As expected, year one of the Steve Wojciehowski era was rough for the transitioning Marquette basketball program as they finished tied for last place in the Big East. Wojo has hit the recruiting trail hard though and brings a top ten class to Milwaukee this season which is part of the reason Marquette is expected to have a bounce back year.
MARQUETTE GOLDEN EAGLES
Last Season: T-9th, 4-14 in Big East, 13-19 overall
Predicted Big East Finish: 4th
Projected Depth Chart
C: Luke Fischer (Jr)/Matt Heldt (Fr)
PF: Henry Ellenson (Fr)
SF: Sandy Cohen (So)/Wally Ellenson (Jr)/Sacar Anim (Fr)
SG: Duane Wilson (So)/JaJuan Johnson (Jr)/Haanif Cheatham (Fr)
PG: Traci Carter (Fr)
Gone: F-Juan Anderson, G-Matt Carlino, PG-Derrick Wilson, PF-Steve Taylor (transfer-Toledo), F-Deonte Burton (transfer-Iowa State), PG-John Dawson (transfer-Liberty)
Strengths:
With Luke Fischer and McDonald’s All-American Henry Ellenson, Marquette should boast the best starting frontcourt in the conference. The duo compliments each other as Fischer is more of a low post scorer while Ellenson brings versatility since he can take defenders off the bounce and can pretty much score from anywhere on the floor which is why he was one of the top recruits in the 2015 class. His ability to rebound and lead the break adds a different dimension to the Golden Eagle frontcourt.
Question Marks:
With so many new faces on the roster, there are a few concerns that could prevent Marquette from being a tourney team. Duane Wilson primarily played off the ball last season but should see more time running the point since freshman Traci Carter is the only true point guard on the roster. Either Wilson needs to seamlessly transition to the floor leader role or Carter must make an immediate impact for MU to reach their potential. Carter started at the point during the team’s summer trip to Italy and while he should see his share of freshman struggles, appears ready to play a significant role right away.
The other main question mark is on the wing where returning players JaJuan Johnson and Sandy Cohen are joined by Minnesota transfer Wally Ellenson and freshmen Haanif Cheatham and Sacar Anim. Johnson didn’t make the leap many expected during his sophomore campaign and really struggled with his outside shot while Cohen showed flashes at times, specifically as a three-point threat, but also had plenty of freshman struggles.
Who is going to step up from this group? Being the veteran and a former top 50 recruit, Johnson should be the guy but has to prove he can be a consistent contributor. Cohen needs to be more aggressive offensively which should come with a year of experience under his belt. Keep an eye on Cheatham though. He is a smooth, versatile lefty and should see major minutes from the opening tip of the season. Wally Ellenson and Sacar Anim should be solid role players off the bench due to their athleticism and ability to play multiple positions.
Player to Watch:
All eyes will obviously be on the younger Ellenson. Some think he is a one-and-done and likely lottery pick for the 2016 Draft. He is the most heralded recruit to come to Milwaukee is quite some time and while he doesn’t need to be the savior of the program, just how special he is during his freshman campaign could very well dictate if Marquette is dancing come tourney time.
X-Factor:
Ellenson will deservedly garner the spotlight from Marquette’s top ten recruiting class but Cheatham is the second best prospect of that group. He was yet to be cleared by the NCAA prior to the team’s overseas trip so he did not get his feet wet with the rest of his teammates. However, the lefty is a smooth all-around scorer whether stroking it from deep or taking defenders off the bounce, and he can also initiate the offense if needed. He plays under control better than most his age and it will be difficult for Wojo to not find a major role for him.
Looking Ahead to 2016-17:
Unless Ellenson is a one-and-done, Marquette will return everyone on their roster and should make an even bigger jump. The Golden Eagles add UNC-Asheville transfer point guard, Andrew Rowsey who averaged 19.2 points per game last season as a sophomore. Wojo has also secured another top 100 commitment from Sam Hauser, a sharpshooting wing, and top 50 forward Brendan Bailey. Bailey will go on a mission though so will not come to Marquette until the 2018-19 season so the Golden Eagles still have one scholarship available.
Key Non-Conference Games:
11/19 vs. Iowa
11/23 vs. Arizona State (Legends Classic)
11/24 vs. LSU/N.C. State (Legends Classic)
12/12 at Wisconsin
David Kay is a senior feature NBA Draft, NBA, and college basketball writer for the Sports Bank. He also heads up the NBA and college basketball material at Walter Football.com and is a former contributor at The Washington Times Communities. David has appeared on numerous national radio programs spanning from Cleveland to New Orleans to Milwaukee to Honolulu. He also had the most accurate 2011 NBA Mock Draft and the most accurate 2012 NBA Mock Draft on the internet (Yup, repeat champ… #humblebrag), and finished with the second most accurate 2013 NBA Mock Draft (nearly a three-peat.) You can follow him on Twitter at David_Kmiecik.