Talking college basketball with former coach Tom Brennan

PODCAST: Sportswriter Mike Vorkunov interviews the former Vermont head coach and ESPN commentator

Mike Vorkunov recently caught up with former ESPN commentator and Vermont coach Tom Brennan to talk some Big East basketball and New Jersey hoops. The two discussed what's gone wrong for Seton Hall and Rutgers the last two years and if this year is going to be any different.

Will Bobby Gonzalez face a new dilemma this season, too much talent? Will the Pirates go back to a more up-tempo style, something they could not pull off due to a shortened roster. And is the monkey finally off of Gonzo's back?

The conversation then turns to the other Jersey school: Rutgers. Mike and Tom discuss whether this is a make or break year for coach Fred Hill. Can he survive another dreadful season and how many years does he have left? Tom also explains what can be considered a successful season for Rutgers and whether that can include postseason play.

Mike and Tom then talk about his Jersey ties. Brennan, a Phillipsburg native started his coaching career at Seton Hall and spent time recruiting future RU coach Hill to Fairleigh Dickinson. He shares a few stories about former SHU coach Bill Raftery before he became a TV commentator and offers a peak into Hill's psyche.

Finally the talk turns to the Big East as a whole. How does the league look this year after losing so many stars from its extraordinary 2008-09 season. One team stands out above the rest, but which team is it in Brennan's opinion? What can Syracuse, West Virginia, Georgetown, Notre Dame, Marquette, and Connecticut expect this season? More importantly, Brennan reveals if he can step foot into the town of Syracuse safely.

Click here to listen into the latest edition of NewJerseyNewsroom.com's podcast to learn the answer to all those questions as well as more from Brennan.