New Big East more than physicality

It's known in some circles as the league where only men survive.

A place where boys just can't cut it — the physical play is just too rough too barbaric for any unaccustomed squad to succeed against those teams from the northeast.

Though often public perception supersedes reality — as in the case of the Big East.

The above description very well could have told the story of Big East basketball in the 1980s or early '90s" but it's not necessarily the case in 2009.

The conference still is nicknamed ""The Beast"" — it's just that now coaches hope the name refers to the quality of Big East teams instead of brutish play.

""I think sometimes it's tough to shed a stereotype" Villanova coach Jay Wright said Monday.

I was an assistant back in the mid-'80s and sometimes when we watch film of those games — I mean" there were fights in those games. They just break them up. There were no fouls called or anything. It has changed.""

The evolution of Big East play is evident in the wide variety of styles within the conference.

Villanova and Marquette play styles that thrive on guard quickness and penetration. Louisville is known for coach Rick Pitino's deadly full-court press. And Georgetown's offensive scheme is based on constant motion and perimeter spacing.

While there still are teams that leave opponents bloodied and bruised — Final Four participant UConn. and East Regional runner-up Pittsburgh both do— the Big East isn't just a one-trick pony anymore.

""I think people are starting to see that" Wright said. I think it's kind of a stereotype that you know it's just tough to break" but I think it's being broken.""

That's certainly seems to be the view among the Tar Heels.

North Carolina senior guard Bobby Frasor said he watched the East Region Final between Villanova and Pitt but wasn't in awe of the game's physicality.

""They talk about the Big East saying" ‘No ambulance no foul"'"" Frasor said.

""But I don't think it's any different than any other college basketball game. …

""I think it's the same across all college conferences.""

That doesn't mean Frasor thinks that the conference didn't deserve all of the accolades it received this year. Four Big East teams won 30 games or more" and a total of eight claimed at least 20.

The league even had a chance to replicate its historic 1985 season when the Big East sent a record three teams to the Final Four.

But Louisville lost to Michigan State in the West Regional Final" leaving the conference represented by two teams in Detroit.

""That was just such an amazing year in the Big East in '85"" Wright said. I think this year was the same way. …

""I really do think maybe this year and (1985) were the two best years ever in the Big East.""

So it's hard for Frasor to make up a decent argument against the Big East.

""They're definitely the best conference" but to say that they're more physical than the Big Ten or the ACC or anything like that I don't buy into that" Frasor said.

North Carolina does have some experience with the Big East under coach Roy Williams.

Since Williams returned to Chapel Hill in 2003, the Tar Heels are 8-1 against the conference, including a 2-1 mark in the NCAA Tournament.

The lone loss came in 2007 against Georgetown in the Elite Eight.

The Tar Heels even have two players somewhat familiar with the Big East style.

Wynnewood, Pa.-native Wayne Ellington almost committed to Villanova, and Danny Green grew up in North Babylon, N.Y. watching the conference.

Green said those games from his childhood had some influence on his development as a player.

Watching them growing up" it affected me a little bit" he said. 

But I haven't been playing in the Big East — it's hard to tell what it's like.""

As North Carolina watches film and prepares to face Villanova on Saturday"" Green and the rest of the Tar Heels certainly will get to see if the Big East is as tough as some say it is.

""I'm sure it is" but I feel like every conference is like that Green said.

A lot of conferences are physical. I feel like our conference is physical. But it's part of the game. You got to get used to it" and you got to be able to play through it.""