David Joplin's last lap at Marquette

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- One voice rings out above the crowd at Marquette games.

While David Joplin makes a statement on the court, his dad, Howard, does it from the sidelines.

"It helps me," David Joplin says. "It's like, thanks, dad."

Howard and Lisa Joplin have been at every game for the last four seasons. Home or road, David can always look up and see them. Or at the very least, hear them.

"Growing up, you hate hearing your dad. But it's been so long, been so many games. He was yelling at me playing in churches and in high schools and now I'm playing in arenas, and I can still hear him. It's a blessing and I smile every time I hear him."

"It's been nice to see the crowd react when he jumps up, and to know it's your son that's out there that's getting people excited," Howard Joplin says.

The Joplins have become the unofficial first family of Marquette basketball. Making their presence felt from the stands, but also at home, where they host players for Thanksgiving, Christmas and even the Super Bowl.

"We know all the other players now," Howard says. "So they feel like our sons also."

"I really love to see how much excitement, how much joy it brings them to be able to care for us," says David Joplin.

Staying in his hometown for college has been a boost for David. The Brookfield Central grad's transformed into a legitimate pro prospect averaging 15 points and five rebounds a game, with solid defense. All while his parents watch up close.

"We're just excited to be able to see it," says Lisa Joplin. "Just watching him from freshman year to now, it's just amazing."

"You imagine what they're going to be as men, but it's nice to see what he's grown into," Howard says.

David calls this season "the last lap." As he hits the homestretch, we asked the Milwaukee native what wearing the word "Marquette" on his chest means to him after four years playing here.

"I got better with my brothers, and they taught me so much," David says. "How to become a man, how to become a great player. It makes me emotional being the last year, last lap, but Marquette really is everything."