Marquette Basketball: What might make 2018-19 a special season?

GREENVILLE, SC - MARCH 17: The Golden Eagle is seen as the Marquette Golden Eagles take on the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first half during the first round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 17, 2017 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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MILWAUKEE, WI – JANUARY 28: Marquette’s Howard (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Markus. Howard.

Seriously. Markus. Howard. ‘Nuff said. One of the best players in the Big East, the rising junior guard is one of the most exciting offensive guards in the nation. Although his defensive deficiencies have been well-noted to this point in his career, nobody is going to dispute just how dangerous he is with the ball in his hands. Easily one of the nation’s top-10 returning shooters and a developing finisher around the basket, Howard might be the preseason favorite to lead the Big East in scoring during this upcoming campaign.

For reference, the 5-foot-11 superstar dropped in 20.4 points per game last season on ridiculous efficiency. In addition to shooting 40.4% from distance on a whopping 8.1 3PA per game, Howard finished on 53.3% of his attempts inside the arc and buried 93.8% of his free throw shots. Quite simply, if opponents give Howard even an inch of space, he will be sure to make them regret it.

Even though Howard will be without his former running mate in Andrew Rowsey, I do not expect this to slow him down whatsoever. In fact, with elite defensive graduate transfer Joseph Chartouny coming in, the Marquette backcourt during this upcoming season should be far more balanced compared to the last two seasons. With this being said, Howard will be able to continue to focus his efforts on filling up the basket while Chartouny attempts to lock down opposing guards.

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