Big East Conference report

SportsLine Report
June 5, 2000

A Glance at 2001

Having lost second-team All-Big East center Malik Allen and enigmatic small forward Brian Lynch to graduation, the Wildcats should be a mediocre league team again. Jermaine Medley is an above-average point guard, shooting guard Gary Buchanan could be a superstar, and forwards Andrew Sullivan and Ricky Wright were promising role players.

Although Kentucky transfer Michael Bradley should step in on the wing, there is little size to speak of here besides 6-10 forward Brooks Sales. But at least the backcourt should be strong with incoming recruits Reggie Bryant and Derrick Snowden providing depth.

The Coach

Under Steve Lappas, the Wildcats always hover around the 18-19 win plateau. Problem is, they rarely go any further than the NIT or the NCAA Tournament first round.

Who'll Be Back

Medley and Buchanan should give 'Nova one of the Big East's best backcourts. But Sales will probably have to play center by default. Meanwhile, Wright must play big -- same with his frontcourt mates -- for the Wildcats to do any damage next season. Wright, Sullivan and fellow forward Aaron Matthews are all only 6-7.

Who's Gone

Losing Allen is difficult because although he played soft sometimes, he did stand 6-10 and provided a post presence. But losing Lynch is not as big a blow because he often disappeared in big games and never really stayed consistent.

Key Newcomers

If nothing else, Lappas will be coaching a talented backcourt thanks to recruiting efforts of his coaching staff. The class lacks any real size, though a late-signee from Germany did something to help that.

PG Derrick Snowden (6-0, 180, Fr.): One of the top point guards in the nation, this product of Severn, Md., Could see lots of playing time his first year. He has a good handle and can score. A good get for the 'Cats.

SG Reggie Bryant (6-3, 175, Fr.): Played at St. Thomas More (Conn.) and picked Villanova over Rutgers early. He is strong and can create his own shot.

Andreas Bloch (6-7, 200, Fr.): Don't get excited, Wildcat backers. Bloch does bring some size to the rotation ... but it will be European size. Which is to say he's a potential lights-out shooter who averaged 20.3 points and 5 rebounds a game as a senior at Central High in Fresno, Calif.