Pirate Preview: Scotty Middleton

Published: Tuesday, September 17, 2024

by Jack Pine

Scotty Middleton is set to make waves in his sophomore season at Seton Hall, having transferred from Ohio State. A talented and versatile forward, Middleton brings with him great potential and a reputation for being a defensive stalwart. His decision to transfer, announced on April 24, was a major acquisition for the Pirates, who are looking to build upon their recent success after winning the NIT Championship last season. Middleton's ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor makes him a player to watch as he transitions into a key role for Seton Hall.

Before arriving at Ohio State, Scotty Middleton was highly sought-after, ranking 35th nationally by ESPN. He played his high school basketball at Sunrise Christian, one of the country's top programs, where he served as team captain in his senior year and helped lead the team to the Geico Nationals semifinals. Middleton was instrumental in Sunrise's success, including a notable victory over defending champion Montverde in the first round.

Middleton appeared in 30 games for the Buckeyes, starting one. Despite playing limited minutes (15.3 per game), he made his presence felt on both offense and defense. Averaging 4.4 points and 1.7 rebounds per game, Middleton demonstrated his efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc. He connected on 28 of his 62 shots (45.2%) from long range. Impressively, he made 10 of his final 12 three-pointers in the last five games of the season, showcasing his ability to heat up at critical moments.

On the defensive end, Middleton proved to be one of the Buckeyes' quickest and most versatile defenders. He recorded seven blocks and 11 steals, using his 6-foot-6 frame and long wingspan to disrupt opponents. His quickness and agility allowed him to guard multiple positions, making him a valuable asset on the perimeter and in the paint.

Offensively, Middleton has shown significant improvement as a shooter. His spot-up shooting has become more reliable, and he has developed a pull-up game that allows him to shoot over smaller defenders. While not a primary playmaker, Middleton has demonstrated flashes of slashing potential, though he still needs to work on maintaining his balance and strength when driving to the basket.

Middleton had several standout performances throughout the 2023–24 season. His collegiate debut was particularly noteworthy, as he scored 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds while posting a team-high +19 plus/minus in Ohio State's season opener against Oakland. In his first Big Ten road game against Penn State, Middleton contributed nine points and five rebounds, showing he could step up in tough environments. He was also a perfect 4-of-4 from the floor at Indiana, finishing with nine points in that game.

As Middleton embarks on his first season at The Hall, he has the opportunity to take on a larger role and showcase his all-around game. The Pirates will be counting on his defensive versatility, and his continued development as a shooter will be key to his success. Middleton's ability to guard multiple positions and contribute as a scorer makes him a crucial piece for the Pirates, and fans are excited to see how he evolves in his new environment.

With his combination of size, athleticism, and defensive IQ, Middleton has the potential to be a game-changer for the Pirates. If he continues to improve on the offensive end, particularly with his shooting and playmaking, he could emerge as one of the team’s most impactful players this season.

Jack Pine is an Assistant Sports Director/Sports Web Editor at WSOU 89.5 and can be reached at john.pine@student.shu.edu. 

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