Marquette Basketball: Player reviews for the 2017-18 season

G Markus Howard (So.)

Stats: 20.4 pts – 2.8 ast – 3.2 reb – 46.4% FG – 93.8% FT – 40.4% 3PT

What went well: Scoring

If it wasn’t for Rowsey’s record-breaking year, we would’ve been watching Howard’s numbers down the stretch. The sophomore guard dropped 694 points this season, now third in program history behind Rowsey and Wade (Howard also missed nearly two full games with injury).  Going forward, Howard has a very good chance to break both school records Rowsey set this season, along with several others program marks.

While Rowsey is a spectacular long-range sniper, Howard is a pure scorer. He can knock down contested treys, floaters in the lane, or off-balance layups. Don’t worry about Howard facing increased attention without Rowsey next year; defenders were already draped all over him this season.

What to improve on: Ball handling & cheap fouls

This is the primary question with Rowsey gone – can Howard effectively bring up the ball? Howard will be forced to pick up more ball handling duties now, even if a grad transfer joins the program. Howard only averaged 2.5 turnovers per game, but those often came when he was pressured or trapped bringing the ball up the floor. He needs to tighten his handle and clean up his decision-making against the press.

Of course, defense is also an issue for the 5-foot-11 guard, but Howard generally competes on that end. Marquette cannot afford any more ticky-tack fouls against him though. Too often, Howard reaches in or slides over late trying to draw a charge. He will be too important to the offense next season; he can’t be sitting on the bench in foul trouble for prolonged stretches.