Previewing Rhody MBB's NIT Season Tip-Off First Round Matchup - The Seton Hall Pirates

First off, Angel Delgado is a problem on both ends of the floor. As a URI basketball fan, Delgado can be regarded as a stronger, bigger, and taller version of Hassan Martin. Cyril Langevine and the rest of Rhode Island's big men will have their hands full trying to deal with the Dominican Republic native. In this game, I would strong advise Dan Hurley and his coaching staff not to employ a lineup of four guards and one big man. Offensively, the benefits of running with a smaller lineup may not be enough to make up for the inability to guard the star 6'10" center.

Next, Delgado's supporting cast of G Khadeen Carrington (2017 All-Big East second team), G Myles Powell, F Desi Rodriguez (2016 Big East Championship All-Tournament team), and F Ismael Sanogo (2016 Big East Championship All-Tournament team) cannot be underestimated. Beyond Delgado and the veterans around him, the Pirates have an impressive freshman class that includes forward Sandro Mamukelashvili, a URI recruiting target and a former adversary of URI's Daron Russell (when he played for Monteverde Academy). Most notably, Myles Cale is a top-100 recruit from Middletown, DE and the 17th best shooting guard in the class of 2017. Among the other newcomers for the Pirates are PF Darnell Brodie, PG Jordan Walker, and JUCO transfer Romaro Gill. Walker could very well be the starting point guard soon since Khadeen Carrington has shown his adeptness at the shooting guard position. Additionally, Gill is a 7'2" center that could cause problems for the Rams if Seton Hall decides to go with a bigger lineup in this game.

Stylistically, Seton Hall plays a standard game on the defensive end and they are prone to leaving areas open for scoring opportunities. Kevin Willard's team does not do a great job of denying three-point scoring opportunities. Consequently, Rhode Island will have plenty of opportunities to put up three-pointers but they need to make them count. Among the Big East teams, the Pirates average the third least amount of total rebounds per game. URI better plan on crashing the boards with the likes of Langevine, Andre Berry, and Ryan Preston. Offensively, Seton Hall likes to build off of isolation play from Desi Rodriguez, specifically when he penetrates to the hoop. Additionally, look for frequent post-ups to Angel Delgado. Rhode Island's defense will truly be tested in this game. Nevada was a solid early test for the Rams but Seton Hall's offense is arguably a level above that.

In the coaching department, I do not think that Kevin Willard is anything special, compared to Dan Hurley. This matchup should not replicate Duke's dismantling of Rhode Island in the 2017 championship game of the Hall of Fame Tip-Off tournament. Willard has a few accomplishments but he is no Coach K. Whatever Hurley and his staff draw up for this matchup will have effectiveness for stretches of time.

Hopefully, when all is said and done, the Rams will move on to the championship game to play this man's team.