Busting Brackets
Fansided

Big East Basketball: Projecting each team’s key player production for 2021-22

By Trevor Sinodhinos

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 09: Julian Champagnie #2 of the St. John's Red Storm looks on during a college basketball game against the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse on February 9, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 09: Julian Champagnie #2 of the St. John's Red Storm looks on during a college basketball game against the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse on February 9, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
12 of 12
Next
Big East Basketball Xavier Musketeers Zach Freemantle Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Big East Basketball Xavier Musketeers Zach Freemantle Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

Xavier: Zach Freemantle and Jack Nunge

Decrease in production: Zach Freemantle

The 6’9 starter led the Musketeers in points scored per game (16.1) and rebounds (8.9) all while shooting 51 percent from the field. Freemantle’s success culminated in him being named the Big East Most Improved Player as well as being named to the second-team All-Big East.

There is no external reason for Freemantle to be less productive in the 2021-22 season, the only change to the Musketeers’ starting backcourt is that Paul Scruggs is looking like the new starting point guard as Dwon Odom will back up Scruggs and Nate Johnson. The fact is, Freemantle had a sensational season and will be a top player this season, just not with such high numbers.

Increase in production: Jack Nunge

This has been a couple of years in the making and if Jack Nunge can remain healthy, not only will the Iowa transfer stats increase from the approximate seven points and five rebounds, but the added minutes that accompany being a starter will help him become a contributor.

dark. Next. Top 25 team backcourts for 2021-22

As a career 30 percent shooter from the arc, Nunge is more of a threat from long-distance than last season’s starting forward Jason Carter. As well, Nunge averaged fewer than 16 minutes per game coming off the bench in all 22 games, this season not only will he be starting but Dieonte Miles may be the only player vying for his minutes. Nunge did some of his best work playing side-by-side with Luka Garza and he will benefit in the same manner alongside Freemantle.

Home/Big East