SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. – Seton Hall head coach Bobby Gonzalez announced Thursday that Herb Pope (Aliquippa, Pa.) has transferred to the University.  Pope played basketball last season at New Mexico State University and will sit out the 2008-09 season due to NCAA transfer regulations.

The 6-foot-8, 235-pound Pope will be eligible to practice with the Pirates this season, but won’t see game action until 2009-10.  The power forward will have sophomore playing eligibility at that time.

“Herb will fill a huge need for us, as the one area we haven’t been able to address is a big-time power forward,” Gonzalez said.  “He is a special recruit and a talented young man.  He has been though some tough times in his young career, but he’s looking forward to a new start at Seton Hall.  We believe he has a very bright future with unlimited potential.”

Last season at New Mexico State, Pope appeared in 16 games and made 12 starts.  A native of Aliquippa, Pa., he averaged 11.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.  Named to the 2008 All-WAC Newcomer Team, Pope’s two best performances came in the WAC Tournament.  He recorded his first career double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds against Nevada and then posted a career-high 20 points in the WAC Championship against Boise State.

At Aliquippa High School, Pope was named a Fourth Team Parade All-American.  In his senior season, he averaged 19 points and 11 rebounds per game and led his team to the Class AA PIAA State Championship.  Scout.com ranked him the #17 high school senior in the nation and the #6 power forward.