Two years ago, the Big East was the country's best conference. Last year, it was still one of the best, but did not boast quite the dominance as in 2008-09. This year, it appears that based on overall excellence, the conference may have slipped a bit more. The ACC has more talented freshmen and returning players. Don't underestimate the Beast. There are many interesting prospects. The attached list is the players that I expect to be the top of the line.
1. Kemba Walker, G, Connecticut Huskies
Walker has been one of the most talented players in the Big East since joining the conference two years ago. In his freshman and sophomore seasons, the Huskies had plenty of other options on offense (Stanley Robinson and Jerome Dyson to name two) but now everything is set up for Walker to become a star and I do not think he will disappoint. One of the most complete fantasy options in the Big East last year, Walker put up averages of 14.6 points, 5.1 assists and 4.3 rebounds. Expect the assists and rebounds to stay in the same general area, but look for him to average much closer to the 17-18 points per game this year.
2. Jeremy Hazell, G, Seton Hall Pirates
I am in accordance with Perry's line of thought: I'm generally not a big fan of a guy that only brings one thing to the table fantasy wise (particularly if it's scoring). However, if you're ever going to want a guy that just scores in bunches, Hazell is the guy for you. He averaged 22.7 points in 2008-09 and 20.4 last season. You can expect similar gaudy numbers in his senior season. While he is mostly only a scoring guy, he has put up solid numbers of 1.4 to 1.8 steals in each of his three previous seasons.
3. Kevin Jones, F, West Virginia Mountaineers
With Devin Ebanks now a Los Angeles Laker, look for Jones to become a focal point of the Mountaineer attack this season. As the third option last season, Jones showed flashes of stardom. As long he can withstand the pressure of being the main guy now, you're looking at a one of the best forwards in the Big East. He averaged 13.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and shot just over 52% from the field and 40% from 3 point land. Jones is one of the most gifted big men in all of college basketball. After riding somewhat under the radar last season, (due to the presence of Ebanks and De'Sean Butler) I expect Jones to explode on the national scene this year as a double-double guy.
4. Kris Joseph, F, Syracuse Orangemen
Winner of the conference's sixth man award last year, Joseph will be expected to take on a much bigger role this year after Arinze Onuaku and Wesley Johnson left. With help from Fabricio Melo, the prized center recruit, expect Syracuse to still be at or near the top of the Big East standings this season. There are some concerns that Joseph isn't mentally tough enough (he had issues with mental toughness as a freshman but improved last season). He is Orange's number one option going into the season. Last year in 28 minutes a game, he averaged 10.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals.
5. Herb Pope, F, Seton Hall Pirates
If Pope is given the rock more this year and can average 13 to 14 (or more) shot attempts per game, I expect his scoring numbers to approach the 15 plus range. If he can do that, he will definitely be a top big man in the conference. He averaged a double-double last year averaging a shade over 11 points and a shade under 11 rebounds a game. The talent to be a star is there. If Pope can bring the same intensity game after game, and stay out of foul trouble, he and Hazell will form the best 1-2 punch in the conference.
6. Brad Wanamaker, G, Pittsburgh Panthers
Wannmaker was by far the most consistent and best all-around fantasy option on last year's Panthers. Even though they will be adding depth to the roster this season, look for Wannamaker's numbers to rise this season. His totals were: 12.3ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.7apg, and 1.2spg
7. Vincent Council, G, Providence Friars
With Jamine Peterson getting kicked off the team and heading to play professional basketball in Greece, Council will be counted on for an even bigger role this season. He is a guy that helps you out in every aspect of the box score. Just what the fantasy basketball doctor ordered. Look for him to improve greatly on his averages of 10.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals from last season.
8. Alex Oriakhi, F, Connecticut Huskies
Oriakhi will be much more of a focal point this season with Robinson and Dyson gone. The Huskies are counting on him big time this year. In short minutes last year, he put up averages of 6.6 rebounds, 5 points, and 1.6 blocks. Now is the time for Oriakhi's coming out party. Look for him to come close to putting up a dub-dub every night as he becomes more of a main cog in the Husky attack this season. I'd expect minimum numbers of 12-13 points, nine boards, and two blocks.
9. Dane Miller, F, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
The reign of Fred Hill at Rutgers ended after last season's 15-17 record and the departures of Gregory Echenique and Mike Rosario. New coach Mike Rice has a big challenge on his hands but Hill did not leave the Scarlet Knight cupboard empty. Miller is a 6-foot-6 sophomore who showed off some major hops last year. He provided 9.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.1 blocks. He'll team with Jonathan Mitchell to give Rutgers a solid frontcourt.
10. Fabricio Melo*, C, Syracuse Orangemen
While Kris Joseph figures to step into the Wesley Johnson role (as best he can), the Orange have an Onuaku-sized opening for their Brazilian import, Fab Melo. The seven-footer is somewhat raw, but at 274 pounds he'll have enough size that Big East opponents will have a hard time matching him up. Onuaku struggled through injuries in his senior season and averaged just 10.5 points and 5.1 rebounds. I think Melo's averages will be closer to 10 and seven, which would make him a freshman center to get.