The Big East has lost a lot of prestige, but it can still provide a ton of entertaining games and it still has plenty of talented players from every position. Villanova and Xavier are still the conference’s best, but Creighton, Butler, and the other teams will look to provide competitive battles for the two.
Read on below and let’s take a look at how every school from the division will be this 2016-2017 season.
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Villanova Wildcats
2015 Record: 16-2
Predicted Record: 15-3
Despite losing starters Ryan Arcidiacono and Daniel Ochefu, which is huge, the Big East is STILL Villanova’s to lose. For one, they still have the 1-2 punch of Josh Hart and Kris Jenkins, who will once again lead the scoring and playmaking duties for the Wildcats. We can also expect big things from sophomore guard Jalen Brunson, he’s likely to have a bigger role in the offense.
The defending national champs only landed one recruit from ESPN’s top 100 high school players — Omari Spellman — a typical four that can also hit perimeter jumpers.
Xavier Musketeers
2015 Record: 14-4
Predicted Record: 12-6
The Musketeers overachieved a bit in last year’s campaign. They could still be as good this season, but we might see a dip in the win column.
Look for junior forward Trevon Blueitt to have another great scoring year. He’ll have help thru sensational sophomore point guard Edmond Summer, who many consider to be NBA-ready by season’s end, and guard JP Macura. Myles Davis, who can stuff the points-rebounds-assists stats efficiently, is currently suspended due to multiple court charges, and it is unlikely that the suspension will be lifted.
The team had two key recruits – guard Quentin Goodin and power forward Tyrique Jones, who are 92nd and 94th in ESPN’s rankings, respectively.
Creighton Blue Jays
2015 Record: 9-9
Predicted Record: 11-7
The Bluejays will still be about Maurice Watson’s playmaking abilities and Cole Huff’s presence in the low and high post. However, the arrival of Kansas State transferee Marcus Foster, who redshirted last year, will also be big for the team. Foster is a good scorer with a great ability in the perimeter, and it should be good mixture to Watson’s game.
Butler Bulldogs
2015 Record: 10-8
Predicted Record: 9-9
With Butler losing two of their top three scorers, shooter Kellen Dunham and do-it-all forward Roosevelt Jones, Kelan Martin is expected to score in big bunches. He was the team’s second leading point-getter last season, with a 15.7 average. The junior guard could be netting 18-20 points per game this year. Senior forward Andrew Chrabascz and George Mason transferee should be able to help Martin in the offensive production.
Seton Hall Pirates
2015 Record: 12-6
Predicted Record: 9-9
The Pirates will go down a few notches this year with All-Big East teamer Isaiah Whitehead turning pro. The scoring, shooting, and playmaking guard is leaving a big hole in the offense, and junior guard Khadeen Carrington, as good as he is, will not be able to carry the team like Whitehead did. Big man Angel Delgado, meanwhile, is expected to continue being Seton Hall’s man in the paint.
Their key recruit is Myles Powell, a big-bodied two-guard who has a good stroke from the outside.
Georgetown Hoyas
2015 Record: 7-11
Predicted Record: 7-11
With sweet-shooting and scoring machine guard D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera, the team’s leading scorer for the past couple of years, now in the D-League, Georgetown is bound to have a weaker offense this season. His role will likely be assumed by three guys – which tells you how important he was to the team. The trio will be stretch four Isaac Copeland, swingman LJ Peak, and Rodney Pryor, who are all good shooters as well.
Marquette Golden Eagles
2015 Record: 8-10
Predicted Record: 7-11
Marquette has some good pieces – big man Luke Fischer, guard Haanif Cheatham, and UNC-Asheville transferee and shooter Andrew Rowsey. However, considering the amount of talent in other teams, it would be hard seeing them matching the firepower and playing at that level.
Their two best recruits, two-guard Markus Howard and swingman Sam Hauser could also see some significant minutes. Howard and Hauser are rated 84th and 86th in ESPN’s rankings, respectively.
Providence Friars
2015 Record: 10-8
Predicted Record: 7-11
Like the aforementioned teams in the list, Providence will also experience a huge hole left by their key guys who have moved on, with two-way guard Kris Dunn and scoring big man Ben Bentil now in the pros.
The duo’s role will be assumed by Kyron Cartwright and Rodney Bullock, whose playing styles are similar to their predecessors. Isiah Jackson, the George Mason transferee, will also look to help on both ends of the floor.
St. John’s Red Storm
2015 Record: 1-17
Predicted Record: 6-12
Last year’s Big East bottom-feeder will have an improved year. Head coach Chris Mullin has done a good job adding a big piece to the team in his second go-around, as he was able to get power forward Bashir Ahmed to transfer.
Ahmed is a three and a four, and he should be able the Red Storm’s defense and presence down low. Marcus LoVett, who was unable to play last year due to academic issues, will finally get his chance. The point guard should have a productive year directing the offense.
DePaul Blue Demons
2015 Record: 3-15
Predicted Record: 2-16
DePaul will continue being at the bottom of the standings. They failed to land any ranked recruits and their leading scorer and rebounder from last year, Myke Henry, is gone.
Henry’s opportunities on offense will be passed to point guard Billy Garrett, and he is projected to score 15-17 a game this season, while also leading the team in assists. The other players to contribute on scoring are guards Chris Harrison-Docks and Eli Cain, and transferee Tre’Darius McCallum.
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