Big East Basketball: Looking back on the 2016-2017 season

Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA;Xavier Musketeers forward Kaiser Gates (22) and guard Trevon Bluiett (5) celebrates as they beat the Florida State Seminoles during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

4 of 6

Dec 28, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; Seton Hall Pirates forward Desi Rodriguez (20) drives on Creighton Bluejays guard Marcus Foster (0) at CenturyLink Center Omaha. Creighton defeated Seton Hall 89-75. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

Creighton Bluejays

Record: 25-10 (10-8 Big East)

Postseason: 6 seed, Round of 64

Losing Maurice Watson Jr. was a killer this season, as the Bluejays were among the elite teams in the country before he went down. Marcus Foster was the lead man on the season, dropping 18.2 points per game, but Justin Patton was the team’s biggest surprise.

Patton finished his freshman campaign averaging 12.9 points per game and was a stud on both ends of the floor. With Foster and Patton alongside Khyri Thomas (12.3 points per game), Creighton was able to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014.

Despite losing in the first round of the Big Dance to Rhode Island, making the tournament made this a successful season. As seems to be the case with every team, Creighton’s biggest win on the season was over Butler in Hinkle Fieldhouse. Defeating a Sweet 16 team and the second-best team in the conference on the road is something you can hang your hat on.

Seton Hall Pirates

Record: 21-12 (10-8 Big East)

Postseason: 9 seed, Round of 64

For the first time since making the tournament from 1991-1994, Seton Hall has now made back-to-back NCAA Tournaments. Given the fact they lost Isaiah Whitehead to the NBA Draft a year ago, finding the Big Dance again was a big deal for Seton Hall.

Behind a “Big Three” of Angel Delgado (15.2 points per game, 13.1 rebounds per game), Khadeen Carrington (17.1 points per game), and Desi Rodriquez (15.7 points per game), the Pirates posed a dangerous threat in every game they played in.

Although they lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to Arkansas, they still had a successful season thanks to a good record and several great wins. Looking back on their season, beating Butler on the road was a major win, as was defeating South Carolina (who made the Final Four) in the non-conference schedule.

Home/Big East