SB Nation - Jermaine Dixon

The Shotgun/Throwdown: Thursday (12/10/09) Edition

WVUIE97 — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:46:59 -0000

Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's best place for sports links, information and a few distractions from the daily grind. Today we're being brought to you by Skol, in honor of today's Miss Throwdown.

The men rolled last night and Huggs wasn't happy. Raise your hand if you're surprised. They've got one more game, Saturday, before finals break and then the schedule takes off. This is gonna be a fun ride this year, so enjoy it. Keep the tips, suggestions and requests coming. It all starts here...

What's On Tap:

Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. Cincinnati Bearcats - ESPN
Tonight on the Deuce at 8:30. Cinci is giving 14.5.

Syracuse Orange vs. Florida Gators -ESPN
Tonight on ESPN at 9. Syracuse is giving 2.5.

Around the League (and Beyond):

Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly seeking demands from Notre Dame? - Cincinnati Enquirer

Louisville football can soar again, Charlie Strong declares - Courier-Journal

Wall leads No. 4 Kentucky over No. 14 UConn 64-61 - SI.com

Villanova 97, Saint Joseph's 89 - SI.com

Rutgers men overcome loss of Greg Echenique, slow start to beat Monmouth, 66-52 - Star Ledger

Orange Scouting Report: Syracuse vs. Florida - syracuse.com

Dixon's slow return from injury still boosts undermanned Panthers - PPG

Video of Interest:

Soccer Gallery of the Week Part II:

via coedmagazine.files.wordpress.com

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is another gorgeous supermodel from Brazil. She's done work for Vicky's and the SI Swimsuit Edition. Here's Ana Beatriz Barros.

via www.thelifeofluxury.com

Skol image via thesmartgirls.files.wordpress.com

Hoosier Headlines for December 8, 2009: Pittsburgh pregame.

John M (The Crimson Quarry) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:23:07 -0000

More photos » by Keith Srakocic - AP

15 days ago: Pittsburgh head coach Jamie Dixon watches his team from the floor in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against New Hampshire in Pittsburgh, Friday, Dec. 4, 2009. Pittsburgh won 47-32. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Browse more photos »

Big stage beckons (Post-Tribune)
"One week after being trounced 80-68 by Maryland in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, the Hoosiers step into the national spotlight once again. IU coach Tom Crean said his team is in for one of their tougher challenges of the season, but also one of their most valuable experiences."
IU, Crean expect pro-Pitt Garden crowd (The Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Ind.)
"It will seem like a road game," Crean said Sunday. "There are probably two programs outside of New York right now that can turn the Garden into a home game: that’s Pitt and Duke." I guess I don't get it. Is Pitt's following in any sport that substantial? I'll be interested to see the crowd and how many east coast IU alumni make an appearance.
Pitt Basketball: Guard Dixon's return should boost offense (Pittsburgh Post Gazette)
"Indiana coach Tom Crean was 5-3 against Pitt coach Jamie Dixon when he was at Marquette."
IU to play Pittsburgh in Madison Square Garden, appreciates opportunity on national stage (Indiana Daily Student |)
"IU coach Tom Crean said the history of Madison Square Garden played into his team’s choice to accept a bid to the Jimmy V Classic. "

IU-Pitt more than just a game (Indiana Daily Student)
"In talking to Watford, fellow freshman Jordan Hulls and IU coach Tom Crean on Sunday, it was clear that the Hoosiers are hungry for a victory. "

Hoosiers head to Garden for Jimmy V Classic (Indiana Daily Student)
"When the basketball team opens the Big Ten season Dec. 31 against Michigan, IU will be ready. A three-game stretch sandwiched in less than two weeks against Maryland, Pittsburgh and Kentucky gives the Hoosiers an opportunity to prepare before facing conference opponents. "

IU faces tough, physical Pitt (The News-Sentinel - Fort Wayne IN)
"Pitt was the most physical team (in the Big East)," [Jeremiah] Rivers said. "I remember how tough it was for every possession. Coach (Jamie) Dixon teaches that. That's how they play. It's like the Big Ten in some ways. I hope we match that energy and control it."

Pitt, Indiana share links (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
"That was my favorite team," McGhee said. "They offered me when Kelvin Sampson was the coach. I ended up coming to Pitt. I think I made a great decision not going (to IU)." Ouch.

Indiana on stage at MSG (Evansville Courier & Press)

Foul play suspected for IU's Pritchard (The Courier-Journal)
"I try not to think about it, but it's always there," Pritchard said. "I just have to stop picking up those quick fouls. Coach has had me working in practice on guarding the perimeter players to try to get me to move my feet more. The idea is to make me more disciplined and not foul as much, so hopefully that will help me in the upcoming games."

Scouting Pittsburgh | The Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Ind.
"For the seventh straight game, Pitt will start five players who had a combined one career start before the season opener. Pitt remains without its two top returnees from last year: Returning starter Jermaine Dixon (broken right foot) and last year's sixth man Gilbert Brown (academic suspension)."

Porter wants to build his own legacy, thinks Todd Yeagley should be next IU coach (The Hoosier Scoop)
"When I left Indiana, I said that my goal was to take what I had learned there and use it to build my own legacy somewhere else," he said Monday afternoon. "That’s what I’m doing, and what I intend to continue to do."

IU football gets 22nd commitment (The Hoosier Scoop)

Know Thy Opponent: Pittsburgh Panthers (Inside the Hall)

The Shotgun/Throwdown: Tuesday (12/8/09) Edition

WVUIE97 — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:08:10 -0000

Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's best place for sports links, information and a bit of fun. Today we're being brought to you by Lamar St. Pale Ale in honor of today's Miss Throwdown.

I had a bit of a browser snafu earlier (sorry for the delay). Today seems a bit quiet, but things should pick up again tomorrow as Huggs and Co. get back to business. Suggestions and requests are always welcome. Here we go...

What You May Have Missed:

Gold and Blue Report for Tuesday - WVMETRONEWS.COM

WVU's Williams named Big East defensive player of the week - PPG

Gator Bowl, Bowden's finale, sells out in 2 hours - Tampa Tribune

WVU Varsity Sports Report - BlueGoldNews.com

NCAA College Football Power Rankings Week 14 - ESPN

News of Note (FB):

WVU's Mullen[ed.], Brown have a special bond - Charleston Daily Mail

Big East Football notebook: Stock up, stock down, power rankings - Star Ledger

No sure thing - Times West Virginian

Excited to face Bowden - Register-Herald

News of Note (BB):

NCAA College Basketball Polls - ESPN
We've moved up a bit.

Men's Basketball: Four Games Sold Out - MSNsportsNET.Com

Carey wants more from WVU, even after win - Times West Virginian

SBJ: NCAA, TV talk about expanding hoops tourney - Sporting News

What's On Tap:

Women's Basketball: WVU Takes on E. Kentucky - MSNsportsNET.Com
Tonight, 7 p.m. at the Coliseum.

Around the League (and Beyond):

Cincinnati's Brian Kelly to meet with Notre Dame - SI.com (AP)

Cincinnati Bearcats running back: We understand Brian Kelly's position - Cincinnati Enquirer

Florida football players value relationship with Louisville coaching candidate Charlie Strong - Courier-Journal

Rutgers wide receiver Tim Brown is iffy for St. Petersburg Bowl because of ankle injury - Star Ledger

Pitt Basketball: Guard Dixon's return should boost offense - PPG

Report: USF says it has no record of NCAA investigation - ESPN

BAMA 32:13 Tebow Cried t-shirts - Red Label Sports
You have to check out the first T-Shirt on this page!!

Random Link of Awesomeness:

Shorter And Sweeter: The Greatest Christmas Decoration Ever!

Video of Interest:

Thanks, once again, to WVIllustrated.

Video of (Dis)Interest:

Michael Bay directed a Vicky's commercial. Surprisingly, there are no robots ~~or explosions~~ and only one explosion[ed.] and sadly, no Megan Fox.

Soccer Gallery of the Week:

The World Cup draw was held a few days ago. Here is the Group breakdown in hotness form.

via www.djmick.co.uk

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is the sexy actress who plays the maid, Catalina, on the tv show My Name Is Earl. Here's Chicago native, Nadine Velazquez.

via gallery.celebritypro.com

Lamar St. Pale Ale image via www.bruguru.com

BtB 2009-10 Big East Preview

Chris Dobbertean — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:19:46 -0000

The Big East had a BIG season last year, but not quite the monster year many predicted. At the end of the year, the conference only qualified eight teams for the NCAAs, instead the nine or ten many had predicted. Louisville earned the tournament's overall number one seed, while UConn and Pitt joined them on the top line. The Huskies were the only one of this group to make it to Detroit, but the 3 seed in the East region, Villanova, knocked off the Panthers to join Connecticut at Ford Field.

Graduation and the NBA Draft sapped some of the star power from the conference during the offseason, and teams like Pitt and Marquette, look to be in rebuilding mode because of it. Louisville, whose summer included personnel losses and revelations about Rick Pitino's personal life, will be a contender but not quite the power of last year. UConn and Syracuse also lost significant personnel, but have some exciting recruits coming in to fill the voids. Two teams who fell flat last year, Georgetown and Notre Dame could be back, while Cincinnati, St. John's, and Seton Hall may be waking from a long slumber.

But the two teams who appear to be head and shoulders above the rest are the two who lost the least, Villanova and West Virginia. They'll start with the biggest targets on their backs, and they'll take plenty of shots in the early season, particularly in tournament play. Both play in loaded fields this November, the Wildcats in Puerto Rico; the Mountaineers in Anaheim.

More on all 16 teams in the largest league in the land after the jump.

Here's a recap of last year's Big East standings.

Big East Conference Standings

(updated 4.5.2009 at 12:15 AM EDT)

	Conf		Overall
	W	L	W	L
Louisville Cardinals	16	2	31	6
Connecticut Huskies	15	3	31	5
Pittsburgh Panthers	15	3	31	5
Villanova Wildcats	13	5	30	8
Marquette Golden Eagles	12	6	25	10
Syracuse Orange	11	7	28	10
West Virginia Mountaineers	10	8	23	12
Providence Friars	10	8	19	14
Notre Dame Fighting Irish	8	10	21	15
Cincinnati Bearcats	8	10	18	14
Seton Hall Pirates	7	11	17	15
Georgetown Hoyas	7	11	16	15
St. John's Red Storm	6	12	16	18
South Florida Bulls	4	14	9	22
Rutgers Scarlet Knights	2	16	11	21
DePaul Blue Demons	0	18	9	24

Now, here are my picks for 2009-10, presented in reverse order. If a team name appears in red, click it to go to that schools SBNation site, your source for more in depth analysis.

DePaul (last NCAA: 2004) The Blue Demons defeated a league opponent once only last season, bursting Cincinnati's bubble in the first round of the Big East tournament. The pressure is definitely on Jerry Wainwright at the moment, but this team doesn't look like it will improve much. The foundation is good, even with swingman Dar Tucker's departure for the professional game, as 6-10 Mac Koshwal is a beast inside for Wainwright, as he averaged over 12 points and nearly 10 boards a game last year, and Will Walker averaged nearly 15 points a game in the backcourt. But the rest of the squad lacks scoring punch and experience. Ohio State transfer Eric Wallace, Oregon State transfer Eric Wallace, and returnees Devin Hill (3.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg) and Mario Stula (1.7 ppg) will have to produce more to make up for the loss of Tucker, while Jabari Currie (5.3 ppg, 1.8 apg) and Jeremiah Kelly (4.3 ppg, 2.4 apg) will need to help Walker out more in the backcourt. DePaul will play Northern Iowa in the Paradise Jam, then East Carolina or Tennessee in their second game. They'll also head to Tampa to take on Mississippi State in the Big East/SEC Invitational.

Providence (last NCAA: 2004) The Friars won 10 Big East games in Keno Davis' first season at the helm, but ended up in the NIT. Providence's schedule is a big reason for their failure, as they defeated Cincinnati and Rutgers twice, and were swept by Villanova, making their victory total a bit suspect. Providence should drop significantly this season, as they lost four starters off an already disappointing team. Senior point guard Sharaud Curry (11.7 ppg, 4.2 apg) is the lone returning starter, so at least the offense will be in good hands. Production will have to come from 6-5 wing Marshon Brooks (10.6 ppg) and 6-4 Brian McKenzie (4.6 ppg), along with JC transfer Kyle Wright and freshman Duke Mondy, both of whom lit it up at their previous level of competition. 6-9 JC transfer Russ Permenter and 6-8 freshmen Kadeem Bates and James Still will join two redshirt freshmen, 6-6 Jamine Peterson and 6-8 Bilal Dixon, on an all new frontline. How quickly that group can adjust to the rigors of the Big East will determine how well PC can do this season. The Friars don't participate in a tournament this year, but they travel to Alabama and host former Big East member Boston College.

South Florida (last NCAA: 1992) The Bulls should be better this year, but the question is whether that will show up in the standings. Stan Heath returns three starters from a team that won only four Big East contests a season ago, including guard Dominique Jones (18.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.9 apg) and 6-10 forward Augustus Gilchrist (10.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg). Both of those players will receive significant help in their particular units, as Ohio State transfer Anthony Crater will take some of the playmaking pressure off Jones (as will a bigger role for senior Chris Howard, who averaged over 4 assists a game last year) and 6-11 JC transfer Jarrid Famous will combine with Gilchrist to form one of the more intimidating frontlines in the conference. 6-4 guard Mike Mercer (8.5 ppg, 33.3% from 3) returns to the team for his final season after head coach Stan Heath booted him in January for disciplinary issues. USF's freshmen, heavy on guards and wings, includes Joe Dumars' son, Jordan. The Bulls will play in the Charleston Classic before Thanksgiving, where they'll play Davidson on Day 1. A matchup with either La Salle or South Carolina awaits on Day 2. USF will also face San Diego and San Francisco in Las Vegas before Christmas.

Rutgers (last NCAA: 1991) The Scarlet Knights once again struggled in the Big East, winning only two games in the conference in '08-09. Fred Hill's team should face another tough year despite the return of 6-3 sophomore guard Mike Rosario (16.2 ppg) and an improving frontline featuring imposing shotblocker 6-9 Gregory Echenique (8.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.4 bpg) and 6-11 center Hamady Ndiaye (5.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg). 6-7 Jonathan Mitchell, a transfer from Florida, and 6-6 sophomore Patrick Jackson, a rarely used freshman, are expected to contribute as well. While Rutgers is set at shooting guard thanks to Rosario, JC transfer James Beatty will likely replace Anthony Farmer at the point, though junior Mike Coburn (4 ppg, 2.1 apg), last year's backup, will see plenty of time there as well. The Scarlet Knights will make the short trip to Atlantic City, where they'll face UMass in the semifinals of the Legends Classic. They'll play either Florida or Michigan State on the following evening. A December 28 trip to North Carolina also looms large.

Marquette (last NCAA: 2009) The Golden Eagles appear due for a fall in Buzz Williams' second year at the helm. Jerel McNeal, Wesley Matthews, and Dominic James, Marquette's starting backcourt of a season ago, have all graduated. And while 6-6 F Lazar Hayward (16.3 ppg, 8.6 rpg) is back, that's a lot of production Williams will have to replace. Jimmy Butler (5.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg), another 6-6 forward, should move from the sixth man role to the starting lineup, but he needs to show more offensive consistency. Two-time Wisconsin HS Player of the Year Jeronne Maymon, yet another 6-6 forward, will be expected to contribute immediately, as will 6-7 shot blocking machine Erik Williams. Marquette's all-new backcourt features two JC All-Americans, 6-3 Dwight Buycks and 6-1 Darius Johnson-Odom, and 6-1 Canadian freshman Junior Cadougan, the heir apparent to James. Maurice Acker (2.8 ppg, 1.8 apg), who replaced James when he went out with a broken foot, is also back for the Golden Eagles. Marquette plays in the Old Spice Classic this year, where they open with Xavier. They'll then play either Michigan or Creighton in what has to be called that tournament's Midwestern half of the bracket.

Pittsburgh (last NCAA: 2009) The Panthers will be in full rebuilding mode this season, as Jamie Dixon lost four starters from a season ago. However, the one starter who is back, senior guard Jermaine Dixon (8.4 ppg, 2 apg), is out until November thanks to a broken foot. Reserves Gilbert Brown (5.4 ppg), Brad Wanamaker (5.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg), and Ashton Gibbs (4.3 ppg, 43.9% from 3) will have to take on a greater role, but replacing Levance Fields at the point is the biggest issue for Pitt. Ultimately, Gibbs and Centenary transfer Chase Adams (14.6 ppg, 4.5 apg) will have to shoulder the load. The frontcourt was decimated thanks to the departure of DeJuan Blair, Sam Young, and Tyrell Biggs. 6-10 center Gary McGhee (1.2 ppg, 1.5 rpg in roughly 6 minutes per game) will see a lot more time this season, as will 6-6 swingman Gilbert Brown (5.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg), but 6-9 freshman Dante Taylor, a McDonald's All-American, could become the most exciting frontcourt player for the Panthers this season. Pitt will travel to Kansas City for the CBE Classic, where they'll open against Wichita State. Big 12 power Texas or now-perennially-rebuilding Iowa awaits on the second night.

Seton Hall (last NCAA: 2006) Bobby Gonzalez not only brings back four starters from a season ago, led by offensive force Jeremy Hazell (22.7 ppg), he has several transfers coming in to provide much needed depth. The Pirates' solid backcourt, featuring Hazell, starting point guard Eugene Harvey (12.5 ppg, 4.5 apg), and backup PG Jordan Theodore (5.9 ppg, 2 apg) receives a major reinforcement in the form of Missouri transfer Keon Lawrence (11 ppg, 2.3 apg in '07-08). An emerging frontline, featuring 6-6 Robert Mitchell (14.7 ppg, 8 rpg) and 6-9 John Garcia (8 ppg, 7 rpg), will be even better thanks to the presence of 6-8 New Mexico State transfer Herb Pope, who averaged more than 11 points and almost 7 boards a game in his single season in Las Cruces. Melvyn Oliver, a 6-11 sophomore who weighs in at an immovable 340 pounds and 6-6 Memphis transfer Jeff Robinson will also see some minutes. Seton Hall won't participate in a tournament this year, but they'll still get some time in the sun. They'll travel to Cancun to take on Virginia Tech on the second day of 2010.

St. John's (last NCAA: 2002) Last season, Norm Roberts' Red Storm won 16 games, 6 in the Big East, during a campaign that was plagued by injuries. St. John's hasn't quite been able to shake the injury bug yet, as their best player, 6-7 senior F Anthony Mason, Jr. (14 ppg, 4.3 rpg) will be out until at least late November with a hamstring injury. He only played three games last season thanks to a torn tendon in his right foot. When he returns, he'll join 6-6 junior D.J. Kennedy (13 ppg, 6.6 rpg) and 6-8 junior Sean Evans (10.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg) to form a quality frontcourt. 6-3 junior Paris Horne, who led the Red Storm in scoring a season ago (14.6 ppg), and 5-9 PG Malik Boothe (6.4 ppg, 4.4 apg) will anchor the backcourt, with sophomore Quincy Roberts (5 ppg) and freshman PG Malik Stith, as the supporting cast. St. John's will participate in the Philly Hoop Group Classic over Thanksgiving weekend at the Palestra, where they'll face Siena and Temple.

Notre Dame (last NCAA: 2008) The Fighting Irish have a chance of improving on last year's disappointing 21-win NIT campaign thanks to the return of 6-8 Luke Harangody (23.3 ppg, 11.8 rpg), a player who has numerous school and conference records within reach. In the backcourt, point guard Tory Jackson (10.6 ppg, 4.9 apg) returns, but perimeter sharpshooters Kyle McAlarney (15 ppg) and Ryan Ayers (11.1 ppg) will be sorely missed. Mississippi State transfer Ben Hansbrough, brother of Tyler, will be called on to make up some of that production, though he's just as likely to score inside, as he can really drive to the basket. Unfortunately, another player who would've fit in immediately, 6-8 Purdue transfer Scott Martin, will miss the year with a knee injury. That means 6-8 junior Tyrone Nash (3 ppg, 3.6 rpg) will have to take on a greater role. Ultimately, a lack of depth will keep the Irish from rising too high in the standings, but they should be competitive for an NCAA bid. Notre Dame will participate in the Chicago Invitational Challenge, where they open with Northwestern. The second day the Irish will face either Iowa State or Saint Louis.

Cincinnati (last NCAA: 2005) Thanks to four returning starters and a couple of key newcomers, Mick Cronin's team should be able to improve on last year's 18 wins (8 in the conference), and with the losses other Big East teams suffered, they should get back to the Dance. The Bearcats' strength will be their backcourt, led by all-Big East pick Deonta Vaughn (15.3 ppg, 4.7 apg). He'll receive more help than he had last year, as PG Cashmere Wright is back after missing all of last year with a knee injury and Larry Davis (6.8 ppg) also returns from an ankle injury. 6-9 Yancy Gates (10.6 ppg, 6.1 rpg), who was one of the league's top freshmen last season anchors the frontcourt, which will also feature 6-11 Oklahoma State transfer Ibrahima Thomas (8.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg) when the fall semester ends. However, the arrival of 6-6 New Yorker Lance Stephenson gives the Bearcats a second legit star. New York State's all-time leading scorer averaged nearly 29 points a contest last year, so he should provide an instant boost to a team that was weak on the offensive end last season. Cincy will play in Maui this November, where they open with Vanderbilt. If they win that, a semifinal with Maryland would likely await.

Georgetown (last NCAA: 2008) The Hoyas were touted as a Final Four team by some last year, but struggled with consistency throughout the season. DaJuan Summers left early for the NBA, which is a major blow, and Jesse Sapp, the senior point guard and defensive specialist who saw a lot more action than anticipated last year, graduated, but John Thompson III has plenty of talent returning to improve on last season's 16-15 mark. Chris Wright (12.5 ppg, 3.8 apg) is back to run the point after showing well in his first league campaign. He missed all of the previous conference season with an ankle injury. At the 2 spot, Austin Freeman (11.4 ppg, 2 apg) will be expected to improve his production in Summers' absence. The frontcourt is anchored by conference Newcomer of the Year Greg Monroe (12.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.5 bpg), but those expected to start alongside him, sophomore PF Henry Sims and freshman SF Hollis Thompson are relatively inexperienced. That means reserve Julian Vaughn (1.8 ppg, 1.7 rpg), who was expected to contribute more in his first year after transferring from Florida State, and occasional starter Nikita Mescheriakov (2.7 ppg, 1.5 rpg) may see quite a bit more time than anticipated. The Hoyas won't participate in a tournament this season, but they will head west to take on Washington in the Wooden Classic (not UCLA, which would make sense) and up to New York to face Butler in the Jimmy V Classic.

Louisville (last NCAA: 2009) Rick Pitino was the center of a lot of unwanted attention this offseason thanks to some well-publicized off the court issues. On the court, the Cards the news was also negative, as the team's two leading scorers and rebounders from last season, Earl Clark and Terrence Williams, are now in the NBA. The cupboard is far from bare for Pitino, however. He has a backcourt led by seniors Edgar Sosa (7.3 ppg, 2.3 apg) and Jerry Smith, a gifted shooter who averaged almost 8 points a game while shooting 41 percent from beyond the arc. Junior Preston Knowles shot even better from outside, 43 percent, as the sixth man last year. The Cards will need their production, along with that of 6-4 freshman sharpshooter Mike Marra and McDonald's All-American PG Peyton Siva, to replace some of the production that left with Clark and Williams. The frontcourt should be a strength, thanks to the return of 6-9 Samardo Samuels (11.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg), though he'll need to be more consistent. Samuels will be challenged by having to do more of the dirty work on the glass, as he was only the third leading rebounder on last year's team. 6-9 sophomore Terrence Jennings should also provide more punch this season, as he averaged 4.2 ppg and 2.9 rpg in only about 12 minutes worth of action as a freshman. Tony Delk, a 6-4 swingman, who averaged less than a bucket a game last year, should also see more time. Besides the traditional game with Kentucky, Louisville will play Arkansas in the Hall of Fame Showcase in St. Louis before they play home games against three mid-major opponents in the same event.

Syracuse (last NCAA: 2009) The Orange lost their three leading scorers--NBA first rounder Jonny Flynn, his Niagara Falls High School teammate Paul Harris, and Eric Devendorf--off a squad that reached the Sweet 16. But don't expect Jim Boeheim's squad to fall too far down the Big East pecking order. Two regular frontcourt starters--6-9 C Arinze Onuaku (10.3 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.4 bpg) and 6-9 F Rick Jackson (8.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.6 bpg)-return, as does part-time starter Andy Rautins (10.5 ppg, 36.6% from 3). The newcomers are even more intriguing. 6-7 F Wesley Johnson, who averaged over 12 points and almost 8 boards as a freshman and 12+ points and 4 boards as a sophomore at Iowa State, will fill Harris' spot in the frontcourt. 6-4 freshman Brandon Triche will replace Flynn at the point. The Orange have some talent on the bench, as 6-1 sophomore guard Scoop Jardine returns after sitting out last year injured, 6-7 sophomore Kris Joseph will provide some depth up front, but he'll have to be more consistent than he was as a freshman. 6-8 freshman James Southerland should see some time off the bench because of his ability to shoot. Syracuse makes the short trip to New York City for the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic, where they'll face California in the semifinals, then either Ohio State or North Carolina. They'll travel to Tampa to take on Florida in the Big East/SEC Invitational and host Memphis in the Dome.

Connecticut (last NCAA: 2009) Jim Calhoun lost three starters off a Final Four team, Hasheem Thabeet, A.J. Price, and Jeff Adrien, but don't expect UConn to fall too far. PG Kemba Walker (8.9 ppg, 2.8 apg) got a lot of experience off the bench in '08-09 and will be ready to fill Price's shoes at the 1 spot. Freshman Darius Smith should also see some time at the point and maybe even at the 2 spot, thanks to his scoring ability. Jerome Dyson (13.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.1 apg) returns from a torn meniscus to provide more toughness to the backcourt. In the frontcourt, SF Stanley Robinson (8.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg) needs to show more consistency, while 6-9 senior Gavin Edwards steps into a starting role for the first time. Calhoun has some impact youngsters on his frontline, including 6-10 Ater Majok and high school teammates Alex Oriakhi and Jamal Coombs-McDaniel. If the younger frontcourt produces as the season goes on, UConn could go on another long March run. Of course, the ongoing investigation surrounding Josh Nochimson could still lead to some distractions during the season. Schedule-wise, the Huskies will host the North regional of the NIT Season Tip-Off. That should result in the first of two trips to MSG for them, as they also face Kentucky in the Big East/SEC Invitational.

West Virginia (last NCAA: 2009) The Mountaineers bring back the bulk of a team that disappointingly lost to Dayton in the first round of last year's NCAAs. Bob Huggins' frontcourt features two players who will challenge for national honors this year, 6-7 senior Da'Sean Butler (17.1 ppg. 5.9 rpg) and 6-9 sophomore Devin Ebanks (10.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg)-a player who really came on in the second half of last season. PF Wellington Smith (5.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg), a 6-7 senior, should up his performance now that he's recovered from a stress fracture in his leg, while 6-8 sophomore Kevin Jones (6.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg) is another solid reserve player for the Mountaineers. The backcourt will be new as JC transfer Casey Mitchell will be the starting shooting guard and Alex Ruoff's replacement at point guard is a real question mark. Darryl Bryant (9.8 ppg, 2.7 apg), Ruoff's heir apparent, was suspended by Huggins over the summer. Joe Mazzulla (5.6 ppg, 3.7 apg), another player who had to deal with off the court issues last year, is another option. His minutes depend on how well he's recovered from the severe shoulder injury he suffered early last season. The Mountaineers will play in the 76 Classic in Anaheim, where they'll open with Long Beach State. A matchup with either Clemson or Texas A&M awaits on the day after Thanksgiving.

Villanova (last NCAA: 2009) Leading scorer Dante Cunningham (16.1 ppg, 7.5 rpg) and swingman Dwayne Anderson (9 ppg, 6.2 rpg) may be gone from last year's Final Four team, but there's enough quality on the roster to ensure that the Wildcats remain near the top of the league. Sixth man Corey Fisher (10.8 ppg, 2.8 apg) should move over to the point full-time, while senior Scottie Reynolds (15.2 ppg, 3.4 apg) will continue to help with the playmaking, even in a more offensive role. The frontcourt corps of 6-5 Corey Stokes (9.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg), 6-5 Reggie Redding (7.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg), and 6-8 Antonio Pena (5.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg) will be joined by several newcomers. 6-11 redshirt Maurice Sutton, 6-6 Duke transfer Taylor King, and 6-7 freshman Isaiah Armwood will see considerable minutes, while 6-10 Mouphtaou Yarou, a high school teammate of Armwood, will give the Wildcats an inside dimension they haven't had in years. Nova will play in the Puerto Rico Tip-Off before Thanksgiving. They'll open with George Mason before facing either Dayton or Georgia Tech on the second day.

The Wildcats will hold the Big East's auto bid in my 2009-10 Final Preseason Bracket, which I will release on November 9. There will undoubtedly be a few of their conference brethren joining them.

To wrap up this preview, here is my preseason All-Big East team, featuring the best returning players from last season.

Preseason All-Big East Team

Player of the Year: Luke Harangody, 6-8 F, Sr. (Notre Dame)

Remainder of the Team
Da'Sean Butler, 6-7 F. Sr. (West Virginia)
Devin Ebanks, 6-9 F, So. (West Virginia)
Greg Monroe, 6-11 F, So. (Georgetown)
Scottie Reynolds, 6-2 G, Sr. (Villanova)

Poll

Who is your pick to win the Big East this season?

Cincinnati

7 votes

Connecticut

9 votes

DePaul

1 votes

Georgetown

24 votes

Louisville

13 votes

Marquette

0 votes

Notre Dame

1 votes

Pittsburgh

6 votes

Providence

0 votes

Rutgers

2 votes

St. John's

1 votes

Seton Hall

1 votes

South Florida

0 votes

Syracuse

10 votes

Villanova

18 votes

West Virginia

19 votes

112 votes | Poll has closed

Louisville/Pitt preview

Mike Rutherford — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 20:51:27 -0000

PITTSBURGH PANTHERS

Record: 16-0 (4-0)

National Rank: 1

Game Time: 6 p.m.

Site: Freedom Hall: Louisville, Ky.

Officials: Pat Driscoll, Ed Hightower, Brian O'Connell

Television: ESPN

Announcers: Sean McDonough/Bill Raftery/Fran Fraschilla

All-Time Series: Pittsburgh leads 4-3

Last Meeting: Pittsburgh won 76-69 (OT) in the quarterfinals of the 2008 Big East Tournament

Starting Lineup

G Levance Fields (10.3 ppg)
G Jermaine Dixon (7.8 ppg)
C Dejuan Blair (14.7 ppg)
F Tyrell Biggs (8.5 ppg)
F Sam Young (18.7 ppg)

Five Best Wins

Pittsburgh 82, Miami (OH) 53 (11/17)
Pittsburgh 80, Texas Tech 67 (11/28)
Pittsburgh 79, Siena 66 (12/17)
Pittsburgh 56, Florida State 48 (12/21)
Pittsburgh 70, Georgetown 54 (1/3)

Worst Loss

Nope

Six Points of Emphasis

The Panthers are another one of those teams with a backcourt featuring one or two exceptional guards and then not much coming off the bench . But while one would think that Louisville's quartet of ball-hawkers would be able to wear down Levance Fields, "The General" has dished out 24 assists to just seven turnovers in six career games against Louisville. Eliminate his freshman season, and the assist-to-turnover ratio against the Cards becomes an even more impressive 22-to-3.

While not having Ronald Ramon for the first time might make Fields more susceptible to fatigue against the Cards, U of L has to assume that the senior is going to take good care of the ball and attack the likes of Jermaine Dixon, Brad Wanamaker and Travon Woodall that much harder. Those takeaways have to come from somewhere for Louisville to have a shot, even if the Panthers do rank third in the country in assist-to-turnover ratio.

In both meetings last year, Louisville failed to defend the perimeter adequately, but was bailed out by poor shooting performances by every Panther this side of Ramon. Of course preventing the three out of a zone is easier said than done against a team like Pitt. Staying on outside shooters is hard enough when you're also trying to handle a big man as talented as Dejuan Blair, but when you throw in a forward like Sam Young who can tear up the middle of a zone then it's damn-near impossible.

If the Cards are going to try and keep Blair and Young from combining for 50 points, then they're simply going to have to hope that Fields, Dixon, Wanamaker and company have off-shooting nights, because those guys are going to get their looks. The fact that they hit 10-of-18 from deep against South Florida doesn't exactly ring in confidence.

Pitt was the one team that gave David Padgett fits during his senior season, but the Panthers were also on the receiving end of three of the better performances of Derrick Caracter's tumultuous Cardinal career.

Padgett would get so caught up in the physicality of tilts with the Panthers that he was constantly out of position, which made his relative lack of athleticism grossly apparent. Caracter, a more balanced mixture of size and agility, was able to play the physical game he always played regardless of the opponent, and was still able to finish plays on the offensive end. It didn't work against squads like Dayton or in any game where the officials weren't going to let you get away with blatant, two-handed shoves, but it worked against Pitt.

Not that anyone should expect him to get the better of Blair, but it must be noted that Samardo Samuels' game falls far more in line with that of Caracter's than Padgett's. So while his stat line might not end up being Blair-esque, don't be surprised if Samuels gives more of a complete performance than most are expecting. Monday night taught us that he's certainly not going to come in intimidated.

Though not in the modern sense of having a rowdy student section right on top of the action, Freedom Hall can still be a highly intimidating place to play, especially for a highly regarded foe. Somewhere around 20,000 people are going to be doing everything possible to will their guys to a win over the No. 1 team in the country, and that will absolutely have an effect on the game.

The Panthers have made a living against U of L on second chance opportunities since the Cards made the jump to the Big East. Tomorrow should be no different, as Pitt comes in leading the Big East and ranked second in the country in rebounding margin at +10.7 per game. This can't be a game where Samuels stands around and hopes to see Earl Clark or Terrence Williams skying for a rebound. He doesn't have to put up big numbers on the glass, but he does have to keep Blair - the nation's leading offensive rebounder - from doing so. Find the big man, put a body on him, and then if the ball doesn't bounce your way, have faith that Clark or T-Will are going to do their job.

Clark and Williams don't both have to be Superman (in the words of Rick Pitino), but one does. The other one can settle for being like Flash Gordon, or something. If either is Mighty Mouse then we're done.

Notable and Quotable

Louisville is 9-0 this season when it makes more than seven three-pointers in a game.

Pitt had been ranked No. 2 on 16 different occasions, but is currently the No. 1 team in the country for the first time in program history. Louisville has never been ranked No. 1.

Earl Clark will celebrate his 21st birthday on Saturday.

The Cardinals have won their last two regular season meetings with No. 1 ranked teams, and are 3-5 in regular season titlts with top-ranked squads all-time.

U of L has won five of its last six overtime games, the lone loss coming at the hands of Pittsburgh in last year's Big East Tournament.

Louisville is unbeaten when shooting better from the field than its opponent, outscoring its opponent’s bench, leading at halftime and leading with five minutes to go.

Pitt is one of the nation’s top offensive rebounding teams. The Panthers are averaging 16.3 offensive rebounds per game and have surpassed the 20-offensive rebound mark five times this year (22-Akron, 22-Duquesne, 24-Vermont, 20- Georgetown, 20-St. John’s). In its four Big East games, Pitt is averaging 16.8 offensive rebounds per game.

DeJuan Blair is the nation’s No. 1 offensive rebounder. He has pulled down 94 offensive rebounds already (6.3 per game). Tyrell Biggs averages 2.4 offensive boards per game and Sam Young is bringing down 2.2 orpg.

Pittsburgh is 19-20 against ranked teams under Jamie Dixon.

"I don't know if it brings more pressure on us. It brings a sense of awareness to our players. We will be ready to play. We've talked about our ranking as two things: it could be a distraction or serve as motivation. It's motivation to prove to some people that don't think we're No. 1. We've got to prove it to ourselves." --Jamie Dixon

"When you go into a game against a team like Louisville, you just know that any slippage and you can be blown out. Obviously, it's natural to get up more for a game like that. It's on ESPN. Guys love to play on TV and once again to prove to the country and ourselves how good we are." --Levance Fields

"To be honest, some of us got snubbed, if you really want to look at it that way, from being those kind of recruits. We're a bunch of guys who won, who are hard-nosed, and I think we are a great example that you don't always need the McDonald's All-American on your team. You just need a group of guys who are willing to work and want to win." --Levance Fields

"The Panthers will lose, more than once even, in the Big East. They may even lose Saturday. Louisville’s a quick, athletic team with a load of talent. If they do, here’s a prediction that the student body will flood the Freedom Hall floor." --Eric Hall (via Tom Heiser)

"It's not going to be a Notre Dame type game where you're going to be wowed on every play. This doesn't happen when you play Pitt. This is going to be a blue-collar, lunch-pail game where both teams play good defense." --Rick Pitino

Big East basketball roundup: 11/17/08

Mike Rutherford — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:00:07 -0000

A perfect 7-0 mark for the nation's premier college basketball conference on the first night of extensive non-conference action.

Here's how it happened.

CONNECTICUT 99, Hartford 56

The Huskies scored 54 of the game's final 66 points to turn a tilt that had been touch-and-go into a laugher.

Starting in place of an injured (ankle) A.J. Price, Kemba Walker stole the show. The ballyhooed freshman scored 21 points and committed zero turnovers over the course of 29 minutes.

Sharp-shooting Craig Austrie added 21, and Jerome Dyson tossed in 18.

UCONN scored 1/3 of its points from the free-throw line (33-of-46).

PITTSBURGH 82, Miami (OH) 53

If you told me there was a team in action Monday night that was more impressive than the Panthers, then I'd be forced into calling you a knave. I wouldn't want to, but there would be absolutely no way around it.

In taking a Miami team that nearly knocked off UCLA behind the woodshed, Pitt looked like a team possessing everything necessary to make a serious push for the national title.

All four starters scored in double figures, including junior college transfer Jermaine Dixon (14), perhaps the team's biggest question mark heading into the season. Despite playing just 19 minutes, DeJuan Blair finished a rebound shy of a double-double, and Levance Fields scored 12 while handing out a career-high 12 assists.

To sum up: 'dem boys look tough.

MARQUETTE 106, Chicago State 87

Wesley Matthews scored 26 points and Lazar Hayward added 21 to lead the Golden Eagles past the conference-less Cougars of Chicago State.

Despite the win, first-year head coach Buzz Williams can't be happy that 5-foot-8 David Holston - one of the nation's leading scorers a season ago - was allowed to hit seven three-pointers and score 33 points.

Jerel McNeal will be the first to tell you that it wasn't his fault.

VILLANOVA 107, Fordham 68

Dante Cunningham scored a career-high 33 points to go along with 11 rebounds as the Wildcats routed visiting Fordham Monday night.

Corey Stokes and Corey Fisher each added 17 points, but perhaps the best news of the night for Jay Wright's team was that senior forward Shane Clark was able to return to action just 11 days after having surgery on his right knee.

Dwayne Anderson and Casiem Drummond missed the game with injuries.

GEORGETOWN 71, Jacksonville 62

Preseason Big East Co-Freshman of the Year Greg Monroe looked as good as advertised, delivering 14 points and seven rebounds in his collegiate debut. The 6-foot-11 former McDonald's All-American ran the floor, made several nice moves away from the basket, and was credited with three blocked shots on the defensive end.

While Monroe was busy comparing shoe-sizes with Roy Hibbert, sophomore point guard Chris Wright was scoring a team-high 16 points in his initial effort to match the footprints left behind by three-year starter Jonathan Wallace.

DaJuan Summers and Jesse Sapp each added 13 to help GU notch a typical John Thompson III November victory.

ST. JOHN'S 86, Cornell 75

Anthony Mason Jr. scored a team-high 24 points to lead the Johnnies past the class of the Ivy League in an opening round game of the Preseason NIT.

D.J. Kennedy scored 22 points, sophomore Justin Burrell added 11 points and 11 rebounds and Malik Boothe netted 14 points and nine assists for the Red Storm, who will play Boston College in the second round on Tuesday.

DEPAUL 75, Albany 64

Dar Tucker led all scorers with 23 points, and junior point guard Will Walker added 19 points, two blocks and three steals as Depaul began its 2008-2009 season with a win over the Great Daines out of the America East Conference.

The Blue Demons, who ordinarily play their home games at the Allstate Arena, played a regular season game on campus for the first time since 1999.

2008-2009 Big East basketball preview: top ten impact transfers

Mike Rutherford — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:00:07 -0000

It's Big East Media Day this morning in Gotham, which means we can all wash the tongue-biting blood out of our mouths and start talking about what should be one of the best conferences in the modern history of college basketball. If you're excited, give a small fist pump that no one sees and do a limb-flailing dance in your head.

This list is a bit top-heavy, but it's still a significant step up from the Jeff Xavier-led group of a year ago.

10. Steve Toyloy, Jr, F, Cincinnati

TRANSFERRED FROM: Miami-Dade Community College

Toyloy, a physical specimen at 6-8, 255, may be relied upon more than initially expected with the recent dismissal of Nick Aldridge and John Riek unlikely to be cleared by the NCAA anytime soon.

9. Charles Okwandu, So, C, Connecticut

TRANSFERRED FROM: Harcum Junior College

A 7-foot-1 import from Nigeria, Chukuma "Charles" Okwandu has shown enough polish in the opening days of practice to warrant talk of him stepping in and immediately serving as Hasheem Thabeet's primary backup. Odds are 3:1 that he'll be the nation's leading shot-blocker in 16 months.

He's Nigerian, not an alien, he knows how to wave

8. Dee Proby. Jr, F, West Virginia

TRANSFERRED FROM: Angelina College

Proby, who originally committed to Oklahoma State, will see immediate playing time in Morgantown for the sole reason that he's just about the only size Bob Huggins has to work with. The 6-10 junior isn't quite Kevin Pittsnoggle, but he can knock down the open jumper from 10-15 feet out, and his 240-pound frame will have to be on the floor for the Mountaineers to compete in a Big East conference rich with post talent.

7. Julian Vaughn, So, C, Georgetown

TRANSFERRED FROM: Florida State

Vaughn played at Florida State during the 2007-2008 season, but obtained a waiver from the NCAA that made him eligible to play for Georgetown right away. A former four-star recruit out of vaunted Oak Hill Academy, he'll have to compete with freshmen studs Greg Monroe and Henry Sims for playing time.

A foul was called on this play. You know it. I know it

6. Alejandro Rivas Sanchez, Jr, C, South Florida

TRANSFERRED FROM: Pratt Community College

Rivas Sanchez's average of 12 rebounds per game ranked sixth nationally in junior college a year ago. Though he lacks the offensive skill set to be a real threat to opposing Big East big men, he has the athleticism - and the lack of roster competition - to come in and be a starter right away. His feet are going to need to grow about seven sizes if he wants to fill the prints left by Kentrell Gransberry.

5. Reginald Delk, Jr, G, Louisville

TRANSFERRED FROM: Mississippi State

Delk is a deadly outside shooter who will likely see time at both the two and the three, perhaps beginning the season as the starter at the latter with senior Terrence Williams recovering from a knee injury. He averaged 9.5 points and shot just under 45% from the field for Mississippi State in the 2006-2007 season.

4. Jermaine Dixon, Jr, G, Pittsburgh

TRANSFERRED FROM: Tallahassee Junior College

Dixon, the younger brother of former Maryland star Juan Dixon, was rated as one of the top five junior college transfers in the country after becoming the first player in Tallahassee JC history to lead the team in scoring (20.9 ppg), rebounding (6.7 rpg) and assists (98) last season. He'll be expected to step in immediately and alleviate some of the pressure on Levance Fields by helping to fill the void left by graduated sharp-shooter Ronald Ramon.

3. Mike Mercer, Jr, G, South Florida

TRANSFERRED FROM: Georgia

Rated as the No. 22 overall prospect in the class of 2006 by Rivals.com, Mercer's career at Georgia didn't exactly go as planned. After making the SEC All-Freshman Team in his rookie season, the talented guard's sophomore campaign was cut short by a season-ending ACL tear in February of 2007. Then, after already having been disciplined for academic issues, Mercer was dismissed nine months later by head coach Dennis Felton for "failure to adhere to team standards and policies."

Mercer won't be eligible until after the conclusion of the fall semester, but with guards Dominique Jones, Chris Howard and Jesus Verdejo all coming off of solid seasons, Stan Heath may be forced to pick up the tempo and go super small once the talented transfer joins the fray.

2. Mike Williams, Sr, F, Cincinnati

TRANSFERRED FROM: Texas

The man who likely would have topped this list a year ago had he not ruptured his Achilles tendon during a preseason workout comes up a spot short 12 months later. Williams, a former McDonald's All-American, is expected to headline a much improved Bearcat frontcourt despite not doing a whole lot during his two seasons in Austin. If he can produce the way people thought he would coming out of high school, he may end up being the most valuable player in the league.

1. Robert Mitchell, Jr, F, Seton Hall

TRANSFERRED FROM: Duquesne

In his lone season at Duquesne, "Stix" Mitchell averaged 16.4 points and 5.4 rebounds on his way to being named Atlantic-10 Freshman of the Year. He'll be expected to come in and assume the role Brian Laing played so well over the course of his Pirate career, but he'll have to wait until after he serves a two game suspension for riding the team bus when he wasn't supposed to last season.