Marquette’s tough defense and timely shooting carried the Golden Eagles to the Sweet 16 last season, and Darius Johnson-Odom, Jae Crowder and Junior Cadougan are looking to do more in 2011-12.
Author: Chris Chaney
Notre Dame Fighting Irish 2011-12 Preview
The Fighting Irish must replace the Big East Player of the Year, Ben Hansbrough, in addition to Carleton Scott and Tyrone Nash. That will leave Notre Dame hard pressed to duplicate last season’s success, but the Irish won’t slip too far.
Pittsburgh Panthers 2011-12 Preview
Pittsburgh has been one of the Big East’s elite programs for several consecutive seasons, and the Panthers will be right back near the top again this year despite the departure of Brad Wannamaker.
Providence Friars 2011-12 Preview
Providence has a new coach in Ed Cooley and a need to find some balance after relying heavily on scoring phenom Marshon Brooks last season.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights 2011-12 Preview
Coach Mike Rice has made Rutgers a far more challenging Big East opponent, and the Scarlet Knights will look to continue to make strides toward the upper division of the Big East.
Seton Hall Pirates 2011-12 Preview
The Pirates’ top two scorers graduated and won’t join the crew this season, so Seton Hall will look elsewhere to remain productive on offense.
South Florida Bulls 2011-12 Preview
South Florida doesn’t lack talent, but the Bulls need to play cohesively and consistently to avoid slipping back toward the bottom of the Big East standings.
St. John’s Red Storm 2011-12 Preview
In Steve Lavin’s first season at St. John’s, the Red Storm parlayed a veteran lineup into a surprisingly strong season. But nearly everyone graduated, and Lavin will just about be starting from scratch in 2011-12.
Syracuse Orange 2011-12 Preview
If Syracuse plays consistently in 2011-12, the Orange should be dancing into April with an opportunity to win a second title for coach Jim Boeheim.
Villanova Wildcats 2011-12 Preview
Life without the Coreys starts in 2011-12, and Villanova figures to struggle at times with one of the younger rosters in the Big East.
