1. Villanova
After reaching the Final Four last season, Villanova has hardly skipped a beat. Although ‘Nova lost two starters to graduation, do not expect to see any drop off from the Wildcats. Coach Jay Wright had a fantastic offseason, bringing in one of the best recruiting classes in the nation to team alongside senior guards Reggie Redding and Scottie Reynolds. If the youngsters can contribute right away, this team is poised to make a run at the Big East, if not the national, championship.
2. West Virginia
Coach Bob Huggins is doing something right in West Virginia. In his first two seasons at the helm, he has led the Mountaineers to two NCAA Tournament appearances, and this year’s Mountaineers squad should be Huggins’s best yet. The team is experienced, returning four starters from last year’s squad, and headlined by senior Da’Sean Butler and sophomore Devin Ebanks, a potential breakout star.
3. Connecticut
Coach Jim Calhoun will have trouble finding a big man to replace co-Big East Player of the Year Hasheem Thabeet, but will not struggle to keep UConn atop the Big East standings. With a host of capable players returning from a Final Four team, look for guard Jerome Dyson and forward Stanley Robinson to anchor a strong Connecticut team.
4. Louisville
Although the defending Big East champions lost both starting forwards to the NBA, the eight returning letter winners and five recruits should not find it too difficult competing at the top of the Big East. Look for seniors Jerry Smith and Edgar Sosa to be the starting backcourt, but be pushed by a talented group of guards.
5. Georgetown
6. Syracuse
Coach Jim Boeheim has to deal with the loss of his top three scorers, including NBA lottery pick Jonny Flynn. But with key returnees such as sharpshooter Andy Rautins, and the addition of transfer Wesley Johnson, don’t expect the Orange to fall far.
7. Cincinnati
After beating expectations and finishing ninth in the Big East last season, it is a solid bet that the Bearcats will continue to rise thanks to their tough defense. Senior guard Deonta Vaughn and Big East preseason Rookie of the Year Lance Stephenson headline a talented Cincinnati roster.
8. Notre Dame
It is impossible to talk about Irish hoops without first mentioning superstar senior Luke Harangody, who makes Notre Dame a threat to anyone on any given night. But even with their preseason All-American, the Irish will have a tough time replacing three starters.
9. Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has been the Big East’s most consistent team over the past decade, appearing in eight straight NCAA tournaments. The Panthers will take a step back after losing co-Big East Player of the Year DeJuan Blair, but with the guidance of coach Jamie Dixon, don’t be surprised if the Panthers are dancing again come March.
10. Seton Hall
After losing only one starter, coach Bobby Gonzalez’s challenge will be fitting all of his deserving players into the lineup. Look for veteran guards Jeremy Hazell and Eugene Harvey and forward Robert Mitchell to be big time players.
11. St. John’s
The Red Storm return their top eight scorers from last year, as well as Anthony Mason Jr., the team’s point leader two years ago who missed nearly all of last season due to injury. This veteran squad may be coach Norm Roberts’s best chance for success in Queens.
12. Marquette
Coach Buzz Williams will have his hands full in his second year at Marquette. Senior Lazar Hayward, a proven valuable commodity in the Big East, is the lone returning starter and will have to lead an inexperienced Golden Eagles squad.
13. Providence
“New faces” will be the dominant theme for Providence this season. Coach Keno Davis returns only three scholarship players, so he must rely on one junior college transfer, two redshirt freshmen, and five incoming freshmen to make significant contributions.
14. South Florida
USF brings back four starters, including preseason second-team All-Big East guard Dominique Jones, from a team that won only four games in conference last year.
15. Rutgers
Rutgers will rely on its incoming class to assist stud sophomore Mike Rosario as the Scarlet Knights attempt to climb out of the Big East cellar.
16. DePaul
After failing to record one regular season conference win last season, DePaul will count on returning double-figure scorers—center Mac Koshwal and guard Will Walker—to improve their chances.
—Adam Rosenfeld
