The Big East is loaded in the early going, with five top-25 teams in the coaches’ poll.  Not surprisingly it is also loaded with talent.  He’s the crème de la crème in the early going.

Guard – Jerel McNeal – Marquette - JR

16.0ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.5apg, 2.0spg

Best game – Nov 30^th – 16 points, 10 assists, 5 boards

Backcourt mate Dominic James might get more publicity, but McNeal has proven to be a better all-around performer in the early going this season.  His stellar play in leading the Golden Eagles to the Maui Invitational finals got him a spot on the All-Tournament team.

Guard/Forward – Brian Laing – Seton Hall - SR

20.9ppg, 9.1rpg, 2.0spg

Best game – Nov 23^rd – Navy – 27 points, 9 boards, 4 steals

It’s a nice luxury to have a 6’5” swingman average over nine boards a game for you.  Laing has put up three double-doubles so far in helping the Pirates to a 6-1 record.

Forward – Earl Clark – Louisville – SO

14.0ppg, 11.8rpg, 2.2bpg

Best game – Nov 18^th – Jackson St – 20 points, 14 boards, 7 assists

With big men David Padgett and Juan Palacios banged up once again, Clark has been carrying the load for the Cardinals.  After a very quiet rookie campaign, he looks primed to break out this year.

Forward – Sam Young – Pittsburgh – JR

18.0ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.7spg

Best game – Nov 10^th – North Carolina A&T – 24 points, 11 boards, 4 steals

Despite losing significant talent to graduation, the Panthers find themselves at #9 in the coaches’ poll.  Young has led the way so far, completely annihilating his stats from last season.  What happens when they stop playing patsies and start playing Big East teams?

Forward – Donte Greene – Syracuse – FR

18.9ppg, 8.7rpg, 2.4bpg

Best game – Nov 23^rd – Washington – 25 points, 10 boards, 3 blocks

The second coming of Melo?  Might be a bit early to say that, but Greene has been sensational so far for the ‘Cuse.  Case in point – in back-to-back games he put up 21 points 10 boards and 25 points and 10 boards on Ohio State and Washington respectively.

ACC: All-November

Big 12: All-November

- Big Ten Tomorrow -