The Marquette Golden Eagles are 2-0 for the third-consecutive year—but this year there is a major difference.
Besides the fact the Golden Eagles have won both of their games by an average of 25 points, there has been a change in skill, character, and leadership.
Wesley Matthews, one of four seniors on Marquette and one of two players to start all 35 games last season, has seized control of the team after three subpar and quizzical seasons—which included three NCAA Tournament appearances and two first-round exits.
Averaging 26.5 points, seven rebounds, 3.5 steals, and one block per game, Matthews has scorched teams this season. His scoring average has risen 15 points per game from last season. The senior is currently tied for sixth in the Nation and second in the Big East in points per game, trailing most notables Stephen Curry, Luke Harangody, and Jodie Meeks.
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Matthews set career highs in points (27) and assists (8) against IUPUI in the opener, while shooting 63.6 percent from the field and 91.2 percent from the free-throw line. So far, Wesley has only missed one free throw (21-22) and is shooting a Big East-best 95.5 percent from the charity stripe.
Excelling in the open floor, the 6'5" two-guard is a bonafide scorer with an assortment of moves, ranging from hesitation dribbles, to swift up-and-under layups, to awe-striking dunks.
The Big East Player of the Year candidate studiously worked on his shooting mechanics and as a result, Matthews is the only player in college basketball to average at least 25 points, shoot 55 percent from the field, shoot 80 percent from three-point range, average five assists, a block, and three steals per game—All-American numbers
A pure-bred athlete, Wesley’s mother was a track star at the University of Wisconsin, and his father played in the NBA from 1980-1990.
If Matthews continues his torrid pace, expect comparisons to four-time All Star and 2006 NBA Finals MVP Dwyane Wade, himself a former Marquette slasher.
Should Wesley fail to win Player of the Year, he’s a deadbolt lock for Big East Most Improved Player of the Year.
The Golden Eagles resume battle Saturday at home against the unranked Milwaukee Panthers.
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about 1 month ago
Matthews has really excelled in Buzz Williams equal opportunity offense. In the past, he was the third possibly fourth option behind james, mcneal and hayward. He has really taken advantage of mismatches so far in the season but I doubt he will be able to keep up this pace.
about 1 month ago
This really shows the weakness in Crean's strategy at MU. Every year Crean would pick his one "go to" man (Wade, Diener, Novak, James) and the entire offense revolved around that one player. Each year, except for Wade of course ("Fall down 7, stand up 8" anybody?), that player got bruised up because opponent's figured out that strategy.
Matthews is a unselfish player that has kept his talent stashed away for years because Crean didn't see him as the "go to" player. Under Williams' system, it's everybody contributing with whatever talent they can bring to the table. No more of this "star of the offense" BS.
In many ways, they kind of remind me of the Detroit Pistons (pre-Iverson). MU is a bunch of undersized players who all have above-average talent but there's no true star. Everybody dishes the ball out and contributes within a role.
I don't want to put MU up on a pedestal quite yet, but if this team continues to develop it's individual players within the whole, watch out! Final four sleeper team . . .
from about 1 month ago
wes is probably the smartest player on the whole team and always makes the right decision when he has the ball. he finds the open man, has the ability to shoot jumpers, plays tough defense just like everyone else on the team, can post up on smaller defenders, and runs right by bigger defenders on the perimeter.
not sure about the final four because of the lack of size. hopefully chris otule can contribute when he comes back from his injury
about 1 month ago
Awesome writing Sean. I really enjoyed this, as well as the Pitt article. Good job.
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