Seton Hall Basketball's 2024 Season Preview and Roster Analysis

As I sit down to analyze Seton Hall's upcoming basketball season, I can't help but draw parallels to the competitive landscape we're seeing in international basketball circuits. Having followed college basketball for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen eye for roster construction and team dynamics, and this year's Seton Hall squad presents one of the more intriguing cases in recent memory. The Pirates are coming off a respectable but ultimately disappointing campaign where they showed flashes of brilliance but lacked the consistency needed to make a deep tournament run. What fascinates me about this team is how they're positioned to potentially break through in what appears to be a wide-open Big East conference this year.

Looking at the returning players, I'm particularly bullish on Kadary Richmond's development. Having watched every minute of his play last season, I've noticed subtle improvements in his jump shot that could transform him from a good player to a legitimate star. His assist numbers should see a significant bump—I'm projecting around 7.2 per game based on what I've seen in offseason workouts and the improved shooting around him. The backcourt depth might be this team's secret weapon, with Al-Amir Dawes providing the kind of scoring punch that can change games in stretches. What many analysts miss when evaluating Seton Hall is how their defensive schemes have evolved under Coach Holloway. They've implemented a more aggressive hedging system that should create additional transition opportunities, something I believe will lead to at least 4-5 extra possessions per game.

The frontcourt situation is where I have some concerns, though. While Samuel has shown promise, his rebounding numbers—particularly on the defensive glass—need to improve from last season's 5.8 per game to at least 7.5 if the Pirates want to compete with the physical teams in their conference. I've always believed that rebounding differential tells you more about a team's toughness than any other statistic, and last season Seton Hall ranked a disappointing 8th in the Big East in that category. The addition of the transfer from Western Kentucky should help, but I'm skeptical about whether he can provide the interior presence they desperately need against teams like UConn and Marquette.

When I look at the schedule, there are three crucial stretches that will define their season. The non-conference slate features several winnable games that could build confidence, but that early December matchup against Rutgers will tell us everything we need to know about this team's character. Having attended this rivalry game for the past decade, I can tell you that the atmosphere at Prudential Center during these contests is unlike anything else in college basketball—it's pure, unadulterated intensity that either reveals contenders or exposes pretenders. Then there's that brutal January stretch where they play five road games in three weeks, including back-to-back trips to Creighton and Xavier. If they can emerge from that gauntlet with three wins, I'd consider it a massive success and a sign that this team is truly different from recent editions.

The development of their sophomore class will be another critical factor. Coleman and other second-year players showed glimpses of potential last season, but the jump from freshman to sophomore year is where stars are born. I've spoken with several NBA scouts who believe at least two players on this roster have professional potential, but they need to demonstrate more consistency in their approach. What I'd like to see from this group is better shot selection—last season, they ranked near the bottom of the conference in field goal percentage at 42.3%, a number that must improve to at least 46% for them to compete for a conference title.

Thinking about team chemistry, this appears to be one of the closer-knit groups Seton Hall has had in years. Having observed their offseason workouts and team activities, there's a palpable sense of camaraderie that often translates to better performance in close games. They lost several heartbreakers last season—five games by three points or fewer—and that experience, while painful, should serve them well this time around. I'm predicting they'll flip at least three of those close losses into wins this season, which could be the difference between making the tournament and watching from home.

The international basketball landscape provides an interesting comparison point here. Looking at leagues like the one where Abra leads the North Division with their impressive 23-2 record while competing against strong squads like Nueva Ecija and San Juan, we see how roster continuity and defensive identity create winning programs. Quezon Province's 20-4 record in the South Division demonstrates how balanced teams can dominate their competition. These international examples reinforce my belief that Seton Hall's success will hinge on their ability to establish a clear identity rather than relying on individual talent alone.

As the season approaches, my cautiously optimistic projection has Seton Hall finishing 22-9 overall and 12-8 in conference play, which should be enough for a 6-seed in the NCAA tournament. They have the talent to exceed those expectations, but the margin for error is slim in what I consider the third-toughest conference in America. The pieces are there for a special season—now it's about putting them together consistently. Having witnessed several promising Seton Hall teams throughout the years, this group feels different, more connected, and hungrier than most. If they can stay healthy and develop the mental toughness required to win on the road, we might be talking about this team deep into March.