Some unexpected blows to the Big East

Happy Tuesday Nova Nation! The Big East had a bit of growing pains last season, as a number of known names left for the pros and a lot of young stars were learning how to play the conferences unique brand of basketball. But 2020 was supposed to be a return to elite status after a short hiatus. However, unexpected recent events have weakened the conference right out of the gate.

The latest blow is the decision of Marquette’s Hauser brothers to transfer out of what was looking like a preseason Top 5 team and Final Four contender. Surprising doesn’t even scratch the surface of how unexpected this move is, especially once Big East Player of the Year announced he’d be returning just days ago. In fact, many have speculated that his return was the trigger for this exodus. The Hausers were arguably the 2nd and 3rd most important players to this team, and their losses will be dificult to replace.

While the Big East still runs through Villanova until proven otherwise, Marquette would have been the preseason favorite to win the conference. Now the strongest competition would seem to be Seton Hall, having retained both their star player and their head coach.

Speaking of head coaches, St. John’s still doesn’t have one. As the links note below, they’ve reportedly made an offer to Loyola-Chicago head coach Porter Moser. We’ll likely know if he’ll accept soon, but this has already been a messy search. Not only was the separation with former star Chris Mullin a mess with assistants and players finding out through the news and social media, but it triggered a mass exodus with players declaring they’ll transfer or head for the pros. Then new their new AD missed on his first choice when Bobby Hurley turned the position down. And now their seems to be an internal struggle when former St. John’s player and current Iona head coach Tim Cluess seemed to be the front runner.

Despite these two teams that made the NCAA Tournament seeing setbacks, the Big East should still be much improved from a year ago. Teams like Georgetown, Xavier, and Butler look to be ready for big steps forward next season, and you can never count out teams with veteran coaches like Providence or Creighton. There may have been a few setbacks, but the Big East should still return to elite status next season.

Which begs the question Nova Nation, who do you think is Villanova’s biggest competition to retain their conference crown?

In other “news”, now is the time to bet big on another Villanova Championship, lots of updates from Nova’s NBA players, and the impact of the tragic fire at Notre Dame in Paris. Enjoy!

Big East

Sam and Joey Hauser To Transfer From Marquette Basketball | Anonymous Eagle
The four days of being a top 5 team were fun, right?

St. John's coaching search: Porter Moser turns dinner into surprise offer | New York Post
St. John’s may have found its next coach -- and now it waits.

Villanova Basketball

Early Value On College Basketball Futures Boards For 2019-20 Campaign | SBRpicks.com
Next season will have the usual suspects to win the national championship in college basketball, but here are a few others worthy of being in the discussion as long shots.

Villanova Football

NFL Draft 2019: Who will attend Eagles’ local pro day workout? Ventell Bryant, Trace McSorley, Isaiah Wharton, more | nj.com
The Philadelphia Eagles will host several 2019 NFL Draft prospects with local ties on Wednesday, April 17.

Recruiting

Clemson basketball pitches Washington DC recruit Myles Stute | The State
The Clemson Tigers men’s basketball team sent Reynolds Dean to Washington DC to talk with Gonzaga High School’s Myles Stute, who has offers from Georgetown, Penn State, Marquette, Oklahoma State, Villanova

Villanova Adjacent

Salvaging and restoring the Notre Dame Cathedral | 6abc.com
The only saving grace to the devastation is that most cathedrals like the Basillica of STS Peter & Paul are made mostly of stone.

NBA Wildcats

NBA Mock Draft 2019: Draft order starting to fall into shape, Ja Morant jumps up to No. 2 selection | CBSSports.com
The first-round draft order is set outside of the lottery. Eric Paschall to the Bucs at 30.

Bulls Season Rewind 18-19: Ryan Arcidiacono | Chicago Bulls
Point guard Ryan Arcidiacono turned himself into a true fan favorite in Chicago this season, bringing a brand of gritty, hard-nosed basketball throughout the season and providing a steady presence at point guard for the team, appearing in 81 of the team's 82 games.

Raptors news: Paul Pierce calls Kyle Lowry a 'regular-season player' | Clutch Points
Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce says Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry is a "regular-season player." Lowry didn't score in Game 1.

Empire of the Suns hands out its 2018-19 end of season awards | Arizona Sports 98.7FM
Empire of the Suns picks the Phoenix Suns' MVP, most improved player and more.