The 2025-26 college basketball season is almost here, and the Marquette men's basketball team has a lot of questions to answer. But here's the biggest one: Can Sean Jones step up and become the starting point guard the team needs? Let's dive into the player preview and explore the possibilities.
Sean Jones: The X-Factor
Redshirt Junior, #22, Guard
Sean Jones is a unique case for the Marquette roster. He's a redshirt junior who missed the 2024-25 season due to a knee injury, leaving him in a tricky position for this preview. With a mix of experience and uncertainty, Jones could be the key to the team's success or a potential pitfall.
Jones has already played 49 games for Marquette, including a solid freshman year in 2022-23. He averaged 12 minutes, 3.6 points, and over an assist per game, showing promise as a young player. As a sophomore, he improved to 16 minutes, 5.8 points, and 2.0 assists per game before his injury. These numbers indicate a player with potential, but there's a catch.
The Controversy: Is Jones Ready for the Spotlight?
Reasonable Expectations:
Assuming Jones is fully recovered, the expectation is for him to be the starting point guard. He doesn't need to be an All-American, but a consistent, reliable Big East-caliber player. The Shaka Smart developmental system aims to turn players like Jones into leaders, and it's time for him to step up.
The Counterpoint:
But what if Jones isn't quite ready? What if his injury has set him back, or his skills don't translate to the starting role? These are valid concerns, especially considering his turnover rate (17.7%) and subpar three-point shooting (28.9%).
Why You Should Get Excited:
Jones has the natural speed and quickness to be a game-changer. What if Shaka Smart and Nevada Smith's system has honed his abilities to the point where he becomes an All-American-level player? What if his time on the sidelines has made him a smarter, more efficient player? These are exciting possibilities that could elevate Marquette's game.
Potential Pitfalls:
The biggest concerns are Jones' turnover rate and three-point shooting. He needs to improve his distribution without increasing turnovers and become a more consistent threat from beyond the arc. If he can't, Marquette may need to look for alternative point guard options.
And the final question: How adaptable is the team if Jones doesn't live up to expectations? Can they adjust and find success without him? These are the questions that will define Marquette's season.
Stay tuned for more player previews and insights as we countdown to the 2025-26 college basketball season. Will Sean Jones be the hero Marquette needs, or will he be a cautionary tale? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
