After a potential season crushing loss at DePaul, the Pirates were sent back to New Jersey understandably reeling, both emotionally and physically. Failing to take advantage of two golden opportunities to lock up a bid against Rutgers or DePaul last week, Seton Hall is left with work to do in the Big East Tournament. Unfortunately, if they're going to help their cause at MSG beginning Tuesday against Providence, they'll likely have to do so with a limited rotation.

Today, we learned that Aaron Cosby is battling the flu. He'll be a game-time decision tomorrow evening, but I'm hearing, "it is not looking good." Later in the afternoon, Herb Pope was spotted at the University's Recreation Center, sporting an aircast walking boot, nursing a toe injury he sustained at the end of the first half on Saturday. Pope was able to play through the pain in the second half against DePaul. One source tells me, he's "absolutely 100%" playing tomorrow, while another expects him to play, but it's, "still too early to know."

Even if Pope can go against Providence, you have to wonder about his effectiveness and whether or not he'll be able to give extended minutes. Should the Pirates advance, there's obviously the concern of how Pope will hold up through back-to-back(s). Making matters worse, Aaron Geramipoor is not expected to play, meaning Patrik Auda and Brandon Mobley will have to continue spelling Pope down low. I think Pope will give it a go, but first and foremost, Seton Hall needs to start playing a brand of team basketball that has been absent for over a week. Whether they can get that done with a rotation of just seven or eight players remains to be seen.