The Milwaukee Bucks may be the most-followed basketball team in the city, but they are far from the only one. Both the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Marquette University have their teams playing their games downtown. As most fans know, the Bucks share Fiserv Forum with Marquette in the same way they shared the Bradley Center before.

Milwaukee Bucks, Hakeem Olajuwon
Unknown Date; Houston, TX, USA; FILE PHOTO; Houston Rockets center #34 HAKEEM OLAJUWON in action against the Vancouver Grizzlies at the Summit during the 1996-97 season. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports (c) Copyright USA TODAY Sports

The Bucks and Marquette are also linked, at the moment, by the fact that Milwaukee’s head coach, Doc Rivers, is an alumnus of the university. Jae Crowder, who spent the last season and a half with the Bucks, also went to Marquette.

Interestingly, a former Bucks lottery pick, as well as a NBA legend, played a huge role in the university landing one of its biggest (literally) prospects.

Seven-Foot Center Josh Clark Committed to Marquette University

Marquette, Shaka Smart, Milwaukee Bucks, Josh ClarkMar 29, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles head coach Shaka Smart during the first half in the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Last week Friday, seven-foot center Josh Clark from Clements High School in Houston, Texas committed to Marquette after visiting the campus:

“I saw the name and saw that he was an unsigned senior, so made a couple calls and turned on my computer and went to the EYBL live stream,” Smart said. “Started watching him and was like, man, this guy’s a real prospect. He’s got a real chance.”

Clark averaged 11.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game as a senior.

Former Milwaukee Bucks Point Guard TJ Ford and NBA Legend Hakeem Olajuwon Helped Josh Clark Develop as a Player

Milwaukee Bucks, TJ Ford, Hakeem OlajuwonUnknown Date; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Houston Rockets center #34 HAKEEM OLAJUWON in action against the Miami Heat at the Miami Arena during the 1994-95 season. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports (c) Copyright USA TODAY Sports
Also according to Steele, Coach Smart decided to contact Clark’s mentor prior to inviting him to campus. Clark’s mentor happens to be Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, who has spent his years in retirement working with big men.

Of working with “The Dream,” Clark is quoted by Steele as saying:

“But most of my game, I would say, came from Hakeem. Him being a mentor, basically, my whole high school career. It’s really a blessing. Because I would say he’s the best to ever play the center position, in my opinion. A lot of people say the same.”

Clark also revealed that one of the people who has worked with him the most on his game is former Bucks lottery pick TJ Ford, who was drafted in 2003:

“We have a good relationship. He teaches me a lot of the shooting side of the game and guard work and everything like that.

“Him and his brother, they do a lot for me. Let me get shots up in the gym and stuff like that.”

Ford went to college at Texas and played for the Bucks for three seasons, though he missed one of them with a back injury.

For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content

Mayfield Sports Marketing

Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for your corporate appearance or product promotion.  Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers players or alumni appearance cost and booking fee, please call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.

Radtke Sports

Wisconsin Sports Heroics is proud partner with Radtke Sports to offer autographed memorabilia. Brett Favre, Rob Gronkowski, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and MORE Guaranteed Authentic Collectibles and Memorabilia including signed jerseys, photos, and more at www.RadtkeSports.com USE promo code: WSH for FREE SHIPPING on your purchase. Some restrictions may apply