Seton Hall, with an impressive non-conference showing, sent an early message to the rest of the Big East. The Pirates are for real.
Seton Hall guard Myles Powell — Image credit: Vincent Carchietta, USA Today Sports
The names on the back of the team jerseys have changed, but that’s all which looks different on this year’s Seton Hall men’s team. The Pirates exceeded early expectations by posting an impressive 9-3 record in non-conference play.
Seton Hall has won their last five games. They don’t look like a team picked to finish eighth in the Big East preseason rankings.
They’re getting the job done with the same toughness and grit which has secured three consecutive trips to the NCAA tournament.
Seton Hall isn’t playing like a team projected for a rebuilding year. That’s a memo which clearly didn’t reach the Pirates. They’re too busy working on their resume for a fourth-straight NCAA Tournament bid. This is a goal they hope to achieve a little over three months from now.
The non-conference resume has quality wins which won’t be overlooked. There was a win over Miami, on a neutral court, to win the Wooden Legacy Championship. The Pirates went to Madison Square Garden and took down perennial powerhouse Kentucky. If that wasn’t enough, they went on the road and snatched a signature win over Maryland.
There were a few bumps along the way. Losses to Louisville, at home, and a road loss at Nebraska are valuable teaching tools. But there’s plenty of spice and substance on the resume for the selection committee to consider as March Madness gets closer.
Can Seton Hall hold their own in this year’s Big East?
Saturday night’s showdown between Seton Hall and 12-0 St. John’s will be must-see for Big East fans. The Red Storm are hungry to show everyone they’re legit this year. Head coach Chris Mullin will bring an entertaining offense into “The Rock” that’s averaging 84.3 points per game. Shamorie Ponds, the Big East Preseason Player of the Year, is playing with a focus that’s turning heads and opening eyes.
A win over Seton Hall could propel St. John’s into the Top 25, a loss might validate the reason why they’re not already ranked, despite an undefeated record.
Seton Hall will have their hands full, but their non-conference showing justified they’re ready for what’s ahead. Myles Powell, averaging 23.1 points per game, has shown he can put up points with some of the best in the nation. He’s also more than a scorer now, he’s the team leader and sets the tone. The junior guard is the veteran head coach Kevin Willard will turn to for helping the Pirates navigate when the waters of the Big East schedule get murky.
Powell against Ponds will be the matchup fans are excited to see. But this game will also feature two teams both with a strong supporting cast. I would look for Seton Hall’s Sandro “Mamu” Mamukelashvili and Myles Cale to play key roles. Also, guard Quincy McKnight is developing a strong reputation as the team’s best defender. So look for him to guard Ponds.
The conference is shaping up to be a top storyline in the nation. Powerhouse Villanova has won the Big East four of the past five seasons. But teams are aware there’s a crack in their armor this year. The competition to be the one team which finally knocks the Wildcats out of the top spot projects to be ferocious.
For Seton Hall, a win over St. John’s to open the Big East schedule, will double-down on the message they’ve already sent during non-conference play.
This is a program which lost four three-year starters to graduation, the core of their team. But the Pirates are writing their own script on what to expect from them this season. In a conference which appears to be vulnerable at the top spot, the Pirates can definitely hold their own. They’re ready to show the rest of the Big East they’re for real.
