Big East Basketball: 2018 Conference Tournament bracket and preview
Players to watch on each team
Trevon Bluiett, Xavier: Although it has not been announced yet, Bluiett could easily be awarded the Big East Player of the Year. He is by far and away the best player on the best team in the conference. He is having a remarkable season and is arguably the most clutch player in the country.
Jalen Brunson, Villanova: He might not be getting the media coverage of someone like Marvin Bagley III or Trae Young but Brunson should be the National Player of the Year. He is a tremendous floor general and a versatile offensive talent. There are big men around the country that would be lucky to have Brunson’s post skills.
Angel Delgado, Seton Hall: The best big man in the conference. Delgado is the heart of Seton Hall. He is a huge body in the paint and a tremendous rebounder. Possibly the most underrated part of his play, though, is his passing. Delgado’s fingerprints are all over Seton Hall basketball as the focal point of the team, even if he is not the leading scorer.
Marcus Foster, Creighton: Foster is a natural-born scorer. The Bluejays are one of the best offensive teams in the country and a large part of that is due to Foster. He is a top-notch shooter at 42.6% from 3-point range and is capable of putting the ball in the basket from anywhere on the floor.
Kyron Cartwright, Providence: In contrast to some of the scorers on this list, Cartwright is an excellent playmaker. The senior guard is averaging nearly six assists per game and keeps the Providence offense flowing even on stagnant nights. He led the conference both in total assists and assist percentage this season while averaging double-digit points per game.
Kelan Martin, Butler: Regardless of the play of Brunson and Bluiett, Kelan Martin is the most valuable player in the conference. Night in and night out, he is the engine that drives Butler basketball. The senior is having a remarkable year and can carry the Bulldogs to victories throughout March. He was the leading scorer in Big East play at 22.3 points per game and shot 42.6% from three.
Markus Howard, Marquette: It is hard to pick between Howard and Andrew Rowsey for who you should watch most of the Golden Eagles. Both are exceptional shooters who have arguably the greenest light in the country. Howard is putting in a touch over 20 points per game and has excelled this year despite needing to take on a heavier offensive load.
Marcus Derrickson, Georgetown: The lone All-Big East player from the Hoyas, Derrickson is worthy of watching. He is a double-double threat with the ability to score from deep (45.6% from three). The junior will be back for more next season and the BET will be a great place for him to showcase his skills.
Shamorie Ponds, St. John’s: If any player can single-handedly guide their team to a potential conference tournament title, Ponds is the guy. He is an elite scorer who does it all for St. John’s. Even though he has dealt with injuries recently, he should be good to go for a run in the BET.
Max Strus, DePaul: When Strus is on, DePaul is a difficult team to beat. He is the go-to scorer on the team despite relatively poor shooting percentages. He averages 16.6 points per game but has the ability to erupt and keep the Blue Demons in games.