Inside The Enemy Ship: Creighton Bluejays

Welcome to another issue of “Inside The Enemy Ship”! Later today, the Seton Hall Pirates host the Creighton Bluejays, and who better to talk to about the game than someone who writes for their student newspaper The Creightonian (which suprisingly has a solid 73 years on our beloved Setonian)? We had the pleasure of interviewing Anthony Robinson about his thoughts on the upcoming Big East Conference game!

BBA: When Creighton’s season started, where did you see the team going?
ROBINSON: The men’s basketball media guide listed Creighton with only one returning starter (sophomore Toby Hegner), but others such as Isaiah Zierden, James Milliken and Geoffrey Groselle each played meaningful minutes for the Bluejays last season and transfers Maurice Watson Jr. and Cole Huff also played significant roles at their previous schools. Quite a few people didn’t know how well Watson would handle the offense after three years with Austin Chatman at the controls, but after an interview with Watson at media day in late October, I quickly realized that this Creighton team was going to go as far as Watson was willing to take it.

BBA: What do you think of Creighton’s (as of time of writing) 11-5 record?
ROBINSON: Creighton had opportunities against Arizona State and Loyola to pick up two more victories than they have, but overall I think their record is right about where I would expect it to be based on the way the Bluejays have played. Offensively they have so many different weapons and Watson does a great job of distributing the ball and also knows when to take more shots to help his team to a victory. Defense has definitely been the weak spot of Creighton’s game. Although the Jays rank near the top of the Division I rankings in scoring offense, they are at the bottom of the Big East in scoring defense. Creighton’s last game against Georgetown was one of the first times I’ve seen the Bluejays get stops when they needed to.

BBA: Do you expect the Bluejays to make the NCAA Tournament?
ROBINSON: As much as I want to say yes, I still think Creighton is one year away from the NCAA Tournament. After finishing 9-4 in the nonconference schedule without a true signature win I believe the Jays would need to finish the Big East slate at least 12-6 and win one or two at MSG to even get a chance at an at-large bid. I’m not saying that’s impossible or that they couldn’t pull out a Big East Tournament title for the automatic bid, but I don’t expect them to qualify for March Madness. Creighton has only two seniors on its roster (Milliken and Groselle) and adds Kansas State-transfer Marcus Foster to its offensive attack next season, so I think the Bluejays have more of a legit shot at making the dance in 2017.

BBA: Do you think the Big East is a good fit for Creighton?
ROBINSON: Creighton’s first year in the Big East with Doug McDermott, Ethan Wragge, Grant Gibbs and Jahenns Manigat was a great season to start its journey in the conference, but I think last season’s struggles proved that things are a little tougher in the Big East compared to the Missouri Valley. I think that with the CenturyLink Center, the Championship Center, D.J. Sokol Arena and TD Ameritrade Park, Creighton facilities are some of the best in the country and I believe that has and will give us an advantage when attracting recruits to come to Omaha. While the travel to the east coast isn’t as easy as taking a bus to Des Moines or Wichita, I think the move was very appropriate and definitely helps put Creighton on the map.

BBA: What do you think of Creighton’s 2013 team makeover, such as the new logo and jerseys?
ROBINSON: With the move to the Big East it was much needed. The new logo and jerseys just showed that Creighton was willing to go all-in. The newness and freshness has definitely worn off and there was a lot of hype about the changes immediately after they happened, but now they have just become a part of the Creighton culture.

BBA: What do you think of HC Greg McDermott? What has been his biggest contribution to the program?
ROBINSON: I think Greg McDermott does a great job as head coach. He knows how to make adjustments and work with the personal he has. McDermott is also aware of how much Creighton basketball means not only to Bluejay fans but also to the Omaha community.

BBA: What player should Seton Hall be most worried about meeting on the court?
ROBINSON: You probably want me to say Maurice Watson Jr.. He did go off for a career-high 27 against Georgetown and has embraced his role as a leader in his first season in a Bluejay uniform. But I’m going to say Isaiah Zierden. He leads the Big East with 39 3-pointers made and has the third-most steals. There have been a couple of games where he struggled to shoot it from beyond the arc, but he’s still one of the first people Watson looks for on the perimeter. On defense, coach McDermott consistently praises him for his ability to be in the right spot at the right time. He may not be the most athletic or wow you with his pure skills, but he’s a smart player on both offense and defense.

BBA: Final Score Prediction?
ROBINSON: 83-78 Creighton

Once again a huge thank you to Anthony Robinson for taking the time to talk to us. Robinson can be found online at The Creightonian (@sports_cu) and at his personal Twitter account at @ARobinson_. Tip-off is 2 PM at The Rock, but until then, Hazard Zet Forward!

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Inside the Enemy Ship: Villanova Wildcats

Welcome the latest edition of “Inside the Enemy Ship”! Later today, the Seton Hall Pirates will be at the Pavilion taking on the Villanova Wildcats. With several notable games being played between these two teams in the past few seasons, this date has been circled on the calendar of countless Seton Hall fans since it was first announced. For this edition, we had the pleasure of talking to Larry Flynn, a Junior at Villanova who writes for their newspaper, The Villanovan.

BBA: When the season started, where did you see the Wildcats’ season going?
FLYNN: The Wildcats lost some veteran leadership in the departures of seniors Darrun Hilliard and JayVaughn Pinkston, and I expected it to show early. Although Villanova added the talent of Jalen Brunson and would see role players like Josh Hart and Kris Jenkins step into starting jobs, I thought they would endure some growing pains early. Then, against either Oklahoma or Virginia, I thought the Wildcats would finally reassert their dominance as an elite team in the NCAA and secure a critical win against a top-10 team. Then, they would find their stride entering conference play and once against dominate the Big East. As you can see, I was both right and wrong depending on the topic. I also thought this team was set to improve defensively. Several players told me before the season that their training camp was focused on the defensive end. They did, however, recognize that it would be harder to rebound the ball, something which has been an ongoing issue for the Wildcats and could hurt them against the tenacious rebounding of Seton Hall.

BBA: What do you think of the teams (as of writing) 12-2 record
FLYNN: Villanova may have, uncharacteristically, a “2” in the loss column following non-conference play, but this team is comfortable where it is right now. The Wildcats received a much-needed wake-up call courtesy of Oklahoma, and lost a close game on the road against a top-3 ACC team. Instead of coasting through non-conference games like they did last season, Villanova is finally battle-tested heading into conference play. That being said, the Wildcats have only won one significant game against an elite team. And this one game has an asterisk, in some people’s minds. Last week, #6 ranked Xavier traveled to the Pavilion looking to take away the Big East Champions crown but, instead, watched Edmond Sumner leave the game on a stretcher.

BBA: Beside St. Joseph’s University, who would you consider Nova’s biggest rival?
FLYNN: Although St. Joe’s has the geographic rivalry, Villanova’s biggest rival will always be the Georgetown Hoyas. It’s an interesting rivalry, dating back to 1985 when the Wildcats played “The Perfect Game” and, led by Ed Pickney, shocked the world with an upset win over Patrick Ewing and the Hoyas. Today, the rivalry is interesting; instead of true hate for each other’s programs (like Red Sox-Yankees in baseball), the Wildcats and Hoyas have a mutual understanding that they need one another to perform at a high level for the conference to emerge successful as a whole.

BBA: If #6 Xavier didn’t lose Edmond Sumner early in the game, do you the outcome would have still been the same?
FLYNN:Yes. There is no way that Xavier, or any team, could’ve beaten Villanova that night. Check out these shooting splits for the Wildcats:
FG%: 63%
3FG%: 52%
FT %: 91%
Some would say that Sumner would’ve been able to quiet Villanova’s 19-5 run, but I’m not so sure. In the first two possessions of the game, the Wildcats attacked the rim with a layup for Ryan Arcidiacono and a post touch and finish from Daniel Ochefu. When the Wildcats attack the rim early instead of settling for three-pointers, it is very hard to stop Villanova. That being said, Sumner would have made the game closer. The Musketeers committed an uncharacteristic 19 turnovers and some of this damage would have certainly been diminished if their primary playmaker were healthy.

BBA: Does the Big East Conference belong to Villanova?
FLYNN: Before the Xavier game, everyone was ready to crown the Musketeers the “top dog” in the Big East. But, as I kept saying, the Big East is Villanova’s to lose. There has to be another team which is able to both consistently beat Villanova and beat the rest of their Big East opponents in order to say the conference isn’t in the hands of the Wildcats. Creighton was the closest to “dethrone” Villanova two years ago by beating them twice during conference play. Since then, no other team has swept the season series during conference play. Although, yes, Seton Hall and especially your old friend Sterling Gibbs has given Villanova consistent trouble the last few years.

BBA: Which player should the Seton Hall Pirates be the most worried about meeting on the court? Why?
FLYNN: I’m going to go out on a limb and say Kris Jenkins. Sure, Daniel Ochefu has the size, but so does Angel Delgado. Yes, Josh Hart has the most complete offensive game, but he’ll go toe-to-toe with Isaiah Whitehead. But for Seton Hall defenders who can be a bit jumpy at times, the lethal pumpfake of Kris Jenkins is going to give Kevin Willard nightmares. The Pirates will need to stay disciplined defensively, especially when the Wildcats swing the ball to the weak side where Jenkins thrives on moving to the open space and making defenders pay.

BBA: Do Nova fans consider their games against Seton Hall anything special?
FLYNN: Most Villanova fans I’ve spoken with do not consider Seton Hall games a “rivalry game,” except for their obvious connection as fellow Big East opponent. These two teams, however, have an interesting relationship in their geographic proximity; a majority of students at Villanova are either from New Jersey or eastern Pennsylvania. Therefore, these winter-break matchups between the Pirates and the Wildcats are a terrific way to bring these two fan bases together. Expect to see some Seton Hall fans at the Pavilion Wednesday night.

BBA: How far do you now expect Nova to go into the NCAA Tournament?
FLYNN: “They may have floundered in the NCAA Tournament the past two years, but much of the Villanova faithful are confident that this team has a higher ceiling than in years past. The playmaking of Jalen Brunson, the length of Mikal Bridges, and the post game of Daniel Ochefu are all key ingredients which, fans hope, can propel the Wildcats back into the Final Four. It all comes down to consistency for the Wildcats. Which team will show up the first weekend in March, the sloppy, emotionless one we saw against Oklahoma or the dominant, assertive team that annihilated Xavier? If the Wildcats attack the basket, lock down the perimeter, and remain focused on the glass for 40 minutes, I could see this team making it to the Elite Eight. Realistically, a Sweet Sixteen birth sounds appropriate.

BBA: Final Score Prediction?
FLYNN: Villanova wins, 80-68

Larry Flynn is a junior English major at Villanova University. Follow him on Twitter @LFlynn_NBANOVA. Be sure to watch the game on FS1 at 7 PM tonight. As always, Hazard Zet Forward.

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Inside the Enemy Ship: DePaul Blue Demons

Welcome to the first “Inside the Enemy Ship” of 2016! In just a few hours, the Seton Hall Pirates, coming off a spectacular win at Marquette take on the DePaul Blue Demons at the Prudential Center. For this edition, we had the pleasure of interviewing Ben Gartland, a Junior at DePaul about the upcoming game. Since the formation of the 10 team Big East, Seton Hall has lost a game to DePaul every single year, so it may not be the slam dunk that Pirate fans seem to think it will be. Read below for Ben’s fantastic insight!

BBA: When the season started, where did you see the Blue Demons season going?
GARTLAND: I saw them improving slightly, playing with more energy and adjusting to a new culture under coach Leitao. I expected them to struggle with the move to the pack-line defense instead of a pressing, steal heavy defense but to improve as the season went on. I saw them getting to about .500 on the season and giving some hope for Blue Demon fans in the next couple of seasons to come.

BBA: What do you think of the Blue Demons (as of time of writing) 6-7 record?
GARTLAND: I think the defense is starting to work. They’re better about stuffing the lane and forcing shots outside, which works very well when a team goes cold like George Washington did. Their shooting can still leave a lot to be desired. They work best when the ball is moving fast around the perimeter and it allows the shooters to be isolated and open for big shots. They still struggle against the zone, which neutralizes the perimeter offense and forces them to go inside, where they don’t necessarily have the best offensive players. Tommy Hamilton can put in points but Rashaun Stimage and Peter Ryckbosch are better at defending and being big than putting in buckets.

BBA: How big was the last week’s win over #20 George Washington for this program?
GARTLAND: It was big. It stopped a three-game losing streak that would have sent them into conference play in a free fall and, most importantly, it shows this defense can be really, really good when it’s working. GW had no answer for the Blue Demons, which allowed them to run up points on the other end when they stopped GW on defense. I think it gave them confidence, which is on top of what the confidence they got from the Northwestern game, which they almost won. This wasn’t just a win for DePaul, it was the largest margin of victory for an unranked team over a ranked team ever. It showed the potential of DePaul and what they can do if everything is clicking.

BBA: How do you feel about the return of former/current HC Dave Leitao?
GARTLAND: I was very disappointed initially. It felt like they were settling for a choice no sane AD would go with. That opinion has really changed. His opening press conference set the tone for what he described as a culture change and I’m really starting to see it. The players are playing with more energy, he is much more charismatic than Purnell and it seems like the players really believe in him and the coaching staff. There are still some adjustments that need to be made and some growing pains but I’m not displeased with his first few months.

BBA: Is the Big East Conference still a good fit for DePaul?
GARTLAND: I think so. DePaul has been a bottom feeder ever since they came in but I do feel that playing in a premier conference raises the pressure on the athletic department. It’s used as a recruiting tool that players can play in the Garden for the Big East tournament and raises the profile of the school. I think it’s good for the entire department in general, considering women’s basketball is projected to win their third straight Big East title. Men’s basketball is really the only sport that hasn’t had a lot of success in the conference, but I don’t believe they’re completely outmatched.

BBA: How well do you think DePaul does keeping star High School players in Chicago?
GARTLAND: Well it’s difficult. No school is ever going to beat the Blue Bloods in Kansas, Duke, Kentucky etc… so I never expect DePaul to win the five-star recruits that come out of Chicago. That being said I think they’ve gotten a bit better in the past couple of years of bringing in some three-star recruits and trying to build with them. Billy Garrett Jr. was a four-star but having his dad as an assistant coach surely helped. I think as the new arena debuts in a couple of seasons it will help recruiting in Chicago a lot but right now they’re still letting some recruits slip through.

BBA: Which player should the Seton Hall Pirates be the most worried about meeting on the court? Why?
GARTLAND: Billy Garrett Jr. For one, he always seems to do really well against Seton Hall (16.3 ppg average in 3 meetings), possibly because they fired his dad a few years back. He’s also DePaul’s best scorer and since he put on some muscle in the offseason, he is able to drive the lane more and draw fouls, where he shoots 84.2 percent from the free throw line. The offense starts with him and if he plays well, it allows Myke Henry, Eli Cain, and Aaron Simpson to get free around the perimeter.

BBA: Final Score Prediction?
GARTLAND: 65-60 DePaul

Once again, a big thank you to Ben for taking the time to talk with us. He can be found on Twitter @BenG_Sports. Additionally, for all you soccer fans out there, he also cover the MLS Team, Sporting Kansas City at their SB Nation Page http://www.thebluetestament.com/.

Tip off is at 11! As always, Hazard Zet Forward, and look forward to the recap after the game!

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Inside the Enemy Ship: Marquette Golden Eagles

Welcome to our last “Inside the Enemy Ship” of the 2015, where we will be talking about the Pirate’s last game of 2015, against the Marquette Golden Eagles on December 30th in Milwaukee.

We had the pleasure of speaking to a Mr. Jack Goods, a Marquette student who not only covers Marquette athletics, but the Milwaukee Bucks, and every team in the wintry tundra of Buffalo as well. He was king enough to spend some time talking to us about the upcoming game.

BBA: When the season started, where did you see the Golden Eagles season going?
GOODS: The expectations were a bit mixed coming into the season. Head coach Steve Wojciechowski landed a top-ten recruiting class, but we knew those players would be thrown into a tough position immediately. I felt they would finish somewhere around the middle of the conference, would squeak into the tournament but would fall in the first round. I was one of the most pessimistic on our staff.

BBA: What do you think of the Golden Eagles (as of time of writing) 8-2 record?
GOODS: Marquette scheduled some of the worst teams in college basketball, so you have to take the 8-2 record with a grain of salt. The Golden Eagles have played four teams in the 300s in KenPom, and will play one more when they face Stetson in the middle of the conference season. They are a difficult team to figure out, likely due to that youth. They’ve been blowing out a lot of these lower ranked teams, yet still show signs of struggle when it comes to shooting and turnovers. I’d say this team has issues playing down to their competition, which should change once conference play starts.

BBA: Which player should the Seton Hall Pirates be the most worried about meeting on the court? Why?
GOODS: “This one is pretty obvious, as freshman power forward Henry Ellenson was ESPN’s fifth overall recruit for a reason. He’s got six double-doubles in Marquette’s 11 games, and has the overall talent to really dominate. He’s strong in the paint, can run the floor like a guard, can shoot the midrange and has some outside ability (although he hasn’t been very consistent from three-point range). Ellenson is the type of player that is just efficient, even during his worst games. You’ll look down at the stats, and realize he already has 15 points without doing anything too flashy. Henry is the best recruit Marquette has landed since Doc Rivers, and he’s expected to be a top 10 pick in next year’s NBA draft if he decides to leave. With a young guard unit, the offense runs through him and redshirt junior center Luke Fischer. If Seton Hall wins the battle in the paint, it will be tough for Marquette to win.

BBA: Do you think the Golden Eagles should be ranked as of now?
GOODS: I don’t think Marquette should be near the Top 25 right now, because they haven’t really proved anything. The Golden Eagles best wins aren’t exactly groundbreaking. Wisconsin isn’t the team they were last year, and had lost a couple nights before to UW-Milwaukee. LSU looked like a good win at the time, but the Ben Simmons led Tigers have sputtered since then. Arizona State is No. 51 in the KenPom as of Monday night. Big losses to Belmont and Iowa to open the season will keep Marquette out of the Top 25 until BIG EAST play, despite the Golden Eagles getting one vote in last week’s media poll.

BBA: How do you view the Wisconsin Badgers?
GOODS: Wisconsin has gotten a lot of attention the past two years since they’ve been more successful than Marquette. The state as a whole likely has a closer connection to the Badgers because Wisconsin is a public school. Anyone who went to a Wisconsin state school feels they have a personal connection to the mothership of the system. That being said, there are a lot of people who are Marquette and Wisconsin fans too. When the Golden Eagles are successful, you see at least Milwaukee as a whole get behind them.

BBA: Where do you see the Golden Eagles in the overall Big East hierarchy?
GOODS: Marquette isn’t on the same level as Villanova and Georgetown, but it is certainly one of the more historic basketball programs in the BIG EAST. National title in 1977, three final four appearances, 31 tournament appearances and the school has arguably three of the top ten shooting guards in the NBA in Dwyane Wade, Jimmy Butler and Wesley Matthews. That’s a pretty good resume. They are probably in the second tier of the conference in history, and minus the last two years have been a shoe-in to make the tournament.

BBA: Final Score Prediction?
GOODS: 78-68 MU

Once again, big thank you again goes to Jack Goods, who can be found on Twitter @GoodsOnSports and on his website http://jackgoods.weebly.com/. Jack is a truly gifted journalist, and we encourage all our readers to check out some of the amazing stuff he has written.

The Pirates take on the Golden Eagles in Milwaukee at 7 PM on Fox Sports 1. As always, Hazard Zet Forward.

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