Marquette's Little Big Guy
Over the past few seasons, Buzz Williams and Marquette have amassed a collective 94-47 record by way of a three and sometimes four-guard attack and utilizing an undersized, yet versatile power forward like Lazar Hayward, Jimmy Butler or this year's sensation Jae Crowder. Standing at just 6'6", Crowder may be the most important player on the roster due to limited frontcourt depth and a willingness to mix it up down low or on the perimeter; he led the team in rebounding (6.8) a year ago, while finishing third in scoring (11.8 points) with 42 made 3-pointers. Crowder is doing more of the same for the 4-0 Golden Eagles, averaging 18.8 points and 7.3 rebounds with a 44.4 percent clip from behind the 3-point arc. Crowder's impact defensively is invaluable where he can defend most perimeter-oriented 3s using his quickness, but also guard the post with a chiseled 225 pound frame.
He is not on many team's radar at this point, but neither was Jimmy Butler a year ago or Lazar Hayward two seasons ago either, but all three give reliable effort and hustle and tremendous versatility to play multiple positions.
By President Corey Ruff - 11 - 21- 11
