Two BIG media days

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1. Notables from Big East media day at MSG

The Big East hosted media day on Wednesday and dropped its preseason conference awards and coaches’ poll. Before we get into all of that, here are some of the major highlights:

• Commissioner Val Ackerman said the Big East expects to “be at the forefront” of whatever changes come to college basketball.

• St. John’s coach Rick Pitino broke the news that Billy Donovan’s number will be retired at Providence this season. Pitino also mentioned he’s not going anywhere, even with the changing landscape of college hoops. “I’ll coach until I drop dead.”

• The conference got “buried” by the selection committee last season, per Dan Hurley. UConn’s coach added the Big East is the best conference in the land and that his Huskies deserve the preseason No. 1 ranking.

• Creighton coach Greg McDermott praised the leadership his team has displayed so far, especially from Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth. He also said the school is still resolving eligibility issues for international recruit Fedor Zugic.

• Ed Cooley shut down the rumor of possibly leaving Georgetown for the Virginia coaching job. The “rumor” was started by a fake X.com account.

• Kyle Neptune still adjusting to life as Villanova’s coach and the challenges that come with it? Yes.

Preseason All-Big East First Team: Ryan Kalkbrenner (POTY, Creighton), Alex Karaban (UConn), Kam Jones (Marquette), Bryce Hopkins (Providence), Kadary Richmond (St. John’s), Eric Dixon (Villanova).

Second Team: Pierre Brooks (Butler), Jahmyl Telfort (Butler), Deivon Smith (St. John’s), Zach Freemantle (Xavier), Dayvion McKnight (Xavier).

Third Team: Aidan Mahaney (UConn), Steven Ashworth (Creighton) Jayden Epps (Georgetown), Wooga Poplar (Villanova), Ryan Conwell (Xavier).

Freshman of the Year: Liam McNeeley (UConn).

Want a Big East preview? Rob Dauster, John Fanta, Jerel McNeal and Kenny Frease have you covered.

2. Is the Big 12 the best conference in the country?

Quick hint: the coaches sure think so.

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