Overview
- Big East coaches gave St. John’s 7 of 11 first-place votes, its first preseason No. 1 since 1991-92, with UConn receiving the other four.
- St. John’s senior Zuby Ejiofor was named Big East preseason Player of the Year, and UConn freshman Braylon Mullins earned preseason Freshman of the Year.
- UConn landed Alex Karaban, Solo Ball and Tarris Reed Jr. on the preseason first team, with Reed managing a hamstring issue that leaves him doubtful for the next exhibition as the Nov. 3 opener approaches.
- Dan Hurley described a “nastiness” to UConn–St. John’s games as Rick Pitino downplayed a special rivalry designation, reflecting differing views shared at media day.
- Fresh off a 31-win season and a top-rated transfer haul, St. John’s plays No. 7 Michigan in a Saturday exhibition at Madison Square Garden before opening Nov. 3 against Quinnipiac.