MILWAUKEE — Former Marquette men's basketball coach, Buzz Williams, is very proud of his two former players in NBA finals.

Jimmy Butler and Jae Crowder are both starting for the Miami Heat this season.

Buzz Williams, now the coach at Texas A&M, talks about bringing Butler and Crowder to Marquette. 

Dennis: “When I watch Jimmy Butler and Jae Crowder play, I think of you. When you watch them play what do you think of?”

Buzz: “Yeah great question. I actually think of their story, I think of how it all began. Sometimes, I think of specific moments that we shared, maybe that would be off the floor, maybe during practice or during a game. I think back to Scott Monarch, who was such a long time assistant at Kentucky Wesleyan where Corey Crowder played which is where the initial context of our recruitment of Jae began. I think back to all of the people that were involved, all of the things that occurred for this moment to take place.”

Dennis: “When you guys were together at Marquette, could you have foreseen their future? Did you know they would be long time pros?”

Buzz: “No Sir. I'm sure you know this because we were together at that time, but Jimmy worked out for 17 teams. It wasn't as if anybody thought he was going to become what he became. Even now, like when you watch Jae and Jimmy, were they supposed to even make the playoffs? Maybe. Were they supposed to win round one? No. To make it to the finals? Of course not, but that kind of mirrors their career.”

Dennis: “I know things are strange now because of the pandemic. I have to imagine if things were normal, you'd be attending the games, but are you able to stay in touch with those guys?”

Buzz: “Yeah, all the time. They were texting me pictures in the locker room after the game 6 win over the Celtics and, of course, they're being kids. Obviously, it's an achievement of a lifetime and they're taking pictures and texting me. Look what you created look what you did ha ha ha. Yeah I have a great relationship and talk with those guys all the time.”