To me, if a guy is good enough to receive all conference consideration he is worthy of the star tag. I'm guessing if the season plays out well, Cole will likely be on one of the all conference teams or at least be honorable mention. I think coaches around the conference would refer to Cole as a star. Cole was voted to the All Big East Preseason 2nd Team, for whatever that's worth.
Guys like Rip, Shabazz, Ray etc.are on a whole different level, and recieved All-American consideration or were All-Americans. Perhaps big star or superstar is fitting for them.
I'd be curious to see who has averaged 16 points and 5 assists for UConn. I'm guessing we both would consider them stars in retrospect. For example, when Dyson was averaging similar numbers he was considered a star.