2007-08 Big East Stats Preview: Part Two

This is the statistical preview for the 2nd half of the Big East. The Pac-10 and SEC articles will go up in the next few days. Each one includes projected starting lineups, projected stats for each player, and a short comment. (Stats are listed in order of points, rebounds, then assists).

Providence

G Sharaud Curry - 14, 3, 5
G Wyinmi Efejuku - 17, 4, 3
F Geoff McDermott - 11, 8, 5
F Jonathan Kale - 9, 5, 1
C Randall Hanke - 11, 6, 1
6 Dwain Williams - 7, 2, 2

The key is the return of Hanke, who averaged 13 ppg in 05-06. McDermott has a chance at a double-double, but this year's breakout should be Efejuku who continues to improve on offense.

Rutgers

G Anthony Farmer - 7, 3, 4
F Corey Chandler - 13, 3, 3
F Jaron Griffin - 8, 3, 2
F JR Inman - 15, 8, 1
C Byron Joynes - 6, 6, 1
6 Hamady N'diaye - 5, 4, 0

Even if he's not the Big East's best prospect, Chandler has a chance to be one of the conference's most productive freshmen due to the opportunities he'll get.

Seton Hall

G Eugene Harvey - 15, 4, 6
G Jamar Nutter - 13, 3, 2
F Brian Laing - 16, 6, 3
F John Garcia - 7, 5, 1
F Mike Davis - 7, 5, 1
6 Paul Gause - 7, 2, 2

Harvey was one of the league's top freshmen, but the Hall would be better off if he didn't have to score so much. Besides Gause, sophomore Larry Davis will have a major impact off the bench. He could average double digits.

South Florida

G Chris Howard - 9, 3, 5
G Solomon Bozeman - 11, 3, 3
F Orane Chin - 9, 3, 3
F Aris Williams - 8, 6, 1
C Kentrell Gransberry - 14, 11, 1
6 Jesus Verdejo - 8, 2, 2

Gransberry filled up the stat sheet last year, but its hard to see him being any better. Besides Chin, newcomers Mobolaji Ajayi and Dominique Jones should get instant playing time.

St. John's

G Eugene Lawrence - 11, 3, 5
G Malik Boothe - 8, 2, 4
F Anthony Mason Jr - 14, 6, 3
F Qa'rraan Calhoun - 10, 5, 1
F Justin Burrell - 9, 4, 1
6 Larry Wright - 6, 1, 1

Freshmen Boothe and Burrell should jump in and play from day one, as should Dele Coker who will get time in the frontcourt. With Boothe aboard, Lawrence should find it easier to score the ball.

Syracuse

G Jonny Flynn - 7, 2, 5
G Eric Devendorf - 17, 3, 4
F Paul Harris - 12, 7, 3
F Donte Greene - 12, 5, 2
C Arinze Onuaku - 6, 5, 1
7 Andy Rautins - 9, 2, 2

I expect Flynn to win the starting point guard position over Josh Wright, allowing Devendorf to focus on scoring the ball. Greene and Harris form a pretty unique and dynamic forward combination.

Villanova

G Corey Fisher - 8, 3, 6
G Scottie Reynolds - 14, 3, 4
F Corey Stokes - 12, 5, 3
F Shane Clark - 11, 5, 2
F Dante Cunningham - 10, 6, 1
6 Reggie Redding - 4, 3, 1

The Corey's step into the starting rotation, and both should compete for conference all-rookie honors. There's no reason Clark shouldn't substantially improve on last year's 7 ppg scoring average.

West Virginia

G Darris Nicholds - 13, 3, 5
G Alex Ruoff - 12, 3, 5
F Da'Sean Butler - 11, 5, 2
F Joe Alexander - 13, 5, 2
C Jamie Smalligan - 7, 5, 1
6 Wellington Smith - 7, 2, 1

Huggins inherets a solid but unspectacular roster, none of whom should vie for conference statistical leaders.

Top PPG
1) Dominic James (18)
2) Eric Devendorf (17)
3) Wyinmi Efejuku (17)

Top RPG
1) Kentrell Gransberry (11)
2) Jeff Adrien (10)

Top APG
1) Levance Fields (7)
2) Eugene Harvey (6)