Hot wings. According to his Oakland University bio, that's Warren Marshall IV's favorite food. It makes sense. The 2025-26 season saw Marshall’s game start to take flight, operating around the perimeter while also not hesitating to attack the basket. And with his strong defense, the 6’6” guard brought energy, versatility, and a little heat to every game.
Whether he prefers Buffalo, Nashville hot, garlic parmesan, or sweet-and-spicy wings, one thing is certain: Marshall's game has plenty of flavor. And if last season was any indication, he could be the kind of player who gives opponents problems in a variety of ways. Scoring, rebounding, defending, creating opportunities for teammates, Marshall has the tools to stuff the stat sheet in his third season on the Blacktop.
The other local kid
As Oakland’s annual roster rebuild continues, with 11 new players suiting up in the black and gold, Marshall is one of the local kids who has stuck around to play for his hometown team. And he took a significant step forward last season as he earned more playing time after his freshman season saw him play in only three games before he went down with an injury. In his second season, his time on the court jumped to 12.5 minutes per game in 29 games, while totaling 101 points, 49 rebounds, and 18 blocks over the season.
Marshall scored a career-high 12 points against Defiance and matched that total against IU Indy, when he shot 6-for-7 from the field. He also displayed his defensive potential with a career-best five blocks against Cleveland State. Those performances offered a glimpse of the larger role he could fill this season. With additional playing time and continued development, Marshall has the length, athleticism and defensive versatility to become a valuable contributor in Oakland’s rotation.
So will he be the player who shows out as his playing time increases? A player who gets better each season, each game.
Maybe the next Eric Kangas, who went from 8.7 to 36.7 minutes per game and 1.9 to 17.8 points per game by his senior year?
Who knows if that's the best comparison. But like a plate of hot wings, Marshall is capable of bringing a little something different every night — scoring, defending, hustling — providing the kind of versatility the Golden Grizzlies need.
Words by Air the Bear · September 27, 2026
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