Mark Lyons Update

[IVANHOE]

Since this board is always interested in past players of the program, I thought this would be a good thread to start to keep up with Lyons. It will be interesting how he transitions to playing the point, from playing off the ball most of his career at X. His relationship with Sean Miller and their potential for a deep run into the tourney will also be fun to track.

In his first pre season game in just 21 mins, Mark went 4-9 from the field, all 4 baskets being from behind the arc totaling 15 points 4rbs and 5asts. Mark scored the first basket of the game (a 3 pointer)

[SpectorJersey]

Crickets

[bleedXblue]

Watch him have a great year, take good shots, keep his mouth shout and respect his teammates.

Na.... dont see it happening

[GoMuskies]

I hope he averages 30 points a game for a winless Arizona squad.

[IVANHOE]

Watch him have a great year, take good shots, keep his mouth shout and respect his teammates.

Na.... dont see it happening

Lets see what happens. If Miller can control him, he could have a great season. Even though Lyons is new to the team, he will be looked at as a leader on a young but extremely talented team. Miller has to get Lyons to embrace that role.

[bleedXblue]

Lets see what happens. If Miller can control him, he could have a great season. Even though Lyons is new to the team, he will be looked at as a leader on a young but extremely talented team. Miller has to get Lyons to embrace that role.

Lyons biggest weakness is his decision making ability.

Can you coach decision making capability ?

[XU 87]

Lets see what happens. If Miller can control him, he could have a great season. Even though Lyons is new to the team, he will be looked at as a leader on a young but extremely talented team. Miller has to get Lyons to embrace that role.

Lyons is very good. So he's probably going to have a good year, just like he had a good year last season playing for Mack. In fact, he had pretty good career under Mack.

[bleedXblue]

Lyons is very good. So he's probably going to have a good year, just like he had a good year last season playing for Mack. In fact, he had pretty good career under Mack.

We're you watching last year ? Do you realize he was asked to leave the program ? He wasn't welcome back ? The guy may have been good player but he was devisive, selfish and had attitude problems.

[xu95]

I have no interest in updates on how Mark Lyons plays this year.

[kyxu]

We're you watching last year ? Do you realize he was asked to leave the program ? He wasn't welcome back ? The guy may have been good player but he was devisive, selfish and had attitude problems.

And it only took three years....

[XU 87]

We're you watching last year ? Do you realize he was asked to leave the program ? He wasn't welcome back ? The guy may have been good player but he was devisive, selfish and had attitude problems.

I was doing social work in a South American jungle last year and missed the season. What happened last year?

But even though he was asked to leave, he still is a good player, as you acknowledge, who had a good season last year.

[boozehound]

Lyons is something of an enigma. He shows flashes of tremendous ability, however his tendency to make poor decisions prevents him from being an efficient scorer. He has had some very efficient games, but he has also had some very inefficient games. He can keep his team in the game or take them out of it. I would be a little nervous about him as a PG having the ball in his hands every possession.

He is also very difficult to coach and his attitude could present problems. Having said that, I don't see Miller tolerating any dissention or players cussing at him or his staff in practice so I would imagine that it won't be as much of an issue at Arizona as it was at Xavier. Chris Mack and staff made mistakes by giving Lyons way too much leeway earlier in his career with respect to how he dealt with the coaching staff. Very common mistake by a young staff.

[Masterofreality]

Fouled out of his first exhibition game at AZ.

[RealDeal]

I need Sim Bhullar info too. And Thomas, that center Chandler, and the recruits Sean took with him to AZ. That would be great, thanks!

[bleedXblue]

I was doing social work in a South American jungle last year and missed the season. What happened last year?

But even though he was asked to leave, he still is a good player, as you acknowledge, who had a good season last year.

?

So you're not going to acknowledge that he's not a team player ? That he's selfish and immature ? That Mack decided we were better off as a program without him ? Unbelievable.

[kyxu]

?So you're not going to acknowledge that he's not a team player ? That he's selfish and immature ? That Mack decided we were better off as a program without him ?

And it took Mack three years to decide these things. Good on him!

[boozehound]

And it took Mack three years to decide these things. Good on him!

We all get that you are a huge Mark Lyons fan. Your avatar for the last several years have been a picture of Mark Lyons. Your signature line for as long as I can remember has been a quote from Mark Lyons.

The reality is that coaching staff struggled with Lyons for several years, however last year was over the top. Reporters attending practice remarked on his disrespectful behavior toward the coaching staff. It was cumulative. It escalated. He was no longer a young player who needed to work on attitude and decision making. He was going to be a Senior and a team leader. They decided that they had enough and that his behavior was not likely to change. They didn't take the decision lightly which is why they spent 3 (4 really) years working with it.

[IVANHOE]

We all get that you are a huge Mark Lyons fan. Your avatar for the last several years have been a picture of Mark Lyons. Your signature line for as long as I can remember has been a quote from Mark Lyons. I'm actually pretty convinced that if Lyons had been asked to leave for hitting a coach that you would still be on his side.

The reality is that coaching staff struggled with Lyons for several years, however last year was over the top. Reporters attending practice remarked on his disrespectful behavior toward the coaching staff. It was cumulative. It escalated. He was no longer a young player who needed to work on attitude and decision making. He was going to be a Senior and a team leader. They decided that they had enough and that his behavior was not likely to change. They didn't take the decision lightly which is why they spent 3 (4 really) years working with it.

Whoa didnt mean for this thread to turn so hostile. Just wanted to give updates on Lyons and my prediction of him thriving under a more respected and controlled coaching staff.

[boozehound]

Whoa didnt mean for this thread to turn so hostile. Just wanted to give updates on Lyons and my prediction of him thriving under a more respected and controlled coaching staff.

Didn't mean to come off like that. Sorry to Kyxu if my tone seemed overly hostile.

[GoMuskies]

more respected and controlled coaching staff.

Pardon?

[boozehound]

Pardon?

Here we go...

This is why I get testy when people bring the subject up. I'm amazed at how many people side with Lyons over the coaches.

[DC Muskie]

There are sides to take?

[LA Muskie]

We're you watching last year ? Do you realize he was asked to leave the program ? He wasn't welcome back ? The guy may have been good player but he was devisive, selfish and had attitude problems.

Are we really having this debate? Lyons is very good, and we wouldn't have gotten where we got last year without him. So yes, he had a good year last year. That said, he's apparently also a head-case, and the staff apparently finally had enough of him. That doesn't mean he wasn't an asset on the court.

Personally, I think Lyons has wasted (so far) a lot of his potential, and that was probably part of the frustration. He was a good/ player for us. But he could (and should) have been so much more. If he ever learns to control his emotions, he will make some $$$ playing a game.

[boozehound]

Are we really having this debate? Lyons is very good, and we wouldn't have gotten where we got last year without him. So yes, he had a good year last year. That said, he's apparently also a head-case, and the staff apparently finally had enough of him. That doesn't mean he wasn't an asset on the court.

Personally, I think Lyons has wasted (so far) a lot of his potential, and that was probably part of the frustration. He was a good/ player for us. But he could (and should) have been so much more. If he ever learns to control his emotions, he will make some $$$ playing a game.

Agree 100%. Very well put.

[XU 87]

?

So you're not going to acknowledge that he's not a team player ? That he's selfish and immature ? That Mack decided we were better off as a program without him ? Unbelievable.

Ummmm, I said he was and is a good player. I didn't say one thing about his attitude. For whatever reason, you're all upset that I didn't also say he acted like an a-hole last year. But for the record, despite his talent, he needed to go. (But he was still a good player.)

[smileyy]

my prediction of him thriving under a more respected and controlled coaching staff.

That's an interesting choice of phrasing.

[bleedXblue]

Are we really having this debate? Lyons is very good, and we wouldn't have gotten where we got last year without him. So yes, he had a good year last year. That said, he's apparently also a head-case, and the staff apparently finally had enough of him. That doesn't mean he wasn't an asset on the court.

Personally, I think Lyons has wasted (so far) a lot of his potential, and that was probably part of the frustration. He was a good/ player for us. But he could (and should) have been so much more. If he ever learns to control his emotions, he will make some $$$ playing a game.

All Im saying is that you cant on one hand say he was (is) a good player and had a great year (or career) at X without also acknowledging that he very likely negatively impacted the team in several different ways.

I trust Mack made the right decision.

[RealDeal]

Whoa didnt mean for this thread to turn so hostile. Just wanted to give updates on Lyons and my prediction of him thriving under a more respected and controlled coaching staff.

Ah, so you said you wanted to start the thread for one reason but the real reason was to use Lyons potential success to bash coach Mack. Well, there we have it, less that one game into the season. Great thread!

[IVANHOE]

Ah, so you said you wanted to start the thread for one reason but the real reason was to use Lyons potential success to bash coach Mack. Well, there we have it, less that one game into the season. Great thread!

everyone chillax. per the usual people freak out over nothing. lets just see how he does this year in a new environment. Is that better wording for you? wouldnt want to upset people on this board.:sad:

[IVANHOE]

That's an interesting choice of phrasing.

It was an interesting turn of events. Lyons lost respect for the coaching staff and Mack lost control of Lyons.

[DC Muskie]

I'm just going to throw out there again...

There are sides to take on this?

[IVANHOE]

I'm just going to throw out there again...

There are sides to take on this?

funny, cuz i think the same thing about who our next president should be. :chokeout:

[XU 87]

It was an interesting turn of events. Lyons lost respect for the coaching staff and Mack lost control of Lyons.

Or maybe Lyons was an a-hole. The guy is 22 years old and was certainly capable of controlling himself. (But he was a good player).

[boozehound]

Or maybe Lyons was an a-hole. The guy is 22 years old and was certainly capable of controlling himself. (But he was a good player).

Yeah. Let's be honest here. Some people are just a-holes.

[DC Muskie]

:chokeout:

What is this?

[Masterofreality]

. :chokeout:


What is this?

Appears to be "Likes to Fight Guy" itching to pitch dukes.

[RealDeal]

This thread is getting surreal.

[waggy]

"Fans" who want to rip on Mack have to look past a 4-3 record in the NCAA tournament in 3 years. If he took over for Skip he'd be a god.

[Cheesehead]

"Fans" who want to rip on Mack have to look past a 4-3 record in the NCAA tournament in 3 years. If he took over for Skip he'd be a god.

2 Sweet 16 appearances is unacceptable!

[BlueGuy]

Didn't we have this conversation already?

[MHettel]

2 points of debate have emerged.

The first, about his level of play / skills. the common ground here is that pretty much everyone agrees that when he was at his best, he was often the best player on the court.

And the topic of his attitude seems to play out like a he said / she said. Some people claim to have some first hand information that others dont, and of course there are skeptics to that as well. The consensus here is that no matter what, this kid isn't a boy scout, and wont be winning the Roberto Clemente award anytime soon.

But the ONE thing that really sticks out to me is he just seemed like a crappy teammate. it was he and Tu, and everyone else just always seemed to be brow-beaten and i think that kills some chemistry and confidence of guys. Wells was "in" as well later, and it seemed like Mark had ZERO tolerance for guys that just didnt have the ability to take over games. So for me, I 'm done with that kind of teammate. I want some BJ Raymond, or Jason Love, or Cage or Doellman, or Duncan. I could name several more. But in my eyes, this team became increasingly less about the team, and certainly more about individual players.

When teams start having issues like that, you really need to nip it quickly, or it just gets passed down the line. I'm encouraged that we'll have one less year of that garbage on this team. We'll have to see how these guys come together, maybe Taylor and Robinson will blossom.

See ya, mark

[AZtoCA]

See Lions yourself tonight Nov 6th

8:30 your time i believe http://pac-12.com/live/arizonawildcats.aspx

[paulxu]

http://www.wired.com/playbook/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/basketball-lion.jpg

[X Factor]

See Lions yourself tonight Nov 6th

Who?

[IVANHOE]

Last night Mark had another good game. he went 7-9 from the field, 2-2 from 3 point land and had 20pts 2 rebs and 3 assists in 22 minutes.

[IVANHOE]

I want some BJ Raymond, or Jason Love, or Cage or Doellman, or Duncan.

and what do they all have in common? They were all molded by Miller and bought into his schemes. I think Mark can be a different player under a different coaching staff. Lets see

[RealDeal]

everyone chillax. per the usual people freak out over nothing. lets just see how he does this year in a new environment. Is that better wording for you? wouldnt want to upset people on this board.:sad:

Yeah, I totally see now that you're not using this thread to bash Mack. Carry on. Keep those gay smiley faces coming.

[IVANHOE]

Yeah, I totally see now that you're not using this thread to bash Mack. Carry on. Keep those gay smiley faces coming.

I havent said anything negative about Mack. IF you want to interpret anything from my posts, its about Miller and my opinion that he is better and being able to control and channel Mark Lyons to better his team. Lets tack Lyons and save our judgments a bit more into the season

:whiteflag:

[coasterville95]

Qucik question that I didn't see answered above: Since Mark Lyons transferred from X to Arizona this year, isn't he subject to the same "sit out a year" rule as virtually all transfers have to endure.

Or was this a part of his "Leave Quietly" discussion with Mack. Or is it cool he is playing exhibiiton games anyway, and will sit out the real games.

[Juice]

Qucik question that I didn't see answered above: Since Mark Lyons transferred from X to Arizona this year, isn't he subject to the same "sit out a year" rule as virtually all transfers have to endure.

Or was this a part of his "Leave Quietly" discussion with Mack. Or is it cool he is playing exhibiiton games anyway, and will sit out the real games.

His situation is like Andre Walker or Greg Paulus. They have one more year of eligibility but have graduated. So 99% of the time they are free to transfer without sitting out a year.

[Cheesehead]

His situation is like Andre Walker or Greg Paulus. They have one more year of eligibility but have graduated. So 99% of the time they are free to transfer without sitting out a year.

and I believe they have to major in something that is not offered at the institution they came from.

[Juice]

and I believe they have to major in something that is not offered at the institution they came from.

Correct. And that is something I laugh at every time. I just picture the player looking at the offerings from each school and seeing the first major that isn't offered at his former school. Jeremiah Masoli picked Parks and Recreation as his major at Ole Miss, and no, not the show.

[smileyy]

and no, not the show.

You sure about that?

[doug204]

Watch him have a great year, take good shots, keep his mouth shout and respect his teammates.

Na.... dont see it happening

So far so good!

Kevin Parrom's going to have a great year too.

Thanks! :smile:

[Masterofreality]

Last night Mark had another good game. he went 7-9 from the field, 2-2 from 3 point land and had 20pts 2 rebs and 3 assists in 22 minutes.

Well, OUR point guard had 22 points and 15 assists.

And that was in a REAL game, not another exhibition.

[smileyy]

And that was in a REAL game, not another exhibition.

OTOH, I'm not sure who I'd be betting on in Chico St. vs. Fairleigh Dickinson....

[Masterofreality]

So, Mark Lyons wants to play the 1, huh.

Tonight in AZ's win over Charleston Southern, Lyons shot the basketball 14 times- more than anyone else on the team- and made 5.

I thought a point guard was not supposed to shoot first, but get his teammates involved- kind like Dee Davis. I don't think that having the most shots is really involving your teammates, as Chris Mack would prefer from HIS PG.

[GoMuskies]

UofA managed to beat Charleston Southern by one less point than Charlotte did. Pretty uninspiring.

In a completely unrelated matter, DSR appears to be the best player on a Georgetown team that's not very good yet. He's 6-7 from the field (4-4 from 3) and G'town is hanging on 56-53 against Duquesne with about half a minute to play.

[Masterofreality]

To be fair, Cheekz did have 6 assists.

[paulxu]

To be fair, Cheekz did have 6 assists.

And Double D took the most shots on our team.

[smileyy]

So, Mark Lyons wants to play the 1, huh.

Tonight in AZ's win over Charleston Southern, Lyons shot the basketball 14 times- more than anyone else on the team- and made 5.

I thought a point guard was not supposed to shoot first, but get his teammates involved- kind like Dee Davis. I don't think that having the most shots is really involving your teammates, as Chris Mack would prefer from HIS PG.

Sleep through Tu Holloway's junior year?

[IVANHOE]

So, Mark Lyons wants to play the 1, huh.

Tonight in AZ's win over Charleston Southern, Lyons shot the basketball 14 times- more than anyone else on the team- and made 5.

I thought a point guard was not supposed to shoot first, but get his teammates involved- kind like Dee Davis. I don't think that having the most shots is really involving your teammates, as Chris Mack would prefer from HIS PG.

He lead his team to win that game. The team was struggling and someone had to score. He scored 15 of his 17 points in the 2nd half, going 5-11. Arizona fans will take these offensive numbers all day from Mark, and the 6 assists were nice too.

[bleedXblue]

Can we not all agree that Lyons the player is an asset to a team more often than not ? You get a really athletic guard who's a play maker. He also will make a lot of stupid mistakes and drive you crazy almost every game. Lyons the teammate is what's really debateable. Was he well liked here by all ? How often did he butt heads with the coaching staff ? Was he pulling the team apart more often than bring them together ?

[Masterofreality]

He lead his team to win that game. The team was struggling and someone had to score. He scored 15 of his 17 points in the 2nd half, going 5-11. Arizona fans will take these offensive numbers all day from Mark, and the 6 assists were nice too.

Here is the final point (no pun intended here). Lyons wanted to play the 1 at XU this year to improve his NBA chances. CMack already has 2 point guards that he has to develop. Lyons chose to leave because he would not play the 1 here.

That's it. Mark Lyons has his degree from Xavier and gone. While he'll never be "dead" to me, I don't care.

[XU 87]

Here is the final point (no pun intended here). Lyons wanted to play the 1 at XU this year to improve his NBA chances. CMack already has 2 point guards that he has to develop. Lyons chose to leave because he would not play the 1 here.



I think Lyons' reasons for leaving, or being forced to leave, go far beyond the point guard issues.

[smileyy]

I think Lyons' reasons for leaving, or being forced to leave, go far beyond the point guard issues.

I'm not sure how separately you can look at them. If Dee Davis didn't exist, I wouldn't be at all surprised if Lyons would have been back to play the 1, and all of this would remain just a level of discontent in the team (for better or worse, I don't know)

[CinciX12]

I truly cannot for the life of me figure out why so many Xavier fans hated and still hate Mark Lyons.

[bleedXblue]

I truly cannot for the life of me figure out why so many Xavier fans hated and still hate Mark Lyons.

Hate ?

I was not sad to see him leave.

But hate ? NO

[Masterofreality]

I truly cannot for the life of me figure out why so many Xavier fans hated and still hate Mark Lyons.

Hate? Nah.

Mark Lyons departure was a business deal. Period.

It will just be interesting to see if he can "make his teammates better" at the point.

[sweet16]

Here is the final point (no pun intended here). Lyons wanted to play the 1 at XU this year to improve his NBA chances. CMack already has 2 point guards that he has to develop. Lyons chose to leave because he would not play the 1 here.

That's it. Mark Lyons has his degree from Xavier and gone. While he'll never be "dead" to me, I don't care.

Lyons didn't have a choice. He could have said that we wanted to play the 2, was willing to give up his scholarship, and would clean the locker rooms and wash the uniforms and they would have still shown him the door. The decision to not let him return was made well before the end of the season. His teamates hated him, the coaching staff was sick of him, and key administrators were no longer willing to tolerate his behavior. Playing the 1 vs 2 conversation was nothing more than a smokescreen.

[VoltronX]

AZ fan here. Came to offer my humble perspective.

Mark Lyons leaving was probably best for both programs. We've had our share of trouble makers recently and they get suspended and booted (Josiah Turner).. With that being said....

Mark Lyons has been a stud for us so far. He's exactly what we were missing. If you have any more guys like him that you don't want , feel free to pass them our way :) A fresh start can work wonders.

[xudash]

AZ fan here. Came to offer my humble perspective.

Mark Lyons leaving was probably best for both programs. We've had our share of trouble makers recently and they get suspended and booted (Josiah Turner).. With that being said....

Mark Lyons has been a stud for us so far. He's exactly what we were missing. If you have any more guys like him that you don't want , feel free to pass them our way :) A fresh start can work wonders.

I watched you guys last night against UTEP. I was actually happy to see Mark receiving consideration for PAC 12 player of the year. No hard feelings against Arizona. There's no reason for that in my book. It's worked out for Arizona and Mark so far. So far so good on our end as well.

We both have a long way to go, but here's to hoping that we both end up wishing one another our programs don't run into each other in this year's tournament.

[xudash]

AZ fan here. Came to offer my humble perspective.

Mark Lyons leaving was probably best for both programs. We've had our share of trouble makers recently and they get suspended and booted (Josiah Turner).. With that being said....

Mark Lyons has been a stud for us so far. He's exactly what we were missing. If you have any more guys like him that you don't want , feel free to pass them our way :) A fresh start can work wonders.

I watched you guys last night against UTEP. I was actually happy to see Mark receiving consideration for PAC 12 player of the year. No hard feelings against Arizona. There's no reason for that in my book. It's worked out for Arizona and Mark so far. So far so good on our end as well.

We both have a long way to go, but here's to hoping that we both end up wishing one another our programs don't run into each other in this year's tournament.

[xsteve1]

AZ fan here. Came to offer my humble perspective.

Mark Lyons leaving was probably best for both programs. We've had our share of trouble makers recently and they get suspended and booted (Josiah Turner).. With that being said....

Mark Lyons has been a stud for us so far. He's exactly what we were missing. If you have any more guys like him that you don't want , feel free to pass them our way :) A fresh start can work wonders.

Agree. He's the best player on your team.

[bobbiemcgee]

He's one of the best player's in the country:
Thanks, X

http://www.arizonawildcats.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/111312aaa.html

Scored 17 vs UTEP, while virtually winning the opener for AZ with his play.

[jco17]

He's one of the best player's in the country:
Thanks, X

http://www.arizonawildcats.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/111312aaa.html

Scored 17 vs UTEP, while virtually winning the opener for AZ with his play.

There were plenty of Arizona fans who were concerned about Lyons and thought it may be best for him to be elsewhere. I was not one of them. I watched him at X every game and loved him. I knew we were getting one heck of a player. He's done well. He and Solomon Hill go at each other in practice. Both get in some arguments because they want to push their team to get better. So far Lyons has been well received for his competative nature. I know Hill and Mark are good friends who constantly push each other. His fire and hatred for losing have been a real spark for our team. It sucks it didn't work out for Mark at Xavier, I loved watching him play for you guys. I'm very grateful we were able to bring him into our program when he left.

He's seemed to improve his shooting stroke. He has a killer instinct not many players have and when other teams start a run, he's usually the player that puts an end to it. He's a fiery little SOB which I love in a baller. Anyway, congrats on a great win against Butler. As always, I will be watching X and rooting for your program to make a deep run in the tournament.

[MuskiePimp23]

AZ fan here. Came to offer my humble perspective.

Mark Lyons leaving was probably best for both programs. We've had our share of trouble makers recently and they get suspended and booted (Josiah Turner).. With that being said....

Mark Lyons has been a stud for us so far. He's exactly what we were missing. If you have any more guys like him that you don't want , feel free to pass them our way :) A fresh start can work wonders.

Likewise, but I am very disappointed that we lost Lyons...Wish like heck he was still wearing a Xavier uniform...Same thing goes with Dez obviously.

[DC Muskie]

I'm glad Mark is making friends on his new team.

[Masterofreality]

I'm glad Mark is making friends on his new team.

The heavy hand of oppression keeps me from giving this it's true worth.

Reps.

[vee4xu]

I watched a bit of the AZ vs. UTEP game the other night. Lyons looked like Lyons. Crazy dribble-drive, cradle the ball in one arm, drive for a layup and get the ball stolen. Two points the other way. Next, a three point shot and swish. Some old same old. I am glad he's gone.

[Drew's Crew]

Lyons is extremely talented and I am sure we could be a much better team with him, BUT I think Mack has made it very clear what direction he wants to take this team.

Mack wants a team that truly plays like a team. One that is unselfish and really wants each person to succeed as much as themselves. Mack knew that Lyons would not play that way. Lyons was told what direction the team was moving in and he decided to move on. I think it was best for both parties, but of course when we see/hear of games in which Cheeks goes off, it is going to sting a little bit.

[Muskie]

So far Arizona's PG experiment has yielded 12 assists and 15 turnovers...

[GIMMFD]

So far Arizona's PG experiment has yielded 12 assists and 15 turnovers...

Yeah but he's still shooting 47.8 from the three, and 50% from the field. Lyons is good, we know he has the spark to be a killer (Vanderbilt game last year where he hit that HUGE three), I wish Zona the best, and hope Lyons succeeds. I truly do. He was definitely a character to meet on a side note though, pretty funny, but scary too lol.

[smileyy]

Yeah, a 50/48/90 guy can turn the ball over a few more times than he hands out assists.

[MuskiePimp23]

So far Arizona's PG experiment has yielded 12 assists and 15 turnovers...

Lyons is a stud. I would gladly take him back on our roster in a heart beat. Arizona is also ranked 9th in the country. We are currently unranked.

[GoMuskies]

I miss Wells. I do not miss Lyons.

I am fine without either. This team is fine without both.

[MuskiePimp23]

I miss Wells. I do not miss Lyons.

I am fine without either. This team is fine without both.

I miss both...Can you think of the possibilities on the guard and wing with Lyons, Wells, and Semaj all on the same roster...This team would be at least a Top 20 team with that type of talent at the guard and wing spots...I like who we have, but we are paper thin on depth and Lyons and Wells are both studs.

[DC Muskie]

I miss both...Can you think of the possibilities on the guard and wing with Lyons, Wells, and Semaj all on the same roster...This team would be at least a Top 20 team with that type of talent at the guard and wing spots...I like who we have, but we are paper thin on depth and Lyons and Wells are both studs.

Interesting!

[GoMuskies]

Interesting!

I got smoked in my fantasy football league this week. But could you imagine Matt Schaub on the same team with Roddy White and Dwayne Bowe?!? Wowzers!

[DC Muskie]

I got smoked in my fantasy football league this week. But could you imagine Matt Schaub on the same team with Roddy White and Dwayne Bowe?!? Wowzers!

Meh...not as interesting.

[Snipe]

I was rooting for him and Sean Miller, so sue me!

The announcer said that it was "biggest shot of his career".

Mark Lyons went to multiple Sweet 16s for Xavier. I don't think that was his biggest shot.

I do enjoy how much they talk about Xavier when Lyons excells and does well. And I like to see Sean Miller do well. Everyone that has touched Xavier generally does well, and I like that.

His biggest shot of his career. That made me laugh. In a December non-conference game. It was a big shot no doubt, and I hope that Mark has many more of them. I have no ill will. I am going to the Big East. You will see me on Big Monday on ESPN. Mark Lyons, do your best, thanks for the memories, and watch for me on future Big Mondays.

Killin it! Go Mark Lyons! Biggest Shot of His Career, outside of all the other shots!

[GuyFawkes38]

After hiting a last second shot to beat Florida, I know I should probably miss Lyons and wish he was still at X. But I don't. He's a great fit at Arizona, but he would not be with our team this year. Thank God he left. Great move for both parties (if Mack can be credited with pushing him out, he deserves some credit).

I do miss Dez. That sucks. ugh.

[Snipe]

I think he hit the game winner against Dayton last year, and had a late three against SLU when we went to the Finals. Those were not to beat #5 or whatever Florida, but they did extend our season at a critical time.

I love and thank Mark Lyons. I don't have time to hate when it comes to people that have given that much to our program.

[xavierj]

After hiting a last second shot to beat Florida, I know I should probably miss Lyons and wish he was still at X. But I don't. He's a great fit at Arizona, but he would not be with our team this year. Thank God he left. Great move for both parties (if Mack can be credited with pushing him out, he deserves some credit).

I do miss Dez. That sucks. ugh.

Mark played with great maturity and poise. Good for him . He will be the point guard for a top 5 team come Monday . I am sure he has no regrets. Kid can play and Xavier misses him.

[GuyFawkes38]

Mark played with great maturity and poise. Good for him . He will be the point guard for a top 5 team come Monday . I am sure he has no regrets. Kid can play and Xavier misses him.

It's a really odd thing. Obviously he can flatout play. He's an incredible player. But I'm glad he's not on this team. And if you polled X fans (including Mack), the majority would share that opinion.

Anyways, I'm glad to see Lyons play well.

[smileyy]

He also hit a sick driving shot to send the game into OT against Vanderbilt last year.

[GoMuskies]

The guy has played in 7 NCAA Tournament games. A shot in a relatively meaningless non-conference game in December game is clearly not the biggest shot of his career.

[Snipe]

He also hit a sick driving shot to send the game into OT against Vanderbilt last year.

That was a road game against Vandy that we won. They were ranked and they had three people drafted from that squad. But no matter, that game today was his biggest shot!

I love Mark Lyons. That kid is full of big shots. He has a lot more to give, and I am rooting for him.

And they will say Xavier every time, as they should. That kid has a Sweet 16 Pedigree, bought and paid for by Xavier University.

[Snipe]

The guy has played in 7 NCAA Tournament games. A shot in a relatively meaningless non-conference game in December game is clearly not the biggest shot of his career.

Talk about overstatment. That young man has been through the battles. It made me laugh, like somehow now he is playing real basketball. Sweet 16 bitches! Can't wait to get to the Big East so that our hype matches our game.

[PattyMac1021]

Last year an 8-0 Xavier squad ranked in the top 10 played Oral Roberts at home without Mark Lyons.

This year an 8-0 Arizona squad ranked in the top 10 will play Oral Roberts at home with Mark Lyons.

[waggy]

Oral is always good, but was better last year.

[Xavier]

I wish Lyons was still on the team. Kid could take us to the NCAA tournament (Not saying we wont get there, but he could take us by himself IMO). Him, Dez, SemaJ....would be great.

[doug204]

You guys are awesome!

Thanks, once again for Mark Lyons.

BEARDOWN!

[GoMuskies]

You're welcome. I happen to think all parties involved are better off with Mark Lyons in Tuscon.

[PattyMac1021]

Oral is always good, but was better last year.

Yeah, I wasn't saying it was going to play out similarly. There is no doubt in my mind that Zona will win. I just thought it was interesting that after he watched Oral Roberts beat his team at home last year he gets to play them at a new home this year (and with the exact same record and a similar ranking in the polls).

Also, I agree with Xavier (the poster). I would rather Mark Lyons still be on the team. I stayed out of the threads about him after his departure, so I honestly have no clue if the majority of fans actually are happier that he is gone, but if that's true, it surprises me. Glad he is doing well so far this season. And I got over the Sean Miller thing long ago, so I don't care that his success is coming at Arizona.

[SlimKibbles]

...Also, I agree with Xavier (the poster). I would rather Mark Lyons still be on the team. I stayed out of the threads about him after his departure, so I honestly have no clue if the majority of fans actually are happier that he is gone, but if that's true, it surprises me. Glad he is doing well so far this season. And I got over the Sean Miller thing long ago, so I don't care that his success is coming at Arizona.

Why? He wasn't worth the negativity I heard he brought to the locker room. I'm glad he's gone and couldn't care less how he's doing at Arizona. Dez Wells OTOH I am rooting for.

[jco17]

You're welcome. I happen to think all parties involved are better off with Mark Lyons in Tuscon.

Definitely agree with this. Lyon's has fit in seemlessly with our team. I think he's more comfortable with Miller as a coach. That's not a slight to Mack at all, just think Miller is better suited for Lyon's. Mark has been outstanding for us, he seems to have learned from his past mistakes, and he's definitely the leader of our team. His time at Xavier has made him one hell of a ball player. Love how all that Gator smack talk has now reverted to the refs screwing them. lol. Same old song and dance.

[bobbiemcgee]

Oral is always good, but was better last year.

Have a few selected responses to this, none that I choose to post on the regular forum.

[IVANHOE]

Lyons - NCAA Player of the Week

[vee4xu]

Mark Lyons was a great of example of being disrespectful to coaches while he was here. I spilled over and created a distraction for more than just last year. Any 4th year junior with Mark's talent who is benched for several games in the middle of the season should speak volumes of his character. Coach Mack wanted Mark gone for the benefit of Xavier basketball. Xavier may struggle without Mark's scoring and playmaking on the court, but the program is going to be much better off this year and in all future years because they decided to part ways with this young man. Put bluntly, he no longer had a place as a productive player on the Xavier roster and was shown the door. I give Coach Mack credit for having done so.

[drudy23]

I agree with the statement above about everyone involved being in a better place since he's moved on. Honestly, I think he respects Caoch Miller more...I think he knows he isn't going to get away with anything with him, and honestly, he needs that to be at his full potential.

In all honesty, the dude can ball. I was one that wasn't too upset when he left, but I find myself really likely Arizona because they are a very good team (and I like watching good basketball). He could be the piece that puts them in the Final Four.

[IVANHOE]

Whoa didnt mean for this thread to turn so hostile. Just wanted to give updates on Lyons and my prediction of him thriving under a more respected and controlled coaching staff.


Ah, so you said you wanted to start the thread for one reason but the real reason was to use Lyons potential success to bash coach Mack. Well, there we have it, less that one game into the season. Great thread!



I agree with the statement above about everyone involved being in a better place since he's moved on. Honestly, I think he respects Caoch Miller more...I think he knows he isn't going to get away with anything with him, and honestly, he needs that to be at his full potential.

In all honesty, the dude can ball. I was one that wasn't too upset when he left, but I find myself really likely Arizona because they are a very good team (and I like watching good basketball). He could be the piece that puts them in the Final Four.

Careful when saying that Mark will do better under coach Miller. People get angry.

[RealDeal]

Ah, so you said you wanted to start the thread for one reason but the real reason was to use Lyons potential success to bash coach Mack. Well, there we have it, less that one game into the season. Great thread!

Pretty much dead on at this point.

[boozehound]

Mark Lyons was a great of example of being disrespectful to coaches while he was here. I spilled over and created a distraction for more than just last year. Any 4th year junior with Mark's talent who is benched for several games in the middle of the season should speak volumes of his character. Coach Mack wanted Mark gone for the benefit of Xavier basketball. Xavier may struggle without Mark's scoring and playmaking on the court, but the program is going to be much better off this year and in all future years because they decided to part ways with this young man. Put bluntly, he no longer had a place as a productive player on the Xavier roster and was shown the door. I give Coach Mack credit for having done so.

Right on. Both parties are better off.


I agree with the statement above about everyone involved being in a better place since he's moved on. Honestly, I think he respects Caoch Miller more...I think he knows he isn't going to get away with anything with him, and honestly, he needs that to be at his full potential.

In all honesty, the dude can ball. I was one that wasn't too upset when he left, but I find myself really likely Arizona because they are a very good team (and I like watching good basketball). He could be the piece that puts them in the Final Four.

Agree. Lyons wasn't working at Xavier. He could (generally) be kept under control when things were going well, but losing magnifies all faults. He would have been a disaster this season with the rebuilding year we are having. Arizona is a good place for him because they have some pieces but need a PG so he has a long leash. He also is only there for 1 season so he can't do too much damage in the locker room.

[jco17]

Right on. Both parties are better off.



Agree. Lyons wasn't working at Xavier. He could (generally) be kept under control when things were going well, but losing magnifies all faults. He would have been a disaster this season with the rebuilding year we are having. Arizona is a good place for him because they have some pieces but need a PG so he has a long leash. He also is only there for 1 season so he can't do too much damage in the locker room.

Agreed, if he wants a chance to play at the next level, he's gonna have to conduct himself accordingly. I think he needed a change of venue. His frustration was boiling over and it was not a good fit anymore for either side. He got what he wanted (to play pg) and Xavier got rid of a player that was not fitting in their locker room any longer. It sucks he couldn't get it together while at X, but the fresh start has helped him mature as an individual. He's the shot in the arm Arizona sorely needed with his toughness and fearlessness in the clutch. Xavier did a fantastic job getting Lyons to the level he is playing at currently.

[Cheesehead]

hit 2 FT's w/ 13 seconds left last night for what turned out be the winning score. To be fair, Nick Johnson blocked a layup by SDS for AZ at the end to preserve the victory but that's now the second game Lyons won for AZ.

[bobbiemcgee]

He's the shot in the arm Arizona sorely needed with his toughness and fearlessness in the clutch.

Good thing we don't need this at X this year.

[BlueGuy]

Watching the last couple AZ games, Lyons certainly does seem to provide a spark to that team when they need it. They are going to a serious contender come March.

[xavierj]

Glad to see Mark taking the leadership role that he is with them. He is not pouting and gets excited for his team. He seems to be the stablizing force for them. I am happy for him. It seems that the change has really worked out well for him and for Arizona.

[jco17]

Glad to see Mark taking the leadership role that he is with them. He is not pouting and gets excited for his team. He seems to be the stablizing force for them. I am happy for him. It seems that the change has really worked out well for him and for Arizona.

He's been fantastic. Keep hearing that he isn't a point guard, but he defends the opponent like a gnat, brings the ball up the court very efficiently, makes big shots, gets his teammates involved, and is the leader of the team. Sounds like a like a point guard to me. I understand he's not a traditional point guard, but he does everything you want a pg to do, and utterly frustrates the person he's defending.

[Xaveriana]

Potential Mack Bashing Alert
I think Miller has been able to control Lyons better than Mack. Mack's team have frequently been OOC. The question is why? Players selected or Mack?

Side Note: I went to school with Mack at XU. Still blows my mind that the Tool driving around campus with the "XUBABY" license plate is our head coach. :-)

[vee4xu]

Happy for Mark. I just wish he could have found it within himself to do what he's doing in AZ for Xavier. Unfortunately, he doesn't apparently have the self control that comes with autonomy. He'll have a great year at AZ, but I still don't think he is NBA material. Too short, so defending bigger NBA PG's would be tough. Also, can drive in open court, but stuggles to get off a shot off the dribble. But, he can have a nice Euro career and make some good bucks there.

[Cheesehead]

Happy for Mark. I just wish he could have found it within himself to do what he's doing in AZ for Xavier. Unfortunately, he doesn't apparently have the self control that comes with autonomy. He'll have a great year at AZ, but I still don't think he is NBA material. Too short, so defending bigger NBA PG's would be tough. Also, can drive in open court, but stuggles to get off a shot off the dribble. But, he can have a nice Euro career and make some good bucks there.

I also don't see Lyons sticking around in the NBA. Might get some invites to camps but I just don't see it for cheeks. He can still make some coin across the pond though.