This Week in the Big East - Weekly Overview of NCAA College Basketball's Top Conference

This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One, begins its 10th season with guests Seton Hall senior guard Kadary Richmond, Villanova head coach Kyle Neptune and FOX Sports National NCAA Basketball Color Analyst Donny Marshall.The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode. Two weeks into the New Year, the first episode of TWITBE takes a look at the jumpstart of conference play, while taking a look at the landscape of BIG EAST Basketball, including a look back on UConn's national championship run in 2023. The BIG EAST Spotlight is on Seton Hall guard Kadary Richmond, who discusses the role the transfer portal has played in the landscape of college basketball over the past couple seasons. Transferring from Syracuse, Richmond discusses his first year in the BIG EAST and what it's been like to help lead Seton Hall to a red-hot start. At 4-1 and tied for first in league play, The Hall has defeated a trio of top-25 teams and are riding a three-game winning streak into Saturday's road contest against Butler. The reigning BIG EAST Player of the Week leads the Pirates in scoring with 15.9 points per game, while also averaging 6.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. The BIG EAST Focus shines on Villanova head coach Kyle Neptune. Back at the helm for the Wildcats, Neptune has Villanova (10-5, 3-1 BIG EAST) once again in the national spotlight. The Wildcats have shown balance, defensive prowess, athleticism and experience under Neptune's leadership. Neptune takes the time to discuss the team's current mindset, as well as the future with the impact the transfer portal has had on recruiting. FOX Sports Basketball Color Analyst Donny Marshall gives a view on the national perspective. A four-year standout at UConn (1991-95) Marshall touches on the outstanding performances thus far by Seton Hall, St. John's and Villanova, as well as what he views as the biggest surprises at the start of conference play.  The episode's “Who's Hot” segment features the return of “Blast from the Past”, rewinding the tape to 1987, reliving Providence's Cinderella run to the Final Four under its former head coach and current St. John's head coach Rick Pitino. “Who's Got Next?” takes a look at the upcoming schedule, highlighting the big matchups.  To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show.  Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts. This will air Saturday, Jan. 13 at 1 p.m. ET on Sirius 161 XM 203 Online 966 leading into the UConn women's basketball broadcast of No. 13 Connecticut @ St. John's. 

This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One, wrapped up its ninth season with guests BIG EAST Coach of the Year Shaka Smart, BIG EAST Player of the Year Tyler Kolek and FOX Sports Analyst Vin Parise.The tenth and final episode of TWITBE reviews the past week of BIG EAST basketball and places a focus on the BIG EAST Tournament ahead of the semifinals Friday night.The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.This will air Friday, March 10 at 5 p.m. ET on Sirius 134 XM 202 and Online 965 https://siriusxm.us/Sports965.

This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One, continues its ninth season with guests BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman, Providence head coach Ed Cooley and CBS and FOX Sports analyst Bill Raftery.The ninth episode of TWITBE reviews the past week of BIG EAST basketball, taking a deep dive into the Marquette Golden Eagles regular season crown. Picked ninth in the preseason poll, Marquette earned the program's first outright BIG EAST regular season title following a win at Butler on Tuesday and will enter the tournament as the top overall seed. In addition, Villanova is scorching at the right time, winning six of its last seven games and will enter the BIG EAST Tournament as the No. 6 seed.The BIG EAST Spotlight is on BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman, who gives her thoughts on the state of the conference. In a decade since realignment, Ackerman provides insight into the success of the conference and the teams who comprise it. From consistently rising attendance figures, to multiple teams in the national polls, the BIG EAST is poised for March Madness.  The BIG EAST Focus shines on Providence head coach Ed Cooley. Cooley won BIG EAST Coach of the Year Honors and Naismith Coach of the Year honors last season as Providence made a run to the Sweet 16. After an offseason of activity in the transfer portal, the Friars are back near the top of the BIG EAST standings and poised to make noise not just in the BIG EAST Tournament, but the NCAA Tournament as well.CBS and FOX Sports Analyst Bill Raftery gives a view on the national perspective. Raftery discusses his excitement about the prospects of a wide-open tournament that any number of teams could win. The episode's “Who's Hot” segment features the return of “Blast from the Past”, rewinding the tape to 2013. Marquette clinched the BIG EAST regular season title on Tuesday with a win at Butler almost ten years to the day after clinching a share of the regular season conference crown with Louisville and Georgetown. The Golden Eagles wound up advancing to the East Regional Final that season.The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.This will air Saturday, March 4 at 11 a.m. ET on Sirius 134 XM 201 Online 964.

This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One, continues its ninth season with guests Marquette junior guard Tyler Kolek, Creighton head coach Greg McDermott and CBS Sports Analyst Steve Lappas.The eighth episode of TWITBE reviews the past week of BIG EAST basketball, taking a deep dive into the league's top contenders for the regular season title. Heading into the final stretch of the regular season, Marquette is in a position of claiming the regular season title and top seed for the BIG EAST Tournament, following its latest win over Creighton on Tuesday.The BIG EAST Spotlight is on Marquette guard Tyler Kolek, who is leading Shaka Smart's Golden Eagles squad toward a BIG EAST regular season championship. Kolek discusses the leadership role he took on ahead of the season, and the success Marquette has had throughout the season.The BIG EAST Focus shines on Creighton head coach Greg McDermott. After a difficult midweek home loss to Marquette, the Bluejays are still in prime position to not only make a run in the BIG EAST Tournament, but the NCAA Tournament as well. Creighton endured a difficult early season six-game losing streak and is now poised for postseason competition thanks in large part to the leadership of McDermott.CBIS Sports Analyst Steve Lappas gives a view on the national perspective. Lappas joins the show to break down the BIG EAST race. The top five teams have likely reserved their places in March Madness, but Lappas gives his perspective on how many teams might advance out of the league.The episode's “Who's Hot” segment features the return of “Blast from the Past”, rewinding the tape to 1985. The infamous “Sweater Game” with Georgetown coach John Thompson wearing a replica of St. John's Louie Carnesecca's sweat before the game. Patrick Ewing had 20 points and 13 rebounds as the Hoyas defeated St. John's 85-69.The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.This will air Saturday, Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. ET on Sirius 133 XM 201 Online 964.

This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One, continues its ninth season with guests Creighton junior center Ryan Kalkbrenner, BIG EAST Executive Associate Commissioner Stu Jackson and FOX Sports and Sporting News Analyst Mike DeCourcy.The seventh episode of TWITBE reviews the past week of BIG EAST basketball, taking a deep dive into the league's top contenders for the regular season title. As the home teams continue to dominate, the top four teams in the standings–Marquette, Xavier, Providence and Creighton–are currently 10-0 against each other on their home floors, in addition to being a perfect 30-0 combined at home in overall conference action. The BIG EAST Spotlight is on Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner, who entered the year along with his team with high expectations as the reigning BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year. After an early season illness threatened to derail those expectations, Kalkbrenner and the Bluejays have stormed back into the BIG EAST and national spotlight. In the thick of the BIG EAST regular season title run, Creighton is No. 18/19 in the national polls winning eight of its last nine games.The BIG EAST Focus shines on BIG EAST Executive Associate Commissioner Stu Jackson, who discusses how the race to the top of the BIG EAST standings is tighter than ever with only two weeks to go in the regular season. Also, with changes across collegiate athletics within the transfer portal and NIL taking center stage, the BIG EAST is constantly improving and evolving. Jackson takes the time to discuss these changes and the effects they have on college basketball.FOX & Sporting News Analyst Mike DeCourcy gives a view on the national perspective. With conference play rapidly coming to a close, and conference tournaments right around the corner, DeCourcy talks about the pleasant surprises across the NCAA, as well as a few teams that have disappointed based off preseason projections.The episode's “Who's Hot” segment features the return of “Blast from the Past”, rewinding the tape to 2011. A dozen years ago next week, before the new version of the BIG EAST came into being, Providence's Marshon Brooks dropped 52 points on Notre Dame. It was the most points ever scored in a BIG EAST game until Markus Howard of Marquette scored 53 points against Creighton during the 2019 season.The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.This will air Saturday, Feb. 18 at 11 a.m. ET on Sirius 134 XM 201 Online 964 leading into the Connecticut broadcast of Seton Hall @ UConn. 

This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One, continues its ninth season with guests Xavier graduate guard Souley Boum, St. John's head coach Mike Anderson and FOX Sports Analyst Andy Katz.The sixth episode of TWITBE reviews the past week of BIG EAST basketball, taking a deep dive into the league's top contenders for the regular season title. As the home teams continue to dominate, the top four teams in the standings–Marquette, Xavier, Providence and Creighton–are currently 8-0 against each other on their home floors, in addition to being a perfect 27-0 combined at home in overall conference action. The BIG EAST Spotlight is on Xavier guard Souley Boum, who runs the point for the BIG EAST leading Musketeers. Ranking at the top of the BIG EAST with a 4.6 assist-turnover ratio in league play, tied-for-second at 5.7 assists per game and seventh with 15.7 points per game, Boum discusses his growth from starting his career at San Francisco, competing at UTEP and now leading the charge at Xavier. With the ability to defend, dish, drive, and shoot, Boum is drawing well deserved national notoriety.The BIG EAST Focus shines on St. John's head coach Mike Anderson, ahead of the Red Storm's showdown with No. 20 Providence at Madison Square Garden Saturday at Noon ET on FOX. Outside the everyday tasks of teaching and coaching, there are many outside factors affecting coaches these days. Recruiting, the transfer portal and NIL are making the profession more challenging by the day. Anderson provides his take on his team and the day-to-day life of being a BIG EAST head coach.FOX Analyst Andy Katz gives a view on the national perspective. March Madness is officially just around the corner, but there is still much to decide in terms of regular season and conference tournament champions. In addition, the process of seeding the NCAA Tournament field will be particularly difficult this season with the strengths of conferences such as the BIG EAST, Big 12 and Big 10. Katz takes the time to break down the top conferences and teams with an eye toward the Big Dance. The episode's “Who's Hot” segment features the return of “Blast from the Past”, rewinding the tape to just a season ago, February 15th, 2022. Villanova's do-everything guard Collin Gillespie went off for a career best 33 points in an 89-84 win at Providence. The win paved the way to a strong end of the year finish for the Wildcats and Gillespie, with the latter earning BIG EAST Player of the Year, the Dave Gavitt Trophy winner as Most Outstanding Player in the BIG EAST Tournament, as well as a Final Four appearance in the NCAA Tournament.The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.This will air Saturday, Feb. 11 at 11 a.m. ET on Sirius 138 XM 201 Online 964 leading into the St. John's broadcast of Providence @ St. John's. 

This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One, continues its ninth season with guests Connecticut sophomore guard Jordan Hawkins, Butler head coach Thad Matta and CBS Sports Network analyst Jon Rothstein.The fifth episode of TWITBE reviews the past week of BIG EAST basketball, taking a deep dive into the league past the halfway point. As the home teams continue to dominate, the top four teams in the standings–Marquette, Xavier, Providence and Creighton–are currently 8-0 against each other on their home floors. On Wednesday, the 16th-ranked Musketeers protected their home court in overtime against No. 17 Providence, despite losing Zach Freemantle to an injury. On the same night, No. 14 Marquette came back to secure a home win over Villanova.The BIG EAST Spotlight is on UConn guard Jordan Hawkins, who discusses the growth in his game in his sophomore season with the Huskies. Ranking second on the squad with 16.6 points per game, in addition to knocking down a team high 61 shots from deep on a .399 clip, Hawkins explains how his confidence is through the roof compared to his freshman year. He also mentions how the game has slowed down for him and how he is making better decisions on both ends of the court. The BIG EAST Focus shines on Butler head coach Thad Matta, ahead of the Bulldogs' showdown with Marquette Saturday at 2 p.m. ET on FS1. Returning to the Butler sidelines after taking some time away from coaching, it has been a rollercoaster first season for Matta and the Bulldogs, but one they look to build upon as the program looks to regain national prominence.CBS Sports Network analyst Jon Rothstein gives a view on the national perspective. Rothstein points out the outstanding seasons both Providence and Marquette are putting together, despite low expectations by outsiders prior to the season. With Providence, Rothstein discusses how the Friars lost all five starters a season ago, but have replenished the lineup and now are in position to get back to the NCAA Tournament with a quality seed. As for Marquette, he explains how this is the best offensive team Shaka Smart has coached, comparing to his 2012 VCU team, as well as how Marquette looks the part of a team that can win multiple games in the tournament.The episode's “Who's Hot” segment features the return of “Blast from the Past”, rewinding the tape to just a season ago, February 2nd, 2022. Marquette beat Villanova 83-73 at Fiserv Forum. Coupled with their win over the Wildcats in December, the Golden Eagles became the first BIG EAST team to take down Villanova four straight times since the league's reconfiguration 10 years ago.The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.This will air Saturday, Feb. 4 at 11 a.m. ET on Sirius 134 XM 201 Online 964 leading into the Georgetown broadcast of UConn @ Georgetown. 

This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One, continues its ninth season with guests Seton Hall senior forward Tyrese Samuel, Marquette head coach Shaka Smart and The Athletic senior writer and author Dana O'Neil. The fourth episode of TWITBE reviews the past week of BIG EAST basketball, taking a deep dive into the league at the halfway point. As the league begins to stabilize, four teams have emerged as title contenders with Xavier, Marquette, Providence and Creighton all jockeying for the top position. The middle portion of the league also has eyes on post-season play as NCAA Tournament resumes begin to solidify themselves heading into February. The BIG EAST Spotlight is on Seton Hall forward Tyrese Samuel, who reflects on his four-year career at Seton Hall. Despite the rise of the transfer portal in college basketball and a new coach at the helm for the Pirates, Samuel was excited to get to work with head coach Shaheen Holloway. He also talks about the rugged BIG EAST, in addition to Seton Hall's recent good play and how the team is starting to gel. The BIG EAST Focus shines on Marquette head coach Shaka Smart, ahead of the Golden Eagles' showdown with DePaul at Wintrust Arena Saturday at 2 p.m. ET. Despite being picked ninth in the BIG EAST Preseason Coaches' Poll, the Golden Eagles enter the midway point of league play tied for second with a 16-5 overall and 8-2 conference record. Winning seven of its last eight games, Marquette ranks 16th in the nation, while boasting the reigning BIG EAST Player of the Week, Kam Jones. The Athletic senior writer and BIG EAST author Dana O'Neil gives a view on the national perspective. Discussing the challenges Villanova has faced at the midway point, O'Neil also touches on Xavier and Marquette and how they continue to impress. She also breaks down how the BIG EAST stacks up nationally, including how the top half of the league has the ability to make a push into the top echelon of the NCAA come March. The episode's “Who's Hot” segment features the return of “Blast from the Past”, rewinding the tape to 1989. On Jan. 28, Sherman Douglas dazzled at point guard for Syracuse. “The General” set the BIG EAST single-game record dishing out 22 assists in a 100-96 win over Providence. The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode. To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show.  Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts. This will air Saturday, Jan. 28 at 11 a.m. ET on Sirius 134 XM 201 Online 964 leading into the Creighton broadcast of Xavier @ Creighton. 

This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One, continues its ninth season with guests St. John's senior forward Joel Soriano, Villanova head coach Kyle Neptune and FOX Sports play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti.The third episode of TWITBE reviews the past week of BIG EAST basketball, taking a deep dive into how home teams continue to prevail in conference play boasting a 31-15 mark.The BIG EAST Spotlight is on St. John's forward Joel Soriano, who discusses his growth from being a role player for the Red Storm a season ago, to now being placed in the national spotlight. Most recently named Naismith National Player of the Week. After a 2-0 week with wins over Butler and Connecticut, Soriano and the Johnnies return to action against Villanova Friday at Madison Square Garden. Individually, Soriano leads the nation with 16 double-doubles, while averaging 16.5 points and a BIG EAST leading 12.1 rebounds per game.The BIG EAST Focus shines on Villanova head coach Kyle Neptune, ahead of the Wildcats showdown with St. John's at MSG. Just the sixth coach to lead Villanova since 1936, Neptune's Wildcats are poised to blaze their own trail through the BIG EAST. Neptune takes some time to talk about freshman sensation Cam Whitmore, returnees Caleb Daniels, Eric Dixon and Brandon Slater, as well as the recovery stage for Justin Moore.FOX Sports play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti gives a view on the national perspective. Benetti has a front row seat to the BIG EAST as well as many of the nation's top conferences as he calls games across the country for FOX Sports. He breaks down the different tiers of the BIG EAST and discusses where the league stacks up nationally.  The episode's “Who's Hot” segment features the return of “Blast from the Past”, rewinding the tape to 1994. On Jan. 25, Michael Smith of Providence pulled down a BIG EAST single-game record 26 rebounds against Syracuse. Overall, Smith set the BIG EAST record for career rebounding average at 11.67 rebounds per game in his three seasons as a Friar and was named the BIG EAST Conference most outstanding player in 1994, taking home the Dave Gavitt Trophy. “Who's Got Next?” takes a look at the upcoming schedule, highlighting the big matchups. The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.This will air Saturday, Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. ET on Sirius 133 XM 201 Online 964 leading into the Xavier broadcast of Georgetown @ Xavier.

This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One, continued its ninth season with guests Providence sophomore forward Bryce Hopkins, DePaul head coach Tony Stubblefield and Field of 68 NCAA Basketball Analyst Jeff Goodman.The second episode of TWITBE takes a look at Marquette, Providence and Xavier's fast starts to conference play, as well as the incredible matchups already played in the opening month of BIG EAST competition.The BIG EAST Spotlight is on Providence forward Bryce Hopkins, who discusses his transfer from Kentucky to Providence and the impact head coach Ed Cooley has had on rebuilding his confidence. Hopkins talks about how a back injury early in his freshman season at Kentucky limited his time on the court, but since transferring to Providence coach Cooley and “Friartown” have  welcomed him with open arms and have helped him feel like himself again. Leading the Friars with 16.0 points and 9.1 rebounds per game at the halfway point of the 2022-23 campaign, Hopkins talks about how he is excited for the rest of the season and having the opportunity in March to play at Madison Square Garden in the BIG EAST Tournament.The BIG EAST Focus shines on DePaul head coach Tony Stubblefield, fresh off the Blue Demons first victory over Villanova in 15 years. Stubblefield takes note of the milestone for his team, but explains how he immediately shifted the focus to Seton Hall Saturday at Noon ET, as his team continues to progress during conference play.Stadium.com and Field of 68 Basketball Analyst Jeff Goodman gives a view on the national perspective. Goodman touches on the outstanding performances thus far throughout the BIG EAST, including the impressive start by Xavier under the direction of Sean Miller. He also discusses the national focus and how the BIG EAST matches up with the rest of the NCAA.The episode's “Who's Hot” segment features the return of “Blast from the Past”, rewinding the tape to 2019, reliving a historic game for former DePaul superstar Max Strus when he scored a BIG EAST single-game school record 43 points on senior night to help the Blue Demons defeat St. John's. With DePaul trailing by nine points at the half, Strus willed the Blue Demons to victory with 36 of his 43 points falling in the second half. “Who's Got Next?” takes a look at the upcoming schedule, highlighting the big matchups. The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.This will air Saturday, Jan. 14 at 11 a.m. ET on Sirius 134 XM 201 Online 964 leading into the DePaul broadcast of Seton Hall @ DePaul.

This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One, begins its ninth season with guests Creighton senior forward Baylor Scheierman, Xavier head coach Sean Miller and FOX Sports National NCAA Basketball Color Analyst Donny Marshall.The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.With the start of a New Year, the first episode of TWITBE takes a look at the jumpstart of conference play, while taking a look at the new landscape of BIG EAST Basketball with four new head coaches welcomed into the league over the offseason.The BIG EAST Spotlight is on Creighton forward Baylor Scheierman, who discusses the role the transfer portal has played in the landscape of college basketball over the past couple seasons. Transferring from South Dakota State, the 2022 Summit League Player of the Year is one of five Bluejays averaging double figures with 12.4 points per game. The native of Aurora, Neb., talks about what it is like being a part of the BIG EAST and how he looks forward to continuing to showcase his skillset to NBA Scouts on the national stage.The BIG EAST Focus shines on Xavier head coach Sean Miller. Back at the helm for the Musketeers, Miller has Xavier (12-3, 4-0 BIG EAST) once again in the national spotlight. Ranked 18th in both the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches Polls, the Musketeers have shown balance, explosiveness, athleticism and experience under Miller's leadership, opening the conference season 4-0 for the first time in program historyFOX Sports Basketball Color Analyst Donny Marshall gives a view on the national perspective. A four-year standout at UConn (1991-95) Marshall touches on the outstanding performances thus far by Connecticut, Providence, Xavier and Marquette, while also noting that Villanova may be starting to round into form.The episode's “Who's Hot” segment features the return of “Blast from the Past”, rewinding the tape to 2006, reliving Marquette's first league game since joining the BIG EAST Conference, a 94-79 win over UConn. “Who's Got Next?” takes a look at the upcoming schedule, highlighting the big matchups. To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show.  Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.This will air Saturday, Jan. 7 at 11 a.m. ET on Sirius 134 XM 201 Online 964 leading into the UConn broadcast of Creighton @ Connecticut.

NEW YORK – This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One wraps its eighth season with BIG EAST Coach of the Year Ed Cooley, two-time BIG EAST Player of the Year, Collin Gillespie, and Creighton head coach Greg McDermott, There is a tournament title to be won at The World's Most Famous Arena and an NCAA Tournament on the horizon as the final episode of TWITBE takes a quick look back on the year and the accomplishments of the league for finishing the regular season. The BIG EAST Focus lens is on Providence head coach Ed Cooley, who led the Friars to their first BIG EAST regular season title and the top overall seed in the BIG EAST Tournament.The BIG EAST Spotlight shines on Villanova's Collin Gillespie. Having suffered a major knee injury a year ago, Gillespie's triumphant return comes full circle by collecting BIG EAST Player of the Year honors and leading the Wildcats to Friday night's semifinal contest against Connecticut. Back in the semifinals for the fourth time at the helm of Creighton, head coach Greg McDermott gives his national perspective on using the transfer portal as a major recruiting tool. He also takes some time to discuss the evolution of his team over the course of the season and the expectations the Bluejays have for the rest of 2022.The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.  The show will air on Friday, March 11 at 5:15 p.m. ET on Sirius 138, XM 206 and Online 969, leading into the BIG EAST Tournament Semifinals.

NEW YORK – This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One is in its eighth season as the official podcast of BIG EAST basketball. The ninth episode of the season welcomes DePaul senior guard Javon Freeman-Liberty, BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman and former Providence coach and current ESPN College Basketball analyst Tim Welsh.TWITBE welcomes DePaul guard Javon Freeman-Liberty in the BIG EAST Spotlight, ahead of Saturday's regular season finale against No. 18 UConn. Despite an injury sidelining the all-around guard for a month, including seven conference games, Freeman-Liberty is back in the starting lineup lighting up the scoreboard. Leading the BIG EAST with 21.9 ppg over the course of his 22 regular season games, as well as averaging 22.7 in 12 league games, he has led the Blue Demons (15-14, 6-13 BE) back over .500 while riding a three-game winning streak. Averaging 28.0 ppg, 7.5 rpg and 3.3 spg in his last four outings, paving the way to league wins over Georgetown, St. John's and Marquette. BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman is on TWITBE bringing this week's focus on the upcoming conference tournament. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the BIG EAST Conference staging its men's basketball tournament at Madison Square Garden, with the excitement surrounding the return of fans to the World's Most Famous Arena. Ackerman also takes some time to discuss the Women's Basketball Tournament tipping off Friday morning, the Black Fives initiative and the impacts NIL and transfers have had and will continue to have on collegiate sports.ESPN College Basketball analyst Tim Welsh gives a view on the national perspective. Welsh joins the show to give his insights on the upcoming conference tournaments across the NCAA and the impacts they will have on selection Sunday (March 13).The episode's “Who's Hot” segment continues to feature “Blast from the Past” a segment reliving the greatest moments of 40 years at Madison Square Garden. This week, return to the semifinals of the 2018 BIG EAST Tournament, where No. 5 seed Providence led a furious comeback against top-seeded Xavier, to force overtime and advance to the BIG EAST Championship game against Villanova.The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.  The show will air on Saturday, March 5 at 11 a.m. ET on Sirius 138, XM 201 and Online 964, leading into the Villanova broadcast of Villanova at Butler. 

NEW YORK – This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One is in its eighth season as the official podcast of BIG EAST basketball. The eighth episode of the season welcomes Connecticut head coach Dan Hurley, Seton Hall senior forward Jared Rhoden and Fox Sports and The Sporting News basketball analyst Mike DeCourcyTWITBE welcomes Seton Hall forward Jared Rhoden in the BIG EAST Spotlight, ahead of Saturday's tilt against Xavier. The Pirates entered the season with plenty of talent and started off hot with a pair of top-10 wins over Michigan and Texas. However, mid-season injuries combined with the challenging conference slate caused setbacks for a Seton Hall team that opened conference play just 3-6. Lately returning to form, the Pirates (17-9, 8-8 BE) are back in the national spotlight after winning five of their last seven outings, with Rhoden leading the way with a team-best 15.5 points per game.The BIG EAST Focus shines on UConn head coach Dan Hurley fresh off the Huskies win over No. 8 Villanova, 71-69. Currently sitting in a tie for third in the league standings (20-7, 11-5 BE), the Huskies are riding a four-game winning streak, also including hard-fought wins over St. John's, Seton Hall and Xavier. Hurley takes some time to talk about his 2022 squad and the goals the Huskies have set for themselves heading into March.Fox Sports basketball analyst Mike DeCourcy gives a view on the national perspective. With selection Sunday inching closer and closer, DeCourcy gives his thoughts on the national race toward March Madness, as well as where he ranks the BIG EAST and its programs.The episode's “Who's Hot” segment continues to feature “Blast from the Past” a segment reliving the greatest moments of 40 years at Madison Square Garden. This week, return to the quarterfinals of the 2009 BIG EAST Tournament when No. 18 Syracuse went toe-to-toe with third-ranked UConn. Six overtimes and just under four hours of action later and the Orange, which never led during the first five overtimes, outlasted the Huskies 127-117 in the ultimate battle for survival.The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts. 

NEW YORK – This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One is in its eighth season as the official podcast of BIG EAST basketball. The seventh episode of the season welcomes Marquette sophomore guard Tyler Kolek, Villanova head coach Jay Wright and basketball analyst Jeff Goodman.TWITBE welcomes Marquette sophomore Tyler Kolek in the BIG EAST Spotlight, ahead of Sunday's tilt against Creighton. A central theme regarding the 2021-22 season has been the experienced level of play on the floor as a result of more seasoned student-athletes. However, a pair of sophomores are leading the way at Marquette, including the 2021 Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year, Kolek, who transferred from George Mason to Marquette in the offseason. Earning the start in all 26 outings, Kolek leads the BIG EAST in assists per game (6.0) and has helped lead the Golden Eagles to a 17-9 (9-6 BIG EAST) mark.The BIG EAST Focus shines on Villanova head coach Jay Wright fresh of the Wildcats statement win on the road against Providence. Currently sitting in second in the league standings (20-6, 13-3 BE), the Wildcats are riding a four-game winning streak and sit just a game back in the loss column to the conference leading Friars (21-3, 11-2 BE). Battle tested all season long, Wright takes some time to talk about his 2022 squad as they continue work toward their great objectives for the season.Basketball analyst Jeff Goodman gives a view on the national perspective. As the February frenzy continues and still two weeks until the start of March Madness, Goodman gives his thoughts on how the BIG EAST will play out and how many teams he foresees dancing into the NCAA Tournament.The episode's “Who's Hot” segment continues to feature “Blast from the Past” a segment reliving the greatest moments of 40 years at Madison Square Garden. This week, return to the 2006 BIG EAST Tournament where senior guard Gerry McNamara led Syracuse on an unprecedented four game run at MSG to capture the BIG EAST Tournament and become the first team to win four games in four days.The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.  The show will air on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 11 a.m. ET on Sirius 137, XM 201 and Online 964, leading into the UConn broadcast of Xavier @ UConn.

NEW YORK – This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One is in its eighth season as the official podcast of BIG EAST basketball. The sixth episode of the season welcomes Creighton head coach Greg McDermott, Providence senior center Nate Watson and basketball analyst Donny Marshall.TWITBE welcomes Providence senior Nate Watson in the BIG EAST Spotlight, ahead of Saturday's tilt against DePaul. Despite being picked seventh in the preseason coaches' poll, the Friars are off to their best overall start since the 1972-73 season with a 20-2 mark. In league play, Providence sits at the top the standings with a 10-1 record, while riding a seven-game win streak. A super senior for the Friars, Watson leads a balanced scoring attack with 13.5 ppg, to go with a team-high 20 blocks. Watson joins the show to talk about the team's success and overall goals moving forward. The BIG EAST Focus shines on Creighton head coach Greg McDermott ahead of back-to-back games against Georgetown. Moving into sole possession of fifth in the league standings with a 6-5 conference mark, Creighton's BIG EAST resume includes wins over No. 15 Villanova, No. 18 Marquette and No. 24 UConn. McDermott joins the show to discuss the competitive nature of the BIG EAST and the obstacles Creighton has overcome this season with several new faces in the locker room. FOX and CBS Sports Network basketball analyst Donny Marshall gives a view on the national perspective. The former UConn star, who played alongside the likes of Ray Allen, Kevin Ollie and Doron Sheffer, and against Kerry Kittles, Arturas Karnishovas, Lawrence Moten and Othella Harrington, to name a few, was later drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1995. He then wrapped up his career with the New Jersey Nets. Marshall takes the experiences he gained and challenges faced when describing the game night in and night out to his viewers. The episode's “Who's Hot” segment features the return of “Blast from the Past” reliving the greatest moments of 40 years at Madison Square Garden. This week, return to the 2014 BIG EAST Tournament where Providence and Creighton put on a show in the first tournament after the conference realignment. The Friars' Bryce Cotton led his team with 23 points, while the Bluejays' National Player of the Year Doug McDermott scored a game-high 27 points. However, it was Cotton and Providence who prevailed, 65-58, as the Friars won their first tournament title since 1994. The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode. To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show.  Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts. This will air Saturday 2/12 at noon Eastern on Sirius 138 XM 201 Online 964 leading into the Villanova broadcast of Seton Hall @ Villanova.

NEW YORK – This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One is in its eighth season as the official podcast of BIG EAST basketball. The fifth episode of the season welcomes Providence head coach Ed Cooley, DePaul head coach Tony Stubblefield and basketball analyst Jon Rothstein.TWITBE welcomes Providence head coach Ed Cooley in the BIG EAST Spotlight, fresh off an 86-82 road victory over St. John's on Tuesday. Despite being picked seventh in the preseason coaches' poll, the Friars are off to their best overall start since the 1972-73 season with a 19-2 mark. In league play, Providence sits at the top the standings with a 9-1 record. Cooley takes the time to talk about how his team has continued to mature over the course of the season and how they have learned to finish close games both at home and on the road.The BIG EAST Focus shines on DePaul head coach Tony Stubblefield. Working through his first BIG EAST season as a head coach, the former Cincinnati and Oregon assistant understands that there are no excuses to be given during league play and how the team is working through the ups and downs of the 2021-22 season.CBS Sports Network basketball analyst Jon Rothstein gives a view on the national perspective. As the college basketball season heats up heading into the month of February, he discusses how media outlets and coaches are preparing for postseason action, while keeping their focus on the regular season. Rothstein gives some insight on the college basketball season and what to expect moving forward.The episode's “Who's Hot” segment features the return of “Blast from the Past” reliving the greatest moments of 40 years at Madison Square Garden. This week, return to the 1984 BIG EAST Tournament where Georgetown and Patrick Ewing rallied back to beat Syracuse in overtime, 82-71.The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts. The show will air on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 11 a.m. ET on Sirius 137, XM 201 and Online 964, leading into the UConn broadcast of UConn @ Villanova.

NEW YORK – This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One is in its eighth season as the official podcast of BIG EAST basketball. The fourth episode of the season welcomes St. John's junior forward Julian Champagnie, BIG EAST executive associate commissioner Stu Jackson and basketball analyst Andy Katz.TWITBE welcomes St. John's Julian Champagnie in the BIG EAST Spotlight, discussing how he handles the pressure of leading the Red Storm. Despite being the focus of every defensive gameplan, the junior leads the conference in scoring in BIG EAST action with 18.3 ppg, while ranking second in the BIG EAST and 32nd nationally with 19.5 ppg over 18 contests.The BIG EAST Focus shines on the conference's executive associate commissioner Stu Jackson who discusses the second half of the BIG EAST schedule slated for February. In addition, he gives some insider perspectives of the challenges of rescheduling games and the added effects it has across the conference and nation.FOX Sports basketball analyst Andy Katz gives a view on the national perspective. He takes time to discuss the extra year of eligibility granted to student-athletes and the effect the transfer portal has had on the 2021-22 basketball season. With familiar faces connected to new teams, players and philosophies, he talks about what it has meant this year, as well as future impacts.The episode's “Who's Hot” segment features the return of “Blast from the Past” reliving the greatest moments of 40 years at Madison Square Garden. This week, return to the 1996 BIG EAST Tournament where UConn's Ray Allen fired an off-balance jump shot late in the game that gave the Huskies a 75-74 lead. Seconds later, Georgetown's Allen Iverson had a good look, before his teammate Jerome Williams had a follow up attempt, but both came up just short as UConn claimed its second BIG EAST title.The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.  The show will air on Saturday, Jan. 29 at 11 a.m. ET on Sirius 134, XM 201 and Online 964, leading into the Xavier broadcast of Xavier @ Creighton. 

NEW YORK – This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One, returns for 2022, its eighth season as the official podcast of BIG EAST basketball. The third episode of the season welcomes former Villanova head coach and current CBS basketball analyst Steve Lappas, Villanova junior guard Justin Moore and Seton Hall head coach Kevin WillardTWITBE welcomes Villanova guard Justin Moore in the BIG EAST Spotlight, as the preseason favorite Wildcats near the top of the BIG EAST with a 6-2 conference mark. He ranks seventh in the conference and second on the team with 15.8 points per game. Moore also has been a key contributor on the defensive end with the Wildcats limiting BIG EAST opponents to just 58.5 points per game. 9.3 points less than the conference's second ranked defensive team, Providence (67.8).The BIG EAST Focus shines on Seton Hall head coach Kevin Willard. In a sport where the difference between winning and losing can be decided by a matter of inches or tenths of a second, Seton Hall has certainly been involved in several scenarios. Willard joins TWITBE to discuss how the Pirates have overcome adversity this season.Former Villanova head coach and current CBS basketball analyst Steve Lappas gives a view on the national perspective. As the league approaches the halfway point of regular season action, Lappas gives his insight on how the younger players around the league will take to the increase in play and pressure that the second half and postseason brings.The episode's “Who's Hot” segment features the return of “Blast from the Past” reliving the greatest moments of 40 years at Madison Square Garden. This week, return to the 1986 BIG EAST Tournament where Syracuse star guard Pearl Washington's shot was blocked from behind by St. John's star Walter Berry just before the buzzer, as St. John's earned the hard-fought victory 70-69.The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.  The show will air on Saturday, Jan. 22 at 11 a.m. ET on Sirius 133, XM 201 and Online 964, leading into the Seton Hall broadcast of Seton Hall @ St. John's.

NEW YORK – This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One, returns for 2022, its eighth season as the official podcast of BIG EAST basketball. The second episode of the season welcomes Creighton senior forward Ryan Hawkins, Marquette head coach Shaka Smart and college basketball columnist and statistician Ken Polmeroy.For the second consecutive week, the BIG EAST Spotlight is on the transfer portal, as TWITBE welcomed Creighton forward Ryan Hawkins who has made the transition from Northwest Missouri State and Division II basketball over to the Bluejays. An All-American in Maryville, Mo., Hawkins has been a key contributor to Creighton's 10-4 (2-1 BE) start, leading the team in both points (13.4) and rebounds (7.4) per game with 14 starts.The BIG EAST Focus shines on Marquette head coach Shaka Smart. After successful runs at Virginia Commonwealth and Texas, he found the chance to return to his home state of Wisconsin and has quickly made an impact on both ends of the court for the Golden Eagles. After three consecutive close losses to open BIG EAST play, Marquette has reeled off three straight victories over Providence (88-56), Georgetown (92-64) and DePaul (87-76).College basketball columnist and statistician Ken Pomeroy gives a view on the national perspective. If you fancy yourself as a college basketball hoop-ologist, chances are you have heard of “Kenpom.”  The website includes a ratings system, statistics on every Division I college basketball team and a blog, along with referee ratings. Kenpom ratings are mentioned in nearly every national conversation on the best teams in the country. Ken Pomeroy joins the show to discuss the formula for his ratings system.The episode's “Who's Hot” segment features the return of “Blast from the Past” reliving the greatest moments of 40 years at Madison Square Garden. This week, hear sights and sounds from the 2011 BIG EAST Tournament where Kemba Walker helped the UConn Huskies earn 11 straight victories all the way to a National Championship.The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.  The show will air on Saturday, Jan. 15 at 11 a.m. ET on Sirius 138, XM 201 and Online 964, leading into the Xavier broadcast of Creighton @ Xavier.

This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One begins its eighth season with Providence graduate senior forward Justin Minaya, Xavier head coach Travis Steele,  The Athletic senior college basketball writer and author Dana O'Neil, as well as a celebration of 40 Years at Madison Square Garden with a “Blast from the Past.”With the start of a New Year, the first episode of TWITBE takes a look at the start of conference play as well as a recap of an impressive non-conference slate, with BIG EAST teams combining to go 91-27 (.771).The BIG EAST Spotlight is on Providence forward Justin Minaya, who discusses the role the transfer portal has played in the landscape of college basketball over the past couple seasons. Playing a large role in the Friars' transformation, Minaya talks about the veteran leadership and experience surrounding Ed Cooley's team, opening the season with a 13-2 (3-1 BE) mark.The BIG EAST Focus shines on Xavier head coach Travis Steele. The Musketeers have shown balance, explosiveness, athleticism and experience under Steele's leadership, opening the year 11-2 (1-1 BE) and ranked No. 22 in the AP Poll.Athletic senior college basketball writer and author Dana O'Neil gives a view on the national perspective. A senior writer for The Athletic, she has worked for more than 25 years as a sportswriter covering the Final Four, the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals, NHL playoffs and the BIG EAST. She has worked previously in Philadelphia and for ESPN, and she is the author of three books, including “The BIG EAST: Inside the Most Entertaining and Influential Conference in College Basketball History”, available now online and in bookstores.The episode's “Who's Hot” segment features the return of “Blast from the Past”, with this week reliving the very first BIG EAST Tournament held in Madison Square Garden featuring Boston College and St. John's. “Who's Got Next?” takes a look at the upcoming schedule, highlighting the big matchups. The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST radio host, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show.  Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.

This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One wraps its seventh season with BIG EAST Coach of the Year Mike Anderson, two of the BIG EAST Players of the Year, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, and the voice of Georgetown radio Rich Chvotkin.  There is a tournament title to be won at The World’s Most Famous Arena and an NCAA Tournament on the horizon as the final episode of TWITBE takes a quick look back on the year and the accomplishments of the league for finishing the season. The BIG EAST Focus lens is on St. John’s head coach Anderson, who had another winning season at the helm of the Red Storm. Anderson was voted BIG EAST Coach of the Year by his colleagues after leading St. John’s to the No. 4 seed after being picked ninth in the preseason poll.  The BIG EAST Focus shines on both Seton Hall’s Mamukelashvili and Villanova’s Robinson-Earl. The pair make up two of the three players selection for BIG EAST Player of the Year. Mamukelashvili takes a self-reflection on his confidence, his career at Seton Hall and his journey to become a standout for the Pirates. Seton Hall is one of the BIG EAST Tournament’s semifinal teams. The Focus turns to Robinson-Earl, who talks about how winning BIG EAST Player of the Year is one of his dreams come true and how his decision to stay with the Wildcats instead of playing professionally helped him develop both on and off the court.  Longtime Georgetown play-by-play announcer Chvotkin gives view on the national perspective. As the Hoyas voice for 47 years, Chvotkin has been a part of every BIG EAST Tournament ever played. He brings a unique insight on the Hoyas and the tournament as a whole.  The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST reporter, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode. The episode’s “Who’s Hot” segment features audio clips from some recent big performances around the league and a recap of the league’s weekly honors. “Who’s Got Next?” takes a look at the upcoming schedule, highlighting the big matchups.  To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show.  Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.   

This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One is in its seventh year. The ninth episode of the season welcomes BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman, Marquette Head Coach Steve Wojciechowski and national college basketball writer Dick “Hoops” Weiss. ** PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, RATE And REVIEW! ** The TWITBE BIG EAST Spotlight shines Wojciechowski who discusses Marquette’s resiliency during the pandemic plagued season. The Golden Eagles recently defeated North Carolina in Chapel Hill and look to round into form in time for the BIG EAST Tournament. BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman is on TWITBE bringing this week’s focus on the upcoming Conference Tournament. Ackerman talks about the changes in the sports world over the course of the calendar year. She discusses how the Conference, along with the member institutions, put together a season as fairly, as safely and as equitably as can be done. The national perspective comes from Blue Star Media College Basketball writer “Hoops” Weiss.  Weiss discusses Villanova’s conference dominance over the past decade. He also takes a look at the Wildcats’ roster without Collin Gillespie, the impact it may have on Villanova’s NCAA tournament seeding. The 2021 season of This Week in the BIG EAST (#TWITBE) is available for download on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Overcast, Castro, Castbox and Podfriend in addition to its Westwood One distribution. The show airs on three Sirius XM stations on Saturdays preceding the first BIG EAST contest of the day. This week, TWITBE will be carried on Sirius 133, XM 201, Online 964 at 1:30 p.m. ET, leading into the Villanova at Providence game at 2:30 p.m. In the “Blast from the Past” segment, TWITBE takes a dive into the 2014 season, reliving March 8 when Creighton’s all-American Doug McDermott scored a career high 45 points on senior night. He became just the 8th player to go over the 3,000 point mark in his career for the Bluejays. “Dougie McBuckets” would go on to win BIG EAST and National Player of the Year later that season. The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST reporter, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.The episode’s “Who’s Hot” segment features audio clips from some recent big performances around the league and a recap of the league’s weekly honors. “Who’s Got Next?” takes a look at the upcoming schedule, highlighting the big matchups. To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show.  Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.   

NEW YORK – This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One in in its seventh year. The eighth episode of the season welcomes Providence head coach Ed Cooley, NCAA Vice President of Basketball Dan Gavitt and Sporting News Columnist and FOX Sports College Basketball bracketologist Mike DeCourcy. ** PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW ** The TWITBE BIG EAST Spotlight shines on Cooley, who discusses the Friars recent performances. He gives his take on Providence’s memorable wins this season along with some tough losses.  The BIG EAST Focus narrows in on Gavitt, who has been through a year unlike any other for college basketball. Gavitt touches on the challenges of playing a full season amid the pandemic as well as the scheduling and health challenges surrounding the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The National Perspective comes from DeCourcy, FOX Sports’ bracketologist. As the calendar flips to March, DeCourcy gives his take on the landscape of college basketball, where the BIG EAST ranks and which has the best hope to make the NCAA Tournament. The 2021 season of This Week in the BIG EAST (#TWITBE) is available for download on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Overcast, Castro, Castbox and Podfriend in addition to its Westwood One distribution. The show airs on three Sirius XM stations on Saturdays preceding the first BIG EAST contest of the day. This week, TWITBE will be carried on Sirius 133, XM 201, Online 964 at 1:30 p.m. ET, leading into the Marquette at Connecticut broadcast at 2:30 p.m. In the “Blast from the Past” segment, TWITBE takes a dive into the 1985 BIG EAST matchup between No. 1 St. John’s and No. 2 Georgetown at Madison Square Garden, fondly known as “The Sweater Game.” The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST reporter, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.The episode’s “Who’s Hot” segment features audio clips from some recent big performances around the league and a recap of the league’s weekly honors. “Who’s Got Next?” takes a look at the upcoming schedule, highlighting the big matchups. To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.   

This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One in in its seventh year. The seventh episode of the season welcomes Villanova head coach Jay Wright, St. John’s sophomore guard Julian Champagnie and college basketball analyst Steve Lappas.  *** PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW *** The TWITBE BIG EAST Spotlight shines on Champagnie (6:52) this week as the Red Storm sophomore gives insight into St. John’s resurgence and NCAA tournament hopes. Champagnie averages a league-leading 19.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game this season. The BIG EAST Focus turns to Wright (22:46), who again has his Wildcats at the top of the BIG EAST standings. This week, Villanova is 10th in the AP Poll. Wright discusses the challenges he has faced this season coaching amid the pandemic as well as how he thinks his team can evolve as VU heads toward March Madness. Lappas (32:23) gives the National Perspective from the overhead view of a CBS Sports Network analyst. Lappas, the former Villanova head coach, breaks down the NCAA Tournament contenders within the conference as well as other schools making moves as the calendar turns toward March. The 2021 season of This Week in the BIG EAST (#TWITBE) is available for download on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Overcast, Castro, Castbox and Podfriend in addition to its Westwood One distribution. The show airs on three Sirius XM stations on Saturdays preceding the first BIG EAST contest of the day. This week, TWITBE will be carried on Sirius 136, XM 201, Online 964 at Noon ET, leading into the Connecticut at Villanova broadcast at 1 p.m.In the “Blast from the Past” segment, TWITBE takes a dive into the 1995 BIG EAST matchup between Villanova and then-No. 1 UConn. Wildcat Kerry Kittles outbattled Husky Ray Allen to take down top-ranked Huskies.  Guest Lappas was head coach of Villanova at the time. The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST reporter, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.The episode’s “Who’s Hot” segment features audio clips from some recent big performances around the league and a recap of the league’s weekly honors. “Who’s Got Next?” takes a look at the upcoming schedule, highlighting the big matchups. To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.   

This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One in in its seventh year. The sixth episode of the season welcomes St. John’s head coach Mike Anderson, Creighton junior guard Marcus Zegarowski and national college basketball writer and analyst Andy Katz. ** RATE, REVIEW & SUBSCRIBE **  This week the TWITBE BIG EAST Spotlight shines on Zegarowski, the BIG EAST Preseason Player of the Year. Zegarowski (6:42) gives the inside take on Creighton’s unique style of basketball and describes his personal journey to Omaha, his relationship with Bluejay head coach Greg McDermott and what his college experience is like during the pandemic. The BIG EAST Focus zeroes in on Anderson (21:02), who reflects on the current buzz surrounding the St. John’s Red Storm. Second-year head coach Anderson talks on the team’s turnaround and the play of freshman standout Posh Alexander and sophomore guard/forward Julian Champagnie. The National Perspective comes from Katz (32:19), who also gives us a take on the excitement going on in New York City over the Johnnies. Katz discusses the BIG EAST standings top to bottom and where the teams stack in consideration for the NCAA Tournament. The 2021 season of This Week in the BIG EAST (#TWITBE) is available for download on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Overcast, Castro, Castbox and Podfriend in addition to its Westwood One distribution. The show airs on three Sirius XM stations on Saturdays preceding the first BIG EAST contest of the day. This week, TWITBE will be carried on Sirius 136, XM 201, Online 964 at 11 a.m. ET, leading into the Connecticut at Xavier broadcast at noon.  The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST reporter, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode. The episode’s “Who’s Hot” segment features audio clips from some recent big performances around the league and a recap of the league’s weekly honors. “Who’s Got Next?” takes a look at the upcoming schedule, highlighting the big matchups.  To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show.  Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.   

This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One, returns for 2021, its seventh year. The fifth episode of the season welcomes DePaul head coach Dave Leitao, UConn junior Tyrese Martin and New York Post college basketball beat reporter Zach Braziller. ** SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW! ** Send Questions via Twitter to #TWITBE! **This week the TWITBE BIG EAST Spotlight shines on Husky guard Martin, who gives his take on Connecticut’s return to the BIG EAST, reacquainting with historical rivals and the surrounding buzz. Martin (7:15) talks about his transfer journey from Rhode Island to UConn as well as filling the void during James Bouknight’s injury. The BIG EAST Focus narrows in on Leitao (21:00) as he discusses the Blue Demons’ performance for the 2020-21 season after a delayed start. The National Perspective comes from Braziller (31:18), who has his finger on the college basketball pulse. His regular beat, the St. John’s Red Storm, have been on a five-game winning streak, steadily climbing the BIG EAST league standings. The 2021 season of This Week in the BIG EAST (#TWITBE) is available for download on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Overcast, Castro, Castbox and Podfriend in addition to its Westwood One distribution. The show airs on three Sirius XM stations on Saturdays preceding the first BIG EAST contest of the day. This week, TWITBE will be carried on Sirius 121, XM 201, Online 964 at 11 a.m. ET, leading into the Seton Hall at Connecticut broadcast at Noon. The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST reporter, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.A new segment this year, Rooke and McNamara relive “A blast from the past.” This week features memories and highlights from former Georgetown Hoya star Alonso Mourning. The episode’s “Who’s Hot” segment features audio clips from some recent big performances around the league and a recap of the league’s weekly honors. “Who’s Got Next?” takes a look at the upcoming schedule, highlighting the big matchups.  To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.   

The fourth episode of the season welcomes Georgetown head coach Patrick Ewing, Seton Hall senior forward Sandro Mamukelashvili and long-time college basketball analyst Bill Raftery.   ** SUBSCRIBE * RATE & REVIEW!! ** This week the #TWITBE BIG EAST Spotlight shines on Pirate forward Mamukelashvili a veteran member of a Seton Hall squad who won a share of the BIG EAST regular-season title last season. Mamukelashvili has all the tools with the length, the height, the shooting and defensive skills. He sits down to talk about his maturation as a player and a leader (6:49). The BIG EAST Focus zeroes in on Ewing as he discusses the Hoyas performance this season and how they look to grow in 2021. Ewing gives his take on the challenges the pandemic has presented Georgetown, the college basketball world and beyond (21:23). The National Perspective comes from Raftery, a former Seton Hall head coach and current FOX and CBS talent. Raftery discusses all things college basketball, what BIG EAST teams have caught his eye and what it is like to call games during a national pandemic (30:20). The 2021 season of This Week in the BIG EAST (#TWITBE) is available for download on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Overcast, Castro, Castbox and Podfriend in addition to its Westwood One distribution. The show airs on three Sirius XM stations on Saturdays preceding the first BIG EAST contest of the day. This week, TWITBE will be carried on Sirius 134, XM 201, Online 964 at 2:30 p.m. ET, leading into the Villanova at Seton Hall game at 3:30 p.m.The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST reporter, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.A new segment this year, Rooke and McNamara relive “A blast from the past.” This week features memories and highlights from Jan. 23, 1991 when Providence’s Eric Murdock lit up the court against then-BIG EAST rival Pittsburgh. The episode’s “Who’s Hot” segment features audio clips from some recent big performances around the league and a recap of the league’s weekly honors. “Who’s Got Next?” takes a look at the upcoming schedule, highlighting the big matchups. To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. Please subscribe, rate and review to keep #TWITBE top of the podcast charts.   

This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One, returns for 2021, its seventh year. The third episode of the season welcomes @ButlerMBB head coach LaVall Jordan, @MarquetteMBB  sophomore guard D.J. Carton, and Dana O’Neil (@DanaONeilWriter), long time college basketball reporter and author.   ** KEEP US ON THE TOP OF THE CHARTS! PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND REVIEW! **This week the TWITBE BIG EAST Spotlight shines on Carton, a former five-star prep guard from Iowa who made his way through the transfer portal and found a home with Marquette (6:29). The BIG EAST Focus zeroes in on Jordan (21:25) who discusses some of the challenging moments for Butler so far this season and trying to keep his young team focused. The National Perspective comes from O’Neil (30:50), a national college basketball reporter for The Athletic. O’Neil gives an update on Villanova’s return to play and breaks down the national state of men’s college basketball.  The 2021 season of This Week in the BIG EAST (#TWITBE) is available for download on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Overcast, Castro, Castbox and Podfriend in addition to its Westwood One distribution. The show airs on three Sirius XM stations on Saturdays preceding the first BIG EAST contest of the day. This week, TWITBE will be carried on Sirius 121, XM 201, Online 964 at 11 a.m. ET, leading into the Connecticut at Creighton game at noon ET.  The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST reporter, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode. A new segment this year, Rooke and McNamara relive “A blast from the past.” This week features memories and highlights surrounding Markus Howard’s BIG EAST record 53 points, leading the way for Marquette’s 106-104 epic road win at Creighton on January 19, 2019.   The episode’s “Who’s Hot” segment features audio clips from some recent big performances around the league and a recap of the league’s weekly honors. “Who’s Got Next?” takes a look at the upcoming schedule, highlighting the big matchups.  To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. 

This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One, returns for 2021, its seventh season as the official podcast of BIG EAST basketball. The second episode of the season welcomes Creighton head coach Greg McDermott (@cucoachmac), Xavier sophomore forward Zach Freemantle (@zachfreemantle) and Rob Dauster (@RobDauster), co-host of the Field of 68 podcast. *** RATE AND REVIEW US! KEEP US No. 1!!! ***  This week the #TWITBE BIG EAST Spotlight shines on Freemantle (5:47), a sophomore with the Musketeers. Freemantle discusses his growth as a player and the expectations of the Xavier squad this year. The BIG EAST Focus zeroes in McDermott (19:58). The head coach of the Bluejays highlights Creighton’s hot start to the 20-21 season. Dauster, author of “The Rebound,” gives this week’s National Perspective (29:24). He gives his thoughts on the BIG EAST’s standing in among the conferences. The returning hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) are John Rooke, a longtime BIG EAST play-by-play voice, and Kevin McNamara, BIG EAST reporter, columnist and author. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode. A new segment this year, Rooke and McNamara relive “A blast from the past.” This week features memories and highlights surrounding Connecticut legend Donny Marshall. The episode’s “Who’s Hot” segment features audio clips from some recent big performances around the league and a recap of the league’s weekly honors. “Who’s Got Next?” takes a look at the upcoming schedule, highlighting the big matchups.  To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. 

This Week In The BIG EAST Radio Show, distributed by Westwood One, returns for 2021, its seventh season. The first episode of the new year will welcome Connecticut head coach Dan Hurley, Providence junior guard David Duke and BIG EAST Executive Associate Commissioner Stu Jackson. In the first episode of the season, TWITBE’s BIG EAST Spotlight shines on Providence guard David Duke (6:57), a junior with the Friars and a hometown star. In the BIG EAST Focus is Connecticut head coach Dan Hurley (23:00), officially welcoming the Husky family back into the BIG EAST fold. Hurley will talk about the transition back. BIG EAST Executive Associate Commissioner Stu Jackson (32:00) brings the National Perspective as he shares his insight on the ongoing challenges of handling men’s basketball scheduling amid a pandemic. A new segment this year, Rooke and McNamara relive “A blast from the Past.” This week features former St. John’s head coach and Capricorn, Lou Carnesecca (21:27), who celebrates his 96th birthday this week. A new segment this year, Rooke and McNamara relive “A blast from the Past.” This week features former St. John’s head coach and Capricorn, Lou Carnesecca (21:27), who celebrates his 96th birthday this week. ** Keep #TWITBE at the top of the podcast charts! Subscribe, rate and review us!!  **To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show. 

*** Keep TWITBE No. 1! Make sure to rate and review. *** This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) hosts John and Kevin welcome Providence head coach Ed Cooley (@CoachCooleyPC), BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman and senior college basketball writer for CBSSports.com Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander). In the penultimate episode of the season, the BIG EAST Spotlight shines down on Cooley (7:15) as he talks about how his Providence Friars turned it around after a tough start in non-conference play. In February, Cooley’s Friars won five consecutive games over ranked teams. BIG EAST Commissioner Ackerman (23:48) is in the lens of the BIG EAST Focus as she gives historical anecdotes on the last 40 years of the BIG EAST and her impressions on the regular season that wraps up on Saturday. The national perspective comes from Norlander (35:10) as he gives his hot takes on potential NCAA Tournament seeding heading into the BIG EAST Championship next week. Spoiler alert, he has Villanova winning the tournament for a fourth straight year and seven teams in the Big Dance.   TWITBE brings sounds of the game through #BIGEASThoops game audio highlights. John (@JRbroadcaster) and Kevin (@KevinMcNamara33) wrap up the latest news in the BIG EAST and previews what’s to come next week.

*** Keep TWITBE No. 1! Make sure to rate and review. *** This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) hosts John and Kevin welcome guests Creighton head coach Greg McDermott (@cucoachmac), Georgetown Hoyas radio voice Rich Chvotkin (@HoyasWin) and TheAthletic.com College Basketball writer Dana O’Neil (@DanaONeilWriter). The BIG EAST Spotlight shines down on McDermott (8:45). McDermott’s Bluejays have been entertaining to watch both defensively and offensively as Creighton is tied for second in the league standings with just over a week left in the regular season. The BIG EAST Focus has Chvotkin (25:03), who gives a historical perspective of the conference from the earliest days of league play in 1979. Chvotkin has been the voice of the Hoyas for 46 years. O’Neil (33:30) has covered NCAA Basketball for more than 25 years at places like ESPN and the Philadelphia Daily News. She’s the author of “Long Shots” a work that reflects on Villanova’s journey to the 2016 national title. O’Neil gives her wide angle view of where the BIG EAST stands on the national college basketball landscape. TWITBE brings sounds of the game through #BIGEASThoops game audio highlights. John (@JRbroadcaster) and Kevin (@KevinMcNamara33) wrap up the latest news in the BIG EAST and previews what’s to come next week.

*** Keep TWITBE No. 1! Make sure to rate and review. *** The #MarchToMSG is heating up as two weeks remain in the regular season. This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) hosts John and Kevin welcome guests Georgetown head coach Patrick Ewing (@CoachEwing33), BIG EAST Executive Associate Commissioner Stu Jackson (@StuJackson32) and FOX Sports College Basketball Bracketologist Mike DeCourcy (@tnmike).    The BIG EAST Spotlight shines down on Patrick Ewing (7:36) who gives his take on how the Hoyas have been able to play through a lot of adversity this season so far. Ewing highlights his players who have stepped up, “they have a strong belief in themselves.” The BIG EAST Focus narrows in on Stu Jackson (24:10). Jackson shares his insider view as he fills many roles during the season, including a sounding board for the BIG EAST coaches and the Ringmaster of the #BEtourney extravaganza that is about to begin at Madison Square Garden in March. Longtime college basketball writer for The Sporting News, Mike DeCourcy (35:53) joined FOX Sports this season as their No. 1 Bracketologist. DeCourcy evaluates @BIGEASTmbb from the bottom to the top as it looks like the BIG EAST could have at least six viable teams for the Big Dance in March. TWITBE brings sounds of the game through #BIGEASThoops game audio highlights. John (@JRbroadcaster) and Kevin (@KevinMcNamara33) wrap up the latest news in the BIG EAST and previews what’s to come next week.

*** Keep TWITBE No. 1! Make sure to rate and review. *** This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) hosts John and Kevin welcome guests Seton Hall head coach Kevin Willard, former Syracuse guard Lawrence Moten and CBS Sports Network college basketball analyst Steve Lappas.   The BIGE EAST Spotlight shines on Willard, head coach of the league-leading Seton Hall Pirates. Seton Hall has a deep roster that includes a national Player of the Year candidate, a point guard who is tough as nails, a dominating center that protects the rim like few others can, and a versatile enough bench to pose matchup problems for just about everyone they face.The BIG EAST Focus narrows on Lawrence Moten, former Syracuse shooting guard and former BIG EAST scoring leader. His 25-year record was surpassed by Marquette’s Markus Howard this week. CBS Sports Network’s Steve Lappas gives the National Perspective. Lappas gives his take on all things @BIGEASThoops. TWITBE brings sounds of the game through #BIGEASThoops game audio highlights. John (@JRbroadcaster) and Kevin (@KevinMcNamara33) wrap up the latest news in the BIG EAST and previews what’s to come next week.

*** Keep TWITBE No. 1! Make sure to rate and review. *** This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) hosts John and Kevin welcome guests Marquette head coach Steve Wojciechowski, College Basketball Insider Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) and Pete Gillen (@Gillenhoops). Fifty games have been played in the 2019-20 @BIGEASTmbb season as February gets started. In the BIG EAST Spotlight is Golden Eagle head coach Wojciechowski. Wojciechowski (7:58) talks about his All-American senior guard Markus Howard and how the season has progressed with the depth Marquette has assembled around him. The BIG EAST Focus takes a media angle in episode five with Daniels (24:49), who is the national recruiting director for 247sports.com as well as the FOX Sports National College Basketball Insider. Daniels paints the picture from an outside the conference angle and what BIG EAST fans have to look forward to in the future with incoming student-athletes. The National Perspective comes from CBS Sports Network’s Gillen (33:16). A former head coach at Providence and Xavier, Gillen shares the veteran perspective on how tough it is to game plan in a tough conference like the BIG EAST. TWITBE brings sounds of the game through #BIGEASThoops game audio highlights. John (@JRbroadcaster) and Kevin (@KevinMcNamara33) wrap up the latest news in the BIG EAST and previews what’s to come next week.

*** Keep TWITBE No. 1! Make sure to rate and review. *** This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) hosts John and Kevin welcome guests St. John’s head coach Mike Anderson (@Iron_MikeMA),Creighton junior guard Mitch Ballock and FOX Sports and CBS Sports college basketball analyst Bill Raftery. In the BIG EAST Spotlight, Anderson (6:40) is the new coach on the block among the BIG EAST coaches. Anderson brings an up-tempo style and new culture of basketball to Queens after successes at Arkansas, UAB and Missouri. The BIG EAST Focus narrows on Ballock, the Bluejays’ sharp-shooter (22:50) who gives perspective on Creighton’s success so far this season and their improved defensive tenacity. A former Seton Hall head coach before he was a national college basketball analyst, Raftery is a favorite among @BIGEASThoops fans (33:56). Raftery takes the temperature of the league nationally midway through the league season. TWITBE brings sounds of the game through #BIGEASThoops game audio highlights. John (@JRbroadcaster) and Kevin (@KevinMcNamara33) wrap up the latest news in the BIG EAST and previews what’s to come next week.

*** Keep TWITBE No. 1! Make sure to rate and review. *** This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) hosts John and Kevin welcome guests Xavier head coach Travis Steele (@CoachSteeleXU), Providence senior forward Alpha Diallo and former BIG EAST Commissioner Mike Tranghese. Steele (8:05) is in the BIG EAST Spotlight ahead of the Xavier-Creighton All-Access game on Sunday. The BIG EAST Focus narrows on Diallo (25:00) who talks about representing the U.S. in the Pan Am Games and the turnaround the Friars have had during conference play. Tranghese takes a look back on his favorite memories of BIG EAST play. (34:08) TWITBE brings sounds of the game through #BIGEASThoops game audio highlights. John (@JRbroadcaster) and Kevin (@KevinMcNamara33) wrap up the latest news in the BIG EAST and previews what’s to come next week.

For the second episode of the This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE), hosts John and Kevin welcome guests Villanova head coach Jay Wright (@VUCoachJWright), Butler senior guard Sean McDermott (@big_sean14) and FOX Sports college basketball analyst Donny Marshall. Wright (8:10) and the Wildcats have won four of the last six BIG EAST tournament titles and two NCAA championships. Villanova is coming off a midweek overtime win over DePaul right into a non-league game this weekend against past and future member Connecticut. Wright addresses the challenges of having a young team while looking to continue national prominence. The BIG EAST Focus narrows on Butler’s McDermott (24:00) who has helped the Bulldogs to a Top 10 national ranking. McDermott emphasizes Butler’s dedication to becoming one of the best defensive teams in the country.   Marshall (33:30) gives his take on the current @BIGEASThoops standings in the National Perspective breaking the teams down from the bottom to the top. Marshall, a former Connecticut forward, takes a look back on the last 40 years of the BIG EAST and the future, which includes the Huskies once again. Marshall gives his inside take on Connecticut under head coach Danny Hurley. TWITBE brings sounds of the game through #BIGEASThoops game audio highlights. John (@JRbroadcaster) and Kevin (@KevinMcNamara33) wrap up the latest news in the BIG EAST and previews what’s to come next week. *** Keep TWITBE No. 1! Make sure to rate and review. ***      

Hosts John and Kevin welcome BIG EAST fans to This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) for the dawn of 2020. Earlier this week, the NET ranking had the BIG EAST as the No. 1 conference. Guests on the show inaugural show for 2020 is DePaul head coach Dave Leitao (@CoachDLeitao), Marquette senior standout Markus Howard (@markushoward11) and longtime college basketball writer, columnist and observer Andy Katz (@TheAndyKatz). Leitao (7:31) brings the BIG EAST Spotlight down on his Blue Demons, a program that is no longer flying under the radar a renaissance late last season with the CBI Finals and strong non-conference start in ‘19-20. The BIG EAST Focus narrows on Marquette’s “marked man” Howard (24:23) who has picked where he left off less than a year ago averaging 26.8 points per game, leading the country in scoring. Katz (35:45) gives the National Perspective from his seat as the national writer for NCAA.com and FOX Sports. Katz gives his take on what the BIG EAST has that has caught the eye of the country and why he ranked @BIGEASTmbb as the toughest conference in the nation. ”The BIG EAST has no bad teams.” TWITBE brings sounds of the game through #BIGEASThoops game audio highlights. John (@JRbroadcaster) and Kevin (@KevinMcNamara33) wrap up the latest news in the BIG EAST and previews what’s to come next week. *** Keep TWITBE No. 1! Make sure to rate and review. ***

The hosts for This Week In The BIG EAST are John Rooke, a well-known BIG EAST play-by-play voice for 29 years and Kevin McNamara, who has covered the BIG EAST for 27 seasons at the Providence Journal and is a columnist for Basketball Times. Rooke and McNamara give a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America. This Week in the BIG EAST covers all things college basketball at Butler, Creighton, DePaul, Georgetown, Marquette, Providence, St. John’s, Seton Hall, Villanova, and Xavier.

There is only one day left of competition, five games to go until the end of the 2018-19 #BIGEASThoops regular season. No seeds are set for the upcoming BIG EAST Tournament. As many as seven teams can be considered for NCAA Tournament consideration depending on how the next week pans out. Guest interviews with John and Kevin this week start with Creighton head coach Greg McDermott. In the BIG EAST Spotlight (9:09), McDermott talks about his Bluejay team’s chances and the catalyst behind a late-season push. Creighton is one of five teams tied for third place in the league standings and enter Saturday on a four-game winning streak. In the BIG EAST Focus is BIG EAST Supervisor of Officials John Cahill (23:18). With a tight battle within the league this season every whistle matters, especially at this time of the year. Cahill spent 40 years running the whistles on the floor, including Final Fours and NCAA Championship games, feeling the “love’ of fans from all sides. Now he watches every BIG EAST game from all angles grading and analyzing the calls and non-calls. He joins John and Kevin to discuss his experiences. Washington Post reporter Ava Wallace (33:02) brings the National Perspective as a college basketball reporter. Wallace’s main subject is Georgetown, a team that finds itself in the postseason mix in head coach Patrick Ewing’s second season at the helm. John and Kevin wrap with “Who’s Go Next” looking ahead to the notable games coming up on the final Saturday. Will Villanova clinch another regular season title? What are the possibilities for seeding for a tournament that starts in five days.

There are 13 games left on the #BIGEASThoops schedule and Episode 8 of #TWITBE continues with another lineup of heavy-hitting guests. With less than two weeks  to go, nothing in the bracket has been finalized. The BIG EAST Focus narrows in on BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman. Ackerman (23:01) gives insight on her relationships with and around the sport of basketball, including BIG EAST founder Dave Gavitt. Ackerman talks Pan Am games with USA Basketball, BIG EAST scheduling, conference balance and strength and what it would take for expansion to take place.   In the BIG EAST Spotlight this week is Providence sophomore center Nate Watson (8:01). Watson has been a force down low with the Friars currently taking the inside-out approach in order to find some success. The National Perspective comes from college basketball insider and author for WatchStadium.com’s Jeff Goodman (33:27). Goodman gives his take on the NCAA bubble the hot term for this time of year. Goodman gives his breakdown of the BIG EAST teams and where he thinks they can land in the postseason. John and Kevin wrap up the week that was in the BIG EAST and look ahead to notable games coming up over the weekend.

Episode 7 of #TWITBE comes after a Wild Wednesday in the league, as Marquette takes over the top spot in the conference standings. In the Spotlight this week is DePaul Head Coach Dave Leitao. Leitao talks with Kevin and John about the unprecedented parity in the BIG EAST this season. The Blue Demons are in a three-way tie with Providence, DePaul and Creighton at 5-9 with a few games left before the end of the regular season. The BIG EAST Focus narrows in on CBS Sports Network analyst Peter Gillen. Gillen, a former coach at Providence and Xavier, brings his perspective on “crunch time” in college basketball and the ups and downs that come with it. Sticking with the media point of view, the National Perspective comes from FOX Sports basketball analyst Evan Daniels. Daniels gives his take on the talent across the BIG EAST with an eye on next year as this one winds down. Daniels also covers college recruiting for 247Sports and analyzes “the game within the game” discussing the new talent coming into the BIG EAST next year.  

The BIG EAST Men’s Basketball Tournament’s Broadway opening night is just four weeks away and like the Phantom of the Opera, the Lion King or even Cats, it looks like Villanova is settling in for another long run in the spotlight.  Threatening to steal a scene or two along the way would be Marquette, as the second place team in the standings, the understudies beat the Wildcats last weekend, giving Villanova its first loss this season after 10 wins to open league play. Tied for third place in the standings sits St. John’s and in the #TWITBE BIG EAST Spotlight this week is head coach Chris Mullin (8:58). Mullin sees the Red Storm moving in the direction he wants, but to be where they expect to be come mid-March, St. John’s needs to rely on some grit to get there. The BIG EAST Focus narrows on Butler guard Kamar Baldwin (23:50). Long gone are the days where Butler can sneak up on the basketball big boys across the country and pull off a surprise. Baldwin and Butler continually work on changing their mindset from being hunters to the hunted. The junior discusses Butler’s NCAA Tournament push. Former Providence forward and current Westwood One NCAA Basketball radio analyst Austin Croshere (32:54) brings the National Perspective. A star at Providence in the late 1990’s, Croshere made a great career for himself in the pros and now works for Westwood One, where he will call this weekend’s Providence-Xavier game for the mass media company. Croshere gives his preview on the game as well as what is to come over the next few weeks.    

Halfway through BIG EAST play, Villanova and Marquette have established themselves as the teams to beat. The Wildcats are unbeaten at 10-0. The Golden Eagles have suffered only two losses. #TWITBE Episode 5 opens with the BIG EAST Spotlight on Butler head coach LaVall Jordan (6:49). In his second year at the helm of his alma mater, Jordan has Butler poised to make another run at an NCAA Tournament berth. Butler is coming off a 70-68 win over Seton Hall, which was the second ever FOX All-Access men’s basketball game with no commercials and mic’d up coaches. The BIG EAST Focus this week welcomes a senior forward from the Red Storm, Marvin Clark II (25:16). Clark chronicles his journey to St. John’s from his tough upbringing through his transfer from Michigan State. He gives his insight on what it is like to be a transfer student-athlete.

The #TWITBE BIG EAST Spotlight shines on Providence head coach Ed Cooley (4:49) who was recently named coach of the Pan Am Games U.S. National Team, which will consist of all BIG EAST players.  Cooley also breaks down the Friars' standing in the league both in talent and game play. He also gives personal anecdotes of the life of a Division I coach. The Focus narrows on DePaul senior forward Max Stus (21:36) who ranks in the BIG EAST top 10 in both scoring and rebounding.  Strus gives his background, his recruiting and transfer story from a Division II school and how he found his way to DePaul, just 40 minutes away from his hometown of Hickory Hills, Ill. Halfway through league play Villanova and Marquette continue to rise above the mayhem and set the pace at the top of the league standings.  BIG EAST Senior Associate Commissioner Stu Jackson (32:50) joins John and Kevin to break down the BIG EAST and the influx of new talent across all 10.  Giving insight on the renewal and extension of the BIG EAST Tournament's home on Broadway, Jackson likens the long standing partnership with Madison Square Garden to "peanut butter and jelly"

Seton Hall head coach Kevin Willard is in the #TWITBE BIG EAST Spotlight this week as hosts John Rooke and Kevin McNamara get his take on the difficult task of balancing the development of young players with winning in the BIG EAST. The Pirates have some notable non-conference wins this season over No. 9 Kentucky and on the road at Maryland, while retooling their previously veteran-heavy roster. Guard play is the topic this week for the BIG EAST Focus and National Perspective. The Focus narrows in on Creighton sophomore guard Ty-Shon Alexander and Xavier radio analyst Byron Larkin, the Musketeers’ all-time leading scorer, gives the National Perspective. Alexander, one of the top young guards in the league, talks about his transition from high school to college and the adjustment from freshman to sophomore year. Larkin, who compares himself to Butler’s Kamar Baldwin, breaks down the play of the dominant young backcourt players around the league and also gives his birds eye view of the conference overall.

John Rooke and Kevin McNamara shine this week’s #TWITBE BIG EAST Spotlight on Xavier first-year head coach Travis Steele as he continues the momentum of the Musketeer program. At 36 and a 10-year former XU assistant, he is very familiar with the winning culture at Xavier. Coming into the BIG EAST Focus this week is the familiar voice of FOX Sports college basketball analyst Tarik Turner. Turner, a former St. John’s men’s basketball captain and NCAA tournament competitor, he brings knowledge on the league from player, coach and in-studio insight. NCAA Vice President of Men’s Basketball Dan Gavitt brings the national perspective this week as he helps break down the new NCAA Evaluation Tool, or NET, and what it means for teams and fans. Come March, the NET will become very top of mind. With 25 BIG EAST games in the books, John and Kevin will wrap up the week that was in the league and what is coming up.

Season five of #TWITBE starts off in a BIG WAY as hosts John Rooke and Kevin McNamara welcome, Villanova head coach Jay Wright, Marquette star Markus Howard and national basketball analyst Andy Katz as guests for the first episode. After a 76-71 win over St. John’s on Tuesday, Villanova improved to 3-0 in league play, coming off a difficult non-conference schedule. Wright and the Wildcats were picked to win the regular season league title after winning their second National Championship title in three years. Marquette’s leading scorer Howard broke the single-game scoring record with 53 points in a 106-104 OT victory at Creighton on Wednesday. Katz brings the national perspective as an analyst for both NCAA.com and FOX Sports. Katz talks about balance in the league this season and what teams have the potential to dethrone defending national champs ‘Nova

Hosts John Rooke and Kevin McNamara meet this week’s guests on the floor of Madison Square Garden, the home of the 2018 BIG EAST Tournament presented by Jeep. The tournament and March Madness are in full swing and the BIG EAST is right in the middle of it all. The BIG EAST Spotlight shines on Mack, head coach of the No. 1 seed in the tournament and 2018 BIG EAST Coach of the Year. Mack discusses the run his Xavier team has made the season en route to winning the regular season BIG EAST Championship. The BIG EAST Focus narrows on junior guard Brunson, Villanova’s leading scorer and the 2018 BIG EAST Player of the Year. The National Perspective comes from the Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Juliano. Juliano gives his thoughts on how the BIG EAST stacks up among other power basketball conferences and how Villanova has the ability to make a deep run in March.. Like what you are hearing? Rate and Review us on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher! Five star reviews for a five star Conference. Tweet your questions to John Rooke @JRbroadcaster and Kevin McNamara @KevinMcNamara33 and use the hashtag #TWITBE. Follow @BIGEASTmbb #BIGEASThoops #MarchToMSG.