Untucked in 1977: The Year of Marquette’s Jerseys

The jerseys were free flowing. Star Wars had just burst onto the scene. Elvis Presley only had a few months to live. And Marquette had just taken home their first national championship in program history.

But it all started with one man. Maurice “Bo” Ellis was an inspiration for the team throughout his fours year at the university. His leadership was on display everyday and when he wanted to create new jerseys for the basketball team, how could McGuire say no.

McGuire probably didn’t think much of Bo asking to create a new jersey. But after hours and hours of crafting a new uniform, Bo came the next day, put his drawing in front of Al, and showed him the cutting edge of jersey fashion.

McGuire had always known that Ellis had a talent in fashion design.

“He asked me what I wanted to major in and I told him fashion design,” said Ellis, who at that time was only a senior in high school. “Coach looked at me like, ‘You’re from the south side of Chicago and you’re interested in fashion designing?’

Shortly after that, McGuire arranged for Ellis to attend Mount Mary College and take an accredited fashion design course. He was the only male in the class.

Yet, it eventually paid off. By his third year in college, Ellis had created some jersey sketches and McGuire liked what he saw. That was the kind of leadership Ellis displayed. He didn’t care how unlikely it would be for a player to create a team’s jerseys. Ellis just kept on designing and creating something college sports had never seen. At this point, most teams were wearing plain jerseys and tucking in their shirts. But not Marquette. Not Bo Ellis.

A year later, Ulice Payne, a teammate of Bo’s during the championship run, reflected on his time with Ellis.

“When we lost Bo, we lost a lot of leadership,” Payne said. “Out on the floor you need someone who is directing the team, you need leadership.” (Marquette Tribune, 1988)

And that’s exactly what Ellis did. He’s the only Marquette basketball player to ever play on two final four teams. It takes a special player, and more importantly a special leader, to transform the players around them into a cohesive group of guys determined to take home the ultimate prize.

Not only did Ellis lead with his basketball play and fashion design skills, but he also lead the way in wearing his jersey differently.

Ellis decided to keep his jersey untucked because he claimed it hindered his ability to play. He complained that it was too tight and uncomfortable, so he kept it untucked and went out playing freely on the court.

That’s how Ellis is defined. Not by his two final fours or championship in 1977. But by his ability to create waves throughout the college world with his leadership. He lead the way in new jersey ideas way before Oregon was pumping out a new jersey every week for their football school. And this type of leadership inspired the team around them.

Marquette never did go on to win another championship, even with all the talent that has come and gone. Maybe it was the departure of McGuire. Or maybe it was the loss of a player who found a way to lead on, and most importantly off, the court.