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FIVE BIG EAST QUESTIONS WITH…JAY BILAS

Earlier today we debuted a new feature that we hope will become a regular aspect of the NBE Basketball Report this season. Five Big East Questions With…Mike Decourcy kicked off the segment as we poll some of the more well-known college basketball analysts and writers from around the country to learn what they are seeing in the Big East so far this year.

Up next in the series is a man who needs no introduction to college basketball fans that regularly tune in to ESPN’s college basketball broadcasts, especially the Big East staple of ‘Big Monday.’ Jay Bilas has provided expert color commentary from courtside on college basketball games, and serves as a studio analyst and as the co-host of ESPN’s popular studio shows College GameDay and College Gamenight. Mr. Bilas also writes for ESPN.com, which includes his efforts with the Jay Bilas Blog at ESPN.com.

This evening, with have the opportunity to get this experts’ thoughts on the conference with Five Big East Questions with…Jay Bilas:

NBE: To this point, which Big East team that you have seen impresses you the most and what separates them from the rest of the conference?

Bilas: Connecticut and Pittsburgh have been the most impressive, but it is still so early. Notre Dame has played very well and lost only to North Carolina. I still believe that Louisville will be one of the best teams in the country through the season. The Big East is the best league by far, but that doesn’t mean that Big East teams cannot and will not lose or have bumps in the road.

NBE: To this point, which Big East team has surpised you as being better than anticipated and what are the factors of their better play?

Bilas: I think Seton Hall has been better than I had thought, but much of that if probably because of lower expectations. I know that their expectations are not low. The players have been thorugh it and are more in tune with what it takes to win, and they are more in tune with what their coach wants from them. Seton Hall has done a good job.

NBE: Which team do you anticipate improving the most between now and the stretch drive of February-March?

Bilas: I think all of the teams will improve. It is still early, and December will be the biggest growth period for every team. I think that West Virginia and Georgetown will really improve through the season, especially Georgetown. That is a good team that has a chance to get better and better.

NBE: What is one Big East match-up your DVR will be set to record this season and why?

Bilas: There are too many to mention. The Big East schedule will give us so many great match-ups, but I am looking forward to UConn at Notre Dame. That should be a shootout between two teams that can score.

NBE: Your in a Big East Fantasy Basketball Draft…who are the top 5 players on your draft board?

Bilas:
Johnny Flynn, Syracuse
Kyle McAlarney, Notre Dame
Sam Young, Pitt
Luke Harangody, Notre Dame
Hasheem Thabeet, UConn

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