The Seton Hall Pirates are setting their sights high for the 2025-26 college basketball season. After a challenging year, the team is determined to make a statement in the Big East Conference. With a completely retooled roster and a fresh injection of talent, the Pirates are aiming to defy expectations and emerge as a surprise contender.
Head Coach Shaheen Holloway has been working tirelessly to rebuild the program, bringing in a wave of transfers to revitalize the team’s performance. The focus is on creating a cohesive unit that can compete at a high level, game in and game out. The Pirates’ journey to redemption promises to be a thrilling one, filled with challenges and opportunities.
This article will delve into the key players, the team’s strategy, and the overall outlook for Seton Hall as they embark on this new chapter. Can the retooled Pirates make a significant leap and shock the Big East? Here’s what to expect from Seton Hall in the upcoming season.
Nowhere to Go But Up
For the Seton Hall Pirates, the only direction is upwards. After a dismal seven-win season—their lowest since 1981-82—there’s an expectation for improvement. The real question is: how much progress can they achieve?
External expectations remain subdued. The Big East coaches picked Seton Hall to finish last, with no players selected for the all-league teams. However, this underestimation could work in their favor, fueling their drive to prove doubters wrong.
“What Budd brings to the team is that he’s a winner,” Holloway said of the 5-foot-10 Clark during Seton Hall media day. “He’s a Philly kid. He’s tough, he plays my style of basketball. He’s fearless. He’s got a chip on his shoulder bigger than anybody I know, and he’s got something to prove, and that’s why I love the qualities that he [has]. He scored a lot last year, but I don’t think people understand how good of a playmaker he is.”
The team’s success hinges on how quickly these new additions can gel and adapt to Holloway’s system. The Pirates are banking on their fresh talent and renewed determination to make waves in the Big East.
A Roster Remade: New Faces, New Hopes
Shaheen Holloway has essentially rebuilt the Seton Hall roster, bringing in 10 transfers to inject new life into the program. This overhaul has created a buzz of anticipation, with fans eager to see how these new pieces fit together.
Among the key additions is Adam “Budd” Clark, a point guard from Merrimack. Clark, an All-MAAC first team selection, brings an impressive track record, averaging 19.8 points and six assists. His playmaking abilities and scoring prowess could be a game-changer for the Pirates’ offense.
Other notable transfers include high-scoring Pacific wing Elijah Fisher, guards Trey Parker (N.C. State), Mike Williams (LSU), and AJ Staton-McCray (Miami). These players add depth and versatility to the roster, giving Holloway numerous options in his lineup.
Adding to the excitement is freshman forward Najai Hines, a Top-75 recruit. Hines could form a formidable inside duo with sophomore big man Godswill Erheriene, providing a strong presence in the paint.
Adam “Budd” Clark: The Impact Point Guard
Adam “Budd” Clark is expected to make an immediate impact for Seton Hall. His experience and leadership at the point guard position are invaluable, and his ability to both score and create opportunities for teammates sets him apart.
Holloway has high praise for Clark, emphasizing his winning mentality and toughness. Clark’s fearless approach and chip-on-his-shoulder attitude make him a perfect fit for Holloway’s style of basketball.
With Clark leading the charge, Seton Hall’s offense is poised to be more dynamic and efficient. His court vision and decision-making will be crucial in close games, providing the Pirates with a reliable option in crucial moments.
“He’s got a chip on his shoulder bigger than anybody I know, and he’s got something to prove, and that’s why I love the qualities that he [has]. He scored a lot last year, but I don’t think people understand how good of a playmaker he is,” Holloway said.
Shaheen Holloway’s Vision
Shaheen Holloway is no stranger to turning programs around. Before joining Seton Hall, he led Saint Peter’s to the Elite Eight, becoming a March Madness sensation. In his second season with Seton Hall, the team narrowly missed the NCAA Tournament and won the NIT.
Holloway’s coaching philosophy emphasizes toughness, resilience, and a relentless work ethic. He instills a winning mentality in his players, pushing them to exceed their limits. The goal is not just to win games but to build a sustainable, competitive program.
After losing key players to the transfer portal, Holloway faced a significant setback. However, he has responded with an aggressive recruiting strategy, bringing in a diverse group of players who fit his vision. The hope is that the Pirates will surprise many this winter, bouncing back from a program-worst 25 losses.
Big East Outlook: A Soft Bottom Half
The Big East Conference is known for its competitiveness, but Seton Hall has an opportunity to capitalize on what appears to be a weaker bottom half. This could allow the Pirates to exceed expectations and climb the conference standings.
With their retooled roster and improved team chemistry, Seton Hall could be a tough matchup for any opponent. Their ability to compete on both ends of the court will be critical in navigating the challenges of the Big East schedule.
If the Pirates can stay healthy and maintain a high level of consistency, they have the potential to make a significant impact in the conference. Their goal is to prove that they are better than expected and secure a spot in the postseason tournament.
Team Dynamics and Potential Surprises
Holloway believes this year’s team will be a joy to watch, highlighting their speed, athleticism, and depth. He emphasizes the importance of bringing these elements together and maximizing their potential as a cohesive unit.
The coach is transparent about his expectations, stating that he genuinely believes in the team’s ability to be great, as long as they stay healthy and committed. This positive outlook is infectious, creating a sense of optimism and determination within the program.
“This team is going to be a joy to watch. We’re different, we’re fast, we’re quicker, we’re athletic, we’re deep,” Holloway said. “I think when you bring all those things together, now it’s time for me to do my job as a coach and put it all together.”
As the season approaches, Seton Hall is poised to surprise many and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Big East Conference.
Final Thoughts: Poised for a Surprise?
Seton Hall is embarking on a journey of redemption. With a roster makeover and a renewed sense of purpose, the Pirates are aiming to defy expectations and make a statement in the Big East Conference. The key takeaways from their preparations include a strong emphasis on teamwork, athleticism, and a relentless pursuit of improvement.
The addition of Adam “Budd” Clark brings leadership and playmaking to the point guard position, while the influx of transfers adds depth and versatility to the roster. Shaheen Holloway’s coaching philosophy, which emphasizes toughness and resilience, sets the tone for a program determined to succeed.
“I’m super transparent, and I wear my heart on my sleeve,” he added. “That’s just the way I am. So if I didn’t think that we were going to be good [this season], I’d tell you guys. As long as we stay healthy, and everyone keeps buying in, I think we have a chance to be really great.”
Seton Hall is well-positioned to surprise many and establish themselves as a competitive force in the Big East. The Pirates are set to make some noise this season. Their success will hinge on their ability to stay healthy, maintain consistency, and execute their game plan with precision. As they embark on this new chapter, all eyes will be on Seton Hall to see if they can truly surprise the college basketball world.
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