A 49-1 record over 50 games, sounds unbelievable, right? Yet, that’s exactly what the Golden Eagles achieved in their storied college basketball history. And now, one of the main figures behind that success, legendary Marquette star Jim Chones, has taken his rightful place among the all-time greats at Fiserv Forum. At 74, Chones becomes the 10th player to receive this prestigious honor, the first since Dwyane Wade in 2007. Wade didn’t miss the moment and stepped up to honor his senior with a special tribute.

Vice President & Director of Intercollegiate Athletics for Marquette University, Bill Scholl summed it up best. He said, “We are excited about the opportunity to honor one of the greatest players in the program’s storied history”. And he couldn’t be more right. During his Marquette career, Jim Chones dominated the court. He made 952 points and 583 rebounds in just 50 games. Can you imagine? And all these while leading the Golden Eagles to an astounding 49-1 winning record.

Wade ranked among Marquette’s all-time leaders in scoring average (19.0 PPG), rebounding average (11.7 RPG), and field-goal percentage (54.7%). Dwyane Wade knows the weight of this legacy and doesn’t wait to show his respect. Wade shared an image of Chones’ No. 22 jersey hanging right beside his own No. 3 jersey on his Instagram. Marquette Basketball’s official Instagram page originally captured and posted this moment. But Wade reposted the post with a message. A fitting way to show respect, right?

In the picture, Wade wrote, “Rare Air Congrts Jim Chones”. Two pretty simple words, “Rare Air” yet they carried the weight of Chones’ entire legacy. Wade wasn’t just congratulating Chones, he was acknowledging that Chones was now among the elite. Now, both Wade and Chones are part of Marquette’s most exclusive club. But here’s something you might not know, it’s not just the team honoring these players. The players themselves have given back many things to Marquette. Wade has personally donated to the university. How much? Let’s find out!

Dwyane Wade drops $3M bag on Marquette

Before Wade became an NBA champion, an eight-time All-NBA star, and a Hall of Famer, he was just a kid with a dream. He played for the Marquette from 2001 to 2003. In those two years, he led the Golden Eagles to the 2003 Final Four. He made a name for himself there. 

Two decades later, Wade is still making his mark at Marquette, now through financial contributions. During last year’s game against Villanova, he made an unbelievable announcement. He announced that donate $3 million to the university. One of the largest gifts ever from a former student-athlete. But this wasn’t just about numbers, it was about legacy.

“Marquette shaped me into the person I am today,” Wade said. And now, he’s shaping the next generation. Do not confuse this donation as a tribute to his past. It’s more of an investment for the future generation. The money that he donated, now supports Milwaukee’s summer reading program for kids and funds the Wade Scholars program. It also provides opportunities for low-income students in the state. Wade didn’t do it for the headlines or recognition. He did it because he believes in the next generation and Wade wants them to make an impact on society just like he did. As he said, “This is an opportunity to hold that door open for our next generation.”

On the court, Wade was a generational talent. Off the court, he’s proving to be just as impactful. A great player and an even greater man. Isn’t he? What do you think?