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Shaka Smart Is a Program Builder at Marquette. But He Says It’s Time to Dig Into the Transfer Portal
After a 12-20 season, Smart said the Golden Eagles will keep using the transfer market to rebuild around a returning core and two new additions.
- Marquette head coach Shaka Smart announced he expects to utilize the transfer portal every year moving forward, marking a significant shift from his previous four-year strategy of avoiding Division I transfers.
- The decision follows a 12-20 season that snapped four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, prompting Smart to abandon his previous prioritization of long-term development of freshman and sophomore classes.
- Marquette signed forward Sananda Fru, who started 29 games for Louisville, and 6-5 guard Nolan Minessale from Minnesota, with Smart seeking players combining competitiveness and strong work ethic.
- Since 2021, recruiting has evolved significantly, Smart noted, with faster decisions reducing in-person visits while agent involvement and Zoom communication became standard practice in the process.
- Led by Big East freshman of the year Nigel James, incoming freshmen integrate with Fru and Minessale as the Golden Eagles attempt to bounce back from last season's struggles.
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14 Articles
Associated Press News+10 Reposted by 10 other sources
Shaka Smart is a program builder at Marquette. But he says it's time to dig into the transfer portal
Marquette coach Shaka Smart didn't add any Division I transfers for a four-year stretch. Now he expects to add them every offseason.
·New York, United States
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Part 1: Marquette's Shaka Smart on culture, NIL and building through the transfer portal
With name, image and likeness opportunities reshaping college basketball, Marquette's Shaka Smart acknowledged the landscape has changed — but he said what happens inside the facility has not.
·Milwaukee, United States
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Total News Sources14
Leaning Left5Leaning Right2Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Center
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
46% Center
L 39%
C 46%
15%
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