Marquette Basketball in 2025: A Team Built on Continuity, Not Transfers—But Can They Overcome Key Losses?
Shaka Smart isn’t chasing flashy transfer portal additions—he’s doubling down on loyalty and player development. For the fifth straight season, the Marquette Golden Eagles are betting on their system, their culture, and the growth of their returning roster. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this approach enough to compete in a modern college basketball landscape dominated by roster turnover?
Welcome to our annual preseason countdown of the top 100 college basketball teams! Each day, we unveil the next squad leading up to the No. 1 spot. Today, we spotlight Marquette Basketball, ranked No. 42 in our 2025 preview.
After a frustrating first-round NCAA Tournament exit last season, Shaka Smart is determined to prove his team can advance deeper in March. But first, they’ll need to navigate a season filled with uncertainty. Why? The Golden Eagles lost their three leading scorers—Kam Jones, David Joplin, and Stevie Mitchell—leaving Chase Ross (10.5 PPG last year) as the only returning double-digit scorer.
The Good News: Nearly every other rotation player is back, including:
- Ben Gold, the 6’11” stretch big man who shot 37% from three.
- Sophomore forwards Royce Parham and Damarius Owens, both of whom showed flashes of high-level potential.
- Sean Jones, a speedy guard returning from an ACL tear who could be a major X-factor.
And then there’s the freshman class. Marquette adds:
- Nigel James Jr., a top-100 point guard who could start immediately.
- Sheek Pearson, a lanky 6’11” forward with elite upside.
- Michael Phillips II, a reclassified 2026 prospect who was once a top-50 talent in his original class.
The Big Question: Can Shaka Smart’s player development magic offset the loss of star power?
Projected Rotation Breakdown:
- Point Guard: Nigel James Jr. (Fr.) – A playmaker with high IQ but zero college experience.
- Shooting Guard: Chase Ross (Sr.) – The de facto leader; can he elevate to All-Big East level?
- Wings: Zaide Lowery (Jr.), Damarius Owens (So.) – Defense and shooting will be critical.
- Frontcourt: Ben Gold (Sr.), Royce Parham (So.) – Size and versatility, but can they dominate consistently?
MVP Watch: Chase Ross
Ross isn’t a household name—yet. But with more usage, his efficiency (36.5% from three) and two-way impact could make him Marquette’s breakout star.
Make-or-Break Player: Damarius Owens
Owens’ late-season flashes (10+ minutes in five straight Big East games) suggest he’s ready for a bigger role. If he becomes a reliable scorer, Marquette’s ceiling rises.
Key Stat: Turnovers (or Lack Thereof)
Marquette averaged just 9.4 turnovers per game last year (9th-best nationally). With most of the same ball-handlers returning, their disciplined offense should remain a strength.
2025-26 Projections:
- Big East Finish: 4th
- Postseason Ceiling: NCAA Round of 64 (but a Sweet 16 run isn’t impossible if freshmen excel).
Controversial Take: Shaka Smart’s refusal to rely on the transfer portal is admirable—but in today’s game, is it too risky? Would one veteran addition have solidified this roster? Let us know in the comments: Should Marquette have pursued transfers, or is continuity the right call?
