Shaheen Holloway, born on October 7, 1976, is an American basketball coach and former player currently serving as the head coach of the Seton Hall Pirates. Holloway had an exceptional high school career at St. Patrick High School, where he was recognized as one of the top point guard prospects in the nation. He was a McDonald's All-American and the MVP of the 1996 McDonald's All-American Game, impressively outshining Kobe Bryant with his 7 points, 8 assists, and 6 steals. Holloway’s high school statistics were remarkable, as he averaged 22.5 points, 9.1 assists, and 5.8 steals in his senior year. His achievements earned him a place on the Parade All-America Second Team and cemented his reputation as one of the country's top recruits.
Holloway chose to play for Seton Hall over several prominent programs, including Duke, California, and Georgia Tech. During his college career, he quickly made an impact, averaging 17.3 points and 6.3 assists per game as a freshman. He earned a spot on the Big East All-Rookie team and the All-AAC second team. Despite some challenges in his sophomore and junior years, where his performance slightly dipped, Holloway flourished in his senior season. In 2000, he helped lead Seton Hall to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament. Holloway’s clutch performance in the first round, where he scored 27 points and hit the game-winning basket against Oregon, was a career highlight. By the end of his college career, he had amassed 1,588 points and became Seton Hall's all-time assist leader with 681 assists, a record that still stands today. In 2012, Holloway was inducted into the Seton Hall Athletics Hall of Fame.
Despite an impressive college career, Holloway went undrafted in the 2000 NBA Draft but found success playing professionally overseas. He played for various teams in Israel, Turkey, Germany, and the Dominican Republic, showcasing his talents on the international stage before retiring from professional basketball.
Transitioning into coaching, Holloway began his career as an assistant coach at Seton Hall and later at Iona College. In 2018, he took over as the head coach of Saint Peter's University. Holloway quickly gained national recognition for leading the Peacocks to a historic run in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. As a 15th seed, he coached Saint Peter's to the Elite Eight, defeating top-ranked teams like Kentucky and Purdue along the way, making it one of the greatest Cinderella stories in NCAA history. Holloway’s success at Saint Peter’s earned him the head coaching position at Seton Hall in 2022, where he led the team to win the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship in 2024, defeating Indiana State in the final.
In his personal life, Holloway is married to Kim, a Seton Hall graduate, and they have two sons, Xavier and Tyson, along with a daughter, Shatanik, who also graduated from Seton Hall in 2018. Holloway’s journey from a highly decorated high school player to a successful coach highlights his deep connection to the Seton Hall program, which he has helped elevate to new heights both as a player and a coach.
Holloway’s coaching career includes an overall record of 113-110, with a successful stint at Saint Peter’s (64-57) and a solid start at Seton Hall (49-53). His leadership has been marked by significant achievements, including one Elite Eight appearance, an NIT Championship, and an ability to guide teams to overachieve against expectations.
St. Patrick High School (1992–1996)
Holloway began his career at St. Patrick High School in New Jersey, where he was considered one of the top point guard prospects in the nation. His high school career included being named a McDonald's All-American and earning MVP honors at the 1996 McDonald's All-American Game, where he outshone Kobe Bryant. He averaged 22.5 points, 9.1 assists, and 5.8 steals as a senior, leading his team to multiple championships and solidifying his position as one of the top recruits in the nation.
Seton Hall University (1996–2000)
Holloway’s college career at Seton Hall University from 1996 to 2000 was outstanding. As a point guard, he quickly became a key player for the Pirates. In his freshman year, he posted averages of 17.3 points and 6.3 assists per game, finishing 5th in the Big East in scoring and earning a spot on the Big East All-Rookie Team. Holloway’s sophomore year was marked by a leadership role, as he led the Big East in assists per game, though his scoring dipped slightly. His junior year was the only rough patch in his career, as his stats declined across the board. However, Holloway bounced back during his senior year. He became the team’s top assist leader and second in scoring and rebounding, and was named the Big East Most Improved Player. Holloway helped lead Seton Hall to the 2000 NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen, where he delivered an unforgettable performance, scoring 27 points and hitting a game-winning basket against Oregon in the first round. His senior season ended prematurely due to an ankle injury, but he still left a significant mark on the program. Over his four years, Holloway finished his college career with 1,588 points and became Seton Hall’s all-time assist leader with 681 assists—a record he still holds today. He was inducted into the Seton Hall Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012.
After college, Holloway faced the disappointment of not being selected in the 2000 NBA Draft, but he did not give up on his dream of professional basketball. Instead, he went on to play internationally for several clubs:
Hapoel Holon (Israel, 2000–2001)
Holloway signed with Hapoel Holon in Israel for the 2000–2001 season, where he played in 4 games, averaging 15.5 points and 4 assists per game. This marked the start of his professional career abroad.
Chicago Skyliners (USBL, 2001–2002)
In 2001, Holloway joined the Chicago Skyliners in the United States Basketball League (USBL), where he continued to refine his game while playing in a competitive league in the U.S.
Jersey Express (US, 2006)
Holloway briefly returned to the United States to play for the Jersey Express, a team in the American Basketball Association (ABA), where he gained valuable experience in the American basketball scene.
Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs (US, 2006–2007)
Holloway’s professional career ended with the Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs in the American Basketball Association, wrapping up his playing career after several years abroad.
Following his playing days, Holloway turned to coaching, leveraging his playing experience and basketball IQ to guide future generations of players. His coaching career began with an assistant role at Bloomfield Tech High School before moving on to the Seton Hall staff as an administrative assistant. Holloway's big break came in 2007 when he joined Kevin Willard's staff at Iona College.
Saint Peter's University (2018–2022)
Holloway’s most notable coaching achievement came when he became the head coach at Saint Peter’s University in 2018. In 2022, he led the Peacocks on a historic run to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. As a 15th seed, Holloway’s Saint Peter's team achieved one of the greatest upsets in tournament history, defeating Kentucky and Purdue—making them the first 15th seed to advance to the Elite Eight. This Cinderella story made Holloway a household name in the basketball world.
Seton Hall University (2022–Present)
In March 2022, following his success at Saint Peter’s, Holloway was hired as the head coach at Seton Hall, his alma mater. Holloway immediately brought his leadership and coaching skills to the Pirates. In 2024, Holloway led the Seton Hall Pirates to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship, securing a 79–77 victory over Indiana State in the final at Hinkle Fieldhouse. This victory marked his first championship as a head coach in the NCAA.
Shaheen Holloway went to play internationally, representing american basketball throughout Europe, in the United Kingdom, Turkey and Germany, despite this he never impressed, going from place to place and ending up going back to the United States. Here is all the clubs he represented while playing outside of America:
Chester Jets (UK, 2002–2003)
Holloway then moved to the UK, signing with the Chester Jets for the 2002–2003 season. He had a solid stint with the team, contributing both offensively and defensively.
London Towers (UK, 2003–2004)
Following his time in Chester, Holloway moved to the London Towers, continuing to play in the British Basketball League (BBL). His time with the Towers was part of his European journey, as he remained a key contributor to the team’s efforts.
İstanbul Teknik Üniversitesi (Turkey, 2004–2005)
In 2004, Holloway transferred to İstanbul Teknik Üniversitesi in Turkey, where he had an impressive season, averaging 12.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game over 19 games. This was a notable period of his career as he experienced basketball in one of Europe’s more competitive leagues.
Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany, 2005–2006)
Holloway then joined Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany for the 2005–2006 season, where he continued to play professionally in Europe, building on his international basketball experience.
Marineros de Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic, 2006)
Holloway's next stop was Marineros de Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, where he played in the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto (LNB). He ranked second in the league for assists per game, with 4.4 assists over 15 games, further showcasing his playmaking skills in international basketball.
Holloway is known for his defensive-minded coaching. He prioritizes creating a strong defensive foundation, believing that a team’s success begins with its ability to defend at a high level. Under his leadership, his teams are typically aggressive on defense, often forcing turnovers and pressuring the ball. This approach has helped his teams outperform expectations, even in high-pressure situations. His Saint Peter's team’s historic NCAA Tournament run in 2022 was built on an exceptional defensive strategy, with the Peacocks showcasing impressive defensive stops that helped them defeat higher-seeded teams like Kentucky and Purdue.
Holloway’s coaching emphasizes teamwork over individual performance. As a former point guard, he values unselfish ball movement, sharing the basketball, and ensuring that every player is involved in the game. He believes in creating a cohesive team environment where everyone understands their role and works towards a common goal. This style was evident during his successful tenure at Saint Peter's and Seton Hall, where he encouraged his players to trust each other and execute team-oriented strategies rather than relying on individual star power.
Holloway is deeply committed to the development of his players, focusing not only on basketball skills but also on mental toughness and leadership. He is known for his ability to improve individual players’ skills, particularly in areas such as defense, basketball IQ, and conditioning. His attention to detail in developing point guards, in particular, stems from his background as a floor general, and his coaching reflects a strong focus on empowering players to make decisions, read defenses, and adapt on the fly.
Holloway is an adaptable coach who makes in-game adjustments based on the strengths and weaknesses of his team as well as the opposition. During his tenure at Saint Peter’s, he demonstrated a sharp tactical mind, often making key defensive and offensive adjustments that allowed his team to outplay higher-ranked teams. His ability to stay calm under pressure and adjust strategies, such as switching between man-to-man defense and zone or rotating lineups based on matchups, is a hallmark of his coaching.
Holloway is also known for his motivational leadership. He instills a sense of belief in his players, encouraging them to perform beyond their potential. He has a knack for getting the best out of players who may have been overlooked or underappreciated, as seen during his time at Saint Peter’s, where he turned a 15th-seeded team into a historic Cinderella story. His leadership is often described as inspiring, as he gets his players to buy into his vision and play with passion and grit, especially in high-stakes situations.
Tactically, Holloway is a disciplined coach who places a premium on fundamentals. His teams typically excel in areas like ball control, transition defense, and execution of set plays. Holloway believes in staying organized on both ends of the floor, ensuring that his players understand the importance of playing with structure while also making smart, strategic decisions.
Holloway instills a winning mentality in his teams, encouraging them to embrace the challenge of facing adversity head-on. He does not shy away from setting high expectations, pushing his players to exceed their limits. This mentality was a defining feature of Saint Peter's’ unexpected run to the Elite Eight in the 2022 NCAA Tournament, where they defied all odds. His focus is on preparing his players not just for basketball games but for overcoming challenges both on and off the court.
Finally, Holloway believes in a strong foundation of basketball fundamentals. He emphasizes proper footwork, ball handling, shooting mechanics, and decision-making. His belief is that mastery of the basics can enable players to perform at the highest levels, as it prepares them for any in-game situation.
Shaheen Holloway’s personal life is centered around his family, which has played a key role in shaping his character and work ethic. He married Kim, a Seton Hall graduate, and they have two sons, Xavier and Tyson. Holloway also has a daughter, Shatanik, who graduated from Seton Hall in 2018.
A notable part of Holloway’s personal story is that he became a father at the age of 15. This early responsibility shaped his outlook on life, instilling in him a deep sense of resilience and determination to provide for and support his family. His life story is one of overcoming adversity, balancing the challenges of parenthood while pursuing his dreams in basketball and coaching.
Throughout his career, Holloway has maintained a strong connection to his roots in New Jersey. He often emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community, and he has been actively involved in various youth basketball programs and charitable causes. His commitment to mentorship goes beyond the basketball court, where he strives to serve as a positive role model for young people, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. Holloway’s own upbringing and experiences motivate him to help others achieve their goals, both academically and athletically.
Holloway was born and raised in Queens, New York, and he attended St. Patrick High School in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Raised in a working-class environment, Holloway’s journey to success has been shaped by challenges, including growing up in a tough neighborhood. Despite these difficulties, Holloway used basketball as a means of escape and opportunity. His experiences growing up have played a significant role in how he approaches his coaching, emphasizing grit, hard work, and perseverance as values for success.
Holloway’s journey from a young, talented player to a coach with a strong sense of responsibility has made him aware of the importance of using his platform to help others. He has been involved in various community outreach initiatives, helping to inspire and uplift young athletes. Whether through basketball camps, mentorship programs, or other community service efforts, Holloway’s actions reflect his commitment to empowering others and giving back to the community that helped shape his own journey.
While Holloway is best known for his achievements on the court, education has always been important to him. As someone who became a father at an early age, Holloway recognizes the value of education and its role in providing better opportunities for young people. He encourages his players to prioritize their education alongside their basketball commitments, emphasizing that both academic and athletic success can coexist and complement each other.
Outside of his professional life, Holloway is deeply passionate about the game of basketball and remains actively involved in it beyond coaching. He frequently spends time mentoring young players, sharing the lessons he has learned through his own basketball journey. His love for the game is reflected in his coaching philosophy, which blends technical skills with life lessons. For Holloway, basketball has always been about more than just the sport; it’s about using the game to teach essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience.
Holloway has also started to make occasional appearances as a public speaker and media personality, sharing his experiences and insights on coaching, leadership, and overcoming adversity. He’s been featured in interviews, documentaries, and sports podcasts, where he discusses his career, his time at Seton Hall, and his journey through Saint Peter’s and back to Seton Hall. These media appearances allow him to inspire others, especially young athletes and aspiring coaches, by discussing his life lessons and personal growth.
Given his background as an athlete, Holloway is dedicated to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. Although no longer a professional player, he stays fit through regular physical activity and is a strong proponent of the importance of physical conditioning. He encourages his players to take care of their bodies, emphasizing that maintaining physical health is crucial for both athletic performance and overall well-being.
Holloway’s legacy began at Seton Hall University, where he made an indelible mark as a point guard. His playing career is defined by his leadership on the court, where he was the driving force behind a Sweet Sixteen appearance for the Pirates in the 2000 NCAA Tournament. Holloway’s all-time assist record of 681, which still stands at Seton Hall as of 2018, speaks to his playmaking vision and his central role in the team’s success. His performance during the 2000 NCAA Tournament, where he hit the game-winning basket in overtime against Oregon, further cemented his place in Seton Hall’s history. His legacy as a player is not only about the statistics but about how he elevated his team and led by example. He played with heart, resilience, and a deep understanding of the game, and that spirit has resonated throughout his career, both as a player and a coach.
Holloway’s legacy as a coach has been defined by his ability to take teams that were overlooked or underestimated and lead them to historic achievements. His coaching journey took a pivotal turn when he took over at Saint Peter’s University in 2018. It was at Saint Peter’s that Holloway’s coaching philosophy truly began to shine. His leadership led the Peacocks to one of the greatest upsets in NCAA history in 2022, when he guided them to the Elite Eight as a 15th seed. This historic run not only made him a household name but also redefined what it means for a Cinderella team to succeed. Holloway’s ability to bring out the best in his players, pushing them past their perceived limits, became his trademark. Under his guidance, Saint Peter’s became the first 15th seed in history to reach the Elite Eight, defeating Kentucky and Purdue in the process.
After this landmark success, Holloway returned to Seton Hall in 2022 as their head coach, bringing with him a wealth of experience and the same principles that guided his success at Saint Peter’s. In his second season, Holloway led the Seton Hall Pirates to victory in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) in 2024, further cementing his status as a transformative coach who can lead teams to success in various settings. His ability to build resilient, disciplined teams with a defensive-first mentality has marked him as one of the most respected coaches in college basketball.
Perhaps Holloway’s greatest legacy lies in his impact on his players. Whether it’s his time coaching point guards as an assistant at Seton Hall or helping develop overlooked players at Saint Peter’s, Holloway has always been a coach focused on individual growth and team success. His success stories, such as helping Seton Hall’s players improve their basketball IQ, defensive skills, and leadership, have contributed greatly to the careers of many. The confidence he instills in his players to take on high-pressure situations, like the ones in the NCAA Tournament, has become a cornerstone of his coaching.
Holloway’s coaching style and leadership have created a lasting culture of hard work, resilience, and defensive prowess at the institutions he has coached. At Saint Peter’s, Holloway built a program that was historically underfunded and under-resourced, and turned it into one of the most talked-about teams in college basketball, not just for their performance but for the way they played. His time at Seton Hall has seen the program evolve under his tutelage, leading them to NIT Championship glory and providing a blueprint for sustained success. His emphasis on teamwork and discipline set a standard that resonates deeply with the players, coaches, and communities he’s been a part of.
Holloway’s legacy is also deeply rooted in his ability to overcome adversity. He became a father at the age of 15, a life experience that shaped his character and determination both on and off the court. His personal journey from a young, talented player at St. Patrick High School to a head coach at two significant programs shows his resilience and growth, both as an individual and as a mentor to others. Holloway’s story is one of perseverance, overcoming challenges, and showing that with the right mindset, success is achievable, no matter the odds.
Holloway’s ability to mentor not only players but other coaches speaks to his character and the respect he has garnered in the basketball community. His role as a mentor to the next generation of basketball minds, whether they are his players or assistant coaches, has further solidified his standing as a leader in college basketball. He’s become a coach who isn’t just about winning games, but about instilling values that will help his players and staff succeed in life, long after their time on the court is over.
McDonald's All-American (1996)
Parade All-America Second Team (1996)
Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the McDonald's All-American Game (1996)
Big East All-Rookie Team (1997)
Big East Most Improved Player (2000)
Seton Hall Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee (2012)
McDonald's All-American Game (East Team) Starter (1996)
Seton Hall’s All-Time Assists Leader
NCAA Division I Elite Eight (2022)
Historic NCAA Tournament Upset Wins (2022)
National Invitation Tournament (NIT) Champion (2024)
Books
Websites
Articles
Interviews and Documentaries
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