NEW YORK – Villanova’s death grip on the Big East is expected to continue this coming season.
The Big East’s annual coach’s poll was released Wednesday and the Wildcats are picked first for the fourth straight season. Jay Wright’s team will be led by All-American point guard Jalen Brunson and look to win the conference’s regular season crown for a fifth straight season.
Villanova received 8 of the 10 first place votes. Seton Hall, which is picked second, picked up one vote and Xavier (third) received the other.
Providence is picked fourth. The Friars return everyone of note from last year’s 20-win team and will look to return to the NCAA Tournament for a fifth consecutive season.