Big East Basketball Power Rankings: Providence, SJU trending oppositely

Big East basketball features three undefeated teams in conference play and all of them belong in the upper half of the rankings. Where does each team stand?

Big East basketball season is now in full swing as each team has played at least two games to begin the conference schedule. While there have definitely been some surprises, the top of the league still seems to be about what most people expected a few weeks ago. Providence jumping out to a 3-0 start has been eye-opening but the likes of Butler, Seton Hall, and Villanova have all started predictably strong as the favorites moving forward.

The middle of the league, though, is exceptionally jumbled. Many thought that the Big East’s middle would beat up on itself throughout league play and that appears to be exactly what is happening. Six teams of the 10 teams are already under-.500 in conference play and it is very difficult to sort out power rankings for the league as a result.

This, though, is a fun problem to have. With how tightly-packed the conference is this season, every single game means something. Providence’s hot start means that it is back in the at-large conversation for the NCAA Tournament and now all 10 teams will be fighting for bids throughout the next two months. Each game has the potential to be riveting and can be a difference-maker on tournament resumes come March.

It is reasonable to make an argument that the Big Ten is the best conference in the country but the Big East might be the most entertaining. The league will likely send 6-8 teams to the NCAA Tournament and determining those teams will occur with conference play moving forward.

Now, without any further introduction, let’s dive into this week’s edition of my Big East Power Rankings.