New-Look Pirates To Open 2024-25 Season Against St. Peter’s

Published: Monday, November 4, 2024

by CJ Weipz

The reigning NIT champion Seton Hall Pirates return to the Prudential Center on Monday night for the first time since early March to face the St. Peter’s Peacocks. This marks the third consecutive year the Pirates have taken on head coach Shaheen Holloway’s former squad. However, both teams look almost unrecognizable from previous matchups. 

The Pirates retained only three scholarship players from last season, with just two seeing significant minutes. Isaiah Coleman, a BIG EAST All-Freshman Team selection last year, and Dylan Addae-Wusu, a transfer from St. John’s, lead a roster packed with depth at the guard position. 

“We got a couple guys that could be floor generals,” Coach Holloway said after an open practice earlier in October, “When [Kadary Richmond] went down, we kind of struggled. I didn’t want that to happen this year.” 

Among Seton Hall’s new faces, Chaunce Jenkins stands out. The 6-foot-4 senior from Old Dominion made his mark in the Sun Belt over the past two seasons, earning third-team and second-team All-Conference honors with the Monarchs. Jenkins ranked fifth in the Sun Belt in scoring, averaging 15.9 points per game, and showcased three-level scoring ability, shooting 33.7% from beyond the arc during his time at Old Dominion. 

Joining Jenkins are former First-Team All-SWAC selection Zion Harmon from Bethune-Cookman and projected NBA Draft pick Garwey Dual from Providence, bolstering depth on a guard-heavy roster. 

Coach Holloway also revamped the frontcourt this offseason, adding Louisville big man Emmanuel Okorafor and Evansville standout Yacine Toumi. Okorafor played just over five minutes per game last season for the struggling Cardinals but aims to bring the size and strength Seton Hall needs down low. Toumi, coming off his best college season, averaged nearly 11 points and over six rebounds per game, showcasing impressive court vision for his position. 

Their opening night opponent faces similar challenges with the transfer portal this season. Sophomore standout Corey Washington, who led the Peacocks to their second NCAA Tournament appearance in three years, transferred to Wichita State over the summer. 

The Jersey City squad is led by preseason All-Conference selections Marcus Randolph and Mouhamed Sow. Randolph was a key contributor for St. Peter’s last season, averaging 6.5 points and more than a rebound per game while shooting over 40% from beyond the arc. Sow provided a spark in the paint, ranking sixth in the MAAC in block percentage under Coach Mason. 

The Peacocks also tapped into the transfer portal, adding former McDonald’s All-American nominee Zaakir Williamson from Buffalo. The redshirt junior primarily came off the bench during his time in upstate New York but now aims to make an impact in the MAAC.  

Miami (Ohio) transfer Jaquel Morris adds depth to the backcourt, having averaged over five points and four rebounds per game with the RedHawks. The trio of Williamson, Morris, and Sow look to mount a strong attack against a Seton Hall team lacking a true big man. 

Tip-off between Seton Hall and St. Peter’s is set for 7:30 p.m. Brian Henderson and Spencer Gonzales will be on the call for 89.5 FM WSOU, with live coverage starting at 7:15 p.m. 

CJ Weipz is an Assistant Sports Director at 89.5 WSOU and can be reached at christopher.weipz@student.shu.edu. 

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