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Big East Basketball: 2021 conference tournament preview and predictions

By Ian Mumm

Dec 30, 2020; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; DePaul Blue Demons guard Charlie Moore (11) looks on as Connecticut Huskies guard James Bouknight (2) shoots a free-throw in the second half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2020; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; DePaul Blue Demons guard Charlie Moore (11) looks on as Connecticut Huskies guard James Bouknight (2) shoots a free-throw in the second half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Big East Basketball Villanova Wildcats Justin Moore Seton Hall Pirates Shavar Reynolds Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Big East Basketball Villanova Wildcats Justin Moore Seton Hall Pirates Shavar Reynolds Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Teams

Creighton Bluejays: The recent remarks from head coach Greg McDermott were irresponsible and inappropriate. Although his comments have placed added negative attention on the program, his players have banded together and continued to play well. Creighton has won 5 of their last 7 games and seems to be playing with more efficiency and moxie that helped them to win a share of the conference title last season. With an abundance of backcourt weapons at their disposal, the Bluejays have the ability to navigate defensive schemes without experiencing large hiccups.

Villanova Wildcats: Injuries to key guards Collin Gillespie (season-ending knee injury) and Justin Moore (ankle sprain) have thrown a huge wrench into the playing style of the Wildcats heading into the conference tournament. The team may get a boost from Moore, should his injury and recovery fair better than initially believed, but the Wildcats will be required to reach deeper into their rotation to account for their losses.

More inexperienced guards Chris Arcidiacono and Bryan Antoine will be called upon to help this team pick up steam again, but head coach Jay Wright will look to lean on his talented frontcourt and wings to make up the difference. It was difficult to manage against Providence, but with added time to figure the rotation out Villanova still holds the cards to find a way through the tournament field.

Connecticut Huskies: The Huskies’ return to the Big East has been flawless. When healthy, they are among the top programs in the conference and are a much more efficient team on both ends of the floor. Connecticut has the depth and versatility to beat teams in any number of ways, and given the issues at the top of the Big East, have as good a chance as anybody else to bring home the conference title. Leaning on the confident shoulders of All-Conference 1st team selection James Bouknight, the Huskies have the capability to reach their full potential and piece together another one of UConn’s historical March Madness runs.

St. John’s Red Storm: The Johnnies have been on an incredible run to end the season. After waffling and struggling to find their identity early on, the Red Storm have rattled off 9 wins in their last 12 games. A large part has been the emergence of freshman point guard Posh Alexander alongside sophomore wing Julian Champagnie. St. John’s brings toughness to the court, knows their identity, and is not afraid of taking on any team. The only Big East team they failed to beat at least once this season was Creighton.

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