Ranking The Greatest College Basketball Programs in Big East History

The Big East Conference has long been regarded as one of the premier college basketball leagues in the United States. Since its inception in 1979, the conference has produced some of the most iconic programs, legendary players, and unforgettable moments in the sport's history. As we look back on the rich tapestry of Big East basketball, it's time to rank the greatest college basketball programs that have graced the hardwood.

Methodology for Ranking

In order to determine the greatest Big East basketball programs, we've established a comprehensive set of criteria to evaluate each school's overall excellence and impact on the conference. The key factors we've considered include:

1. National Championships: The number of NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament titles a program has won.
2. Tournament Appearances: The total number of times a team has qualified for the NCAA Tournament.
3. Conference Championships: The number of regular-season and tournament titles a program has won in Big East competition.
4. Legendary Players: The caliber of individual talent that has come through the program, as measured by NBA success, national awards, and impact on the game.
5. Coaching Excellence: The quality and longevity of the program's head coaches, and their ability to sustain success over time.

Using these metrics, we've compiled a ranking of the greatest college basketball programs in Big East history. Let's dive in and explore the top contenders.

Top Big East Basketball Programs

1. Villanova Wildcats

When it comes to Big East basketball dominance, the Villanova Wildcats stand tall above the rest. This storied program has cemented its legacy as the conference's premier powerhouse, boasting an unparalleled level of sustained excellence.

The Wildcats have won three NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament championships, doing so in 1985, 2016, and 2018. Their 1985 title, led by the legendary Rollie Massimino, is considered one of the greatest upsets in tournament history, as Villanova took down the heavily favored Georgetown Hoyas.

In addition to their national titles, the Wildcats have won a remarkable 16 Big East regular-season championships and 8 conference tournament championships. They've made 36 NCAA Tournament appearances, cementing their status as a perennial powerhouse.

Villanova has also produced some of the biggest stars in Big East history, including Kerry Kittles, Randy Foye, and Kyle Lowry, all of whom went on to successful NBA careers. The program's current head coach, Jay Wright, has been instrumental in maintaining the Wildcats' dominance, leading the team to two national titles and multiple Big East championships during his tenure.

2. Georgetown Hoyas

The Georgetown Hoyas have long been synonymous with Big East basketball excellence. Anchored by the legendary center Patrick Ewing, the Hoyas were a dominant force in the conference during the 1980s, winning three Big East Tournament championships and reaching the NCAA Tournament's Final Four on three occasions.

Georgetown's crowning achievement came in 1984, when they captured the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament title, defeating the Houston Cougars in the championship game. Ewing, the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, led the way for the Hoyas, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in Big East history.

In addition to their national championship, the Hoyas have won 8 Big East regular-season titles and 7 conference tournament championships. They've made 33 NCAA Tournament appearances, solidifying their status as a perennial contender.

Beyond Ewing, Georgetown has produced a slew of NBA-caliber talent, including Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo, and Allen Iverson. The program's rich history and cultural impact on the sport of basketball have earned the Hoyas a place among the greatest Big East programs.

3. Connecticut Huskies

The Connecticut Huskies have emerged as one of the most dominant college basketball programs in the modern era, and their success has been particularly pronounced in the Big East Conference.

UConn has won 4 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament championships, doing so in 1999, 2004, 2011, and 2014. The Huskies have also won 10 Big East regular-season titles and 7 conference tournament championships, cementing their status as a consistent powerhouse.

Beyond their impressive hardware, the Huskies have produced some of the biggest names in college basketball history. Players like Ray Allen, Kemba Walker, and Shabazz Napier have all donned the UConn jersey, going on to successful NBA careers and cementing the program's legacy.

The Huskies' success has not been limited to the men's program, as the women's team has also been a dominant force in the sport. Led by the legendary coach Geno Auriemma, the UConn women's team has won 11 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament championships, further solidifying the university's reputation as a basketball juggernaut.

4. St. John's Red Storm

The St. John's Red Storm have long been a fixture in the Big East, with a rich history of basketball excellence that dates back to the conference's inception. As one of the founding members of the Big East, St. John's has played a crucial role in shaping the identity and culture of the league.

The Red Storm have made 28 NCAA Tournament appearances, the fourth-most in Big East history. They've won 6 regular-season conference titles and 2 Big East Tournament championships, showcasing their consistent ability to compete at the highest level.

St. John's has produced a number of legendary players who have gone on to successful NBA careers, including Chris Mullin, Walter Berry, and Mark Jackson. These players have not only left an indelible mark on the program but have also contributed to the Red Storm's enduring legacy within the Big East.

While the program has not won a national championship, St. John's has been a perennial contender and has played a significant role in the Big East's rise to prominence as one of the premier college basketball conferences in the country.

Honorable Mentions

While the programs mentioned above stand out as the greatest in Big East history, several other schools have also made significant contributions to the conference's basketball legacy. These include:

Marquette Golden Eagles: A founding member of the Big East, Marquette has won 3 regular-season conference titles and 2 tournament championships. The program is known for producing NBA stars like Dwyane Wade and Jae Crowder.

Providence Friars: Providence has been a consistent presence in the Big East, winning 4 regular-season titles and 2 tournament championships. The Friars are renowned for their legendary coach, Dave Gavitt, who was instrumental in the formation of the Big East.

Seton Hall Pirates: Seton Hall has been a competitive force in the Big East, winning 3 regular-season titles and 2 tournament championships. The program is best known for its 1989 NCAA Tournament run, where they reached the national championship game.

The Impact of Big East Basketball

The Big East Conference has had an immeasurable impact on the landscape of college basketball. The league's fierce rivalries, intense competition, and storied programs have captivated fans and players alike, cementing its reputation as one of the premier basketball conferences in the nation.

The Big East's influence extends far beyond the court, as the conference has played a crucial role in the development of countless NBA players. From Patrick Ewing and Chris Mullin to Kemba Walker and Jae Crowder, the Big East has served as a breeding ground for some of the sport's greatest talents.

Moreover, the conference's cultural impact on the game of basketball is undeniable. The Big East's gritty, physical style of play and the passionate fan bases of its member schools have become synonymous with the essence of college basketball. The conference's legacy will continue to shape the sport for generations to come.

Conclusion

The Big East Conference has a rich and storied history in college basketball, and the programs that have risen to the top of the league's hierarchy are truly the greatest in its illustrious past. From the dynastic Villanova Wildcats to the iconic Georgetown Hoyas and the dominant Connecticut Huskies, these teams have left an indelible mark on the sport, captivating fans and producing some of the most legendary players to ever grace the hardwood.

As we look to the future of Big East basketball, the legacy of these great programs will continue to inspire and motivate the next generation of players and coaches. The conference's enduring impact on the game is a testament to the passion, dedication, and sheer excellence that have defined its greatest teams. The journey to the top of the Big East mountain is one of the most challenging and rewarding in all of college sports, and the programs that have conquered it deserve to be celebrated as the greatest in the conference's history.