Marquette Golden Eagles preview 2026 college basketball season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 4, 2026, 3:12 PM
Last updated Jul 4, 2026
The Marquette Golden Eagles are gearing up for the 2026 NCAA basketball season under head coach Shaka Smart. After finishing with a 12-20 record and placing 7th in the Big East last season, they look to rebound. Key returning players include Nigel James Jr., who averaged 16.4 points per game, and Royce Parham, along with several key transfers like Sananda Fru and Nolan Minessale. The team aims for a stronger showing in the conference after a disappointing tournament exit last year. Marquette is anticipated to be positioned in the mid-range of preseason polls as they seek NCAA tournament contention.
- •Marquette finished 12-20, tied for 7th in the Big East last season
- •Top scorer Nigel James Jr. returns for his sophomore year
- •Sananda Fru joins the team as a key transfer from Louisville
- •Nolan Minessale averaged nearly 20 points at St. Thomas last season
- •Marquette likely to be ranked between four and six in preseason polls
- 3:12 PMYahoo Sports — “Around the Big East” Season Preview: Marquette Golden Eagles
"Dipping back into the transfer portal was a smart choice
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