I would agree with most of this, but how does he not even mention Jimmy F. Butler when talking about Marquette?
Big East
Connecticut Huskies: A+
The Huskies won the Maui Invitational, the conference postseason tourney and the NCAA tourney. In truth, they gave away home wins over Louisville and Marquette, but otherwise they would have had a stellar record.
Pittsburgh Panthers: A-
The Panthers won their league's regular-season crown, and although they came up short again in the Dance, it shouldn't take away from winning the best league in the country. Remember, they beat West Virginia and Villanova on road without Ashton Gibbs. On the other hand, they lost to Notre Dame at home and did not have to play there. In the end, they might have been a little overrated. Still, another solid season.
Syracuse Orange: B-
The Cuse were plagued by sporadic efforts and large numbers of turnovers despite their experience in the backcourt. Rick Jackson had an outstanding season, although his free throw shooting woes limited touches late. Kris Joseph never assumed the role of go-to guy, so SU was left with Brandon Triche and the high-risk/reward Scoop Jardine. Another early NCAA exit should leave a bad taste in their mouth for next season's run.
Villanova Wildcats: Incomplete
Villanova missed the last month of the season. They must have dropped their classes and not told anyone.
St. John's Red Storm: B+
Nine scholarship seniors led to high expectations, and for the most part, they delivered. In hindsight, the Red Storm struggled on the road, had some bad early losses and faded fast in March after D.J. Kennedy went down with an ACL tear. Still St. John's became relevant again, and that is a win.
Providence Friars: F
Marshon Brooks scored a lot of points, but the team played little to no defense and their coach was fired three years into a seven-year deal. I would say that is a fail.
Seton Hall Pirates: D
Lost in some big-name upsets was just how disappointing the Pirates were for the life of the season. Granted, there were significant extenuating circumstances. Jeremy Hazell was shot, Herb Pope almost died this past summer in a workout and bizarre infighting made for a constant soap opera for first-year coach Kevin Willard. Expect him to clean house at the end of the year.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights: C
Mike Rice got his team to play its guts out, but there is still a talent gap between his Knights and 10 or so other teams in the league. Gilvydas Biruta gives them a big man for a couple of years to come, but Johnny Mitchell will be missed.
Cliff Welch/Icon SMI
Despite an untimely loss in the NCAA tournament, Notre Dame coach Mike Brey and the Irish had a fine season.
South Florida Bulls: D+
Some talent there, especially up front, but their guard play was awful. Turnovers and bad decision-making led to apathy. Anthony Crater played well in one big game this season: the second half against Nova.
Louisville Cardinals: B+
Talk about doing a ton with a little. Rick Pitino had a renaissance as a coach. Preston Knowles' leadership and motor carried this team to a much higher plain than its talent should have allowed it, especially with the injuries it sustained.
Marquette Golden Eagles: B
Jae Crowder gave them an inside-out big, and D.J. Odom learned to take over games late in the season. Aside from being blown out by UNC, MU had a solid season that got better in late February and March.
Cincinnati Bearcats: B
Mick Cronin had his best season as a coach in his manipulation of a soft schedule ... and some egos on his team. Cincy may not have been much to look at, but it won a game in the conference tourney and beat Georgetown twice, Louisville and Marquette late to get into the field.
West Virginia Mountaineers: C
Bob Huggins was never able to get consistent play from his guards, and their erratic shooting, along with Casey Mitchell's untimely suspension, hurt the team. Joe Mazzulla's leadership will be missed. Deniz Kilicli did begin to establish his sweeping hook, though he was not dominant by any means.
DePaul Blue Demons: D
Not much there in Oliver Purnell's first year, but they played hard and almost won some big games.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: A-
A veteran team that played like it. Mike Brey got his team to defend and compete, especially at home. The Irish had some flaws that were exposed in the Dance, but covering those flaws for 25 other games is good stuff.
Georgetown Hoyas: D
They looked great early but began to fade in the middle and sank when Chris Wright was injured. Losing six of seven to end the season -- and your two top scorers -- puts a damper on the coming season as well.
