The 2009 early signing period concluded and the Big East hauled in a number of highly ranked recruits. All rankings are from Scout.com
1. Villanova Wildcats
Who they signed: Maalik Wayns No. 4 PG, No. 26 Overall
Mouphtauo Yarou No. 10 PF, No. 28 Overall
Isaiah Armwood No. 12 PF, No. 31 Overall
Analysis: Jay Wright landed a star-studded class for 2009. Traditionally known as a guard school, ‘Nova will be a force in the Big East thanks in large part to Armwood and Yarou. They add size to a team loaded with quality guards and throw in one of the top floor generals in the country. They are still in the mix for top-15 player Dominic Cheek, who is going to sign in the spring. Even without Cheek, this class is the cream of the crop in the Big East and is also a top-five class nationally.
2. Marquette Golden Eagles
Who they signed: Junior Cadougan No. 5 PG, No. 50 Overall
Jeronne Maymon No. 26 PF, No. 75 Overall
Erik Williams No. 21 SF, No. 95 Overall
Dwight Buycks NR
Brett Roseboro NR
Analysis: Buzz Williams hauled in a gem of a class in his first year at the helm in Milwaukee. He almost had to in order to stay competitive in the Big East. He is losing the trio of Dominic James, Jerel McNeal, and Wesley Matthews. Cadougan should start immediately and Buycks plays a similar style to McNeal. Maymon and Williams provide length on the wing and Roseboro is a developing lefty. Marquette is still looking at local prospect Jamil Wilson. He is a versatile player who has a huge upside.
3. Connecticut Huskies
Who they signed: Alex Oriakhi No. 4 C, No. 14 Overall
Jamaal Coombs No. 17 SF, No. 81 Overall
Analysis: With Jeff Adrian graduating and Hasheem Thabeet likely to enter the NBA draft, a bruising post player was a need for the Huskies and they got their man, Alex Oriakhi. He is going to be a force in the Big East much like Adrian is. Coombs adds size and length on the wing and should contribute right away. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Connecticut go after another center in the spring if Thabeet leaves.
4. Louisville Cardinals
Who they signed: Rakeem Buckles No. 17 PF, No. 48 Overall
Peyton Siva No. 7 PG, No. 54 Overall
Stephan Van Treese NR
Mike Marra NR
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about 1 month ago
Jay Wright always does a good job recruiting and I have heard that his players always like him. He almost landed #1 prospect Tyreke Evans last year. It looks like Nova will be able to get back to the top of the Big East next year.
about 1 month ago
Yeah he is one of the best coaches in the Big East and at least in my opinion he is a hard guy to hate. He definitely has Villanova on thr right track.
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