Marquette men's basketball faces significant challenges after key players declare for the NBA draft, creating holes that the current recruiting class may not fill adequately. The team's success hinges on utilizing the transfer portal to acquire versatile talent. With an open scholarship spot, coach Smart must navigate the evolving landscape of college basketball recruiting, where transfers play a crucial role in Final Four teams. Smart's track record with transfers and recruits like Morsell and Joplin highlights the importance of leveraging the portal for success in a competitive conference.

By the Numbers
  • Last season, Marquette men's basketball reached the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2013.
  • The recruiting class includes two promising first-year forwards, Damarius Owens and Royce Parham.
  • The team has one open scholarship spot to fill.
Yes, But

The reliance on transfers from the portal may introduce challenges in team cohesion and long-term development.

State of Play
  • Marquette faces the task of adapting to the increasing importance of the transfer portal in college basketball recruitment.
  • Coach Smart has successfully integrated transfers into the team, but the pressure to maintain competitiveness remains high.
What's Next

Marquette's future success hinges on effectively navigating the transfer portal to secure talent that aligns with the team's culture and playing style.

Bottom Line

Marquette must embrace the shift towards utilizing the transfer portal to remain competitive in college basketball, with Coach Smart's strategy and recruitment decisions playing a pivotal role in the team's future success.