The Big East Today: 2010-2011 Basketball Season Preview

INDIANAPOLIS - APRIL 03: Head coach Bob Huggins of the West Virginia Mountaineers yells at his players during a timeout in the first half against the Duke Blue Devils during the National Semifinal game of the 2010 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Champio
The Big East Today: 2010-2011 Basketball Season Preview
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NEW YORK - MARCH 10: Head coach Mick Cronin of the Cincinnati Bearcats gestures from the bench against the Louisville Cardinals during the second round of 2010 NCAA Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2010 in New York City. (Photo
1Cincinnati Bearcats
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HARTFORD, CT - FEBRUARY 13: Coach Jim Calhoun of the Connecticut Huskies reacts during a game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at the XL Center on February 13, 2010 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
2Connecticut Huskies
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GREENSBORO, NC - MARCH 11: Oliver Purnell, head coach of the Clemson Tigers walks the sideline against the NC State Wolfpack in their first round game in the 2010 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum on March 11, 2010 in Greensboro
3DePaul Blue Demons
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NEW YORK - MARCH 13: Head coach John Thompson III of the Georgetown Hoyas gestures from the bench against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the championship of the 2010 NCAA Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 13, 2010 in New York Ci
4Georgetown Hoyas
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NEW YORK - MARCH 10: Head coach Rick Pitino of the Louisville Cardinals reacts from the bench against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the second round of 2010 NCAA Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by
5Louisville Cardinals
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SAN JOSE, CA - MARCH 18: Head coach Buzz Williams of the Marquette Golden Eagles watches game action against the Washington Huskies during the first round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at HP Pavilion on March 18, 2010 in San Jose, Californ
6Marquette Golden Eagles
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NEW YORK - MARCH 11: Head coach Mike Brey of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on from the bench against the Seton Hall Pirates during the second round of 2010 NCAA Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2010 in New York City. (Phot
7Notre Dame Fighting Irish
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NEW YORK - MARCH 11: Jermaine Dixon #24, Brad Wanamaker #22 and head coach Jamie Dixon of the Pittsburgh Panthers look on after being defeated by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the quarterfinal of the 2010 NCAA Big East Tournament at Madison Square
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NEW YORK - MARCH 09: Head coach Keno Davis of the Providence Friars reacts from the bench against the Seton Hall Pirates during the first round game of the Big East Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 9, 2010 in New York, New York. (
9Providence Friars
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PROVIDENCE, RI - MARCH 18: Head coach Mike Rice of the Robert Morris Colonials reacts after a play in the second half against the Villanova Wildcats during the first round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament on March 18, 2010 at the Dunkin Donut
10Rutgers Scarlet Knights
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LOUISVILLE, KY - JANUARY 28: Kevin Willard the acting Head Coach of Louisville gives instructions to his team against Houston on January 28, 2004 at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky. Willard was filling in for Rick Pitino who was out for medical reas
11Seton Hall Pirates
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NEW YORK - MARCH 09: Stan Heath Head Coach of the University of South Florida watches the game against DePaul University during the first round game of the Big East Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 9, 2010 in New York City. (Photo
12South Florida Bulls
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LOS ANGELES - MARCH 14: UCLA head coach Steve Lavin encourages his team during the NCAA Pac-10 Conference tournament semifinals game against Oregon at the Staples Center on March 14, 2003 in Los Angeles, California. In what could be Lavin's last game at
13St. John's Red Storm
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BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 21: Head coach Jim Boeheim of the Syracuse Orange gestures from the bench against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at HSBC Arena at HSBC Arena on March 21, 2010 in Buffalo, New
14Syracuse Orange
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PROVIDENCE, RI - MARCH 18: Coach Jay Wright reacts against the Villanova Wildcats against the Robert Morris Colonials during the first round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament at Dunkin' Donuts Center on March 18, 2010 in Providence, Rhode Island. (
15Villanova Wildcats
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INDIANAPOLIS - APRIL 03: Head coach Bob Huggins of the West Virginia Mountaineers looks on while taking on the Duke Blue Devils during the National Semifinal game of the 2010 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 3,
16West Virginia Mountaineers
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The Big East Today: 2010-2011 Basketball Season Preview

Nov 8, 2010

The Big East Today: 2010-2011 Basketball Season Preview

INDIANAPOLIS - APRIL 03: Head coach Bob Huggins of the West Virginia Mountaineers yells at his players during a timeout in the first half against the Duke Blue Devils during the National Semifinal game of the 2010 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Champio
INDIANAPOLIS - APRIL 03: Head coach Bob Huggins of the West Virginia Mountaineers yells at his players during a timeout in the first half against the Duke Blue Devils during the National Semifinal game of the 2010 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Champio

As the winter weather starts to creep into some areas of the country, the college basketball season is set to begin this month with the biggest and best conference in the nation, the Big East.

Throughout the 2010-2011 season, "The Big East Today" will take a look across the league every Monday to see what programs are on the way to being basement dwellers or on the rise as they chase a Big East Title this season.

Of the questions coming into this season, will Bob Huggins and the Mountaineers once again return to the Final Four where they came up short to eventual champion Duke?

In Hartford, will the once dominant UConn program shake off the disappointment from last season where the team only won seven conference games and challenge for the league title?

In the Steel City, will Jamie Dixon lead the Pitt Panthers to yet another 13+ win season in the Big East and improve on their second place finish last year?

With those questions and certainly more, let’s get to the previews of the 16 programs that will compete in the league’s 31st year of college basketball.

This article is also featured on A Blue and Gold State of Mind.

Cincinnati Bearcats

NEW YORK - MARCH 10: Head coach Mick Cronin of the Cincinnati Bearcats gestures from the bench against the Louisville Cardinals during the second round of 2010 NCAA Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2010 in New York City. (Photo
NEW YORK - MARCH 10: Head coach Mick Cronin of the Cincinnati Bearcats gestures from the bench against the Louisville Cardinals during the second round of 2010 NCAA Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2010 in New York City. (Photo

2009-2010 Record: 19-16 (7-11 Big East)

Key Losses: Guards Lance Stephenson and Deonta Vaughn

Newest Addition: Sean Kilpatrick, Guard—White Plains, NY

Biggest Out of Conference Game: vs. Oklahoma, December 18th

Big East Prediction: 13th

Connecticut Huskies

HARTFORD, CT - FEBRUARY 13: Coach Jim Calhoun of the Connecticut Huskies reacts during a game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at the XL Center on February 13, 2010 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
HARTFORD, CT - FEBRUARY 13: Coach Jim Calhoun of the Connecticut Huskies reacts during a game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at the XL Center on February 13, 2010 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

2009-2010 Record: 18-16 (7-11 Big East)

Key Losses: Guard Jerome Dyson, Forwards Gavin Edwards and Stanley Robinson

Newest Addition:  Roscoe Smith, Forward—Baltimore, MD

Biggest Out of Conference Game: at Texas, January 8th

Big East Prediction: 7th

DePaul Blue Demons

GREENSBORO, NC - MARCH 11: Oliver Purnell, head coach of the Clemson Tigers walks the sideline against the NC State Wolfpack in their first round game in the 2010 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum on March 11, 2010 in Greensboro
GREENSBORO, NC - MARCH 11: Oliver Purnell, head coach of the Clemson Tigers walks the sideline against the NC State Wolfpack in their first round game in the 2010 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum on March 11, 2010 in Greensboro

2009-2010 Record: 8-23 (1-17 Big East)

Key Losses: Forward Mac Koshwal, Guard Will Walker

Newest Addition: Brandon Young, Guard—Las Vegas, NV

Biggest Out of Conference Game: vs. Oklahoma State, November 25th

Big East Prediction:  14th

Georgetown Hoyas

NEW YORK - MARCH 13: Head coach John Thompson III of the Georgetown Hoyas gestures from the bench against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the championship of the 2010 NCAA Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 13, 2010 in New York Ci
NEW YORK - MARCH 13: Head coach John Thompson III of the Georgetown Hoyas gestures from the bench against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the championship of the 2010 NCAA Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 13, 2010 in New York Ci

2009-2010 Record: 23-11 (10-8 Big East)

Key Losses: Center Greg Monroe

Newest Addition: Nate Lubick, Forward—Southborough, MA

Biggest Out of Conference Game: vs. Missouri, November 30th

Big East Prediction: 5th

Louisville Cardinals

NEW YORK - MARCH 10: Head coach Rick Pitino of the Louisville Cardinals reacts from the bench against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the second round of 2010 NCAA Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by
NEW YORK - MARCH 10: Head coach Rick Pitino of the Louisville Cardinals reacts from the bench against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the second round of 2010 NCAA Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by

2009-2010 Record: 20-13 (11-7 Big East)

Key Losses: Center Samardo Samuels, Guards Jerry Smith and Edgar Sosa

Newest Addition: Gorgui Dieng, Center—Huntington, WV

Biggest Out of Conference Game: vs. Kentucky, December 31st

Big East Prediction: 10th

Marquette Golden Eagles

SAN JOSE, CA - MARCH 18: Head coach Buzz Williams of the Marquette Golden Eagles watches game action against the Washington Huskies during the first round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at HP Pavilion on March 18, 2010 in San Jose, Californ
SAN JOSE, CA - MARCH 18: Head coach Buzz Williams of the Marquette Golden Eagles watches game action against the Washington Huskies during the first round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at HP Pavilion on March 18, 2010 in San Jose, Californ

2009-2010 Record: 22-12 (11-7 Big East)

Key Losses: Guards Maurice Acker and David Cubillan, Forward Lazar Hayward

Newest Addition: Vander Blue, Guard—Madison, WI

Biggest Out of Conference Game: vs. Duke, November 22, Kansas City, MO

Big East Prediction: 6th

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

NEW YORK - MARCH 11: Head coach Mike Brey of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on from the bench against the Seton Hall Pirates during the second round of 2010 NCAA Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2010 in New York City. (Phot
NEW YORK - MARCH 11: Head coach Mike Brey of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on from the bench against the Seton Hall Pirates during the second round of 2010 NCAA Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2010 in New York City. (Phot

2009-2010 Record: 23-12 (10-8 Big East)

Key Losses: Forward Luke Harangody, Guard Troy Jackson

Newest Addition: Tom Knight, Forward—Dixfield, ME

Biggest Out of Conference Game:  vs Kentucky, December 8, Louisville, KY

Big East Prediction: 9th

Pittsburgh Panthers

NEW YORK - MARCH 11: Jermaine Dixon #24, Brad Wanamaker #22 and head coach Jamie Dixon of the Pittsburgh Panthers look on after being defeated by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the quarterfinal of the 2010 NCAA Big East Tournament at Madison Square
NEW YORK - MARCH 11: Jermaine Dixon #24, Brad Wanamaker #22 and head coach Jamie Dixon of the Pittsburgh Panthers look on after being defeated by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the quarterfinal of the 2010 NCAA Big East Tournament at Madison Square

2009-2010 Record: 25-9 (13-5 Big East)

Key Losses: Guard Jermaine Dixon

Newest Addition: Talib Zanna, Forward—Kaduna, Nigeria

Biggest Out of Conference Game: vs Tennessee, December 1

Big East Prediction: 4th

Providence Friars

NEW YORK - MARCH 09: Head coach Keno Davis of the Providence Friars reacts from the bench against the Seton Hall Pirates during the first round game of the Big East Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 9, 2010 in New York, New York. (
NEW YORK - MARCH 09: Head coach Keno Davis of the Providence Friars reacts from the bench against the Seton Hall Pirates during the first round game of the Big East Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 9, 2010 in New York, New York. (

2009-2010 Record: 12-19 (4-14 Big East)

Key Losses: Guards Sharaud Curry and Brian McKenzie, Forward Jamine Peterson

Newest Addition: Gerard Coleman, Guard—Boston, MA

Biggest Out of Conference Game: at Boston College, December 8th 

Big East Prediction: 15th

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

PROVIDENCE, RI - MARCH 18: Head coach Mike Rice of the Robert Morris Colonials reacts after a play in the second half against the Villanova Wildcats during the first round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament on March 18, 2010 at the Dunkin Donut
PROVIDENCE, RI - MARCH 18: Head coach Mike Rice of the Robert Morris Colonials reacts after a play in the second half against the Villanova Wildcats during the first round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament on March 18, 2010 at the Dunkin Donut

2009-2010 Record: 15-17 (5-13 Big East)

Key Losses: Center Hamady Ndiaye, Guard Mike Rosario

Newest Addition: Tyree Graham, Guard—Durham, NC

Biggest Out of Conference Game: vs. North Carolina, December 28—New York City

Big East Prediction: 16th

Seton Hall Pirates

LOUISVILLE, KY - JANUARY 28: Kevin Willard the acting Head Coach of Louisville gives instructions to his team against Houston on January 28, 2004 at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky. Willard was filling in for Rick Pitino who was out for medical reas
LOUISVILLE, KY - JANUARY 28: Kevin Willard the acting Head Coach of Louisville gives instructions to his team against Houston on January 28, 2004 at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky. Willard was filling in for Rick Pitino who was out for medical reas

2009-2010 Record: 19-13 (9-9 Big East)

Key Losses: Guard Eugene Harvey, Forward Robert Mitchell

Newest Addition: Fuquan Edwin, Guard/Forward—Paterson, NJ

Biggest Out of Conference Game: vs. Arkansas, December 8, Louisville, KY

Big East Prediction: 11th

South Florida Bulls

NEW YORK - MARCH 09: Stan Heath Head Coach of the University of South Florida watches the game against DePaul University during the first round game of the Big East Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 9, 2010 in New York City. (Photo
NEW YORK - MARCH 09: Stan Heath Head Coach of the University of South Florida watches the game against DePaul University during the first round game of the Big East Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 9, 2010 in New York City. (Photo

2009-2010 Record: 20-13 (9-9 Big East)

Key Losses: Guards Chris Howard, Dominique Jones and Mike Mercer

Newest Addition: Hugh Robertson, Guard—Macon, GA

Biggest Out of Conference Game: Auburn, December 15th

Big East Prediction: 12th

St. John's Red Storm

LOS ANGELES - MARCH 14: UCLA head coach Steve Lavin encourages his team during the NCAA Pac-10 Conference tournament semifinals game against Oregon at the Staples Center on March 14, 2003 in Los Angeles, California. In what could be Lavin's last game at
LOS ANGELES - MARCH 14: UCLA head coach Steve Lavin encourages his team during the NCAA Pac-10 Conference tournament semifinals game against Oregon at the Staples Center on March 14, 2003 in Los Angeles, California. In what could be Lavin's last game at

2009-2010 Record: 17-16 (6-12 Big East)

Key Losses: Forward Anthony Mason, Jr.

Newest Addition: Dwayne Polee, Jr.

Biggest Out of Conference Game: Duke, January 30th

Big East Prediction: 8th

Syracuse Orange

BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 21: Head coach Jim Boeheim of the Syracuse Orange gestures from the bench against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at HSBC Arena at HSBC Arena on March 21, 2010 in Buffalo, New
BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 21: Head coach Jim Boeheim of the Syracuse Orange gestures from the bench against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at HSBC Arena at HSBC Arena on March 21, 2010 in Buffalo, New

2009-2010 Record: 30-5 (15-3 Big East)

Key Losses: Forwards Wes Johnson and Arinze Onuaku, Guard Andy Rautins

Newest Addition: Fab Melo, Center—Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Biggest Out of Conference Game: Michigan State, December 7th

Big East Prediction: 2nd

Villanova Wildcats

PROVIDENCE, RI - MARCH 18: Coach Jay Wright reacts against the Villanova Wildcats against the Robert Morris Colonials during the first round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament at Dunkin' Donuts Center on March 18, 2010 in Providence, Rhode Island. (
PROVIDENCE, RI - MARCH 18: Coach Jay Wright reacts against the Villanova Wildcats against the Robert Morris Colonials during the first round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament at Dunkin' Donuts Center on March 18, 2010 in Providence, Rhode Island. (

2009-2010 Record: 25-8 (13-5 Big East)

Key Losses: Forward Taylor King, Guards Scottie Reynolds and Reggie Redding

Newest Addition: JayVaughn Pinkston, Forward—Brooklyn, NY

Biggest Out of Conference Game:  vs. Saint Joseph’s, December 3rd

Big East Prediction: 1st

West Virginia Mountaineers

INDIANAPOLIS - APRIL 03: Head coach Bob Huggins of the West Virginia Mountaineers looks on while taking on the Duke Blue Devils during the National Semifinal game of the 2010 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 3,
INDIANAPOLIS - APRIL 03: Head coach Bob Huggins of the West Virginia Mountaineers looks on while taking on the Duke Blue Devils during the National Semifinal game of the 2010 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 3,

2009-2010 Record: 31-7 (13-5 Big East)

Key Losses: Forwards Da’Sean Butler, Wellington Smith and Devin Ebanks

Newest Addition: Noah Cottrill, Guard—Logan, WV

Biggest Out of Conference Game: vs. Purdue, January 16th

Big East Prediction: 3rd

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Men's College Basketball