Busting Brackets
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Big East Basketball: 10 key questions looming for 2021-22 season

By Jerran Anderson

Jan 8, 2020; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Georgetown Hoyas head coach Patrick Ewing talks with team against the St. John's Red Storm during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2020; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Georgetown Hoyas head coach Patrick Ewing talks with team against the St. John's Red Storm during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Butler Bulldogs Bryce Golden St. John’s Red Storm Julian Champagnie Butler Men S Hoops
Butler Bulldogs Bryce Golden St. John’s Red Storm Julian Champagnie Butler Men S Hoops /

6. What’s next following Mike Anderson’s Big East Coach of the Year season?

Big East basketball could be in for another surprise from the St. John’s Red Storm as they return the conference’s leading scorer in Julian Champagnie and Big East Defensive Player of the Year in Posh Alexander.

Champagnie led the way with 19.8 ppg and 7.4 rpg in 2020-21 and returns as a potential Big East Player of the Year candidate. Alexander returns looking to set the tone once again on both ends. He put up 10.9 ppg, 4.3 apg, 3.4 rpg, and 2.6 spg this past season.

Head coach Mike Anderson earned the first Big East Coach of the Year award in his career, leading the Red Storm to a fourth-place finish with a 10-9 record with upset victories over Villanova and UConn, and Seton Hall.

Champagnie will have help and then some with the additions of transfers Joel Soriano (Fordham), Montez Mathis (Rutgers), and Aaron Wheeler (Purdue). Soriano poured in 10.4 ppg and 9.2 rpg to the tune of eight double-doubles this past season.

Mathis should add another two-way threat in the backcourt as a reserve and potential starter. He posted 8.3 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Rutgers last year. Wheeler and his 6-foot-9 frame should add some bulk to their frontcourt.

If the Red Storm can keep pace like they did this past season and finish in the top half of the results, they could find themselves in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in Anderson’s tenure.

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