Saturday is the day the last remaining hurdle that Shaka Smart is yet to clear stares him down for the fourth time. It is red and white. It reads “Wisconsin” along the top. It goes colloquially by Bucky. It has grown every year he’s been at Marquette and now, after zero wins and three losses to those whom it embodies, its presence is larger than itself. Almost larger than him.
Saturday is also an opportunity. To clear said hurdle, however tall it lords. To exorcise past demons.