Hmmm... Are we better than last year?

[HoopsMalone]

My biggest gripe is that last year's Big East was not your normal Big East and comparing any Big East team (us, Syracuse, etc) to what any Big East team had to go through last year, is going to be very difficult to do.  The conference is that different from last year to this year.  In most years, I'd be wiling to say the conference is in the ballpark of being relatively equal, but last year was a very special year for the conference.

Last year's Big East was pretty insane.  There was no Carmelo Anthony in it, but there were still reasons to objectively say it was pretty good.

First of all, lottery picks like Thabeet and Flynn were difference makers. 
The number one recruit in the country in Greg Monroe.
There were some quality players who could score inside on almost anyone in Harangody and Blair. 
Then, what made it even crazier were the amount of upper classmen who have pro talent and had been starting for multiple years-  Matthews, McNeal, James, Hayward, Terrence Williams, Earl Clark, Jeff Adrian, Dajuan Summers, Scottie Reynolds, Lavance Fields, Dante Cunningham, Sam Young, etc., etc., etc. 

Good experienced college basketball players all at once, all in the same conference.  It is not the same as last year by any means. 

[GoldenWarrior]

We are not better than last year, but the "drop" that everyone anticipated after the amigos left has not been nearly as bad as expected.  We are right in every game and most certainly competing on a high level.

Can't wait for Vander to join this squad next year!!!  I'm also really interested in getting Cadougan back and seeing how he fits in as well.

[Tom Crean's Tanning Bed]

We're also forgetting that last year's squad and this year's engage in somewhat different styles of play too.

Last year's team played at a somewhat faster pace, gambled on defense more, relied heavily on dribble penetration to get to the free throw line, and was streaky from the perimeter.

This year's team tends to grind it out more, plays back more defensively, relies on dead-eye perimeter shooting, but shies away from dribble penetration.

What has driven last year's team and this year's team moreso than anything were tremendous offensive efficiency, limiting turnovers, and solid offensive rebounding. Exceuting those three characteristics well will make any team wtih solid talent a good team.  Fortunately, we've had tremendous improvement from Jimmy and Mo, a healthy Cooby, and a strong first-year campaigns from DJO and Buycks so far, which has helped limit the drop off from last year. 

I still give last year's team a definite edge, especially with a healthy Dominic James. However, all and all, considering the injury issues we've battled all year, and with the lack of a post presence once again, I'm extremely surprised by this team so far, and I think we'll definitely be fighting for an NCAA bid come February/March.

[GoldenWarrior]

I think that how well we are performing this year after the amigos have left can also be attributed to Buzz's willingness to bring JUCO transfers who have experience playing at the college level.  Granted not at the BEAST level of play, but simply playing in college helps gain you experience that can be really valuable... DJO, Buycks, Butler...

[RawdogDX]

I think that how well we are performing this year after the amigos have left can also be attributed to Buzz's willingness to bring JUCO transfers who have experience playing at the college level.  Granted not at the BEAST level of play, but simply playing in college helps gain you experience that can be really valuable... DJO, Buycks, Butler...
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competition is better but don't forget about another year of hitting the weights, putting on manscle and adjusting to a college schedule and travel.