Seton Hall could bolster its frontcourt going forward if SMU transfer Blaise Mbargorba opts to stay local.
The 6-foot-11 center who played high school ball at The Peddie (N.J.) School has been approached by more than a dozen schools, but Seton Hall seems to be in good position right now.
“He likes Seton Hall, which is closer to home and he likes the situation,” Sandy Pyonin of the New Jersey Roadrunners told SNY.tv.
“I think it’s the best situation for him. Whether he goes there or not I don’t know.”
Pyonin said “10-14” schools had reached out, including Alabama, Virginia, Stony Brook, Boston University and Monmouth.
“I spoke to the [Monmouth] head coach, King Rice,” Pyonin said. “They definitely really want him.”
Wherever he goes, he would presumably have to sit out a year per NCAA rules unless he obtained a waiver. He would then have three years of eligibility left.
Mbargorba redshirted under SMU coach Larry Brown last year with a separated shoulder, but Pyonin said he’s rounding back into form.
“It looks likes it’s 100 percent healed,” Pyonin said. “He needs to get bigger and stronger. He needs to put some weight on and add strength and power.
“He’s a great kid, everyone loves him. He’s good with academics. He runs the floor like a deer. He needs to be polished up and needs some experience. His hands have to be polished up.”
As a senior at Peddie, he averaged 15 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks.
Pyonin said Mgarborba likely wouldn’t make any decisions until his mentor, Joe Tuomo, returns from a trip to Nigeria.
“If Joe calls me and says this is a good situation and Blaise likes it, then something will be done before he gets back,” Pyonin said.
