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Jamal Collier: Doc Rivers being introduced this am as Bucks head coach. Says its a dream come true to be back in Milwaukee (he played at Marquette) On joining mid-season: “I’ve never done this, I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. It’s going to be a challenge. It's a challenge I'm running toward"
For Portis, it will be chance to be a part of a special opportunity for Rivers, who is returning to Milwaukee, the city where he attended Marquette University and became one of the school’s all-time great players. Rivers’ No. 31 already hangs in the rafters above the Bucks bench in Fiserv Forum, as he’s one of nine Marquette players with their jersey number retired. “Great voice,” Portis said of Rivers. “Someone obviously who has had success in this league, who has respect in this league. Big name coach. Top 15 coach of all time. You can go on and on, but (I) feel like he’s a great fit. “Obviously, his number’s in the rafters here, so what better team to coach? … That’s cool. Be on the sideline, then look up and see your name up there, that’s dope in itself. Great guy. Talked to him today. He’s on board with us and knows that the expectations of this team are really high, and I think he’s ready for it.”
Former Madison Memorial standout basketball player Wesley Matthews will be one of six Marquette University athletes inducted into the M Club Hall of Fame. Matthews, who also twice played for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA, attended Marquette from 2006-2009 and ranks among the top 10 in five career categories including scoring. He helped the Golden Eagles to 94 wins, four NCAA tournament appearances and was named All-Big East Second Team as a senior.
Neither of those two are strangers to Big East basketball; Butler attended Marquette University and Lowry attended Villanova. However, the trip to the game seemed a bit out of the way for the two stars. The Miami Heat faced the Boston Celtics on Friday, Dec. 2 and then flew to Memphis to face the Grizzlies on Monday, Dec. 5. While it isn’t exactly hard to make the trip from Boston to Rhode Island, it still seems a bit inconvenient for two NBA stars in the middle of a road trip. That just speaks to the magnitude of this game.
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Bulls rookie Justin Lewis suffers knee injury
Justin Lewis, an undrafted free agent whom the Chicago Bulls immediately moved to sign to a two-way contract, has suffered a knee injury and there is concern it could be diagnosed as a torn ACL, per sources.J The Marquette University product suffered the injury during an offseason workout away from the team after playing for the Bulls at NBA Summer League. The forward averaged 7.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks over 22.5 minutes while in Las Vegas.
George Thompson, one of the most prolific scorers in Marquette University's history, died from complications of diabetes, the school announced on Wednesday. He was 74.
One of Marquette University's most recognizable players returned to Milwaukee Sunday to accept an honorary degree from the school and serve as the commencement speaker during its graduation ceremony. Dwyane Wade spoke at American Family Insurance Amphitheater on the Summerfest grounds, telling 1,942 undergraduates and their families that he asked his 14-year-old daughter, Zaya, what she would want to hear. "Really nothing," Wade told the crowd, which roared with laughter.
Justin Lewis isn’t about to make a rash decision about his basketball future. Lewis, the Marquette University standout, is contemplating whether to return to college or pursue a career in the NBA. The 6-foot-7 forward is currently testing the NBA waters at this week’s NBA Combine in the Windy City.
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Don Kojis (1939-2021)
Don Kojis, the Rockets’ first All-Star, died on Friday in San Diego, his alma mater Marquette University reported. He was 82. Kojis played 12 NBA seasons, including three with the Rockets, enjoying his best season in 1968-69, when he averaged 22.5 points per game for the San Diego Rockets.
Sophomore guard D.J. Carton of the Marquette University men's basketball team is leaving the program to pursue a career in professional basketball. "I would like to thank Marquette University, Coach Smart and my teammates for their support throughout my decision process," Carton said. "I will be putting my name in for consideration in the 2021 NBA Draft and hiring an agent. I am thankful for the opportunity and looking forward to the next step in my career."
The Denver Nuggets have signed guard Markus Howard to a two-way contract, President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly announced today. Howard, 5-11, 180, went undrafted in the 2020 NBA draft after a prolific four-year career at Marquette University. In 29 games (all starts) as a senior in 2019-20, Howard led the nation in scoring, averaging 27.8 points per game, adding 3.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists, shooting 44.4% from the field and 41.2% from three in 33.2 minutes. He was unanimously named to the 2019-20 All-America First Team.
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