Villanova is Big East coaches' preseason pick

Defending national champion Villanova is the runaway preseason No. 1 in the Big East Conference.

NEW YORK (AP) — Defending national champion Villanova is the runaway preseason No. 1 in the Big East Conference.

The Wildcats are the choice of nine coaches - who cannot vote for their own team - while runner-up Xavier received the other vote.

Villanova senior guard Josh Hart is the coaches' choice as preseason player of the year.

Following Xavier in the poll are Creighton, Georgetown, Seton Hall, Butler, Marquette, St. John's, Providence and DePaul.

Joining Hart on the preseason first team are teammate Kris Jenkins, who hit the game-winning shot in last season's national championship game, Kelan Martin of Butler, Maurice Watson Jr. of Creighton and Xavier teammates Trevon Bluiett and Edmond Sumner.

Shamorie Ponds of St. John's is the preseason freshman of the year.