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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Feb 6, 2016; Queens, NY, USA; St. John’s Red Storm head coach Chris Mullin looks on during the second half against the Butler Bulldogs at Carnesecca Arena. Butler Bulldogs won 89-56. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

7. St. John’s Red Storm

2015-16 record: 8-24 overall, 1-17 in Big East

Head coach: Chris Mullin

Key returning players: Federico Mussini, Malik Ellison, Yankuba Sima, Kassoum Yakwe

Newcomers: Four-star PG Shamorie Ponds, German F Richard Freudenberg, JUCO transfer F Bashir Ahmed, Tennessee transfer F Tariq Owens, partial qualifier PG Marcus LoVett

In Chris Mullin’s first year and the start of a massive rebuilding process, St. John’s had one of the worst seasons in program history. They lost 16 games in a row from the middle of December to the middle of February, and their only win in conference play all year was at home against DePaul.

They didn’t lack the effort and the intensity. Instead, the Johnnies just didn’t have the talent to record wins in a rugged Big East.

But 2016-17 will be a different story. Not only do the Red Storm have an increased level of talent, but they have versatility, depth, speed and scoring.

The Red Storm have a plethora of options in the backcourt, starting with former four-star recruit Marcus LoVett (who was forced to sit out as a partial qualifier last season), returnee Malik Ellison and the gem of St. John’s recruiting class, Shamorie Ponds. Sophomore point guard Federico Mussini should also factor in as a shooter and will likely play off the ball for the majority of his minutes.

In the front court, the Johnnies have players who can slide in at numerous different positions. Bashir Ahmed could potentially be the team’s leading scorer and will factor in at the three and four positions. Kassoum Yakwe is a shot blocking machine with a developing offensive game, while Yankuba Sima was the team’s best player last season until suffering a broken hand at the beginning of conference play.

Add in Richard Freudenberg’s shooting ability from the four position and Tariq Owens’ length, and the Johnnies have a completely different roster in 2016-17.

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