Big East Basketball Power Rankings: Should Villanova remain No. 1?
Record: 9-1
KenPom Rank: 26
NET Ranking: 24 (Q1: 2-1, Q2: 1-0, Q3: 2-0, Q4: 3-0)
Best non-conference win(s): at Michigan, vs Texas
Bad loss(es): None
I was very wrong about the Pirates, like a lot of my preseason projections.
This team looks confident when they step on the court, and after all, why shouldn’t they? They have two top 10 wins (on the road at Michigan and at home over Texas) and would be undefeated if not for a heroic game-winning 3-pointer from Meechie Johnson of Ohio State. I hear everyone discrediting the Michigan win, but that was a tough road environment with only two games under their belt on the season. That’s still an impressive win in my book.
Seton Hall has depth and talent that can carry them far this season.
Jared Rhoden (17.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg) is the team leader but, Bryce Aiken (11.2 ppg) is the second most important player on this team behind Rhoden. He comes off the bench and plays with confidence. He wants the ball late in games. Aiken is a fearless closer for this team.
Myles Cale (9.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg) is a stout defender who is typically tasked with shutting down the opponent’s best scorer and play maker and Kadary Richmond (7.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.4 apg) is starting to come into his own for the Pirates.
The depth doesn’t end in the backcourt though. The Seton Hall frontcourt is loaded. The addition of Alexis Yetna (9.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg) and the emergence of Tray Jackson (7.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg) alongside Tyrese Samuel’s (10.8 ppt, 6.9 rpg) improvement has been huge for Seton Hall.
Ike Obiagu (2.7 bpg) is a defensive force. He injured his ankle against Texas in the first half, so it’s unclear when he will be available again. Either way, Seton Hall has options and can wear you down inside and out. This team has been impressive.
Overall, Seton Hall is deep and talented. They are a sound defensive team with plenty of options on offense. I almost convinced myself to put them as the number one team over Villanova, but you have to give credit to the Wildcats for their tough schedule. Seton Hall may be able to slow Villanova down though with their size and athleticism.
If Seton Hall can improve their shooting from deep just a tad, they will be tough to stop. They have sweet-sixteen and beyond level talent and depth. Anything short of that should be a disappointment.