The Return of Mamu
The Big East Conference is going to be an absolute bloodbath next season, as per usual. With UConn back, yet another second-tier team is added into the fold. It is Villanova at the top, but the next five or so teams below them are more than formidable. Assuming there is in fact a season, this is truly a Big East fan’s dream.
You may be asking, what team is the most capable of separating themselves from the group? The answer is Seton Hall. The reason, well, he’s back. And if you don’t know, you better ask somebody.
Sandro Mamukelashvili is officially coming back to South Orange for his fourth and final year, giving the Pirates one of the most complimentary rosters in the nation. That’s a bold statement, but allow me to explain.
Backcourt
Bryce Aiken, incoming graduate transfer from Harvard, will be the starter at the point. He averaged 22 ppg as a junior and 17 his senior year before getting injured. He is a pure scorer from anywhere on the court, and is expected to fill a large portion of the void Myles Powell left behind. At the two guard spot is Takal Molson, an incoming transfer from Canisius. Molson is a bruiser on offense and a gritty defender. Kevin Willard has compared him to Alpha Diallo last year from Providence. These two guys compliment each other perfectly. It is very similar to the way the splash brothers from Golden State compliment one another’s styles. An undersized, shifty score first playmaker and a bigger, all around talent next to him. They have not played a single game together, but once they get on the same page I like their chances against any backcourt in the nation. Their sixth man is former walk-on and fan favorite Shavar Reynolds Jr.. Shavar has improved every year since he stepped foot on campus, and that isn’t going to change entering his senior year. Shavar can defend anyone Kevin Willard puts in front of him, while also being exceptional as a shooter and secondary playmaker. These three guards all bring something different to the table and will be a force on both ends of the floor. The Pirates have a backcourt oozing with potential still with a lot to prove.
Wings
If your basketball team has multiple wing defenders who can knock down threes, you are usually going to be in good shape. The Pirates have two veteran wings who can do that and more. There is no denying Myles Cale had a down year his junior year. This can be contributed to a variety of things, but I believe now with Powell and McKnight leaving, Cale will seize the offensive opportunity and finally put it all together. Next is Jared Rhoden who has breakout potential. Freshman year he was still a raw talent while last season he was able to improve and refine his game. For his junior campaign, everyone is expecting a leap as one of the best players in the Big East Conference. His defensive and rebounding skills are already there. If he can become a more efficient scorer at all three levels, watch out. Lastly, freshman sharpshooter Domingus Stevens looks to contribute in any way possible. Between being stuck behind two veterans and Willard’s reluctance to trust his freshman, Stevens will have a tough time cracking into the rotation. His shooting is a valuable asset, and if he can get up to speed on defense I’m sure Willard will give him some chances. With or without Stevens, Cale and Rhoden are more than enough to get the job done.
Frontcourt
The Pirates’ frontcourt depth is dynamic, versatile, and unpredictable. Sandro Mamukalshvili might be their best all around player, Tyrese Samuel, like Rhoden, is about ready to pop, and Ike Obiagu is one of the best rim protectors in the conference. These three can all play with each other in any combination. The small ball frontcourt pairing of Sandro and Tyrese could be something special. Ike and Sandro logged minutes together last year and played pretty well outside of the fouling tendencies. Incoming freshman Jeff Ngandu is a project for big man whisperer Grant Billmeier to take on, but his high motor and rebounding could be another valuable asset. Obiagu struggles rebounding, so if Ngandu can rim-run and snatch boards, he can crack into the rotation. If needed, Jared Rhoden can play the four due to his elite rebounding. Overall, the Pirates have a solid frontcourt that is spearheaded by Sandro.
Run. It. Back.
Seton Hall was poised to make some noise in the 2020 postseason, but as we all know they never got the opportunity. I expect this incoming team to be hungry to get back. Even with new parts being plugged in, the heart and soul of the team is still there. Only this time, they have to generate the energy and drive without guys like Quincy McKnight and especially Myles Powell. Between Mamu, Shavar, Cale, and Rhoden, I think the hunger will persist and this Seton Hall team will be on a mission. Flying under the radar nationally, unlike last season, might be for the best and could recreate some of the 2018-19 underdog season magic.
In whatever form the 2020-21 season takes shape, the Pirates are prepared to run it back.