The non-conference schedule is complete for Seton Hall men’s basketball, and it might well be the program’s strongest since P.J. Carlesimo’s tenure ended in 1994.

Looking to sharpen a team that aims to advance deep into March, head coach Kevin Willard booked meetings with six squads coming off NCAA Tournament berths.

The Preseason NIT, announced Wednesday, includes contests against FDU, Monmouth, Rhode Island and either Virginia or Vanderbilt. Another highlight is a Dec. 3 visit to national power Louisville.

An as-yet unannounced opponent, Manhattan, rounds out the slate of 13 on Dec. 23. All told, the Hall's foes posted a 225-162 mark in 2016-17 (a .581 winning percentage). The full schedule is listed below, followed by our analysis.

Rebimbas returns to his Seton Hall roots

Nov. 10: FDU (Preseason NIT)

Nov. 12: Monmouth (Preseason NIT)

Nov. 15: Indiana (Gavitt Games)

Nov. 18: NJIT

Nov. 23: Rhode Island at Barclays Center (Preseason NIT semifinals, approx. 6:30 p.m.)

Nov. 24: Virginia/Vanderbilt at Barclays Center (Preseason NIT final or consolation)

Nov. 30: Texas Tech at Madison Square Garden (Under Armour Reunion)

Dec. 3: at Louisville

Dec. 9: VCU (Never Forget Games)

Dec. 12: Saint Peter’s (at Walsh Gym)

Dec. 16: at Rutgers

Dec. 20: Wagner

Dec. 23: Manhattan (noon or 1 p.m.)

THREE THOUGHTS

1. This is what Seton Hall needs. With four returning starters from an NCAA Tournament squad, plus a handful of promising newcomers, the Pirates are ready to be tested. Although some of the brand names on the slate are rebuilding (Indiana, VCU), there are very few RPI-killing patsies. With two road games in hostile environments and three quality neutrals, it’s a good mix designed to make the Hall better and improve the seed on Selection Sunday.

2. It’s fan-friendly. The intrepid local fan could easily attend every game except Louisville. Indiana is the kind of glamor non-conference home date Seton Hall has hosted just twice since the Prudential Center opened (N.C. State, Wichita State). And there are six New Jersey/New York teams on the docket, which always is nice for Garden State hoop-heads.

3. We have story lines. Dan Hurley facing his alma mater in a battle of Top 25 teams figures to be one of the most intriguing games in all of November. Then there is Willard trying to knock off mentor Rick Pitino, which didn’t happen when they were in the Big East together (plus Louisville could be ranked No. 1 by then). The Monmouth and Rutgers games will generate buzz, too.

Staff writer Jerry Cario: jcarino@gannettnj.com.