College Basketball: Big East Predictions

The Big East conference has bloated into a giant, Goliath mega-conference and that has been a good thing. The Big East has become the best conference in division one men's basketball. The Big East would rival that of SEC football if St. John's would get it's act together. With the Red Storm drifting into the abyss the league has lost it's trump card, the New York media which doesn't ignore St. John's or Big East hoops but it's not on the lead on the back pages. Having DePaul back to it's winning ways would be a huge help. That would get the Chicago media energized about the Blue Demons like the late '70's and early 80's with great players like Mark Agguire and Terry Cummings. The Big East has teams in 2 of the top 3 media markets with strong basketball traditions in major markets with 5 star high school talent. The Big East is great but could be scary great.

The Big East is so loaded they might get double digits in the NCAA Tournament. Connecticut, Louisville and Notre Dame look to be Final Four material.

Best Team In The Big East: Connecticut Huskies

The last 2 years have ended in disappointment for UConn. From no post season to the Huskies first 1st round exit in the NCAA Tournament during the Jim Calhoun era. That didn't sit well with Coach Calhoun went went shopping for top talent and has assembled a collection of great players to come to Storrs. Connecticut has a very deep backcourt lead by national defensive Player of the Year Hasheem Thabeet. A.J. Prince leads a group of outstanding guards. It seems the Huskies have all the ingredients for a return trip to the Final Four.

Best Player In The Big East: Luke Harangoody - Notre Dame

Harangoody averaged a double-double last year 20.5 ppg and 10.6 rebounds per game but those number increased once Big East play began to 23.3 ppg and 11.3 rebounds per game. This year he will see every freak defense Big East coaches have in the plans. Harangoody will no doubt have to create shots while double teamed, move without the ball and depend on screens to get a open look. Harangoody is a super talent that like all great players, learn to adjust.

Team That Could Surprise: DePaul Blue Demons

DePaul has been dreadful the past few years but things might be looking up. Jerry Wainwright has recruited well and has a nice nucleus lead by Dar Tucker. NIT might be the place for the Blue Demons this year but considering what it's been like, it's a great first step by to the spotlight.

Who Will Go Dancing: Connecticut, Louisville, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Marquette, Georgetown, Syracuse, Villanova, West Virginia, Providence.

Who Will Play For Number 66: Cincinnati, DePaul, Seton Hall

Big East Predictions:

1. Connecticut

2. Louisville

3. Pittsburgh

4. Notre Dame

5. Georgetown

6. Marquette

7. Syracuse

8. Villanova

9. Providence

10. West Virginia

11. DePaul

12. Cincinnati

13. Seton Hall

14. South Florida

15. Rutgers

16. St. John's

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