Villanova is No. 4 in 2023 Big East preseason poll; Moore, Dixon honored

The Big East released its preseason poll for the 2023-24 season.

The Villanova Wildcats were tabbed fourth in the coaches’ vote. Also, Justin Moore and Eric Dixon earned preseason All-Big East honors.

Last season, they finished 17-17 overall and 10-10 in conference play, before being bounced out in the opening round of the NIT by Liberty. Now healthier and reloaded with experienced transfers and returners, the Big East have them back in contention amid a crowded conference.

Justin Moore landed on the Preseason All-Big East first team. He averaged 13.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists last season, after missing the first half of the season to recover from an Achilles injury.

Forward Eric Dixon earned a spot on the Preseason All-Big East second team, after averaging 15.4 points and 6.6 rebounds in an all-conference campaign last year.

2023-24 Big East preseason coaches poll

1. Marquette (7 first-place votes), 96 points
2. Creighton (4 first-place votes), 92
3. UConn, 79
4. Villanova, 76
5. St. John’s, 59
6. Xavier, 57
7. Providence, 51
8. Georgetown, 34
9. Seton Hall, 30
10. Butler, 16
11. DePaul, 15

2023-24 Big East preseason honors

Big East Preseason Player of the Year
Tyler Kolek, Sr., G, Marquette

Big East Preseason Freshman of the Year
Stephon Castle, UConn

Preseason All-Big East First Team
Trey Alexander, Jr., G, Creighton
Ryan Kalkbrenner, Jr., C, Creighton
Bryce Hopkins, Jr., G/F, Providence
Joel Soriano, Sr., C, St. John’s
Justin Moore, Sr., G, Villanova

Preseason All-Big East Second Team
Donovan Clingan, Sr., C, UConn
Baylor Schierman, Sr., G, Creighton
Oso Ighodaro, Sr., F, Marquette
Kam Jones, Jr., G, Marquette
Eric Dixon, Sr., F, Villanova

Preseason All-Big East Honorable Mention
Alex Karaban, So., F, UConn
Devin Carter, Jr., G, Providence
Zach Freemantle, Sr., F, Xavier