The NCAA’s investigation into potentially major recruiting violations already has several critical members of the Knights, including coach Donnie Jones, sidelined with suspensions, possibly derailing what looked to be a promising season in Orlando.
Conference Notes
Henson sets the tone for Tar Heels
Appropriately, North Carolina used its superior defense to get past Michigan State in the teams’ season opener on an aircraft carrier in honor of Veterans Day.
Cincinnati Bearcats 2011-12 Preview
The Cincinnati Bearcats will go about as far as Yancy Gates is willing to take this team, which is reason for hope and fear among Bearcat fans.
Connecticut Huskies 2011-12 Preview
The reigning national champs will have plenty of intrigue in 2011-12 as the team adjusts to life without Kemba while featuring a slew of uber-talented freshmen.
DePaul Blue Demons 2011-12 Preview
DePaul returns most of the team’s key pieces from last season. Of course, the 2010-11 season wasn’t exactly successful for the Blue Demons, who have a long way to go before they’ll be challenging anywhere near the top of the Big East.
Georgetown Hoyas 2011-12 Preview
Georgetown infuses plenty of young talent that will need to play well early and often to help the Hoyas overcome the loss of two-thirds of the DC3: Austin Freeman and Chris Wright.
Louisville Cardinals 2011-12 Preview
Peyton Siva gives coach Rick Pitino one of the most dynamic playmakers returning to the Big East in 2011-12, and Siva should help steer the Cardinals to a finish close to the top of the conference.
Marquette Golden Eagles 2011-12 Preview
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.
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.
