8. DePaul Blue Demons
Surprisingly enough, DePaul charted its first “successful” year in many, many years. That successful year included a 14-20 overall record with just four wins (4-16) in the Big East. However, after returning Layden Blocker, C.J. Gunn, and N.J. Benson, the Blue Demons should be in for a better season.
There were sure signs of life in Chris Holtmann’s first season at the helm. One thing DePaul lacked was length and physicality, and that was addressed in the transfer portal. I am buying DePaul’s stock right now as the team could be in for a much better season.
7. Georgetown Hoyas
Ed Cooley and the Hoyas will look to replicate and build off last season’s success. The Hoyas went from a 9-23 record in 2023 to an impressive 18-16 record last year.
The turn has lifted Georgetown from the bottom of the barrel to a respectable threat in the conference. Georgetown lost the bulk of the production from last season in Thomas Sorber, Jayden Epps, and Drew Fielder. On the other side, the Hoyas returned a key piece in Malik Mack and brought in a couple of key transfers, including KJ Lewis, Langston Love, and DeShawn Harris-Smith. There is optimism that Georgetown can improve with Ed Cooley in charge, but I do not see any significant strides happening this season.
6. Villanova Wildcats
As possibly the biggest wild card in the conference, the Wildcats seek newfound success under Kevin Willard. The firing of Kyle Neptune was inevitable after Villanova finished 21-15 last season and sixth in the Big East. Now, with Willard, the ‘Cats will navigate a new era.
The star of the show will be Acaden Lewis, an elite four-star combo-guard. Villanova brought back only two players from last season, including Tyler Perkins and Matthew Hodge. With that, the Wildcats are demanding a lot from Lewis, and it will be interesting to see if he can rise to the call. It’s simply too early to weigh the legitimacy of this team with so many transfers and former role players. I like the pieces, but I am uncertain.
5. Marquette Golden Eagles
There are many questions surrounding Marquette and, more specifically, how Shaka Smart is going to replace last year’s talent. In recent years, the Golden Eagles have been a real contender in the Big East with premier guard play. After losing Kam Jones and Stevie Mitchell, I wonder, who will be the next alpha?
Smart’s unwillingness to hit the portal has left Marquette stagnant with its roster. Unlike many of the previous teams, Marquette is returning most of its players from last season, with a probable starting lineup of Chase Ross, Zaide Lowery, Sean Jones, Royce Parham and Ben Gold. The problem is that all of these guys are largely unproven. In the end, I still trust Smart’s system, the Golden Eagles are always competitive.