On Tuesday, March 9th the Big East Tournament will commence in New York City at the world famous Madison Square Garden. The University of South Florida will face DePaul University to start off the tournament at Noon on Tuesday.
The Big East Tournament always known for its irregular results and its most exciting finishes will consist of 16 teams all planning on extending their seasons for as long as possible. Ok, I know certain teams such as DePaul, Rutgers, and even Providence will need to make-up for a lack of talent in order to take the crown, but who knows what is really possible.
Upsets and late season runs has always been routine in conference tournaments, especially in the wild and crazy Big East. Last year’s tournament field incorporated a late season push by 7 seed West Virginia who reached the semi-finals and also included one of the longest games in NCAA history, in which a lower seeded Syracuse defeated Final Four member, the UCONN Huskies. Who saw that kind of finish happening? I know I did not. Half asleep, I stayed awake to see the unbelievable game conclude in six overtimes.
This year’s field seems to be promising for some surprises as well, for no one truly knows what can happen during March Madness. Obviously there are a few favorites in this tournament, but a lot of hungry competitors hope to make a late season push towards the NCAA tournament next week. Without a doubt I could see Syracuse, Villanova, or even West Virginia holding the Championship trophy and wearing the newly made hats and t-shirts late Saturday night, but I hope the unusual happens.
The bubble teams in the Big East hoping to make that improbable run include, UCONN, South Florida, Cincinnati, Seton Hall, and Notre Dame. Being a Cincinnati student and an avid Bearcat fan I hope to see the red and black step up to the challenge once this season and make a late season push. Given their hard-nose performances and success in Maui in the beginning of the season I know that UC plays up to their competition and can compete with any team on a neutral court.
UCONN is another one of those teams who may be destined for a Big East Tournament run. The Huskies have by far one of the more talented line-ups with key players like Kemba Walker, Jerome Dyson, and the electric Stanley Robinson. If coach Jim Calhoun can get the team ready, the Huskies could make it happen.
South Florida has arguably the best player in the Big East Conference. Dominique Jones has shown he can take over games, averaging 21.3 points per game, scoring as high as 46 points in a win at Providence. Although Jones is unreal I do not think the Bulls have the supporting cast to make a run this year, but wouldn’t it be crazy to see them prove me wrong. They would remind me of Georgia two years ago.
Notre Dame with a healthy Luke Harangody can definitely win some games to enhance their NCAA resume, but the Irish may already be in the field and not have to worry about running the table, even though with Harangody anything I possible. The Seton Hall Pirates who probably will not receive a NCAA bid without a Big East Championship on its resume is a lot like South Florida. The Pirates have one of the Big East’s best sharp shooters in, Jeremy Hazell, but their supporting cast could pull them down.
Maybe this is all talk, but history shows that these types of Cinderella stories are possible. I hope the Cincinnati Bearcats can play their ay into the NCAA tournament, who do you think has the ability to make it interesting?