The first USA Today/ Coaches poll in basketball includes a Big East team at #6, and two other Big East squads in the rankings - but not in the way they appear in the Big East Coaches’ Poll.
Duke leads the early voting with Michigan State a close second. Possible St. John’s opponent (in the Advocare Invitational) West Virginia is #10. Xavier ranks #17 and Seton Hall is placed at #23 to start the season.
In the “Also Receiving Votes” category, other Big East teams are mentioned - but not St. John’s. Butler receives 43 votes (27th), Providence received 21 votes (32nd) and Creighton received six votes (42nd).