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Message: [QUOTE="Hey Adrien!, post: 3605911, member: 5787"] Another source that supports that there are three clear tiers in the Big East: Tier 1: Creighton and Villanova Tier 2: UConn, Xavier, Marquette, Providence, Butler, Seton Hall Tier 3: St. John's, Georgetown, DePaul [URL unfurl="true"]https://www.si.com/college/2020/07/08/big-east-basketball-power-rankings-villanova-uconn[/URL] [B]4. UConn[/B]: A rising sophomore core of James Bouknight, Akok Akok and Jalen Gaffney have UConn positioned to continue the momentum from the end of its 2019–20 season. Under coach Dan Hurley for a third season and with a strong incoming class, UConn will be challenged but has the pieces to develop and hold its own in its first season back in the Big East. [SIZE=6][B]Big East Burning Questions[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE=5][B]1. How large of an impact can UConn make in its first year back in the Big East?[/B][/SIZE] Many UConn fans are likely happy to be out of the AAC, during which time the program reached the NCAA tournament just once after its 2014 title, but some may also have high expectations for the Huskies in the Big East. While losing leading-scorer Christian Vital, the team is gaining size in three top freshmen, including Andre Jackson and Adama Sanogo, and adding experience in Rhode Island transfer Tyrese Martin. UConn has youth to its advantage, as its rising sophomore core of Bouknight, Akok and Gaffney provide the foundation of the Huskies’ improved offense in 2019–20. Hurley will especially look to guard Bouknight to continue his production after averaging 13.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists in his freshman season. Bouknight can take a leap in the Big East—and potentially be a top contender in end-of-season awards. The Huskies may find difficulty in the Big East grind and in facing top talents of Villanova, Creighton and Seton Hall, but if the group can continue its offensive efficiency and provide improvements on defense, it may be able to challenge for a top-three spot in the conference and the NCAA tournament. [/QUOTE]

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