Big East 2015 rankings: '2' guards

Hello! you may remember last year we did a series of rankings for Big East players. Well, today, we're starting that up again! It's time to delve into the realm of the conference and see who the best '2' guard is based upon the votes of the BECB staff.

5. Phil Booth (Villanova Wildcats)

SCORE: 5.43 || HIGHEST RANKING: 4 || LAST YEAR PLACED: N/A

Starting off the countdown is guard Phil Booth, who was extremely impressive as a freshman in the 2014-15 season. While players like Angel Delgado, Duane Wilson, amongst others took the spotlight as rookies in the conference, Booth more than held his own in coming off the bench. Down the stretch, Booth logged minutes at the 1, 2, and 3 (per KenPom.com) and all season played well as a role player for the 'Cats. The departures of Dylan Ennis, who is now at Oregon, as well as the graduation of Darrun Hilliard will likely give way to the Baltimore, Maryland native logging more minutes this season despite the backcourt still being relatively crowded. We certainly suspect that Booth will play up to ability this season and build off what was a solid season in southeastern PA.

4. Duane Wilson (Marquette Golden Eagles)

SCORE: 4.50 || HIGHEST RANKING: 3 || LAST YEAR PLACED: N/A

Another sophomore enters the countdown in the form of MU guard Duane Wilson. There is an argument to be made that Wilson was a strong contender to win the Big East Rookie of the Year award which wound up going to double-double machine Angel Delgado. Wilson, a native of the 414, averaged 11.9 points, 2.1 assists and 1.2 steals whilst logging 28.1 minutes per game and was often terrific in many facets. His best performance of the season arguably came against Providence when he scored 22 points and was an incredible 7-of-10 from the 3-point line at The Dunk. With a bevy of talented guards around him now in Milwaukee, Wilson will still likely have time to shine on a Marquette team that has lots of potential to surprise this season.

3. L.J. Peak (Georgetown Hoyas)

SCORE: 3.07 || HIGHEST RANKING: 2 || LAST YEAR PLACED: N/A

Another youngster on the countdown appears at the No. 3 spot. The 2014 Hoyas were highlighted by terrific freshmen, but perhaps no one was more impressive than L.J. Peak. Peak, a South Carolina native, stepped into the forefront and played very well in JT3's system. One thing that Peak will have to improve upon is his efficiency, as he did struggle at times while on the floor. He did have his flashes of brilliance though, and perhaps potential alone is why we see him here in this spot on the countdown. With another season at Georgetown under his belt, it's hard to not see him playing well again in our Nation's Capital, and thereby justify the ranking.

2. Trevon Bluiett (Xavier Musketeers)

SCORE: 1.93 || NO. 1 VOTES: 4 || LAST YEAR PLACED: N/A

The fourth and highest-ranked freshman checks in at the penultimate spot on this list. Xavier's Trevon Bluiett was sensational in Cincinnati last year, as the Indianapolis, Indiana native averaged 11 points and 4.2 rebounds per game whilst doing a good job in taking care of the basketball. Bluiett did struggle a bit down the stretch, averaging just 4.0 points per game in the final five games for X, but that doesn't take away from what was a great start to his career as a Musketeer. Already being regarded as one of the most talented players in the country, expect Bluiett to take a big leap in his second season at Xavier.

1. Kellen Dunham (Butler Bulldogs)

SCORE: 1.36 || NO. 1 VOTES: 10 || LAST YEAR PLACED: 4th

The No. 1 '2' guard as voted by the BECB staff is the most seasoned of the Top 5. Kellen Dunham has been one of Butler's best players in his career and the 2014-15 season was no different. He posted career highs in eFG%, TS%, 3PT FG%, 2PT FG%, TORate, FC/40, FD/40, FTRate and ORtg as well. It comes as no surprise that Dunham is being regarded as one of the most talented guards in the country by several publications and could be saving his best for last as he enters his final season at BU. 2015 could be a very big season for Dunham, and that wouldn't surprise anyone either.