Big East offseason news

[Vander Blue Man Group]

The Athletic's Brendan Marks and CJ Moore rank Nigel James as the 46th best player in college basketball this season:

46. Nigel James Jr., sophomore guard, Marquette
2025-26 stats (at Marquette): 16.9 PPG, 4.9 APG, 3.4 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 34.7 3PT%

Here's what Marks had to say:

James would've been my preseason Big East Player of the Year, and I'm comfortable driving his hype train. Shaka Smart quickly turned the keys over to the 6-foot freshman, who posted a top-20 assist rate nationally and a top-100 usage rate, per KenPom. James has unreal burst and body control, plus an ability to freeze defenders on his drives that belies his age. He also posted gaudy counting stats despite shooting below the national average at the rim and in the paint, so there's room for him to improve. With a pick-and-roll partner in Louisville transfer Sananda Fru, I'm buying James to be one of this season's biggest risers.

Other Big East players ranked:

9. Silas Demary, UConn
14. Quinn Ellis, St. John's
17. Braylon Mullins, UConn
39. Tounde Yessoufou, St. John's
48. Najai Hines, UConn

Zero Weasels on the list, though new Dookie John Blackwell is #8.

MSU's Jeremy Fears, whom we'll see in Sunday's exhibition is #1.

Disrespectful to Nigel.  Bulletin board material.