UConn tops Big East men’s basketball preseason rankings for 2026-27
SB Nation’s Big East preseason men’s basketball rankings place UConn first and St. John’s second ahead of the 2026-27 season. UConn returns key guard Silas Demary Jr. after a Final Four run, while St. John’s has rebuilt through transfers despite an injury loss. The conference has recently been defined by Dan Hurley and Rick Pitino, and this season will show whether that changes.
UConn’s case rests on a 34-6 mark, 17 league wins, a Final Four appearance, and the return of point guard Silas Demary Jr., the Big East preseason Player of the Year. He averaged 10.1 points and a conference-best 5.8 assists. Braylon Mullins also returns after a memorable NCAA Tournament last-second shot versus Duke.
St. John’s won the Big East regular-season and tournament titles last season but lost four of its top five scorers. Rick Pitino added transfers and international players, though Donnie Freeman’s injury and Keyshawn Hall’s eligibility remain concerns. Villanova and Providence follow in the rankings.
The rankings may shape fan expectations and media attention around Big East basketball, affecting students, alumni, and local businesses near campuses that benefit from game-day traffic. For players, preseason recognition could influence national visibility and professional prospects, while coaching moves and transfer decisions may intensify scrutiny. Yet actual impact depends on injuries, eligibility, and tournament results, so the story’s social reach may remain largely within sports communities.