Shaheen Holloway’s Journey Continues to Impress

It seems like Shaheen Holloway has proven himself time and again.

Just a few years ago, he made history by guiding a relatively unknown team, St. Peter’s, to the Elite Eight as the first No. 15 seed to do so in NCAA Tournament history. The Peacocks, who faced financial limitations and drew just 526 fans on average at home, became quite the story.

During the 2022 season, Holloway remarked, “This is the team that wants it the most and has the strongest connection to its goals. We’re the underdogs, sure, but we’re also just another team that’s evolving. In the end, it doesn’t really matter what’s on the front of our jerseys.”

His success led him back to Seton Hall, his alma mater, where he once shined in 2000, hitting a game-winning shot and setting records. It’s also where he met his wife and spent many years as an assistant coach.

At his first press conference, he stated, “We cannot and will not mess this up. Being home changes everything. It calls for more time, effort, and heart. This is a precious opportunity, and I won’t ruin it.”

Since his arrival, Seton Hall has reached the NCAA Tournament five times in the last six seasons, although his debut season was somewhat rocky, finishing just over .500. In the following year, they edged into the NIT playoffs and scored their first title since 1953, even though they faced skepticism as they were picked last in the Big East preseason rankings due to a tough previous season.

“I really didn’t care about others’ opinions,” Holloway shared at Big East Media Day. “What matters is knowing your strengths as a team.”

While many were uncertain about a roster full of transfers—11 in total—the team achieved a remarkable turnaround. They entered a recent game against UW with double the wins from the previous season and their best start in eight years, alongside their first AP poll ranking in four years, making it a remarkable narrative this season.

Even though the Pirates ranked low in scoring and shooting percentage, they’ve made strides towards returning to the NCAA Tournament, showcasing a stellar defense that’s among the top in the nation.

Georgetown’s coach Ed Cooley commented, “On film, they’re the most connected team we’ve faced. Their energy and toughness reflect their coach. If I had a vote for National Coach of the Year, it would certainly go to Holloway, considering his past struggles and the progress he’s made.”