What's Hot
Dennis Latimore: The Arizona transfer could be the surprise of the conference. The 6-foot-8, 253-pounder served as a camp counselor this summer at Reebok ABCD Camp and performed well in pickup games against other highly regarded college players. Expect Latimore to help Notre Dame with defense and rebounding at the power forward slot, complementing center Torin Francis.
Hakim Warrick: Warrick averaged 2.5 dunks per game last season for Syracuse, but that doesn't begin to describe his improved game. The senior, who likely would have been a top-20 NBA pick had he turned pro last summer, is capable of scoring 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds nearly every game. Warrick once lacked the strength to compete in the post as well as an outside jump shot, but not anymore. He has expanded his shooting range and gives Syracuse a chance to win its second national title in three years.
Syracuse senior forward Hakim Warrick, who has built up his strength and extended his shooting range, could lead the Orange to its second NCAA title in three years.
(Kevin Rivoli -- AP)
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| __ College Basketball Preview __
ATLANTIC 10
• George Washington's Karl Hobbs, pictured, and his Colonials have high expectations this season. OTHER AREA COLLEGE CAPSULES
• American
• Howard
• George Washington
• Navy
• George Mason ACC
• North Carolina's Roy Williams, pictured, and his Tar Heels are one reason the ACC continues to be the country's strongest conference.
• Scouting Report: Players
• Media Poll
• Who's Hot, Who's Not?
• Must-See Games WOMEN
• Despite success on the court, area teams are having a difficult time filling the stands.
• Area Capsules BIG EAST
• John Thompson III, pictured, and the Hoyas are hoping for a fresh start this season.
• Scouting Report: Players
• Coaches' Poll
• Who's Hot, Who's Not?
• Must-See Games
• Schedule Changes Next Year NATIONAL
• This season is about the upperclassmen like Providence forward Ryan Gomes who spurned the NBA and returned for a title run.
• On Basketball: Nothing is certain in college basketball.
• Scouting Report: Teams
• Scouting Report: Players
_____ This Week's Previews _____
The college basketball season opens this week. Look for the following previews:
• Thursday: National outlook
• Friday: Big East
• Saturday: Women
• Sunday: ACC
• Monday: Atlantic 10, CAA and others.
___ On Our Site ___
• Talk about the season.
___ Quantity, Quality? ___
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Point guards: Consider the Big East a poor man's ACC. The top four teams are strong, although not quite as strong as the upper echelon of the ACC. And much like the ACC, the Big East is defined by its point guards. Notre Dame's Chris Thomas, Pittsburgh's Carl Krauser and Syracuse's Gerry McNamara should engage in dramatic matchups. Connecticut doesn't have a comparable point guard, which may hurt the Huskies.
What's Not
Old school Big East: The only way this season will resemble 1985 is if fans flip the standings upside down. St. John's is looking to rebuild under first-year coach Norm Roberts. Georgetown hopes to do the same under John Thompson III. Both programs appear to be considerably overmatched this season in a conference that features the past two national champions: Connecticut and Syracuse.
Jason Fraser: The prize of Villanova's recruiting class three years ago hasn't had an injury-free season, and he already has had a setback this season. Fraser was one of the best high school players in the country who decided to attend college three years ago. But the junior had knee surgery in spring 2003, broke his foot twice last season and recently had minor knee surgery. Villanova hopes Fraser will be available for the season-opening game against Maryland-Baltimore County.
Wait 'til next year: That mantra won't work for any team in this league this season. If you want to sneak up in the standings, do it this season. Next year, Louisville, Cincinnati, Marquette, DePaul and South Florida will join the conference, putting it nearly on par with the ACC.
