Big East Preview

Every night from here on out, I'm going to try and give you some college hoops previews. Baseball is winding down (hopefully tonight) so that means it's time to lace em up. It's going to be tough to top last year, especially last year's NCAA Tourney. The teams aren't as stocked with individual talent as they were last year, but it is as wide open as last year. Last year, the question was: Who would prove to be the best when it was all said and done? This year, the question is: Who's going to step up and lead their team to the promised land?

I'm starting with the Big East, arguably the toughest conference in the country now that Louisville, South Florida, Cincinnati, and DePaul have joined. Of the 16 teams, 10 have a legitimate chance to make the NCAAs. The top 12 will only be allowed to play in the Big East Tourney at Madison Square Garden. The Big East Tournament now will be a mini-NCAA, which I'm really excited about.

So, here are my Big East picks:
1. Villanova. I've come out and said the Wildcats are my pick to win the whole thing. Nova's chances have taken a huge blow with Curtis Sumpter reinjuring his knee. There is still no definitive word about the injury, but I think Nova can get it done without him. Nova will play 3 guards: Mike Nardi, Allen Ray, and Randy Foye. They can shoot it and they can take you to the rack. Kyle Lowry is instant offense off the bench, a slasher who fears no one. Up front, if Sumpter is limited, Jason Fraser becomes the go-to guy. A heralded recruit, Fraser has had two hand surgeries and five knee operations in the last 3 years. When healthy, he's shown to be a double-double guy. If he can give Nova 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks a night, I like their chances. Will Sheridan and Marcus Austin provide additional depth inside. Austin should contribute more than he has in the past, Sheridan isn't flashy, but solid.

2. UConn. If AJ Price and Marcus Williams are allowed to play after stealing laptops, first I'll be shocked, then I'll put them in my Final 4. Williams makes the Huskies go, averaging 10 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds a night. Price is coming back from a near fatal brain hemmorrhage that sidelined him last year. He's quicker and a better shooter than Williams. But, if they do come back, one has to wonder how distracted they'll be after the offseason they had. Up front, sophomore sensation Rudy Gay is a jump shot away from being next year's #1 draft pick (no joke). He has the range, but has to become more consistent. He's got everything else, great quickness to complement his great size and his physical presence. Rashad Anderson and Denham Brown are solid on the wings, Josh Boone and Hilton Armstrong dominate the glass. Boone is gradually developing a post game, if he can become more of a scorer, this team is really dangerous.

3. Louisville. This team will play more like a 90s Kentucky-coached Rick Pitino team. The Cards are quick, big, and athletic at every position. Taquan Dean is the playmaker outside, with his long and mid-range game. He needs to average more than 2 assists/game. Juan Palacios could make a run at Player of the Year. The 6'8" forward has all of the tools, he must learn to play hard every night. And the Cards have depth, especially with Kansas transfer David Padgett and highly touted freshman Terrence Williams ready to make an impact. The Cards need another shooter to complement Dean, otherwise U of L will see a lot of zone.

4. West Virginia. Is West Virginia for real or are they a fluke? I think they're for real. John Beilein is still an underrated coach. His perimeter-oriented offense combined with his unique 1-3-1 defense gives opponents fits. Pick your poison with this team, who do you leave open??? Kevin Pittsnogle (43% from 3), Mike Gansey (35%), Johannes Herber (38%), JD Collins (35%), or Patrick Beilein (36%)??? They don't take possessions off and have impecable team chemistry. But, how much will they miss playmaker Tyrone Sally, who found the open man and could drive inside? Also, there will be no D'or Fischer inside, who did the dirty work.

5. Syracuse. Speaking of stepping up, it's time for Syracuse's junior class to do just that: Louie McCroskey, Demetris Nichols, Terrence Roberts, and Darryl Watkins. They have all of the potential in the world, it's time to do something for it. You know Gerry McNamara will be launching from everywhere, who will complement him??? This team will be tough to score against, especially when they settle in their zone, and with their length, I wouldn't be surprised if they hold teams to less than 60 points per game. If the Orange can make the open jump shot, and they will get plenty of open looks until they can make them, they will finish higher than 5th.

6. Georgetown. After faltering down the stretch, this should be the year the Hoyas return to the Dance. There aren't many better forward tandems in the country than Brandon Bowman and Jeff Green. Bowman can score inside and out, Green is a force on the block. All 5 starters return for a team, that if they can get consistent outside shooting, will be tough to beat.

7. Pittsburgh. Now we're getting into the bubble teams. Many see Pitt as a lower-half Big East team, but the way they play defense and rebound, that alone will win them some games they shouldn't. Carl Krauser plays with flair outside, but he needs another guard to step up so he can get more of his teammates involved. Ronald Ramon had a solid freshman year, look for him to be a double-digit scorer. Antonio Graves gives Pitt some additional experience out top. Inside is where Pitt will have problems. Levon Kendall and Aaron Gray have experience, but Kendall hasn't done much, and Gray is awkward. Freshmen Tyrell Biggs and Sam Young will see a lot of minutes, especially Young, who is a workaholic inside.

8. Cincinnati. The Bearcats are always physically imposing, but don't have much mental capacity. How much will they have this year after the Bob Huggins fiasco??? Jihad Muhammad is the definition of inconsistency, James White and Armein Kirkland play when they feel like it, and Eric Hicks, who plays hard inside, still thinks he has 3 point range. And those 4 will have to carry the team, along with Chadd Moore, who is back after missing some time with a bad back. Two players to look out for are junior college transfer Ivan Johnson and freshman guard Devan Downey, who averaged 37 points/game as a senior in high school. You never know with this team.

9. Notre Dame. With Chris Thomas gone after his 8 years there (it seemed like 8), the Irish really don't have a true point guard. Chris Quinn will start there, but he'd rather play off the ball. He and Colin Falls can shoot the 3, but have trouble creating shots for themselves. Torin Francis needs to have a big year for the Irish to play in March, he's the only inside threat the Irish have, unless Mr. Basketball Luke Zeller can step in and conribute.

10. Marquette. Now we're into the teams who would be happy with a winning season. Marquette will be well-coached, but they're a year away from competing for a postseason berth. Watch out for freshman Dominic James at point guard.

11. St. John's. Very young, but very talented. Also a year away. Daryll Hill is the best player you probably won't see. He's And 1 Streetball with some basketball IQ.

12. Providence. Donnie McGrath and Dwight Brewington give the Friars some backcourt firepower, but no one will be able to fill the shoes of Ryan Gomes.

13. Seton Hall. Kelly Whitney is a talented power forward, but the Hall has nothing in the backcourt, sorry to say.

14. Rutgers. Gary Waters has a young team, but he'll coach them up.

15. DePaul. It will be a tough first year for Jerry Wainwright, but the Blue Demons will be back.

16. South Florida. Personally, it will be tough for Da Bulls to compete in this conference. They don't have a basketball history and aren't a football power. And, Florida's basketball talent doesn't even compare to the quality of their football talent at the high school level.

Next will be the ACC. Hope you enjoy.