Joey Hauser adjusting to life on campus at Marquette

Ben Steele
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Joey Hauser graduated from Stevens Point Area Senior High School early and is a redshirt freshman at Marquette.

It has been a whirlwind week for Joey Hauser, who quickly went from Marquette's top recruit to a redshirt freshman. 

First he had to cram in some extra exams to graduate early from Stevens Point High School. Then he had to get acclimated to campus life at MU, moving into campus housing and starting classes.

Amidst all those changes, he had to diligently continue his rehab from ankle surgery in December, which ended his high school career and started the process of enrolling early.

RELATED:Star basketball recruit Joey Hauser enrolled at Marquette this semester

"It was worth it," Hauser said. "I put in a lot of work just to get to this position that I'm in right now. When I finally got done (with high school), it felt good just to get it over with and done and have it pay off. Now that I'm here for a week, it's been a really good experience.

"So I'm glad I made the decision to come early. It was a hard decision for me and for my family. But it was the right decision."

Hauser has transitioned from a scooter to a walking boot. He's also taking advantage of the MU facilities and training staff.

"Hopefully I will get to some swimming soon," Hauser said. "Right now just lifting upper body with (director of sports performance) Coach (Todd) Smith. Getting treatment every day from (director of sports medicine) Coach (Brandon) Yoder, a big reason why I wanted to come here early and get my ankle all healthy."

Hauser's experience has been made easier with his older brother, sophomore wing Sam, on the team. Joey Hauser also became close with sophomore guard Markus Howard during the recruitment process.

"Having them there as my mentors, see how they go through practice, see the extra work they put in and what they do to prepare, it's really going to help me for next year," Hauser said. "And they're role models for everyone else on the team. I noticed that right away."

Howard thinks Hauser has fit right in.

"It's great having another guy, a really high-level kid," Howard said. "Really blends in with what we're doing here well. Just love having him around." 

Hauser has made his peace with missing out on trying to help SPASH win a fourth consecutive WIAA Division 1 title. He keeps in contact with his former teammates.

"They were really supportive of my decision," Hauser said. "I'm still in all the group chats, SPASH basketball group chats. So they're just wishing me good luck and I'm wishing them good luck."

MU coach Steve Wojciechowski has been impressed with Hauser making the quick adjustment.

"I think it's overwhelming," Wojciechowski said. "I don't think in his wildest dreams he imagined not finishing his senior season at SPASH. Unfortunately, the injury occurred and he couldn't play his senior year so coming down here and getting 100% healthy was the best option.  

"But still that doesn't make it easy. I think he's acclimated as well as you could hope for."

Hauser is also getting used to a new roommate, chatty sophomore center Harry Froling.

"He's really funny, likes to talk a lot. Got to tell him to keep his mouth shut once in a while," Hauser said.