Seton Hall Basketball: 3 key storylines heading into 2020-21 season

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 14: Head coach Kevin Willard of the Seton Hall Pirates reacts in the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at Prudential Center on November 14, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey.The Michigan State Spartans defeated the Seton Hall Pirates 76-73. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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SOUTH ORANGE, NJ – NOVEMBER 05: Jared Rhoden #14 of the Seton Hall Pirates (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

3. Who are the X-Factors for Seton Hall?

Like most college basketball teams, Seton Hall has some players who could break out and help the Pirates in a huge way next season.

Firstly, we can look toward Tyrese Samuel who averaged 3 PPG and 2.7 REB and shot 33% from 3 in only 11 minutes per game. Samuel had trouble with playing time last year in a crowded frontcourt, but Samuel’s 6’10 frame and the possibility of Mamukelashvili playing more time at Center; I’d expect Samuel to get at least 20 minutes per game this year. One concern for Samuel was his FT shooting (which was at 44%), but he only took 25 attempts, and sometimes free throw shooters struggle when they’re constantly coming in and out of the game. If there’s anyone I think can breakout and help the Pirates, I think Samuel would be the guy.

Another player who had a fairly good season and could fully breakout next season is Jared Rhoden. Rhoden averaged 9.1 PPG on 45% shooting and 6.4 REB after earning a starting spot last season while Mamukelashvili was hurt last season. However, Rhoden was forced to play PF due to the injury and Samuel not being fully adjusted to D1 basketball, and his 6’6 frame left Seton Hall severely undersized. With more depth in the frontcourt this year, Rhoden can return to his natural spot on the wing, and be more effective defensively and offensively.

So now that we’ve looked at some key pieces for the Pirates next season, we’ll conclude with what I believe is this team’s ceiling and floor for the 2020-21 season

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