UConn was picked fourth in the Big East preseason men's basketball coaches' poll.

The conference announced the news Wednesday morning to kick off its media day.

Villaonva was picked first, receiving nine of the 11 first place votes. The Wildcats were followed by Creighton, Providence and the Huskies. Seton Hall is fifth, followed by Marquette, Xavier, Butler, St. John's, DePaul and Georgetown.

UConn sophomore James Bouknight was named to the All-Big East preseason second team. Creighton's Marcus Zegarowski was selected as conference Preseason Player of the Year and Marquette's Dawson Garcia Preseason Freshman of the Year.

The Big East also released the conference schedule for December.

UConn plays its first game in its return to the league on Dec. 11 against St. John's at Gampel Pavilion. The Huskies also visit Georgetown Dec. 13 and Providence Dec. 17, host Creighton Dec. 20 and visit DePaul on Dec. 23.

g.keefe@theday.com