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A Marquette-style tourney bracket

By April Beane

Remember Dean “the Dream” Meminger and Jim Chones sporting the infamous blue-and gold-striped Bumble Bee jersey at the 1969–70 NIT? How about the untucked jersey Bo Ellis designed for the men’s basketball team, the one players wore as the 1977 NCAA champions? Those are just two examples of a storied uniform history that carries more than a little cachet as a trendsetter in college basketball.

This year, as fans make their March Madness team selections, they'll also have a different kind of tourney grid opportunity — one that pits jersey vs. jersey in Marquette’s first Jersey Tournament, with proceeds supporting the Blue & Gold Scholarship Fund.

Vote once, vote often and build up the fund.

Eight jerseys are competing in the first-round bracket, and the “final four” will advance to the second round, etc., based on voter response until one victor jersey is left standing as the all-time favorite chosen by fans. Before casting votes, take a quick look at a few of the stats behind the first-round contenders.  

2012 Today’s alternate jersey is brought out for the big games. The baby blue is a nod to uniforms dating from the 1970s.

2003 This jersey was worn for Marquette’s first appearance in the Final Four since the 1977 championship.

1993 The team wore this jersey to its first conference championship in school history.

1981 The camouflage uniform of the 1980s (away and home versions) was worn by Glenn “Doc” Rivers and Michael Wilson.

1977 Adopted for comfort, not style, this trendsetting jersey was designed by player Bo Ellis — who had an interest in fashion design. The team went on to win the 1977 NCAA championship and Coach Al McGuire retired at the peak of his career. The jersey was banned by the NCAA after the 1983–84 season.

1974 The team sported multicolored trimmed jerseys in the Final Four match-up against North Carolina. This design still influences the jersey worn by the Golden Eagles today.

1969 The Bumble Bee uniforms were worn by Dean “the Dream” Meminger and Jim Chones when the 1969–70 men’s team won the NIT. The NCAA banned the jerseys in 1972, claiming the stripes were too distracting to opposing players, especially when Marquette players jumped up and down.

The Marquette Jersey Tournament has concluded. The 2012 Golden Eagles' jersey won the championship round.