Big East Basketball Tournament: Marquette, Villanova headline at MSG
Players to watch
Phil Booth, Villanova: Booth has really taken on a leadership role for Villanova this season. And while the Wildcats have not been as great as they have been in the past, it would be a mistake to overlook Booth’s 3-point shooting and scoring abilities. After flying under the radar during the past few seasons as a secondary scorer, the fifth-year senior is averaging career-highs in points (18.6), rebounds (3.9), and assists (3.9).
Markus Howard, Marquette: Possibly the most exciting player in the conference, Howard is a prolific scorer who can fill it up no matter how tightly he is guarded. Despite being short in stature, Howard makes up for it with outstanding creativity around the basket with finishing moves and the ability to draw fouls at will. Howard could easily have a 40-point game in the BET.
Myles Powell, Seton Hall: Another superstar guard, Myles Powell is arguably the most clutch player in the Big East. No matter how big the stage, Powell seems to always show up with monster shot after monster shot. He has range out to halfcourt and a confidence bar that is completely filled up. If anyone can carry a team to the BET title, Powell is the guy.
Naji Marshall, Xavier: The sophomore star of the Musketeers, Marshall has been playing a lot better as of late. With Marshall taking his game to the next level, Xavier’s record has dramatically improved and the correlation is obvious. When he is healthy and on his game, this team can beat anyone in the conference.
Mitch Ballock, Creighton: After hitting 11 trifectas in his last game, it would be a mistake to leave Ballock off this list. An incredible shooter who needs just an inch of space, Ballock can quickly fill up the scoring column from beyond the arc. With that said, though, he is also a reliable playmaker who does a lot more for Creighton than just spot-up and run around screens. There might not be a more underrated player in the conference.
James Akinjo, Georgetown: The best freshman in the conference this season, Akinjo has impressed at every turn. He is lightning quick with the ball in his hands and is consistently improving as a shooter. There is a potential BEPOY award in this man’s future and he will show why during this tournament. He is a major reason why the Hoyas have taken a step forward this year.
Shamorie Ponds, St. John’s: Simply one of the best players in the country, Ponds can single-handedly win games with his offense. He is the most talented player on the St. John’s roster and will not want to end his season early. The Red Storm need to win at least a game to feel safe in the NCAA Tournament and Ponds seems to find a way to play “bigger” in important games.
AJ Reeves, Providence: Arguably the best shooter on the Providence roster, the return of a healthy Reeves makes this team dangerous in the BET. When Reeves gets it going from distance, he seriously spreads the floor for a team that can be easily defended when off from deep. If Reeves catches fire in this tournament, that will open up opportunities for stars like Alpha Diallo to get their points in the paint.
Paul Jorgensen, Butler: Jorgensen might not be the best Bulldog in this tournament but he could be the most important. If Butler wants to make yet another NCAA Tournament, they will need to win the BET and that will require the presence of a secondary scorer next to Kamar Baldwin. Back in his home state, Jorgensen is the player who could deliver in that role. The ever-confident senior guard has the ability to catch fire and really push Butler to the next level.
Max Strus, DePaul: One of the most dangerous scorers in the conference, we have seen Strus take his game to the next level over the past couple of weeks. He can catch fire from three in a hurry and has the size needed to impact the game in a number of ways. With Paul Reed working hard in the paint and Strus letting it fly from distance, this team can win a game or two (at least) in the BET. This is not the DePaul of old.