We continue our recruit and return series with the Seton Hall Pirates, whose season ended Friday with a loss to Arkansas in the South Region. Here is a look at what the 2017-18 season could hold:
Possible 2017-18 starting five:
G: Myles Powell
Who is lost: There’s a possibility that Delgado can test the waters, but for now, we’ll operate under the impression that he returns to South Orange next season. As a result, only one member of the rotation will depart: former Wake Forest transfer Madison Jones. Jones was a secondary ball handler and distributor for the Pirates, and he guarded effectively.
Who is added: There are only two players in Kevin Willard’s 2017 class, but the headliner is a good one. ESPN 100 guard Myles Cale is a big-time scorer who could make an immediate impact on the perimeter. He has good size for the wing and is more than just the knockdown shooter he was early in his high school career. Cale could be a sixth man extraordinaire for the Pirates. Local power forward Darnell Brodie adds depth inside.
What it means for next season: Seton Hall will still revolve around its big three of Carrington, Rodriguez and Delgado. The three combined for more than 48 points per game this past season and carried the Pirates offensively. Carrington is a terrific point guard who can get hot from 3-point range and get into the lane against nearly any defender. Rodriguez is a matchup nightmare at the forward spot, given his strength and ability to shoot from the perimeter. We could see him play more small-ball 4 next season. Delgado is one of the best big men in the country, notching 13 straight double-doubles late in the season. He has taken major strides the past couple years. Look for Powell to put up big numbers next season. He came off the bench as a freshman but can fill it up and is a very good 3-point shooter. Sanogo and Michael Nzei are role players up front.
Trending: Up. As long as Willard has Carrington, Rodriguez and Delgado, Seton Hall should return to the NCAA tournament. The Pirates have finished very strong the past two seasons, but look for them to start the winning ways earlier in 2017-18. This could be a very good team.