2006 Marquette Golden Eagles Basketball Preview

2006 Marquette Golden Eagles Basketball Predictions

The Marquette Golden Eagles are a young and talented team. Last season was a breakout year. They’re better than they were in 2005-06, with a well-rounded team that has great potential.

Can the Golden Eagles’ guards shoot? Yes, they can. Sophomore Dominic James (15.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.4 APG, 43.1 FG%, 64.1 FT%) is first among returning Big East players in points and assists. He’s got quickness, good inside moves and great leaping ability. Jerel McNeal (11.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.7 APG, 44.2 FG%, 75.0 FT%), another sophomore, is an unrelenting defender, who averaged 2.1 steals per game last season. Freshman David Cubillan can shoot and tenaciously defend. Wesley Matthews (9.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.2 APG, 39.9 FG%, 78.8 FT%) offers quality minutes.

Freshman Lazar Hayward could be the man to replace Steve Novak, the Big East’s best 3-point shooter who’s now in the NBA. Hayward has the talent to also excel as a rebounder and defender. At forward, junior Dan Fitzgerald (5.3 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 47.9 FG%, 72.4 FT%) can hit three-pointers. Look for him to develop his inside game. Much more is expected from junior forward Ousmane Barro (4.4 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 0.4 APG, 64.4 FG%, 54.8 FT%), who showed improvement last year on the boards and as a defender. Inside players and seniors Mike Kinsella (1.2 PPG, 0.7 RPG, 0.2 APG, 46.7 FG%, 37.5 FT%) and Jamil Lott (3.1 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 0.3 APG, 52.7 FG%, 64.0 FT%) must bring the goods this season.

Coach Tom Crean (20-11 overall, 10- 6 Big East) has assembled his best team in his seven years at Marquette. He’ll make sure his guys don’t rely on last year’s accomplishments to carry them through this season, as the Golden Eagles play their up tempo, ball control game.

The backcourt looks solid, but the frontcourt could be a problem. Along with compensating for Novak, the Golden Eagles require much more from returning frontcourt guys. Is Marquette a contender in the upscale Big East? They certainly are. Tough play and point production up front will be essential.

If you want more info on the 2006 Marquette Golden Eagles College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Pittsburgh Panthers and Syracuse Orange.