Milwaukee – Marquette University men’s basketball fans received a boost Monday as sophomore guard Damarius Owens indicated his intention to return to the program next season. The announcement came via an Instagram post, a team-edited video shared on both his personal account and the official Marquette Basketball Instagram page, with the caption “Nowhere I’d rather be.” The news arrives as head coach Shaka Smart prepares to reshape the Golden Eagles’ roster, a process expected to involve departures as Marquette navigates its scholarship situation.
Owens’ journey with Marquette hasn’t been without its challenges. Arriving with potential, the 6-foot-6 wing has faced setbacks in his first two seasons, battling injuries that limited his impact. As a freshman, a toe injury and later a groin injury requiring offseason surgery hampered his development. Through the team’s loss at Purdue on December 13th, he averaged just 2.6 points and 1.2 rebounds in 8.7 minutes per game, according to team statistics. Owens’ player profile details his commitment to the program.
A Late-Season Surge
However, the narrative shifted later in the season. Following changes within the team, particularly surrounding the status of Zaide Lowery, opportunities opened up for Owens. He capitalized, demonstrating noticeable improvement in his performance. Over Marquette’s final 21 games, Owens averaged 5.7 points and 3.1 rebounds in 18.7 minutes per night. He even earned his first career start during a road game at Georgetown when Royce Parham was a late scratch due to back spasms.
While not a consistently dominant force, Owens’ late-season contributions provided a glimpse of his potential. He finished the season shooting 27% from behind the three-point line, both overall and against Big East opponents, a statistic that highlights an area for continued development. Nevertheless, his increased playing time and improved numbers suggest a player gaining confidence and adapting to the college game.
Facing Forward Amidst Roster Changes
Coach Smart has openly discussed his intention to “evolve” the Marquette roster for the upcoming season, signaling potential changes through the transfer portal and recruiting. The team’s scholarship situation adds complexity, making roster management a delicate balancing act. Retaining Owens, despite his limited early contributions, offers Smart a player with demonstrated potential and familiarity with the program. It’s a calculated decision to provide a player with a chance to build on late-season momentum and contribute more significantly next year.
A concern heading into the offseason is Owens’ health. He concluded the season wearing a facemask after a collision during a game against St. John’s on February 18th. The extent of any potential injury remains unclear and the team will undoubtedly monitor his recovery closely to ensure he’s fully healthy for the start of next season.
Other Golden Eagles Confirming Return
Owens isn’t the only Marquette player signaling his return. Adrien Stevens and Royce Parham also posted “I’m back” videos on their respective Instagram accounts – Stevens’ post and Parham’s post – indicating their commitment to the program for another year. While these announcements were largely expected, they provide further clarity as the team prepares for the offseason.
The transfer portal is set to open in April, and Marquette, like many programs across the country, will likely observe both players depart and potentially add latest talent. Understanding the current roster situation is crucial as the team navigates this period.
Here’s a look at the current Marquette roster, as of April 1, 2024:
| Name | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Kam Jones | Guard | Junior |
| Tyler Kolek | Guard | Senior |
| David Joplin | Forward | Junior |
| Osy Nzeakor | Forward | Senior |
| Damarius Owens | Guard/Forward | Sophomore |
| Adrien Stevens | Guard | Sophomore |
| Royce Parham | Guard | Junior |
The coming weeks will be pivotal for Marquette basketball. The team’s success next season will depend on how effectively Coach Smart manages the roster, develops returning players like Owens, and integrates any new additions. The next key date to watch is the opening of the NCAA transfer portal in April, which will likely trigger a flurry of activity across college basketball.
What do you think of Owens’ decision to return? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow Marquette basketball fans.
