Big East Basketball: Top returning shooters in the conference for 2018-19

1b. Markus Howard, Marquette

Statistics: 20.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg, and 2.8 apg

3P shooting: 111-for-275, 40.4%

There is not a better all-around scorer returning in the Big East than Markus Howard. Although his defensive limitations have been well-documented, nobody should dispute that this guard can absolutely fill it up. An elite 3-point shooter who mostly operates with the ball in his hands, Howard is the offensive engine that drives the Marquette scoring machine.

Over the last two years, Howard has clearly shown that he is among the best shooters not only in the Big East but in the entire country. Regardless of whether he is in a catch-and-shoot situation or operating off the bounce, Howard cannot be given even an inch of space or a shot is going up. Howard may have taken a significant step back this past season compared to his freshman campaign but he is still easily one of the top 3-point threats in the conference.

He is the top returner in the Big East in 3-pointers made and should take that crown once again this year. During this past season, the 5-foot-11 star shot 40.4% from beyond the arc on 8.1 3PA per game. (In regards to my previous statement of his shooting taking a step back, Howard shot an insane 54.7% from distance on 4.8 3PA per game as a freshman.) In these rankings, Howard only comes in at 1b but this is due to how incredible his partner-in-crime is from deep as well.