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By BRETT McMURPHY

bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

Published: November 9, 2008

Updated: 11/09/2008 12:05 am

This truly will be a historic season for the University of South Florida. For the first time, the men's basketball program will be participating in the Big East Conference Tournament in Madison Square Garden.

The league has expanded the tournament to include all 16 teams, guaranteeing the Bulls a trip to New York. Getting there is not enough for Coach Stan Heath. He said his goal is to finish among the league's top eight and receive a first-round bye. If the Bulls, 7-43 in three seasons in the Big East, can do that, Heath should be a lock for the league's coach of the year.

In Gainesville, the Florida Gators don't have to worry about qualifying for their conference tournament either. They do, however, want to return to the NCAA Tournament after missing the Big Dance last season for the first time since 1998.

After losing the SEC Tournament opener, Coach Billy Donovan booted his players from the $12 million practice facility and didn't allow them to wear any Florida attire. This year, the Gators, ranked No. 19 in the AP preseason poll, have returned to their practice facility - and should return to the NCAA Tournament.

Florida State has three starters returning from last year's 19-15 team that, like the Gators, made the NIT. The Seminoles, in fact, have made three consecutive postseasons for the first time in 15 years. If the Seminoles are to make their first NCAA Tournament since 1998, they'll need big years from seniors Toney Douglas and Uche Echefu.

The Bulls and Gators open at home Friday. FSU is on the road Saturday.

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