2010-2011 Big East Basketball Preview

In 2008-2009, the Big East was arguably one of the best conferences in history. And last season they were great too. There just wasn't as much hype. Look for the Big East to have six or seven teams in the tournament again this season.

With that being said, here's how I see the Big East playing out this next season.

1. Pittsburgh

Last year's overachieving team in the Big East will return their two leading scorers in Ashton Gibbs and Brad Wanamaker.

With another year under their belt, they can only be better. Especially since the Panthers have one of the most underrated coaches in the nation with Jamie Dixon.

The Panthers surprised a lot of people grabbing the three seed last season. This year it won't be a surprise.

2. Villanova

Despite losing Scottie Reynolds after four great seasons, Jay Wright still has a team that will make the tournament and be in the top 25 all season.

With Corey Fisher and Corey Stokes coming back, they will have a huge impact on the team and be as good as they always are under Wright.

The addition of the ESPN Top 100 recruits, James Bell and Jayvaughn Pinkston won't hurt either.

3. Syracuse

If there's one thing I've learned in the recent past, it's to never bet against Jim Boeheim.

Fab Melo is a guy who can step in and make a huge contribution next season.

While the team isn't as deep as teams in the recent past because of the losses of Arinze Onuaku and Wesley Johnson, they will still be atop the Big East.

4. Georgetown

Even with Greg Monroe gone to the draft, the Hoyas are still going to be a top team in the Big East.

They still return their leading scorer in Austin Freeman and another top scorer in Chris Wright.

The Hoyas definitely will have the talent to go deep into the tournament after being shocked by Ohio last season.

5.  UCONN

Adding wing player Roscoe Smith to the quickness of Kemba Walker can only mean good things for the Huskies.

However, if they plan on having success, they need to have Jim Calhoun with them all season. While I realize that he won't lose his job at this point, last season's disappointing performance left him with something to prove.

Look for them to bounce back from a bad showing in last year's campaign.

Originally written by Collin O'Connor on ( www.sportshaze.com )