Back In The Saddle Again

Before we go any further, let me first apologize for my lack of content over the last few months. Between college basketball offseason and my broadcasting commitments, there really hasn't been much time or material for me to write, and I can't mention anything about new recruits until they have signed their letters of intent. However, with Big East media day fast approaching, (October 20th) you'll see pieces involving all 16 programs that comprise one of basketball's strongest conferences; as well as some insights on some of the other local New York metro area programs.

You may also see some of my contributions to JohnnyJungle.com appear also on this site, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. Until then, enjoy the run up to the new season, where hundreds of schools look to knock Duke off the throne as national champions in their attempts to be the team cutting down the nets on April 4, 2011.

Pirate Ship To Have New Captain

After five years, the Joe Quinlan era has come to an end as Seton Hall AD has announced his resignation effective one week from tomorrow. (Photo courtesy of Newark Star-Ledger)

Seton Hall has underwent an extreme makeover of sorts over the last six months, starting with the dismissal of former head men's basketball coach Bobby Gonzalez. Now, the latest change the Pirates will have to mitigate will be that of its athletic director.

In a story broken last week by the Newark Star-Ledger's Brendan Prunty, Seton Hall AD Joe Quinlan has announced his resignation effective October 8th in order to pursue "other opportunities" after five years in South Orange. Quinlan had supposedly been working without a contract since September of last year, although that rumor was vehemently denied by former University president Msgr. Robert Sheeran, who resigned himself this past July in the wake of an acrimonious divorce between the university and the aforementioned Gonzalez, who filed a lawsuit against Seton Hall shortly after being fired in March.

Seton Hall will, according to Prunty's story, commence its search for Quinlan's permanent replacement in January, presumably after finding someone to fill the position vacated by Msgr. Sheeran. Since Gonzalez was terminated, both basketball programs at Seton Hall are under new leadership; with former Iona head man Kevin Willard at the helm of the men's program while former New York Liberty coach Anne Donovan takes over for former women's coach Phyllis Mangina, who retired after 25 years on the sidelines at Walsh Gym.