Big East preview - from CBS Sportsline

[radome]

1. Villanova
Scottie Reynolds headlines a core that consists of three of the top four scorers from last season's Final Four team. He averaged 15.2 points and 3.4 assists for the Wildcats, who beat American, UCLA, Duke and Pitt on their way to Detroit. It was an impressive run, and yet a run made with Dante Cunningham, Dwayne Anderson and Shane Clark. So it remains to be seen whether Jay Wright can keep his team at that level despite those losses. But a consensus top five recruiting class means the goal must be a Big East title and another trip to the Final Four.
2. Connecticut
A testament to the talent Jim Calhoun has assembled is the fact that the Huskies lost their top three scorers from a Final Four team and are still good enough to make the Final Four again. Hard as that is to believe, it's true. With Kemba Walker and Stanley Robinson back in the mix, the Huskies have a nice core. Combine that with a healthy Jerome Dyson (was averaging 13.2 ppg before an injury ended his season) and a top 10 recruiting class featuring Alex Oriakhi, and it's clear UConn is plenty talented enough to remain at the top of the Big East.

Quick facts  
Defending regular-season champion:
Louisville  
Defending tournament champion:
Louisville  
Top returning scorer:
Luke Harangody ( Notre Dame), 23.3 ppg  
Top returning rebounder:
Luke Harangody ( Notre Dame), 11.8 rpg  
  
Predicted Finish  
Team  Postseason  
1. Villanova  NCAA  
2. Connecticut  NCAA  
3. West Virginia  NCAA  
4. Louisville  NCAA  
5. Georgetown  NCAA  
6. Syracuse  NCAA  
7. Notre Dame  NCAA  
8. Cincinnati  NCAA  
9. Pittsburgh  NIT/CBI  
10. Seton Hall  NIT/CBI  
11. St. John's  NIT/CBI  
12. Marquette  none  
13. South Florida  none  
14. Providence  none  
15. Rutgers  none  
16. DePaul  none  
  
Accolades  
First team  
G - Kemba Walker, Connecticut  
G - Scottie Reynolds, Villanova  
F - Devin Ebanks, West Virginia  
F - Greg Monroe, Georgetown  
F - Luke Harangody, Notre Dame  
Second team  
G - Deonta Vaughan, Cincinnati  
G - Wesley Johnson, Syracuse  
G - Lance Stephenson, Cincinnati  
F - Da'Sean Butler, West Virginia  
F - Lazar Hayward, Marquette  
Player of the year  
Luke Harangody, Notre Dame  
Newcomer of the year  
Lance Stephenson, Cincinnati  
Breakthrough player  
Marshon Brooks, Providence  
Coach on the hot seat  
Jerry Wainwright, DePaul  
  
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season previews & primers  
3. West Virginia

Remember in the SEC preview when I acknowledged picking Vanderbilt fifth in the Eastern Division is likely to make me look stupid? I feel the same way about picking West Virginia third in the Big East. A Bob Huggins team with Darryl Bryant, Joe Mazzulla (back from injury), Wellington Smith, Da'Sean Butler and Devin Ebanks is talented and super tough. Of the group, Ebanks is my favorite. The sophomore forward averaged 15.5 points and 11.2 rebounds in West Virginia's final six games last season. Those could be his normal numbers this season and the foundation for a serious Big East Player of the Year campaign.

4. Louisville

It's been a wild few months for Louisville, thanks to Rick Pitino's extortion case and the arrest of Jerry Smith and Terrence Jennings. But, thank God for the Cardinals, the offseason is over. So now the focus can return to the court, where Pitino is operating without Earl Clark and Terrence Williams from last season's team that earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Still, there is talent in the program. Samardo Samuels is back after averaging 11.8 points and 4.9 rebounds as a freshman; he'll be joined by veterans like Edgar Sosa, Smith and Jennings. But the most interesting thing to watch might be the development of Peyton Siva, a freshman point guard from Seattle. He had eight assists and six steals in Louisville's first exhibition. Sure, Siva also had six turnovers. But the point is that he's an exciting addition, and the McDonald's All-American can be a difference-maker if he gets a little more under control.

5. Georgetown

Greg Monroe's decision to return to school despite being projected in the lottery was a gift; the 6-11 forward averaged 12.7 points and 6.5 rebounds last season. But Monroe only averaged eight field goal attempts per contest, and someone of his caliber has to be more assertive, particularly when you consider that Notre Dame's Luke Harangody averaged 19 field goal attempts a game. In fairness, Monroe isn't a natural scorer; that's the hang-up. But I'm going to be wildly disappointed if he came back to college to be the best passing big man in the county. I want to see him dominate the way he's capable of dominating, and if he does then Georgetown will make the NCAA tournament.

6. Syracuse

Xavier's Jordan Crawford has the hype because of his summer dunk on LeBron, and Memphis guard Elliot Williams is high-profile because he used to play at Duke. But the nation's best transfer might actually be Syracuse's Wesley Johnson, the 6-7 wing from Iowa State. He averaged 12.4 points and 4.0 rebounds for the Cyclones two seasons ago and is good enough to make up for some of the production lost by the departures of Jonny Flynn (17.4 ppg), Eric Devendorf (15.7 ppg) and Paul Harris (12.0 ppg). Expect Johnson, Andy Rautins and Arinze Onuaku to all score in double-figures, and the Orange to return to the NCAA tournament.

7. Notre Dame

Losing Purdue transfer Scott Martin to a torn ACL in a preseason workout was a tough blow. But the Irish still have Luke Harangody, which means they have a chance to shake last season's disastrous campaign and be competitive again. Harangody averaged 23.3 points and 11.8 rebounds as a junior and is a consensus First Team All-American. He'll miss Kyle McAlarney, of course. And Ryan Ayers, too. But Mississippi State transfer Ben Hansbrough is eligible after sitting out last season and ready to share the backcourt with Tory Jackson. If those two are solid, Notre Dame will finish in the top half of the league and be in play for an at-large bid.

8. Cincinnati

Though the eligibility issue surrounding Lance Stephenson remains unsettled, most believe he'll eventually be cleared to compete as a freshman, at which point the Big East will have its most intriguing player. Will he set a scoring record? Will he destroy a promising roster? There's no way to know for sure, but it's clear Mick Cronin took a calculated risk bringing in the controversial prospect. If Stephenson decides to guard and play well with his talented teammates (among them All-Big East candidates Deonta Vaughn and Yancy Gates), the Bearcats could sneak into the top five of this league. If not, they could fall to the bottom five, which is why Cincinnati will be fun to watch.

9. Pittsburgh

Jamie Dixon has never won fewer than 20 games, never missed the NCAA tournament in six years as a head coach. But this should be his most challenging season considering Sam Young (19.2 ppg), DeJuan Blair (15.7 ppg), Levance Fields (10.7 ppg and 7.5 apg) and Tyrell Biggs (6.4 ppg) are no longer around to dominate the Big East. Meantime, Jermaine Dixon is recovering from foot surgery. So, at the moment, the Panthers are without all five starters from last season's 31-win team, and even the greatness of freshman Dante Taylor -- the McDonald's All-American scored 27 points in Pitt's first exhibition -- won't be enough to ensure a smooth transition.

10. Seton Hall

Bobby Gonzalez has his most talented team to date, and if all goes right the Pirates could make a run at the NCAA tournament. But is it really possible that all goes right? Gonzalez has brought in gifted but questionable-character guys in Keon Lawrence (transfer from Missouri) and Herb Pope (transfer from New Mexico State), and most believe things will blow up, sooner or later. If so, Gonzalez could pay with his job. But if he can somehow blend Jeremy Hazell (22.7 ppg), Robert Mitchell (14.6 ppg and 8.0 rpg) and Eugene Harvey (12.5 ppg) with his newcomers, then this team will finish in the top half of the Big East, for certain.

11. St. John's

Norm Roberts begins the season just like he began last season, with his job security very much in doubt. This is his sixth year at the school, and he's never finished better than 11th in the league; news that Anthony Mason Jr. will start things sidelined with an injury won't make things easier. But this St. John's team should be better with or without a healthy Mason, although it's all relative in the Big East. The Red Storm could be good and not crack the top eight. If so, will that be enough to give Roberts another season?

Community Preview
GTucker:
For the past couple of seasons, the Big East has been blessed with tremendous talent up and down the conference. Usually, numerous teams are always discussed come tournament time. This year may be somewhat different, though, as some of the higher teams from previous seasons fall back in the pack, and new teams emerge. In my opinion, this should be another highly competitive basketball season for the Big East. Read more
 
12. Marquette

Buzz Williams was tremendous in his first season at Marquette, but this is where he'll earn his paycheck. That program-changing class of Jerel McNeal, Dominic James and Wesley Matthews is gone, and Lazar Hayward is the lone returning starter. He averaged 16.3 points and 8.6 rebounds last season, but he's never had to carry a team the way he'll need to carry this team. Making things worse is that freshman point guard Junior Cadougan tore his Achilles tendon in a preseason workout and is out for the season. Bottom line, this is a rebuilding year for Williams, and it won't get easier until Cadougan returns and is joined next season by Vander Blue, a star shooting guard from the Class of 2010 who committed to Marquette last month.

13. South Florida

On some level it's an impossible task, what Stan Heath is trying to do, because turning USF into a force in the Big East is the tallest of tall challenges. But Heath has assembled a relatively talented group of players, and this should be his best team since moving from Arkansas. Again, it's all relative; the Bulls haven't finished better than 14th in the league. But a core of Dominique Jones (18.1 ppg) and Augustus Gilchrist (10.2 ppg) could be enough to upset a few opponents. The addition of Ohio State transfer Anthony Crater will help, too.

14. Providence

Keno Davis is similar to Williams at Marquette in that his first year was better than anticipated, but his second year could be rough. Five players who averaged at least eight points per game are gone, among them Weyinmi Efejuku (15.7 ppg). It should clear the way for Sharaud Curry to increase his scoring load significantly, and Marshon Brooks (33 points in the Friars' first exhibition) could have a breakout season. But it's still difficult to envision Providence competing in the top half of this league. Too much was lost at the same time.

15. Rutgers

Mike Rosario (16.2 ppg as a freshman) is a great Big East talent, and Gregory Echenique (8.4 ppg and 8.4 rpg) is solid up front. But there just isn't enough here to make any real impact in this league. The larger question is whether Fred Hill can do enough to make his seat a little less hot? His Big East record is 8-44 through three seasons. If that doesn't improve, the call for a coaching change will grow louder given that two years of Rosario would've amounted to nothing.

16. DePaul

The good news is that there is nowhere to go but up after an 0-18 record in the Big East; can't really do worse. But the bad news is that the best player (Dar Tucker) from that team is gone, and Will Walker (14.6 ppg) and Mac Koshwal (12.2 ppg and 9.6 rpg) aren't enough to help the Blue Demons make significant progress. It's why Jerry Wainwright's fifth season will probably be his last. Then somebody else can come in and try to turn DePaul back into a nationally relevant program.

 

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

Sorry, but McNeal, Matthews and James was not a "program changing" class.

[HoopsMalone]

Sorry, but McNeal, Matthews and James was not a "program changing" class.

Right.  DWade and Al were program changers.  McNeal, Matthews, and James kept us consistently ranked and competitive in the Big East, which is great, but not a program changer.  I hope our program has a higher ceiling than the second round of the NCAA's. 

[Henry Sugar]

Sorry, but McNeal, Matthews and James was not a "program changing" class.

The last time Marquette made the NCAA tournament four years in a row, Hank Raymonds was coach.

Did they change the program into a consistent Top 10 team?  No, but they at least made the NCAA's every year for the first time since 1980. 

[MUCrew]

So what's realistic for us...NIT?  Obviously the goal is to make it to the NCAAs, but NIT or CBE would be acceptable?

[radome]

So what's realistic for us...NIT?  Obviously the goal is to make it to the NCAAs, but NIT or CBE would be acceptable?

... and Parrish predicts no post season.  I agree with most of the posters that I have seen that the NIT is expected and I think acceptable.  Anything less would be disappointing and anything more would be fantastic.

[Skatastrophy]

... and Parrish predicts no post season.  I agree with most of the posters that I have seen that the NIT is expected and I think acceptable.  Anything less would be disappointing and anything more would be fantastic.

I would be pleasantly surprised if we make it to the NIT this year.

I believe that we have enough talented guys on the roster to surprise a couple teams, but we also have enough inexperience to have a number of bad losses.  This year I will concentrate on drinking at games and next year I'll concentrate on cheering... and drinking.

[MU1984]

Wouldn't it be extremely difficult for MU to not make the NIT or CBI?  To a much lesser degree its like Notre Dame in college football bowls...we have an NBA arena and will get >10k fans to watch the first game(s) of the NIT/CBI.  I would think MU would have to put up one crappy record to not get an invite to either of those.

[Aughnanure]

Sorry, but McNeal, Matthews and James was not a "program changing" class.

Have to disagree to a point. They were program 'changers' or whatever because they made Marquette relevant and a Big East name when we came into the league-right when are program was going to change the most.  I think our successful entrance into the Big East and the maintainable of that success has and will be very important in the future. How much harder would it have been for us if our first years in the Big East just made us look like we didn't belong. 4 years is a long time to go for a program without some success. Very important to not start our time in the Big East digging out of a hole.

Buzz would have a much harder time trying to recruit, Marquette would be less recognizable, and we wouldnt have this success to build our program on (look at Cincinnati, getting good players and getting better-but they haven't gotten over that hump yet). Of course Wade is the real influence, as he is why the Big 3 came, they maintained and built on it for four years (re-jumpstarting the program after the two consecutive years with out an NCAA birth)

Those first years in the monster conference were very important, don't underestimate what the Big 3 did throughout every year of every season they played...competed and challenged with the big name schools on ESPN with Marquette on their jerseys.

[dsfire]

Wouldn't it be extremely difficult for MU to not make the NIT or CBI?  To a much lesser degree its like Notre Dame in college football bowls...we have an NBA arena and will get >10k fans to watch the first game(s) of the NIT/CBI.  I would think MU would have to put up one crappy record to not get an invite to either of those.

Reported attendance at the last NIT game in Milwaukee was just over 3k (I was there - it was very, very sad).  Also, a number of schools turned down CBIT (and whatever the fourth tourney was) invites last year because unlike the NIT, those tourneys require a cash buy-in to host the games.

I think there are valid reasons to expect it won't be the same situation this year, but let's not go crazy with thinking it's like inviting northern football schools to bowls because all the fans want a vacation.

[Goatherder]

Wouldn't it be extremely difficult for MU to not make the NIT or CBI?  To a much lesser degree its like Notre Dame in college football bowls...we have an NBA arena and will get >10k fans to watch the first game(s) of the NIT/CBI.  I would think MU would have to put up one crappy record to not get an invite to either of those.

It would have been difficult for a major conference team to miss the NIT before the NCAA owned it.  The NIT criteria was quality of teams and ability to draw crowds.  So major conference teams with winning records had a pretty good shot of making it. 

Since the NCAA bought it out, things have changed.  First, it reduced the number of teams involved, so instead of 40 or 48, there are now 32.  Then it gave automatic bids to any team that won its conference regular season title and did not win its conference tournament and did not get an at-large bid to the Dance.   So the Coppin States of the world do not get left home if they dominated thier conference all year and then lost out to a terrible team that got hot in the tournament.  That usually fills up about eight slots.  Add the six or eight bubble teams that people really expected or hoped to see in the dance and you have half the field.  Not many slots left. 

Then the NCAA seeds all the teams in regions, with the higher seed always playing home games.  Of course, this gives a huge advantage to the higher seeded teams, and there is no attempt, as there was in the past, to make a team win a game on the road in order to make it to New York.  As a result, the ability to fill an arena for one game like Marquette did against USF in the early 90's doesn't count anymore. 

The first year the NCAA bought the tournament, a couple of teams that thought they had a chance to be dancing were sitting at home.  One was Washington, which had won 20+ games that year.  In previous years, an obvious NIT team.  They stayed home.  They were not the only ones. 

As noted, the CBI wants a guarantee for home games, so they have a hard time filling their field.  The other tournament that was invented last year is another afterthought. 

[4everwarriors]

The NIT, aka Not In the Tournament, is nothing to get a woodie over.

[MU1984]

Thanks, Goatherder.

NCAA should just widen the field to 96 teams and drop this mess.

[pillardean]

Thanks, Goatherder.

NCAA should just widen the field to 96 teams and drop this mess.

Teal?

Then there would just be bubble teams on the 96 and more controversy. 

[chapman]

The NIT, aka Not In the Tournament, is nothing to get a woodie over.

+1.  It's a "tournament" where the decent teams complain and don't try, and the low-majors who kind of care usually still aren't good enough to beat them.

It's like this:

No Post-Season: Unemployment Check
CBI/Other Tournament: Paper Route
Not In Tournament: Minimum wage at Wal-Mart
----
NCAA: Working at AIG.  You get a nice bonus even if you fail big time.

[MU1984]

Teal?

Then there would just be bubble teams on the 96 and more controversy. 

your point?

[Nukem2]

Sorry, but McNeal, Matthews and James was not a "program changing" class.

From losing to Western Michigan at home in the NIT to finishing 4th in the BE 12 months later.  Hmmmm.sounds like a ot of program changing to me. Could it be that your anti-Crean agenda is showing a bit here?

[pillardean]

your point?

I though you should have used teal there.
 
Why would 96 teams be any better than the current set up?

If you were making your reference to 96 in tournament because of the existence of multiple tournaments at the end of the season thus everyone should just get into the NCAA that's fine, I disagree, but I understand the logic behind it.

It's dumb because you still need to EARN the right to play for the Championship during the regular season.  A big time conference, if it were 96 teams, could likely have all but a few teams making the tournament.  Why play the regular season at all? 

The other tournaments exist for money, simple as that.  Also as a pat on the back to a team that did well, not great--or a participation award.  That is why the other tournaments exist.