If Kemba was scoring and doing good, UConn would be winning. Players have stepped tonight.
Shows: 6.27.08 Hartford, CT/5.15.10 Hartford, CT/6.18.2011 Hartford, CT (EV Solo)/10.19.13 Brooklyn/10.25.13 Hartford
"Becoming a Bruce fan is like hitting puberty as a musical fan. It's inevitable." - dcfaithful
Shows: 6.27.08 Hartford, CT/5.15.10 Hartford, CT/6.18.2011 Hartford, CT (EV Solo)/10.19.13 Brooklyn/10.25.13 Hartford
"Becoming a Bruce fan is like hitting puberty as a musical fan. It's inevitable." - dcfaithful
i love the kenpom.com reference. does anyone use that site? a wealth of info there. love it.
Why the Big East is such a beast January, 5, 2011Jan 58:02AM
By Fran Fraschilla
Those who say that familiarity breeds contempt must be thinking of the old days in the Big East when all eight teams saw each other twice during the regular season and once more in the Big East tournament.
The competitiveness of eventual Hall of Fame coaches, the proximity of the schools to each other, players who grew up playing against each other every summer and during high school seasons up and down the East Coast, and television created rivalries that are still a large part of the college basketball landscape. And the byproduct was a conference full of teams that were ready for anything the NCAA Tournament threw at them in March.
Tradition, however, went out the window with conference expansion. While the league may be as competitive as it has ever been and still has its share of Hall of Fame coaches, there has been a different dynamic since the Big East expanded to 16 teams. Ten Big East teams currently reside in kenpom.com's Top 40, so it's a given that almost every game will be hand-to-hand combat.
But what makes the league more unique to coach in than any in college basketball is the preparation that is necessary to compete against 15 different opponents and styles of play over an 18-game schedule. With usually only a day or two to prepare, teams in the Big East must be ready for a diversity of man-to-man, zone and pressure defenses and will have to defend a variety of offenses, from NBA-oriented pick-and-roll to set-play to motion, run by opponents that play at completely different tempos.
A huge part of coaching is problem solving, and that starts long before the regular season ever gets under way. Hubie Brown used to tell high school and college coaches at clinics to prepare the most in preseason practice for the three toughest teams in their conference. That is problematic in the Big East because there are so many quality teams on the schedule. But you have to start somewhere.
For me, it would be in the preseason practices and nonconference games, where there is time to work on the offenses and defenses that could cause the most trouble when conference play comes around. It makes sense, for example, to create a solid game plan in practices in October and November to attack the three opponents that we would see twice in round-robin play. Then would come the preparation for teams whose styles would cause us to spend the most practice time getting ready for them.
In my second year at Saint John's, it was apparent that we were not going to be a great outside shooting team and that we would see heavy doses of zone during conference play. So, as a point of emphasis for our team, it was the first thing we worked on offensively on the first day of practice in October. We had to look that far ahead.
Another way to prepare a team for conference play is to put together a nonconference schedule that, in some way, mirrors the competitiveness of what the Big East schedule entails -- and, as importantly, it needs to mirror the many styles of play to be encountered when conference action starts in late December.
Getty Images
Mike Brey set up his non-conference scheduling so as to prep the Irish for what was to come.
Notre Dame coach Mike Brey called consecutive December games versus Kentucky in Louisville and at home versus Gonzaga "Big East Week" because the two opponents were Big East-caliber teams. Each provided the Irish a different challenge.
The Irish defeated Wisconsin in a slow-tempo game in the Old Spice Classic championship game. While no one in the Big East plays at the Badgers' Division I-low 59-possession rate, the game provided Brey's team with the opportunity to play a quality opponent with the type of defensive patience needed to win a close game later in the season.
Georgetown has the tough assignment of preparing for Syracuse's 2-3 zone defense twice every season. A game plan for attacking this zone must be formulated long before the Hoyas meet the Orange for the first time on Feb. 9. The athleticism, size and experience of coach Jim Boeheim's players in this defense make it as dangerous as an Anaconda snake. And, because this rivalry game usually has huge implications at the top of the Big East, waiting to prepare for the zone in the couple of days before they play would be foolish.
Equally challenging -- but a completely different defense because of its unique slides -- is West Virginia coach Bob Huggins' 1-3-1 zone. It is a defense that cost Kentucky a trip to the 2010 Final Four. Like hitting a knuckleball, it's not something you see often during a season, but you had better have a plan for it when you see it.
Despite the fact that DePaul is in rebuilding mode, new coach Oliver Purnell has implemented a 40-minute, full-court pressing style that has been successful at four other programs. While the talent level is down at DePaul, its opponents are playing with fire if they don't prepare for the relentless trapping they will see from the Blue Demons. A late-season loss to Purnell's club could be a postseason crusher.
Offensively, the challenges are identical and endless. Teams in the Big East will see the Princeton-inspired Hoyas offense of ball movement, reads and backdoor cuts one night and the driving, attacking style of Marquette two nights later. UConn and Kemba Walker will try to push the pace on you, while coach Jamie Dixon's Pittsburgh Panthers will grind you with their relentless attack in half-court sets and on the offensive glass. Notre Dame will screen and screen and screen until Tim Abromaitis gets an open 3-point shot.
Playing against so many different quality opponents and styles, however, is certainly distinctive to the Big East and does help its teams prepare for the postseason even if this doesn't always guarantee postseason success.
For much of last season's Big East schedule, the Syracuse zone was nearly impenetrable as Boeheim's team went 15-3 in conference play. However, Louisville came up with a successful formula of effectively running its offense through Jared Swopshire in the high post. His passing helped the Cardinals carve up the Orange defense twice during conference play, including in the last Louisville game played at Freedom Hall in the regular-season finale.
One week later, Georgetown and Greg Monroe used the same formula to knock off Syracuse in the Big East tournament 91-84; earlier in the season, scoring 91 points on the Orange seemed improbable.
Getting through any conference's regular-season schedule is a grind. Every quality league has great players and coaches, and every team during the course of conference play will have a "murderer's row" stretch of games. And teams know each other far better in conference play. Those are givens. Travel, inevitable injuries and tough losses will always be a part of the adversity quotient, as well. Winning is a relief and losing is 48 to 72 hours of misery.
Playing against so many different quality opponents and styles, however, is certainly distinctive to the Big East and does help its teams prepare for the postseason even if this doesn't always guarantee postseason success. Even in Butler's Sweet 16 win over Syracuse, solving the zone was problematic for the Bulldogs. With only one day to prepare, they shot 6-of-24 from behind the arc.
There are many who think that playing the Big East schedule is great preparation for success in the NCAA tournament, and I agree. The proof is in the league's overall postseason success. However, if you don't adequately prepare to play the Big East schedule, there likely will be no NCAA tournament to prepare for.
i can't wait for nova/louisville tonight. do you know what the line is?
That's a good one. I'll be at Temple-St. Bonaventure. :roll:
Spectrum 10/27/09; New Orleans JazzFest 5/1/10; Made in America 9/2/12; Phila, PA 10/21/13; Phila, PA 10/22/13; Baltimore Arena 10/27/13; Phila, PA 4/28/16; Phila, PA 4/29/16; Fenway Park 8/7/16; Fenway Park 9/2/18; Asbury Park 9/18/21; Camden 9/14/22; Las Vegas 5/16/24; Las Vegas 5/18/24; Phila, PA 9/7/24; Phila, PA 9/9/24; Baltimore Arena 9/12/24
Tres Mtns - TLA 3/23/11; EV - Tower Theatre 6/25/11; Temple of the Dog - Tower Theatre 11/5/16
Reading 2004
Albany 2006 Camden 2006 E. Rutherford 2, 2006 Inglewood 2006,
Chicago 2007
Camden 2008 MSG 2008 MSG 2008 Hartford 2008.
Seattle 2009 Seattle 2009 Philadelphia 2009,Philadelphia 2009 Philadelphia 2009
Hartford 2010 MSG 2010 MSG 2010
Toronto 2011,Toronto 2011
Wrigley Field 2013 Brooklyn 2013 Brooklyn 2013 Philadelphia 2, 2013
Philadelphia 1, 2016 Philadelphia 2 2016 New York 2016 New York 2016 Fenway 1, 2016 Fenway 2, 2018 MSG 2022 St. Paul, 1, St. Paul 2 2023 MSG 2024, MSG 2024 Philadelphia 2024
"I play good, hard-nosed basketball.
Things happen in the game. Nothing you
can do. I don't go and say,
"I'm gonna beat this guy up."
Pitt picks up a big win over GTown. They are looking good right now.
they look damn good.
g town looks like they've been exposed to be a bit overrated early on though.
Damn. This will beat up Temple's RPI. Oh well, they just ignored it last year anyway. :evil:
Spectrum 10/27/09; New Orleans JazzFest 5/1/10; Made in America 9/2/12; Phila, PA 10/21/13; Phila, PA 10/22/13; Baltimore Arena 10/27/13; Phila, PA 4/28/16; Phila, PA 4/29/16; Fenway Park 8/7/16; Fenway Park 9/2/18; Asbury Park 9/18/21; Camden 9/14/22; Las Vegas 5/16/24; Las Vegas 5/18/24; Phila, PA 9/7/24; Phila, PA 9/9/24; Baltimore Arena 9/12/24
Tres Mtns - TLA 3/23/11; EV - Tower Theatre 6/25/11; Temple of the Dog - Tower Theatre 11/5/16
Eh, I can't find it. I think it was something that would indicate a 3 or 4 seed. Not a 5-12 matchup with Cornell.
I remember in 2000 the Owls had built up some points with the committee and got a 2 seed. Then blew it with a loss to #10 Seton Hall. Guess this has nothing to do with the Big East, huh?
Spectrum 10/27/09; New Orleans JazzFest 5/1/10; Made in America 9/2/12; Phila, PA 10/21/13; Phila, PA 10/22/13; Baltimore Arena 10/27/13; Phila, PA 4/28/16; Phila, PA 4/29/16; Fenway Park 8/7/16; Fenway Park 9/2/18; Asbury Park 9/18/21; Camden 9/14/22; Las Vegas 5/16/24; Las Vegas 5/18/24; Phila, PA 9/7/24; Phila, PA 9/9/24; Baltimore Arena 9/12/24
Tres Mtns - TLA 3/23/11; EV - Tower Theatre 6/25/11; Temple of the Dog - Tower Theatre 11/5/16
Eh, I can't find it. I think it was something that would indicate a 3 or 4 seed. Not a 5-12 matchup with Cornell.
I remember in 2000 the Owls had built up some points with the committee and got a 2 seed. Then blew it with a loss to #10 Seton Hall. Guess this has nothing to do with the Big East, huh?
they gotta start playing some other big east team. seton hall stinks
I know it's not Big East related, but I couldn't find a college hoops thread.
Anyway, I was watching oregon/usc last night. Oregon opened a new building. Their court is the ugliest thing I have ever seen.
yes it's horrible and there is barely a half-court line. opening tap and the refs missed and over and back because there is no line. but of course oregon's cheerleaders and dance teams are smoking hot so it's worth watching that ridiculous court.
I know it's not Big East related, but I couldn't find a college hoops thread.
Anyway, I was watching oregon/usc last night. Oregon opened a new building. Their court is the ugliest thing I have ever seen.
yes it's horrible and there is barely a half-court line. opening tap and the refs missed and over and back because there is no line.
yeah, I saw that. On TV it didn't look like there was a center court line at all. Just hideous.
The Ducks plus 6 were a lock. Conference action in college sports is easy money boys. Drexel and Minnesota were winners for me as well. Gotta like 3 for 3 nights.
I know it's not Big East related, but I couldn't find a college hoops thread.
Anyway, I was watching oregon/usc last night. Oregon opened a new building. Their court is the ugliest thing I have ever seen.
yes it's horrible and there is barely a half-court line. opening tap and the refs missed and over and back because there is no line. but of course oregon's cheerleaders and dance teams are smoking hot so it's worth watching that ridiculous court.
oh my god---i saw pictures of that somewhere about a month ago. what a disgrace. the article i was reading was saying this is the future and more teams will try out shit like this.
i'm old school. give me the boston garden's court or the old spectrum court. you don't need anything fancy.
Shows: 6.27.08 Hartford, CT/5.15.10 Hartford, CT/6.18.2011 Hartford, CT (EV Solo)/10.19.13 Brooklyn/10.25.13 Hartford
"Becoming a Bruce fan is like hitting puberty as a musical fan. It's inevitable." - dcfaithful
Shows: 6.27.08 Hartford, CT/5.15.10 Hartford, CT/6.18.2011 Hartford, CT (EV Solo)/10.19.13 Brooklyn/10.25.13 Hartford
"Becoming a Bruce fan is like hitting puberty as a musical fan. It's inevitable." - dcfaithful
i work 1-10 on mondays so this actually works out. i'm planning on taking an early dinner break at the local watering hole for the 2nd half. west coast borrowers will have to deal with a slightly tipsy jeagler on the phone later that night. :thumbup: go nova.
Shows: 6.27.08 Hartford, CT/5.15.10 Hartford, CT/6.18.2011 Hartford, CT (EV Solo)/10.19.13 Brooklyn/10.25.13 Hartford
"Becoming a Bruce fan is like hitting puberty as a musical fan. It's inevitable." - dcfaithful
Comments
"Becoming a Bruce fan is like hitting puberty as a musical fan. It's inevitable." - dcfaithful
"Becoming a Bruce fan is like hitting puberty as a musical fan. It's inevitable." - dcfaithful
pitt took it by 3. providence is even decent this year.
wouldn't be surprised if 12-6 wins the conference this year. these teams are gonna beat the living hell out of each other every night until march.
8 teams in rpi top 25 right now...
Why the Big East is such a beast January, 5, 2011Jan 58:02AM
By Fran Fraschilla
Those who say that familiarity breeds contempt must be thinking of the old days in the Big East when all eight teams saw each other twice during the regular season and once more in the Big East tournament.
The competitiveness of eventual Hall of Fame coaches, the proximity of the schools to each other, players who grew up playing against each other every summer and during high school seasons up and down the East Coast, and television created rivalries that are still a large part of the college basketball landscape. And the byproduct was a conference full of teams that were ready for anything the NCAA Tournament threw at them in March.
Tradition, however, went out the window with conference expansion. While the league may be as competitive as it has ever been and still has its share of Hall of Fame coaches, there has been a different dynamic since the Big East expanded to 16 teams. Ten Big East teams currently reside in kenpom.com's Top 40, so it's a given that almost every game will be hand-to-hand combat.
But what makes the league more unique to coach in than any in college basketball is the preparation that is necessary to compete against 15 different opponents and styles of play over an 18-game schedule. With usually only a day or two to prepare, teams in the Big East must be ready for a diversity of man-to-man, zone and pressure defenses and will have to defend a variety of offenses, from NBA-oriented pick-and-roll to set-play to motion, run by opponents that play at completely different tempos.
A huge part of coaching is problem solving, and that starts long before the regular season ever gets under way. Hubie Brown used to tell high school and college coaches at clinics to prepare the most in preseason practice for the three toughest teams in their conference. That is problematic in the Big East because there are so many quality teams on the schedule. But you have to start somewhere.
For me, it would be in the preseason practices and nonconference games, where there is time to work on the offenses and defenses that could cause the most trouble when conference play comes around. It makes sense, for example, to create a solid game plan in practices in October and November to attack the three opponents that we would see twice in round-robin play. Then would come the preparation for teams whose styles would cause us to spend the most practice time getting ready for them.
In my second year at Saint John's, it was apparent that we were not going to be a great outside shooting team and that we would see heavy doses of zone during conference play. So, as a point of emphasis for our team, it was the first thing we worked on offensively on the first day of practice in October. We had to look that far ahead.
Another way to prepare a team for conference play is to put together a nonconference schedule that, in some way, mirrors the competitiveness of what the Big East schedule entails -- and, as importantly, it needs to mirror the many styles of play to be encountered when conference action starts in late December.
Getty Images
Mike Brey set up his non-conference scheduling so as to prep the Irish for what was to come.
Notre Dame coach Mike Brey called consecutive December games versus Kentucky in Louisville and at home versus Gonzaga "Big East Week" because the two opponents were Big East-caliber teams. Each provided the Irish a different challenge.
The Irish defeated Wisconsin in a slow-tempo game in the Old Spice Classic championship game. While no one in the Big East plays at the Badgers' Division I-low 59-possession rate, the game provided Brey's team with the opportunity to play a quality opponent with the type of defensive patience needed to win a close game later in the season.
Georgetown has the tough assignment of preparing for Syracuse's 2-3 zone defense twice every season. A game plan for attacking this zone must be formulated long before the Hoyas meet the Orange for the first time on Feb. 9. The athleticism, size and experience of coach Jim Boeheim's players in this defense make it as dangerous as an Anaconda snake. And, because this rivalry game usually has huge implications at the top of the Big East, waiting to prepare for the zone in the couple of days before they play would be foolish.
Equally challenging -- but a completely different defense because of its unique slides -- is West Virginia coach Bob Huggins' 1-3-1 zone. It is a defense that cost Kentucky a trip to the 2010 Final Four. Like hitting a knuckleball, it's not something you see often during a season, but you had better have a plan for it when you see it.
Despite the fact that DePaul is in rebuilding mode, new coach Oliver Purnell has implemented a 40-minute, full-court pressing style that has been successful at four other programs. While the talent level is down at DePaul, its opponents are playing with fire if they don't prepare for the relentless trapping they will see from the Blue Demons. A late-season loss to Purnell's club could be a postseason crusher.
Offensively, the challenges are identical and endless. Teams in the Big East will see the Princeton-inspired Hoyas offense of ball movement, reads and backdoor cuts one night and the driving, attacking style of Marquette two nights later. UConn and Kemba Walker will try to push the pace on you, while coach Jamie Dixon's Pittsburgh Panthers will grind you with their relentless attack in half-court sets and on the offensive glass. Notre Dame will screen and screen and screen until Tim Abromaitis gets an open 3-point shot.
Playing against so many different quality opponents and styles, however, is certainly distinctive to the Big East and does help its teams prepare for the postseason even if this doesn't always guarantee postseason success.
For much of last season's Big East schedule, the Syracuse zone was nearly impenetrable as Boeheim's team went 15-3 in conference play. However, Louisville came up with a successful formula of effectively running its offense through Jared Swopshire in the high post. His passing helped the Cardinals carve up the Orange defense twice during conference play, including in the last Louisville game played at Freedom Hall in the regular-season finale.
One week later, Georgetown and Greg Monroe used the same formula to knock off Syracuse in the Big East tournament 91-84; earlier in the season, scoring 91 points on the Orange seemed improbable.
Getting through any conference's regular-season schedule is a grind. Every quality league has great players and coaches, and every team during the course of conference play will have a "murderer's row" stretch of games. And teams know each other far better in conference play. Those are givens. Travel, inevitable injuries and tough losses will always be a part of the adversity quotient, as well. Winning is a relief and losing is 48 to 72 hours of misery.
Playing against so many different quality opponents and styles, however, is certainly distinctive to the Big East and does help its teams prepare for the postseason even if this doesn't always guarantee postseason success. Even in Butler's Sweet 16 win over Syracuse, solving the zone was problematic for the Bulldogs. With only one day to prepare, they shot 6-of-24 from behind the arc.
There are many who think that playing the Big East schedule is great preparation for success in the NCAA tournament, and I agree. The proof is in the league's overall postseason success. However, if you don't adequately prepare to play the Big East schedule, there likely will be no NCAA tournament to prepare for.
dude is shooting lights out.
Can I get a winner??
i can't wait for nova/louisville tonight. do you know what the line is?
-4 & 148.5
That's a good one. I'll be at Temple-St. Bonaventure. :roll:
Phila, PA 4/28/16; Phila, PA 4/29/16; Fenway Park 8/7/16; Fenway Park 9/2/18; Asbury Park 9/18/21; Camden 9/14/22;
Las Vegas 5/16/24; Las Vegas 5/18/24; Phila, PA 9/7/24; Phila, PA 9/9/24; Baltimore Arena 9/12/24
Tres Mtns - TLA 3/23/11; EV - Tower Theatre 6/25/11; Temple of the Dog - Tower Theatre 11/5/16
Albany 2006 Camden 2006 E. Rutherford 2, 2006 Inglewood 2006,
Chicago 2007
Camden 2008 MSG 2008 MSG 2008 Hartford 2008.
Seattle 2009 Seattle 2009 Philadelphia 2009,Philadelphia 2009 Philadelphia 2009
Hartford 2010 MSG 2010 MSG 2010
Toronto 2011,Toronto 2011
Wrigley Field 2013 Brooklyn 2013 Brooklyn 2013 Philadelphia 2, 2013
Philadelphia 1, 2016 Philadelphia 2 2016 New York 2016 New York 2016 Fenway 1, 2016
Fenway 2, 2018
MSG 2022
St. Paul, 1, St. Paul 2 2023
MSG 2024, MSG 2024
Philadelphia 2024
"I play good, hard-nosed basketball.
Things happen in the game. Nothing you
can do. I don't go and say,
"I'm gonna beat this guy up."
sounds about right...
this team is so much fun to watch...
Yeah, man. They are an exciting team. Been half paying attention, half working but they are definitely looking impressive.
they look damn good.
g town looks like they've been exposed to be a bit overrated early on though.
Damn. This will beat up Temple's RPI. Oh well, they just ignored it last year anyway. :evil:
Phila, PA 4/28/16; Phila, PA 4/29/16; Fenway Park 8/7/16; Fenway Park 9/2/18; Asbury Park 9/18/21; Camden 9/14/22;
Las Vegas 5/16/24; Las Vegas 5/18/24; Phila, PA 9/7/24; Phila, PA 9/9/24; Baltimore Arena 9/12/24
Tres Mtns - TLA 3/23/11; EV - Tower Theatre 6/25/11; Temple of the Dog - Tower Theatre 11/5/16
what was temple's rpi last year?
Eh, I can't find it. I think it was something that would indicate a 3 or 4 seed. Not a 5-12 matchup with Cornell.
I remember in 2000 the Owls had built up some points with the committee and got a 2 seed. Then blew it with a loss to #10 Seton Hall. Guess this has nothing to do with the Big East, huh?
Phila, PA 4/28/16; Phila, PA 4/29/16; Fenway Park 8/7/16; Fenway Park 9/2/18; Asbury Park 9/18/21; Camden 9/14/22;
Las Vegas 5/16/24; Las Vegas 5/18/24; Phila, PA 9/7/24; Phila, PA 9/9/24; Baltimore Arena 9/12/24
Tres Mtns - TLA 3/23/11; EV - Tower Theatre 6/25/11; Temple of the Dog - Tower Theatre 11/5/16
they gotta start playing some other big east team. seton hall stinks
Anyway, I was watching oregon/usc last night. Oregon opened a new building. Their court is the ugliest thing I have ever seen.
yes it's horrible and there is barely a half-court line. opening tap and the refs missed and over and back because there is no line. but of course oregon's cheerleaders and dance teams are smoking hot so it's worth watching that ridiculous court.
yeah, I saw that. On TV it didn't look like there was a center court line at all. Just hideous.
The Ducks plus 6 were a lock. Conference action in college sports is easy money boys. Drexel and Minnesota were winners for me as well. Gotta like 3 for 3 nights.
oh my god---i saw pictures of that somewhere about a month ago. what a disgrace. the article i was reading was saying this is the future and more teams will try out shit like this.
i'm old school. give me the boston garden's court or the old spectrum court. you don't need anything fancy.
"Becoming a Bruce fan is like hitting puberty as a musical fan. It's inevitable." - dcfaithful
...stupid 3:30 start though...
"Becoming a Bruce fan is like hitting puberty as a musical fan. It's inevitable." - dcfaithful
i know. still stupid.
i work 1-10 on mondays so this actually works out. i'm planning on taking an early dinner break at the local watering hole for the 2nd half. west coast borrowers will have to deal with a slightly tipsy jeagler on the phone later that night. :thumbup: go nova.
I would've thought you had MLK off.
Go Huskies!
"Becoming a Bruce fan is like hitting puberty as a musical fan. It's inevitable." - dcfaithful