Big East Basketball: Ranking of top 25 players entering 2023-24 season

2. Tyler Kolek – Marquette

After a tremendous effort as a freshman at George Mason, Kolek transferred to Marquette back in 2021, joining new head coach Shaka Smart’s program. This was certainly a wise move on Kolek’s part, as he’s developed into one of the nation’s best point guards in recent years. Fresh off a great season for the Golden Eagles, Kolek averaged 12.9 points and 7.5 assists and was named Big East Player of the Year and Tournament MVP.

Kolek was 3rd in the nation in assists last year, led the Big East in steals, and clearly took a major step forward with his entire game. He’s developed into a solid weapon scoring the ball, making 40% of his 3-pointers last year and he’s certainly going to put his teammates in position for success. Marquette has a bona fide leader and savvy ball handler in Kolek, who could be even better this upcoming season.

1. Donovan Clingan – Connecticut

Despite the fact that he’s yet to start a game at the collegiate level, Clingan will be the player to watch this season in the Big East. He was a backup center as a freshman last year, but he steps up into a major role after the departure of Adama Sanogo. Clingan averaged 6.9 points and 5.6 rebounds as a backup in the frontcourt during the Huskies’ run to the national championship last year and will do significantly more damage this season.

This 7’2 center was extremely productive when he got his opportunities on the court, especially earlier in the season last year. His size and strength already makes him a fantastic athlete, and his shot blocking talent makes him a menace on defense. He showed phenomenal potential as a freshman and is expected to make major strides as a sophomore, though he is battling an injury in the preseason. When he’s on the court, the Huskies will have their next star big man.