By ADAM ZAGORIA
Bryce Aiken is expected to return to Seton Hall for another season and will have one more year to show fans what he’s capable of.
The Asbury Park Press previously reported the news and it was confirmed by several sources.
Aiken will join Myles Cale among Seton Hall players taking advantage of the NCAA rule allowing seniors to play an extra season in the wake of the pandemic.
He will also join a loaded group of guards and wings that also includes American transfer Jamir Harris, who like Aiken played at The Patrick School, Syracuse transfer Kadary Richmond, returning wing Jared Rhoden, who will be a senior, and rising sophomore point guard Jahari Long.
The Hall’s 2021 class also includes point guard Ryan Conway, wing Brandon Weston and forward Tyler Powell.
All told, Seton Hall should once again compete near the top of the Big East and for another NCAA Tournament bid.
When Aiken grad-transferred from Harvard back home to New Jersey in April 2020, the Randolph native was expecting to be a major piece of coach Kevin Willard’s team as it pursued its fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance.
Instead, the 6-foot Aiken was limited due to ankle and knee injuries. He averaged 5.7 points and 1.5 assists.
Through the tough times, Aiken received support from his close friend, Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving. Irving and Aiken both attended The Patrick School, formerly known as St. Patrick’s, and have developed a strong bond.
“He just tells me to stay level-headed, continue to put in the work, continue to get to the game and, most importantly, to work on yourself and your own health as an individual beyond the game,” Aiken said in March.
Aiken, 24, and Irving, 28, have been friends for close to a decade. For a period they were both in Boston, when Aiken was at Harvard and Irving with the Celtics.
“We first became close probably eight years ago,” Aiken said. “It’s unique how the game of basketball brings people together, but I have a lifelong friend in him. That’s my brother of mine and I love him to death.”
Without Aiken in the backup point guard role for much of the season, Willard had to rely heavily on starting point guard Shavar Reynolds.
“Yeah. it’s been tough,” Aiken said. “As a competitor you always want to get out there and you want to be able to compete so when you’re not able to be out there with the guys, it’s always tough. But I do as much as I can, I talk to the guys, just staying involved in the game as much as I can and just be a voice, be that helping hand and try to guide everyone as much as I can.
“But it’s tough, it’s tough not being able to be out there but just hoping the best for everyone and this team.”
Willard did not hide from the fact that Aiken’s injuries have taken a toll on the team’s second unit. He played Long for limited spurts at the point, but has had to rely heavily on Reynolds down the stretch of big games.
“Obviously not having Bryce Aiken has really hurt us, it’s taken the air out of that second unit,” Willard said on the radio after his team fell to Georgetown Feb. 20. “Where that second unit was coming in and giving us great pop and great energy and a different tempo than the first unit, now with Jahari or having to have Shavar out there for extended minutes, it’s really hurt us.”
Now Aiken has one more year to show what he’s got and to help his home-state Pirates.
“Just living in the moment, man,” he said in March. “Living in the moment as the gurus say. No past, no future.”
TONY SKINN TO OHIO STATE
Seton Hall assistant Tony Skinn is moving on to Ohio State, sources confirmed. The news was first reported by The Asbury Park Press. Willard now has an opening on his staff.
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