2008 Big East Basketball Picks & Predictions

The Connecticut Huskies are again the class of the Big East and will have an impact on the national scene as the Huskies are ranked #2 in the preseason top 25 poll.  They return 4 of their 5 starters from last year and have one of the best coaches in NCAA basketball history, Jim Calhoun leading the way.  UConn is currently one of the favorites in the nation at just +1000 odds at Sportsbook.com to win the NCAA Tournament this year!  Deposit instantly using your credit card!

Louisville actually ranks just below UConn in the preseason top 25 at #3 overall.  This is potentially one of the best teams Rick Pitino has ever coached at the collegiate level.

Last year’s defending Big East Tournament Champs, the Pittsburgh Panthers, might have problems repeating against a one of the best conferences in basketball, but they’ll challenge for the top spot all the way.  Sam Young, Levance Fields, and DeJaun Blair are three starters that any coach at this level would be excited about.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are a real threat to challenge for the Big East crown this year.  Luke Harangody, last year’s Big East Player of the Year, is back to help the Irish make another run at the conference, and hopefully fair better than their second round loss in NCAA Tournament a year ago.

The Marquette Golden Eagles shouldn’t see much of a drop-off, even with former head coach, Tom Crean leaving to take the Indiana job.  There’s still a lot of talent available and Marquette’s new head coach (former Crean assistant) Buzz Williams won’t let this group fall apart.

Georgetown sees two of their best starters leave in Roy Hibbert and Jonathan Wallace, but the Hoyas have enjoyed success lately and have seen a nice boost in the talent of their recruits over the past few seasons.

The Syracuse Orange haven’t made the NCAA tournament since 2006, but hopes are high for one of the most experienced teams in the conference to compete in the conference and do well enough in their non-conference schedule to earn a trip back to the big show.

Villanova made an impressive run the NCAA tournament last year, but they’ve struggled in the Big East against the intense competition.  Nova could be hurt more than most teams in the conference by the three-point line movement this year.

West Virginia has three returning starters back from last year’s sweet 16 team, but they’ll have a big red target on their back this year.  This conference is likely too good for the Mountaineers to win, but seeing them back in the NCAA tournament is a likely possibility.

Providence grabs a new coach in Keno Davis, who lead the Drake Bulldogs to an impressive 28-5 run last year, but Davis will find the overall talent in the Big East a lot more intimidating.  The Friars have a great chance at making the NCAA Tournament with their returning talent, but challenging for the Big East title probably won’t happen.

Cincinnati has a good chance to give head coach, Mick Cronin his first winning season for the program this year, but it will be close.  They were 13-18 last season.  The Bearcats should improve on that number, but not by much.

Seton Hall got off to a red hot start last year before stumbling late in the season.  We’ll see how well their the Pirates hold up in 2008.

The DePaul Blue Demons are talented, but young.  Unfortunately, they aren’t talented enough to overcome their inexperience.

The Scarlet Knights of Rutgers grabbed one of their best recruiting classes of all time this year, but they are still a few seasons from making a real impact in the Big East standings.

St. John’s should improve from last season, but not by much.  There’s simply too many good teams in the conference with more talent and more experience.

South Florida hasn’t adjusted very well to the Big East competition.  They are still a long way from being competitive in the league.

There will be plenty of opportunities to make money this basketball betting season.  Be sure you put yourself in position to college basketball odds with NCAA basketball picks from our best basketball handicappers.

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