Shaka Smart is no stranger to redefining and rebuilding college teams. His run with VCU in 2011 to his time at Texas, he has built up a reputation as a coach who does things his own way.
And now, he is at Marquette where he is leading the Golden Eagles to another strong season. They stand at a 23-9 overall record and a 13-7 finish in conference play. And no doubt their last game was one for the books!
So What’s Brewing Behind Shaka Smart’s Stand Against Agents?
Smart’s team went up against Xavier in the Big East quarterfinals. It was truly a fight to the finish, but Marquette managed to win with an 89-87 score. Kam Jones led the charge with 28 points, while Chase Ross added 16.
Now, those numbers are great for players, especially in the NIL era. But here’s where things get interesting!
Despite being the star of this season, Kam Jones has no agent! In an era where every player has representation, Jones’ Instagram simply reads, “Agent: @coachshakasmart.” And it’s all part of Smart’s unconventional approach to the NIL era.
Turns out, Smart is not simply avoiding agents. He is, in fact, actively shutting them out. According to Front Office Sports, he has told the recruits they don’t need an agent to get paid at Marquette. So, what is the point behind this stand?
Marquette basketball coach Shaka Smart has been refusing to negotiate with recruits’ agents this spring and is telling players they don’t need them, a source tells FOS.
Full story by @dpyoung13 ⬇️
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) March 13, 2025
Smart argues that the school’s NIL collective, Be The Difference NIL, will ensure players get the same deals with or without an agent. That is an extremely interesting movie, considering the fact that agents have become a quintessential part of the recruiting process in the last few years.
In fact, most athletes have representation before they even step onto a college court.
However, that is not the case at Marquette. Not a single scholarship player publicly lists an agent.
So what is Shaka Smart’s play here? Smart seems to believe that agents take unnecessary commissions and don’t actually increase a player’s earnings from Marquette. And he might just have a point that is worth considering.
Marquette is a private Catholic school without a football team, so its NIL budget isn’t unlimited. Even Dwyane Wade’s recent $3 million donation is mostly being used for facilities instead of NIL deals.
Smart simply wants to keep things in-house, relying on Marquette’s NIL GM Madison Dunker instead of outside agents. However, this is not without risks.
What Are the Downfalls of Playing the No Agent Game?
NIL attorney Darren Heitner believes there is a “0% chance” that another top-25 program is operating this way. Additionally, agents often bring better opportunities to the players they represent.
Something that the Golden Eagles are likely to miss out on going down this route. But when has Shaka Smart ever been one to follow trends?
Smart’s aversion towards the transfer portal is perhaps an example of the same. Marquette is the only Division I men’s team that hasn’t signed a transfer in the last three years. This move, despite being questionable, has been praised by players like forward David Joplin.
Still, agents aren’t entirely off-limits.
Just last year, when Tyler Kolek became a household name, Smart encouraged him to sign with an agent for off-the-court brand deals. So, is Shaka Smart making a genius move or setting himself up for disaster?
KEEP READING: Top 10 NIL Deals in Men’s College Basketball
While it is true that Marquette is winning, and Kam Jones is thriving, as the NBA Draft approaches, he will most likely still need an agent.
Whether Smart’s approach will continue to work in the long run remains to be seen. However, it does not seem like Smart will be backing down.
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