The Beast of the (Big) East: Is It the Toughest Conference?

Every season sparks the same debate, "Which is the toughest conference?"  This year the Big East has a chance to put nine teams into the NCAA Tournament come March. Here is a rundown of those nine teams.

Note: I chose only to describe the nine teams that I thought would make the tournament.

1.  Louisville

There is not many coaches better than Rick Pitino when it come time for the tournament.  Terrence Williams and Earl Clark return this year and will be joined by super frosh Samardo Samuels.

2.  Connecticut

Two years ago this team was young and they failed to make the NCAA Tournament.  Last year they seemed to put it all together.  With Hasheem Thabeet still in college and AJ Price back, this could be a top 10 team all season. True frosh Kemba Walker could see immediate playing time.

3.  Pittsburgh

Sam Young, Dejaun Blaire, and Levance Fields fuel this team.  The Panthers are always in the thick of things come tournament time.

4.  Notre Dame

Big East P.O.Y. Luke Harangody returns with Kyle McAlarney.  These two propelled Notre Dame to the top of the Big East last year and have a good shot at finishing on top of the Big East.

5.  Villanova

Jay Wright has made the post season all seven years since he started at Villanova.  During that time he has visited the Sweet 16 three times in the last four years.  With Scottie Reynolds in the backcourt and experienced sophomores Corey Fisher and Corey Stokes, this could be the surprise contender for the Big East crown.

6.  Marquette

A new coach shouldn't change things, but then again you never know. This could be Dominic James' big year.  Guard play is essential to this team.

7.  Syracuse

Everyone's back except for Donte Greene, but 'Cuse might be better without him.  Injuries plagued the team last year but Rautins and Devendorf return from injury.  They won't miss the tournament this year.

8.  West Virginia

Devin Ebanks will make up for the loss of Joe Alexander.  This is a Huggins' team so it should be competitive till seasons end.

9.  Georgetown

John Thompson III should be able to make up for the loss of Jeff Green and Roy Hibbert in the last two seasons.  Greg Monroe enters this season as a freshmen ready to make an impact.

10.  Providence

11.  Seton Hall

12.  Cincinnati

13.  St. Johns

14.  DePaul

15.  Rutgers

16.  South Florida

In the end the Big East should prove it is the best with eight to nine teams in the tournament come March.