Now that the regular season is over and before the conference tourney begins, I thought it would be a good time to take a look at what the Big East landscape is heading into next season. Obviously, things can change with transfers and late signees. I'd argue we need, as a conference, some very positive additions because the current state is not very rosy for next season.
My take in order of current standings:
1. Villanova - We may not go 29-2 again. In fact, I'd bet good money that our winning percentage next year will be down. Nonethless, we will be very good.
2. Georgetown - Expect the Hoyas to finish in this spot again next season, but they do loses some key guys. I don't think DSR is going anywhere. If he does, that would be a big issue because the Hoyas lose Smith, Trawick and Hopkins. The current frosh should take a nice step forward next season.
3. Butler - The Bulldogs will again be solid. I think Barlow and Woods will be underrated losses; and I worry about their depth. But Butler has a very solid program. Martin and Wideman should help offset those losses along with NC State transfer Tyler Lewis.
4. Providence - The Friars will take a huge step back if Dunn goes pro early (as I expect he will). Tyler Harris is also expected to leave in addition to seniors Henton and DeRossiers. Dunn is the bridge to a nice group of talent, but he won't be there to help the Friars cross it.
5. St. John's - Even if Jordan and Obekpa both return (unlikely in my opinion), it will be rough going. Lavin absolutely needs to land Diallo or it could be a rough couple of seasons ahead. Johnnies lose Harrison, Branch, Pointer and Greene.
6. Xavier - X loses Dee Davis and Matt Stainbrook. The Musketeers will again be pretty good. They will again be ridiculously short on ballhandlers. Macura needs to take a huge step, and Reynolds needs to mature. X is a likely tournament team, even though I think they will likely be wearing road uniforms in the first round.
7. DePaul - I found it premature when posters talked about the Blue Demons turning the corner in early conference play. This program still stinks.
8. Seton Hall - Need a frontcourt player. Actually, two. And they need Gibbs not to transfer. The Pirates could be an NCAA team if things break right, but they will be thin and lack good coaching.
9. Marquette - MU will likely take the biggest step up next season. I don't buy Wojo as Coach K reincarnated like some, but he has the program pointing in the right direction. I think MU could be a fringe tourney team next season and then a true contender the year after.
10. Creighton - The Blue Jays' recruiting is improved, but the post-Doug McDermott transition will continue.
In terms of NCAA bids, I'd be pleasantly surprised if the league gets six again next season.
My take in order of current standings:
1. Villanova - We may not go 29-2 again. In fact, I'd bet good money that our winning percentage next year will be down. Nonethless, we will be very good.
2. Georgetown - Expect the Hoyas to finish in this spot again next season, but they do loses some key guys. I don't think DSR is going anywhere. If he does, that would be a big issue because the Hoyas lose Smith, Trawick and Hopkins. The current frosh should take a nice step forward next season.
3. Butler - The Bulldogs will again be solid. I think Barlow and Woods will be underrated losses; and I worry about their depth. But Butler has a very solid program. Martin and Wideman should help offset those losses along with NC State transfer Tyler Lewis.
4. Providence - The Friars will take a huge step back if Dunn goes pro early (as I expect he will). Tyler Harris is also expected to leave in addition to seniors Henton and DeRossiers. Dunn is the bridge to a nice group of talent, but he won't be there to help the Friars cross it.
5. St. John's - Even if Jordan and Obekpa both return (unlikely in my opinion), it will be rough going. Lavin absolutely needs to land Diallo or it could be a rough couple of seasons ahead. Johnnies lose Harrison, Branch, Pointer and Greene.
6. Xavier - X loses Dee Davis and Matt Stainbrook. The Musketeers will again be pretty good. They will again be ridiculously short on ballhandlers. Macura needs to take a huge step, and Reynolds needs to mature. X is a likely tournament team, even though I think they will likely be wearing road uniforms in the first round.
7. DePaul - I found it premature when posters talked about the Blue Demons turning the corner in early conference play. This program still stinks.
8. Seton Hall - Need a frontcourt player. Actually, two. And they need Gibbs not to transfer. The Pirates could be an NCAA team if things break right, but they will be thin and lack good coaching.
9. Marquette - MU will likely take the biggest step up next season. I don't buy Wojo as Coach K reincarnated like some, but he has the program pointing in the right direction. I think MU could be a fringe tourney team next season and then a true contender the year after.
10. Creighton - The Blue Jays' recruiting is improved, but the post-Doug McDermott transition will continue.
In terms of NCAA bids, I'd be pleasantly surprised if the league gets six again next season.
