From March 13th to March 16th, Madison Square Garden will host the 2024 Big East Tournament.
There are 11 teams in the Big East, all of which have a chance to win the Big East Tournament and clinch an automatic bid in the NCAA tournament.
Contender: Marquette Golden Eagles
With a record of 23-8 and the No. 8 ranked team in the country, the Marquette Golden Eagles look to go back to back in the Big East tournament following a 65-51 victory over Xavier in the Big East Championship last year. Marquette is led by their dynamic guard duo of Kam Jones and Tyler Kolek. However, Kam Jones is going to need to step up as Kolek is most likely out for the duration of the tournament. Jones leads the team with 16.2 ppg and shoots 40% from three.
Ceiling: Championship
Floor: Semi-Finals
Favorite: Connecticut Huskies
The reigning March Madness champions, the one seed in the Big East, and the No. 2 ranked team in the nation, UConn looks to win their first Big East championship since 2011. One of the most dominant teams in the nation, led by senior guard Tristen Newton who is averaging 15 ppg and 7 rebounds per game, this team has only lost 3 games the entire season with a 28-3 record, and they are looking to run through this tournament
Ceiling: Championship
Floor: Semi-Finals
On Upset Watch: Creighton Blue Jays
The 2 seed in the Big East, the Blue Jays have had a successful season, however this team suffered some bad losses to Colorado State by 21, and UNLV by 15. Every team is going to have some bad losses, but I just don’t know if Creighton has the depth to make a run in this tournament, as they have 4 players who average over 10 ppg, however nobody else on the team averages more than 5 ppg, and I could easily see them going out early, especially to a team like Providence if they defeat Georgetown in the first round.
Ceiling: Championship
Floor: Quarterfinals
On the Up & Coming: Seton Hall Pirates
The Pirates started 4-0, and are the 4 seed in the Big East. Led by guard Kadary Richmond averaging 16.6 ppg, I can see the Pirates moving far in this tournament. They are also one of three teams in all of college basketball to defeat UConn, and they beat them by 15. If this team gets hot, you will not want to see them in the tournament, especially UConn.
Ceiling: Semi-Finals
Floor: Quarterfinals
Could Go Either Way: St John’s Red Storm
The Red Storm is on the edge of March Madness. They have been flipped between the last team in and the first team out. I think they need to win against Seton Hall, and if they were to play UConn at least put up a good fight to feel safe in the tournament. However, going out in the first round could hurt their chances of making the big dance. Guard Daniss Jenkings who averages 14 ppg, 3 rpg, and 5 assists per game, and Center Joel Soriano who almost averaged a double-double with 14 ppg and 9.5 rpg are going to have to play their best basketball of the year to be able to get this team to the tournament.
Ceiling: Semi-Finals
Floor: Quarterfinals
Sleeper: Xavier Musketeers
Xavier is the 9 seed in the Big East, with a 15-16 record. Xavier made the Big East championship last year but fell short of Marquette. Guard Quincy Olivari who averages 19.4 ppg is going to need to play his best basketball to get this team far in the tournament, and also a shot at the big dance.
Ceiling: Semi-Finals
Floor: First Round
The Pick: Marquette Golden Eagles
Everyone has their eyes set on Connecticut to win the tournament, but I think it will be
Marquette. I think without Tyler Kolek, the team will step up and there will be a spark in their offense and they will be hard to stop. I see this team defeating Connecticut in the finals, 70-64.
