This post is a brief summary of each team in the Big East.

Uconn – Even though they had a rough loss to San Diego in the NCAA tournament, the Huskies are back with a veteran ball club: Hasheem Thabeet (center), Jeff Adrian (forward), and A.J. Price (guard). Even though the loss of Freshman shooting guard Nate Miles will hurt (released from the team before practice started), the Huskies still add McDonalds All-American point guard, Kemba Walker. In addition to the five star talent, there is a possibility of Stanley Robinson returning to the team come Big East play. As the Huskies have incredible guard play, it should be interesting to see how much Hasheem Thabeet’s post play has improved and is key for how far the Huskies will advance come March.

Louisville – Advancing farthest in the NCAA tournament of any other Big East team, the Cardinals return four starters and replace center David Padgett with Associated Press high school player of the year Samardo Samuels. Senior forward Terrance Williams has been sideline with a knee injury and has been unable to practice, but should return for their first game. The Cards biggest attribute is their depth, but it will be interesting to see how the team handles the loss of “point-center” David Padgett.

Georgetown – Even with the loss of Roy Hibbert and Patrick Ewing Jr., the Hoyas aren’t going to be set back, like the media thinks. Center Greg Monroe was considered by most scouting services to be the best player in the country and should be able to fill Hibberts shoes very well. To replace Patrick Ewing Jr., you have Henry Simms, and to replace guard Jonathan Wallace, you have Jason Clark, a very athletic guard. If Chris Wright can have a healthy season, he can prove that he is one of the best point guards in the Big East. The test for the Hoyas will be staying out of foul trouble, because lack of depth is the only negative on this talented team.

Syracuse – It has been two years since the Orange have been in the NCAA tournament, but to all the Hoya fans don’t count on it being three. The loss of forward Donte Green in my mind is addition by subtraction. He will develop to be a great NBA player, but in college he took way to many challenged shots and at times hurt the Syracuse offense. Jonny Flynn will most likely avoid the sophomore jinx; because he has junior guard Eric Devendorf coming back from an injury to help make a combination of possibly the best backcourt in the Big East. If the orange can stay away from injury look for them to have a solid year.

Marquette – It will be interesting to see how the Golden Eagles play with the departure of Tom Crean and addition of Buzz Williams. The good thing for Williams is he has a very experienced team coming back. Seniors Dominic James and Jerel McNeal are both pro prospects and they each have terrific backups in Maurice Acker and Wesley Matthews. It is a good sign when four of five starters returning averaged between 11 – 14 points per game. (The year Florida won the national championship all 5 starters averaged between 10-13 points per game) The challenge for the Golden Eagles will be depth and the possible transition of a different style of play with new coach Buzz Williams.

Pittsburgh – Jamie Dixon is one of the best coaches out there, and I have heard from an unbiased source that he runs the most efficient practice in college basketball. Towards the end of the year senior forward Sam Young showed he could be one of the best players in the Big East; He also came back this year with guard Levance Fields and sophomore big man DeJuan Blair. Pitt loses Ronald Ramon, a knock-down shooter, but they have plenty of talent to replace him and should be top 5 in the Big East as the season ends.

Notre Dame – The Irish just keep getting better and better each year. I would expect to see the same thing from the Irish as last year, being consistent on giving the ball to Luke Harangody, who powers over everyone; along with very solid guard play and three point shooting by senior guard Kyle McAlarney. The interesting thing about the Irish is that they add zero freshmen; but experience wins games and that is what the Irish have.

Providence – The Friars are a team that I feel could surprise a lot of people. The hire of Keno Davis, last season’s national coach of the year, couldn’t have been better. With the experience of talented seniors Randall Hanke (center), Weyinmi Efejuku (athletic guard), Geoff McDermott (power forward), and Jeff Xavier (point guard), I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Friars finish top six in the Big East. The test for the Friars will be adjusting to a new system and keeping Hanke, a tremendous shot blocker, out of foul trouble.

South Florida – Adding seven freshmen the Bulls are going to be very inexperienced this year but could have a bright future with the talent they brought in. Sophomore guard Dominique Jones was invited to Adidas Nations camp this summer, along with the top college players in the country, and showed he could compete with some of the best wings in basketball. Look for Jones to be the Bulls go to guy this year.

DePaul – The Blue Demons are in the same situation as South Florida, they have a young squad with 9 freshmen and sophomores. Sophomores Mac Koshwal and Dar Tucker were also among the elite players at Adidas Nations. Koshwal showed his athletic game in the post, and Tucker showed he can be a lights out shooter. DePaul lacks experience, but coach Jerry Wainwright will develop these players as the season goes on.

Rutgers – J.R. Inman is a senior this year, and could be one of the most talented forwards in the Big East. With the addition of Mike Rosario, New Jersey native and McDonalds All-American, the Scarlet Knights will only improve. Another advantage Rutgers has is a great home-court advantage, yes I said it GREAT! When the student section is full the steel roof makes for a loud atmosphere.

West Virginia – The loss of first round draft pick Joe Alexander can’t help the mountaineers, but the addition of Devin Ebanks was huge in order to fill his spot. The second leading scorer from last year’s team, Alex Ruoff, is the only senior on the team so it will be interesting to see how he takes control of this young squad. Expect a very physical style of play as Huggins starts his second year as a Mountaineer.

Villanova – Jay Wright’s press is always tough to break, which creates problems for most Big East opponents. Scottie Reynolds is one of the more intelligent point guards in the league and will be key to the success the Wildcats have this year.

Cincinnati – Mick Cronin has a very young but talented team with 11 Freshmen and Sophomores. The addition and play of 7-1 big man John Riek and 6-9 Yancy Gates will be crucial to the Bearcats success. Expect to see a lot of the offense run through these two.

Seton Hall – With only nine players on the roster, depth will be an obvious issue for the Pirates this year. Sophomore Jeremy Hazell is a terrific shooter, which fits into their style of play and the addition of transfer Robert Mitchell, from Duquesne, could average the most points for the Pirates.

St. Johns – Looks like it could be another tough year for the Red Storm, but they do have senior Anthony Mason Jr. back, and he could make an All-Big East team this year due to his lights out shooting.

-Ryan Pitino