Dwyane Wade: His History with Marquette

Retired basketball player Dwyane Wade has become a household name due to his star-studded career with not only Marquette’s own Golden Eagles but also with the NBA.

Dwyane Wade was born on January 17, 1982 in Chicago, Illinois. Coming from humble backgrounds, Dwyane Wade grew up with much hardship. With his parents divorced, four children to care for, his Mom a drug addict, and his Dad often not in the picture, Wade turned to basketball to distract himself according to his interviews in the documentary “Life Unexpected.” He played with his brothers and joined his high school’s team scoring an average of 24 points per game. His notable scoring in high school got him recruited to play for Marquette University in the year 2000 and continue his passion for the game of basketball.

The Marquette Golden Eagles basketball team (2000–2001). Dwyane Wade, pictured bottom left.

Dwyane Wade continued his success as a basketball player at Marquette University with his most notable achievements happening during his Junior year. In 2003, Dwyane Wade led the Golden Eagles to the Final Four. In the game leading up, Wade helped beat Kentucky in the Elite- eight with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. The all-star player was published in the Marquette Tribune and recognized as the Most Outstanding Player of the Midwest Regional by scoring 51 points over the course of two games. Dwyane is also the third person in Marquette University’s basketball history to score a triple-double and due to his many achievements, 2003 is ranked the best year for the Marquette Golden Eagles.

Dwyane Wade dunks at the Elite-eight game against Kentucky in 2003.

Following his titles at Marquette, Dwyane Wade went on to get drafted for the NBA and play for the Miami Heat. He played for Chicago, Miami, and Cleveland as well as for the US team in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. He has scored a spot in the NBA hall of fame and owns three world titles. Wade not only is a star on the court, but off the court he started and helps with a number of charities to inspire, share, and continue his passion with others. His legacy will not only live on through the NBA but through the Marquette Golden Eagles as well. Dwyane Wade beat the odds and showed athletes and people how to “be the difference.”