Seton Hall players, coach fans of way Kansas plays basketball

By Staff     Mar 16, 2018

article image
Seton Hall forward Desi Rodriguez (20) catches a pass inside past North Carolina State guard Markell Johnson (11) during the second half, Thursday, March 15, 2018 at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kan.

Seton Hall forward Desi Rodriguez said after his team’s victory against North Carolina State that he watches Kansas play so often on TV that he has his own scouting report prepared to supplement the one that coaches prepare.

Shocked Seton Hall coach Kevin Willard couldn’t believe his ears: “You’re doing scouting report?”

“Yeah,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve been doing scouting on Kansas. I can tell you a little bit about it. But I’ve been watching their game. Great team, great coach.”

Willard didn’t disagree with those opinions.

“When I watch them, I have unbelievable respect for the way they play offensively,” Willard said. “They’re unselfish. The ball pops. I respect Bill because he doesn’t play the same way every year. He went small this year, because they space it out, and now all of a sudden there are a lot more pick and rolls.

“Years when he’s had big guys, he’s gone to a high-low offense where it’s really hard to guard because they go high low and they have big guys. I think the biggest thing with Bill is he’s adapted to his personnel, and he’s done it really well.”

Rodriguez called himself a “fan of Kansas,” except for Saturday.

“Their games come on TV a lot,” he said. “Just going through a variety of games, that’s the best game on TV. They always give you a good game.”

Senior guard Khadeen Carrington scored 13 of his team’s final 26 points to steer the Pirates to victory against North Carolina State in the first round.

“I watch Kansas a lot, too,” Carrington said. “I watched them a few times this year. They have great guards. They have great bigs. So I’m sure coach is going to have a great game plan. I’m not bringing up a scouting quote like Des. I’m just listening to the coaches.”

PREV POST

Notebook: Jayhawks play through nerves; Lagerald Vick steps up against Penn

NEXT POST

51836Seton Hall players, coach fans of way Kansas plays basketball