The Golden Eagles lack size, but their senior leadership and speed on the court should keep them in contention. The pushed back three point line may hurt them a little bit, but look for a lot of dribble penetration and kick-outs for open shots.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Coach: Mike Brey
2007-2008 Record: 14-4 (24-7)
AP Rank: 9
Coaches: 9

Overview
After finishing second in the Big East last season and securing the Big East player of the year in Luke Harangody, the Fighting Irish have all five of their starters returning and are looking to make a great run at the Big East title. Their experience on the court should be evident this season, as they have three seniors and two juniors leading the team. Coach Brey has put together a great team, as he showed the NCAA world last season, and they should continue looking great this year.

The Good
Joining Harangody in the starting lineup is senior shooting guard Kyle McAlarney and junior point guard Tory Jackson, who averaged 23.1 points per game and 9.3 assists per game between them. Seniors Ryan Ayers and Zach Hillesland return as well.

The Bad
While the Fighting Irish have a great returning lineup, they did not sign anyone notable this off season. They do have Carlton Scott returning after being red shirted his freshman year, but he probably will not see that much playing time given the starting lineup.

The Bottom Line
The Fighting Irish finished tied for second in the Big East last season and then only made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Look for them to make a run at the Big East regular season title, and try to get much farther this March.

Pittsburgh Panthers

Coach: Jamie Dixon
2007-2008 Record: 10-8 (26-9)
AP Rank: 5
Coaches: 6

Overview
After winning the Big East Tournament last season, the Panthers have three of their starters returning to the mix in hopes of advancing past the second round of the NCAA tournament this year and finishing with a much better Big East record than they did.

The biggest controversy of this summer for Pittsburgh was whether former Panther Mike Cook would be able to have another year of eligibility after getting hurt during the beginning of their season last year.

Unfortunately, the NCAA denied Cook and he was not able to participate in the program this year. Nonetheless, Coach Dixon has a strong group of players returning to his team this year, and they should finish much stronger than they did last year.

The Good
Senior forward Sam Young returns this year after averaging just over 18 points per game last year, and sophomore DeJuan Blair returns with his 11.6 points per game and 9.1 rebounds.

After missing twelve games last season with a broken bone in his foot, senior Levance Fields returns as well and is looking to make the team that much stronger. Freshman guard Travon Woodall should add more speed to the Panthers game and Nasir Robinson will add a presence inside, once they both work their way into the Panther’s mix.

The Bad
Without Cook, Ronald Ramon and Keith Benjamin, the Panthers may have a rough start to the season, but more likely than not they will prevail.

The Bottom Line

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