For those of you who think the media doesn't take Norm to task, check out the only real barb in this article, aimed at Norm Roberts (what, Fred Hill and Wainwright aren't just as dis-worthy??). Also: I think it's too early for this. Got to wait until the recruiting and transferring is done:
http://www.projo.com/pc/content/sp_bkc_big_east_capsules_web_04-11-09_AOE0KQR_v2.17c3e4c.html Here are capsule previews for the 16 Big East schools looking ahead to the 2009-10 season.
CINCINNATI
RECORD: 18-14 (8-10)
TOP 3: Deonta Vaughn, Yancy Gates, Cashmere Wright
CONCERN: The Bearcats need a point guard and think that Wright, who missed this season with a major knee injury, is the guy. That’s a heavy load to place on a redshirt freshman, so coach Mick Cronin is also pursuing Eric Bledsoe, a top guard from Alabama. Also add Ibrahima Thomas, a 6-11 transfer from Oklahoma State.
CONNECTICUT
RECORD: 31-5 (15-3)
TOP 3: Stanley Robinson, Jerome Dyson, Kemba Walker
CONCERN: Few teams will lose as much as Jeff Adrien, A.J. Price, Craig Austrie and Hasheem Thabeet. It would be a shock if Thabeet does not turn pro. If so, that leaves unproven Gavin Edwards and newcomers Alex Oriakhi, Charles Okwandu and Ater Majok in the lane. A big plus is Jim Calhoun’s decision not to retire and to remain the coach.
DePAUL
RECORD: 9-24 (0-18)
TOP 3: Dar Tucker, Mac Koshwal, Will Walker
CONCERN: The worst season in DePaul history is thankfully a memory. The question is, does coach Jerry Wainwright have enough talent in place for a big move forward. Keeping Tucker away from ill-found NBA dreams is vital. Getting something from JUCO Mike Stovall or other wing scorer is mandatory.
GEORGETOWN
RECORD: 16-15 (7-11)
TOP 3: Greg Monroe, Chris Wright, Austin Freeman
CONCERN: Internal strife hurt Hoyas in 2009. Lack of depth threatens 2010 and will push John Thompson III to make some recruiting scores this spring. May lead for Texan Latavious Williams and early reports on Californian Hollis Thompson are strong. Preserving the core of Monroe-Wright-Freeman promises a quick bounce back to prominence for the Hoyas. Pro scouts love Monroe’s potential but early indications are that he’ll return to school.
LOUISVILLE
RECORD: 31-6 (16-2)
TOP 3: Samardo Samuels, Edgar Sosa, Terrence Jennings
CONCERN: Earl Clark’s expected departure for the pros robs the Cardinals of a star, but this should be the Big East’s deepest, if not best, team in 2010. Freshman guard Peyton Siva is a potential major impact recruit, and Rick Pitino has some major outside pop in Preston Knowles, Jerry Smith and maybe even Smithfield’s Mike Marra.
MARQUETTE
RECORD: 25-10 (12-6)
TOP 3: Lazar Hayward, Dwight Buycks, Jeronne Maymon
CONCERN: After using a guard-based attack for the last four years, coach Buzz Williams oversees a major makeover. Marquette will become a bigger, more athletic group led by Hayward and a host of newcomers. Maymon, Wisconsin’s Mr. Basketball, is a potential star, and Buycks was one of the top guards in the JUCO ranks. Lots of talent, even more inexperience.
NOTRE DAME
RECORD: 21-15 (8-10)
TOP 3: Luke Harangody, Tory Jackson, Tyrone Nash
CONCERN: Hopes and rise and fall with Harangody’s NBA call. If he stays, this team will rocket toward the top of the league. If not, major rebuilding lies ahead. Jackson will have a chance at a breakout senior season. Transfers Scott Martin and Ben Hansbrough must make an impact.
PITTSBURGH
RECORD: 31-5 (15-3)
TOP 3: Gilbert Brown, Brad Wanamaker, Dante Taylor
CONCERN: Early loss of DeJuan Blair to the NBA is major blow and gives Jamie Dixon his youngest team ever. Lots of talent on hand, however. Taylor is an instant-impact freshman and young guards Wanamaker, Ashton Gibbs and Travon Woodall will get chance to shine.
PROVIDENCE
RECORD: 19-14 (10-8)
TOP 3: Sharaud Curry, Marshon Brooks, Greedy Peterson.
CONCERN: Youth kills in this league, and no team will be younger than the Friars. Keno Davis wants to run and score, but PC’s ability to extend the floor and defend a bit will be tested with such a youthful team. Newcomers Vincent Council, Kyle Wright and Russ Permenter need to help right away. Watch out for redshirts Peterson and Bilal Dixon.
RUTGERS
RECORD: 11-21 (2-16)
TOP 3: Mike Rosario, Greg Echenique, Earl Pettis
CONCERN: This may be a do-or-die year for coach Fred Hill, but this team may not own the talent some Jersey-ites feel. If Echenique, Hamdy Ndiaye and Florida transfer Jonathan Mitchell all progress, the Knights may surprise.
ST. JOHN’S
RECORD: 16-18 (6-12)
TOP 3: Anthony Mason, DJ Kennedy, Paris Horne
CONCERN: Red Storm are now loaded with experience, robbing coach Norm Roberts of one of his main crutches. Return of Mason to full health is crucial for a team that needs his scoring punch badly. SJU still holding out hope that city prep star Lance Stephenson chooses to stay home for college.
SETON HALL
RECORD: 17-15 (7-11)
TOP 3: Jeremy Hazell, Robert Mitchell, Herb Pope
CONCERN: No team is poised for bigger jump than the Pirates, but a lot has to fall into place. All the key pieces return for Bobby Gonzalez and the addition of several transfers bodes well. Big man Pope and guard Keon Lawrence can supply major boost.
SOUTH FLORIDA
RECORD: 9-22 (4-14)
TOP 3: Dominique Jones, Gus Gilchrist, Chris Howard
CONCERN: Jones is a major scorer, but the Bulls lack the offensive firepower to win games in this league. Recruiting has improved but Stan Heath has to find a way to attract even more talent to Tampa to make a move in the standings.
SYRACUSE
RECORD: 28-10 (11-7)
TOP 3: Jonny Flynn, Arinze Onuaku, Wesley Johnson
CONCERN: Flynn may make move to the NBA, and it appears that Eric Devendorf and Paul Harris will play pro ball overseas. If they all stay, the Orange is the best team around and a Final Four contender. If they all go, Iowa State transfer Johnson, shooter Andy Rautins and big man Arinze Onuaku keep the ball rolling. Lack of a point guard after Flynn is a major issue.
VILLANOVA
RECORD: 30-8 (13-5)
TOP 3: Scottie Reynolds, Corey Fisher, Reggie Redding
CONCERN: Still deep, still guard-heavy and still tough to beat. Tough to match school-record season, but the Wildcats have best crop of guards in the league. Need something out of green big men Antonio Pena and frosh Isaiah Armwood and Mouphtaou Yarou.
WEST VIRGINIA
RECORD: 23-13 (10-8)
TOP 3: Da’Sean Butler, Devin Ebanks, Joe Mazzulla
CONCERN: Bob Huggins finally has pieces in place to shoot for top of the Big East. Lose only Alex Ruoff from a good team and add two impact big men in Dan Jennings and Deniz Kilicli. Very deep and a potentially dominating defensive team if big men progress quickly.