COLLEGE BASKETBALL EAST PREVIEW : NO CAUSE TO COMPLAIN BIG EAST POWERS POUR TALENT INTO THE BREACH.

Byline: Jim O'Connell Associated Press 

If they were so inclined, the coaches of the Big East's four best teams last season could play a lively game of ``Can You Top This Tale of Woe?''

Villanova's Steve Lappas could open the session with a sob story about having to replace All-American Kerry Kittles and solid shooter Eric Eberz.

Syracuse's Jim Boeheim could counter with having to find replacements for John Wallace, the NCAA's poster boy for remaining for a senior season, and Lazarus Sims, quite possibly the most underrated player in college last year.

Georgetown's John Thompson could offer up what it's like to face life without All-American blur Allen Iverson and wide bodies Othella Harrington and Jerome Williams.

Then would come Connecticut's Jim Calhoun, with a list that would bring tears to the eyes of anyone with a whistle and a clipboard. All he has to replace is All-American Ray Allen, the league's Player of the Year, savvy starters Doron Sheffer and Travis Knight, and forward Rudy Johnson.

But don't expect any of these four coaches to be sitting around watching the NCAA Tournament come March. Each has a talented roster, some needing only time to get things back to the level of national prominence.

``We're going to be young and quick, and we are talented,'' Calhoun said of the Huskies, who will rely on senior forward Kirk King, sophomore guards Ricky Moore and Rashamel Jones and a recruiting class considered among the nation's best.

``I'm hoping they can come along as quickly as the '90-91 team did. We're not smart and that's sort of strange. I wish I could go out and get a 17-point junior. If you know where to get one in a hurry, let me know.''

Syracuse, led by Todd Burgan and Otis Hill, has a solid base back from last year's team that reached the NCAA championship game. Burgan, Hill and the five freshmen who should see considerable playing time for the 12th-ranked Orangemen won't have the luxury of letting Wallace handle things in big situations.

``I think that's the interesting thing to watch,'' Boeheim said. ``When you had John in there, there was always an extra guy trying to help on John. Now, that pressure will be squarely on each guy. It's a little different.''

Iverson was the first player in Thompson's almost quarter century at Georgetown to leave early for the NBA. Victor Page will have to be more consistent as he takes over the offense, and veterans like Boubacar Aw and Jahidi White will have to control the boards.

``I feel we're better than people think we are, but I'm not sure we're as good as I think we are,'' Thompson said. ``We are definitely missing something in the backcourt, losing a player like Iverson, but we'll be OK.''

Villanova has the most talent returning with Jason Lawson and Chuck Kornegay up front and Alvin Williams in the backcourt. Add heralded freshman Tim Thomas and the Wildcats are the first of the Big East teams to be given much national recognition, being picked seventh in the preseason Top 25.

``We'll be OK, I hope,'' Lappas said. ``Our front line is strong, with good size and a lot of strength.''

No. 21 Boston College and league preseason Player of the Year Danya Abrams could challenge for the conference title, and Providence figures to be in the mix with four starters back, led by forward Austin Croshere.

The Atlantic 10's marquee program of the '90s underwent major changes in the offseason, with coach John Calipari and national Player of the Year Marcus Camby leaving Massachusetts for the NBA.

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Photo: Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim may have lost John Wallace, but talent aplenty remains.

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