Among their summer league invites, the Milwaukee Bucks have extended one to popular Marquette forward David Joplin. In his senior season, Joplin finished second on the team in scoring at 14.2 points per game. He did all he could to keep the Golden Eagles in the NCAA Tournament, pouring in 28 in a first-round loss to New Mexico. The Milwaukee native now gets a chance to extend his basketball career with his hometown team, who invited him to summer league. He isn’t high on anyone’s radar, but perhaps he shows enough to stick around in the team’s G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd. Either way, it’s nice to see him with an opportunity to impress.
Milwaukee Bucks, David Joplin, Marquette
Mar 8, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles forward David Joplin (23) celebrates after scoring a basket during the first half against the St. John’s Red Storm at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Fans Thrilled by Joplin’s Opportunity
Marquette reporter Ben Steele of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported the news on Sunday morning, to the delight of fans on social media.
Marquette’s David Joplin has received an invitation to be on the Milwaukee Bucks’ summer league team, according to his agent Barry Aberdeen.
From Brookfield Central to #mubb to getting a pro shot with his hometown team.
— Ben Steele (@BenSteeleMJS) June 29, 2025
“Awesome!,” “Best of Luck,” and “Winner” were among the reactions that punctuated the comment section. Joplin spent all four years of his college career as a Golden Eagle, a noteworthy feat in today’s transfer portal and NIL era. He played 139 games, including 71 as a starter the past two seasons.
David Joplin, Marquette, Milwaukee Bucks
Mar 21, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles forward David Joplin (23) reacts in the second half against the New Mexico Lobos during the NCAA Tournament First Round at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
In addition to points per game, 2024-25 saw him set career highs in rebounds (5.4) and steals (1.1). He enjoyed a bounceback season at the free throw line, where he boosted his success rate to 80.9%.
Listed at 6-foot-8 and 225 pounds, Joplin has the size to play either forward spot. While he had some moments and demonstrated impressive strength in college, he isn’t super polished or athletic. Joplin is not a great rebounder, facilitator or an efficient scorer, but he was a solid bucket-getter at the NCAA level. He has enough of a bag, anyway, to attract a summer league invite from the Bucks. For that, especially as a guy on no one’s big board or mock draft, he deserves a lot of credit.
In the summer league, he will join 47th overall pick Bogolijiub Markovic and undrafted free agent Mark Sears of Alabama. In the NBA draft, fellow senior and teammate Kam Jones went 38th to the Pacers.
Marquette Basketball, David Joplin, Milwaukee Bucks
Jan 24, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles forward David Joplin (23) shoots during the second half against the Villanova Wildcats at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Joplin eclipsed 20 points eight times last season at Marquette. Given a bit of free reign in summer league play, hopefully he has a chance to showcase his multi-level scoring game playing alongside the other young Bucks. Tipping off versus the Nuggets on July 10, Milwaukee has also scheduled games against the Cavs (July 12), Clippers (July 13), and Bulls (July 16).
For More Great Wisconsin Content
Follow me on X at @ezsniper14 and follow us@WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports,click here!