Big East Basketball: 10 key questions looming for 2021-22 season
1. Can more than 4 teams make the 2022 NCAA Tournament?
Big East basketball saw four teams (Creighton, Villanova, UConn and Georgetown) make it to last year’s NCAA Tournament. What’s the early forecast looking like for 2021-22?
The emergence of Georgetown in last year’s Big East Tournament certainly changed the odds on Selection Sunday when the Hoyas earned the league’s automatic bid for the NCAA Tournament. Their victory potentially left St. John’s out in the cold in last year’s tournament field.
Creighton, Villanova, and UConn are all locks given their pedigree. Creighton and Villanova both made it to last year’s Sweet 16 and could be geared up again for another run.
The Red Storm return Julian Champagnie, last year’s Big East Defensive Player of the Year, Posh Alexander, and bring in a slew of transfers that should impact their rotation. Look for them to be a team to keep an eye on as a lock.
Xavier had a bit of a weird season given the Covid-19 pandemic and all. It’s hard to foresee Travis Steele not being in the middle of the pack if not near the top with his squad, so count them in.
Next. Preseason MVC power rankings for 2021-22. dark
When it comes to the bubble, Butler and Georgetown may be the ones battling it out for a potential sixth spot. Things could come down to the conference tournament once against in 2021-22 with a much more competitive feel to the league.