Former Duke basketball teammates reuniting in Milwaukee, for now

Duke basketball alum Marques Bolden has a chance to make it with the Bucks.

Matt Giles | Sep 21, 2022

Duke basketball players Marques Bolden and Grayson Allen on left (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)

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On Wednesday morning, the official site of the Milwaukee Bucks added Marques Bolden to the team's roster after the franchise inked the former three-year Duke basketball big man to what is presumably an Exhibit 10 contract.

That Bucks roster is now 19 deep entering training camp but must reduce to 15 for opening night in four weeks. It includes two Blue Devils; the other is former four-year Duke basketball treasure Grayson Allen, a teammate to Bolden in Durham for two seasons (2016-17, 2017-18) and now in his second year in Milwaukee.

Some see it as unlikely that the 6-foot-10, 250-pound Bolden will still be in Wisconsin when the season begins. After all, he's yet to enjoy anything more than a brief stint with any NBA franchise. And as Hoops Rumors' Luke Adams noted, if the Bucks waive him, the Utah Jazz affiliate Salt Lake City Stars still own his G League returning rights.

Nevertheless, it's worth noting that the Milwaukee roster contains seemingly little depth at the center position. So perhaps the former five-star recruit from Texas has at least an outside shot at remaining with the Bucks alongside Allen and carving out a reserve role in his fourth year as a pro.

Last season, he played 20 games for the Stars in the G League, averaging 12.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 31.0 minutes per outing.

Marques Bolden, who went undrafted after starting 21 games as a junior for a thrilling Duke basketball squad that featured Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett, has seen action in seven NBA games. Those appearances came via 10-day and two-way contracts with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country for daily Duke basketball content.

Published Sep 21, 2022

MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.