2016-17 Big East Preview: #7 Marquette
Head Coach: Steve Wojciechowski (3rd season)
Last season: 20-13 (8-10); no postseason
Top Returning Players: C Luke Fischer (6'11, 250 Sr; 12.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 60.8 FG%, Preseason All-Big East Second Team),
G Jajuan Johnson (6'5, 205 Sr; 10.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 38.5 3FG%),
Breakout Player: G Haanif Cheatham (6'5, 195 So; 11.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 48.9 FG%)
Fischer is a true post center and Johnson is a quality Big East guard with outside shooting range, but if the Golden Eagles are going to get back to the NCAA Tourney, Cheatham has to be the one to lead his team to the next level. The sophomore guard was overshadowed by classmate Henry Ellenson's one and done season, but Cheatham had four games in which he scored 20+ points. The Fort Lauderdale product was also given Marquette's "Best Defensive Player" award in 2015-16.
Top Newcomer: G Katin Reinhardt (6'6, 210 Sr; via USC via UNLV)
The well-traveled perimeter player averaged 11.4 ppg last season as a Trojan and the Golden Eagles are looking to use Reinhardt's "one and done" graduate year to provide depth and three point shooting (37.3 3FG% last season). Reinhardt has great size for a guard and should be a nice compliment to Cheatham and Johnson on the wings. ESPN Top 100 freshmen guards Markus Howard and Sam Hauser are expected to contribute right away, with Howard spending time at the point.
Why I'm Not "All-In" on Marquette Yet: Coach Wojciechowski is still finding his way as a head coach. Although he has been able to land impressive recruiting classes, it has not translated onto the court quite yet. Now that Wojo recruits Cheatham, Traci Carter, Duane Wilson and Sandy Cohen have gained some experience, they should be able to lead the younger players by example. The problem is this conference is so deep and experienced this year that it will be difficult for Marquette to take that next step in the standings. Golden Eagle fans must be patient and may have to see the silver lining in an NIT bid this year because it will likely be a fourth consecutive season without an NCAA Tournament appearance.
