Smallball -- MU's style of play leads the way for the Big East

MU gets more than its share of ink in this in-depth conference primer from ESPN.com. The makeup of MU's roster is compared favorably to Villanova's latest vintage.

"That's certainly a way of playing that we've looked at closely," Marquette coach Tom Crean said. "The whole key was that Randy Foye could play any position and Kyle Lowry made everybody better. There's no question I could see us going with three guards, maybe even four."

The Golden Eagles will attempt to mimic Nova behind sophomore guards Dominic James, Wesley Matthews and Jerel McNeal. Crean anticipates that 6-foot-9 Dan Fitzgerald, 6-6 Lazar Hayward and 6-foot David Cubillan will rotate along the perimeter, as well, but the Eagles will go as far as the big three can take them.

One thing that's not lacking with this group -- much like Nova's squad -- is a confidence that permeates through them.

In addition, this ESPN article smartly recognizes that Wesley Matthews should be a breakout performer in the Big East this season (even if the source they rely on is Dominic James).

Jay Bilas expects big things from MU, "The team I feel will make a quantum leap is Marquette, an NCAA Tournament team last year that could be even better this year."