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The Big East : inside the most entertaining and influential conference in college basketball history / Dana O'Neil.

Summary:
"The compulsively readable, definitive account of the greatest era of the most influential league in college basketball history, infused with the raucous spirit and roaring voices of the league's legendary coaches and players. There has never been, nor will there ever be, another league quite like the Big East. Five Big East schools have won national college basketball titles, and five coaches are enshrined in the Hall of Fame. Eight players have been named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. But the magic and mastery of the league cannot be quantified by trophies or plaques. During its golden era, the league's heart beat in its moments and personalities. Syracuse versus Georgetown, Patrick versus Chris, Allen versus Allen, the Pearl, Billy the Kid, P.J and six overtimes. Combustible, competitive, and, at times, maybe even a little crazy, they turned the Big East into must-watch TV just as cable television took off. The players, many products of the Northeast playgrounds, competed fiercely and physically, their talent mixing with their fire to produce unforgettable games and court battles. The coaches were each more of a caricature than the next-the wild mania of Rollie Massimino versus the stoic intimidation of John Thompson, Jr. Or sweet, lovable Looie Carnesecca going toe-to-toe against perpetually whiny Jim Boeheim. The rivalries were real, the Catholic tradition ran deep, and the loyalties went beyond fan fervor. These titans of athletic prowess and power fought over every recruit, every gameday advantage, every basket, and every conference title. On the court, down back hallways, in meeting rooms, and on golf courses, they bickered and postured, not willing to cede a competitive inch. From the formation of the league to the backstories of the people who shaped it, to inside the epic games and players that sealed its relevance and laid the groundwork for its eventual rebirth, The Big East tells the tale of the most powerful and entertaining league in college basketball history"-- Provided by publisher.

Record details

  • ISBN: 9780593237939
  • ISBN: 0593237935
  • Physical Description: xvi, 252 pages 8 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (some color) ; 25 cm
  • Edition: First edition.
  • Publisher: New York : Ballantine Books, 2021.

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:
Includes index.
Formatted Contents Note:
Gavitt's folly: "There would never be a Big East without him" -- A rivalry ignites a conference: "Manley Field House is officially closed" -- Ewing arrives, and so does the Big East: "He's the most important player in the history of the league, period" -- The magic of Madison Square Garden: "I just knew that was the place to play" -- John Thompson, patriarch of Hoya Paranoia: "He wanted people to hate him so they wouldn't hate his kids" -- St. John's, a team even New Yorkers could love: "Eh, that's Louie being Louie" -- Pasta, family, and Massimino: "Who the hell is this little Italian dude?" -- Pitino and the 3-Point revolution: "Best coaching job I've ever witnessed" -- Out of the cellar and into the championship for the hall: "It was like witnessing something that seemed impossible happening" -- From Yukon to UConn: The Huskies' rise from obscurity: "What the hell kind of league did I get myself into?" -- The last of the originals: Boeheim finally gets his ring "We're going to get it right this time" -- Six overtimes and the end of an era: "My final gift to you".
Subject: Big East Conference > History.
Basketball > East (U.S.) > History.

Available copies

  • 8 of 9 copies available at SPARK Libraries.

Holds

  • 1 current hold with 9 total copies.
Show Only Available Copies
Location Call Number / Copy Notes Barcode Shelving Location Status Due Date
Altoona Area Public Library 796.3230974 ONE (Text) 33240004937812 Adult Nonfiction Available -
Highland Community Library 796.323 O'NE (Text) 35610000987474 HGHM Non-Fiction Checked Out 04/02/2024
Indian Valley Public Library 796.3230974 O'Neil Sports (Text) 39427103629531 Nonfiction Room: Adult Nonfiction Available -
Knoxville Public Library 796.32 ONE (Text) 30543003741223 Adult Nonfiction Available -
Pottsville Free Public Library 796.323 On2 (Text)
Bookplate: Presented by Peggy Jane Evans and Michelle Denise Evans in memory of John Francis Evans
30003009074707 Adult Nonfiction Available -
Reading Public Library RPL - Main 796.323 O'Ne (Text) 33223008951542 Non-fiction Available -
Allentown Public Library 796.323 ONEI (Text) 34455006864223 Adult Nonfiction 1st FL Available -
Bethlehem Main Library 796.323 (Text) 33062009562381 Adult Nonfiction Available -
Easton Main Library 796.323 O58b (Text) 31901004552099 Adult Nonfiction Available -


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