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Seton Hall Basketball: Analyzing Pirates 2019-20 projected rotation

By Tristan Freeman

FULLERTON, CA - NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Kevin Willard of the Seton Hall Pirates instructs his players during a time out in the first half of the game game against the Miami Hurricanes during the Wooden Legacy Tournament at Titan Gym on November 25, 2018 in Fullerton, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
FULLERTON, CA - NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Kevin Willard of the Seton Hall Pirates instructs his players during a time out in the first half of the game game against the Miami Hurricanes during the Wooden Legacy Tournament at Titan Gym on November 25, 2018 in Fullerton, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 22: Ike Obiagu #12 of the Florida State Seminoles looks on in the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament West Regional at Staples Center on March 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 22: Ike Obiagu #12 of the Florida State Seminoles looks on in the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament West Regional at Staples Center on March 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Center

Minutes Allocated (40 total): Ike Obiagu (20), Taurean Thompson (10), Sandro Mamukelashvili (5), Romaro Gill (5)

This is the position that could go a multitude of ways. As mentioned, Mamukelashvili’s minutes may soar at this position if it’s viewed that he’s better suited at the five-spot. The guy who has to play at center is Obiagu, a former top-100 big man recruit from Florida State who transferred after producing just a couple of points and rebounds in 10 mpg of action and 14 starts.

To be clear though, the lack of minutes for Obiagu had much more to do with the deep rotation the Seminoles typically employ, with three centers splitting time during his freshmen season. He still finished with an incredible eight blocks per 40 minutes and should be one of the best defensive bigs in the country this season. He and Mamukelashvili would form a nice defensive frontcourt if they can play together.

He’ll receive most of the minutes but will split some with Thompson, a transfer who did disappoint last season. He managed just 10 mpg off the bench and “struggle” is a nice way to talk about his offense. The former top-tier prospect from Syracuse may never be anything more than frontcourt depth but at 6’11 with plenty of athleticism to offer, Thompson still warrants a spot in the rotation. The expectations around him will just be much more muted.

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As for Gill, coaches will always find a way to give minutes to a hard-working senior. He averaged 11 mpg last season and was a defensive presence at 7’2 and 260 pounds. It’s hard to tell how many minutes Obiagu will play this year and Thompson might simply not earn it. Even if he’s just a big body with fouls, Gill can serve a purpose.

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