4. Big East: The league may not have a top-seeded team in 2010 after getting three last season (Louisville, UConn, Pitt), but the strength of the league from 1-16 has gotten better.
The bottom of the league has risen up with Seton Hall and St. John's having a real shot at an NCAA bid. West Virginia should be the favorite, despite Villanova's high ranking. But the Wildcats, Connecticut, Georgetown, Syracuse and possibly Louisville will be in play for bids. So, too, should Notre Dame, with the possible player of the year in Luke Harangody. Cincinnati, with maybe the freshman of the year in Lance Stephenson, and Seton Hall are sleeper teams that could also rise up into the top four in the league. And never discount Pitt under Jamie Dixon.
Toss in the Red Storm as the only team that returns all five starters, and the Big East has 11 of its 16 teams thinking NCAAs.http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4641135&name=katz_andy