MILWAUKEE -- In an era where college basketball coaches heavily rely on the transfer portal, Marquette University has taken a unique path under the guidance of head coach Shaka Smart. As the Golden Eagles prepare for their first-round NCAA Tournament game against New Mexico, the team’s emphasis on stability over transience is highlighted by the commitment of a core group of players who have remained loyal throughout their collegiate careers.
The Golden Eagles, boasting a 23-10 record, will face New Mexico (26-7) in Cleveland on March 21, 2025, marking another chapter in a successful run for the program. Uniquely, Marquette is the only power-conference team that has not signed a transfer from another Division I school since the 2022-23 season, showcasing a deliberate strategy to cultivate talent and relationships rather than quickly filling gaps through transfers.
Smart credits his senior class, which includes key contributors such as Kam Jones, David Joplin, and Stevie Mitchell, for fostering a strong team dynamic. Their presence has been instrumental in maintaining the program's integrity and competitive spirit. "It was absolutely a conscious decision," Smart stated while discussing the team’s approach to the transfer portal. "We value relationships. We value growth. We value victory. Those are very basic values." This philosophy echoes through his coaching style and focus on developing existing talent rather than seeking immediate upgrades from incoming transfers.
Since the 2022-23 season, only eight players have started a game for Marquette, a statistic that represents the fewest for any Division I team. This stability has contributed to a tight-knit environment that has earned the senior class the nickname, "the Guardians." Their unity reflects on and off the court, establishing a strong bond that has become a signature of the Marquette program. Mitchell captures this sentiment perfectly: “Just our connectivity... I couldn't imagine telling Kam or Jop or CB that I'm going to another school. It's the same way for them.”
Jones, an associated press All-America second-team selection, has made headlines for his scoring prowess, achieving a remarkable streak of 49 consecutive games with 10 or more points, the longest current streak in Division I basketball, and amassing 2,029 career points—placing him just behind Markus Howard in the all-time list at Marquette. His dedication to the team's cohesion reflects the very essence of the program’s mission under Smart's leadership. "We've really taken on his personality as a team, and that's one of the main things I love about this group," Jones emphasized, adding, "It gives us the confidence and the continuity to go after it as a team and come together and make each other stronger."
Mitchell’s contributions extend beyond his on-court performance; he has achieved the remarkable feat of being a semifinalist for the Naismith defensive player of the year and earned the Big East scholar-athlete of the year award with a stellar 3.97 GPA while studying a double major in finance and information systems. His academic excellence further enhances the reputation of the Golden Eagles.
As they prepare for March Madness, Joplin will make history as he plays his 139th game for the Golden Eagles against New Mexico, breaking a previous school record. This remarkable milestone illustrates the commitment of these players to the Marquette community.
Coach Smart recognizes the significant challenge ahead as key seniors like Mitchell, Joplin, and Jones prepare to leave the program this spring. This upcoming transition leads to questions about whether he will adapt his strategy and embrace the transfer portal, an approach that many of his contemporaries have resorted to. “It's definitely going to stress-test our way of doing things,” Smart observes. While acknowledging the realities of college basketball, Smart remains steadfast to his core philosophy of nurturing the players who contribute to the foundation of the program.
During a press conference preceding the NCAA tournament, Smart recalled the pressure he faced after his first season at Marquette, a time when Tyler Kolek suggested they recruit a big man. Instead of yielding, Smart opted to trust players like Oso Ighodaro and allow them to thrive. This commitment to developing players has yielded success, significantly impacting Marquette's winning tradition.
The upcoming matchup with New Mexico is not just a game to Marquette; it embodies the commitment to team-building over the chase of immediate results that has characterized their approach in an increasingly fluid college basketball landscape. As Smart prepares his team for the challenge, he is focused on prioritizing and pouring into the existing roster, proclaiming, “Yes, we believe in our way of doing things.”
The Golden Eagles have emerged as a notable force in college basketball, and their approach to maintaining team integrity while achieving success resonates deeply with fans and aspiring players alike. Their story is one of loyalty, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence—exactly what makes March Madness truly special.
