Experience is huge when it comes to the rigors of the Big East, and that’s why we went against the grain by picking the Fighting Irish to come out on top–Notre Dame returns all five of its starters this season. Jack Cooley returns up front for what seems like his ninth year of eligibility, while the team’s electric backcourt of Jerian Grant and Eric Atkins returns to anchor the veteran group.
Jan. 21
2. Syracuse
The team we all love to hate has a pretty cushy out-of-conference schedule in its Big East swan song. The Orange reload this season with a potent mix of experience and talent; Brandon Triche and James Southerland will be expected to fill in the void at the top of the team’s vaunted 2-3 zone, while Michael Carter-Williams is expected to have a breakout season. We still hate them.
Feb. 23 & March 9 (The Big One)
3. Louisville
Conventional wisdom says the Cardinals should win the conference with Big East Conference Player of the Year Peyton Siva and First Teamer Gorgui Dieng. The core, combined with prolific sophomore scorer Chane Benahan, should help Head Coach Rick Pitino live up to preseason expectations. But after struggling to a 10-8 conference record with a similar core last season, we think they will hit the same bumps in the schedule this year, especially against the Hoyas.
Jan. 26
4. Georgetown
Last year, the Hoyas were heavily disrespected by the conference, predicted to finish 10th in the Big East. They turned heads and finished tied for fourth; this season, the coaches took notice, picking them to finish fifth. We think this is fair, but also believe the freshmen will come along faster than expected, helping Georgetown replicate last year’s finish.
5. Cincinnati
Yancy Gates and Henry Sims provided a battle for the ages in last year’s Big East Tournament. Both are gone, but the Hoyas’ heartbreaking double-overtime loss that day is reflective of the Bearcats’ rise over the past few seasons. We see that trend continuing this season, as they return Sean Kilpatrick, who torched the Hoyas for 27 points last year, alongside floor general Cashmere Wright. Also, they broke Chris Wright’s hand in 2010.
Feb. 15
6. South Florida
After being stuck in the league cellar for much of their short Big East existence, South Florida has emerged as a contender under head coach Stan Heath. The Bulls are now one of the best defensive teams in the Big East, yet are challenged at times on the offense. If sophomore guard Anthony Collins can give them consistent scoring and strong leadership on offense, he could be a sleeper for Player of the Year.
Jan. 19
7. Pittsburgh
Despite a disappointing last season in which Pittsburgh failed to make the NCAA tournament, head coach Jamie Dixon and the Panthers look to rebound with a strong recruiting class. Freshman center Steven Adams, a top-five recruit, has the potential to make an impact early on. If senior Tray Woodall can continue where he left off before he suffered an abdominal injury last year, the Panthers will be a tough team to beat on any given night.
Jan. 8
8. Marquette
After a visit to the Sweet 16 last season, Marquette looks to rebuild quickly after the departure of Darius Johnson-Odom and Jae Crowder, last year’s Big East Player of the Year. However, thanks to the transfer of top scorer Trent Lockett from Arizona State, the rebuilding process should be a quick one for head coach Buzz Williams and the Golden Eagles.
Feb. 11
9. Connecticut
With the retirement of longtime and legendary head coach, John Calhoun, now-Head Coach Kevin Ollie looks to make the best out of what will be one of the more inexperienced teams in the league. Junior guard Shabazz Napier will look to fill the void left by the NBA departures of Jeremy Lamb and Andre Drummond as the Huskies battle NCAA sanctions.
Feb. 27
10. Villanova
Just like Pittsburgh, the Wildcats had a disappointing season last year, as they missed the NCAA tournament for the first time in seven years. They may be absent from the tournament again this year, as they lost the lead scoring combo of Maalik Wayns and Dominic Cheek. Senior forward Mouphtaou Yarou and sophomore forward Jayvaughn Pinkston will have to step up their scoring production dramatically if the Wildcats want to even think about dancing.
March 6
11. DePaul
After a season of improvement in 2012, DePaul will look to build on the groundwork laid by Head Coach Oliver Purnell over the past two years. Cornerstones Cleveland Melvin and Brandon Young will both return to the lineup as juniors. Six of their top seven scorers return this season, and they’ll look to translate that into a rise up the standings.
Feb. 20
12. Providence
Last season, Ed Cooley’s new system instilled a new level of discipline into Providence. They formed a more cohesive unit, and the Friars blossomed in an environment rife with order. With a talented recruiting class, star point guard Vincent Council and Providence will try to get the results the team needs to move up the ranks in the Big East.
Jan. 16
13. Rutgers
Last year, Mike Rice’s game squad included seven freshman and no seniors on scholarship. There were a few breakthrough wins versus Florida and Connecticut, but ultimately lack of experience mooted any chance Rutgers had at making a name for itself. This year, the team looks forward to a few more surprise wins, but ultimately, the season will most likely end in disappointment for the Scarlet Knights.
March 2
14. St. John’s
Last season was slightly disastrous for St. John’s. After losing most of its starting lineup to graduation, it is amazing the Red Storm managed a 13-19 mark overall and a 6-12 record in the Big East. Coach Steve Lavin has brought in another large recruiting class, but it’ll take more than numbers to fix the problems staring St. John’s in the face.
Jan. 12
15. Seton Hall
In 2012 Head Coach Kevin Willard barely managed to drag his team into the NIT. The team’s top scorers, Jordan Theodore and Herb Pope, have both graduated and left a gaping hole which Willard believes only quality transfers can fill. That the Pirates have only just made it into national polls for the first time in 11 years says it all. It’s a transitory season over in Jersey.
Jan. 30
