What's Happening?
St. John's has been ranked first in the Big East Conference preseason poll for the first time since the 1991-92 season. The team received seven first-place votes from the conference's coaches, while UConn received the remaining four. St. John's is led
by senior forward Zuby Ejiofor, who was named the conference's preseason player of the year after averaging 14.7 points and 8.1 rebounds last season. UConn's Braylon Mullins was named the preseason freshman of the year. The poll also saw Creighton and Providence following UConn, with Marquette, Georgetown, Villanova, Xavier, DePaul, Butler, and Seton Hall rounding out the rankings. The conference welcomes new coaches Kevin Willard at Villanova and Richard Pitino at Xavier.
Why It's Important?
The ranking of St. John's at the top of the Big East preseason poll marks a significant milestone for the team, highlighting its potential to be a major contender in the upcoming season. This development is crucial for the Big East Conference as it adds competitive excitement and raises the stakes for the season. The presence of high-caliber players like Zuby Ejiofor and Braylon Mullins suggests that the conference will showcase top-tier talent, potentially impacting the national college basketball landscape. The introduction of new coaches at Villanova and Xavier could also bring fresh strategies and dynamics to the conference.
What's Next?
The upcoming season will see St. John's and UConn facing off in what promises to be highly anticipated matchups, given their rankings and the talent on both teams. The games scheduled for January 24 and February 9 will be key tests for both teams and could influence their standings in the conference. The new coaches at Villanova and Xavier will also be closely watched as they integrate into the conference and attempt to make their mark.
Beyond the Headlines
The rivalry between St. John's and UConn is expected to intensify, with both teams being viewed as threats to each other's championship aspirations. This rivalry could enhance the visibility and popularity of the Big East Conference, drawing more attention from fans and media. The competitive nature of the conference may also lead to increased recruitment efforts and strategic adjustments by other teams.
