Picked 7th in the preseason BIG EAST poll.
Lost his starting center and a seasoned guard in Jacob Epperson and Davion Mintz to injury before his squad played their first game.
Yet, in the beautiful twist of fate that makes college basketball the unique beast it is, Greg McDermott managed to cobble together a small, dynamic lineup that bullied opponents into submission.
He coached in blowout losses and followed them up with statement wins. He went 3-1 against Villanova and Seton Hall. He coached up a 6’7 center to play well above his height.