SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. — As Shaheen Holloway prepares to enter his fifth season leading Seton Hall, the Pirates’ head coach understands that building a successful team takes more than bringing talented players together. It requires time, trust, consistency and the development of chemistry among a roster featuring 13 new players.
During Seton Hall’s media day, Holloway discussed the challenges of integrating so many newcomers, the ongoing competition for the starting point guard position and the gradual progress he has seen as the Pirates work toward becoming a cohesive unit.
Despite the number of new faces, Holloway believes his team is moving in the right direction.
The biggest challenge has been establishing continuity. With limitations on the number of days teams can practice, finding enough time to develop offensive rhythm, defensive communication and an understanding of teammates’ tendencies can be difficult.
Still, Holloway has seen encouraging signs.
The players appeared relaxed during media day, joking with one another and displaying the kind of camaraderie coaches hope to see as a team begins to take shape. While that atmosphere does not guarantee success on the court, it can be an important foundation for building trust and chemistry.
For Holloway, the process is ongoing, and he knows the group must continue to improve as the season approaches.
Starting Point Guard Remains an Open Competition
One of the most important questions surrounding the Pirates is who will emerge as the starting point guard.
Holloway has yet to identify a clear frontrunner, and he is not rushing the decision. Having played the position himself, he understands the qualities required to direct an offense, control the tempo, and make the right decisions under pressure.
Holloway knows what a point guard is supposed to look like and how the position should feel when a player is comfortable running a team.
That experience gives him a particular perspective as he evaluates the candidates. The job requires more than ballhandling ability. A point guard must recognize defensive coverages, get teammates involved, limit turnovers and understand when to score and when to facilitate.
With so many newcomers learning the system, the competition remains an important part of Seton Hall’s preseason development.
Simeon Wilcher Brings Versatility to the Backcourt
One player who could help the Pirates address their backcourt needs is Simeon Wilcher, a Plainfield, New Jersey, native who has played at Texas and St. John’s before arriving at Seton Hall.
Wilcher’s versatility makes him an intriguing addition. His ability to play as a combo guard gives Holloway another option when organizing the offense and distributing responsibilities in the backcourt.
That flexibility could prove especially valuable while the Pirates determine who will handle the primary point guard duties. Wilcher can help initiate the offense, create opportunities for teammates and provide another ballhandler when opponents apply defensive pressure.
His familiarity with the New Jersey basketball landscape also adds a local connection to a program looking to establish its identity with a revamped roster.
Roddie Anderson Adds Another Offensive Dimension
Roddie Anderson, a transfer from Xavier, brings another set of skills that could benefit Seton Hall.
Anderson’s ability to attack off the dribble and shoot from the perimeter gives the Pirates a guard who can put pressure on opposing defenses in multiple ways. His dribble-drive game can force defenders to collapse toward the basket, potentially opening opportunities for teammates on the perimeter.
When Anderson is able to combine that ability to penetrate with his outside shooting, he can make defensive assignments more difficult. His hand-eye coordination and overall guard skills provide additional tools for Holloway as he works to establish the backcourt rotation.
With Wilcher and Anderson offering different strengths, Seton Hall has options as it searches for the right combination of players to lead its offense.
Holloway Wants More From Trey Parker
Holloway also addressed returning player Trey Parker, acknowledging that Parker had a strong summer but making it clear that there is still work to be done.
Although Holloway recognized Parker’s offseason efforts, he indicated that the guard has not yet met all of the coach’s expectations.
“He had a great summer,” Holloway said, while making clear that Parker still has areas where he needs to improve.
Holloway also explained his approach to discussing individual players, emphasizing that certain matters will remain inside the program.
“I like to keep all Seton Hall stuff dealing with players internal,” Holloway said. “You guys don’t like it, but I like it.”
The comment reflected Holloway’s preference for handling player development and internal team matters privately rather than publicly detailing every conversation or evaluation.
For Parker, the message is straightforward: a productive summer is a positive step, but continued progress and meeting the coaching staff’s expectations will determine what comes next.
Building Chemistry Takes Time
With 13 new players, Holloway faces the challenge of creating a shared identity while evaluating talent and determining roles. The restrictions on practice time make that process more demanding, particularly when players are still learning one another’s habits and adjusting to the coaching staff’s expectations.
But the early signs of camaraderie offer reason for optimism.
The joking and relaxed interactions among the players during media day suggested that the group is becoming more comfortable together. The next step is translating that comfort into communication, trust and execution once the team takes the floor against Monmouth University on Saturday for an exhibition game.
Holloway knows that chemistry cannot be manufactured overnight. It develops through repetition, accountability and learning how teammates respond in competitive situations.
The Pirates are still working through those stages, but their coach believes the team is gradually coming together.
Holloway Welcomes NCAA Tournament Expansion
Holloway also expressed support for the NCAA’s decision to expand the men’s basketball tournament field, although he could not resist pointing out that the change would have been especially helpful to Seton Hall had it arrived earlier.
He joked that he wished the expansion had happened two years ago, when it might have benefited the Pirates.
The lighthearted remark offered a glimpse of Holloway’s competitive personality and his desire to see Seton Hall in position to take advantage of postseason opportunities.
For a program trying to establish itself among the Big East’s contenders, an expanded tournament could create additional possibilities for teams seeking a place in March Madness.
A New Season, a New Opportunity
As Holloway enters his fifth season at his alma mater, the immediate priority is getting his players comfortable with their roles and establishing the consistency needed to compete.
The addition of Del Jones, Kareem Thomas, Wilcher, and Anderson gives the backcourt more versatility, while Parker’s development remains another storyline to watch. The unresolved point guard competition also presents an opportunity for someone to separate himself through leadership, decision-making, and consistent play.
There is plenty for Seton Hall to accomplish before the Pirates can be judged on the court. Thirteen new players bring both potential and uncertainty, and the limited practice opportunities make the learning curve steeper.
Still, Holloway appears comfortable with the process. He is evaluating his players, protecting the privacy of his program and allowing the group time to develop.
The players’ relaxed demeanor and growing familiarity with one another are encouraging early signs. Now, the challenge is turning that chemistry into performance when the games begin.
For Holloway and the Pirates, progress may come gradually, but the goal remains the same: build a connected team capable of competing in the Big East and earning an opportunity to play deep into March.
