NCAA Basketball: Takeaways from the 2018 NIT Season Tip-Off

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: Udoka Azubuike #35 of the Kansas Jayhawks celebrates with the trophy after Kansas' 87-81 win over Tennessee Volunteers at the NIT Season Tip-Off Tournament at Barclays Center on November 23, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 23: Malik Williams #5 Dwayne Sutton #24 of the Louisville Cardinals and Theo John #4 of the Marquette Golden Eagles fight for a rebound during the first half of the game at the NIT Season Tip-Off Tournament at Barclays Center on November 23, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

4th Place – Louisville Cardinals (3-2)

Biggest takeaway: Jordan Nwora is the Cardinals’ go-to player

After losing four of the team’s top five scorers from a year ago, junior forward VJ King was pegged as the breakout candidate for Louisville. The former five-star recruit is considered talented but things haven’t completely clicked. He’s played well so far this season, averaging in double figures. But he’s not the star that some had thought he’d become.

That player to this point is Jordan Nwora, a sophomore who in extended minutes has exploded onto the scene, averaging over 17 ppg in the first five games. The 6’8 forward has been coming off the bench but may become a starter once Coach Chris Mack sets his rotations.

Nwora had a career-high 23 against Tennessee and scored 15 versus Marquette to lead the way. Louisville has impressed so far and may be an NCAA Tournament contender in the ACC this season. If that’s the case, it’ll be on the back of Nwora.

3rd Place – Marquette Golden Eagles (4-2)

Biggest takeaway: Hauser brothers will determine NCAA fate

After losing 20 ppg scorer Andrew Rousey, Markus Howard and Sam Hauser were the only double-digit scorers remaining on Marquette‘s roster. Help was added, including grad transfer Joseph Chartouny and Sam’s younger brother Joey, a top-60 recruit. The 6’9 forward has performed well to start the season, averaging 11.4 ppg and 6.2 rpg.

Just like last season, the offense for the Golden Eagles comes through three players. Howard will score around 20 each night, while both Sam and Joey Hauser will have to combine their efforts consistently to get the team in March Madness contention. An off night by either of them could equal doom for Marquette in any given game.

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