One thing about building up after a terrible year is that there is so much to prove and so much that needs to change, that the preseason pundits don’t see a sudden leap.
In Athlon’s college basketball preview, released this month in anticipation of the college season, the Johnnies land second to last, in front of only DePaul in Chris Mullin’s second year.
The Athlon predicted order of finish:
- Villanova
- Xavier
- Creighton
- Marquette
- Butler
- Georgetown
- Providence
This second year follows a season where the Red Storm were (by tempo-neutral statistics, which account for the difference in pace between teams) statistically the worst offensive team (by a lot) and second-worst defensive team.