Marquette Basketball: 2018-19 player reviews for the Golden Eagles
By Brian Foley
G Sacar Anim (RS JR)
8.3 ppg – 3.1 rpg – 1.2 apg – 44/39/59 percent shooting
Season’s Successes
Secondary Scoring: Anim continues to refine his game with each passing season, this time adding a three-point shot to his repertoire. Anim was often the third or fourth offensive option on the floor, and with so much of the defense’s attention fixated on Howard and Hauser, Anim made the most of his opportunities by hitting open threes or driving against an unbalanced defense.
Defense: Anim is probably miscast as a true defensive stopper, but he works hard, and he has enough speed and size to guard multiple positions. No one looks good guarding Shamorie Ponds, Myles Powell, and Morant, but he handled each assignment admirably. Anim will get some more help on the defensive end next season as Bailey earns more playing time and Elliott and McEwen slide into the backcourt rotation.
Areas to Improve
Playmaking: Anim spent a good chunk of his minutes surrounded by three dead-eye shooters, yet he still ranked just 259th in assist rate out of the 276 high-major players listed at 6-foot-5 or shorter. Anim may not see a ton of ball-handling duties playing next to Howard, but he still needs to dish out more than 42 assists across 34 games. When he attacks the basket, at least one shooter is likely to come open, meaning there is an opportunity to swing the ball to Howard or the Hausers for an open look.
Free Throws: It’s one thing to be subpar free throw shooter, but a starting guard cannot shoot 59 percent from the line. His stroke is not a lost cause, and if Anim can push his free throw percentage into the 70s, he will also have more confidence attacking the basket and drawing contact around the rim.