Villanova tops 2021-22 Big East preseason poll

The Villanova Wildcats are back on top of the preseason coaches poll.

The Wildcats, who return almost everybody from last season’s Sweet 16 run, is coming off of an 18-7 campaign. They won the Big East regular season title, but were bounced out of the conference tournament by eventual champion Georgetown. Villanova regrouped and rallied, even with key injuries, reaching the Sweet 16, where it eventually fell to another eventual champion, Baylor.

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With Villanova’s Collin Gillespie and Jermaine Samuels using their bonus year, the ‘Cats are primed for a big season. However, they will have to find a way to replace NBA Draft pick and standout big man Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, as well as Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree, whose career came to an end after ongoing injuries.

Here’s a look at the Big East preseason poll:

1. Villanova

2. Connecticut

3. Xavier

4. St. John’s

5. Seton Hall

6. Butler

7. Providence

8. Creighton

9. Marquette

10. Georgetown

11. DePaul