Big East Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2021-22 season

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 11: Julian Champagnie #2 of the St. John's Red Storm reacts in the second half against the Seton Hall Pirates during the Quarterfinals of the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 11, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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Big East Basketball Connecticut Huskies guard Tyrese Martin Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

2020-21 season record: 15-8 (11-6)

Despite the covid pauses and game postponements, the first season back in Big East ended up successful for the Huskies basketball program. They finished third in the standings behind Villanova and Creighton and made the NCAA Tournament before falling to Maryland in the Round of 64.

That proved to be the last time we saw James Bouknight, who led the team with 18.7 ppg this past season, along with 5.7 rpg. The star sophomore elected to enter and star in the 2021 NBA Draft, likely as a lottery pick. The team also lost big man Josh Carlton to the transfer portal.

Good news for UConn is that they return a good amount of production, including forwards Isaiah Whaley and Tyler Polley coming back for a super senior season. Guard RJ Cole and wing Tyrese Martin will be the leading pieces, while top-50 freshman Rahsool Diggins will be depended on having an impact in the rotation.

The Huskies will have some depth in the frontcourt with Adama Sanogo and Akok Akok but there needs to be someone that breaks out into a leading player in terms of production. The same goes in the backcourt when it comes to replacing what Bouknight did. While I’m high on Diggins long-term, I do believe that Uconn takes a bit of a step back next season now that all the games will be played.

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