I’m having a hard time coming up with an All Big East Team, so I’m going to propose some names just to start the conversation but not because I feel confident in these picks.

Silas Demary, UConn
Zuby Ejiofor, St. John’s
Duke Brennan, Villanova
Tre Carroll, Xavier
Michael Ajayi, Butler

Freshman of the Year - Stefan Vaaks, Providence

Looks pretty good to me. I would probably go with Reed over Brennan based on him being a much better rim protector. Also Mullins and Vaaks is pretty much a toss up, can make a good case for either of them.

Thanks. Good suggestions. There are so many good scorers around the league. Lewis at Nova, Lewis at Georgetown, Sellers at Providence, Bizjack at Butler, etc. I like Brennan because he has averaged a double/double for the year. I was tempted to include Karaban just as a tip of the hat to his career.

Nigel James for FOY.

(03-03-2026 12:37 PM)GoldenWarrior11 Wrote:  Nigel James for FOY.

Nigel James? Wow! Just, wow!! I thought that Vaaks did a lot for PC, but James has led Marquette in scoring AND assists. He would be a superb choice for that honor - especially since he’s more of a traditional freshman and Vaaks is on the older side for a freshman. I hadn’t paid a lot of attention this season since the Warriors struggled this year, but thanks for bringing his accomplishments to light.

Kudos to Shaka for going all the way out to Long Island to recruit him. He and Adrien Stevens, also a freshman and another East Coaster, should be important building blocks going forward.

I agree, it has to be James for Freshman of the Year. If not, it will be a travesty.

I agree I think I would put Reed on the first team over Brennan. I'm fine with Carroll over Karaban, he's deserving. Not sure Ajayi gets the nod with Butler falling off a cliff, but he's certainly had a great season so I'm fine with him being 1st team as well if it happens.

The real question mark to me is Solo Ball. Does he even make the 3rd team after being voted 2nd team last year? His 3pt % is down and he's played terrible defense for most of the season. He may make 3rd team but here's a list of some of the guys he's competing with for an All Big East spot:

Perkins, Acaden Lewis, Lindsay, Sellers, Edwards, Vaaks, Bizjack, KJ Lewis, Ross and the aforementioned James. All are worth being in the discussion for various reasons.

Reed is certainly deserving. I didn’t want to be a Homer and put 2 UConn players on the first team. But I’m also aware of how important Brennan has been to Villanova’s turnaround this year. They need him on the floor. Braden Pierce, Villanova’s backup center, plays only 6.5 minutes per game whereas Reibe gives UConn 15 mpg. I can see it both ways.

(03-03-2026 08:09 PM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  Reed is certainly deserving. I didn’t want to be a Homer and put 2 UConn players on the first team. But I’m also aware of how important Brennan has been to Villanova’s turnaround this year. They need him on the floor. Braden Pierce, Villanova’s backup center, plays only 6.5 minutes per game whereas Reibe gives UConn 15 mpg. I can see it both ways.

Do you have Ball on 2nd or 3rd team? I'm honestly not sure I do

(03-04-2026 06:41 AM)Nameless Wrote:  

(03-03-2026 08:09 PM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  Reed is certainly deserving. I didn’t want to be a Homer and put 2 UConn players on the first team. But I’m also aware of how important Brennan has been to Villanova’s turnaround this year. They need him on the floor. Braden Pierce, Villanova’s backup center, plays only 6.5 minutes per game whereas Reibe gives UConn 15 mpg. I can see it both ways.

Do you have Ball on 2nd or 3rd team? I'm honestly not sure I do

I really hadn’t given 2nd & 3rd team any thought. But I’ll give it a shot off the top of my head. But since it’s off the cuff, I really don’t have a lot of confidence in these picks, so I invite discussion.

Second Team All Big East

Jaylin Sellers, Providence
Acaden Lewis, Villanova
Alex Karaban, UConn.
Stefan Vaaks, Providence
Tarris Reed, UConn

Third Team All Big East

Nigel James, Marquette
Bryce Hopkins, St. John’s
Finley Bizjack, Butler
Filip Borovicanin, Xavier
Chase Ross, Marquette

So, I guess that my answer to your question is that I would not include Solo Ball on my 2nd or 3rd team off the season that he’s had this year.

(03-04-2026 09:55 AM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  

(03-04-2026 06:41 AM)Nameless Wrote:  

(03-03-2026 08:09 PM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  Reed is certainly deserving. I didn’t want to be a Homer and put 2 UConn players on the first team. But I’m also aware of how important Brennan has been to Villanova’s turnaround this year. They need him on the floor. Braden Pierce, Villanova’s backup center, plays only 6.5 minutes per game whereas Reibe gives UConn 15 mpg. I can see it both ways.

Do you have Ball on 2nd or 3rd team? I'm honestly not sure I do

I really hadn’t given 2nd & 3rd team any thought. But I’ll give it a shot off the top of my head. But since it’s off the cuff, I really don’t have a lot of confidence in these picks, so I invite discussion.

Second Team All Big East

Jaylin Sellers, Providence
Academic Lewis, Villanova
Alex Karaban, UConn.
Stefan Vaaks, Providence
Tarris Reed, UConn

Third Team All Big East

Nigel James, Marquette
Bryce Hopkins, St. John’s
Finley Bizjack, Butler
Filip Borovicanin, Xavier
Chase Ross, Marquette

So, I guess that my answer to your question is that I would not include Solo Ball on my 2nd or 3rd team off the season that he’s had this year.

MU guy here. I would be surprised if Chase were to get picked as his conference season overall play, while somewhat affected by nagging injuries including a separated shoulder last week, has been rather sporadic and well below preseason expectations. In BE play (18 games so far), he is averaging 11.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg while shooting 37.1% from the field overall and 26% from the 3 point line and about 66% from the FT line. While he does have 44 steals in BE play, his overall defense has declined from the past. While still a good player, not sure his play will merit the votes needed for all league recognition.

(03-04-2026 03:16 PM)Nukem2 Wrote:  

(03-04-2026 09:55 AM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  

(03-04-2026 06:41 AM)Nameless Wrote:  

(03-03-2026 08:09 PM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  Reed is certainly deserving. I didn’t want to be a Homer and put 2 UConn players on the first team. But I’m also aware of how important Brennan has been to Villanova’s turnaround this year. They need him on the floor. Braden Pierce, Villanova’s backup center, plays only 6.5 minutes per game whereas Reibe gives UConn 15 mpg. I can see it both ways.

Do you have Ball on 2nd or 3rd team? I'm honestly not sure I do

I really hadn’t given 2nd & 3rd team any thought. But I’ll give it a shot off the top of my head. But since it’s off the cuff, I really don’t have a lot of confidence in these picks, so I invite discussion.

Second Team All Big East

Jaylin Sellers, Providence
Academic Lewis, Villanova
Alex Karaban, UConn.
Stefan Vaaks, Providence
Tarris Reed, UConn

Third Team All Big East

Nigel James, Marquette
Bryce Hopkins, St. John’s
Finley Bizjack, Butler
Filip Borovicanin, Xavier
Chase Ross, Marquette

So, I guess that my answer to your question is that I would not include Solo Ball on my 2nd or 3rd team off the season that he’s had this year.

MU guy here. I would be surprised if Chase were to get picked as his conference season overall play, while somewhat affected by nagging injuries including a separated shoulder last week, has been rather sporadic and well below preseason expectations. In BE play (18 games so far), he is averaging 11.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg while shooting 37.1% from the field overall and 26% from the 3 point line and about 66% from the FT line. While he does have 44 steals in BE play, his overall defense has declined from the past. While still a good player, not sure his play will merit the votes needed for all league recognition.

I didn't realize his shooting splits were so poor in league play. I think his chances are also hurt by the fact that a.) Marquette really struggled this year and b.) he was significantly outplayed by a freshman on his own team this season.

(03-04-2026 09:55 AM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  

(03-04-2026 06:41 AM)Nameless Wrote:  

(03-03-2026 08:09 PM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  Reed is certainly deserving. I didn’t want to be a Homer and put 2 UConn players on the first team. But I’m also aware of how important Brennan has been to Villanova’s turnaround this year. They need him on the floor. Braden Pierce, Villanova’s backup center, plays only 6.5 minutes per game whereas Reibe gives UConn 15 mpg. I can see it both ways.

Do you have Ball on 2nd or 3rd team? I'm honestly not sure I do

I really hadn’t given 2nd & 3rd team any thought. But I’ll give it a shot off the top of my head. But since it’s off the cuff, I really don’t have a lot of confidence in these picks, so I invite discussion.

Second Team All Big East

Jaylin Sellers, Providence
Academic Lewis, Villanova
Alex Karaban, UConn.
Stefan Vaaks, Providence
Tarris Reed, UConn

Third Team All Big East

Nigel James, Marquette
Bryce Hopkins, St. John’s
Finley Bizjack, Butler
Filip Borovicanin, Xavier
Chase Ross, Marquette

So, I guess that my answer to your question is that I would not include Solo Ball on my 2nd or 3rd team off the season that he’s had this year.

First, I like how your device autocorrected "Acaden" to "Academic" as mine did when I made my post, lol.

Second, see my response to Nukem in terms of how I feel about Ross making it. Borivicanin is an interesting choice, but with X being so far down in the standings I just don't think they get 2 players on the All Conference teams.

I think Perkins for Villanova really deserves a spot on 3rd team. He's been so clutch for them (not just this season, but last as well) making big plays when they really need them, and they're the clear #3 team in the league. I also think Bud Clark will get real consideration, as he is the clear leader of the #4 team in the league and plays some absolutely stifling defense, especially for his size. The awards are voted on by coaches, right? If so I'm sure they will remember how much of a pain in the ass it was to play them.

So swap Ross and Borivicanin for Perkins and Clark and I think we are pretty much in agreement. I haven't given it a ton of thought either but your list feels pretty accurate to me

(03-04-2026 03:16 PM)Nukem2 Wrote:  

(03-04-2026 09:55 AM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  

(03-04-2026 06:41 AM)Nameless Wrote:  

(03-03-2026 08:09 PM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  Reed is certainly deserving. I didn’t want to be a Homer and put 2 UConn players on the first team. But I’m also aware of how important Brennan has been to Villanova’s turnaround this year. They need him on the floor. Braden Pierce, Villanova’s backup center, plays only 6.5 minutes per game whereas Reibe gives UConn 15 mpg. I can see it both ways.

Do you have Ball on 2nd or 3rd team? I'm honestly not sure I do

I really hadn’t given 2nd & 3rd team any thought. But I’ll give it a shot off the top of my head. But since it’s off the cuff, I really don’t have a lot of confidence in these picks, so I invite discussion.

Second Team All Big East

Jaylin Sellers, Providence
Academic Lewis, Villanova
Alex Karaban, UConn.
Stefan Vaaks, Providence
Tarris Reed, UConn

Third Team All Big East

Nigel James, Marquette
Bryce Hopkins, St. John’s
Finley Bizjack, Butler
Filip Borovicanin, Xavier
Chase Ross, Marquette

So, I guess that my answer to your question is that I would not include Solo Ball on my 2nd or 3rd team off the season that he’s had this year.

MU guy here. I would be surprised if Chase were to get picked as his conference season overall play, while somewhat affected by nagging injuries including a separated shoulder last week, has been rather sporadic and well below preseason expectations. In BE play (18 games so far), he is averaging 11.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg while shooting 37.1% from the field overall and 26% from the 3 point line and about 66% from the FT line. While he does have 44 steals in BE play, his overall defense has declined from the past. While still a good player, not sure his play will merit the votes needed for all league recognition.

Thanks for the feedback. If not Ross, then I might be looking at KJ Lewis at Georgetown. Who do you like?

(03-04-2026 07:33 PM)Nameless Wrote:  

(03-04-2026 09:55 AM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  

(03-04-2026 06:41 AM)Nameless Wrote:  

(03-03-2026 08:09 PM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  Reed is certainly deserving. I didn’t want to be a Homer and put 2 UConn players on the first team. But I’m also aware of how important Brennan has been to Villanova’s turnaround this year. They need him on the floor. Braden Pierce, Villanova’s backup center, plays only 6.5 minutes per game whereas Reibe gives UConn 15 mpg. I can see it both ways.

Do you have Ball on 2nd or 3rd team? I'm honestly not sure I do

I really hadn’t given 2nd & 3rd team any thought. But I’ll give it a shot off the top of my head. But since it’s off the cuff, I really don’t have a lot of confidence in these picks, so I invite discussion.

Second Team All Big East

Jaylin Sellers, Providence
Academic Lewis, Villanova
Alex Karaban, UConn.
Stefan Vaaks, Providence
Tarris Reed, UConn

Third Team All Big East

Nigel James, Marquette
Bryce Hopkins, St. John’s
Finley Bizjack, Butler
Filip Borovicanin, Xavier
Chase Ross, Marquette

So, I guess that my answer to your question is that I would not include Solo Ball on my 2nd or 3rd team off the season that he’s had this year.

First, I like how your device autocorrected "Acaden" to "Academic" as mine did when I made my post, lol.

Second, see my response to Nukem in terms of how I feel about Ross making it. Borivicanin is an interesting choice, but with X being so far down in the standings I just don't think they get 2 players on the All Conference teams.

I think Perkins for Villanova really deserves a spot on 3rd team. He's been so clutch for them (not just this season, but last as well) making big plays when they really need them, and they're the clear #3 team in the league. I also think Bud Clark will get real consideration, as he is the clear leader of the #4 team in the league and plays some absolutely stifling defense, especially for his size. The awards are voted on by coaches, right? If so I'm sure they will remember how much of a pain in the ass it was to play them.

So swap Ross and Borivicanin for Perkins and Clark and I think we are pretty much in agreement. I haven't given it a ton of thought either but your list feels pretty accurate to me

Great points about Clark. I really like his game a lot too!

I just stumbled across a fun fact about Duke Brennan. He is the 9th leading rebounder in the country!

There are only 15 other players in the country this year who have averaged a double/double this year in all of Division I basketball. And only one of those is in the Big East.

Teams have been announced!

All-BIG EAST First Team
Michael Ajayi, Butler
Silas Demary Jr., UConn
Alex Karaban, UConn
Tarris Reed Jr., UConn
Zuby Ejiofor, St. John’s *
Tre Carroll, Xavier

All-BIG EAST Second Team
Solo Ball, UConn
Jaylin Sellers, Providence
Bryce Hopkins, St. John’s
Budd Clark, Seton Hall
Acaden Lewis, Villanova

All-BIG EAST Third Team
Finley Bizjack, Butler
KJ Lewis, Georgetown
Nigel James Jr., Marquette
Dillon Mitchell, St. John’s
Duke Brennan, Villanova
Tyler Perkins, Villanova

All-Freshman Team
Braylon Mullins, UConn *
Nigel James Jr., Marquette *
Jamier Jones, Providence
Stefan Vaaks, Providence *
Acaden Lewis, Villanova *

All-Defensive Team
Zuby Ejiofor, St. John’s *
Budd Clark, Seton Hall
Dillon Mitchell, St. John’s
Silas Demary Jr., UConn
Chase Ross, Marquette

So Ball was indeed voted to 2nd team again. I'm a little surprised but not shocked. We were correct in terms of 1st team picks, but with there being 6 people on 1st team (I always forget) Karaban made 1st team as well. Happy for him!

Thanks for posting, Nameless!

1. I’m surprised to see UConn dominate the list to such an extent. I like all 5 guys, so I have no complaints. I’m just saying that I’m surprised. I suspect that this vote was taken before Saturday’s game.

2. I’m pleased to see Dillon Mitchell get listed so high. I didn’t have the nerve to put him there myself because he doesn’t get that spot based just on his numbers. But there is no doubt that their season turned around when they put him in the starting lineup after that bad loss to Providence. They immediately went on a 13 game winning streak. They were 17-2 with him in the starting lineup and 8-4 when he did not start.

3. Guys who put points on the board make the All Star teams. 9 of the top 10 scorers are there but only 6 of the top 10 rebounders and 6 of the top ten in assists.

4. Most underrated player IMO is Filip Borovicanin. Top 10 in both rebounds and assists - 6th in both. Double figures in scoring (10.5). A big man who can step out and hit a 3.

5. Providence got 2 players on the All Freshman team for the second year in a row. They are losing 3 important players to graduation, but these 4 are a core they can rebuild around - if they can keep them.

Nigel James named freshman of the year and announces he wants to finish his career at MU. Zuby named POY and scholar athlete of the year and gives a long heartfelt response at the event.

(03-11-2026 04:01 PM)Nukem2 Wrote:  Nigel James named freshman of the year and announces he wants to finish his career at MU. Zuby named POY and scholar athlete of the year and gives a long heartfelt response at the event.

I was so happy to hear James was returning before the Marquette Xavier BET game. With him announcing he will be back, Shaka can really focus on the portal for next season. I'm assuming Parham will be back tok