3. Steve Novak (2005-2006) vs. 14. Robert Jackson (2002-2003)
The case for Novak: Welcome to the Big East. Novak poured in 41 points in Marquette’s first game as a Big East member, upsetting No. 2 Connecticut, and that was only the start. Novak finished his senior season with the best offensive rating in the country, according to KenPom. He shot 46.4 percent from beyond the arc, made an astonishing 74-of-76 free throws and got Marquette back into the NCAA Tournament. His 5.9 rebounds per game were an added bonus, as well. Here’s some perspective: Novak made four or more 3-pointers 17 times that season. Darius Johnson-Odom? Just five times his senior year.
The case for Jackson: Dwyane wade cast quite a shadow in Milwaukee, but Jackson did a lot of the dirty work to get Marquette to the Final Four. He had eight double-doubles, including 24 points and 15 rebounds in the famous Elite Eight Kentucky game. He shot 56 percent from the field, an impressive 78 percent from the free throw line and was a monster on the glass. He was the prototypical center and big body that all teams need to advance in the NCAA Tournament, making his season one of the best the Golden Eagles have seen in the last decade.
Jackson’s 2002-2003 statistics
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