Bulls Recon

Bulls Recon: Casual Hoya Talks Georgetown Basketball

by Ken DeCelles on Feb 3, 2012 11:00 AM EST in Bulls Recon

Marquette's Todd Mayo (4) and Georgetown's Otto Porter (22) scramble for a loose ball during second half of their NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, in Washington. (AP Photo/Richard Lipski)

Welcome back to another edition of Bulls Recon. Today, we have the guys at Casual Hoya helping us talk some Georgetown hoops. In this edition, we talk Otto Porter, being declared the winner of the Georgetown/Syracuse rivalry, and of course, Big East expansion.

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1. The Hoyas are emerging as one of the surprises in the league after being selected 10th in the Big East preseason poll. Who has stepped up this year for GU?

Going into the season we all knew what Hollis Thompson and Jason Clark were capable of. We saw their scoring potentials in spurts last year, although they were often overshadowed by Austin Freeman and Chris Wright. The true surprise this year has been Henry Sims. Most had written Sims off as a big man bust - he averaged 3.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 fouls in 14 minutes of play last year. I have no idea what happened to him in the offseason, some say his mom yelled at him for having too much fun in college (he ran for student body vice president last year - yes this only happens at Georgetown), but he has done a complete 180. He is now the starting center, the facilitator of the offense and leads the team in assists. No one in their right mind would have ever predicted that. Nor did they predict that Henry would LOSE the election.

2. Otto Porter has adjusted nicely to Big East play. Can you give a brief breakdown of his skill set?

Otto is incredibly smooth with the ball and has a nice, albeit, recently inconsistent pull-up jumper. He has a great ability to find the ball after the shot and leads the team in rebounds. He also is a great team basketball player and moves well without the ball - perfect for the Georgetown offense. He has the potential to be the next Jeff Green. His defense needs more work, but his length creates problems when Georgetown goes into a 2-3 zone.

3. You can use this forum to make fun of Syracuse after they decided to bring out gray uniforms. Congrats on being declared the winner of the SU-Georgetown rivalry.

The uniforms are only part of the reason why Georgetown won the rivalry. We've also (1) never lost scholarships because we couldn't graduate players, (2) sent more players to the NBA court than County court, and (3) never harbored a suspected child molester. And we don't make T-shirts for waking up in the morning.

4. How do you feel about the new Big East teams? Just three more stiffs for you to beat down?

It sucks. I mean I can sit here and make up reasons why adding Houston, SMU and UCF is good for the conference from a basketball perspective but I'd be lying. I think it was the best alternative given what is happening to the college landscape, but it is far from ideal. If this is all in the pursuit of money (and no one can argue otherwise), there is plenty more to be made and I think today's movers will be tomorrow's losers. There isn't much Georgetown can do other than concentrate on its on-the-court product and root for other non-football playing schools to rebuild their programs (St. John's, Providence, Seton Hall).

5. If you haven't noticed, we've done a mixology post before each game this year. Where do you go to grab for a few drinks or a bite to eat around campus or at the Verizon Center?

Our normal answer to this question is the Hooters in Chinatown, because it is one of the worst establishments in the history of bad dining establishments. But since I am in a good mood today, I'll give you a real answer. Most Casualities frequent Iron Horse before and after games; the bar has been good to us and hosts our game watches and extravaganzas. Others check out the Irish Channel pub because it used to be an amazingly awesome dive bar attached to a Red Roof Inn (it is now a fancy Irish pub). There a ton of options around the Verizon Center and downtown DC has grown into one of the most active areas of the city. Now don't beat us and make me regret offering these nuggets of GOLD.

6. Finally, how do you see this one ending up?

Is Dominique Jones still on the team? No? Ok good, Georgetown wins. It won't be pretty and I can see the Georgetown defense holding USF to below 60 like Marquette, ND and UConn were able to do. Question is whether Georgetown upperclassmen can continue where they left off against UConn. Prediction: Georgetown 67, USF 58.

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Thanks to the guys at Casual Hoya for answering my questions and make sure you head over for my answers to their questions later today.

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Bulls Recon: Anonymous Eagle Talks Marquette Basketball

by Ken DeCelles on Jan 24, 2012 11:00 AM EST in Bulls Recon

Marquette's Davante Gardner (54) reacts as Louisville's Peyton Siva(5) and Chris Smith, right, walk by during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, in Milwaukee. Marquette won 74-63.(AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Welcome back to another edition to Bulls Recon. Today we have Brewtown Andy from Anonymous Eagle in with us today to talk some Golden Eagles basketball. In today's Q&A, we talk about the emergence of Davante Gardner, the insanity that is USF-Marquette, and of course Big East expansion.

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1. How is the year going for you guys? Pretty much what you thought when the season began?

My gut instinct answer to this is no. No one expected to have to throw the expected season long game plan out the window because Chris Otule wrecked his knee. But when you look at preseason expectations of the teams in the Big East, I think 16-4 overall and 5-2 in the Big East at this point is actually right about where Marquette fans expected to be.

2. How has Buzz dealt with Chris Otule's ACL tear? Is Ox Gardner becoming the guy I feared he would be when he chose Marquette over USF?

The month long "Will he? Won't he?" dance was a little absurd. Since Otule didn't have surgery immediately, I have to presume he'll be back and ready to go at 100% by the start of next season, so maybe that's a wash. From a basketball standpoint, I think Marquette's just now getting comfortable with what they have to do to win games without Otule. While Gardner has become more and more dangerous, The Providence game showed a flaw: If you can get Ox in foul trouble - and it's not terribly hard sometimes - you can limit his threat. On the flip side, Gardner came into that game late and Ox In A Box turned that game from a tight battle to Marquette coasting to victory.

3. This series has had its fair share of insanity over the last few years. Are we becoming one of your favorite Big East games just for the fact that you don't know what to expect after tipoff?

The first thing that popped into my head when reading this was sitting in my car refusing to get out so I could listen to the end of the 2007 contest in Florida. I'm sure anyone wandering past my parking spot in the apartment complex I lived in was wondering why the car suddenly started violently shaking when Jerel McNeal stole the ball and went the length of the floor for the winning layup at the buzzer. So upside: Fun memories like that! Downside: It's never a dull moment when Marquette and USF hook it up which is terrible for my stress levels.

4. What do you think of the new Big East members?

I adopted Boise State as my college football team after they went undefeated several years back and were nowhere near the national title game, so I'm excited to be able to support a Big East team in football that doesn't conflict with any of Marquette's sports. Houston has a little bit of a proud history to them in basketball, so that's a great move. I'm not particularly thrilled about the ideas of road trips to the tiny arenas of SMU or UCF, but I understand the financial aspect of a local partner for your team and for Houston.

5. When in town, where do you get a bite to eat or a few beverages around campus?

Some members of the Marquette faithful will advocate for AJ Bombers, and given that it's just 5 blocks from the Bradley Center, it's definitely a great game day option. But for a burger and a beer both near campus and on campus, the place to go is Sobelman's. Their original location is classic, and they've recently leased space from the university for an on campus location directly across the street from where Marquette organizes shuttle buses to the BC on game day.

6. Finally, how do you see this one playing out. Does #BizarroBigEast live on and USF pulls off the upset?

Our teams can't seem to avoid playing close games, so I'm sure it will be closer than I would prefer. But I officially predict that Marquette will come out on top and move into a tie for second place in the Big East. Let's say MU by 8.

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Thanks again to Andy for helping us out today, and make sure to head on over to Anonymous Eagle for my answers to his questions.

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Bulls Recon: We Are DePaul Talks Blue Demon Basketball

by Ken DeCelles on Jan 21, 2012 11:00 AM EST in Bulls Recon

DePaul guard Brandon Young (20) celebrates with teammates Moses Morgan, center, and Jeremiah Kelly as they take the lead during the second half of a Big East NCAA college basketball game agains Pittsburgh, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012, in Rosemont, Ill. DePaul won 84-81. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Welcome back to another edition of Bulls Recon. With no DePaul blog on SB Nation, the guys at WeAreDePaul.com were nice enough to answer a few questions on the Blue Demons. In this edition, we talk Cleveland Melvin and Brandon Young, where to find a bite to eat in Rosemont, and of course Big East expansion.

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1. Cleveland Melvin and Brandon Young look like they are emerging as two of the top players in the Big East. How have they improved from last season?

Some might say that Melvin has regressed rather than improved. He's trying to develop his outside game more, when really his bread and butter has always been on the interior. His shot selection hasn't been the greatest. Young is improving in all aspects of the game. His shooting has gotten better. His defense is getting better too, although there is still plenty of room for improvement on the defensive end for him.

2. Does USF's ability to control the boards scare you with the Blue Demon's lack of size? Will this be a big factor in tomorrow's game?

Yes, as it does with every opponent that DePaul faces. The Blue Demons are the worst rebounding team in the Big East. Just look at the rebounding margin in the game vs. Georgetown - 47-25. Rebounding is a big concern going into this game.

3. Who does DePaul have coming in next year? Anyone who could have a Melvin type impact next year?

Jodan Price, a sharpshooter out of Detroit Country Day and DeJuan Marrero, a forward from Gary, Indiana. Neither is that kind of impact player. Purnell would like to add a combo guard and a stud big man who can make an impact to the 2012 recruiting class in the Spring signing period.

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Bulls Recon: Rumble In The Garden Talks St. John's Basketball

by Ken DeCelles on Jan 17, 2012 1:35 PM EST in Bulls Recon

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 17: Moe Harkless #4 of the St. John's Red Storm makes a dunk against Arizona Wildcats during the 2K Sports Classic Benefiting Coaches Vs Cancer at Madison Square Garden on November 17, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Welcome back the latest edition of Bulls Recon. Today, we have Pico Dulce from our great St. Johns site Rumble In The Garden here to talk some Red Storm hoops. In this edition, we talk about St. John's doomed recruiting class, Coach Lavin's recovery from cancer, and of course Big East expansion.

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1. Coach Lavin had a pretty nice recruiting class coming in this season, but for one reason or another a big chunk of it are off the roster? What exactly happened?

Oh, the recruiting class. First, there were nine - a battalion of young promise, an agile and versatile collection of wings and guards... who would probably still lose a lot of games.

Over the summer, JaKarr Sampson, Norvel Pelle, and Amir Garrett were ruled ineligible - each were missing core classes for NCAA eligibility and needed to get high marks in those classes, but the NCAA didn't accept their grades from the Rise Academy. I know, I know. Make fun all you want, but it does seem like the NCAA was trying to enforce a little when they could, to show that they had some level of control given the scandals of the previous year/ years.

But the NCAA wouldn't let them into the club. The spring semester was a possibility for each, but only Amir Garrett completed his requirements to make it to campus.

The other two have opened their recruitment. Norvel Pelle is in Philadelphia taking classes, and has been rumored to be going to UNLV or San Diego State. But UNLV now has Khem Birch transferring in. Pelle also isn't the most decisive sort, and one wonders if he'll be eligible next year, even. Sampson has gotten looks from Providence, and possibly Kansas and Florida, but St. John's is still recruiting him. The NY Post passes on that Sampson is a heavy St. John's lean.

During THIS season, Nurideen Lindsey left the team. He clashed with the interim head coach Mike Dunlap and teammates, and was less comfortable with Lavin not on the sidelines to guide him . He was a speedy talent, but his style of play may have hurt the development of the team - very go-for-self, aggressive, but not that efficient or interested in the nuance of passing.

More bodies would have helped, but so far, the Storm haven't really been fatigued - they've been outclassed, out-experienced. Nurideen could have helped with his ability to create shots, but he hurts with his turnovers and selfish play. Sampson could have helped on the boards, and he's probably the one whose absence hurts the most. Pelle was known as an athlete and shotblocker, and part of me thinks he would have transferred back west after a year anyway... and wouldn't have been a great rebounder in his first year.

2. With the exception of D'Angelo Harrison, this is a pretty horrible 3-point shooting team. Have teams just been running zone and daring them to shoot out of it?

Pretty much. You'll see a graphic showing that the Johnnies are near the bottom of Division I in three-point makes. But they also wisely don't take a lot of threes. Really, they do a good job of trying to get all of their shots off within 10 feet of the basket. But players are developing; Maurice Harkless and Sir`Dominic Pointer are showing signs of having range.

3. Can you tell us a bit about Harrison and Moe Harkless and the type of skill set they have?

Moe Harkless has a ridiculous set of skills that he's just tapping into. Of course, "just tapping into" could also indicate a guy who takes shots he can't make but keeps taking them (a la Gus Gilchrist, who has improved but not enough for his skills to reach his fantasy of himself). Harkless is LONG, decently quick, able to get shots off from all kinds of places. He can get buckets off of a dribble if not properly defended. He can rebound. If/ when he can hit open jumpers with a little more range, I think he has a real shot at the NBA. But right now, he's slim and needs to connect on more of his attempts. When Harkless is going well, he's drawing fouls and has a double-double before you realize it.

Harrison is - and forgive me for saying this - a little bit like Dominique Jones. Ok, that's hyperbole - but he's a solidly smart, high-usage guard who draws fouls and can pass a little. He defends better than you think, is a stand-up guy and a future leader so far. Harrison also has swagger that he's learning to contain. And by "swagger", I mean that urge to follow up a made shot by jacking up a 25-footer in transition on the next possession. He's probably the best on the team at shooting off the dribble, he's the real creative option.

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Bulls Recon: South Orange Juice Talks Seton Hall Basketball

by Ken DeCelles on Jan 13, 2012 11:00 AM EST in Bulls Recon

Seton Hall's Herb Pope, right, puts up a shot over Pittsburgh's Jermaine Dixon during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010, in Newark, N.J. Pope led Seton Hall with 19 points as they defeated Pittsburgh 64-61. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Welcome back to another edition of Bulls Recon. Today we have GonzoBallSHU from South Orange Juice over to talk a little Seton Hall basketball. In this edition, we talk about the emergence of Jordan Theodore and Herb Pope, Seton Hall's rise back to the Top 25, and of course Big East expansion.

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1. I think most people thought Seton Hall would be better this year, but I don't think anyone could have expected this. How does it feel having a nationally ranked team again?

It feels incredible. It's no secret that the University's image took quite a hit due to events that have transpired around the program the last few years. For that bitter taste to finally leave our mouths in Kevin Willard's second year is a breath of fresh air for everyone involved with Seton Hall Basketball. Oh, that's right, you asked about being nationally ranked?!? In the days after beating UConn and Providence, we extensively speculated on SOJ and Twitter as to a) whether they'd be ranked and b) what their ranking would be. I openly admitted that I was making a huge deal about potentially breaking into the polls. When you haven't been ranked in over a decade, it is.

2. For those who haven't seen the Pirates play this year, can you give us a brief breakdown of what to expect from The Hall on Friday?

Throughout the non-conference slate, the Pirates offense ran through senior F/C, Herb Pope (17.5/10.8), who looks like the player we all expected him to become, improving from his terrific sophomore season, two years back. However, since conference play began, Pope has been seeing plenty of double and even, triple-team looks, forcing his teammates to take on larger roles. Fellow senior and captain of the squad, Jordan Theodore, is starting to receive discussion as a national player of the year candidate and for good reason. Theodore (16.5/7.6) has already recorded 4 double-doubles this season, has set career highs in points and assists against DePaul and put the team on his shoulders to lead them to victory in numerous games this season. In the last three games alone, JT made pivotal jumpers that either stopped a run, or effectively broke the opponent's back. He's been nothing short of unbelievable. The Pirates are surprisingly loaded with shooters, Fuquan Edwin is turning into a stud before our eyes and they're even getting contributions from freshmen Aaron Cosby and Brandon Mobley. Defensively, they'll show a 2-3 zone look nearly 75% of the time, but have the ability to confuse opponents by switching to man-to-man for brief stints.

3. Herb Pope and Jordan Theodore have developed as one of the best inside-outside combinations in the conference. How great has it been to see both of them develop into possible All-Big East players?

I really should have read this question before answering #2! It's true, their inside-outside combo is pretty potent. When opponents throw an extra man or two Pope's way, he uses his outstanding distribution skills to either find a streaking teammate or a Pirate camped around the perimeter. Pope will also occasionally find himself around the top of the key, where he's able to knock down an occasional trey or surprise onlookers with a nifty pass worthy of most point guards. Jordan's filthy in penetration this season, whereas in years past, he'd hit traffic and end the possession with an ugly circus shot. Now, he's being more careful; making the right decision and dropping pretty dimes all over the court. Both players have spoken about their absence from the NCAA tournament in their years at Seton Hall and you'd have to believe it's one of the driving forces behind the improvement in their games this season.

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Bulls Recon: One Foot Down Talks Notre Dame Basketball

by Ken DeCelles on Jan 10, 2012 11:00 AM EST in Bulls Recon

KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 22: Jerian Grant #22 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish shoots while Donte Williams #15 of the Georgia Bulldogs tries to block during the Progressive CBE Classic consolation game on November 22, 2011 at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Welcome back to the latest edition of Bulls Recon. Today we have 4pointshooter from our friends at One Foot Down coming in to talk Notre Dame basketball. In today's Bulls Recon, we talk about the emergence of Jerian Grant, Notre Dame's short bench, and of course Big East expansion.

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1. Eric Adkins impressed me during the Louisville game with his last second heroics at the end of regulation and both overtimes. How has his improvement helped offset the loss to Tim Abromaitis?

Eric Atkins is the first underclassmen captain in Notre Dame since Chris Thomas - and Mike Brey trusts him as much (and given this season's setbacks, probably even more) as he trusted his long line of outstanding Big East PGs - Chris Thomas, Chris Quinn, Tory Jackson, Ben Hansbrough. Atkins showed that he could do this in the beginning of the year before a mean flu set him back and took away some of his fitness and feel for the game. Ever since being named captain a few weeks ago, we can see that he's really getting back into the thick of things and right where we hoped he would be all year. It's not necessarily his on court game in itself that helps offset the loss of Abro, but his on court leadership as well as he commands respect out of his teammates and they all listen.

2. How in the world is your team holding up with what is effectively a seven man rotation? Do you think the extra minutes will eventually catch up with the Irish later in the year?

Well, I've asked this question (and frustrated by it countless times) many times and the answer always seems to reveal itself by NCAA tournament time when Notre Dame falls short of expectations: So ND will likely be fine with the rotation until then. Currently, I view it as 8 man rotation made up of 9 guys. Brey seems to have settled on Cooley-Martin-Dragicevich-Grant-Atkins as the starting 5 and Brooks-Connaughton as the two wing/energy players off the bench. Then Knight and Broghammer split the duties of spelling Cooley

3. Jerian Grant has come out of nowhere to emerge as one of the go to scorers this year. For those who have never seen him play, can you give us a brief rundown of what he can bring to the table?

Jerian was a four start recruit (and son of former NBA payer Harvey Grant - yes, Horace's twin) out of the prestigious DeMatha program that every ND fan was excited about - given his early injury in camp last year and Brey's propensity for older guys, it was no surprise that he was redshirted last season, but we were all waiting for Grant to be unleashed. I will admit that I didn't see this long range gunning ability to be there so early on in his career, but his ability to score is something I have been waiting for since the summer. At the moment, considering that Brey has given Grant two green lights, you'll see him become the shot taker in iso situations and late in the shot clock moments - and a fair NBA comparison right now would be someone like Jamal Crawford, although I believe Grant has a better game as a playmaker for others.

4. How do you feel about the new additions to the Big East?

They're not Pittsburgh or Syracuse. I can tell you that much.

I don't speak for Notre Dame or even for OFD when I say this, but I don't believe ND will be in the Big East by 2015. The fit both academically and athletically in the ACC is just too good to pass up by that point.

5. Burger from OFD did a great 2 part piece for us on where to go while in South Bend before the football game. Do you have a favorite place to go before heading over to Purcell?

I lived on campus all four years while I was at ND so I don't have any real pregame meal/drink rituals before basketball games (North Dining Hall's Make Your Own Pizza - pesto with chicken, onions and jalapenos - and a quick beer - Stella if I used my money right that week - before heading out?) but I did visit this past Christmas break, and I really enjoyed this new bar called "Brother's" on Eddy Street less than 5 minutes by foot away from campus. Relatively clean, lots of flatscreens, really cheap specials and a variety of brews and allegedly, there is a grill in the kitchen too!

6. Finally, how do you see this one ending up?

ND hasn't lost a home game in nearly 3 seasons, I will be worried if the USF team of the last 3 games is the team that shows up in full force, but I think this young ND team is really coming into its own and will continue to defend well. If Grant and Atkins can get going earlier than they have the last two games, I think ND takes this one and wins their 30th straight home game.

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Thanks again to 4pointshooter for helping us out today. Make sure to head over to OFD for my answers to his questions.

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Bulls Recon: The Nova Blog Talks Villanova Basketball

by Ken DeCelles on Jan 4, 2012 11:00 AM EST in Bulls Recon

We have a one game winning streak! (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

Welcome back to another edition of Bulls Recon. Today, we have Chris from The Nova Blog stepping in and giving us the lowdown on Wildcats basketball. In this edition, we talk Nova's slow start, where to get a bite around campus, and of course, Big East expansion.

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1. I figured you would have a bit of a slow start, but I didn't expect 7-7 and 0-2 in the league. WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON OUT THERE!?!

For the first time in my 'Nova fandom, I wasn't THAT upset that the West Virginia game wasn't on TV. It was almost like "oh, I don't have to watch us get killed. This isn't so bad." In short, I have no effing clue what is going on. I wish I did, because the lack of solid play is really, really concerning. It's not just the losing, it's how we're losing. Some games, you can tell we have no shot in the first 10 minutes.

2. One bright spot is the continued development of Mouphtaou Yarou. How nice has it been to see him develop in a quality scorer for you guys?

He hasn't really hit my expectations of him this year yet. He has some real head-scratchers on his sheet this year. Devante Gardner took him to the shed in the Marquette game and that was really a game that Mouph should have had a bigger impact on. The improvement off of last season has been nice, and if it continues again next year he should finally be at the level we expect of him. But I think your estimation of him this season is above that of most 'Nova fans.

3. How is JayVaughn Pinkston doing this year after being suspended all of last year? What should we expect from the freshman?

He started off exactly like you would imagine a guy with a year away from the game would. A little out of control, taking bad shots, dumb decisions, etc. But in the last month he's really come into his own. The game has clearly slowed down for him, he's in better shape and he's not making the same mistakes he did in the early portion of the schedule.

He's one of the few players right now that I have a lot of confidence in, and that should tell you a lot about how the upper-classmen are doing.

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Bulls Recon: On The Banks Talks Rutgers Basketball

by Ken DeCelles on Dec 31, 2011 1:00 PM EST in Bulls Recon

Rutgers' Eli Carter shouts as he celebrates a basket late in the second overtime of an NCAA college basketball game against Florida in Piscataway, N.J., Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011. Carter had 31 points in Rutgers 85-83 win. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

Welcome back to a special New Year's Eve edition of Bulls Recon. Helping us out today is Dave White, who is the basketball editor for our Rutgers site On The Banks. In this edition of Bulls Recon, I ask Dave about Rutgers talented freshman guard, a possible let down for the Scarlet Knights, and of course, Big East expansion.

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1. Well Thursday's Double OT win over Florida didn't suck. How big of a win was that for the program, especially with former Rutgers player Mike Rosario on the other sideline?

First off, after having season tickets for about 10 years, that was the best game I've ever attended. It was back and forth and exciting. Each team threw haymakers and the other team just kept getting up. The best part was-other than the actual win-since he was on the bench for all of crunch time, Rosario was a non-factor. It's a huge win for the program, as they build, because the freshman now know what it's like. When your biggest win before this game is Stony Brook, the team has no idea what it takes to win, how to grind out possessions and stay in big games. Now the team knows and they can keep building going forward.

2. I was extremely impressed with your freshman guards Eli Carter and Myles Mack. For those that haven't seen them play, what to they bring to the table?

We have a 3 headed freshman monster at guard. Eli, Myles, and Jerome Seagears can all do the same things. They can all play a little point. They can all shoot, and they're all fast. Carter is the biggest scorer of the three, as you saw against Florida. He can flat out fill it up on the score sheet and makes a ton of circus shots when he's on. Mack has range, as he showed in OT, but he excels in transtion. Seagears is sneaky, and grabs offensive rebounds and can really get in the lane.

3. Kadeem Jack finally made his Rutgers debut against Florida, albeit for only 3 minutes. Will he see some more minutes on Sunday?

Assuming he came out of the Florida game healthy, he should get more time. They're going to shake the rust of him some more before he gets major minutes, but I'd expect him to do more and more as the season goes on, until he's an integral part of the team.

4. With the short turnaround and the flight down, do you think the team might have a let down against the Bulls?

I think any team would be ripe for a let down on Sunday, but especially this one. Florida was their first big win and I'm not sure how much of that had to do with the hype and the crowd. I don't know USF too well, but I'm expecting a much smaller crowd Sunday. It wouldn't surprise me if RU came out a bit flat. They've had a lot of trouble starting games as it is.

5. How do you feel about new additions to the Big East?

I'm a hoops fan first, honestly. I'm going to miss playing against WVU, Pitt, and 'Cuse. The football additions should make the conference more interesting from that aspect, but the Big East lost some luster in my eyes.

6. Finally, any predictions for the game?

Oof. Tough one. I think RU pulls out a close, low scoring game, 55-53 on late free throws and a defensive stop. But it's not going to be pretty.

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Thanks again to Dave for helping us out today. Make sure to head over to OtB for my answers to his questions later on in the day.

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Bulls Recon: Casual Hoya Talks Georgetown Basketball

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Bulls Recon: We Are DePaul Talks Blue Demon Basketball

Bulls Recon: Rumble In The Garden Talks St. John's Basketball

Bulls Recon: South Orange Juice Talks Seton Hall Basketball

Bulls Recon: One Foot Down Talks Notre Dame Basketball

Bulls Recon: The Nova Blog Talks Villanova Basketball

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