Marquette Basketball: Predictions for Golden Eagles' Team Awards

Marquette basketball finished the 2012-13 season with an Elite appearance and share of a Big East regular season championship. While both those goals are attainable again in 2013-14, the losses of key players Vander Blue, Trent Lockett and Junior Cadougan cannot be undervalued. Here is a look at some of last year's award winners, received at the season ending banquet. 

Most Valuable Performer - Vander Blue

Most Improved Player - Vander Blue

Sixth Man of the Year - Davante Gardner

Defensive Player of the Year - Trent Lockett

Rebounding Effort - Trent Lockett & Jamil Wilson

Create for Others - Junior Cadougan

Lazar Hayward "Everyday Tough" Award - Chris Otule

Darius Johnson-Odom "Sacrifice For The String" Award - Juan Anderson

Character Revealed Award - Junior Cadougan

Last season, Davante Gardner entered the year as the Golden Eagles' top returning scorer. Gardner was overshadowed by Vander Blue's drastic improvement during their junior seasons, earning Blue the team's MVP award and Second Team All-Big East honors, while Gardner was only an Honorable Mention selection.

As a senior, Gardner should finish atop the team in the scoring column, though closely contested by redshirt senior Jamil Wilson. Gardner is an incredibly efficient scorer who averaged 11.5 points in only 21.5 minutes a year ago. During that span, Gardner attempted five free throws per contest and converted on 84 percent of them, an incredibly high mark for a center.

Gardner and sixth-year senior Chris Otule have been part of a platoon at center for Buzz Williams over the course of their careers, which should continue. However, don't be surprised to see the two on the court together more often this year, as Gardner can play the high post with Otule banging in the paint. Doing this would allow an increase in minutes for both players, but Gardner in particular.

As Junior Cadougan's backup at point guard for two seasons, Derrick Wilson provided a steady ball-handling presence who can defend the heck out of you. However, during his underclassmen years, Wilson only scored 60 points, while shooting under 32 percent from the field and 46 percent from the free throw line.

Wilson should get his chance as the team's starting lead guard as a junior. While it isn't expected that Wilson suddenly become a big time scorer, he has improved his jump shot. More importantly, he will get his teammates, especially the bevy of MU big men, the ball in places they can score. 

Wilson has a 3:1 assist-turnover ratio for his career, a mark he would love to maintain. He will also be the team's best perimeter defender, hounding opposing point guards. Wilson will have competition for minutes with freshman Duane Wilson (unrelated), though ultimately I believe Williams will give the more experienced player the nod to start games.

Not too often is a team's most valuable player also their sixth man. As the old saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Despite receiving more playing time than Otule, Gardner has always been his backup. Otule is a better defender and gives Marquette a better chance at winning the jump ball. For that, I believe Williams will continue to start Otule and bring Gardner off his bench.

Gardner is capable of playing extended minutes, as he hit the 33-minute mark in both contests against Syracuse last season. He will still find himself on the court at the end of most games, particularly since he is the team's best foul shooter. On any Buzz Williams coached team, starters and reserves don't really make a big difference.

Williams will play the hot hands in his deep rotation and by now Gardner has grown to embrace his sixth man role. If Williams does indeed decide to start his best player in Gardner, freshmen Duane Wilson and JaJuan Johnson become the lead candidates to win this award.

Rebounding Effort - Jameel McKay
Create for Others - Derrick Wilson
Lazar Hayward "Everyday Tough" Award - Chris Otule
Darius Johnson-Odom "Sacrifice For The String" Award - Juan Anderson
Character Revealed Award - Jamil Wilson

McKay averaged a double-double a season ago in Junior College. Rebounding is a skill that translates to any level of basketball and clearly McKay has a knack for the ball off the rim. Wilson is a pass first point guard, who should lead the team in assists.

Otule, who can only see out of one eye, has battled countless injuries over the course of his basketball career and is the definition of tough. Anderson plays with a similar chip on his shoulder and although he flirted with the idea of transferring, Williams and company should be glad to have Anderson back. Whether Anderson remains a starter or becomes a reserve, he'll play hard when on the court.

Wilson needs to step up as a team leader in his final season, after an outstanding March Madness effort. If Wilson continues that high level of play, he could be the next MU product to find himself on an NBA roster this time next season.