(12-05-2024 12:51 PM)Nameless Wrote:  

(12-05-2024 10:34 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  So far, the Big East has given a highly respectable showing vs. the Big 12. Congrats to the winners.

DePaul finally played a legit team and that exposed some Blue Demon flaws. But DU is improved over last year's squad. Georgetown is too. Tremendous win for Creighton.

And congrats to UConn. Hurely (apparently) was under control from the six minutes or so I watched.

Hurley was much more under control last night, but we also benefitted from the home whistle. It also helped to have Calhoun there sitting an official down next to him at half time and talking to him, lol.

Did you watch the DePaul game? I know you said TT exposed some of their flaws. What do you think those flaws are? Haven't had a chance to watch them at all this year and provide my own assessment

I didn't watch much of the DePaul game but from what I saw:

Texas Tech's players, collectively and compared to the Blue Demon players, are a bit faster and quicker, and can jump a bit higher. TTU simply has better "raw athleticism" than DePaul. Texas Tech was quicker to the ball and was better able to minimize fouling (10 fouls to DePaul's 18) thanks to the athleticism. The Tech quickness, in large part, helped the Red Raiders total 11 steals (to DePaul's three).

In short, Tech was able to expose DePaul's flaws — unlike previous (and lesser quality) Blue Demon foes were able to earlier this season.

On a positive note, DePaul was down 17-2 at the 13:55 mark of the first half — yet trailed only 38-37 at the half. The Blue Demons showed fight and determination. Previous DU teams would have wilted trailing 17-2 and lost the game by 30 to 35.

A 13-point loss is not what I was hoping for (I actually thought going into the game that DePaul might lose by no more than five to seven points). But progress is being made. I remain encouraged.

(12-05-2024 07:46 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(12-05-2024 12:51 PM)Nameless Wrote:  

(12-05-2024 10:34 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  So far, the Big East has given a highly respectable showing vs. the Big 12. Congrats to the winners.

DePaul finally played a legit team and that exposed some Blue Demon flaws. But DU is improved over last year's squad. Georgetown is too. Tremendous win for Creighton.

And congrats to UConn. Hurely (apparently) was under control from the six minutes or so I watched.

Hurley was much more under control last night, but we also benefitted from the home whistle. It also helped to have Calhoun there sitting an official down next to him at half time and talking to him, lol.

Did you watch the DePaul game? I know you said TT exposed some of their flaws. What do you think those flaws are? Haven't had a chance to watch them at all this year and provide my own assessment

I didn't watch much of the DePaul game but from what I saw:

Texas Tech's players, collectively and compared to the Blue Demon players, are a bit faster and quicker, and can jump a bit higher. TTU simply has better "raw athleticism" than DePaul. Texas Tech was quicker to the ball and was better able to minimize fouling (10 fouls to DePaul's 18) thanks to the athleticism. The Tech quickness, in large part, helped the Red Raiders total 11 steals (to DePaul's three).

In short, Tech was able to expose DePaul's flaws — unlike previous (and lesser quality) Blue Demon foes were able to earlier this season.

On a positive note, DePaul was down 17-2 at the 13:55 mark of the first half — yet trailed only 38-37 at the half. The Blue Demons showed fight and determination. Previous DU teams would have wilted trailing 17-2 and lost the game by 30 to 35.

A 13-point loss is not what I was hoping for (I actually thought going into the game that DePaul might lose by no more than five to seven points). But progress is being made. I remain encouraged.

It's tough for a team to overcome a substantial deficit in athleticism. The fact they were able to battle all the way back in the first is impressive, as you noted.

If they were outmatched athletically by TT, the same will probably be true most nights in the Big East. Hopefully, the grind doesn't wear them down too much, they're able to keep playing with that grit and determination and they win some games. Much easier to keep that level of focus when a team is doing well vs when they have been losing.

I'm confident they will. Holtmann has them moving in the right direction

Isaacs out for the season... HUGE blow to Creighton. Really hope he gets better, didn't realize this hip thing has been a lingering issue.

Never had an MRI done, but was told when I was 14 I had torn both hip flexors. Needed weeks of physical therapy, some anti inflammatory drugs, etc, and it never fully healed. I remember having my buddy's dad tell me on the way home from basketball practice like 6 months later he had done the same thing playing hockey, and it was one of those injuries that "never fully heals." Hopefully that's not the case for Pop!

(12-06-2024 08:33 AM)Nameless Wrote:  

(12-05-2024 07:46 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(12-05-2024 12:51 PM)Nameless Wrote:  

(12-05-2024 10:34 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  So far, the Big East has given a highly respectable showing vs. the Big 12. Congrats to the winners.

DePaul finally played a legit team and that exposed some Blue Demon flaws. But DU is improved over last year's squad. Georgetown is too. Tremendous win for Creighton.

And congrats to UConn. Hurely (apparently) was under control from the six minutes or so I watched.

Hurley was much more under control last night, but we also benefitted from the home whistle. It also helped to have Calhoun there sitting an official down next to him at half time and talking to him, lol.

Did you watch the DePaul game? I know you said TT exposed some of their flaws. What do you think those flaws are? Haven't had a chance to watch them at all this year and provide my own assessment

I didn't watch much of the DePaul game but from what I saw:

Texas Tech's players, collectively and compared to the Blue Demon players, are a bit faster and quicker, and can jump a bit higher. TTU simply has better "raw athleticism" than DePaul. Texas Tech was quicker to the ball and was better able to minimize fouling (10 fouls to DePaul's 18) thanks to the athleticism. The Tech quickness, in large part, helped the Red Raiders total 11 steals (to DePaul's three).

In short, Tech was able to expose DePaul's flaws — unlike previous (and lesser quality) Blue Demon foes were able to earlier this season.

On a positive note, DePaul was down 17-2 at the 13:55 mark of the first half — yet trailed only 38-37 at the half. The Blue Demons showed fight and determination. Previous DU teams would have wilted trailing 17-2 and lost the game by 30 to 35.

A 13-point loss is not what I was hoping for (I actually thought going into the game that DePaul might lose by no more than five to seven points). But progress is being made. I remain encouraged.

It's tough for a team to overcome a substantial deficit in athleticism. The fact they were able to battle all the way back in the first is impressive, as you noted.

If they were outmatched athletically by TT, the same will probably be true most nights in the Big East. Hopefully, the grind doesn't wear them down too much, they're able to keep playing with that grit and determination and they win some games. Much easier to keep that level of focus when a team is doing well vs when they have been losing.

I'm confident they will. Holtmann has them moving in the right direction

Teams can counter a foe with superior athleticism with depth (which DePaul has), experience (DU has that, too) and smart play (which Holtmann seemingly is instilling). DePaul will need a few more games against teams with Texas Tech's level of athleticism to adjust. I'm hoping that after about six games into the Big East slate, the Blue Demons will be very competitive.

(12-07-2024 02:29 PM)Nameless Wrote:  Isaacs out for the season... HUGE blow to Creighton. Really hope he gets better, didn't realize this hip thing has been a lingering issue.

Never had an MRI done, but was told when I was 14 I had torn both hip flexors. Needed weeks of physical therapy, some anti inflammatory drugs, etc, and it never fully healed. I remember having my buddy's dad tell me on the way home from basketball practice like 6 months later he had done the same thing playing hockey, and it was one of those injuries that "never fully heals." Hopefully that's not the case for Pop!

A huge blow to Creighton — and potentially a setback for the Big East (if CU loses lots of games due to his absence). Creighton has suffered some bad luck with injuries this year.

(12-07-2024 02:37 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(12-07-2024 02:29 PM)Nameless Wrote:  Isaacs out for the season... HUGE blow to Creighton. Really hope he gets better, didn't realize this hip thing has been a lingering issue.

Never had an MRI done, but was told when I was 14 I had torn both hip flexors. Needed weeks of physical therapy, some anti inflammatory drugs, etc, and it never fully healed. I remember having my buddy's dad tell me on the way home from basketball practice like 6 months later he had done the same thing playing hockey, and it was one of those injuries that "never fully heals." Hopefully that's not the case for Pop!

A huge blow to Creighton — and potentially a setback for the Big East (if CU loses lots of games due to his absence). Creighton has suffered some bad luck with injuries this year.

Agreed... At least he did his thing against Kansas and helped them pick up a big W before his season was ended!

(12-07-2024 02:43 PM)Nameless Wrote:  

(12-07-2024 02:37 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(12-07-2024 02:29 PM)Nameless Wrote:  Isaacs out for the season... HUGE blow to Creighton. Really hope he gets better, didn't realize this hip thing has been a lingering issue.

Never had an MRI done, but was told when I was 14 I had torn both hip flexors. Needed weeks of physical therapy, some anti inflammatory drugs, etc, and it never fully healed. I remember having my buddy's dad tell me on the way home from basketball practice like 6 months later he had done the same thing playing hockey, and it was one of those injuries that "never fully heals." Hopefully that's not the case for Pop!

A huge blow to Creighton — and potentially a setback for the Big East (if CU loses lots of games due to his absence). Creighton has suffered some bad luck with injuries this year.

Agreed... At least he did his thing against Kansas and helped them pick up a big W before his season was ended!

That win was likely the best victory for a Big East team this season. Fantastic effort by CU.

(12-03-2024 02:47 PM)Nameless Wrote:  

(12-03-2024 08:51 AM)stever20 Wrote:  So tonight starts a stretch that will really make or break the conference this year IMO.

Tue-
Cincinnati @ Villanova
BYU @ Providence
Wed-
Baylor @ UConn
Marquette @ Iowa St
Kansas @ Creighton
DePaul @ Texas Tech
Thu-
Xavier @ TCU
Fri-
Georgetown@ West Virginia
Sat-
Kansas St @ St John's
Providence @ Rhode Island
Wisconsin @ Marquette
UNLV @ Creighton
Butler @ Houston
Sun-
Oklahoma St @ Seton Hall
UConn @ Texas

15 games. Only projected in Ken Pom to go 5-10 in those 15 games.

Bolded my projected outcomes. I have us at 8-7, but I fully acknowledge I have the rose colored glasses on a bit here.

I don't think Villanova and Providence have a chance against Cincy and BYU, respectively.

I think we will regroup and beat a Baylor team I've seen Big XII fans call overrated at home. Marquette Iowa State is a tossup to me, so I took the good guys in that one. But wouldn't be shocked if they take the L. The way Creighton has played, I think Kansas takes that one fairly easily. Although I have no idea what Ashworth's availability will be for that game, could have an impact on the outcome if he plays. Can easily see DePaul losing too, but they haven't lost yet and I have faith in Holtmann. I'll admit I picked DePaul here because I want them to win more than I expect them to.

I think X will beat TCU. They want to get back in the AP Poll and winning that game is a great way to do so.

I think WVU takes Georgetown at home, but WVU has had kind of a mixed season so far. Couple ranked wins, mixed with a loss to UofL and being blown out by Pitt. Could see Georgetown with the upset, but don't have faith in picking them until they win one of these.

Think SJU handles business at home, and gets a much needed win against K State. I'm actually not the confident Providence beats URI, but I have faith they win a game they should win. Think Marquette beats Wisconsin at home, but even though I've picked them to beat both Wisconsin and Iowa State, my gut tells me they will drop one of them. If they win both, they'll be in great shape to carry the league this year. Think Creighton beats UNLV, and UH handles Butler at home to wrap up the Saturday slate.

Think we drop both Sunday games. I just don't think Seton Hall is very good this year, and honestly I don't have confidence this UConn team can beat a good team on the road. At least not until they put it all together, which they haven't shown they are capable of yet.

Will take 8-7 over 5-10, but hopefully we surprise everyone and go at least 10-5

We got 8-7!

(12-08-2024 08:15 PM)pjm.2021 Wrote:  

(12-03-2024 02:47 PM)Nameless Wrote:  

(12-03-2024 08:51 AM)stever20 Wrote:  So tonight starts a stretch that will really make or break the conference this year IMO.

Tue-
Cincinnati @ Villanova
BYU @ Providence
Wed-
Baylor @ UConn
Marquette @ Iowa St
Kansas @ Creighton
DePaul @ Texas Tech
Thu-
Xavier @ TCU
Fri-
Georgetown@ West Virginia
Sat-
Kansas St @ St John's
Providence @ Rhode Island
Wisconsin @ Marquette
UNLV @ Creighton
Butler @ Houston
Sun-
Oklahoma St @ Seton Hall
UConn @ Texas

15 games. Only projected in Ken Pom to go 5-10 in those 15 games.

Bolded my projected outcomes. I have us at 8-7, but I fully acknowledge I have the rose colored glasses on a bit here.

I don't think Villanova and Providence have a chance against Cincy and BYU, respectively.

I think we will regroup and beat a Baylor team I've seen Big XII fans call overrated at home. Marquette Iowa State is a tossup to me, so I took the good guys in that one. But wouldn't be shocked if they take the L. The way Creighton has played, I think Kansas takes that one fairly easily. Although I have no idea what Ashworth's availability will be for that game, could have an impact on the outcome if he plays. Can easily see DePaul losing too, but they haven't lost yet and I have faith in Holtmann. I'll admit I picked DePaul here because I want them to win more than I expect them to.

I think X will beat TCU. They want to get back in the AP Poll and winning that game is a great way to do so.

I think WVU takes Georgetown at home, but WVU has had kind of a mixed season so far. Couple ranked wins, mixed with a loss to UofL and being blown out by Pitt. Could see Georgetown with the upset, but don't have faith in picking them until they win one of these.

Think SJU handles business at home, and gets a much needed win against K State. I'm actually not the confident Providence beats URI, but I have faith they win a game they should win. Think Marquette beats Wisconsin at home, but even though I've picked them to beat both Wisconsin and Iowa State, my gut tells me they will drop one of them. If they win both, they'll be in great shape to carry the league this year. Think Creighton beats UNLV, and UH handles Butler at home to wrap up the Saturday slate.

Think we drop both Sunday games. I just don't think Seton Hall is very good this year, and honestly I don't have confidence this UConn team can beat a good team on the road. At least not until they put it all together, which they haven't shown they are capable of yet.

Will take 8-7 over 5-10, but hopefully we surprise everyone and go at least 10-5

We got 8-7!

Yep! I was way off as to how we would get there, but we still pulled it off! Lol

Some HUGE games for the league today:

-Xavier @ #22 Cincy in one of my favorite rivalry games

-#20 Wisconsin @ Butler

-#6 Marquette @ Dayton (I was shocked to check the betting lines on this last night and see neither team was really favored)

-#8 Gonzaga VS #18 UConn at MSG (we really need this win to have a good OOC resume heading into league play)

-Creighton @ #7 Alabama

I feel like we go 2-3 here, but would love to see at least 3-2.

Some other notable games I'm quite interested in:

WSU @ DePaul - DePaul still looking for a win against a top 100 NET team, think this is a really balanced matchup. Both are schools with some nice hoops history that have had some down seasons recently, and both are having solid starts to their season. This game could end up as one of the winner's best wins of the season, regardless of who wins.

SBU vs Providence (believe this is a N game, not an @). But PC has been up and down this season, picking up a W over a 9-1 A-10 team would be great for them and the league

Seton Hall @ Rutgers. Rivalry game, Seton Hall hasn't played well so far this year, and Rutgers is performing way below expectations with the class they brought in. But this is always an entertaining game, and would love to see SH get a nice W on their resume

And of course... Last but certainly not least.... Georgetown @ Syracuse! Nice old school Big East rivalry game between two programs trying to climb back up. I would normally say this is a huge game but neither program tracking for a tournament bid thus far kind of takes away from the allure a bit. Still always a fun game and a chance for Georgetown to get a nice W!

I could see the league going 0-4 here, but I actually think the end result of this group of games is 2-2. So I'm predicting 4-5 for the weekend slate, but again, would love to see at least 5-4. But, regardless of outcome, this has to be one of, if not the most entertaining Saturday slate for games the league will have this season. Can't wait to watch a bit!

Hoya Saxa!!!

Congrats to Nameless' Huskies, who spared the Big East from having a bad day with a big win over a strong Gonzaga squad. The league went 3-6 with UConn, Georgetown and DePaul winning. To be fair, the BE teams collectively played nine very good teams.

DePaul comfortably handled a quality Wichita State team. Nice bouce-back game for the Blue Demons after the loss to Texas Tech.

Georgetown continues to show noticeable improvement compared to last year's Hoya team. Very encouraging.

Stever20 might want to weight in on this. Current NET ranking has only three BE teams (Marquette, UConn and St. John's) in the Top 65 (Creighton is next at No. 67). Seton Hall ranked a lowly No. 182 in the NET. Hard to fathom.

(12-15-2024 09:21 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  Congrats to Nameless' Huskies, who spared the Big East from having a bad day with a big win over a strong Gonzaga squad. The league went 3-6 with UConn, Georgetown and DePaul winning. To be fair, the BE teams collectively played nine very good teams.

DePaul comfortably handled a quality Wichita State team. Nice bouce-back game for the Blue Demons after the loss to Texas Tech.

Georgetown continues to show noticeable improvement compared to last year's Hoya team. Very encouraging.

Stever20 might want to weight in on this. Current NET ranking has only three BE teams (Marquette, UConn and St. John's) in the Top 65 (Creighton is next at No. 67). Seton Hall ranked a lowly No. 182 in the NET. Hard to fathom.

Was happy to see DePaul really pull away in that one. I know it was close for at least half the game. Big win that really shows the team is heading in the right direction... I see no way they finish in the cellar of the Big East this year. I wouldn't bank on them finishing higher than 9th (despite this being an objectively down year for the league, it is still a very strong league) but could see them finishing as high as 7th, if the parody in the league is as real as it seems to be at this point in the season.

As far as the NET rankings, I think it seems fair. I wouldn't say one team in the league has had an incredible start, whereas each of the last 2 years, one team if not multiple had very strong OOC performances. Seton Hall has beaten some solid teams (VCU, FAU) but is still only 5-6. I would have them 175-200 so 182 seems quite reasonable. The good news, with UConn's win over Gonzaga, we now have 2 teams basically inside the top 10 (Marquette #9, UConn #11) which will provide NET/resume boosting opportunities for the league throughout league play. I would also love stever's take on this!

I was incredibly happy with the team's performance against Gonzaga. Nembhard is such a savvy vet, and Battle was playing out of his mind, yet we still controlled that game. Even with Samson playing only 6 minutes due to injury. A few things I really liked seeing in that game:

-Singare provided decent minutes off the bench. Could tell he had the jitters for the first minute, and was looking to do nothing offensively but set screens and rebound (he had a wide open look off an offensive board where he didn't even look at the hoop, just kicked it out for 3) but he settled in and gave us solid defense and rebounding for about 5 minutes in a close game. With the foul trouble and potential for Samson to miss time, we will need him to develop.
- Stewart and Ross are starting to figure out their roles on this team. Ross wasn't expected to be in the rotation this off-season, but did so well over the summer Hurley said he looked like our best player at times. With the minutes being wide open on this team, I think that put some pressure on him to prove himself and he seemed tense while on the court at times. He seems to be settling into a lesser role, allowing his confidence to grow. If we get 10-15 minutes a night of good defense and smart offense (playing within the system) he will be a huge boon to us. Stewart seemed to be the opposite. He was expected to have a huge role, lost minutes to Ross, and his confidence seemed to falter. But his swagger is coming back, hes shooting with confidence and making big plays. We can get 10pts/game off the bench from him this year, and if we do, that is another huge boon.
-Diarra playing like a veteran leader. As soon as Singare got in the game, Diarra started flying all over the court on the defensive end, sensing his help defense was needed to help his young teammate settle in. He was in attack mode on both ends of the floor, and when Hassan plays like that, he's a very good point guard. Loved seeing that out of him.


This got much more wordy than I anticipated! In short, I'm seeing the growth and development with this team already, and they're getting their swag back. If this upward trajectory continues, look out come March.

(12-14-2024 04:53 PM)VCE Wrote:  Hoya Saxa!!!

Congrats on the win over an old rival! Cooley, like Holtmann, has the team heading in the right direction

(12-15-2024 11:11 AM)Nameless Wrote:  

(12-15-2024 09:21 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  Congrats to Nameless' Huskies, who spared the Big East from having a bad day with a big win over a strong Gonzaga squad. The league went 3-6 with UConn, Georgetown and DePaul winning. To be fair, the BE teams collectively played nine very good teams.

DePaul comfortably handled a quality Wichita State team. Nice bouce-back game for the Blue Demons after the loss to Texas Tech.

Georgetown continues to show noticeable improvement compared to last year's Hoya team. Very encouraging.

Stever20 might want to weight in on this. Current NET ranking has only three BE teams (Marquette, UConn and St. John's) in the Top 65 (Creighton is next at No. 67). Seton Hall ranked a lowly No. 182 in the NET. Hard to fathom.

Was happy to see DePaul really pull away in that one. I know it was close for at least half the game. Big win that really shows the team is heading in the right direction... I see no way they finish in the cellar of the Big East this year. I wouldn't bank on them finishing higher than 9th (despite this being an objectively down year for the league, it is still a very strong league) but could see them finishing as high as 7th, if the parody in the league is as real as it seems to be at this point in the season.

As far as the NET rankings, I think it seems fair. I wouldn't say one team in the league has had an incredible start, whereas each of the last 2 years, one team if not multiple had very strong OOC performances. Seton Hall has beaten some solid teams (VCU, FAU) but is still only 5-6. I would have them 175-200 so 182 seems quite reasonable. The good news, with UConn's win over Gonzaga, we now have 2 teams basically inside the top 10 (Marquette #9, UConn #11) which will provide NET/resume boosting opportunities for the league throughout league play. I would also love stever's take on this!

I was incredibly happy with the team's performance against Gonzaga. Nembhard is such a savvy vet, and Battle was playing out of his mind, yet we still controlled that game. Even with Samson playing only 6 minutes due to injury. A few things I really liked seeing in that game:

-Singare provided decent minutes off the bench. Could tell he had the jitters for the first minute, and was looking to do nothing offensively but set screens and rebound (he had a wide open look off an offensive board where he didn't even look at the hoop, just kicked it out for 3) but he settled in and gave us solid defense and rebounding for about 5 minutes in a close game. With the foul trouble and potential for Samson to miss time, we will need him to develop.
- Stewart and Ross are starting to figure out their roles on this team. Ross wasn't expected to be in the rotation this off-season, but did so well over the summer Hurley said he looked like our best player at times. With the minutes being wide open on this team, I think that put some pressure on him to prove himself and he seemed tense while on the court at times. He seems to be settling into a lesser role, allowing his confidence to grow. If we get 10-15 minutes a night of good defense and smart offense (playing within the system) he will be a huge boon to us. Stewart seemed to be the opposite. He was expected to have a huge role, lost minutes to Ross, and his confidence seemed to falter. But his swagger is coming back, hes shooting with confidence and making big plays. We can get 10pts/game off the bench from him this year, and if we do, that is another huge boon.
-Diarra playing like a veteran leader. As soon as Singare got in the game, Diarra started flying all over the court on the defensive end, sensing his help defense was needed to help his young teammate settle in. He was in attack mode on both ends of the floor, and when Hassan plays like that, he's a very good point guard. Loved seeing that out of him.


This got much more wordy than I anticipated! In short, I'm seeing the growth and development with this team already, and they're getting their swag back. If this upward trajectory continues, look out come March.

The parody in the league seems to be a rather apt slippage of the words there. Just seems to be a down year overall. 5 teams with 4+ OOC losses. Only Marquette, St John's, UConn, and Xavier with at least decent OOC seasons.

What's going to be interesting to see how the conference season plays out. Last year the league contorted itself to not get teams in. Will the league get luckier this time?

My take is that the Big East's current state is a result of a combination of parity (the balance and overall quality is impressive) and the league not being as strong at the top as it typically has been (which is a bit glaring and concerning). Can we visualize a team other than UConn or Marquette making it to the Elite Eight? I struggle to. St. John's shows some potential but ...

However, nobody at this time last season saw N.C. State making the Final Four so ... maybe DePaul gets progressively better as the season unfolds and storms all the way to San Antonio. Would be beautiful.

Hoyas roll CU. I know they were missing a good player but we were missing our starting PG on a guard thin roster. And if Sorber would learn to defend Kalk at the three line, this game is even more lopsided.

Hoya Saxa!

(12-15-2024 01:03 PM)stever20 Wrote:  

(12-15-2024 11:11 AM)Nameless Wrote:  

(12-15-2024 09:21 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  Congrats to Nameless' Huskies, who spared the Big East from having a bad day with a big win over a strong Gonzaga squad. The league went 3-6 with UConn, Georgetown and DePaul winning. To be fair, the BE teams collectively played nine very good teams.

DePaul comfortably handled a quality Wichita State team. Nice bouce-back game for the Blue Demons after the loss to Texas Tech.

Georgetown continues to show noticeable improvement compared to last year's Hoya team. Very encouraging.

Stever20 might want to weight in on this. Current NET ranking has only three BE teams (Marquette, UConn and St. John's) in the Top 65 (Creighton is next at No. 67). Seton Hall ranked a lowly No. 182 in the NET. Hard to fathom.

Was happy to see DePaul really pull away in that one. I know it was close for at least half the game. Big win that really shows the team is heading in the right direction... I see no way they finish in the cellar of the Big East this year. I wouldn't bank on them finishing higher than 9th (despite this being an objectively down year for the league, it is still a very strong league) but could see them finishing as high as 7th, if the parody in the league is as real as it seems to be at this point in the season.

As far as the NET rankings, I think it seems fair. I wouldn't say one team in the league has had an incredible start, whereas each of the last 2 years, one team if not multiple had very strong OOC performances. Seton Hall has beaten some solid teams (VCU, FAU) but is still only 5-6. I would have them 175-200 so 182 seems quite reasonable. The good news, with UConn's win over Gonzaga, we now have 2 teams basically inside the top 10 (Marquette #9, UConn #11) which will provide NET/resume boosting opportunities for the league throughout league play. I would also love stever's take on this!

I was incredibly happy with the team's performance against Gonzaga. Nembhard is such a savvy vet, and Battle was playing out of his mind, yet we still controlled that game. Even with Samson playing only 6 minutes due to injury. A few things I really liked seeing in that game:

-Singare provided decent minutes off the bench. Could tell he had the jitters for the first minute, and was looking to do nothing offensively but set screens and rebound (he had a wide open look off an offensive board where he didn't even look at the hoop, just kicked it out for 3) but he settled in and gave us solid defense and rebounding for about 5 minutes in a close game. With the foul trouble and potential for Samson to miss time, we will need him to develop.
- Stewart and Ross are starting to figure out their roles on this team. Ross wasn't expected to be in the rotation this off-season, but did so well over the summer Hurley said he looked like our best player at times. With the minutes being wide open on this team, I think that put some pressure on him to prove himself and he seemed tense while on the court at times. He seems to be settling into a lesser role, allowing his confidence to grow. If we get 10-15 minutes a night of good defense and smart offense (playing within the system) he will be a huge boon to us. Stewart seemed to be the opposite. He was expected to have a huge role, lost minutes to Ross, and his confidence seemed to falter. But his swagger is coming back, hes shooting with confidence and making big plays. We can get 10pts/game off the bench from him this year, and if we do, that is another huge boon.
-Diarra playing like a veteran leader. As soon as Singare got in the game, Diarra started flying all over the court on the defensive end, sensing his help defense was needed to help his young teammate settle in. He was in attack mode on both ends of the floor, and when Hassan plays like that, he's a very good point guard. Loved seeing that out of him.


This got much more wordy than I anticipated! In short, I'm seeing the growth and development with this team already, and they're getting their swag back. If this upward trajectory continues, look out come March.

The parody in the league seems to be a rather apt slippage of the words there. Just seems to be a down year overall. 5 teams with 4+ OOC losses. Only Marquette, St John's, UConn, and Xavier with at least decent OOC seasons.

What's going to be interesting to see how the conference season plays out. Last year the league contorted itself to not get teams in. Will the league get luckier this time?

I made the mistake of using "parody" instead of "parity" in your thread as well, lol. Can tell it's been awhile since I've written that word!

I was thinking the same thing with regards to last year vs this year. Last year, I thought the MWC benefitted from having a weaker, but still good top of the league but not an elite top tier, the way the Big East had. Their overall W/L was better because they didn't have a UConn, Marquette or Creighton beating up the middle of the league. They ended up with 7 bids. I think we can get 5 this year if things break the right way