Relationships. Growth. Victory.
The Shaka Smart Era Begins
Shaka Smart has been named the 18th head coach of the Marquette University men's basketball program, Vice President & Director of Athletics Bill Scholl announced on Friday, March 26th.
Shaka Smart Arrives in Milwaukee Sunday Afternoon
Shaka Smart and his wife, Maya, arrived in Milwaukee Sunday and spent the afternoon touring the Al McGuire Center and Fiserv Forum.
Help us welcome @CoachShakaSmart home! We can't wait for you to meet the @MarquetteU and #mubb community on Monday! @BIGEASTMBB pic.twitter.com/F23Muwv0B4
— Marquette Basketball (@MarquetteMBB) March 28, 2021
Maya, Zora and I are absolutely thrilled to join the Marquette family...I am extremely excited to get to Milwaukee to begin building relationships and getting to work on the court!- Shaka Smart
Watch: Shaka Smart Arrives At Marquette - Behind The Scenes
Shaka Smart Formally Introduced to Marquette Community
Shaka Smart spent Monday on the press tour - filming video, recording messages and taking photos, before heading to the Al McGuire Center arena for his introductory press conference.
I was born in Madison, I spent my whole childhood in Wisconsin. It's phenomenal being back. But the reason I came back is Marquette. That's why I'm here.- Shaka Smart
Shaka Smart was introduced as the 18th Marquette men's basketball head coach on Monday, March 29 at a press conference in the Al McGuire Center. Joining Shaka was his wife, Maya. He was introduced by President of Marquette University, Dr. Michael Lovell and Vice President & Director of Athletics, Bill Scholl.
“Shaka Smart and Marquette are a perfect fit. Shaka is one of the best coaches in college basketball and more importantly, he is an even better man. His character and work ethic epitomize Marquette basketball.”
- Doc Rivers
As you get to know him, I know you will agree that he is an excellent fit for our basketball program, and even a better fit for our university.- Dr. Michael R. Lovell, Marquette University President
You can't possibly overstate what a great fit he is for this storied program. Not only is he an outstanding basketball coach, he's a man of great principle, and that is critical to Marquette and Marquette basketball.- Bill Scholl, VP & Director of Athletics
Shaka will bring a style of play to Fiserv and to the Al McGuire Court that fans will love to watch. To our incredible fanbase, I would simply say this; Get ready for some hoops, this is going to be a thrilling new era of Marquette basketball!
I think it's really important to engage with the fan base...- Shaka Smart
To me, the best programs separate themselves from other programs in that there's a very distinct, special relationship between the players and the fans, and part of my job as the coach is to help cultivate that.
.@CoachShakaSmart acknowledges the impressive list of #mubb alumni, including the mentorship of @DocRivers. #WeAreMarquette pic.twitter.com/QEJGlpbCg3
— Marquette Basketball (@MarquetteMBB) March 29, 2021
You want to have seasons where you're able to put something up in the rafters, whether it's a Big East regular-season championship, a Big East tournament championship...the ultimate goal is to advance to the Final Four or beyond.- Shaka Smart
I'm so excited to be a part of the Marquette nation!- Shaka Smart
Watch: Shaka Smart Introductory Press Conference
Photo Galleries
Gallery: Shaka Smart Facility Tour
Gallery: Shaka Smart Press Conference
