NEW YORK — A quick take on Syracuse’s final Big East basketball media day held at the tony New York Athletic Club along picturesque Central Park South.
WHAT HAPPENED: Syracuse was picked to finish in second place in the Big East Preseason Coaches poll in its final season in the Big East. Brandon Triche was named to the All Big East Second Team, while CJ Fair was named an Honorable Mention. Louisville claimed the top spot while Notre Dame was picked third, with one first place vote from Louisville’s Rick Pitino. The rest of the Big East was rounded out by fourth place Cincinnati, Georgetown, Pittsburgh, Marquette, USF, Connecticut, St. John’s, Rutgers, Villanova, DePaul, Seton Hall and Providence.
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New Big East Commissioner Mike Aresco, who made his media day debut, announced that the league has extended its agreement with Madison Square Garden to host the Big East tournament to the 2023-24 season. He also announced that Paul Brazeau, who has been NBA Vice President of Basketball Operations since 2001, would be joining the Big East as its Senior Associate Commissioner.
ANALYSIS: Syracuse may be leaving the Big East after this season, but you couldn’t tell from talking to the players or coaches. Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim repeatedly told media that he is treating this as any other season. He also mentioned that he hasn’t spoken to the players about it, because the news itself is more than a year old. As for the players, the two seniors on hand, Brandon Triche and James Southerland won’t be part of the ACC transition, so they had little to say on realignment, as well. Boeheim seemed more interested in getting outdoor practices in to prepare for its Battle on the Midway game on Nov. 9 in San Diego.
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HERO: Louisville senior guard Peyton Siva, named Big East Preseason Player of the Year, was selected to represent the players in opening remarks in giving the annual player’s address. Speaking off notes, Silva delivered a personable prospective on what it means to him to play in the Big East.
ZERO: The Big East, which will lose Syracuse and Pitt next season, and Notre Dame at a later date, still has yet to finalize its television contract, which was the driving force behind conference realignment. Commissioner Aresco said that a deal is coming soon.
WHAT’S NEXT: Syracuse will open the season in Southern California on board the USS Midway against San Diego State on Nov. 9 to open the college basketball season.
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