Strength: James is a freakish athlete whose speed and quickness really drives the Golden Eagles' offense. Has the ability to drive and score or dish to teammates.

Weakness: A spotty shooter who must develop a consistent release point.,”1 Dominic James 5-foot-11/185 SR

Strength: James is a freakish athlete whose speed and quickness really drives the Golden Eagles' offense. Has the ability to drive and score or dish to teammates.

Weakness: A spotty shooter who must develop a consistent release point. The adjustment of the three-point line could have negative effects. TKO

2 Maurice Acker 5-foot-8/165 G JR

Strength: Acker's speed means the Golden Eagles won't miss a beat when he's called on to spell James at the point. Showed an ability to hit outside shot last year.

Weakness: Appears too small to be a consistent performer in Big East games, lacks the ability to drive and finish. TKO

4 Patrick Hazel 6-foot-7/220 F SO

Strength: Has decent size, and will get some opportunities to spell Dwight Burke in the post, especially early in the season.

Weakness: Didn't get much playing time last year, and didn't do anything with the time he did get. Averaged 0.5 points and 1.1 rebounds. TKO

10 David Cubillian 6-foot/175 G JR

Strength: An emotional leader for the Golden Eagles, provides a spark from the guard position in a reserve role. He's a streaky shooter with the ability to make three-point baskets.

Weakness: Shoots just 37 percent from the field, and doesn't posses the quickness or defensive aptitude of Jerel McNeal or James at the guard spot. TKO

12 Dwight Burke 6-foot-8/250 F SR

Strength: Despite not having ideal height, Burke is big enough to clear space for himself in the paint. Showed flashes of ability against teams like Wisconsin (12 points, nine rebounds).

Weakness: Disappears for long stretches of time, has not proven himself to be a consistent contributor in the post and is prone to early foul trouble. TKO

21 Joseph Fulce 6-foot-7/205 F SO

Strength: Sophomore transfer from Tyler (Tex.) Junior College gives the Golden Eagles length and athleticism off the bench. Scored 16.6 points and grabbed 13.2 rebounds per game last year.

Weakness: He'll be facing better competition, moving from junior college to the Big East. Probably needs to bulk up a little to withstand a beating in the post, and will need to adjust on the fly. TKO

22 Jerel McNeal 6-foot-3/200 G SR

Strength: McNeal emerged as Marquette's No. 1 scoring threat last season, averaging 14.9 points per game. He's also the team's best defender, and is often used on the opponent's most dangerous player.

Weakness: Like James, McNeal is prone to shooting slumps. His aggressive nature on defense also means he gets in foul trouble (like against Pittsburgh in the Big East Tournament last year). TKO

23 Wesley Matthews 6-foot-5/215 SR

Strength: Matthews greatly improved his defensive abilities last season, and he remains an outside threat. His size gives him an advantage over smaller guards.

Weakness: Always the most overlooked member of Marquette's "Big Three," because he doesn't possess the quickness of McNeal or the flash of James. Needs to become more consistent. TKO

32 Lazar Hayward 6-foot-6/225 F JR TKO

Strength: One of the more versatile members of the team. Hayward can crash the boards (6.5 rebounds per game) and hit the three (he shot 45.1 percent from outside last year). Will need to have an expanded role this season.

Weakness: He's a little undersized to play in the post, but that's where Marquette needs him most. Hayward will need to prove he can score consistently against bigger players on the low block. TKO

33 Jimmy Butler 6-foot-6/215 G SO

Strength: Like Fulce, Butler has experience from Tyler (Tex.) Junior College, where he averaged 18.1 points and 7.7 rebounds last season. His size at the guard position makes him a potentially difficult matchup.

Weakness: Might find minutes hard to come by on a roster heavy on experienced guards. Will need to prove he's able to run in Marquette's fast-paced offensive attack. TKO

42 Chris Otule 6-foot-10/245 C FR

Strength: Has the size that has been sorely missing from the Golden Eagles lineup. Should be one of Coach Buzz Williams' first options off the bench to spell Burke.

Weakness: Very inexperienced, and posted just pedestrian numbers before scoring 14.2 points and grabbing 9.5 rebounds per game his senior year. Still an unproven entity. TKO

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