There have been excellent books about the creation of the Big East, the vision of Dave Gavitt and a season or two inside the conference that’s come to define college basketball on the East Coast.

But the newest, from The Athletic’s Dana O’Neil, is a keeper. The veteran writer can spin a yarn like few others and she talks to so many of the central players. That includes John Thompson, Big John, before his death in August of 2020, Lou Carnesecca, Jim Boeheim, Mike Tranghese and assorted former players. There are also background players like media members and integral Madison Square Garden staffers who add the color and insight that make The Big East such a fun read.

It’s all here and you’ll enjoy it. Pick it up at your favorite bookstore or track it down at Amazon.

More importantly, well in my eyes anyway, Dana joined me on the latest 401 Podcast. I appreciate her time, insight and friendship. Enjoy!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-401-podcast-with-kevin-mcnamara/id1537128959