Big East Basketball: Will anyone challenge the defending champs?

Mar 12, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Seton Hall Pirates guard Khadeen Carrington (0) cuts down the net after the Pirates won the championship game of the Big East conference tournament against Villanova at Madison Square Garden. Seton Hall Pirates defeated Villanova Wildcats 69-67.Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) reacts next to North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) in the second half in the championship game of the 2016 NCAA Men’s Final Four at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Villanova Wildcats

2015-16 record: 29-5 overall, 16-2 in Big East

Head coach: Jay Wright

Key returning players: Josh Hart, Kris Jenkins, Jalen Brunson, Phil Booth, Mikal Bridges, Darryl Reynolds

Newcomers: Three-star C Dylan Painter, Fordham transfer F Eric Paschall, G Donte DiVincenzo (redshirted), F Tim Delaney (redshirted)

Can Villanova be the first team to repeat as National Champions since the 2006-07 Florida Gators?

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It’s possible, but first they have the task of winning their fourth straight Big East regular season conference crown. And they will have to achieve that goal without the services of veterans Ryan Arcidiacono and Daniel Ochefu, and freshman Omari Spellman (who has been ruled an academic redshirt).

Those are three crucial losses, however, you also must look at the rest of Villanova’s roster. Their two leading scorers are back, Josh Hart and Kris Jenkins, Jalen Brunson has similar traits as Arcidiacono, Phil Booth broke out in the National Title game, Mikal Bridges is one of the most versatile wings in the country and Darryl Reynolds nearly averaged a double-double when Ochefu went out for a short stretch with an injury last season.

And that’s not even touching on the newcomers. Dylan Painter and Tim Delaney should have small roles, but Fordham’s Eric Paschall can play numerous different positions and is capable of scoring the rock from all three levels.

Even Donte DiVincenzo should get minutes as a backup guard who will contribute on both ends of the floor.

Leadership is a bit of a concern, but would you really doubt a roster as skilled, experienced and flexible as Villanova?

You can’t. And that’s why despite the increased talent level across the nation, the Wildcats have a solid chance to be covered in confetti for the second straight season.

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