Rick Pitino’s mission was to win the Big East Tournament Championship when the Cardinals joined the Big East in 2004-2005 season. It was a lofty goal for the Cards and Pitino who had just left Conference USA. It was also a step up. The Cards made the lift finally in the fourth year of conference affiliation in the Big East. Not only did they win the regular season championship, but they also won the Big East Championship last night. Now the cards are on the verge of accomplishing still another milestone; a number on seed in the NCAA Championship. Even though many of the older Big East members do not think they deserve it, but the Cards in fact deserve it and earned it by winning both the regular season championship and the Big East Tournament Championship. Look for the Cards to make a strong run at the Final Four and if they get there possibly a national championship.

om Crean will have Indiana basketball on the road to recovery in no time flat. He has recruited Indiana making him very familiar with the basketball landscape.

Crean is a proven winner and will bring the attitude of a winner to Assembly Hall. Crean comes to Indiana after fighting wars in Big East, which is one of the country’s tougher basketball conferences.

Marquette’s yearly battles with Louisville were legendary and they were battles where Crean competed fearlessly. He proved to be a great rival. Crean will be a winner in the Big Ten and He will bring Indiana Basketball back to the status enjoyed when Bobby knight worked the sidelines with his antics.

Crean is a different type of coach, but he fits the Hoosier style mystic that the state is known for. Crean recruited Dewayne Wade, so enough said about that. That is the type of coach and winner that he is. He recruits clean cut kids and kids who know how to win. Just like he returned Marquette basketball to elite status, he will do the same in Indiana.