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March 21st, 2005

Roundball Classic Has a Big East Flavor

Today’s Roundball Classic at the United Center in Chicago features seven future stars of the Big East conference.  With 24 players named to the Roundball All-Star team, the Big East has the largest representation of all the conferences by far.  That number could grow to eight should undecided big man DeAndre Thomas choose to commit to Coach John Thompson III and the Georgetown Hoyas.

Among the athletes competing in Chicago are 6’8” forward Wilson Chandler (DePaul), 6’4” guard Eric Devendorf (Syracuse), 6’6” guard Bryan Harvey (Louisville), and 6’11” forward Amir Johnson (Louisville).  Johnson is also considering whether to declare for the NBA draft.  Amir’s High School teammate 6’6” swingman Marcus Johnson will be headed to Connecticut.  One of the Chicago hometown favorites – 6’3” guard Jerel McNeal is going to Marquette in the fall.  6’11” center Luke Zeller will be the man in the pivot for Notre Dame next season.

Fans can witness the future of the Big East in this game.  Marquette’s McNeal is looking forward to playing in the league.  “I’m really looking forward to it a whole lot,” said McNeal.  “Right now it’s got to be one of the top three conferences in America.  I think after the switch it’s going to be the top conference.  I’m really excited and looking forward to going into the Big East.”   

With the graduation of All Conference USA point guard Travis Diener and the transfer of guards such as Brandon Bell, the Golden Eagles are awfully thin at the guard positions as they head into the Big East.  McNeal can expect to make an immediate contribution for Marquette Coach Tom Crean.  “Hopefully, I’ll be able to come in and make a quick impact on the team and be able to come in and get alot of minutes.  Hopefully, I’ll come in and make an impact and win a lot of games in the conference.”

Syracuse fans can expect to see Devendorf drilling three pointers along with Gerry McNamara very soon.  “I’m looking forward to going and making an impact right away off the top,” anticipated Devendorf.  “I’m getting prepared for the next level.”

Louisville coach Rick Pitino can plan on offsetting the loss of senior Larry O’Bannon with the addition of Harvey.  “It’s a great feeling to know we’re going to move to the Big East where there is alot of competition and you have to be prepared to go hard every night,” Harvey said. 

Devendorf’s AAU teammate Wilson Chandler looks at the Roundball Classic as an opportunity to hone his skills against some of the nation’s best.  “The competition is good,” explained Wilson.  “It gives me a chance to showcase my talent, to see where I am right now and to be ready for college.”  

Wilson also anticipates the challenges ahead of him.  “I look forward to it, it’s going to be a great conference, a lot of good teams. Coach (Dave) Leitao is a great coach and I’ll be ready,” Chandler said.  Chandler also realizes where there is room for improvement in his game.  “I need to work on my ball handling skills and better develop my perimeter game; it will all work out,” said Wilson confidently.

To make the transition from the high school ranks to the Big East, one thing these athletes will need to improve upon is strength.  “I talk with the (Syracuse) coaching staff every once in awhile.  They tell me to keep working on my game and to keep my strength level up,” related Devendorf.  “It’s different than high school.  You go into the Big East, you go in to the hole and you got to take a hit and still get your shot off.  I’m just going to keep working on my strength and keep doing what I’m doing and I’ll be fine.”

“I need to work on my strength,” said Harvey.  “I need to be strong to be able to go to the basket, especially in the Big East.”

Tuesday night these youngsters will get the opportunity to compete with one another.  They will demonstrate that they have the strength and the heart to continue that competition in the Big East next season.

Link to EA Sports Roundball Classic Rosters

http://www.originalroundballclassic.com/allstar.htm