The 2024-2025 Men’s Basketball team had a season to remember. With talented returners and impressive additions, the Purple Raiders were ready to show Raider Nation what they were made of this year. Senior Marcus Steele is a standout player for the Raiders. Watching Steele on the court, his passion for the game shines through, but his effort and energy helps pave the way for the team. Steele leads the team in assists averaging about three assists per game.
“I give most of the credit for my assists to my teammates, without their shot-making ability, none of it would be possible. But I also believe experience plays a major role in being a good facilitator. After four years of college basketball and countless hours of watching film, I’ve developed a better sense of where my teammates will be when the defense collapses, allowing me to find the open man more effectively,” stated Steele. He has a drive to win and wants to succeed.
Steele’s dedication to the game and grind on and off the court contributed to his success this season; “Individually, I’d credit my success this season to my consistency in the gym and dedication to improving my craft. Regardless of whether I have a great game or a tough one, I’m always in the gym with my teammates, getting shots up and working on my weaknesses to keep improving throughout the season. As a team, our tenacity has been a major factor in our success. With so many new faces, ups and downs were inevitable, but the way we’ve responded to setbacks has defined who we are. More than just a team, we’ve built a true brotherhood,” said Steele.
The team had a final record of 18-9, (14-4 in conference). February 27th began Mount Union’s OAC tournament run where they played Heidelberg at Mount Union in the semi-final game. The Raiders took the win with a final score of 77-66 advancing to the OAC Championship game. Steele made mention that fans could expect a “determined and hard-fighting team throughout the OAC tournament.” The Purple Raiders took on John Carroll at John Carroll on March 1st, they put up a fight and fell just short of an OAC Championship with a final score of 82-69.
“I give most of the credit for my assists to my teammates, without their shot-making ability, none of it would be possible."
Steele in his last season as a Purple Raider recognizes that basketball is more than just a game, and Mount Union is more than just a college. Marcus is a transfer student where he joined the Mount Union family two years ago, and he has enjoyed his time as a Purple Raider. “My past two years at Mount Union have been an incredible experience. The coaching staff has taught me so much about the game of basketball, but more importantly, they genuinely care about us as people first. The brotherhood I’ve built with my teammates is something truly special, and I will cherish those relationships forever. Beyond that, the entire Mount Union community has been a blessing, their unwavering support at our games means the world to me,” noted Steele. When Marcus is out on the court you can tell he truly cares and is excited to be out there playing the game he loves. Steele will be missed as a Purple Raider. As the next chapter of his life will begin in a few short months as graduation approaches, he hopes to have left a legacy that will make an impression on future Raiders. “I hope that when I leave Mount Union, future Raiders will remember me first and foremost as a good person and someone who always gave their best effort. I never wanted to be seen as lazy or undeserving of what I had earned. That’s why every day, I strive to lead by example for those coming after me, pushing myself to work hard, not just on the basketball court, but in the classroom as well,” said Steele.
At the end of the day Steele’s college basketball career cannot last forever, but the memories made will last a lifetime. To Steele, basketball is more than just a game; “Basketball means everything to me. My love for the game grew from the way it brought my family together. Some of my most cherished memories are of playing in the driveway with my two older brothers and my dad, while my mom cheered us on from the porch. Those moments not only strengthened our bond but also sparked my passion for the game.” From growing close to his family through the game, to turning college friendships into lifelong bonds, Marcus Steele is ready to take these connections with him in the real world as graduation nears. Those at Mount Union are ready to cheer on Steele at more than just the game of basketball, they are ready to cheer him on in the game of life as he is destined to succeed.
