So far so good in college basketball. I like the Big East over the SEC team in Vanderbilt in the Maui Classic here at 5:30 tonight.
Cincinnati is going to be a big sleeper in the Big East 8-10 a year ago in one of the stronger years the conference has ever had was pretty impressive alone while Vanderbilt out of the SEC that sent just 3 teams to the tournament a year ago went 8-8. Vanderbilt has a start in Oglivy at Center, but Cincinnati seems to be the more physical team out rebounding opponents so far 39-25.5 while Vanderbilt is getting out rebounded 29-34.
Cincinnati also signed a top prospect in Lance Stephenson who passed Sebastan Telfair as the all time New York State high school scorer. That is good news for Cincinnati who struggled to score at points a year ago. The 6'5 guard should provide a lot of buzz for the program and in his last game vs. Tulane he had 16 points. They also add Cashmere Wright at guard who was hurt a year ago, but provides some depth in the front line. In the 2nd semester they will add a 6'11 transfer Thomas from Oklahoma State.
Returners they have Yance Gates who was arguably the best freshmen in the Big East a year ago, and all conference Sr. Guard Vaughn who returns off 15+ points per game a season ago. Cinci 18-14 a year ago and 8-10 in the Big East should be contenders to go to the tournament this year and I like them against a weaker conference team in Vanderbilt that returns their starters, but still will have issues with a more athletic team.
