Just a few days after Robert “Stix” Mitchell criticized Seton Hall head coach Bobby Gonzalez for his substitution patterns, he was removed from the school’s basketball team.
“I am very appreciative of Robert’s contributions to our program these last two years,” Gonzalez said in a statement Sunday. “We have accomplished much during his time here and I truly wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
In a story written in The Bergen Record after Wednesday’s Big East tournament loss to Notre Dame Mitchell criticized Gonzalez for his substitution patterns and in-game strategy.
“It’s hard to stay consistent as a player,” Mitchell told the Record, “when the coach isn’t consistent.”
A year ago, the 6-foot-6, 180-pound Mitchell averaged 14.6 points and 8.0 rebounds in 36.1 minutes a game, but this season he averaged 8.4 points and 3.8 rebounds in 20.9 minutes. This year three transfers — Herb Pope, Keon Lawrence and Jeff Robinson — became eligible and cut into Mitchell’s playing time.
A transfer from Duquesne University, Mitchell was named to the All-Met Second Team last season.
He will graduate in May.
Seton Hall was awaiting word Sunday night on whether it made the NCAA or NIT.
(Photo SHU Athletics)
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Pirate4Ever / March 14, 2010
When I commented here after the Rutgers home game about how Stix Mitchell and Keon Lawrence were ripped by John Garcia for not getting off the bench during a late game timeout, NOBODY commented! Nobody noticed. I pointed out how Garcia got in Mitchell’s face for not being a team guy. Well now the truth has come out about this guy. All he cared about was his playing time and the amount of shots he took. The next guy to go will be Keon Lawrence. These transfer players transfer FOR A REASON! It is not always the former coach or programs fault. More times then not, it is the PLAYERS fault! Bobby Gonzalez has recruited questionable players with many questions in their pasts. It has now bit him in the butt and mark my words, it will bite him again.
Time for SHU to really EXAMINE what the hell is going on with this coach and with this program. He recruits most of his players from these basketball factory types of high schools where all you have to do to get in is put a big X on a line to sign your name.
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HallBall / March 15, 2010
Could not have said It better, the crazy thing Is I like how Micthell plays with a certain type of tenacity every time he Is on the court. To be quite honest though Mitchell Is kind of right, Gonzo has been making some questionable coaching decisions as of which contributes to Herb Popes and Jeff Robinsons foul troubles in the past couple of games. Keon Lawrence Is a hell of a guard and plays with alot of heart but when you shoot under 30 pecent In conference games I dont think you should be a starter. Overall I think Seton Needs to evaluate the team and the kids we have coming In and are targeting In the future, Gonzo your losing the faith of the fans slowly but surely!
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