When talking defense in the Big East the conversation inevitably shifts in the direction of the shot blocker. From Patrick Ewing to Etan Thomas to Emeka Okafor the conference traditionally pumps out some of the most imposing defenders in college basketball. But with the sheer number of pure shot blockers down across the board a little more attention is being given to the practitioners of the pilfer, with some of the better thieves in college basketball plying their trade in the Big East. Here are eight of the best defenders in the conference, with more than half not being of the shot-blocker variety.
- C Gorgui Sy Dieng (Louisville) Dieng doesn't get to play as much as some of the other players on this list but he leads the conference in block percentage (15.7) while also ranking third with an average of 2.32 blocks per game.
- F John Flowers (West Virginia) It's a little strange to talk about the league's leading shot blocker and it's a player who's 6-foot-7 instead of the traditional 6-foot10 and up. Flowers averages 2.5 blocks per game, and as a bonus he's tripled his scoring average from a season ago.
- F Rick Jackson (Syracuse) Jackson's rebounding and double-double exploits are no secret, and the fact that he's second in the conference in blocks shouldn't be either. Jackson averages 2.34 blocks per game.
- G Preston Knowles (Louisville) Knowles is fifth in the Big East in steals per game, averaging 1.8 per contest. And just like teammate Peyton Siva the system in which they play provides opportunities to wreak havoc defensively.
- C Gary McGhee (Pittsburgh) McGhee is one of the best defenders in the Big East, something that can be forgotten by simply focusing on statistics. McGhee averages 1.6 blocks per game but it's the job he can do against opposing big men and on the glass (8.0 rpg) that makes him so valuable.
- G Duke Mondy (Providence) The Friars like to attack passing lanes defensively, which can either prove profitable due to the presence of Mondy, Vincent Council and Marshon Brooks. Mondy averages 2.04 steals, good for second in the conference.
- G Peyton Siva (Louisville) The jet-quick guard from Seattle leads the Big East in steals (2.3), and with the up-tempo pressing style that the Cardinals employ plenty of opportunities will be available for him.
- G Kemba Walker (Connecticut) As much as the junior is praised for his offensive ability he's also a solid defender, averaging two steals. And as much as Jim Calhoun needs him to play you know the opportunities will be there for Walker.