Seton Hall
2021 Pirate Player Preview: Victoria Keenan
Date: August 25, 2021By: Jorie Mickens
Seton Hall Athletics
After a relatively underwhelming freshman season, Victoria Keenan issued multiple breakout performances during her second year with the Pirates.
The former 2019 Lehigh Valley Live and Morning Call All-Area Player of the Year averaged 4.0 points and 0.5 rebounds-per-night in 14 games off the bench last season. But those per-game stats hardly tell the story of Keenan’s sophomore year.
It didn’t take long for Keenan to make her mark last season, as in the Pirates’ first game of the year against Saint Peter’s, one that was played without head coach Anthony Bozzella on the sideline and one in which the Pirates tied its single-game points record (107), the Bethlehem-native scored 21 points in 14 minutes off Seton Hall’s bench.
How about Victoria Keenan?? She was a perfect 4-for-4 from downtown in the first half for a career-best 12 points.#HALLin pic.twitter.com/miGT0IXcwj
— Seton Hall Women’s Basketball (@SHUWBB) December 8, 2020
Not only did Keenan score 21 points in the game, but she did so by drilling seven three-pointers on perfect efficiency. Keenan’s season-opener performance tied a Seton Hall record for the second-most threes made in a single game.
It’s pretty evident that Keenan’s best attribute is her ability to shoot the basketball, particularly from beyond the arc. Last year, she shot 59% from the field, 62% from three and only took three shots from within the three-point line.
Seton Hall Athletics
Unfortunately for Keenan though, the Pirates’ roster includes players like Mya Jackson, Andra Espinoza-Hunter and Lauren Park-Lane, three component three-point shooters, making floor-spacing not much of a pressing issue for the team. But luckily for the Pirates, Keenan can impact the game in more ways than one.
Back in high school, Keenan displayed an uncanny ability to score in the fastbreak. Whether it was pulling up from three or attacking the rim, the former Northampton standout was potent in transition. If Keenan can get within the flow of the offense and find her spots on the fastbreak this season, she’ll be able to rack up easy points that way rather than in traditional half-court settings.
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That said, there are a few holes in Keenan’s game, but perhaps none larger than her consistency.
Not having a steady role within a coach’s rotation never bodes well for any basketball player, especially shooters like Keenan. But despite playing in 14 games this past season, 75% of Keenan’s points came in just two games, as she shot 7-7 from three for a second time during a February matchup against the Xavier Musketeers.
Victoria Keenan just nailed the Pirates' program-record 17th three-pointer of the game. She's 7-for-7!!!#HALLin pic.twitter.com/zNuHPYLino
— Seton Hall Women’s Basketball (@SHUWBB) February 25, 2021
While an up-and-down season is far from Keenan’s fault, the Pirates could use some stability from her in year three.
Lastly, if Keenan can become a peskier defender, that will go a long way in her efforts of obtaining more playing time. Keenan only recorded two steals her sophomore season, and while steals are not the end all be all barometer of defense, one would like to see more activity from her on that side of the ball.
As she enters her junior year with the Pirates, Keenan will have ample opportunity to take a leap forward this season. But it is up to her to make the most of that opportunity.
Seton Hall Athletics
Whenever the Pirates need instant offense, they should look to Keenan. But if she can develop other parts of her game, there’s no doubt she will be a major contributor to Seton Hall this year.
Jorie Mickens is an Assistant Sports Director for WSOU Sports and can be reached at jorie.mickens@student.shu.edu.
Posted in: Women's Basketball, Sports, WSOU