Projected Final Regular Season Record= 18-13

[MuskiePimp23]

Per Realtimerpi.com. I agree with it honestly. I just do not see us winning any other road games. You can forget about beating Georgetown or St. John's, especially the way St. John's is playing now. Seton Hall after a very short rest right after losing to Creighton at home. No way. Villanova will beat us by a comfortable 12-15 on our home floor. 18-13 is where we end up and that means no NCAA tournament and a failed season in my book. That is pathetic since we started 15-4.

[ammtd34]

Per Realtimerpi.com. I agree with it honestly. I just do not see us winning any other road games. You can forget about beating Georgetown or St. John's, especially the way St. John's is playing now. Seton Hall after a very short rest right after losing to Creighton at home. No way. Villanova will beat us by a comfortable 12-15 on our home floor. 18-13 is where we end up and that means no NCAA tournament and a failed season in my book. That is pathetic since we started 15-4.

Failing to make the NCAA with 7 games to go per realtimerpi's projection is a failed season?

I don't think I understand your point.

[MuskiePimp23]

Failing to make the NCAA with 7 games to go per realtimerpi's projection is a failed season?

I don't think I understand your point.

If the predictions come true, then yes it is a failed season.

[GoMuskies]

Finishing 18-13 after starting 15-4 would be what they call a "collapse". I don't think it will happen, but I can see that it's not outside the realm of possibility.

[bleedXblue]

Pretty easy for me. He's saying that he thinks we finish 18-13 and miss the dance.

I think we end the regular season with either 18 or 19 wins.

Keep in mind that most of the RPI sites are not counting the Abilene Christian game as a W.

So, we're 16-8 right now.

Whatever we do, we have to get to 20 wins to have a chance....IMHO. That's 4 more W's that we need to be bubble worthy.

[Kahns Krazy]

Don't you already have a thread about how poor of a road team we are and your doom and gloom projections? Seriously guy, keep it to one thread. Preferably on the other board.

Since your early season projections were 0-10 on the road, and new lows for the program not seen in 30 years, shouldn't the actual results be a success?

[MD Muskie]

first off I am not saying that Gtown will or will not be a win for Xavier, but they most definitely do not have a home court advantage there. The Hoyas are struggling to get crowds there this year. It won't be an easy game by any means but it won't be an automatic loss as some "jumping off the cliff Xavier fans" are starting to believe.

[danaandvictory]

I don't have any issue with someone being a pessimist or always expecting the worst. What I don't understand is the need to share that misery with the rest of us.

[paulxu]

Misery loves company.

[xubrew]

When you look at the number and the quality of true road wins that the bubble teams had last year, there is reason for concern.

[casualfan]

When you look at the number and the quality of true road wins that the bubble teams had last year, there is reason for concern.

Yep.I'm not going to go back and look at each team individually because I have work to do, but here are some teams who missed from power conferences last year and their records.

Iowa missed last year at 21-12 and 9-9 in the BIG
Maryland missed last year at 22-12 and 8-10 in the ACC
Alabama missed last year at 20-11 and 12-6 in the SEC
Virginia missed at 21-11 and 11-7 in the ACC
Tennessee missed at 20-12 and 11-7 in the SEC

[xubrew]

The SEC was pitiful last year. Kentucky also went 12-6 and didn't make it. Ole Miss went 12-6, won three games in the conference tournament, and still only got a #12 seed.

Iowa was 3-8 on the road, Maryland was 4-7, Alabama was 4-8, Virginia was 3-8, Tennessee was 4-7 and Kentucky was 4-8.

So, there seems to be a pattern here. Not scheduling many OOC road games, and not winning many in conference does not impress the selection committee.

I'm sure I irritate people when I continue to point that out, but that scheduling philosophy simply does not work. Ask Seth Greenberg. Actually, don't ask Seth Greenberg. He never figured it out and opted to whine about it year after year after year.

[casualfan]

The SEC was pitiful last year. Kentucky also went 12-6 and didn't make it. Ole Miss went 12-6, won three games in the conference tournament, and still only got a #12 seed.

Iowa was 3-8 on the road, Maryland was 4-7, Alabama was 4-8, Virginia was 3-8, Tennessee was 4-7 and Kentucky was 4-8.

So, there seems to be a pattern here. Not scheduling many OOC road games, and not winning many in conference does not impress the selection committee.

I'm sure I irritate people when I continue to point that out, but that scheduling philosophy simply does not work. Ask Seth Greenberg. Actually, don't ask Seth Greenberg. He never figured it out and opted to whine about it year after year after year.

Which begs the question why we played only one true road game OOC against a bad Alabama team.

[Muskie]

Real time RPI has failed to take into account that I have tickets to the Creighton Game. Xavier undefeated during my visits.

[vee4xu]

As of this moment, Live RPI has X finishing 19-11 (34%) with wins over DePaul and @Seton Hall and losses @Gtown, @St. John and home to both Creighton and Villanova. There also show a 24% chance they end up either 20-10 or 18-12. Pivotal to me is beating either or both Creighton or Villanova at home and Seton Hall on the road to make up for the Cintas debacle against them.

[XUFan09]

As of this moment, Live RPI has X finishing 19-11 (34%) with wins over DePaul and @Seton Hall and losses @Gtown, @St. John and home to both Creighton and Villanova. There also show a 24% chance they end up either 20-10 or 18-12. Pivotal to me is beating either or both Creighton or Villanova at home and Seton Hall on the road to make up for the Cintas debacle against them.

And Kenpom has Xavier at 20-8. Sagarin (which Live-RPI/RPI Forecast uses) and Kenpom tend to be similar, so their predictive models have Xavier teetering on the border between 19 and 20 wins.

[OTRMUSKIE]

No way they lose to Nova or Creighton. As a matter of fact I think they beat both teams pretty easily. I have nothing to back that up just have that feeling that those games will not be too tough for X. Only one game scares me and thats seton hall and its only bc that will be the must game to dance assuming everything else falls into place. X will finish 22-11 11-7 RPI 34 in the 4th best conf with wins over UC, Nova and Creighton and a good amount of top 100 wins. X will be dancing, I promise you.

[GIMMFD]

No way they lose to Nova or Creighton. As a matter of fact I think they beat both teams pretty easily. I have nothing to back that up just have that feeling that those games will not be too tough for X. Only one game scares me and thats seton hall and its only bc that will be the must game to dance assuming everything else falls into place. X will finish 22-11 11-7 RPI 34 in the 4th best conf with wins over UC, Nova and Creighton and a good amount of top 100 wins. X will be dancing, I promise you.

If this happens, I will be impressed. I just don't see us winning against both Nova and Creighton, I think we will take down 1 of them however.

[RealDeal]

No way they lose to Nova or Creighton. As a matter of fact I think they beat both teams pretty easily.

That medical marijuana is nice, isn't it?

[casualfan]

Rpiforecast has us projected to finish 19-11. With 6 games left they have us splitting those 6, but that's a bit misleading as they actually have us projected to lose 4 of the 6 when you look at the games individually.

We have an 89% probability against Depaul and 59% against Seton Hall.

Then we have 42% against Georgetown, 42% against St. John's, 37% against Creighton and 33% against Villanova.

[LadyMuskie]

No way they lose to Nova or Creighton. As a matter of fact I think they beat both teams pretty easily. .

We could beat both those teams - depending upon which one of our teams shows up. Regardless, it won't be easy to do so. Creighton and Nova are both legitimately good teams - especially Creighton.

[XU2011]

No way they lose to Nova or Creighton. As a matter of fact I think they beat both teams pretty easily. I have nothing to back that up just have that feeling that those games will not be too tough for X. Only one game scares me and thats seton hall and its only bc that will be the must game to dance assuming everything else falls into place. X will finish 22-11 11-7 RPI 34 in the 4th best conf with wins over UC, Nova and Creighton and a good amount of top 100 wins. X will be dancing, I promise you.

Are you being sarcastic? As someone mentioned in the thread about Stainbrook, it isn't April Fools Day yet.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I am a fan who tries to look at the positive side. If I use my brain, which I should never do, then I say X wins one more game. Now that isn't fun and doesn't make me want to watch the rest of the season. However I always go with my heart and that allows me to stay interested for the remainder of the season. I know Nova and Creighton are awesome teams, well at least Creighton is but I also know we are at home and the Cintas faithful actually get pumped up for ranked teams especially top 10 teams. The TAS will be loud as it has ever been and I predict we will be standing for most of the game. Have faith guys because if you're always doom and gloom then why even follow? Being realistic might be great when it comes to dating a girl that you know will like you but when it comes to Xavier Basketball I say always go with your heart.
It will make the season a lot less frustrating. Why do you think Dayton fans havnt killed themselves yet? It's because they go with their heart and know that every year they have the great possibility of making the NIT. now that's living my brothers, that's living.

[XU2011]

So you are suggesting we do what Dayton fans do... live outside of basketball reality, hope/pray for the best, and then talk about next year/future recruits.

It's depressing enough thinking about how this will be the only second time in my lifetime Xavier has missed 2 consecutive NCAA tournaments (with an NBA sophomore first rounder)... and now you are telling us to get the Dayton fan mentality and everything will be OK. It looks like Xavier basketball has fallen further than I thought.

[XU2011]

Also, in response to your first post about Seton Hall being the make or break game for NCAA's....

If you are correct, and Jim Hoff is shining down extra bright on Cintas and we do beat both Creighton and Villanova, we are in the NCAA. Doesn't matter what happens at Seton Hall.

[ammtd34]

So you are suggesting we do what Dayton fans do... live outside of basketball reality, hope/pray for the best, and then talk about next year/future recruits.

It's depressing enough thinking about how this will be the only second time in my lifetime Xavier has missed 2 consecutive NCAA tournaments (with an NBA sophomore first rounder)... and now you are telling us to get the Dayton fan mentality and everything will be OK. It looks like Xavier basketball has fallen further than I thought.

There are 6 games left and about a million possible scenarios that could play out in the conference and conference tournament. Talking about missing the tournament like it's a foregone conclusion seems strange to me.

[XMuskieFTW]

Threads like this annoy me. Can we just let them play the games and not assume they'e going to lose every close game? I feel like the same people who think we're going to finish 18-13 are the same who said we'd finish 16-15 after we lost the Villanova game. We will beat Depaul Wednesday and we're not going to lose out after that so stop. Ye of little faith.

[OH.X.MI]

There are 6 games left and about a million possible scenarios that could play out in the conference and conference tournament. Talking about missing the tournament like it's a foregone conclusion seems strange to me.

Here here! So much ball left to be played. Trust in our school, trust in our coach, trust in our team. The season isn't over until it's over.

[xsteve1]

Mack needs to get this team out of the mindset of keeping it close on the road and try to steal it at the end. This quote by Stainbrook kind of gives you the idea at how this team approaches road games..“We’re not going to put pressure on ourselves to win certain games or stay close or do whatever. We’re going in and we want to win every game,” Stainbrook said...
This team needs to just keep attacking and play like their lives depend on it. They need to play with a sense of urgency. Two straight years of no NCAA is unacceptable for a program of Xavier's stature.

[NY44]

So you are suggesting we do what Dayton fans do... live outside of basketball reality, hope/pray for the best, and then talk about next year/future recruits.

It's depressing enough thinking about how this will be the only second time in my lifetime Xavier has missed 2 consecutive NCAA tournaments (with an NBA sophomore first rounder)... and now you are telling us to get the Dayton fan mentality and everything will be OK. It looks like Xavier basketball has fallen further than I thought.

Will be!? What on earth is so definite about Xavier missing the tournament? We were a win at Marquette away from being comfortably in and now we're suddenly out? Can you say that we're definitely going to lose any of the next 6 games? I know I can't. We've already proven that we can beat St. Johns and Georgetown. We only lost to Creighton by 6 and there is no way we overlook Seton Hall a second time. The Nova game will be a tough win, but it will be a throwaway game for them at that point, and potentially a huge game for us. Oh and it's in the Cintas Center.

You can all go back to your dumb predictions before the season and see what they said about us. Tell us what they said before the Georgetown game tipped off. Tell us what they said at halftime of the Georgetown game. How about what they thought about the Seton Hall matchup. Predictions are crap. Sports, especially college basketball, are about what can't be predicted. Obviously it hasn't been smooth sailing as of late, but you can't say we're going to miss the tournament for sure this early.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Yes I am telling everybody to think like Dayton fans. They are all still alive as far as I know and their team sucks every year. X will be dancing, think positive. I hate negative people. I think sometimes people think negative as a way to cope with the what if. So if Xavier does not get in they were mentally prepared for it. I think they also like to be reassured by us positive thinking people that everything will be okay. XAVIER IS DANCING, I PROMISE YOU!

[xufan2434]

Definitely some over reacting with a lot of basketball to be played. Every loss X has had in conference play, they've been in the game and had plenty of chances to win. Honestly if Creighton doesn't shoot absurd, X with a real good chance to win that game. They were with Nova, there are just some things that need to change.

Mack has to come up with a new defensive scheme that guards the 3 better. It's clear now that X isn't just unlucky and teams are shooting lights out against them, they aren't guarding the 3. The offense makes way too many close and lazy passes per set that are almost stolen. This team NEEDS to take better care of the ball. It is concerning I will say that they seem to be sleeping out there too often and its February.

[Green Mamba]

If Xavier misses the tournament for the second year in a row, Chris Mack should be coaching for his job next season.

[vee4xu]

If Xavier misses the tournament for the second year in a row, Chris Mack should be coaching for his job next season.

Whoa now. You may want to take a deep breath and rethink this comment.

[NY44]

If Xavier misses the tournament for the second year in a row, Chris Mack should be coaching for his job next season.

This has to be sarcasm.

[Green Mamba]

You would accept three straight years of underwhelming seasons?

[NY44]

You would accept three straight years of underwhelming seasons?

I wouldn't call this year underwhelming at all. We just entered a new conference with much tougher and unfamiliar opponents. I think we all knew coming in that this year would be one of adjustments and adapting. Just think about the jump in conference competition since last year. You have to be realistic.

The last 2 seasons were the result of extreme circumstances.

Also, even if I agreed with you that this year was underwhelming, I would still want him on to provide continuity between the 2 ADs. Additionally, I don't want this class of recruits going anywhere but Xavier.

[Green Mamba]

I wouldn't call this year underwhelming at all. We just entered a new conference with much tougher and unfamiliar opponents. I think we all knew coming in that this year would be one of adjustments and adapting. Just think about the jump in conference competition since last year. You have to be realistic.

The last 2 seasons were the result of extreme circumstances.

Also, even if I agreed with you that this year was underwhelming, I would still want him on to provide continuity between the 2 ADs. Additionally, I don't want this class of recruits going anywhere but Xavier.

Nothing that you've said is a legitimate defense of Mack's ability or inability to get the team to win last year, this year, or in future seasons.

The point is, if we miss the tournament this year, it will be for the second year in a row. If we also underperform next year, I firmly believe Mack's job should be on the line.

It doesn't take long for college athletic programs to go from the top to the bottom. A few bad seasons and you're toast.

[NY44]

Nothing that you've said is a legitimate defense of Mack's ability or inability to get the team to win last year, this year, or in future seasons.

The point is, if we miss the tournament this year, it will be for the second year in a row. If we also underperform next year, I firmly believe Mack's job should be on the line.

It doesn't take long for college athletic programs to go from the top to the bottom. A few bad seasons and you're toast.

Firing your coach is the most surefire way to get to the bottom.

[Green Mamba]

Firing your coach is the most surefire way to get to the bottom.

Firing the coach of an underperforming program is not a surefire way to the bottom. It's an opportunity for improvement.

Following this season, Mack will be through the second of his first two recruiting classes. As a program, we have looked worse the last two years than we have at almost any other point over the past 15 years.

[OTRMUSKIE]

He does bring up a good point. I give Mack a pass last year because of the circumstances. I give him one this year because of the new conference. I will give him one next year, although I don't think he will need it, because of a new recruiting class. However, if he should miss 4 tournaments in a row, it won't happen, then and only then should Mack be on the hot seat. So 2015/16 will be the crucial year if and only if Mack doesn't make the dance in between that. Four season in a row would be a good sample size to say its time to move on. Not going to happen though because Mack is a great coach!

[GoMuskies]

Why on earth would anyone give Mack a pass because of the conference? That makes none sense.

[theprofessor]

Huh? I just looked at realtimerpi and they have us projected at 20-11. http://realtimerpi.com/rpi_121_Men.html

[SemajParlor]

Huh? I just looked at realtimerpi and they have us projected at 20-11. http://realtimerpi.com/rpi_121_Men.html

WE'RE IN!!!! Extend Mack's contract!

[SemajParlor]

Honestly though, this thread is the worst.

[GIMMFD]

People are so cynical... This team has potential, when J-Mart lights it up, Dee uses his head, and Semaj is Semaj, we are pretty good. We shot well last game, just couldn't quite get over the hump, hell Marquette shot lights out too. Steve Taylor made a three against us, he's 2-12 on the season, Jamil Wilson went 2-3, who averages 3 attempts a game and is a 34% shooter, they also hit 89% of their free throws and 50% of their threes, if we tighten up a little on defense, and stop lagging from our guys, we can turn this around, and turn it around quick. We will beat DePaul, but I do see winnable games against St. John's, Georgetown, and at Seton Hall. I also think we split one with Creighton and Nova, we could easily have 20 wins by the end of this season, have some faith in the program.

And fire Mack? Are you kidding? He just brought in the best class X has ever seen, and the team is actually running an offense this year instead of Semaj go do work. I have faith in him, Dez and Lyons leaving last year did a lot, that could have been a tournament team, and fell just short due to a missed bunny by Philmore in the tournament. We also still have conference tournament play going on soon. Have faith in our team, it's what they need, not everyone to be pissy and moan about everything.

[GoMuskies]

fell just short due to a missed bunny by Philmore in the tournament

Fell just short of what? The NIT? I suppose it's possible we'd have been given an NIT bid with that one more win.

[Green Mamba]

People are so cynical... This team has potential, when J-Mart lights it up, Dee uses his head, and Semaj is Semaj, we are pretty good. We shot well last game, just couldn't quite get over the hump, hell Marquette shot lights out too. Steve Taylor made a three against us, he's 2-12 on the season, Jamil Wilson went 2-3, who averages 3 attempts a game and is a 34% shooter, they also hit 89% of their free throws and 50% of their threes, if we tighten up a little on defense, and stop lagging from our guys, we can turn this around, and turn it around quick. We will beat DePaul, but I do see winnable games against St. John's, Georgetown, and at Seton Hall. I also think we split one with Creighton and Nova, we could easily have 20 wins by the end of this season, have some faith in the program.

And fire Mack? Are you kidding? He just brought in the best class X has ever seen, and the team is actually running an offense this year instead of Semaj go do work. I have faith in him, Dez and Lyons leaving last year did a lot, that could have been a tournament team, and fell just short due to a missed bunny by Philmore in the tournament. We also still have conference tournament play going on soon. Have faith in our team, it's what they need, not everyone to be pissy and moan about everything.

I agree completely that this team has potential, and hope that it realizes its potential and performs well down the stretch.

However, the fact that Mack is bringing in a highly ranked recruiting class is meaningless. I care about wins, losses, and championships. If that is achieved with three star recruits or five star recruits is trivial to me. Historically, however, Xavier has won a lot of games with players that other programs passed on.

Also, let's quit with the nonsense about Wells and Lyons. Lyons was removed from the program by Mack. And Wells was recruited by Mack. Mack doesn't somehow get a pass simply because he couldn't get a player to buy-in or because one that he brought in engaged in conduct resulting in his dismissal by the university. He's the coach. Those things are his responsibility.

[waggy]

I've never seen a pimp worry so much.

[Kahns Krazy]

I agree completely that this team has potential, and hope that it realizes its potential and performs well down the stretch.

However, the fact that Mack is bringing in a highly ranked recruiting class is meaningless. .

This is where I stopped reading. Chris Mack's job is not only to win today's game, or this week's game, or this year's game, but to continue to develop the program for years to come. To not allow some time to work through some unexpected issues is absurd, and would ultimately hurt our ability to recruit our next coach.

Did the other board shut down? What is up with the new breed of negativity around here?

[chico]

A season is a lifetime, but there's enough drama on here for me to think it might really be a Lifetime Movie for some people.

[GoMuskies]

More drama: people complaining about a struggling team, or people complaining about people complaining about a struggling team?

Tough one.

[ammtd34]

More drama: people complaining about a struggling team, or people complaining about people complaining about a struggling team?

Tough one.

Complaining about a struggling team is fine. Declaring the season a failure becuase we didn't make the tournament - when there are still 6 games left - doesn't make any sense.

[Green Mamba]

Complaining about a struggling team is fine. Declaring the season a failure becuase we didn't make the tournament - when there are still 6 games left - doesn't make any sense.

For the record, I have not said this season is a failure. My expectation is that this team will play well down the stretch. My comments regarding Mack were conditional (i.e. "If they don't make the tournament, he should be coaching for his job next season.").

[xubrew]

People just aren't being sensible!!!

If we miss the tournament, then we don't want to get rid of Mack. That would be crazy.

However, if we make the tournament, then I think we should strongly consider tossing his ass out of here. The reason?? If we have a strong finish between now and the season, then that is a clear indicator that we had been underperforming up to this point, which is a sign of poor coaching, and we just can't have that. He'll have to go.

[Green Mamba]

This is where I stopped reading. Chris Mack's job is not only to win today's game, or this week's game, or this year's game, but to continue to develop the program for years to come. To not allow some time to work through some unexpected issues is absurd, and would ultimately hurt our ability to recruit our next coach.

Did the other board shut down? What is up with the new breed of negativity around here?

If you consistently win today's game, the future will generally take care of itself. However, it's tough to sell recruits on a losing program. Ask Dayton.

[GoMuskies]

On Mack, I'm definitely not in the throw him a bunch of money with a big contract extension camp. And I'm not in the "Mack is coaching for his job" camp, either. My expectation is that Mack will get this program back on track (back close to where we were at the end of the Miller years) within a reasonable period of time. And if he doesn't get that done, he'll be gone. That's just the way the business works.

This season is frankly meeting expectations almost right on the nose at this point. It's just been streakier than most would have imagined. And the recruiting class coming in next year means we should be moving in the right directlion. But it's a really important class for Mack and his future. Honestly, in this business almost every class is really important.

[paulxu]

If you consistently win today's game, the future will generally take care of itself. However, it's tough to sell recruits on a losing program. Ask Dayton.

Well, that certainly explains why next year's recruiting class is the highest ranked class we've ever had. Thanks for clearing that up.

[Green Mamba]

Well, that certainly explains why next year's recruiting class is the highest ranked class we've ever had. Thanks for clearing that up.

Let me rephrase. It doesn't really matter how highly ranked your recruits and/or recruiting classes are, if you can't coach them to be a quality basketball team. That's the story of St. John's year-in and year-out.

The rank of a recruit is far less important than what you do with them once they get here.

[X-band '01]

At the rate they're playing right now, St. John's will be getting into the NCAA Tournament this year. They will have made the NCAAs 2 out of the last 3 years (with an NIT thrown in) if that holds true. You're forgetting how much of a dumpster fire they were during the Mike Jarvis/Norm Roberts era.

Xavier has struggled the past couple of seasons with depleted recruiting classes, so I would not underestimate how important good recruiting is for a program. More will be expected next year, but this year I'd say Xavier is about where I thought they would be.

[nuts4xu]

As a program, we have looked worse the last two years than we have at almost any other point over the past 15 years.

You must be too young to remember what we looked like when Sean Miller took over for Matta. Now that team was a disaster. I guess you can't recall the 2nd year Prosser took over for Gillen, we had young talent but couldn't beat the JV from Immaculate Heart Of Mary's 8th grade that season.

Let things play out, we aren't firing Mack anytime soon. Sorry to disappoint you.

[Titanxman04]

You must be too young to remember what we looked like when Sean Miller took over for Matta. Now that team was a disaster. I guess you can't recall the 2nd year Prosser took over for Gillen, we had young talent but couldn't beat the JV from Immaculate Heart Of Mary's 8th grade that season.

Let things play out, we aren't firing Mack anytime soon. Sorry to disappoint you.

This.

I cannot stand it when something happens and people come out and say "This was the greatest/worst ______ ever." It's that immediate reaction to the here and now. It's befuddling. Especially to those jackasses who complain about the whole season after a loss. Grow a pair.

[X-band '01]

You must be too young to remember what we looked like when Sean Miller took over for Matta. Now that team was a disaster. I guess you can't recall the 2nd year Prosser took over for Gillen, we had young talent but couldn't beat the JV from Immaculate Heart Of Mary's 8th grade that season.

Let things play out, we aren't firing Mack anytime soon. Sorry to disappoint you.

And yet out of that season, there is still a YouTube video commemorating Tyson Brit's moment of glory:

Xavier @ Duquesne - 1995-96 season (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuXJrcUaIs4)

Xavier managed a .500 record in their inaugural A-10 season.

[NY44]

Let me rephrase. It doesn't really matter how highly ranked your recruits and/or recruiting classes are, if you can't coach them to be a quality basketball team. That's the story of St. John's year-in and year-out.

The rank of a recruit is far less important than what you do with them once they get here.

Are you implying that Mack isn't good at developing players? If so, please see Travis Taylor, Kenny Frease, and Tu Holloway who all developed leaps and bounds under Mack.

[XUFan09]

Are you implying that Mack isn't good at developing players? If so, please see Travis Taylor, Kenny Frease, and Tu Holloway who all developed leaps and bounds under Mack.

Not to mention Semaj:

ORtg 110.6 vs. 95.9
eFG% 51.6 vs. 45.3
TORate 15.2 vs. 22.2
FC/40 2.4 vs. 3.1 (While across D1, more fouls are being called per game)
Plus, much better defense than last year

Or there's the case of Justin Martin.

[GIMMFD]

Agreed, I predicted it would be like this, and next year for us to be very good with Blueitt and company. Even if Mack was gone, who would you even replace him with?

[Kahns Krazy]

On Mack, I'm definitely not in the throw him a bunch of money with a big contract extension camp. And I'm not in the "Mack is coaching for his job" camp, either. My expectation is that Mack will get this program back on track (back close to where we were at the end of the Miller years) within a reasonable period of time. And if he doesn't get that done, he'll be gone. That's just the way the business works.

This season is frankly meeting expectations almost right on the nose at this point. It's just been streakier than most would have imagined. And the recruiting class coming in next year means we should be moving in the right directlion. But it's a really important class for Mack and his future. Honestly, in this business almost every class is really important.

Hey. Who invited you in here with the level headedness and reasonable expectations? Get out! And take that worthless Mack with you.

[Green Mamba]

It's interesting watching people overreact to an initial post that was fairly tempered. Life on a message board, I suppose.

I essentially said that if Xavier went three seasons without making the NCAA tournament, Mack should be replaced. It begs the question, how many seasons are you all willing to go without making the NCAA tournament before you consider replacing the coach - 4, 5, 6?

I don't believe my position is terribly unreasonable.

[XUFan09]

It's interesting watching people overreact to an initial post that was fairly tempered. Life on a message board, I suppose.

Are you talking about your initial post or the thread's? Because Pimp's initial post was guaranteeing losses and declaring a failed season with Xavier currently projected in the field with six games to go. That's not fairly tempered; that's highly emotional.

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[Green Mamba]

Are you talking about your initial post or the thread's? Because Pimp's initial post was guaranteeing losses and declaring a failed season with Xavier currently projected in the field with six games to go. That's not fairly tempered; that's highly emotional.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

I'm simply talking about my initial post. Perhaps I should have read through all of the posts preceding it.

I don't have a clue how this season will play out, but I hope the team comes together and plays well over the last few weeks and into the tournament.

[GoMuskies]

It begs the question, how many seasons are you all willing to go without making the NCAA tournament before you consider replacing the coach - 4, 5, 6?

Given the class Mack has coming in, he's going to get two years with that group barring a complete meltdown next year. Now, if we don't make the Tournament this year, and we struggle to win 10 games next year, then, yeah, maybe you think about making a change.

But I still think this team sneaks in, and while I expect next year to be a struggle (assuming Semaj leaves), I think they will at worst be a bubble team that will be showing HUGE promise for '15-'16. THEN, we rampage.

[markchal]

I agree with Mack getting two years with next year's class. If it happens, missing the tournament this year will be the big disappointment. I didn't expect it last year with the off-court mess and I don't really expect it next year, unless Abell is a Crawford-esque transfer. Our offense is going to look pretty rough with no Semaj and six new faces to work in.

If Mack did miss four tournaments in a row, obviously that's going to get him an early exit, but I hope we make it this year just to put an end to this sort of talk and take a little bit of pressure off the incoming class. It will take time for that team to gel but the program will be back on track and we won't be led by our underclassmen anymore.

[The_Mack_Pack]

My expectations for this season was NIT and be competitive in the BE. So far my expectations are being exceeded. The job that Mack did with last seasons team was awesome IMO. He's a really good coach that just needs a little more time, he's just had some bad luck the past couple of seasons.

[The_Mack_Pack]

To add onto that, has Mack ever had a season in which he didn't meet or exceed preseason expectations? The year Holloway was a senior I was hearing Final Four talk but the fact that they still made the Sweet 16 that season was excellent based on the team we saw after the fight occurred. His first two seasons at the helm were awesome. His third season was a Sweet 16. Last season he had really bad luck before the season started and still managed to keep every Xavier streak we care about in tact. This season he was pre-season BE 7th and is currently in 3rd with a month to go. He's an excellent coach.

[markchal]

If we miss this year it will be a disappointment. The year we got upset by Marquette in first round and arguably the brawl season, given that we were top 10 at one point and needed to do work at the end of the season to get in, but I don't put that one on Mack.

[XUFan09]

Last year's team was a tournament team with Dez Wells. This team would have been better with him, even if it might stunt the growth of Justin Martin. And the idea that Mack is responsible for recruiting a player kicked out for sexual assault is silly, because:

1) Whether or not it was a just expulsion is debatable in the first place (Note: That is NOT a cue to literally start that debate again).
2) Even if it was a just expulsion, trying to predict which teenage kid will end up committing drunken date rape in college is nigh impossible (especially borderline cases like this one). There are other negative behaviors that are predictable, but that is not one of them.

Concerning this incoming class, the nice thing is that the team won't be as reliant on new faces as this year. With Stainbrook, Randolph, Myles, and Reynolds, you have one starter, a backup big, and the only backup guards on the team. Next year, you have a probable starter and you need a backup wing and a backup big. If the backups in this case prove good enough to start or the other three freshmen prove good enough to demand minutes, then all the better. The possible loss of Semaj is the big issue and that will probably be a void early on, but at least the team will have a lot of pieces already figured out, not to mention Stainbrook still in the middle.

[Xville]

For next year, in order for us to be better than this year, someone is going to have to step up and supplant Dee at the point. I'm sorry, Dee seems like a good kid and he does try hard. However, he just doesn't seem to have the talent to compete at the Big East level. Lavendar and Tu could mask their height disadvantage with their immense talent, Davis doesn't seem to be able too.

All I know is that if Davis is the starting PG next year, it is going to be yet another up and down season...a season that is starting to become a little too commonplace around here

[xsteve1]

For next year, in order for us to be better than this year, someone is going to have to step up and supplant Dee at the point. I'm sorry, Dee seems like a good kid and he does try hard. However, he just doesn't seem to have the talent to compete at the Big East level. Lavendar and Tu could mask their height disadvantage with their immense talent, Davis doesn't seem to be able too.

All I know is that if Davis is the starting PG next year, it is going to be yet another up and down season...a season that is starting to become a little too commonplace around here

FWIW Dee has 16 assists to 4 turnovers in the last 2 games. Him getting into foul trouble was a major issue with X losing on Saturday. He may not be the greatest but he definitely can play at this level. He just needs to be focused every game.

[GoMuskies]

Dee is going to start at point. It's possible that's not true if Semaj returns, but if Semaj is gone, there's about a 0% chance of him not starting for non-injury reasons.

[Xville]

FWIW Dee has 16 assists to 4 turnovers in the last 2 games. Him getting into foul trouble was a major issue with X losing on Saturday. He may not be the greatest but he definitely can play at this level. He just needs to be focused every game.

Scoring wasn't really the issue on Saturday in my opinion...it was not defending the three and turning the ball over...which is what happens every single time Xavier has lost this year. It isn't like these guys are finding new ways to lose..it is the same old story....don't cover the three point line, and turn the ball over. Stats don't tell the whole story...he is extremely easy for Big East guards to shoot over, drive thru (except Dunham apparently), and he isn't a very good decision maker.

For the last three or four games (outside of Butler) there have been one or two shots of his where it has been early in the shot clock, and he has jacked up a three. I just don't see it.

[Xville]

Dee is going to start at point. It's possible that's not true if Semaj returns, but if Semaj is gone, there's about a 0% chance of him not starting for non-injury reasons.

Then if Christon leaves, I think we are going to be in serious trouble in the back court. Sorry but I don't feel comfortable with Dee and Myles starting in the back court next year.

[Masterofreality]

Then if Christon leaves, I think we are going to be in serious trouble in the back court. Sorry but I don't feel comfortable with Dee and Myles starting in the back court next year.

I believe you might be forgetting the progression of one Brandon Randolph and a stud coming in of Edmond Sumner. We will be fine in the backcourt.

Remember that the biggest leap in progress is usually Freshman to Sophomore year, and that will be BRandolph.

[MuskiePimp23]

Are you talking about your initial post or the thread's? Because Pimp's initial post was guaranteeing losses and declaring a failed season with Xavier currently projected in the field with six games to go. That's not fairly tempered; that's highly emotional.

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Where did I "guarantee" losses on my initial post? I simply said that I don't see us winning on the road and thus do not feel we will be in the NCAA tourney and with how we were sitting at 15-4, I would consider that an epic failure. I said "No way" to winning on the road and/or beating Villanova/Creighton at home. Not guaranteeing anything, I just don't see it happening.

In regards to the other post about realtimerpi.com now projecting us to go 20-11, they update that site every couple days and now it is updated to reflect us winning all of our home games.

I find it highly improbable we will beat either Creighton or Villanova at home. If we do, that is great. I will be ecstatic. I just don't see it happening.

[xubrew]

In regards to the other post about realtimerpi.com now projecting us to go 20-11, they update that site every couple days and now it is updated to reflect us winning all of our home games.

That's why you really can't rely on it. It'll be different tomorrow.

[MuskiePimp23]

That's why you really can't rely on it. It'll be different tomorrow.

I agree you can't rely on it. Nor can you rely on KenPom or any other statistical projections out there which is why they play the games...I honestly think we are a lot more likely to go 18-13 then say 21-10 or 20-11 was really the point I was trying to make. I sure hope this team proves me wrong, but I think we will be 1-5 in our last 6.

[casualfan]

I believe you might be forgetting the progression of one Brandon Randolph and a stud coming in of Edmond Sumner. We will be fine in the backcourt.

Remember that the biggest leap in progress is usually Freshman to Sophomore year, and that will be BRandolph.

I'm with you, but keep in mind that people were making similar comments about Myles and Randolph at this time last year.

Both have been solid and I think Sumner may be the best of the three BUT relying on freshman to provide major minutes is a dicey proposition.

The biggest issue I see with our back court next year is defense. Both Myles, Randolph, and Dee are undersized. Hopefully Abell can give some good minutes at the two.

[XUFan09]

Where did I "guarantee" losses on my initial post? I simply said that I don't see us winning on the road and thus do not feel we will be in the NCAA tourney and with how we were sitting at 15-4, I would consider that an epic failure. I said "No way" to winning on the road and/or beating Villanova/Creighton at home. Not guaranteeing anything, I just don't see it happening.

In regards to the other post about realtimerpi.com now projecting us to go 20-11, they update that site every couple days and now it is updated to reflect us winning all of our home games.

I find it highly improbable we will beat either Creighton or Villanova at home. If we do, that is great. I will be ecstatic. I just don't see it happening.

Saying there is "no way" Xavier wins on the road or beats Creighton/Villanova at home is guaranteeing it. No way = no path, no method, no possibility, no outcome, etc. If that's not what you meant, then it was very poor word choice for conveying your opinion that these are low-probability events.

[XUFan09]

I'm with you, but keep in mind that people were making similar comments about Myles and Randolph at this time last year.

Both have been solid and I think Sumner may be the best of the three BUT relying on freshman to provide major minutes is a dicey proposition.

The biggest issue I see with our back court next year is defense. Both Myles, Randolph, and Dee are undersized. Hopefully Abell can give some good minutes at the two.

Luckily, Xavier won't have to rely only on freshmen coming off the bench at the guard positions. I'm not counting on too much from Sumner or Macura as freshmen, though I'll be happy if they do make immediate contributions (though it wouldn't surprise me to see Sumner redshirt). They'll have a senior (Dee), two sophomores (Myles and Randolph), and a junior (Abell). Abell might put in time at the 3 position too, though if Martin is back and Bluiett is the immediate impact he is supposed to be, that will be more an instance of luxury than necessity.

[Juice]

I agree you can't rely on it. Nor can you rely on KenPom or any other statistical projections out there which is why they play the games...I honestly think we are a lot more likely to go 18-13 then say 21-10 or 20-11 was really the point I was trying to make. I sure hope this team proves me wrong, but I think we will be 1-5 in our last 6.

So Ken Pomeroy can't make predictions based on data from previous games but you can make predictions based on what you saw in these same games?

[bjf123]

So Ken Pomeroy can't make predictions based on data from previous games but you can make predictions based on what you saw in these same games?

Now why would you go and throw reason and logic into a message board thread? That never works!


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[chico]

More drama: people complaining about a struggling team, or people complaining about people complaining about a struggling team?

Tough one.

One post of mine versus every post this guy makes. Such a valid comparison.

[GoMuskies]

Not just you

[MuskiePimp23]

18-13. Anybody care to disagree with our schedule and how this team is playing? We are 1-3 in the noon or 11:30 AM start times so thank goodness no more early games, but wow, we completely sleepwalk through these road games. Here is how I see our last 4:

@ St. John's- Definite Loss
Creighton- Definite Loss
@Seton Hall- Probable Loss
Villanova- Definite Loss

I am thinking 1-3 is a possibility, but 0-4 is a probability.

[bleedXblue]

[QUOTE=MuskiePimp23;431878]18-13. Anybody care to disagree with our schedule and how this team is playing? We are 1-3 in the noon or 11:30 AM start times so thank goodness no more early games, but wow, we completely sleepwalk through these road games. Here is how I see our last 4:

@ St. John's- Definite Loss
Creighton- Definite Loss
@Seton Hall- Probable Loss
Villanova- Definite Loss

I am thinking 1-3 is a possibility, but 0-4 is a probability.

This team can win 2 more games if they pull their head out and play some inspired defense. You also have to start giving teams some different looks offensively.

Remember earlier in the year how well Stain was passing out of the post? What happened with ball movement and getting multiple guys shots? It's dump it to Stain or pass it around the perimeter and hope someone can make a shot. Back door cuts, good ball screens.......where are they?

[danaandvictory]

If the Muskies do tank out, it's going to be the greatest moment of Pimp's life. He'll probably post 500 times on every Xavier message board to remind everyone about how smart he is.

[Juice]

If the Muskies do tank out, it's going to be the greatest moment of Pimp's life. He'll probably post 500 times on every Xavier message board to remind everyone about how smart he is.

He's got that MBA. He's got to be smart.

[OTRMUSKIE]

X is not going o'fer, I promise you that. We will be going back to our comfort zone band box when we play St Johns. I almost feel like these guys might just be overwhelmed about the huge atmosphere they are playing in. Maybe a little shell shocked seeing they are use to playing in 5k capacity buildings. I'm just looking for excuses here.

[SM#24]

Except St. John's is at MSG if I'm not mistaken.

[MuskiePimp23]

If the Muskies do tank out, it's going to be the greatest moment of Pimp's life. He'll probably post 500 times on every Xavier message board to remind everyone about how smart he is.

I hope I'm wrong and no it sure as hell won't be the greatest moment of my life. Even message board life. It just kills me when the team plays like this.

[NY44]

Per Realtimerpi.com. I agree with it honestly. I just do not see us winning any other road games. You can forget about beating Georgetown or St. John's, especially the way St. John's is playing now. Seton Hall after a very short rest right after losing to Creighton at home. No way. Villanova will beat us by a comfortable 12-15 on our home floor. 18-13 is where we end up and that means no NCAA tournament and a failed season in my book. That is pathetic since we started 15-4.

Haha! You can forget about it!

[MuskiePimp23]

Haha! You can forget about it!

We aren't out of the woods yet. Nice win tonight, but we still have to get one of the next 3 to be in.

[Xavier]

18-13. Anybody care to disagree with our schedule and how this team is playing? We are 1-3 in the noon or 11:30 AM start times so thank goodness no more early games, but wow, we completely sleepwalk through these road games. Here is how I see our last 4:

@ St. John's- Definite Loss
Creighton- Definite Loss
@Seton Hall- Probable Loss
Villanova- Definite Loss

I am thinking 1-3 is a possibility, but 0-4 is a probability.

Definite?

[MuskiePimp23]

Definite?

I was wrong. I am very happy that is the case. However, lose our next 3 and it is all for naught.

[OTRMUSKIE]

X isn't losing the next three. We will beat Creighton and I honestly think we beat them pretty easily. I have that St. joes feeling all of a sudden.

[Kahns Krazy]

Per Realtimerpi.com. I agree with it honestly. I just do not see us winning any other road games. You can forget about beating Georgetown or St. John's, especially the way St. John's is playing now. Seton Hall after a very short rest right after losing to Creighton at home. No way. Villanova will beat us by a comfortable 12-15 on our home floor. 18-13 is where we end up and that means no NCAA tournament and a failed season in my book. That is pathetic since we started 15-4.

Hahaha. What a clown.

[Masterofreality]

18-13. Anybody care to disagree with our schedule and how this team is playing? We are 1-3 in the noon or 11:30 AM start times so thank goodness no more early games, but wow, we completely sleepwalk through these road games. Here is how I see our last 4:

@ St. John's- Definite Loss
Creighton- Definite Loss
@Seton Hall- Probable Loss
Villanova- Definite Loss

I am thinking 1-3 is a possibility, but 0-4 is a probability.

Let's review....So far, zero for two...that's definite.

[danaandvictory]

How we lookin'?

[SemajParlor]

Lol

[MuskiePimp23]

Let's review....So far, zero for two...that's definite.

I hope it's zero for four. That would be fantastic!

[xu95]

I've been away too long. Is MuskiePimp a Xavier fan now?

[MuskiePimp23]

I've been away too long. Is MuskiePimp a Xavier fan now?

I'm always a Xavier fan. Just take a different point of view than many others.

[Kahns Krazy]

Hilarious. MuskiePimp has neg repped me again. If you don't want to be called out for making baseless and inaccurate negative predictions, maybe you shouldn't make them in the first place. Grow up.

[MuskiePimp23]

Hilarious. MuskiePimp has neg repped me again. If you don't want to be called out for making baseless and inaccurate negative predictions, maybe you shouldn't make them in the first place. Grow up.

Wow. You telling me to grow up and giving me advice. How about this one KK. Get a life. As for negative repping. I was just returning the favor, because that is all you do is negative rep me. Just wanted to spread it around buddy.

[xuwin]

Hilarious. MuskiePimp has neg repped me again. If you don't want to be called out for making baseless and inaccurate negative predictions, maybe you shouldn't make them in the first place. Grow up.

I would consider it an honor to be neg repped by MuskiePimp.

[Cheesehead]

can't we all just get along? It's a great day to be a Xavier fan… and UC lost. Go X!!!

[SixFig]

That's enough of this one. Closed.