Week one is already in the books and there’s more than enough to talk about around the Big East. This is the first introduction of a weekly takeaways post that discusses and analyzes all of the conference’s happenings.
- Villanova may not have the same degree of firepower as it has had over the last few seasons, but the Wildcats’ superb offensive dynamic has remained unchanged. First, the Wildcats are currently posting 1.17 points per possession (fourth nationally), with six players averaging more than 9.0 PPG. Second, with do-it-all forward Eric Paschall at the five position, head coach Jay Wright can again roll out a lineup of shooters at every position. Third, there are a plethora of interchangeable Wildcat wings to help with the needs of any rotation, whether those are attacking in transition, rebounding or spacing the floor. Lastly, with four rock solid guards on the roster, Wright has no shortage of ball-handlers available to keep his offense humming. There is still a good degree of rawness on Villanova’s bench, but it’s fun to watch the team now if only to have a frame of reference for its progress come March. The one under-reported surprise thus far has been 6’8″ freshman Saddiq Bey, who poured in 16 points in his debut by scoring in a variety of ways. Bey has been an ideal additional scoring threat on the wing while filling the “Mikal Bridges” role on the defensive end of the floor.
- This season might turn out to be a down year for the conference, but it is already projecting as one of the best in recent years for talented big men. Villanova’s Eric Paschall has been uncontainable both on the perimeter and around the basket, averaging 18.5 PPG and 7.5 RPG through two games. Georgetown’s Jessie Govan has continued his sharp upward trajectory since Patrick Ewing took over the head coaching role at his alma mater. The 6’10” senior is getting to the line more and posting career high statistics in blocks and field goal percentage. Tyrique Jones at Xavier has had a somewhat unexpected junior breakout season thus far, currently posting averages of 18.0 PPG and 13.0 RPG that includes a 20-rebound (!) effort against Evansville over the weekend. Jones looks springier around the basket while maintaining his patented “draw contact at all costs” style of play. Butler’s Joey Brunk debuted this season with a career-high 17 points and six rebounds on 7-of-7 shooting. Even Marquette, which seemingly hasn’t had a threatening low post option in years (Davante Gardner in 2014?) has witnessed growth in sophomore bowling ball Theo John (9.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG). These clashes in the low post will be exciting come conference play.
- St. John’s doesn’t look the part of a Top 25 team, at least not yet. In what has been one of the most anticipated seasons for the Johnnies in recent memory, they were still only one possession away from dropping a home game to Bowling Green last week. Shamorie Ponds has so far played like his usual self, keeping defenders off balance with his ability to pull up at a moment’s notice or blow by his man and get to the rim. And the addition of Mustapha Heron‘s 20.5 PPG has been very welcome, helping to draw defensive focus and attention away from Ponds. There has even been encouraging play by JuCo transfer LJ Figueroa, who has played just about every position imaginable in his two games thus far. But the big hole has been the one everyone anticipated — team defense. The Red Storm were already shorthanded in the size department, but the non-impact of Sedee Keita has made things worse. Without Keita, both the 6’5″ Heron and 6’7″ Marvin Clark were left playing the center position and struggling to contain the 6’10” Demajeo Wiggins. And even with Keita back in the lineup, there will still be questions about his long-term effectiveness. It seems that the Big East Bigs™ will have their way with this team.