Player of the Week
Michael Ajayi, Butler
Michael Ajayi (pictured) has switched Bulldog allegiances from Gonzaga to Butler and become a consistent force for the team this season and a major reason for their success. He is averaging 16.5 points per game, ranking second on the team, while leading the Bulldogs in rebounds at 11.5 per contest and adding 3.1 assists per game. Ajayi earned Conference Player of the Week honors after a dominant Week 3 stretch, averaging 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 2.6 assists across Butler’s first three games of December. His signature performance came in a thrilling double-overtime victory against Providence, where Ajayi poured in 28 points and grabbed 15 rebounds while shooting 44.4 percent from the field and playing all 45 minutes.
Freshman of the Week
Acaden Lewis, Villanova
Acaden Lewis has once again been named Conference Player of the Week following another strong stretch of play. On the season, Lewis ranks second on the Villanova roster in scoring at 12.4 points per game while shooting an efficient 50 percent from the field. He also leads the Wildcats in assists at 5.6 per game. In December, Lewis continued his steady production, averaging 10.3 points and 5.6 assists while shooting 46.1 percent, helping Villanova secure two wins in three games.
Who’s Hot?
St. John’s Red Storm
St. John’s entered the season as the preseason favorite to win the Big East but struggled early against high-level competition. The Red Storm remain winless against top-25 opponents, yet since their 11-point loss to Auburn in late November, they have begun to turn the corner. St. John’s has won three straight games in December, including back-to-back double-digit victories. With a looming matchup against Kentucky this Saturday, the Red Storm face another opportunity to build momentum as they climb the national rankings.
Julius Halaifonua, Georgetown
Georgetown has enjoyed a strong start to the season and currently sits as one of the Big East’s top teams. A balanced attack has fueled the Hoyas, with Halaifonua anchoring the interior at center. Standing 7 feet tall, he averaged 11.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in December. Overall, Georgetown holds a 3–1 record during that stretch, with Halaifonua posting averages of 18.3 points and seven rebounds while shooting an impressive 69.2 percent from the field.
Finley Bizjack, Butler
Finley Bizjack has been a key contributor to Butler’s strong start and one of the team’s most reliable scoring options. Bizjack is averaging 17.7 points per game, second on the team, while shooting 46.1 percent from the floor. He has topped the 20-point mark in four of his last seven games and averaged 18 points per game in December on 44.6 percent shooting.
Who’s Not?
Zuby Ejiofor, St. John’s
Zuby Ejiofor remains one of St. John’s most important pieces, but his recent production has dipped. On the season, Ejiofor is averaging 13.9 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting 54 percent from the field. In December, however, his numbers fell to 10 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, and his shooting efficiency dropped to 38 percent from the floor. He has also gone scoreless from three-point range, missing all four attempts.
Marquette Golden Eagles
Marquette has endured a difficult start to the season and currently sits below .500. The Golden Eagles have lost six of their last eight games, including three straight, while struggling on both ends of the floor. Through their first 12 games, Marquette is scoring just over 78 points per game while allowing nearly 77. Outside of Chase Ross, who averages 17.4 points per game, the roster lacks a consistent offensive threat. Upcoming matchups against No. 4 UConn and No. 22 St. John’s in early January will likely shape the trajectory of Marquette’s conference season.
Top Five Big East Teams
1. UConn Huskies (11–1, 1–0)
UConn continues to set the standard in the Big East. The Huskies opened conference play with a commanding 19-point home win over Butler and will close out 2025 with a relatively light schedule. Their next major test comes on February 6, when they travel to face St. John’s.
2. Georgetown Hoyas (8–3, 1–0)
Georgetown has maintained strong early-season momentum and remains unbeaten in conference play following a nine-point road win over Marquette. The Hoyas will close 2025 with a home matchup against St. John’s before opening 2026 with a lighter slate ahead of a key home date against UConn on January 17.
3. St. John’s Red Storm (7–3, 1–0)
St. John’s has found its rhythm after an uneven start and will look to finish 2025 on a high note. An important non-conference matchup looms this weekend, while January offers a manageable stretch before a highly anticipated showdown with top-ranked UConn in early February.
4. Creighton Blue Jays (6–5, 1–0)
Creighton owns the weakest overall record among the Big East’s top five but has positioned itself well entering conference play. The Blue Jays opened league action with a dominant 41-point road win over Xavier and have an upcoming slate that could strengthen their résumé ahead of a January 10 home matchup against St. John’s.
5. Butler Bulldogs (8–3, 1–1)
Butler rounds out the top five after a strong non-conference showing. Led by Michael Ajayi and Finley Bizjack, the Bulldogs have proven they can compete with the league’s upper tier. A challenging upcoming schedule will provide clarity on where Butler ultimately fits in the Big East hierarchy.