Big East Offseason Thread

[AlexJesswein]

http://www.csnphilly.com/content/eric-paschall-will-visit-villanova-next-week

Fordham guard Eric Paschall visiting Nova and Providence. The 6'6 Frosh averaged 15.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.

[warriorfan4life]

Providence recruited him out of high school as well. I could easily see St. John's getting involved once they name a new coach.

[Markedman]

Looks like this kid doesn't think Butler is going to lose its coach.....@becb_sbn: St. Bonaventure transfer Jordan Gathers commits to Butler, per @MichaelPointer http://t.co/t3luLuklHF http://t.co/exq2DwqOES

[Markedman]

Glad we beat them out for Carter......@JoshGershon: #Xavier sophomore point guard Brandon Randolph has requested and received his release to transfer from the school, source says.

[Markedman]

Georgetown just got alot worse.....

Alex Kline ‏@TheRecruitScoop 4s4 seconds ago
Georgetown junior D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera will enter the NBA Draft, the school announces.

[Markedman]

Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress 27s27 seconds ago
D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera turns 23 later this year. 6-3 SG with average athleticism. Don't think he would have grown or became more athletic.

Details
Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress 1m1 minute ago
Junior D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera leaving Georgetown for the NBA Draft. Fringe prospect. Likely would have stayed on fringe in a year regardless

[warriorfan4life]

St. John's adds 6-8 forward and former Iowa State signee Darien Williams (https://twitter.com/jerrymeyer247/status/586189785481531392). Good looking addition for the Johnnies and nice to see Iowa State on the other end of this for once.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Georgetown just got alot worse.....

Alex Kline ‏@TheRecruitScoop 4s4 seconds ago
Georgetown junior D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera will enter the NBA Draft, the school announces.

And if anyone missed it, DSR changed his mind and will be returning to Georgetown for his senior season. Huge news for the Hoyas.

[Markedman]

BU Collegian Sports ‏@BUSportsWriters 2m2 minutes ago
MT @JonRothstein: "BREAKING: George Washington transfer Kethan Savage has committed to Butler, sources told @CBSSports."

[AlexJesswein]

BU Collegian Sports ‏@BUSportsWriters 2m2 minutes ago
MT @JonRothstein: "BREAKING: George Washington transfer Kethan Savage has committed to Butler, sources told @CBSSports."

Has to sit out a year but is a very nice pickup. Averaged 11.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game as a junior. Should be able to help replace Dunham after this year.

[Markedman]

Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA 5m5 minutes ago
As @DraftExpress reports, Providence staff pushing Kris Dunn hard to return to school. NBA execs see Dunn w/ late lottery potential in '15.

[warriorfan4life]

Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA 5m5 minutes ago
As @DraftExpress reports, Providence staff pushing Kris Dunn hard to return to school. NBA execs see Dunn w/ late lottery potential in '15.

I also selfishly hope for Dunn to stay for the conference, but I happen to agree with that assessment. This may sound like sacrilege here, but Dunn's situation reminds me a lot of D Wade after 2002. Wade would likely have gone in the first round after 20-2, but staying in college and developing his game put him in the top 5 of the 2013 draft and into a spot with immediate PT. I believe that some added polish in Dunn's game (continually improving his shot and cutting down on his TO's) could put him in the top 5 in a weak looking 2016 draft. Also, a year of developing his game could allow to him to be ready for immediate PT in the NBA.

[Markedman]

If he is a lottery pick this year he should go....As IWB pointed out in an earlier thread it isn't the rookie salary you are giving up it is millions after your rookie contract. Going from late lottery in 2015 to top 5 next year(assuming it works out that way) isn't worth the risk.

Now if he doesn't want to leave that is a different deal but Cooley seems to be looking out more for himself then he is for the kid IMO.

[warriorfan4life]

If he is a lottery pick this year he should go....As IWB pointed out in an earlier thread it isn't the rookie salary you are giving up it is millions after your rookie contract. Going from late lottery in 2015 to top 5 next year(assuming it works out that way) isn't worth the risk.

Now if he doesn't want to leave that is a different deal but Cooley seems to be looking out more for himself then he is for the kid IMO.

I think he could be anywhere from late lottery to late first round. Also, the agenda of Adrian Woj and Givony is for kids to enter the NBA, so I would not read too much into anything they spin about Cooley. Cooley's career would be better for Dunn to stay, but I believe that Dunn has the upside to improve and is in a perilous enough position to where staying makes objective sense. This is a not Sam Dekker where his stock is likely at its ceiling.

[Nukem2]

Given his injury history, Dunn should probably go to the draft.

[Phantom Warrior]

Exactly. He missed basically two seasons with injuries. If he gets injured next year, he will have that tag attached to him, and teams will be more hesitant to take a gamble on him, especially with guaranteed salary. This year he was injury-free, so there should be fewer concerns.

I think he'd be foolish to play NBA-roulette. He should go while he is projected as a first-round pick. Without the injury history, I could see him wanting to stay and raise his stock.

[milkbone]

Evan Daniels @EvanDaniels
· 2h 2 hours ago
Yankuba Sima makes it official. Just verbally committed to St. John's. 6-11 lengthy big man

[milkbone]

Jon RothsteinVerified account
‏@JonRothstein Georgetown will take a foreign tour to Italy in August, JT3 told @CBSSports. Hoyas will play exhibition games and have 10 practices

[AlexJesswein]

If we play some of the same teams they do...could give us a barometer of where the team is at.

[TrevorCandelino]

Wasn't Georgetown overseas relatively recently - China?

Thought it was one foreign trip every five years?

[AlexJesswein]

Wasn't Georgetown overseas relatively recently - China?

Thought it was one foreign trip every five years?

Think its 4 years and they went in 2011

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Wasn't Georgetown overseas relatively recently - China?

Thought it was one foreign trip every five years?

2011, hopefully this trip is a bit less newsworthy for the Hoyas.

[MU/Panther]

Villanova and Oklahoma will play a neutral site game in Hawaii on 12/7/15, sources told @CBSSports. Story: http://cbsprt.co/1CEPDT8

[Markedman]

Hmmmm.........@SammyAlbano: So @UConnHuskies calling @BIGEAST presidents 4 an audience bout membership in #BigEast #AmericanAthleticConference @KevinMcNamara33

[Halo]

Hmmmm.........@SammyAlbano: So @UConnHuskies calling @BIGEAST presidents 4 an audience bout membership in #BigEast #AmericanAthleticConference @KevinMcNamara33

Would love that.

[TrevorCandelino]

If true, does the Big East require Uconn to drop football? Would they seriously consider that??

I assume if you expand by one, you expand by two. SLU, Dayton, Wichita St (since Uconn would break the whole private school thing)?

Certainly would do wonders for cementing NYC and filling the Garden.

[TrevorCandelino]

Also if you expand by two, can you increase conference slate to keep the round robin???

[IrwinFletcher]

Who says you have to expand by two? What is wrong with a conference with 11 teams?

Do a round robin of fo 20 games.

[Markedman]

20 conference games is too many...nobody plays more then 18. Nobody wants to give up 2 more non conference games

[MayorBeluga]

If true, Cincy would be the logical 12 member but only if they make the same football decision UConn does. Not sure they do though, as Cincy might have a way into the Big (10) 12 as a partner with WVU. Regardless, if true, that's quite a coup for the Big East.

[warriorfan4life]

Rysheed Jordan will be back for St. John's next season. He has had numerous off the court issues, but finally showed a semblance of consistency on the court last season (seven games with offensive ratings above 105 in his last eleven games). His shot looked much improved, he just needs better shot selection and to not to turn it over so often. Also, it would help if he stopped acting like a knucklehead off the court.

[TheSultan]

Rumor is that this is for lacrosse only.

[Halo]

I would take UConn and Cincy in a heartbeat over anyone else available out there. Who cares about football. They can figure that out.

[TheSultan]

The problem with football are the split loyalties. I would be surprised if the BE takes them as full members with football. Not toention that I doubt the AAC would have them as football only members.

[MU/Panther]

What does UConn really have to gain by joining the Big East with football. The AAC is a solid league.

[TheSultan]

Exactly. That is why the rumor that it is for lacrosse.

[MayorBeluga]

if the stories about UConn athletics losing tons of money because of football are true, why would they add another non-revenue sport like lacrosse?

[TheSultan]

if the stories about UConn athletics losing tons of money because of football are true, why would they add another non-revenue sport like lacrosse?


Because football is a public relations exercise, not a profit center. There is a reason why schools aren't dropping it.

[MayorBeluga]

Because football is a public relations exercise, not a profit center. There is a reason why schools aren't dropping it.

OK, but why add another financial drain in lacrosse?

[TheSultan]

OK, but why add another financial drain in lacrosse?


Eh who knows. Is there a prestige thing among the elite high schools and prep schools out east if you have lacrosse?

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Lacrosse has been growing in popularity in recent years. ACC and Big Ten both have lacrosse. Probably just a hopeful move by UConn to better position themselves for one of those conferences if they look to expand.

[MU/Panther]

ACC has had lacrosse.

[MinnesotaJeb]

ACC has had lacrosse.

Do you mean the AAC?

[MU/Panther]

Do you mean the AAC?No, I mean Atlantic Coast Conf. (ACC)

[DCwarrior]

I wonder if Tyus Jones declaring for the draft could help persuade Dunn to stay another year at Providence. I think Jones would be drafted ahead of Dunn and that could push him to the late 1st round or possibly the 2nd if he declares.

[Markedman]

I'm not sure your assumption that Jones would be drafted ahead of Dunn is correct.....http://www.si.com/nba/2015/04/16/2015-nba-mock-draft-karl-anthony-towns-jahlil-okafor-emmanuel-mudiay

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2015/

[AlexJesswein]

Alex Kline ‏@TheRecruitScoop 4s4 seconds ago

Former Kansas State guard Marcus Foster announces he has committed to Creighton.

[Markedman]

Good get for Creighton talent wise......wasn't he in trouble at KSU?

[warriorfan4life]

Good get for Creighton talent wise......wasn't he in trouble at KSU?

He clashed with Bruce Weber over playing point guard to prepare for his professional future. Creighton also recruited Foster out of high school, so they already had a relationship with him. Moderate gamble for Creighton, but likely necessary after missing out on kids like Matt McQuaid.

[AlexJesswein]

Brandon Sampson to LSU...tough one for SJU but with Rysheed Jordan back, doesn't sting quite as bad.

[warriorfan4life]

Brandon Sampson to LSU...tough one for SJU but with Rysheed Jordan back, doesn't sting quite as bad.

Pushing Johnnies back a year, but I think they reel in Mustapha Heron and one of Temple Gibbs or Rawle Alkins in 2016. Also, sounds like they are making a late run at Malik Ellison, who is one of the better wing prospects still on the board for 2015.

[MU/Panther]

DePaul will host Northwestern on Saturday 12/19/15. Part of a H/H series

[MU/Panther]

Missouri State transfer Ron M'Vouika has committed to St. John's.

[AlexJesswein]

Missouri State transfer Ron M'Vouika has committed to St. John's.

Speaking of Missouri State...im wondering what's going on with Marcus Marshall.

[MU/Panther]

Speaking of Missouri State...im wondering what's going on with Marcus Marshall. He is going to play at Nevada.

[Markedman]

@TheDrewster35: Nigel Williams-Goss will be on his official visit at Providence this weekend. Looks like he will make a decision after.

[mufan2003]

@TheDrewster35: Nigel Williams-Goss will be on his official visit at Providence this weekend. Looks like he will make a decision after.

That would be a nice get for Providence, but I bet he ends up at UNLV.

[MU/Panther]

Paradise Jam Bracket
http://paradisejam.com/2015-u-s-virgin-islands-paradise-jam-brackets-announced/

[Markedman]

Great news for the Friars...... @WojYahooNBA: Yahoo Sources: Providence guard Kris Dunn, plans to return for his junior season. http://yhoo.it/1yQMOSv

[Marquette]

In the Paradise Jam why wouldn't Florida State and South Carolina be on opposite sides?

Teams like Tulsa and Ohio are decent teams but 3 of 8 teams from big conferences in FSU, South Carolina & DePaul and all three are on the same side of the 8 team bracket.

Top bracket - Ohio, Tulsa, Indiana State, Norfolk State
Bottom Bracket - Hofstra, Florida State, DePaul, South Carolina

Hofstra has to be pretty bummed, but at least they're going to Paradise.

[IWB]

Great news for the Friars...... @WojYahooNBA: Yahoo Sources: Providence guard Kris Dunn, plans to return for his junior season. http://yhoo.it/1yQMOSv

That's great news for the Big East.

[Markedman]

Josh Newman ‏@Joshua_Newman · 17m17 minutes ago
NBA scout on Dunn (cont.): "Give him the summer to develop a consistent jump shot, plus 2016 Draft is a little weaker."


5 retweets 4 favorites

 Reply

 Retweet 5

Adam Zagoria retweeted
Josh Newman ‏@Joshua_Newman · 18m18 minutes ago
NBA scout on Dunn coming back: "Smart move, scouts want to see him have back-to/back solid seasons and remain healthy........

[DCwarrior]

It's only a smart move if he's able to improve his jumper and stay healthy. He's taking a really big risk turning down guaranteed 1st round money with his injury history. Hope it works out well for him.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Providence Athletics now tweeting that Dunn hasn't decided yet...

[Markedman]

Jeff Borzello ‏@jeffborzello 39s39 seconds ago
Villanova landed one of the best sit-out transfers on the market in Fordham's Eric Paschall: http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12747872/fordham-transfer-eric-paschall-commits-villanova-wildcats …

[Markedman]

Providence Athletics now tweeting that Dunn hasn't decided yet...
Jeff Goodman ‏@GoodmanESPN 45s45 seconds ago
Kris Dunn is returning to Providence, sources confirmed to ESPN. School will announce this afternoon.

[AlexJesswein]

Jeff Goodman ‏@GoodmanESPN 15s15 seconds ago

Braeden Anderson told ESPN he will transfer to Seton Hall. also granted permission to play basketball and attend law school. So impressive.

[MU/Panther]

Going by the way early NBC Top 25, the Gavitt Games set up playing better B1G schools than some think.

Big East plays 3 of the top 4 Big Ten Teams-
#12 Georgetown @ #3 Maryland
Creighton @ #15 Indiana
#18 Xavier @ #17 Michigan
DePaul @ Penn St

Nebraska @ #9 Villanova
Iowa @ #23 Marquette
Illinois @ Providence
Rutgers @ St John's

The only top 4 Big Ten team the Big East does not get this year is #7 Michigan St. #19 Wisconsin.

[MKE_GoldenEagleFan]

Going by the way early NBC Top 25, the Gavitt Games set up playing better B1G schools than some think.

Big East plays 3 of the top 4 Big Ten Teams-
#12 Georgetown @ #3 Maryland
Creighton @ #15 Indiana
#18 Xavier @ #17 Michigan
DePaul @ Penn St

Nebraska @ #9 Villanova
Iowa @ #23 Marquette
Illinois @ Providence
Rutgers @ St John's

The only top 4 Big Ten team the Big East does not get this year is #7 Michigan St. #19 Wisconsin.


I'd be absolutely shocked if we were actually ranked to start the season.

[Goose85]

Going by the way early NBC Top 25, the Gavitt Games set up playing better B1G schools than some think.

Big East plays 3 of the top 4 Big Ten Teams-
#12 Georgetown @ #3 Maryland
Creighton @ #15 Indiana
#18 Xavier @ #17 Michigan
DePaul @ Penn St

Nebraska @ #9 Villanova
Iowa @ #23 Marquette
Illinois @ Providence
Rutgers @ St John's

The only top 4 Big Ten team the Big East does not get this year is #7 Michigan St. #19 Wisconsin.

Underclassmen coming back for another year sure helped the Gavitt Games.
LeVert for Michigan, would they be ranked without him?
Ferrell coming back to Indiana. They could be really good.
Smith Rivera back is huge for Georgetown.
Dunn deciding to come back and could be Big East player of the year.

[Markedman]

@TheRecruitScoop: BREAKING: Seton Hall's Sterling Gibbs will transfer & will be eligible immediately.

[Goose85]

Cheick Diallo announces for Kansas.
I was really hoping he would land at St. John's as that would have really got Mullin off to an outstanding start.

http://zagsblog.com/articles/cheick-diallo-to-kansas/#more-134059

[warriorfan4life]

Cheick Diallo announces for Kansas.
I was really hoping he would land at St. John's as that would have really got Mullin off to an outstanding start.

http://zagsblog.com/articles/cheick-diallo-to-kansas/#more-134059

I think the kid wanted St. John's, but his advisors had a different interest (wanted him at a power program). I believe that Mullin would have landed him if he was in the next class, as I expect the 2016 class to super strong for the Johnnies.

[Markedman]

Mark Miller just predicted Trevor Anderson to Butler

Hope he is right.....I like Anderson and will be interested to follow his career. Butler looks like a good fit for him

[Halo]

Mark Miller just predicted Trevor Anderson to Butler

Hope he is right.....I like Anderson and will be interested to follow his career. Butler looks like a good fit for him

But, but, but...he and Hauser should walk on at UW according to some Badger fans!

[Markedman]

@TheRecruitScoop: Pittsburgh transfer Durand Johnson has committed to St. John’s, reports @JonRothstein.

[Markedman]

@UndercoverFriar: There's a strong chance Ed Cooley will be hiring former Wake Forest coach & his good friend Jeff Battle as an Assistant Coach #pcbb

[Markedman]

@AdamZagoria: Breaking: Kansas State Transfer Jevon Thomas to Seton*Hall http://t.co/wGR2caI3CE

[Phantom Warrior]

What a frickin' merry-go-round. Makes me dizzy. It's downright crazy.

[TedBaxter]

But, but, but...he and Hauser should walk on at UW according to some Badger fans!

I like the one poster who continues to trash Marquette and it's academics and yet, wonders if Wisconsin coaches can watch a recruit platy while on a recruiting visit. The guy, we'll call him Malnourished Cat, is a real basketball rocket scientist.

[MU/Panther]

Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout for '15 (Cincy at Xavier) scheduled for 12/12/15

[Markedman]

@JonRothstein: BREAKING: Providence's Paschal Chukwu will transfer, sources told @CBSSports. Will have three years of eligibility remaining. #pcbb

[Nukem2]

@JonRothstein: BREAKING: Providence's Paschal Chukwu will transfer, sources told @CBSSports. Will have three years of eligibility remaining. #pcbb
That's a huge loss for the Friars.

[milkbone]

http://providence.scout.com/forums/1323-friar-talk/13862490-chukwu-transferring?s=425

Fans on Scout forum are very surprised

[MU/Panther]

The timing seems odd. I wonder if it's grades.

[warriorfan4life]

This blows big time for Providence. I was super bullish on their chances next year, but a lot of that was due to Chukwu exploding as an interior force. Feel bad for Dunn now, as he lost a big factpr in helping him shine next year. Also, my man Big Ed Cooley has some rotten luck with player movement (and some of it was his fault with knuckleheads like Ledo and Austin, but this is two straight years that a key player transferred late and out of the blue on them).

[Nukem2]

This blows big time for Providence. I was super bullish on their chances next year, but a lot of that was due to Chukwu exploding as an interior force. Feel bad for Dunn now, as he lost a big factpr in helping him shine next year. Also, my man Big Ed Cooley has some rotten luck with player movement (and some of it was his fault with knuckleheads like Ledo and Austin, but this is two straight years that a key player transferred late and out of the blue on them).
Really tough for Dunn, though I thought he should have entered the draft in the first place given his injury history.

[IWB]

The timing seems odd. I wonder if it's grades.

Maybe he's just unhappy, or it could be grades, or it could be other stuff, you just never know. I know of a few people in that annals of history that were not welcomed back for this reason or that, and it was always a 'post semester decision to transfer'.

[Markedman]

Insiders on that providence board thread seem to indicate that the staff was trying to talk him out of leaving....and that it might have something to do with an assistant coach leaving to go to Alabama.

[Goose85]

Villanova and Virginia schedule home and home beginning at Virginia this December.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25189900/villanova-virginia-schedule-home-and-home-series

[AlexJesswein]

http://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/2015/5/24/8652329/rysheed-jordan-academically-ineligible?utm_campaign=ecoastbias&utm_content=chorus&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

[MUMac]

http://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/2015/5/24/8652329/rysheed-jordan-academically-ineligible?utm_campaign=ecoastbias&utm_content=chorus&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

I can't read the article past this "Reports state that the dynamic Philadelphia point guard is in danger of not being academically ineligible this fall... or all next season." So, isn't that a good thing? :rolleyes: Really poor writing/editing, a pet peeve of mine.

[IWB]

Heard he told everyone he was leaving at end of year so blew of school 2nd semester and only passes one class.

[MUBasketball]

Heard he told everyone he was leaving at end of year so blew of school 2nd semester and only passes one class.

Brilliant. Have fun in Instanbul and being broke in 10 years.

[Phantom Warrior]

Anyone want to bet he take summer school courses and is eligible, if not first semester than second?

[TheSultan]

Anyone want to bet he take summer school courses and is eligible, if not first semester than second?

Because that's exactly what the Post implies?

[Markedman]

Jon Rothstein ‏@JonRothstein 3h3 hours ago
St. John's will remove Chris Monasch as Athletic Director, sources told @CBSSports. An official announcement is expected soon. #sjubb

[MayorBeluga]

Jon Rothstein ‏@JonRothstein 3h3 hours ago
St. John's will remove Chris Monasch as Athletic Director, sources told @CBSSports. An official announcement is expected soon. #sjubb

When the rumors about Laving being fired were circulating, I talked to a friend who used to work in SJU Athletics. He said the AD was going to fired and Lavin retained, and was shocked when Lavin was fired. Kind of a Buzz v. Larry situation, but some big donors wanted both out and they won.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Per Borzello, Rysheed Jordan will pursue professional opportunities overseas. St John's career is done.

[MKE_GoldenEagleFan]

Per Borzello, Rysheed Jordan will pursue professional opportunities overseas. St John's career is done.

Thats a rough start for Mullin...

[Phantom Warrior]

See that tear falling from my eye?

[MUBasketball]

Thats a rough start for Mullin...

Aside from this, Mullin has had a great start. Plus who knows, it may be addition by subtraction?

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Aside from this, Mullin has had a great start. Plus who knows, it may be addition by subtraction?

Agreed. The fewer vestiges of Steve Lavin the better.

[MUBasketball]

Agreed. The fewer vestiges of Steve Lavin the better.

I would have liked to see Jordan with some actual coaching, but alas...

[MU/Panther]

Georgetown to host Syracuse on Dec. 5th
http://www.foxsports.com/content/fsdigital/fscom/college-basketball/story/2015/06/09/georgetown-to-host-syracuse-on-december-5th-at-verizon-center.html?=_mid=271186&_rid=271186.12600.1744&cmpid=emc:fscom:cbk_bigeast

[MUAlphaBangura]

Georgetown to host Syracuse on Dec. 5th
http://www.foxsports.com/content/fsdigital/fscom/college-basketball/story/2015/06/09/georgetown-to-host-syracuse-on-december-5th-at-verizon-center.html?=_mid=271186&_rid=271186.12600.1744&cmpid=emc:fscom:cbk_bigeast

Wow! I must have missed that Georgetown moved to the ACC!

[Markedman]

@CasualHoya: Class of 2017 4-Star SG Tyler Foster Commits to Georgetown http://t.co/PHPdzSqLOp http://t.co/u6ukGECY4C

[TedBaxter]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bBAdPj6024

IMG player and D.C. native Quadree Smith will sign with Providence. 6-7/6-8 Davante Gardner play alike.

[MKE_GoldenEagleFan]

@jeffborzello: No. 63-ranked 2016 prospect Joey Brunk has committed to Butler. 6-10 center from Indianapolis.

Recruiting keeps going for the Big East

[Markedman]

Bulldogs beat out a bunch of good schools for him......Brunk took just two official visits, one to Oklahoma and one to Butler, before committing. Butler was the clear favorite following his visit there.

Brunk also had offers from Indiana, Purdue, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan State, Mississippi, Missouri, Northwestern, New Mexico and Xavier.

Brunk is ranked No. 138 in the Rivals 2016 rankings but will rise when the new version is published. - See more at: https://indiana.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1774783#sthash.1EDy92AO.dpuf

[warriorfan4life]

It seems like both Butler and Xavier are in good position to sign strong 2016 classes. Landing Brunk is an excellent start for the Bulldogs, and I hope that Xavier Simpson soon pulls the trigger for the X-Men.

[Markedman]

ESPN has Brunk at 63...Scout at 92.

[mufan2003]

"Long gone, he said, are the days when a prospect said, "I'm going to go to Butler and ride around in a bus" to cities in the geographically compressed Horizon League. Now the Bulldogs are pitted against schools such as Villanova, Georgetown and Marquette, all boasting strong traditions."

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/2015/06/16/joey-brunk-commitment-mean-indy-kids-will-choose-butler/28822093/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin=

[AlexJesswein]

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/06/16/xavier-adds-front-court-depth-lands-transfer-from-norfolk-state/

[Phantom Warrior]

Seems like a solid pick-up for the Musketeers.

[Markedman]

@AdamZagoria: Steve Lavin is close to signing an agreement w/ Fox Sports as their lead college basketball studio analyst.

[MU/Panther]

@AdamZagoria: Steve Lavin is close to signing an agreement w/ Fox Sports as their lead college basketball studio analyst.

I think this is great! I really liked him at ESPN doing Big Ten games with Brent Musburger.

Fox Sports1 coverages the Big East, Pac -12 and Conference USA, while Lavin has coached in both the Big East and Pac-12 good move to replace Ben Howland.

[MUBasketball]

@AdamZagoria: Steve Lavin is close to signing an agreement w/ Fox Sports as their lead college basketball studio analyst.

I like it, terrific on TV.

[Markedman]

Agree......TV was always the best use of his talent

[CaribouJim]

Very good get for the BE.

[Markedman]

@JonRothstein: BREAKING: @maverickrowan told @CBSSports he is in the process of reclassifying to 2015. Will officially visit St. John's on Monday. #sjubb

[Markedman]

UW wants him.....

@jeffborzello: Maverick Rowan says he's considering four schools, won't specify which four (announced a final six recently).

Visits St. John's tomorrow.

[MUBasketball]

Lock him up Johnnies!

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Gonna go out on a limb and guess Wisconsin isn't one of the four.

[AlexJesswein]

I think his father played with Mullen at SJU

[Markedman]

I think his father played with Mullen at SJU
Yep.....
@coreyevans_10: Maverick Rowan visits St. John's tomorrow. Father played with Chris Mullins at SJU. Red Storm need immediate backcourt help. Makes sense

[warriorfan4life]

Likely losing Obepka (strong rumors on their board that he's finally done there), but Rowan would be a huge late add. Johnnies could be super young (with some talent) next year, and then much better a year from now if/when Mullin adds a strong 2016 class to the nice base he is building.

[Phantom Warrior]

Can you clarify? Are you implying that Obekpa might not play for SJU this season? If so, that is a huge blow. There is no other front court experience, unless Duran Johnson, the transfer from Pitt, plays small forward.

By the way, curious what board you are referring to. The Scout board is pretty much extinct. Do you have a link?

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Going to guess either Rumble in the Garden (SB Nation site) or Johnnyjungle.com which is a fansite for the Johnnies.

[Halo]

No way a kid would pick a Big East school over UW, unless there was some other circumstances like Mullin playing with his dad. :rolleyes:

[warriorfan4life]

Can you clarify? Are you implying that Obekpa might not play for SJU this season? If so, that is a huge blow. There is no other front court experience, unless Duran Johnson, the transfer from Pitt, plays small forward.

By the way, curious what board you are referring to. The Scout board is pretty much extinct. Do you have a link?

This is from redmen.com (http://redmen.com/forum/4-redmentalk/44401-bad-news-obekpa-leaving-sju), which I slightly prefer to Johnny Jungle. I would not worry too much about St. John's for this season, but am very optimistic towards their future once Mullin's clean up the mess Lavin left behind (and the program will be better off long-term with Obepka and Jordan not around to influence the rest of the young players).

[Phantom Warrior]

Thanks. A week or so ago, I went to the various Scout boards for each Big East school and found only two others - Providence and DePaul - whose public boards were functioning.

[Goose85]

Here is some info on Rowan from Zags blog. Seems he was very impressed with Louisville as well.
Wants to play right away, and St. John's can sure offer that opportunity. Seems like a perfect fit with Rowan's dad playing with Mullin. I'd also like to see Mullin get a great start on the recruiting trail.

http://zagsblog.com/recruiting/maverick-rowan-reclassing-to-2015-visiting-st-johns-on-monday/

[MUBasketball]

“I’m not going to go to a place where I’m not going to play right away,” he recently told SNY.tv, “and that’s just the bottom line.”

Pump the brakes a little bit kid.:rolleyes:

Aaaaaaand that's the bottom line....cuz Ice Cold Rowan said so!!!! :D

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

I actually think in some ways St John's may be a more uphill battle than DePaul. They were a tourney team, but lost most of that team and there seemed to be a lot of negatives even with the returning players. Neither school seems to have great support from administration, and at least at DePaul the expectations are low so any progress will be a positive. Mullin has clearly done better recruiting wise, but with Garrett, Henry, and Hamilton in place, Leitao has something to work with.

It will be very interesting to watch those two programs over the next 2-3 years.

[MKE_GoldenEagleFan]

Thanks. A week or so ago, I went to the various Scout boards for each Big East school and found only two others - Providence and DePaul - whose public boards were functioning.

Sometimes you have to look around some, for example if you just went to the MU scout board you wouldnt find this site... Different schools use different sites.

[Nukem2]

Sometimes you have to look around some, for example if you just went to the MU scout board you wouldnt find this site... Different schools use different sites.MU is unusual for BB with 3 active boards.

[warriorfan4life]

I actually think in some ways St John's may be a more uphill battle than DePaul. They were a tourney team, but lost most of that team and there seemed to be a lot of negatives even with the returning players. Neither school seems to have great support from administration, and at least at DePaul the expectations are low so any progress will be a positive. Mullin has clearly done better recruiting wise, but with Garrett, Henry, and Hamilton in place, Leitao has something to work with.

It will be very interesting to watch those two programs over the next 2-3 years.

That used to be true for St. John's, but they have heavily invested with this current staff (Slice reportedly making around 500K himself) and will give Mullin whatever support he needs. It will not be long before Johnnies run by the mom and pop shop on Belden and a lot of other conference mates (in 2-3 years, I envision regular top four being Nova, Georgetown, Marquette, and Johnnies).

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

We'll see if that support at SJU requires immediate results. Not sure they'll be patient if it's a rocky first two years.

[warriorfan4life]

We'll see if that support at SJU requires immediate results. Not sure they'll be patient if it's a rocky first two years.

Seeing that they decided to get rid of Lavin in the first place, I think they will understand that it will take some time to get St. John's towards the top of the conference. Slice's contract is also reportedly for the same six years as Mullin, so they have essentially tied long-term to their two most important coaches.

[Markedman]

! RT @UConnMBB: #UConn: Men's hoop releases 2015-16 non-conference schedule. Huskies, Hoyas renew rivalry. #BleedBlue http://bit.ly/1CqIiqg

[79warrior]

! RT @UConnMBB: #UConn: Men's hoop releases 2015-16 non-conference schedule. Huskies, Hoyas renew rivalry. #BleedBlue http://bit.ly/1CqIiqg

Would love to see MU-Ville renew.

[Markedman]

Would love to see MU-Ville renew.

or ND

[ValiantSailor]

Ditto...difference is that UCONN needs scheduling help...ND and 'Ville do not.

VS

[MU/Panther]

The thing that gets me is that we all know MU played ND many times before MU joined the Big East.

[Goose85]

I wonder if the Brey - Wojo Duke thing would be as much of a barrier to MU and ND playing like other Duke connections may be.
I think Wojo and Brey might have overlapped, Wojo as player and Brey as coach, by one year.

It would be great to somehow get ND on the schedule.

[IWB]

I was told at one point that Pitino did not want to schedule MU. Don't know if that changes with Wojo,, but at the time was told there was no way.

[mufan2003]

2016 5-star big man for Villanova, looks good and fits their style of play:

http://www.vuhoops.com/2015/6/18/8809819/villanova-commit-omari-spellman-continues-to-impress-at-nbapa-camp


<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O1IGdU9LYmE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[MayorBeluga]

The thing that gets me is that we all know MU played ND many times before MU joined the Big East.

The combination of conferences getting larger, made for TV neutral site games, the fact that the Big Tenlevenfourteen Network and the (South Bend is nowhere near the Atlantic) ACC is so tough they get RPI boost from conference play and everyone's need to get 20 wins (even if 10 come against the Little Sisters of the Poor) have made it more and more difficult to schedule good home and home nonconference games. Who suffers? The fans who buy season tickets.

[MUfan12]

I wonder if the Brey - Wojo Duke thing would be as much of a barrier to MU and ND playing like other Duke connections may be.
I think Wojo and Brey might have overlapped, Wojo as player and Brey as coach, by one year.

It would be great to somehow get ND on the schedule.

I had heard there were discussions last year, not sure where it stands now.

[Goose85]

The combination of conferences getting larger, made for TV neutral site games, the fact that the Big Tenlevenfourteen Network and the (South Bend is nowhere near the Atlantic) ACC is so tough they get RPI boost from conference play and everyone's need to get 20 wins (even if 10 come against the Little Sisters of the Poor) have made it more and more difficult to schedule good home and home nonconference games. Who suffers? The fans who buy season tickets.

Mayor, two points in your post really hit the nail on the head, and not just for basketball.
Made for TV games are great, but at some point you need to take care of your season ticket base with some top level home and home arrangements. That is one reason why I'm a big fan of keeping the Big East at 10 unless some incredible opportunity presents itself.

Sure most long time season ticket holders will keep buying the tickets, but student packages in many places do suffer.
The overall schedule may look good, but a made for tv game and playing good teams in a holiday tournament often leave room for just one good nonconference home game.

[MU/Panther]

That problem is moving to college football as there is the lack of H/H games and the push is now everything is neutral site games and now games out of the country.

[Goose85]

That problem is moving to college football as there is the lack of H/H games and the push is now everything is neutral site games and now games out of the country.

I know more than a few Badger fan students that no longer buy football tickets. It's great to have Alabama and LSU on the schedule, but none of those games are played at home. Also, the unbalanced schedule for football has not been kind to the Badger season ticket holders for a few years now.

[Markedman]

@GoodmanESPN: St. John's shot-blocker Chris Obekpa is transferring -- per a release from the school.

[milkbone]

Jeff Borzello ‏@jeffborzello · 1h1 hour ago
St. John's now has three returning scholarship players from last season: Felix Balamou, Christian Jones, Amar Alibegovic. 4.0 ppg total

[MayorBeluga]

Jeff Borzello ‏@jeffborzello · 1h1 hour ago
St. John's now has three returning scholarship players from last season: Felix Balamou, Christian Jones, Amar Alibegovic. 4.0 ppg total

Good Lord. They've turned into us this past season.

[milkbone]

Good Lord. They've turned into us this past season.


Damn now I have to wipe off my keyboard!!!!!!!!!!:p

[warriorfan4life]

Good Lord. They've turned into us this past season.

I can see them following a similar course to us, playing hard but losing close games due to being undermanned next year and take a big step up a year now thanks to a strong recruiting class (like I expect from us, from 13 to around 20 wins next year).

[mufan2003]

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/107785/looking-ahead-villanova-wildcats

[Markedman]

@PrepWars: Former Mott Community College All-American & Detroit King guard Malik Albert has committed to Creighton.

[Markedman]

Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress 11m11 minutes ago
Italian PG Federico Mussini committed to St. John's, a school source informs. Huge get for Chris Mullin and the Big East. Exciting prospect!

[Goose85]

Zagsblog on Mussini to St. John's

http://zagsblog.com/st-johns/report-mussini-declines-club-offer-st-johns-next/

[Markedman]

@GiveNGobball: RT @EvanDaniels: Tyrique Jones has verbally committed to Xavier, per a source.

[MUBasketball]

St. John's, NC State, and Wisco finalists for Rowan.

http://www.scout.com/college/basketball/recruiting/story/1559544-maverick-rowan-discusses-his-recruitment

[Markedman]

@PaulBiancardi: Just spoke with Maverick Rowan about Bo Ryan is retiring as Wisconsin was in his final list.
"It definitely changes things a lot"

[warriorfan4life]

@PaulBiancardi: Just spoke with Maverick Rowan about Bo Ryan is retiring as Wisconsin was in his final list.
"It definitely changes things a lot"

Think St. John's looks to be in good shape here. They have a really fun looking shaping roster shaping up with Mussini, LoVett (talent as he's not a headache off the court), Johnson, Ellison, M'Vouika, potentially Rowan, and Williams all capable of hitting from three and spreading the floor. They will need Sima eligible and provide interior defense (and/or land more interior help), but at least they will be an entertaining team to watch. This could also allow them to make a huge jump a year from now if they sign a strong 2016 class.

[Markedman]

Butler having a nice summer. Joining the Big East had really helped their recruiting

@jeffborzello: Howard Washington is Butler's second four-star commitment in the 2016 class, joining ESPN 100 big man Joey Brunk.

[MKE_GoldenEagleFan]

That is awesome, a lot of people questioned Chris Holtmann, great for him to get a strong class.

[warriorfan4life]

That is awesome, a lot of people questioned Chris Holtmann, great for him to get a strong class.

I did not believe that Brandon Miller was the answer, but Holtmann looks next in line in the succession of great Butler coaches. Building a very nice first full class, and also played the transfer market nicely with Jordan Gathers and especially Kethan Savage.

[mufan2003]

Butler having a nice summer. Joining the Big East had really helped their recruiting

@jeffborzello: Howard Washington is Butler's second four-star commitment in the 2016 class, joining ESPN 100 big man Joey Brunk.


http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/butler/2015/06/30/point-guard-recruit-howard-washington-picks-butler/29525287/

[Markedman]

DePaul just added a kid from Turkey for this year.......@WeAreDePaul: Look for Erten Gazi to get immediate time in the Blue Demons backcourt in the 2015-16 season. #dpubb #depaul

[MayorBeluga]

DePaul just added a kid from Turkey for this year.......@WeAreDePaul: Look for Erten Gazi to get immediate time in the Blue Demons backcourt in the 2015-16 season. #dpubb #depaul

In all due fairness, Gato could get immediate time in DePaul's backcourt.

[Gato78]

I am certain this comment was made with a nod towards my mad skills and high basketball IQ.


In all due fairness, Gato could get immediate time in DePaul's backcourt.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

I am certain this comment was made with a nod towards my mad skills and high basketball IQ.

Sorry Gato, it's DePaul. Those aren't skills they usually value. They're more into the "we'll take anyone that commits" skillset.

[MayorBeluga]

I am certain this comment was made with a nod towards my mad skills and high basketball IQ.

If it makes you feel better, then sure, why not.

[CaribouJim]

If it makes you feel better, then sure, why not.

Did Gato say "mad" skills or "math" skills? If the latter, he is encroaching on my turf.

[MUBasketball]

Still think this is a Final Four team warriorfan? ;)

http://www.bigeastcoastbias.com/2015/7/4/8893029/providence-loses-big-man-in-2015-alex-owens-fails-to-qualify

[Nukem2]

The Big East is losing a lot of size this year:
Kameron Woods
Will Artino
Joshua smith
Mikael Hopkins
Carson Desrosiers
Paschal Chukwu
Chris Obekpa
Matt Stainbrook

[warriorfan4life]

Still think this is a Final Four team warriorfan? ;)

http://www.bigeastcoastbias.com/2015/7/4/8893029/providence-loses-big-man-in-2015-alex-owens-fails-to-qualify

As much as I like Dunn and believe that he carries PC to the tournament, cannot count on any more then that. Never thought that Chukwu would transfer, as he had all the playing time he wanted coming next year and was poised to be one of the breakout players in the country.

[MUBasketball]

As much as I like Dunn and believe that he carries PC to the tournament, cannot count on any more then that. Never thought that Chukwu would transfer, as he had all the playing time he wanted coming next year and was poised to be one of the breakout players in the country.

Its a bummer. They are a program with a lot of momentum after the past few years but doesn't look like they'll be able to capitalize in Dunn's final yr.

[warriorfan4life]

Its a bummer. They are a program with a lot of momentum after the past few years but doesn't look like they'll be able to capitalize in Dunn's final yr.

Still like their first 6-7 players a good deal, but zero depth (especially on the interior) limits their potential over the season.

[AlexJesswein]

The Big East is losing a lot of size this year:
Kameron Woods
Will Artino
Joshua smith
Mikael Hopkins
Carson Desrosiers
Paschal Chukwu
Chris Obekpa
Matt Stainbrook

Time for Luke and Henry to feast

[Phantom Warrior]

As far as the Friars, they have been playing only six or seven guys for a couple of years now, so that shouldn't be a problem, barring injury. They will be playing a lot of small ball with no one over 6'8". Outside shooting could be a major issue. Dunn was around 35% on treys, but no one else was over 33%, and both Cartwright and Lomomba are awful, below 20%. Fazekas has a rep as a shooter, but will he be able to play decent enough defense to even get on the court?

There is some athleticism on the team, but I will be very surprised if Providence finishes in the upper half of the league or earns an invite to the Big Dance.

[warriorfan4life]

As far as the Friars, they have been playing only six or seven guys for a couple of years now, so that shouldn't be a problem, barring injury. They will be playing a lot of small ball with no one over 6'8". Outside shooting could be a major issue. Dunn was around 35% on treys, but no one else was over 33%, and both Cartwright and Lomomba are awful, below 20%. Fazekas has a rep as a shooter, but will he be able to play decent enough defense to even get on the court?

There is some athleticism on the team, but I will be very surprised if Providence finishes in the upper half of the league or earns an invite to the Big Dance.

I think Ricky Council will provide needed shooting (and starts from day one at the two). Also, I think that Jalen Lindsay is a much better shooter then last year's numbers indicate. Providence will have no issues scoring the ball, but I worry that they will give up lots of points on the interior. Have the Friars and Marquette just behind the top four in the league, but both sneak in the tourney as 9-12 seeds. If Chukwu stayed, I would have had Providence in the top tier with Nova and Georgetown.

[Markedman]

I watched Brunson today for USA U19 team..........kid looks like he is going to be a star. Very impressive. My guess is Nova plays a lot of 3 guard sets this year.

[Phantom Warrior]

It will be interesting to see if Wright has Arcidiacono or Brunson as the primary ball handler, or if they share those duties. I expect both will be on the court 30+ mpg.

[mufan2003]

I watched Brunson today for USA U19 team..........kid looks like he is going to be a star. Very impressive. My guess is Nova plays a lot of 3 guard sets this year.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great games by Jalen Brunson (14 pts, 7 ast) and Harry Giles (13 pts, 16 rebs) as <a href="https://twitter.com/usabasketball">@usabasketball</a> wins Gold in OT at FIBA U19 Championships!</p>&mdash; Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayBilas/status/617781784198168577">July 5, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Brunson was first team all tournament and MVP.

[TedBaxter]

Brunson is the best point guard in the Big East already.

[warriorfan4life]

Brunson is the best point guard in the Big East already.

Brunson will be a stud from day one, but Kris Dunn is the best point guard (and arguably best returning player) in the country.

[TedBaxter]

I think Brunson makes his team better.

[warriorfan4life]

Dunn played a giant role in leading a top 25 team last season, and their tourney game went off the rails as soon as he picked up two early fouls. He will have an even bigger role to shoulder this season with Henton gone and lack of size on the interior, but I expect him to do enough to lead Providence back to the tournament. Brunson is lucky enough to come into a very established team, and I would not be surprised if he becomes a key cog on that team. However, he has to prove himself on the college level, especially compared to the returning Big East player of the year.

[TedBaxter]

My opinion has less to do with what Kris Dunn has done to date and what kind of pro prospect he is and more to do with Brunson being one of those impact players like Tyus Jones who can run the team. To me Dunn is a scoring point guard and Brunson a pure point like Jones.

Again, just my opinion.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

I'll always defer to experience until the young guy proves it on the court. Dunn was CBS Third Team All-American, First Team All-Big East, Big East POY, and Big East DPOY. I think Brunson will be a great player, but I wouldn't crown him until he's outdoing Dunn on the court.

[TedBaxter]

We all saw Dominic James come in and be better than most, if not all, point guards in the Big East at leading the team as a freshman.

I don't consider Dunn a pure point guard like Brunson. He's like MCW of the Bucks. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong.

[warriorfan4life]

Dunn had the highest assist rate in the country last year. He had the ball in his hands a lot (using 30% of Providence's possessions when on the floor), but that because he was so good at facilitating offense (both for himself and others).

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Ed Cooley's system is a dynamic point guard's dream. Vincent Council, Bryce Cotton, and Kris Dunn have all been incredibly efficient both in scoring and assisting the ball. Their assist rate rankings have been phenomenal:

2012 - Vincent Council 43.0% (7th best in the country)
2013 - Vincent Council 42.9% (5th best in the country)
2014 - Bryce Cotton 34.8% (20th best in the country)
2015 - Kris Dunn 50.0% (1st best in the country)

All of these guys also scored the basketball, but very few players coast to coast are as good at providing for their teammates as the Providence point guards are. I expect Dunn to continue that as a junior, and have a feeling Ricky Council may be groomed next for the role of PC point guard.

For what it may be worth, only one Villanova player has been in the top-250 in assist rate over that same period. In 2012, Maalik Wayns had a 32.5% assist rate, good enough for 60th in the country.

[MUBasketball]

For those of you interested in coaching vacancies, Mullin still has an assistant coach opening. Based on chatter on their board, he wanted Ed Pinckney.

Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA 1m1 minute ago
Denver coach Michael Malone has hired well-regarded Ed Pinckney as his top assistant, league sources tell Yahoo. He had been with Bulls.

@NYPost_Brazille: Ed Pinckney staying in NBA not a surprise. Top candidates for last spot, I'm hearing, are Mitch Richmond and Greg St. Jean. #sjubb

[MU/Panther]

Q&A with Jay Wright
http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25233658/qa-villanovas-jay-wright-talks-ncaa-loss-top-recruit-jalen-brunson

[Phantom Warrior]

I've always respected Wright and the Nova program. He had one sub-par season, but he rebuilt the program quickly. I think Wojo can do the same at MU.

Wright has recruited a lot like MU has the past dozen years or so, getting a fair share of Top 100 recruits but only occasionally getting Top 40 recruits. Every few years he will land what I call an "anchor class" with three Top 100 recruits and then usually get one or two Top 100 recruits in other classes as kind of complementary pieces to the puzzle.

I think we're a year away from getting back to Nova/GTown status, but I do think Wojo will get us there.

In a way, Wright's success at Nova is very similar to Ryan's at UW - with the exception of that one season the Wildcats failed to make the NCAA Tournament. It's kind of weird that Wright doesn't get greater props for what he's achieved.

I also find it strange that very seldom is Wright part of the rumor mill when high-profile jobs open up. You almost never read his name when all the speculation runs rampant, which is a major contrast to all the Crean and Buzz rumors.

By the way, I think my favorite non-MU team over the past 15 years or so to watch was that Nova group that played four guards (Ray, Foye, Nardi, and Lowry) along with a forward (Sheridan) the year Sumpter missed due to injury. Man they were exciting/entertaining. Had Sumpter not been injured that year, I think Nova could have won the whole thing.

[Markedman]

His name has been mentioned but it quickly dies when he lets it known he isn't going anywhere. Philly is home for him.

I think the only flaw for Wright is he has had quite a few early outs in the NCAA tourney even as a high seed.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

DePaul released their non-conference schedule today:

v Western Michigan
@ Penn State
v South Carolina (Neutral)
v FSU/Hofstra (Neutral)
v Indiana State/Norfolk State/Ohio/Tulsa (Neutral)
@ UIC
v Chicago State
@ Drake
v UALR
@ Stanford
v Northwestern
v George Washington

12 games, 4 true road games, 3 neutral court. Pretty solid schedule for them.

[MUBasketball]

DePaul released their non-conference schedule today:

v Western Michigan
@ Penn State
v South Carolina (Neutral)
v FSU/Hofstra (Neutral)
v Indiana State/Norfolk State/Ohio/Tulsa (Neutral)
@ UIC
v Chicago State
@ Drake
v UALR
@ Stanford
v Northwestern
v George Washington

12 games, 4 true road games, 3 neutral court. Pretty solid schedule for them.

That's a really good schedule. Good balance, no awful-bottom RPI type teams except Chicago State but at least that's a intracity opponent. No huge home game, but solid ones.

[MU/Panther]

I wish Marquette would put out their non-conference schedule. :(

[Phantom Warrior]

Not so sure I view that as a decent non-conference schedule. Is there one team on that schedule that will likely be a Top 25 team? The two Big 14 teams are likely lower half of their league. Not sure about Stanford and South Carolina.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Not so sure I view that as a decent non-conference schedule. Is there one team on that schedule that will likely be a Top 25 team? The two Big 14 teams are likely lower half of their league. Not sure about Stanford and South Carolina.

Exactly why it's a good schedule. The best schedules minimize the number of top 25 and sub 250 opponents while stocking up on the teams in the middle. Less risk of defeat with the quality opponents outside the top 25, and less risk of RPI hits with teams that are on the basement.

I really wish Marquette would schedule like that. Make the marquee opponents second tier teams, but don't bring in the SWAC teams for the automatic wins, they usually hurt more than they help.

[MUBasketball]

Sneaky Mullin :D

Zach Braziller ‏@NYPost_Brazille 1h1 hour ago Bronx, NY

Hearing third #sjubb assistant likely won't be done until after July live recruiting period. However, they will have four people on road.

[MUBasketball]

In summary, Purnell and his staff were a bunch of hacks.

http://www.depaulbluedemons.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/071315aaa.html

[MinnesotaJeb]

In summary, Purnell and his staff were a bunch of hacks.

http://www.depaulbluedemons.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/071315aaa.html

It would be great for the Big East if DePaul put a competitive team on the floor.

It has been no fun playing them in recent years when a loss to them could spell a real hit to post-season chances and a win do little for our RPI.

And Wojo has already demonstrated he can recruit almost no matter the competition.

[Gato78]

Did we really need an article to confirm what we had seen on the floor?


In summary, Purnell and his staff were a bunch of hacks.

http://www.depaulbluedemons.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/071315aaa.html

[MUBasketball]

Did we really need an article to confirm what we had seen on the floor?

Haha, definitely not!

[Markedman]

St Johns missed on Rowan...

@EvanDaniels: Maverick Rowan has committed to North Carolina State. He finished his necessary coursework to reclassify to 2015 on Friday.

[Markedman]

Nice get for Xavier

@JonRothstein: BREAKING: 2016 PG Quentin Goodin has committed to Xavier, source told @CBSSports. Top-100 player.

[Nukem2]

Interesting stat noted by Dick Vitale in his Roundball Chatter: Xavier has had a record of .500 or better in conference play for 33 straight years ( MCC/A10/BE). That's amazing.

[CaribouJim]

Interesting stat noted by Dick Vitale in his Roundball Chatter: Xavier has had a record of .500 or better in conference play for 33 straight years ( MCC/A10/BE). That's amazing.

....and their recent record in the NCAA's, although no FF's, is pretty impressive as well, at least from a consistency standpoint. Great addition to the BE.

[MKE_GoldenEagleFan]

That is what is pretty surprising, a lot of folks were really excited to add Creighton because they had McDermott, but when you look at their tournament history it really leaves a lot to be desired, Xavier and Butler were by far the better adds.

[MUMac]

Interesting stat noted by Dick Vitale in his Roundball Chatter: Xavier has had a record of .500 or better in conference play for 33 straight years ( MCC/A10/BE). That's amazing.

Which is a longer streak than Duke, Kansas, Kentucky and North Carolina.

[warriorfan4life]

That is what is pretty surprising, a lot of folks were really excited to add Creighton because they had McDermott, but when you look at their tournament history it really leaves a lot to be desired, Xavier and Butler were by far the better adds.

Very happy with all three additions and they easily outpace some of the ołd members like DePaul and Seton Hall. With Creighton's fan support, they will not put up with many 4-14 conference records (and I expect them to be much better this year).

[unclejohn]

Very happy with all three additions and they easily outpace some of the ołd members like DePaul and Seton Hall. With Creighton's fan support, they will not put up with many 4-14 conference records (and I expect them to be much better this year).

Agreed. Butler has consistently gotten more out of less, and nobody can take away their Final Four appearances. Still, those were lightning strikes. They dominated the Horizon League, but that was much easier to do than other leagues, like the MVC. They did not dominate in their one year in the A-10. Xavier has been consistent, but again, arguably in at easier league than the MVC. Creighton has consistently contended in a league that is roughly the same level as the A-10. They have not been great, but they have usually been at least NIT quality, and they have made the NCAA repeatedly. I do not put much stock in how teams or coaches do in the tournament. Too many variables, too much luck. Creighton has wanted to step up its program for a long time, and this is their chance. Playing in the Big East is going to give them a chance to go after better players. For all of them, there are going to be some down years. There have to be. if somebody in the conference is going to 14-4, somebody else is likely to go 4-14. But that will mostly even out, and I expect Creighton most years to be a contender, or at least a tough out. Now, take that team from last year and put them in the Horizon League instead. They might not be better, but their record sure would be.

[MKE_GoldenEagleFan]

Agreed. Butler has consistently gotten more out of less, and nobody can take away their Final Four appearances. Still, those were lightning strikes. They dominated the Horizon League, but that was much easier to do than other leagues, like the MVC. They did not dominate in their one year in the A-10. Xavier has been consistent, but again, arguably in at easier league than the MVC. Creighton has consistently contended in a league that is roughly the same level as the A-10. They have not been great, but they have usually been at least NIT quality, and they have made the NCAA repeatedly. I do not put much stock in how teams or coaches do in the tournament. Too many variables, too much luck. Creighton has wanted to step up its program for a long time, and this is their chance. Playing in the Big East is going to give them a chance to go after better players. For all of them, there are going to be some down years. There have to be. if somebody in the conference is going to 14-4, somebody else is likely to go 4-14. But that will mostly even out, and I expect Creighton most years to be a contender, or at least a tough out. Now, take that team from last year and put them in the Horizon League instead. They might not be better, but their record sure would be.

I get what you are saying, with the new league you can pretty much throw history out the window. Doesn't matter what they did in the Horizon, A-10, or MVC because we don't get tournament credits for that success either. Luckily so far all three seem to be recruiting good which will hopefully result in some more tournament success in the future. It will be hard to truly judge this new conference for at least another 2-3 years because you have to get through a full 4 years of recruiting to see if the impact is there. So far it appears its what everyone expected, still a solid league, but is not the same as what it was. Honestly from MU's perspective Butler, Creighton, and Xavier have all been more valuable to the conference to date that we have. If you have to pick a team that was expected to contribute to the new conference and has been a let down its been MU so far. Now I think we all hope that this year is the beginning of a turn around to the success we have become accustomed to over the last decade.

[unclejohn]

I get what you are saying, with the new league you can pretty much throw history out the window. Doesn't matter what they did in the Horizon, A-10, or MVC because we don't get tournament credits for that success either. Luckily so far all three seem to be recruiting good which will hopefully result in some more tournament success in the future. It will be hard to truly judge this new conference for at least another 2-3 years because you have to get through a full 4 years of recruiting to see if the impact is there. So far it appears its what everyone expected, still a solid league, but is not the same as what it was. Honestly from MU's perspective Butler, Creighton, and Xavier have all been more valuable to the conference to date that we have. If you have to pick a team that was expected to contribute to the new conference and has been a let down its been MU so far. Now I think we all hope that this year is the beginning of a turn around to the success we have become accustomed to over the last decade.

Not exactly what I meant. I do not think you can throw what a team did in another conference out the window. There is something to be said for being consistently good. But I do think you have to consider what kind of competition they did it against. Butler mostly did dominate the Horizon League, but they were bigger than the league. They played some very tough non-conference games, which is one of the arguments we used to hear from UWM fans. They deserve a home game because Butler gets them against big name teams. Still, had they been playing in the Big East instead, some of those years would not have been so good. Some years they ran the table. Some years they did not. They got beat out by UWM a year or two, and would lose some games to other conference rivals who just were not very good. But if you took Green Bay who dominated the conference last year and put them in the BE, they would have gotten clobbered. Would have come up with some competitive games, but probably would have wound up near the bottom. But the big thing is that each of these teams has made a commitment to top quality college basketball. They are going to spend the money. They are going to have the facilities, They are going to play competitive schedules. That is the value they bring to the conference. Long haul, they will go up and down, but I would not be surprised to see the BE consistently put six teams in the post-season. Under the old NIT format, I would have said 8, but with the NCAA running it, that is less likely, and I doubt any will accept bids to the lesser tournaments. As for Marquette, the value we bring to the table is not in the past two years. Sure, we were supposed to break out of the gate the first year and we didn't. But Marquette represents a historically strong and successful program with lots of name recognition. I do not think anyone is worried about Marquette after last year. They know we'll be back. Nobody was worried about Georgetown when they had a couple bad seasons. Good thing. Then they went to the Final Four.

[TheSultan]

Butler was constantly good in the Horizon. However I don't think they would have been invited to the BE had they not had that run under Stevens. I think it's a little unfair to call it "lightning strikes." Stevens went out and recruited two NBA players to Butler in Mack and Hayward, and another high level player in Howard, and obviously is a very good coach.

Without that little run at the exact right time, I think they may have looked more at a Dayton or St. Louis.

[Nukem2]

Butler was constantly good in the Horizon. However I don't think they would have been invited to the BE had they not had that run under Stevens. I think it's a little unfair to call it "lightning strikes." Stevens went out and recruited two NBA players to Butler in Mack and Hayward, and another high level player in Howard, and obviously is a very good coach.

Without that little run at the exact right time, I think they may have looked more at a Dayton or St. Louis.Such is life. One could say the same of MU's Final 4 run in terms of the invite to the old BE.

[MU/Panther]

Such is life. One could say the same of MU's Final 4 run in terms of the invite to the old BE.Maybe, but then explain DePaul.

[Markedman]

Maybe, but then explain DePaul.

Chicago market.......and IIRC MU pushed to have DePaul also invited?

[MayorBeluga]

Maybe, but then explain DePaul.

The world needs ditch diggers too, Danny.
- Judge Elihu Smails

[TheSultan]

Such is life. One could say the same of MU's Final 4 run in terms of the invite to the old BE.


Maybe. I don't know what other options were on the table for the two basketball schools they wanted to invite at the time. It certainly didn't hurt.

And I am hardly blaming Butler for that anyway. When you make investments into your programs and start to win, good things happen. Xavier, Butler and Creighton are obviously dedicated to high quality basketball. So even when they have an off year, or a bad coach, they will be fine. All three are better than DePaul...and possibly Seton Hall.

[MU/Panther]

Seton Hall
Here's a look at the non-conference games (home games in CAPS):

Fri., Nov. 13, DARTMOUTH, Prudential Center
Sun., Nov. 15, WAGNER, Walsh Gymnasium
Thu., Nov. 19, vs. Long Beach State, Charleston, S.C.
Fri., Nov. 20, vs. Bradley/Virginia, Charleston, S.C.
Sun., Nov. 22, Championship/Consolation, Charleston, S.C.
Sat., Nov. 28, GEORGIA, Prudential Center
Wed., Dec. 2 , at George Washington, Washington, D.C.
Sat., Dec. 5, at Rutgers, Piscataway, N.J.
Thu., Dec. 10, TROY, Prudential Center
Sun., Dec. 13, SAINT PETER'S, Prudential Center
Sat., Dec. 19, WICHITA STATE, Prudential Center
Tue., Dec. 22, SOUTH FLORIDA, Prudential Center

[Nukem2]

Seton Hall
Here's a look at the non-conference games (home games in CAPS):

Fri., Nov. 13, DARTMOUTH, Prudential Center
Sun., Nov. 15, WAGNER, Walsh Gymnasium
Thu., Nov. 19, vs. Long Beach State, Charleston, S.C.
Fri., Nov. 20, vs. Bradley/Virginia, Charleston, S.C.
Sun., Nov. 22, Championship/Consolation, Charleston, S.C.
Sat., Nov. 28, GEORGIA, Prudential Center
Wed., Dec. 2 , at George Washington, Washington, D.C.
Sat., Dec. 5, at Rutgers, Piscataway, N.J.
Thu., Dec. 10, TROY, Prudential Center
Sun., Dec. 13, SAINT PETER'S, Prudential Center
Sat., Dec. 19, WICHITA STATE, Prudential Center
Tue., Dec. 22, SOUTH FLORIDA, Prudential Center

That's a very decent schedule for SHU.

[MKE_GoldenEagleFan]

That's a very decent schedule for SHU.

Is better than MU's most likely when it all finishes up RPI wise

[Nukem2]

Is better than MU's most likely when it all finishes up RPI wise
Absolutely no question about that, though SHU could lose a lot of those to get a relatively low RPI.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Is better than MU's most likely when it all finishes up RPI wise

It's better as far as SOS goes, but there's no guarantee they'll have a better RPI. That will come down to record. If MU goes 11-2 with their only losses coming at Wisconsin and in Brooklyn while SHU goes 6-6 with losses to Virginia, Wichita State, Rutgers, George Washington, Georgia, and USF, I'd feel confident saying we'll have a better RPI.

[MKE_GoldenEagleFan]

It's better as far as SOS goes, but there's no guarantee they'll have a better RPI. That will come down to record. If MU goes 11-2 with their only losses coming at Wisconsin and in Brooklyn while SHU goes 6-6 with losses to Virginia, Wichita State, Rutgers, George Washington, Georgia, and USF, I'd feel confident saying we'll have a better RPI.

I never said SHU would be better RPI wise, but the SOS will be

[MU/Panther]

2016 guard Jagan Mosely (St. Anthony's NJ) has committed to Georgetown, per his twitter page.

[MU/Panther]

Jon Rothstein ‏@JonRothstein · 6h6 hours ago
Big East note: Looks like a pretty good bet that Creighton's two freshman -- Khyri Thomas and Martin Krampelj -- will be in Jays' rotation.

[Markedman]

@TheRecruitScoop: 2016 Our Savior New American (NY) PF Kassoum Yakwe has committed to St. John's as a member of the 2015 class. First reported by @ASlater247.

@NYPost_Brazille: Kassoum Yakwe expected to enroll in classes this week per source. Eligibility for this year work in progress. #sjubb

[Markedman]

@BrianHamiltonSI: Syracuse and St. John's agree to hoops home-and-home. First meeting is Dec. 13 at MSG.

[TedBaxter]

Would like Marquette and Notre Dame to play a yearly series.

[Gato78]

Do not hold your breath on that. Not gonna happen.


Would like Marquette and Notre Dame to play a yearly series.

[MayorBeluga]

Would like Marquette and Notre Dame to play a yearly series.

Takes 2 to tango. Plus Cuse wants to play as often as possible at MSG. Maybe if MU and ND somehow worked it out to play annually in Chicago...

[The Reptile]

Takes 2 to tango. Plus Cuse wants to play as often as possible at MSG. Maybe if MU and ND somehow worked it out to play annually in Chicago...

$yracu$e thinks that being at the far end of the same state gives them the right to the entire state. Clearly, they have a high opinion of themselves since the average person living in NYC and its suburbs don't give two you know what's about $yracu$e or the ACC. I say if we can do it and piss $yracu$e off in the process we should do it.

[TheSultan]

$yracu$e thinks that being at the far end of the same state gives them the right to the entire state. Clearly, they have a high opinion of themselves since the average person living in NYC and its suburbs don't give two you know what's about $yracu$e or the ACC. I say if we can do it and piss $yracu$e off in the process we should do it.


I'm not entirely sure what you are criticizing here. St. Johns willingly agreed to a series with them. What does this have to do with us pissing them off?

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Would like Marquette and Notre Dame to play a yearly series.

We really should be playing ND every year, but it can't happen if they don't want to play us. That said, I would like to see another yearly series. ND and Louisville seem to be out, but someone like Cincinnati, Memphis, Dayton, St. Louis, Iowa, Iowa State, Minnesota, West Virginia, Michigan State or Pitt, someone who either makes sense geographically or historically.

I'd even be amenable to regular 2-for-1 series with a Valpo, Bradley, or Detroit. Just get some continuity to the schedule and some more true road games and rivalries. In the old Big East, it felt like we had good rivalries with Louisville, ND, and Pitt. With them gone, we need teams that the fans love to hate.

[KMWTRUCKS]

think Valpo Bradley and Det at 2-1 is a little generous. What about a 4 year agreement with UWM, Greenbay,Valpo, and UIC at 3-1. They would all get 1 home game and we would get 3 Home games Vs better teams. would something like that be more likely since they are all in the same Conf or less? It would be basically WISC and Chicago markets.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

I think UWM and Green Bay are basically out of the mix. The Horizon teams have been much more bullish on getting home and homes and 2-for-1s in recent years. I think three rolling 2-for-1 deals where we play one road game per year would be fine.

I remember hearing that the reason UWM was taken out of the mix was because they didn't want to do the 3-for-1 anymore, they wanted 2-for-1, and the reason UWGB was taken out was because they wouldn't accept anything less than what UWM got. I don't think MU wants to go back to that well. It'd be easier to set something like that up with out-of-state teams and wouldn't look like we were caving to UWM/UWGB demands.

[Nukem2]

So many others out there.

[Markedman]

@JeffRabjohns: RT @NYPost_Brazille Dwayne "Tiny" Morton has decided not to return to Seton Hall coaching staff, per sources.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Willard is mismanaging things so bad even the assistants want to transfer out.

[Markedman]

Might not be fair to put this 1 on Willard

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25285646/seton-hall-loses-assistant-because-he-wants-to-be-a-math-teacher

[Goose85]

Some Big East related recruiting info from Zagsblog.

*Villanova is currently hosting 6-6 point guard Kevin Huerter on his official visit. Huerter is ranked 41 by ESPN.

**Wenyen Gabriel will have in-home visits with Providence, Duke and Maryland on Sept. 9, per @UndercoverFriar. Gabriel is ranked 23 by ESPN.


http://zagsblog.com/articles/recruiting-roundup-shamorie-ponds-frank-jackson-marques-bolden-kevin-huerter-wenyen-gabriel-thon-maker/#more-139209