NCAAB futures: Lots of options atop a crowded Big East

Connecticut won the title last season. They did it impressively too, dominating in the NCAA Tournament. If you look back at the season though, you see that when they had to face teams in their own league it was a very different story. All of their losses a year ago were to league opponents and even though they won it all they finished only fourth in the Big East during the season. 

This season the Big East looks like it is going to be even better than it was last year. UConn took some personnel hits, but will still be very good and there is some new energy at St. John's with Rick Pitino coaching there while Ed Cooley did the odd thing of moving from one program to another within the same league, moving from Providence to Georgetown.

It is expected to be a very strong season for the Big East. Let's take a look at the conference winner odds and see where we can find a play or two. 

Marquette +220
Connecticut +280
Creighton +300
Villanova +550
St. John's +1300
Providence +2000
Xavier +3000
Seton Hall +4000
Georgetown +8000
Butler +15000
DePaul +20000 

Let's start at the bottom (Sorry). Georgetown, DePaul, and Butler were all there last year and that seems unlikely to change this season. They will be scrappy, win a few games, and keep the best teams on their toes.

Moving up the table next we have Seton Hall. Wing Kadary Richmond is one of the most underrated players in the nation for me. His game isn't smooth, but he is a great sleeper for Big East Player of the Year and I can see him leading the Pirates to a better-than-expected season. At +4000 they are interesting. 

Next up, I am not sure what to make of Providence and Xavier. The latter lost a ton from last season and the former has a new coach. They are probably slotted right where they are supposed to be. 

Now we get to St. John's. With due respect to the rest of the league, Pitino has accomplished more than all the coaches combined. He has completely turned over the roster except for Joel Soriana, a bruising and productive big man. He wins everywhere and I think it will work in Queens, the question is how quickly. At that price they are interesting. 

In the top four, Marquette is the team getting all of the pre-season love. They deserve it too. They return most of their lineup from a year ago and Tyler Kolek is expected to be an All-American. When your top guard is that good a lot of success usually follows. At +220 there is great value for the conference favorite there too. 

With due respect to Villanova and UConn though, my best bet for the Big East champ is Creighton. It sucks that they lost a couple of very key players in the transfer portal but they are strong at guard, on the wing, and in the middle. They can play great defense and head coach Greg McDermott's teams always score enough to win a lot. There might not be a big gap between the BlueJays, Golden Eagles, and Huskies, but you get much more bang for your buck with Creighton, which is what you really want to target if you are tying up your money for months.

Best Bet: Creighton
Sleeper: St. John's
Deep Sleeper: Seton Hall