Big East Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

By Joey Loose | Jul 4, 2023

Dec 13, 2016; Villanova, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) gets congratulations from head coach Jay Wright and guard Jalen Brunson (1) after leaving the game late in the second half against the Temple Owls at The Pavilion. Villanova defeated Temple, 78-57. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

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Big East Basketball Marquette Golden Eagles guard Tyler Kolek Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Tyler Kolek

A 6’3 point guard from Cumberland, Rhode Island, Kolek began his career in style with George Mason and was A-10 Rookie of the Year. His work with the Patriots certainly put him on the radar and he’d transfer to Marquette in 2021, joining new head coach Shaka Smart. Suffice to say, his two years with the Golden Eagles have been excellent for all involved and he’s taken his game to that next level.

Kolek was the starting point guard in his first season in Marquette, though it was a somewhat unremarkable season for the Golden Eagles. His numbers would drastically increase as a junior, putting up 12.9 points and 7.5 assists per game. He had a 29-point effort at Providence, had several double-doubles late in the year and led Marquette to the Big East Tournament. Michigan State ended his season in the second round.

With excellent production against the conference, Kolek was named both Big East Player of the Year and Tournament MVP. He led the league in both assists and steals and was certainly one of the league’s most productive offensive contributors. He took a major step forward in his junior year and will return next season for a third year in Smart’s rotation. Marquette should be a fantastic team again next year if Kolek plays to the same form, or perhaps even better.

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