Marquette Golden Eagles – #6 Big East college basketball power rankings

Marquette

Coach: Buzz Williams (4 seasons at Marquette 96-44), Overall 110-61, 5 seasons

2011-12: Record 27-8 overall, 14-4 in Big East (2nd)

Starters Returning (3) Jamil Wilson, Junior Cadougan, Vander Blue

Preseason Tournament: Maui Invitational

Top Non-Conference Games: vs. Ohio State, at Florida, vs. Wisconsin, vs. LSU

Transfer In: Trent Lockett (Arizona State- eligible immediately), Garrett Swanson (Idaho State)

Transfer Out: Jamail Jones (Florida Gulf Coast)

The Golden Eagles are coming off their best season since the 2003 final four team. Many questioned if Buzz Williams could keep the program up after Tom Crean left. Williams has taken the Golden Eagles back to back sweet 16s. Marquette only lose 2 players off last year’s roster but those players combined to score 35.8 points per game. Williams rebuilds his program by transfer and recruits same will be said for this season.

The strength of this team lies in the backcourt. Running the point guard duties will be Junior Cadougan (6.3 ppg). Cadougan will be a great senior leader for this team and he is more of a defender and passer than a scorer. Joining him in the backcourt is Vander Blue (8.4 ppg). Blue does a little bit of everything for this team. He is more of a slasher than a shooter. At the 3 spot will be Arizona State transfer Trent Lockett. He averaged 13 ppg last season. He mostly excels at attacking the ram but he did shoot 41 % from three last season. The top option off the bench will be Todd Mayo (7.9 ppg). Mayo will be the best shooter on the roster. Also providing depth is freshman Jamal Ferguson. Also providing depth at the 3 position will be freshman Steve Taylor, who is a highly regarded recruit. He could also play some inside.

The Golden Eagles really lack depth here in the frontcourt. Leading the way is Davante Gardner (9.5 ppg). He is a big body that can finish around the rim. He needs to average more than 5 rebounds per game this season. Joining him in the frontcourt will be Jamil Wilson (7.1 ppg). Wilson is the best shot blocker on the team. The only really true backup here is Chris Otule. Otule missed last season after tearing his ACL. Juan Anderson adds depth here. While he is not a big time scorer, he is excellent defender, rebounder, and shot blocker.

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