As we look back on the 2025-26 Marquette men's basketball season, it's time to dive into the individual performances that shaped the Golden Eagles' journey. Today, we're breaking down the sophomore season of #9 Damarius Owens—a campaign that left me with a positive overall impression, even if it wasn't a flawless, front-to-back success story.
When we previewed Owens before the season, the bar was set fairly low based on his freshman numbers: just 2.6 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 9.5 minutes per game. The BartTorvik.com algorithm projected a major leap—21 minutes a night, 7.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. Realistically, I had him slotted behind Zaide Lowery in the rotation, not quite cracking the starting five behind Sean Jones, Chase Ross, and Ben Gold. But being part of that fluid guard-and-wing rotation? Absolutely in the cards.
And boy, did Owens deliver on that potential—especially after Christmas. His season was a tale of two halves, with the second half showing the kind of growth that gets Marquette fans excited about his future. It's hard not to flash back to the very first thing he did as a freshman: a steal leading to a breakaway and two free throws after a Maryland foul. That aggressive, opportunistic play was a sign of things to come.
The defining moment of his sophomore year? For me, it's the Iowa State game. With Chase Ross sidelined early due to an ankle twist, Marquette needed someone off the bench to step up in a hostile Hilton Coliseum. Owens answered the call with 11 points, two rebounds, an assist, and a block—including a scorching 3-for-4 from beyond the arc. That kind of composure in a raucous road environment is exactly what you want to see from a developing player.
For fans rocking their Marquette gear, Owens is a name to watch. His trajectory suggests he's not just a role player but a potential difference-maker as he continues to refine his game. Whether he's starting or providing a spark off the bench, his ability to rise to the occasion makes him a key piece of the Golden Eagles' puzzle moving forward.