Edelson: Chemistry, talent an awesome mix for Seton Hall

Seton Hall Pirates forward Brandon Mobley (2) works against Butler Bulldogs forward Kameron Woods (31) at the Prudential Center on Tuesday night.(Photo: Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports)

NEWARK

Guys with McDonald's All-American credentials and blue-chip stature are nice to have around. They speak to recruiting successes and can provide immediate relief on the court.

But when the goals are championships and sustainability, it's simply not enough.

So while the influx of talent in the form of a top-10 recruiting class has been welcome this season, it's the improved team chemistry that's been the biggest difference for No. 21 Seton Hall.

It didn't quite work out as planned Tuesday night, but a 79-75 overtime loss to a very good Butler team at the Prudential Center is nothing to panic about.

RELATED: Gibbs' 30 not enough as Hall falls to Butler

In fact, there's a growing sense that this season could be different for the Pirates, whose play in general has fostered a feeling that great things might once again be possible.

With freshman sensation Isaiah Whitehead still sidelined with a stress fracture in his foot, it was Sterling Gibbs who scored 30 points to lead a comeback and force overtime. But when Gibbs fouled out two minutes into the extra session, it was simply too much to overcome.

Of course, it's not like the Pirates' roster was devoid of talent in coach Kevin Willard's first four seasons, with the likes of Jeremy Hazell, Herb Pope, Jordan Theodore and Fuquan Edwin all considered potential program changers. And they certainly had their share of memorable moments.

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Edelson: Chemistry, talent an awesome mix for Seton Hall