Busting Brackets
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Big East Basketball: Top-five rising juniors for 2018-19

MILWAUKEE, WI - FEBRUARY 07: Markus Howard #0 of the Marquette Golden Eagles works against Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs during the second half of a game at BMO Harris Bradley Center on February 7, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - FEBRUARY 07: Markus Howard #0 of the Marquette Golden Eagles works against Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs during the second half of a game at BMO Harris Bradley Center on February 7, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – JANUARY 28: Marquette’s Howard (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI – JANUARY 28: Marquette’s Howard (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

3. F Sam Hauser, Marquette

14.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.9 apg, 49.9/48.7/83.6 percent shooting

2. G Markus Howard, Marquette

20.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.8 apg, 46.4/40.4/93.8 percent shooting

There is a real argument for Hauser as not only Marquette’s best player but also the best player in the conference. According to PRPG!, Hauser is the best returning offensive player in the country. He is remarkably efficient, with deadeye accuracy from beyond the arc and a deep bag of tricks in the post. He never forces his shot; if anything, Marquette coaches and fans want him to shoot more often. Hauser is also a steady defender on the wing and he can credibly bang in the block with bigger opponents. He is a low-maintenance star who gives the Golden Eagles endless versatility.

However, while the stats – and the eye test – support Hauser’s elite status, the attention Howard demands sets him apart. Howard is the player that every coach circles on the scouting report.  Let’s not forget dropped 52 points in a comeback win at Providence last year. Howard has already plastered his name across Marquette record books, and he has a once-in-a-generation shooting touch.

Howard’s lofty usage rate (29 percent) also makes up for the two players’ marginal difference in efficiency. Hauser will assume more responsibility this season without Andrew Rowsey on the roster, but he is still the second banana next to Howard. Flash isn’t everything (Howard must defend better), but being “the guy” does make a difference when splitting hairs like this.

Hauser is also returning from offseason hip surgery, and while he seems to be progressing well, Steve Wojciechowski recently said the team will be “very conservative” with him as he works towards a September return. Hauser’s health concerns and Howard’s larger offensive load earn Howard a slight edge here. Regardless, Marquette will potentially have the two best offensive players in the Big East.