Big East News

[Juice]

Why is espn referring to the big east as the "new big east"?

Why is everyone so butt hurt over this? The conference is completely different from what it was.

[Cheesehead]

Marquette pissed down it's leg and blew a 10 point to lose to Butler at Hinkle.

Butler finally has their first conference win.

Marquette is disappointing to me this season.

[RealDeal]

Why is everyone so butt hurt over this? The conference is completely different from what it was.

I'm really not sure what butt hurt means, but I just found it strange.

[DC Muskie]

Why is everyone so butt hurt over this? The conference is completely different from what it was.

Completely different? From what exactly?

The conference was founded by 7 schools and two other schools joined the next two years. Then 12 years later they added another 5, then ten years later they added another five who were members of the league for like nine years.

So when exactly did the league become "completely different" when 4 of the original of seven are still in the league,as well as 5 of the league first 9 are still in the league?

It's stupid to suggest that the brand is so important that they must keep if the league is "completely different."

[GoMuskies]

Creighton at Villanova and Marquette at Georgetown are both huge games tomorrow, but obviously for very different reasons.

[casualfan]

Completely different? From what exactly?

The conference was founded by 7 schools and two other schools joined the next two years. Then 12 years later they added another 5, then ten years later they added another five who were members of the league for like nine years.

So when exactly did the league become "completely different" when 4 of the original of seven are still in the league,as well as 5 of the league first 9 are still in the league?

It's stupid to suggest that the brand is so important that they must keep if the league is "completely different."

The conference lost more than half the teams that competed in it last year. If that doesn't qualify as "new" I'm not sure what does.

[GoMuskies]

It literally is a new conference. The conference that used to be the Big East is now the AAC. We're founding members of this league.

[DC Muskie]

We literally kept the exact same name and logo. A conference with the name "Big East" has played basketball in the United States since 1979.

Yeah, that's brand new.

[Juice]

Completely different? From what exactly?

The conference was founded by 7 schools and two other schools joined the next two years. Then 12 years later they added another 5, then ten years later they added another five who were members of the league for like nine years.

So when exactly did the league become "completely different" when 4 of the original of seven are still in the league,as well as 5 of the league first 9 are still in the league?

It's stupid to suggest that the brand is so important that they must keep if the league is "completely different."

You're looking at it too literally. It's different from what it looked like last year.

[bleedXblue]

Its not eaxctly old and its not exactly new.

Al I know is that its better than where we were.

Next year, they will no longer be calling it the "new" Big East..........so we have that to look forward to. Hopefully someone other than Villanova from the original league will actually help the conference. Marquette and G'Town have been disappointing to say the least.

[GoMuskies]

We literally kept the exact same name and logo. A conference with the name "Big East" has played basketball in the United States since 1979.

Yeah, that's brand new.

We bought the name and logo and put them in a new legal entity. New. Brand new.

[DC Muskie]

Next year, they will no longer be calling it the "new" Big East..........so we have that to look forward to.

Hopefully. But you never know.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Creighton starts the game against Nova with 5 threes, including 3 from Wragge. That team can shoot the ball.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Make that 5 threes now for Wragge. Good lord.

[Cheesehead]

Holy crap. Watching that game too. I hate that guy! Ridiculous!

[Cheesehead]

Make that Six. Nova down by 19!

[The_Mack_Pack]

7..

[Cheesehead]

make that 7!!!!!!!!!

[GoMuskies]

Creighton took their whoopin tonight. My guess is they bounce back and win in Philly Monday night.

Who said this on Saturday anyway?!?

It's awfully early, though. Reminds me a bit our start at Creighton, unfortunately.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

make that 7!!!!!!!!!

He is 7/7..........unreal!

[bobbiemcgee]

One of the Jays spit and it went thru the hoop.

[Burrcats]

Creighton is insanely good offensively. That Wragge guy is insane, just a straight bomber from deep.

[bobbiemcgee]

11 treys in 9+ mins.

[XU3232]

Creighton can't lose to anyone in the country when they play/shoot like this.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Up by 23 at 7:56 and playing in Villanova.

[Burrcats]

This is the first game I've seen on FSN1. Raftery's awesomeness is being canceled out by the horrible play-by-play. I was wondering what happened to Gus Johnson.

[Cheesehead]

How in the hell did Creighton lose to Providence?

[GoMuskies]

How in the hell did Creighton lose to Providence?

Did you see the part of the first half where their lead shrunk from 28 to 13? Now imagine 40 minutes of that.

[XUFan09]

Give some props to Providence too. They're shorthanded but they have a solid team this year.

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[Cheesehead]

Wragge with another 3!!!!!

[XUPhilly04]

Give some props to Providence too. They're shorthanded but they have a solid team this year.

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Providence is going to be a tough beat. If they beat us this weekend, with wins over Creighton and Gtown, I think they right in the NCAA hunt, replacing Gtown as the league's 4th bid.

[bleedXblue]

How in the hell did Creighton lose to Providence?

On the road anywhere is easy to lose. Give providence some credit as well.

[XU3232]

I sure hope Providence can beat Butler tonight... Would hate to have to play them coming off a loss. Their crowd looks really weak tonight. Hopefully Saturday is the same.

[anXUfan]

I sure hope Providence can beat Butler tonight... Would hate to have to play them coming off a loss. Their crowd looks really weak tonight. Hopefully Saturday is the same.

Blizzard conditions.

[anXUfan]

Besides, I think Xavier's players prefer a big crowd, even on the road.

[XU3232]

Yea I was wondering if that was the reason but I wasn't sure if it had already started there or not. Makes sense then.

[GoMuskies]

We may be getting a glimpse at Creighton's future post-Dougie tonight. Up 56-50 with 4 minutes to go on a bad St. John's team (that we also struggled with at home by the way). McDermott has 34 points on 13-23 shooting. The rest of the team is 7-19 and has 22 points and 14 turnovers.

This year's team sure is fun to watch, though. They'd better at least make the second weekend.

[GoMuskies]

They may be ultra-talented, but they're a shitty basketball team.

[xsteve1]

We may be getting a glimpse at Creighton's future post-Dougie tonight. Up 56-50 with 4 minutes to go on a bad St. John's team (that we also struggled with at home by the way). McDermott has 34 points on 13-23 shooting. The rest of the team is 7-19 and has 22 points and 14 turnovers.

This year's team sure is fun to watch, though. They'd better at least make the second weekend.

Disagree. St. Johns is ultra talented and is playing pretty good basketball right now.

[GoMuskies]

Yeah, McDermott with another Naismith moment. Never a doubt he was going to take and make a big shot there.

[SlimKibbles]

Of course McDermott drills a three with 2 seconds left.

[XU3232]

Providence down 16 at home to St. John's at half. Still early, but there is a good possibility we will be seeing an angry Providence team this weekend. If St Johns plays to their talent level look out for them down the stretch.

[xudash]

Providence down 16 at home to St. John's at half. Still early, but there is a good possibility we will be seeing an angry Providence team this weekend. If St Johns plays to their talent level look out for them down the stretch.

If Providence comes in angry, I presume we will come in furious.

[Lamont Sanford]

If Providence comes in angry, I presume we will come in furious.

Have we determined if the team is OK with the 3pm EST start? I know they chose to protest the early 12:00pm EST start vs Seton Hall by not giving a shit, so we are certain that they will be OK with 3pm?

[xudash]

Butler decided to have another bad year tonight.

They were up by 10 in the second half and Marquette came back to take them out handedly.

[XUFan09]

Butler decided to have another bad year tonight.

They were up by 10 in the second half and Marquette came back to take them out handedly.

Which is good, since Marquette still has a minor probability of making the tournament (not to mention being a decent win), whereas Butler has no hope. The one problem with Butler though is Xavier better not lose at their place, since it will probably be a bad loss. Of course, Xavier isn't in a position to lose many games, period.

[kyxu]

Which is good, since Marquette still has a minor probability of making the tournament (not to mention being a decent win), whereas Butler has no hope. The one problem with Butler though is Xavier better not lose at their place, since it will probably be a bad loss. Of course, Xavier isn't in a position to lose many games, period.

Xavier absolutely must win at Butler on Tuesday, though the likelihood of that happening is not so tremendous.

[XU3232]

Xavier absolutely must win at Butler on Tuesday, though the likelihood of that happening is not so tremendous.

They definitely need to win that game, unfortunately Butler and their fans will be treating that game how UD would treat that game. I really hope I'm wrong but I have a bad feeling they will lose that one. This is a different team when they play on the road most of the time.

[kyxu]

They definitely need to win that game, unfortunately Butler and their fans will be treating that game how UD would treat that game. I really hope I'm wrong but I have a bad feeling they will lose that one. This is a different team when they play on the road most of the time.

Yep, and like a game at UD Arena, expect Butler to shoot very well.

[GoMuskies]

Why are there two Big East games tomorrow night? Seems a bit odd.

[xsteve1]

Creighton putting in an X like Seton Hall performance only up 3 on DePaul late 2nd half.

[Masterofreality]

But they wound up winning by double digits.

[GoMuskies]

Three through eight the Big East is just a big, globby mess. This makes tomorrow's game with Butler all the more important:

Xavier 6-4 16-7
Providence 6-6 16-9
Georgetown 6-6 15-9
Marquette 5-5 13-10
St. John's 5-6 15-9
Seton Hall 4-6 13-10

[danaandvictory]

Remaining schedules:

Villanova (9-1) - @DeP, @CU, @PC, SJU, But, Marq, @X, GT
Creighton (9-2) - @But, Nova, @Marq, SH, @X, @GT, PC

Xavier (7-4) - @Marq, DeP, @GT, @SJU, CU, @SH, Nova
Marquette (6-5) – X, CU, @DeP, GT, @Nova, @PC, SJU

Georgetown (6-6) -- @SJU, @SH, X, @Marq, CU, @Nova
Providence (6-6) – DeP, Nova, @But, @SH, Marq, @CU
St. John’s (5-6) -- @SH, GT, But, @Nova, X, DeP, @Marq
Seton Hall (4-7) – SJU, GT, @CU, @DeP, PC, X, @But

DePaul (2-9) – Nova, @PC, @X, Marq, SH, @SJU, But
Butler (2-10) – CU, @SJU, PC, @Nova, @DeP, SH

For the contender/bubble teams, I think Georgetown has the toughest run-in - 4 of 6 on the road, only home games against XU and Creighton. Their momentum will be tested. Both Villanova and Creighton still have some potholes on the way - if Creighton beats them in Omaha it will set up an interesting race. Makes that home loss to Seton Hall sting more for X as they'd only be one game out in the loss column to CU with a home game to play, but it is what it is.

Marquette's finish sets up favorably for them, I think - if they take care of business at home they can get to 11 conference wins. St. John's is the wild card for me - they've won 6 of 7, have four home games left (2 of them gimmes). They've got Seton Hall away tonight and Georgetown at home Sunday. Can they find a path to 10 league wins? Would that be enough?

[MHettel]

Remaining schedules:

Villanova (9-1) - @DeP, @CU, @PC, SJU, But, Marq, @X, GT
Creighton (9-2) - @But, Nova, @Marq, SH, @X, @GT, PC

Xavier (7-4) - @Marq, DeP, @GT, @SJU, CU, @SH, Nova
Marquette (6-5) – X, CU, @DeP, GT, @Nova, @PC, SJU

Georgetown (6-6) -- @SJU, @SH, X, @Marq, CU, @Nova
Providence (6-6) – DeP, Nova, @But, @SH, Marq, @CU
St. John’s (5-6) -- @SH, GT, But, @Nova, X, DeP, @Marq
Seton Hall (4-7) – SJU, GT, @CU, @DeP, PC, X, @But

DePaul (2-9) – Nova, @PC, @X, Marq, SH, @SJU, But
Butler (2-10) – CU, @SJU, PC, @Nova, @DeP, SH

For the contender/bubble teams, I think Georgetown has the toughest run-in - 4 of 6 on the road, only home games against XU and Creighton. Their momentum will be tested. Both Villanova and Creighton still have some potholes on the way - if Creighton beats them in Omaha it will set up an interesting race. Makes that home loss to Seton Hall sting more for X as they'd only be one game out in the loss column to CU with a home game to play, but it is what it is.

Marquette's finish sets up favorably for them, I think - if they take care of business at home they can get to 11 conference wins. St. John's is the wild card for me - they've won 6 of 7, have four home games left (2 of them gimmes). They've got Seton Hall away tonight and Georgetown at home Sunday. Can they find a path to 10 league wins? Would that be enough?

If Nova can beat Creighton in Omaha, and we can run the table (beating Nova and Creighton), we'd finish the season tied for second. Most of the rest of the teams are bunched up around .500, and if we win out then that puts even further distance between us and GTown, Marquette and SJU.

I dont know how likely this is, but I could see a 3-4 seed if we finish that strong...

[bjf123]

If Nova can beat Creighton in Omaha, and we can run the table (beating Nova and Creighton), we'd finish the season tied for second. Most of the rest of the teams are bunched up around .500, and if we win out then that puts even further distance between us and GTown, Marquette and SJU.

I dont know how likely this is, but I could see a 3-4 seed if we finish that strong...

That's a BIG if! I agree that finishing 14-4 in the BE would get a 3 or 4 seed. I think it's more likely we're in the 11-7 range +/- 1 either way.


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[kyxu]

If Nova can beat Creighton in Omaha, and we can run the table (beating Nova and Creighton), we'd finish the season tied for second. Most of the rest of the teams are bunched up around .500, and if we win out then that puts even further distance between us and GTown, Marquette and SJU.

I dont know how likely this is, but I could see a 3-4 seed if we finish that strong...

We beat a struggling Providence team and the worst team in the conference on the road, and everyone starts losing their shit.

[GoMuskies]

Everyone? It's MHettel for god's sake. I love the guy, but he has some outlandish thoughts.

[kyxu]

Everyone? It's MHettel for god's sake. I love the guy, but he has some outlandish thoughts.

I'm joking. It's not a commentary.

I think post-Butler demolition leaves us all in euphoria.

[MHettel]

That's a BIG if! I agree that finishing 14-4 in the BE would get a 3 or 4 seed. I think it's more likely we're in the 11-7 range +/- 1 either way.


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I'm not really saying that that I tink it will happen. I'm just trying to establish what our "ceiling" would be if everything went perfect. Honestly, there are enough games left for somebody other than Nova or Creighton to win the confernce, but thats a massive long shot.

at 7-4 and 7 games left I would think that beating Marquette, SJU and GTown would actually be MORE important to our NCAA chances than beating Nova and / or Creighton. If we can finish 3rd or 4th, with some distance between the 4th place team and the 5th place team, we're solidly in. Beating those 3 is largely how we create that distance.

[XU3232]

Nova in a dogfight at Providence... Overtime now. Would be a monster win for the Friars.

[GoMuskies]

Looks like Nova will escape. Great game.

In the end, it's probably best for us that Providence loses and gives us a little space in the standings.

[casualfan]

Obekpa out 10-14 days for St. Johns...

[XU3232]

Looks like Nova will escape. Great game.

In the end, it's probably best for us that Providence loses and gives us a little space in the standings.

I agree. I was definitely pulling for Nova.

[casualfan]

Georgetown losing by 16 to Seton Hall right now.

If this holds we're either going to get a totally deflated team on Saturday or one that is extremely pissed.

[xudash]

Georgetown losing by 16 to Seton Hall right now.

If this holds we're either going to get a totally deflated team on Saturday or one that is extremely pissed.

Assume deflated. They will perceive that this loss will have done them in.

[XU3232]

Assume deflated. They will perceive that this loss will have done them in.

I sure hope so... But I have a feeling they will be in desperation mode and will be ready to play.

[casualfan]

I sure hope so... But I have a feeling they will be in desperation mode and will be ready to play.

I agree. I watched a lot of the game tonight and Seton Hall played very well. The Georgetown kids looked pissed down the stretch. I think they'll be playing balls out Saturday.

[MHettel]

Hit them in the mouth, early. That will seal their fate, and they will quit.

[XUFan09]

Seton Hall has pissed me off this conference season, not just because they beat Xavier. They had a decent squad to start the year but they played one of the worst schedules in the nation and still managed to lose to two RPI 200+ teams when they had injured players (which isn't enough of an excuse). They got fully healthy around the beginning of the conference schedule and have managed to play spoiler to the bubble teams.

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[The_Mack_Pack]

I've upgraded Saturdays game to a must win IMO. Can't lose to a sliding Hoyas team that may struggle to make the NIT at this point. Their last 4 games are Xavier, @Marquette, Creighton, and @Nova. Really have to win this one considering Gtown will probably lose the 3 after X and potentially become a bad loss.

[gladdenguy]

I don't know what to think of Seton Hall just pasting Gtown.
Never mind. I think I'm pissed bc Gtown will play awesome against X.
F$&kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

[MHettel]

I've upgraded Saturdays game to a must win IMO. Can't lose to a sliding Hoyas team that may struggle to make the NIT at this point. Their last 4 games are Xavier, @Marquette, Creighton, and @Nova. Really have to win this one considering Gtown will probably lose the 3 after X and potentially become a bad loss.

All of our wins are must wins.

We must win at GTown. If we dont, then we must win the other 2 road games, or we must win the home games against Nova and Creighton.

Simple.

In the end, we need to finish fourth or better. That gets us in the tourney. Separation between the tourney teams and non tourney teams is what determines seeding.

We need the next 3 road games badly. Then we get the 2 big dogs at home to finish.

5-6 seed still in reach.

[American X]

Seton Hall has pissed me off this conference season, not just because they beat Xavier. They had a decent squad to start the year but they played one of the worst schedules in the nation and still managed to lose to two RPI 200+ teams when they had injured players (which isn't enough of an excuse). They got fully healthy around the beginning of the conference schedule and have managed to play spoiler to the bubble teams.


It's like we never left the A-10.

[casualfan]

Seton Hall has pissed me off this conference season, not just because they beat Xavier. They had a decent squad to start the year but they played one of the worst schedules in the nation and still managed to lose to two RPI 200+ teams when they had injured players (which isn't enough of an excuse). They got fully healthy around the beginning of the conference schedule and have managed to play spoiler to the bubble teams.

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Welcome to a conference whose bad teams aren't all that bad. Better get used to it.

[XUFan09]

Welcome to a conference whose bad teams aren't all that bad. Better get used to it.

I said that they were a decent team. The problem is that on paper they are a bad team and count as a bad loss, because of how they screwed up in the non-conference against an awful schedule. They aren't rated much better than DePaul or Butler in the RPI, but they are much more likely to beat you.

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[MHettel]

Hit them in the mouth, early. That will seal their fate, and they will quit.

I still think my strategy was better than the "get dropped on the first punch and proceed to get trampled" plan that Mack used.

[casualfan]

Now we get a pissed off St. John's team playing for their tournament lives.

[casualfan]

Seton Hall just gave Creighton a heck of a game at Creighton.

They lost 72-71.

[XU3232]

Not sure if this has been brought up somewhere else or not... but Fuquon Edwin (thumb) likely won't play on Monday against us.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Not sure if this has been brought up somewhere else or not... but Fuquon Edwin (thumb) likely won't play on Monday against us.

Sad that he could miss his Senior Night, he's a great player. Good news for X though.

[XU3232]

Sad that he could miss his Senior Night, he's a great player. Good news for X though.

I agree. He killed us last game.

[casualfan]

Georgetown trying to take some of the value of our Creighton win away.

They're up 15 with under 15 to go in the second half.

[GoMuskies]

Creighton is clearly trying to do their part to get the Big East as many bids as possible.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Creighton is clearly trying to do their part to get the Big East as many bids as possible.

Villanova has Xavier and Georgetown back to back so hopefully they too try their best to maximize BE bids.

[casualfan]

Creighton is clearly trying to do their part to get the Big East as many bids as possible.


Yeah, I just hope they don't try and help too much and end up hurting us in the process. I'm not sure what their computers numbers will do if they drop this one and then somehow lose to providence at home on senior day. I hope we don't find out.

One of the stronger portions of our resume I would imagine is that we currently have two top 15 wins (UC and Creighton).

[gladdenguy]

Between Georgetown and Seton Hall we are 1-3 with 3 bad losses and it just seems like they do whatever I don't want them to do against other opponents.
For example, Seton Hall of course lost every game before we played them.

[X-band '01]

Creighton is clearly trying to do their part to get the Big East as many bids as possible.

Marquette wouldn't accept their generosity, though.

Georgetown better finish this one if they want to keep their hopes alive.

[GoMuskies]

Well....I'd advise our guys to beat Villanova.

[gladdenguy]

Does Georgetown get in over Xavier ?

[The_Mack_Pack]

Does Georgetown get in over Xavier ?

Not unless they can win at Nova and we can't beat Nova at home. Even then I think we'd both get in if X can at least win one in MSG.

[waggy]

I haven't really looked but they can finish no better than .500 in conference can they? And besides Michigan State I don't they were that great in the non-con either. Can't imagine they have a better resume.

[X-band '01]

Georgetown will jump to 8-9 in Big East play, but teams normally don't get selected if other teams above them in the standings aren't chosen. With a full round-robin schedule that is balanced, it becomes tougher.

But if the Hoyas manage a win at Villanova, then they've got a pair of aces in the hole. I find it hard to believe that Nova would finish the season perfect against all Big East teams not named Creighton.

[paulxu]

Crap. This is all about Seton Hall.
They should have never won in our house, and we should have given them a game on the road.
You have got to win those games. It's that simple.

[The_Mack_Pack]

I haven't really looked but they can finish no better than .500 in conference can they? And besides Michigan State I don't they were that great in the non-con either. Can't imagine they have a better resume.

They own wins over VCU and Kansas State as well.

[waggy]

They own wins over VCU and Kansas State as well.

Those are good wins.

[GoMuskies]

The also lost to Northeastern. Unfortunately, Northeastern isn't that much worse than USC.

[The_Mack_Pack]

They too were swept by Seton Hall... I hate Seton Hall.

[LadyMuskie]

For all you Creighton fans out there - and who isn't since they're so darn classy and adorable - this one's for you!

17 Reasons You're Going to Fall In Love with the Creighton Blue Jays This March (http://www.buzzfeed.com/danoshinsky/17-reasons-youre-about-to-fall-in-love-with-the-creighton-bl)

[xubball1993]

Crap. This is all about Seton Hall.
They should have never won in our house, and we should have given them a game on the road.
You have got to win those games. It's that simple.

Gotta agree. We'd only be stressing about Stainbrook and not the Dance if X had taken care of Seton Hall both times.

[Masterofreality]

Creighton is clearly trying to do their part to get the Big East as many bids as possible.

It would be OK with me if Villanova took that same philosophy to the court tomorrow night.

[XUFan09]

Gotta agree. We'd only be stressing about Stainbrook and not the Dance if X had taken care of Seton Hall both times.

I would have been somewhat okay with the road loss, but I'm still trying to stomach the fact that Seton Hall beat Xavier at Cintas. Tennessee, St. John's, Georgetown, Providence, and Creighton all failed, but Seton Hall of all teams managed a win.

[casualfan]

Steve Lavin got a 6 year extension and a raise to over 2 million.

[XUFan09]

Steve Lavin got a 6 year extension and a raise to over 2 million.

Ha!

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[Masterofreality]

Steve Lavin got a 6 year extension and a raise to over 2 million.

Expensive to live in New York.

[xsteve1]

Article from the New Times on Big East which touches on getting the league up and running to the Big East Tournament an a little on expansion.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/12/sports/ncaabasketball/seeking-an-identity-the-new-big-east-takes-a-familiar-stage.html?ref=ncaabasketball

[bobbiemcgee]

New Home - Finally

http://www.bigeast.com/genrel/041614aaa.html

[paulxu]

More Onions!

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/11822247/bill-raftery-files-onions-kiss-trademarks

[bobbiemcgee]

OK 35@Crei 24 @ half. Got Creigthon strategy for year - launch 30-35 3's a game, unfortunately, they're only 2-14 @ half.

[xu82]

OK 35@Crei 24 @ half. Got Creigthon strategy for year - launch 30-35 3's a game, unfortunately, they're only 2-14 @ half.

That only works when you have the horses to pull it off. What's the coach without the kid?

My kids high school in Florida had a silly little coach who thought highly of himself. Both my kids went in other directions because he was a fool. He finally had a great season and said he finally got the kids to buy into his program and the success was a tribute to what they'd been teaching. He failed to mention they also had a new kid (surely on scholorship and he later moved on to a serious prep school) who was recruited by EVERY school in the country. Number one or two kid in the Florida. Is Creighton the college version of that? I hope not, for all our sakes.

[GoMuskies]

Creighton is not what one might classify as "good".

[bobbiemcgee]

OK is #18. Think we could beat 'em by 20.

[GoMuskies]

And the Jays come STORMING back!

[xu82]

And the Jays come STORMING back!

Love it! We need more conference goodness. AND THE LEAD!

[bobbiemcgee]

And the Jays come STORMING back!

cuz you said they weren't good.

[GoMuskies]

cuz you said they weren't good.

Reverse mojo!

Also, I'm still pretty sure Creighton is not good.

[xu82]

Reverse mojo!

Also, I'm still pretty sure Creighton is not good.

We need them to be good TONIGHT.

[BMoreX]

Jays up 2 shooting free throws with 35 seconds left!

[BMoreX]

For someone who's watched this whole game, is Creighton better than we expected or Oklahoma worse than their ranking?

[BandAid]

Creighton still has one of the toughest places to play. That place is electric tonight.

Side note: I sure hope X schedules some tougher ooc games next year...

[GoMuskies]

Man, that's some serious choking Creighton is doing. Or at least Brooks.

[BandAid]

Big East Power!

[BMoreX]

Nice win!

[DC Muskie]

Big Win!

[GoMuskies]

All hail Coach McDermott.

[xu82]

Great win for the conference!

[XUFan09]

Awesome! And so far, the Big East still only has one loss.

[X-band '01]

Creighton still has one of the toughest places to play. That place is electric tonight.

Side note: I sure hope X schedules some tougher ooc games next year...

How many other Big East programs honestly buy into that? Last year, many of them probably just wrote that game off because of Doug McDermott and their other seniors.

[paulxu]

Right there on top!

http://www.rpiforecast.com/live-conf-rpi.html

[bleedXblue]

How many other Big East programs honestly buy into that? Last year, many of them probably just wrote that game off because of Doug McDermott and their other seniors.

They pack like 17,000 fans into their arena

Pretty amazing for a town the size of Omaha.....very UD like in that there's noting else to do in town I guess!

[GoMuskies]

Omaha is no Dayton! Why would you insult our conference friends like that? And the Link and UD Arena? No comparison.

[BandAid]

They pack like 17,000 fans into their arena

Pretty amazing for a town the size of Omaha.....very UD like in that there's noting else to do in town I guess!
Fuck you man.

[muskiefan82]

Right there on top!

http://www.rpiforecast.com/live-conf-rpi.html

the Southland conference may want to schedule someone they can beat. One team, at least.

[bleedXblue]

Fuck you man.

Sorry, but I've been to Omaha. Not much going on. I will give you that it's not Dayton.

I was going the rout of small towns with no professional sports and the universities being the only game in town.

[PMI]

Omaha is a really affluent city with a LOT of money. They've got Warren Buffett, which in and of itself makes up for a lot of money. They basically play in an NBA arena and as we all know, they have excellent fan support. dayton is, well, dayton. I still don't see Creighton as a Big East contender this year, but they do have a one court advantage and that showed last night. Oklahoma would not finish top 3 in the Big East though, of that I'm pretty confident.

[sirthought]

Right there on top!

http://www.rpiforecast.com/live-conf-rpi.html

This is interesting.

The MAC is ranked 25th with a 12-5 record. While Southland is 24th with 0-15 record. Conference USA is 39th with 13-7 record. While MAAC is 17th with a 7-13 record.

I wonder how accurate the strength of schedule rating is?

[PMI]

This is interesting.

The MAC is ranked 25th with a 12-5 record. While Southland is 24th with 0-15 record. Conference USA is 39th with 13-7 record. While MAAC is 17th with a 7-13 record.

I wonder how accurate the strength of schedule rating is?

This early, the SOS is entirely useless. Once a few conference games are played it'll start to shape out.

[MADXSTER]

I was going the rout of small towns with no professional sports and the universities being the only game in town.

Then you need to add Cleveland to your list.

[paulxu]

Then you need to add Cleveland to your list.

Ouch.

[X-band '01]

They pack like 17,000 fans into their arena

Pretty amazing for a town the size of Omaha.....very UD like in that there's noting else to do in town I guess!


Then you need to add Cleveland to your list.

Now you're just trying to get a rise out of the board for no discernable reason. Funny, but unwarranted.

[MADXSTER]

Villanova vs Bucknell.

Game was tied at 39. Vill up 49-45. Vill has missed last 10 free throws

[MADXSTER]

Vill up 51-50 with 8 min to play

[X-band '01]

Is Villanova done with the Patriot League after tonight?

[MADXSTER]

tied at 59

[MADXSTER]

The Bison are up by 1

[MADXSTER]

Tied at 65 with under 2 min to play

[MADXSTER]

Vill with the win

[chowertime]

Not much here, just noting the BEAST Tourney marketing campaign

http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2015/01/29/east-aurora-firm-to-work-on-big-east-hoops.html

[Jesuit4Life]

New app launched for the tournament: http://www.bigeast.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/030615aac.html

[Jesuit4Life]

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/12/sports/ncaabasketball/big-east-firmly-takes-root-in-its-second-season.html

[BMoreX]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx0g0kPn4bQ&feature=youtu.be

Already getting goosebumps.

[LadyMuskie]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx0g0kPn4bQ&feature=youtu.be

Already getting goosebumps.

I was really enjoying that video, and then at the 1:28 mark I suffered what can only be described as a horrifying flashback. Why, Fox Sports? Why?

[X-Fan]

I was really enjoying that video, and then at the 1:28 mark I suffered what can only be described as a horrifying flashback. Why, Fox Sports? Why?
Ha! I know, right!

Wonder when the matchups will be announced for next season.

[paulxu]

The only thing missing from that video was "Crawford's gotta hurry."

[paulxu]

Noticed a lot of discussion on HOH about conference re-alignment and the usual banter about the BE expanding or not.

Wanted to ask Dash a question (and any others). Could do a lot of research maybe, but you guys probably know the answer right away.
Is there a possibility of having 11 BE teams and still playing a round robin with that taking 20 of your 31 games? Does anyone else do that?

We talked a lot about 12 in the beginning with 2 6 team divisions...leading to who would fit: VCU, Richmond, St Louis, etc.

Just wondered if 11 was feasible if the right team was available. If Majereus was still at St Louis that might make sense. I've always like Richmond as a good Butler type fit/balance.

[Xville]

Noticed a lot of discussion on HOH about conference re-alignment and the usual banter about the BE expanding or not.

Wanted to ask Dash a question (and any others). Could do a lot of research maybe, but you guys probably know the answer right away.
Is there a possibility of having 11 BE teams and still playing a round robin with that taking 20 of your 31 games? Does anyone else do that?

We talked a lot about 12 in the beginning with 2 6 team divisions...leading to who would fit: VCU, Richmond, St Louis, etc.

Just wondered if 11 was feasible if the right team was available. If Majereus was still at St Louis that might make sense. I've always like Richmond as a good Butler type fit/balance.

Just my personal opinion, I don't want to see the Big East expand, unless it is for a pretty big basketball power...I'm talking UCONN or someone along those lines. Now I know that UCONN or a team like them will never happen, but the last thing I want is for the Big East to water down its conference just for the sake of adding teams. Richmond sucks, St. Louis has sucked for the majority of their existence (i grew up in St. Louis and they have always been completely mediocre) , VCU may make sense from a basketball perspective, but they don't really fit in with the other teams in the conference. I don't see the point in adding teams

[XUPhilly04]

The Big East isn't going to add a public school unless it's UConn, maybe Wichita State. The Big East will want private schools and the only slam dunk addition among non major conference private schools is Gonzaga, which is geographically too far for the rest of the league. We really need an East coast private school to establish itself as a lock for the NCAAs on yearly basis, maybe Davidson. The Big East is going to take a finished product. It's easier to take an established program like Xavier, Butler, Creighton, than it to invite a program with potential and hope it happens over time, like South Florida.

Personally, I want to stay at ten, but would be ok if adding a combination of Gonzaga, UConn, Wichita State, or even Northern Iowa to even the number of teams out.

[GoMuskies]

Wichita State? Now you're talking. As a bonus, Wichita is very convenient to Hutchinson, KS and El Dorado, KS. So there's that.

[paulxu]

Back to my original question. Could we add just Wichita State, have 11 teams and play a 20 game round robin?

[Xville]

The Big East isn't going to add a public school unless it's UConn, maybe Wichita State. The Big East will want private schools and the only slam dunk addition among non major conference private schools is Gonzaga, which is geographically too far for the rest of the league. We really need an East coast private school to establish itself as a lock for the NCAAs on yearly basis, maybe Davidson. The Big East is going to take a finished product. It's easier to take an established program like Xavier, Butler, Creighton, than it to invite a program with potential and hope it happens over time, like South Florida.

Personally, I want to stay at ten, but would be ok if adding a combination of Gonzaga, UConn, Wichita State, or even Northern Iowa to even the number of teams out.

The other thing I would think the Big East would take into great consideration is the number of tv sets...Wichita isn't going to do that based on their location. You are right in that we need a private school on the east coast to really step up, and it needs to be in a medium to major market. There just aren't any right now and no need to expand hoping that some team gets it together. There have been many that mentioned SLU, and that would be good for tv sets, but that team and program have a very long history of sucking minus what Majerus was able to build there for a short time. Crews is a horrible coach and is not the answer there...he was able to ride Majerus upperclassmen there for two years and now SLU is going back to sucking...no way do i want to add that program.

[Xville]

Back to my original question. Could we add just Wichita State, have 11 teams and play a 20 game round robin?

I don't see why not if the conference can find a team that makes sense. I like Wichita and from a purely basketball stand point they would make sense, but overall they don't.

[_LH]

Just my personal opinion, I don't want to see the Big East expand, unless it is for a pretty big basketball power...I'm talking UCONN or someone along those lines. Now I know that UCONN or a team like them will never happen, but the last thing I want is for the Big East to water down its conference just for the sake of adding teams. Richmond sucks, St. Louis has sucked for the majority of their existence (i grew up in St. Louis and they have always been completely mediocre) , VCU may make sense from a basketball perspective, but they don't really fit in with the other teams in the conference. I don't see the point in adding teams

I agree.

Richmond/VCU and SLU/UD doing nothing for me and I hope none of them are ever added to the BE.

Now if UCONN needs a home for bball and other Olympic sports and they can go independent or to the MAC for football, I would love to add UCONN.

If the ACC decided to tell ND, it all or nothing and ND is looking, I would add them too.

Every other team mentioned is either too far or doesn't add much, imo.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I just don't see why they can't add Gonzaga and St Mary's for men's basketball only. For the east coast teams that's only heading out west once since I am sure they would play both teams while out there. For Gonzaga and St. Mary's you would be asking them to travel a lot but if they really want in the league I am sure they are willing to accept that. Obviously the most likely candidate is going to be VD and prob Richmond or Slu. Hope that doesn't happen because it really would water down the league and frankly I don't like knowing the outcome of games in advance. If VD is on our schedule we can already chalk up a couple of wins. Whichita St I love but they seem to be a perfect fit in the MVC. If you can't add Gonzaga, St Mary's, UCONN or ND then no reason to add anyone. Ten is perfect as it is and we are in no rush.

[XUPhilly04]

Wonder if it is possible to add Gonzaga and BYU for basketball only. Both private schools. BYU is independent for football. Gonzaga is a solid program and BYU as we all now know "is so much fun to watch."

[LA Muskie]

Back to my original question. Could we add just Wichita State, have 11 teams and play a 20 game round robin?
It wouldn't violate any NCAA rules, if that's what you're asking. But I very much doubt any of the schools want a 20-game conference schedule because it really constrains their OOC scheduling. Most didn't love the notion of 18 games even if they do LOVE the fairness of a true round-robin. Because the round-robin has worked out so well, I tend to think expansion is practically (if not technically) off the board.

[GoMuskies]

Adding BYU to the "Catholic league"?!? That would startle some folks. Nevermind that they're already in a pretty Catholic conference.

[GoMuskies]

Whichita St I love but they seem to be a perfect fit in the MVC.

Besides Wichita State actually being in the MVC (and having been in the league a long time), why do you say that? WSU is actually a geographic anomaly in the MVC.

http://shockernet.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2439&stc=1

[BMoreX]

NCAA rules stipulate that you cannot be a "basketball-only" member of a conference.

[XUPhilly04]

Adding BYU to the "Catholic league"?!? That would startle some folks. Nevermind that they're already in a pretty Catholic conference.

Butler isn't catholic. Regardless, BYU is large school that recruits students from all the country. Personally, if added with Gonzaga, I think it is a solid addition, better than St. Marys

[BandAid]

Butler isn't catholic. Regardless, BYU is large school that recruits students from all the country. Personally, if added with Gonzaga, I think it is a solid addition, better than St. Marys

St. Mary's is garbage.

[XUPhilly04]

NCAA rules stipulate that you cannot be a "basketball-only" member of a conference.

Rats, well maybe those schools will be willing to accept less in league revenue in order to be in a better conference if they still end up making a lot more in the end.

[waggy]

BYU has a national following obviously. So there's that.

In my mind the only program that makes any sense is SLU. Too bad they suck.

[D-West & PO-Z]

The other thing I would think the Big East would take into great consideration is the number of tv sets...Wichita isn't going to do that based on their location. You are right in that we need a private school on the east coast to really step up, and it needs to be in a medium to major market. There just aren't any right now and no need to expand hoping that some team gets it together. There have been many that mentioned SLU, and that would be good for tv sets, but that team and program have a very long history of sucking minus what Majerus was able to build there for a short time. Crews is a horrible coach and is not the answer there...he was able to ride Majerus upperclassmen there for two years and now SLU is going back to sucking...no way do i want to add that program.

I think you are being a little harsh to SLU, I am biased however. They made the NCAA tourney 4 times in the 90's. They were bound to suck this year because they lsot everyone. It will be interesting to see in the next 2 years how they recover. Not sure if Crews can recruit. Definitely isnt half the coach Majerus was. They have been to 3 of the last 4 tourneys but again they lost everyone from that, they were extremely young this year.

SLU isnt a program that will elevate the BE but the BE could help SLU turn into a better program that eventually helps the BE. St. Louis is a good city and market to have and could attract good talent in a better league.

I dont think the BE can add any teams that will elevate the conference instantly that fit the type of school that is currently in the BE. Only one would be Gonzaga but they are all the way west.

[X-band '01]

Now if UCONN needs a home for bball and other Olympic sports and they can go independent or to the MAC for football, I would love to add UCONN.

If the ACC decided to tell ND, it all or nothing and ND is looking, I would add them too.


#1 is not going to happen since UMass is already being kicked out of the MAC football conference in a year or two.

I don't see any reason at this point why the ACC would throw the gauntlet at Notre Dame, either.

[GoMuskies]

Agree. It would make zero sense given that ND has already committed to 5 ACC football games per year.

[xeus]

I would like to stay at 10 teams. I guess I don't understand the benefit of expansion.

[xubrew]

Back to my original question. Could we add just Wichita State, have 11 teams and play a 20 game round robin?

The Ohio Valley, SoCon and Big Sky have all played twenty game schedules at one point, but opted to go away from it.

I'd be more in favor of Big East contraction than Big East expansion. Ten is enough. In fact, it's the most that any league should have, IMHO.

[XUFan09]

I would like to stay at 10 teams. I guess I don't understand the benefit of expansion.
Agreed. Actually, though I like Creighton as a Big East member, I was kind of bummed when the conference was no longer just 9. It made OOC scheduling more restrictive going from 16 to 18 games.

[GoMuskies]

Agreed. Actually, though I like Creighton as a Big East member, I was kind of bummed when the conference was no longer just 9.

???? The conference was never just 9.

[XUFan09]

???? The conference was never just 9.
The immediate invites were going to be Xavier and Butler, but there was debate over whether there would be any more schools and who they would be. In that planning stage, the Big East was at nine teams.

[_LH]

#1 is not going to happen since UMass is already being kicked out of the MAC football conference in a year or two.

I don't see any reason at this point why the ACC would throw the gauntlet at Notre Dame, either.

#1 I never said it will happen.

I never said they would.

[xeus]

#1 I never said it will happen.

I never said they would.

Uh oh.

Oh off-season, really???

[_LH]

Uh oh.

Oh off-season, really???

Just setting x-band straight.

[X-Fan]

Get to the Big Easts Facebook or Twitter accounts and vote for Jalen's Dunk over Providence as the Big East Play of The Year!

"@BIGEASTMBB: Jalen Reynolds brings down the house and nearly the rim for @XavierMBB

RT to vote #BIGEASTWay Play of the Year

https://t.co/0gHB0bFLoQ"


http://youtu.be/CHfmjogaxZQ

[GoMuskies]

I know they're not technically a Big East team, but I'd like to see Providence beat BU in the Frozen Four in Boston.

[fellahmuskie]

Get to the Big Easts Facebook or Twitter accounts and vote for Jalen's Dunk over Providence as the Big East Play of The Year!

"@BIGEASTMBB: Jalen Reynolds brings down the house and nearly the rim for @XavierMBB

RT to vote #BIGEASTWay Play of the Year

https://t.co/0gHB0bFLoQ"


http://youtu.be/CHfmjogaxZQ

None of those plays even come close to Jalen's. He better win.

[muskienick]

Having Jalen's as the last play shown suggests that whoever made that clip wanted to leave the viewer with a clear memory of that dunk.

[MarvAlbert]

Having Jalen's as the last play shown suggests that whoever made that clip wanted to leave the viewer with a clear memory of that dunk.

Or they showed 1 highlight per school and put them in alphabetical order by school name.

[D-West & PO-Z]

None of those plays even come close to Jalen's. He better win.

The St. Johns play is the only one I think can compete.

[XUFan09]

Though a bitter moment because it gave them the momentum that helped them win the game, but the Seton Hall scramble was pretty crazy.

[SM#24]

Time to start a Big East hockey conference. National Champion Providence is a good start...we just need the other nine schools to actually field a hockey team.

Anyway, congrats to PC on their title.

[Masterofreality]

Time to start a Big East hockey conference. National Champion Providence is a good start...we just need the other nine schools to actually field a hockey team.

Anyway, congrats to PC on their title.

Just the chance to buy Xavier Hockey sweaters makes me endorse this. How about having an ice rink capability installed in Cintas? That would be, errrrrr, cool.

[muskiefan82]

it would open up the possibility of the Gardens becoming the home of the Xavier University Musketeers again (if only for Hockey)

[X-Fan]

Kinda surprised no one posted this yet, but Kris Dunn announced he is coming back to Providence for his Senior year instead of leaving for the NBA. This is huge news for both PC and the Big East.

The Big East is setup for a breakout year next season with 6 really good teams:
Nova
Xavier
Prov
GTown
Butler
Marquette

These four could be pretty good if things go right:
SH - Who's back from a very talented 2015 class?
Creighton - Picked up a good transfer for 16-17, but what about 15-16?
STJ - Mullins has been recruiting his tail off. I could see him pulling off a shocker and snagging a 4 star 2015 player
Depaul - They bring back some talent, can the subtraction of OP allow them to put something together for a season?

Man, Big East play is going to be really fun. A huge challenge, but really fun.

[DC Muskie]

Kinda surprised no one posted this yet, but Kris Dunn announced he is coming back to Providence for his Senior year instead of leaving for the NBA. This is huge news for both PC and the Big East.

The Big East is setup for a breakout year next season with 6 really good teams:
Nova
Xavier
Prov
GTown
Butler
Marquette

These four could be pretty good if things go right:
SH - Who's back from a very talented 2015 class?
Creighton - Picked up a good transfer for 16-17, but what about 15-16?
STJ - Mullins has been recruiting his tail off. I could see him pulling off a shocker and snagging a 4 star 2015 player
Depaul - They bring back some talent, can the subtraction of OP allow them to put something together for a season?

Man, Big East play is going to be really fun. A huge challenge, but really fun.

That's very good news on Dunn.

Don't forget Marquette landed a McD's AA for this upcoming season. It's going to get real here and escalate quickly.

[bobbiemcgee]

Some plays of the year to hold you over:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHfmjogaxZQ&feature=youtu.be

[X-Fan]

Some plays of the year to hold you over:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHfmjogaxZQ&feature=youtu.be
Good stuff! I'll never get tired of Jalens dunk to seal the Providence win. What a joke that Creighton broken play 3 won the fan voting.

[GIMMFD]

Dunn coming back for his Junior Year at Providence. Interesting for a guy considered a first round lock.

[waggy]

Dunn coming back for his Junior Year at Providence. Interesting for a guy considered a first round lock.


Great for the conference.

[OH.X.MI]

Sterling Gibbs transferring and will be immediately eligible? Isn't he a junior? Big blow for SH.

[LA Muskie]

Sterling Gibbs transferring and will be immediately eligible? Isn't he a junior? Big blow for SH.

He had to sit out a year after transferring from TX, so he is more like a Redshirt Junior on track to graduate this year.

[OH.X.MI]

He had to sit out a year after transferring from TX, so he is more like a Redshirt Junior on track to graduate this year.

Oh ya! Totally forgot he transferred from TX.

[EastCoastXman]

He will have his degree and eligible immediately. Addition by subtraction here and should result in positive outcome for The Hall. Gibbs & Whitehead were oil & water. IMHO this is another positive step for the BE since SHU has plenty of backcourt talent.

[DC Muskie]

He will have his degree and eligible immediately. Addition by subtraction here and should result in positive outcome for The Hall. Gibbs & Whitehead were oil & water. IMHO this is another positive step for the BE since SHU has plenty of backcourt talent.

I hope you are right. Although in the Gibbs/Whitehead debate as an outsider I tended to side more with the oil.

[hoyahooligan]

I hope you are right. Although in the Gibbs/Whitehead debate as an outsider I tended to side more with the oil.

I'm with DC. Definitely hurts hall rather than helps. They basically have 2 guards now.

[Chalmers0]

He will have his degree and eligible immediately. Addition by subtraction here and should result in positive outcome for The Hall. Gibbs & Whitehead were oil & water. IMHO this is another positive step for the BE since SHU has plenty of backcourt talent.

They have a pair of volume 2-guards who struggle with efficiency returning and an incoming freshman who can play the 2. They have zero point guards. I don't consider that plenty of backcourt talent.

[casualfan]

They have a pair of volume 2-guards who struggle with efficiency returning and an incoming freshman who can play the 2. They have zero point guards. I don't consider that plenty of backcourt talent.

Yep. They had two really good points, but Whitehead drove them both off.

[LA Muskie]

He will have his degree and eligible immediately. Addition by subtraction here and should result in positive outcome for The Hall. Gibbs & Whitehead were oil & water. IMHO this is another positive step for the BE since SHU has plenty of backcourt talent.
Addition by subtraction would have been jettisoning Whitehead.

[Xtemporaneous]

Per the rules he cannot transfer to another BIGEAST school unless I'm missing something.

Please tell me I am because I'd love it if he finished at X.

[LA Muskie]

Per the rules he cannot transfer to another BIGEAST school unless I'm missing something.

Please tell me I am because I'd love it if he finished at X.
He can't.

[novachap]

Hey Muskies, News on the Nova front. Just announced a home and home with Virginia. this year at VA. Working on Duke supposedly for December at the Garden---believe it when I see it. Given we were stuck with Nebraska for the Big 10 challenge, we were a bit worried about the OOC strength---our guys need to toughen up, looks better now. good luck on recruiting trail---was glad to see Mack stuck around for you.

Also, Chuckwu transferring from Providence---- Big surprise.

[X-band '01]

Derrick Gordon is also transferring from UMass to Seton Hall; he's another graduate transfer who will immediately be eligible for his "senior" season in 2015-16.

[XUFan09]

Hey Muskies, News on the Nova front. Just announced a home and home with Virginia. this year at VA. Working on Duke supposedly for December at the Garden---believe it when I see it. Given we were stuck with Nebraska for the Big 10 challenge, we were a bit worried about the OOC strength---our guys need to toughen up, looks better now. good luck on recruiting trail---was glad to see Mack stuck around for you.

Also, Chuckwu transferring from Providence---- Big surprise.

Whoa, I missed that! He looked like he got decent run and would be vying for a starting spot relatively soon. He was one of Xavier's priority recruits at center, along with Chinanu Onuaku (Louisville) and our own Sean O'Mara.

[xudash]

Hey Muskies, News on the Nova front. Just announced a home and home with Virginia. this year at VA. Working on Duke supposedly for December at the Garden---believe it when I see it. Given we were stuck with Nebraska for the Big 10 challenge, we were a bit worried about the OOC strength---our guys need to toughen up, looks better now. good luck on recruiting trail---was glad to see Mack stuck around for you.

Also, Chuckwu transferring from Providence---- Big surprise.

Thanks for stopping by chap.

Good news about the UVA h/h. Now we'll see if this Pac 12 deal comes through that was mentioned on the HL site. That should help more than hurt the OOC slate for all ten teams.

Based on our recent experience with Villanova, I doubt you'll go through the season with a "toughen up" issue.

[paulxu]

In this century, Xavier has been to more NCAA tournaments and has more S16's than any other team in the BE.
We also have the same number of E8's as anybody.
Now I know we are missing that last step, but damn...we should be able to set up some quality H/H's like Villanova.

[X-band '01]

I seem to remember Xavier having no trouble with Virginia when they agreed to a home-and-home with us. Of course, Xavier had the good fortune of playing UVa in the Dave Leitao era.

[xukeith]

In this century, Xavier has been to more NCAA tournaments and has more S16's than any other team in the BE.
We also have the same number of E8's as anybody.
Now I know we are missing that last step, but damn...we should be able to set up some quality H/H's like Villanova.

I am with you but in the basketball world, X is still below Gonzaga.

It will take a FF run to get a better reputation.

[bjf123]

I am with you but in the basketball world, X is still below Gonzaga.

It will take a FF run to get a better reputation.

It's been awhile since I looked this up, but don't we have more Sweet 16 and Elite 8 appearances?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GoMuskies]

Tied in Elite Eights with the Zags after this year. They've got a helluva lot more wins and top 3 seeds.

We get them 7-6 in Sweet Sixteens.

[XU 87]

Tied in Elite Eights with the Zags after this year. They've got a helluva lot more wins and top 3 seeds.

We get them 7-6 in Sweet Sixteens.

In the last few years, Gonzaga has been in the national picture much more than X because Gonzaga has been in the top 25 (top 10 some years) all year.

I don't think X has been in the top 25 since the earlier part of Tu's last year. That was 2011-12 season.

[xudash]

I am with you but in the basketball world, X is still below Gonzaga.

It will take a FF run to get a better reputation.

I'm not sure I agree with the notion that X is below Gonzaga in the basketball world.

This is going to appear garbled, but so be it: they are very similar programs with somewhat different backdrops.

Gonzaga: plays in a weak conference and has owned it for years; that has allowed it to establish rankings in season by chalking up a bunch of "W's", and high rankings recently at that; it also has established a track record of early exits from the Tournament in many years, notwithstanding last year's run; new, but small facility; excellent - unique, phenomenal - coaching stability.

Xavier: played in a more competitive conference (A10), "owning" it in many years, then moved to the BE; hasn't achieved the same kind of in-season rankings profile as Gonzaga as a result of playing through more difficult aggregate schedules; longstanding solid record in the Tournament; Cintas Center, etc.; a remarkable track record of coaching hires, but because of how well established the program had become over time, and with each new hire.

There was a time about a decade ago that the whole mid-major dialogue sounded like "you have the BCS and then you have Xavier, Memphis and Gonzaga as programs that have established themselves as major programs and then you have everyone else."

It's hard to counter your statement after this season, because Gonzaga actually made it past the first game of the second weekend for the first time since 1999, but, overall, knowledgeable basketball fans most likely know the score on this one.

Then again, this is a pure opinion topic if there is one.

[DC Muskie]

Not being ranked and being surrounded by 15 other really good basketball programs with bigger fan bases doesn't help.

Gonzaga dominates a weak conference and it's closest basketball competitor is like 4,000 miles away. Makes it easy to stand out.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Not being ranked and being surrounded by 15 other really good basketball programs with bigger fan bases doesn't help.

Gonzaga dominates a weak conference and it's closest basketball competitor is like 4,000 miles away. Makes it easy to stand out.

That and they are on ESPN almost every game for the late game.

[Masterofreality]

In the last few years, Gonzaga has been in the national picture much more than X because Gonzaga has been in the top 25 (top 10 some years) all year.

I don't think X has been in the top 25 since the earlier part of Tu's last year. That was 2011-12 season.

Apparently no one "sneaks" around Spokane.

[DC Muskie]

Looks like Mullin grabbed a nice late pick up.

http://www.bigeastcoastbias.com/2015/5/21/8640199/marcus-lovett-jr-commits-to-st-johns

[Mrs. Garrett]

Looks like Mullin grabbed a nice late pick up.

http://www.bigeastcoastbias.com/2015/5/21/8640199/marcus-lovett-jr-commits-to-st-johns

I'm not 100% sure if he is officially eligible yet. He's been to a few high schools before he wound up here in Chicago. I also believe he is still awaiting his ACT score.

[DC Muskie]

I'm not 100% sure if he is officially eligible yet. He's been to a few high schools before he wound up here in Chicago. I also believe he is still awaiting his ACT score.

Looks like Mullin possibly grabbed a nice late pick up!

Reps for the insight.

[casualfan]

It sounds like Kyle Washington is likely headed to Marquette.

They are the only visit he has scheduled so far.

[gladdenguy]

Rysheed Jordan ruled academically ineligible for fall semester. According to Adam Zagoria he might leave the program.

http://zagsblog.com/articles/rysheed-jordan-ruled-academically-ineligible-may-be-done-at-st-johns/

[kyxu]

Rysheed Jordan ruled academically ineligible for fall semester. According to Adam Zagoria he might leave the program.

http://zagsblog.com/articles/rysheed-jordan-ruled-academically-ineligible-may-be-done-at-st-johns/

How many times has Rysheed Jordan "left the program" in the middle of the season, yet he's somehow always been back by the next game?

Not saying the above is the same scenario, but drama seems to follow this kid.

[bobbiemcgee]

Denver won the BE Lacrosse Championship and now the National Championship by defeating the B10 Terps in Philly. Wins against OSU and ND along the way.

[paulxu]

On a side note, little Limestone College won it's second D2 lacrosse title.
They are located right up the road in Gaffney, SC.
Home of Francis Underwood and the Peachoid.

[casualfan]

Interesting news at St. John's.

http://zagsblog.com/articles/report-sacramento-kings-gm-pete-dalessandro-to-be-significant-candidate-for-st-johns-ad-job/

Their AD resigned and they are apparently focusing in on the GM of the Kings who I guess somehow lost power in a recent reorg to of all people Vlade Divac.

[Masterofreality]

On a side note, little Limestone College won it's second D2 lacrosse title.
They are located right up the road in Gaffney, SC.
Home of Francis Underwood and the Peachoid.

Francis Underwood, who's cuff links read "F" "U"..

The Peach water tower is awesome from I-85.

[DC Muskie]

Interesting news at St. John's.

http://zagsblog.com/articles/report-sacramento-kings-gm-pete-dalessandro-to-be-significant-candidate-for-st-johns-ad-job/

Their AD resigned and they are apparently focusing in on the GM of the Kings who I guess somehow lost power in a recent reorg to of all people Vlade Divac.

Don't forget the Kings owner is a guy who pushed the idea of playing with only 4 guys on defense, and just keeping one guy on the other end of the court.

[Masterofreality]

Don't forget the Kings owner is a guy who pushed the idea of playing with only 4 guys on defense, and just keeping one guy on the other end of the court.

Great idea.

Box and none.

[waggy]

It's the NBA, that'd still be 4 more than most teams play with.

[casualfan]

Obekpa leaving St. John's.

They were going to be bad next year before he and Jordan left.

[GoMuskies]

Does St. John's have to wait until the end of next year to fire that idiot Lavin?

[BandAid]

Does St. John's have to wait until the end of next year to fire that idiot Lavin?

Ummmm...he's already gone

...did I miss the joke?

[Xville]

Does St. John's have to wait until the end of next year to fire that idiot Lavin?

Chris Mullin is the coach now....im thinking that this may be an addition by subtraction type of thing. Mullin is probably forcing out some players is kind of my guess. They will be bad next year, but I hope that Mullin can turn things around there.....they are a school that should be good just based on where they are located.

[GoMuskies]

Shit, I forgot. Guess I'm actually the idiot.

[casualfan]

Chris Mullin is the coach now....im thinking that this may be an addition by subtraction type of thing. Mullin is probably forcing out some players is kind of my guess. They will be bad next year, but I hope that Mullin can turn things around there.....they are a school that should be good just based on where they are located.

I think the location thing gets played up way too much for them.

Is it nice they are in NY and play in the garden? Sure. But make no mistake, NY isn't what it used to be even 5 years ago.

The entire state of NY last year put out three 4 star or higher recruits and one of those went to high school in WV.

In 2014 they had 2 and in 2013 they only had 1.

Now 2016 appears to be a bounceback with 5, but that trend needs to stay up.

You also have to remember that if a kid is from NY and good you are battling the entire NE for him including Syracuse, UCONN, etc.

I get what you're saying about NY, but I don't think it's as big a deal as a lot of people think.

[Xville]

the rich get richer.....i think this guy is going to be something special

http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2015/7/6/8900453/jalen-brunson-villanova-usa-basketball-u19-tournament-mvp

[novachap]

the rich get richer.....i think this guy is going to be something special

http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2015/7/6/8900453/jalen-brunson-villanova-usa-basketball-u19-tournament-mvp

We are VERY excited about this kid. I think the challenge is we will be in a 4 guard 1 big rotation a lot. You guys, with your length could give us trouble (IMHO). Probably live by the jump shot again. Looks like X has had some nice recruiting wins too...

Brunson is the real deal, could be gone after a year or two though which would really hurt. The fan base is looking forward to next year as well if he stays and is paired with Spellman who we think gives us a real legit offensive big man force. We shall see. Like you guys, I hate the waiting until the season!

[Xtemporaneous]

Thought this was interesting via the NY Times - http://nyti.ms/1OuRbX2

I'm so sick of ESPN that's it's good to see their bloated network suffering.

[casualfan]

Thought this was interesting via the NY Times - http://nyti.ms/1OuRbX2

I'm so sick of ESPN that's it's good to see their bloated network suffering.

I agree, but I'm not sure i'd consider losing Olberman or Cowherd a big blow. That's just me personally. If I never heard from either one again I would not be upset.

[JTG]

I agree, but I'm not sure i'd consider losing Olberman or Cowherd a big blow. That's just me personally. If I never heard from either one again I would not be upset.

Olberman is most left wing liberal on the planet, and is obsessed with baseball, a sport whose time is fading. Cowherd hates underdogs and would only be happy if the Yankees were in every World Series, the Lakers played the Knicks in every NBA final, The Pats played Dallas in every SuperBowl, and Duke was in every F4, and ND in every football playoff. Kind of sorry he's coming to Fox.

[casualfan]

Olberman is most left wing liberal on the planet, and is obsessed with baseball, a sport whose time is fading. Cowherd hates underdogs and would only be happy if the Yankees were in every World Series, the Lakers played the Knicks in every NBA final, The Pats played Dallas in every SuperBowl, and Duke was in every F4, and ND in every football playoff. Kind of sorry he's coming to Fox.

Yeah, those two deserve each other. IMHO Cowherd is up there when talking about the worst media personalities in sports.

His John Wall episode and refusal to let it go should tell you all you need to know about him.

[Juice]

I agree, but I'm not sure i'd consider losing Olberman or Cowherd a big blow. That's just me personally. If I never heard from either one again I would not be upset.

It's not really the fact that they're losing them, it's more about the fact that they can't afford them or Simmons anymore.