'Nova eighth in Big East poll

Villanova was picked to finish eighth in the Big East in a presason poll by the conference's coaches. The poll results were released today at Big East media day in New York.

Villanova was 21-12 last season and do not have a senior on the team. Junior guard Maalik Wayns (Roman Catholic High) is the top returning scorer with a 13.8 average.

Connecticut and Syracuse were picked to finish first. UConn received seven first-place votes and Syracuse had five first-place votes. Coaches could not vote for their own team.

Here are the results of the poll (first-place votes in parentheses):

1. Connecticut (7) 209

Syracuse (5) 209

3. Louisville (3) 201

4. Pittsburgh (1) 188

5. Cincinnati 169

6. Marquette 155

7. West Virginia 132

8. Villanova 127

9. Notre Dame 114

10. Georgetown 104

11. Rutgers 75

12. St. John's 71

13. Seton Hall 56

14. USF 43

15. Providence 40

16. DePaul 27