May 2006

BIG EAST NEWS & NOTES

May 31, 2006

We start today off with an odd story, WVU coach John Beilein was Cited for Disorderly Conduct (Pittsburgh Tribune Review) at the Pittsburgh airport for refusal to move his car from a “no Parking” area and berating the officer who instructed him to move. Beilein denied the officer’s reports on the incident.

A new Pittsburgh blog, Panther Rants by Chris Dokish has reported that Jamie Dixon has Completed Basketball Staff with the impending hire of St. Joseph’s assistant Mike Rice, jr. However, after asking around, we were forwarded a message from the Pitt Sports Information Department that the report was premature an unsubstantiated. In yesterday’s Philadelphia Daily News, it was reported (under the Philly File, that Rice ‘Seriously Considering’ Offer from Pitt about joining their staff. It looks like the Panther Rant post may have been premature, but it definitely looks to have legs and we would be surprised to not see Mike Rice, a Pittsburgh native, whose father, Mike Rice, sr, was at one time, the head coach at Duquesne and Youngstown St. Rice may not be a familiar name to many, but he is a familiar name to MANY high school and SSU coaches around the east coast as he was the point man for recruiting talent and teams to the Hoop Group’s Eastern Invitational player and team camps for several years. This would seem to be a good recruiting hire by Pittsburgh, if it indeed happens.

Kevin McNamara of the Providence Journal reports on the recently concluded Big East meetings where it has become clear that the Big East Finds Sticking Together Really Pays Off as coaches and administrators were greeted with the news of the impending TV deal with CBS and ESPN which will set records for appearances and revenue. McNamara also has his College Basketball Notes where he looks closer at PC’s addition of Jeff Xavier, who officially enrolled at the school as a transfer from Manhattan College. Incoming frosh Jamal Barney and Ray Hall have also enrolled in the summer session to get a head start on the college experience. PC is leaving no stone unturned for help in 2006-2007 and are now looking at players in Israel to upgrade their chances.

This probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise, but Villanova coach Jay Wright Does Not Expect Kyle Lowry Back at Villanova (ESPN) and for him to stay in the NBA draft. Without Lowry, Villanova is at the 13-player scholarship limit, with him back…hmmmm…someone has to go…

Another player that has yet to sign with an agent that we have watched closely is UConn’s Josh Boone, who worked out with the Knicks recently, according to the Knicks Official Site. Boone has seen his stock slip in recent workouts, but he adds some quotes in the story that has me wondering if he has any intention of returning to Connecticut, a place that he referred to as having “too much stuff going on” last year to reach their expectations and “too many lineup changes” to have him playing consistently.

The Syracuse Post-Standard is reporting that Syracuse fans will get a sneak peak at some of their 2007 recruits this winter in a high school event on the SU campus: SU Recruits Arrive Ahead of Schedule.

BIG EAST NEWS & NOTES

May 30, 2006

Former McDonald’s All-American Mike Williams has not had the easiest time while a member of the Texas Longhorns. Beginning with a battle to be eligible as a freshmen to seeing decreased playing time as a sophomore, the 6′7 forward has decided it was time to move on. He has reached a decision on his new home, McDonald’s All-Amercian Williams Transferring to Cincinnati (Cincinnati Post). Williams will have to sit out the 2006-2007 season, but will have two full seasons of eligibility beginning in 2007-2008.

Thad Mumau covers ACC basketball for FayetvilleOnline.com and has a little more on Larry Davis’ decision to commit to Seton Hall after being given his conditional release from North Carolina St: Lowe’s Hiring Doesn’t Impress Prep Coach. I think some of this is taken slightly out of context, I think what Coach Oliva is annoyed with is that Sidney Lowe is still tied up with the Detroit Pistons and has not been cleared by the NCAA to begin recruiting and still has to earn his college degree to be the coach at NC St, so when he refers to a “guy who can’t coach”, I think it is more in terms of the situation that Lowe is in before he can even begin contacting the players that are committed. Of course, that is my interpretation, so, maybe Oliva did in fact mean that lowe can’t coach…

Anyway, it is still not official, as far as I know, that NC St has given Davis a full release, one of the stipulations with the ‘conditional’ release was for Davis, and the other commits, to give Lowe a final chance to meet with them. The Davis saga being played out more publicly than than of Dan Werner might make this one a little more interesting, or, maybe not…

Speaking of Seton Hall, the New Jersey Star-Ledger’s M.A. Mehta takes a look at Bobby Gonzalez’s First 50 Days with SHU. I think ti was a given that Gonzalez would breathe new recruiting life into the Pirates and having the NC St situation play out like it did, he certainly had timing on his side with playing time to offer players like Eugene Harvey and Larry Davis in the Big East. Liek Mick Cronin at Cincinnati, Gonzalez had quite a bit to sell a soring recruit and playing time in the nation’s top conference certainly went a long way, plus, both are energetic recruiters that work extremely hard out on the road.

Mitch Vingle of the Charleston Gazette has a comprehensive article summing up the Big East meetings of last week where a future Basketball TV Deal Should Keep Big East from Splitting. This is a follow-up to ESPN’s article by Andy Katz from last week and Vingle also has extensive quotes from WVU AD Ed Pastilong on the plan to stick together by the 16-team conference.

I think Vingle hits the nail on the head at the end of his story: “Money Talks. And no one walks.”

It looks like, according to Greg Auman’s blog, that Collin Dennis to Transfer from USF.

The Charlotte Observer catches us with former UNC-C commitment Michael Beasley, who was believed to have committed to Kansas St, but seems to be a little more open. Connecticut is mentioned in the article, but maybe UNC-C is not completely out of the picture as Beasley Thinks Twice about Sticing with Charlotte.

Some more recruiting news can be found with FoxSports.com Recruiting Buzz. In the article, Mike Sullivan of scout.com takes a look at the recruiting of Big East prospects Corey Stokes, Sylvan Landesberg and Mike Cobourn from last week’s Five Star Classic in Manhattan.

The 2006 NBA Draft is still weeks away, but CBS Sportsline columnist Greg Doyel uses this week’s Ten for Tuesday to look at 10 prospects that could make the leap into the 2007 NBA draft. Geogretown’s rising junior duo of Jeff Green and Roy Hibbert are mentioned.

REWIND: LOOK BACK AT THE 2005 BE RECRUITING CLASSES

PART IV

Now that we have all gotten a chance to see the 2005 recruits in action, lets take stab at ranking those classes based on their first season of play, who has been lost due to attrition and what we can project from them over the next couple of years.

Since they have played one season, it is a little easier to rank them based on some actual action at the college level. However, some players got more of an opportunity because they walked into situations on lower-level teams that allowed them to put up impressive numbers, while others are still biding their time and waiting for their opportunities, so this ranking is still based heavily on potential and a guess at future results.

For a reminder, this was our Preseason Ranking of the 2005 Big East Recruiting Classes.

Now, for Part IV, of IV, with the ranking of the top four classes.

Read More…Click Below!!!

4) Providence College Friars: Another high-riser from the preseason. Although the Friars had a poor season, they were as competitive as they could be with their pared roster because of the play of a surprising 4-member class. It is true the the PC rookies were put in position to accrue better numbers than most of the conference newcomers, but guys liek Sharaud Curry and Geoff McDermott, despite being injured, showed they will be solid players in the conference. On occassion, Jon Kale also put up some workman-like efforts and Weyinmi Efejuku, although inconsistent, also had his moments. I can’t help put think this class might have reached their ceilings and others will gradually move past them, but based on play on the court, they have a pretty good head start. I am a little hesitant with them as I am not sold on their upside, but productivity and continuity counts heavily so far. We will see what happens next year.

3) Louisville Cardinals: Well, I had them at #3 in the preseason and I am sticking to that right now. Despite a disappointing 6-10 Big East effort, their freshemn class showed signs of why they were highly regarded. Terrence Williams was one of the most exciting athletes in the conference from the first moments he stepped onto the court and Andre McGee should have a solid future. I think Chad Millard, when healthy, will be one of those quiet players that kills you with a big shot and does everything well and will get better and better as he fills out. Jonathan Huffman is still a project, but anyone standing 6′11, you have to respect their upside. The biggest downer of the class is the transfer of Bryan Harvey.

2) Pittsburgh Panthers: The Panthers finished conference play at 10-6, a surprising mark to many, but the infusion of talented freshmen like Levance Fields, Sam Young and Tyrell Biggs was a big reason why. Panther fans are hoping that Fields carries over his excellent play from late last season, especially his performance in the NCAA loss to Bradley, over to the new season. I really like this NYC guard’s game. He seems to be a very good PG of the future in the Big East. With Louisville I mentioned Terrence Williams as one of the more exciting athletes in the Big East, Pitt’s Sam Young is also right there with any of them. Young finished the season 3rd on the team in scoring, rebounds and blocks and seeme to be only scratching the surface of what he is capable of doing. Tyrell Biggs played mostly out of position as the back-up C to Aaron Gray, but also had his moments and seldom-used JUCO transfer Doyle Hudson will continue to add depth.

1) Marquette Golden Eagles: This was probably the easiest selection of all 16 teams. Just like in the preseason, Marquette holds down the top spot for the class of 2005. Their class was highlighted by the Big East Freshmen of the Year Dominic James. From the very beginning, it was clear that James was going to be special, but his overall performance exceeded anybody’s expectations as the powerfully built, yet diminutive James averaged 15 PPG, 4.5 rebounds and 5.4 assists a game. as good as James was, he was not the only key freshmen in helping the Golden Eagles to a very surprising 1st round bye in the Big East Tournament. Jerel McNeal averaged 11 PPG, 4.5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals a game. Despite missing several weeks with an injured foot, fellow freshmen Wes Mathews added 8.6 PPG, 4 rebounds and 2 assists a game as well. When healthy, Jamil Lott also added some depth up front as the JUCO transfer put up 3 PPG and 2 rebounds in 11 minutes of action a game. A final member of the class, Matt Mortensen, redshirted and has since left the program.

Marquette was the clear choice for #1 on our list with their mix of production and potential that was better than anyone else. Will they hold the spot through the 2006-2007 season? Well, anything can happen, check back next year!!

REWIND: LOOK BACK AT THE 2005 BE RECRUITING CLASSES

PART III

Now that we have all gotten a chance to see the 2005 recruits in action, lets take stab at ranking those classes based on their first season of play, who has been lost due to attrition and what we can project from them over the next couple of years.

Since they have played one season, it is a little easier to rank them based on some actual action at the college level. However, some players got more of an opportunity because they walked into situations on lower-level teams that allowed them to put up impressive numbers, while others are still biding their time and waiting for their opportunities, so this ranking is still based heavily on potential and a guess at future results.

For a reminder, this was our Preseason Ranking of the 2005 Big East Recruiting Classes.

Now, for Part III, of IV, with the ranking of classes 8-5.

Read More…Click Below!!!

St. John’s Redstorm: We have slid the Redstorm up a few notches and they definitely have the potential to slide up some more as Ricky Torres and Tomas Jasiulionis mature into their roles. This past year, JUCO transfer Aaron Spears and Anthony Mason JR gave coach Norm Roberts’ line-up a needed lift. An ankle injury slowed Mason’s season, but he still managed to average over 8 PPG and showed an all-around game that should make him an excellent 4-year player at SJU. Spears seemed to get more comfortable as the season wore on and played a nice compliment to Lamont Hamilton who showed his versatility by stepping away from the hoop. All in all, it was a solid showing by their newcomers, have a pair in their top five. To move up more, they will now have to win more, too.

7) Rutgers Scarlet Knights: They were bumped up a notch because of potential and their play. However, injuries limited some of what they could do, so I am still putting this ranking heavily on the potential of JR Inman. Yesterday we looked at DePaul, who with Wilson Chandler and Jabari Currie, I believe have a very comparable duo to Anthony Farmer and Inman, giving the advantage to DePaul, but I remain high on Jaron Griffin and he made the difference for me in there classes. Inman, before being injured, averaged 8.7 PPG, 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 blks a game. Farmer chipped in 8.3 PPG and 4 assists a game. Griffin will be called on much more this year with Quincy Douby turning pro. The fourth memeber of the class, Zack Gibson, has opted to transfer out of the program.

6) Syracuse Orange: The biggest riser from the early rankings because Eric Devendorf simply outperformed, especially in Big East play, everyone the teams had listed below the Orange. Although, I see some classes possibly passing the Orange as other players hit their stride in this league, Devendorf definitely looks like a future all-league player over his last three years. The Orange also got a little more than I expected out of both Arinze Onuaku and Andy Rautins, however, I expect both to remain role players in their time at SU. With many of the classes from 6-11 being VERY close, devendorf broke all ties.

5) Connecticut Huskies: This one is still a little bit of a tough call because the 2005-2006 UConn team was loaded with seven players who are trying to move on to professional basketball, so it did not leave vital roles for their newcomers. However, I think we all got to see that Jeff Adrien is a potential stud in this conference, with an attitude to boot. I am also very high on Marcus Johnson and think he is a forgotton man in the mix for next season. When Jim Calhoun called on Johnson early in the season, even starting a few games, he responded favorably. Also, the contributions of Craig Austrie, both before and after Marcus Williams returned, had a positive impact on the Huskies. The fourth member Robert Garrison probably does not figure to see much time in the future, but this often forgotton UConn class still has talent that keeps me intrigued.

Tomorrow, we look at the top 4 classes from 2005 in the Big East.

REWIND: LOOK BACK AT THE 2005 BE RECRUITING CLASSES

PART II

Now that we have all gotten a chance to see the 2005 recruits in action, lets take stab at ranking those classes based on their first season of play, who has been lost due to attrition and what we can project from them over the next couple of years.

Since they have played one season, it is a little easier to rank them based on some actual action at the college level. However, some players got more of an opportunity because they walked into situations on lower-level teams that allowed them to put up impressive numbers, while others are still biding their time and waiting for their opportunities, so this ranking is still based heavily on potential and a guess at future results.

For a reminder, this was our Preseason Ranking of the 2005 Big East Recruiting Classes.

Now, for Part II, of IV, with the ranking of classes 12-9.

Read More…Click Below!!!

12) Georgetown Hoyas: Not a lot of movement on the list for the Hoyas. So far, the entire 4-person class is still intact, but this class definitely looks to be a ‘tweener’ class as they are caught in between the group of Jeff Green, Roy Hibbert and Jonathan Wallace from 2004 and the highly anticipated class of 2006 with Vernon Macklin, Jeremiah Rivers and DaJuan Summers coming in behind them. This past season, Jesse Sapp was the only one of the four wing players to see significant time, averaging about 3 PPG in 16 minutes of action. Marc Egerson got some time, especially as the season wore on, but Josh Thornton and Octavious Spann hardly played.

11) Villanova Wildcats: I moved this class up one notch from the preseason and I am going to keep an eye on this group, because I think they could climb even more now that they will begin to get more of a chance on the court with Allan Ray, Randy Foye, Jason Fraser and, most likely, Kyle Lowry moving on. Dante Cunningham played a key role for the co-Big East regular season champs and Shane Clark is a high-upside wing. Bilal Benn, Frank Tchiusi and Dwayne Anderson did not get much time this past season and will have to fend off some very talented newcomers to make an impact at ‘Nova.

10) DePaul Blue Demons: The recent news that Rashad Woods has left the program knocked down this 3-member class a few spots, as they now become a 2-player class. However, Wilson Chandler could help them rise all by himself. Chandler has the potential, and certainly flashed it often enough last year, to be in the 2007 NBA lottery, but we will be looking for maturity and with that, consistency, to his game. He had some discipline issues last season as well, so that probably held him back a little bit. Jabari Currie surprised us early on with very solid play and looks to be a solid, at least, contributor in his time with the Blue Demons.

9) Notre Dame Fighting Irish: The Irish drop down on our list pretty significantly from the preseason as they were definitely a disappointment as a team. I still like their four-member class, which has remained intact, but I now wonder how good Luke Zeller, especially, will be in the Big East. Kyle McAlarney had a very solid freshmen season and will be asked to carry much of the role that Chris Quinn had in the previous season and Ryan Ayers, despite getting very little time last year, might be their heir to the role of Colin Falls. However, it was Zeller that was expected to be the star of the class, but he often found himself physically overmatched in Big East play and the Irish went small. Zack Hillesland is the 4th member and did not get much time on the 6-10 Irish. This class has plenty of time, and the skill, to climb back up this ladder before they are done.

Tomorrow, we take a look at teams 8-5.

BIG EAST NEWS & NOTES

May 26, 2006

Yesterday we posted the story on Thijin Moses commtting to DePaul and taking up the last available scholarship, however, a scholarship has already re-opened as DePaul Makes a Roster Switch (Daily Herald) as the long expected transfer of Rashad Woods is not official. Woods will be attending Lee Community College next season to try and get is Division 1-A career back on track.

The article in the Daily Herald also mentions the mutual interest between DePaul and Matija Poscic, a 6′9 230 lb F from Highland Community College. Currently, Poscic is in his native Croatia for the summer and is not expected to make a college decision for some time, although recent rumors had him committing to the Blue Demons, those murmurs seem to be a bit premature.

Here is the NY Post article on Larry Davis’ decision to commit to Seton Hall: Davis Hooks Up With Seton Hall. I beleive I failed to mention earlier in our report that Davis still needs to receive his full release from LOI from North Carolina St. One of the original conditions of their ‘conditional’ releases given to the three NC St commits was that they give NC St one last final chance before they get a decision on their full release. I doubt that will have any impact on their decisions, as the Wolfpack seem to be more than willing to work with these players.

Early speculation had Stanford transfer Tim Morris considering Notre Dame strongly for his next college home, but the SeattlePI.com reprts that Morris Ponders Move to Washington. Morris would have to sit out the 2006-2007 season, then it seems to be that he would have just one year of eligibility left. Since UW coach Lorenzo Romar is a 2nd cousin, it probably would a much more likely destination, I do not see ND, or many other schools, making the 2-yr investment for one season out of Morris, who averaged 5 pts and 3.1 rebounds as a third season sophomore.

I am sure November 10, 2006 can’t get here soon enough for Villanova redshirt senior Curtis Sumpter as Sumpter is Ready to Go After Missing Season (FoxSports.com).

The Cincinnati Bearcats will play host to the Jim Thorpe Association Classic at 5th Third Arena, beginning on November 10. The Field for the UC Tourney has been Released (Cincinnati Enquirer) and joining the Bearcats will be Tennessee-Martin, High Point and Howard in the round-robin event that will be held November 10, 11 and 12.

Despite the head coach and four key players from last season not in attendence the Show Goes on at UC Basketball Banquet (Cincinnati Post), which was a Fitting End to a Strange Season (Enquirer) two months after the fact.

REWIND: LOOK BACK AT THE 2005 BE RECRUITING CLASSES

PART I

Now that we have all gotten a chance to see the 2005 recruits in action, lets take a stab at ranking those classes based on their first season of play, who has been lost due to attrition and what we can project from them over the next couple of years.

Since they have played one season, it is a little easier to rank them based on some actual action at the college level. However, some players got more of an opportunity because they walked into situations on lower-level teams that allowed them to put up impressive numbers, while others are still biding their time and waiting for their opportunities, so this ranking is still based heavily on potential and a guess at future results.

For a reminder, this was our Preseason Ranking of the 2005 Big East Recruiting Classes.

Now, for Part I, of IV, with the ranking of classes 16-13.

Read More…Click Below!!!

16) West Virginia Mountaineers: Here is a ranking that has held steady from the preseason. First of all, it was just a 2-member class and with a team that featured five seniors and two juniors in a pretty fixed 8-man rotation, Joe Alexander and Alex Ruoff did not get much of an opportunity to show us what they had. To be fair, a true judgement will be withheld until after the 2006-2007 season when both of these players should get significantly more time for a team that returns just five scholarship players with Big East experience.

15) South Florida Bulls: The Bulls slide down a notch after their first season, but again, it is very tough to evaluate their situation, in their case, because of injuries. We expected the jewel of their class to be Chris Howard, however a preseason knee injury stripped him of his season. Zaronn Cann also missed the vast majority of the season with injuries and David Sills was dismissed prior to the season and Frane Markusovic also left the program after appearing in just four games. McHugh Mattis was a pleasant surprise as the JUCO transfer posted nearly 10 PPG and 7 rebounds a contest and Melvyn Richardson added modest numbers for the 1-15 Bulls. A healthy Howard and Cann will help the program, but moving up on the list will be hard.

14) Seton Hall Pirates: We slid the Pirates up a notch after one season. Most of this has to do with some potential upside of John Garcia, although he was injured for much of the season and we were pleasantly surprised with Paul Gause and David Palmer this past season. However, Palmer has opted to transfer to Iowa this off-season. Carl Marshall also played sparingly, this class, if Garcia doesn’t get healthy and pans out, could slide back to their original spot at #15.

13) Cincinnati Bearcats: A team taking a big drop in the rankings is the Bearcats. When recruits Tyree Evans and Ivan Johnson never made it to campus, the class began to slide. Now, Devan Downey, after a very good freshmen season, has transferred out of the program and DeAndre Coleman also left during the year, they are already down 4 players. Cedric McGowan had a decent season as the JUCO averaged 8 PPG and 7 rebounds for the depleted Bearcat frontcourt. If Abdul Hererra can reach his potential in the Big East and Dominic Tilford adds solid depth, this class still has a chance to move back up.

Tomorrow, we look at teams 12-9!

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: SETON HALL

May 26, 2006

COMMITMENT ALERT: Larry Davis, 6′3 (SG) Christ the King, NYC

Bobby Gonzalez added another important piece of his future puzzle for the Seton Hall Pirates as former NC St signee Larry Davis decided that playing closer to home in college was the right fit for him after Herb Sendek left the Wolfpack for Arizona State: State Recruit Doesn’t Wait to Alter Plans (News-Record).

2006-2007 Projected Roster
Seniors: Grant Billmeier (C), Jamar Nutter (G), Mani Messy (F), Stan Gaines (F), Carl Marshall (G)
Juniors: Brian Laing (G/F)
Sophomores: John Garcia (BF/C), Paul Gause (G), Joey Cameron (PF)
Freshmen: Kashif Pratt (G), Eugene Harvey (PG), Larry Davis (SG)

Previous Seton Hall recruiting reports: May 16, 2006, April 13, 2006, Sept 1, 2005 Report, August 18th report, July 5 Report, Aug 15 and July 24 Round-Up.

To read more on Davis and his commitment, please visit our Seton Hall Team Page for the details.

Thank you for visiting!

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: SETON HALL

May 26, 2006

COMMITMENT ALERT: Larry Davis, 6′3 (SG) Christ the King, NYC

Bobby Gonzalez added another important piece of his future puzzle for the Seton Hall Pirates as former NC St signee Larry Davis decided that playing closer to home in college was the right fit for him after Herb Sendek left the Wolfpack for Arizona State: State Recruit Doesn’t Wait to Alter Plans (News-Record).

2006-2007 Projected Roster
Seniors: Grant Billmeier (C), Jamar Nutter (G), Mani Messy (F), Stan Gaines (F), Carl Marshall (G)
Juniors: Brian Laing (G/F)
Sophomores: John Garcia (BF/C), Paul Gause (G), Joey Cameron (PF)
Freshmen: Kashif Pratt (G), Eugene Harvey (PG), Larry Davis (SG)

Previous Seton Hall recruiting reports: May 16, 2006, April 13, 2006, Sept 1, 2005 Report, August 18th report, July 5 Report, Aug 15 and July 24 Round-Up.

Read More…Click Below!!!

Last June the Larry Davis recruiting story was short and sweet. Davis had lined up visits with North Carolina St, Pittsburgh and Villanova, but after one visit to Raleigh, NC, the recruitment was over and Davis, a 6′3 shooting guard from Christ the King High School in NYC, was a member of the Wolfpack.

However, after NC St coach Herb Sendek decided to leave NC St for Arizona St, Davis began to get second thoughts. With Sidney Lowe in line for the NC St job after the NBA playoffs, Davis decided not to wait again, and this time, after visits to Indiana and Seton Hall, Davis has announced he will play for Bobby Gonzalez at Seton Hall in the Big East.

Davis is an athletic guard that can shoot from beyond the arc and score with a solid mid-range game. According to NYHoops.com, Davis was a 2nd team All-CHSAA pick, along with future SHU teammate Kashif Pratt. Davis averaged over 13 PPG during his senior, but his high school career was cut short due to a suspension in the playoffs for a verball altercation that he and family members got into with a referee after a loss. That incident aside, Davis is not considered to be a ‘problem’ player, but a good teammate that will do a variety of things, including playing unselfish and tough on the defensive side, to help teams win.

Currently, we have the Pirates with 12 players on scholarship. At this point, adding a big man, which is much easier said than done at this stage, would be the priority, but a long-shot to happen. They should have at least five scholarships available for 2007 (six if Mani Messy does not take a medical redshirt for 2005-2006) and getting big men and a strong wing prospect will be the immediate priorities for Bobby Gonzalez. It will be an exciting recruiting period this summer and fall for Pirate fans, and we will continue to monitor the events.

BIG EAST NEWS & NOTES

May 25, 2006

It is Big, it is Bad and it is more stable as a 16-team conglomerate than you might have thought, especially now as the Bigger Big East Looks Forward to a New TV Deal (Andy Katz ESPN Story) after a first year that was a very big success. As the conference wrapped up their annual meetings in Florida Wednesday, commissioner Mike Tranghese was very confident that the New Big East is a long-term solution, rather than a 5-yr and split plan that many origianlly believed.

That type of article by Katz pretty much mutes Matt Hayes article from the Sporting News on why The Big East Should Add Central Florida, although, from a football only-perspective, maybe not a bad idea as it would make 8 conference games, 4 home and 4 away, and make scheduling with a 12-game a little easier for the conference members, but that is for a football blogger to figure out, right?

Another article from the South Bend Tribune on the Irish addition of Gene Cross to replace Lewis Preston on the coaching staff: Passion for ND Sold Brey on Cross.

Rick Pitino also made a recent addition to his coaching staff, hiring former Ohio St guard Devon Smith as the Director of Basketball Operations. After playing at OSU, Smith coached at St Peter’s in New Jersey and Oakland University as an assistant coach: Pitino Names New Director of Basketball Operations (Macon Telegraph).

Although not Big East related, still an interesting development as the NCAA has hit new Indiani coach Kelvin Sampson with recruiting restrictions for his role in over 500 illegal phone calls to recruits while at Oklahoma. For the next 12 months, Sampson will not be allowed call recruits on the phone or do any off-campus recruitings, pretty stiff penalties handcuffing a coach from getting going in a new job. Here are the details on the penalties for Sampson and his former school, Oklahoma, handed down today: Sampson Made Illegal Calls to Recruits (FoxSports.com).

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: DEPAUL

May 25, 2006

COMMITMENT ALERT: Thijin Moses, (F) Boys to Men Academy, Ill

Here is a story from Illinois Prep Bulls-Eye as Thijin Moses Now in DePaul Fold.

Projected 2006-2007 Roster:

Seniors: Sammy Mejia (G), Lorenzo Thompson (F/C), Marus Heard (F), Keith Butler (C)
Juniors: Draelon Burns (SG), Cliff Clinkscales (PG), Karron Clarke (WF), Wes Green (C)
Sophomores: Jabarie Currie (SG), Rashad Woods (SF), Wilson Chandler (PF)
Freshmen: Will Walker (PG), Thijin Moses (F)

Note: Manual Cass signed a LOI last November, but will prep in the 2006-2007 season. At this time, he should be considered a ’soft’ DePaul commitment.

For more on the commitment of Moses and DePaul recruiting, please visit our DePaul Team Page.

Thank you for stopping by!

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: DEPAUL

May 25, 2006

COMMITMENT ALERT: Thijin Moses, (F) Boys to Men Academy, Ill

Here is a story from Illinois Prep Bulls-Eye as Thijin Moses Now in DePaul Fold.

Projected 2006-2007 Roster:

Seniors: Sammy Mejia (G), Lorenzo Thompson (F/C), Marus Heard (F), Keith Butler (C)
Juniors: Draelon Burns (SG), Cliff Clinkscales (PG), Karron Clarke (WF), Wes Green (C)
Sophomores: Jabarie Currie (SG), Rashad Woods (SF), Wilson Chandler (PF)
Freshmen: Will Walker (PG), Thijin Moses (F)

Note: Manual Cass signed a LOI last November, but will prep in the 2006-2007 season. At this time, he should be considered a ’soft’ DePaul commitment.

READ MORE….Click Below!!

Thijin Moses, a 6′8 long and athletic forward, from Boys to Men Academy in Chicago, has officially pledged his allegience to Jerry Wainwright and the DePaul Blue Demons. Moses was also getting recruiting interest from Marquette and Cincinnati in the Big East as well as some of the better mid-major programs in the midwest. As the above linked article mentions, DePaul will now wait on Moses achieving a qualifying test score as he hopes to be the, at this time, 13th scholarship member of the 2006-2007 Blue Demon line-up.

Moses came to Chicago from Canada, where he landed from the Sudan. Moses posseses a thin frame and relies on perimeter skills to carry his 6′8 game, including the ability to hit from 3-pt range and he is athletic enough to get to the rim, even against stronger players.

Another key to the Moses commitment is the potential help he could be to DePaul in landing prep teammate Nyal ‘Mac’ Koshwal, another Sudanese import, that is a highly regarded post-player in the 2007 class. Koshal will be evaluated by many top schools this spring and summer and already has a lot of interest from Marquette, among others. We will keep you up to date on any recruiting happenings with Depaul, who should have at least 4 openings for 2007, but rumors of transfers, a natural happening after one season with a new staff, could grow the amoung of open 2007 scholarships higher.

BIG EAST NEWS & NOTES

May 24, 2006

Here are a few more stories in addition to our coverage in our Villanova Recruiting Update about ‘Nova Getting Prep Star (Philly Daily News) with Scottie Reynolds choosing the Wildcats. Villanova Lands Another Recruit (Philly Inquirer), and with Kraidon Woods and Malcolm Grant prepping, the Wildcats will be at the 13-player scholarship limit if Kyle Lowry stays in the NBA draft.

Notre Dame, with a spot on their coaching staff open since Lewis Preston left the Irish to join the Florida Gators staff, looks to be close to hiring Gene Cross to an assistant coaching postitions. Cross has worked with Dave Leito at Virginia and DePaul the last four seasons, has extensive contacts in the Midwest, especially Chicago, from his playing days at Illinois-Chicago, where he also coached under Jimmy Collins. Here is the article from the South Bend Tribune: Report: Cross May Join Brey’s Staff.

Jerry West, President of Basketball Operations for the Memphis Grizlies, is impressed with the West Virginia draft prospects as the WVU Legend Likes Gansey and Pittsnogle (Daily Mail) as the pair attempt to be the first Mountaineers to be selected in the NBA draft since Gordon Malone was a 2nd rounder in 1997.

6′7 F Mike Williams, formerly of Texas, is a late target that has created some buzz as the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Williams Could Join the Bearcats and the Louisville Courier-Journal reports that the former Texas Forward Considers Transferring to Louisville. The 230 lb sophomore averaged just 2.3 PPG and 3.1 rebounds for Texas in his second season with the Longhorns. He was a McDonald’s All-American out of high school in Alabama. As a freshmen, he averaged 3.2 PPG and 3.9 rebounds a game. He is expected to visit Cincinnati this week, according to his former AAU coach Mark Komara and Louisville next week with a possibility that Alabama could become involved as well.

Although gone form the Big East, but certainly not forgotton, here is a story from the Kansas City Star that Lawyers Continue to Pore Over Details of Huggins Contract as, even after 2 months on the job, has yet to be signed as Huggins’ side continues to ‘quibble’, according to K-State Associate Athletic Director Jim Epps over ’specific language’.

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel caught up with transferring Marquette forward Ryan Amoroso, who will be visiting UNLV, San Diego St and New Mexico in the near future as Amoroso Hopes to Rebound Quickly.

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: VILLANOVA

May 24, 2006

COMMITMENT ALERT: Scottie Reynolds, (G) Herndon, VA.

Here is a story from The Connection Newspapers (VA) on the news that Scottie Reynolds Chooses Villanova.

Projected 2006-2007 Roster:

Seniors: Mike Nardi (PG), Will Sheridan (PF), Curtis Sumpter (F)
Junior: Kyle Lowry (G)
Sophomores: Frank Tchuisi (F), Bilal Benn (G), Dwayne Anderson (SG), Dante Cunningham (F), Shane Clark (F)
Freshmen: Scottie Reynolds (G), Andrew Ott (C), Reggie Redding (G), Casseim Drummond (C), Antonio Pena (F)

Notes: Kraidon Woods and Malcolm Grant are current commitments that are expected to prep for the 2006-2007 school year. Jay Wright already has a verbal commitment from Corey Fisher (PG) for 2007 as well.

Read the rest of our Villanova recruiting report by visiting our Villanova Team Page.

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: VILLANOVA

May 24, 2006

COMMITMENT ALERT: Scottie Reynolds, (G) Herndon, VA.

Here is a story from The Connection Newspapers (VA) on the story that Scottie Reynolds Chooses Villanova.

Projected 2006-2007 Roster:

Seniors: Mike Nardi (PG), Will Sheridan (PF), Curtis Sumpter (F)
Junior: Kyle Lowry (G)
Sophomores: Frank Tchuisi (F), Bilal Benn (G), Dwayne Anderson (SG), Dante Cunningham (F), Shane Clark (F)
Freshmen: Scottie Reynolds (G), Andrew Ott (C), Reggie Redding (G), Casseim Drummond (C), Antonio Pena (F)

Notes: Kraidon Woods and Malcolm Grant are current commitments that are expected to prep for the 2006-2007 school year. Jay Wright already has a verbal commitment from Corey Fisher (PG) for 2007 as well.

READ ON…CLICK “Read More” BELOW

Although Kyle Lowry has yet to make it official, the commitment of Scottie Reynolds almost assures us that Lowry will be staying in the NBA draft. Training at the IMG Center in Florida is not an inexpensive option and Reynolds, even with Malcolm Grant and Kraidon Woods prepping, makes 14 scholarship players with Lowry and the return of Curtis Sumpter. In addition, with the three commitments from Grant, Woods and Corey Fisher for 2007, Villanova has a full class for 2007, as it stands now. With Corey Stokes trying to decide between Connecticut and Villanova, it seems awful early to take a commitment that will already put them over the limit opening them to all that speculation on who will not be back for 2007.

As for their latest commitment, Scottie Reynolds is a 6′0 guard that fits right in with Jay Wright’s guard-powered offense. Reynolds originally committed to Oklahoma and Kelvin Sampson but decided to open things up when Sampson left for Indiana. Reynolds has PG size, but is one of the best shooting guards in the class because of his ability to be a sniper from the perimeter. The Wildcats make look a little more traditional next season with Sheridan, Sumpter, Cunningham, Clark and Drummond upfront, but with Reynolds and Reggie Reading in the incoming class and Grant and Fisher right behind them, the 4-guard offense might not be on hiatus very long. Grant could fill the role of Kyle Lowry with his toughness, Fisher could be a similar player to Randy Foye as a bigger guard that could develop into a scoring and passing threat and Reynolds is the dead-ball specialist similar to Allan Ray. Reggie Reading also adds a do-it-all guard that can handle, defend and rebound and find a way to score. It might seem to be a loaded backcourt, but Jay Wright has shown the ability to get them all on the floor.

Reynolds, after re-opening his recruitment, chose the Wildcats over Michigan and also visited Maryland, Illinois, LSU, Wake Forest and Virginia Tech before making his final decision.

We will continue to monitor Villanova recruiting, although things would seem to be quiet for some time with a full load now for the class of 2006 and 2007, as we know in this day and age, things change.

BIG EAST NEWS & NOTES

May 23, 2006

After their initial Big East season, with a 6-10 conference record and a rare trip to the NIT for a Rick Pitino coached team, the Louisville Cards Looking to Come up to Rest of Big East Field (Louisville Courier Journal) in their second go-round. As for the rest of the Big East, coach Pitino is tracking the NBA prospects of some of the Big East underclassmen, especially Aaron Gray, “If Gray (a junior) comes back to school, Pittsburgh will be the team to beat in the Big East,” Pitino said. According to Pitino, without Gray, “It’s a coin flip,” Pitino said. “Pittsburgh or Georgetown. Maybe Syracuse.”

As for his team, Pitino indicated that Juan Palacios is back hom in Columbia, but is nearly 100% healthy after nagging injuries throughout last season. He also expects all five new members to be in Louisville this summer and a goal of his is to shave 50 lbs off of Derrick Caracter’s 6′9 frame. He also touched on the schedule, which he vows not to worry much about knowing that TV will make the final decisions, however, “The only way I’ll blow a gasket is if they don’t have us playing Cincinnati twice.” Sure, Cincinnati is in a rebuilding mode, but I thik the Big East will do themselves a favor keeping UC/UL in the home and home rotation as well as gams like Pitt/WVU, UConn/SU, etc. These long-standing rivalry games shoudl also be good for TV.

Despite Pitino’s insistance that all 5 recruits will be ready to go this summer and on the Louisville campus, with a full load of scholarship players, Louisville continues to be mentioned as a possible future destination of 7′3 HS recruit Hasheem Thabeet and Texas transfer F Mike Williams. For Thabeet, Finishing Class is Recruit’s 1st Priority (Cincinnati Enquirer) as he is taking an internet English course. Once that is finished this week, he could decide between Cincinnati or Connecticut, the two schools he has visited, or decide to visit schools such as Louisville, Miami or USC. CBS Sportsline has reported that the 6′7, 230 lb Williams could end up at Louisville, Cincinnati or Birmingham Southern.

In this week’s Ten for Tuesday by CBS Sportsline.com’s Gregg Doyel he looks at the Top 10 Assistant Coaching moves so far this off-season in college basketball. Doyel is never one to shy away from calling out any loophole and naming names, basically, saying it like it is and how many fans think. Of course, if he is targeting your school, he is public enemy #1, if he is targeting your rival, he is the columnist you link all over the internet. Whether he is exposing diploma mill prep schools and naming the coaches that depend on them (which really started the ball rolling on more media scrutiny of the fly-by-night prep programs), calling out Jim Calhoun for his scheduling of a rag-tag Beltway Ballers Exhibition team while recruiting Rudy Gay, or asking for the qualifications of Milt Wagner or Ronnie Chalmers to hold Director of Basketball Operations jobs. If there is a loophole to be exploited, Doyel loves to let everyone know about it.

This week, he looks at assistant coaches and their connections. He points out the expected hire of Dermon Player by Seton Hall. Player is currently the head coach of the Metro Hawks AAU program, a loaded team with high-major prospects such as Samardo Samuels, Devin Ebanks, Mike Cobourn, Corey Stokes, Christian Morris, etc. During this dead period in recruiting, it is certainly beneficial for Seton Hall to have Player continue coaching in the AAU ranks and if the hire him, it might as well be later in the summer. I do not believe Doyel is calling out Bobby Gonzalez on any wrong-doing, just pointing out a loophole in the system that Gonzalez is no the first, or the last, or the only coach taking advantage of. Just like when doyel pointed out the head start Bob Huggins got recruiting the past year as he was not tied to a school and could work out and have contact as often as he wanted to with any recruit, while other coaches had to adhere to the strict NCAA rules. Doyel definitely uses a little ’shock-jock’ tactics in his writing style, but he definitely brings to light some interesting aspects of the college game for his readers, and, we all know, he has a lot of readers.

Also in his article, he touches on the assistant coaching situations at Pitt and Rutgers.

BIG EAST NEWS & NOTES

May 22, 2006

Leaving high school, Mike Williams was a highly coveted recruit, choosing the University of Texas. His first two seasons with the Longhorns have not been exactly what he had planned, averaging just 2.3 PPG and 1.3 rebounds in almost 14 minutes a game as a sophomore. The 6′7 forward has decided to take his game elswhere as the Williams Granted Release from Texas (Austin American-Statesmen) and could be headed to the Big East with Cincinnati and Louisville mentiones as possible destinations. However, past NCAA inquiries into his eligibility could surface again, making Birmingham Southern (the third finalist) a possible destination as well.

Last season, despite a young team, Louisville, because of their television appeal, drew a tough draw when the Big East schedule came out. This year, it could be Connecticut dealt a tough hand as there is No Getting Around Screen (Hartford Courant) when it comes to scheduling and TV in the Big East for at least another season.

Kevin McNamara of the Providence Journal has his basketball notebook, which is heavy on Big East Items: Rich Get Richer: Extra Games a Boon to Major Powers.

It looks like Pittsburgh Director of Basketball Operations Orlando Antigua will be promoted to a full-time assistant position with Jamie Dixon’s program. Here is a Q&A With Orlando Antigua (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) that looks back at his rise from a 14-yr old playing with a bullet in his head, a brief period of being homeless in the Bronx, to a scholarship to Pittsburgh and a tour of duty with the Harlem Globetrotters as their first Latino player. An interesting read…

A 6′10 8th-grader has gotten the attention of some high-major division 1-A programs, including home state Wisconsin and Marquette: 6′10 Stanley Player Stands Above the Rest (WEAU).

BIG EAST NEWS & NOTES

May 19, 2006

Here are the stories being talked about today:

With everyone adding a new pre-season ‘classic’ to take advantage of the NCAA ruling doing away with the two-in-four exempt tournament rule, West Virginia benefits as the Mountaineers to Play in New Men’s Basketball Tournament (Register-Herald), the ESPNU Classic, at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando over Thanksgiving. The 8-team field, in addition to WVU, includes Arkansas, Minnesota, Virginia Tech, Southern Illinois, Montana, Marist and Western Michigan. Games will be played November 23, 24 and 25 and all 12 games will be televised by ESPN2 (9 games) and ESPNU (3 games).

In recruiting news, Cincinnati, Louisville and Connecticut, among others, are still awaiting the final decision of 7′3 C Hasheem Thabeet of Cypress Community School in Houston, TX. Thabeet is a 19 yr old from Tanzania who recruitment is chornicled in the Cincinnati Article, UC in Hunt for 7′3 Center and in the Connecticut Post article, Center Situation Coming Together for UConn. Thabeet visited UConn for their game with Louisville towards the end of the season and will visit Cincinnati this weekend. After the visit, he will decide if more visits are necessary or make a commitment. We have also come across information that Cincinnati has called Lom Morris JC to make their interest in Hernol Hall known. Hall was recently released from his LOI by Duquesne.

The Chicago Sun-Times updates the recruitment of St Joseph HS Chargers Evan Turner and Demetri McCamey:

CHARGER UPDATES: St. Joseph forward Evan Turner picked up scholarship offers from Ohio State and Wake Forest at the Kingwood Classic. He also has offers from Illinois, Bradley, DePaul, Iowa, Marquette, Notre Dame, Virginia and Wisconsin. Teammate Demetri McCamey, a guard who is being recruited by Illinois, DePaul, Virginia, Connecticut, Kentucky, Wake Forest, Pitt and Clemson, is expected to trim his list soon.

Marquette loses one as freshmen Matt Mortensen Won’t Return (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel) as his scholarship will not be renewed by the school. One can only speculate as to the nature of his infraction at this time, but from the sounds of it, he would be deemed ineligible by the NCAA and it is not related to acadmics. This would give the Golden Eagles an additional scholarship for the spring or to hold for next season.

Rutgers adds another assistant coach as former Scarlet Knight Craig Carter to Join Hill’s Staff at RU (NorthJersey.com) as the Siena Assistant Moves to Rutgers (Albany Times-Union).

The South Florida Bulls also welcome back one of their own as Former Bull Reggie Kohn Returns to Join Basketball Staff (Tampa Tribune). Kohn has recently been coaching for a powerful high school program at Lake Howell.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette caught up with Pitt’s Aaron Gray on his preparations for the NBA draft, which he seems to be taking slowly: Gray to Go Solo for the NBA. Gray seems very intent on keeping his options completely open for a return to Pittsburgh, admitting that 1st round status will not be a guarantee for him to stay in the draft.

The Post-Gazette also was there for Jamie Dixon’s first meeting with the local press since the tragic death of his 28-yr old sister, Maggie, who would have recently turned 29: Pitt’s Dixon copes with Grief.

Could Bob Huggins really be looking at former UC commit Tyree Evans? According to the Kansas City Star Kansas St Recruiting Not Set Yet and Evan’s name has been mentioned lately, of course, he has the outstanding issue of a legal matter to overcome.

I know many readers enjoyed a few chuckles from Wednesday’s article on the ACC coaches whining about only four teams in the NCAA tournament, even writers from Tobacco Road find the Complaints from ACC Basketball Not Logical (Winston-Salem Journal).

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: SOUTH FLORIDA

Commitment Alert: Adamu Saaka, 6′6 (G/F) DeKalb (GA) Columbia High School

Greg Auman of the St. Petersburg Times updates his blog with the news that USF has added Ade Saaka, a former Furman commitment, to their 2006 recruiting class: USF Signs 6′6 Forward.

Projected 2006-2007 Roster:
Seniors: McHugh Mattis (SF), Melyvn Richardson (PF), Melvin Buckley (G/F)
Juniors: Collin Dennis (PG), Kentrell Gransberry (BF)
Sophomores: Aris Williams (PF), Jesus Verdejo (G)
Freshmen: Dante Curry (SG), Solomon Bozeman (G), Chris Howard (PG), Zaronn Cann (SF), Ade Saaka (F/G)

Note: Chris Capko is a senior walk-on.

Read More…Click Below!!!

Since I know next to nothing about Adamu “Ade” Saaka, I am going to let Greg Auman, from his blog at the St. Petersburg Times, introduce us to him: USF: I am Going to Get You, Saaka.

Saaka was a commitment to Furman in the early signing period, but the coaching change for the Paladins and a strong senior season has propelled Saaka into the Big East and a solid spring time addition for the Bulls.

In other Bulls roster news, Frane Markusovic has left the program and has transferred to a Texas junior college. By my count, the Bulls have 12 players listed on scholarship for the 2006-2007 season, which is a big change from the previous season where they usually dressed only 6 scholarship players. Even with the graduation of two key performers, they will bring 8 new players into the fold, including medical redshirts in Cann and Howard, for a completely new-look team. Transfers such as Jesus Verdejo (Arizona), Aris Williams (Valpo) and Kentrell Gransberry (LSU) should be big keys to their success as they add some major college experience to a long list of newcomers.

BIG EAST NEWS & NOTES

May 17, 2006

After only earning four bids to the 200 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, ACC Coaches Express Concern (Charlotte Observer) and call for an expanded NCAA Tournament to help get th eteams into the event they feel they deserve.

In his weekly 10 for Tuesday feature, Greg Doyel of CBS Sportsline takes a look at the Worst Coaching Jobs in America and rates Seton Hall and Providence College among them.

NorthJersey.com looks at the reality for Fred Hill and Rutgers next season as Quincy Douby’s Exit Leaves RU With Big Void to Fill.

It has been an issue that Notre Dame coach Mike Brey has repeatedly brought up as a means to help jumpstart the program, now, it is looking like reality as Notre Dame Plans Athletic Facilities Makeover (Journal Gazette), with the Joyce Center, home to the Fighting Irish Men’s Basketball program, being the focus of the $100 million project.

A couple possible Big East targets in recruiting have headed elsewhere as Marvell Waithe Selects Loyola-Chicago (Toronto Sun) over Rutgers and Cincinnati, among others and Luis Colon Heads to Kansas St (The Republican) after getting interest from Pittsburgh and Connecticut.

He certainly has the bloodlines to be successful at WVU and he has made his father proud: Jerry West Proud of His Son, Future Mountaineer Jonnie (Register-Herald).

The Post-Trib reports that Assistant Ivan Vujic Leaves Valpo for DePaul. I was unaware that dePaul had an assistant position open.

Next Page »