Big East Media Day Highlights Rising Attendance, Rick Pitino's Vision and Preseason Rankings

Big East Media Day showcases robust conference growth and championship ambitions; Marquette, Connecticut, Creighton emerge as top preseason teams. St. John's and Georgetown's program revival relies on newly signed coaches, including veteran Rick Pitino.

• Big East Media Day showcased record attendance and the vision of newly signed St. John's coach Rick Pitino, signaling a potential revival for St. John's and Georgetown's programs.
• Marquette, Connecticut, and Creighton emerged as the top preseason teams in the Big East. The league has three preseason top-10 teams and is expected to have seven of its 11 teams as NCAA Tournament caliber.
• Rick Pitino, the newly appointed coach of St. John's, is aiming for a national championship in his tenure and is focused on strengthening the team's defense, calling it a key element to winning games.
• Connecticut, the five-time national champion and a returning member of the Big East, is not complacent and looks forward to a challenge this season, despite being overlooked in preseason selections.
• The Big East conference is reportedly in talks with Madison Square Garden regarding an extension of their tournament's contract through 2032, maintaining their stronghold on a prime location for marquee college basketball events.

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