Around the Big East
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Here's Jon Rothestein on the Big East.
The Big East has a Big Three
September is an early time to start drawing lines of separation in different conferences across the country, but after attending an open gym at Providence last week, it appears that Villanova, Xavier and Seton Hall are all a cut above the rest of the other teams in the Big East.
Providence coach Ed Cooley’s team is bigger, deeper and more experienced than it was last season, but it’s important to point out that one of the reasons why the Friars were able to reach the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive year in 2017 was because other teams in the Big East suffered key injuries and they capitalized. Providence was 14-11 overall and 4-8 in league play before winning six straight games to close the regular season, highlighted by a win over Xavier, when the Musketeers didn’t have Edmond Sumner and Trevon Blueitt, as well as a two-point victory at Creighton, when the Bluejays didn’t have Maurice Watson.
None of that means Cooley failed to do an outstanding job rallying his team last season or that Providence doesn’t look like the Big East’s fourth-best team entering 2017-18, but as of now this league’s three top teams — Villanova, Xavier and Seton Hall — appear to be in a different weight class than the rest of their in-league competition.
The Big East is essentially in four tiers:
Top: Villanova, Xavier, Seton Hall
Next: Providence
Middle: St. John’s, Butler, Creighton, Marquette
Bottom: DePaul, Georgetown
The Big East has a Big Three
September is an early time to start drawing lines of separation in different conferences across the country, but after attending an open gym at Providence last week, it appears that Villanova, Xavier and Seton Hall are all a cut above the rest of the other teams in the Big East.
Providence coach Ed Cooley’s team is bigger, deeper and more experienced than it was last season, but it’s important to point out that one of the reasons why the Friars were able to reach the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive year in 2017 was because other teams in the Big East suffered key injuries and they capitalized. Providence was 14-11 overall and 4-8 in league play before winning six straight games to close the regular season, highlighted by a win over Xavier, when the Musketeers didn’t have Edmond Sumner and Trevon Blueitt, as well as a two-point victory at Creighton, when the Bluejays didn’t have Maurice Watson.
None of that means Cooley failed to do an outstanding job rallying his team last season or that Providence doesn’t look like the Big East’s fourth-best team entering 2017-18, but as of now this league’s three top teams — Villanova, Xavier and Seton Hall — appear to be in a different weight class than the rest of their in-league competition.
The Big East is essentially in four tiers:
Top: Villanova, Xavier, Seton Hall
Next: Providence
Middle: St. John’s, Butler, Creighton, Marquette
Bottom: DePaul, Georgetown
Assault charges dropped against ex-Creighton PG Maurice Watson Jr
http://www.espn.com/mens-college-ba...e-former-creighton-point-guard-maurice-watson
http://www.espn.com/mens-college-ba...e-former-creighton-point-guard-maurice-watson
Per Rothstein
Omari Spellman has lost approximately 40 pounds since arriving on Villanova's campus, per the staff. Looks like a different person. Svelte.
Give 25 to Tariq O
Early prediction on Villanova's starting five: Jalen Brunson, Phil Booth, Donte DiVincenzo, Mikal Bridges, Omari Spellman.
Tough 4 experienced, talented guys with a stud addition in Spellman. As someone else noted, it will be interesting to see how Booth has recovered from his injury.
Omari Spellman has lost approximately 40 pounds since arriving on Villanova's campus, per the staff. Looks like a different person. Svelte.
Give 25 to Tariq O
Early prediction on Villanova's starting five: Jalen Brunson, Phil Booth, Donte DiVincenzo, Mikal Bridges, Omari Spellman.
Tough 4 experienced, talented guys with a stud addition in Spellman. As someone else noted, it will be interesting to see how Booth has recovered from his injury.
JackofVirginia
Active member
Per Rothstein
Omari Spellman has lost approximately 40 pounds since arriving on Villanova's campus, per the staff. Looks like a different person. Svelte.
Give 25 to Tariq O
Early prediction on Villanova's starting five: Jalen Brunson, Phil Booth, Donte DiVincenzo, Mikal Bridges, Omari Spellman.
Tough 4 experienced, talented guys with a stud addition in Spellman. As someone else noted, it will be interesting to see how Booth has recovered from his injury.
Starting five for Nova is not big. We certainly will match up with them, probably using a three guard offense. Defense from Simon won't hurt either.
Cooley has his issues, but he is relentless on the recruiting trail. He is out there with his staff constantly.
Undercover Friar @UndercoverFriar
Huge recruiting weekend for Ed Cooley coming up:
Not only is 2018 G David Duke visiting, but Providence will host 2019 5-star big man Armando Bacot.
Duke cancelled his visit to Nova, so PC seems right there with this outstanding prospect.
Undercover Friar @UndercoverFriar
Huge recruiting weekend for Ed Cooley coming up:
Not only is 2018 G David Duke visiting, but Providence will host 2019 5-star big man Armando Bacot.
Duke cancelled his visit to Nova, so PC seems right there with this outstanding prospect.
Per Rivalsbasketball recruiting.com
Xavier received commitment of Westlake High guard Keonte Kennedy, three star 18 player.
"A 6-foot-4 scoring guard valued for his shot making abilities, Kennedy chose the Musketeers over a handful of power conference programs including Memphis, Arkansas and Michigan."
Xavier received commitment of Westlake High guard Keonte Kennedy, three star 18 player.
"A 6-foot-4 scoring guard valued for his shot making abilities, Kennedy chose the Musketeers over a handful of power conference programs including Memphis, Arkansas and Michigan."
I really think that could be the difference between a season ending with a top 5 NCAA seed or one ending in the nit. But Cooley does seem to figure this stuff out.
jerseyshorejohnny
Well-known member
Villanova receives $5 Million Gift for Basketball Program:
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