After a mediocre year in Shaheen Holloway’s first season, the Seton Hall Pirates look to contend in the Big East. The Pirates are predicted to fall in the lower part of the conference, but they still have talented players. Therefore, can Holloway and the Pirates make a legitimate run in the Big East? Here is a preview of them below.
Seton Hall Pirates Preview 2023-2024
Their Success Last Season
As previously mentioned, Seton Hall had a mediocre year. They were 17-16 overall and 10-10 in conference play. The Pirates lost to DePaul in the First Round of Big East Tournament play and lost to Colorado in the NIT Tournament.
The Pirates’ Strengths
Defense
Seton Hall was an incredible defensive team. They were first in the Big East in scoring defense and 44th in the country in defensive efficiency. Their defensive intensity was a product of Halloway’s coaching. Shaheen’s defensive mindset was a key component in his incredible run with St. Peter’s in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. The Pirates adopted great defensive and that helped them stay competitive in the Big East. They also were a good shot-blocking team, as they were 54th in the country in blocks per game. Ranking third in the conference in this category, Seton Hall made opponents struggle to score efficiently.
Therefore, as Seton Hall heads into year 2 with Shaheen Halloway, they have a formula that keeps them in the game: defense.
Their Weaknesses
Offense
Their offense was one of the main culprits in their mediocre season. They were 10th in the Big East in scoring offense, 9th in three-point percentage, and last in assist-to-turnover ratio. Unfortunately, their success on defense was met with chaotic and sometimes undisciplined offense. The Pirates struggled with ball movement, and with making the easiest basketball decision. As a result, their guards and forwards would drive head-first into a set defense and turn the ball over. Furthermore, they would shoot bad shots and ignite transition points for the opposition. Going into this season, Seton Hall needs to produce better offense to compete with the top teams in the Big East.
Notable Returners
Al-Amir Dawes
Al-Amir Dawes is a returner for the Pirates, who had success last season. Dawes averaged 12.6 points while shooting 38.2% from three. Dawes is not an efficient at-the-rim scorer, but he is a good shooter. His shooting gives spacing for the Pirates offense and he can run the shooting guard spot effectively. More importantly, he led the Pirates in scoring and offensive production during Big East play. He averaged 13.4 points per game in conference play, a good sign as the Pirates go into next season.
Dawes also brings leadership, as he experienced a lot of important games in college basketball. Al-Amir gave productive minutes at Clemson before transferring back to his home state. His experience is valuable to building an example of winning for the Pirates. Dawes is someone the coach trusts and expects to set a good model for building success.
Kadary Richmond
Kadary Richmond is another key returner for the Pirates. Richmond is an elite three-point shooter. Kadary shot 44.4% from three and averaged 10.1 points a game. He also contributed 4.1 assists as well. Richmond provides experience, shooting, and a guy who understands how to score effectively. As mentioned before, Seton Hall needs shooting and scoring. Kadary provides both for the Pirates and his return to South Orange aids in helping to improve their offense this season. Richmond has a chance to make a giant leap this season as he has more responsibility.
Dre Davis
Dre Davis was a spark plug off the bench, and he has an opportunity to produce more this season. Averaging 9.6 points off the bench, Davis shot over 51% from the floor and 41% from three in his minutes last season. The Pirates need scoring, and Davis provides that at a premium. He operates well off the catch but can create good offensive possessions, for himself. With Seton Hall seeking an upgrade to their offensive production, Davis is the perfect player to provide instant offense. His most notable performance was 24 points against Providence. Dre Davis can go.
Seton Hall’s Transfers
Seton Hall picked up good players in the transfer portal, as they look to improve their team. The Pirates only return 3 of their 8 leading scorers from a season ago, so their aggressiveness in the portal was necessary.
Elijah Hutchins-Everett
Elijah Hutchins-Everett was a big man the Pirates picked up in the transfer portal from Austin Peay. A big man with a solid post-game, Hutchins-Everett is very versatile. He can shoot the three out of pick-and-pop sets and put the ball on the ground if a slower big man closes out too hard. He averaged 11.5 points and almost six rebounds at Austin Peay last season. Elijah was in the 84th percentile in post-up scoring.
Hutchins-Everett helps the Pirates have an established low-post presence with excellent size. Hutchins-Everett is 6’11, 260 LBS, so he contends well with the centers in the conference. He has to rebound and defend better, but he has offensive skills that should translate well to Seton Hall.
Dylan Addae-Wusu
Dylan Addae-Wusu is a strong and physical guard picked up by Seton Hall. He improved his production each season and brings plenty of Big East experience. The former St. John’s guard, Addae-Wusu is a solid three-point shooter and is an excellent defender. He generates a lot of points in transition based on pressuring the ball and generating steals. From a defensive perspective, Addae-Wusu is a great addition to their perimeter defense.
On the offensive end, Dylan brings value as well. He shot 36.4% from three and had a positive assist-to-turnover ratio. His shooting provides spacing for the Pirates’ offense. However, Dylan’s ability to take care of the ball makes him a dependable downhill threat.
Jaden Bediako
Jaden Bediako is a big one that was picked up in the portal by the Pirates. Bediako is not the biggest scorer at there at 6 points per game, but he defends the rim. During his freshman year, he was 5th in the WCC in blocks, so he helps establish a rim presence on defense. That same season, he was 4th in rebounds. He has been a steady defensive and rebounding presence that will help Seton Hall on defense.
Sadraque NgaNga
Sadraque NgaNga is another big who transferred from Boise State. NgaNga brings good size for the four or five spots and has versatility. Sandraque shoots the three, attacks the offensive glass, and can score in the post. He is a stretch big, who plays off closeouts and makes open shots. He shot 36.4% from three, so shooting is a major part of his game. Therefore, the Pirates get a big who can play multiple spots.
The First Years
Isaiah Coleman
Isaiah Coleman is a talented freshman coming into South Orange, NJ. Coleman is a product of Word of God Christian Academy and was ranked 108th by 247 sports. Isaiah is explosive in transition and can shoot it well off the dribble. Coleman brings athleticism, size, and shot creation to the guard spot for the Pirates. Playing for the Word of God, Isaiah has experience playing against high-level competition. Therefore, he has the experience and talent to transition well into the Big East.
David Tubek
David Tubek is a 3-star power forward that is helpful for the Pirates. Tubek is a little undersized for the 4-spot, but he makes up for it with incredible athleticism and intensity. Tubek plays very hard and is explosive around the basket. However, he is not just an athletic forward. David can shoot from the outside and attack off the dribble. His versatility is an intriguing aspect of his game and allows him to be successful.
Projected Starting Five for Seton Hall Pirates
PG- Al-Amir Dawes
SG-Kadary Richmond
SF-Dylan Addae-Wusu
PF- Dre Davis
C- Elijah Hutchins-Everett
