College basketball is heating up as the SEC’s dominance shines brightly, while St. John’s resurgence under Rick Pitino captivates fans. With the NCAA Tournament just around the corner, the excitement is palpable.
As mid-February approaches, several key insights emerge about the current landscape of college hoops:
- The SEC stands as the premier conference in the nation, boasting nine teams in the AP Top 25 Poll, with four occupying the top five spots.
- St. John’s has transformed into a powerhouse in Year 2 under Rick Pitino, holding a remarkable 21-3 overall record and a 12-1 mark in Big East play ahead of their pivotal matchup against Villanova.
- Fans can expect thrilling finishes as conference races heat up, particularly in the Big East.
The SEC’s nine teams in the top 25 and four in the top five raise an intriguing question: has any conference ever showcased such dominance this late in the season?
John Fanta: The only comparable season might be the 2010-11 Big East campaign, where the league secured six championships in early tournaments and sent 11 teams to the NCAA Tournament. Despite some struggles later on, the national champion, UConn, emerged from that conference. The SEC’s potential to send 13 teams to the dance could lead to multiple Final Four appearances, but the current level of dominance is unprecedented. In college basketball, a team’s NCAA Tournament fate often becomes clear by Christmas, as conference play can lead to fierce competition. For instance, Kentucky has impressive wins against Duke and Gonzaga but has faced challenges in SEC play, and Mississippi State has also encountered rough patches.
SEC teams can withstand losses due to their strong early-season performance. By December 15, SEC squads had a combined record of 144-20, including a 55-17 mark against high-major conferences and a remarkable 42-6 against the ACC and Big 12. At that point, every team in the league was ranked in the top 68 of KenPom.
The 2010-11 season wasn’t just about the Big East’s impressive rankings; it also featured a remarkable group of coaches, including legends like Rick Pitino and Jim Boeheim, and standout players like Kemba Walker and Jimmy Butler. The season culminated in an incredible 11-game winning streak by UConn, showcasing the league’s competitive nature. This year, the SEC has matched, and potentially surpassed, that level of excellence.
A nod should also go to the 1984-85 Big East season, which saw three teams—St. John’s, Georgetown, and Villanova—reach the Final Four. Villanova ultimately won the championship, marking a historic achievement for the conference.
St. John’s is currently riding a 10-game winning streak, with a 12-1 record in Big East play as they prepare for a crucial road game against Villanova, followed by a clash with Creighton. What factors have contributed to this remarkable turnaround under Rick Pitino?
At the heart of St. John’s success is Rick Pitino, a coaching legend. Under his guidance, St. John’s ranks second in the nation for defensive efficiency, trailing only Tennessee. His relentless defensive strategies have allowed the Red Storm to dominate opponents. Additionally, St. John’s leads the Big East in offensive rebounding percentage, showcasing their tenacity on the boards. Despite struggling with a 3-point shooting percentage of just 29.1%, Pitino has crafted an offense that capitalizes on high-percentage 2-point shots, utilizing the strengths of players like RJ Luis Jr. and the mid-range skills of Kadary Richmond.
John: Xavier’s head coach Sean Miller succinctly stated, “They have the second-best defense in America. That explains their success.”
St. John’s impressive defensive efficiency is evident in their strong second-half scoring margin, ranking fourth in the nation at +8, only behind top-ranked teams. This year’s squad boasts length and athleticism, with key contributors like Kadary Richmond, who excels in steals, and Deivon Smith, who remains a defensive threat despite injuries. The Red Storm’s ability to outwork opponents has led them to win 10 consecutive games, marking a significant achievement for the program.
UConn, the two-time defending champion, and Marquette, who recently held the top spot in the Big East, represent formidable challenges. As Creighton prepares to face St. John’s, who poses the greatest threat to their title hopes?
John: The Creighton Bluejays are undoubtedly the biggest threat, set to clash with St. John’s at Madison Square Garden. Coach Greg McDermott has led Creighton to three Sweet 16 appearances in recent years, showcasing his ability to build a competitive program.
Despite losing key player Pop Isaacs to injury, Creighton has thrived this season, thanks to the leadership of Steven Ashworth and the dominant presence of 7-foot-1 Ryan Kalkbrenner. Their recent success, winning nine of their last ten games, highlights their resilience and adaptability.
As the regular season progresses, the upcoming matchup between St. John’s and Creighton promises to be a pivotal moment in the Big East race, with significant implications for both teams. With the stakes high, fans can expect an electrifying showdown that could shape the conference landscape.
