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Big East basketball Power Rankings: Champs reemerge as the team to beat

The champions have returned to the top of the Big East with league games approaching

ByKevin Connelly|
Dec 14, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Connecticut Huskies forward Liam McNeeley (30) gestures after scoring in the second half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Connecticut Huskies forward Liam McNeeley (30) gestures after scoring in the second half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
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9. DePaul Blue Demons (8-2, 0-1 Big East)

There is no debate that DePaul is improved but there will still be growing pains under Chris Holtmann. The Blue Demons could have started league play with a victory but squandered a late lead against Providence before falling in overtime.

However, after its back-to-back losses against Texas Tech and the Friars, responded with a nice home win over Wichita State behind 51-percent shooting from 3-point range.

Now, a two-game road trip begins against St. John’s and Northwestern that will tell us a lot more about the Blue Demons. If they can split the week, it should be looked at as a major success.

THIS WEEK: at. St. John’s (Tuesday) and at. Northwestern (Saturday)

10. Georgetown Hoyas (8-2)

It felt wrong not to move Georgetown up in the rankings but even though they are remaining in the bottom two, the Hoyas still deserve credit for going on the road and rallying in the second half to defeat Syracuse.

Granted, the ACC is not strong, and neither are the Orange, but it was a game that Ed Cooley’s team would not have won last year and did not show they could win this year in matchups against Notre Dame and West Virginia.

The question remains if Georgetown can beat Big East teams not named DePaul, but the two-man game of Jayden Epps and Thomas Sorber will give the Hoyas a chance at winning on most nights.

THIS WEEK: vs. Creighton (Wednesday) and at. Seton Hall (Sunday)

11. Seton Hall Pirates (5-6)

The script was there for Seton Hall to steal a rivalry game on Saturday against Rutgers before superstar freshman Dylan Harper sunk the Pirates chances at the buzzer with a 3-pointer.

But maybe something clicked for Shaheen Holloway’s team. If they are going to win games in the Big East this season it’s going to be games that looked exactly like its game with the Scarlet Knights.

Low scoring, defensive, and needing some breaks.

Seton Hall must look at the Big East beginning as a new start to its year and the opportunity to land big wins.

THIS WEEK: at. Villanova (Tuesday) and vs. Georgetown (Sunday)

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