Marquette Golden Eagles head coach Shaka Smart was hired in 2021 and he instantly became a beloved figure in the university and most of Wisconsin because of his energetic and players’ coach style.
The lack of deep finish in the NCAA tournament, however, is one reason why he only received a B+ grade from CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander who wrote a lengthy piece assessing the performances of coaches involved in the infamous coaching carousel that happened four years ago.
During this time, 55 out of 79 Power Five schools committed to new big brains in their coaching staff. Marquette is among them as they hired Shaka to replace Steve Wojciechowski.
Golden Eagles had a losing record in 2020-2021 season, 8-11 in the conference and 13-14 overall. They were ninth overall in the Big East.
They did not reach the NCAA tournament that time.
Smart came and they were able to turn things around.
The last season, however, was a disappointment as they started it strong but then finished the season with losses to underdog teams.
Shaka Smart gets B+ as Marquette Golden Eagles HC
Norlander acknowledged that Smart has done great things for Marquette. And so, he gives him a B+.
Through four tours in Milwaukee, Smart’s done the job — and remember, he quietly dipped out of Texas in order to get this gig. When news broke he was next up at MU, it was a semi-stunner. Smart is 98-41 (.705), has captured two Big East championship trophies, made a Sweet 16 and brought the Golden Eagles back to consistent relevance. Marquette’s been ranked for 54 weeks in the past four seasons, amounting to nearly 75% of the time since Smart came on.
Popular Marquette fan site, however, finds this grade low.
It argued that Smart was able to develop future NBA players among others.
Shaka’s B+ grade seems a tad low IMO, but tied for 2nd best in the class behind Otz seems about right.
BEast Double
Best NCAA seed in #mubb history
Best season in KP history
Most MU Ws in 3 year run
2nd most MU Ws in 4 year run
3/4 NBA draft picksDeep NCAA run only missing https://t.co/LZAnOQ9ACX
— Paint Touches (@PaintTouches) April 30, 2025
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