And, of course, they are still trying to wrap their heads around why brothers Joey and Sam Hauser decided to transfer from what was projected to be one of the nation's best teamsnext season. He will still have to sit out a season as a transfer, but it will count towards his four years of eligibility, unless the NCAA grants him one more season because it was deemed a medical redshirt. But today, those far-flung championship dreams are almost certainly dead and the future of the program is in massive flux. MILWAUKEE -- Today is a hard day to be a Marquette Basketball fan, as Sam and Joey Hauser are leaving the University. "But moving forward in my basketball career, I have made the decision to transfer.". We asked Coach Anderson his thoughts on the developing story as the Hauser brothers look for a new program and speculation swirls about which team will snap them up. Wisconsin is also in the mix. I know theyve studied this through and through and they feel this is the best decision for them right now. When it makes more sense to assume there are problems, thats a problem itself. Now, those doubts have been magnified by two fan-favorite kids saying Adios at what, for all appearances, was the best time in many years to be a part of the program. Joey opted to transfer to Michigan State, where he's averaging. Both were expected to be key players next season for an MU team many thought would be among the best in the nation. Why do so many players leave Wojo? The chorus will get too loud not to answer if this season goes awry. If things end up better than expected, the administrators look like calm, thoughtful visionaries. Marquette Hauser brothers to transfer from Marquette . Redshirt senior Sacar Anim, redshirt sophomore Greg Elliott and sophomore Brendan Bailey will have to step up, but the potential to grow is there for all three. The brothers helped secure three consecutive WIAA Division 1 state titles for the SPASH Panthers in 2015, 2016 and 2017; the older, Sam, was a member of the first two title teamsand Joey played onall three. Its a tough dynamic because I know they've said and I talked to both of them the last couple of days and theyre very upbeat and positive about their future and theyve also been very positive about what they've done and what theyaccomplished at Marquettein the past. Marquettes potent frontcourt play and perimeter shooting went from first-rate to non-existent in one fell swoop. Hate to see that. Hauser brothers to leave Marquette men's basketball - TMJ4 They hail from Stevens Point, WI. Joey, a freshman forward, averaged 9.7 points and 5.3 rebounds. Herbert Hoover and the Great Depression. Marquette coach Steve Wojciechowski talks about Hausers' transfers Whether its because of a fractured relationship with the coaching staff, playing time concerns, future professional opportunities, fit within the school or something else entirely, it doesnt really matter as much now (though the details will almost certainly leak over the coming weeks). They settled on a decision to change schools for a better basketball fit. People rightly assumed Marquette would have won plenty with the three of them on the floor together. But this season was supposed to be the year. Joey, a 6-9 redshirt freshman, averaged 9.7points and 5.3 reboundswhile shooting 42.5% on threes. If they werent well-prepared for the rigors of sports in college, no one is. "I think all the options are on the table," Wojciechowski said. The pair of forwards toldJon Rothsteinthey also planned to visit Iowa, though no date was set. Both were heavily recruited and chose Marquette as their college of choice. Markus Howard decided he didnt need to test the NBA Draft waters and would come back to take care of some unfinished business. All but a couple role players were returning, plus a needed piece with Koby McEwen. The fact of the matter is that we're going to be really good.". All rights reserved. Sam Hauser grew into a big piece for Marquette the past two seasons, averaging 14.1 points as a sophomore and 14.9 as a junior. Having two competitive Division I programs practically down the street from each other, it was bound to happen. Just as quickly as the tides were rising on next year's potential, they came crashing down just as swiftly with the sudden and shocking news . While we don't know what Virginia or Michigan State's rosters will look like 18 months from now, having the Hausers on board for 2020-21 should prove to be crucial, given what players are expected to leave each school a year from now. Joey was good for 9.8 points per contest and shot 45 percent from the field. "But obviously losing two guys who played prominent roles, there may be people out there that can help usbe even better. The news comes three days after star-guard Markus Howard announced he is not declaring for the NBA Draft and will stay at Marquette for his senior season. The best guess is it was probably some of both. Report: Hauser brothers narrow focus to three schools Brothers Sam and Joey Hauser will transfer from Marquette following the conclusion of the current semester, the school announced Monday. Naturally, the University of Wisconsin men's basketball program quickly became one of the potential landing spots for the talented brothers from Stevens Point. The Golden Eagles lose the spacing provided by the Hausers' shooting abilities. Theres no beating around the bush: This is a bad look for Marquette Basketball. The Hausers departure leaves Marquette with three scholarships open for next season. The Wisconsin-Marquette rivalry has always been a tense one. Wojciechowski also will be under pressure toland astrong recruiting class, with Howard, Sacar Anim and Ed Morrow as seniors next season. Scholl also hears from a lot of frustrated MU fans. ". I can see Marquette being like it was this year again good, but not great, and prone to more issues as everyone knows things are on shaky ground, given it didnt seem to handle pressure and adversity well when it came in ever-increasing doses at the end of last season. The elder brother, Sam, is joining up with Virginia; he'll be sitting this season and will exhaust his final season of college eligibility in 2020-21. We are thankful for all that Sam and Joey contributed to our program and University during their time at Marquette and wish them the best of luck in the future, head coach Steve Wojciechowski said in a statement. Unfortunately, Im wondering if thats how this is all going to play out. pic.twitter.com/19wee8vARy I dont know. There's not a lot of places that can lose really good players and still be really good, and that's what we're going to be.". Wojciechowski will look at both traditional transfers and graduate transfers who could play immediately. 14. Michigan State basketball lands transfer Joey Hauser from Marquette I have no information from the boys and family. According to a source, the Hauser brothers were home in Stevens Point over the weekend. Methinks that has to happen. Sam has already burned three seasons of eligibility, so unless he is on-pace to graduate this spring, he will have to sit out one season before playing his final year with his new team. And I don't think it's fair to the kid, to be quite frank with you. But in talking to them recently, I think that they just are looking forward and feel like what they have left in their college career that they want to do it at a different place. Redshirt senior Sacar Anim, redshirt sophomore Greg Elliott and sophomore Brendan Bailey will have to step up, but the potential to grow is there for all three. There's plenty of dynamics in relationshipsbetween players and the coaching staff on any basketball team and that can sometimes change throughout a season. The Hausers are reportedly gone from Marquette. "First and foremost, I feel great about the guys coming back. Should the Hausers flip to Wisconsin, the Badgers' lineup would get a serious boost of lengthy athleticism. Boom-busts were a feature of markets. A team spokesperson confirmed the departure. I dont think that people leave. But moving forward with my basketball career, I have made the decision to transfer., This has been a difficult decision, but I have made the choice to transfer from Marquette and continue my college basketball career elsewhere, Joey Hauser said in his post. Lets hope you dont hear from me until the summer. "I saw Sam, who at that time was a sophomore. Like Sam, Joey will sit the 2019-20, per standard NCAA transfer protocol. However, a season of letting things play out and hoping they turn out better than expected is a reasoned approach. Will Howard average 40 shots per game on this team? Both are versatile wings in the 6'8"-6'9" mold. Wojciechowski also offered a full-throated appreciation of guard Markus Howard, who was a second-team All-American and Big East player of the year. Two brothers who have helped Marquette reach their recent successes are leaving . JUST THINK ABOUT THE BUCKS AND BREWERS AND HOPE I GO AWAY FOR A WHILE: Im hoping we wont have another blog until The Basketball Tournament. 2023 www.jsonline.com. Even with the potential for what next year could be, many wondered if the loose threads and snags the program has left hanging throughout the Wojo era would hold them back in 2019-20.