Pirate Preview: Trey Parker

Published: Wednesday, September 9, 2026

by AJ Rayer

In today’s world of college basketball, it’s almost unheard of for only one player to return to campus for the following year after a 21-win season. But following an offseason filled with change, that’s exactly the situation Trey Parker finds himself in with Seton Hall. 

Now in his junior season, Parker will have to take on more of a leadership role as an upperclassman on a completely new look roster in South Orange.

Parker was a fan favorite for Pirates fans last season, mainly serving as a backup combo guard, playing behind Budd Clark, who landed with Ole Miss in the Transfer Portal back in April.

He had several games where he provided a spark the Pirates would need to close out games, especially in Big East play. A 12-point performance in a comeback win at Georgetown and a nine-point outing at home against Creighton being the standouts. 

Of course, you can’t forget the alley-oop he threw down against Rutgers in the Garden State Hardwood Classic. Easily a top highlight from last season. 

While Parker only played around 15 minutes per game, and averaged just a tad over four points, his high-motor playstyle and defensive tenacity made him a perfect embodiment for what Shaheen Holloway wants his teams to play like.  

Looking at the Pirates roster for this season, there is no shortage of guards. Radford transfer Del Jones has high-major experience and can flat out score the ball; Texas transfer Simeon Wilcher has Big East experience at St. John’s and is expected to play big minutes.

So how does Parker’s role evolve for this season? For one, Coach Holloway has always said his players improve drastically with him in year two, look at Kadary Richmond and Dre Davis as examples.  

One of Parker’s strongest gifts is his freakish athleticism, which made him a viral High School Prospect at OTE. While there were moments where he showed it off last season, being a more aggressive driver and looking to get to the rim could take his production up a notch.  

Also, one of the more underrated parts of Parker’s game is his ability to draw fouls and get to the free throw line, where he shot 80% last season. Building on this will be key for him as well. 

As a playmaker, Parker should have way more opportunities to set his teammates up for success this season. Shooting was a priority for Coach Holloway in the transfer portal, creating more drive-and-kick opportunities for Parker to take advantage of.  

Athletic bigs like Devin Williams and Terry Copeland should also complement Parker in pick-and-roll situations, giving him additional options to work with offensively.  

With all of the unknown with how the pieces on Seton Hall’s roster will fit together. Trey Parker provides fans with some familiarity and is poised to make a big jump as a junior.

AJ Rayer can be reached at alexander.rayer@student.shu.edu 

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