.
Willard needs to prove he can clean up the poor locker room chemistry, which showed on the court. It got so bad starting guard Jaren Sina up and bolted in the middle of the season.
As for injuries, every team has them at this time of the year. That's why good teams have depth.
Patience is one thing. A commitment to program-building is enviable. But the basketball universe seems to be passing Seton Hall by right now. Thank heavens for Rutgers.
If not, no contract is too big to eat, as distasteful as it may be.
As the clock wound down on the season, what struck you is how Seton Hall was unable to make any kind of run at a Marquette team that improved to 13-18.
"We became very fragile the second half of the year, which sometimes happens,'' Willard said. "Their fight and their grit is still there they're just not mentally able to get over the hump.''
That's where coaches need to make a difference. And over the past two months, it's hard to see where Willard made any difference at all.
good luck to all!