Earlier this year, Marquette Golden Eagles shocked the basketball world by getting D.J. Carton from the Ohio State Buckeyes. Carton left Ohio State after his freshman year and sat out multiple games last year citing mental illness. Still, Carton had to apply to be eligible this season. The NCAA, which moves the goalposts on these things far too often, gave the okay to Carton yesterday. He will be playing for the Golden Eagles next season. This is a huge step for Marquette and makes them more than just a fringe NCAA Tournament team.

BREAKING: The NCAA has granted @DJCarton a waiver and he is immediately eligible to play for #mubb in 2020-21 after transferring from Ohio State. Averaged 10.4 ppg. in 20 appearances last season and has three years of eligibility with MU. pic.twitter.com/cPYlZ7rI6Y

— Marquette Basketball (@MarquetteMBB) June 17, 2020

The lineup that Alan Bykowski, a contributor to Cracked Sidewalks, a Marquette blog, put together sounds like one that I could see to start next season. Carton will run the team at the point guard position and as Alan notes, there will be a lot of movement within the 2-4 position. Part of me wonders if Carton being more of a ball-handler than Markus Howard will help Koby McEwen. Remember last season, McEwen had to carry the ball up regularly and it led to multiple bad decisions especially late in the season. This could alleviate some of the pressure on McEwen. Marquette fans will have a close eye on him after an inconsistent 2019-2020 year.

The addition of Carton is especially needed for the non-conference season Marquette is about to enter. Even though Carton is a sophomore only, the experience he had playing in the Big Ten last season should help him overall. I’m very excited to watch Carton lead the team next season. It will be a different experience than Howard wit his ability to attack the rim along with being a solid three-point shooter. Marquette should like the position they’re in to start the 2020-2021 season.

Charlie.