Big East Basketball Predictions 2013-14
#1 Creighton: If you think the Doug McDermott and Grant Gibbs combo have been around for the past eight years you are close. Gibbs was granted a sixth year of eligibility. Gibbs stuffs the stat sheet and will be key in the transition to the Big East. The reason McDermott seems to of been around so long is due to his immediate impact from his first game back in 2010 were he scored 16 points. McDermott could break into the 3,000 point mark for his career this season. If Geoffrey Gooselle can fill the void left by Echenique, the Bluejays will be very tough to beat. 

#2 Marquette: Plenty of players return for the Golden Eagles, but a lot of scoring is gone with the departures of Blue, Lockett, and Cadougan. Freshmen PG Duane Wilson could start at PG and provide more of a scoring touch. Davante Gardner is a force inside. If he can give the Golden Eagles more minutes this season (21.4 last season) Marquette will shoot to the top of the Big East. Another player that makes an impact down low is Chris Otule. Todd Mayo can take this team to another level, if he repeats last year's 5.3 ppg, the Eagles could struggle. 

#3 Saint John's: Top to bottom the most talented team in the league. Lavin had one scholarship and he brought in five star PG Rysheed Jordan. D'Angelo Harrison returns with his 17.8 ppg instead of fleeing for the NBA. Chris Obekpa led nation in blocks...as a freshman. Jakarr Sampson made an immediate impact as a frosh pouring in 14.9 ppg. Harvard transfer Max Hooper could add the three point threat the Red Storm have been looking for. 

#4 Georgetown: Josh Smith was deemed eligible by the NCAA giving the Hoyas a extra deminonsin to their offense. Smith has all the tools, but he hasn't been able to stay on the court for a consistent amount of time. Nate Lubick will get more looks on offense with Porter gone and should average double digits. The backcourt is in the good shape with D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera and Markel Starks. Scoring has been an issue for the Hoyas and maybe more so with Porter and Whittington not in the lineup. If the great defense play continues and it should Georgetown will be fine. 

#5 Villanova

#6 Xavier

#7 Butler

#8 Providence

#9 Seton Hall

#10 Depual