Big East Predictions

1. Villanova - After his Final 4 appearance, Jay Wright sort of wondered the wilderness a few seasons but has got this program humming again. They'll be a bit undersized but ooze talent on the outside. They're a legit Final 4 contender and the clear favorite.

Tournament Bound

2. Butler - Chris Holtmann is a natural heir to the machine that is Butler coaching. After a blip in the radar in 13-14, Butler is back to being a very good basketball team. Good enough to make a trip to the Sweet 16. 

3. Georgetown - The Hoyas have a chance to be a very good team this year. With the return of D'Vauntes Smith Rivera and a talented front court, the Hoyas have a great opportunity to make it out of the first weekend. 

4. Xavier - Brian asked why doesn't Chris Mack get more love nationally and get linked to open jobs. Truth is, the Xavier alum does. He may leap someday but for now, he's doing a great job in Cincinnati. Look for big seasons from Jalen Reynolds and Trevon Blueitt.

Bubbling

5. Marquette - More to come

6. Providence - Kris Dunn is good enough to lead them to the tournament. The question is, who steps up to help. I like Ben Bentil and Rodney Bullock to help ease the loss of Ladontae Henton.

7. Creighton - The Bluejays are a bit of a mystery. Transfer Mo Watson joins a talented back court. Don't sleep on this team who after a down year look to be getting their Big East bearings. I love what McDermott has been doing in recruiting.

Sleeper

8. Seton Hall - Last year's most dysfunctional Big East team enters the season with low expectations but are a talented squad. They have a nice back court with Isaiah Whitehead and Khadeen Carrington and a solid big man in Angel Delgado. Pirates will be a pest in league play.

The Bottom

9. DePaul - DePaul has some nice players but are still way behind the rest of the league in talent. The Oliver Purnell years were a disaster and will take a few years to overcome. Dave Leitao needs to upgrade the talent.

10. St. John's - The Red Storm could go winless in league play. It's unlikely, but possible. They return no player who averaged 10 minutes a game last year. It'll be hard to judge Chris Mullin as a coach. He has a really good staff and great recruiters. They'll need to be to turn this around.

Player of the Year: Kris Dunn, Providence 

Newcomer of the Year: Henry Ellenson, Marquette

Coach of the Year: Chris Holtmann, Butler

All Big East Team

Kris Dunn, Providence

D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera, Georgetown

Kellen Dunham, Butler

Roosevelt Jones, Butler

Jalen Reynolds, Xavier