Two Villanova Wildcats Make Jon Rothstein’s Preseason All-Big East Team

College basketball insider Jon Rothstein made his prediction for next season’s All-Big East team during a segment of his daily podcast “Inside College Basketball Now” on Monday, May 18, and included a pair of Villanova Wildcats among his honorees.

Rothstein listed his starting five, providing the caveat that he makes his choices based on established production rather than unrealized potential. As such, rising seniors Tyler Perkins and Devin Royal both made the cut. Perkins averaged 13.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game for the Wildcats last season, earning Third Team All-Big East honors along with the league’s Most Improved Player award. After spending his freshman year with the Pennsylvania Quakers, Perkins served as the Wildcats’ sixth man and a dependable defensive option during the 2024-25 campaign.

His offense caught up with his defense last season, and he went on to lead Villanova in scoring amidst up-and-down production from young shooters like Bryce Lindsay and Acaden Lewis. Perkins’ play even drew comparisons to Wildcats’ legend Josh Hart.

Royal, for his part, started for an Ohio State Buckeyes team that made the NCAA Tournament. Playing the four despite his undersized 6-foot-6 frame, Royal acquitted himself admirably, averaging 13.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Bringing him into the fold gives Villanova the option for a dedicated small-ball lineup: while he only managed 0.2 blocks per game, Royal’s athleticism and toughness make him a natural fit for the Big East.

UConn’s Silas Demary Jr. and Braylon Mullins also made Rothstein’s preseason list, as did Marquette’s Nigel James Jr.

Fresh off their first NCAA Tournament appearance in three seasons, preseason plaudits are the next step in the Wildcats’ return to prominence.