The (still) Golden Eagles of Marquette officially joined the Big East last week, placing Tom Crean's squad in one of the best basketball conferences in the land.

If last year's disappointing Conference USA finish wasn't scary enough, how about this tidbit: Of the five CUSA teams moving to the Big East, MU has the smallest student body by more than half. Of course, the student body at-large doesn't play in any games, and Crean's strong recruiting class (ranked 13th nationally by scout.com, and behind only Louisville and UConn in the conference) will help the Golden Eagles compete.

Here's an early look at the other 15 men's basketball teams in Big East, listed in order of overall 2004-05 wins.

Louisville (14-2, 33-5): After a thrilling Final Four run (the comeback win over West Virginia in the Elite Eight was one for the ages), the Cardinals lost four key contributors to graduation or the NBA: Francisco Garcia (drafted by Sacramento), Ellis Myles, Larry O'Bannon and Otis George. But three-point threat Taquan Dean (14.4 ppg) and impressive sophomore Juan Palacios (9.7, 6.5 rpg) provide Rick Pitino a good starting point, as does the No. 3 recruiting class in the nation..

Syracuse (11-5, 27-7): The Orangemen were also hit hard by graduation, losing stud forward Hakim Warrick to the Memphis Grizzlies as well as starters Craig Forth and Josh Pace. Star shooter Gerry McNamara returns for his senior year after averaging 15.8 ppg last season. Despite a typically good recruiting class, the Orange will have a hard time winning 25 games this year.

Cincinnati (12-4, 25-8): The Bearcats also lost their best player to the NBA Draft when Detroit selected forward Jason Maxiell. Other than Maxiell, the Cats return three of their top four scorers (Eric Hicks, Jihad Muhammad and Armein Kirkland). A strong recruiting class featuring Top 10 point guard Devan Downey (he scored 67 points in a game his senior season and averaged 27.0) should keep Bob Huggins in wins.

Villanova (11-5, 24-8): If you're looking for an early favorite, check out the Wildcats. The three-guard rotation of Allen Ray (16.2), Mike Nardi (8.2) and Randy Foye (15.5) is very tough, and big man Curtis Sumpter (15.5) is one of the Big East's best. 'Nova doesn't have any Top 100 recruits arriving this year, but they don't need them.

West Virginia (8-8, 24-11): John Beilien's team returns four of five starters from the group that nearly upended Louisville in the Elite Eight. Included among them is center Kevin Pittsnogle, who stunned college hoops fans with his amazing shooting in the tournament. WVU could contend for the title this season.

Connecticut (13-3, 23-8): As usual, the Huskies were pillaged by the NBA Draft, losing 7-foot recruit Andrew Bynum and underclassman Charlie Villanueva in the first 10 selections last week. But Jim Calhoun's other four starters return, including center Josh Boone (12.4) and point guard Marcus Williams. Incoming frosh swingman Jeff Adrien could have an impact. Expect the Huskies to reach double-digit wins in the conference. Again.

DePaul (10-6, 20-11): The Blue Demons will never have to worry about winning 10 conference games and getting snubbed by the selection committee again. DePaul missed the tourney and then lost coach Dave Leitao to Virginia, but ex-Richmond coach Jerry Wainwright now leads the Demons. Drake Diener is gone, as well, so junior guard Sammy Mejia (11.8) is probably the Demons' best holdover.

Pittsburgh (10-6, 20-9): The Panthers underachieved last year before falling in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to Pacific. Sophomore forward Chris Taft left for the NBA and Chevon Troutman is also gone, but guard and leading-scorer Carl Krauser (16.0) surprised many by announcing he would return for his senior season. Still, Pitt has some work to do in a deeper Big East.

Georgetown (8-8, 19-13): John Thompson III's team returns four of five starters, including forward Brandon Bowman (15.1). However, the Hoyas lost out on NYC recruit Andray Blatche, who was considering the Hoyas but eventually ended up going to Washington in the NBA Draft.

Notre Dame (9-7, 17-12): The Irish felt they should have had a better season last year, and they lose star guard Chris Thomas for 2005-06. Shooters Chris Quinn (12.6) and Colin Falls (12.6) will complement forward Torin Francis (9.3, 7.8) for coach Mike Brey. Incoming 6-11 center Luke Zeller provides in-state flavor for the Irish, hailing from Washington, Ind.

South Florida (5-11, 14-16): The Bulls lost star Terrence Leather and two other starters to graduation. Frankly, the Big East is more interested in USF's capabilities on the football field than on the hardwood.

Providence (4-12, 14-17): Friar star Ryan Gomes was taken by the Celtics in the second round, leaving PC with little to hope for in 2005-06. Guard Dwight Brewington (13.3) will have plenty of shooting opportunities.

Seton Hall (4-12, 12-16): Forward Kelly Whitney (11.9) led the Pirates in scoring last year and returns for his senior season. It could be another long year for coach Louis Orr.

Rutgers (2-14, 10-19): Four of five starters (all freshman or sophomores last year) return for the Scarlet Knights, who backslid after a decent year in 2003-2004. Guard Quincy Douby (15.1) will try to lead a resurgence for the Knights.

St. John's (3-13, 9-18): Once the pride of New York, the Red Storm have become the laughingstock of Madison Square Garden, which is saying something considering it's also the home of the Knicks. But the young team is slated to have all its starters back, including all-Big East forward Daryll Hill (20.7), providing some hope in Manhattan.