Tonight is the Big East awards banquet. Here is my early prediction for the awards. I will preface my picks by saying that I think a few of the UConn players will get the short end of the stick. Why? The league's coaches have penalized the Huskies for having as much talent as they do. Based on my knowledge of some of the players nominated for awards (including Olayinka Sanni, West Virginia's first-team All Big East center being nominated for most improved), there are some odd nominations. I do think Ketia Swanier will get the sixth man award only because a lot of attention has been paid by media outside of Connecticut as to whether she's eligible or not. Now that everyone knows she is, if she doesn't win, there will be a good outcry. Not to mention an angry Geno.

So without further ado...

Player of the Year

Angel McCoughtry, Louisville

Freshman of the Year

Maya Moore, UConn

Most Improved Player

Shavonte Zellous, Pitt (she won last year)

Defensive Player of the Year

Angel McCoughtry, Louisville

Sportsmanship Award

Allie Quigley, DePaul

Sixth-Man Award

Ketia Swanier, UConn

Coach of the Year

Quintin Hillsman, Syracuse

First Team All-Conference

Angel McCoughtry, Louisville

Renee Monthomery, UConn

Shavonte Zellous, Pitt

Essence Carson, Rutgers,

Tina Charles, UConn

Maya Moore, UConn

Allie Quigley, DePaul

Charel Allen, Notre Dame

Krystal Ellis, Marquette

Matee Ajavon, Rutgers

Epiphanny Prince, Rutgers

Second Team All-Conference

Olayinka Sanni, West Virginia

Shantia Grace, USF

Ketia Swanier, UConn

Kia Wright, St. John's

Diedre Naughton, DePaul

Marcedes Walker, Pitt

Laquita Owens, West Virginia

Meg Bulger, West Virginia

Kia Vaughn, Rutgers

Chandrea Jones, Syracuse

Monique McLean, St. John's

All-Freshman Team

Maya Moore, UConn

Erica Morrow, Syracuse

Angel Robinson, Marquette

Keisha Hines, Louisville

Ebonie Williams, Seton Hall