Oct. 22, 2008

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Providence College was picked 10th of 16 schools in the 2008-09 BIG EAST Preseason Coaches' Poll, which was released at media day at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Wednesday, October 22. Connecticut was picked first with 214 points and nine first place votes.

Providence, which returns all five of its starters including 2008 leading scorer Jeff Xavier (Pawtucket, R.I.), was picked 10th with 99 points. The Friars also begin the season with new Head Coach Keno Davis. Davis, who earned the 2008 Associated Press National Coach of the Year honors, came to Providence after leading Drake to a 28-5 mark, the Missouri Valley Conference regular season and tournament titles and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Fans can get their first look at the Friars on Saturday, October 25 at the annual Fanfest celebration at PC's Mullaney Gymnasium from noon to 2:30 p.m. The team will play its annual Mal Brown intra-squad scrimmage at 1:15 p.m.

2008-09 BIG EAST Preseason Coaches' Poll 1. Connecticut (9) 214 points 2. Louisville (3) 205 points 3. Pittsburgh (3) 200 points 4. Notre Dame (1) 195 points 5. Villanova 153 points 6. Marquette 146 points 7. Georgetown 141 points 8. Syracuse 139 points 9. West Virginia 121 points 10. Providence 99 points 11. Cincinnati 91 points 12. Rutgers 53 points 13. Seton Hall 50 points 14. St. John's 44 points 15. DePaul 43 points 16. USF 26 points