Big East in 5 Years

[SchnitzelBoy]

If the Big East stays at 11 schools (retaining UCONN and passing up adding Dayton, VCU or SLU) it'll be interesting to see the hierarchy of programs. Marquette has been near the top for most of Shaka's tenure (3/5 seasons) but during that period, Villanova and Georgetown have been WAY down.

UConn is UConn, and so long as they're in the Big East and are coached by Dan Hurley, they'll finish near the top of the league.

I think the $$$ will dry up a bit at St. John's once the Rick Pitino window closes. Still, the right hire could find the Johnnies being a perennial top-half Big East squad. There's a ton of juice from MSG when they're good and that'll attract talent.

We should be worried about a resurgent Georgetown program if Ed Cooley manages to right the ship (or if they do what Villanova did and make the right hire). I think a ton of Gtown donors will come out off the woodwork if they can sniff a contender.

Villanova is already back, and if Willard can maintain a high level, they'll be able to outspend and outperform Marquette regularly.

Creighton might have a spell where they're down as they navigate McDermott's retirement. I still think they'll be able to recruit well and work the portal so that they're in the tournament discussion more years than not.

It's hard to know what to expect from Butler, Providence, and Xavier. Those programs should expect to go to the tournament a few times per decade. DePaul could be interesting, but we'd need to see sustained success from Holtmann for them to get into the tournament. Seton Hall could be a feast-or-famine situation as they have limited resources but a good coach.

Let's assume Shaka stays with MU and adjusts to using the portal. Let's also assume he stops the bleeding by making the tournament with Nigel, Royce, and Adrien.

Where is Marquette in the Big East hierarchy?

[wadesworld]

Marquette will be a top 3rd program for as long as this iteration of the Big East exists.

[GoldenEagles03]

https://x.com/i/status/2009283096214991105

This is an easy topic. Marquette is a top 3 spot in the Big East across the board.

[SchnitzelBoy]

I agree with these for the most part. But things do change! Hence the question

[willie warrior]

Marquette will be a top 3rd program for as long as this iteration of the Big East exists.

We are not right now! The gap is widening

[GBPhoenix1993]

I just hope that overall as a league the Big East as a whole can figure out a way to rebound. I don't believe anyone made the sweet 16 last year, let's just hope it was a 1 year blip.

If it ends up being 2 years in a row, it would be concerning that signs would be pointing to a league going to struggle greatly in a perpetual NIL ruled future.

[wadesworld]

I just hope that overall as a league the Big East as a whole can figure out a way to rebound. I don't believe anyone made the sweet 16 last year, let's just hope it was a 1 year blip.

If it ends up being 2 years in a row, it would be concerning that signs would be pointing to a league going to struggle greatly in a perpetual NIL ruled future.

The Power 4 have separated themselves into the "Haves."  The Big East will be the best of the "Have Nots" going forward, especially after UCONN inevitably leaves.