2023 | Preseason Preview | Big East Conference

[TuscanSota]

Hi everyone,

We're going to take a break from new AI teams today and go over the Big East. Here is your preseason review of the Big East for 2023!

 

11.  Marquette Golden Eagles | Ovr.: 155 | Off.: 155 | Def.: 147

Last season Marquette did not see the post-season and posted a 13-18 record. Despite pulling a win in the Big East conference tournament Marquette will have a long ways to go this season. Their mid-range shooting should be good this year, especially with players Sr SG Alexander Nugent and Jr PG duo David Wynveen and Jason Kohler, they will have trouble rebounding the ball especially against some of their other conference opponents. Their most recent recruiting class does not bode well for the future of this team either.

 

10.  Creighton Blue Jays | Ovr.: 140 | Off.: 140 | Def.: 132

A 9-20 record for the Blue Jays is the last thing a basketball fan would expect to see in this sim, but it happened. Fortunately, the Blue Jays continue their rebuild and should at least enter double-digit wins this season. Senior C Brandon Dahal looks excellent defending the ball, and should be their go-to player in the interior this season. There's not a lot of bright spots overall for Creighton but they do have some good rebounding and should surprise opponents with a few three pointers.

 

9. Seton Hall Pirates | Ovr.: 123 | Off.: 106 | Def.: 118

The two names you'll want to know from Seton Hall this season are Sr SG Justin Brunner and jr PG Stephen Alexander. Both players will make a frightening duo for Seton Hall's offense from the mid-range and 3pt range, and both are excellent with passing the ball. The rest of this Seton Hall team will help support this duo as the Pirates attempt to improve on their 11-21 record from last season. There aren't many great defenders on this team, so one would expect the Pirates to be fast-paced with the ball when on the court.

8.  Xavier Musketeers | Ovr.: 116 | Off.: 137 | Def.: 86

Having a 16-13 record unfortunately wasn't enough for Xavier to make the postseason last year, and the Musketeers will need to fight their way this year to make it. Fortunately this team has some excellent defensive players this year such as Sr PF Todd Moore, Jr C Donald Helton, and new freshmen C Kofi Ball and PF Billy Tombonaywa. The Musketeers will be stellar in defending the interior and the perimeter, but teams will have a harder time making 3pt shots against this team.

7.  UConn Huskies | Ovr.: 108 | Off.: 139 | Def.: 67

The Huskies were at rock bottom last year with 8 wins. This team is both rebuilding and reloading with fresh talent; Husky fans will see plenty of minutes from Sr PG James Dominy, Sr C Clifford Wright, and Sophomore PG Kenneth Harris; but I wouldn't be surprised if 4 star Fr PG Pascal Perez were to get rotational minutes this season. The Huskies have some excellent defenders this year, but will struggle getting rebounds this year.

6.  Butler Bulldogs | Ovr.: 88 | Off.: 51 | Def.: 127

Going from regular season conference champions to #6 in the preseason isn't always fun, though for Butler there may be a hangover. The Bulldogs topped the conference last season with a 25-7 Record and a trip to the Sweet 16. This year will be a rebuild with Sr PG Robert Wright leading Bulldogs on offense. If the Bulldogs can muster a defense outside of Jr PF Steven Moore, they will be a force in the Big East. Unfortunately losing on a couple of recruiting battles will have the Bulldogs struggling outside of their starting five. Let's see how far @jared2001usa can take this group.

 

5.  Georgetown Hoyas | Ovr.: 51 | Off.: 59 | Def.: 55

Former coach @SageBow 's resignation may have some thinking the Hoyas will struggle this season, but this team is one capable of improving on their 13-17 record last season. The Hoyas bring in four fantastic recruits in PG Cary Mcdonald, PF Jesse Strickland, C Philip Williams, and SG Matthew Ogle. Ogle appears to be the most likely to earn rotation minutes and the staff are already raving about his playmaking capabilities. The Hoyas have several fantastic options from the interior to three point shots; though defense, despite their ranking, will be heavily relied on by the new freshmen. Expect @Dash Dustrider's crew this year to be younger and bolder than last year's.

4.  Providence Friars | Ovr.: 46 | Off.: 34 | Def.: 80

Providence this year is a through-and-through perimeter based team. Whether it's the numerous 3pt shooting players on their roster such as Jr PG Stephen Raudebaugh or Sophomore PG John Burch, Providence's biggest strength will be their perimeter defense. If they can control the ball and take advantage of their rebounding, Providence will be calling the shot's on the Big East championship.

3.  St. John's Red Storm | Ovr.: 23 | Off.: 17 | Def.: 35

Coach @SyndaKyt and the Red Storm is one of the top teams this year. Going 22-9 and 2nd in the Big East last year wasn't enough, and this team is determined to take the #1 spot. This team will be leaning on Sr SG Michael Kopke and PG William Smith on both sides of the ball, and neither appear to have any detrimental weaknesses. The rest of their starting five with Jr PF Danny Sevy, PF Danilo Chen, and a rotation of Fr SF Jaye Ajani and redshirt FR PF Mohamad Stroud will have team's guessing on who take the shots. Despite their early exit from last year's postseason tournament, SJU appears tougher and on the cusp of running the Big East.

2.  DePaul Blue Demons | Ovr.: 19 | Off.: 19 | Def.: 25

Last year's Big East Tournament Champion may have experienced an early-round exit, but @blueblud3's Blue Demons are projected to reload and make the tournament again. The Blue Demon's six-man rotation features a motley of veterans and younger players from Sr SG Cruz Nunes, who is known for his mid-range jumper; Sr PF Raymundo Graff, a great rebounder and defensive player in his own right; Jr PG Gus Felton, an excellent Floor General on the court; redshirt Freshman PF Ronald Geralds, who is known for his turnovers and rebounding; and redshirt freshman SG Anthony Holmes, who appears to be a younger Cruz Nunes. Fr PG Todd Lathrop has the chance to earn some minutes with his jumping capability, but I'd expect the Blue Demons to stick with a strict rotation of the above six.

1. Villanova Wildcats | Ovr.: 2 | Off.: 9 | Def.: 1

Here you have it, folks. Your #2 overall team this year, and the best defense in the CBB this year. The Wildcats are the preseason favorites for the Big East. Jr SG Antonio Will and Sr SG Brian Bennett will likely be the team's best options on all fronts, and Jr C Michael Deluise and So SF David Deoliveira appear as fantastic options on the defensive side of the ball. Their depth will likely be the team's biggest strength, especially with additions to the team from 5 star PF Chris Monroe, 4 star PG Jeremy Potporov, and 4 star PF Peter Coulter. Monroe has been hyped since last season and will make an impact in rotation for the Wildcats. Former Coach @Kirby placed this group in the right spot for not only the Big East, but a deep run to a national championship.