For the past year, the public narrative on Seton Hall basketball has gone something like this: poor in resources, lacking in talent, and hopelessly left behind in the sport’s free-agency era.
The Pirates have a chance to change that in one fell swoop in Hawaii this week.
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The die-hards who have studied their 5-0 start against soft competition this month can sense the improvement from last year’s Big East cellar-dweller, but the real measurements start Monday against N.C. State (2:30 p.m. Eastern, ESPN2), with another test on tap for Tuesday against either USC or Boise State.
The Hall doesn’t have to run the table – a ridiculous schedule of three games in three days – in Hawaii. Picking off one high-major would be a statement. Coming back to New Jersey 2-1 would recalibrate expectations for 2025-26.
Seton Hall basketball coach Shaheen Holloway and his players react against New Haven
Seton Hall coach Shaheen Holloway isn’t thrilled about the condensed game schedule, 9:30 a.m. local tip time and how much harder his half of the bracket is than the other half – “terrible, terrible and terrible,” he said – but he recognizes the opportunity ahead.
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“It’s one of the best tournaments,” Holloway said. “We’ve got a chance to see what we’ve got to work on to get better, playing against better competition.”
Here is our ranking of the eight teams, with some analysis:
1. N.C. State (4-0): The Wolfpack rank fourth nationally in 3-pointers made per game (13.2) and 14th in 3-point percentage (43.0). Their best win so far is an 85-79 decision over VCU at home. Forward Darrion Williams, formerly of Texas Tech, is averaging 23.3 points per game.
2. USC (4-0): The Trojans average 38 free-throw attempts per game, tops in the nation. They needed three overtimes and a miracle shot at the buzzer to beat Troy. Colonia High School alum and former Auburn star Chad Baker-Mazzara, a postgrad wing, averages 22.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
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3. Texas (4-1): The Longhorns opened with a 15-point, neutral-court loss to Duke and have feasted on a soft schedule since. They are shooting just 30 percent from 3-point range. Roselle Catholic High School alum Simeon Wilcher, formerly at St. John’s, is averaging 8.4 points.
4. Seton Hall (5-0): The Pirates come in with the nation’s 27th-ranked defense after playing the 364th-toughest schedule so far. Their one defensive weakness has been defending the 3-point line (opponents are shooting .362). They rank 30th nationally in bench minutes, which could come in handy as the tournament grinds on.
5. Boise State (4-1): Picked to finish third in the Mountain West preseason poll after returning two starters from a 26-win campaign, the Broncos stumbled out of the gate with a loss to Division 2 Hawaii Pacific. Their best win is a three-point verdict at home over Wichita State.
6. Arizona State (4-1): A 12-point home loss to Gonzaga is the only notable result thus far for the Sun Devils, who were picked to finish last in the Big 12’s preseason coaches’ poll. They’ve taken good care of the ball while forcing a lot of turnovers.
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7. Washington State (2-3): With home losses to Washington (by 12) and Idaho, and a 16-point loss at Davidson, the Cougars are in rough shape. They’ve been getting shredded defensively and are shooting just .305 from deep.
8. Chaminade (2-1): The Division 2 program and de facto event host plays a run-and-gun style, averaging 87 points while yielding 80 per game with turnovers galore from both sides.
Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996 and the college basketball beat since 2003. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Seton Hall basketball: Maui Invitational a chance to change narrative
