This week, I’ve had the honor and privilege of covering both the men’s and women’s BIG EAST basketball media day at the New York Athletic Club in the Columbus Circle section of Manhattan.
The sense of anticipation for the onset of the new season was somewhat overshadowed by what will no longer be at the end of this campaign. Conference stalwarts Syracuse and Pittsburgh will be taking its farewell tour around the league before departing for the Atlantic Coast Conference, as well as Notre Dame, who will move all of its sports except football to the ACC as well. Even with the additions of Temple, Memphis and other schools to help offset those losses, one can’t help but think about the level of uncertainty that will remain after the calendar year.
Big East Men’s Media Day – Intro from Adesina O. Koiki on Vimeo.
But what can’t be denied was the convival atmosphere throughout Wednesday and Thursday’s get-togethers with the media and fellow players (and soon to be rivals again). A Lot Of Sports Talk was able to get into the action this year, and we will have interviews from various players and coaches. It was an honor to share time with people such as Louisville men’s head coach Rick Pitino (six Final Four appearances), Notre Dame guard Skylar Diggins (2012 AP All-American and 2012 Big East Player of the Year) and Hall-of-Fame coaches Jim Boeheim of Syracuse and C. Vivian Stringer of Rutgers (her interview is definitely a must-watch).
Watch out for audio and video posts detailing the happenings of Big East Media Day over the next couple of days on A Lot Of Sports Talk.
(Pictured, from L to R: DePaul women’s basketball players Jasmine Penny, Katherine Harry and Anna Martin)
