Rick Pitino names Marquette as Big East favorites over UConn, St. John's
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 29, 2026, 5:56 PM
Last updated Jul 29, 2026
Rick Pitino has stated that UConn and St. John's are not the favorites to win the Big East heading into the 2026-27 season. While both teams have recently dominated the conference, Pitino prefers Marquette, citing key returning players. UConn reached the NCAA championship game last season and retains strong talent, while Pitino predicts six Big East teams could make the 2027 NCAA Tournament. The conference teams are expected to spend an average of $14.5 million on NIL this season, which Pitino believes will enhance competition.
- •Pitino names Marquette as Big East favorites, not UConn or St. John's.
- •UConn reached the NCAA championship game last season.
- •Six Big East teams could qualify for the NCAA Tournament in 2027.
- •Big East teams expected to spend an average of $14.5 million on NIL.
- •UConn loses two players to the NBA but retains strong talent.
- 5:56 PMYahoo Sports — UConn and St. John’s are ‘not the Big East favorites,’ Rick Pitino says
"UConn and St. John’s are 'not the Big East favorites,' Rick Pitino says.
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