The 2018-19 college basketball season is quickly approaching, and thus, we turn our attention to previewing the upcoming Marquette Golden Eagles men’s basketball season.

As was the case last year, we’ve got a stacked up list of questions about the 2017-18 campaign, and each of the contributors to AE are going to take a crack at answering them. There will be a new question every weekday afternoon between now and the start of the season, so be sure to stop back every day to find the new one.

Onwards, then, to the question of the day:

Who do you want to have the ball with the game on the line with 10 seconds left?

It could be to create the shot, or to take the shot, or the combination of the two, of course.

Brewtown Andy:

Lemme throw a scenario at you, because it’s fun.

Markus Howard taking it to the rack with Jamal Cain getting open in the corner.

Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can’t lose.

Ben Snider:

Gotta be Markus Howard. He’s probably going to be one of the 10 best scorers in the nation this year. Even with the attention he’d be getting in that situation, he can draw a foul and sink free throws if needed.

Pistol Brad:

Markus Howard, I want Markus Howard to have the ball with the game on the line. Howard can create his own shot getting to the basket and as we have learned over the last two seasons he has nearly unlimited range. With 10 seconds left in a game where Marquette is tied or losing, I would run a pick and pop on the wing between Howard and Sam Hauser as that has proved to be a simple yet effective offensive set. Although I want the ball in Howard’s hands if he would get double teamed off the screen, I would be more than happy to allow Sam Hauser to plunge the dagger into the hearts of their opponents.

Broadway Brown:

It has to be Markus Howard. He’s one of the best scorers in the country and if he’s locked up I think Sam Hauser is a fine second option.

Connor Lagore:

Besay:

Call a timeout with 10 seconds left and sub-in senior mythical legend Cam Marotta and tell him to hit a step back fadeaway three from the logo to win the game. I think I’ve seen him hit that once in the gym. Jokes aside, everyone in the world should have the exact same answer: Markus Howard.

Patrick Leary:

Markus Howard, but with plenty of help around him. In Tuesday’s exhibition game, Carroll defenders regularly instinctively doubled Markus off of high ball screens. I know it’s Carroll, but I think that’ll be a good way to get complementary guys open looks, especially early on. The preseason hype surrounding Marquette has had a ton to do with Markus, and so teams will be keying on him as a shooter in key situations until there’s tape telling them not to do that.

You get the ball to Markus, send him some help in some fashion, and let him make the decision on whether to pass or shoot.

Sam Newberry:

Oh come on this is the hardest question you’ve asked us. This is cruel.

(Gulps)

I want Markus Howard with the ball. I’ve really played up how much I appreciate Sam Hauser, but Markus can create his own shot from three better than Sam can, he’s quicker, he’s a better ball handler, and he’s more lights out from the free throw line. I think that these factors are a lot more important in a crunch situation than in a normal offensive set, where someone like Hauser should touch the ball before every shot because he’s going to create looks for himself or others, instead of needing to find the best possible shot with time very much against you.