Technically, conference play has already started. St John’s held serve at Carneseca against DePaul a week ago. However, the Friars and the rest of the league gets their first crack this weekend.
Some are saying that it is a tough start for the league this non-conference, and it’s hard to argue. There have been plenty of upsets so far this season but that’s being seen across all major conferences. We think the Big East has potential to have another good season.
So we figured we’d check in with all the other teams to see how they’re doing.
Creighton
- The Jays looked like they were living up to the preseason hype after wins against Texas Tech and Arkansas. That has all changed with 5 consecutive loses going into conference play. Depth and shooting (of all things) are concerns for the Jays. They need to get a fully healthy Kalkbrenner that played the defense he did last season.
Xavier
- Xavier have been in every basketball game they’ve played this year. Their three losses to Gonzaga, Duke and Indiana were by a combined 11 points. UTEP transfer Souly Boum has been an excellent portal find for Sean Miller, he’s a bucket getter.
Villanova
- I’ve been saying that I’m not afraid of Villanova anymore, and I’m sticking to it. HS All-American Can Whitmore certainly helps but the Cats are 5-5. Ultimately it comes down to the health of Justin Moore. He is the old man with the shovel in this Home Alone analogy.
UConn
- The Huskies have clearly been the class of the Big East in the non-conference. They’re undefeated, ranked three in the nation and have beaten all eleven opponents by double digits. Their depth is proving to be absurd, and Joe Calcaterra has been a sneaky great add in the portal. Sanogo has lived up to the billing and Jordan Hawkins is finally starting to blossom. Will their hot shooting continue in Big East play?
St John’s
- It appears that the Johnnies big 3 guards of Andre Curbelo, David Jones and Posh Alexander are playing well. However, like Providence most of the competition has been suspect.
- The biggest surprise has been the outstanding play of Joel Soriano. He is arguably playing like the top big man in the conference to date. It’ll be great to see how his production translates in the Big East.
Seton Hall
- The only thing I learned in the Pirates rock fight win over Rutgers was that someone supporting Rutgers would be such an asshole to toss a beer at television play-by-play man John Fanta. We will have more on the Pirates in our preview of Saturday’s game.
- John, if you are reading this, we have boots on the ground all of New Jersey. Just say the word. We’ll get this addressed.
Butler
- Manny Bates has given Butler a totally different look this season. The Bulldogs will be a tough out this season for sure.
Marquette
- The Golden Eagles are another team that has had an impressive non-conference slate. Shaka Smart continues to have a tough team and point guard Tyler Kolek is running the team really well.
Georgetown
- Patrick Ewing never gets any breaks, but he has to have the hottest coaching seat in the Big East at the moment. The Hoyas are the only team in the conference with a losing record. Get ready for Jeff Goodman to try and push Cooley to Georgetown again.
DePaul
- After a road win at Minnesota I was prepping for #RankDePaul season. However the they have 4 losses and are already in the basement of the Big East standings. Gibson and Javan Johnson have been great though and they should be able to be competitive this season.