| Creighton | Creighton faces the challenge of replacing athleticism but took a step in the right direction with the addition of Jamiya Neal. The team has some upside with the improvement of Steven Ashworth and the defensive prowess of Ryan Kalkbrenner.. Ashworth has shot better than he did last year and is expected to continue improving. Kalkbrenner, a top-5 player nationally, anchors the defense, which shouldn’t decline significantly, maintaining Creighton’s defensive strength and team cohesion. The addition of Pop Isaacs is a bit puzzling, but he should help with ball handling and distributing, allowing Ashworth to focus more on spot-up shooting. The addition of 21-year-old freshman Fedor Zugic, who has played over 100 professional games, is also intriguing. |
| Marquette | Marquette’s perimeter strength remains a key asset, bolstered by standout Kameron Jones who is ranked 6th in the nation in our model. Most of the wing players return intact, and Marquette relies on internal development and a strong team culture. They would have benefited in adding a post player or some more offensive support this season. The main concern is replacing Oso Ighodaro with Ben Gold and a committee approach. However, I think Shaka Smart has earned the benefit of the doubt in addressing this challenge although Sean Jones replacing and All American in Tyler Kolek could be another hurdle, but the post play seems like the bigger concern. That said Kolek was an unheralded transfer from George Mason who had a .440 true shooting his first year at Marquette prior to taking off like a rocket ship. I think we have to trust the process here. |
| UConn | UConn’s transfer haul leaves much to be desired, especially in the context of pursuing a three-peat. Tarris Reed and Aidan Mahaney must fill significant roles, but almost no one could match the impact of the departed Donovan Clingan and Cam Spencer . Reed anchored one of the worst defenses in the Power 5 last year, ranked 353rd in defensive rating, while Mahaney was inefficient with a .506% true shooting percentage in the WCC. Although he was better as a freshman, it’s a big leap to expect either of these players to replace what was lost, and they are being tasked with that responsibility. Alex Karaban‘s return is promising; he’s a talented player who could step up to stardom, though he needs to be fed the ball to be effective offensively. Hassan Diarra is a solid point guard familiar with the system. UConn will need significant improvement from someone to stay in the top 10 and replace the magic of Tristen Newton and all they lost. I think Diarra could be that player, but I have doubts about Mahaney and Reed. They might also turn to freshman Liam McNeeley if the current additions don’t meet expectations. Overall, Dan Hurley deserves some trust—he turned down the Lakers to return—but I’m not sold on this roster as a top 7 or 8 contender. I expected more. |
| St. John’s | St. John’s added elite perimeter talents Kadary Richmond and Deivon Smith. We have both rated in the top 20 nationally. Despite the notable departure of Joel Soriano I think Zuby Ejiofor could be one of the elite sleepers nationally that steps into a staring role. Their depth and talent level remain high, setting the stage for a competitive season. St. John’s is a top 15 talented team with a hall of fame coach in my opinion so that normally works itself out. |
| Xavier | Xavier’s success hinges on Zach Freemantle and Jerome Hunter‘s recovery. John Hugley adds some depth if Freemantle struggles in his return. Overall this team is very deep. Sean Miller has successfully developed mid-major talents Quincy Olivari and Souley Boum, with Ryan Conwell likely to follow. |
| Butler | Thad Matta is a good coach, aiming for Butler’s first NCAA appearance under him. Jahmyl Telfort returns with Pierre Brooks, giving Butler some continuity which should keep them in the a similar ranking as last season. I don’t see much if any improvement however. |
| Villanova | Eric Dixon is one of the nation’s best players but lacks a strong supporting cast. Villanova has underachieved in preseason rankings under Neptune, showing the absence of Jay Wright. |
| Providence | Coach Kim English faces challenges integrating new players but Jabri Abdur-Rahim is a talented replacement. However it’s unlikely anyone can replace Big East player of the year Devin Carter. Bryce Hopkins‘ return from injury is another aspect to deal with. |
| DePaul | DePaul’s recruiting class, led by David Skogman, Isaiah Rivera, and N.J. Benson, offers promise. Despite last year’s struggles, Chris Holtmann’s coaching should lead to a big turnaround season. |
| Seton Hall | NIL issues seem apparent after winning the NIT and losing Kadary Richmond to an in conference rival. Replacements in the portal don’t seem strong. Dylan Addae-Wusu (2.3 ADJeff) or Chaunce Jenkins might be their best player, and that’s an issue. It’s a bit sad as Holloway has proven to be a solid a very good coach. I’d like to see alums stay at their schools, but this situation might now allow for that. |
| Georgetown | Despite reported strong resources and NIL, Georgetown’s portal recruiting appears less impressive. Malik Mack, ranked highly by some, but wasn’t very efficient in the Ivy League. Some will make injury excuses for that, but I do not see the Big East treating him better.. Micah Peavy is solid and Jayden Epps returning helps but he is inefficient in a lead role at .510 true shooting. Freshman Thomas Sorber is the most interesting player on this roster for me. 19ppg, 11rpg 4.8 blocks per game and shoots FT’s at 76%. Georgetown needs a big man to step up and he seems most likely and with the highest upside. He could play along side Drew Fielder as well who is likely his biggest competition for minutes in the post. The post defense can’t realistically get worse than it was last season. Block shots seems to be one of the more transferable statistics, not in the numbers but as an indication of instincts and strengths when you block that many. |
