Big East College Basketball Prediction, Odds and Preview

Arguably one of the most exciting, certainly one of the most competitive, conferences in college basketball is the Big East. Strap yourselves in, because the conference is set to once again be one of the most electric in the country in the 2021-22 season.

Villanova may be considered by some as a national championship contender, and while the rest of the Big East isn't quite at that level, it's still a strong group of teams from top to bottom. There's no easy game for any team on the conference schedule this season.

Here's a look at the odds to be the Big East regular season champion, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Odds to be Big East Regular Season Champion

• Villanova +150
• Connecticut +400
• Xavier +600
• Creighton +1200
• Butler +1500
• Georgetown +2000
• Marquette +2000
• Providence +2000
• St. John's +2000
• DePaul +5000

Villanova Set to Establish Itself as Top Dog

The news that Collin Gillespie would return to Villanova for another season instantly made the Wildcats the team to beat in 2021-22. He was named Big East Co-Player of the Year last year, and many people expect him to repeat as winner of the award.

Jay Wright knows how to coach a team to a national championship, as he did it with Villanova back in 2018. Who knows what will happen come time for the conference tournament, but over the duration of the entire season, the Wildcats are deserving of being the strong favorite to win the conference.

St. John's is a Strong Dark Horse

St. John's certainly isn't deserving of being top three on the odds list, but +2000 odds is disrespectful and not a true representation of just how good this team is. Julian Champagnie will return for another season and he will certainly be one of the top players in the conference this year. He averaged 19.8 points per game for the Red Storm in 2020-21.

Head coach Mike Anderson knows how to coach a team to the NCAA Tournament, with his best finish coming at the Elite Eight when he was the head coach of Missouri back in 2008-09. Being the Big East regular season champion is a tall order, but don't be shocked if this team finds themselves competing in March Madness this season.

Big East Prediction: Xavier +600

If you're going to bet on a Big East regular season champion, you have to choose from among the top three. In my opinion, Xavier provides the best betting value. Paul Scruggs and Zach Freemantle will serve as leaders of the team, but Indiana transfer Jerome Hunter will be the key piece this season.

Xavier is the most injury-proof team in the Big East this season as well, as they're projected to have the deepest roster from top to bottom.