Includes bibliographical references.

"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.