Pirate Preview: Nicole Melious

Published: Saturday, October 19, 2024

by Victor Lisboa

The 2023-24 Seton Hall Pirates women’s basketball season was an encouraging one. The team celebrated their 50th season together, finished with a 17-15 record (53%), and got a big win against DePaul in the Big East Tournament. However, their season ended going down to Saint Joseph’s 54-47 in the WBIT in late March. Ultimately, fans saw a resilient team that was ready to battle every game, and a squad that really resembled that Pirate pride.  

The Hall saw some big departures last year, most notably their top three scorers in Azana Baines, Micah Gray and Kaelyn Satterfield, as well as other notable losses like Sha’Lynn Hagans and A’jah Davis. But every season, the Pirates get new freshmen and transfers to compete for the blue and white. One of those intriguing additions this year is sophomore transfer Nicole Melious.

Melious has the opportunity to play a significant role in this team’s success, as there are several voids to fill, especially in the scoring department. Melious scored over 3,100 points in three seasons at Susan E. Wagner High School back in her hometown in Staten Island. She also holds the New York City all-time single season scoring record with 1,137 points. She is the all-time leading scoring in Staten Island, and ranks fourth all-time in the state.  

In her freshman year at La Salle University, she averaged about 11 points per game, shot 36% from the field, and 34% from three. Melious is looking to improve on these numbers in a Pirates uniform this year, and will utilize every opportunity to manifest her scoring prowess and knack for putting the ball through the net. At 5 feet 8 inches, her ability to remain aggressive and seize on playmaking opportunities is impressive.  

At La Salle, she was named to the Atlantic-10 All-Rookie team, ranking fifth in the conference with 2.4 three-pointers per game. She made appearances in all 30 games and averaged about 29 minutes each contest. From her leading accolades in high school, to showing impressive promise as a freshman in the A10, Melious has built an impressive resume to bring into South Orange.  

Fans should keep their eyes and attention on Melious this season, as she will bring her tenacious work and confident play to Walsh Gymnasium. She will undoubtedly display her skills and embody the Pirate pride, as she hopes to assist the team to another winning season and tournament aspirations.

Melious is a fascinating addition for the team this year, and could play a pivotal role in making a positive impact and fueling a successful Pirates season. If she can capitalize on her opportunities, she could be a star for the Pirates for years to come.  

Victor Lisboa can be reached at victor.lisboa@student.shu.edu. 

 

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