Brian Reddy: Beyond the Box Score – Big East Christmas Wishes

When I checked into the palatial pcbb1917.com offices to spread some holiday cheer, I made the suggestion that someone should write up a list of Christmas gift wishes for each of the Big East teams. The entire staff began shutting down their computers or claiming to have imminent meetings or important calls to make. Then our exalted Grand Poohbah (Mike Hopkins) popped his head out of his corner suite of offices and “suggested’ that since it was my idea, I should put down the egg nog and get to work if I wanted my Christmas bonus. I immediately got on it, right after I grabbed a third helping of beef wellington from the buffet. Here we go (if there are any spelling errors, blame the neg ogg).

Butler – A year of good health for Butler Blue, and a revitalized season for Coach Matta and Posh Alexander. They are the league’s version of the Little Engine that Could, and almost always a fun story. While Rick Pitino’s team has struggled with the major influx of personnel, the Bulldogs play like they have been together for multiple years.

Connecticut – A set of good feet for Donovan Clingan, a calmtemperament for Dan Hurley, and less spoiled and arrogant fans. The concern for the talented center will probably be ongoing for the rest of the season. Hurley is a terrific coach when he’s maintaining control. Someone mentioned that their fans were spoiled and arrogant.

Creighton – The return of their quick moving offense instead of having it disappear into the black hole of Baylor Scheierman, and to a lesser extent, Trey Alexander. These two are shooting 44-117 (38%) in the Bluejays wins, and 6-38 (16%) in their losses. Early in the season, I was so impressed with how quickly they moved the ball and quickly found an open shot. Lately it seems that Scheierman and Alexander are becoming ball-dominant to the detriment of Ashworth and Kalkbrenner.

DePaul – A fresh start and a coach that values recruiting their home base. Chicago is one of the top bases in the country for college basketball prospects, yet the Friars have more Chicago players on their roster than DePaul.

Georgetown – I am trying not to be mean and suggest something rotten for their program, so I’ll be polite and graciously offer them a bouquet of roses (full of thorns).

Marquette – A spot in the NBA for Tyler Kolek. I have no clue how his game would translate, but there should be room in the league for someone with his work ethic and ability. I also hope that Stevie Mitchell gets back soon. It wouldn’t have made a difference Tuesday night, but he will be a factor in many games with his defense.

St. John’s – Fewer than eleven more players from the transfer portal for next year. Rick Pitino’s greatest successes have come from player development, and I am not sure this method of roster development will be the optimal utilization of Pitino’s skills as a coach and teacher.

Seton Hall – Six to eight home games per year against UConn. This week they beat the Huskies at home for the third year in a row, each time after being behind by double digits. They need to harness whatever they do in those games for their entire schedule.

Villanova – A point guard and a little variety in their offense. They have always had a roster of basically interchangeable parts, with a versatile center and an elite point guard. They have the first two. Mark Armstrong was expected to make a big jumpafter a strong summer, but he has 49 assists and 51 turnovers in 48 career games.

Xavier – A healthy Zach Freemantle and Jerome Hunter. It is a shame that they apparently are out for the season, as those two with their current roster would be a solid NCAA team. Hopefully they will have the option to return if they choose.

Last but most is our beloved Friars: I wish Kim English success on and off the court, and the ability to maintain theselfless “we, not me” attitude he and the team have embraced.This defense is operating at an extremely high level, and when shots fall, we’re going to be tough to beat. I also hope Devin Carter gets the national recognition he deserves, and Bryce Hopkins is appreciated for what he does. I will stand on my belief that Carter has been playing at an All-American level and the first two Big East games should erase any doubt. Hopkins has struggled with his shot, but I feel that will come around as the season progresses. The fact that he improved his defense has played a positive role in the team’s success to date. Holding Butler’s Jahmyl Telfort to 8 points on 4-16 shooting was the latest example. I want Josh Oduro and Ticket Gaines to get a chance to continue to shine on the biggest stage for college basketball in their final season. I hope that Corey Floyd has as much confidence in his shooting as I have in it. Perhaps Richard Barron can rub off on him and continue to play with the fearlessness he has shown. Garwey Dual should receive continued development and growth in the new year, as he is just scratching the surface of his abilities. I would like Jayden Pierreto be assertive and under control while continuing to shoot great from deep. For Slim Castro, consistent ability to catch the ball, and a continuance of his infectious personality. I also want Eli DeLaurier and Donovan Santoro to embrace this learning year, because they appear to have long-term potential in Friartown.For Justyn Fernandez, a full recovery to be the player we think he can be.

Finally, for all the Friars and their fans, good health, success, and meaningful games in late March and early April. Merry Christmas.