1. Villanova – The defending National and Big East are losing their 4 best players to the NBA Draft, but they also have the 16th best recruiting class in the nation coming in. Three top 50 players including Jahvon Quinerly and Cole Swider. They are also returning some talented players along with Jay Wright who was rumored to be on the radar of a couple NBA teams.
2. Providence – (Biased) The Friars look to go to their 6th straight NCAA Tournament but will be without Kyron Cartwright, Jalen Lindsey and Rodney Bullock. However, they have the 20th ranked recruiting class coming in led by local high school stars AJ Reeves and David Duke who are both top 45 players. Ed Cooley is also looking to return big man Emmitt Holt who was out all last year due to a stomach injury, as well as Alpha Diallo who I expect to be first team all Big East next year.
3. Marquette – I think Wojo and the Golden Eagles will have an impressive year this year. Despite losing Andrew Rowsey and not having a spectacular recruiting class. They’re bringing back a majority of their talent from last year including the electric Markus Howard.
From 4-10, for me, can go any which way. I don’t think there is any guarantees from here on out.
4. Butler – I will take the Bulldogs here. Even though they lost Kelan Martin and Tyler Wideman, I like what Jordan did in his first season, and really think Kamar Baldwin is going to have a breakout year. Look for Nate Fowler and Paul Jorgensen to step up as well in a year where they didn’t get too much talent in recruiting.
5. St. John’s – I’ll reluctantly go St. John’s at 5 for now. They lost Marcus Lovett and a couple other pieces from the roster last year, but Shamorie Ponds remains as well as Chris Mullin looking to continue to grow as a coach and leader. The Red Storm also have a top 60 recruiting class and got a huge gain in Auburn transfer Mustapha Heron. If the NCAA allows him to play immediately they might finish as high as 2nd or 3rd in the league.
6. Creighton – The Blue Jays lost their 2 best players Marcus Foster and Khyri Thomas along with big man Toby Hegner. However, they have the 40th ranked recruiting class and Greg McDermott who is a top coach not only in the Big East, but the country as well. I expect a decent year from Creighton who will be a tough opponent for anybody they play this season.
7. Georgetown – Georgetown could also finish higher than this when all is said and done. The Hoyas bring back Marcus Derrickson and Jessie Govan along with the 30th ranked recruiting class in the Nation, led by James Akinjo, the #85 player in the country. Kudos to Patrick Ewing on that accomplishment, look for Georgetown to turn some heads this season.
8. Seton Hall – Seton Hall has been at the top of the Big East standings for the past few years and had a slightly disappointing past season, despite playing Kansas very tough in the round of 32. Having said that, the Pirates have lost 3 starters in Carrington, Rodriguez and Delgado which I think is tough for any team. They have the #60 recruiting class and a proven coach in Willard, as well as returning shooter Myles Powell. As I type this I regret putting them this low but don’t feel like going back to make changes.
9. Xavier – A #1 seed in last years’ NCAA’s took a tough blow this offseason. Lost their 3 best players as well as an important role player and coach Chris Mack to Louisville. Ouch. They have a solid class coming in, number 61 in the nation and the winning culture that they have developed over the years. But Travis Steele will without a doubt have his work cut out for him.
10. DePaul – I didn’t want to put them here but I saw no other choice. They only lost their starting center and returned both Eli Cain and Max Strus, and have their highest recruiting class since entering the Big East #55 in the country. I just don’t see them getting over the hump just yet. I think they’re very close though.