What's happened
UConn is favored to win the Big East again, coming off a 12th national title, while St. John’s is predicted to finish top for the first time since 1991-92, with both teams receiving strong preseason votes and rankings. The season begins soon.
What's behind the headline?
The preseason rankings reveal a shift in the Big East landscape, with St. John’s unexpectedly leading the poll for the first time in over three decades. This signals a potential competitive resurgence, driven by Ejiofor’s standout performance and the team’s recent success. UConn remains the favorite, leveraging its historical dominance and experienced roster, but the Red Storm’s rise could challenge the Huskies’ supremacy. The conference’s new coaching appointments at Villanova and Xavier suggest strategic shifts that could influence the season’s dynamics. Overall, the season promises heightened competition, with the balance of power possibly shifting from UConn to St. John’s, making this a pivotal year for the league.
What the papers say
AP News reports UConn's dominance and recent titles, emphasizing their historical success and preseason favorites status. The NY Post highlights St. John’s historic preseason top ranking and star player Ejiofor’s impact, noting their recent breakthrough season. Both sources agree on the significance of the upcoming season but differ in their focus—AP on UConn’s legacy, NY Post on St. John’s rising prominence. The articles collectively suggest a competitive season with potential shifts in league power, driven by key players and coaching changes. The timing of these rankings and predictions underscores the league’s anticipation and strategic outlook for 2025-26.
How we got here
The Big East women’s basketball season is approaching, with preseason polls and rankings reflecting recent successes. UConn has dominated the conference historically, winning numerous titles since rejoining in 2020. St. John’s, led by star Zuby Ejiofor, is seen as a rising contender after a strong previous season and a top-ranked transfer class. New coaches at Villanova and Xavier also mark a period of transition for the conference.
Go deeper
- How will UConn respond to St. John’s challenge?
- What impact will new coaches have on the league?
- Who are the key players to watch this season?
Common question
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