/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57210493/usa_today_9934752.0.jpg "Villanova Projected Seventh In BIG EAST Preseason Coaches' Poll")
The Villanova Wildcats have been picked to finish seventh in the BIG EAST Conference in the annual Preseason Coaches’ Poll, as announced on Tuesday.
After reaching the NCAA Tournament for the 13th consecutive year, Villanova is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 16-16 campaign. The Wildcats lost three starters from that team, including first-team All-BIG EAST selection Collin Gillespie. However, Villanova returns several key contributors, including starting guard Justin Moore and forward Bryan Antoine. Moore averaged 14.8 points per game last season, while Antoine is a former McDonald’s All-American who showed flashes of his potential in 2021-22.
Head coach Kyle Neptune will look to the junior class to lead the way this season. Moore, Antoine, Chris Arcidiacono, and Eric Dixon all have starting experience and will be expected to take on bigger roles this year. The Wildcats also added several talented freshmen, including five-star recruit Cam Whitmore and four-star prospect Mark Armstrong. With a mix of experience and young talent, Villanova has the potential to surprise this season.
Villanova is one of nine BIG EAST teams ranked in the Preseason Coaches’ Poll. UConn was picked to win the conference, followed by Marquette, Creighton, Xavier, and Seton Hall. Providence, St. John’s, and Georgetown round out the top eight. The Wildcats are projected to finish ahead of DePaul and Butler.
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UConn | 146 |
| 2 | Marquette | 133 |
| 3 | Creighton | 129 |
| 4 | Xavier | 112 |
| 5 | Seton Hall | 101 |
| 6 | Providence | 87 |
| 7 | Villanova | 73 |
| 8 | St. John’s | 57 |
| 9 | Georgetown | 49 |
| 10 | DePaul | 27 |
| 11 | Butler | 15 |
Villanova has a challenging schedule ahead, but the Wildcats are confident that they can compete for an NCAA Tournament berth. The Wildcats will open the season with a pair of home games against La Salle and Delaware before facing a tough non-conference slate that includes games against Baylor, Michigan, and Purdue. Villanova will also play a home-and-home series with Creighton and Xavier in BIG EAST play.
The Wildcats will need to find a way to replace the production of Gillespie, but they have the talent and experience to do so. If Moore and Antoine can continue to develop, and the younger players can step up, Villanova could be a surprise team in the BIG EAST this season.
Villanova will begin its regular season on November 7th with a home contest against the La Salle Explorers. The Wildcats will play their BIG EAST opener on December 31st against the St. John’s Red Storm.
