Big East Basketball: Final Team Grades and Rankings for 2017-18

6. Butler Bulldogs 21-14 (9-9)

2017-18 postseason result: NCAA Tournament Second Round

Season Grade: B

From being picked to finish eighth in the preseason, Butler showed why it doesn’t matter who the head coach is – the team will still prosper. Led by a big year from senior Kelan Martin, the Bulldogs went to another NCAA Tournament, where they nearly upset Purdue. The program has come a long way since their Horizon days.

5. Providence Friars 21-14 (10-8)

2017-18 postseason result: NCAA Tournament First Round

Season Grade: B

Things were looking dicey for the team in the non-conference, having to deal with numerous injuries among their key players. But once the Friars got fully healthy, they got the necessary wins to get into the Big Dance, including a win over Villanova, as well as a couple against Xavier. This became the fifth straight season of Providence being a part of the NCAA Tournament, the best streak in school history.

4. Creighton Bluejays 21-12 (10-8)

2017-18 postseason result: NCAA Tournament First Round

Season Grade: B

Despite having just two double-digit scorers for the second half of the season, Creighton was still one of the most explosive offenses in the country. Led by Marcus Foster and Khyri Thomas, the Bluejays navigated through a tough non-conference and solid Big East slate to make another appearance in the Big Dance. The two losses to end to year was a bit deflating, but still a positive campaign overall.