In their first three seasons in the Big East, the Bulls have finished dead last once and tied for fifteenth twice. In Coach Heath’s first season with the Bulls, they looked much better than they had previously. They stayed in games longer with teams and gave some a run for their money. The outcome was ultimately just as disappointing, though.

With seven freshmen ready to suit up for the Bulls this season, do not be surprised to see a shakeup in the starting lineup as Coach Heath’s first recruiting class gets ready to make their mark.

The Good
Sophomore guard Dominique Jones returns this year and appears to be the only starter from last season with his spot in the starting lineup secure. In the ’07-’08 season, Jones averaged 17.1 points per game while taking down 4.6 boards per game. He is a threat from beyond the arc, hitting just over thirty-five percent of his 153 attempted three pointers last season.

Joining Jones for the first time will be former Georgia guard Mike Mercer, who has to sit out the first six games of this season before being eligible to play but should fit in very nicely.

The Bad
While the Bulls began to look stronger at times last season, they did still finish tied for second to last. They have an explosive player in Jones, but lack a second option. Hopefully Mercer will be able to fill that void, but seeing as he tore his ACL in February 2007 and has not played since then, it might take a little while for him to get back into it.

The Bottom Line
The Bulls freshman class should provide the depth needed in longer, closer games. It’s not a question of if they are going to make an impact on the team, it’s a question of when.

St. John's Red Storm

Coach: Norm Roberts
2007-2008 Record: 5-13 (11-19)
AP Rank: NR
Coaches: NR

Overview
The Red Storm have had problems this whole decade, not finishing with double-digit Big East wins since the 90’s. The team ran into trouble when players were arrested, and since then the Red Storm has been trying to rebuild.

Enter Coach Roberts. Entering his fifth season as the Red Storm head coach, Coach Roberts has put together a very good young team which will build on its experiences from last year.

The Good
Justin Burrell is ready to start his sophomore season off with a bang after averaging over ten points and five rebounds per game last season, and senior Anthony Mason, Jr. is ready to show his leadership on the court again after averaging 14 points per game last season.

The Bad
Last year, Burrell and Mason did not have a very strong supporting cast and it showed. There are a slew of sophomores that have the opportunity to step up this year, and hopefully they can find it within themselves to do that.

The Bottom Line
The Red Storm have had a tough couple of years, but Coach Roberts has convinced those around him that they are finally ready to become a contender again. The young squad features only two seniors and one junior, so, depending on who steps up, almost anything is possible.

Syracuse Orange

Coach: Jim Boeheim
2007-2008 Record: 9-9 (19-13)
AP Rank: NR
Coaches: NR

Overview

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