Seton Hall needs senior Brandon Mobley’s experience to go far this season

For the first time in just over a decade, the Seton Hall Pirates come into a season as a known force to be reckoned with. It is because of, as we all know, the freshman class that have been getting so much attention across the nation. However, without a solid mix of talent and leadership, younger teams seem to falter under the pressure. That is where experience and upperclassmen come in to mentor. To teach and set the right example.

In this case, the Pirates will turn to senior forward Brandon Mobley.

Mobley, a Savannah, Georgia native, came to The Hall in 2011 with high expectations. No, not as high as this year’s class for sure, but lofty expectations nonetheless. After all, he was a product of the Atlanta Celtics AAU team that produced talents like Dwight Howard, Joe Johnson and Amar’e Stoudemire. In addition, he was selected to the All-State team his senior season and played in the 2011 Elite Showcase Basketball Classic All-Star Game in Washington, D.C.

In three years with the blue and white, Mobley’s offensive numbers have been underwhelming to say the least as he has only averaged 7.3 points per game and 4.64 rebounds per game. With that being said, the tall and lanky forward usually makes most of his impact on the defensive end. This past season Mobley has career highs in blocks and steals, coupled with the fact that he was arguably the Hall’s best on-ball defender going up against the best the Big East had to offer a year ago. He has not lived up to those expectations, but he has been a vital member of many Pirate teams.

This year, Mobley’s role has become even more important because of the fact that he is playing with a young and talented team whose best players have never suited up for a college game. The front line this will be without Patrik Auda and Gene Teague so having a veteran in the frontcourt who can mentor freshman like Angel Delgado and Michael Nzei is important. His knowledge of the game, Coach Willard’s system, and the opponents will be invaluable to his teammates.

Now, do not think that all Mobley is good for is moral support. His passion on both ends of the floor and his defensive tenacity are vital to the Pirates success as well. Mobley has the ability to hit clutch shots as well and made many big three pointers during the Big East Tournament run last year in addition to road games against Georgetown and Xavier.

Coach Willard and the entire team will be counting on Mobley’s consistent play to help lead the Pirates to big things in 2014-15. He gets one more ride in college and with his influence it could be a memorable one for him and his team.