Big East: Top Juniors To Watch In 2014-15

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Mar 4, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Georgetown Hoyas guard D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera (4) shoots the ball over Creighton Bluejays guard Jahenns Manigat (12) in the second half at Verizon Center. The Hoyas won 75-63. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2014-15 season will be a big one for a select group of juniors. While not as strong talent-wise as the sophomore class, there are some veterans here who have NCAA tournament experience and will play major roles in helping lead their teams back to the dance in what is widely believed to be a down year for the conference.

The class is strong and expect a few of these players to be all-Big East players. The downside with this group is star power, because aside from D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera, there does not figure to be a star. Inconsistencies and injuries have checkered the past of some players like Chris Obekpa and Roosevelt Jones. Sterling Gibbs will be graded by how he adjust to the arrival of Isaiah Whitehead and Ryan Arcidiancono will have Rice transfer Dylan Ennis competing for playing time at the point.

Despite all the questions, this group is quintessential to the success of their respective teams and the conference as a whole. All of these players have shown signs of stardom through their first two years and will be counted on to build on that in 2014-2015.

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