The Big East’s performance in non-conference play has been nothing short of spectacular. In total, Big East teams enter conference play with a collective winning percentage of .791 and no team sits below .500. Given the quality of each and every team in the Big East, it’s a near impossible task to predict how things will shake out in the standings come March. But hey, we might as well try! Read on for the Thompson’s Towel staff’s predictions for the Big East standings and individual awards.
*NOTE: All records updated to reflect games played on or before Thursday, December 16th*
Projected Order of Finish
The Big East’s performance in non-conference play has been nothing short of spectacular. In total, Big East teams enter conference play with a collective winning percentage of .791 and no team sits below .500. Given the quality of each and every team in the Big East, it’s a near impossible task to predict how things will shake out in the standings come March. But hey, we might as well try! Read on for the Thompson’s Towel staff’s predictions for the Big East standings and individual awards.
*NOTE: All records updated to reflect games played on or before Thursday, December 16th*
- Villanova (7-3 non-conference)
Average rank: 1.83
High rank: 1st
Low rank: 3rd
“Unfortunately, Villanova is still the best pick to win the Big East. I’m really high on UConn however, I think they have a really well coached team that can cause a lot of matchup problems. If they can stay healthy I think we might see the Huskies take down the Wildcats this year.” -Vinnie Cannamela
- UConn (9-2 non-conference)
Average: 2.33
High rank: 2nd
Low rank: 3rd
“Although I have them finishing second, UConn winning the big east would not surprise me. Excited to see them and Xavier finally give Villanova a run for their money.” -Jacob DeAnnuntis
- Xavier (10-1 non-conference)
Average rank: 2.83
High rank: 1st
Low rank: 4th
“The Musketeers have a solid mix of experience (Freemantle and Paul Scruggs) and players performing way above their expectations (Jack Nunge and Nate Johnson). Their only loss has come to CBB surprise Iowa State, who are currently 10-0. Expect the Musketeers to make some noise in conference play.” -Charlie Sewell
- Seton Hall (9-1 non-conference)
Average rank: 3
High rank: 1st
Low rank: 4th
“Seton Hall is the scariest team in the Big East. Cry about it.” -Armen Haratunian
“Seton Hall looks like a complete team to start this season and has played a very tough schedule. Don’t be surprised if they win the Regular Season Championship this year.” -Bobby Vogel
- Providence (10-1 non-conference)
Average rank: 5.17
High rank: 5th
Low rank: 6th
- St. John’s (8-2 non-conference)
Average rank: 6.67
High rank: 6th
Low rank: 7th
- Creighton (8-3 non-conference)
Average rank: 7.67
High rank: 6th
Low rank: 10th
- Marquette (8-3 non-conference)
Average rank: 8.33
High rank: 5th
Low rank: 10th
- DePaul (9-1 non-conference)
Average rank: 9.17
High rank: 6th
Low rank: 11th
- Butler (7-3 non-conference)
Average rank: 9.33
High rank: 8th
Low rank: 11th
- Georgetown (6-4 non-conference)
Average rank: 9.67
High rank: 8th
Low rank: 11th
“The Hoyas appear to be much improved from the team that lost to Dartmouth back in November, but they will still enter Big East play with the worst record in the conference. I think it’ll be tough sledding for this young Georgetown team against higher-caliber Big East competition, but I hope I’m wrong on this one.” -Jacob VanderZwaag
Big East Player of the Year
Collin Gillespie, Villanova (4 votes)
“In a year where college basketball is being dominated by veteran players, look no further than Villanova’s 5th-year guard Collin Gillespie as the favorite to take home the Big East Player of the Year. At least this will be the last year of his Nova career” -Vinnie Cannamela
“This award is Gillespie’s to lose, unless Julian Champagnie or Paul Scruggs turn heads as the season progresses.” -Jacob DeAnnuntis
Julian Champagnie, St. John’s (2 votes)
“Champagnie does everything for St. John’s, leading the team in points and rebounds. He’s also shooting over 43% from beyond the arc in non-conference play. I expect Champagnie to continue turning in strong stat lines in conference play.” -Jacob VanderZwaag
Big East Freshman of the Year
Aminu Mohammed, Georgetown (6 votes)
“When you have a guy who is second in the whole league in rebounds and the leading scorer on his team, you better expect him to win Big East Freshman of the Year.” -Bobby Vogel
“I know this is a Georgetown blog, but do we really need to justify this pick? Kid’s a beast.” -Armen’s Haratunian
An “Under-the-radar” or breakout player
Javon Freeman-Liberty, DePaul
“I feel like this really isn’t an “under-the-radar” pick, but Freeman-Liberty was left off every Big East preseason team, even though the senior currently has the highest offensive-rating in the conference (120.0) while being used at a very high percentage (26.3% of DePaul’s possessions). Don’t be surprised if he makes a run for the Big East Player of the Year award; it just all depends on if the Blue Demons can win conference games.” -Charlie Sewell
Ryan Nembhard, Creighton
“Ryan Nembhard may be the only real competition for Aminu Mohammed for Big East Freshman of the Year. The kid has stepped up big for a Creighton team that lost a lot of talent from last year’s squad. He may be a force in the Big East for years to come.” -Bobby Vogel
Daryll Morsell, Marquette
“While I still think Marquette is extremely overrated, Morsell is a player who has the ability to make a big impact in conference play. While he’s more known for his defensive abilities, his play in non-conference play thus far shows that he is all around underrated and should be someone to look out for.” -Armen Haratunian
Tyler Polley, UConn
“As UConn’s three-point specialist, Polley hasn’t had his best stuff in non-conference play, shooting around 32% from beyond the arc. I expect the fifth-year senior to turn it on in Big East play and provide a solid dose of scoring and veteran leadership for the Huskies.” -Jacob VanderZwaag
Dante Harris, Georgetown
“Dante will remind everyone who won Big East Tournament MVP. Don’t sleep!” -Vinnie Cannamela
Do you agree with our picks? Who do you think is the team to beat in this year’s Big East? Sound off on social media and let us know!
