The Marquette Golden Eagles men’s basketball team represents Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They compete in the Big East Conference in Division I of the NCAA. The Golden Eagles have a long and storied history as one of the most successful programs in college basketball.
Quick Facts About Marquette Basketball
Here are some key facts about the Marquette Golden Eagles basketball team:
- Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Conference: Big East Conference
- Division: NCAA Division I
- Home Arena: Fiserv Forum (capacity 17,500)
- First Season: 1916-17
- All-Time Record: 1,604-1,037 (.608)
- NCAA Tournament Appearances: 32
- National Championships: 1 (1977)
- Final Four Appearances: 3 (1974, 1977, 2003)
History and Traditions of Marquette Basketball
Marquette has a long and storied history in college basketball. Here are some key facts about the history and traditions of the Golden Eagles program:
- Marquette first fielded a basketball team in the 1916-17 season.
- They joined the Big East Conference in 2005 after previously belonging to Conference USA.
- Former players who had their jersey numbers retired include Don Kojis (4), George Thompson (20), Earl Tatum (24), Maurice Lucas (20), Butch Lee (12), and Dwyane Wade (3).
- Marquette won the NCAA national championship in 1977 under coach Al McGuire, led by stars Butch Lee, Bo Ellis, and Jerome Whitehead.
- They won the NIT championship in 1970 under coach Al McGuire.
- Marquette has made 32 NCAA Tournament appearances, including 3 trips to the Final Four (1974, 1977, 2003).
- Their home arena is the Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee, where they have played since 2018 after previously playing at the Bradley Center and Milwaukee Arena.
Key Coaches in Marquette History
Marquette has been led by some legendary coaches who have built the program into a perennial national contender. Here are some of the key coaches in Golden Eagles history:
Coach | Years | Record | Accomplishments |
---|---|---|---|
Tex Winter | 1953-1968 | 240-180 | – Led Marquette to first NCAA Tournament bids |
Al McGuire | 1964-1977 | 295-80 | – 1977 NCAA champions – 1970 NIT champions |
Hank Raymonds | 1977-1983 | 126-50 | – Reached NCAA Sweet 16 (1978, 1979) |
Rick Majerus | 1983-1986 | 56-35 | – Reached NCAA second round (1984) |
Kevin O’Neill | 1986-1988 | 29-29 | – Reached NIT second round (1987) |
Tom Crean | 1999-2008 | 190-96 | – Reached NCAA Final Four (2003) – Won Conference USA titles |
Buzz Williams | 2008-2014 | 139-69 | – Reached NCAA Sweet 16 (2011) |
Steve Wojciechowski | 2014-2021 | 128-95 | – NIT appearance (2015) |
Shaka Smart | 2021-Present | 30-27 | – 2022 NCAA Tournament bid |
Greatest Players in Marquette History
Marquette has produced many legendary players who had standout college careers and went on to NBA success. Here are some of the greatest players in program history:
Player | Years | Accomplishments |
---|---|---|
Don Kojis | 1959-1963 | – 2x All-American – Marquette’s first NBA player |
George Thompson | 1966-1969 | – 2x All-American – Program’s all-time leading scorer |
Dean Meminger | 1968-1971 | – All-American – Led Marquette to NIT title (1970) |
Bob Lackey | 1968-1971 | – All-American – Won NCAA scoring title (1970) |
Bo Ellis | 1972-1976 | – All-American – Key member of 1977 NCAA title team |
Butch Lee | 1974-1978 | – All-American – Most Outstanding Player of 1977 Final Four |
Jerome Whitehead | 1976-1978 | – All-American – Led team in rebounding 3 straight years |
Jim Boylan | 1977-1982 | – All-Big East – Marquette’s all-time assists leader |
Doc Rivers | 1981-1983 | – All-American – 13-year NBA playing career |
Dwyane Wade | 2001-2003 | – All-American – MVP of 2003 Final Four |
Marquette’s Home Arenas
Marquette has played in several different home arenas throughout its history in Milwaukee. Here is a look at the primary venues that have hosted Golden Eagles basketball:
- Milwaukee Arena (1956–1974) – This 10,000 seat arena was Marquette’s first true home court. They played some of their biggest games in the 1960s and early 1970s here.
- MECCA Arena (1977–1988) – After Milwaukee Arena was demolished, MECCA was built and became Marquette’s new home court. Their 1977 national championship team played here.
- BMO Harris Bradley Center (1988–2018) – This 18,000 seat arena in downtown Milwaukee was Marquette’s home for 30 years before being replaced by Fiserv Forum.
- Fiserv Forum (2018–present) – This new 17,500 seat arena opened in 2018 and is now Marquette’s modern home court facility.
Notable Games in Marquette Home Arenas
Some of Marquette basketball’s most famous games took place on their legendary home courts over the years:
- Marquette beat Ohio State 72-71 on January 21, 1967 at the Milwaukee Arena behind 32 points from George Thompson in an early statement win for the program.
- The 1977 Warrior team defeated UNC-Charlotte 51-49 in the MECCA in the NCAA Final Four en route to the national title.
- At the Bradley Center in 2003, #3 ranked Marquette defeated #2 Pittsburgh 77-74 in a thrilling game on the way to the Final Four.
- In 2018, the first men’s basketball game at Fiserv Forum saw Marquette defeat UMBC 67-54.
Marquette Basketball Traditions
Marquette basketball has many unique traditions that have developed over the past century and create a special atmosphere at Golden Eagles games:
- Marquette students often wear special t-shirts with creative slogans to games at Fiserv Forum to showcase school spirit.
- The “Brew Crew” student section cheers on the Golden Eagles with chants, songs, and synchronized dances during timeouts.
- Players touch a plaque dedicated to Al McGuire before running onto the court to honor the legendary former coach.
- Fans sing along to the “Ring Out Ahoya” fight song after big Marquette scores.
- The Golden Eagle mascot does an aerial flying routine from the arena rafters during player introductions to fire up the crowd.
- Marquette players partake in a pre-game soccer-style chant with students on the court right before tip off.
Marquette’s Classic Uniforms
The classic Marquette uniforms are light blue and yellow, featuring “Marquette” across the chest in white lettering with blue piping. Here’s a look at the history of the Golden Eagles uniforms:
- The original 1916 basketball uniforms were black and white.
- By the late 1920s they switched to blue and white uniforms with “Marquette” lettering.
- The light blue and yellow color scheme first appeared in 1961 under coach Eddie Hickey.
- Minor design changes have occurred over the years, but the classic “Marquette” lettering remains to this day.
- Numerous famous players like George Thompson, Butch Lee, and Dwyane Wade have worn the iconic Marquette uniforms.
The classic colors and lettering help make Marquette one of the most recognizable and stylish programs in college basketball.
Conclusion
In summary, the Marquette Golden Eagles men’s basketball team has a decorated history, dating back over a century. Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and playing in the Big East Conference, Marquette has had legendary coaches like Al McGuire and Hank Raymonds lead the program. Historic players like George Thompson, Butch Lee, Doc Rivers, and Dwyane Wade have donned the iconic light blue and yellow Marquette uniforms. After playing in venues like Milwaukee Arena and the MECCA, their Fiserv Forum is now home court. With 32 NCAA Tournament appearances, 3 Final Fours, and a 1977 National Championship, Marquette basketball has a storied tradition of success that their loyal fans expect to continue for years to come.