The Big East regular season is over, but its awards season (Luke! Luke! What are you wearing?) is in full swing.
The Big East Basketball Report joined the fray this afternoon by releasing its 2007-2008 conference awards, as voted on by the Big East bloggers.
The all-conference teams were made up of only five players (as they should be), but David Padgett still managed to pick up first team honors, while Terrence Williams was named to the third team. Luke Harangody was the unanimous choice for BE player of the year, while Notre Dame's Mike Brey was voted coach of the year. Additionally, the bloggers chose Louisville as the favorite to win the Big East Tournament, and were the fourth choice in the extremely early top 2008-2009 preseason voting.
For those interested, here was my ballot:
Player of the Year: Luke Harangody, Notre Dame
Doy (not used enough).
First Team
David Padgett, Louisville
Roy Hibbert, Georgetown
A.J. Price, Connecticut
Sam Young, Pittsburgh
Joe Alexander, West Virginia
Second Team
Deonta Vaughn, Cincinnati
Draelon Burns, Depaul
Kentrell Gransberry, South Florida
Brian Laing, Seton Hall
Jonathan Wallace, Georgetown
Third Team
Jeff Adrien, Connecticut
Terrence Williams, Louisville
Donte Greene, Syracuse
Jerel McNeal, Marquette
Kyle McAlarney, Notre Dame
Freshman of the Year: Donte Greene, Syracuse
It came down to Greene and DeJuan Blair, two guys who were both invaluable to their respective team, but in the end I went with who I thought was the best all-around player.
First Team All-Freshman
DeJuan Blair, Pittsburgh
Dominique Jones, South Florida
Jonny Flynn, Syracuse
Dar Tucker, Depaul
Jeremy Hazell, Seton Hall
Second Team
Mac Koshwal, Depaul
Austin Freeman, Georgetown
Corey Chandler, Rutgers
Mike Coburn, Rutgers
Justin Burrell, St. John's
Coach of the Year: Mick Cronin, Cincinnati
I considered Mike Brey, but I was actually a lot higher on Notre Dame (5th) in the preseason than most people, so I went with Cronin, whose Cincinnati team (15th) I thought wouldn't win more than three or four league games. I know they've been awful lately, but winning eight games without Mike Williams is still one hell of an accomplishment.
Defensive Player of the Year: Jerel McNeal, Marquette
Blocks are cool (Thabeet), but I prefer steals.
Most Improved Player: Luke Harangody, Notre Dame
From 11.2 and 6.2 to 21.0 and 10.3 in one season is ridiculous.
Big East Champ: Louisville over Georgetown
Early top three for '09: 1. Louisville, 2. Notre Dame, 3. Syracuse