Big East Basketball: 5 key questions and storylines heading into 2021-22

2. What will there be more of; Villanova losses in Big East play or DePaul wins?

Giustino

If we go back to the last time DePaul didn’t finish in last place in Big East play (2016, 2nd to last place), DePaul is averaging just 3.5 conference wins a year. In that same time frame, Villanova is averaging just 3.83 conference losses and has owned the Big East. DePaul has a new coach and a new roster, and the rebuild looks like an extensive one so I’m going with more Villanova losses because the league is deep. I’m not expecting much from DePaul this season.

McCormack

As someone who grew up watching the likes of Quentin Richardson, Bobby Simmons, and even for the real college basketball junkies Sammy Mejia back in the day I do not see the 21-22 being pleasant for DePaul. I will go with more Villanova losses.

DePaul finally has a new coach in Tony Stubblefield who I believe will be a good fit overall, but it won’t be right away. Need to give him a little bit of time and allow him to bring in his own guys and establish an identity for the Blue Demons.

Villanova has a great team returning from last year, another very good recruiting class too, but I think the loss of Jeremiah Robinson-Earl will hurt and be the result of some tough losses for the Wildcats in Big East play this season.

Sinodhinos

Jalen Terry may not be Charlie Moore, but he is the new point guard for DePaul and he will be starting alongside three transfers plus returning 6’5 guard Courvoisier McCauley. Together they will comprise a starting lineup that will get a few wins versus the diluted bottom of the Big East while Villanova will be challenged by a couple of improved teams in Xavier and St. John’s. In the end, Villanova will have more wins than DePaul has losses.