6 Big East Teams in Bilas' Top 68

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Tha Kid

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6 Big East Teams in Bilas' Top 68
« on: December 03, 2013, 10:30:55 AM »
....we aren't one of them

http://insider.espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/10067628/jay-bilas-ranks-top-68-teams-nation-college-basketball

"23. Villanova Wildcats

The Wildcats have grown up. Five different guys average 10 points per game or more, led by Jayvaughn Pinkston (17.1) and James Bell (17.0). Villanova defends well, and has gotten good contributions from its freshmen. The win in the Bahamas was a good springboard for improvement going forward. The Bilastrator likes this team, but more importantly, Wildcats coach Jay Wright likes this team...

34. Creighton Bluejays

The Bluejays can score but are vulnerable to getting slowed down by longer and more athletic teams. Doug McDermott has been great (his tough night against George Washington notwithstanding), but he is not alone out there. Grant Gibbs is one of the best passers and playmakers in the country, and junior college transfer Devin Brooks gives Creighton scoring punch off the bench. Creighton is very good, but without the ability to score and defend in the post, perhaps not a true Final Four threat.

40. Georgetown Hoyas

Scoring is an occasional struggle for the Hoyas. UCLA transfer Joshua Smith provides bulk and interior scoring that coach John Thompson III will be able to use creatively on offense, but he appears to be have issues on the defensive end. D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera and Markel Starks will have to carry the scoring load in the backcourt, but Georgetown needs to cut down turnovers and get on the defensive glass.

46. Butler Bulldogs

Apparently, all is not lost without Roosevelt Jones, although his injury has meant that Butler will live in nothing but close games. Five of Butler's first seven games have been one-possession games or overtime games, including back-to-back losses to Oklahoma State and LSU in Orlando. Butler is good, but how will the Bulldogs handle their inevitable close games on a difficult Big East schedule?

48. Marquette Golden Eagles

The Golden Eagles defend well but cannot score efficiently. Marquette is rated 109th in offensive efficiency and 209th in effective field goal percentage, and has lost to Ohio State, Arizona State and San Diego State.

67. Providence Friars

The 7-2 Friars are well-coached, but are woeful shooters. Providence is rated 300th in effective field goal percentage by KenPom.com, and 307th inside the arc. Not a single Friar is shooting over 50 percent."

Other opponents of note:

"9. Wisconsin Badgers

Bo Ryan's Badgers have guards, and are back to playing efficient offense that can score well. Traevon Jackson, Ben Brust and Josh Gasser allow Wisconsin to be better ball-handlers and passers, and Sam Dekker and Frank Kaminsky are much improved frontcourt threats. Kaminsky has already put up 43 points in a game, and Dekker is one of the emerging stars in the college game. Five Badgers average 10 points per game or better, but depth is an issue, and this has not been a great defensive team yet.

3. Syracuse Orange

The Orange have given up some easier buckets this season than what we're used to seeing from them, but this team has the chance to be really good defensively. There is length and athleticism along the baseline, and while Syracuse is smaller at the top of the zone it still gets steals. If you can keep from turning the ball over against the Orange, you have a chance to win, but if you allow live-ball turnovers, Syracuse will capitalize and beat you. C.J. Fair was excellent in Maui, as was Tyler Ennis, who did not play like a first-year player. Ennis is a terrific college point guard, and will continue to improve throughout the season. If the Orange can get consistent play out of interior players Rakeem Christmas, DaJuan Coleman and Baye Moussa Keita, they will be able to challenge for the whole thing by March."

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pmg911

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Re: 6 Big East Teams in Bilas' Top 68
« Reply #1 on: December 03, 2013, 12:18:02 PM »
If Coach Lavin can figure out the right rotation of guys getting major minutes, I think this team could be very good. By the end of the season I think we can slot into low 30's on this list.