Fourth-year wide receiver Marquis Buchanan is known for his receiving yards and catches on the football field, but his talent extends off the field and onto the basketball court.
Buchanan grew up in Providence as one of five children, where sports played a major role in his upbringing. While he took his first steps on the football field when he was just eight years old, Buchanan also found a second passion by picking up a basketball just a year later.
At Classical High School, Buchanan made a name for himself on the basketball court. As a junior in 2021, he was named Rhode Island Coaches Association Basketball Player of the Year and earned a First Team All-State selection. He averaged 18 points per game and played a key role in leading his team to a Division II championship that same season.
Despite his success in basketball, Buchanan eventually made the choice after his junior year of high school to pursue football when URI offered him a football scholarship. However, basketball remained an important part of his life, especially within his community.
Buchanan’s connection came full circle when he returned to the Davey Lopes Recreation Center, the same place he grew up playing. He was approached by the very program that he played in growing up to come back and coach kids in his community.
“I played there since I was nine,” Buchanan said. “When a position opened to coach, I said, ‘Why not?’ I can’t play anymore, so I might as well teach kids how to play basketball.”
These youth teams play from early winter until about March, which is when workouts and summer basketball camps begin, according to Buchanan.
Providence Recreation not only consists of basketball, but a general after-school session with the goal of the program being to keep kids of Providence busy and to try to keep them off the streets.
“We’re a small state,” Buchanan said. “My goal is for them to teach them what I’ve learned… Ways to navigate through and how to handle different situations.”
Now, Buchanan coaches multiple youth teams: U8, U12 and U14. On the court, his teams have shown strong performances. In their most recent games, U8 and U14 defeated the Zuccolo Recreation Center.
The U14 team stood out in particular, knocking down 10 three-point baskets in the first half alone. Standout point guard Anthony Gomez led the way, using his quickness to get to the rim while also distributing the ball effectively to his teammates.
Buchanan’s coaching style mirrors that of Steve Kerr, generally calm and composed, but able to raise intensity when necessary. He emphasizes discipline and accountability, holding his players to high standards while also fostering a supportive environment.
Through coaching, Buchanan continues to give back to the same community that helped shape him, using basketball as a way to mentor and guide the next generation.
