2/23/2011 Update
If the NCAA Tournament started today, here’s how I see the Big East faring.
In the Tournament -
Pittsburgh (24-3 RPI 9) Still a good shot at a # 1 seed.
Georgetown (21-7 RPI 6) John Thompson is optimistic Chris Wright will play again this season after Thursday surgery to fix a broken hand. Realistically, the Hoyas are starting to look like a # 3 or # 4 seed depending on Big East Tournament results.
Notre Dame (22-5 RPI 10) Notre Dame is red hot and their remaining schedule isn't too difficult. A #2 seed isn't out of the question if they keep the wins coming.
Connecticut (20-6 RPI 15) Hard team to figure. They look like a #5 seed to me but their strong RPI could give them a boost.
Syracuse (23-6 RPI 18) The Orange could still manage a #3 seed and I doubt they can fall any lower than a #5.
St. Johns (18-9 RPI 15) Have the big wins (Duke, Georgetown, Pittsburgh, Notre Dame, UConn) but also have some shaky losses (Fordham, St. Bonaventure) St. John's needs at least three more wins to lock up a #5 seed.
Villanova (21-7 RPI 30) 'Nova's slumping a little but should still be good for a tournament run. Would you want to play against Fisher and Stokes at a neutral site? (Note - Villanova's RPI has been in absolute free fall lately. Their profile looks good but the Wildcats could end up with a #6 seed or lower if the RPI doesn't recover.)
West Virginia (17-9 RPI 21) The WVU profile is a little shaky but their RPI is good enough to keep them in the tournament.
Louisville (21-7 RPI 23) Still flying under the radar but good enough to make a run.
Looking Very Good -
Cincinnati (22-6 RPI 35) So-so RPI but Cincy would easily be in if the tournament started today. The win over Georgetown makes them a near lock.
Wrong Side of the Bubble -
Marquette (16 -11 RPI 69) Marquette has a weak RPI, no significant road wins and a lot of losses. If they beat UConn and win their last three games against so-so competition (Providence, Cincinnati, at Seton Hall) they could still lock up a bid.
Not Happening
Providence
Rutgers
Seton Hall
South Florida
