2006-2007 Big East Preview: #16

#16- South Florida Bulls

Last season: 7-22 (1-15).
Coach: Robert McCullum (4th year). 28-58 at USF.

For South Florida, their second year in the Big East promises to be not much better than the first. It's not an easy task for a school brought in solely for the purpose of football to compete in this rugged conference. However, USF did play some very close games last season, taking West Virginia, Syracuse, Georgetown, Seton Hall (twice), Villanova, and Louisville down to the wire. In their second crack at Georgetown, the Bulls picked up their one and only Big East win on the last day of the season.

Departing are center Soloman Jones (13.1 ppg/9.8 rpg) and guard James Holmes (16.6 ppg). Jones was second in the league in rebounding, while Holmes ranked ninth in the league in scoring. USF does have some talent coming back, as senior forward Melvin Buckley (12.7 ppg) figures to be the go-to guy on offense for McCullum's team. They also will add Airs Williams, a transfer from Valparaiso. I don't expect Williams, who averaged 1.7 ppg and 1.7 rpg, to make a big impact for this team. Also eligible in mid-December is transfer Kentrell Gransberry, who also averaged a beastly 11.1 ppg and 13.7 rpg while playing at San Jacinto Junior College. He could make an impact, but it all depends how well he fits into McCullum's system in early season practices.

All in all, I expect South Florida to be competitive in a few games similar to last season. Their schedule is not that bad, as they should win 9-10 games on their non-conference slate. The Big East portion will be tough, but they do have their fair share of games they can win. Stealing a win at home from Providence, Rutgers, Notre Dame, or Cincinnati should be USF's goal for this season. While last year's experience helped, I don't expect much of an improvement in their overall record this season. McCullum needs a few year's under his belt in this conference in order to get some solid recruits into his program.

Projected record: 10-20 (1-15).
Postseason: None.