Just when Pirate fans thought that this was going to be a run away, they had to think again.  It took a three point runner from 30 feet away from senior Eugene Harvey to save the day.  Man, they sure could have used Keon Lawrence.

201 Concepts was in the house Friday night and we had an issue with Brooklynite Eugene Harvey coming off the bench to start the game.  He was the first and biggest recruit Coach Bobby Gonzalez brought to the program.  We all knew coming into this year that sophomore Jordan Theodore would push Nunu for time, but come on.  Benching a senior on opening night.  Granted that some sources are indicating that it was due to a minor team infraction but either way, Nunu looked very mad entering the game as the 6th man.  The game changed right away once he entered.  Ain't nothing like a Brooklyn PG that can take it to the basket, create for others, shake and bake, and penetrate and kick to wide open shooters. 201 Concepts was in the house and exactly saw that from the St. Benedict's product.

Jordan played solid in his 25 minutes.  He brought his traditional defense and hustle play.  But this team needs to start Nunu.  You don't have a leader and captain come off the bench.  Three of the four captains started with John Garcia, Robert Mitcehll, and Jeremy Hazell.  At times, JT and Nunu were on the court together and showed that they can play together. 

All-third team Big East guard Jeremy Hazell had the least productive game of his Pirate career.  He shot 0-10 from the field which included 0-6 from downtown.  He needs to become a better creator, defender, and passer to make it at the next level given his age already.

Stix Mitchell has returned to his natural 3 position this year with the addition of Herb Pope. Stix had a solid game with 11 points and 6 rebounds.

Breaking News!!! Seton Hall has a true Power Forward ladies and gentlemen.  His name is Herb Pope.  HP had a good game.  He finished the game with 6 points, 6 assists, and 7 rebounds.  SHU now has two shot blockers in the paint with HP and Garcia.  Pope only took 7 shots.  This team needs to pound the ball more inside to Herb as he has a full arsenal of moves.  He's got a jumper, post game, a monster on the boards, offensively and defensively.  The team struggled lobbing him the ball while he had positioning in the paint in the first half.  But SHU finally has a power forward playing the 4 spot not a small forward anymore.

And of course there's the Center captain John Garcia.  He just fell short of a double double with 9 points and 10 rebounds.  Johnny was commanding the paint once again with his three blocked shots in 29 minutes.  Hopefully they won't have to play him so many minutes in the non conference part of the schedule.

Guard Jamel Jackson, Forward Ferrakohn Hall, and Center Melvyn Oliver all made their Pirate debuts this past Firday night.  Hall is very active player even though he only played 4 minutes.  Jamel had a three pointer in his 5 minutes of play.  But the cat can shoot it.  There's a reason he was the 2005 NY Post Player of the Year.  Oliver finally made his debut after sitting out last year due to academic ineligibility.  The big fella only played 2 minutes.  They need to get him the ball in the post.  He has a soft touch and is quick despite his frame.   Many times he had positioning in the post but did not get the ball.  The Inglewood, California native can play.  He just needs time to adjust after not playing in a real game for over a year.

Overall, it was a sloppy game for the Pirates.  They have always had trouble against Jersey City's St. peter's college (Shout out to JC).  SPC is a good team though.  They finish in the top of the NEC year in and year out. 

We love Bobby here at 201 Concepts front office, but we did not like his rotation use in this one.  He has a history of having a rotation like former SHU coach Louie Orr which consist of yanking players after one mistake and putting them back in the game after two minutes.  There is no consistency or rhythm like this.

Sources have indicated that transfer guard Keon Lawrence will be back sooner rather than later.  He was on the SHU bench in a white tuxedo cheering his teammates on.  He will be a big addition to the team this year as in a way of being the team energizer like Paul Gause was in the past.  Keon can score, create, get after his man, and jumps out of the building.  Along with Jeff Robinson and Melvyn Oliver, they will bring a different mentality to the team this year.  Sources also have indicated that JRob will make his debut vs Temple, December 19th after his transfer wait is completed. 

SHU will take on Monmouth away later today at 4 p.m.

I Think Keon is defenitely the xfactor. It will show once they play a Big East opponent, but until conference play arrives, it will not be evident how much he is needed.