UConn, St. John’s Lead Big East Polls Amid Reset

What's happened

AP News reports UConn is favored to win the Big East men’s basketball title with Silas Demary Jr. named preseason Player of the Year; St. John’s is pegged to finish second after back-to-back regular-season and tournament titles. AP also notes changes in leadership and venue for the Big East media day.

What's behind the headline?

Analysis

• UConn is positioning to leverage Demary Jr.’s dual threat as a lead guard and playmaker, which could translate into a smoother transition after last season’s near-perfected run.
• St. John’s is betting on a high-upside backcourt with Jackson and Yessoufou, plus the EuroLeague import Ellis, to restore its edge on both ends.
• The poll hints at a competitive top tier in a league that includes Villanova, Marquette, and Providence, suggesting the race for the regular-season crown could hinge on backcourt consistency and depth.
• Watch for how Pitino’s system adapts to new pieces and whether Creighton’s coaching change under Alan Huss stabilizes the Bluejays' performance.

Forecast: The Big East will likely remain highly competitive, with UConn and St. John’s contending for the title and others vying for 2nd place.

How we got here

The Big East preseason poll and all-league honors are released ahead of the season. Connecticut returns a strong guard corps led by Silas Demary Jr., while St. John’s aims to build on recent success under Rick Pitino. The conference has shifted its media day to a New York hotel, with Tim Brosnan taking over as commissioner.

Our analysis

AP News reports on the preseason rankings and notes leadership changes within the Big East. The New York Post provides details on voting and the backcourt expectations for St. John’s, including Yessoufou’s transfer impact and Jackson’s ascent. Both outlets emphasize shifts in venue and leadership at media day.

Go deeper

• What new players are likely to make an immediate impact for St. John’s?
• How might UConn's guard corps influence the pace this season?
• Will the media-day venue shift affect league visibility or branding?

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