Oct. 25, 2005

By Bryan Armen Graham

Assistant Editor, CSTV.com

 

State of the Conference: With the long-awaited annexation of five programs from Conference USA this summer, the Big East at last became the Big Beast: college basketball's first bona fide super-conference. Louisville, Cincinnati, DePaul, Marquette and South Florida join what's now the largest Division I conference in the nation, a league that has produced three of the last seven NCAA champions.

 

Connecticut, Louisville, Marquette and Syracuse have all appeared in the national semifinals over the last three years, and 15 of 16 member schools -- all but South Florida -- can boast at least one Final Four appearance in their histories.

 

As usual, the Big East has its share of sure things (see: Connecticut, Louisville, Villanova), followed by a second tier replete with programs capable of advancing deep into the NCAAs (see: Cincinnati, Georgetown, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, West Virginia). As for the cellar-dwellers, one new twist deserves mention: The tournament bracket has not been altered despite the expansion. That means the bottom four teams in the standings will not advance to the Garden for the conference tourney. 

 

Back in April, it seemed like Villanova and Connecticut were the leading contenders for the conference crown in 2005-06. In the months since, the Huskies have endured a number of off-the-court problems that have undermined their talent pool, and the Wildcats have suffered their usual laundry list of injuries -- including the loss of Curtis Sumpter. Despite the setbacks, both teams have the talent to compensate for their losses. Jim Calhoun could keep the Huskies near the top of the table but, in the end, Villanova's depth and experience could bring the Big East title back to the Main Line for the first time since 1995.

 

CSTV.com All-Conference First Team:

 

G     Taquan Dean, Louisville, Sr.

G     Allan Ray, Villanova, Sr.

C     Josh Boone, Connecticut, Jr.

F      Rudy Gay, Connecticut, Jr.

F      Juan Diego Palacios, Louisville, So.

 

CSTV.com All-Conference Second Team:

 

G     Gerry McNamara, Syracuse, Sr.

G     Daryll Hill, St. John's, Jr.

C     Kevin Pittsnogle, West Virginia, Sr.

F      Jeff Green, Georgetown, So.

F      Terrence Roberts, Syracuse, Jr.

 

CSTV.com Preseason Player of the Year: Rudy Gay, Connecticut

 

Had Curtis Sumpter not re-injured his left knee in an Oct. 19 practice, it would be the versatile Villanova forward in line for POTY honors. In his absence, Connecticut's explosive Gay will take the league's highest individual honor.

 

CSTV.com Preseason Newcomer of the Year: Eric Devendorf, Syracuse

 

Devendorf, who averaged 30.6 points and 8.0 rebounds for Central in Bay City, Mich., is an aggressive scorer who's drawn comparisons to Gerry McNamara and J.J. Redick.

 

CSTV.com Preseason Player to Watch: DeSean White, Providence

  

The sophomore-to-be from Philly, who played behind Ryan Gomes in 2004-05, is the type of do-everything talent that should keep the Friars competitive even without their All-American.

 

Predicted Order of Finish:

 

1. Villanova

 

Location: Villanova, Pa.

Homecourt (Capacity): The Pavilion (6,500)

2004-05 Record (Big East): 24-8 (11-5, Tie-3rd)

Nickname: Wildcats

Coach (Record): Jay Wright (At Villanova: 76-54, 4 years; Career: 198-139, 11 years)

Team Wins (Last Five Years): 18-19-15-18-24

RPI (Last Five Years): 10-48-74-57-15

Famous Non-Basketball Alumni: Jim Croce, singer-songwriter; Howie Long, crew-cutted NFL analyst and former player

 

When versatile 6-7 forward Curtis Sumpter went down with a torn ACL in Villanova's second-round NCAA tournament victory over Florida last March, not many people gave the Wildcats much of a chance against top-seeded North Carolina in the Sweet 16. But even without their leading rebounder and third-leading scorer, the Wildcats took the eventual champs to the limit before referee Tom O'Neill's controversial traveling call on Allan Ray with nine seconds remaining helped the Tar Heels escape with a 67-66 victory.

 

Without question, the defeat was a bitter pill for Wright to swallow. But the Villanova coach took refuge in the immediate future -- after all, this was the year he'd been building towards since arriving on campus four autumns ago. And with all five starters returning from last year's late bloomers, `Nova Nation had high hopes to return to the Final Four for the first time in 21 seasons.

 

And then practice started.

 

In the first week, three Wildcats suffered major injuries. Fifth-year senior Marcus Austin, a 6-9 reserve forward, suffered a career-ending torn rotator cuff while trying to block a Randy Foye dunk during a pickup game. Days later, senior substitute Chris Charles fell awkwardly on his left wrist, and will require arthroscopic surgery to repair ligament damage. And worst of all, the `Cats lost Sumpter, who re-injured the same knee he'd spent the summer rehabilitating.

 

Nevertheless, there's still hope. Wright's first-ever group of recruits at `Nova -- a much-ballyhooed Top 5 class many critics had dismissed as chronic underachievers (some as late as last January) -- finally delivered on their promise during the second half of 2005, as the Wildcats finished the season with wins in 10 of their last 12 games. A pair of Wright's seniors has blossomed into arguably the nation's best starting backcourt. Gothamite Allan Ray and Newark's Randy Foye, a four-year starter, combined to average nearly 32 points, eight rebounds and five assists per game during last year's NCAA run. Junior Mike Nardi -- whom Wright has described as a "pit bull" -- starts at the point, while super sophomore Kyle Lowry, a Philadelphia product, is a strong, explosive sixth man who offers a nice change of pace at either guard spot.

 

Sumpter offered the Wildcats an invaluable inside-outside presence. His absence opens the door for oft-injured 6-9 center Jason Fraser, who averaged 6.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 2005. The former McDonald's All-American has undergone seven operations during his `Nova career, but says he feels better than ever before. Junior Will Sheridan, a starter since last December, is a rugged 6-8 forward who cleans the glass and scores in the paint.

 

Without the frontcourt depth offered by Austin and Charles, Wright will call on his incoming freshman for support. Cameroonian Frank Tchuisi, a 6-9 forward, averaged nine points, eight boards and five blocks for St. Benedict's (N.J.), while 6-9 Dante Cunningham led Potomac to a 27-0 record in 2004-05 while garnering Maryland state Player of the Year honors.

 

As has been the norm with the Wildcats under Wright, Villanova will go as far as their health permits. So far, not so good. But if Fraser can stay healthy and Sheridan continues to develop, the loss of Sumpter may not prove as fatal as many believe. 

 

Prognosis: It's one thing to play well as the fair-haired upstart with nothing to lose -- as did Villanova during last season's inspired NCAA run -- but it can be a lot different when it's the tiny number next to your name. How Villanova handles its considerably elevated expectations remains the big question heading into 2005-06. Make no mistake: this stable of veteran guards ranks among the nation's best. If Wright's hard-luck pack can stay injury-free, there's every reason to believe their season will end in Indianapolis.

 

2. Connecticut

 

Location: Storrs, Conn.

Homecourt (Capacity): Gampel Pavillion (10,167)

2004-05 Record (Big East): 23-8 (13-3, Tie-1st)

Nickname: Huskies

Coach (Record): Jim Calhoun (At Connecticut: 455-173, 19 years; Career: 703-310, 33 years)

Team Wins (Last Five Years): 20-27-23-33-23

RPI (Last Five Years): 62-6-23-2-13

Famous Non-Basketball Alumni: Ron Palillo, television actor (Horshack from Welcome Back, Kotter); Franklin Chang-Diaz, NASA astronaut (first Hispanic in space)

 

As lamented Goldthwait Higginson Dorr, the charlatan professor played by Tom Hanks in The Ladykillers: "Troubles never singly come."

 

You'd be hard-pressed to find a more appropriate slogan for the Huskies, who have endured a soap-operatic summer of tumult since bowing to North Carolina State in the second round of the NCAAs.

 

In April, UConn seemed nothing short of a Final Four lock for 2005-06, but the setbacks soon started piling up. First, the program lost forward Charlie Villanueva and absolute man-child Andrew Bynum to the NBA draft, where they were promptly made lottery picks. Later, reserve guard Antonio Kellogg was dismissed for conduct detrimental to the team. In August, A.J. Price and Marcus Williams were arrested in connection with the theft of four laptop computers from a campus dormitory.

 

Williams, who faced four counts of felony larceny, was granted into an accelerated rehabilitation program for first-time offenders in September. The charges will be expunged from his record after he completes 400 hours of community service during his 18-month probationary period. While Price was eligible for the same deal, the New York native pled not guilty and will go to court on Oct. 25.

 

Calhoun has suspended Price and Williams from all basketball-related activities and has said that neither will play until December at the earliest. Both await potential sanctions from the university, which could include suspension or expulsion.

 

The good news? No team in the nation has more players on its roster that have experienced a national championship run, as did six Huskies in 2003-04. Counting Williams, Connecticut returns four starters to a team that, last year, won 20 games for the eighth consecutive season.

 

Calhoun's starting five is anchored by 6-10 junior Josh Boone, who garnered Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2005. The Maryland native averaged 12.4 points, 8.4 boards and 2.9 blocks, connecting on 61 percent of his attempts from the floor.

 

Denham Brown, a 6-6 forward, started 21 games last season. He's joined in the frontcourt by 6-9 Rudy Gay, a trendy preseason pick for Big East Player of the Year. Gay shared Rookie of the Year honors with Georgetown's Jeff Green in 2004-05, and should build on his 11.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game averages.

 

Williams, who led the conference with 7.8 assists per game and was the Big East's Most Improved Player in 2004-05, hopes to resume his starting job at the point in December. In the meantime, Calhoun will platoon a pair of freshmen: Craig Austrie and Rob Garrison. Longtime Connecticut standout Rashad Anderson, who averaged 11.9 points but missed seven games down the stretch with a skin abscess, rounds out the starting lineup.

 

6-foot-11 Hilton Armstrong and 6-8 Ed Nelson will provide size off the bench. Even if Price is permitted to play by the discipline committee, his doctors represent another obstacle -- he has yet to be cleared medically after missing all of 2004-05 with an intracranial hemorrhage.

 

Prognosis: If the University allows Williams and Price to suit up, the Huskies have all the tools in place to make their second trip to the Final Four in three seasons -- and the Villanova-Connecticut battles could reach competitive levels not approached since Alvin Williams and Kerry Kittles went toe-to-toe with Ray Allen and Travis Knight. If it doesn't, the Huskies simply have a talented team with a bold-faced, italicized question mark at point guard.

 

3. Louisville

 

Location: Louisville, Ky.

Homecourt (Capacity): Freedom Hall (18,865)

2004-05 Record (Conference USA): 33-5 (14-2, 1st)

Nickname: Cardinals

Coach (Record): Rick Pitino (At Louisville: 97-35, 4 years; Career: 449-159, 19 years)

Team Wins (Last Five Years): 12-19-25-20-33

RPI (Last Five Years): 122-66-13-29-12

Famous Non-Basketball Alumni: Erik Watts, pro wrestler; Sue Grafton, American detective novelist

 

If only all programs could enjoy "rebuilding" years like this one.

 

Faced with the unenviable task of replacing three starters from last year's Final Four team -- including first-rounder Francisco Garcia and frontcourt stalwart Ellis Myles -- Pitino welcomes a Top 5 recruiting class featuring six of the nation's best 150 prospects (according to Rivals.com). If there's any truth in advertising, the incoming freshmen will help Louisville make the transition into the Big East without a hitch -- and provide them one of the most formidable frontcourts in the conference.

 

Savvy senior Taquan Dean returns to lead the Cardinals from the backcourt. Slowed by mononucleosis throughout last season, the 6-3 combo guard still managed to average 14.0 points and 4.0 rebounds as Louisville made its first Final Four since 1986.

 

According to the depth chart, Brandon Jenkins will assume point guard duties. The 6-3 Jenkins performed adequately in seven games last year when Dean was sidelined. But incoming freshman Andre McGee, a lightning-quick distributor, will challenge Jenkins for the starting role. Pitino will also have the option of starting all three (Dean, Jenkins and McGee) when he feels comfortable going with a smaller lineup.

 

Juan Diego Palacios, a 6-8 forward, was a double-double machine during Louisville's tournament run. The sophomore prodigy, whom Pitino has compared favorably to Jamal Mashburn, averaged 9.8 points and 6.5 boards as a frosh.

 

6-11 David Padgett, a former McDonald's All-American who transferred from Kansas, was expected to anchor the frontcourt. But he will miss the start of the season after suffering a broken bone in his right foot during a pickup game on Sept. 19. Named one of Louisville's co-captains during the summer, Padgett is expected to miss six to eight weeks. In the meantime, lanky 7-0 frosh Jonathan Huffman could start immediately in the middle.

 

Terrance Farley (6-10, 220 lbs.) saw minutes off the bench in 2004-05 and Brian Johnson (6-9, 245 lbs.) is ready to contribute after red-shirting his first year. Both will bolster a Louisville frontcourt brimming with young talent.

 

Two other freshmen should make immediate impacts. 6-5 guard Bryan Harvey is a lights-out threat from the perimeter, and 6-5 forward Terrence Williams is an athletic wing who averaged 22 points, nine rebounds and eight assists for Rainier Beach in Seattle.

 

Prognosis: The Big East schedule-makers sure didn't take it easy on Pitino's bunch. The Cardinals play two with Cincy, Connecticut and `Nova, and don't meet Seton Hall until next season. Few teams are better equipped to handle so difficult a road. If Pitino's recruiting class lives up to billing, don't rule out another Final Four appearance. At any rate, the Cardinals are a sure thing for the NCAA tournament and certainly have the talent to make it past the first weekend.

 

4. Georgetown

 

Location: Washington, D.C.

Homecourt (Capacity): MCI Center (20,600)

2004-05 Record (Big East): 19-13 (8-8, Tie-7th)

Nickname: Hoyas

Coach (Record): John Thompson III (At Georgetown: 19-13, 1 year; Career: 87-55, 5 years)

Team Wins (Last Five Years): 25-19-19-13-19

RPI (Last Five Years): 41-59-74-135-77

Famous Non-Basketball Alumni: William Peter Blatty, author (The Exorcist); Paul Tagliabue, NFL Commissioner

 

Last year, Thompson surprised many by leading the Hoyas to a quick 16-6 start. But a late-season swoon -- including losses in their last five regular-season games -- promptly popped Georgetown's NCAA bubble, and its season met a somewhat ignominious end with a loss in the NIT.

 

Only Al Skinner's undeniable coaching job at Boston College prevented Thompson from taking Big East Coach of the Year honors. In his first season at the helm of the program his father led to national prominence during the 1980s, Thompson coaxed 19 wins from a seven-man rotation that featured four freshmen.

 

There's a lot of evidence to suggest that the Hoyas could break out in 2005-06. They return every player that started a game last season to a team that had the best scoring defense in the Big East, surrendering just 61.1 points a game. (Problem was, Georgetown's offense -- which averaged 64.4 points -- ranged from serviceable to anemic.)

 

Thompson scored a major victory when Brandon Bowman, who had been flirting with the NBA draft, chose to return to Georgetown for his senior season. The 6-8 forward is a four-year starter who has already eclipsed 1,000 points and 500 rebounds in his career.

 

He's joined in the frontcourt by Jeff Green, who shared Big East Rookie of the Year honors with Rudy Gay in 2004-05. Green paced the Hoyas on the boards with nearly seven pulls a game, and had the highest scoring average in the conference among freshmen (13.1). Swingman Darrell Owens, a 6-6 senior, will provide scoring and experience up front. In Georgetown's season-ending loss to South Carolina in the NIT quarterfinals, Owens scored 26 points (including 7-for-12 from downtown) and grabbed 10 boards.

 

Senior Ashanti Cook has started every game for the Hoyas over the past two seasons. The 6-2 guard averaged 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks. Jonathan Wallace averaged 6.5 points in his first year and stands to contribute more as a sophomore.

 

Georgetown's biggest question marks concern depth, which haunted them down last year's homestretch. How Thompson's four-man recruiting class is integrated could go a long way towards determining how successful the Hoyas will be.

 

Marc Egerson, a 6-5 swingman from Delaware, has earned a reputation as a tough defender and should contribute immediately as a reserve. 6-3 Jessie Sapp can score the basketball and play lock-down defense on the other end, while 6-7 forward Octavius Spann averaged nearly 27 points and 13 boards as a senior at Bannecker (Ga.). 6-2 Josh Thornton won't play right away, but he's Thompson's point guard of the future by all accounts.

 

Prognosis: Everybody in the conference is watching with bated breath to see if Thompson can match last season's dramatic improvement. With five starters returning to a team that feels like it squandered an NCAA invite (and it really did), all signs point to Georgetown's first trip to the Big Dance since 2001.  

 

5. Syracuse

 

Location: Syracuse, N.Y.

Homecourt (Capacity): Carrier Dome (33,000)

2004-05 Record (Big East): 27-7 (11-5, Tie-2nd)

Nickname: Orange

Coach (Record): Jim Boeheim (At Syracuse: 703-241, 29 years; Career: 703-241, 29 years)

Team Wins (Last Five Years): 25-23-30-23-23

RPI (Last Five Years): 25-57-2-15-20

Famous Non-Basketball Alumni: Marv Albert, sportscaster; Lou Reed, musician (The Velvet Underground)

 

For the first time in four years, the Orange will take the floor without Hakim Warrick, Josh Pace and Craig Forth, a class of players that climbed every mountain during its four-year tenure at Syracuse. In his fourth college season, Warrick had emerged as a bona fide star. Pace offered reliable offensive production and defensive mettle within Boeheim's trademark zone. Forth, a back-to-the-basket center, never matched the offensive production offered by the conference's other dominant frontcourt men, but provided the Orange a steady, consistent pivot presence that gave Warrick and Pace freedom to explore the wings.

 

Together, last year's seniors represented 55 percent of its rebounding and 49 percent of its scoring on a combined 55 percent shooting from the floor. How does Syracuse's newly-minted Hall of Fame coach plan to make it up?

 

With a rising junior class that's just as talented -- if not more so -- than his outgoing seniors.

 

Forward Terrence Roberts (6-9, 230 lbs.) is a Big East star-in-waiting who spent his summer with the United States 21-and-under national team after starting the last seven games of 2005. 6-11 Darryl Watkins, who bounced back nicely from a broken thumb last season, succeeds Forth in the middle. 6-8 Demetris Nichols and 6-5 Louie McCroskey give the Orange a pair of sizable, athletic players on the wings.

 

Taking over immediate point guard duties is Gerry McNamara, a National Player of the Year candidate entering his senior year. The Scranton, Pa., native has started 100 consecutive games for the Orange, and will be this team's leader by default. 6-2 sophomore Josh Wright can handle the point while McNamara gets a puff on the bench or moves over to shooting guard.

 

Competing for playing time -- and possibly a starting spot later in the season -- will be blue-chip recruit Eric Devendorf, a product of Oak Hill Academy. The 6-5 shooting guard was selected to participate in the McDonald's All-American game this spring, where he scored 13 points and tallied three assists.

 

Two more freshmen and a redshirt complete Boeheim's rotation. Matt Gorman, who missed 2004-05 after playing two seasons for the Orange, is a 6-9 forward that likes to shoot (and bury) three-pointers. 6-9 forward Arinze Onauku starred at Episcopal (Va.) High School while 6-6 guard Andy Rautins led Jamesville-DeWitt to a 29-0 record and the New York state championship as a senior.

 

Prognosis: Rarely have Syracuse teams -- even the 2003 national champs -- been known for their depth. This unit will be no exception. The starting five in November is an experienced unit, but Syracuse's success in the tooth-and-nail Big East could depend on what they're able to get from a largely-unproven bench. If Wright can develop as a full-time point guard (freeing McNamara to play off the ball) and Devendorf delivers on his sky-high potential, Syracuse could advance to the Sweet 16 and beyond.

 

6. West Virginia

 

Location: Morgantown, W.Va.

Homecourt (Capacity): WVU Coliseum (14,000)

2004-05 Record (Big East): 24-11 (8-8, Tie-7th)

Nickname: Mountaineers

Coach (Record): John Beilein (At West Virginia: 55-40, 3 years; Career: 502-298, 27 years)

Team Wins (Last Five Years): 17-8-14-17-24

RPI (Last Five Years): 73-215-109-85-34

Famous Non-Basketball Alumni: Don Knotts, film and television actor (The Andy Griffith Show); Jeff Hostetler, Super Bowl-winning quarterback

 

Talk about a tough act to follow.

 

Last year's eleventh-hour resurgence -- which included a three-wins-in-three-days run to the Big East title game and subsequent drive to the Regional finals -- made West Virginia the feel-good story of March Madness.

 

But now the pressure's on. Aside from 1,000-point scorer Tyrone Sally, Beilein returns all principles from last season's Elite Eight team, and the expectations in Morgantown have never been higher.

 

No West Virginia player made a bigger splash during the team's historic postseason run than did Kevin Pittsnogle, the 6-11 center whose trigger-happiness from three-point range made him a household name. During the offseason, Pittsnogle considered early entrance to the NBA draft before returning to campus. The West Virginia native's tendency to play on the perimeter makes him very difficult for less mobile big men to defend.

 

Returning also is cool-as-ice swingman Mike Gansey, who was the team's scoring leader as a junior in 2004-05 (12.0 ppg). 6-6 Joe Herber fills the stat sheet at the two spot, averaging 8.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists. 5-10 J.D. Collins only averaged 3.8 points at point guard but tallied 114 assists to just 50 turnovers.

 

Frank Young, a 6-5 junior, rounds out the lineup at power forward. The Tallahassee product, who netted 3.3 points in just 8.8 minutes per game during 2004-05, proved more-than-capable in the starting role when Sally missed several Big East tournament games with a stomach virus.

 

Senior Patrick Beilein resumes his role as the side's sixth man. The coach's son led the team in three-point field goals (70) last season despite not starting a single game. Darris Nichols, a 6-2 sophomore, will spell Collins at the point. Also contributing will be Rob Summers, a seven-foot transfer from Penn State.

 

As with most Beilein-coached teams, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. West Virginia runs a deliberate, feel-based offense and a lot of 1-3-1 defense to compensate for a lack of quickness. But when the players "get" the system, as they did last March, the results can be outstanding.

 

Prognosis: West Virginia's biggest offseason loss, aside from Sally, is the element of surprise -- after beating a school-record eight ranked teams in 2004-05, the Mountaineers won't be sneaking up on anybody. But if Beilein's team can hit the ground running, get consistent play from Gansey and Pittsnogle and survive out-of-conference contests with Oklahoma and UCLA, they should find a home in the Top 25.

 

7. Pittsburgh

 

Location: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Homecourt (Capacity): Petersen Events Center (12,508)

2004-05 Record (Big East): 20-9 (10-6, 5th)

Nickname: Panthers

Coach (Record): Jamie Dixon (At Pittsburgh: 51-14, 2 years; Career: 51-14, 2 years)

Team Wins (Last Five Years): 19-29-26-31-20

RPI (Last Five Years): 55-13-8-6-36

Famous Non-Basketball Alumni: Gene Kelly, actor (Singin' In The Rain); Mike Ditka, Hall of Fame football player and coach

 

Gone are Chevy Troutman and Chris Taft, the Herculean bookends of Pittsburgh's ferocious frontcourt.

 

Returned, to the relief of Pitt fans, is Carl Krauser after an aborted attempt to turn pro. The 6-2 floor general was the team's top scorer (16.0 ppg) in 2004-05, and ranked third in the Big East in assists (5.9).

 

6-3 junior Antonio Graves resumes his starting role alongside Krauser after averaging 7.3 points in 2004-05 while connecting on 46.3 of his attempts from beyond the arc. 6-1 sophomore Ronald Roman, a conference all-rookie team selection, gives Dixon the option of a playing a three-guard lineup. Stocky frosh Levance Kendall (who headlines a Top 15 recruiting class) will make an immediate impact alongside fellow Gothamite Krauser.

 

In the frontcourt, 7-0 Aaron Gray and 6-9 Levan Kendall move from reserve roles to the starting five. Gray is a slow-moving center who's incurred criticism for his lack of mobility, while Kendall is best known for his 40-point outburst in the quarterfinals of this summer's FIBA Under-21 World Championships in Mar del Plato, Argentina. The Vancouver native's career performance spirited Canada to a 93-90 overtime victory over a heavily-favored American side led by Duke's J.J. Redick, Villanova's Allan Ray and Connecticut's Rudy Gay.

 

6-2 guard Keith Benjamin will provide depth in the backcourt, and 6-6 John DeGroat, who averaged 2.2 points and 1.8 boards in 18 games, will eat minutes at small forward. A pair of freshman forwards -- 6-8 Tyrell Biggs and 6-6 Sam Young -- will see significant time.

 

Prognosis: The losses of Troutman and Taft will make it difficult for Dixon to match the high standards the program has set for itself over the past four seasons, as the Panthers have established schools records with four straight NCAA bids, four straight 20-win seasons and a 49-15 record in Big East regular-season play. But with Krauser at the helm, Pitt is a tough, talented basketball team that will fight down to the wire for another NCAA invite.

 

8. Cincinnati

 

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Homecourt (Capacity): Fifth Third Arena at Shoemaker Center (13,176)

2004-05 Record (Conference USA): 25-8 (12-4, Tie-2nd)

Nickname: Bearcats

Coach (Record): Andy Kennedy (At Cincinnati: First year; Career: First year)

Team Wins (Last Five Years): 25-31-17-25-25

RPI (Last Five Years): 26-4-36-12-23

Famous Non-Basketball Alumni: Sandy Koufax, Hall of Fame baseball player; William Howard Taft, Twenty-seventh U.S. President

 

In March, most thought Cincinnati's biggest offseason loss would be its leading scorer, Jason Maxiell. But that was before the August removal of program patriarch Bob Huggins.

 

Despite his shortcomings, the always-controversial Huggins put Cincy hoops back on the national map. Over the last 10 seasons of his tenure, the Bearcats won eight C-USA regular-season crowns, four conference tournament titles and cracked 25 victories on nine occasions.

 

Under Huggy Bear's watch, Cincinnati made the last 14 NCAA tournaments, including three Elite Eight appearances and a trip to the Final Four in 1992.

 

But fundamental differences between Huggins and new University president Nancy Zimpher led to a contract buyout, and opened the door for first-year head coach Kennedy, who returns four starters that netted double figures in 2004-05. James White, a 6-7 senior, is a unique talent with all-conference potential who can score (10.2 ppg) and play all five positions. While White has paced the Bearcats in assists over the past two seasons, 5-11 senior Jihad Muhammad will handle most of the playmaking duties.

 

Senior leader Eric Hicks (6-6, 240 lbs) will log minutes at power forward and center, where he averaged 13.7 points, 9.0 boards and 2.3 blocks last year. Other starters will include 6-8 senior Armien Kirkland (10.4 ppg) and 6-6 swingman DeAndre Coleman, a highly-regarded frosh from Stone Mountain, Ga.

 

Cincinnati's most glaring weakness is its depth. Kennedy will count three more rookies to provide relief from the bench. 6-10 Abdul Herrera and 6-8 Ivan Johnson give the Bearcats the size and muscle to bang with the nation's biggest over 40 minutes, while 6-7 junior college transfer Cedric McGowan is another in a long line of athletic Cincinnati power forwards.

 

Prognosis: This starting five could go with any team in the Big East, but there are a lot of questions in Cincinnati. How quickly will Kennedy, the league's least-experienced coach, develop a bench laden with unproven newcomers? How will the Bearcats adjust to life in their new conference? Can Hicks assume the role of team leader that Maxiell leaves behind?

 

9. DePaul

 

Location: Chicago, Ill.

Homecourt (Capacity): Allstate Arena (17,500)

2004-05 Record (Conference USA): 20-11 (10-6, Tie-4th)

Nickname: Blue Demons

Coach (Record): Jerry Wainwright (At DePaul: First year; Career: 186-144, 11 years)

Team Wins (Last Five Years): 12-9-16-22-20

RPI (Last Five Years): 151-193-69-34-53

Famous Non-Basketball Alumni: John C. Reilly, actor (Boogie Nights); Richard M. Daley, Mayor of Chicago

 

The Blue Demons will start the season with just 11 scholarship players on their roster after losing three senior starters -- Quemont Greer (18.3 ppg), Drake Deiner (14.2) and LeVar Seals (7.6) -- that accounted for 57 percent of the team's scoring. What's more, two reserves took advantage of departed coach Dave Leitao's move to Virginia and exercised their option to transfer without sitting out a year.

 

Replacing Leitao is Windy City native Wainwright, who takes the reins of a resurgent program that has won 20 games in back-to-back seasons.

 

Sammy Mejia, a 6-6 junior, can play the one, the two or the three. Last year, as the team's primary point guard, the Bronx native averaged 11.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Wainwright biggest hope is that Mejia can live up to his all-conference potential in 2005-06.

 

A number of other guards will compete for starting roles. Cliff Clinkscales, a 6-1 sophomore, averaged 2.5 points and 3.4 assists in 15.0 minutes in 2004-05. Classmate Draelon Burns also made minor contributions in limited action last season, averaging 3.4 points in 12.5 minutes. 6-5 frosh Rashad Woods, a Top 100 recruit from Texas, will vie for playing time.

 

Wainwright also welcomes 6-6 Karron Clarke, a transfer from Miami who will play on the wing. The Brooklyn product earned a reputation in Coral Gables as a lock-down defender.

 

Senior Marlon Brumfield (6-9, 260 lbs.), junior Lorenzo Thompson (6-8, 255 lbs.) and Wesley Green (6-9, 290 lbs.) give the Blue Demons an adequate frontcourt rotation.

 

Highly-touted recruit Wilson Chandler could play his way into the starting five. The 6-7 forward was named Mr. Basketball in the state of Michigan after averaging 22 points (on 68 percent shooting) and 13 boards as a senior at Benton Harbor High.

 

Prognosis: Before last season's Blue Demons won 20 games for the second consecutive season, DePaul hadn't turned the trick since 1991-92. Making it three in a row would be quite a feat in this whale of a league but, either way, DePaul should find itself in the hunt for the conference's last NCAA berth as March rolls around.

 

10. Notre Dame

 

Location: South Bend, Ind.

Homecourt (Capacity): Joyce Center (11,418)

2004-05 Record (Big East): 17-12 (9-7, 6th)

Nickname: Fighting Irish

Coach (Record): Mike Brey (At Notre Dame: 102-56, 5 years; Career: 201-108, 10 years)

Team Wins (Last Five Years): 20-22-24-19-17

RPI (Last Five Years): 27-35-10-41-73

Famous Non-Basketball Alumni: Condoleeza Rice, Secretary of State; Phil Donahue, Talk show host

 

Only one power conference team has had a winning league record in each of the past two seasons yet failed to receive an NCAA invite in either: Notre Dame.

 

While Brey's Irish have hardly been lucky on Selection Sunday, they caught a break last June when 6-11 forward Torin Francis withdrew his name from the NBA Draft to return for his senior year in South Bend. Francis joins returning starters Colin Falls and Chris Quinn, who will succeed the departed Chris Thomas at point guard.

 

Falls (6-5, 204 lbs.) and Quinn (6-2, 185 lbs), who each averaged 12.6 points in 2005-06, comprise one of the conference's best backcourts. Frosh Kyle McAlarney, a prized recruit from Staten Island, will spell Quinn at the one. The Moore Catholic product poured in 2,566 points in his high school career, the fourth-best total in state history.

 

The 6-11 Francis, who averaged a team-best 7.3 boards in 2004-05, will again provide an imposing post presence for the Irish.

 

A number of returning reserves and incoming freshmen will vie for two remaining spots in the lineup. Athletic senior Rick Cornett (6-8, 256 lbs.) averaged 3.7 points and 2.6 points in limited action last season. Sophomore Rob Kurz (6-9, 219 lbs.), who was limited to 14 games in 2004-05 with mononucleosis and a broken jaw, hopes to realize his considerable potential as a low-post player. 6-9 Omari Israel, a seldom-used reserve, will see an expanded role.

 

Brey also hopes to get contributions from other members of his recruiting class. Luke Zeller, a McDonald's All-American, will understudy Francis. The 6-11 center, best-known for sinking a game-winner from half court at the buzzer in the state title game, edged lauded Duke signee Josh McRoberts for Mr. Basketball honors in Indiana. Ryan Ayers, a 6-7 swingman from Germantown Academy in suburban Philly, will push for playing time on the wing. 6-8 Zach Hillesland, a Toledo product, will offer solid defense as a reserve.

 

Prognosis: Expansion couldn't have come at a more inconvenient time for Bray. Irish fans are clamoring for an NCAA trip, but the addition of Cincinnati, DePaul and Louisville pose a serious threat to the team's dancing hopes. While the Notre Dame coach may not be on the hot seat just yet, a third straight NCAA miss would likely stoke the fire.

 

11. St. John's

 

Location: Queens, N.Y.

Homecourt (Capacity): Alumni Hall (6,008)

2004-05 Record (Big East): 9-18 (3-13, 11th)

Nickname: Red Storm

Coach (Record): Norm Roberts (At St. John's: 9-18, one year; Career: 9-18, one year)

Team Wins (Last Five Years): 12-20-21-6-9

RPI (Last Five Years): 70-47-55-163-165

Famous Non-Basketball Alumni: Raymond W. Kelly, NYPD Commissioner; Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels, musician (Run-D.M.C.)

 

A rock-solid recruiting class joins five returning starters as St. John's enters Year Two of the Roberts rebuilding plan.

 

Last year, the New York native led a scandal-rocked program with a shortened roster to nine victories. In 2005-06, Roberts hopes the Johnnies can make another step forward toward the NCAA invite that's eluded them since 2002.

 

Roberts is fortunate to return junior Daryll Hill, the Big East's top returning scorer (20.7 ppg). In 54 career games, the 6-0 Queens product has poured in 960 points. Eugene Lawrence, a classmate of Sebastian Telfair at Lincoln, returns aside Hill at point guard. The 6-1 sophomore averaged a healthy 7.9 points last season while pacing all Big East freshmen in assists (3.9).

 

Cedric Jackson, another sophomore, will start when Roberts chooses to employ a three-guard lineup. The 6-2, 190-pound defensive stopper netted 4.1 points, 3.6 boards and 1.6 steals, good for fourth in the conference.

 

Up front, the Red Storm add some sorely-needed frontcourt help to complement 6-9 Lamont Hamilton, who averaged 13.3 points and 7.5 boards as the team's only true post player in 2004-05. 6-6 Dexter Gray, who started as freshman, is listed as a forward but offers most of his steady offensive production from the wing.

 

Hamilton's frontcourt help will come from a ready-to-go freshman class. 6-10 Tomas Jasiulionis averaged a double-double at Trinity Episcopal (Va.), while Anthony Mason, Jr. is a 6-6 slasher that will provide much-needed athleticism. Other first-year contributors will include 6-5 Ricky Torres, a homegrown guard that will provide offensive punch from the perimeter, and junior college product Aaron Spears (6-9, 260 lbs.).

 

Prognosis: Though St. John's managed just nine victories the first year of the Norm Roberts regime, this is a program on the brink of resurgence. If the Red Storm can learn from their mistakes and enjoy some more success away from home, where they were a woeful 0-11 in 2004-05, Roberts could make headlines with a giant-killing win or two -- and possibly lead the Johnnies to an NIT bid.

 

12. Marquette

 

Location: Milwaukee, Wis.

Homecourt (Capacity): Bradley Center (18,850)

2004-05 Record (Conference USA): 19-12 (7-9, 9th)

Nickname: Golden Eagles

Coach (Record): Tom Crean (At Marquette: 121-65, 6 years; Career: 121-65, 6 years)

Team Wins (Last Five Years): 15-26-27-19-19

RPI (Last Five Years): 106-26-7-74-89

Famous Non-Basketball Alumni: Chris Farley, comedian and film star; Matthew Lesko, television commercial and infomercial personality ("Free Money To Change Your Life")

 

After losing a pair of standout guards in the offseason that averaged double figures -- Travis Diener (to the NBA draft) and Dameon Mason (to transfer) -- Marquette enters the Big East a program in transition. A total of seven Golden Eagles are newcomers to Division I.

 

Senior Steve Novak, a 6-10 forward, gives Crean a big-time downtown threat with the range and mettle of a Gerry McNamara. One of the best shooters in Division I, having connecting on 46.1 percent of his shots from three-point range (89-of-193), the Wisconsin native is just 52 trifectas short of Deiner's program record (284). He's also one of the nation's better free-throw shooters, sinking 90.5 percent of his attempts from the stripe.

 

Marquette's only other returning starter is Joe Chapman, a capable 6-4 shooting guard who tallied 8.1 points per game in 2004-05. Frosh Dominic James, who averaged an Indiana state-best 31.1 points as a high school senior, will assume point guard duties.

 

It's an open battle for the frontcourt slots aside Novak. 6-8, 242-pound sophomore Ryan Amoroso, a skilled forward who averaged 6.0 points and 3.6 boards in 15.2 minutes, should earn a starting role. Ousmane Barro (6-10, 235 lbs.), Dan Fitzgerald (6-9, 200 lbs.) and Chris Grimm (6-10, 245 lbs.) -- all unproven reserve players -- will each compete for playing time.

 

The program's six-man recruiting class is Crean's best since arriving in Milwaukee. James will start immediately, while 6-5 Wesley Matthews and 6-3 Jerel McNeal will see significant minutes in supporting roles. At forward, 6-7 Jamil Lott could vie for a starting spot, while 6-8 Dwight Burke is considered more of a project. Matt Mortensen, a 6-6 forward from Utah, is a lights-out shooter who will also see minutes as a reserve.

 

Prognosis: Marquette's frontcourt dearth could spell its doom through its inaugural Big East go-round. But if the Golden Eagles don't get buried when conference play begins, a return trip to the NIT should be in order.

 

13. Providence

 

Location: Providence, R.I.

Homecourt (Capacity): Dunkin' Donuts Center (12,993)

2004-05 Record (Big East): 14-17 (4-12, Tie-9th)

Nickname: Friars

Coach (Record): Tim Welsh (At Providence: 115-99, 7 years; Career: 185-121, 10 years)

Team Wins (Last Five Years): 21-15-18-20-14

RPI (Last Five Years): 39-96-52-25-96

Famous Non-Basketball Alumni: Peter Farrelly, film director (Dumb and Dumber); Janeane Garofolo, actress (Wet Hot American Summer)

 

On paper, the loss of Ryan Gomes would seem dooming. Gomes, the school's all-time leading scorer, was an All-American talent who's since taken his game to the NBA's Boston Celtics.

 

But the Providence faithful are hoping that the departure of their veritable Big East legend will amount to a case of addition by subtraction. Often, the Friars relied too much upon Gomes in 2004-05, and many hope that his graduation will provide the opportunity for the team's younger talent to flourish.

 

Point guard Donnie McGrath, the team's only scholarship senior, is a four-year starter who averaged 9.7 points and 3.8 assists last season. Dwight Brewington resumes his role at shooting guard after missing eight of the last nine games in 2004-05 with an injured ankle. The 6-5 junior is the team's top returning scorer, averaging 13.3 points.

 

Herbert Hill, a 6-10 center, is Welsh's man in the middle. The junior started 20 games last season and made major strides, netting 4.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocked shots. A pair of sophomores will man the forward spots. 6-6 Charlie Burch can play the three or the four, while 6-7 DeSean White is poised for a breakout season after averaging 5.5 points and 2.9 boards as a frosh.

 

Given the team's relative inexperience, Welsh's four-man recruiting class will have the opportunity to log substantial minutes. 5-10 Sharaud Curry will support Providence's veteran backcourt after scoring 1,874 points at Wheeler (Ga.) and garnering several state Player of the Year awards. Jonathan Kale (6-8, 240 lbs.) averaged a double-double at St. Andrew's (R.I.) and earned ABCD Camp All-Star honors. 6-7 Geoff McDermott and 6-5 Weyinmi Efejuku can each play several positions.

 

Prognosis: There are more questions than answers for Providence. Yes, the Friars have a seasoned veteran at the point in McGrath. Yes, Brewington and White have star potential. But this league's top-to-bottom level of talent will likely keep the Friars out of the postseason for the second straight season.

 

14. Rutgers

 

Location: New Brunswick, N.J.

Homecourt (Capacity): Louis Brown Athletic Center (8,000)

2004-05 Record (Conference): 10-19 (2-14, 12th)

Nickname: Scarlet Knights

Coach (Record): Gary Waters (At Rutgers: 60-61, 4 years; Career: 152-121, 9 years)

Team Wins (Last Five Years): 11-18-12-20-10

RPI (Last Five Years): 223-89-114-45-144

Famous Non-Basketball Alumni: James Gandolfini, film and television actor (The Sopranos); Paul Robeson, American actor, athlete, singer, writer and political activist 

 

The Scarlet Knights return four starters from a team that effectively ended Notre Dame's NCAA hopes with a surprising opening-round upset over the Irish in the Big East tournament.

 

Quincy Douby, who flirted with a transfer at season's end, is slated to man the point for Waters. The 6-3 junior out of Brooklyn paced the Knights with 15.1 points per game, and dished 98 assists to 49 turnovers. He's joined by versatile 6-5 classmate Marquis Webb, a top-notch defender who recorded 6.4 points and 3.2 boards last season.

 

Waters has high hopes for 6-1 freshman Anthony Farmer, a St. Augustine's (N.J.) product, to move into the starting role at point guard. Douby would move to the two, and Webb could fall into the swingman role that best suits his talents. Farmer finished his prep career with 1,709 points, best in school history.

 

Ollie Bailey, a Big East All-Rookie team selection after averaging 9.7 points and 4.4 boards, will start in the frontcourt along 6-11 junior Frank Russell, a transfer from Hampton. Rounding out the starting five is Adrian Hill, who took a medical redshirt in 2004-05 with an injured knee. The 6-8 junior was a part-time starter on the Rutgers team that made a run to the NIT title game in 2004.

 

Last season's starter at center, Byron Joynes, slips to a reserve role. The 6-9, 220-pound junior averaged 4.5 points and a team-best 5.6 boards. Senior Jimmie Inglis (6-9, 250 lbs.) and sophomore Dan Watestradt (6-11, 225 lbs.) will offer additional depth in the post.

 

Aside from Farmer, two more members of the program's five-man recruiting class should make significant impacts. Gerald "J.R." Inman, a wiry 6-9 forward, filled the stat sheet for St. Joseph's (N.J.) and hopes his do-everything talents translate to the college level. Zack Gibson (6-10, 215 lbs.) could afford more muscle for his beanpole frame, but has the tools to make a contribution.

 

Prognosis: The hiring of Fred Hill as associate head coach will prove a huge boon for the program. Hill was Jay Wright's top aide at `Nova, and has earned a reputation as a master recruiter. But he'll have little impact this season, as Rutgers prepares to face a league schedule filled with teams that are mostly more talented than them. Just advancing to the Big East tournament at Madison Square Garden will be a challenge for the Scarlet Knights.

 

15. Seton Hall

 

Location: South Orange, N.J.

Homecourt (Capacity): Continental Airlines Arena (20,029)

2004-05 Record (Big East): 12-16 (4-12, Tie-9th)

Nickname: Pirates

Coach (Record): Louis Orr (At Seton Hall: 62-57, 4 years; Career: 82-68, 5 years)

Team Wins (Last Five Years): 16-12-17-21-12

RPI (Last Five Years): 72-129-42-26-134

Famous Non-Basketball Alumni: Craig Biggio, seven-time All-Star baseball player; Dick Vitale, ebullient sportscaster

 

One year after winning 21 games and bowing to Duke in the second round of the NCAAs, Seton Hall experienced a disappointing regression. Inconsistent play in the frontcourt plagued last year's team, as the Pirates stumbled to a 12-16 mark.

 

The offense will be sparked by fourth-year starter Kelly Whitney. The 6-8 forward has led the Pirates in scoring and assists in each of the past two seasons, but constant double-teaming has hurt his production. How effectively Whitney is able to involve his teammates will go a long way toward determining Seton Hall's success in 2005-06.

 

6-10 junior Grant Billmeier and 6-5 sophomore Brian Laing will round out the frontcourt. A part-time starter last season, Billmeier will need to cut back on the ticky-tack fouls if he intends to stay on the court. Laing, an athletic swingman, averaged 2.8 points in 9.9 minutes. Stan Gaines (6-7, 245 lbs.), a burly transfer from Minnesota, is a strong defender who will add some muscle on the wing. 6-8 Mike Pilgrim, Orr's second cousin, will contribute immediately after transferring from Cincinnati.

 

In the backcourt, 5-10 Donald Copeland should start at the point after averaging 6.9 points and 2.3 assists in 19 starts last season. The senior, best known for his defensive tenacity, has steadily improved his offensive game. Jamar Nutter, a 6-2 junior, will likely start aside Copeland at shooting guard. Paul Gause, a 5-11 frosh, will log minutes as a reserve. The consensus South Jersey Player of the Year scored 3,144 in four years at Arthur P. Schalick High School, the third-best total in state history.

 

Prognosis: While Orr's newcomers address the team's biggest weaknesses from a year ago, it would be a surprise if the Pirates could finish above .500 in the league. Qualifying for the conference tournament would seem a reasonable goal for this bunch.

 

16. South Florida

 

Location: Tampa, Fla.

Homecourt (Capacity): Sun Dome (10,411)

2004-05 Record (Conference USA): 14-16 (5-11, 11th)

Nickname: Bulls

Coach (Record): Robert McCullum (At South Florida: 51-42, 3 years; Career: 119-97, 7 years)

Team Wins (Last Five Years): 18-19-15-7-14

RPI (Last Five Years): 97-77-125-226-169

Famous Non-Basketball Alumni: Gallagher, watermelon-smashing comedian; Melissa Howard, reality television star (The Real World: New Orleans)

 

As winners of just 21 games over the past two seasons (in a less-demanding Conference USA), the Bulls are an almost-universal pick for the conference cellar.

 

McCullum returns just two starters from last year's late-breaking unit, which rebounded from a so-so regular-season campaign to finish with a pair of wins over Top 25 teams: a season-ending victory over Charlotte and a C-USA quarterfinal upset of Cincinnati.  

 

The backcourt will be manned by David Sills, a New York playground legend who's found a home in Tampa after an odyssey that took him through four high schools and three junior colleges. Chris Howard, a 6-2 frosh, will challenge Sills for the job.

 

Several Bulls will vie for the starting position at shooting guard. Sophomore Collin Dennis (6-2, 185 lbs.), senior James Holmes (6-2, 195 lbs.) and junior Marius Prekevicius (6-5, 210 lbs.) are considered the frontrunners.

 

Swingman Melvin Buckley, who sat out the 2004-05 season after transferring from Purdue, is eligible. The 6-7 junior is slated to start at power forward. 6-10 Solomon Jones, the team's lone returning full-time starter, averaged 6.6 points, 6.2 boards and 2.1 blocks. Mattis McHugh, a 6-6 junior swingman, will likely round out the starting lineup.

 

Melvyn Richardson (6-7, 235 lbs.), who sank 61 percent of his shots from the floor at Lon Morris (Texas) J.C., will see minutes at either forward position off the bench. Zaronn Cann, a 6-6, 240-pound freshman, adds more depth up front.

 

Prognosis: The only team in the new-look Big East without a Final Four appearance to its credit probably won't get there any time soon. Even approaching .500 in this monster of a league would be a monumental achievement.

 

Bryan Armen Graham is an Assistant Editor for CSTV.com. Got a comment? Write Bryan and let him know.