Marquette Basketball: Ranked High, But For How Long?

what is marquette basketball ranked

The Marquette Golden Eagles men's basketball team has been ranked in the AP poll for 32 consecutive weeks, starting in the 10th week of the 2022-23 season. The team has experienced a range of rankings, from reaching high rankings to dropping to lower positions. In the 2024-25 season, the Marquette Golden Eagles were ranked 7th and faced a defeat against the 10th-seeded New Mexico team in the NCAA Tournament. In another game, the team was ranked 20th and lost to UConn. The Marquette men's basketball team's performance has fluctuated, impacting their ranking in the AP poll.

Characteristics Values
Marquette Men's Basketball Team Ranking in AP Poll #18
Marquette Golden Eagles Ranking #7
Marquette Golden Eagles Score Against New Mexico 66
New Mexico Score Against Marquette Golden Eagles 75

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Marquette Golden Eagles' ranking history

The Marquette Golden Eagles men's basketball team has a rich history in NCAA Division I college basketball. The team, which represents Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has made 37 NCAA tournament appearances, including 30 NCAA Tournament appearances according to another source, with their most recent appearance in 2025.

The Golden Eagles have experienced both highs and lows throughout their history. During the 1922-23 season, they held an impressive 17–0–1 record and outscored their opponents 374–15. In the 1930s, the team continued its strong performance, posting seven shutouts and holding a 155–7 scoring margin. However, in the 1950s and 1960s, the program struggled, with their last successful season being in 1953. The team accumulated several years of budget deficits, and the football program was eventually dropped after the 1960 season.

The Golden Eagles joined the original Big East in 2005, having previously competed in various other conferences since 1988. They made their NCAA Division I debut in the 1989 season, winning five conference regular-season championships and two conference tournament championships. The team has had notable success in the NCAA Tournament, reaching the Final Four in 1974, 1977, and 2003, and winning the national championship in 1977. They have also produced several notable players, including Maurice "Bo" Ellis, who remains the only Marquette player to appear in two Final Fours.

In recent years, the Marquette Golden Eagles have continued to be a competitive force. In the 2018-19 season, the team finished with a 24-10 record and placed 2nd in the Big East Conference. The 2019-2020 season saw the team finish with a 19-13 record, including an 11-8 record in the Big East, tying for 5th place in the conference. The 2024-25 season saw the team ranked as high as 7th in the NCAA Tournament before losing in the first round.

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Marquette's ranking in the AP poll

Marquette Golden Eagles, the men's basketball team representing Marquette University, has been ranked in the AP poll for 32 consecutive weeks as of October 2024. In the preseason Associated Press poll, the team was ranked No. 18, marking their 32nd straight week in the rankings.

The Golden Eagles opened their season against Stony Brook on November 4, 2024, at the Fiserv Forum. They started the 2022-23 season ranked No. 5 in the preseason and fluctuated between third and 17th during the year, eventually finishing at No. 12. The team's longest streak in the AP poll was an impressive 166 polls in the 1970s.

In recent games, the Marquette Golden Eagles have faced some setbacks. They suffered a defeat to the seventh-seeded New Mexico in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, losing 75-66. Additionally, UConn defeated Marquette 72-66, marking them as the No. 20 ranked team in the AP poll at that time. These results indicate a decline in ranking for Marquette, as they were ranked No. 7 in the NCAA Tournament and No. 20 in the AP poll during these games.

Despite these recent losses, Marquette has consistently maintained a presence in the AP poll over the last two seasons, showcasing the team's overall competitiveness and potential for future success.

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Marquette's performance in the NCAA Tournament

The Marquette Golden Eagles men's basketball team has a rich history in the NCAA Tournament, with 37 appearances as of 2025. The team has experienced both triumphs and setbacks over the years, with their most notable achievements being their Final Four appearances in 1974, 1977, and 2003, and their national championship win in 1977.

During the 2002-03 season, Marquette made a memorable run to the Final Four, marking one of the best seasons in the team's history. This success was followed by a period of consistent qualification for the NCAA Tournament under the leadership of coach Buzz Williams. In the 2008-09 season, Williams guided Marquette to a 25-10 record, with their journey ending in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against the Missouri Tigers. The 2009-10 season concluded with a close first-round loss to the Washington Huskies.

The 2010-11 season saw Williams lead the Golden Eagles back to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in seven years. They defeated Xavier and Syracuse to advance but were then knocked out by Louisville in the quarterfinals of the Big East tournament. The 2012 and 2013 seasons were also successful for Marquette, as they reached the Sweet Sixteen in both years, losing to Florida and Syracuse, respectively. In 2013, they also won a share of the Big East Men's regular-season championship.

However, the 2013-14 season proved more challenging, with the team finishing with a 17-15 record and a loss to Xavier in the Big East tournament. The 2014-15 season was a struggle for Marquette, as they finished with an overall record of 13-19 and failed to qualify for any postseason tournaments. The team's performance improved in the 2015-16 season, thanks in part to the contributions of Henry Ellenson, who was named the Big East Rookie of the Year and first-team All-Big East. The Golden Eagles finished with a 20-13 record that year but were again defeated by Xavier in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals.

More recently, in 2025, Marquette made their 37th NCAA Tournament appearance, where they faced a tough defeat against New Mexico in the first round, with a final score of 75-66.

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Marquette's ranking compared to other Big East teams

Marquette Golden Eagles men's basketball team has been ranked in the AP poll for 32 consecutive weeks, starting in the 10th week of the 2022-23 season. In the preseason poll for the 2023-24 season, they were ranked 18th. The Golden Eagles were ranked throughout the entire 2022-23 season, starting at 5th in the preseason poll. Their highest ranking that season was 3rd, their lowest was 17th, and they finished at 12th.

In the 2024-25 season, Marquette was ranked 20th when they lost to UConn 72-66. They were also ranked 7th in the NCAA Tournament when they lost 75-66 to the 10th-seeded New Mexico.

In the 2024-25 season, Marquette was ranked 20th when they lost to UConn, but their ranking compared to other Big East teams is not provided. In the NCAA Tournament that season, they were ranked 7th, which was higher than their ranking earlier in the season. However, without information on the rankings of other Big East teams during this period, it is difficult to provide a direct comparison.

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Key players for Marquette's ranking

The Marquette Golden Eagles men's basketball team has a rich history, with 39 players making it to the NBA and a total of 7 NBA championships between them. The team has made 37 NCAA tournament appearances, most recently in 2025, and has a strong legacy of talented players. Here are some key players who have contributed to Marquette's ranking and success over the years:

Dwyane Wade

An iconic figure in Marquette's basketball history, Dwyane Wade is known for his explosive style of play and exceptional versatility. His impact on the program was significant, and he went on to a distinguished NBA career with highlights including three championships and 13 All-Star appearances. Wade is considered one of the greatest Marquette players of all time.

Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler embodies the hard work and determination associated with Marquette. Signed in 2008, he showcased his versatility and instincts as a defensive stopper. Butler played a pivotal role in guiding the Golden Eagles to the Sweet 16 during the 2010-11 season. He has since become a standout player in the NBA, known for his tenacity and all-around game.

Doc Rivers

A former Marquette player, Doc Rivers is now a successful NBA coach. His contribution to basketball extends beyond his playing career, and he is recognised as a key figure in Marquette's basketball heritage.

Butch Lee

Butch Lee joined Marquette in 1974 and played a pivotal role as point guard. Known for his quick first step, precise passing, and scoring ability, Lee was instrumental in Marquette's only NCAA Championship win in 1977. He earned NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player honours and is considered one of the most decorated players in the school's history.

Bo Ellis

A versatile big man with exceptional shot-blocking ability and defensive instincts, Bo Ellis joined Marquette in 1973. He was a key member of some of the program's most successful teams, including their run to the NCAA Championship in 1977. Ellis's impact was immediate, and he established himself as a dominant frontcourt player.

More recently, Marquette has seen the departure of promising players such as Dawson Garcia, Theo John, and Symir Torrence, but head coach Shaka Smart has successfully recruited key transfers and highly-rated recruits to bolster the team's performance.

Frequently asked questions

As of March 2025, Marquette Golden Eagles men's basketball is ranked No.20 in the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll.

Marquette Golden Eagles men's basketball was ranked No.3 in the 2022-23 season.

In the 2022-23 season, Marquette Basketball reached as low as No.17.

Marquette has been ranked in 32 consecutive AP polls, starting in the 10th week of the 2022-23 season. The Marquette men's basketball team's longest streak of being ranked was 166 polls in the 1970s.

Marquette Golden Eagles lost to UConn 72-66 and to New Mexico 75-66 in the NCAA Tournament's first round.

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