Overview
- The AP poll lists Purdue, Houston, Florida, and UConn ahead of St. John’s, with Creighton also representing the Big East at No. 23.
- This is the program’s highest preseason position, surpassing No. 7 in 1984–85 and marking its first preseason poll appearance since 1999–2000.
- Rick Pitino rebuilt the roster with 247Sports’ No. 1 transfer class, adding Ian Jackson, Dillon Mitchell, Oziyah Sellers, Bryce Hopkins, and Joson Sanon.
- Senior forward Zuby Ejiofor returns after an All–Big East first-team season in which he averaged 14.7 points and 8.1 rebounds.
- Early tests include an Oct. 25 exhibition against No. 7 Michigan at Madison Square Garden and a Nov. 8 game with No. 15 Alabama as part of a record 13 appearances at the arena.