The New York Times-Men's Basketball Preview-Teams to Watch

[ppp098]

From today's New York Times, also has a nice pic of DJ.

The New York Times
November 22, 2007
Men's Basketball Preview
Teams to Watch
By PETE THAMEL

Marquette

Remember that old recipe for success? It calls for experience and a strong defense, right?

Well then Marquette should be considered one of the top teams in the country considering its veteran lineup and Coach Tom Crean's penchant for defense.

The Golden Eagles return all five starters from last season's N.C.A.A. tournament team and have perhaps their best group since Dwyane Wade left campus after a run to the 2003 Final Four.

The best of the starters is point guard Dominic James, who declared for the N.B.A. draft before returning for his junior season. James averaged 14.9 points last season but could not shoot straight at times, hitting 27 percent of his 3-point attempts. Still, his presence brings defenses to attention and gives space to wingman Jerel McNeal, who led the Eagles with 17.3 points a game entering last night's game against Duke.

"I think we'll be a good team," Crean said. "We've just got to continue to improve. We have an ability to turn the game up defensively and get our break going. We've just got to do it more consistently."

That defensive punch, combined with seasoned players, should have Marquette near the top of the Big East.

[tomcrean4pres]

Nice to get some props from the NY times... hope all those east coast recruits are reading

[ecompt]

More likely any East Coast recruits would be reading The New York Daily News or the Post. The Times is an elitist rag with an awful sports section.