Seton Hall Pirates guard Khadeen Carrington has the chance to take the nation by storm

Seton Hall's success last season was frankly a surprise to many fans across the country. The Pirates finished the year with a 25-9 record, and a Big East Tournament trophy. Their season came crashing to an end in the NCAA Tournament's Round of 64, dropping by a score of 68-52 at the hands of Gonzaga.

The Pirates successful 2015-16 campaign was largely in part to their solid guard play. Isaiah Whitehead, Derrick Gordon, and Khadeen Carrington made up the dazzling backcourt in South Orange.

Last season Carrington averaged in his 30 minutes per game, 14.1 points and 2.5 assists, while grabbing about 3 rebounds. That is a huge improvement from his freshman campaign, where he averaged 8.8 points, 1.8 assists, and 3 rebounds per game.

According to Sports-Reference.com, Carrington also saw improvements in true shooting percentage and effective field goal percentage. As described on Sports Reference, true shooting percentage (TS%) is a measure of shooting efficiency that takes into account 2-point field goals, 3-point field goals, and free throws. Effective field goal percentage adjusts for the fact that a 3-point field goal is worth one more point than a 2-point field goal. Also, he has kept his turnover percentage down while improving his steal percentage.

Despite numerous strides this Brooklyn native made last season, there are still areas he must improve upon. One area that he could work on is getting to the free-throw line more frequently. As a freshman, Carrington's free throw attempt rate stood at 43 percent, decreasing to 33 percent as a sophomore. Free throw attempt rate, as explained by Sports-Reference, calculates an individuals number of free throw attempts per field goal attempt. Carrington can take the next step by increasing his free throw chances per field goal attempt. He shoots about 75 percent from the charity stripe, so maximizing and making the most of those opportunities should help.

Much to the dismay of Seton Hall fans both Whitehead and Gordon have moved on from the program. Whitehead left school early to pursue a career in the NBA, while the Pirates lost Gordon to graduation. Some backcourt newcomers include Myles Powell and Eron Gordon. Powell can be huge asset to Kevin Willard's club next season. This four-star recruit will help improve the Pirates inconsistent three-point field goals numbers, while also providing coach Willard an extra ball-handler. ESPN described his shooting ability in a very positive light.

"Powell is one of the best three-point shooters in the country. He's virtually automatic when his feet are set and already owns range out to the NBA arc."

Gordon is the other incoming freshman for Seton Hall. Again, he should provide value to Pirates backcourt in need of assistance. Out of high-school Gordon was rated a three-star recruit, fielding offers from schools like Indiana, Notre Dame, and Butler. Scouts from ESPN liked what they saw from Gordon.

"Gordon is an attacking guard that can make scoring plays with the ball in his hands in addition to hitting the open three. He can help at the point but he is at his best off the ball attacking which makes him a high major minus prospect with an opportunity to move up giving his upside."

It is up to Carrington to step and lead the Pirates backcourt next season. Both Powell and Gordon could learn a lot from Carrington to help ease their transition to college. Carrington's play and leadership could determine the fate of Seton Hall's season.

Bottom line: Carrington's role on next season's Seton Hall team is immensely important to the Pirates' success. He must act as the main backcourt option in conjunction with teaching freshman guards. Fans in South Orange will look to Carrington to lead them back to the NCAA Tournament.