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Big East Basketball: 2018-19 preseason all-conference and awards predictions

By Lukas Harkins

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 10: The Villanova Wildcats celebrate their overtime win over the Providence Friars during the championship game of the Big East Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 10: The Villanova Wildcats celebrate their overtime win over the Providence Friars during the championship game of the Big East Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 09: Naji Marshall #13 of the Xavier Musketeers reacts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 09: Naji Marshall #13 of the Xavier Musketeers reacts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Most Improved Player: Naji Marshall, Xavier

Xavier lost a ton of talent this offseason. That much has been well-documented throughout the course of this offseason. Yet, the Musketeers should still be a more-than-solid team in the Big East. Although the team might not be on the same level as last year, the rising sophomore duo of Naji Marshall and Paul Scruggs will take on more responsibility this season now that players such as Trevon Bluiett and J.P. Macura are no longer with the program.

During this past season, Naji Marshall was one of the most impactful under-the-radar players in the country. A strong defender who is also capable of filling up the basket offensively, he was able to carve out a significant role on a top-10 team in the country with relative ease. On the whole, he averaged 7.7 points (.530/.349/.753) and 4.4 rebounds in 21.8 minutes per game.

As we look ahead to 2018-19, Marshall will be a full-time starter and likely one of the top offensive options for head coach Travis Steele. Considering this uptick in scoring and overall team responsibility, Marshall projects as a potential All-Conference player. On his way to reaching this caliber, Marshall will likely average upwards of 12 points per game and could be one of the frontrunners to win Most Improved Player.

Top contenders: Myles Cale (Seton Hall) and Sean McDermott (Butler).

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