When it comes to college basketball, there’s always a heightened level of scrutiny and judgment placed on coaches. Every move they make is analyzed and criticized, especially when it comes to recruiting and player development. And when a coach handicaps themselves by choosing to do things the traditional way, the pressure only intensifies.
This is the case for Marquette head coach Shaka Smart, who has recently come under fire from fans after one of his players, Zaide Lowery, announced his decision to leave the program. Lowery, a regular starter for the Golden Eagles, started 8 games this season and was expected to play a significant role in the team’s success moving forward.
But instead of dipping into the transfer portal like many other coaches have done, Smart has chosen to stick with his traditional approach to recruiting and building a team. And while this may not be popular with some fans, it’s a decision that deserves respect and admiration.
In today’s college basketball landscape, the transfer portal has become a popular and often necessary tool for coaches. It allows them to quickly fill roster spots and address any weaknesses in their team. But for Smart, the transfer portal is not the answer.
Instead, he believes in developing players and building a team from the ground up. He values loyalty and the importance of building relationships with his players. And while this may not always result in immediate success, it creates a strong foundation for sustained success in the future.
This approach has been successful for Smart in the past. During his time at VCU, he built a program that consistently competed at a high level, despite not being able to recruit top-tier talent. And now, at Marquette, he is looking to do the same.
But this season has not been easy for Smart and the Golden Eagles. They currently sit at a disappointing 5-8 record and have faced numerous challenges, including injuries and COVID-19 related issues. And now, with Lowery’s decision to leave the program, the pressure has only increased.
But instead of turning against their coach, Marquette fans should be supporting him. Smart has proven himself as a successful coach and has a track record of developing players and building winning teams. He deserves the benefit of the doubt and the time to implement his strategies and build his program.
It’s also important to remember that Lowery’s decision to leave the program is not a reflection of Smart’s coaching abilities. Every player has their own reasons for transferring, and it’s not fair to place the blame solely on the coach. In fact, Lowery himself has praised Smart and his coaching staff for their support and guidance during his time at Marquette.
So instead of criticizing Smart and his traditional approach, let’s trust in his process and give him the support he needs to succeed. After all, he has proven himself as a successful coach in the past and deserves the opportunity to do the same at Marquette.
In conclusion, while others may choose to take the easy route and rely on the transfer portal, Shaka Smart has chosen to do things the traditional way. And while this may not always be popular with fans, it’s a decision that deserves respect and admiration. Let’s stand behind Smart and the Golden Eagles as they continue to work towards building a winning program.
