2019-20 Big East preview: DePaul still on top, Seton Hall rises
By Erica Ayala
![SOUTH ORANGE, NJ - DECEMBER 02: Seton Hall Pirates forward Shadeen Samuels (24) during the women's college basketball game between the St. Peter's Peahens and Seton Hall Pirates on December 2, 2018, at Walsh Gymnasium in South Orange, NJ (Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) SOUTH ORANGE, NJ - DECEMBER 02: Seton Hall Pirates forward Shadeen Samuels (24) during the women's college basketball game between the St. Peter's Peahens and Seton Hall Pirates on December 2, 2018, at Walsh Gymnasium in South Orange, NJ (Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/bcd36258ad56e8f49b11a8ae5859dab1792ff4638fdec76c202212468fefdf0b.jpg)
#5 – Providence
Preseason predicted ranking: 5th
BIG EAST 2018-19 Record: 8-10
2018-19 Overall Record: 19-16
Key returners: Mary Baskerville was selected to the Preseason All-BIG EAST team and will lead the Friars this season. However, the forward averaged just shy of 10 points per game, the highest for any returner. Guard Channell Williams scored 15 points in a win over Assumption Wednesday night.
Newcomers: Crowley signed four freshman, but with 10 returning players, it will be interesting to see how the newcomers are utilized.
Head coach: Jim Crowley enters his fourth season at Providence and made his first WNIT appearance last season (2-1). Despite his short tenure with the Friars, Crowley is a four-time Coach of the Year. A fifth place finish would be Crowley’s best in the BIG EAST.
Outlook: Jovana Nogic was the shining light for the Friars in the past sevral seasons. With lots of turnover throughout the BIG EAST Conference, Providence is hoping to make waves this season.