Big East tournament: A primer
Syracuse's Kris Joseph dunks against Louisville during the second half. Syracuse won 58-49. (March 3, 2012) Credit: AP
Defending national champion Connecticut (18-12) is right back where it was a year ago as the ninth seed opening Big East Tournament play against DePaul (12-18) at noon Tuesday at Madison Square Garden. But without departed Kemba Walker, there's no chance of duplicating last season's historic run. If there's any magic this season, it likely will be provided by Syracuse (30-1), the nation's No. 2-ranked program and the first team in conference history to finish with one overall loss.
Here's a look at what to expect from the Big East tourney in its 30th anniversary at the Garden:
FAVORITES
Syracuse (30-1): Coach Jim Boeheim never has had a team as deep as this one. Led by seniors Kris Joseph and Scoop Jardine, the Orange top the league in scoring margin (15.1), field goal percentage (.470), blocks (7.3), steals (9.7) and turnover margin (6.2) and rank second in FG defense (.384) and assists (16). Boeheim's masterpiece.
Marquette (25-6): The Golden Eagles might be the stealth team on the national scene that could reach the Final Four behind the 1-2 punch of Jae Crowder and Darius Johnson-Odom. They are the top-scoring team in the Big East (76.1) and have won 13 of 15.
Notre Dame (21-10): The Irish are 2-0 versus Syracuse and Marquette and have overachieved with the help of forward Jack Cooley's consistent production (12.5 pts, 9.2 rebounds) and league-best .621 shooting percentage.
Georgetown (22-7): The Hoyas have great shooting with Jason Clark and Hollis Thompson and a physical presence inside with 6-10 Henry Sims and 6-8 freshman Otto Porter. They went to overtime before losing at Syracuse.
DARKHORSE
Connecticut (18-12): Champs have seriously underachieved with supremely talented roster while coping with on-and-off presence of coach Jim Calhoun, who just returned to bench after back surgery. Time to put it together.
THE REST
Cincinnati (22-9) is a tough team with emerging sophomore scorer Sean Kilpatrick. Louisville (22-9) has point guard Peyton Siva but doesn't shoot three as well as in the past. South Florida (19-12) is a bubble team that played a weak conference schedule. Seton Hall (19-11) lacks determination, going 4-9 down stretch.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jae Crowder, Marquette, F: Unanimous All-Big East selection and likely player of the year averages 17.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, sets rugged tone for hard-nosed team.
Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut, F/G: Most dynamic wing man in the country averages 17.6 points, gets to rim with ease and is clutch at line with .826 percentage.
Dion Waiters, Syracuse, G: One of best sixth men in country, averages 11.9 points, physical defender at 6-4, 215, starts transition with 1.9 steals per game.
Hollis Thompson, Georgetown, F: Great spot-up shooter averages 13.0 points, hits 45.8 percent from three, can take over a game when he gets hot.
Kevin Jones, West Virginia, F: Mount Vernon native at home in Garden leads conference in scoring (20.0) and rebounding (11.2), imposes will at 6-8, 260.
STORYLINES
How big a dropoff from record 11 NCAA bids in 2011?
Some predict as many as nine Big East bids, but in a strong year for mid-majors, seven seems more fair.
The breakup begins as West Virginia says farewell.
This is the Mountaineers' last tourney before Big 12 move; ACC-bound Syracuse and Pitt have 1-2 more.
Who cares about South Florida?
Name one Bulls player. They spark no interest, a harbinger of things to come with additions of Central Florida, SMU, Houston.
