NCAA Tournament: Marquette Golden Eagles Fly High Over the Horizon

Since becoming head coach in 1999, Tom Crean has turned Marquette basketball back in the right direction.

This year is no different.

The Golden Eagles have positioned themselves for a long postseason run under the guidance of their leader in Crean, who is no stranger to postseason success.

As Michigan State's assistant under the great Tom Izzo, the Spartans reached the NIT or the NCAAs every year, making Sweet 16 and Final Four appearances.

Upon reaching Marquette, he led the Golden Eagles to the NIT immediately. He followed that with reaching the postseason in six out of the next seven seasons, reaching the Final Four in 2002-2003.

It's no question that Tom Crean is prepared, but how about the players?

Led by Jerel McNeal, Dominic James, Lazar Hayward, and Wesley Matthews, Marquette is poised to make a run this year.

Their success all starts with point guard Dominic James. The 5'11" junior makes the offense run. Not only can James dish the rock with his 4.5 assists per game, but he can also put the ball in the net, averaging 13 points per game.

Lazar Hayward keeps opposing teams honest with his inside presence, averaging 13 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. The Golden Eagles also have a few players who are snipers from behind the three-point line.

Along with James, McNeal, David Cubillan, and Dan Fitzgerald can all "make it rain."

Their seeding in the bracket as a No. 6 is appropriate. They've had a few key wins this season against other tournament teams like Pittsburgh, Villanova, and Notre Dame, but they've also had their share of losses against Big East powerhouses like Connecticut, Georgetown, and Louisville.

Going out to Anaheim and winning two games will not be easy for this streaky team. They open up on Friday against Kentucky, who in my opinion got a gift bid.

But now that they're in, they'll be ready to play. Marquette should get by Kentucky in a game the Golden Eagles could run away with.

After disposing of the Wildcats, Marquette will go up against Stanford (as long as they get by Cornell).

I think Marquette will have the advantage at the guard position, however, they will be badly outsized on the inside. Stanford's "Twin Towers" of Brook and Robin Lopez, will be tough for Lazar Hayward to handle down low. 

If Marquette's shooters get hot from behind the arc, they will have a chance.

But be aware, at any moment Dominic James will blow right by you, along with the entire Marquette squad.

Look out Anaheim and Phoenix, the Golden Eagles are flying West.