soccer games today

As I sit down to analyze Seton Hall's prospects for the 2024 season, I can't help but draw parallels between their situation and what we're seeing in professional leagues worldwide. Just look at the MPBL standings where Abra leads the North Division with that impressive 23-2 record - that's the kind of dominance Seton Hall should aspire to replicate in the Big East. Having followed college basketball for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen eye for roster construction, and I must say, this Pirates squad has me genuinely excited about what they can achieve this coming season.

The foundation of any successful team starts with returning talent, and Seton Hall brings back what I consider to be one of the most underrated backcourts in the nation. Kadary Richmond's decision to return for his senior year changes everything for this program - mark my words. I've watched this kid develop since his freshman year, and his transformation into a legitimate two-way threat has been remarkable. Last season, he averaged 14.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while consistently drawing the toughest defensive assignments. Those numbers don't even tell the full story of his impact - his ability to control the tempo and make smart decisions in crunch time reminds me of some of the great Seton Hall guards I've watched over the years. Alongside him, Al-Amir Dawes provides the kind of shooting threat that spaces the floor beautifully. I remember watching him drain seven three-pointers against UConn last February and thinking this duo could be special if they had one more year together.

What really fascinates me about this roster construction is how coach Shaheen Holloway has built his frontcourt. The addition of Elijah Hutchins-Everett from Austin Peay gives them a legitimate low-post scoring threat they've been missing. I've studied his tape extensively, and his footwork in the paint is advanced for someone his age - he's got three or four reliable moves he can go to when they need a bucket. Combine that with the defensive presence of Tyrese Samuel, who I believe is poised for a breakout season after showing flashes of brilliance last year, and you've got what could be one of the most balanced frontcourts in the conference. Samuel's athleticism is something special - I've seen him switch onto guards and hold his own, then sprint the floor for an alley-oop on the next possession. That versatility is exactly what modern college basketball demands.

Looking at their non-conference schedule, which I've analyzed game by game, they've got some fascinating tests early that will tell us a lot about this team's ceiling. The matchup against Iowa in the Gavitt Games stands out to me as particularly intriguing - facing a high-powered offense like the Hawkeyes on the road will challenge their defensive principles immediately. Then there's the rivalry game against Rutgers, which I always circle on my calendar because of the intensity it brings out in both teams. These early tests will be crucial for working out rotations and building chemistry before conference play begins. I'm especially curious to see how their freshmen adapt to the speed of college basketball - Jaquan Sanders and Jaquan Harris both showed tremendous potential in the limited minutes I saw them play during summer workouts.

The Big East landscape looks particularly challenging this season, with Creighton returning nearly everyone from their Elite Eight team and UConn reloading with another top-tier recruiting class. But here's what many analysts are missing about Seton Hall - they've got continuity in a conference where several top teams are integrating significant new pieces. While other programs are trying to blend transfers and freshmen, the Pirates return approximately 78% of their scoring from last season. That kind of retention is rare in today's transfer portal era, and it gives them a significant advantage in early conference games. I've always believed that experienced teams who've played together consistently outperform more talented but less cohesive squads, especially in conference play where familiarity with opponents' systems matters.

When I project their season outcome, I see them finishing somewhere between 22-8 and 24-6 in the regular season, which should comfortably put them in the NCAA Tournament field. The comparison to Abra's 23-2 record in the MPBL isn't perfect, but it illustrates the kind of winning percentage elite teams maintain. My prediction has them as a 5-seed in the tournament, with potential to advance to the second weekend depending on matchups. What gives me confidence in this projection is their defensive identity - Coach Holloway has instilled the same defensive principles that made his Saint Peter's team so successful, and with more talent at his disposal, the results should be even better. I've watched teams try to run their offense against Seton Hall's switching schemes and completely unravel - it's a thing of beauty when executed properly.

The development of their bench will be crucial, and this is where I have some concerns. Dre Davis provides reliable scoring punch, but beyond him, there are questions about consistent production. Tray Jackson has shown flashes of his potential, but needs to bring energy every night rather than in spurts. If they can get reliable minutes from their reserves, especially on the defensive end, it will prevent the drop-off we sometimes saw last season when starters needed rest. I'm particularly interested to see how much Jamir Harris can contribute in his final season - he's been through the wars of Big East play and provides valuable leadership even when his shot isn't falling.

As the season approaches, I find myself more optimistic about Seton Hall than I've been in several years. The combination of experienced guards, improved frontcourt depth, and a coach who understands how to maximize his roster gives them all the ingredients for a memorable season. While they may not have the blue-chip recruits that generate national headlines, they've got the cohesion and defensive identity that wins games in March. If they can stay healthy and continue developing their young players, I believe this team has the potential to surprise people and make some noise when it matters most. The journey begins in November, but the foundation for success is being built right now in those practice gym sessions that most fans never see.