Huskies are 2nd in Big East men's basketball preseason poll
Oct. 19—NEW YORK — The UConn men's basketball team was picked second in the Big East Conference coaches' poll released today.
The poll and the preseason all-conference teams were announced as part of the Big East's Media Day this morning at Madison Square Garden.
Big East preseason superlatives
Player of the year
Collin Gillespie, Villanova
Freshman of the year
Aminu Mohammed, Georgetown
All-Big East First Team
Nate Watson, Providence
Julian Champagnie, St. John's
Jared Rhoden, Seton Hall
Paul Scruggs, Xavier
All-Big East Second Team
R.J. Cole, UConn
Tyrese Martin, UConn
Posh Alexander, St. John's
Justin Moore, Villanova
Jermaine Samuels, Villanova
Honorable Mention
Adama Sanogo, UConn
Chuck Harris, Butler
Big East Preseason Poll
Villanova (10) 100
UConn (1) 84
Xavier 76
St. John's 73
Seton Hall 68
Butler 60
Providence 45
Creighton 38
Marquette 26
Georgetown 25
DePaul 10
No Huskies made the all-Big East first team, though UConn guard R.J. Cole and forward Tyrese Martin were given spots on the second team. Center Adama Sanogo received an honorable mention nod.
Villanova was picked to win the league, the seventh time in the last eight years its been so honored. The Wildcats were a de facto unanimous choice, receiving 10 first-place votes.
Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own teams, and UConn received the other vote, meaning Villanova coach Jay Wright cast his ballot for the Huskies.
UConn was the second choice with 84 points, followed by Xavier (76), St. John's (73), and Seton Hall (68).
UConn went 15-8 last season, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament after a five-year drought.
Villanova's Collin Gillespie was the preseason player of the year, while Georgetown's Aminu Mohammed was the preseason freshman of the year.
The is UConn's second year back in the Big East, following its seven-year stint in the American Athletic Conference.
Neill covers UConn men's basketball and UConn football teams, and he keeps a finger on the pulse of Connecticut sports. For live game updates, and more insight into UConn athletics, player transfers, and team changes, follow Neill on Twitter: @NeillOstrout, Facebook: JINeillO, and Instagram: @NeillOstrout.
