by Sports Xchange

Melvyn Oliver, who sat out a year ago as a redshirt to focus on academics, provides much-needed strength in the paint. Junior college transfer Jamal Jackson will look to win minutes on the wing, as will Memphis transfer Jeff Robinson when he becomes eligible in the second semester. Freshman forward Ferrakohn Hall completes the recruiting class.

KEY EARLY-SEASON GAMES: There aren't a lot of tough games in the nonconference portion of the schedule, so it's critical for the Pirates to avoid any mistakes. A Nov. 20 trip to Cornell could be treacherous, and Temple comes to town on Dec. 19.

PROGRAM DIRECTION: The Pirates are a trendy pick to contend for a spot in the top half of the Big East standings and an NCAA Tournament berth. It's an important year for the program, which looks to be heading in the right direction.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: PG Eugene Harvey, SG Jeremy Hazell, SF Keon Lawrence, PF Robert Mitchell, C John Garcia.

ROSTER REPORT:

--G Keon Lawrence should make an impact now that he's eligible at Seton Hall. He was a big-time player at Missouri before deciding to transfer.

--G Jeremy Hazell averaged nearly 23 points a game as a sophomore. He averaged more than three 3-pointers a game and is equally dangerous going to the basket.

--Foul-prone forward Mike Davis decided to transfer during the offseason, but much like his time in East Orange, he didn't have smooth sailing. Davis originally transferred to Coastal Carolina, then changed his mind and went to St. Francis (N.Y.) instead.

--The Pirates got a September commitment from 6-5 guard Jesse Morgan. The Philadelphia native is attending prep school this year, and canceled a planned visit to Louisville after deciding on the Pirates.