2009-2010 Big East Conference PreviewBy: Joel Steiner

By: Josh Cochran and Joel Steiner

Last season, the Big East Conference was arguably the best conference in the country. Louisville won a hotly contested league race then won the conference tournament in Madison Square Garden. This year, many teams will be replacing key components as nine players were drafted from the conference in the 2009 NBA Draft (four in the first round, five in the second). West Virginia and Villanova bring back experienced squads and not only fit the mold as a potential conference champions but also as final four teams. The following is our preview of each team, in predicted order of finish, and our all-conference draft prospects:

1. West Virginia Mountaineers

2008-09 Overall Record: 23-12

2008-09 Conference Record: 10-8 (T-7th)

Postseason Finish: Lost 1st Round NCAA Tournament to Dayton 68-60

Outlook: Bob Huggins has not been to the Final Four since 1991-1992, when he coached Cincinnati. Looking at his current roster, it appears that Coach Huggins next Final Four stop may be soon. Huggins has set a schedule that will test this team but they will be prepared come March. Da’Sean Butler may be their best player, but Devin Ebanks is the most talented. Expect Ebanks to transition into a star this season with his added strength from the traditional Huggins off-season weightlifting program. Truck Bryant will look to put two separate hit and runs over the summer behind him and be the floor general he’s capable of. Newcomer Deniz Kilicli will be a key contributor as he is a skilled big man from Turkey. With the addition of recruit Danny Jennings, the Mountaineers will have added depth from a year ago. Even though West Virginia had a difficult first round exit last year this team has Final Four potential and may bring a Big East title on their way to Indy.

Key Departures: Alex Ruoff (15.7 ppg 3.4 apg)

Newcomers: Danny Jennings, Deniz Kilicli, Dalton Pepper, Casey Mitchell (JC Transfer)

Top Returnees: Da’Sean Butler (17.1 ppg, 5.9 rpg), Devin Ebanks (10.5ppg, 7.8 rpg), Darryl “Truck” Bryant (9.8 ppg, 2.7 apg), Kevin Jones, Joe Mazzulla

Non-Conference Games to Watch: 76 Classic with Xaiver 11/26 and Texas A&M/Clemson 11/29 UCLA/Minnesota/Butler, Ole Miss 12/23, Ohio State 1/23

2. Villanova Wildcats

2008-09 Overall Record: 30-8

2008-09 Conference Record: 13-5 (4th)

Postseason Finish: Final Four – Lost to North Carolina 83-69

Outlook: Many expect Villanova to contend for the Big East title and potentially make another run to the Final Four. Jay Wright’s squad certainly has the talent to support the lofty expectations. The Wildcats return what is potentially the deepest backcourt in the country led by Scottie Reynolds and Corey Fisher. The biggest question mark lies with the frontcourt and how Villanova will replace the production of Dante Cunningham. Junior PF Antonio Pena is expected to anchor the frontline along with NBADraft.net’s #10 rated Freshman, Mouphtaou Yarou. Speaking of freshmen, Jay Wright landed one of the top 5 classes in the country with Yarou, SG Dominic Cheek (NBADraft.net #11 Freshman), PG Maalik Wayns (#35), and PF Isaiah Armwood (#42). Cheek and Wayns will provide backcourt depth, while Duke transfer Taylor King will add support on the wing. With all of this backcourt talent, Villanova should be just fine without Senior G Reggie Redding, who is suspended for the first semester. We’re believers in Jay Wright’s team, but their Big East schedule is slightly more difficult than WVU’s, hence our second place prediction.

Key Departures: Dante Cunningham (16.1 ppg, 7.5 rpg), Dwayne Anderson (9.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg)

Newcomers: Isaiah Armwood, Dominic Cheek, Maalik Wayns, Mouphtaou Yarou, Taylor King (transfer)

Top Returnees: Scottie Reynolds (15.2 ppg), Corey Fisher (10.8 ppg), Corey Stokes (9.3 ppg), Reggie Redding (7.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: 11/19 – 11/22 O’Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Classic, 12/6 Maryland (at DC), 12/13 at Temple

3. UConn Huskies

2008-09 Overall Record: 31-5

2008-09 Conference Record: 15-3 (T-2nd)

Postseason Finish: Final Four – Lost to Michigan State 82-73

Outlook: UConn will field one of the most talented teams in the Big East in 2009-10, but they enter the season with more question marks than almost anyone. The Huskies’ strength is on the perimeter with guards Jerome Dyson and Kemba Walker. With veteran guards and one of the best athletes in college basketball, Stanley Robinson, expect the Huskies to play more uptempo this year. While UConn is loaded with a veteran backcourt, it must deal with the loss of dominant interior players, Hasheem Thabeet and Jeff Adrien. Coach Calhoun will rely on senior Gavin Edwards and first year players, Ater Majok, Charles Okwandu, and Alex Oriakhi to fill that void. Majok is potentially the most talented and intriguing player in that bunch, but he won’t join the team until the second semester. Oriakhi has the most potential to fill Adrien’s role as Also keep your eyes on 6’7” freshman, Jamal Coombs-McDaniel, as he will contribute heavy minutes off of the bench. The backcourt will ensure that UConn remains competitive, but the development of the freshmen will determine how far this team will go.

Key Departures: A.J. Price (14.7 ppg, 4.7 apg), Jeff Adrien (13.6 ppg, 9.9 rpg), Hasheem Thabeet (13.6 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 4.3 blk/g)

Newcomers: Jamal Coombs-McDaniel, Ater Majok, Alex Oriakhi, Darius Smith, Jamaal Trice

Top Returnees: Jerome Dyson (13.2 ppg), Kemba Walker (8.9 ppg), Stanley Robinson (8.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: 11/25 – 11/27 NIT, 12/9 Kentucky (at NYC), 1/17 at Michigan, 1/23 Texas

4. Georgetown Hoyas

2008-09 Overall Record: 16-15

2008-09 Conference Record: 7-11 (T-11th)

Postseason Finish: Lost 1st Round NIT to Baylor 72-741

Outlook: The 2008-2009 season for Georgetown was a tail of two years. By the end of 2008 they were 10-1 coming off a win over UConn. In 2009, though, they were 6-14 including a first round NIT loss. Murmurs of chemistry issues floated around the team, possibly the cause of the dramatic decline of the team’s play during the Big East schedule. John Thompson III has one of the best centerpieces to build around in Greg Monroe. Monroe has an excellent game around the basket and is a great interior passer but his rebounding must improve. With a backcourt of Chris Wright and Austin Freeman the team will have solid leadership running the offense. The key to the Georgetown season will be improvement on the boards as they ranked 148th in offensive rebounding and 292nd in defensive rebounding per Kenpom.com. Newcomer Hollis Thompson will add athleticism but do not expect the other newcomers to provide a major impact. Do not expect Georgetown to contend for the Big East title, but a NCAA berth is on their horizon. The inability to rebound will be their downfall not allowing this team to see the second weekend of the NCAA tournament.

Key Departures: Dajaun Summers (13.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg)

Newcomers: Jerrele Benimon, Vee Sanford, Stephen Stepka, Hollis Thompson

Top Returnees: Greg Monroe (13.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Chris Wright (12.5 ppg, 3.8 apg), Austin Freeman (11.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: Butler 12/8, Washington 12/12, Duke 1/30

5. Cincinnati Bearcats

2008-09 Overall Record: 18-14

2008-09 Conference Record: 8-10 (T-9th)

Postseason Finish: None

Outlook: The Bearcats are one of the most intriguing teams in the Big East this year. They return more rotation players than almost anyone in the conference and they add one of the most talented freshmen in the country. Cincinnati’s backcourt should be solid as last year’s leading scorer, Deonta Vaughn, will be joined by redshirt freshman Cashmere Wright. Coach Cronin’s squad also boasts a strong interior presence with sophomore forward Yancy Gates. Gates posted solid numbers in his freshman campaign, but he must carry a heavier load this year if the Bearcats plan to finish in the upper echelon of the Big East. The x-factor and the guy everyone is talking about is NBADraft.net’s #17 freshman, Lance Stephenson. The New York City phenom brings a ton of baggage with him to the Queen City. How much he plays and how well he gets along with his teammates will likely be the biggest storylines in the Bearcats season.

Key Departures: Mike Williams (9.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg)

Newcomers: Lance Stephenson, Cashmere Wright, Alex Eppensteiner, Sean Kilpatrick, Anthony McBride, Jaquon Parker, Ibrahima Thomas (transfer), Eddie Tyree (transfer)

Top Returnees: Deonta Vaughn (15.3 ppg, 4.6 apg), Yancy Gates (10.6 ppg, 6.1 rpg), Dion Dixon (7.3 ppg), Larry Davis (6.8 ppg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: 11/23 –11/25 Maui Invitational, 12/13 at Xavier

6. Louisville Cardinals

2008-09 Overall Record: 31-6

2008-09 Conference Record: 16-2 (Regular Season & Tournament Champion)

Postseason Finish: Lost NCAA Tournament Regional Final to Michigan State 52-64

Outlook: After an off-season where Rick Pitino found his name in the headlines for the wrong reasons, he must now figure out how to replace his two best players, Earl Clark and Terrence Williams. Last season Louisville was ranked 2nd in “Adjusted Defensive Efficiency” by Kenpom.com using its aggressive ball pressure style defense. With Jerry Smith, Preston Knowles and Edgar Sosa back, expect the same style of play. Samardo Samuels is an above average defender that will provide a backbone to the defense. Offensively, the Cardinals will look to Edgar Sosa for some senior leadership. Sosa and newcomer Peyton Siva must play under control and get Samardo Samuels involved for this team to be successful. Newcomers Rakeem Buckles and Siva will provide depth to the rotation but expect Siva’s shooting to earn him major minutes as the season goes on. Even though the team returns three starters, do not expect Louisville to be a factor in the Big East title picture or a sweet sixteen team as the lack of consistent guard play will hold this team down.

Key Departures: Earl Clark (14.2 ppg, 8.7 rpg), Terrence Williams (12.5 ppg, 8.6 rpg)

Newcomers: Peyton Siva, Rakeem Buckles, Richie Phares, Mike Marra, Stephan Van Tresse

Top Returnees: Samardo Samuels (11.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg), Jerry Smith (7.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg), Edgar Sosa (7.3 ppg, 1.4 apg), Preston Knowles (6.1 ppg, 1.0 rpg), Terrence Jennings

Non-Conference Games to Watch: Arkansas 11/17, Kentucky 1/2

7. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

2008-09 Overall Record: 21-15

2008-09 Conference Record: 8-10 (T-9th)

Postseason Finish: Lost NIT Semifinal to Penn State 59-67

Outlook: Even though Notre Dame experienced key losses, they have Luke Harangody back to anchor this team. Harangody may be the most productive player in the country and is the probably Big East player of the year. Newcomers Jack Cooley and Mike Broghammer will provide depth in the frontcourt but the success of this team will be determined by the backcourt. Ben Hansborough and Tory Jackson will be relied on to run the offense and provide consistent backcourt scoring but this roster has essentially no depth after the starting guards. Notre Dame made a nice run in the NIT last year, but this team may be better. Expect this team to be among the bubble contenders at season’s end. Forward Scott Martin was lost for the season with an injury and it will be difficult for the Irish to replace his production.

Key Departures: Kyle McAlarney (15.0 ppg, 3.4 apg), Ryan Ayers (11.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg)

Newcomers: Mike Broghammer, Joey Brooks, Jack Cooley, Thomas Knight, Ben Hansborough (transfer)

Top Returnees: Luke Harangody (23.3 ppg, 11.8 rpg), Tory Jackson (10.6 ppg, 4.9 apg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: Northwestern 11/27, UCLA 12/19

8. Seton Hall Pirates

2008-09 Overall Record: 17-15

2008-09 Conference Record: 7-11 (T-11th)

Postseason Finish: None

Outlook: There is reason for optimism in New Jersey as the Pirates return the bulk of their rotational players from last year’s 17-15 team. Additionally, Coach Bobby Gonzalez has some much needed depth with the help of transfers Keon Lawrence, Herb Pope, and Jeff Robinson. The Big East’s second leading scorer, 6’5” junior Jeremy Hazell, will lead Seton Hall into the upcoming season. Missouri transfer, Lawrence, and senior Eugene Harvey join Hazell in a solid backcourt. Despite strong perimeter play, the Pirates lack the size needed to battle in the upper echelon of the Big East. Rebounding has been a major problem in recent years and they will rely on 6’6” senior Robert Mitchell, 6’9” senior John Garcia, who has dealt with knee problems, and 6’8” transfer Pope to improve in this area. This is the deepest team Seton Hall has had in several years, but do they have enough front line talent to avoid another mediocre finish? Coach Gonzalez finally has the horses to finally break through after never finishing with a better record than 17-15. It will be an important year for him to prove himself.

Key Departures: Paul Gause (7.8 ppg)

Newcomers: Ferrakohn Hall, Keon Lawrence (transfer), Herb Pope (transfer), Jeff Robinson (transfer)

Top Returnees: Jeremy Hazell (22.7 ppg), Robert Mitchell (14.6 ppg, 8.0 rpg), Eugene Harvey (12.5 ppg, 4.9 apg), John Garcia (8.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: 12/7 Umass, 1/2 Virginia Tech (at Cancun)

9. Syracuse Orange

2008-09 Overall Record: 28-10

2008-09 Conference Record: 11-7 (6th)

Postseason Finish: Sweet Sixteen – Lost to Oklahoma 84-71

Outlook: Jim Boeheim’s club lost its top three scorers from last year’s Sweet 16 team, but we think Syracuse could be a sleeper in a slightly weaker Big East this season. If this year’s squad plans to compete for a league title, Iowa State transfer Wesley Johnson must live up to expectations. The long, smooth-shooting SF will need to fill a large portion of the scoring void left by last year’s departures. Sharpshooter, Andy Rautins, will join Johnson on the wing and should benefit from more scoring opportunities. The Orange’s biggest strength may rest with one of the most intimidating frontline duos in the Big East. That frontcourt is not without questions though. Can Arinze Onuaku carry a larger offensive load this year or will his struggles at the charity stripe limit his effectiveness? Can Rick Jackson take the next step and become a major contributor? Another huge question is whether redshirt sophomore Scoop Jardine and freshman Brandon Triche can fill the rather large shoes of Johnny Flynn at point guard.

Key Departures: Johnny Flynn (17.4 ppg, 6.7 apg), Eric Devendorf (15.7 ppg), Paul Harris (12.0 ppg, 8.1 rpg)

Newcomers: Wesley Johnson (transfer), Brandon Triche, DaShonte Riley, James Southerland, Scoop Jardine (redshirt)

Top Returnees: Andy Rautins (10.5 ppg), Arinze Onuaku (10.3 ppg, 7.3 rpg), Rick Jackson (8.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: 11/19 – 11/20 Coaches vs Cancer (Cal, UNC/Ohio State), 12/10 Florida (at Tampa), 1/6 Memphis

10. Marquette Golden Eagles

2008-09 Overall Record: 12-6

2008-09 Conference Record: 12-6 (5th)

Postseason Finish: Lost 2nd NCAA Tournament to Missouri 79-83

Outlook: Since Dominic James, Jerel McNeal and Wesley Matthews arrived on campus Marquette has been a guard oriented offense. This season the strength of the team will be at the forward position with Lazar Hayward. With defenses keying on Hayward expect Jimmy Butler, who played a small roll in 2008-2009, to be a significant contributor this season. Butler projects to become a double-double player this season with a lesser guard oriented offense. Newcomer Jeronne Maymon will command minutes and will need to score and rebound for this team to be competitive. Marquette has the makings of an NIT team with its lack of experience but expect this team to get good production out of its newcomers and challenge for an NCAA berth.

Key Departures: Jerel McNeal (19.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg), Dominic James (11.0 ppg, 5.0 apg), Wesley Matthews (18.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg)

Newcomers: Junior Cadougan (out for season), Jeronne Maymon, Youssoupha Mbao, Erik Williams

Top Returnees: Lazar Hayward (16.3 ppg, 8.6 rpg), Jimmy Butler (5.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg), Maurice Acker (2.8 ppg, 1.8 apg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: Olde Spice Classic with Xaiver 11/26 and Creighton/Michigan 11/24, Wisconsin 12/12

11. Pittsburgh Panthers

2008-09 Overall Record: 31-5

2008-09 Conference Record: 15-3 (T-2nd)

Postseason Finish: Lost NCAA Tournament Regional Final to Villanova 76-78

Outlook: After a successful 2008-09 campaign Jamie Dixon’s squad will be looking to rebuild. Last season Pitt was ranked first in the country by Kenpom.com in “Offensive Efficiency” but expect the Panthers to struggle scoring the ball with no double-digit scorers returning. Freshman Dante Taylor has the makings to be the next solid big man from Pitt and he will have pressure to perform with the lack of quality returning players. Fellow freshman Lamar Patterson is a skilled wing and will be counted on to provide scoring and his ability to do this will be a factor for Pitt to be successful. Even with a solid group of incoming freshmen the prognosis for Pitt is a NIT berth rather than the NCAA because of the lack of quality backcourt players.

Key Departures: Sam Young (19.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg), Dejaun Blair (15.7 ppg, 12.3 rpg), Levance Fields (10.7 ppg, 7.5 apg)

Newcomers: Lamar Patterson, J.J. Richardson, Dante Taylor, Talib Zanna

Top Returnees: Jermaine Dixon (8.4 ppg, 2.6 apg), Brad Wanamaker (5.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg), Gilbert Brown (5.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg),

Non-Conference Games to Watch: O’Reilly Auto Parts Classic with Wichita State 11/23 and Iowa or Texas 11/24, Indiana 12/8

12. St. John’s Red Storm

2008-09 Overall Record: 16-18

2008-09 Conference Record: 6-12 (13th)

Postseason Finish: None

Outlook: Even though St. Johns finished 6-12 in the Big East, there is reason for optimism in New York City. The team returns all of their starters and role players from a season ago. With so much experience back, it only gets better with Anthony Mason Jr. coming off injury to provide more scoring and rebounding after missing last season. Last season St. John’s was prone to poor shooting nights and turnovers. Improving in those two areas will be the key to a successful year. The team has a well-balanced scoring attack with Paris Horne and D.J. Kennedy having the ability to fill up stat sheets. St John’s will find more success this year and a NIT berth is a strong possibility.

Key Departures: None

Newcomers: Omari Lawrence, Malik Stith

Top Returnees: Paris Horne (14.6 ppg, 2.2 apg), Anthony Mason Jr. (Injured in last year, 2007-2008 14.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg) D.J. Kennedy (13.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg), Sean Evans (10.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg), Justin Burrell (9.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: Siena 11/27, Duke 12/5

13. Providence Friars

2008-09 Overall Record: 19-14

2008-09 Conference Record: 10-8 (T-7th)

Postseason Finish: NIT 1st Round – Lost to Miami (FL) 78-66

Outlook: Coach Keno Davis has a major rebuilding project on his hands in Providence. The Friars lost five key rotation players who accounted for 65 percent of the team’s points last year. Senior guard Sharaud Curry will be expected to lead the team along with junior forward Marshon Brooks. The two returnees will be surrounded by five freshmen, two JUCOs and three redshirts. Expect Coach Davis’s team to run more this season, utilizing its team speed. It will be interesting to see how all of the newcomers develop throughout the season, but it will no doubt coincide with a number of losses.

Key Departures: Weyimmi Efejuku (15.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg), Jonathan Kale (10.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg), Geoff McDermott (8.2 ppg, 8.5 rpg), Jeff Xavier (9.3 ppg), Randall Hanke (8.0 ppg)

Newcomers: Duke Mondy, Johnnie Lacy, Kyle Wright (JUCO), Kadeem Batts, Xavier Davis, Vincent Council, Russ Permenter (JUCO), James Still

Top Returnees: Sharaud Curry (11.7 ppg), Marshon Brooks (10.6 ppg)

Games to Watch: 11/20 at Alabama, 11/28 Boston College

14. South Florida Bulls

2008-09 Overall Record: 9-22

2008-09 Conference Record: 4-14 (14th)

Postseason Finish: None

Outlook: Junior G Dominique Jones was virtually a one-man show in Tampa last season and it showed with the team’s 14th place Big East finish. Jones will be surrounded by USF’s most talented team since it joined the Big East, but that’s not saying much. The Bulls only lose one starter from last year’s squad and Coach Stan Heath has brought in a mix of transfers and freshmen to fill the roster. USF needs sophomore PF Augustus Gilchrist, JUCO transfer Jarrid Famous, and senior C Alex Rivas to provide some semblance of a low post attack to take the pressure off of Jones. Expect the Bulls to improve on last year’s 4-win Big East season, but not by much.

Key Departures: Jesus Verdejo (12.2 ppg)

Newcomers: Jordan Dumars, Shaun Noriega, Mike Burwell, Toarlyn Fitzpatrick, Ron Anderson Jr. (transfer), Anthony Crater (transfer), Jarrid Famous (Juco transfer)

Top Returnees: Dominique Jones (18.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg), Augustus Gilchrist (10.2 ppg), Chris Howard (7.7 ppg, 4.1 apg)

Games to Watch: 11/16 Virginia, 11/25 Kent St

15. DePaul Blue Demons

2008-09 Overall Record: 9-24

08-09 Conference Record: 0-18 (16th)

Postseason Finish: None

Outlook: One prediction that we’re sure to get right: DePaul will win more conference games than it did last year. The Blue Demons compiled an almost unfathomable 0-18 Big East mark in 2008-09. Coach Jerry Wainwright isn’t on the hot seat; he’s in the frying pan, having taken a once proud program to an all-time low. His squad does return the majority of its contributors, but they will have to make major strides in order to move out of the bottom four in the conference. Will Walker is expected to pace the team from the perimeter, but he struggles in terms of efficiency, shooting only 41.6% from the floor last year. Mac Koshwal provides a low post presence, and freshman Tony Freeland should help the frontcourt once he’s eligible. Coach Wainwright hopes Michael Bizoukas and Jeremiah Kelly will be serviceable at the point guard position. Despite all of the returnees, there’s just not much to be excited about in Chicago.

Key Departures: Dar Tucker (18.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg), Jabari Currie 5.3 ppg)

Newcomers: Nate Rogers, Joe Belcaster, Tony Freeland, Ryan Siggins, Eric Wallace (transfer)

Top Returnees: Will Walker (14.6 ppg), Mac Koshwal (12.2 ppg, 9.6 rpg)

Games to Watch: 12/5 at Vanderbilt, 12/10 at Mississippi St

16. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

2008-09 Overall Record: 11-21

08-09 Conference Record: 2-16 (15th)

Postseason Finish: None

Outlook: Last season was not pleasant for Rutgers and to no surprise they will again languish in the bottom four of the Big East. Mike Rosario had an excellent Freshman season leading Rutgers, but overall, this team has a lack of talent. Last season Rutgers was 324th in the country in 3P% and 204th in 2P%. Defensively Rutgers was 319th in the country in forcing turnovers per Kenpom.com. Overall this team will not see the postseason and will challenge for the bottom of the Big East.

Key Departures: Anthony Farmer (9.1 ppg, 2.7 apg),

Newcomers: Muhamed Hasani, Austin Johnson, Dane Miller, Brian Okam

Top Returnees: Mike Rosario (16.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Gregory Echenique (8.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: Legends Classic Florida/Michigan State 11/28, North Carolina 12/28

NBADraft.net’s All-Big East Prospect Team:

1. Devin Ebanks (SF – 6’7”), Sophomore, West Virginia
2. Greg Monroe (PF – 6’10”), Sophomore, Georgetown
3. Kemba Walker (PG – 5’11”), Sophomore, UConn
4. Stanley Robinson (SF – 6’8”), Senior, UConn
5. Wesley Johnson (SG – 6’7”), Junior, Syracuse
6. Chris Wright (PG – 6’1”), Junior, Georgetown
7. Mouphtaou Yarou (PF – 6’9”), Freshman, Villanova
8. Terrence Jennings (PF – 6’10”), Sophomore, Louisville
9. Jerome Dyson (SG – 6’3”), Senior, UConn
10. Samardo Samuels (PF – 6’8”), Sophomore, Louisville

NBADraft.net’s All-Big East Freshmen Team:

1. Mouphtaou Yarou (PF – 6’9”) Villanova
2. Dominic Cheek (SG – 6’6”) Villanova
3. Lance Stephenson (SG – 6’5”) Cincinnati
4. Ater Majok (SF – 6’10”) Uconn
5. Dante Taylor (PF – 6’9”) Pitt