Yes, the Gophers and Badgers are both in the Big Ten. But we can’t ignore THE best conference in college basketball.  I may be buying into the ESPN bias of showing like eight games a week on their family of networks, but this IS the best conference in the nation.

The Big East should be showcased, and I have no problem with that.  Also, Marquette (in Milwaukee) does fall into the category of WiscoSota sports, but I don’t drink their milkshake. It tastes like shit. Either way, all teams and players in the Big East (at least the good ones) will get their due in this season preview.

Player of the Year

Luke Harangody F/C Notre Dame- The most unsexy pick and player in college basketball.  He will most likely get his 25 and 12 a night.  I would think defenses would key on him, but Notre Dame has done a good job of surrounding this Big Man with shooters and heady players.  I see him having another big year while Notre Dame will be fighting for an NCAA tourney bid.

Considerations would also have to go to Scottie Reynolds from Villanova, Desean Butler from West Virginia, Lazar Hayward from Marquette ( look for a big year without any other experienced scorers on the team)  and Greg Monroe from Georgetown.

Czar Lazar!

Newcomer of the Year (transfer or frosh)

Lance Stephenson G/F Cincinnati- This kid is not afraid to shoot the ball and he does…alot.  I watched him play in High School, and he basically was jacking shots from any and everywhere. He was not very efficient either, which is certainly not a good combo.

BUT, Stephenson and Devin Ebanks from West Virginia are probably the most athletic players in the Big East.  Lance uses his body well taking it to the rack and absorbing contact while finishing.  It will be interesting to see if he gets the calls early on in the season.  Another player to keep an eye on is freshman Dominic Cheek from Villanova.

Coach of the Year

Bob Huggins (Thuggins) West Virginia-  Its really a toss-up for me between Thuggins and Jay Wright from Villanova.  Both coaches have solid squads, and whoever finishes with the most wins should get Coach of the Year.  Also, if Rick Pitino can work some magic in Louisville, then he should be in the conversation as well.

The “Thuggins” reference comes from the fact that he recruits players who have questionable backgrounds, and at Cincinnati he had a 28% graduation rate. Not every player makes it to the NBA, Thuggins. Two notable NBAers that Thuggins has recruited are Kenyon Martin and Michael Beasley (was recruited by Thuggins but never played for him).

Bob Thuggin' it up

Most Imporoved Player

Kemba Walker G from Connectcuit-  This award could go to a number of different players because the league lost a lot of talented upperclassmen last year. These new guys will have their chance to shine.  The Huskies are looking to replace much of their team from last year and Kemba is the perfect guy to step up.

Kemba is a lightning-quick point guard who can get to the rack and hit the open J.  Last year he came off the bench in a small role, but now he has the reins to the team and it will be interesting if he can lead them.  Also, I feel like Mike Rosario from Rutgers will improve greatly in his all-around game.

Projected Finish

1. West Virginia-Devin Ebanks and Desean Butler will lead this team.
2. Villanova- When you run four guards and one Big, you need quality depth and they have that.
3. Louisville- Pitino will have this team vying for a Big East title by the end of the year.
4. UCONN-Stanley Robinson needs to take his game to the next level.
5. Syracuse- Love the way they play the 2-3 zone.
6. Georgetown- Greg Monroe running the high post should create lanes in the Princeton offense.
7. Notre Dame- Need shooters to make shots to complement Harangody.
8. Cincinnati- Deonta Vaughn looks to improve on his 15.3 ppg last year.  Look for nearly 20 this year.
9. Seton Hall- Jeremy Hazell finished second in the league in scoring at 22.3 a clip.
10. Pitt- Oh how the mighty have fallen. Watch Ashton Gibbs.
11. Rutgers- Mike Rosario is going to take the game by storm.
12. St. John’s- They have Crackbaby (Anthony) Mason Jr.
13. Marquette- Lazar Hayward will have to play out of his mind to help this team win.
14. Providence- Only have four returning players.
15. South Florida- I don’t know what to tell you…they are bad.
16. DePaul- went 0-18 last year.  They’re going to get one this year…right?

I think the Big East will have at least seven teams make The Dance this year. Eight teams is not out of the question, either. The Big East is, after all, THE best conference in college basketball.