The Huskies, who have dominated the Big East most of the previous decade, now are beginning to face some post-Rip blues. In the beginning of the season, they convincingly knocked off a then-No. 2 Arizona team, which seemed to dispel doubts that the defending champs were about to die after losing All-American Richard Hamilton. However, three losses in the Big East - upset against Troy Murphy's Notre Dame, a young St. John's team, and Syracuse made the Huskies look vulnerable again. Even with the amazing Khalid El-Amin, the Huskies have not found a consistent go-to guy to get the buckets when they need them. Yet they hang on at No. 6 in the nation. But don't count them out yet. El-Amin is a Player of the Year candidate, and is carrying him team as it goes through some adjustment periods. When Albert Mouring, Kevin Freeman, and Jake Voshkuhl figure out how to fit El-Amin's game, the Huskies will contend again. With Ajou Ajou Deng still a wild card, and a deep bench that includes Souleymane Wane, Marcus Cox, and Tony Robertson, the Huskies should get it together by March. Then we will see if they can make a repeat ending of last year's nearly perfect season.
Right now, it is clear that Syracuse is on the roll. They are the only undefeated team in the nation, and a huge victory over the Huskies puts them on top of the Big East. This may not last very long, but at this rate, nobody can stop them. Jason Hart has lived up the expectations, playing with skill that was expected of him when he came to Syracuse four seasons ago. Etan Thomas, returning for his senior season, may be the best defensive presence in the country down in the post. Along with young, fresh faces around them, the Orangemen may break UConn's streak of dominance this season.
St. John's has not played well in several games, but has come up big in others. The Red Storm includes the very talented Erick Barkley, Lavor Postell, Reggie Jessie, and Bootsie Thornton. It is clear that St. John's is not the team that it was last year, when it had star Ron Artest. This year, however, their athleticism and fearlessness has made them a team to be reckoned with. If they find some consistency, the rest of the country better watch out.
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