Pirate Preview: Isaiah Coleman

Published: Thursday, September 19, 2024

by Michael Federico

The Seton Hall Pirates are coming off their first NIT championship since 1953 after defeating Indiana State 79-77. Three players from that NIT-winning team return to this year’s revamped Pirates squad, including promising guard Isaiah Coleman from Fredericksburg, Virginia. 

Coleman has quickly become a key contributor for the Pirates. Known for his ability to drive to the basket and knock down three-pointers, he is a versatile player who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. 

Last season, the freshman appeared in 33 games, making three starts. Coleman registered seven double-digit performances in his first year wearing blue and white, including a career-high 17 points against Monmouth. He made his first career start against Providence, where he scored 11 points, collected five rebounds, and connected on 5-of-8 shots from the field. 

Coleman's offensive spark off the bench enabled him to score the most points by a Seton Hall freshman since Sandro Mamukelashvili in the 2017-18 season.

One of the biggest moments of Coleman’s young career came during the Pirates’ postseason run, when he scored 14 points and made 6-of-8 shots from the floor in the NIT second round against North Texas. His performance included an electrifying three-pointer at the end of the first half that sent Walsh Gymnasium into a frenzy. 

Coleman was named to the BIG EAST All-Freshman Team, becoming the first Pirate to earn this honor since Isaiah Whitehead and Angel Delgado in 2015. He was also named BIG EAST Freshman of the Week twice, making him the first Pirate to achieve this since Whitehead, Delgado, and Khadeen Carrington in the 2014-15 season. 

Coleman is expected to have a significant impact following a strong freshman year and key departures from last season. His skill set, athleticism, and experience from his first year will be crucial to the team’s success. If he builds on his freshman performance, Coleman could become one of the team’s primary scoring options. His ability to drive to the basket, shoot from mid-range, and knock down shots from beyond the arc makes him a threat from anywhere on the court. 

Coleman’s size and skills enable him to play multiple roles, switching between shooting guard and small forward depending on matchups. His athleticism and length also make him a versatile defender capable of guarding various positions. His development on the defensive end will be crucial for Coach Shaheen Holloway’s defensive schemes, as Holloway emphasizes a defense-first approach and has established an identity for the Pirates as a tough, gritty, and physical team.

High expectations surround Isaiah Coleman in his sophomore year in South Orange. He will be a key player to watch as the Seton Hall Pirates aim to make a push for the NCAA tournament in March.

 

Michael Federico is the Technical Operations Director for WSOU-FM. He can be reached at michael.federico@student.shu.edu. 

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