What's Happening?
St. John's has been picked by Big East coaches to finish first in the conference, marking the first time since 1991 that the team has been selected for this position. The decision was made during the conference's
media day, where St. John's narrowly edged out Connecticut, receiving seven of 11 first-place votes. UConn received the remaining four votes. Creighton was ranked third, followed by Providence, Marquette, and Georgetown. The preseason Player of the Year was awarded to St. John's star forward Zuby Ejiofor, who is recognized for his strong defensive skills and offensive rebounding. The team is coming off a successful season, having won both the Big East regular season and postseason titles, and securing their first NCAA Tournament win in 25 years.
Why It's Important?
The selection of St. John's as the top team in the Big East highlights the growing expectations for the team under coach Rick Pitino. This decision reflects the team's recent successes and the strength of their roster, including the addition of top-ranked transfers. The ranking could impact the team's morale and performance, as well as influence recruitment and fan support. For Creighton, being ranked third indicates strong competition within the conference, which could affect their strategy and preparation for the upcoming season.
What's Next?
St. John's will face seventh-ranked Michigan in an exhibition game at Madison Square Garden, providing an opportunity to test their skills against a top-tier team. The regular season opener is scheduled for November 3 against Quinnipiac. The team's performance in these games will be closely watched as they aim to meet the high expectations set by their preseason ranking.
