2019-20 Big East Conference Basketball Power Rankings 1.0
By Dan Stokes
4. Marquette Golden Eagles: (1-1, 11-3)
Guard Markus Howard, who returned to Steve Wojciechowski‘s team for his senior campaign, and its already paying dividends. Howard broke Jerel McNeal‘s all-time points record in November, everything since then has been gravy.
He’s shown why he is a lethal weapon again this season. In my opinion, Howard should win Big East Player of the Year. The senior erupted for 29 points and eight rebounds in the Golden Eagles “upset” of No. 10 Villanova. This team should make a run in the Big Dance.
Markus Howard is just 20 years old. He broke @MarquetteMBB's scoring record just one game into his senior season. He leads the nation in scoring with 25.8 PPG. Steve Wojciechowski says we are witnessing history.
— Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) January 6, 2020
Here's more on @FS1: pic.twitter.com/x9p3A25vU5
3. Providence Friars: (2-0, 9-6)
Heading into conference play, the Friars were the most disappointing team with ugly losses to Penn, Long Beach State, and Charleston. Ed Cooley seems to have found the magic to get his squad back on track. Senior guard Alpha Diallo leads the team with 13.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per contest. They did squeak by DePaul on some questionable officiating.
2. Seton Hall Pirates (2-0, 10-4)
To quote Jon Rothstein, “Kevin Willard has made more adjustments to the Pirates than a chiropractor.” Willard had to navigate with the early loss of preseason-All American Myles Powell (concussion). Luckily the senior from Trenton, NJ was able to return. The depth of Willard’s squad has shown through, reinforcing why they were the preseason favorite to win the conference.
A few BIG things to remember about Seton Hall:
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) January 6, 2020
1. When fully healthy, the Pirates only two losses were to Michigan State and Oregon by a combined five points.
2. They outplayed Oregon for 39 minutes in the Bahamas.
3. This is ONLY January.#shbb
1. Butler Bulldogs: (2-0, 14-1)
Since their loss to No. 4 Baylor, the Bulldogs have won six straight contests. Butler, now ranked sixth in the nation by the AP, nearly lost their first conference game to St. John’s. After squandering a 23-point lead, Christian David canned a three-pointer with 43 seconds left to secure the victory on the road. Kamar Baldwin and Sean McDermott handled Creighton at the Hinkle Fieldhouse combining for 38 points in the 71-57 win.
Next. Giants blow it again by hiring Joe Judge as new head coach. dark
Check back with us for the next edition of our Big East Basketball Power Rankings.