Sports|Sports Teams

The Best Big East Basketball Teams

Ranker NCAA Basketball
Updated February 15, 2025 10 items
Ranked By
348 votes
85 voters
Voting Rules
Vote up the Big East schools with the historically best basketball team.

The best Big East basketball programs have all been home to players who went on to become NBA icons. Dwyane Wade, Allen Iverson, Patrick Ewing and Alonzo Mourning are just some of the best players in NBA history who spent some time on the top Big East basketball teams. Many of the best players in the NBA right now also came out of Big East schools, such as Jimmy Butler, Gordon Hayward and Kyle Lowry. 

The Villanova Wildcats are a powerhouse and won the two most recent national championships for the Big East, topping the 2018 and 2016 March Madness tournaments. The Georgetown Hoyas and Marquette Golden Eagles, however, can claim NCAA Tournament titles as well.

When thinking about historic success, though, which Big East team is truly at the top of the mountain? Vote up the best and check back to see which team holds the top spot.

  • Villanova Wildcats
    • Photo:
    1

    Villanova Wildcats

    All-time record: 1779-935
    Conferences titles: 12
    National championships: 3
    Final Four appearances: 6

    Notable players: Kyle Lowry, Tim Thomas, Josh Hart

    • Location: Villanova, Pennsylvania
    43 votes
    Is this impressive?
  • St. John's Red Storm
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      • St. John's
    2

    St. John's Red Storm

    All-time record: 1900-1030
    Conferences titles: 14
    National championships: 0
    Final Four appearances: 2

    Notable players: Chris Mullin, Mark Jackson, Metta World Peace, Maurice Harkless

    • Location: New York, New York
    34 votes
    Is this impressive?
  • Georgetown Hoyas
    3

    Georgetown Hoyas

    All-time record: 1672-1053
    Conferences titles: 11
    National championships: 1
    Final Four appearances: 5

    Notable players: Patrick Ewing, Allen Iverson, Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo

    • Location: Washington, D.C.
    39 votes
    Is this impressive?
  • Marquette Golden Eagles
    • Photo:
      • Marquette
    4

    Marquette Golden Eagles

    All-time record: 1633-1007
    Conferences titles: 3
    National championships: 1
    Final Four appearances: 3

    Notable players: Dwyane Wade, Jimmy Butler, Doc Rivers

    • Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
    36 votes
    Is this impressive?
  • Providence Friars
    • Photo:
      • Providence
    5

    Providence Friars

    All-time record: 1235-786
    Conferences titles: 0
    National championships: 0
    Final Four appearances: 2

    Notable players: Otis Thorpe, Lenny Wilkens, Kris Dunn

    • Location: Providence, Rhode Island
    32 votes
    Is this impressive?
  • Butler Bulldogs
    • Photo:
      • Butler
    6

    Butler Bulldogs

    All-time record: 1597-1145
    Conferences titles: 13
    National championships: 0
    Final Four appearances: 2

    Notable players: Gordon Hayward, Shelvin Mack

    • Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
    25 votes
    Is this impressive?