Big East Analysis: Will Both Pitinos Reach the Tournament?

As the Big East basketball season approaches, attention focuses on two prominent teams: UConn and St. John’s. Both squads are positioned as potential top-10 teams for the 2025-26 season, leading to speculation about their chances of progressing to the NCAA Tournament.

UConn and St. John’s: Elite Contenders in the Big East

The debate surrounding UConn and St. John’s places them at the forefront of the Big East Conference discussion. UConn head coach Dan Hurley leads a team fresh off consecutive national titles in 2023 and 2024. Despite a down year, the Huskies achieved a commendable 24 wins and made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

St. John’s, helmed by Rick Pitino, boasts an impressive record of 31 wins and 5 losses last season, securing a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament—its best position since 2000.

Key Players to Watch

Both teams have retained significant talent. UConn returns vital components including:

• Alex Karaban, 6-foot-8 redshirt senior forward
• Solo Ball, 6-foot-4 junior guard
• Tarris Reed Jr., 6-foot-11 senior center

Meanwhile, St. John’s has its leading star, Zuby Ejiofor, a 6-foot-9 senior forward, who is expected to shine in the upcoming season.

Preseason Rankings and Key Matchups

The preseason rankings reflect their standing, with UConn earning the No. 4 position and St. John’s ranked No. 5 in the Associated Press polls. Additionally, Creighton holds a spot at No. 23, indicating a competitive landscape within the conference.

Two critical matchups to observe this season are scheduled for:

• February 6, in New York
• February 25, in Hartford, Connecticut

Impact of Departures on Other Teams

While UConn and St. John’s appear strong, questions arise regarding other teams in the Big East. Creighton faces challenges after the departure of key player Ryan Kalkbrenner. Kalkbrenner concluded his Creighton career as one of the top scorers and shot-blockers in the program’s history.

Marquette’s Shaka Smart attempts to navigate similar waters after losing standout player Kam Jones, while still banking on continuity within the team.

Challenges for Coaches at Villanova and Beyond

The Big East also features interesting coaching dynamics. Kevin Willard returns to Villanova with ambitions of restoring the program’s former glory. After a lackluster performance in recent seasons, Willard aims to reinvigorate a team with limited returning squad members.

Villanova is awaiting immediate impacts from its fresh recruits, particularly talented freshman Acaden Lewis, after a season marred by mediocrity under previous coach Kyle Neptune.

Future Outlook

With the Big East Conference gathering intrigue, various teams will seek to establish their place. The performance of coaches like Willard at Villanova and Richard Pitino at Xavier will be crucial for shaping the league’s competitive balance.

As the season unfolds, the spotlight will remain on UConn and St. John’s, both poised to potentially reach the NCAA Tournament once again.