Seton Hall sophomore guard Shavar Reynolds is as excited as any Pirate out of New Jersey this time of year. It’s NCAA Tournament time, and coach Kevin Willard’s merry band of Pirates out of South Orange are looking to have an extended stay in the Big Dance this season.
So as Seton Hall prepares for its first-round game against Wofford Thursday night (approximate tipoff time is 9:40 p.m. ET), we chatted up Reynolds to fill us in on what’s been going on with the Pirates since Sunday’s selection show.
He tells us about the angst the Pirates felt during Sunday’s Selection Show, how the weather he left in New Jersey can’t compete with the weather in Jacksonville and how confident the Pirates are that they can make a magical March run in the tournament.
That will be Reynolds, in his No. 33 jersey, you’ll be seeing tonight, sitting toward the end of the Pirates bench. Or as we like to call it, The Best Seat in the House.
Here’s Reynolds’ take on all things Seton Hall.
BIGEAST.com: When the Selection Show was revealing its teams for the tournament, it went through the East Region, South Region and most of the Midwest Region before Seton Hall finally saw its name unveiled. How stressful was it for you guys with all that waiting?
REYNOLDS: “We were definitely getting antsy. We expected to go in the South Region and when we weren’t in it we were like, Oh, where are we going now?’ Then as time went on we were just getting more antsy.”
BIGEAST.com: When it finally came, and you saw “Seton Hall” on the screen, what did it feel like?
REYNOLDS: “It was just so surreal because you’re just watching the screen for a while and to finally see your name called, it was just amazing.”
BIGEAST.com: When you saw you were going up against Wofford, I’m sure you knew very little about them. What have you learned in the past two days about the Terriers?
REYNOLDS: Now we know they’re a very good team. They’re very solid and fundamental, and they can really shoot the ball, that’s their biggest thing.”
BIGEAST.com: What about their big three-point shooter, Fletcher Magee, who is set to become the NCAA’s all-time greatest three-point shooter?
REYNOLDS: “Yeah, we’re definitely going to have to keep an eye on him, for sure.”
BIGEAST.com: What do you make of the Pirates being a No. 10 seed, especially after closing out the season with wins over Villanova and Marquette, then beating the Golden Eagles again in the BIG EAST Tournament and almost winning the tournament? A little low?
REYNOLDS: “The seeding, this time of year, it really doesn’t matter where you wind up. You just got to bring your best every game. You could be first (seed) or you could be 16th. If you come to play, you have a chance.”
BIGEAST.com: So what was your schedule from watching the Selection Show through the past three days?
REYNOLDS: After the show we just went back to the dorms and relaxed. But we did watched a little film (on Wofford). We practiced Monday and Tuesday and then we got on the plane and travelled (to Jacksonville). It was a smooth ride.”
BIGEAST.com: So is the weather in Jacksonville a little bit better than it was when you left New Jersey?
REYNOLDS: “It’s really warm here. We’re in shorts now. I think it’s the first time this season we’ve been out without our bubble jackets. You just wake up happy and it puts you in a good mood.”
BIGEAST.com: You got to practice on the court (of the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena) Wednesday. How do you like your new home?
REYNOLDS: “It’s a great place. We like the court, we like the rims. I think it’s going to be a great place to play and it should be a great game.”
BIGEAST.com: You were a walk-on last year but were part of the Seton Hall team that reached the NCAA Tournament and won a game over North Carolina State. But being a full-scholarship player now, does it feel different for you this year?
REYNOLDS: “Yeah it does. I think just the more mental approach I have. I’m more locked in on what I have to do and what I can do to help my team win. So just from that aspect it’s different.”
BIGEAST.com: Seton Hall knocked off Kentucky, Maryland, Marquette twice and Villanova this season. So what is the confidence level of the Pirates going into the Wofford game?
REYNOLDS: “We’re extremely confident. When we play our style of basketball, which is aggressive and playing with that dog mentality, I think we can compete with anybody in the country.”
BIGEAST.com: You go up against Myles Powell in practice every day. What is that experience like, going head-to-head with one of the best in the nation on a daily basis?
REYNOLDS: “It’s great because I get to defend him every day so I learn a lot from him as well. Like all the things that make him so successful. So I’m grateful for all that.”
BIGEAST.com: Seton Hall is not tipping off until 9:40 p.m., and that’s if there are no overtimes before your game. So what is the plan for the day leading up to your game?
REYNOLDS: “I don’t know for sure. We’ll probably get a little breakfast then have a walk-through. But then I think we’ll just relax, watch some of the other games going on and then when it’s time, get mentally locked in from there for our game.”
BIGEAST.com: How excited are the Pirates to get back on the court, especially with the way you’ve been playing in the last few weeks?
REYNOLDS: “There’s a good energy right now. We feel very confident in our team. As long as we come out and play the way we can play, I think we can beat anybody.”
BIGEAST.com: You hit a game-winning three-pointer in the conference opening win over St. John’s earlier this year. But would getting to play in an NCAA tourney game top that for you?
REYNOLDS: “Hmm. I don’t know. They might be about equal. But as long as we get a win, that’s all I care about.”