Marquette Star Tyler Kolek Rips Jersey After Stunning Upset Loss to NC State

Getty Image / Patrick Smith

March Madness is full of dreams, and full of dreams being crushed. Marquette guard Tyler Kolek is the latest example of that, as he was very distraught after the Golden Eagles lost to North Carolina State in the Sweet 16 on Friday.

Second-seeded Marquette had a terrible shooting night at the worst time, as they shot 33% in the game. That’s not going to be good enough in March, and they lost to eleventh-seeded Cinderella NC State, 67-58.

Kolek, now a two-time All-American after being named to various All-American teams this year, was one of the few bright spots for Marquette.  He had 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists on 6-13 shooting. That’s not the best efficiency, but it’s a heck of a lot better than the team in general.

Marquette, Tyler Kolek, and head coach Shaka Smart had aspirations of a national title. But, they will not get back to the Final Four since  their run with Dwyane Wade in 2003.

Tyler Kolek did not take the loss well, to say the least.

If you’re wondering about the garment he’s wearing under his jersey, that tracks heart rate and movement, among other biometric data for programs to use.

Anyways, thousands of players who have played and lost in March Madness feel for Tyler Kolek. He does have another year of eligibility if he wants it. That being said, he may have his eyes on the NBA after four years.

If he does decide to go pro, I wonder if he will keep his ripped jersey. Maybe he will want nothing to remind him of the night Marquette shot 4-31 from three-point range.