The Big East regular season is done, and the conference tournament kicks off today at noon with DePaul facing the Connecticut Huskies... just like last year.
Below are the final in-conference offensive and defensive efficiency numbers for each team; and as a bonus, the each team's rank in each of the Four Factors (shooting/ free throws drawn/ rebounding/ turnovers) and a note on the team's profile.
Did you know that when DePaul doesn't turn the ball over, they are the fourth-best shooting team in the Big East? (It's everything else they do poorly that has doomed them to the bottom of the league table).
A look at each team's pluses and minuses, and warning signs for each team, below the fold.
See also: Big East Blogger Roundtable: Big East Blogger Roundtable awards: coach, players, rookies | Big East Blogger Roundtable awards: surprises, disappointments
Data taken from Statsheet. You may want to read: An explanation of terms: stats + tempo-neutral terminology used on the Rumble, which will get a rewrite soon. Contact me and let me know what's unclear. The point is understanding, not obfuscation.
|
Team
|
Pos/G
|
O Eff
|
D Eff
|
Eff Margin
|
EM Change
|
Rk
|
W
|
L
|
| Syracuse |
65.2
|
109.6
|
93.8
|
15.8
|
-0.1
|
1
|
17
|
1
|
| Marquette |
69.4
|
107.2
|
97.9
|
9.3
|
-0.9
|
2
|
14
|
4
|
| Georgetown |
63.2
|
102.1
|
94.6
|
7.5
|
-0.5
|
3
|
12
|
6
|
| Notre Dame |
60.7
|
104.5
|
97.5
|
7.0
|
-2.0
|
4
|
13
|
5
|
| Cincinnati |
64.4
|
104.6
|
99.2
|
5.4
|
0.8
|
5
|
12
|
6
|
| Louisville |
68.1
|
98.8
|
95.4
|
3.4
|
-1.8
|
6
|
10
|
8
|
| West Virginia |
64.1
|
105.9
|
103
|
2.9
|
1.9
|
7
|
9
|
9
|
| South Florida |
59.8
|
97.5
|
95.1
|
2.4
|
-0.3
|
8
|
12
|
6
|
| Connecticut |
64.2
|
102.2
|
101.9
|
0.3
|
0.7
|
9
|
8
|
10
|
| Seton Hall |
65.9
|
98.2
|
98.6
|
-0.4
|
-2.5
|
10
|
8
|
10
|
| Pittsburgh |
63.7
|
100.5
|
106.2
|
-5.7
|
1.8
|
11
|
5
|
13
|
| Villanova |
70.3
|
100.8
|
107.6
|
-6.8
|
0.9
|
12
|
5
|
13
|
| Rutgers |
65.8
|
95.9
|
102.8
|
-6.9
|
0.5
|
13
|
6
|
12
|
| Providence |
65.2
|
104.0
|
112.4
|
-8.4
|
0.5
|
14
|
4
|
14
|
| St. John's |
67.8
|
97.8
|
109.1
|
-11.3
|
-0.8
|
15
|
6
|
12
|
| DePaul |
72.2
|
99.8
|
111.8
|
-12.0
|
2.4
|
16
|
3
|
15
|
|
Pos/G
|
O Eff
|
eFG
|
FTR
|
OR%
|
TO%
|
D Eff
|
Opp eFG
|
Opp FTR
|
DR%
|
Opp TO%
|
||
| CIN |
10
|
4
|
14
|
14
|
6
|
1
|
8
|
9
|
2
|
9
|
8
|
Cincinnati's strength has been the ability to hold on to the ball and get shots up. The Bearcats have coupled that with offensive rebounding from Yancy Gates and Justin Jackson, and the ability to play solid defense and keep opponents off of the free throw line to win games.
Warning signs: The Bearcats struggle to shoot, choosing jumpers and three-pointers over drives - and consequently don't draw fouls. When the shots aren't falling, the Bearcats can't score. But their size and pace can frustrate, and the ability and willingness to hit shots from outside mean that the Bearcats can open up leads on opponents.
Connecticut Huskies
|
Pos/G
|
O Eff
|
eFG
|
FTR
|
OR%
|
TO%
|
D Eff
|
Opp eFG
|
Opp FTR
|
DR%
|
Opp TO%
|
||
| CONN |
11
|
7
|
7
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
9
|
6
|
3
|
8
|
12
|
Connecticut is the definition of middle. The Huskies have had solid contributions from all over the roster, but those contributions have been inconsistent. The team is in the middle of the Big East in all offensive categories, and the defense hasn't met UConn standards. Still, they defend without fouling (generally) and have some dynamic talent on the roster.
Warning signs: The defense has been inconsistent, the offense middling. Still, this is a UConn team that could theoretically catch fire with their dynamic guards Shabazz Napier, Jeremy Lamb, and Ryan Boatright.
|
Pos/G
|
O Eff
|
eFG
|
FTR
|
OR%
|
TO%
|
D Eff
|
Opp eFG
|
Opp FTR
|
DR%
|
Opp TO%
|
||
| DeP |
1
|
11
|
4
|
16
|
16
|
7
|
15
|
16
|
15
|
14
|
7
|
The speedy Demons are actually an accurate shooting team - in part because they look for dunks, but also because they take the fifth most threes in the conference (as a percentage of their total shots.). Jamee Crockett is the freshman you haven't heard about. He's hitting 38% from outside on the season, and teammate Jeremiah Kelly can also get hot (34.5% on the season outside the arc).
Warning signs: DePaul's defense is chaos, and it's fairly easily broken. When they don't get steals, they give up points. When they do get steals, they become very, very pesky.
|
Pos/G
|
O Eff
|
eFG
|
FTR
|
OR%
|
TO%
|
D Eff
|
Opp eFG
|
Opp FTR
|
DR%
|
Opp TO%
|
||
| GTWN |
14
|
8
|
3
|
2
|
5
|
11
|
2
|
2
|
12
|
1
|
9
|
Georgetown are dark horses in the Big East Tournament, with the third best chance to cut down the nets, per Ken Pomeroy. There's so much the Hoyas do well - defensive rebounding, drawing free throws, shooting three pointers, blocking shots. When Henry Sims and the crew aren't pressured into turnovers, the Hoyas can be effective. But turnovers happen perhaps a little too often. And there are games against the likes of Pitt (or Rutgers, or Providence) where the shots weren't falling, and against Seton Hall, where the defense wasn't stopping anything.
Warning signs: The shooting and turnover rates have had some serious ups and downs. But on a good day, the Hoyas look good enough to compete with any team in the nation.
|
Pos/G
|
O Eff
|
eFG
|
FTR
|
OR%
|
TO%
|
D Eff
|
Opp eFG
|
Opp FTR
|
DR%
|
Opp TO%
|
||
|
LOU
|
4
|
12
|
9
|
7
|
7
|
13
|
4
|
5
|
9
|
10
|
6
|
Louisville's defense has carried them to their record. Their offense has carried Rick Pitino to proclamations about letting Wayne Blackshear loose and not knowing what his team is about... in March. Louisville has lost 4 of the last 7 games, struggling with DePaul, Pittsburgh, and West Virginia for the wins along the way.
Warning signs: The team's most involved guards are Russ Smith and Peyton Siva. Both struggle with consistency. On a good day, and when the defense generates transition opportunities, they are dynamic. Chane Behanan's involvement in the offense is an x-factor, as is Kyle Kuric's shooting.
|
Pos/G
|
O Eff
|
eFG
|
FTR
|
OR%
|
TO%
|
D Eff
|
Opp eFG
|
Opp FTR
|
DR%
|
Opp TO%
|
||
|
MARQ
|
3
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
12
|
6
|
6
|
8
|
6
|
11
|
2
|
Player of the Year Jae Crowder leads the Golden Eagles' awesome offensive attack. The defense can be hit or miss - the Eagles are the middle of the pack at defending twos and threes - allowing opponents to go #TourneyBeastMode on them for full halves of play.
Warning signs: When Marquette isn't turnover over opponents, their defense is revealed to be short and of questionable rebounding skill. But if they're forcing turnovers and scoring at a top level, they could win the Big East Tournament.
|
Pos/G
|
O Eff
|
eFG
|
FTR
|
OR%
|
TO%
|
D Eff
|
Opp eFG
|
Opp FTR
|
DR%
|
Opp TO%
|
||
|
ND
|
15
|
5
|
6
|
10
|
15
|
3
|
5
|
4
|
1
|
7
|
14
|
Taking a lot of threes is helpful for an offense that can hit enough threes - and manage the game with a measured pace and excellent ballhandling/ assist numbers.
Sometimes Notre Dame can't hit enough threes. And there's not a strong plan B, even with Jack Cooley. The Irish's defense, however, has been very good all season despite not putting pressure on opponents' ballhandling. Forcing teams to take threes and being the best in the conference at defending outside the arc has powered them to sterling defensive stats.
Warning signs: The Irish are very three-dependent. When they're hitting, they can win lots of games. When they're not, they are Jack Cooley and some guys missing shots. Jack Cooley isn't enough for them to win games, even with that defense.
|
Pos/G
|
O Eff
|
eFG
|
FTR
|
OR%
|
TO%
|
D Eff
|
Opp eFG
|
Opp FTR
|
DR%
|
Opp TO%
|
||
| PITT |
13
|
10
|
10
|
11
|
2
|
15
|
12
|
14
|
11
|
5
|
10
|
Pittsburgh has size, owning the glass on both ends. But everything else is mediocre at best. The defense has been shoddy, unable to contain penetration. And the offense has been poor with Ashton Gibb's struggles.
Warning signs: Ashton Gibbs was a good shooter; and the rest of the young Panther guards have shooting talent. They could get hot from outside. But negate their rebounding, and the Panthers don't have much to win games with.
|
Pos/G
|
O Eff
|
eFG
|
FTR
|
OR%
|
TO%
|
D Eff
|
Opp eFG
|
Opp FTR
|
DR%
|
Opp TO%
|
||
| PROV |
8
|
6
|
13
|
5
|
4
|
4
|
16
|
13
|
8
|
13
|
16
|
Providence can stroke the three, hitting 36.6% of their shots from outside in conference play. That skill is always dangerous... but the Friars are 15th in the league in attempting threes. The defense struggles to clear opponents' misses or defend outside the arc (inside isn't pretty either).
Warning signs: The Friars are tough. Led by passer Vincent Council, if they can control a game and draw fouls, they can knock off a team or two in the Big East Tournament... they were close to a number of surprise wins this season, but depth issues hurt.
|
Pos/G
|
O Eff
|
eFG
|
FTR
|
OR%
|
TO%
|
D Eff
|
Opp eFG
|
Opp FTR
|
DR%
|
Opp TO%
|
||
|
RUT
|
7
|
16
|
11
|
13
|
10
|
14
|
10
|
11
|
16
|
12
|
3
|
The Scarlet Knights play hard, but they also play sloppy. Prone to scoring lulls, the defense is at its best when forcing turnovers. ASt 32.8% in conference play, the Kn ights' three-point shooting is 6th in the conference.
Warning signs: Dane Miller's involvement in the offense (and defense) is an x-factor. If the freshman guards start shooting the lights out, though, watch out. Myles Mack and Eli Carter can put up points in a hurry.
|
Pos/G
|
O Eff
|
eFG
|
FTR
|
OR%
|
TO%
|
D Eff
|
Opp eFG
|
Opp FTR
|
DR%
|
Opp TO%
|
||
|
SHU
|
6
|
13
|
8
|
15
|
12
|
10
|
7
|
7
|
13
|
4
|
4
|
Much like Notre Dame, the Hall is three-dependent. Which is great when they're strafing St. John's or Georgetown, but less good when they are missing. They shoot the three far better than Notre Dame, tying the Friars at 36.6% from outside the arc with shooters like Aaron Cosby and Jordan Theodore's ballhandling.
Warning signs: Seton Hall's defense has fallen back from its earlier heights, but the Pirates can defend... when they're not sending opponents to the line.
|
Pos/G
|
O Eff
|
eFG
|
FTR
|
OR%
|
TO%
|
D Eff
|
Opp eFG
|
Opp FTR
|
DR%
|
Opp TO%
|
||
|
USF
|
16
|
15
|
5
|
12
|
9
|
16
|
3
|
1
|
10
|
2
|
13
|
South Florida bores viewers to death. But their ability to end opponents' possessions with missed shots and defensive rebounds has carried a team with a poor offense very far. They've been tops in the league defending inside and outside the arc, and hit just under 50% of their two-pointers as a team.
Warning signs: The Bulls need to make sure that they hold on to the ball long enough to get a good shot up. But if they do, they can win a game or two in the Big East Tournament.
|
Pos/G
|
O Eff
|
eFG
|
FTR
|
OR%
|
TO%
|
D Eff
|
Opp eFG
|
Opp FTR
|
DR%
|
Opp TO%
|
||
|
SJU
|
5
|
14
|
15
|
4
|
14
|
9
|
14
|
15
|
4
|
16
|
5
|
The Johnnies have a ton of talent and athleticism, but not a lot of shooting. The youth hurts. But the team's ability to keep teams off of the free throw line and force turnovers means that the Storm can be frustrating.
Warning signs: The Johnnies struggle with height, and can't score regularly enough to stave off long runs by opponents.
|
Pos/G
|
O Eff
|
eFG
|
FTR
|
OR%
|
TO%
|
D Eff
|
Opp eFG
|
Opp FTR
|
DR%
|
Opp TO%
|
||
|
SYR
|
9
|
1
|
2
|
9
|
11
|
2
|
1
|
3
|
7
|
15
|
1
|
Syracuse has been a monster, tops in the league in offense and defense all year. Yes, the rebounding on both ends is a question mark, but when a team can make jump shots like they do - like NBA players - it's hard to say that the approach doesn't work.
Warning signs: It would take a team with incredible offensive rebounders with size to knock off the Orange, and even then, it would take an off night by Scoop Jardine, Dion Waiters, and crew. It should also be noted that their three-point shooting is ninth in the league, connecting on 31.8% of their outside shots.
|
Pos/G
|
O Eff
|
eFG
|
FTR
|
OR%
|
TO%
|
D Eff
|
Opp eFG
|
Opp FTR
|
DR%
|
Opp TO%
|
||
|
VIL
|
2
|
9
|
16
|
3
|
3
|
12
|
13
|
10
|
14
|
6
|
15
|
Surprisingly for a team that has struggled, the Wildcats have some positives. They can get to the line and hit free throws, they can rebound, and they have the dynamic Maalik Wayns. But the defense has been porous at best, and the Wildcats can't connect on two-pointers with regularity. Hence big leads... and big comebacks by the other team.
Warning signs: The Wildcats' sloppiness does cost them games. But their young roster can also come back on teams - there's talent there.
|
Pos/G
|
O Eff
|
eFG
|
FTR
|
OR%
|
TO%
|
D Eff
|
Opp eFG
|
Opp FTR
|
DR%
|
Opp TO%
|
||
|
WVA
|
12
|
3
|
12
|
6
|
1
|
5
|
11
|
12
|
5
|
2
|
11
|
The Mountaineers started off hot in the league, but have lost their effectiveness on defense. They struggle to defend inside the arc, and are now worst in the league at shooting outside of the arc. Kevin Jones has been a stalwart for them, but his range is limited and he is only one player.
Warning signs: When the 'Eers can get to the offensive glass, they can score points (and draw fouls). When forced to shoot their way into a game, they will most likely lose.
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