Why Shaka Smart came to terms with the transfer portal at Marquette

Jon Rothstein sits down with Marquette head coach Shaka Smart for a mid-summer college hoops conversation. Jon and Shaka break down last year's Marquette struggles, using the transfer portal to fill certain gaps and what to expect from the upcoming Marquette roster. All that and much more from the 17-year head coach!

0:00 Intro + Shaka Smart joins the show
0:30 Shaka’s family and favorite vacation spots
2:00 The last half decade at Marquette
3:05 Comparing Shaka’s head coach jobs
4:10 How tough was last season? And missing the tournament
6:45 Growth from adversity vs. success
8:00 When did Shaka come to terms with the transfer portal?
10:00 Transfer portal: compliment instead of define?
11:20 Impressions of the 2026-27 version of the roster
13:10 Why Nigel James Jr. is poised to be the next great Marquette guard
14:30 Which returner makes the biggest jump?
15:30 The next steps for Adrien Stevens
16:55 The relationship with a player you recruited vs. a portal add?
19:10 Gaps that transfers will fill
21:15 The Big East and NCAA Tournament bids
23:00 Marquette’s nonconference schedule
24:00 One great win and one tough loss
26:35 Keys to Marquette being a Big East contender

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