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At Last, Bulls Will Get Ultimate Big East Experience

Tribune photo by CLIFF McBRIDE

Coach Stan Heath will lead his 14th-seeded Bulls (9-21) open against No. 11 seed Seton Hall (16-14).

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 9, 2009

NEW YORK - University of South Florida junior guard Chris Howard joked he might bring some high heels. Assistant Dan Hipsher will be frantically looking for a camera to borrow.

Yes, there's nothing quite like the Bulls' first appearance in the Big East Tournament in Madison Square Garden.

"It will be my first time in the building," said Hipsher, a 30-year coaching veteran. "No question, I'll be in awe when I walk out there. They'll finally get a chance to see me."

And their first chance to see the Bulls play in the Big East Tournament. Previously only the top 12 teams advanced, but before this season the league's presidents voted to allow all 16 schools in the tournament.

USF was the only Big East school never to make the tournament and Howard said he thought he may never get this chance.

"I've been thinking about this since the announcement was made," Howard said. "It's been a thought on my mind for a long time."

Only USF senior guard Jesus Verdejo, when he was at the University of Arizona in 2004, and freshman guard Justin Leemow, in a high school all-star game, has played in Madison Square Garden. Howard's been to one game in the Garden – a few years ago, he saw the Knicks and Raptors.

Howard's most vivid memory? "The arena smelling like beer," he said. "That was one thing that stuck out to me."

Ahh, New York, New York. Start spreading the brews.

"This is very exciting getting this opportunity to play in such a unique, historical building," Howard said. "Hopefully we can go up there – maybe we'll wear some high heels or something and be Cinderellas – and shock a couple of people."

The 14th-seeded Bulls (9-21) open against No. 11 seed Seton Hall (16-14) tonight at 9:30.

Coach Stan Heath said the Bulls' first appearance in the Big East Tournament makes the Bulls "feel more inclusive" about being in the league.

"We just don't want to show [up] and get excited about that," he said. "We want to do something when we're there. I do think it's a big step in the right direction just playing in that environment."

Howard said next year the Bulls will have higher goals.

"Maybe even [finish in the top eight in the league and] have a bye next year," Howard said. "That could be a great goal to start working on: having a bye next year instead of playing the first day."

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