Big East Energy Weekly

Big East Energy Network
  • 5.0 (16)
  • BASKETBALL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join Co-Host's Mark Zanetto and Casey Matthews for Big East Energy Weekly, On the Big East Energy Network! It's your all-access pass to everything Big East basketball and beyond. Hosted by passionate hoops heads who live and breathe the conference, this podcast delivers sharp analysis, hot takes, player interviews, and plenty of banter about the teams, rivalries, and moments that define Big East hoops. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just here for the madness, get your fix of weekly recaps, previews, and bold predictions—because in the Big East, the energy never stops.

  1. FEB 12

    Is St. John’s Taking Over? UConn’s Title Hopes and Big East Surprises with Paul Fritschner

    Welcome to Big East Energy Weekly! In this episode, Mark is joined by special guest Paul Fritschner from the Rebound Rundown, filling in for Casey Matthews, who’s off on vacation. Together, they dive deep into the current state of the Big East, asking big questions like: Is this the year St. John’s overtakes UConn as the team to beat? Can anyone else sneak into NCAA tournament contention and shake things up? The conversation hits all the hot topics—from the resurgence and recent struggles of Butler, Seton Hall, and Villanova, to Rick Pitino’s coaching genius and UConn’s rollercoaster ride between near-perfection and vulnerability. Mark and Paul Fritschner debate the AP poll’s true value, break down potential “bid stealers,” and spotlight players and coaches deserving of end-of-season honors. You'll get sharp perspective on how the league’s shifting landscape, NIL dynamics, and on-court surprises might shape the last stretch of the season. Expect plenty of passion, honest takes, and a few laughs as they break down everything happening in Big East basketball right now. So gear up, because this week’s show promises both insight and energy you won’t want to miss! Check out our new website: Bigeastenergynetwork.com 00:00 Dylan Darling's Undersized Impact 03:40 Rick Pitino: Elite Basketball Coach 07:22 Big East Tournament Dynamics Analyzed 10:11 "Big East Chat and Fan Gear" 14:30 Team Comparison: Hybrid Analysis 18:46 Alex Karaban's Role at UConn 20:45 The Team's Response Defines Greatness 24:21 "Big East Sweet 16 Prospects" 30:13 Tournament Seeding and Predictions 31:44 "Reevaluating the Importance of AP Poll" 35:36 "Sports Spotlight: Seasonal Attention Span" 38:06 "Frustration with AP Poll Rankings" 41:41 Sports Narratives and Rankings 45:13 "Trey Carroll's Impactful Season" 47:52 Rebound Rundown: Local & National ‪@homefieldapparel‬ Bring big energy to your fan gear with Homefield Apparel—premium, super-comfortable collegiate apparel featuring unique, vintage-inspired designs you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re repping your favorite Big East squad or searching for fresh UConn gear, Homefield’s got you covered. Don’t miss out on the newest collections—visit HomefieldApparel.com today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    54 min

  2. JAN 28

    Ryan Kalkbrenner Talks Huskies, Big East, and Much More!!

    In this episode of Big East Energy Weekly, host Casey Matthews sits down with Creighton legend Ryan Kalkbrenner to break down the highly anticipated "Pink Out" rivalry game against No. 2 UConn. They discuss the unique challenges of the UConn vs. Creighton rivalry, with Ryan reflecting on his intense battles against elite Huskies bigs like Adama Sanogo and Donovan Clingan. The conversation offers rare technical insights, as the 4-time defensive player of the year explains how Coach Dan Hurley designs specific actions to exploit Creighton's signature drop defense. Ryan also shares his journey toward the NBA lifestyle, discussing his time with the Charlotte Hornets organization and how Coach Greg McDermott prepares players for the professional ranks by building elite practice habits. Ryan discusses the toughest coaches in the Big East and identifies the most difficult matchups for him in the past. in the paint, this episode is a deep dive into the strategy and energy that defines Big East basketball. 🎙️ Hosted by Mark Zanetto & Casey Matthews 📺 Watch every episode on YouTube: youtube.com/bigeastenergynetwork 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-east-energy-network/id1761234567 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xBigEastEnergy 📱 Follow the Network: X (Twitter): @BigEastEnergy Instagram: @bigeast_energy Thank you to our network sponsor Homefield Apparel. Your go-to spot for all your Big East gear! Check them out at: https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqhCMUq9arFrlCmrtnXWy_09UT0zmZmpJ8No-8mfKOwGRyv6uPx #collegebasketball #ncaabasketball #bigeastbasketball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min

  3. JAN 14

    Big East Energy! Coaching drama and close calls| Marquette and Seton Hall have swapped identities

    Seton Hall was picked DEAD LAST in the Big East Men's Basketball hierarchy. Now they're 14-2 and 4-1 in conference play. UConn's coming to Newark. This is not a drill. St. John's just destroyed Creighton. Rick Pitino's squad is finally clicking after all that early-season doubt. And Georgetown? Ed Cooley's record through 82 games is now WORSE than Patrick Ewing's. The same Patrick Ewing everyone said couldn't coach. 46-36 flipped to 36-46. The man threw a water bottle into the stands, hit a kid, got suspended—and his record is still the bigger problem. Marquette took zero transfers and it's backfiring. Providence can't stop anyone. Shaheen Holloway has Seton Hall playing like they've got nothing to lose—because they don't. This is Big East basketball in January. No chaos. Just business as usual. Subscribe for weekly Big East coverage all season. #BigEastBasketball #CollegeHoops #SetonHall #StJohns #Georgetown #UConn #DanHurley #RickPitino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    49 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    Are St. John’s & DePaul the Most Disappointing Teams in the Big East? 🧐

    The Big East gauntlet is officially underway! On this week’s episode of Big East Energy Weekly, we’re diving deep into a conference that finally feels like it’s trending in the right direction. We kick things off by breaking down the absolute thriller between Butler and Providence, where Finley Bizjack and Michael Ajayi—who we’re officially calling the "Charles Barkley incarnate"—led the Bulldogs to a massive double-overtime victory. We discuss whether Thad Matta has found a secret weapon in Ajayi and if his physicality will be enough to give Alex Karaban fits in tonight’s matchup against UConn. Is history repeating itself in the Big East, or are we seeing a power shift? We tackle the tough questions surrounding the "disappointing" starts for teams like St. John’s and DePaul. While some analysts had Rick Pitino’s squad ranked as high as #1 in the country preseason, we debate whether they’ve actually looked like a top-ten team yet. Plus, we give our raw, unfiltered predictions for the UConn vs. Butler game at a "hornet's nest" in Hartford—discussing everything from the 15.5-point line to the impact of Butler losing their point guard, Jackson. Inside this episode: -The Butler Wagon: Is it time to finally jump on after the Providence win? -Player Spotlight: Michael Ajayi vs. Alex Karaban—the battle of the "lunch pail" guys. -The Metric Deep Dive: Why the Big East is in a better spot for tournament bids this year. -St. John's Outlook: Will they be the best team in the conference by mid-season? 🎙️ Hosted by Mark Zanetto & Casey Matthews 📺 Watch every episode on YouTube: youtube.com/bigeastenergynetwork 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-east-energy-network/id1761234567 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xBigEastEnergy 📱 Follow the Network: X (Twitter): @BigEastEnergy Instagram: @bigeast_energy Try Gruns!: Gruns is a health and wellness company that helps with Gut Health, Focus, Energy and Comprehensive nutrition Comprehensive Daily Nutrition | Save Up to 31% On Our Site – Grüns Thank you to Asabasa Spice Co, our Sponsor: Go to http://www.asabasaspice.com/bee for 15 percent off and use promo code BigFlavor15 at checkout Legendz.com A trailblazing Social Casino and Sportsbook brand, combining cutting-edge technology with innovative gameplay to create an unparalleled free-to-play experience. We entertain and engage players across the U.S. with a diverse portfolio of high-quality games.https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-101511713-17135744/EnergyFiverr is a global leader in the freelance marketplace, revolutionizing how businesses and independent professionals collaborate. Our platform connects companies of all sizes with talented freelancers offering digital services across 500+ categories in 8 key verticals, including graphic design, digital marketing, programming and video animation. Whether you’re a startup or an enterprise, https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-101511713-13144771/energyhttps://www.dpbolvw.net/click- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    54 min

  5. 12/10/2025

    BIG EAST STRENGTH: John Fanta Analyzes the Best Conference in College Basketball

    Big East Energy Network Weekly is BACK and the conversation is heating up! 🔥 This week, hosts Mark Zanetto and Casey Matthews welcome the one and only John Fanta to the show! As a leading voice in college basketball, John dives deep into the biggest storylines, standout performances, and predictions shaping the Big East landscape. You won't want to miss his expert analysis and exclusive insights. Tune in now for your essential weekly dose of Big East hoops! #JohnFanta #BigEast #CollegeBasketball #SportsPodcast #MarkZanetto #CaseyMatthews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    39 min

  6. 12/03/2025

    NET Rankings Reality Check - Truth vs. Panic for Big East Hoops

    The initial NCAA NET rankings have dropped, and we are debunking the "Big East is dead" narrative by diving deep into the efficiency metrics. Mark and Casey break down why teams like Seton Hall and Villanova are climbing while addressing the panic surrounding Creighton and Marquette. We analyze the flaws in the current bracketology discourse, comparing the Big East's "basketball-first" culture against the inflated metrics of the ACC and SEC, and explain why Quad 1 opportunities in conference play will make or break NCAA Tournament resumes. Later, the conversation shifts to a heated debate on roster construction: Is Shaka Smart's refusal to utilize the transfer portal hurting Marquette, especially when compared to Dan Hurley’s hybrid strategy at UConn? We also preview the massive non-conference showdown between the UConn Huskies and Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse, discussing injury reports and what a road win would mean for the Huskies' repeat title hopes. 🎙️ Hosted by Mark Zanetto & Casey Matthews 📺 Watch every episode on YouTube: youtube.com/bigeastenergynetwork 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-east-energy-network/id1761234567 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xBigEastEnergy 📱 Follow the Network: X (Twitter): @BigEastEnergy Instagram: @bigeast_energy Try Gruns!: Gruns is a health and wellness company that helps with Gut Health, Focus, Energy and Comprehensive nutrition Comprehensive Daily Nutrition | Save Up to 31% On Our Site – Grüns Thank you to Asabasa Spice Co, our Sponsor: Go to http://www.asabasaspice.com/bee for 15 percent off and use promo code BigFlavor15 at checkout Legendz.com A trailblazing Social Casino and Sportsbook brand, combining cutting-edge technology with innovative gameplay to create an unparalleled free-to-play experience. We entertain and engage players across the U.S. with a diverse portfolio of high-quality games.https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-101511713-17135744/EnergyFiverr is a global leader in the freelance marketplace, revolutionizing how businesses and independent professionals collaborate. Our platform connects companies of all sizes with talented freelancers offering digital services across 500+ categories in 8 key verticals, including graphic design, digital marketing, programming and video animation. Whether you’re a startup or an enterprise, https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-101511713-13144771/energyhttps://www.dpbolvw.net/click-. #BigEast #NCAAM #NETRankings #CollegeBasketball #TransferPortal #Bracketology #Butler#ButlerBasketball #Creighton #CreightonBasketball #DePaul #DePaulBasketball #Georgetown #GeorgetownBasketball #Marquette #MarquetteBasketball #Providence#ProvidenceBasketball #SetonHall #SetonHallBasketball #StJohns#StJohnsBasketball #UConn #UConnBasketball #Villanova #VillanovaBasketball #Xavier #XavierBasketball #bigeastenergy #bigeasthoops #bigeastbasketball #ncaahoops #ncaabasketball 00:00 – NET Rankings Reaction: Debunking the "Big East is Dead" Narrative 05:40 – Panic Meter: Concerns for Creighton, Providence, and DePaul 13:15 – The Quad 1 Dilemma: How Conference Play Impacts Tournament Resumes 21:55 – Culture War: Why Basketball Means More in the Big East than the SEC 29:08 – Game Preview: UConn Huskies vs. Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse 33:30 – The Roster Debate: Shaka Smart’s Recruiting vs. The Transfer Portal Era 47:08 – Holiday Plans, Christmas Music, and Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    59 min

  7. 11/27/2025

    Big East Energy Weekly: Seton Hall Maui Magic, Butler Rising, Marquette & Creighton Yikes!

    Welcome back to Big East Energy Weekly — hosted this week by Mark Zanetto, Casey Matthews of Roll Jays, and Cap Meyer of the Roll Blob Podcast — all part of the Big East Energy Network. This week brought chaos across the conference: 🔥 Seton Hall shocks everyone with a breakout Maui performance 🔥 Butler looking like a legit NCAA Tournament team 🔥 Creighton expectations — fair concern or overreaction? 🔥 What’s going on with Marquette? 🔥 And the truth: The Big East is NOT dead — the narrative is lazy, and we’re here to fix it. Plus: 💥 The Players Era controversy — what matters, what doesn’t, and how it impacts the Big East moving forward. #BigEastEnergy, #BigEastBasketball, #RollJays, #RollBlob, #SetonHall, #Creighton, #Marquette, #ButlerBasketball, #PlayersEra, #CollegeBasketball, #CBB Follow all the hosts on X: @markzanettocbb • @bigeastenergy • @thehoopscap @RollJayspodcast • @RollBlobPodcast • @capX34 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and support the Big East Energy Network! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    56 min

  8. 11/14/2025

    Big East Fan Bases Are MELTING DOWN — Here’s Why

    The Big East Energy Weekly crew — Mark Zanetto and Casey Matthews — dive straight into the panic meters across the conference. Are DePaul, Xavier, Marquette, and Creighton fan bases overreacting… or is it actually time to worry? We break down what’s real, what’s noise, and what absolutely needs fixing before league play. Plus — a massive UConn vs BYU showdown is on deck, and we hit the keys, storylines, and why this matchup will tell us everything about where the Huskies really are right now. Across the league, the non-conference résumé has been uneven: Butler and Seton Hall stacking wins against lower-tier competition, inconsistency elsewhere, and a conference trying to find its early identity. If you love Big East hoops — buckle up. #BigEast #BigEastEnergy #CollegeBasketball #UConn #Creighton #Marquette #Xavier #DePaul #NCAAB #BYU #BigEastHoops #UConnNation #CollegeHoopsTalk #hoyas #hoyanation #edcooley #danhurley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    55 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Join Co-Host's Mark Zanetto and Casey Matthews for Big East Energy Weekly, On the Big East Energy Network! It's your all-access pass to everything Big East basketball and beyond. Hosted by passionate hoops heads who live and breathe the conference, this podcast delivers sharp analysis, hot takes, player interviews, and plenty of banter about the teams, rivalries, and moments that define Big East hoops. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just here for the madness, get your fix of weekly recaps, previews, and bold predictions—because in the Big East, the energy never stops.

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