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St. John’s Edges UConn as Big East Coaches’ Preseason No. 1, With Ejiofor Named Player of the Year

Coaches signaled a tight St. John’s–UConn race, sharpening focus on a rivalry that now drives the league.

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UConn head coach Dan Hurley, left, and St. John's head coach Rick Pitino, right, greet each other before an NCAA college basketball game, Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, in Storrs, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
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PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND - MARCH 22: Zuby Ejiofor #24 of the St. John's Red Storm reacts against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Amica Mutual Pavillion on March 22, 2025 in Providence, Rhode Island. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Overview

  • St. John’s topped the men’s preseason coaches’ poll for the first time since 1991-92, receiving 7 of 11 first-place votes to finish just ahead of UConn’s 4.
  • Red Storm senior Zuby Ejiofor was voted Big East Preseason Player of the Year after averaging 14.7 points and 8.1 rebounds last season.
  • UConn placed Alex Karaban, Solo Ball and Tarris Reed Jr. on the preseason first team, and freshman Braylon Mullins was selected Preseason Freshman of the Year.
  • Rick Pitino downplayed labeling UConn a special rival as Dan Hurley described a “nastiness” to the matchup, underscoring the rising St. John’s–UConn tension.
  • UConn’s women were a unanimous preseason pick to win the league and swept top honors, with Sarah Strong named Preseason Player of the Year and Kelis Fisher chosen Preseason Freshman of the Year.