"If preseason projections mean anything, Big East men's basketball will be dominated this season by a pair of teams with some familiar faces leading them. St. John's and coach Rick Pitino have been picked to win the league in its 2025-26 preseason poll, with UConn and Dan Hurley closely trailing them at No. 2. The Red Storm received seven of a possible 11 first-place votes while the Huskies earned the remaining four."
"Last season, its second under Pitino, St. John's enjoyed its best season in a quarter-century, winning the conference regular season and tournament titles and earning a No. 2 seed to the NCAA Tournament before it was upset by John Calipari and No. 10 seed Arkansas in the second round. The Red Storm lost several of their best players from that squad - namely, Kadary Richmond, Deivon Smith and Big East player of the year RJ Luis Jr."
St. John's was picked to win the Big East in the 2025-26 preseason poll, receiving seven of 11 first-place votes. UConn was chosen second with four first-place votes. Creighton, Providence and Marquette were ranked third through fifth. St. John's won last season's conference regular-season and tournament titles and earned a No. 2 NCAA seed but lost in the second round. The Red Storm lost key players Kadary Richmond, Deivon Smith and Big East player of the year RJ Luis Jr., while returning preseason player of the year Zuby Ejiofor and adding transfers Ian Jackson and Bryce Hopkins. UConn went 24-11 last season but returns many top players.
Read at USA TODAY
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