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BIG EAST
If there were any questions about how the non-FBS football playing Big East conference would fare after its breakup from the American teams, that was answered last season when 60% of the conference found itself playing in the NCAA tournament, and all of them with single digit seeds. Villanova led the way with a 1 seed, followed by 4th seeded Georgetown and three 6 seeds, Butler, Xavier and Providence. St John’s rounded out the postseason teams with a 9 seed. Of course, things did not go as well once the Big Dance started, as only Xavier made it to the second weekend, losing in the Sweet 16 to Arizona.
Placing six teams in the NCAA tournament again this year may be a stretch, but at least four teams (and maybe five) appear to be solid tournament candidates. Of course, it all starts with Jay Wright’s Villanova Wildcats, the pick to repeat atop the Big East. Butler, Xavier and Georgetown all return solid rosters as well. And keep an eye on Seton Hall, which should be a lot better assuming the team chemistry problems they had last year have now been cleared up. One team that will likely not be dancing again this year is St. John’s, as new head coach Chris Mullin will have to rebuild a decimated roster from the bottom up.
Predicted Order of Finish
1. Villanova – Despite losing three of their top players, Ryan Arcidiacono, Josh Hart and Daniel Ochefu all return. The Wildcats add in a strong group of recruits as well, led by guard Jalen Brunson. Every sign is that the ‘cats will be on top of the conference again.
2. Butler – If a team is going to dethrone Villanova, Butler may have the weapons needed to do so. Roosevelt Jones, Andrew Chrabascz and Kellen Dunham all return from last season’s 23-win squad. They will be joined by a pair of talented transfers in Tyler Lewis (NC State) and Jordan Gathers (St. Bonaventure).
3. Xavier – Matt Stainbrook is gone, but the cupboard is certainly not bare in Cincinnati. Trevon Bluiett and Jalen Reynolds both have a chance to star for the Musketeers, while the additions of freshmen standouts Edmond Sumner and Makinde London should have an immediate impact.
4. Georgetown – D’Vanutes Smith-Rivera may be the best player in the entire conference, and his presence alone could be enough to carry most teams. If the likes of L.J. Peak, Tre Campbell, Isaac Copeland, or some of the newcomers can step up their games, the Hoyas could contend for the league title.
5. Seton Hall – The Pirates may benefit from addition by subtraction as last year’s team had almost no chemistry at all. Khadeen Carrington and Isaiah Whitehead will be looked upon to lead the team despite only being sophomores. They will have help as UMass transfer Derrick Gordon joins the roster. The biggest question will be in the low post where Angel Delgado will need help if the Pirates want a shot at the Dance.
6. Providence – If Georgetown’s Smith-Rivera is not the best player in the conference, then that award will go to Providence’s Kris Dunn. With LaDontae Henton gone, expect Dunn to average more than 20 points per game this season. The Friars biggest problem is that they do not seem to have enough other pieces to complement him. Unless their young players step up, a return to the NCAA tournament will probably not be in the cards.
7. Marquette – Wojo is already proving his skills as a recruiter, especially with the addition of standout recruit Henry Ellenson this season. As he and the other youth on the roster (no seniors at all!) gain experience, the Golden Eagles will turn dangerous. They may not Dance this season, but watch out next year.
8. Creighton – The rebuild continues in Omaha, but transfers Maurice Watson, Jr. (Boston U) and Cole Huff (Nevada) should give some immediate help.
9. DePaul – Dave Leitao is head coach at DePaul…again. This year’s team will be led by Myke Henry and Billy Garrett, Jr., but does not have enough pieces for any serious improvement. That being said, Leitao has already signed a some good players and the program may be on the rise in a few years.
10. St. John’s – Virtually no one returns from last season’s NCAA tournament team, making this a true ground-up rebuild project for Chris Mullin. To put things in perspective, the top returning scorer is Amar Alibegovic. He averaged 1.5 points per game.