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NCAA Basketball: Duke, Gonzaga, and WVU rise in latest WTE ’23-24 power rankings

By Tristan Freeman

Mar 24, 2023; Louisville, KY, USA; Creighton Bluejays guard Ryan Nembhard (2) dribbles during the second half of the NCAA tournament round of sixteen against the Princeton Tigers at KFC YUM! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2023; Louisville, KY, USA; Creighton Bluejays guard Ryan Nembhard (2) dribbles during the second half of the NCAA tournament round of sixteen against the Princeton Tigers at KFC YUM! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Basketball Marquette Golden Eagles guard Kam Jones Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Basketball Marquette Golden Eagles guard Kam Jones Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Marquette Golden Eagles

I talked about Coach Tom Izzo not targeting transfers but another power conference program that has done the same thing Shaka Smart and Marquette. Unlike at Texas where he had to reload each year, Coach Smart has had incredible continuity to this point.

After winning 29 games this past season, Marquette is set to return over 95% of its total production and all of the key pieces. That includes point guard Tyler Kolek, who averaged 12.9 ppg and 7.5 apg and was named Big East Player of the Year. Leading scorer Kameron Jones (15.1 ppg) is also set to return, along with starting guard Stevie Mitchell.

The question now is what will happen to the frontcourt. Forwards Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Oso Ighodaro both were double-digit scorers and quality athletes and have real NBA potential. Prosper is the one that entered the draft process and could leave and if that happens, the Golden Eagles would take a hit, though David Joplin is capable of taking his minutes after averaging 9.2 ppg in 19 mpg.

In NCAA Basketball, guard play is very important. And few teams, if any, have a better one in Kolek. And if Prosper comes back, Marquette can make the case for having the fewest issues from a roster and coaching standpoint for next season.

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