The first edition of our Power Rankings has arrived!

This year, we will have votes casted not only from our site, but others around the Big East world as well. This week’s rankings include ballots from the following:

Anonymous Eagle

• AE himself (aka Brewtown Andy)
• Besay
• Connor Lagore

Banners on the Parkway

• Brad D.
• Bryan Dobney

Casual Hoya

Rumble in the Garden

• Norman Rose

---

10. DePaul Blue Demons

(Score: 9.32; Highest Vote: 9; Lowest Vote: 10)

“MAX STRUS! MAX STRUS! MAX STRUS!” - Chris Grenham

“The new arena is open! That's exciting, right?” - Rob O’Neill

9. Georgetown Hoyas (1)

(Score: 9.23; First-Place Votes: 1; Lowest Vote: 10)

“Ewing’s first year won’t be pretty, but he has to start somewhere.” - Chris Grenham

“Well, it's a transition year, but everyone is really high on the potential for future success under Patrick Ewing. Also, Georgetown Jack is a v good (skateboarding) dog.” - Rob O’Neill

8. St. John’s Red Storm

(Score: 7.73; Highest Vote: 5; Lowest Vote: 9)

“The Red Storm will be a lot of fun to follow this year. They could end up in the bottom three of the conference, or finish in the middle of the pack. Regardless, with Shamorie Ponds and Marcus LoVett leading the way, Chris Mullin has St. John’s heading in the right direction.” - Chris Grenham

“Chris Mullin and the Johnnies took a giant leap last season. Can they take another and make a postseason tournament this year?” - Rob O’Neill

7. Marquette Golden Eagles

(Score: 6.59; Highest Vote: 5; Lowest Vote: 8)

“Markus Howard is a dark horse Big East Player of the Year contender, especially if he replicates last year's performance. Can the defense improve, though?” - Rob O’Neill

6. Butler Bulldogs

(Score: 6.27; Highest Vote: 5; Lowest Vote: 9)

“There were obvious changes in Indianapolis over the offseason, and we'll have to see how the Bulldogs bounce back from them, but having Kelan Martin and Kamar Baldwin back helps. Also Butler Blue is a v good dog.” - Rob O’Neill

5. Creighton Bluejays

(Score: 5.64; Highest Vote: 4; Lowest Vote: 7)

“Khyri Thomas and Marcus Foster will handle the majority of their offensive production. If both of them aren’t performing, it could present some problems for McDermott.” - Chris Grenham

“It's tough to gauge where the Bluejays will end up this year but they have the conference's best pure scorer in Marcus Foster and one of the nation's best defenders in Khyri Thomas” - Rob O’Neill

4. Providence Friars

(Score: 3.95; Highest Vote: 2; Lowest Vote: 7)

“Tournament or bust this year for the Friars, which is much different than last season. More than one win in the big dance would also be nice, as Providence has gained a rep for quick exits. No Emmitt Holt is an unfortunate loss that’ll test the Friars all season long.” - Chris Grenham

“Looking past the absolutely horrifying mascot, this Providence squad will be a blast to watch this year.” - Rob O’Neill

3. Xavier Musketeers

(Score: 2.73; Highest Vote: 2; Lowest Vote: 4)

“Xavier returns the bulk of a team that went to the Elite Eight and has one of the nation's best coaches.” - Rob O’Neill

“I’m just happy the Blob is back.” - Chris Novak

2. Seton Hall Pirates (1)

(Score: 2.50; First-Place Votes: 1; Lowest Vote: 4)

“The Pirates have a ton of experience this year. That should scare Nova. I genuinely hope Willard can put it all together, because if all goes well, this will be a lot of fun.” - Chris Grenham

“Angel Delgado is a NPOY contender while Khadeen Carrington, Desi Rodriguez, and Ismael Sanogo fit their designated roles to a T” - Rob O’Neill

1. Villanova Wildcats (20)

(Score: 1.09; First-Place Votes: 20; Lowest Vote: 2)

“They’re really good again.” - Chris Grenham

“Naturally, they're #1 again. The rest of the conference improved, but until someone proves they can be better than Villanova in conference play, the Wildcats will retain the top spot.” - Rob O’Neill