Big East Questions

Villanova coach, Jay Wright/AP Images

The Big East usually stays pretty static. Not much changes in the ‘powerhouse’ conference of NCAA basketball, but for the 2012-13 season that will all change.  


By Lauren Dellipoali


The conference is in flux with teams coming and going, while others face the uncertainty of their future. So here is what to look for this upcoming season.

1. Who will reign supreme? With Syracuse, Pittsburgh and West Virginia leaving and UConn being decimated by NCAA violations, the door is open for teams like Notre Dame, Cincinnati and Georgetown to take control at the elite level of the conference. A changing of the guard is on its way in the Big East next season.
2. What are the futures of coaches Steve Lavin of ST. Johns and Jim Calhoun of UConn? Their futures are both uncertain for health reasons, but because of his age and his team not on probation by the NCAA, Lavin’s future looks like it has a much better chance of success in the upcoming year. He will hopefully be able to return to coach for the entire season after missing the majority of last season recovering from prostate cancer. Calhoun has had many issues with his health in the past, including last season, coupled with losing the majority of his team to the NBA and transfers and being banned from tournament play, he may decide to retire.
3. How will UConn perform? As of now UConn has lost four players, all starters, because of NCAA sanctions, and their recruiting class is not looking too hot either. So the team that has been a staple on top of the Big East may soon be finding itself in the basement. UConn still has the ability to bring in solid recruits from the CT area, but the major issue is will they be competitive in the ultra competitive Big East.
4. Will Villanova bounce back? After a terrible season last year, Jay Wright has a lot of work ahead of him to get his team back where many expect them to be. After turning the team into a National Title contender, the Wildcats struggled mightily last year, not even earning a NCAA bid. Wright will look to right his team and get them back on top of the Big East conference.
5. Who will be the surprise breakout team? Last year teams like Notre Dame, Cincinnati and Louisville surprised many people. Now it is another team’s turn to shock the big boys. Look for South Florida to continue their success from last year, and don’t be surprised to see the Red Storm get more respect as well.