#TWITBE EP.12.6 - Richard Pitino, Nigel James Jr. and Tom Crean

Xavier head coach Richard Pitino, Marquette freshman guard Nigel James Jr., and ESPN analyst and former Marquette head coach Tom Crean are the guests on the sixth episode of This Week in the BIG EAST. Now in its 12th season, This Week In The BIG EAST (#TWITBE) is distributed by Westwood One radio and is available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

This week's BIG EAST Spotlight shines on Xavier head coach Richard Pitino. In his first season in Cincinnati, Pitino's high-octane offensive attack has the Musketeers on the fast track to success. He talks about the process of constructing his roster to compete in a physically demanding league like the BIG EAST and gives his perspective on the league as a whole.

James Jr. joins the show as this week's BIG EAST Focus. One of the top freshmen guards in the country, the Marquette newcomer is an exciting player on both ends of the court. Originally from Long Island, James Jr. is another in a long like of outstanding New York guards to shine in the BIG EAST. He joins the podcast to talk about his first collegiate season and what it is like to play under head coach Shaka Smart.

For the National Perspective, former Marquette head coach and current ESPN analyst Tom Crean joins the show to provide his thoughts on the BIG EAST season so far. He was at the helm of the Golden Eagles when they first joined the league 20 years ago in 2005-06. Crean will be recognized with a banner in the rafters at Fiserv Forum at the Marquette home game vs. Butler on Saturday, Feb. 7 for his many accomplishments during his nine-year tenure in Milwaukee.

This Week in the BIG EAST is hosted by John Rooke, a longtime play-by-play voice in the league, and Kevin McNamara, radio host, columnist, author, and U.S. Basketball Writers' Hall of Famer. The show will run through the end of the 2025-26 regular season, providing a comprehensive look at the teams, coaches, players, and storied tradition of the top basketball conference in America in each episode.

To join the conversation and send questions to Rooke (@JRbroadcaster) and McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33), use #TWITBE on Twitter. Fans may submit questions to be featured on the show.

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