Staring Lineup 2014-2015

[HuskyMuskie]

Was having this conversation with a friend last week, and was curious as to everyone's (very) early forecasts for next year's starting lineup. It wasn't until I talked about it at length that I realized how many lineups may be considered and are completely justifiable. Scary deep team.

As for my prediction:

1. Dee Davis
2. Remy Abell
3. Trevon Bluiett
4. Jalen Reynolds
5. Matt Stainbrook

[throwbackmuskie]

I thought Abell was a 3?

[boozehound]

I thought Abell was a 3?

I think he is more of a big 2 / small 3 type of player. He could probably play either/both depending on the need.

We are going to have an absolute logjam of talent next year. We are already looking very deep this year. There are going to be some epic battles for playing time.

[Xman95]

Was having this conversation with a friend last week, and was curious as to everyone's (very) early forecasts for next year's starting lineup. It wasn't until I talked about it at length that I realized how many lineups may be considered and are completely justifiable. Scary deep team.

As for my prediction:

1. Dee Davis
2. Remy Abell
3. Trevon Bluiett
4. Jalen Reynolds
5. Matt Stainbrook

Don't be surprised if Farr is your starter at the 4, especially if he continues to develop the way he has this year. His effort, mixed with his ability to shoot the ball, could really give X a weapon at PF. Yes, Reynolds is an athletic freak and probably has the higher ceiling, but Farr has been very impressive this year.

[GoMuskies]

I would expect Randolph to be in there somewhere.

[sgarcia]

Personally, I don't think Semaj is leaving after this year. I know I'm in the minority on this one but I see him coming back for his Junior season.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Personally, I don't think Semaj is leaving after this year. I know I'm in the minority on this one but I see him coming back for his Junior season.

I wish I had your confidence. He is gone whether he learns how to hit a J or not. Right now I would pick him in the 13-19 range. As far as next year's starting lineup? If I went with how they are playing now and how I have seen Abell play at IU I would go with the following.

Dee Davis
B. Randolph
??????
J.Farr
M.Stainbrook

????? would be a fight between Abell/Richards/Blueitt. Myles/Reynolds and the 2 guys who don't start would come off the bench. If somehow Abell gets quicker I could see him starting at the 2 but I think he is more of a small 3. I think we also see Sumner getting some decent PT ala Randolph this year.

I am assuming Christon goes pro and Justin Martin takes the graduate transfer.

[bleedXblue]

So may options...I dont see Bluitt coming in and starting right away. Lots to learn and Abell will have a full year under his belt.

I see a team 8-10 deep though....with lots if different weapons.

[nuts4xu]

He is gone whether he learns how to hit a J or not.

I can certainly help him with that...

[Titanxman04]

I doubt Bluiett starts. His defense probably won't be up to speed as to what is to be expected out of our guys.

[boozehound]

We'll see RE: Blueitt. I expect him to play significant minutes at some point in the next year, although he may not start. Dez and Semaj started pretty much right away, but I expect next year's team to be very deep which could keep him on the bench more than he would have in some other years.

[bjf123]

Personally, I don't think Semaj is leaving after this year. I know I'm in the minority on this one but I see him coming back for his Junior season.

I'm with you. Until he develops a jump shot, a decent 3, and can make free throws, he's not ready for the NBA.


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[ArizonaXUGrad]

I'm with you. Until he develops a jump shot, a decent 3, and can make free throws, he's not ready for the NBA.


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He's not ready for the NBA does not necessarily mean he won't be a first round draft pick.

[ammtd34]

I'm with you. Until he develops a jump shot, a decent 3, and can make free throws, he's not ready for the NBA.


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You don't need a jump shot to be an NBA guard, even a high level NBA guard. This argument comes up every time someone mentions him leaving, yet everyone still has him projected as a first rounder.

[gladdenguy]

I definitely think Semaj is gone. He will be drafted on potential. How he shoots free throws and the 3-ball will have no bearing on him being drafted.

As far as next year if Blueitt doesn't start at the beginning of the year he will by the middle/end of the year. He is a game changer and can really shoot the ball.

I see

D. Davis
Randolph/Abell
Blueitt
Reynolds
Stainbrook

M. Davis, Abell/Randolph, and Farr as the first 3 off the bench

Then having London, Macura, Sumner and O'Mara as well is unbelievable. I have heard some say Sumner might redshirt to gain some weight while practicing with the team.

[sgarcia]

Will Martin still be around next year? I know he's a senior academically but a Junior basketball wise.

[More Cowbell]

I'm with you. Until he develops a jump shot, a decent 3, and can make free throws, he's not ready for the NBA.


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What makes you say he needs to develop those skills to go to the NBA? The NBA drafts on potential.

[BandAid]

I think Semaj has to leave after this season. If he shows three consecutive years with limited or no improvement on his shot in college it would mean he wasted some of his "potential." Gotta strike while the iron is hot.

[LA Muskie]

I wish I had your confidence. He is gone whether he learns how to hit a J or not. Right now I would pick him in the 13-19 range. As far as next year's starting lineup? If I went with how they are playing now and how I have seen Abell play at IU I would go with the following.

Dee Davis
B. Randolph
??????
J.Farr
M.Stainbrook

????? would be a fight between Abell/Richards/Blueitt. Myles/Reynolds and the 2 guys who don't start would come off the bench. If somehow Abell gets quicker I could see him starting at the 2 but I think he is more of a small 3. I think we also see Sumner getting some decent PT ala Randolph this year.

I am assuming Christon goes pro and Justin Martin takes the graduate transfer.
You can take this for what it's worth (which admittedly isn't much), but reports from practice are that Abell is the best player on the squad. And that includes Semaj.

[LA Muskie]

I'm with you. Until he develops a jump shot, a decent 3, and can make free throws, he's not ready for the NBA.


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Ready or not he's going because the NBA will be calling. Because of his skill-set he doesn't really need all those tools (in particular a 3-pt shot), and what he does need will be developed in the NBA.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

You can take this for what it's worth (which admittedly isn't much), but reports from practice are that Abell is the best player on the squad. And that includes Semaj.

People said the same thing about Travis Taylor's transfer year and he was pretty terrible his Junior year. I am not saying that about Abell, but this sounds eerily similar.

[GoMuskies]

You can take this for what it's worth (which admittedly isn't much), but reports from practice are that Abell is the best player on the squad. And that includes Semaj.

Isn't the guy who is sitting out always the best player in practice? I think Pat Kelsey was the best player in practice in 1995.

[LA Muskie]

Isn't the guy who is sitting out always the best player in practice? I think Pat Kelsey was the best player in practice in 1995.
Touche. And that's exactly why I said to take it for what it's worth. Maybe guys who sit out practice harder because that's all they've got? I don't tend to count my chickens before they're hatched. If asked today, I would have to assume that Abell would start over Blueitt based on experience and practice with the team. But it will all sort itself out soon enough.

[XUFan09]

Isn't the guy who is sitting out always the best player in practice? I think Pat Kelsey was the best player in practice in 1995.

Justin Martin was also the best or second best player in practice his true freshman year.

[XUFan09]

A Semaj with a three-point shot, good FT shooting, and a solid left hand would probably be a lottery pick in this year's draft. Without those perks, he's still a first-round pick with some improvement from last year. And so far overall, he is improved in a couple key areas:

Effective FG Percentage: 52.5% (2014) vs. 45.3% (2013)
Turnover Rate: 14.4% (2014) vs. 22.2% (2013)

Concerning FT percentage, by the way, does anyone really think he's going to stay around 50% for the season? That seems highly unlikely, based off his practice performance (good to really good) and last season (67%). He's not necessarily going to be a good FT shooter (and he doesn't need to be to get drafted in the first round), but he'll be better than his percentage so far.

[The_Mack_Pack]

You can take this for what it's worth (which admittedly isn't much), but reports from practice are that Abell is the best player on the squad. And that includes Semaj.

The last time Xavier got an IU transfer dubbed as the "best player in practice" turned out to be pretty good.

[BandAid]

Dee
Abell
Blueitt
Reynolds
Stainbrook

I really like Farr as first-in off the bench for energy (as if Reynolds didn't provide enough).

[ammtd34]

NBADraft.net was updated 11/21. He's 9th in their 2014 mock draft, 1 spot ahead of Gary Harris. I don't think it's really a debate whether or not he's leaving.

[toledodan]

You can take this for what it's worth (which admittedly isn't much), but reports from practice are that Abell is the best player on the squad. And that includes Semaj.

i have heard the same thing about abell. while the nba does draft on potential i agree semaj may stay if the foul shooting and three point shooting isn't there. if he continues to show up on draft boards as a lottery pick that might be a different story. as much as i like him he needs to be better at both to play at the nba level as a point guard which is what he would play in the nba.

[More Cowbell]

i have heard the same thing about abell. while the nba does draft on potential i agree semaj may stay if the foul shooting and three point shooting isn't there. if he continues to show up on draft boards as a lottery pick that might be a different story. as much as i like him he needs to be better at both to play at the nba level as a point guard which is what he would play in the nba.

Just wondering, what makes you say that he needs to improve those skills to play in the NBA? I understand those improvements would make him a more complete player, but there are plenty of NBA point guards who are not great shooters.

[Juice]

Just wondering, what makes you say that he needs to improve those skills to play in the NBA? I understand those improvements would make him a more complete player, but there are plenty of NBA point guards who are not great shooters.

And plenty of players who weren't compete leaving college but only to improve there. I don't understand why every player has to be good at everything before he leaves early.

[bleedXblue]

People said the same thing about Travis Taylor's transfer year and he was pretty terrible his Junior year. I am not saying that about Abell, but this sounds eerily similar.

Exactly.

Not buying it.

We'll see what he brings next year when it counts.

[bigdiggins]

I wish I had your confidence. He is gone whether he learns how to hit a J or not. Right now I would pick him in the 13-19 range. As far as next year's starting lineup? If I went with how they are playing now and how I have seen Abell play at IU I would go with the following.

Dee Davis
B. Randolph
??????
J.Farr
M.Stainbrook

????? would be a fight between Abell/Richards/Blueitt. Myles/Reynolds and the 2 guys who don't start would come off the bench. If somehow Abell gets quicker I could see him starting at the 2 but I think he is more of a small 3. I think we also see Sumner getting some decent PT ala Randolph this year.

I am assuming Christon goes pro and Justin Martin takes the graduate transfer.

If you went with how they are playing now, and you have Richards in the running to be the starter next year? You have been seeing something drastically different from him when he's out there with the walk-ons than I have. Not saying he isn't talented and can't get there, but based on how he's playing now, no way.

[BandAid]

If you went with how they are playing now, and you have Richards in the running to be the starter next year? You have been seeing something drastically different from him when he's out there with the walk-ons than I have. Not saying he isn't talented and can't get there, but based on how he's playing now, no way.

Have you by chance confused Richards and Randolph?

[bigdiggins]

Have you by chance confused Richards and Randolph?

I haven't confused them. AZXUGrad said he (edit: or she, don't know ArizonaXUGrad so I shouldn't assume) had the starter at the 3 as a competetion between Blueitt, Abell, and Richards. I don't see that as a possibility based on the qualifier of what we've seen so far, from Abell @ IU, etc. Not questioning Randolph as a potential starter next year at all.

[BandAid]

I haven't confused them. AZXUGrad said he (edit: or she, don't know ArizonaXUGrad so I shouldn't assume) had the starter at the 3 as a competetion between Blueitt, Abell, and Richards. I don't see that as a possibility based on the qualifier of what we've seen so far, from Abell @ IU, etc. Not questioning Randolph as a potential starter next year at all.

I got you. I skimmed his original post, so missed that.

Richards would have to mature drastically in his approach to the game to be considered for a starting spot.

[SemajParlor]

Yeah, Semaj is gone if he wants to be.

But if he miraculously stays? I might start looking into hotels for the 2015 Final Four now.

[jhelmes37]

He's gone. He'd be an idiot not to. First round is guaranteed millions. What if he tore his ACL in his junior season? If he stays, he's a moron.

[Juice]

He's gone. He'd be an idiot not to. First round is guaranteed millions. What if he tore his ACL in his junior season? If he stays, he's a moron.

Amen.

[paulxu]

The last time Xavier got an IU transfer dubbed as the "best player in practice" turned out to be pretty good.

I see what you did there.

[letskeepitreal]

My kid goes to IU and I watched most games last year and Abell is the real deal. Seeing how IU this year, I don't know why they ran him off. Maybe he just couldn't stand Crean?

[OTRMUSKIE]

Semaj isn't close to NBA Ready. However since they go on potential I say take the money.. Staying another year would be great for X but everything he needs to work on can be worked on in the NBA. If they think he can be a good NBA player, I just don't see it yet, then he might as well leave. I love semaj but I just don't see anything in his game that will transfer to the NBA yet.

[waggy]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDe20QKfxeU

[Juice]

Semaj isn't close to NBA Ready. However since they go on potential I say take the money.. Staying another year would be great for X but everything he needs to work on can be worked on in the NBA. If they think he can be a good NBA player, I just don't see it yet, then he might as well leave. I love semaj but I just don't see anything in his game that will transfer to the NBA yet.

Size, athleticism, speed, defense, ability to penetrate the lane and finish...

[XUFan09]

Size, athleticism, speed, defense, ability to penetrate the lane and finish...

Now that's just crazy talk. He doesn't have those abilities at all! Unless we're talking about a Xavier game...or the national media is talking about him...or he's a contender for an all-conference award. But if it concerns his draft prospects, no, he isn't nearly good enough!

By the way, that "logic" is not used by everyone that thinks he's not NBA-ready, but it's definitely used by quite a few. We're all for praising an amazing player with "Xavier" across his chest...until we realize we might lose him before his eligibility is up. This is really no different from any other fanbase that has had this "good problem."

[Complete Nutter]

Right now the team for next season looks like this:

PG Dee Davis Sr.
PG Brandon Randolph So.
PG Edmond Sumner Fr.
SG Semaj Christon Jr.
SG Myles Davis So.
SG J.P. Macura Fr.
SF Justin Martin Sr.
SF Remy Abell Jr.
SF Kamall Richards So.
SF Trevon Bluiett Fr.
PF James Farr Jr.
PF Jalen Reynolds So.
PF Makinde London Fr.
C Matt Stainbrook Sr.
C Sean O'Mara Fr.

Everyone knows two have to go and who knows someone might redshirt, but still, that is crazy deep and talented. The starting lineup that Mack will go with will be great and the bench will be awesome. Simple as that. Now, although I can't wait for next season I can't wait for the next game either. Next up Iowa.

[UCGRAD4X]

And for all who say JMart is the guy to go - I too note that he has been in the starting line-up lately..just sayin'

What I WON'T say is that considering the recent past - academic qualification (or lack thereof) might take care of that as well....nope...ain't gonna say it.

[boozehound]

And for all who say JMart is the guy to go - I too note that he has been in the starting line-up lately..just sayin'

I say a redshirt is more likely

What I WON'T say is that considering the recent past - academic qualification (or lack thereof) might take care of that as well....nope...ain't gonna say it.

You still have to have a scholarship to redshirt someone. That wouldn't solve our problems.

I think we have at least one defection at the SF position. Most Martin and/or Richards. I think Richards is a likely candidate with both Abell and Blueitt entering the fold after he committed. Martin could very well play his final year somewhere else as well.

Ultimately I think Semaj leaves and we have one other transfer.

[SpectorJersey]

So many NBA gm's in here, I always find it creepy that people on message boards always know better than the kid.

Everyone points out Semajs flaws, how about the whole arena knows he is going right and to the rim and he cannot be stopped? His flaws are apparent, but he gets to the rim at an incredible rate. If he shot FT like Tu would everyone have a different stance? He shot 67% from the FT line last year, I am willing to bet by the end of the year he gets back to around that average.

Everyone needs to deal with reality. Mack over recruited by 2 spots. I dont think he would do that if he didnt already know that Semaj is likely gone and he figured on someone transferring.

[Titanxman04]

So many NBA gm's in here, I always find it creepy that people on message boards always know better than the kid.

Everyone points out Semajs flaws, how about the whole arena knows he is going right and to the rim and he cannot be stopped? His flaws are apparent, but he gets to the rim at an incredible rate. If he shot FT like Tu would everyone have a different stance? He shot like 67% from the FT line last year, I am willing to bet by the end of the year he gets back to that average.

Everyone needs to deal with reality. Mack over recruited by 2 spots. I dont think he would do that if he didnt already know that Semaj is likely gone and he figured on someone transferring.

Even back with Dustin Dow as the beat reporter, he always said rarely goes a year where X doesn't lose someone off their roster due to transfer or the like. Expect that to happen again on top of Semaj declaring.

I'll be excited for Christon should he go pro, and of course, wish him well. All these recruits want to make it tot he pros, and the more guys you have coming from your school and going to the League can only help.

[ammtd34]

Semaj isn't close to NBA Ready. However since they go on potential I say take the money.. Staying another year would be great for X but everything he needs to work on can be worked on in the NBA. If they think he can be a good NBA player, I just don't see it yet, then he might as well leave. I love semaj but I just don't see anything in his game that will transfer to the NBA yet.

May want to let all these guys know.

NBADraft.net 1st Round (http://www.nbadraft.net/2014mock_draft)

CBS Sports 1st Round (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24219997/nba-mock-draft-10-wild-projections-and-ridiculous-upside)

Draft Express 1st Round (http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2014/)

[HuskyMuskie]

Somehow I knew this would turn into a "Is Semaj Leaving?" thread.

[XUFan09]

Right now the team for next season looks like this:

PG Dee Davis Sr.
PG Brandon Randolph So.
PG Edmond Sumner Fr.
SG Semaj Christon Jr.
SG Myles Davis So.
SG J.P. Macura Fr.
SF Justin Martin Sr.
SF Remy Abell Jr.
SF Kamall Richards So.
SF Trevon Bluiett Fr.
PF James Farr Jr.
PF Jalen Reynolds So.
PF Makinde London Fr.
C Matt Stainbrook Sr.
C Sean O'Mara Fr.

Farr is a 5, not a 4. He will play some at the 4 (especially since he keeps showing how he can't be left on the bench, yet Stain earns his minutes too). His size and lack of lateral quickness, however, will keep him at the 5 more often than not, particularly against lineups with quick, athletic 4s (the type that Reynolds would be able to guard much better). This is why I could see Farr starting at the 4 in some games but not regularly. His career path seems to be following that of B.J. Raymond, who wasn't a regular starter until his senior year.

[nuts4xu]

5 games in, and we are already talking about next year?

It would be one thing if we were poised for a crappy season, but we are 5-0. I am going to hold off on predicting a starting lineup for next year, so many things can happen during the next 11 months, it is impossible to predict.

I am not worried about being 2 ships over the limit next year either. Those issues always resolve themselves and it is way too early in this season to push out the door, or speculate who will leave and why.

[throwbackmuskie]

I think some of you need to back off on Richards right now. He is only 5 games into his freshman season. Look at Farr from last year to this year

[LA Muskie]

I think some of you need to back off on Richards right now. He is only 5 games into his freshman season. Look at Farr from last year to this year
Agree. Plus we were always told he would be a project. That said, to the point of the initial post I don't see him starting next year.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Farr IMHO is not taking the BJ Raymond path. Farr has come a long way from his Freshman year and I think he will be starting this year. I am really impressed with him. However, let's see how he does against better comp, maybe we have been fooled.

[XUFan09]

Farr IMHO is not taking the BJ Raymond path. Farr has come a long way from his Freshman year and I think he will be starting this year. I am really impressed with him. However, let's see how he does against better comp, maybe we have been fooled.

Starting over who? At his proper position over Stain? No, the Big Stain is the only big who has looked better than Farr. Out of position over Philmore/Reynolds? I just don't see that, partly because he'll be out of position but also because I don't think Philmore will be as underwhelming as he has been in the early season and Reynolds has so much to offer, still untapped, as a prototypical athletic 4.

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[Xman95]

Farr is a 5, not a 4.

You may want to let Mack and Xavier know that, as they have him listed as a Forward. :smile:

[XUFan09]

You may want to let Mack and Xavier know that, as they have him listed as a Forward. :smile:

Practically every college big is listed as a forward lol. The only ones that are ever listed as center are the ones like Stainbrook where you look at them and say, "Yeah, I can't really see you ever playing any other position on the court." And Mack knows Farr is primarily a 5, as he had him learn that position first and set him up as Stainbrook's backup. His great play, however, has necessitated putting them on the court together with Farr at the 4, especially since Philmore hasn't played that well so far this season, Reynolds still has some work to do, and Stenger is Stenger (albeit improved from last year). I bet we'll keep seeing them on the court together, but I just don't think we'll see him become the regular starter at the 4.

[Juice]

Practically every college big is listed as a forward lol. The only ones that are ever listed as center are the ones like Stainbrook where you look at them and say, "Yeah, I can't really see you ever playing any other position on the court." And Mack knows Farr is primarily a 5, as he had him learn that position first and set him up as Stainbrook's backup. His great play, however, has necessitated putting them on the court together with Farr at the 4, especially since Philmore hasn't played that well so far this season, Reynolds still has some work to do, and Stenger is Stenger (albeit improved from last year). I bet we'll keep seeing them on the court together, but I just don't think we'll see him become the regular starter at the 4.

I don't see much difference in the college game between the 4 and the 5 unless, as you said before, the guy is clearly a 5 like Stainbrook. It's all too common for teams just to have two big guys like Farr and Reynolds playing at the same time.

[XUFan09]

I don't see much difference in the college game between the 4 and the 5 unless, as you said before, the guy is clearly a 5 like Stainbrook. It's all too common for teams just to have two big guys like Farr and Reynolds playing at the same time.

Yeah, I'm with you on that to extent and overall I'm not too strict on positions, but defense can be a restrictor. Farr's lack of lateral quickness would make it tough for him to regularly guard power forwards and combo forwards. That could be offset on the other end of the court, but Mack tends to make decisions by defense first. Farr's limits aren't as great as, say, Justin Martin trying to play the 2, but I think they prevent him from being the regular starter at the 4 when you consider the other potential candidates (Philmore and Reynolds).

Jalen Reynolds, as a counterexample, is definitely strong enough and big enough to play regularly at the 5. We just won't see that much because Stainbrook and Farr have essentially claimed all 40 minutes there.

[MADXSTER]

How ever it shakes out, I think our 2nd five are going to be soo much better than other teams 2nd 3-to-5 players. By the end of the games and more importantly the end of the season, X will have much fresher legs.

[XUFan09]

How ever it shakes out, I think our 2nd five are going to be soo much better than other teams 2nd 3-to-5 players. By the end of the games and more importantly the end of the season, X will have much fresher legs.

Yup. It's fantastic depth, and young too. Next year, the team loses Semaj, Philmore, and Stenger, but they gain a stellar 5-man recruiting class and Abell's eligibility plus each of the current players will be a year older: Stain and Martin as fifth-year seniors, Dee a senior, Farr an upperclassman, and Reynolds, Myles, Randolph, and Richards making their sophomore jumps.

[Obviously there is one too many players on this roster, but I'm not going to tap any specific player out in late November]

[Chalmers0]

So we are 5-0, have looked great so far and play a top 25 team in a top tier exempt tournament but ya, sure, let's all just talk and argue about next season.

[XUFan09]

So we are 5-0, have looked great so far and play a top 25 team in a top tier exempt tournament but ya, sure, let's all just talk and argue about next season.

So we're not allowed to dedicate a thread to discussion of next year's team? Even though we have plenty of threads about this year's team? It's called multitasking...

EDIT: By the way, I saw that you posted in the thread about the Floyd-Enfield altercation. You should only be talking about how we're 5-0 and about to play Iowa tonight. Anything else is disruptive to that task.

I'm not upset about your post, but it's just absurd.