Voices of the Big East is an ongoing feature intended to capture the essence of the conference through the words of those involved and those impacted. This will come in the form of quotes, tweets, videos and anything else we feel like sticking in here. It’s perfect for you multitasking short attention-spanners. If you find something you think is a candidate for this feature send it to us and we might even give you credit!
Coaches Calling
The Big East holds a weekly conference call that typically includes a handful of coaches at different intervals. The Big East has long been a coaches league and this year is no slouch, providing a great variety of personalities in addition to typical depth in coaching acumen.
“I don’t think we have an identity since we’ve had so many lineups. We just have to survive and win.”
“We don’t have eight or nine Allen Iversons. We need the practice.”
-Louisville Coach Rick Pitino (Who conjured up a reference from Monday’s RTC Big East Morning Five which we shamelessly appreciate….man).
Had to do it…
“We have to rest and get back on the plane, but the plane’s been good to us lately.”
-Cincinnati head coach Mick Cronin whose Bearcats are 3-0 on the road in Big East play and 5-1 overall. Next time they play at crosstown rival Xavier maybe they should schedule a game in Saskatchewan the day before so they can fly in. Oh, and no player radio interviews leading up to the game.
“I keep telling our kids that they’re not a young team anymore – not with 12 games left to play.”
-Connecticut head coach Jim Calhoun. Unfortunately the conference call is rated G (Not gonna do it….but you can! Search You Tube for ‘jim calhoun ryan gomes’. It’s a classic.)
“It’s the most difficult experience that I’ve had in my coaching career.”
-St. John’s head coach Steve Lavin on not coaching this season as he recovers from colon cancer surgery.
“It’s the best team that I’ve ever coached against.”
-Marquette head coach Buzz Williams on Syracuse.