Dixon remains (OR NOT) USC's Top Choice To Replace Floyd

[pimpinthebox]

This would've made things uneasy around here if Miller had stayed (although I don't think Dixon will go)...

http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/ci_12626797

Glad we don't have to bother with it since we have a solid replacement with Mack in the fold.

[Xman95]

Uneasy...yes. But I think it's also a move everyone would have understood. It's also a move that wouldn't have allowed Miller to slap us in the face on the way out the door. The reasoning wouldn't have to go beyond the "I'm honored to have a chance to coach at my alma mater" type of comments. Money, status, and all of those things would be accepted as secondary. I don't think anyone would have faulted Sean for taking the Pitt job, considering it's also a high level job where he played.

Obviously the Arizona situation was different because it was about the money and Miller couldn't admit that. And it only added more fuel to our fire when he tried to create other reasons and started making comments that essentially ripped Xavier.

Of course, as you stated, we have a great replacement in Mack and these things don't seem to be an issue for a long, long time. And, as I watch how things progress, I have a feeling we might have traded up once again. Assuming Mack can be a good game coach (though I realize not all coaches are), we should be even better. He seems to have held true to his word and assembled the best staff XU has ever had. They all appear to be very good recruiters, the stories I have read give the impression they can all coach, and they all seem to be good guys. If those hold true, the Mack hiring will only take us to a higher level.

[doubleXman]

If Dixon left for USC (not happening), $ean Miller would probably drop AZ and take Pitt, if and only if they offered more money, because thats how he rolls

[West is Best]

Before we played them in the Sweet 16, Miller didn't have much to say about Pitt and Pitt fans didn't have anything complimentary to say about Miller. I don't think it would happen regardless.

[XU05and07]

AAAAHHHHHH...Chris Mack to Pittsburgh!!!!!! AAAAAHHHHHHH

[XU 87]

If Dixon left for USC (not happening), $ean Miller would probably drop AZ and take Pitt, if and only if they offered more money, because thats how he rolls

You're wrong on both counts. And I really get tired of reading posts that state that Miller is this evil unethical person who is the second coming of Bob Huggins.

Miller was arguably the best coach in Xavier history. Besides going to a Sweet 16 and an Elite 8, he also raised the recruiting bar. And he won games and got top recruits the right way. In short, he was a great coach who did things the right way.

Now I'm not real pleased about the Parrom recruitment. But that doesn't take away from what Miller did, and how he did it, while he was at X.

[Raoul Duke]

This should be in 'Around the NCAA'

[goxavier84]

Let's think about this as well. If Pitt hypothetically opened up and Miller went there (which I really doubt would have happened, we would be in a much worse position with recruiting, coaching staff assembly/familiarity with system of play, and season planning. Miller leaving in April allowed Xavier time to get things running, which would not have been the case with a June/July departure (like what happened with Matta prior to our 17-12 no postseason 2004-2005).

As for Miller's move, I think it's time to start thinking about the future/present of Xavier basketball instead of arguing back and forth about a personal choice made by a man, who most people doing the arguing don't actually know personally.

The past is past the future is now, let's be excited about the continued growth of our wonderful program.

[Masterofreality]

Let's think about this as well. If Pitt hypothetically opened up and Miller went there (which I really doubt would have happened, we would be in a much worse position with recruiting, coaching staff assembly/familiarity with system of play, and season planning.

Questionable. Parrom would have already been on campus in summer school as would Kyryl (hypothetically). That is one reason why coaches want those guys in school early. Once they take a class, they would then have to transfer if they want to leave- thereby having to sit out a year and probably nixing any thought of leaving.

We would have hired the same coach- Chris Mack- and still had our recruiting class basically intact. The other coaches like Book probably would have gone to Pitt. But, bottom line, the timing of the desert raccoon's slinking off couldn't have come at a potentially more damaging time- at least for this year's recruitng.

[XU 87]

But, bottom line, the timing of the desert raccoon's slinking off couldn't have come at a potentially more damaging time- at least for this year's recruitng.

Please see my post above.

[Juice]

I hope Dixon does go to USC just so Sean can be disappointed in not being able to take the Pitt job. I say this assuming he wouldn't be dumb enough to leave the Arizona job.

[Masterofreality]

Please see my post above.

I read it. We just agree to disagree, '87.

[XU 87]

From everything I've read on Rivals, Sean had no interest in the Pitt job.

[Masterofreality]

From everything I've read on Rivals, Sean had no interest in the Pitt job.

Well, there was no "job" to be interested in. In fact, there still isn't one now. Could be, though. Who knows? It's just all speculation anyway. If he did have, he sure wouldn't say it now since he's already moved up to driving a "Lexus" fom that crappy Buick.

I was just commenting on whether it would have been better if raccoon left earlier or later. My opinion is that if he left later, better for X. As it was he was able to rip a hole in this year's recruiting class.

[AviatorX]

I don't care how much Jamie Dixon "loves the West coast" (I'm really sick of hearing this angle played up, btw), could he really be dumb enough to leave Pitt at this point late in the game to become captain of the USC ship that is already halfway under water?

[xeus]

From everything I've read on Rivals, Sean had no interest in the Pitt job.

Everything I've heard indicates the same.

[xeus]

But, bottom line, the timing of the desert raccoon's slinking off couldn't have come at a potentially more damaging time- at least for this year's recruitng.

He could have "slinked off" 3 years ago and recruiting never would have gotten to this level in the first place. Just a thought. (I'm entitled to my opinion, right?)

[gladdenguy]

Its 6:40 on Friday night and Sean Miller still sucks.

[XU 87]

He could have "slinked off" 3 years ago and recruiting never would have gotten to this level in the first place. Just a thought. (I'm entitled to my opinion, right?)

and here we go

[XU AZ]

And out of left field Kevin O'Neill is hired

Espn article (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4274459)

[An X Fan]

Kevin O'Neill is a great choice. At least since Kelvin Sampson and Jim Harrick were not available. Wow.

[Masterofreality]

And out of left field Kevin O'Neill is hired

Espn article (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4274459)

Nothing like slamming that "Lexus" right off a Santa Monica Mountain cliff and right into Topanga Canyon.

Nice choice. Steve Lappas was the other consideration.

[danaandvictory]

Was a bag of dicks not available?

[Xman95]

Was a bag of dicks not available?

No, the bag was recently hired by Arizona.

[DC Muskie]

Kevin O'Neill? Kevin O'Neill? Why didn't USC jusr decide to drop basketball all together? That would have been easier.

Seriously, Kevin O'Neill?

[XUglow]

It is official. USC really doesn't care about basketball.

[ballyhoohoo]

No, the bag was recently hired by Arizona.

i would rep you but it will not let me

[Cheesehead]

Kenin O'Neil is one of the biggest dicks in all of college basketball. I know; I have followed Marquette for years and the guy wears out his welcome everywhere he goes. He also tend to bail when things get a little tough; i.e., Marquette, Tennessee, Northwestern, etc.,

[AZWildcat]

Kevin O'Neill? Kevin O'Neill? Why didn't USC jusr decide to drop basketball all together? That would have been easier.

Seriously, Kevin O'Neill?

Not too many reputable coaches are willing to jump into a program facing major sanctions. Once the sanctions are done with and O'Neill has worn out his welcome, (as usual) there's little doubt they'll make another run at Dixon or some other big name coaches.

At this point, O'Neill is a throw-away coach. But he recruits well and has a squeaky clean image. That's exactly what USC basketball needs at this point.

[Fred Garvin]

Not too many reputable coaches are willing to jump into a program facing major sanctions. Once the sanctions are done with and O'Neill has worn out his welcome, (as usual) there's little doubt they'll make another run at Dixon or some other big name coaches.

At this point, O'Neill is a throw-away coach. But he recruits well and has a squeaky clean image. That's exactly what USC basketball needs at this point.

That's interesting about his "squeaky clean" image. I saw Wilbon go off on this guy today because he didn't like him when he coached at his alma mater(Northwestern).

This is one of those things I hate about the media. I call it the Valvano contradiction. A guy can be a full fledged cheater like Valvano or Calipari, but because he is media friendly he is aces in their mind. Conversely, you get little rope if you're abrasive like Knight yet do things the right way.

[Masterofreality]

Based upon a piece in Sporting News online this morning, it appears that the desert raccoon is now creeping in to take recruits that were originally slated to go to USC. Nothing like luck following you, huh?

At least maybe that means that he'll finally get out of Xavier's kitchen and stealing stuff from our pantry.

Sporting News Today (http://today.sportingnews.com/sportingnewstoday/20090623/?sub_id=D2yd81IYYvDYB&folio=CGI)

[Xman95]

That's interesting about his "squeaky clean" image. I saw Wilbon go off on this guy today because he didn't like him when he coached at his alma mater(Northwestern).

This is one of those things I hate about the media. I call it the Valvano contradiction. A guy can be a full fledged cheater like Valvano or Calipari, but because he is media friendly he is aces in their mind. Conversely, you get little rope if you're abrasive like Knight yet do things the right way.

Barry Bonds vs. Mark McGwire/Sammy Sosa. One was an a-hole to the media, the other two were all smiles and farted roses. In return, one was treated like the spawn of the devil when going for a record, the other two were worshipped like gods. The media is an insanely powerful combination of machine and monster. Machine: it has the ability to build up or tear down anyone/anything it wants. Monster: you're never quite sure how/when it's going to react and strike.

[DC Muskie]

That's interesting about his "squeaky clean" image. I saw Wilbon go off on this guy today because he didn't like him when he coached at his alma mater(Northwestern).

Wilbon is a knobber. Seriously, don't listen or read anything he says.

[AZWildcat]

Based upon a piece in Sporting News online this morning, it appears that the desert raccoon is now creeping in to take recruits that were originally slated to go to USC.

Or maybe said recruits are looking elswhere since the coach they committed to is no longer coaching there. Just a thought.


Nothing like luck following you, huh?

So, was it just "luck" when Miller was landing good recruits for Xavier? That seems to be what you're implying here.


At least maybe that means that he'll finally get out of Xavier's kitchen and stealing stuff from our pantry.


Newsflash. When a coach leaves a program, so do some of the players and recruits. And most recruits commit to a coach, not a school. Master of Reality, or Master of Bitterness? Pick one. You can't be both.

Plus, I'd bet my bottom dollar that you weren't moanin and groanin when USC was "creeping in" to "steal" Arizona commit Solomon Hill after Lute Olson stepped down. No need to elaborate. I already know the answer.

When coaches leave, so do players and recruits. It's part of the game. Get over it already.

[DC Muskie]

Get over it already.

Take your own advice and stop hanging out here...especially in June.

[XU 87]

question for AZWildcat: why are you here?

When Matta left Butler to come to Xavier, I don't recall spending time on the Butler board months later.

[XU 87]

Not too many reputable coaches are willing to jump into a program facing major sanctions.

Are you referring to Crean going to Indiana? Or maybe when Pitino went to UK? Or maybe Matta going to Ohio State? Or maybe when Gonzaga's old coach went to Minnesota?

[AZWildcat]

question for AZWildcat: why are you here?

When Matta left Butler to come to Xavier, I don't recall spending time on the Butler board months later.

Because this is a good place to check for info and updates on future Zona recruits who were once thinking about playing for Miller at Xavier. Not trying to be a dick about it when I say that. It's just the truth.

Plus, Masterofreality drew first blood when I first started posting here when I was doing my best to be respectful. Way back when the Miller to Zona rumors first came up, he was all too happy to slam me when I wasn't even looking for a fight. He was just pissed that Miller might be leaving, and decided I was a good target. I guess I just figured I owed him one.

[AviatorX]

Because this is a good place to check for info and updates on future Zona recruits who were once thinking about playing for Miller at Xavier. Not trying to be a dick about it when I say that. It's just the truth.

Plus, Masterofreality drew first blood when I first started posting here when I was doing my best to be respectful. Way back when the Miller to Zona rumors first came up. I guess I just figured I owed him one.

Ha. Have fun reading all the scintillating threads about those recruits that have barely been touched on here since Miller left.

[XU 87]

Because this is a good place to check for info and updates on future Zona recruits who were once thinking about playing for Miller at Xavier. Not trying to be a dick about it when I say that. It's just the truth.

Plus, Masterofreality drew first blood when I first started posting here when I was doing my best to be respectful. Way back when the Miller to Zona rumors first came up, he was all too happy to slam me when I wasn't even looking for a fight. He was just pissed that Miller might be leaving, and decided I was a good target. I guess I just figured I owed him one.

It appears that you're really just some strange dude who doesn't have much going on in your life. But I guess since you claim "MOR started it", that certainly explains why an Arizona fan is spending time on a Xavier board, in June.

Well, I have to go. I'm heading over to the Butler board to talk about Thad Matta.

But one last question- do you know a guy named Eastside Jay?

[AZWildcat]

It appears that you're really just some strange dude who doesn't have much going on in your life. But I guess since you claim "MOR started it", that certainly explains why an Arizona fan is spending time on a Xavier board, in June.

Well, I have to go. I'm heading over to the Butler board to talk about Thad Matta.

Well, believe what you want I guess. It's not like I'm here every day because I have no life. If my 16 whopping posts over the span of several months aren't enough to convince you of that, I don't know what is.

[AviatorX]

It appears that you're really just some strange dude who doesn't have much going on in your life. But I guess since you claim "MOR started it", that certainly explains why an Arizona fan is spending time on a Xavier board, in June.

Well, I have to go. I'm heading over to the Butler board to talk about Thad Matta.

I heard we may start recruiting some kid named B.J. Raymond. Thad took a long look at him while at Butler. Well, keep us posted, 87.

[AviatorX]

Well, believe what you want I guess. It's not like I'm here every day because I have no life. If my 16 whopping posts over the span of several months aren't enough to convince you of that, I don't know what is.

Stop posting here?

[XU 87]

Well, believe what you want I guess. It's not like I'm here every day because I have no life. If my 16 whopping posts over the span of several months aren't enough to convince you of that, I don't know what is.

Back from the Butler board. Man, I love talking to those Butler fans about Thad Matta.

Well, gotta go. I'm heading over to the Citadel board. They're still pissed about us stealing Dick Campbell from them back in 1971.

[XU 87]

Note to our older fans: I just googled Dick Campbell. He just died two weeks ago at age 81. He was actually a pretty successful coach before he came to Xavier.

[Cheesehead]

That's interesting about his "squeaky clean" image. I saw Wilbon go off on this guy today because he didn't like him when he coached at his alma mater(Northwestern).

This is one of those things I hate about the media. I call it the Valvano contradiction. A guy can be a full fledged cheater like Valvano or Calipari, but because he is media friendly he is aces in their mind. Conversely, you get little rope if you're abrasive like Knight yet do things the right way.

One more thing. Don't ever bring your kids and sit near Kevin Oneil while he is coaching. Well, I should qualify that with unless you want them to learn every cuss word known to mankind. Unbelievable mouth on that guy. Would make Huggins and Knight blush.

[XU 87]

I heard we may start recruiting some kid named B.J. Raymond. Thad took a long look at him while at Butler. Well, keep us posted, 87.

The Butler fans aren't too pissed about us stealing BJ. But don't get them going about Angelo Smith.

[AviatorX]

The Butler fans aren't too pissed about us stealing BJ. But don't get them going about Angelo Smith.

Really looks like a strong prospect, reminds me of Anthony Coleman.

[Xman95]

One more thing. Don't ever bring your kids and sit near Kevin Oneil while he is coaching. Well, I should qualify that with unless you want them to learn every cuss word known to mankind. Unbelievable mouth on that guy. Would make Huggins and Knight blush.

Um, I don't think our last coach had the vocabulary of a choir boy.

[Cheesehead]

Um, I don't think our last coach had the vocabulary of a choir boy.

I wasn't talking about XU coaches but thanks. My wife played b-ball for X and her coach at the time (was male) actually refused to swear and she said he would come into the locker room at the half and pound the chalkboard and scream, "Jeepers" or Jimminy Crickets" and her team had a hard time not laughing out loud on several occasions.

After we graduated we were invited to his wedding and they had no alcohol at the reception, that's right, NO ALCOHOL! Man, what a nerd. Luckily, it was at Moon Light Gardens at Coney Island so myself and another guy went into the Park and bought are own and brought them into the reception. The look on her former coach's face was priceless. He didn't have the balls to say anything to us so we kept leaving to bring beers back.

[Muskie]

This thread went off dead-man's curve awhile back.