Marquette University’s men’s basketball program is gearing up for the 2026‑27 season, and the recent announcement of jersey numbers has sparked considerable buzz among fans and analysts alike. Each digit carries a story, linking current athletes to the rich tapestry of players who have previously worn them.
Ian Miletic will sport the #7 jersey, a number last seen on Zaide Lowery, while Colton Crowdis is set to become the first player to wear #6 for the Golden Eagles since the 1940s. Alex Egbuonu will don #21, a numeral that has not been consistently claimed by a single star since the era of Traci Carter, and Sananda Fru will wear #11, a digit steeped in tradition.
Ethan Johnston inherits the #33 jersey, a number previously associated with Jimmy Butler and Bernard Toone, both of whom left indelible marks on Marquette’s history. Meanwhile, Nolan Minessale will wear #4, a digit that last belonged to Gene Berce in 1948, the first Marquette player drafted by an NBA team and the first to score in an NBA game.
The program also honors its past in other ways: the #11 jersey was retired in tribute to the Apollo 11 mission that landed on the moon in 1969, and Tyler Kolek, a two‑time consensus All‑American, previously wore that number before his collegiate career concluded. Jimmy Butler, who wore #33, is widely expected to receive Hall of Fame consideration in the years ahead.
Legacy in Every Digit
These assignments are more than mere numbers; they are a reminder of the university’s commitment to preserving tradition while embracing new talent. As the roster takes shape, the excitement surrounding each jersey reflects a deeper narrative of legacy, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence on the hardwood.