2005 Seton Hall Pirates Basketball Preview

2005 Seton Hall Pirates Team Preview

After five years at the helm of Seton Hall, coach Louis Orr finally has a frontcourt big and tough enough to mix it up with the rest of the Big East. Orr has recruited four new players, each standing 6’-7” or taller and weighing 235 pounds or more. Last season the Pirates won only 4 conference match-ups and only 12 games overall.

The thought is that the newcomers plus returning forward Kelly Whitney, who led the Pirates with 11.9 PPG and 6.9 RPG, can create a lot more turmoil inside, generating increased rebounding and better shots. Whitney, an aggressive, physical presence, will anchor the frontcourt, providing a solid base for fellow players and power in the paint.

Freshmen John Garcia and David Palmer, both standing 6’-9” and weighing 235 pounds, should have an immediate impact. Garcia is a post player who has the credentials to be a prolific scorer, while Palmer rebounds well and offers versatility inside.

Guard Paul Gause is an all-around athlete who was recruited heavily by football and basketball programs. As a prep school senior the 5’-11”, 180 pound player poured in 33.9 PPG and was one of the top scorers in New Jersey high school history.

Coach Orr is in the spotlight and on the hot seat. He’s had difficulty in his first four years at Seton Hall filling his frontcourt with big, tough guys who can establish an inside game. He claims he finally has that. What the powers that be at Seton Hall demand are some results. The results will be there if the freshman class can play like a bunch of juniors and if Kelly Whitney can improve over last year.

In no way expect Seton Hall to be a powerhouse, but they should be able to put together a respectable season that tops last year’s four win record. The fact is Orr, who wants his players to compete all out in each and every game, needs to get every player on the same page. What is that page? It’s the winning page.

For more info on the 2005 Pirates check out the official Seton Hall athletic site.