Top to bottom the Big East is arguably the best and deepest conference in all of college basketball. Every year this conference seems to have 7 to 9 legitimate candidates for the Big Dance and this year will be no different. Let’s take a closer look at the conference from top to bottom. Top Teams Louisville The ‘Ville are probably the class of the conference this year. They not only are a threat to the Big East Title but also the National Title. This is a team that returns 3 starters from a squad that won 30 games last year. Rick Pitino is one of the best coaches in the nation and this will be his deepest team yet at the ‘Ville. Expect this squad to bring the defensive pressure all game. If they can cut down on last year’s turnovers and develop a go to scorer they are a Final Four type team. Syracuse The famous 2-3 zone of the Orange will look to create havoc for opposing team’s offenses for yet another year. This team did lose some key players off a team that reached the Elite Eight last year but plenty of talent remains as well. Brandon Triche will be the leader of this team. I also expect 6-6 sophomore Michael Carter-Williams to have a bust out season. Notre Dame The Irish return all 5 of their NCAA tourney team from last year. They may have one of the most underrated backcourts in the nation with Eric Atkins and Jerian Grant as solid as they come. 6-9 big man Jack Cooley will be an inside presence along with Michigan State transfer Garrick Sherman. If the Irish can develop a nice rotation to give the starters some rest they will be very, very good. Cincinnati Lead by 6-4 guard Sean Kilpatrick the Bearcats will look to contend for a Big East crown. There are two main things that stand out that make this team so good. They don’t turn the ball over and they rebound. If Kilpatrick and fellow backcourt mate Cashmere Wright can give them a solid scoring presence they are going to make some noise. Pittsburgh The Panthers underachieved last year. This year they return 5 of their top 7 scorers looking to make amends. Pittsburgh has a lot of size and will be difficult to score on inside. If the returning scorers can be consistent they will be a threat. Contenders Marquette With a veteran backcourt and the addition of Arizona State transfer Trent Lockett this team could be right in the thick of things. Georgetown Big and athletic the Hoyas still need to develop more consistent scoring. Rutgers 4 starters return and Kansas State transfer Wally Judge give them an inside presence. This could be a very interesting team if things come together. South Florida Their defense and offensive style took them deep in the NCAA tournament last year. They look to play at that pace yet again this year and continue to frustrate teams. Connecticut Talented Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boatright return for first year coach Kevin Ollie. They will both have to be leaders for this Husky team. DePaul They can score but will need to defend and rebound better. Still a year or two away Villanova, Saint John’s, Seton Hall, Providence It should be another exciting year for Big East basketball fans as this conference always has a few surprises. It’s anyone’s guess right now as to who will be cutting down the nets in Madison Square Garden come March. One thing is for certain and that is college basketball is here and it will be fun.
 

(TonyK) 3G-Sports - TonyK's 30 day all access test drive TonyK is the most recognized handicapper in the country, and one of the top finishers of the NFL Las Vegas Hilton Contest. TonyK & 3G-SPORTS is currently ranked #1 in the Nation as monitored by The National Sports Monitor. Get his monthly package now for 30 consecutive days of College and NFL Football plus NBA HOOPS, World Series action and HOCKEY for just $275. Start collecting that extra paycheck each week!

Click here to view all of today's premium picks.