Marquette Golden Eagles’ point guard Tyler Kolek has been out of action since February 28 due to an oblique injury, missing the team’s last six games. Despite hopes for his return during the Big East Conference tournament, he remained sidelined, including during the final where Marquette lost to UCONN. Head coach Shaka Smart, in an interview with CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, humorously addressed inquiries about Kolek’s status, indicating that Kolek is expected to return for the upcoming game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.
The Golden Eagles, with a 23-8 record for the season, are positioned as a two-seed in the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year, aiming for a deep tournament run. Kolek’s presence is crucial for Marquette’s success, given his significant contributions during the regular season with an average of 15.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 7.6 APG in 28 games. The team’s potential matchups in the tournament include tough opponents like the Florida Gators, Houston Cougars, and Kentucky Wildcats, with a possible rematch against the Wisconsin Badgers in the Elite 8.
While Marquette boasts other talented players like David Joplin, Oso Ighodaro, and Kam Jones, Kolek’s return is seen as pivotal in their quest for a deep tournament run, potentially culminating in a Final Four appearance or even a national title.
