As the calendar turns toward conference play, the Big East has once again positioned itself as one of the toughest leagues in college basketball.

From Europe to Australia to Canada, these international standouts are not just filling rosters; they’re driving winning programs and shaping the future of the sport.

At the top, BYU lands a generational wing. Duke and Kansas reload with future lottery picks. And several programs outside the blue-blood circle have landed game-changers who could make an immediate splash.

Bill Self’s excellent offseason will continue Kansas’ dominance while Houston continues to fight for national respect.

Preseason national #1 Purdue continues to top the list — with Michigan State and Maryland close behind.

Poised to send multiple contenders to the postseason, the ACC aims once again proves it’s more than just Duke and UNC.

The SEC is shaping up to have another monster year — see where all of their top contenders stand heading into the season.

See where St. Jonhn’s, UConn, and Providence land on our preseason rankings.