Marquette Basketball: Player reviews for the 2017-18 season

F Jamal Cain (Fr.)

Stats: 4.6 pts – 3.4 reb – 0.8 stl – 48.4% FG – 47.8% FT – 47.3% 3PT

What went well: Athleticism

All three of Marquette’s freshmen provided a much-needed dose of athleticism that the Golden Eagles did not have in Wojo’s previous three seasons, but Cain, in particular, jumped off the screen. Every night, I found myself muttering “wow, nice rebound” when Cain would sky above opposing bigs and yank down a board.

And c’mon. Not too many guys can do this.

What to improve on: Free throw shooting & dribbling

So… Cain shot 48 percent from the free throw line and 47 percent from three. Is either one real? Cain finished the year 26-55 from beyond the arc, which is not a huge sample size, but it’s not nothing either. He was also a respectable shooter in high school, according to this Endless Motor scouting report from two years ago. It’s safe to assume he won’t approach 50 percent again from three, but shooting in the high-30’s on increased volume seems completely reasonable.

The charity stripe is a different issue. He never looked comfortable from the free throw line, and only attempted 23 free throws all year, which is not enough for a guy with his slashing potential. If he can even shoot merely 65 percent from the stripe, he’ll have more confidence to take the ball inside and initiate contact.

In order to drive inside though, Cain needs to slow down his first move. Too often he would travel before putting down even one dribble as he drove towards the hoop, eliminating any scoring chance before he could show off his other skills. Cain has the size and athleticism to drive past and rise above anyone, he just needs to minimize the frenetic energy when he has the ball. He has as much growth potential as anyone on the roster.