They say history repeats itself, but Dwyane Wade isn’t here for a rerun—he wants a new ending. Ranked 4th in their Big East conference, the Marquette Golden Eagles have complete support from Dyane Wade. As they gear up for March Madness as the No. 7 seed in the South Region, they’ll be going up against No. 10 seed New Mexico. This marks their fourth consecutive tournament appearance under head coach Shaka Smart, and Wade isn’t about to let his alma mater step onto the court without the right mindset. Instead of sugarcoating the challenge ahead, he’s hitting them with some cold, hard truth.
Wade, never one to back down from a challenge, teamed up with fellow Marquette alum Travis Diener for a powerful message. “Win. Anyway. Narrated by: @dwyanewade + @dienertravis,” read the caption of an inspiring video shared by Marquette basketball’s official Instagram. The video isn’t just about hyping up fans—it’s a call to arms.
It features Wade and Diener reflecting on the program’s identity, reminding players of the grit that defines Marquette basketball. A clip from Wade’s CBS interview also makes an appearance, where he recalls leading the Golden Eagles to the Final Four in 2003. Back then, it was the Kentucky Wildcats who were considered favorites for the title. And once again The Flash feels that his alma mater is being overlooked.
Marquette’s journey to March Madness carries the weight of history and the urgency of the present. Dwyane Wade’s 2003 Final Four run set a high bar, and now, under Shaka Smart, the Golden Eagles aim to surpass it. “They’re counting you out just like they always have,” Wade says in the video. “This program is built on response. March doesn’t care how you got here. It only cares what you do next. Don’t wait for opportunities. Take them. It doesn’t matter what went right or wrong. What matters is what’s in front of you.”
Diener backs him up, emphasizing the team’s no-nonsense approach. “We don’t panic, we prepare. No five-star treatment, no shortcuts—just work.”
For those unaware, Marquette has only claimed one national title, all the way back in 1977. They’ve made 17 Sweet Sixteen appearances and reached the Final Four three times, including Wade’s unforgettable run in 2003. But if there’s one thing Wade seemingly wants, it’s for this squad to go even further than he did.
A closer look at Dwyane Wade’s run at March Madness back in 2003
Before he became an NBA legend, Dwyane Wade was just a college kid making Marquette believers out of everyone. In 2003, he didn’t just lead his team—he dragged them, step by step, to their first Final Four in 26 years.
It started quietly—15 points in a narrow win over Holy Cross. Nothing to write home about. But then? Dwyane Wade flipped the switch. He torched Missouri with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, pushing Marquette into the Sweet 16 for the first time in nearly a decade.
Then against No. 2 Pittsburgh, he stayed relentless, dropping 22 points in a 77-74 thriller. Marquette was rolling, but now came the real test: No. 1 Kentucky. The title favorites. The team everyone thought would steamroll them. But Wade had other plans.
He exploded for 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists—one of the greatest triple-doubles in NCAA history—leading an 83-69 beatdown that left Kentucky stunned. The dream ended against Kansas in the Final Four, yes, but not before Dwyane Wade left his mark with 19 more points.
By the time the dust settled, Wade had averaged 21.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists that season. Call it dominance, call it magic—either way, his 2003 run remains one of March Madness’ greatest solo performances. But now what The Flash seems to want is for his former program to emerge on top in this season’s NCAA run.
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