Saturday, November 7, 2009
2009-10 Atlantic-10 Preview
Who Said They’re Mid-Majors?
In college basketball two words separate the big guys from the little guys: power conference.
The Big East, Big 12, SEC, etc. round out the big boys in D-1 basketball, while little ole’ conferences like the Horizon League, the Missouri Valley Conference and the West Coast Conference are just praying for a conference title to guarantee them a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Meet the only conference today that you’ll find hanging in the middle between those two groups: the Atlantic-10.
Although the last two years we haven’t seen it, the A-10 is almost always expected to have a squad busting through the Sweet-16 or beyond in a several year reign.
From the late ‘90s into 2001 it was Temple, and in 2001-’04 it was St. Josephs’s. Since that time it’s been the Xavier Musketeers that have captured the imagination of the college basketball world.
Enter the newest reign that will be making the newest noise in the A-10 and NCAA Tournaments: the Dayton Flyers.
Led by forward Chris Wright, who has the potential to be one of the better frontcourt studs in the conference, the Flyers will bring one of the more explosive packages in the country with Marcus Johnson, who was second in scoring at 11.8 points per game last season, lining up aside Wright.
Four starters, including Wright, return from a Flyers team that went 27-8 last season, including their 11 over 6 upset of West Virginia in the 2008-09 NCAA Tournament.
This is a team that has the best potential to reach their first Elite-Eight appearance since 1984, and is PSR’s 2009-10 A-10 champs.
Projected Postseason Tournament: NCAA
The contenders: (in their order of finish).
2. Xavier- Sean Miller is out as coach, but that doesn’t mean the dynamic guard duo of Jordan Crawford and Dante Jackson won’t have room to shine.
Projected Postseason Tournament: NCAA
3. La Salle- Forward Yves Mekongo is one of the more versatile forwards in the country. He brings a complete package to a team with every starter returning.
Projected Postseason Tournament: NIT/CBI
4. Duquesne- Aaron Jackson is a big loss, but with Melquan Boulding and Eric Evans leading the way, the Dukes won’t miss much of a step.
Projected Postseason Tournament: NIT/CBI
5. Richmond- Guard Kevin Anderson will lead this run-and-gun unit to a possible run in the A-10 tournament.
Projected Postseason Tournament: NIT/CBI
6. Saint Louis- With four returning starters back, Coach Rick Majerus has arguably one of his best squads since taking over the reigns at Saint Louis.
Projected Postseason Tournament: NIT/CBI
7. Temple- With Dionte Christmas out, Lavoy Allen is the nucleus to the Owls this season. A possible lottery pick, Allen and sharp shooting guard Juan Fernandez rounds out a solid front court that could lead the Owls back to the A-10 championship.
Projected Postseason Tournament: NONE
The rest:
8. Charlotte
9. Massachusetts
10. Rhode Island
11. Saint Joseph’s
12. George Washington
13. St. Bonaventure’s
14. Fordham
In college basketball two words separate the big guys from the little guys: power conference.
The Big East, Big 12, SEC, etc. round out the big boys in D-1 basketball, while little ole’ conferences like the Horizon League, the Missouri Valley Conference and the West Coast Conference are just praying for a conference title to guarantee them a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Meet the only conference today that you’ll find hanging in the middle between those two groups: the Atlantic-10.
Although the last two years we haven’t seen it, the A-10 is almost always expected to have a squad busting through the Sweet-16 or beyond in a several year reign.
From the late ‘90s into 2001 it was Temple, and in 2001-’04 it was St. Josephs’s. Since that time it’s been the Xavier Musketeers that have captured the imagination of the college basketball world.
Enter the newest reign that will be making the newest noise in the A-10 and NCAA Tournaments: the Dayton Flyers.
Led by forward Chris Wright, who has the potential to be one of the better frontcourt studs in the conference, the Flyers will bring one of the more explosive packages in the country with Marcus Johnson, who was second in scoring at 11.8 points per game last season, lining up aside Wright.
Four starters, including Wright, return from a Flyers team that went 27-8 last season, including their 11 over 6 upset of West Virginia in the 2008-09 NCAA Tournament.
This is a team that has the best potential to reach their first Elite-Eight appearance since 1984, and is PSR’s 2009-10 A-10 champs.
Projected Postseason Tournament: NCAA
The contenders: (in their order of finish).
2. Xavier- Sean Miller is out as coach, but that doesn’t mean the dynamic guard duo of Jordan Crawford and Dante Jackson won’t have room to shine.
Projected Postseason Tournament: NCAA
3. La Salle- Forward Yves Mekongo is one of the more versatile forwards in the country. He brings a complete package to a team with every starter returning.
Projected Postseason Tournament: NIT/CBI
4. Duquesne- Aaron Jackson is a big loss, but with Melquan Boulding and Eric Evans leading the way, the Dukes won’t miss much of a step.
Projected Postseason Tournament: NIT/CBI
5. Richmond- Guard Kevin Anderson will lead this run-and-gun unit to a possible run in the A-10 tournament.
Projected Postseason Tournament: NIT/CBI
6. Saint Louis- With four returning starters back, Coach Rick Majerus has arguably one of his best squads since taking over the reigns at Saint Louis.
Projected Postseason Tournament: NIT/CBI
7. Temple- With Dionte Christmas out, Lavoy Allen is the nucleus to the Owls this season. A possible lottery pick, Allen and sharp shooting guard Juan Fernandez rounds out a solid front court that could lead the Owls back to the A-10 championship.
Projected Postseason Tournament: NONE
The rest:
8. Charlotte
9. Massachusetts
10. Rhode Island
11. Saint Joseph’s
12. George Washington
13. St. Bonaventure’s
14. Fordham
Sunday, July 12, 2009
USA wins Gold in FIBA Under-19 Championships at New Zealand
ASHTON GIBBS, JAMIE DIXON AND TEAM USA WINS FIBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GOLD MEDAL WITH 88-80 WIN OVER GREECE, GIBBS SCORES 13 POINTS IN VICTORY
AUCKLAND, New Zealand—The 18-year draught between FIBA Under-19 World Championships is over for the United States men. Behind 18 points from Tyshawn Taylor (Kansas / Jersey City, N.J.) and another balanced scoring effort that featured seven players contributing eight or more points, the USA fended off a determined Greek team to post an 88-80 victory Sunday night in the FIBA World Championship gold medal game in Auckland, New Zealand.
The USA squad, led by University of Pittsburgh head coach Jamie Dixon, finished with a spotless 9-0 record and recorded a 22.2 margin of victory in the championship. The team-oriented Americans also limited opponents to 66.0 points per game and 38.2 percent (219-573) field goal shooting and outrebounded opponents by a plus-7.4 margin. All 12 players started at least one game and saw action in at least 13 minutes per game.
The USA, medal winners now in seven of the nine FIBA Under-19 World Championships, hadn’t won the tournament since finishing 8-0 in 1991, capturing seventh (4-4) in 1995, silver (7-1) in 1999, fifth in 2003 and silver in 2007 in Novi Sad, Serbia.
A panel of accredited media representatives covering the 2009 FIBA U19 World Championship selected the MVP and the All-Star Five of the Tournament. The All-Star Five of the 2009 FIBA U19 World Championship featured Taylor and Gordon Hayward (Butler / Brownsburg, Ind.) of the USA, Toni Prostran (Croatia), Nikos Pappas (Greece), and Mario Delas (Croatia), who was also selected MVP of the championship.
Against Greece, Ashton Gibbs finished off a stellar overall performance in the tournament with 13 points in 22 minutes. Over the nine-game FIBA World Championship schedule, Gibbs averaged 9.8 points, dished out 20 assists and led the squad in minutes (202) and minutes played per game (22.4). He also made six starts, hit 12 3-pointers and hit 82.4 percent (14-17) of his free throw attempts.
Neither team led by more than two points in the first quarter as the first 10 minutes played out even at 19-19. The USA opened some breathing room after running off a 16-1 offensive onslaught over the course of the second quarter’s first five minutes. Gibbs (Pittsburgh / Scotch Plains, N.J.) started the run and accounted for six of the team’s first eight points in the spurt, then Terrico White (Mississippi / Memphis, Tenn.) finished it off with a fastbreak basket and a 3-pointer that left the USA holding a 35-20 lead with 5:07 to play before half.
Arnett Moultire (UTEP / Memphis, Tenn.), four points, and Taylor, seven points, accounted for all of the USA points over the remainder of the quarter and the red, white and blue headed to the locker room at halftime leading 46-30.
Greece, which made just 7-of 27 shots(.259 percent) in the first half and made only two field goals in the second quarter, managed to keep within striking range thanks to 14-of-16 shooting (6-of-8 in the second quarter) from the foul line.
With the U.S. leading 50-34 with 7:13 to play in the third quarter, Greece ripped off eight straight points and the once comfortable USA lead was down to 50-42 with 5:38 still left in the third stanza. John Shurna (Northwestern / Glen Ellyn, Ill.) connected on the second of two free throws to halt the run and White added a jumper to push the U.S. back ahead 53-42. Greece scored six straight to make the score 53-48, but thanks to 7-of-8 clutch free throw shooting in the third quarter’s final 2:24, the USA lead was back to nine, 60-51, at the end of the third period.
The U.S. opened the final quarter with five points, the last two coming off of a Darius Miller (Kentucky / Lexington, Ky.) steal, and a Moultrie slam off the feed from Taylor, and had pushed its led to 65-51. Greece nailed back to back 3-pointers to reduce the American advantage to 65-57 with 7:52 to play, but Gibbs made a pair of free throws and Klay Thompson (Washington State / Ladera Ranch, Calif.) dropped a three to re-up the USA lead to 70-57.
Although Greece would not go away, they never again got closer than eight points.
In a foul heavy contest, Greece shot 26-of-36 from the charity stripe, while the USA, after making 8-of-8 free throws in the final 1:22, was 26-of-32 from the line. The USA hit 28 of its 57 shots, including 6-15 from 3-point. The American defense forced Greece into 41.4 percent shooting overall.
Taylor added six assists and five steals to his 18 points, Gibbs recorded 13 points, Thompson tossed in 10 points and swatted three shots, and Moultrie finished with 10 points while grabbing a team best nine rebounds. White and Seth Curry (Duke / Charlotte, N.C.) contributed nine points each, and Miller was credited with eight points.
Dixon was assisted on the USA sidelines by collegiate head coaches Chris Lowery of Southern Illinois University and Matt Painter of Purdue University.
In other finals play Sunday, Croatia (7-2) bounced back from its disappointing semifinals loss to the U.S. and held off Australia (7-2) 87-81 in the bronze medal thriller; Argentina (5-4) slammed Puerto Rico (5-4) 92-70 to claim fifth place; and Canada (4-5) put down France (3-6) 84-72 to capture seventh place.
FIBA UNDER-19 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
FINAL FOUR/MEDAL ROUND PAIRINGS
Saturday, July 11, Auckland, New Zealand
Greece 84, Australia 69
USA 81, Croatia 77
Sunday, July 12, Auckland, New Zealand
Bronze Medal Game: Croatia 87, Australia 81
Gold Medal Game: USA 88, Greece 80
FINAL STANDINGS
1. USA (9-0)
2. Greece (6-3)
3. Croatia (7-2)
4. Australia (7-2)
5. Argentina (5-4)
6. Puerto Rico (5-4)
7. Canada (4-5)
8. France (3-6)
9. Lithuania (5-3)
10. Spain (4-4)
11. Egypt (2-6)
12. Kazakhstan (1-7)
13. New Zealand (2-3)
14. Angola (1-4)
15. Iran (1-4)
16. Syria (0-5)
AUCKLAND, New Zealand—The 18-year draught between FIBA Under-19 World Championships is over for the United States men. Behind 18 points from Tyshawn Taylor (Kansas / Jersey City, N.J.) and another balanced scoring effort that featured seven players contributing eight or more points, the USA fended off a determined Greek team to post an 88-80 victory Sunday night in the FIBA World Championship gold medal game in Auckland, New Zealand.
The USA squad, led by University of Pittsburgh head coach Jamie Dixon, finished with a spotless 9-0 record and recorded a 22.2 margin of victory in the championship. The team-oriented Americans also limited opponents to 66.0 points per game and 38.2 percent (219-573) field goal shooting and outrebounded opponents by a plus-7.4 margin. All 12 players started at least one game and saw action in at least 13 minutes per game.
The USA, medal winners now in seven of the nine FIBA Under-19 World Championships, hadn’t won the tournament since finishing 8-0 in 1991, capturing seventh (4-4) in 1995, silver (7-1) in 1999, fifth in 2003 and silver in 2007 in Novi Sad, Serbia.
A panel of accredited media representatives covering the 2009 FIBA U19 World Championship selected the MVP and the All-Star Five of the Tournament. The All-Star Five of the 2009 FIBA U19 World Championship featured Taylor and Gordon Hayward (Butler / Brownsburg, Ind.) of the USA, Toni Prostran (Croatia), Nikos Pappas (Greece), and Mario Delas (Croatia), who was also selected MVP of the championship.
Against Greece, Ashton Gibbs finished off a stellar overall performance in the tournament with 13 points in 22 minutes. Over the nine-game FIBA World Championship schedule, Gibbs averaged 9.8 points, dished out 20 assists and led the squad in minutes (202) and minutes played per game (22.4). He also made six starts, hit 12 3-pointers and hit 82.4 percent (14-17) of his free throw attempts.
Neither team led by more than two points in the first quarter as the first 10 minutes played out even at 19-19. The USA opened some breathing room after running off a 16-1 offensive onslaught over the course of the second quarter’s first five minutes. Gibbs (Pittsburgh / Scotch Plains, N.J.) started the run and accounted for six of the team’s first eight points in the spurt, then Terrico White (Mississippi / Memphis, Tenn.) finished it off with a fastbreak basket and a 3-pointer that left the USA holding a 35-20 lead with 5:07 to play before half.
Arnett Moultire (UTEP / Memphis, Tenn.), four points, and Taylor, seven points, accounted for all of the USA points over the remainder of the quarter and the red, white and blue headed to the locker room at halftime leading 46-30.
Greece, which made just 7-of 27 shots(.259 percent) in the first half and made only two field goals in the second quarter, managed to keep within striking range thanks to 14-of-16 shooting (6-of-8 in the second quarter) from the foul line.
With the U.S. leading 50-34 with 7:13 to play in the third quarter, Greece ripped off eight straight points and the once comfortable USA lead was down to 50-42 with 5:38 still left in the third stanza. John Shurna (Northwestern / Glen Ellyn, Ill.) connected on the second of two free throws to halt the run and White added a jumper to push the U.S. back ahead 53-42. Greece scored six straight to make the score 53-48, but thanks to 7-of-8 clutch free throw shooting in the third quarter’s final 2:24, the USA lead was back to nine, 60-51, at the end of the third period.
The U.S. opened the final quarter with five points, the last two coming off of a Darius Miller (Kentucky / Lexington, Ky.) steal, and a Moultrie slam off the feed from Taylor, and had pushed its led to 65-51. Greece nailed back to back 3-pointers to reduce the American advantage to 65-57 with 7:52 to play, but Gibbs made a pair of free throws and Klay Thompson (Washington State / Ladera Ranch, Calif.) dropped a three to re-up the USA lead to 70-57.
Although Greece would not go away, they never again got closer than eight points.
In a foul heavy contest, Greece shot 26-of-36 from the charity stripe, while the USA, after making 8-of-8 free throws in the final 1:22, was 26-of-32 from the line. The USA hit 28 of its 57 shots, including 6-15 from 3-point. The American defense forced Greece into 41.4 percent shooting overall.
Taylor added six assists and five steals to his 18 points, Gibbs recorded 13 points, Thompson tossed in 10 points and swatted three shots, and Moultrie finished with 10 points while grabbing a team best nine rebounds. White and Seth Curry (Duke / Charlotte, N.C.) contributed nine points each, and Miller was credited with eight points.
Dixon was assisted on the USA sidelines by collegiate head coaches Chris Lowery of Southern Illinois University and Matt Painter of Purdue University.
In other finals play Sunday, Croatia (7-2) bounced back from its disappointing semifinals loss to the U.S. and held off Australia (7-2) 87-81 in the bronze medal thriller; Argentina (5-4) slammed Puerto Rico (5-4) 92-70 to claim fifth place; and Canada (4-5) put down France (3-6) 84-72 to capture seventh place.
FIBA UNDER-19 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
FINAL FOUR/MEDAL ROUND PAIRINGS
Saturday, July 11, Auckland, New Zealand
Greece 84, Australia 69
USA 81, Croatia 77
Sunday, July 12, Auckland, New Zealand
Bronze Medal Game: Croatia 87, Australia 81
Gold Medal Game: USA 88, Greece 80
FINAL STANDINGS
1. USA (9-0)
2. Greece (6-3)
3. Croatia (7-2)
4. Australia (7-2)
5. Argentina (5-4)
6. Puerto Rico (5-4)
7. Canada (4-5)
8. France (3-6)
9. Lithuania (5-3)
10. Spain (4-4)
11. Egypt (2-6)
12. Kazakhstan (1-7)
13. New Zealand (2-3)
14. Angola (1-4)
15. Iran (1-4)
16. Syria (0-5)
Saturday, July 11, 2009
News From New Zealand
ASHTON GIBBS, JAMIE DIXON LEAD USA UNDER-19 NATIONAL TEAM INTO GOLD MEDAL GAME WITH 81-77 SEMIFINAL WIN OVER CROATIA
AUCKLAND, New Zealand—It was a perfectly fittingly ending for a team that has been proving with each and every victory that it is truly a team. Because in the end it was a collection of critical plays by the USA team that earned them a hard fought 81-77 semifinals win over Croatia (6-2) and a berth in Sunday’s FIBA U19 World Championship gold medal game in Auckland, New Zealand.
The USA, which last won gold in this event in 1991, will meet Greece (6-2) in the gold medal game on Sunday, 7:30 p.m. (Auckland, New Zealand time). Greece advanced to the gold medal contest after posting the upset of the tournament, an 84-69 shocker over previously undefeated Australia (7-1). The gold medal game will be a rematch between the two teams with the USA having claimed an 85-69 victory over the Greeks in second round play on July 6.
Pitt’s Ashton Gibbs started his fourth consecutive game and contributed 11 points in 23 minutes of action. In Team USA’s eight games, Gibbs is averaging 9.4 points, 2.4 assists and a team-leading 22.6 minutes per game. He has made five starts and hit 11 3-pointers.
Head Coach Jamie Dixon has guided the squad to an undefeated 8-0 record. Similar to the way his Pitt teams win games, the Americans have outrebounded opponents by a 7.6 rebounds per game margin (41.4-33.8) and limited opponents to 37.9 percent (195-515) shooting.
All 11 healthy USA players scored in the game, Gordan Hayward (Butler / Brownsburg, Ind.) led the way with a USA best 15 points and added eight rebounds. Ashton Gibbs (Pittsburgh / Scotch Plains, N.J.) scored 11 points, and Seth Curry (Duke / Charlotte, N.C.) and Terrico White (Mississippi / Memphis, Tenn.) each tossed in 10 points. Tyshawn Taylor (Kansas / Jersey City, N.J.) added nine points, while USA big men, Howard Thompkins (Georgia / Lithonia, Ga.) and Arnett Moultrie (UTEP / Memphis, Tenn.), each scored eight points, with Thompkins grabbing a U.S. best eight rebounds and Moultrie snagging six.
Despite leading by as many as 16 points in the first half, the USA trailed 59-57 heading into the fourth quarter after Croatia outscored them 26-11 in the third period. The two squads battled for control and with 3:14 remaining the scored was knotted at 70 all.
With the game up for grabs, the U.S. made the plays it had to in order to pull out the win. Hayward started the string of game deciding plays when he drove baseline and slammed home two to give the USA a 72-70 lead with 3:14 remaining. It was a lead the U.S. never relinquished. Hayward’s Butler University teammate Shelvin Mack (Butler / Lexington, Ky.) cushioned the USA’s lead to 74-70 after he hit a 14 foot jumper, his only make from the field on the evening, with 2:31 to play.
Fouls were called on the next three possessions and while Croatia was only able to convert on 2-of-4 free throws, Taylor made 1-of-2 free throws and with 1:45 on the clock the U.S. was clinging to a 75-72 advantage.
Hayward was fouled with 57 seconds to go and calmly converted on both to make it 77-72. But Croatia rushed down court and guard Dino Butorac drilled his fifth 3-pointer of the game to make the score 79-77 with 42 seconds remaining.
The U.S. worked the clock down and White’s rushed shot was wide of the rim and as it bounced over the endline, Hayward jumped, grabbed the ball, and flung it back to Taylor who was standing behind the 3-point line. With the shot clock about to expire, Taylor heaved a long three that hit rim just a fraction before shot clock was to expire, and USA forward John Shurna (Northwestern / Glen Ellyn, Ill.) came up with the huge offensive board in the scramble. Shurna managed to pass the ball to Hayward, who was fouled as he looked to score.
Shooting two free throws with 14.6 seconds on the clock, Hayward again sank both to push the USA’s ahead 79-75. Croatia’s Toni Prostran sprinted the length of the court for a layup, and with 10.1 seconds to play the score stood at 79-77.
Inbounding the ball to Gibbs, he was immediately fouled. Going to the line for two free throws with 9.4 seconds to go, Gibbs made both to up the USA lead to 81-77, and after Croatia missed a pair of threes in the closing seconds, the USA had the win.
It took the Americans almost four minutes and eight shots before they put points on the scoreboard. Croatia jumped out 6-0 as the USA missed its first seven shots, four of those threes.
Following a USA called timeout, the U.S. went inside and Moultrie finally got the USA on the scoreboard at the 6:14 mark.
The red, white and blue kept it going and with 4:09 left in the opening stanza had moved out to an 11-6 advantage. Finding its shooting eye, the USA closed the quarter with White hitting a pair of threes, Curry added another, and when Thompkins deposited a miss with a second showing, the USA owned a 22-16 lead after one quarter.
Scoring the first seven points of the second quarter, the lead was exanded to 29-16. The two teams traded baskets and slowly Croatia worked the lead down and following a hoop by Toni Prostran the led was down to nine, 39-30.
Curry, who finished the first half with 10 points, scored five points in a 7-0 USA run that the U.S. up 46-30, and when Croatia’s Tomislav Zubcic made a 3-point shot with three second to go before half, the USA went to its locker room leading 46-33.
FIBA UNDER-19 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
FINAL FOUR/MEDAL ROUND PAIRINGS
Saturday, July 11, Auckland, New Zealand
Greece 84, Australia 69
USA 81, Croatia 77
Sunday, July 12, Auckland, New Zealand
Bronze Medal Game: Australia (7-1) vs. Croatia (6-2), 5 p.m.
Gold Medal Game: USA (8-0) vs. Greece (6-2), 7:30 p.m.
AUCKLAND, New Zealand—It was a perfectly fittingly ending for a team that has been proving with each and every victory that it is truly a team. Because in the end it was a collection of critical plays by the USA team that earned them a hard fought 81-77 semifinals win over Croatia (6-2) and a berth in Sunday’s FIBA U19 World Championship gold medal game in Auckland, New Zealand.
The USA, which last won gold in this event in 1991, will meet Greece (6-2) in the gold medal game on Sunday, 7:30 p.m. (Auckland, New Zealand time). Greece advanced to the gold medal contest after posting the upset of the tournament, an 84-69 shocker over previously undefeated Australia (7-1). The gold medal game will be a rematch between the two teams with the USA having claimed an 85-69 victory over the Greeks in second round play on July 6.
Pitt’s Ashton Gibbs started his fourth consecutive game and contributed 11 points in 23 minutes of action. In Team USA’s eight games, Gibbs is averaging 9.4 points, 2.4 assists and a team-leading 22.6 minutes per game. He has made five starts and hit 11 3-pointers.
Head Coach Jamie Dixon has guided the squad to an undefeated 8-0 record. Similar to the way his Pitt teams win games, the Americans have outrebounded opponents by a 7.6 rebounds per game margin (41.4-33.8) and limited opponents to 37.9 percent (195-515) shooting.
All 11 healthy USA players scored in the game, Gordan Hayward (Butler / Brownsburg, Ind.) led the way with a USA best 15 points and added eight rebounds. Ashton Gibbs (Pittsburgh / Scotch Plains, N.J.) scored 11 points, and Seth Curry (Duke / Charlotte, N.C.) and Terrico White (Mississippi / Memphis, Tenn.) each tossed in 10 points. Tyshawn Taylor (Kansas / Jersey City, N.J.) added nine points, while USA big men, Howard Thompkins (Georgia / Lithonia, Ga.) and Arnett Moultrie (UTEP / Memphis, Tenn.), each scored eight points, with Thompkins grabbing a U.S. best eight rebounds and Moultrie snagging six.
Despite leading by as many as 16 points in the first half, the USA trailed 59-57 heading into the fourth quarter after Croatia outscored them 26-11 in the third period. The two squads battled for control and with 3:14 remaining the scored was knotted at 70 all.
With the game up for grabs, the U.S. made the plays it had to in order to pull out the win. Hayward started the string of game deciding plays when he drove baseline and slammed home two to give the USA a 72-70 lead with 3:14 remaining. It was a lead the U.S. never relinquished. Hayward’s Butler University teammate Shelvin Mack (Butler / Lexington, Ky.) cushioned the USA’s lead to 74-70 after he hit a 14 foot jumper, his only make from the field on the evening, with 2:31 to play.
Fouls were called on the next three possessions and while Croatia was only able to convert on 2-of-4 free throws, Taylor made 1-of-2 free throws and with 1:45 on the clock the U.S. was clinging to a 75-72 advantage.
Hayward was fouled with 57 seconds to go and calmly converted on both to make it 77-72. But Croatia rushed down court and guard Dino Butorac drilled his fifth 3-pointer of the game to make the score 79-77 with 42 seconds remaining.
The U.S. worked the clock down and White’s rushed shot was wide of the rim and as it bounced over the endline, Hayward jumped, grabbed the ball, and flung it back to Taylor who was standing behind the 3-point line. With the shot clock about to expire, Taylor heaved a long three that hit rim just a fraction before shot clock was to expire, and USA forward John Shurna (Northwestern / Glen Ellyn, Ill.) came up with the huge offensive board in the scramble. Shurna managed to pass the ball to Hayward, who was fouled as he looked to score.
Shooting two free throws with 14.6 seconds on the clock, Hayward again sank both to push the USA’s ahead 79-75. Croatia’s Toni Prostran sprinted the length of the court for a layup, and with 10.1 seconds to play the score stood at 79-77.
Inbounding the ball to Gibbs, he was immediately fouled. Going to the line for two free throws with 9.4 seconds to go, Gibbs made both to up the USA lead to 81-77, and after Croatia missed a pair of threes in the closing seconds, the USA had the win.
It took the Americans almost four minutes and eight shots before they put points on the scoreboard. Croatia jumped out 6-0 as the USA missed its first seven shots, four of those threes.
Following a USA called timeout, the U.S. went inside and Moultrie finally got the USA on the scoreboard at the 6:14 mark.
The red, white and blue kept it going and with 4:09 left in the opening stanza had moved out to an 11-6 advantage. Finding its shooting eye, the USA closed the quarter with White hitting a pair of threes, Curry added another, and when Thompkins deposited a miss with a second showing, the USA owned a 22-16 lead after one quarter.
Scoring the first seven points of the second quarter, the lead was exanded to 29-16. The two teams traded baskets and slowly Croatia worked the lead down and following a hoop by Toni Prostran the led was down to nine, 39-30.
Curry, who finished the first half with 10 points, scored five points in a 7-0 USA run that the U.S. up 46-30, and when Croatia’s Tomislav Zubcic made a 3-point shot with three second to go before half, the USA went to its locker room leading 46-33.
FIBA UNDER-19 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
FINAL FOUR/MEDAL ROUND PAIRINGS
Saturday, July 11, Auckland, New Zealand
Greece 84, Australia 69
USA 81, Croatia 77
Sunday, July 12, Auckland, New Zealand
Bronze Medal Game: Australia (7-1) vs. Croatia (6-2), 5 p.m.
Gold Medal Game: USA (8-0) vs. Greece (6-2), 7:30 p.m.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Lebron James Skills Academy 2009 (College scrimmage)
This is the only footage--I know of--that has leaked onto the web from the LBJS Academy college scrimmage earlier this week, in which Lebron ran with the college campers, including Jordan Crawford, Devin Ebanks and Patrick Christopher. As you may have heard, the others filming had their tapes confiscated, making Nike look even more ridiculous.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
We're Back and Running
Now that the site is back together and up and running again, expect a triumphant Jordan-esque return, with plenty of posts a day to sink your teeth into.
This week I'll be breaking down the NBA Playoffs for you. This may be a predominant college basketball site, but I, as well as all of you know that a basketball fan can't just ignore the greatest show on earth, the NBA Playoffs!
I have a fantastic piece on the Rockets coming up later today, and a few notes on, what should be two thrilling game seven showdowns with LA/Houston and Boston/Orlando.
Next week we'll get back into college basketball a little bit with a few player profiles of upcoming freshmen and a little browsing in Isaiah's new shop, the FIU Panthers.
Also, catch the what was he thinking segment of the week tomorrow. I'm sure you'll get a kick out of this one.
Sorry for the hiatus, kids!
This week I'll be breaking down the NBA Playoffs for you. This may be a predominant college basketball site, but I, as well as all of you know that a basketball fan can't just ignore the greatest show on earth, the NBA Playoffs!
I have a fantastic piece on the Rockets coming up later today, and a few notes on, what should be two thrilling game seven showdowns with LA/Houston and Boston/Orlando.
Next week we'll get back into college basketball a little bit with a few player profiles of upcoming freshmen and a little browsing in Isaiah's new shop, the FIU Panthers.
Also, catch the what was he thinking segment of the week tomorrow. I'm sure you'll get a kick out of this one.
Sorry for the hiatus, kids!
The Early Top 25
We're months away from tipoff, and yet, the addiction of more college basketball pounds on the door, begging for the first edition of the preseason top 25.
But don't chew my head off just yet! This is just putting the teams in order as how they look NOW. Things will certainly change--at gigantic proportions--once we actually know who will and who will not be returning to school next year.
Here's the first 25 projection of the year
No explanations right now, just the list. Part two (after the agent signing period is up) will have brief paragraphs listed for each team, including who will be returning/leaving.
Also, there will be no stock report on the teams as well, since this is the first edition. As we see who has left, what coaching moves have been made, transfers, suspensions etc. we'll start that segment.
Team
1. Michigan State
2. Kansas
3. Purdue
4. West Virginia
5. North Carolina
6. Michigan
7. Texas
8. Villanova
9. Clemson
10. California
11. Duke
12. Washington
13. Dayton
14. Oklahoma
15. Ohio State
16. Tennessee
17. Minnesota
18. Illinois
19. Butler
20. Georgetown
21. Kentucky
22. Gonzaga
23. Pittsburgh
24. Siena
25. Memphis
But don't chew my head off just yet! This is just putting the teams in order as how they look NOW. Things will certainly change--at gigantic proportions--once we actually know who will and who will not be returning to school next year.
Here's the first 25 projection of the year
No explanations right now, just the list. Part two (after the agent signing period is up) will have brief paragraphs listed for each team, including who will be returning/leaving.
Also, there will be no stock report on the teams as well, since this is the first edition. As we see who has left, what coaching moves have been made, transfers, suspensions etc. we'll start that segment.
Team
1. Michigan State
2. Kansas
3. Purdue
4. West Virginia
5. North Carolina
6. Michigan
7. Texas
8. Villanova
9. Clemson
10. California
11. Duke
12. Washington
13. Dayton
14. Oklahoma
15. Ohio State
16. Tennessee
17. Minnesota
18. Illinois
19. Butler
20. Georgetown
21. Kentucky
22. Gonzaga
23. Pittsburgh
24. Siena
25. Memphis
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Heating Up: Northern Iowa Panthers
Each day until Selection Sunday, we'll take a look at one team that is on the rise, generating buzz, from the Big East, Big Ten to the Ohio Valley and MAC. This week's team is the top team to date in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Team: Northern Iowa
Conference/Standing: 1st Place in Missouri Valley Conference
Record: 17-6 (11-1)
Key Wins: 59-51 @ Southern Illinois, 69-66 @ Creighton, 61-58 @ Bradley, 59-55 vs. Illinois State
Key Losses: 84-85 vs. Indiana State (F/2OT), 77-84 @ Illinois-Chicago
Tournament Projection: NCAA
The Scoop
It seems every year Northern Iowa is one of a cluster of teams in the exciting Missouri Valley Conference that finds their names on the bracket buster list. This year they may very well be on the very top of that list.
Riding an 11-game winning streak, something that has not been accomplished by a UNI team since the 1963-64 season, the Panthers are extremely hot, taking wins in three of the most difficult gyms in America, including Southern Illinois, Creighton and most recently, a three-point thriller at Peoria, Illinois to take down Bradley, sweeping them in the season series.
Northern Iowa is led by their vicious backcourt tandem of point guard Kwadzo Ahelegbe and shooting guard Ali Farokhmanesh. Between the two, Northern Iowa gets 21.7 points per game, with Ahelegbe chiming in with a solid assist/turnover ratio of 1.3, with 3.3 assists a game, and Farokhmanesh as the deep-threat with a 39.6% average from beyond-the-arc, dropping nearly three a game.
While they boast the 5th best winning streak in the country to date, Northern Iowa doesn’t exactly stand out as monsters in the conference stat categories. They are average a modest 67.5 points per game, while giving up 63 points defensively, while pulling down 24 defensive rebounds.
Where they Excel
The Panthers do the small things right, including an MVC best assist/turnover ratio of 1.1, surrendering a league low 11 turnovers per game. They have a rebounding defense that is giving up just 30.5 per game, but perhaps their best and most important stat, is their league-leading field goal percentage of 47%. Their precision shooting from the field helped them in their big upset at Bradley this week, in which they shot an impressive 21 of 40 (52.5%).
Where they Struggle
While Northern Iowa shoots exceptional from the field, they do miss shots, and with a league-worst 7.8 offensive rebounds per game, which has killed their rebounding offense, where they are at just 32 per game out of 736 total rebounds. The Panthers are also surrendering as much three-pointers as they hit, giving up 35.8% to the opposition, while connecting at 36% themselves.
Three point shooting is what killed the Panthers the most, in their only conference loss vs. Indiana St. They shot an abysmal 10 of 24 from beyond-the-arc. The deep ball also saved Northern Iowa in their last shocker at Bradley, in which Johnny Moran drained the game-winning three with five seconds left. They shot 7 of 15 (46.7%) in that game.
He Said it
One thing I really like about this team is their unselfish play, and the fact that we have different guys that have stepped forward at different times for us. We've had all five starters at one time or another get to 20 points in a single game, and all five are averaging near double-figures. It's been different guys on different nights for us.
-Northern Iowa Head Coach Ben Jacobson
Get to know the Panthers:
PG: Kwadzo Ahelegbe……11.1 PPG, 75 assists/56 turnovers, 11 steals and 72.6% free throw shooter.
SG: Ali Farokhmanesh……10.6 PPG, 55 of 139 (39.6%) from three-point range, 39 assists/29 turnovers and 81.3% free throw shooter.
F: Adam Koch…………….11.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 104-133 (78.2%) free throws and leads team with 265 points.
F: Johnny Moran………......9.8 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 39% from three-point range, 76.7% free throw shooter and 58 assists/38 turnovers.
C: Jordan Eglseder………...9.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 63.9% free throw shooter and 25 blocks.
*Sixth Man is Forward Lucas O’ Rear, who has 5.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 67.6% free throw shooter, and is averaging a bench best 22.5 Minutes per game.*
Catch tomorrow's edition of Heating Up, when I take a look at the Northeast Conference leaders to date, the Robert Morris Colonials.
Team: Northern Iowa
Conference/Standing: 1st Place in Missouri Valley Conference
Record: 17-6 (11-1)
Key Wins: 59-51 @ Southern Illinois, 69-66 @ Creighton, 61-58 @ Bradley, 59-55 vs. Illinois State
Key Losses: 84-85 vs. Indiana State (F/2OT), 77-84 @ Illinois-Chicago
Tournament Projection: NCAA
The Scoop
It seems every year Northern Iowa is one of a cluster of teams in the exciting Missouri Valley Conference that finds their names on the bracket buster list. This year they may very well be on the very top of that list.
Riding an 11-game winning streak, something that has not been accomplished by a UNI team since the 1963-64 season, the Panthers are extremely hot, taking wins in three of the most difficult gyms in America, including Southern Illinois, Creighton and most recently, a three-point thriller at Peoria, Illinois to take down Bradley, sweeping them in the season series.
Northern Iowa is led by their vicious backcourt tandem of point guard Kwadzo Ahelegbe and shooting guard Ali Farokhmanesh. Between the two, Northern Iowa gets 21.7 points per game, with Ahelegbe chiming in with a solid assist/turnover ratio of 1.3, with 3.3 assists a game, and Farokhmanesh as the deep-threat with a 39.6% average from beyond-the-arc, dropping nearly three a game.
While they boast the 5th best winning streak in the country to date, Northern Iowa doesn’t exactly stand out as monsters in the conference stat categories. They are average a modest 67.5 points per game, while giving up 63 points defensively, while pulling down 24 defensive rebounds.
Where they Excel
The Panthers do the small things right, including an MVC best assist/turnover ratio of 1.1, surrendering a league low 11 turnovers per game. They have a rebounding defense that is giving up just 30.5 per game, but perhaps their best and most important stat, is their league-leading field goal percentage of 47%. Their precision shooting from the field helped them in their big upset at Bradley this week, in which they shot an impressive 21 of 40 (52.5%).
Where they Struggle
While Northern Iowa shoots exceptional from the field, they do miss shots, and with a league-worst 7.8 offensive rebounds per game, which has killed their rebounding offense, where they are at just 32 per game out of 736 total rebounds. The Panthers are also surrendering as much three-pointers as they hit, giving up 35.8% to the opposition, while connecting at 36% themselves.
Three point shooting is what killed the Panthers the most, in their only conference loss vs. Indiana St. They shot an abysmal 10 of 24 from beyond-the-arc. The deep ball also saved Northern Iowa in their last shocker at Bradley, in which Johnny Moran drained the game-winning three with five seconds left. They shot 7 of 15 (46.7%) in that game.
He Said it
One thing I really like about this team is their unselfish play, and the fact that we have different guys that have stepped forward at different times for us. We've had all five starters at one time or another get to 20 points in a single game, and all five are averaging near double-figures. It's been different guys on different nights for us.
-Northern Iowa Head Coach Ben Jacobson
Get to know the Panthers:
PG: Kwadzo Ahelegbe……11.1 PPG, 75 assists/56 turnovers, 11 steals and 72.6% free throw shooter.
SG: Ali Farokhmanesh……10.6 PPG, 55 of 139 (39.6%) from three-point range, 39 assists/29 turnovers and 81.3% free throw shooter.
F: Adam Koch…………….11.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 104-133 (78.2%) free throws and leads team with 265 points.
F: Johnny Moran………......9.8 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 39% from three-point range, 76.7% free throw shooter and 58 assists/38 turnovers.
C: Jordan Eglseder………...9.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 63.9% free throw shooter and 25 blocks.
*Sixth Man is Forward Lucas O’ Rear, who has 5.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 67.6% free throw shooter, and is averaging a bench best 22.5 Minutes per game.*
Catch tomorrow's edition of Heating Up, when I take a look at the Northeast Conference leaders to date, the Robert Morris Colonials.
BIG EAST STOCK REPORT: WEEK FIVE
Big East Stock Report: Week Five
By Anthony Jaskulski
*All stats provided are conference games only unless otherwise noted.
1. Connecticut 21-1, 10-1, Stock: UP
National Ranking: 1
Last game: W 68-51 at Louisville
Next game: Feb. 7 vs. Michigan
Current Streak: W 10
Strong Point: Connecticut’s front court is averaging over 55% of their 75 points per game average in the paint. Center Hasheem Thabeet is contributing mightily to that stat with 10 double-doubles, including his first career triple-double in last Saturday’s win vs. Providence, in which the big man had 10 blocks, 11 rebounds and 15 points.
Area of Improvement: With just a total of 4.6 three pointers made per game, Connecticut is third to last in the Big East. They have only attempted 123 shots from beyond-the-arc in league play this year, with Villanova and St. John’s as the only two teams that have attempted fewer.
Overall Analysis: The Huskies are down right terrifying right now, and they are proving it in just their first week as the No.1 team in the country. Hitting zero three-pointers against Louisville and still winning by 17 at Freedom Hall, beating a well-equipped Providence team by 29 points in the second half, and averaging a +13.1 scoring margin in conference play to date all adds to an elixir of dominance and near immortality shown from this team.
2. Marquette 19-2, 8-0, Stock: UP
National Ranking: 8
Last game: W 94-82 vs. Georgetown
Next game: Feb. 3 at DePaul
Current Streak: W 11
Strong Point: Jerel McNeal is playing like a man possessed lately. The senior guard ripped apart Notre Dame with 27 points, only to follow up with an assault on Georgetown Saturday with 26 points, 11 assists, six rebounds and five steals. He is currently averaging a Big East third best 23.9 points per game.
Area of Improvement: It hasn’t bitten them yet, but you can count on the rebounding bug to attack soon. With a rebounding margin of just -2.1 per game, including a Big East second-worst 10 offensive rebounds per game, Marquette may have their hands full with the Connecticut’s and Pitt’s later on down the road.
Overall Analysis: Despite their rebounding deficiency’s, it’s about time the Golden Eagles stop catching the weak schedule heat. This team has a back court that can take the best rebounding teams in the country out of the game with their precision shooting, impeccable ball movement and solid creating abilities. A league-best scoring average of 81.8 points per game, and scoring margin of +13.1 per game doesn’t lie.
3. Louisville 17-4, 8-1, Stock: Level
National Ranking: 7
Last game: L 68-51 vs. Connecticut
Next game: Feb. 8 at St. John’s
Current Streak: L 1
Strong Point: Coach Rick Pitino is showing more and more why is he is the best defensive coach in the country, as he’s boasting the top rated defense in the league, who is giving up an average of just 60 points per game, and holding opponents to just 38.4% per game.
Area of Improvement: For an offense that is much dependent on the deep range threat, Louisville is not helping themselves out by any means, averaging just 31% from three-point range, including a sub-par 5 of 17 effort against Connecticut Monday night.
Overall analysis: Losing their first conference game at Freedom Hall since a 74-65 Jan. 15 loss to Marquette, Louisville went incredibly sour, shooting just 34% from the field, and getting to the free throw line just two times. But don’t expect the Cardinals, who had a nine game winning streak before Monday night, to stay down long, especially when they get to play the second worst scoring offense in the league in St. John’s Saturday.
4. Pittsburgh 20-2, 7-2, Stock: Level
National Ranking: 6
Last game: W 92-72 vs. Robert Morris
Next game: Feb. 7 at DePaul
Current Streak: W2
Strong Point: Rebounding continues to be the key element in Pitt’s success. With a Big East best rebounding offense of just 31.2 per game and an astounding 15 offensive boards a game, the Panthers are still a force to be reckoned with on the glass.
Area of Improvement: The Panthers three-point shooting is getting better, but their perimeter defense is starting to tread water. Pitt is allowing the opposition to 36% in three-point field goal percentage, surrendering 29 in their last three games.
Overall Analysis: Pitt bounced back in blowout fashion after a loss yet again, with Notre Dame on the wrong end of their thrashing this time. The Panthers are on a three-week stretch where they will play a brutal schedule of Saturday and Monday games, but if Levance Fields continues with his Big East best 7.2 assists per game, and the offense continues to connect on the open looks, they can play five days a week and not be effected.
5. Villanova 18-4, 5-3, Stock: Rising
National Ranking: 16
Last game: W 71-50 vs. Cincinnati
Next game: Feb. 4 at Providence
Current Streak: W 3
Strong Point: Dante Cunningham has turned into one of the deadliest big men in the league. While his 16.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game is something to crave, it was his skills to shut down Pitt big man DeJuan Blair on Wednesday, forcing him into early foul trouble and holding Blair to just seven points and eight rebounds that etched his name as a dominant presence in the paint.
Area of Improvement: Cunningham does not get much help in the paint from his fellow big men. Antionio Pena has combined for just 12 points and five rebounds in the Wildcats last three games, while wing Dwayne Anderson has only reached double figures on the boards and in points in three games.
Overall Analysis: The Wildcats have been on the cusp of knocking off some of the Big East’s best, and with their win against Pitt on Wednesday, can finally put their names next to the top four of this league.
6. Providence 14-7, 6-3, Stock: Level
Last game: L 94-61 at Connecticut
Next game: Feb. 4 vs. Villanova
Current Streak: L 1
Strong Point: Providence continues to light it up in offensive categories, but perhaps that is due mainly to their Big East best 17.44 assists per game. Guard Sharaud Curry has contributed the most with an average of 5.4 this year.
Area of Improvement: The Friars are giving up points in the second half at alarming rates. In their three losses this year, they have been out-scored in the final period 156-103, squandering first half leads in all three games.
Overall Analysis: The past week has taught us a lot about Providence and what they have to do to win—score, and score big. The Friars posted 100 points, out-lasting Syracuse’s 94 point rush, and were pelted by Connecticut when only scoring 61 points. With a defense that is giving up 78 points per game, and a rebounding defense surrendering 37.8, it seems the only way Providence can guarantee a win is scoring at an extremely high pace.
7. Syracuse 17-5, 5-4, Stock: Falling
National Ranking: 20
Last game: L 100-94 at Providence
Next game: Feb. 4 vs. West Virginia
Current Streak: L 3
Strong Point: Despite hitting a sour patch of late, Syracuse is still one of the top offenses in the league averaging 78.2 points per game, and a Big East best field goal percentage of 49.1%.
Area of Improvement: Surrendering a near 75 points per game, the Orange need to figure out how to pace opposing offenses. In their three straight losses, teams have shot over 60% in the final seven minutes of play.
Overall Analysis: It wasn’t long ago when Syracuse was considered one of the elite of the Big East. But now with such a sup-bar effort defensively, and giving up 14.7 turnovers a game, including 21 against Providence, the Orange are falling deeper in the standings, and are in must-win territory against West Virginia Wednesday.
Injury update—Guard Andy Rautins (severe right ankle sprain) is probable for Wednesday’s game vs. West Virginia, while forward Arinze Onuaku (sore knee) is still questionable.
8. West Virginia 15-6, 4-4, Stock: Level
Last game: L 69-63 at Louisville
Next game: Feb. 4 at Syracuse
Current Streak: L 1
Strong Point: West Virginia knows how to take care of the ball. They have a +2.75 turnover margin, giving up just 12.8 turnovers a game, while forcing 15.5, including a near seven steals per game.
Area of Improvement: Still one of the worst offenses in the league, West Virginia is shooting just 40.8% from the field, including just a 35% performance against Louisville Saturday.
Overall Analysis: Even though it was a loss at Louisville in the books, count it as a moral victory for the Mountaineers, who rallied back from a 20 point halftime deficit, and almost shocked the Freedom Hall crowd. Da’Sean Butler knocked down 23 points in the game, marking the fifth straight time he led all West Virginia scorers. If the rest of the team would just rally behind Butler on the offensive end, the Mountaineers may just be a force this month and on.
9. Cincinnati 13-7, 3-4, Stock: Level
Last game: L 71-50 at Villanova
Next game: Feb. 4 vs. Notre Dame
Current Streak: L 1
Strong Point: The Bearcats have found most of their offense from rebounding, in which they are pulling down 14 offensive boards per game, just one behind the Big East leader in Pitt.
Area of Improvement: Aside from their expertise in the rebounding department, there is not much else coming from the offensive end for a Cincinnati team that is averaging just 64 points per game.
Overall Analysis: Guard Deonta Vaughn continues to carry the Bearcats and two wins over St. John’s and Georgetown has generated some buzz for the team that started out 0-3 in conference play. If their scoring margin, however, of -5.1 doesn’t shift soon, the buzz won’t be around much longer.
10. Georgetown 12-8, 3-6, Stock: Falling
Last game: L 94-82 at Marquette
Next game: Feb. 3 vs. Rutgers
Current Streak: L 5
Strong Point: Guard Chris Wright is starting to feel at home with his new Georgetown team. Wright added 19 points and eight assists, while shooting 56% from the field in the loss at Marquette Saturday.
Area of Improvement: Almost everything needs improving for the Hoyas who have fallen hard in the standings, all the way to 10th place now tied with Notre Dame. One stat that sticks out like a sore thumb for Georgetown is defensive rebounds, in which they corralling just 19.8 per game, while only grabbing 11.8 on the offensive end.
Overall Analysis: Things continue to get worse for the Hoyas, who have lost five straight games now. In their current slump, Georgetown has been held to under 68 points in 4 of the last 5 games, while only shooting 41% from the field in that span.
11. Notre Dame 12-8, 3-6, Stock: Falling
National Ranking: 22
Last game: L 93-80 at Pittsburgh
Next game: Feb. 4 at Cincinnati
Current Streak: L5
Strong Point: Along with shooting a Big East best 80% from the free throw line, they also have a best assist/turnover ratio at 1.54, with 16 assists a game to just 10 turnovers.
Area of Improvement: Notre Dame’s defense continues to struggle, as they have fallen second to last, surrendering 79.1 points per game, including 92 points to a Pitt team that is averaging just 75 points per game.
Overall Analysis: The Irish have lost five straight—all to ranked teams—and even got the painful “N-I-T” chant from Panther fans after losing Saturday in Pittsburgh. While defense is certainly their biggest problem, opposing teams figuring out their offense in the second half is becoming another dilemma. After shooting 11 of 22 from beyond-the-arc in the first half, Pitt held Notre Dame to just 1 of 5 in the final period.
12. St. John’s 12-9, 3-6, Stock: Level
Last game: W 65-48 vs. South Florida
Next game: Feb. 5 at Seton Hall
Current Streak: W 1
Strong Point: Sophomore Paris Horne tallied up 19 points in St. John’s win over South Florida. He is averaging 20.5 points per game in his last four outings.
Area of Improvement: St. John’s having a terrible time holding onto the ball. They are dead last in both turnover margin, with a -4.22 margin and assist/turnover ratio of just 0.55, with just 9.7 assists to their 17.6 turnovers a game.
Overall Analysis: While the Red Storm have the most difficult time with ball handling in the conference, they pushed their stats aside in the win against South Florida Sunday, with 10 assists and just 10 turnovers, forcing the Bulls into 11. It will be interesting to see if they can continue to improve in the assist/turnover column against Seton Hall Thursday.
13. Seton Hall 11-9, 2-6, Stock: Rising
Last game: W 70-67 vs. Rutgers
Next game: Feb. 5 vs. St. John’s
Current Streak: W 2
Strong Point: The Pirates are starting to take advantage of the small things that make big differences. They have increased their numbers in offensive rebounding (13.5 per game), assists/turnover ratio (1.10) and field goal percentage (43%)
Area of Improvement: Seton Hall boasts one of the worst defenses in all of D-1 basketball, giving up a disgusting 83.8 points per game. They have given up 80 or more points per game in 5 of their 8 conference games this year.
Overall Analysis: It’s a shocker, but the Pirates have put together a nice little two-game winning streak, in which they have held both opponents to under 70 points, including 67 against Rutgers last week. If guard Jeremy Hazell continues to average his Big East second best 24.8 points per game, Seton Hall may edge out a few more wins down the stretch.
14. South Florida 7-14, 2-7, Stock: Falling
Last game: L 65-48 at St. John’s
Next game: Feb. 6 vs. Marquette
Current Streak: L 3
Strong Point: Guard Dominique Jones and forward Augustus Gilchrist are the only two Bulls averaging double-figures, with Jones at 19.9 points per game, and the freshman Gilchrist with 11 points.
Area of Improvement: South Florida is shooting just 40.7% from the field and the only team in the Big East averaging just 60 points per game. They shot just 35% from the field in the loss at St. John’s Sunday.
Overall Analysis: South Florida has limited options on the offensive end as it is, not to mention their abysmal 60% average from the free throw line. The Bulls putrid offense has seen just two conference games where they scored 70 points or more.
15. Rutgers 10-12, 1-8, Stock: Falling
Last game: W 75-56 vs. DePaul
Next game: Feb. 3 at Georgetown
Current Streak: W 1
Strong Point: With their win over DePaul, it snapped a nine game losing streak for the Scarlet Knights. Mike Rosario and Justin Griffin combined for 32 points in the win.
Area of Improvement: Rutgers field goal percentage defense is a Big East worst 48.6%. Teams have scored 70 or more points on the Knights in every conference game, but the win against DePaul
Overall Analysis: Rutgers finally got themselves out of the winless column in the league this week. Don’t expect that win to turn into a streak, with a scoring offense of just 64 points per game, and a defense that is giving up 74 points per game.
16. DePaul 8-14, 0-9, Stock: Plummeted
Last game: L 75-56 at Rutgers
Next game: Feb. 3 vs. Marquette
Current Streak: L 9
Strong Point: Dar Tucker is averaging a Big East 8th best 16.4 points per game. He dropped 14 points, and led all DePaul scorers in the loss to Rutgers.
Area of Improvement: DePaul is dead last in the league in scoring margin (-13.3), rebounding margin (-11.8), rebounding defense (41.7), rebounding offense (29.9), defensive rebounds (19.6), offensive rebounds (10.2) and 3 pt. field goal percentage defense (41%). You do the math.
Overall Analysis: Well DePaul…we’re waiting. You are the only team in the league without a win. And not only did you fail to defeat the only other team that had zero wins—Rutgers—in the conference, but you lost in blowout fashion by 19. Every opponent DePaul has left on the schedule is above .500. It’s not a fun thing to say, but we may have the Detroit Lions of the Big East in the Blue Demons.
By Anthony Jaskulski
*All stats provided are conference games only unless otherwise noted.
1. Connecticut 21-1, 10-1, Stock: UP
National Ranking: 1
Last game: W 68-51 at Louisville
Next game: Feb. 7 vs. Michigan
Current Streak: W 10
Strong Point: Connecticut’s front court is averaging over 55% of their 75 points per game average in the paint. Center Hasheem Thabeet is contributing mightily to that stat with 10 double-doubles, including his first career triple-double in last Saturday’s win vs. Providence, in which the big man had 10 blocks, 11 rebounds and 15 points.
Area of Improvement: With just a total of 4.6 three pointers made per game, Connecticut is third to last in the Big East. They have only attempted 123 shots from beyond-the-arc in league play this year, with Villanova and St. John’s as the only two teams that have attempted fewer.
Overall Analysis: The Huskies are down right terrifying right now, and they are proving it in just their first week as the No.1 team in the country. Hitting zero three-pointers against Louisville and still winning by 17 at Freedom Hall, beating a well-equipped Providence team by 29 points in the second half, and averaging a +13.1 scoring margin in conference play to date all adds to an elixir of dominance and near immortality shown from this team.
2. Marquette 19-2, 8-0, Stock: UP
National Ranking: 8
Last game: W 94-82 vs. Georgetown
Next game: Feb. 3 at DePaul
Current Streak: W 11
Strong Point: Jerel McNeal is playing like a man possessed lately. The senior guard ripped apart Notre Dame with 27 points, only to follow up with an assault on Georgetown Saturday with 26 points, 11 assists, six rebounds and five steals. He is currently averaging a Big East third best 23.9 points per game.
Area of Improvement: It hasn’t bitten them yet, but you can count on the rebounding bug to attack soon. With a rebounding margin of just -2.1 per game, including a Big East second-worst 10 offensive rebounds per game, Marquette may have their hands full with the Connecticut’s and Pitt’s later on down the road.
Overall Analysis: Despite their rebounding deficiency’s, it’s about time the Golden Eagles stop catching the weak schedule heat. This team has a back court that can take the best rebounding teams in the country out of the game with their precision shooting, impeccable ball movement and solid creating abilities. A league-best scoring average of 81.8 points per game, and scoring margin of +13.1 per game doesn’t lie.
3. Louisville 17-4, 8-1, Stock: Level
National Ranking: 7
Last game: L 68-51 vs. Connecticut
Next game: Feb. 8 at St. John’s
Current Streak: L 1
Strong Point: Coach Rick Pitino is showing more and more why is he is the best defensive coach in the country, as he’s boasting the top rated defense in the league, who is giving up an average of just 60 points per game, and holding opponents to just 38.4% per game.
Area of Improvement: For an offense that is much dependent on the deep range threat, Louisville is not helping themselves out by any means, averaging just 31% from three-point range, including a sub-par 5 of 17 effort against Connecticut Monday night.
Overall analysis: Losing their first conference game at Freedom Hall since a 74-65 Jan. 15 loss to Marquette, Louisville went incredibly sour, shooting just 34% from the field, and getting to the free throw line just two times. But don’t expect the Cardinals, who had a nine game winning streak before Monday night, to stay down long, especially when they get to play the second worst scoring offense in the league in St. John’s Saturday.
4. Pittsburgh 20-2, 7-2, Stock: Level
National Ranking: 6
Last game: W 92-72 vs. Robert Morris
Next game: Feb. 7 at DePaul
Current Streak: W2
Strong Point: Rebounding continues to be the key element in Pitt’s success. With a Big East best rebounding offense of just 31.2 per game and an astounding 15 offensive boards a game, the Panthers are still a force to be reckoned with on the glass.
Area of Improvement: The Panthers three-point shooting is getting better, but their perimeter defense is starting to tread water. Pitt is allowing the opposition to 36% in three-point field goal percentage, surrendering 29 in their last three games.
Overall Analysis: Pitt bounced back in blowout fashion after a loss yet again, with Notre Dame on the wrong end of their thrashing this time. The Panthers are on a three-week stretch where they will play a brutal schedule of Saturday and Monday games, but if Levance Fields continues with his Big East best 7.2 assists per game, and the offense continues to connect on the open looks, they can play five days a week and not be effected.
5. Villanova 18-4, 5-3, Stock: Rising
National Ranking: 16
Last game: W 71-50 vs. Cincinnati
Next game: Feb. 4 at Providence
Current Streak: W 3
Strong Point: Dante Cunningham has turned into one of the deadliest big men in the league. While his 16.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game is something to crave, it was his skills to shut down Pitt big man DeJuan Blair on Wednesday, forcing him into early foul trouble and holding Blair to just seven points and eight rebounds that etched his name as a dominant presence in the paint.
Area of Improvement: Cunningham does not get much help in the paint from his fellow big men. Antionio Pena has combined for just 12 points and five rebounds in the Wildcats last three games, while wing Dwayne Anderson has only reached double figures on the boards and in points in three games.
Overall Analysis: The Wildcats have been on the cusp of knocking off some of the Big East’s best, and with their win against Pitt on Wednesday, can finally put their names next to the top four of this league.
6. Providence 14-7, 6-3, Stock: Level
Last game: L 94-61 at Connecticut
Next game: Feb. 4 vs. Villanova
Current Streak: L 1
Strong Point: Providence continues to light it up in offensive categories, but perhaps that is due mainly to their Big East best 17.44 assists per game. Guard Sharaud Curry has contributed the most with an average of 5.4 this year.
Area of Improvement: The Friars are giving up points in the second half at alarming rates. In their three losses this year, they have been out-scored in the final period 156-103, squandering first half leads in all three games.
Overall Analysis: The past week has taught us a lot about Providence and what they have to do to win—score, and score big. The Friars posted 100 points, out-lasting Syracuse’s 94 point rush, and were pelted by Connecticut when only scoring 61 points. With a defense that is giving up 78 points per game, and a rebounding defense surrendering 37.8, it seems the only way Providence can guarantee a win is scoring at an extremely high pace.
7. Syracuse 17-5, 5-4, Stock: Falling
National Ranking: 20
Last game: L 100-94 at Providence
Next game: Feb. 4 vs. West Virginia
Current Streak: L 3
Strong Point: Despite hitting a sour patch of late, Syracuse is still one of the top offenses in the league averaging 78.2 points per game, and a Big East best field goal percentage of 49.1%.
Area of Improvement: Surrendering a near 75 points per game, the Orange need to figure out how to pace opposing offenses. In their three straight losses, teams have shot over 60% in the final seven minutes of play.
Overall Analysis: It wasn’t long ago when Syracuse was considered one of the elite of the Big East. But now with such a sup-bar effort defensively, and giving up 14.7 turnovers a game, including 21 against Providence, the Orange are falling deeper in the standings, and are in must-win territory against West Virginia Wednesday.
Injury update—Guard Andy Rautins (severe right ankle sprain) is probable for Wednesday’s game vs. West Virginia, while forward Arinze Onuaku (sore knee) is still questionable.
8. West Virginia 15-6, 4-4, Stock: Level
Last game: L 69-63 at Louisville
Next game: Feb. 4 at Syracuse
Current Streak: L 1
Strong Point: West Virginia knows how to take care of the ball. They have a +2.75 turnover margin, giving up just 12.8 turnovers a game, while forcing 15.5, including a near seven steals per game.
Area of Improvement: Still one of the worst offenses in the league, West Virginia is shooting just 40.8% from the field, including just a 35% performance against Louisville Saturday.
Overall Analysis: Even though it was a loss at Louisville in the books, count it as a moral victory for the Mountaineers, who rallied back from a 20 point halftime deficit, and almost shocked the Freedom Hall crowd. Da’Sean Butler knocked down 23 points in the game, marking the fifth straight time he led all West Virginia scorers. If the rest of the team would just rally behind Butler on the offensive end, the Mountaineers may just be a force this month and on.
9. Cincinnati 13-7, 3-4, Stock: Level
Last game: L 71-50 at Villanova
Next game: Feb. 4 vs. Notre Dame
Current Streak: L 1
Strong Point: The Bearcats have found most of their offense from rebounding, in which they are pulling down 14 offensive boards per game, just one behind the Big East leader in Pitt.
Area of Improvement: Aside from their expertise in the rebounding department, there is not much else coming from the offensive end for a Cincinnati team that is averaging just 64 points per game.
Overall Analysis: Guard Deonta Vaughn continues to carry the Bearcats and two wins over St. John’s and Georgetown has generated some buzz for the team that started out 0-3 in conference play. If their scoring margin, however, of -5.1 doesn’t shift soon, the buzz won’t be around much longer.
10. Georgetown 12-8, 3-6, Stock: Falling
Last game: L 94-82 at Marquette
Next game: Feb. 3 vs. Rutgers
Current Streak: L 5
Strong Point: Guard Chris Wright is starting to feel at home with his new Georgetown team. Wright added 19 points and eight assists, while shooting 56% from the field in the loss at Marquette Saturday.
Area of Improvement: Almost everything needs improving for the Hoyas who have fallen hard in the standings, all the way to 10th place now tied with Notre Dame. One stat that sticks out like a sore thumb for Georgetown is defensive rebounds, in which they corralling just 19.8 per game, while only grabbing 11.8 on the offensive end.
Overall Analysis: Things continue to get worse for the Hoyas, who have lost five straight games now. In their current slump, Georgetown has been held to under 68 points in 4 of the last 5 games, while only shooting 41% from the field in that span.
11. Notre Dame 12-8, 3-6, Stock: Falling
National Ranking: 22
Last game: L 93-80 at Pittsburgh
Next game: Feb. 4 at Cincinnati
Current Streak: L5
Strong Point: Along with shooting a Big East best 80% from the free throw line, they also have a best assist/turnover ratio at 1.54, with 16 assists a game to just 10 turnovers.
Area of Improvement: Notre Dame’s defense continues to struggle, as they have fallen second to last, surrendering 79.1 points per game, including 92 points to a Pitt team that is averaging just 75 points per game.
Overall Analysis: The Irish have lost five straight—all to ranked teams—and even got the painful “N-I-T” chant from Panther fans after losing Saturday in Pittsburgh. While defense is certainly their biggest problem, opposing teams figuring out their offense in the second half is becoming another dilemma. After shooting 11 of 22 from beyond-the-arc in the first half, Pitt held Notre Dame to just 1 of 5 in the final period.
12. St. John’s 12-9, 3-6, Stock: Level
Last game: W 65-48 vs. South Florida
Next game: Feb. 5 at Seton Hall
Current Streak: W 1
Strong Point: Sophomore Paris Horne tallied up 19 points in St. John’s win over South Florida. He is averaging 20.5 points per game in his last four outings.
Area of Improvement: St. John’s having a terrible time holding onto the ball. They are dead last in both turnover margin, with a -4.22 margin and assist/turnover ratio of just 0.55, with just 9.7 assists to their 17.6 turnovers a game.
Overall Analysis: While the Red Storm have the most difficult time with ball handling in the conference, they pushed their stats aside in the win against South Florida Sunday, with 10 assists and just 10 turnovers, forcing the Bulls into 11. It will be interesting to see if they can continue to improve in the assist/turnover column against Seton Hall Thursday.
13. Seton Hall 11-9, 2-6, Stock: Rising
Last game: W 70-67 vs. Rutgers
Next game: Feb. 5 vs. St. John’s
Current Streak: W 2
Strong Point: The Pirates are starting to take advantage of the small things that make big differences. They have increased their numbers in offensive rebounding (13.5 per game), assists/turnover ratio (1.10) and field goal percentage (43%)
Area of Improvement: Seton Hall boasts one of the worst defenses in all of D-1 basketball, giving up a disgusting 83.8 points per game. They have given up 80 or more points per game in 5 of their 8 conference games this year.
Overall Analysis: It’s a shocker, but the Pirates have put together a nice little two-game winning streak, in which they have held both opponents to under 70 points, including 67 against Rutgers last week. If guard Jeremy Hazell continues to average his Big East second best 24.8 points per game, Seton Hall may edge out a few more wins down the stretch.
14. South Florida 7-14, 2-7, Stock: Falling
Last game: L 65-48 at St. John’s
Next game: Feb. 6 vs. Marquette
Current Streak: L 3
Strong Point: Guard Dominique Jones and forward Augustus Gilchrist are the only two Bulls averaging double-figures, with Jones at 19.9 points per game, and the freshman Gilchrist with 11 points.
Area of Improvement: South Florida is shooting just 40.7% from the field and the only team in the Big East averaging just 60 points per game. They shot just 35% from the field in the loss at St. John’s Sunday.
Overall Analysis: South Florida has limited options on the offensive end as it is, not to mention their abysmal 60% average from the free throw line. The Bulls putrid offense has seen just two conference games where they scored 70 points or more.
15. Rutgers 10-12, 1-8, Stock: Falling
Last game: W 75-56 vs. DePaul
Next game: Feb. 3 at Georgetown
Current Streak: W 1
Strong Point: With their win over DePaul, it snapped a nine game losing streak for the Scarlet Knights. Mike Rosario and Justin Griffin combined for 32 points in the win.
Area of Improvement: Rutgers field goal percentage defense is a Big East worst 48.6%. Teams have scored 70 or more points on the Knights in every conference game, but the win against DePaul
Overall Analysis: Rutgers finally got themselves out of the winless column in the league this week. Don’t expect that win to turn into a streak, with a scoring offense of just 64 points per game, and a defense that is giving up 74 points per game.
16. DePaul 8-14, 0-9, Stock: Plummeted
Last game: L 75-56 at Rutgers
Next game: Feb. 3 vs. Marquette
Current Streak: L 9
Strong Point: Dar Tucker is averaging a Big East 8th best 16.4 points per game. He dropped 14 points, and led all DePaul scorers in the loss to Rutgers.
Area of Improvement: DePaul is dead last in the league in scoring margin (-13.3), rebounding margin (-11.8), rebounding defense (41.7), rebounding offense (29.9), defensive rebounds (19.6), offensive rebounds (10.2) and 3 pt. field goal percentage defense (41%). You do the math.
Overall Analysis: Well DePaul…we’re waiting. You are the only team in the league without a win. And not only did you fail to defeat the only other team that had zero wins—Rutgers—in the conference, but you lost in blowout fashion by 19. Every opponent DePaul has left on the schedule is above .500. It’s not a fun thing to say, but we may have the Detroit Lions of the Big East in the Blue Demons.
Monday, January 12, 2009
BIG EAST STOCK REPORT: WEEK TWO
Big East Stock Report: Week Two
By Anthony Jaskulski
*All stats provided are conference games only unless otherwise noted.
1. Pittsburgh 15-0, 3-0, Stock: UP
National ranking: 1
Last game: W 90-67 vs. St. John’s
Next game: Jan. 14 vs. South Florida
Strong Point: The Panthers showcased their strength on the bench Sunday, getting productive minutes from wing Gilbert Brown and guards Jermaine Dixon and Brad Wanamaker, who combined for 32 points, including 17 from Dixon.
Area of Improvement: Pitt is 230th in the nation in free throw shooting, and just 61% from the stripe in conference play.
Overall Analysis: Even with forward Sam Young in a small shooting slump right now, Pitt is still finding ways to beat teams, and by large margins. The fact that the Panthers can rely on a big bench to step in for their starters makes them an even deadlier team. Pitt is making their mark as one of the deepest teams in the country.
2. Syracuse 16-1, 4-0 Stock: UP
National ranking: 8
Last game: W 82-66 at Rutgers
Next game: Jan. 14 at Georgetown
Strong Point: Forward Paul Harris averaged 20 points and 7.5 rebounds in two games against Rutgers and DePaul last week, shooting an astounding 68% from the field, proving to be yet another weapon in the Orange’s arsenal.
Area of Improvement: The Orange still continue to struggle on the offensive glass. Ranked in the bottom half in the conference with just 12 per game, Syracuse will need to open the door for more second chance opportunities as their schedule will only get more brutal down the stretch.
Overall Analysis: Leading the league in field goal percentage at 50%, Syracuse is getting productive numbers offensively from Harris, forward Arinze Onuaku and guard Jonny Flynn, who hasn’t committed a turnover in 40 straight minutes, making the Orange one of the best offensive units in the country.
3. Connecticut 14-1, 3-1 Stock: Rising
National ranking: 4
Last game: W 81-72 at Cincinnati
Next game: Jan. 15 at St. John’s
Strong Point: Guard A.J. Price stole the show for Connecticut Saturday at Cincinnati, going 8 of 12 from the floor with 22 points, advancing the Huskies to a perfect 8-0 record on the road.
Area of Improvement: Connecticut is still a shaky ball-handling squad. With a turnover margin of -1.50, surrendering nearly 13 a game, the Huskies have to do a better job taking care of the ball.
Overall Analysis: The Huskies are far away from their loss to Georgetown two weeks ago. With three big wins, including a 61-55 thrilling win at West Virginia last week, Connecticut is making it’s way back to a top contender in this league.
4. Marquette 15-2, 4-0 Stock: Rising
National ranking:
Last game: W 75-53 vs. West Virginia
Next game: Jan. 17 at Providence
Strong Point: Marquette continues to fly offensively. Led by guard Jerel McNeal, who tallied up 26 points on West Virginia Saturday, marking his fourth 20+ pt. performance in six games, the Golden Eagles have put up 75 or more points in seven of their last eight games.
Area of Improvement: Marquette is dead last in the Big East in offensive rebounding, averaging just nine per game.
Overall Analysis: Marquette is proving more and more that small teams can still win by big numbers. The fact the Golden Eagles could out-shoot West Virginia—who is a high caliber rebounding team—in the latter stages of the game Saturday, speaks in volume of the explosiveness of their offense.
5. Georgetown 11-3, 2-2 Stock: Falling
National ranking: 13
Last game: W 82-75 vs. Providence
Next game: Jan. 14 vs. Syracuse
Strong Point: Freshman center Greg Monroe has been on fire of late, coming up just two assists shy of a triple-double in the win against Providence Saturday.
Area of Improvement: Georgetown has been coming up well short in the rebounding department. They are dead last in the conference in offensive rebounding, pulling down just 10 a game, and just an average of 24 rebounds defensively.
Overall Analysis: The Hoyas are a physical team, that runs a very strong zone defense, but rebounding is a necessity, and that category, along with bad shooting and one shot per possession burned them in a loss at Notre Dame, and nearly lost them a home battle with Providence.
6. Louisville 11-3, 2-0 Stock: Rising
National ranking: 20
Last game: W 61-60 at Villanova
Next game: Jan. 12 vs. Notre Dame
Strong point: Guard Earl Clark and forward Terrence Williams posted double-doubles in Saturday’s win at Villanova. Clark had 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Williams finished with 10 points and 14 rebounds.
Area of Improvement: The Cardinals are just down right awful from beyond-the-arc this year. They are shooting a Big East low 20% going just 10 of 50 in their two conference games.
Overall Analysis: It seems this is the time Rick Pitino’s team’s start coming out of their shell and lighting up conference play till early March. Louisville’s guard play has improved to solid numbers in the past few games, and unselfish ball movement and easy paint points have been the answer in their young Big East season.
7. Notre Dame 10-3, 1-1 Stock: Leveled
National ranking: 12
Last game: W 88-79 vs. Seton Hall
Next game: Jan. 12 at Louisville
Strong point: Forward Luke Harangody, who is leading the conference with 28.8 points per game, continues to put up astronomical numbers for the Irish. The senior has scored 20 or more points in his last eight games, including back-to-back 30-plus games. He also now has 12 double-doubles on the year.
Area of Improvement: Defense continues to be absent in South Bend. The Irish allowed Seton Hall to shoot 50%, only shooting 42% themselves, being saved by the line, in which Notre Dame shot 28 of 32 to secure the close home win on Saturday.
Overall Analysis: The Irish have one of the best tandems in the country with guard Kyle McAlarney and Harangody. Those two products have helped Notre Dame to a scoring offense that’s averaging a near 80 points per game.
8. Villanova 13-3, 1-2 Stock: Leveled
National ranking: 23
Last game: L 60-61 vs. Louisville
Next game: Jan. 18 vs. St. John’s
Strong point: The Wildcats have improved drastically in defensive rebounding so far this year, pulling down 25 per game, including out-rebounding their last two opponents this week.
Area of Improvement: Villanova is just 40% from the field in their three conference games this year, including a 20 of 53 performance (37.7%) from the field, going just 2 of 8 from beyond-the-arc Saturday in the loss to Louisville.
Overall Analysis: Despite a rough home loss to Louisville, and awful field goal percentages of late, Villanova is still a deadly offensive team with Scottie Reynolds and Corey Fisher, who can go off at any time. The Wildcats are sure to bounce back from their drought, and very soon.
9. Providence 11-5, 3-1 Stock: Rising
Last game: L 82-75 at Georgetown
Next game: Jan. 17 vs. Marquette
Strong point: Providence is getting key role performances from unsung heroes in this young Big East season. Center Randall Hanke is second in the league in field goal shooting, averaging 67%, while guard Marshon Brooks came off the bench to score a team-high 18 points vs. Georgetown Saturday.
Area of Improvement: Continuing to struggle on the boards, Providence is now -9 in rebounding margin per game. They were out-rebounded by Georgetown 38-27, and have only secured more boards than an opposing team once in conference play, 37-36 over DePaul
Overall Analysis: The Friars will just not be at the next level until team leaders Geoff McDermott and Sharoud Curry step up to their caliber of a year ago. They combined for 3 of 17 and just 11 points against Georgetown.
10. West Virginia 11-4, 1-2 Stock: Falling
Last game: L 75-53 at Marquette
Next game: Jan. 14 vs. Marshall
Strong point: The Mountaineers are one of the best teams in the league defending the three-point shot, holding opponents to just 23% this year, including keeping Marquette to just 5 of 17 in Saturday’s loss.
Area of Improvement: With a dreaded 39% from the field—worst in conference play—the Mountaineers were held to under 60 points in both losses last week.
Overall Analysis: West Virginia has taken a few steps back this week, with a home loss to Connecticut and a blowout collapse to Marquette. In both games, the Mountaineers combined to give up 85-60 on the boards, and shot under 40% in each contest.
11. St. Johns 10-5, 1-2 Stock: Level
Last game: L 90-67 at Pittsburgh
Next game: Jan. 15 vs. Connecticut
Strong Point: D.J. Kennedy has been a breath of fresh air for Coach Norm Roberts so far this year. He led St. John’s with an 18 point, seven rebound performance against Pitt, and is tied for 16th in the league with 15 points per game. He also leads the team in rebounding with 7.3 rebounds per game.
Area of Improvement: The Red Storm are tallying up just 64 points per game, second to last in the league. With Anthony Mason Jr. out for the year, and Justin Burrell continuing to struggle, it’s up to Kennedy to keep his team afloat right now.
Overall Analysis: Between injuries, and lack of talent, St. John’s is extremely tight on the bench, with hardly any depth to rely on. When one player is in a scoring rut, it seems the entire team suffers. Four of their starters had to play 32-plus minutes in the loss against Pitt due to the lack of depth.
12. South Florida 6-9, 1-2 Stock: Rising
Last game: W 80-58 at DePaul
Next game: Jan. 14 at Pittsburgh
Strong Point: The Bulls finally got the upper-hand in rebounding, grabbing 40-22 over DePaul on Saturday, and improving their road record winning two of their last four, after previously losing 23 straight road conference games before this year.
Area of Improvement: Free throw shooting and scoring offense is still a struggle for the Bulls, who are averaging a Big East worst 63.7 points per game, and just 61% from the free throw line.
Overall Analysis: If only South Florida could get their offensive act together, they wouldn’t be too bad of a team coming down the stretch. They are starting to wrestle down more rebounds, and tightening up defensively, allowing opponents to just 62.7 points per game.
13. Cincinnati 10-6, 0-3 Stock: Falling
Last game: L 81-72 vs. Connecticut
Next game: Jan. 14 vs. Rutgers
Strong Point: Guard Deonta Vaughn and forward Yancy Gates continue to carry the Bearcats this year. Vaughn is averaging a team-best 14.8 points per game, while Gates is leading with rebounds at six per game.
Area of Improvement: Cincinnati has given up 35 of 64 three-point field goals in their three Big East games, as well as landing dead last in Field Goal percentage defense and scoring defense.
Overall Analysis: Things are looking grimace for the Bearcats, who are struggling both on offense, with just 67 points per game and surrendering 80 points or more in the last three outings.
14. Rutgers 9-8, 0-4 Stock: Level
Last game: L 82-66 Syracuse
Next game: Jan. 14 at Cincinnati
Strong Point: Guard Mike Roasario is averaging a solid 17 points per game, 8th in the conference in scoring, and is leading the league in free throw shooting with a percentage of 88.9%.
Area of Improvement: The Scarlet Knights Assist/turnover ratio is just .86, and second to last in the conference, surrendering 13 turnovers a game, and -4.75 in turnover margin.
Overall Analysis: It’s not all bad for Rutgers. They may be on a five game losing streak, but those five losses were to all ranked teams, including giving battles to Marquette and Pitt.
15. Seton Hall 9-7, 0-4 Stock: Level
Last game: L 88-79 at Notre Dame
Next game: Jan. 18 vs. Connecticut
Strong Point: The Pirates, despite losing, outshot and out-rebounded Notre Dame, and got another solid outing from guard Eugene Harvey, who led four players in double figures with 21 points in Saturday’s loss.
Area of Improvement: Seton Hall is scoring at will, but defensive rebounds are keeping games out of their clutch. They are averaging just 19 per game, as well as giving up 88 or more points in their last four outings.
Overall Analysis: Defense better make an appearance in East Brunswick and quick, before another season lands Seton Hall on the wrong end of the conference standings.
16. DePaul 8-9, 0-4 Stock: Plummeted
Last game: L 80-58 vs. South Florida
Next game: Jan. 17 vs. Cincinnati
Strong Point: Forward Dar Tucker had 20 straight double figure performances, but was ended on Saturday against South Florida.
Area of Improvement: Along with just averaging 65 points per game, DePaul is also a lousy 56% from the free throw stripe, providing themselves no help in the scoring department.
Overall Analysis: The Blue Demons 12 point loss to South Florida is just a sign of worst things to come for one of the worst offensive teams not only in the league, but the nation.
By Anthony Jaskulski
*All stats provided are conference games only unless otherwise noted.
1. Pittsburgh 15-0, 3-0, Stock: UP
National ranking: 1
Last game: W 90-67 vs. St. John’s
Next game: Jan. 14 vs. South Florida
Strong Point: The Panthers showcased their strength on the bench Sunday, getting productive minutes from wing Gilbert Brown and guards Jermaine Dixon and Brad Wanamaker, who combined for 32 points, including 17 from Dixon.
Area of Improvement: Pitt is 230th in the nation in free throw shooting, and just 61% from the stripe in conference play.
Overall Analysis: Even with forward Sam Young in a small shooting slump right now, Pitt is still finding ways to beat teams, and by large margins. The fact that the Panthers can rely on a big bench to step in for their starters makes them an even deadlier team. Pitt is making their mark as one of the deepest teams in the country.
2. Syracuse 16-1, 4-0 Stock: UP
National ranking: 8
Last game: W 82-66 at Rutgers
Next game: Jan. 14 at Georgetown
Strong Point: Forward Paul Harris averaged 20 points and 7.5 rebounds in two games against Rutgers and DePaul last week, shooting an astounding 68% from the field, proving to be yet another weapon in the Orange’s arsenal.
Area of Improvement: The Orange still continue to struggle on the offensive glass. Ranked in the bottom half in the conference with just 12 per game, Syracuse will need to open the door for more second chance opportunities as their schedule will only get more brutal down the stretch.
Overall Analysis: Leading the league in field goal percentage at 50%, Syracuse is getting productive numbers offensively from Harris, forward Arinze Onuaku and guard Jonny Flynn, who hasn’t committed a turnover in 40 straight minutes, making the Orange one of the best offensive units in the country.
3. Connecticut 14-1, 3-1 Stock: Rising
National ranking: 4
Last game: W 81-72 at Cincinnati
Next game: Jan. 15 at St. John’s
Strong Point: Guard A.J. Price stole the show for Connecticut Saturday at Cincinnati, going 8 of 12 from the floor with 22 points, advancing the Huskies to a perfect 8-0 record on the road.
Area of Improvement: Connecticut is still a shaky ball-handling squad. With a turnover margin of -1.50, surrendering nearly 13 a game, the Huskies have to do a better job taking care of the ball.
Overall Analysis: The Huskies are far away from their loss to Georgetown two weeks ago. With three big wins, including a 61-55 thrilling win at West Virginia last week, Connecticut is making it’s way back to a top contender in this league.
4. Marquette 15-2, 4-0 Stock: Rising
National ranking:
Last game: W 75-53 vs. West Virginia
Next game: Jan. 17 at Providence
Strong Point: Marquette continues to fly offensively. Led by guard Jerel McNeal, who tallied up 26 points on West Virginia Saturday, marking his fourth 20+ pt. performance in six games, the Golden Eagles have put up 75 or more points in seven of their last eight games.
Area of Improvement: Marquette is dead last in the Big East in offensive rebounding, averaging just nine per game.
Overall Analysis: Marquette is proving more and more that small teams can still win by big numbers. The fact the Golden Eagles could out-shoot West Virginia—who is a high caliber rebounding team—in the latter stages of the game Saturday, speaks in volume of the explosiveness of their offense.
5. Georgetown 11-3, 2-2 Stock: Falling
National ranking: 13
Last game: W 82-75 vs. Providence
Next game: Jan. 14 vs. Syracuse
Strong Point: Freshman center Greg Monroe has been on fire of late, coming up just two assists shy of a triple-double in the win against Providence Saturday.
Area of Improvement: Georgetown has been coming up well short in the rebounding department. They are dead last in the conference in offensive rebounding, pulling down just 10 a game, and just an average of 24 rebounds defensively.
Overall Analysis: The Hoyas are a physical team, that runs a very strong zone defense, but rebounding is a necessity, and that category, along with bad shooting and one shot per possession burned them in a loss at Notre Dame, and nearly lost them a home battle with Providence.
6. Louisville 11-3, 2-0 Stock: Rising
National ranking: 20
Last game: W 61-60 at Villanova
Next game: Jan. 12 vs. Notre Dame
Strong point: Guard Earl Clark and forward Terrence Williams posted double-doubles in Saturday’s win at Villanova. Clark had 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Williams finished with 10 points and 14 rebounds.
Area of Improvement: The Cardinals are just down right awful from beyond-the-arc this year. They are shooting a Big East low 20% going just 10 of 50 in their two conference games.
Overall Analysis: It seems this is the time Rick Pitino’s team’s start coming out of their shell and lighting up conference play till early March. Louisville’s guard play has improved to solid numbers in the past few games, and unselfish ball movement and easy paint points have been the answer in their young Big East season.
7. Notre Dame 10-3, 1-1 Stock: Leveled
National ranking: 12
Last game: W 88-79 vs. Seton Hall
Next game: Jan. 12 at Louisville
Strong point: Forward Luke Harangody, who is leading the conference with 28.8 points per game, continues to put up astronomical numbers for the Irish. The senior has scored 20 or more points in his last eight games, including back-to-back 30-plus games. He also now has 12 double-doubles on the year.
Area of Improvement: Defense continues to be absent in South Bend. The Irish allowed Seton Hall to shoot 50%, only shooting 42% themselves, being saved by the line, in which Notre Dame shot 28 of 32 to secure the close home win on Saturday.
Overall Analysis: The Irish have one of the best tandems in the country with guard Kyle McAlarney and Harangody. Those two products have helped Notre Dame to a scoring offense that’s averaging a near 80 points per game.
8. Villanova 13-3, 1-2 Stock: Leveled
National ranking: 23
Last game: L 60-61 vs. Louisville
Next game: Jan. 18 vs. St. John’s
Strong point: The Wildcats have improved drastically in defensive rebounding so far this year, pulling down 25 per game, including out-rebounding their last two opponents this week.
Area of Improvement: Villanova is just 40% from the field in their three conference games this year, including a 20 of 53 performance (37.7%) from the field, going just 2 of 8 from beyond-the-arc Saturday in the loss to Louisville.
Overall Analysis: Despite a rough home loss to Louisville, and awful field goal percentages of late, Villanova is still a deadly offensive team with Scottie Reynolds and Corey Fisher, who can go off at any time. The Wildcats are sure to bounce back from their drought, and very soon.
9. Providence 11-5, 3-1 Stock: Rising
Last game: L 82-75 at Georgetown
Next game: Jan. 17 vs. Marquette
Strong point: Providence is getting key role performances from unsung heroes in this young Big East season. Center Randall Hanke is second in the league in field goal shooting, averaging 67%, while guard Marshon Brooks came off the bench to score a team-high 18 points vs. Georgetown Saturday.
Area of Improvement: Continuing to struggle on the boards, Providence is now -9 in rebounding margin per game. They were out-rebounded by Georgetown 38-27, and have only secured more boards than an opposing team once in conference play, 37-36 over DePaul
Overall Analysis: The Friars will just not be at the next level until team leaders Geoff McDermott and Sharoud Curry step up to their caliber of a year ago. They combined for 3 of 17 and just 11 points against Georgetown.
10. West Virginia 11-4, 1-2 Stock: Falling
Last game: L 75-53 at Marquette
Next game: Jan. 14 vs. Marshall
Strong point: The Mountaineers are one of the best teams in the league defending the three-point shot, holding opponents to just 23% this year, including keeping Marquette to just 5 of 17 in Saturday’s loss.
Area of Improvement: With a dreaded 39% from the field—worst in conference play—the Mountaineers were held to under 60 points in both losses last week.
Overall Analysis: West Virginia has taken a few steps back this week, with a home loss to Connecticut and a blowout collapse to Marquette. In both games, the Mountaineers combined to give up 85-60 on the boards, and shot under 40% in each contest.
11. St. Johns 10-5, 1-2 Stock: Level
Last game: L 90-67 at Pittsburgh
Next game: Jan. 15 vs. Connecticut
Strong Point: D.J. Kennedy has been a breath of fresh air for Coach Norm Roberts so far this year. He led St. John’s with an 18 point, seven rebound performance against Pitt, and is tied for 16th in the league with 15 points per game. He also leads the team in rebounding with 7.3 rebounds per game.
Area of Improvement: The Red Storm are tallying up just 64 points per game, second to last in the league. With Anthony Mason Jr. out for the year, and Justin Burrell continuing to struggle, it’s up to Kennedy to keep his team afloat right now.
Overall Analysis: Between injuries, and lack of talent, St. John’s is extremely tight on the bench, with hardly any depth to rely on. When one player is in a scoring rut, it seems the entire team suffers. Four of their starters had to play 32-plus minutes in the loss against Pitt due to the lack of depth.
12. South Florida 6-9, 1-2 Stock: Rising
Last game: W 80-58 at DePaul
Next game: Jan. 14 at Pittsburgh
Strong Point: The Bulls finally got the upper-hand in rebounding, grabbing 40-22 over DePaul on Saturday, and improving their road record winning two of their last four, after previously losing 23 straight road conference games before this year.
Area of Improvement: Free throw shooting and scoring offense is still a struggle for the Bulls, who are averaging a Big East worst 63.7 points per game, and just 61% from the free throw line.
Overall Analysis: If only South Florida could get their offensive act together, they wouldn’t be too bad of a team coming down the stretch. They are starting to wrestle down more rebounds, and tightening up defensively, allowing opponents to just 62.7 points per game.
13. Cincinnati 10-6, 0-3 Stock: Falling
Last game: L 81-72 vs. Connecticut
Next game: Jan. 14 vs. Rutgers
Strong Point: Guard Deonta Vaughn and forward Yancy Gates continue to carry the Bearcats this year. Vaughn is averaging a team-best 14.8 points per game, while Gates is leading with rebounds at six per game.
Area of Improvement: Cincinnati has given up 35 of 64 three-point field goals in their three Big East games, as well as landing dead last in Field Goal percentage defense and scoring defense.
Overall Analysis: Things are looking grimace for the Bearcats, who are struggling both on offense, with just 67 points per game and surrendering 80 points or more in the last three outings.
14. Rutgers 9-8, 0-4 Stock: Level
Last game: L 82-66 Syracuse
Next game: Jan. 14 at Cincinnati
Strong Point: Guard Mike Roasario is averaging a solid 17 points per game, 8th in the conference in scoring, and is leading the league in free throw shooting with a percentage of 88.9%.
Area of Improvement: The Scarlet Knights Assist/turnover ratio is just .86, and second to last in the conference, surrendering 13 turnovers a game, and -4.75 in turnover margin.
Overall Analysis: It’s not all bad for Rutgers. They may be on a five game losing streak, but those five losses were to all ranked teams, including giving battles to Marquette and Pitt.
15. Seton Hall 9-7, 0-4 Stock: Level
Last game: L 88-79 at Notre Dame
Next game: Jan. 18 vs. Connecticut
Strong Point: The Pirates, despite losing, outshot and out-rebounded Notre Dame, and got another solid outing from guard Eugene Harvey, who led four players in double figures with 21 points in Saturday’s loss.
Area of Improvement: Seton Hall is scoring at will, but defensive rebounds are keeping games out of their clutch. They are averaging just 19 per game, as well as giving up 88 or more points in their last four outings.
Overall Analysis: Defense better make an appearance in East Brunswick and quick, before another season lands Seton Hall on the wrong end of the conference standings.
16. DePaul 8-9, 0-4 Stock: Plummeted
Last game: L 80-58 vs. South Florida
Next game: Jan. 17 vs. Cincinnati
Strong Point: Forward Dar Tucker had 20 straight double figure performances, but was ended on Saturday against South Florida.
Area of Improvement: Along with just averaging 65 points per game, DePaul is also a lousy 56% from the free throw stripe, providing themselves no help in the scoring department.
Overall Analysis: The Blue Demons 12 point loss to South Florida is just a sign of worst things to come for one of the worst offensive teams not only in the league, but the nation.
Monday, January 5, 2009
BIG EAST STOCK REPORT: WEEK ONE
Big East Stock Report: Week One
By Anthony Jaskulski
1. Pittsburgh 14-0, 2-0, Stock: UP
National ranking: 1
Last game: W 74-60, at Georgetown
Next game: Jan. 11 vs. St. Johns
Strong Point: The Panthers are in the top-five in the conference in every rebounding category, including a league-best, +10.9 margin on the glass.
Area of Improvement: When Center DeJuan Blair is on the bench, or in foul trouble, Pitt needs somebody to step up in the paint. Center Gary McGhee has proven not to be that guy thus far.
Overall Analysis: There is not much more Pitt can do to improve as a team right now. They have tackled every challenge that has been thrown their way, and Saturday’s win at Georgetown has proved to the rest of the conference that the Panthers will remain the team to beat until somebody, if anybody can knock them off.
2. Syracuse 14-1, 2-0 Stock: UP
National ranking: 9
Last game: W 59-54 at South Florida
Next game: Jan. 7, vs. DePaul
Strong Point: Averaging a Big East best 82.6 points per game, the Orange and their don’t quit mentality, has pushed them to out of conference wins over Kansas, Florida and a shocker at Memphis.
Area of Improvement: The Orange surrenders 16 turnovers a game, with a -1.79 turnover margin, second to last in the Big East.
Overall Analysis: With Eric Devendorf back in the lineup after serving a suspension, and guard Jonny Flynn showing veteran-esque leadership in just his sophomore year, Syracuse looks well ahead of schedule, and is as good as any to challenge for the regular season crown right now. And aside from a miracle buzzer-beating half court three from Cleveland State, the Orange would be joining Pitt as the only other undefeated team in the league.
3. Connecticut 12-1, 1-1 Stock: Rising
National ranking: 5
Last game: W 80-49 vs. Rutgers
Next game: Jan. 6 at West Virginia
Strong Point: Center Hasheem Thabeet is averaging a team-best 14 points and 10 rebounds per game, including his near four blocks per game this year.
Area of Improvement: The Huskies backcourt showed its heavy dependency on Thabeet and forward Jeff Adrien in Monday’s loss vs. Georgetown. Despite guard A.J. Price’s 16 point performance, the trio combined for just 9 of 26 from the field.
Overall Analysis: Although the loss to Georgetown looked painful, Connecticut is still considered an elite team this week with a fearsome duo in the frontcourt back to basics, bullying to a 31-point beleaguering over Rutgers Saturday.
4. Georgetown 10-2, 1-1 Stock: Falling
National ranking: 10
Last game: L 60-74 vs. Pitt
Next game: Jan. 5 at Notre Dame
Strong Point: John Thompson III has one of the best game plans defensively in the country. His zone helped hold Hasheem Thabeet to just four points, while keeping Pitt’s Sam Young to limited touches in the first half Saturday.
Area of Improvement: The Hoyas have to find second-chance opportunities. They are ranked dead last in the league in offensive rebounding, pulling down just four against Pitt.
Overall Analysis: Georgetown is inexperienced and lacks size and strength in the paint. Thanks to potent offense, the Hoyas have been able to run with most opponents this year, but getting deeper into the Big East schedule, they will have to do a better job to keep up with most teams.
5. Marquette 13-2, 2-0 Stock: Rising
National ranking: 15
Last game: W 80-54 vs. Cincinnati
Next game: Jan. 7 at Rutgers
Strong Point: The Golden Eagles unforgiving offense—averaging 81.3 points per game—has helped them off to a quiet 2-0 start to the Big East, with a solid win over Villanova on New Year’s Day and a white-wash over the Bearcats on Sunday.
Area of Improvement: Marquette is barely out-rebounding opponents, due in large part to their margin of victories the last few games. But eventually, rebounding will be a factor against teams like Pitt, Connecticut and Notre Dame. Will Lazar Hayward and Chris Otule provide that spark?
Overall Analysis: Marquette is a tough team to label. Their high percentage shooting is top of the line, and guards Jerel McNeal and Wesley Matthews are playing lights out. The question is, will these strong offensive numbers continue?
6. West Virginia 11-2, 1-0 Stock: Rising
National ranking: 22
Last game: W 92-66 at Seton Hall
Next game: Jan. 6 vs. Connecticut
Strong point: Since their close call at Duquesne Dec. 13th, the Mountaineers have dismantled their last four opponents by 20+ scoring margins, including a 28-point win at then No. 13 Ohio St.
Area of Improvement: Guard play needs to step up for the injury prone Alex Ruoff. The Mountaineers went 1-1, almost losing to Duquesne when Ruoff was out, and 1-3 overall when the guard scores 10 points or lower.
Overall Analysis: The Mountaineers are some of the best in the business when it comes to dirty work. Cleaning up the glass, second-chance shots, steals and tight defense have been the keys for West Virginia’s current dominant span.
7. Notre Dame 10-3, 1-1 Stock: Falling
National ranking: 13
Last game: L 65-71 at St. Johns
Next game: Jan. 5 vs. Georgetown
Strong point: Center Luke Harangody continues to carry the Irish so far this season. The All-American Center has scored 20 or more points in the last six contests.
Area of Improvement: The unprecedented loss to St. Johns Saturday and allowing 48 points in the second half to DePaul on Dec. 31st is not a good sign for a defense that is surrendering 66.7 points per game.
Overall Analysis: The Irish are getting solid numbers from their starters, but the lack of depth and keeping weaker teams in the game with poor defense is really taking a toll on them.
8. Villanova 12-2, 0-1 Stock: Leveled
National ranking: 17
Last game: L 79-72 at Marquette
Next game: Jan. 6 at Seton Hall
Strong point: Dante Cunningham is as good as he’s been in a Wildcat uniform this year. The forward has averaged double-figures in five of his last outings, and has gotten his rebounding average up to near eight per game so far this year.
Area of Improvement: Villanova is second to last in 3 pt. percentage defense. Surrendering 10 to Marquette and letting Texas go 6 of 15 from beyond-the-arc was a major contributor to both of their losses.
Overall Analysis: With the transfer of Casiem Drummond to Marist, the Wildcats are stricken Cunningham and Antonio Pena to carry the load in the frontcourt. If both continue solid play, and the perimeter game led by guard Scottie Reynolds continues to shoot lights out, Villanova can be a deadly team in the league at this time.
9. Providence 10-4, 2-0 Stock: Rising
Last game: W 62-54 vs. DePaul
Next game: Jan. 7 at Cincinnati
Strong point: The Friars and their plentiful amount of experience, has helped them to a nice 2-0 start to the Big East, and fifth-best 78 points per game in the conference.
Area of Improvement: If Providence wants to be taken seriously, they will have to get better production from last years stars Geoff McDermott and Jeff Xavier. McDermott nailed his fourth double-double of the year vs. DePaul Saturday, but has scored in double-figures in just 3 of the Friars last 10 games.
Overall Analysis: Providence has gotten a lot better since that 70-66 home opener embarrassment to Northeastern. If Xavier and McDermott can get back to last years status, and Weynimi Efejuku keeps up his all-star numbers, there is no reason why the Friars won’t keep themselves at the top of the standings.
10. Louisville 9-3, 0-0 Stock: Falling
National ranking: 21
Last game: W 74-71 vs. Kentucky
Next game: Jan. 7 at South Florida
Strong point: Forward/center Samardo Samuels has taken over the graduated David Padgett’s spot with solid numbers. So far this year, the Jamaican freshman has put up 14.7 points and seven rebounds per game.
Area of Improvement: The Cardinals are still undefined at the point guard position. Edgar Sosa and Preston Knowles have both been struggling to run the offense, and their recent numbers can attest.
Overall Analysis: Thanks to a last second three-pointer from Sosa, Louisville avoided a near catastrophic meltdown to Kentucky Sunday night at Freedom Hall. With losses to Minnesota away and UNLV at home, and a disgusting 14-point fallout to Western Kentucky, the Cardinals have had some weak outings in an overall sub-par out of conference schedule. Now the Big East is here; will the turnaround begin now?
11. St. Johns 10-4, 1-1 Stock: Rising
Last game: W 71-65 vs. Notre Dame
Next game: Jan. 11 at Pitt
Strong Point: The Red Storm has gotten some superb numbers from their backcourt of late. Alongside Anthony Mason Jr. and Paris Horne, sophomore DJ Kennedy is averaging a near double-double this year, including 20 points and 10 rebounds against Notre Dame on Saturday.
Area of Improvement: Before the Notre Dame victory, St. Johns was treading a three-game losing streak, surrendering 70 points or more in each game. On top of that, the offense is still only averaging 71 points per game.
Overall Analysis: The upset win over Notre Dame can mean either two things. Either the Red Storm is ready to take the next step and escape the clutches of another under .500 season, or the upset was just a mere one-game exploitation over an unprepared Irish squad.
12. Cincinnati 10-4, 0-1 Stock: Falling
Last game: L 54-80 at Marquette
Next game: Jan. 7 vs. Providence
Strong Point: The Bearcats may have one of the best guards in the conference in Deonta Vaughn. The junior has literally pushed Cincinnati to a 10-win season so far, averaging 15 points, and nearly five assists per game.
Area of Improvement: After Vaughn, there is a rather large drop-off as far as scoring goes. Newcomer forward Yancy Gates has provided some spark with his 10.4 points per game to an otherwise dull offensive unit.
Overall Analysis: Cincinnati has one of the worst scoring offenses in the Big East, and a near 16 turnovers a game—over 20 in the last two outings—has really taken the run and gun out of the Bearcats style.
13. DePaul 8-7, 0-2 Stock: Leveled
Last game: L 54-62 at Providence
Next game: Jan. 7 at Syracuse
Strong Point: Forward Dar Tucker has scored in double-figures in every game this year, including a 24-point outing vs. Notre Dame last Wednesday.
Area of Improvement: This team can’t expect to go far averaging as many points as they surrender in 68 points. Going a dismal .27% from beyond-the-arc isn’t helping.
Overall Analysis: DePaul is the best of the worst in the Big East. For the most part, they can keep games somewhat close, and may have a swift upset up their sleeves when traveling to Syracuse on Wednesday.
14. Rutgers 9-6, 0-2 Stock: Leveled
Last game: L 49-80 at Connecticut
Next game: Jan. 7 vs. Marquette
Strong Point: Rutgers has gotten nice contributions from newcomers Mike Rosario and Gregory Echenique. Guard Rosario is leading the team in scoring—17 PPG—while the big man Echenique is leading in rebounding, with nine per game.
Area of Improvement: The Scarlet Knights are dead last in the conference in assists with just 11 per game, and the offense, averaging just 66 points per game, has suffered from the selfish ball movement.
Overall Analysis: The freshmen are getting plenty of work with the starters right now. If they continue to play big roles right now, Rutgers could be an above .500 team in years to come.
15. Seton Hall 9-5, 0-2 Stock: Falling
Last game: L 66-92 vs. West Virginia
Next game: Jan. 6 vs. Villanova
Strong Point: The Pirates have proven they can score at least. Posting 100 points on Farleigh Dickinson last week marked the fourth time this year they scored 80 or more.
Area of Improvement: Seton Hall’s defense is abysmal. Giving up 71 points per game, the worst in the Big East, the Pirates have given up 90 or more points to their first two conference opponents, surrendering 100 to Syracuse last Tuesday.
Overall Analysis: Things won’t get better for Seton Hall if they continue to give up points at this pace. With Villanova, Notre Dame and Connecticut coming up, the Pirates have to buckle down before more embarrassing losses arrive.
16. South Florida 5-8, 0-1 Stock: Plummeted
Last game: L 54-59 vs. Syracuse
Next game: Jan. 7 vs. Louisville
Strong Point: Guard duo Dominique Jones and Jesus Verdejo have kept the team above water, averaging over 15 points per game each, including a combined 23 points against Syracuse on Saturday.
Area of Improvement: Where do you start? The Bulls are the only team in the conference that is giving up more points than they are scoring. You can attribute that to the teams Big East worst .57% shooting from the free throw line, or the 41% field goal percentage.
Overall Analysis: Things are bad with the Bulls, as they are continuously trying to run new offenses that are just not working. But at least they finally get to go to New York City in March this year.
By Anthony Jaskulski
1. Pittsburgh 14-0, 2-0, Stock: UP
National ranking: 1
Last game: W 74-60, at Georgetown
Next game: Jan. 11 vs. St. Johns
Strong Point: The Panthers are in the top-five in the conference in every rebounding category, including a league-best, +10.9 margin on the glass.
Area of Improvement: When Center DeJuan Blair is on the bench, or in foul trouble, Pitt needs somebody to step up in the paint. Center Gary McGhee has proven not to be that guy thus far.
Overall Analysis: There is not much more Pitt can do to improve as a team right now. They have tackled every challenge that has been thrown their way, and Saturday’s win at Georgetown has proved to the rest of the conference that the Panthers will remain the team to beat until somebody, if anybody can knock them off.
2. Syracuse 14-1, 2-0 Stock: UP
National ranking: 9
Last game: W 59-54 at South Florida
Next game: Jan. 7, vs. DePaul
Strong Point: Averaging a Big East best 82.6 points per game, the Orange and their don’t quit mentality, has pushed them to out of conference wins over Kansas, Florida and a shocker at Memphis.
Area of Improvement: The Orange surrenders 16 turnovers a game, with a -1.79 turnover margin, second to last in the Big East.
Overall Analysis: With Eric Devendorf back in the lineup after serving a suspension, and guard Jonny Flynn showing veteran-esque leadership in just his sophomore year, Syracuse looks well ahead of schedule, and is as good as any to challenge for the regular season crown right now. And aside from a miracle buzzer-beating half court three from Cleveland State, the Orange would be joining Pitt as the only other undefeated team in the league.
3. Connecticut 12-1, 1-1 Stock: Rising
National ranking: 5
Last game: W 80-49 vs. Rutgers
Next game: Jan. 6 at West Virginia
Strong Point: Center Hasheem Thabeet is averaging a team-best 14 points and 10 rebounds per game, including his near four blocks per game this year.
Area of Improvement: The Huskies backcourt showed its heavy dependency on Thabeet and forward Jeff Adrien in Monday’s loss vs. Georgetown. Despite guard A.J. Price’s 16 point performance, the trio combined for just 9 of 26 from the field.
Overall Analysis: Although the loss to Georgetown looked painful, Connecticut is still considered an elite team this week with a fearsome duo in the frontcourt back to basics, bullying to a 31-point beleaguering over Rutgers Saturday.
4. Georgetown 10-2, 1-1 Stock: Falling
National ranking: 10
Last game: L 60-74 vs. Pitt
Next game: Jan. 5 at Notre Dame
Strong Point: John Thompson III has one of the best game plans defensively in the country. His zone helped hold Hasheem Thabeet to just four points, while keeping Pitt’s Sam Young to limited touches in the first half Saturday.
Area of Improvement: The Hoyas have to find second-chance opportunities. They are ranked dead last in the league in offensive rebounding, pulling down just four against Pitt.
Overall Analysis: Georgetown is inexperienced and lacks size and strength in the paint. Thanks to potent offense, the Hoyas have been able to run with most opponents this year, but getting deeper into the Big East schedule, they will have to do a better job to keep up with most teams.
5. Marquette 13-2, 2-0 Stock: Rising
National ranking: 15
Last game: W 80-54 vs. Cincinnati
Next game: Jan. 7 at Rutgers
Strong Point: The Golden Eagles unforgiving offense—averaging 81.3 points per game—has helped them off to a quiet 2-0 start to the Big East, with a solid win over Villanova on New Year’s Day and a white-wash over the Bearcats on Sunday.
Area of Improvement: Marquette is barely out-rebounding opponents, due in large part to their margin of victories the last few games. But eventually, rebounding will be a factor against teams like Pitt, Connecticut and Notre Dame. Will Lazar Hayward and Chris Otule provide that spark?
Overall Analysis: Marquette is a tough team to label. Their high percentage shooting is top of the line, and guards Jerel McNeal and Wesley Matthews are playing lights out. The question is, will these strong offensive numbers continue?
6. West Virginia 11-2, 1-0 Stock: Rising
National ranking: 22
Last game: W 92-66 at Seton Hall
Next game: Jan. 6 vs. Connecticut
Strong point: Since their close call at Duquesne Dec. 13th, the Mountaineers have dismantled their last four opponents by 20+ scoring margins, including a 28-point win at then No. 13 Ohio St.
Area of Improvement: Guard play needs to step up for the injury prone Alex Ruoff. The Mountaineers went 1-1, almost losing to Duquesne when Ruoff was out, and 1-3 overall when the guard scores 10 points or lower.
Overall Analysis: The Mountaineers are some of the best in the business when it comes to dirty work. Cleaning up the glass, second-chance shots, steals and tight defense have been the keys for West Virginia’s current dominant span.
7. Notre Dame 10-3, 1-1 Stock: Falling
National ranking: 13
Last game: L 65-71 at St. Johns
Next game: Jan. 5 vs. Georgetown
Strong point: Center Luke Harangody continues to carry the Irish so far this season. The All-American Center has scored 20 or more points in the last six contests.
Area of Improvement: The unprecedented loss to St. Johns Saturday and allowing 48 points in the second half to DePaul on Dec. 31st is not a good sign for a defense that is surrendering 66.7 points per game.
Overall Analysis: The Irish are getting solid numbers from their starters, but the lack of depth and keeping weaker teams in the game with poor defense is really taking a toll on them.
8. Villanova 12-2, 0-1 Stock: Leveled
National ranking: 17
Last game: L 79-72 at Marquette
Next game: Jan. 6 at Seton Hall
Strong point: Dante Cunningham is as good as he’s been in a Wildcat uniform this year. The forward has averaged double-figures in five of his last outings, and has gotten his rebounding average up to near eight per game so far this year.
Area of Improvement: Villanova is second to last in 3 pt. percentage defense. Surrendering 10 to Marquette and letting Texas go 6 of 15 from beyond-the-arc was a major contributor to both of their losses.
Overall Analysis: With the transfer of Casiem Drummond to Marist, the Wildcats are stricken Cunningham and Antonio Pena to carry the load in the frontcourt. If both continue solid play, and the perimeter game led by guard Scottie Reynolds continues to shoot lights out, Villanova can be a deadly team in the league at this time.
9. Providence 10-4, 2-0 Stock: Rising
Last game: W 62-54 vs. DePaul
Next game: Jan. 7 at Cincinnati
Strong point: The Friars and their plentiful amount of experience, has helped them to a nice 2-0 start to the Big East, and fifth-best 78 points per game in the conference.
Area of Improvement: If Providence wants to be taken seriously, they will have to get better production from last years stars Geoff McDermott and Jeff Xavier. McDermott nailed his fourth double-double of the year vs. DePaul Saturday, but has scored in double-figures in just 3 of the Friars last 10 games.
Overall Analysis: Providence has gotten a lot better since that 70-66 home opener embarrassment to Northeastern. If Xavier and McDermott can get back to last years status, and Weynimi Efejuku keeps up his all-star numbers, there is no reason why the Friars won’t keep themselves at the top of the standings.
10. Louisville 9-3, 0-0 Stock: Falling
National ranking: 21
Last game: W 74-71 vs. Kentucky
Next game: Jan. 7 at South Florida
Strong point: Forward/center Samardo Samuels has taken over the graduated David Padgett’s spot with solid numbers. So far this year, the Jamaican freshman has put up 14.7 points and seven rebounds per game.
Area of Improvement: The Cardinals are still undefined at the point guard position. Edgar Sosa and Preston Knowles have both been struggling to run the offense, and their recent numbers can attest.
Overall Analysis: Thanks to a last second three-pointer from Sosa, Louisville avoided a near catastrophic meltdown to Kentucky Sunday night at Freedom Hall. With losses to Minnesota away and UNLV at home, and a disgusting 14-point fallout to Western Kentucky, the Cardinals have had some weak outings in an overall sub-par out of conference schedule. Now the Big East is here; will the turnaround begin now?
11. St. Johns 10-4, 1-1 Stock: Rising
Last game: W 71-65 vs. Notre Dame
Next game: Jan. 11 at Pitt
Strong Point: The Red Storm has gotten some superb numbers from their backcourt of late. Alongside Anthony Mason Jr. and Paris Horne, sophomore DJ Kennedy is averaging a near double-double this year, including 20 points and 10 rebounds against Notre Dame on Saturday.
Area of Improvement: Before the Notre Dame victory, St. Johns was treading a three-game losing streak, surrendering 70 points or more in each game. On top of that, the offense is still only averaging 71 points per game.
Overall Analysis: The upset win over Notre Dame can mean either two things. Either the Red Storm is ready to take the next step and escape the clutches of another under .500 season, or the upset was just a mere one-game exploitation over an unprepared Irish squad.
12. Cincinnati 10-4, 0-1 Stock: Falling
Last game: L 54-80 at Marquette
Next game: Jan. 7 vs. Providence
Strong Point: The Bearcats may have one of the best guards in the conference in Deonta Vaughn. The junior has literally pushed Cincinnati to a 10-win season so far, averaging 15 points, and nearly five assists per game.
Area of Improvement: After Vaughn, there is a rather large drop-off as far as scoring goes. Newcomer forward Yancy Gates has provided some spark with his 10.4 points per game to an otherwise dull offensive unit.
Overall Analysis: Cincinnati has one of the worst scoring offenses in the Big East, and a near 16 turnovers a game—over 20 in the last two outings—has really taken the run and gun out of the Bearcats style.
13. DePaul 8-7, 0-2 Stock: Leveled
Last game: L 54-62 at Providence
Next game: Jan. 7 at Syracuse
Strong Point: Forward Dar Tucker has scored in double-figures in every game this year, including a 24-point outing vs. Notre Dame last Wednesday.
Area of Improvement: This team can’t expect to go far averaging as many points as they surrender in 68 points. Going a dismal .27% from beyond-the-arc isn’t helping.
Overall Analysis: DePaul is the best of the worst in the Big East. For the most part, they can keep games somewhat close, and may have a swift upset up their sleeves when traveling to Syracuse on Wednesday.
14. Rutgers 9-6, 0-2 Stock: Leveled
Last game: L 49-80 at Connecticut
Next game: Jan. 7 vs. Marquette
Strong Point: Rutgers has gotten nice contributions from newcomers Mike Rosario and Gregory Echenique. Guard Rosario is leading the team in scoring—17 PPG—while the big man Echenique is leading in rebounding, with nine per game.
Area of Improvement: The Scarlet Knights are dead last in the conference in assists with just 11 per game, and the offense, averaging just 66 points per game, has suffered from the selfish ball movement.
Overall Analysis: The freshmen are getting plenty of work with the starters right now. If they continue to play big roles right now, Rutgers could be an above .500 team in years to come.
15. Seton Hall 9-5, 0-2 Stock: Falling
Last game: L 66-92 vs. West Virginia
Next game: Jan. 6 vs. Villanova
Strong Point: The Pirates have proven they can score at least. Posting 100 points on Farleigh Dickinson last week marked the fourth time this year they scored 80 or more.
Area of Improvement: Seton Hall’s defense is abysmal. Giving up 71 points per game, the worst in the Big East, the Pirates have given up 90 or more points to their first two conference opponents, surrendering 100 to Syracuse last Tuesday.
Overall Analysis: Things won’t get better for Seton Hall if they continue to give up points at this pace. With Villanova, Notre Dame and Connecticut coming up, the Pirates have to buckle down before more embarrassing losses arrive.
16. South Florida 5-8, 0-1 Stock: Plummeted
Last game: L 54-59 vs. Syracuse
Next game: Jan. 7 vs. Louisville
Strong Point: Guard duo Dominique Jones and Jesus Verdejo have kept the team above water, averaging over 15 points per game each, including a combined 23 points against Syracuse on Saturday.
Area of Improvement: Where do you start? The Bulls are the only team in the conference that is giving up more points than they are scoring. You can attribute that to the teams Big East worst .57% shooting from the free throw line, or the 41% field goal percentage.
Overall Analysis: Things are bad with the Bulls, as they are continuously trying to run new offenses that are just not working. But at least they finally get to go to New York City in March this year.
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