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16) RUTGERS
2009-2010 Record: 5-13 Big East, 15-17 overall
Head Coach: N/A
Graduating Seniors:
– Hamady N’Diaye (9 ppg, 7 rpg, 4.5 bpg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– Mike Rosario (16.7 ppg) – transfer to Florida
– Patrick Jackson (2.4 ppg) – transfer to TBD
Returning Players:
– Jonathan Mitchell (12 ppg, 6 rpg) – Senior Forward
– Dane Miller (9 ppg, 6 rpg) – Soph Forward
– Mike Coborn (6.6 ppg, 3 apg) – Senior Guard
– James Beatty (5 ppg, 4 apg) – Senior Guard
– Austin Johnson (2 ppg) – Sophomore Forward
– Brian Okam (1 ppg) – Sophomore Center
Incoming Players:
– Gilvydas Biruta (6′8 PF) – Newark (NJ) St. Benedict’s
– Austin Carroll (6′3 SG) – Wolfeboro (NH) Brewster Academy
Notes: The Fred Hill era ended in an ugly mess this month and leaves the program with little direction at this time. The search for a new head coach is underway with former Scarlet Knight Eddie Jordan among the leading candidates. With a current roster of just eight scholarship players it looks to be another long season ahead for RU basketball fans.
15) DEPAUL
2009-2010 Record: 1-17 Big East, 8-23 overall
Head Coach: Oliver Purnell
Graduating Seniors:
– Will Walker (16 ppg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– Mac Koshwal (16 ppg, 10 rpg) – NBA Draft
Returning Players:
– Mike Stovall (7 ppg) – Senior Guard/Forward
– Eric Wallace (6 ppg ) – Junior Forward
– Jeremiah Kelly (6 ppg, 3 apg) – Junior Guard
– Devin Hill (5 ppg, 3 rpg) – Junior Forward
– Mike Bizoukas (4 ppg, 2 apg) – Junior Guard
– Tony Freeland (3 ppg) – Sophomore Forward
– Krys Faber (2 ppg) – Junior Center
– Mario Stula (2 ppg) – Junior Guard/Forward
– Kene Obi (1 rpg) – Junior Center
Incoming Players:
– Moses Morgan (6′5 G/F) – Las Vegas (NV) Palo Verde
– Walter Pitchford (6′10 C/BF) – Chicago (IL)
– Brandon Young (6′4 G) – Washington (DC) Friendship Collegiate
Notes: Oliver Purnell makes the move from Clemson of the ACC to the Big East and takes over the Blue Demons program. With three signed recruits and nine returning players Purnell has a pretty full roster and not a lot of room to make some immediate upgrades which are needed for the Blue Demons to compete in the conference. Not much offensive firepower on the roster and it looks to be another year of very few conference wins for the Lincoln Park school.
14) SETON HALL
2009-2010 Record: 9-9 Big East, 19-13 overall (1st round loss in NIT)
Head Coach: Kevin Willard
Graduating Seniors:
– Eugene Harvey (8.5 ppg, 4.6 apg)
– John Garcia (3.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– Jeremy Hazell (20 ppg) – NBA Draft
– Jeff Robinson (12 ppg, 6 rpg ) – NBA Draft
– Herb Pope (11 ppg, 11 rpg) – NBA Draft
– Robert Mitchell (8 ppg, 4 rpg) – Dismissed
Returning Players:
– Jordan Theodore (9 ppg, 3.5 apg) – Sophomore Guard
– Jamel Jackson (5 ppg) – Senior Guard
– Keon Lawrence (4 ppg) – Senior Guard
– Ferrokahn Hall (2 ppg) – Sophomore Forward
– Melvyn Oliver (2 ppg, 2 rpg) – Sophomore Center
Incoming Players:
– Fuquan Edwin (6′5 F) – Paterson (NJ) Catholic
Notes: Much like Fred Hill at Rutgers, Bobby Gonzalez saw his tenure at SHU end quickly following his fourth season at the helm of the Pirates. Never seemed to be a dull moment with ‘Gonzo’ at the helm but the SHU administration will hope for a much calmer tenure with Kevin Willard taking over the reigns of the program. The Pirate roster is a very fluid entity at the moment with three players (Hazell, Pope and Robinson) declaring for the NBA draft but leaving the option to return to school open. The also have three verbal commitments from recruits (forwards Eugene McCrory, Jami Hanner and Anali Okoloji) that have not signed letters of intent as roster issues and acacemic requirements are still being worked out. As it currently stands five of last year’s top six scorers have moved on and that slides SHU down in the lower quarter of the Big East. If players return to school and withdraw from the draft they will move up accordingly in our next update.
13) CINCINNATI
2009-2010 Record: 7-11 Big East, 19-16 overall (2nd round loss in NIT)
Head Coach: Mick Cronin
Graduating Seniors:
– Deonta Vaughn (12 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.5 apg)
– Steven Toyloy (3.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– Lance Stephenson (12 ppg, 5 rpg) – NBE Draft
Returning Players:
– Yancy Gates (10 ppg, 6 rpg) – Junior Center/Forward
– Rashad Bishop (8 ppg, 4 rpg) – Senior Guard/Forward
– Ibrahima Thomas (6 ppg, 5 rpg) – Senior Center
– Cashmere Wright (5 ppg, 2 apg) – Sophomore Guard
– Dion Dixon (5 ppg, 2 rpg) – Junior Guard
– Jaquon Parker (4 ppg, 3 rpg) – Sophomore Guard
– Darnell Wilks (3 ppg, 2 rpg) – Senior Forward
– Larry Davis (3 ppg) – Senior Guard
– Anthony McClain (1 ppg, 1 rpg) – Senior Center
Incoming Players:
– Sean Kilpatrick (6′5 G) – Redshirt freshman
– Kelvin Gaines (6′10 C)
– Justin Jackson (6′8 PF)
Notes: The backcourt duo of Deonta Vaughn and Lance Stephenson never seemed to mesh for UC and coach Mick Cronin last season and now both will try their hand at professional ball. Vaughn has graduated and Stephenson has entered the NBA Draft after one season and there is no turning back as he has signed with an agent. The Bearcats are left with a varied list of returning players, led by Yancy Gates, but inconsistency has plagued the powerful local product as well as much of the roster under Cronin’s guidance. There is also the questionable status of Rashad Bishop who finished last season on an indefinite suspension and nothing concrete has been reported about his future. A very inexperienced backcourt leads to the biggest question mark and is usually the recipe for trouble in the Big East.
12) SOUTH FLORIDA
2009-2010 Record: 9-9 Big East, 20-13 overall (Lost in 1st round of NIT)
Head Coach: Stan Heath
Graduating Seniors:
– Chris Howard (10 ppg, 4 apg, 4 rpg)
– Mike Mercer (9 ppg, 4 rpg)
– Alex Rivas (1 ppg, 1 rpg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– Dominique Jones (21 ppg, 6 rpg, 4 apg) – NBA Draft
Returning Players:
– Augustus Gilchrist (13 ppg, 6 rpg) – Junior Forward
– Jarrid Famous (10 ppg, 7 rpg) – Senior Center
– Toarlyn Fitzpatrick (4 ppg, 4 rpg) – Sophomore Center
– Anthony Crater (3 ppg) – Junior Guard
– Mike Burwell (1 ppg) – Sophomore Guard
– Shaun Noriega (1 ppg) – Sophomore Guard
Incoming Players:
– Ron Anderson (6′8 F) – Junior Transfer from Kansas State
– Jawanza Poland (6′4 G) – Sophomore Transger from Hutchinson CC
– Shedrick Haynes (6′0 G) – Junior Transfer from Lackawanna CC
– Hugh Robertson (6′5 G/F) – Junior Transger from Tallahasee CC
– Waverly Austin (6′10 C) – Heat Academy
– Lavonte Dority (6′0 G) – Chicago (IL) Foreman High School
Notes: Stan Heath and the Bulls made progress last season, winnign 20 games and earning a bid to the NIT for the first time since joining the Big East conference. USF has a very interesting team for 2010-2011, but the heavy reliance in the backcourt on transfers/JUCOS leaves one a little cautious of their expected success. If Dominique Jones, who still has the option of returning to school, decides to return for his senior season he is a difference maker that could push the Bulls solidly into the top 8 of the league.
11) PROVIDENCE
2009-2010 Record: 5-13 Big East, 13-18 overall
Head Coach: Keno Davis
Graduating Seniors:
– Sharaud Curry (15 ppg, 3 apg)
– Brian McKenzie (6 ppg, 4 rpg)
– Ray Hall (1 ppg, 1 rpg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– Kyle Wright (3 ppg) – Late season transfer
– Johnny Lacy (2 ppg) – Transfer
– Russ Permenter (1 ppg) – Transfer
Returning Players:
– Jamine Peterson (20 ppg, 10 rpg) – Junior Forward
– Marshon Brooks (14 ppg, 4 rpg) – Senior Guard
– Vincent Councul (10 ppg, 5 apg) – Sophomore Guard
– Bilal Dixon (8 ppg, 7 rpg) – Sophomore Forward
– Duke Mondy (3 ppg, 2 rpg) – Sophomore Guard
– James Still (1 ppg, 1 rpg) – Sophomore Forward
Incoming Players:
– Kadeem Batts (6′8 F) – Redshirt Freshman
– Gerard Coleman (6′4 G) – Boston (MA) Tilton School
– Ron Giplaye (6′6 F) – Wilmington (DE) Notre Dame Prep
– Brice Kofane (6′8 F/C) – Charlottesville (VA) The Miller School
– Joseph Young (6′2 G) – Houston (TX) Yates High School
Notes: The Friars will try and make the claim as the most improved team in the league next season, despite losing key contributor Sharaud Curry. Jamine ‘Greedy’ Peterson was voted by NBE as the most improved player in the conference last season and looks to be an exciting star in the league next year. His combination of power and athleticism will be tough to handle. Keno Davis likes to have a point guard to push the ball and capable perimeter scorers around him and his team seems to be falling into place to play his preferred style. There is a question on James Still who was recently arrested and charged in an alleged assault. His status for next season is still to be determined.
10) LOUISVILLE
2009-2010 Record: 11-7 Big East, 20-13 overall (Lost in 1st Round of NCAA Tournament)
Head Coach: Rick Pitino
Graduating Seniors:
– Edgar Sosa (13 ppg, 5 apg)
– Jerry Smith (8 ppg, 3 rpg)
– Richard Delk (6 ppg, 3 rpg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– Samardo Samuels (15 ppg, 7 rpg)
Returning Players:
– Jared Swopshire (8 ppg, 6 rpg) – Junior Forward
– Preston Knowles (7 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg) – Senior Guard
– Terrence Jennings (5 ppg, 3 rpg) – Junior Center
– Kyle Kuric (4 ppg) – Junior Guard
– Peyton Siva (4 ppg) – Sophomore Guard
– Rakeem Buckles (4 ppg, 3 rpg) – Sophomore Forward
– Mike Marra (3 ppg) – Sophomore Guard
– George Goode (1 ppg) – Junior Forward
– Stephan Van Treese – Sophomore Forward/Center
Incoming Players:
– Chris Smith (6′3 G) – Junior transfer from Manhattan College
– Justin Coleman (6′4 G) – Richmond (VA) Huntington Prep
– Russ Smith (6′1 G) – New York (NY) – South Kent Prep
– Gorgui Dieng (6′10 C) – Huntington Prep
Notes: The teams in the middle of the projected Big East pack for 2010-2011 are very close together. If Samardo Samuels returns to UL for his junior season, which he currently has left the door open to do, Rick Pitino’s club easlily moves up a few spots in our next power poll. However, in order for Samuels to return, it would mean someone on the projected 2010-2011 roster would no longer be part of the team, either via transfer or a recruit failing to qualify. A much speculated scenario has highly touted wing recruit Justin Coleman not qualifying and that would be a blow to next season’s chances. Otherwise, this is rather low for a Pitino-led team, but after an inconsistent 2009-2010 season and currently losing their top three scorers from that team, the Cards are expected to slide backwards a bit.
9) ST. JOHN’S
2009-2010 Record: 6-12 Big East, 16-17 overall (Lost in 1st Round of NIT)
Head Coach: Steve Lavin
Graduating Seniors:
– Anthony Mason (7 ppg, 5 rpg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– none
Returning Players:
– DJ Kennedy (15 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 apg) – Senior Forward
– Dwight Hardy (10.5 ppg) – Senior Guard
– Paris Horne (9 ppg, 3 rpg) – Senior Guard
– Justin Brownlee (7 ppg, 5 rpg) – Senior Forward
– Sean Evans (7 ppg, 6 rpg) – Senior Forward
– Justin Burrell (7 ppg, 4 rpg) – Senior Forward
– Malik Boothe (5 ppg, 3 apg) – Senior Guard
– Quincy Roberts (2 ppg) – Sophomore Guard
– Rob Thomas (2 ppg) – Senior forward
– Dele Coker (2 ppg) – Senior Center
– Omari Lawrence (2.5 ppg) – Sophomore Guard
– Malik Stith (1.6 ppg) – Sophomore Guard
Incoming Players:
– none
Notes: Steve Lavin takes over the SJU program and Norm Roberts’ team as SJU has 12 scholarship players returning, including nine seniors expected to be back. The only signed recruit from the early signing period, Ronald Roberts, was released from his LOI and will not be joining the team. Lavin and his newly formed staff are busy trying to add at least one more player to the roster. There is a possibility that Rob Thomas might not return for a 5th season as he could be graduating this summer and that could make room for another late addition. Essentially, this will be the same SJU team as it was last season. They have new life under a new coach and an incredible amount of seniors, will that finally prove enough to be a winner in the big East?
8] CONNECTICUT
2009-2010 Record: 7-11 Big East, 19-15 overall (Lost in 2nd Round of NIT)
Head Coach: Jim Calhoun
Graduating Seniors:
– Jerome Dyson (17 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg)
– Stanley Robinson (14.5 ppg, 8 rpg)
– Gavin Edwards (11 ppg, 7 rpg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– none
Returning Players:
– Kemba Walker (15 ppg, 4 rpg, 5 apg) – Junior Guard
– Alex Oriakhi (5 ppg, 7 rpg) – Sophomore Center
– Jamal Coombs-McDaniel (3 ppg) – Sophomore Forward
– Ater Majok (2 ppg) – Sophomore Forward
– Donnell Beverly (2 ppg) – Senior Guard
– Charles Okwandu (1 ppg) – Senior Center
– Darius Smith (1 ppg) – Sophomore Guard
– Jamaal Trice – Sophomore Guard
– Jonathan Mandeldove – Senior Center
Incoming Players:
– Shabazz Napier (6′0 G) – Boston (MA) Lawrence Academy
– Jeremy Lamb (6′4 G) – Norcross (GA) High School
– Roscoe Smith (6′7 F) – Baltimore (MD) Oak Hill Academy
– Tyler Olander (6′8 F) – Storrs (CT) EO Smith High School
– Michael Bradley (6′9 C) – Chattanooga (TN) Tyner Academy
Notes: It has been a rather difficult 12 months for the UConn program, missing the NCAA Tournament last season despite returning four key members of the 2008-2009 Final Four squad. Jim Calhoun left the bench for 7 games during the Big East portion of the schedule for health related concerns and the cloud of possible NCAA sanctions for recruiting violations continued to hang over the program stemming from a Yahoo! Sports article released in March of 2009. Those clouds have turned darker in recent days with a Wall Street Journal published report that a report from the NCAA is forthcoming in the coming days while Jim Calhoun still has not signed a contract extension that has seemingly been in the works for more than a year. Still, there is plenty of talent on the Husky roster for next season and much of the young talent will get their chance next season. There is a promising recruiting class entering the mix, although the current roster is 14 on paper with just 13 scholarship spots available, so there is likely some roster shuffling ahead, even without any potential NCAA penalties.
7) NOTRE DAME
2009-2010 Record: 10-8 Big East, 23-12 overall (lost in NCAA Tournament 1st Round)
Head Coach: Mike Brey
Graduating Seniors:
– Luke Harangody (22 ppg, 9 rpg)
– Tory Jackson (10 ppg, 5 apg)
– Jonathan Peoples (3 ppg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– none
Returning Players:
– Tim Abromaitis (16 ppg, 5 rpg) – Senior* Forward
– Ben Hansbrough (10.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg) – Senior Guard
– Tyrone Nash (8ppg, 5 rpg) – Senior Forward
– Carleton Scott (5 ppg, 5 rpg) – Senior* Forward
– Joey Brooks (2 ppg) – Sophomroe Guard/Forward
– Mike Broghammer (2 ppg) – Sophomore Forward
– Jack Cooley (1 ppg) – Sophomore Forward
*eligible for a redshirt season but listed as academic class by Notre Dame
Incoming Players:
– Scott Martin (6′7 F) – Medical Redshirt (Transfer from Purdue)
– Tom Knight (6′9 C) – Redshirt Freshman
– Eric Atkins (6′1 G) – Baltimore (MD) Mount St. Joseph
– Jerian Grant (6′4 G) – Washington (DC) DeMatha Catholic
– Alex Dragicevich (6′6 G/F) – Northbrook (IL) – Glenbrook North
Notes: The Irish are an interesting team for next season. They lose their two most important players from last season, Tory Jackson and Luke Harangody. Despite the gaudy numbers by ‘Gody, it might be the tough floor general Jackson the team has the toughest time replacing without a true point guard with experience on the roster, a tough predicament to face in the Big East. Replacing a point guard and also a leading scorer is tough, but the Irish have experience with Hansbrough and Abromaitis showed he can be an impressive scorer. If Scott Martin can shake off injury and two seasons of inactivity the Irish could be a surprising team with the emergence of Carleton Scott and Tyrone Nash in the frontcourt continuing as well.
6) MARQUETTE
2009-2010 Record: 11-7 Big East, 22-12 overall (lost in NCAA Tournament 1st Round)
Head Coach: Buzz Williams
Graduating Seniors:
– Lazar Hayward (18 ppg, 8 rpg)
– Maurice Acker (9 ppg, 4 apg)
– David Cubillan (7 ppg, 3 apg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– none
Returning Players:
– Jimmy Butler (15 ppg, 6 rpg) – Senior Forward
– Darius Johnson-Odom (13 ppg) – Junior Guard
– Dwight Buycks (6 ppg, 3 rpg) – Senior Guard
– Chris Otule (4 ppg) – Junior* Center
– Joseph Fulce (3.5 ppg, 3 rpg) – Senior Forward
– Erik Williams (1 ppg) – Sophomore Forward
– Junior Cadougan (1 ppg) – Sophomore Guard
– Youssoupha Mbao – Sophomore Center
Incoming Players:
– Vander Blue (6′3 G) – Madison (WI) Memorial HS
– Reggie Smith (6′0 G) – Harvey (IL) Thornton Township HS
– Devonte Newbill (6′3 G) – Philadelphia (PA) Strawberry Mansion HS
– Jamail Jones (6′6 F) – Monteverde (FL) Academy
– Jae Crowder (6′5 F) – Junior Transfer from Howard JUCO
*eligible for a mediacal redshirt based on appearing in just three games in 09-10 season
Notes: The Golden Eagles were one of the biggest surprises in the country last season, playing a fun and exciting brand of basketball that emphasized effort and team work and the ability to shoot from long range. Do-everything forward Lazar Hayward graduates as do sharp-shooting guards Mo Acker and David Cubillan, but replacements are ready. Junior Cadougan was expected to be plast year’s starting point guard but an achilles injury in the preseason nixed that plan. The Canadian point did get a little experience late in the year and should fill in this season. Johnson-Odom turned into an electric scorer towards the end of the season and Jimmy Butler showed he can also be a do-everything forward as well pairing with Hayward. Incoming recruits Vander Blue and Jae Crowder, the JUCO player of the year, give MU the potential to be even better this season if the newcomers hit the ground running.
5) WEST VIRGINIA
2009-2010 Record: 13-5 Big East, 31-7 overall (Big East Tournament Champions and NCAA Final Four)
Head Coach: Bob Huggins
Graduating Seniors:
– DaSean Butler (17 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 apg)
– Wellington Smith (7 ppg, 4 rpg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– Devin Ebanks (12 ppg, 8 rpg)
Returning Players:
– Kevin Jones (13.5 ppg, 7 rpg) – Junior Forward
– Truck Bryant (9 ppg, 3 apg) – Junior Guard
– Casey Mitchell (4 ppg) – Senior Guard
– Deniz Kilicli (3.5 ppg) – Sophomore Forward
– John Flowers (3 ppg) – Senior Forward
– Dalton Pepper (3 ppg) – Sophomore Guard
– Joe Mazzulla (3 ppg) – Senior Guard
– Dan Jennings (1.5 ppg) – Sophomore Center
– Cam Thoroughman (1 ppg) – Senior Forward
Incoming Players:
– Noah Cottrill (6′3 G) – Logan (WV) HS
– David Nyarsuk (7′0 C) – Mountain State Academy
– Darrius Curry (6′6 G/F) – Houston (TX) Stratford
Notes: DaSean Butler cemented his place in WVU lore last season with his MOP performance in the Big East Tournament, leading the Mountaineers to their first evet BET title. He followed that up by helping WVU reach the Final Four where their season ended in a loss to Duke in the National Semifinal. Of course, the last image we have of Butler in a WVU uniform was him in pain on the Lucas Oil Stadium court after tearing his ACL, an unjust end to a brilliant career. The Mountaineers will move on with live after Butler, and Devin Ebanks, but have a very solid core to work with, led by Kevin Jones who could be poised to be the next breakout star in the conference. Also, a big year is expected from Deniz Kilicli as well in the frontcourt.
Teams 1-4 will be released soon enough (Pitt (#4), Syracuse (#2), Villanova (#1) and Georgetown (#3), all IMO.
***This will change once kids return to school (Seton Hall will move up).
2009-2010 Record: 5-13 Big East, 15-17 overall
Head Coach: N/A
Graduating Seniors:
– Hamady N’Diaye (9 ppg, 7 rpg, 4.5 bpg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– Mike Rosario (16.7 ppg) – transfer to Florida
– Patrick Jackson (2.4 ppg) – transfer to TBD
Returning Players:
– Jonathan Mitchell (12 ppg, 6 rpg) – Senior Forward
– Dane Miller (9 ppg, 6 rpg) – Soph Forward
– Mike Coborn (6.6 ppg, 3 apg) – Senior Guard
– James Beatty (5 ppg, 4 apg) – Senior Guard
– Austin Johnson (2 ppg) – Sophomore Forward
– Brian Okam (1 ppg) – Sophomore Center
Incoming Players:
– Gilvydas Biruta (6′8 PF) – Newark (NJ) St. Benedict’s
– Austin Carroll (6′3 SG) – Wolfeboro (NH) Brewster Academy
Notes: The Fred Hill era ended in an ugly mess this month and leaves the program with little direction at this time. The search for a new head coach is underway with former Scarlet Knight Eddie Jordan among the leading candidates. With a current roster of just eight scholarship players it looks to be another long season ahead for RU basketball fans.
15) DEPAUL
2009-2010 Record: 1-17 Big East, 8-23 overall
Head Coach: Oliver Purnell
Graduating Seniors:
– Will Walker (16 ppg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– Mac Koshwal (16 ppg, 10 rpg) – NBA Draft
Returning Players:
– Mike Stovall (7 ppg) – Senior Guard/Forward
– Eric Wallace (6 ppg ) – Junior Forward
– Jeremiah Kelly (6 ppg, 3 apg) – Junior Guard
– Devin Hill (5 ppg, 3 rpg) – Junior Forward
– Mike Bizoukas (4 ppg, 2 apg) – Junior Guard
– Tony Freeland (3 ppg) – Sophomore Forward
– Krys Faber (2 ppg) – Junior Center
– Mario Stula (2 ppg) – Junior Guard/Forward
– Kene Obi (1 rpg) – Junior Center
Incoming Players:
– Moses Morgan (6′5 G/F) – Las Vegas (NV) Palo Verde
– Walter Pitchford (6′10 C/BF) – Chicago (IL)
– Brandon Young (6′4 G) – Washington (DC) Friendship Collegiate
Notes: Oliver Purnell makes the move from Clemson of the ACC to the Big East and takes over the Blue Demons program. With three signed recruits and nine returning players Purnell has a pretty full roster and not a lot of room to make some immediate upgrades which are needed for the Blue Demons to compete in the conference. Not much offensive firepower on the roster and it looks to be another year of very few conference wins for the Lincoln Park school.
14) SETON HALL
2009-2010 Record: 9-9 Big East, 19-13 overall (1st round loss in NIT)
Head Coach: Kevin Willard
Graduating Seniors:
– Eugene Harvey (8.5 ppg, 4.6 apg)
– John Garcia (3.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– Jeremy Hazell (20 ppg) – NBA Draft
– Jeff Robinson (12 ppg, 6 rpg ) – NBA Draft
– Herb Pope (11 ppg, 11 rpg) – NBA Draft
– Robert Mitchell (8 ppg, 4 rpg) – Dismissed
Returning Players:
– Jordan Theodore (9 ppg, 3.5 apg) – Sophomore Guard
– Jamel Jackson (5 ppg) – Senior Guard
– Keon Lawrence (4 ppg) – Senior Guard
– Ferrokahn Hall (2 ppg) – Sophomore Forward
– Melvyn Oliver (2 ppg, 2 rpg) – Sophomore Center
Incoming Players:
– Fuquan Edwin (6′5 F) – Paterson (NJ) Catholic
Notes: Much like Fred Hill at Rutgers, Bobby Gonzalez saw his tenure at SHU end quickly following his fourth season at the helm of the Pirates. Never seemed to be a dull moment with ‘Gonzo’ at the helm but the SHU administration will hope for a much calmer tenure with Kevin Willard taking over the reigns of the program. The Pirate roster is a very fluid entity at the moment with three players (Hazell, Pope and Robinson) declaring for the NBA draft but leaving the option to return to school open. The also have three verbal commitments from recruits (forwards Eugene McCrory, Jami Hanner and Anali Okoloji) that have not signed letters of intent as roster issues and acacemic requirements are still being worked out. As it currently stands five of last year’s top six scorers have moved on and that slides SHU down in the lower quarter of the Big East. If players return to school and withdraw from the draft they will move up accordingly in our next update.
13) CINCINNATI
2009-2010 Record: 7-11 Big East, 19-16 overall (2nd round loss in NIT)
Head Coach: Mick Cronin
Graduating Seniors:
– Deonta Vaughn (12 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.5 apg)
– Steven Toyloy (3.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– Lance Stephenson (12 ppg, 5 rpg) – NBE Draft
Returning Players:
– Yancy Gates (10 ppg, 6 rpg) – Junior Center/Forward
– Rashad Bishop (8 ppg, 4 rpg) – Senior Guard/Forward
– Ibrahima Thomas (6 ppg, 5 rpg) – Senior Center
– Cashmere Wright (5 ppg, 2 apg) – Sophomore Guard
– Dion Dixon (5 ppg, 2 rpg) – Junior Guard
– Jaquon Parker (4 ppg, 3 rpg) – Sophomore Guard
– Darnell Wilks (3 ppg, 2 rpg) – Senior Forward
– Larry Davis (3 ppg) – Senior Guard
– Anthony McClain (1 ppg, 1 rpg) – Senior Center
Incoming Players:
– Sean Kilpatrick (6′5 G) – Redshirt freshman
– Kelvin Gaines (6′10 C)
– Justin Jackson (6′8 PF)
Notes: The backcourt duo of Deonta Vaughn and Lance Stephenson never seemed to mesh for UC and coach Mick Cronin last season and now both will try their hand at professional ball. Vaughn has graduated and Stephenson has entered the NBA Draft after one season and there is no turning back as he has signed with an agent. The Bearcats are left with a varied list of returning players, led by Yancy Gates, but inconsistency has plagued the powerful local product as well as much of the roster under Cronin’s guidance. There is also the questionable status of Rashad Bishop who finished last season on an indefinite suspension and nothing concrete has been reported about his future. A very inexperienced backcourt leads to the biggest question mark and is usually the recipe for trouble in the Big East.
12) SOUTH FLORIDA
2009-2010 Record: 9-9 Big East, 20-13 overall (Lost in 1st round of NIT)
Head Coach: Stan Heath
Graduating Seniors:
– Chris Howard (10 ppg, 4 apg, 4 rpg)
– Mike Mercer (9 ppg, 4 rpg)
– Alex Rivas (1 ppg, 1 rpg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– Dominique Jones (21 ppg, 6 rpg, 4 apg) – NBA Draft
Returning Players:
– Augustus Gilchrist (13 ppg, 6 rpg) – Junior Forward
– Jarrid Famous (10 ppg, 7 rpg) – Senior Center
– Toarlyn Fitzpatrick (4 ppg, 4 rpg) – Sophomore Center
– Anthony Crater (3 ppg) – Junior Guard
– Mike Burwell (1 ppg) – Sophomore Guard
– Shaun Noriega (1 ppg) – Sophomore Guard
Incoming Players:
– Ron Anderson (6′8 F) – Junior Transfer from Kansas State
– Jawanza Poland (6′4 G) – Sophomore Transger from Hutchinson CC
– Shedrick Haynes (6′0 G) – Junior Transfer from Lackawanna CC
– Hugh Robertson (6′5 G/F) – Junior Transger from Tallahasee CC
– Waverly Austin (6′10 C) – Heat Academy
– Lavonte Dority (6′0 G) – Chicago (IL) Foreman High School
Notes: Stan Heath and the Bulls made progress last season, winnign 20 games and earning a bid to the NIT for the first time since joining the Big East conference. USF has a very interesting team for 2010-2011, but the heavy reliance in the backcourt on transfers/JUCOS leaves one a little cautious of their expected success. If Dominique Jones, who still has the option of returning to school, decides to return for his senior season he is a difference maker that could push the Bulls solidly into the top 8 of the league.
11) PROVIDENCE
2009-2010 Record: 5-13 Big East, 13-18 overall
Head Coach: Keno Davis
Graduating Seniors:
– Sharaud Curry (15 ppg, 3 apg)
– Brian McKenzie (6 ppg, 4 rpg)
– Ray Hall (1 ppg, 1 rpg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– Kyle Wright (3 ppg) – Late season transfer
– Johnny Lacy (2 ppg) – Transfer
– Russ Permenter (1 ppg) – Transfer
Returning Players:
– Jamine Peterson (20 ppg, 10 rpg) – Junior Forward
– Marshon Brooks (14 ppg, 4 rpg) – Senior Guard
– Vincent Councul (10 ppg, 5 apg) – Sophomore Guard
– Bilal Dixon (8 ppg, 7 rpg) – Sophomore Forward
– Duke Mondy (3 ppg, 2 rpg) – Sophomore Guard
– James Still (1 ppg, 1 rpg) – Sophomore Forward
Incoming Players:
– Kadeem Batts (6′8 F) – Redshirt Freshman
– Gerard Coleman (6′4 G) – Boston (MA) Tilton School
– Ron Giplaye (6′6 F) – Wilmington (DE) Notre Dame Prep
– Brice Kofane (6′8 F/C) – Charlottesville (VA) The Miller School
– Joseph Young (6′2 G) – Houston (TX) Yates High School
Notes: The Friars will try and make the claim as the most improved team in the league next season, despite losing key contributor Sharaud Curry. Jamine ‘Greedy’ Peterson was voted by NBE as the most improved player in the conference last season and looks to be an exciting star in the league next year. His combination of power and athleticism will be tough to handle. Keno Davis likes to have a point guard to push the ball and capable perimeter scorers around him and his team seems to be falling into place to play his preferred style. There is a question on James Still who was recently arrested and charged in an alleged assault. His status for next season is still to be determined.
10) LOUISVILLE
2009-2010 Record: 11-7 Big East, 20-13 overall (Lost in 1st Round of NCAA Tournament)
Head Coach: Rick Pitino
Graduating Seniors:
– Edgar Sosa (13 ppg, 5 apg)
– Jerry Smith (8 ppg, 3 rpg)
– Richard Delk (6 ppg, 3 rpg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– Samardo Samuels (15 ppg, 7 rpg)
Returning Players:
– Jared Swopshire (8 ppg, 6 rpg) – Junior Forward
– Preston Knowles (7 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg) – Senior Guard
– Terrence Jennings (5 ppg, 3 rpg) – Junior Center
– Kyle Kuric (4 ppg) – Junior Guard
– Peyton Siva (4 ppg) – Sophomore Guard
– Rakeem Buckles (4 ppg, 3 rpg) – Sophomore Forward
– Mike Marra (3 ppg) – Sophomore Guard
– George Goode (1 ppg) – Junior Forward
– Stephan Van Treese – Sophomore Forward/Center
Incoming Players:
– Chris Smith (6′3 G) – Junior transfer from Manhattan College
– Justin Coleman (6′4 G) – Richmond (VA) Huntington Prep
– Russ Smith (6′1 G) – New York (NY) – South Kent Prep
– Gorgui Dieng (6′10 C) – Huntington Prep
Notes: The teams in the middle of the projected Big East pack for 2010-2011 are very close together. If Samardo Samuels returns to UL for his junior season, which he currently has left the door open to do, Rick Pitino’s club easlily moves up a few spots in our next power poll. However, in order for Samuels to return, it would mean someone on the projected 2010-2011 roster would no longer be part of the team, either via transfer or a recruit failing to qualify. A much speculated scenario has highly touted wing recruit Justin Coleman not qualifying and that would be a blow to next season’s chances. Otherwise, this is rather low for a Pitino-led team, but after an inconsistent 2009-2010 season and currently losing their top three scorers from that team, the Cards are expected to slide backwards a bit.
9) ST. JOHN’S
2009-2010 Record: 6-12 Big East, 16-17 overall (Lost in 1st Round of NIT)
Head Coach: Steve Lavin
Graduating Seniors:
– Anthony Mason (7 ppg, 5 rpg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– none
Returning Players:
– DJ Kennedy (15 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 apg) – Senior Forward
– Dwight Hardy (10.5 ppg) – Senior Guard
– Paris Horne (9 ppg, 3 rpg) – Senior Guard
– Justin Brownlee (7 ppg, 5 rpg) – Senior Forward
– Sean Evans (7 ppg, 6 rpg) – Senior Forward
– Justin Burrell (7 ppg, 4 rpg) – Senior Forward
– Malik Boothe (5 ppg, 3 apg) – Senior Guard
– Quincy Roberts (2 ppg) – Sophomore Guard
– Rob Thomas (2 ppg) – Senior forward
– Dele Coker (2 ppg) – Senior Center
– Omari Lawrence (2.5 ppg) – Sophomore Guard
– Malik Stith (1.6 ppg) – Sophomore Guard
Incoming Players:
– none
Notes: Steve Lavin takes over the SJU program and Norm Roberts’ team as SJU has 12 scholarship players returning, including nine seniors expected to be back. The only signed recruit from the early signing period, Ronald Roberts, was released from his LOI and will not be joining the team. Lavin and his newly formed staff are busy trying to add at least one more player to the roster. There is a possibility that Rob Thomas might not return for a 5th season as he could be graduating this summer and that could make room for another late addition. Essentially, this will be the same SJU team as it was last season. They have new life under a new coach and an incredible amount of seniors, will that finally prove enough to be a winner in the big East?
8] CONNECTICUT
2009-2010 Record: 7-11 Big East, 19-15 overall (Lost in 2nd Round of NIT)
Head Coach: Jim Calhoun
Graduating Seniors:
– Jerome Dyson (17 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg)
– Stanley Robinson (14.5 ppg, 8 rpg)
– Gavin Edwards (11 ppg, 7 rpg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– none
Returning Players:
– Kemba Walker (15 ppg, 4 rpg, 5 apg) – Junior Guard
– Alex Oriakhi (5 ppg, 7 rpg) – Sophomore Center
– Jamal Coombs-McDaniel (3 ppg) – Sophomore Forward
– Ater Majok (2 ppg) – Sophomore Forward
– Donnell Beverly (2 ppg) – Senior Guard
– Charles Okwandu (1 ppg) – Senior Center
– Darius Smith (1 ppg) – Sophomore Guard
– Jamaal Trice – Sophomore Guard
– Jonathan Mandeldove – Senior Center
Incoming Players:
– Shabazz Napier (6′0 G) – Boston (MA) Lawrence Academy
– Jeremy Lamb (6′4 G) – Norcross (GA) High School
– Roscoe Smith (6′7 F) – Baltimore (MD) Oak Hill Academy
– Tyler Olander (6′8 F) – Storrs (CT) EO Smith High School
– Michael Bradley (6′9 C) – Chattanooga (TN) Tyner Academy
Notes: It has been a rather difficult 12 months for the UConn program, missing the NCAA Tournament last season despite returning four key members of the 2008-2009 Final Four squad. Jim Calhoun left the bench for 7 games during the Big East portion of the schedule for health related concerns and the cloud of possible NCAA sanctions for recruiting violations continued to hang over the program stemming from a Yahoo! Sports article released in March of 2009. Those clouds have turned darker in recent days with a Wall Street Journal published report that a report from the NCAA is forthcoming in the coming days while Jim Calhoun still has not signed a contract extension that has seemingly been in the works for more than a year. Still, there is plenty of talent on the Husky roster for next season and much of the young talent will get their chance next season. There is a promising recruiting class entering the mix, although the current roster is 14 on paper with just 13 scholarship spots available, so there is likely some roster shuffling ahead, even without any potential NCAA penalties.
7) NOTRE DAME
2009-2010 Record: 10-8 Big East, 23-12 overall (lost in NCAA Tournament 1st Round)
Head Coach: Mike Brey
Graduating Seniors:
– Luke Harangody (22 ppg, 9 rpg)
– Tory Jackson (10 ppg, 5 apg)
– Jonathan Peoples (3 ppg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– none
Returning Players:
– Tim Abromaitis (16 ppg, 5 rpg) – Senior* Forward
– Ben Hansbrough (10.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg) – Senior Guard
– Tyrone Nash (8ppg, 5 rpg) – Senior Forward
– Carleton Scott (5 ppg, 5 rpg) – Senior* Forward
– Joey Brooks (2 ppg) – Sophomroe Guard/Forward
– Mike Broghammer (2 ppg) – Sophomore Forward
– Jack Cooley (1 ppg) – Sophomore Forward
*eligible for a redshirt season but listed as academic class by Notre Dame
Incoming Players:
– Scott Martin (6′7 F) – Medical Redshirt (Transfer from Purdue)
– Tom Knight (6′9 C) – Redshirt Freshman
– Eric Atkins (6′1 G) – Baltimore (MD) Mount St. Joseph
– Jerian Grant (6′4 G) – Washington (DC) DeMatha Catholic
– Alex Dragicevich (6′6 G/F) – Northbrook (IL) – Glenbrook North
Notes: The Irish are an interesting team for next season. They lose their two most important players from last season, Tory Jackson and Luke Harangody. Despite the gaudy numbers by ‘Gody, it might be the tough floor general Jackson the team has the toughest time replacing without a true point guard with experience on the roster, a tough predicament to face in the Big East. Replacing a point guard and also a leading scorer is tough, but the Irish have experience with Hansbrough and Abromaitis showed he can be an impressive scorer. If Scott Martin can shake off injury and two seasons of inactivity the Irish could be a surprising team with the emergence of Carleton Scott and Tyrone Nash in the frontcourt continuing as well.
6) MARQUETTE
2009-2010 Record: 11-7 Big East, 22-12 overall (lost in NCAA Tournament 1st Round)
Head Coach: Buzz Williams
Graduating Seniors:
– Lazar Hayward (18 ppg, 8 rpg)
– Maurice Acker (9 ppg, 4 apg)
– David Cubillan (7 ppg, 3 apg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– none
Returning Players:
– Jimmy Butler (15 ppg, 6 rpg) – Senior Forward
– Darius Johnson-Odom (13 ppg) – Junior Guard
– Dwight Buycks (6 ppg, 3 rpg) – Senior Guard
– Chris Otule (4 ppg) – Junior* Center
– Joseph Fulce (3.5 ppg, 3 rpg) – Senior Forward
– Erik Williams (1 ppg) – Sophomore Forward
– Junior Cadougan (1 ppg) – Sophomore Guard
– Youssoupha Mbao – Sophomore Center
Incoming Players:
– Vander Blue (6′3 G) – Madison (WI) Memorial HS
– Reggie Smith (6′0 G) – Harvey (IL) Thornton Township HS
– Devonte Newbill (6′3 G) – Philadelphia (PA) Strawberry Mansion HS
– Jamail Jones (6′6 F) – Monteverde (FL) Academy
– Jae Crowder (6′5 F) – Junior Transfer from Howard JUCO
*eligible for a mediacal redshirt based on appearing in just three games in 09-10 season
Notes: The Golden Eagles were one of the biggest surprises in the country last season, playing a fun and exciting brand of basketball that emphasized effort and team work and the ability to shoot from long range. Do-everything forward Lazar Hayward graduates as do sharp-shooting guards Mo Acker and David Cubillan, but replacements are ready. Junior Cadougan was expected to be plast year’s starting point guard but an achilles injury in the preseason nixed that plan. The Canadian point did get a little experience late in the year and should fill in this season. Johnson-Odom turned into an electric scorer towards the end of the season and Jimmy Butler showed he can also be a do-everything forward as well pairing with Hayward. Incoming recruits Vander Blue and Jae Crowder, the JUCO player of the year, give MU the potential to be even better this season if the newcomers hit the ground running.
5) WEST VIRGINIA
2009-2010 Record: 13-5 Big East, 31-7 overall (Big East Tournament Champions and NCAA Final Four)
Head Coach: Bob Huggins
Graduating Seniors:
– DaSean Butler (17 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 apg)
– Wellington Smith (7 ppg, 4 rpg)
Other Post-Season Departures:
– Devin Ebanks (12 ppg, 8 rpg)
Returning Players:
– Kevin Jones (13.5 ppg, 7 rpg) – Junior Forward
– Truck Bryant (9 ppg, 3 apg) – Junior Guard
– Casey Mitchell (4 ppg) – Senior Guard
– Deniz Kilicli (3.5 ppg) – Sophomore Forward
– John Flowers (3 ppg) – Senior Forward
– Dalton Pepper (3 ppg) – Sophomore Guard
– Joe Mazzulla (3 ppg) – Senior Guard
– Dan Jennings (1.5 ppg) – Sophomore Center
– Cam Thoroughman (1 ppg) – Senior Forward
Incoming Players:
– Noah Cottrill (6′3 G) – Logan (WV) HS
– David Nyarsuk (7′0 C) – Mountain State Academy
– Darrius Curry (6′6 G/F) – Houston (TX) Stratford
Notes: DaSean Butler cemented his place in WVU lore last season with his MOP performance in the Big East Tournament, leading the Mountaineers to their first evet BET title. He followed that up by helping WVU reach the Final Four where their season ended in a loss to Duke in the National Semifinal. Of course, the last image we have of Butler in a WVU uniform was him in pain on the Lucas Oil Stadium court after tearing his ACL, an unjust end to a brilliant career. The Mountaineers will move on with live after Butler, and Devin Ebanks, but have a very solid core to work with, led by Kevin Jones who could be poised to be the next breakout star in the conference. Also, a big year is expected from Deniz Kilicli as well in the frontcourt.
Teams 1-4 will be released soon enough (Pitt (#4), Syracuse (#2), Villanova (#1) and Georgetown (#3), all IMO.
***This will change once kids return to school (Seton Hall will move up).
