Looking at their record in the 2021-2022 season, the Pirates finished 21-11 for the season and 11-8 in Big East Conference play. Despite the records and the talent they stacked the team with, they finished last season with a tie in fifth place.

So what does this mean for their performance for this season?

Going into the season this year, Seton Hall has Shaheen Holloway as their coach for more than just the off-season this time. As a previous Pirate, it is up to him to shape the team. Dealing with a bunch of players who have been used to Kevin Willard’s coaching, this may be a challenge.

One thing is for sure, a coach can make or break their players and their team dynamic. Looking at Halloway’s coaching during the Pirate’s post-season last year, it seems he will return to an old kind of Seton Hall game, perhaps one he is familiar with as a past player himself.

Halloway has a big job a head of him as he has to make the team jell considering the fact that more than half of the guys weren’t Seton Hall players even months ago.

Considering his run with Saint Peter’s last year, which is considered the best Cinderella run in NCAA Tournament history, there is immense hope in his coaching abilities for the advancement of the Hall this season.

Another challenge the Pirates have in relation to their players is the ratio of healthy to unhealthy players. Going into this season, the Hall only has seven healthy players. Big men like Alexis Yetna and Abdou Ndiaye are both out with knee injuries are out with no prediction on their return.

These injureis leave the front line at a deficit. Both Tyrese Samuel and Ndefo as the only bigs to fill the space.

With new players like KC Ndefo and freshman Tae Davis the talent continues to shine on this team. There are also seven players who have at least two seasons of stellar ball.

Halloway expresses concerns for the cohesion on offense specifically on the shooting ends. Talent can only carry the team so far, but is a good start.

So are the hopes high for Seton Hall this season? CBS ranks them at 63 out of the top 100 teams for the 2022-2023 season but it is something we’ll just have to wait and see.