Forty-two Catholic colleges and universities compete in NCAA Division I basketball — here’s a divinely inspired poll predicting how they will stack up on the hardwood for the 2009-10 season.
Headed for Hoops Heaven (and post-season tournament play): the “Saintly 16″
1.  Villanova 
2.  Georgetown
3.  Dayton
4.  Gonzaga
5.  Notre Dame
6.  Xavier
7.  Creighton
8.  Siena
9.  St. Mary’s
10.  Boston College
11.  Holy Cross
12.  Niagara
13.  Portland
14.  Marquette
15.  Duquesne
16.  San Diego

Projected in Purgatory:  DePaul, Detroit, Fairfield, Iona, LaSalle, Loyola (MD), Mt. St. Mary’s, Providence, St. John’s, St. Joseph’s, St. Louis, St. Peter’s, Santa Clara, and Seton Hall.

Destined for Hoops Hell:  Canisus, Fordham, Loyola (IL), Loyola-Marymount, Manhattan, Marist, Sacred Heart, St. Francis (NY), St. Bonaventure, San Francisco, and Seattle.

“Benedict’s Bum” (worst Catholic team in America): St. Francis (PA).