Seton Hall Basketball: 2021-22 season preview and outlook for Pirates

Outlook for Seton Hall Basketball

In my Big East Preseason Power Rankings, I have Seton Hall finishing 6th in the Big East, but (heavy emphasis here) 2-6 is a total tossup. The top of the Big East will be a gauntlet, just like every season.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see any possible scenario in which UConn, St. John’s, Xavier, Butler, and Seton Hall are all competing to finish 2-6 in the Big East with only a game or two of separation between teams. If Kadary Richmond and Alexis Yetna can click with the team quickly and become impact players (which I expect they will), then Seton Hall should have a bounce-back year.

KenPom projects the Pirates to finish the season 4th in the Big East, with a record of 18-12 (11-9). I would have to think if Seton Hall can win a big game or two in their non-conference slate that this would be more than enough to make the NCAA tournament. Michigan, Ohio State, and Texas will all be tough matchups, but capping off the non-conference slate with wins over Rutgers and Iona should give the Pirates confidence heading into conference play.

All that said, I think Seton Hall has the talent to make the NCAA tournament and perhaps win a game in the opening round, but that might be their ceiling for me at this point. A lot will depend on Kadary Richmond coming into his role as the point guard, and Rhoden improving his shooting.

Seton Hall is also lacking a backup for Obiagu, but a lineup with 4 guards/wings and Yetna at the 5 might be their best option regardless. This gives Willard some nice flexibility to go big or small as both Yetna and Samuel would be capable options as small ball centers.

People are sleeping on this Seton Hall team, including myself a bit. As I continue to do more research on them, I would be shocked if this team falls short of an NCAA tournament berth.