Starters

[Dawson Rental]

I have said this before, but I would not be surprised at a small step back next year.  Unless a couple people play better than I think they will.

And while I think 2018-19 will be very good with Morrow's eligibility and Joey joining, 2019-20 could really be incredible if everyone sticks around.

I think that improvement by the two rising sophomore starters ("the best thing about freshmen") and the added depth and physicality in the paint will forestall any steps back.

[keefe]

When I am at work I do not always review what I type.

Has your boss talked to you about this?

[Marquette2022]

Non- Conference season

PG: Andrew Rowsey
SG: Markus Howard
SF: Jamal Cain
PF: Sam Hauser
C: Matt Heldt

Big East Season

PG: Markus Howard
SG: Jamal Cain
SF: Sam Hauser
PF: Theo John
C: Harry Froling

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I would be very impressed if two freshmen from outside the top 100 outplay the reigning Big East 6th Man of the Year for a starting spot. I hope it happens.

[Newsdreams]

Non- Conference season

PG: Andrew Rowsey
SG: Markus Howard
SF: Jamal Cain
PF: Sam Hauser
C: Matt Heldt

Big East Season

PG: Markus Howard
SG: Jamal Cain
SF: Sam Hauser
PF: Theo John
C: Harry Froling

No faith in Hanif? From some of his tweets looks like he has been working hard over the summer.

[Marquette2022]

Not giving up on my boy Haanif. I'd like to see that starting line up in the big east season. That looks scary if you're another team. Can shoot, hopefully theo and harry can rebound and play good d, and that is a big line up.

[MUDPT]

last i checked, outscoring the other team was one of the keys to winning the game...

Check out the defensive efficiency of championship teams. Need to be competent on D to be considered elite.

[brewcity77]

Check out the defensive efficiency of championship teams. Need to be competent on D to be considered elite.

Just look at Final Four teams over the past decade+. Though if we're looking for a model, the worst defensive efficiency ranking of any Final Four team in the Pomeroy era was Marquette in 2003. But agreed that defense is the more important factor because it's easier for it to be consistent. It's not uncommon to see great offensive teams go through cold spells (see us v South Carolina) but seems less common for great defensive teams to suddenly open the flood gates.

I do think Howard and Rowsey will play their fair share together, but it's definitely a defensive risk. I'd love to see a minute breakdown that has both of them in the mid-20s and one of them out there at all times. If you end up with 10 minutes or so of overlap, that's fine, but I think we could have problems if they are both 30+ mpg players. I think using some zone with the two of them could also help mitigate our defensive issues, especially if we are able to put a rim protector behind them.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Advanced stats wise I believe Rowsey was our 3rd best defender IIRC (behind Sammysplash and Katin). If its defense you are worried about, Howard is the biggest concern. Worst defender on the team last season. I'm looking forward to seeing him improve this season.

[fjm]

HOOO BOY:
Jamal Cain!

https://twitter.com/mubbnation/status/903678028601024513

[Herman Cain]

HOOO BOY:
Jamal Cain!

https://twitter.com/mubbnation/status/903678028601024513

Jamal is the definition of a pogo stick.

[Newsdreams]

Jamal is the definition of a pogo stick.

Set for good neck development

[4everwarriors]

Bin chuggin' da ice water, hey?

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

https://twitter.com/GoodsOnSports/status/906233915043704832

Todd Smith earning that paycheck!

[tower912]

Wow.  Good work, Harry.  Good work, Todd.