The BIG EAST men’s basketball season is just around the corner, and fans are eager to see how their favorite teams will perform. In this article, we’ll take a look at the predicted rankings for the upcoming season and discuss some key players and storylines to watch out for.
Tier One: The Conference Elite
At the top of the rankings, we have Marquette. They were the champions of both the regular season and the conference tournament last year, and they are expected to continue their dominance this season. Led by their star player Tyler Kolek, Marquette is a safe bet to be among the best teams in the conference.
Next up is UConn. Although they lost some key players to the professional ranks, including Jordan Hawkins, they have brought in talented recruits like Stephon Castle and Cam Spencer. As the defending national champions, UConn is expected to have a strong season and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
Creighton is another team to watch out for. They had an impressive run to the Elite Eight last season and will rely on their strong defense to win games. Ryan Kalkbrenner, a two-time BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year, will be a key player for the Bluejays.
Tier Two: On the Bubble
In this tier, we have St. John’s. Their new head coach, Rick Pitino, brings a wealth of experience and success to the team. With a brand-new roster, St. John’s has the potential to surprise and secure a spot in the NCAA tournament.
Villanova, the dominant team of the past decade, is going through a transition period under second-year head coach Kyle Neptune. They have some questions to answer after the departure of key players, but it’s hard to imagine them being anything less than a competitive team.
Xavier had a strong finish last season, reaching the Sweet Sixteen. The big question for them is whether they can maintain that momentum. With some key players leaving and injuries to deal with, Xavier will need their young talent to step up.
Providence is a team with a new coach, Kim English, and a lot of uncertainty. They lost three starters from last season, including their head coach Ed Cooley. It will be interesting to see how they perform under their new leadership.
Tier Three: Maybe Next Year
Seton Hall had an average season last year and is expected to have a similar performance this year. Georgetown, on the other hand, is looking to improve from their previous season. With a new roster and some promising transfers, Georgetown has the potential to surprise.
Butler had a tough season last year and has faced some challenges in the offseason. They will rely on the arrival of Posh Alexander to make a difference. Finally, DePaul is a team that has struggled in recent years and will likely find themselves at the bottom of the conference once again.
As the BIG EAST men’s basketball season gets underway, fans can expect an exciting and competitive season. With talented teams and players to watch, it’s going to be a thrilling ride from start to finish.