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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) /
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Big East Basketball Justin Lewis Marquette Golden Eagles (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Big East Basketball Justin Lewis Marquette Golden Eagles (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Marquette: Greg Elliott and Justin Lewis

Decrease in production: Greg Elliott

Greg Elliott will be moving from off-guard to being the primary ball-handler as Shaka Smart’s starting point guard. Similar to a number of point guards who are going to have an increase in production due to the fact they have the ball in their hands more often, Elliott will not benefit in the same manner.

Even as his playing time increases from 18 minutes last season, when Maryland transfer Darryl Morsell returns healthy from a shoulder injury, Morsell will be the scoring option in the backcourt. In addition, the defensive end of the floor will occupy a lot of his energy. Elliott will be more important this season as one of the two returning players to start, he will not – however- average over six points, as that will not be his role.

Increase in production: Justin Lewis

Justin Lewis spent the vast majority of his 21 minutes per game backing up Theo John ( 8 ppg, 5 rpg) at the power forward position. John’s transfer to Duke and Jamal Cain’s ( 9.6 ppg, 6.3 rpg) transfer to Oakland has left plenty of room and playing time in the frontcourt. Not only will the 6’7 forward be part of the starting five this season, but he will also move to the traditional small forward position.

Unsurprisingly, four of the five games in which Lewis played over 25 minutes as a freshman resulted in double-digit scoring. For Lewis to have a true breakout season, his success rate from beyond the arc will have to improve from the twenty-two percent of last season, but it will not prevent him from increasing his production and laying the foundation for a starring role as a junior.

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