College Basketball - Big East Preview

NCAA Basketball – Big East Preview

The first of the many conference previews.

There were many off-season stories relating to the Big East. One of the main stories was Syracuse and Pittsburgh’s decision to defect to the ACC (not this season though). The other, and more relevant to this season, was UConn’s incredible signing of the much sought after Andre Drummond.

The freshman has pushed UConn back into national champ conversations following the departure of Kemba Walker. Add to the that the return of the remaining four starters from last year’s championship team, with the continued development of Jeremy Lamb (top scorer in the U19 USA team this past summer), and UConn will have a team that more than qualifies for repeat conversations. No doubt they will be hard to beat, and are a top 10 (if not top 5) team, but I have found one better in the Big East.

Enter the Orange. Like UConn, Syracuse return 4 starters from the team that was eliminated in the third round of the NCAA Tournament. The loss of Rick Jackson will hurt (size is needed here) but the talent of Scoop Jardine (spent last summer impressively working on his game at various skills camps), Brandon Triche and Kris Joseph will outdo most teams. In addition, expect huge improvement from Fab Melo.

Next in line I rank Pittsburgh. Pitt did lose 3 starters which will hurt, but they have sufficient talent that will surely see themselves another dominant season. Ashton Gibbs is no doubt the star of this team, but a lot will be expect of Nair Robinson (hopefully fit for a full season) and big men Talib Zanna and Dante Taylor. Zanna is a high energy player who contributes all the intangibles. Taylor is the replacement centre who really needs to lift on previous seasons.

From here we go to Louisville. Generally not a massive fan of Pitino, and DEFINITELY not a fan at all of Peyton Siva (the starting PG who has cost me before!). Having said that, they have a pretty talented squad with a lot of balance. Kyle Kuric is a solid player, Chris Smith came on strong last season, Stephan van Treese is intelligent and a tireless worker, Jared Swopshire is a potential star who was injured last season. Louisville definitely have the potential to be very good…whether Pitino lets them however…

Next in order (with brief comment) I ranked

Cincinnati – Three starters return, impressive defensive minded coach, solid overall squad.

Georgetown/Villanova – Have these teams even. Hoyas return only two starters (losing two very key pieces) but have talent. Nova also only return two, but have talent especially in the backcourt with Maalik Wayns and Dominic Cheek. Also return Mouphtaou Yarou, a solid solid centre. Will be good. (I always have a soft spot for Nova!)

Notre Dame – Too much lost with Hansborough/Nash/Scott leaving.

Rutgers – Outstanding coach (Mike Rice) will have them ready. Very impressed.

West Virginia – Return four starters, add six freshman. Rebuilding and decent, but no star team.

St Johns – Nine new players, Nurideen Lindsey will be a star, too much rebuilding to be done.

Seton Hall – Super young team, lost two stars, will struggle to replace, lack depth.

South Florida – Have a star in Augustus Gilchrist, and balance elsewhere, but not a good enough squad.

DePaul – Four starters returning but definitely rebuilding, not an overly talented squad.

Providence – Very ordinary.

That’s it for the preview. Bring on season 2011-12!!!!!

@Wiggum7534