Big East Basketball Power Rankings: Providence, Xavier surging

Butler split its two-game homestand during this past week by falling to Providence then returning to form in a big win over Villanova. Despite the recent talks of “Butler’s slump”, the team has won three of its last four games and deserves to remain at the No. 3 spot in these rankings. Most importantly, though, the Dawgs just got arguably their second-most important player back from injury as Aaron Thompson took the court in their win over Nova.

Thompson is such a crucial piece of the puzzle for this team and he is what makes them a potential Top 10-15 team in the entire country. He is a National Defensive Player of the Year candidate and a three-year starter at the point guard position. That kind of leadership and poise is not easily replaced and we saw that during his time out of the lineup. Now that he is back in action (although not quite 100%), Butler should be regarded as one of the best teams in the conference once again.

Kamar Baldwin is a star and potential All-American but the supporting cast around him is pretty darn good as well. Sean McDermott is perhaps the most efficient offensive player in the country while the Bryce Bros are as physical and versatile as any pair of forwards in the conference.

Butler will likely hear its name called among the Top 16 at the Bracket Preview this weekend and deservedly so. The Dawgs have a great resume and are a lock for the NCAA Tournament. A tough closing schedule awaits, though, and notching double-digit conference wins should be the goal. Butler currently sits at 18-5 (6-4 BE).