I’m not looking ahead (OK, maybe I am a little), but I am SO looking forward to the Nova – Cuse match-up later this month. As an ‘06 graduate from Villanova, and an ‘09 graduate from Syracuse Law, man, this is going to be incredible for me. I went to every Nova game at the Dome during my three years in the great white north, where we did VERY well.

I’ve been getting nothing but heckled from my fellow grad school alum, a lot of whom attended undergraduate schools with no basketball programs and subsequently adopted Cuse as their program. (I also almost got into a street fight with Eric Devendorf late one Friday night on Marshall Street, but I won’t go there.) My point is is that even though this game is going to be huge regardless for both teams fans, it has even more impact for me and I can not wait.

Three games between now and then, but I’m tingling with anticipation… LETS GO CATS.

Stokes defense has improved and I was also happy to see him take it to the hole strong a few times. If he can continue to do that, it’s going to let him get off his outside shot a lot easier.

In the end, it’s all about being smart and good shot selection – Soctty’s improvement is a direct result of better shot selection.

The offense is based on getting good shots quickly. Not just shooting quickly.

I realize I am nit picking. What else can you do with a team that is 21-2? I love the character, effort, and skill of this team. I just wish, at times, they closed out on three point shooters better and were more aware of time and situation before shooting.

I think the thing with Corey is that he has really focused on becoming a better defender and rebounder (something we sorely need) whereas he used to be strictly a jump shooter from outside. I’d rather have what we have now with him than what we used to have because we really aren’t lacking offensive firepower.

It’s going to be tough for him to get the shooting rhythm he likes on this team – just not enough shots to go around. In the meantime I like his hustle and effort, that’s what’s keeping him in the lineup right now. Just needs to be smarter, i know he’s a confident shooter but we’re too good offensively to be wasting possessions with bad shots.

Armwood is learning how to use his strengths. Great rebounder and with a little more polish, he will be a great finisher.

Cheek should get some more run. I know he can get lost a little on defense, but he is getting better. He’s a scorer and their press is great with his length on top and when he comes to double.

Stokes played really well too. He’s becoming a pretty good one on one defender. Can Jay keep him motivated if he isn’t getting shots?

The Big East really needs to do something about the refs. They clearly don’t understand offensive fouls and rarely do you get a consistent game. Either call the game close or let them play, they can’t chose which from possession to possession.