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FIVE BIG EAST QUESTIONS WITH…MIKE DECOURCY

Today we are excited to begin a new feature at the NBE Basketball Report where we touch base with some of the nationally known college basketball analysts to get their thoughts on the Big East by asking them five simple, yet thought provoking, questions on the Big East. Hopefully everyone will enjoy the perspective that these very familiar names around college basketball will provide our readers.

Up first is Mike DeCourcy of the SportingNews.com. Mr. DeCourcy is a senior writer at the Sporting News and has been on the college basketball beat for nearly 25 years, covering 18 Final Fours. DeCourcy has written two books about the game: Inside Basketball: From The Playgrounds To The NBA and Legends Of College Basketball. The latter was an examination of the top 100 players in the game’s history, published by Sporting News in 2002.

We have also seen Mr. DeCourcy’s contributions previously within the NBE Basketball Report as he was an active participant in Chris Dokish’s series profiling the Big East All-Time Top 50 Players.

Today, we have the opportunity to get this experts’ thoughts on the conference in Five Big East Questions With…Mike DeCourcy:

Catch all the Big East action this season at the Black Bear Saloon!!

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?

DeCourcy: I’d go with Connecticut, and the obvious answer regarding what elevates the Huskies above everyone is Hasheem Thabeet. When he is engaged and confident, he changes the game. He can do that on defense when he’s playing aggressively and thoughtfully, but I think there’ll come a point this season when he’ll also be able to do it on offense. UConn is not so far at the top that no one can reach them, but every team the Huskies play will have to think hard about how to minimize Hasheem’s influence.

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

DeCourcy: I’d have to say Seton Hall. I was one of the people in Syracuse’s corner, and most of the others were universally embraced. But nobody outside the Hall’s inner circle imagined them going to Puerto Rico and leaving with two victories. How did they do it? Bobby Gonzalez does a great job of motivating his players and convincing them to play hard. He’s got tough kids. I don’t know whether it can last given the Pirates’ lack of depth and the Big East’s strength, but you know they’re going to try.

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

DeCourcy: The team that has the most ability to improve is Georgetown, and John (Thompson III) does a great job of making his teams better. Can you make that advancement in this league, this year? It’s going to be hard to progress when you’re having to survive every night. But Greg Monroe will continue to get better, and I expect Chris Wright will be an elite guard sooner rather than later. I saw a few flashes from DaJuan Summers in Orlando that he might play more aggressively around the goal. That could make a big difference for the Hoyas.

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

DeCourcy: One of the beautiful things about my job is that if there’s such a game, and I expect there will be, I can plan to be in attendance. Right now, I’m wondering if it doesn’t come all the way down to UConn’s March 7 trip to Pittsburgh. I’m already figuring I’ll show up for that one. UConn-Pitt has been the league’s defining rivalry this decade. It’d be pretty cool if the league title were on the line that last weekend.

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

DeCourcy:
1. Hasheem Thabeet, UConn. No-brainer.
2. Jonny Flynn, Syracuse. It’s essential to have a great point guard, and he’s the best pure point in the league (and the nation).
3. Sam Young, Pitt. Has anyone but me noticed that he’s playing like a first-team All-American?
4. Luke Harangody, Notre Dame. Hope he’s OK. Who wouldn’t want a big guy this tough and this versatile?
5. Deonta Vaughn, Cincinnati. Not a perfect player, but the guy makes shots, shares the ball and tries to defend.

For more of Mike DeCourcy’s college basketball coverage at Sporting News.com, visit his Expert Blog.

Also, readers should check out the Daily Internet Sports Page provided by SportingNews.com. All you need is your name and password and this free service will be delivered to your inbox every morning.

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