Busting Brackets
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Big East Basketball Power Rankings: Providence, SJU trending oppositely

By Lukas Harkins

ANAHEIM, CA - DECEMBER 01: Head coach Ed Cooley of the Providence Friars looks on in the second half of the game against the Pepperdine Waves during the Wooden Legacy at the Anaheim Convention Center at on December 1, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - DECEMBER 01: Head coach Ed Cooley of the Providence Friars looks on in the second half of the game against the Pepperdine Waves during the Wooden Legacy at the Anaheim Convention Center at on December 1, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 30: Powell of the Pirates warms up. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 30: Powell of the Pirates warms up. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

Seton Hall is playing excellent basketball right now. Even though Sandro Mamukelashvili remains out with injury, the Pirates have taken their game to the next level while asserting themselves as a contender in the Big East and a legit Top 25 team in the country. Seton Hall sits at 3-0 in conference play so far with its wins coming over DePaul (A), Georgetown (H), and Xavier (A). No wins should be taken for granted in the conference this season and the Pirates’ ability to already snag two road victories is impressive.

Myles Powell is clearly one of the frontrunners to win the National Player of the Year award this season but it has been Seton Hall’s defense that has led the way so far this season. Most notably, Romaro Gill and Ike Obiagu deserve a ton of credit for their dominance in the paint defensively. The two seven-footers are combining to average 4.6 blocks per game as a tandem at the center spot. Opponents are really having a tough time finishing at the basket as one of those two is on the floor for almost all 40 minutes.

Additionally, it would be a mistake to overlook Myles Cale‘s efforts as a perimeter defender. He has been an excellent stopper to begin this season and deserves more credit for his development on that end.

The key for this team moving forward continues to be finding ways to develop offensively. Powell’s supporting cast appears to be improving as of late but the team’s adjusted offensive efficiency rating still sits at 40th nationally. If they can find other pieces that can reliably post buckets around Powell, then Seton Hall will seriously start to take off.

Mamu’s return later in the season will also help. Seton Hall is a legit Big East contender.

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