1/3 of the way through the season, and we’ve got surprises, some disappointments, but mostly, the usual and expected chaos. I don’t see a National Championship contender in the mix this year, and I won’t be surprised if we don’t get a team in the Final Four, but there’s still a lot of time, and much room for improvement. Last year at this time, we wouldn’t have considered Georgetown a Final Four team either. And all the parody does mean one great thing, it’s going to be a hell of a tournament at MSG in March (but really, when is it ever not?).

1. Georgetown - Despite all the chaos, they’re in first by themselves. They’re the standard of consistency, not a great team, but they’ll give you the game you expect them to. Yes Dennis Green, they are who you thought they were. But you let ‘em off the hook!!

2. Pitt - This is the most overachieving team this season. I don’t care about DePaul and Cincinnati, does Pitt have anyone left uninjured? Jamie Dixon needs to win coach of the year this season. I do think they’ll slide down the standings a bit in February, but they still have had a great start. At this rate, Pitt will lose in the Big East Final, and then go out in the Sweet 16.

3. West Virginia - They’re having a nice year this year, but have two monster home games coming up, and then two tough ones on the road. If they can split or better their next four, they’ll be great shape for a good stretch run and a shot at the NCAAs.

4. Louisville - Still my pick to win the BE Tournament and to go the farthest of any of our teams in the NCAAs. I couldn’t believe it when they lost to Seton Hall. Actually, I don’t think anyone could. Give Pitino another month, this team will be dynamite.

5. DePaul - Wow. Most didn’t think they’d win four all year. We’ll get to see how good this team really is over the next two weeks. Marquette, Cuse, ND and PC make up the next four games, and if DePaul is still in the top half after that, then they’ve convince me that they’re for real.

6. Notre Dame - If they could only play all their games home……just think of the possibilities. They play like champions at home, and get shelled on the road. Because of this total inconsistency, I really don’t know what to think of the Irish. Are they any good? Clearly a maybe.

7. Providence - Their best days are ahead of them (wait, checking the score). OK, they’re up by 10 early and looking good tonight. I think the Friars have a shot at finishing in the top 4 in this conference. It’s more likely that they’ll be a little lower, but this is a pretty good team, watch out for the Friars in March.

8. UConn - Sung to the tune of If I Only Had a Brain from the Wizard of Oz
Wiggins, Price and Dyson,
would be so enticin’,
if they could only shoot a three,
(ba-da ba-da-ba-da-ba)

The Huskies wouldn’t be mediocre,
if they didn’t shoot like Al Roker,
if they could only shoot a three.

9. Cincinnati - Deonta Vaughn has been the best player in the league so far. The Bearcats have absolutely been impressive. They’ve got four wins against L’ville, Cuse, Nova and Pitt. Not exactly lightweights there. The weak part of their schedule is ahead of them, and the future is bright for this team.

10. Marquette - The Golden Eagles have been pretty disappointing so far. James being injured doesn’t help. For three years now we’ve been comparing this team to that ‘06 Villanova team. The main difference, Villanova’s ‘06 guards would wipe the floor with Marquette’s ‘08 guards.

11. Villanova - Fast forward a month. ESPN experts will be wondering what happened to the Wildcats, how they fell so far this year as they sit in 12th place in the Big East. But we’ve been telling you this since November, Villanova is overrated. They’re a good team, but not anywhere close to a top 25 team. Next year, the Wildcats will be much, much better, and a serious player in the Big East. Next year.

12. Syracuse - With a young team and an imposing upcoming schedule, things don’t look too good for the Orange. I love watching this team, and they have a ton of talent, but they’re going to have a rough rest of the year, much like last year’s UConn team. Hopefully, they’ll make the Big East tournament, it wouldn’t be the same without them (unless you’re a UConn fan, and don’t want to see your Huskies bounced by the Orange….again).

13. Seton Hall - Hazel is a great, great player. Past that, Seton Hall doesn’t have much. I still can’t believe they beat Louisville. How did that happen again?

14. St. John’s - The Red Storm have had a bad start. Their next two games are against Louisville and Georgetown. Good luck with that.

15. USF - I thought they might make a run at finishing in the top 12 this year. It doesn’t look like that is going to happen.

16. Rutgers - It looked like the Knights had no hope until they beat down Villanova. Perhaps they can keep the good times rolling in Jersey.

Categories: Commentary