Who will be the Big East favorite for 2014?

[The Partisan]

^ plus, we don't know about St. Louis and VCU

[GumbyDamnit!]

As a Villanova Alum I certainly have witnessed some very physical games in the BE, but I don't buy into the line of thought that it will be a "shock" to other teams. I always viewed X as a Big East type team anyway. I've seen them stand toe to toe in the tourney with teams like Pitt, and in yearly games with Cinci, in terms of physicality. That's good enough for me. The question will come down to how games are called. When I watch Loiusville play, for instance, Pitino finds out early what kind of whistle he is going to get. If they swallow it his guys go to "mugging" mode. In the BET games this weekend it seemed like L'ville was permitted to play so there were a lot of hand checks and pushing. If those were called early the coashes and players would adjust and play accordingly. I expect the same next year.

In terms of league rankings for next year, I don't know enough about the schools coming in to comment, but in terms of the C7 I expect:

Top Tier: I think any of these teams could make a case for the best team. I can't imagine Porter comes back to GTwn. He's got to be a Top 5 pick in the draft.
Marq - really like how Buzz coaches his teams; aggressive and relentless on both ends
Nova - returning 6 of top 7 players with 2 good recruits and a very good transfer coming in; deep at guard and wing; so-so at the 5; expect to be consistent Top 25
Prov.- very impressed with their progressing and potential; lots of athleticism and just a tough, tough out
SJU - young and very talented; can't imagine they won't take a big step forward; their Frosh center is a defensive monster; Harrison needs to be back for scoring though
GTwn - may take a step back w/out Porter b/c he is an absolute stud, but they seem to have enough other horses to do very well

It sounds like Xavier will be in the mix along with Creighton if McDermott stays. Sounds like Butler is losing a bit. I (continue to) have very low expectations for both Depaul and Seton Hall. They need to get their sh!t together. Considering the HS talent base in their back yards how can these teams continue to put slop on the floor?

[SixTwentySix]

To everyone on these forums that hang onto every word, please understand that "culture shock" is a general term... No one is saying that players are going to have seizures on the court over the awe of different competition. Ease up.

[CityFriar]

To everyone on these forums that hang onto every word, please understand that "culture shock" is a general term... No one is saying that players are going to have seizures on the court over the awe of different competition. Ease up.

I think Culture Shock is exactly what is going to face all Big East teams next year. This will be a very balanced and competitive league. Personally I see Georgetown and Marquette as the top two teams, DePaul and Seton Hall as the bottom two teams and everyone else beating the crap out of each other - all with a legit shot of the NCAAs. The Round Robin format for next year will be a change for everyone. And if the current BE refs stay, the constant physical nature of this league may present a challenge to the new additions, or it may not. Getting used to the new league will be part of the fun of next year. I think it is going to be great. Lots of quality competitive basketball.

[SixTwentySix]

To everyone on these forums that hang onto every word, please understand that "culture shock" is a general term... No one is saying that players are going to have seizures on the court over the awe of different competition. Ease up.

I think Culture Shock is exactly what is going to face all Big East teams next year. This will be a very balanced and competitive league. Personally I see Georgetown and Marquette as the top two teams, DePaul and Seton Hall as the bottom two teams and everyone else beating the crap out of each other - all with a legit shot of the NCAAs. The Round Robin format for next year will be a change for everyone. And if the current BE refs stay, the constant physical nature of this league may present a challenge to the new additions, or it may not. Getting used to the new league will be part of the fun of next year. I think it is going to be great. Lots of quality competitive basketball.

I think this is a great outlook and agree. One thing to also consider is coaches. It's not just current players and future recruits that will put a program at the top of the league next year. 7 of the coaches in this league will be very familiar with 6 of the other coaches strats and play styles. However a team like Creighton will have a lot more film to study and every game will be a new experience. Will be interesting to see if this plays as an advantage or disadvantage to any one team, if anything at all.

[DawgLover]

Interesting comment about many of the coaches knowing each other and their styles. Butler coaches and players had to prepare for 15 new conference opponents (although they already had been playing X) and likely will have 8 new ones next year. Admittedly Butler was new to the other conference coaches as well, but it's like being the new kid in school--they have to learn one new name and you have to learn all of their names. Add to that the fact that there may be some new recruits available to Butler with the step up in conference affiliation and I don't imagine the coaches will be getting much sleep for awhile. But it's a great problem to have!

[X- Marks the Top]

For the record, anyone who signs their post "Xavier Nation Zippem up" certainly does not represent Xavier Nation, and is likely a troll.

you think....

Ok good. I'm glad it was that obvious!

Well pal, 85, no troll here just a huge fan of the program and have been my whole life. I tend to think your one of the snobs that sit around the Xavier hoops board. Because I put Zippem up on my posts means I'm a troll. I guess that makes sense. What do you say about all the xavier students who where the Zippem up shirts???? I bet you don't agree with that either. At the same time I bet you wouldn't trade tu holloways here at X either. Where in the hell do you get I'm a troll? I feel your a snob. That's the problem with some X fans. Some feel they are better people than others. If you read anything I wrote you can plainly see I know what I'm talking about. You just wanted to chime in and raise your perky little nose. Pretty pathetic. Pal, I haven't missed a X game in 20 some odd years other than a funeral here or there, or the such. A troll doesn't back his team up with hope for next season. You must be ignorant,troll!!!!!

[X- Marks the Top]

For the record, anyone who signs their post "Xavier Nation Zippem up" certainly does not represent Xavier Nation, and is likely a troll.

you think....

Ok good. I'm glad it was that obvious!

Your a nerd. I'm a troll. Plenty of people show up to the Tas in the Zippem up shirts. Your one of the idiots, probably old also, who believes tu was really gonna kill handy gates and Zippem up. What a clown. Get a life pal.

[Noonzy]

New board and already in fighting-not what I expected here. I was hoping the new conference members and the other members for nexy year would get along and make it the best conference and board-maybe not.

[SixTwentySix]

New board and already in fighting-not what I expected here. I was hoping the new conference members and the other members for nexy year would get along and make it the best conference and board-maybe not.

To be honest I was thinking the same thing. Hate each other on the court. Love each other off the court. Respect each other always... Granted there will always be a few bad apples, the Big East has been very civil compared to other conferences over the years. I hope it remains this way in the new league.

I think people are just being really passionate about their teams and overly fidgety in regards to waiting for the news to break. Show some love people! We're all in this together!