Shaka Smart’s Team Stays Intact: Insights into Marquette Basketball’s Upcoming Season
The countdown continues! We’re unveiling our top 100 preseason college basketball teams leading up to the season’s start. Join us each day as we reveal the next team until we reach the top spot. Next in line: Marquette basketball.
Following a disappointing first-round exit in the NCAA Tournament last season, Shaka Smart aims for Marquette basketball to make a significant postseason impact. Yet first, they must ensure they qualify.
The Golden Eagles face more uncertainties this year than in recent seasons, as all three of their leading scorers from the previous year have departed. The only returnee who averaged double-digit points last season is Chase Ross.
However, the majority of the rotation is back, including big man Ben Gold and promising freshmen Royce Parham and Damarius Owens. Additionally, a substantial freshman class includes potential starting point guard Nigel James Jr. and prized recruit Sheek Pearson, with Michael Phillips II rated lower due to a classification change from 2026.
Sean East II, who missed last season due to an ACL injury, could step into a starting role or serve as a key player off the bench. Is the Marquette roster interesting? Absolutely. Is there talent? Yes, without a doubt. Will Shaka Smart continue to enhance player development year after year? Certainly. Following these indicators, Marquette is still a contender in the Big East, though it’s less certain than in past years.
Coaching and Previous Season Overview
Head Coach: Shaka Smart (5th season at Marquette, 17th overall)
2024-25 Record: 23-11 (13-7)
2025 Postseason Finish: First-round loss to New Mexico (75-66)
Notable Departures and Upcoming Schedule
Key Departures:
- Kam Jones (19.2 PPG, 5.9 APG, 4.5 RPG, 1.4 SPG)
- David Joplin (14.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.1 SPG)
- Stevie Mitchell (10.7 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.6 APG, 2.3 SPG, 35.8 3P%)
Notable Non-Conference Games:
- vs. Indiana (Nov. 9) – Chicago
- vs. Maryland (Nov. 15)
- vs. Dayton (Nov. 19)
- vs. Oklahoma (Nov. 28) – Chicago
- at Wisconsin (Dec. 6)
- at Purdue (Dec. 13)
Projected Rotations and Player Highlights
Projected Rotation:
- PG: Nigel James Jr. (Fr.) – 247Sports Composite #88 recruit
- SG: Chase Ross (Sr.) – 10.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG
- SF: Zaide Lowery (Jr.) – 4.1 PPG, 3.0 RPG
- PF: Royce Parham (So.) – 5.1 PPG, 2.2 RPG
- C: Ben Gold (Sr.) – 7.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG
- 6th: Sean Jones (Jr.) – Missed last season with an ACL injury
- 7th: Damarius Owens (So.) – 2.6 PPG, 1.2 RPG
MVP and Key Player Insights
MVP: Chase Ross returns as the fourth-highest scorer last season, poised for a notable senior year. While he may not yet be a star, he could very well secure a spot on the Second Team All-Big East with consistent performances.
Make-or-Break Player: Damarius Owens caught attention late last season, showcasing potential as a versatile player who may rise to prominence on a team that needs unexpected contributions.
Key Statistic: Turnovers
Marquette previously averaged just 9.4 turnovers per game, ranking ninth in the NCAA. With the bulk of the team returning, the goal is to maintain this efficiency as freshmen adjust to their new roles.
2025-26 Projections
Projected Conference Finish: 4th in the Big East
Projected Postseason Outcome: Exit in the first round of the NCAA Tournament
