The Bold Predictions series tips off with the Big East. The depth of the conference always provides some surprises, but I feel bold and have looked into my crystal ball which revealed the following:
1-Seton Hall will make the Sweet 16
Not only will fantasy stalwarts Jeremy Hazell and Herb Pope lead the Pirates back to the NCAA's for the first time since 2006, they will also march on to the Sweet 16 for the fifth time in school history (first since 2000). While the topic has been discussed in the past, Hazell brings little else to the table besides scoring, but he can light it up like few others in college basketball. Hazell had seven games of 30 or more points last season. After a fairly successful first year in the program, Herb Pope should become a more dominant force than he was last season. Pope was a much better than average fantasy option, averaging a 11.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 0.8 steals and two assists. Expect a jump to the 14-15 points this year. After losing Robert Mitchell and Eugene Harvey from last year's squad, they also return senior swingman Jeff Robinson who averaged 12.2 points and 5.8 rebounds last season. Another key piece of the roster is Ole Miss transfer Eniel Polynice. He averaged 8.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists for the Rebels last season. Look for Polynice to put up at least 10 pts, 4-5 rebs and 3-4 assists this season. With the expected improvement of Robinson, the addition of Polynice and the dynamic duo of Pope and Hazell, the Pirates will possess the right recipe for success come March.
2-Kevin Jones will be Big East Player of the Year
West Virginia junior forward Kevin Jones is poised for a breakout season. In my opinion, Jones is a lock to be first team All-Big East this year, and while picking him as conference POY may be going out on a bit of a limb, I am willing to take the risk. Jones averaged 13.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and shot 40% from behind the arc last season as the Mountaineers third option. With Da'Sean Butler and Devin Ebanks now in the NBA, Jones is now the unquestioned leader of the Mountaineers and will become a star this season. While he didn't quite average a block and a steal per game last season, you can expect improvements to between 1.5 and two. Expect Jones to average 18 points, 12 rebounds and two assists while leading West Virginia to a top four finish in conference and yet another NCAA Tournament appearance.
3-St John's will make the NCAA Tournament
The Steve Lavin era has begun at St. John's. The only player the Red Storm do not return from last year's roster, is the oft-injured Anthony Mason. Lavin has a tough challenge ahead of him if he wants to bring the program back to its heyday in the 80's, but the cupboard isn't exactly bare. Lavin returns 10 seniors (no, that's not a misprint); so finding leadership will not be an issue. Senior wing D.J. Kennedy is the team's best player and fantasy option. Kennedy averaged 15.1 points, 3.1 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game last season. If guards Paris Horne (9.2 points), Dwight Hardy (10.5 points, 39% from behind the arc), and big man Sean Evans (6.7 points, 5.9 rebounds) can improve on their totals from last year, the Red Storm will have a legitimate chance to improve on last season's postseason NIT berth and make their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2002.