Practice schedules for the Big East.

I’m a bit dumb-founded that at UConn, where basketball is king and a deep tournament run is expected, they actually have Spring Practice starting on Friday. No one is going to pay any attention. Hmmm. Maybe that was the plan.

Louisville knew what the deal was expected to be regarding coverage and attention. They don’t start until April 1. Except for Cinci (March 28), everyone else looks to start around the 3d week of March. Pitt begins on March 19.

ESPN.com has a capsule look at all of the Big East teams as they head into Spring practice.

Lead local recruiter and associate head coach Bob Junko recently underwent heart surgery. His return date isn’t certain.

Three assistant coaches rebuffed overtures from other teams in order to stay with Dave Wannstedt. Defensive ends/special teams coach Charlie Partridge could have gone to Wisconsin. Wide receivers coach Aubrey Hill could have gone to Miami, and offensive line coach Paul Dunn had discussions with the New York Jets.

Safety Mike Phillips, coming off a broken ankle sustained early last season, will likely sit out spring ball but is expected to be ready in August. Linebacker Brian Bennett, who tore an ACL against Rutgers last season, is also expected to sit out the spring but be ready for the season.

Unfortunately, DC Paul Rhoads was not among those looking elsewhere.