Villanova has owned the Big East since the conference took its current form in 2013 following realignment.
In that time, the Wildcats have compiled a 63-9 conference record, won four straight Big East regular season titles and the national championship in 2016.
This year, Villanova — led by star point guard Jalen Brunson — is in prime position to win a fifth straight regular season Big East crown. But the Wildcats could be threatened by Xavier and Seton Hall, who each return a senior that may end up being voted an All-American in Trevon Bluiett and Angel Delgado, respectively.
MORE: Top returning player from each major conference team
Below, Sporting News breaks down the Big East with predictions, the sleeper team, X-factor, player of the year hopefuls, coach on the hot seat and the biggest regular season games.
Big East Predictions
1. Villanova
2. Seton Hall
3. Xavier
4. Providence
5. St. John’s
6. Creighton
7. Marquette
8. Butler
9. DePaul
10. Georgetown
Champion: Villanova
The Big East is the Wildcats’ to lose. Villanova lost both Josh Hart (18.7 ppg) and Kris Jenkins (13.1 ppg), two of its top three scorers from a season ago, to graduation but have plenty of options to fill that scoring void. Brunson, who averaged 14.7 points and 4.1 assists per game in 2016-17, will be one of the best point guards in the country, while versatile forward Mikal Bridges also returns to the lineup. Phil Booth missed almost all of last season because of a knee injury, but he is set to rejoin Brunson in the backcourt. Freshman Omari Spellman should make an immediate impact up front for the Wildcats after redshirting 2016-17 due to an academic issue.
X-factor: Creighton’s point guard situation
Creighton returns Marcus Foster, a member of the All-Big East first team a season ago, and Khyri Thomas, who was a co-Big East Defensive Player of the Year, from a team that went 25-10 and made the NCAA Tournament in 2016-17. But Creighton faces questions at the point guard spot next to Foster. Syracuse transfer Kaleb Joseph was expected to enter the Bluejays lineup and provide stability at the position after redshirting last season. Creighton coach Greg McDermott, however, said at Big East Media Day in mid-October that Joseph was limited in practice to start the season because of a hamstring injury. Joseph’s play at the point will have a major impact on Creighton’s chances of returning to the Big Dance.
Sleeper: St. John’s
The Red Storm has struggled in its first two seasons under coach Chris Mullin but could make a major leap in 2017-18. St. John’s will have one of the best backcourts in the conference, led by Shamorie Ponds and Marcus LoVett, who combined to average 33.3 points per game last season. St. John’s will also add a pair of talented transfers in Justin Simon, a former five-star recruit who spent his freshman year at Arizona, and Marvin Clark II, who played two seasons at Michigan State.
Three biggest games
Georgetown at St. John’s (Jan. 9): Chris Mullin and Patrick Ewing were two of the Big East’s biggest stars as players. They’ll renew their rivalry at Madison Square Garden in early January, this time as coaches.
Seton Hall at Xavier (Feb. 14): Seton Hall and Xavier will both be battling for a top spot in the conference. A Pirates road win over Xavier would be crucial for their chances of threatening Villanova for the title.
Villanova at Seton Hall (Feb. 28): The Wildcats will travel to Newark to face Seton Hall in a late-season matchup that could have major ramifications at the top of the Big East standings.
Player of the Year hopefuls
Jalen Brunson, guard, Villanova: Brunson’s the preseason frontrunner for the award. He’ll direct the Wildcats offense as he can both score and set up his teammates.
Trevon Bluiett, guard, Xavier: Bluiett’s ability to score will keep his name in the conference POY conversation throughout the season. He averaged 18.5 points per game as a junior in 2016-17.
Angel Delgado, forward, Seton Hall: Delgado was one of the top players in the conference last season as he led the nation in rebounding and averaged a double-double (15.2 points, 13.1 rebounds per game). He’ll be the best player on one of the best teams in the Big East.
Marcus Foster, guard, Creighton: Foster is the Bluejays offensive leader. If they make it to their second straight NCAA Tournament, he’ll be a big reason why.
Hot seat: Dave Leitao, DePaul
Leitao, who’s in his second stint at DePaul, is entering his third season, sixth overall, at the helm of the Blue Demons. He’s won just five Big East games and compiled an 18-45 record since taking the program over again in 2015-16. But It’s tough to win at DePaul. The Blue Demons have had a losing record for 10 straight seasons and last made the NCAA Tournament in 2003-04, during Leitao’s first go around with the Blue Demons. His job may not be in jeopardy yet, but it could be with another single-digit win season.
Stat that matters
Eight of the 11 players who made a Big East All-Conference team a season ago will return to their respective teams in 2017-18.