Player of the Week
Alex Karaban, UConn Huskies
Planet Karaban, an ode to Ozzy Osbourne (RIP Ozzy) and Black Sabbath’s song Planet Caravan, continues to orbit steadily at the center of UConn’s offense. While his season averages (13.9 points, 5.3 rebounds) are slightly down from past years, Karaban has elevated his play over the last week. He poured in 23 points in UConn’s 103–98 overtime win at Providence on Jan. 7, shooting 8-of-18 from the field, 5-of-9 from three, and 2-of-2 at the line, then followed with 15 points in a 72–60 win over DePaul on Jan. 10, going 5-of-10 from the floor, 2-of-4 from deep, and 3-of-4 from the stripe. His shot-making and poise have been instrumental in guiding the Huskies through two key conference victories.
Freshman of the Week
Jamier Jones, Providence Friars
Jamier Jones has quickly become a vital piece for Providence as a freshman. He is averaging 10.9 points and just under four rebounds per game while shooting an outstanding 68.5 percent from the field. Over his last two contests, Jones has elevated his production to 16.5 points and 6.5 rebounds, shooting 68.8 percent overall and 75 percent from three. His efficiency, confidence, and expanded role have earned him Big East Freshman of the Week honors.
Who’s Hot?
Zuby Ejiofor, St. John’s Red Storm
Zuby Ejiofor entered the season as the Preseason Big East Player of the Year and has delivered at that level, particularly in recent weeks. On the season, Ejiofor is averaging 16.1 points and 7.7 rebounds while shooting 52.2 percent from the floor. His play has surged of late, highlighted by a 22-point performance on 72.7 percent shooting in a win over Marquette on Jan. 13, along with 18 points at Butler and 12 points with six assists at Creighton during the same stretch. Over his last few games, Ejiofor has averaged 21 points and eight rebounds while maintaining 50 percent shooting, continuing to assert himself as one of the Big East’s premier frontcourt forces and a driving factor behind St. John’s climb up the standings.
Seton Hall Pirates
Seton Hall has been one of the biggest surprises in the country. Picked last in the Big East during the preseason, the Pirates have surged to a 14–2 overall record and sit tied for second in the conference at 4–1. Their upcoming matchup against UConn will serve as a major measuring stick, but Seton Hall has already proven it belongs in the league’s upper tier.
Who’s Not?
Marquette Golden Eagles
Marquette has endured a difficult season relative to expectations. Projected to finish fifth in the Big East, the Golden Eagles currently sit in last place with a record five games under .500. They have won just one of six conference games, and upcoming road tests at St. John’s and DePaul could further complicate their climb back into contention.
Owen Freeman, Creighton Blue Jays
Owen Freeman has struggled to find his footing after entering the season as a projected first-team All-Big East selection. After transferring from Iowa, where he averaged 16.7 points and nearly seven rebounds on over 63 percent shooting, Freeman’s production has dipped significantly. Through 16 games, he is averaging fewer than seven points and 4.8 rebounds, making his adjustment one of the more notable storylines in the conference.
Top Five Big East Teams
1. UConn Huskies (16–1, 6–0)
UConn has established itself as the clear front-runner in the Big East, sitting atop the standings with an unblemished conference record. A favorable upcoming schedule should allow the Huskies to maintain momentum before a key road test at St. John’s in early February. Dan Hurley’s group continues to set the standard in the league.
2. Villanova Wildcats (13–3, 4–1)
Picked seventh in the preseason, Villanova has far outperformed expectations. The Wildcats have won six of their last seven games and are positioned well ahead of a pivotal road matchup against UConn on Jan. 24. A top-four finish is firmly within reach.
3. St. John’s Red Storm (11–5, 4–1)
After a rocky start, St. John’s has found its footing, winning four of its last five games. With several manageable matchups ahead, the Red Storm should be peaking by the time they face UConn in early February.
4. Seton Hall Pirates (13–2, 3–1)
Seton Hall has won eight of its last nine games, with its only loss during that stretch coming against Villanova. A home showdown with UConn on Tuesday night represents the Pirates’ biggest test of the season.
5. Creighton Blue Jays (10–7, 4–2)
Despite being the lowest-ranked team in this group, Creighton sits fifth in the conference standings and benefits from a favorable remaining schedule. With multiple games against lower-tier opponents and home-and-away matchups versus UConn, the Blue Jays are well positioned to secure a top-four seed entering the Big East Tournament.