As the NCAA men’s basketball season edges closer, the buzz surrounding Big East basketball is undeniable. Last season’s highs and lows are still fresh, yet the anticipation for a completely new season is already building. UConn will enter the season as back-to-back NCAA Champions, trying to capture the elusive three-peat. Today, we’re diving into the first part of our series, examining the Big East’s potential contenders and pretenders. We are initially looking at the transfer portal additions and the incoming freshman classes as our baseline.
The Big East isn’t just any old conference; it’s a powerhouse of tradition and thrilling basketball narratives that enrich the entire sport. The league has been flooded with high-profile transfers and incoming freshmen. Storied and battle-tested coaches fill the league from top-to-bottom. It looks like this will be another great year for the Big East. So, grab your favorite drink, and let’s break down what these teams might bring to the hardwood this upcoming season. Here’s to hoping your team makes the Big East contender list!
Way Too Early Big East Contenders vs. Pretenders (Part 1)
Butler Bulldogs
Head Coach: Thad Matta
Incoming Freshmen: Evan Haywood – SG (3-star recruit)
Impact Transfers (In): Kolby King – PG, Patrick McCaffery – F
Impact Transfers (Out): D.J. Davis – G, Posh Alexander – PG
High-Level Outlook: Thad Matta remains a capable head basketball coach, despite the challenges of the past two seasons at Butler. Each year under his guidance shows marked improvement; after a 14-18 debut, the Bulldogs posted an 18-15 record last season. Nonetheless, they’re still a step behind the upper echelon of the Big East, primarily due to a shortage of firepower. The departure of Alexander and Davis via the transfer portal strips the team of significant offensive output, which could be tough to recover from.
While the addition of King is promising, it’s unrealistic to expect him or McCaffery to dramatically alter the scoreboard this season. Another concern is the team’s lack of a commanding presence in the paint. Failing to bolster the frontcourt might just seal Butler’s fate, as competing in the Big East without a strong interior lineup is a formidable challenge. The ‘Dogs will continue to improve under Matta, but they may be a season or two away from being true Big East contenders.
Prediction: Big East Pretenders
Connecticut Huskies
Head Coach: Dan Hurley
Incoming Freshmen: Liam McNeeley – SF (5-star recruit), Ahmad Nowell – CG (4-star recruit), Isaiah Abraham – SF (4-star recruit)
Impact Transfers In: Aidan Mahaney – G, Tarris Reed Jr. – F
Impact Transfers Out: N/A
High-Level Outlook: The rich get richer indeed. That’s the prevailing theme at UConn, and it’s hard to argue against the strategy. For a while, it seemed like Coach Hurley’s fiery enthusiasm and distinct coaching style weren’t quite resonating with his roster. But fast forward a few seasons, and it’s clear Hurley has found his groove, attracting players who thrive under his guidance.
Right now, there’s arguably no better place to play college basketball than Storrs, CT. The incoming recruiting class is nothing short of stellar. Prospects like McNeeley, Nowell, and Abraham aren’t just filling the roster—they’re poised to make serious waves, either as starters or as dynamic impact players coming off the bench.
Alex Karaban’s return to UConn was a tough pill to swallow for every team in the NCAA, let alone the Big East. The transfer additions of Mahaney and Reed shouldn’t go unnoticed. They’ll be inserted into games early and often and will be expected to contribute to winning basketball right away. The absence of Donovan Clingan, Stephon Castle, Tristen Newton, and Cam Spencer will sting, but the Huskies reload as good as any team. The rebounding numbers are sure to take a hit, but until college basketball fans see any moderately inconsistent play from the Huskies, they are clearly Big East contenders.
Prediction: Big East Contenders
Creighton Bluejays
Head Coach: Greg McDermott
Incoming Freshmen: Jackson McAndrew – PF (4-star recruit), Larry Johnson – SG (4-star recruit), Ty Davis – CG (3-star recruit)
Impact Transfers In: Pop Isaacs – PG, Jamiya Neal – SG/SF
Impact Transfers Out: N/A
High-Level Outlook: Inefficiency has plagued both Isaacs and Neal throughout their careers. Still, they’re productive when they’re on the court. Creighton is in a bit of a tough spot to predict. Baylor Scheierman and Trey Alexander are off to the NBA, leaving a massive hole of scoring production to be filled. This is where the Isaacs pickup really starts to make sense. Coming from Texas Tech, Isaacs is no stranger to high-level competition. With his background, he’s perfectly positioned to take on the role of leading scorer, ready to shoulder the offensive load for his new team. His experience and skills could be the catalyst that sparks a significant upturn in his team’s fortunes.
Not to be overlooked is the return of big-man, Ryan Kalkbrenner. He has a chance at being a four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year award winner. Needless to say, it’s an impressive accomplishment. The incoming freshman class holds considerable promise, and you can bet on Coach McDermott to maximize the potential of these young players. McAndrew is poised to earn consistent minutes, while Johnson’s athleticism is bound to dazzle on more than a few occasions. Creighton has consistently been among the top teams in the Big East over the past few seasons. Given their track record and the talent they’re bringing in, there’s little reason to doubt that the Bluejays will continue their successful run this season.
Prediction: Big East Contenders
