Dec. 1 is hardly a definitive point in the season, but given the various early tournaments and a scattering of competitive games between major conferences, the results through Dec. 1 are at least suggestive of where the major conferences stand. The Big East is in good shape so far! Villanova is still undefeated and a clear favorite in the league. Xavier and Providence seem to be a bit better than expected and are now ranked in the top 25 in both major polls (AP and Coaches polls), while Butler is ranked in one poll and just outside the top 25 in the other. Georgetown has a somewhat disappointing record to date, but they've played a real meat grinder of a schedule (overconfidence, JTIII?), and have been competitive in their losses to nationally top teams. I expect all 5 of these teams to make the big dance come March, and FWIW, I'll now fearfully predict the order of finish as (drum roll please): Nova first, XU second, a 2 way tie for third, and Providence 5th.

As for the bottom half of the league, Marquette looks to be arriving on the national scene a year earlier than I thought, while Creighton, Seton Hall, and St. John's have all performed a bit better than I expected so far. Any one of those teams could easily upset one of the top 5 if they have a good game. Only lowly Depaul seems to be muddling along, but even they seem to be an above average Division I team.

Bottom Line: The Big East sure looks to me like a top-to-bottom very strong conference again this year. I can't wait to see the first conference vs. conference ratings from KenPom and Sagarin.