Busting Brackets
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Big East Basketball: 2019-20 preseason power rankings

By Lukas Harkins

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 16: The Villanova Wildcats celebrate the 74-72 win over the Seton Hall Pirates during the Big East Championship Game to claim the Big East title at Madison Square Garden on March 16, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 16: The Villanova Wildcats celebrate the 74-72 win over the Seton Hall Pirates during the Big East Championship Game to claim the Big East title at Madison Square Garden on March 16, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 12: Coach Wojo and Howard. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 12: Coach Wojo and Howard. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

5. Marquette Golden Eagles

Marquette is facing mixed expectations for this coming season. Earlier in the offseason, many pegged the Golden Eagles as a preseason top-10 team and a legitimate contender to win the conference. Then, both of the Hauser Brothers elected to transfer and that has significantly changed the way the team is being viewed. Of course, star senior guard Markus Howard is back to wreak havoc on every defense that he faces but there are plenty of question marks behind him.

Most notably, the Golden Eagles will need someone to step up as Howard’s running mate on the offensive end. The Hausers combined to average 24.6 points per game combined last season and they are leaving all of those buckets behind. Sacar Anim is the team’s second-best returning scorer at 8.3 points per game but incoming transfer Koby McEwen looks poised to be that secondary scorer for the team.

McEwen sat out this past season but was electric at Utah State prior. In his two seasons with the Aggies, the 6-foot-4 guard averaged 15.0 points (.427/.367/.726), 5.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. He is a do-it-threat on the court with plenty of size and the ability to score at all three levels. McEwen should immediately slide into the starting lineup this season and will hopefully post double-figure scoring outings with consistency to help the offense perform at an elite level.

Analyzing Marquette's newcomers for 2019-20. light. Related Story

Returning sophomore Brendan Bailey is also a potential breakout candidate as a scoring threat. A former top-100 recruit, Bailey returned from his Mormon mission to average 3.2 points per game as a freshman last season. Now that he is back to playing basketball consistently, Bailey could emerge as a starter and big-time scorer this season. He fits the mold of a matchup nightmare at 6-foot-8 with a smooth stroke.

On the defensive end of the floor, Marquette will be anchored by Theo John. One of the ultimate “glue guys” in the country, John was a revelation inside for the Golden Eagles last season while posting averages of 5.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. He should reprise a similar role this season to lock down the inside.

It is very difficult to project exactly where Marquette will finish this season. They are no longer talented enough to be a top-10 team in the country but should safely reach the NCAA Tournament. With this No. 5 slot in the Big East rankings, I have them at the back-end of my second-tier in the conference.

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