March 12
The Big East is one of the most underrated conferences in America. I don't know what the RPI says about rating conferences, but my VBDI (the Vitale Bald Dome Index) says the Big East is one of the top three in America (after the Big 12 and SEC).

Look at the performances of Big East teams. Syracuse has been underrated all season long. Pittsburgh is an unbelievable threat, with senior point guard Brandin Knight making shots and hitting his free throws to make the Panthers even more dangerous. Boston College and Seton Hall have closed well down the stretch. This conference is a lot better than people think.

	All-Big East Team, Awards
	Troy Bell -- Boston College Matt Carroll -- Notre Dame Carmelo Anthony -- Syracuse Emeka Okafor -- UConn Mike Sweetney -- Georgetown
	Player of Year Troy Bell, Boston College Diaper Dandy of Year Carmelo Anthony, Syracuse Co-Coach of Year Louis Orr, Seton Hall Al Skinner, Boston College

It's never easy to pick an all-conference team; a number of quality players get left off. Here's my All-Big East team for 2002-03...

Let's start in the backcourt. Boston College's Troy Bell has been incredible in his senior season. He could break the Big East record for points for a senior held by Seton Hall guard Dan Callandrillo (who averaged 25.9 ppg as a senior in 1981-82). Bell has been on fire, and the Eagles have come on after a shaky start (1-4 in first five Big East games).

At the other guard slot, Notre Dame's Matt Carroll has been terrific -- he's been one of the most improved players in America this season. His jump shot is lethal; he drained eight trifectas in a heartbreaking loss recently against Syracuse. Carroll has enjoyed a consistent season.

Up front, you can make a case for Syracuse's Carmelo Anthony as a legitimate All-American. I only hope and pray we see him on the collegiate level for a few more years, because I am biased and would love to see a great player stay in school. There's no doubt he's been a star for the Orange ever since day one; it took him a minute and a half at Madison Square Garden in the opener.

Anthony has been the best diaper dandy in the nation. There have been so many impact freshmen this season, one of the best years ever -- though I would go with 1979 when Isiah Thomas, Steve Stipanovich, Ralph Sampson, Clark Kellogg and James Worthy were freshmen.

Then there is UConn's Emeka Okafor, a shot-blocking force who has been solid. Okafor has improved his offensive skills in the low blocks. He has enjoyed a super soph year; his future is bright if he returns for his junior season. The potential is unlimited, as he has upside as an NBA player down the road.

At Georgetown, it has been a very disappointing season for the Hoyas. But one player who hasn't disappointed is power forward Mike Sweetney, though he has been sidelined at times with foul trouble. Sweetney has been unstoppable at times, and he has responded with a superstar season.

Wow, what a starting five! That group can play against almost anybody. Imagine if the Big 12 team faced this squad! That would be an unbelievable game.

Rounding out my Big East awards: Anthony is my Big East diaper dandy of the year. The coach of the year is a tough choice. Syracuse's Jim Boeheim deserves a lot of credit, but I'm going with co-coach of the year choices is Seton Hall's Louis Orr and Boston College's Al Skinner. They took their teams during adversity and got the most out of them, a real sign of coaching ability. They didn't fold when their backs were against the wall after a poor early start. The VBDI says both will be part of the Big Dance.

My choice for player of the year is Bell. He has been super, scintillating and sensational down the stretch, leading the Eagles to the Big East's East Division championship.