Leaning on Leadership - Marquette University Athletics

For Caedin Hamilton, leadership begins with something he can bring to Marquette every day, whether he is on the court or watching from the sideline as he currently recovers from injury.

Energy.

"I lead a lot with my energy," Hamilton said. "It's easy to follow. It doesn't take talent; it's one of the controllable things we do. I think if we lead with high energy, a lot of good things will come our way."

Hamilton and fellow junior Royce Parham have stepped up in significant ways, serving as vocal leaders and primary sources of energy for the team, while also helping underclassmen understand and embrace the expectations of the program.

Marquette's returning players bring a familiarity with one another and with head coach Shaka Smart's approach. They understand the team's culture, expectations, and the leadership that's required down the stretch, as well as through the challenges of a long season.

Hamilton has seen those demands firsthand. His time at Marquette includes the Golden Eagles' run to the 2024 Sweet 16, giving him the opportunity to learn from different teams and the players who led them. His growth in leadership has been vital to Marquette's preparation for this season.

With Hamilton out to begin the season, he is finding ways to apply those lessons without being on the court. His ability to bring energy, encourage his teammates and hold them accountable remains an important part of his role while he prepares for his return.

"We pride ourselves in always being first team ready," Hamilton said. "It's one of the things that we always preach, and I think it's one of the biggest things I can focus on. Being positive and focusing on being the best I can be whenever Coach [Smart] calls on me."

For Parham, greater responsibility comes with expanding his contribution on the floor in multiple ways.

Following Marquette's annual Blue & Gold scrimmage on Oct. 3, Smart pointed to both Parham's offensive development and his growing influence within the team.

"He's a guy I would like, in most games, to lead us in shot attempts, if possible, because when he gets a lot of shots, especially around the basket and open threes, good things happen," Smart said. "He's become much more well-rounded with his game. He's also become much more of a leader which is exciting."

Hamilton and Parham have different opportunities to lead, but both are being challenged to give more to their team each day, allowing their individual leadership and understanding of team culture to help set the expectation.

For Smart, what helps with establishing the culture and expectation is the relationships amongst the players.

"The guys set the culture," Smart said. "It comes down, primarily, to the guys in the locker room, and first and foremost their level of love, trust, and acceptance for each other. We have a really good group from that standpoint up to this point."

Smart has made Marquette's in-game culture a preseason emphasis, focusing on how players communicate, support one another and respond when a possession or a stretch of play does not go their way.

"There's a very specific thing, which is between the time that the ball goes up in the air and the final buzzer, that's your in-game culture, how you act, interact, and respond in the game," Smart said. "I felt like, for a variety of reasons, we weren't where we needed to be to start last year in that respect. So, that's an area of emphasis for us as we move towards November 2nd."

As the opener approaches, Marquette's focus remains on turning its chemistry and preseason preparation into consistent play. Hamilton's energy and Parham's growing voice will help guide that effort, particularly when the Golden Eagles need to regroup and respond together.

Marquette opens the season against Mercyhurst on Nov. 2 at Fiserv Forum.

Related News

Players Mentioned

Caedin Hamilton

Royce Parham

Related Videos