Big East Basketball: Breakout players from each team for 2020-21 season

Big East Basketball breakout candidate – Jamal Cain (Marquette)

The 2020-21 season will begin a new era for Marquette basketball with the graduation of star Markus Howard. There isn’t a player who will be able to replace the historic production of Howard, but with the team’s other double-digit scorer, Sacar Anim also gone, and Brendan Bailey’s decision to go pro, head coach Steve Wojciechowski will be looking for someone to help lead the Golden Eagles into that new era. Marquette does bring in a top-20 recruiting class, but when looking at the current roster, there is a player who could step up into a leading role this season.

That player would be senior forward Jamal Cain, who along with classmate Koby McEwen is the Golden Eagles’ top returning scorers. As a junior, the 6-7 Cain averaged just over five points and four rebounds per game in 18 minutes. He hasn’t been much of a three-point shooter even though he shoots it well, 38% last season, and over 47% as a freshman.

He has shown the ability to be an offensive threat for Marquette, scoring eight points and to go along with 12 rebounds against Jacksonville and following that up with 17 and nine in a win over Kansas State. Even though Marquette’s 18th ranked recruiting class consists of three forwards, Cain possesses the experience and leadership the youngsters will look up to, don’t be surprised if Cain takes a big step forward in his final season.