Jalen Reynolds

[mistabeecee41]

Excuse my french but... give this guy his own fucking thread.

[muskiefan82]

Excuse my french but... give this guy his own fucking thread.

Agreed. The Beast of the BEast has arrived.

[Xpectations]

Jalen Reynolds is a Bad Ass!

That is all

[GuyFawkes38]

Awesome play. He's shown flashes of brilliance this year, but all came together tonight. I love our freshmen.

[X Factor]

Dude was a total beast tonight. Hit a 17 footer, a couple nice hook shots, and some rim rattling dunks (one with a guy on his back that wasn't called).

He owned the glass and made his free throws.

Just a great game for Jalen and I'm really happy for him.

[Musketeer_15]

Remember when everyone thought he was done forever when he got suspended? How does that crow taste? Phenomenal game by Jalen though! 17 & 16 for a freshman in his first game at the Garden is a huge confidence booster.

[Muskie]

Remember when everyone thought he was done forever when he got suspended? How does that crow taste? Phenomenal game by Jalen though! 17 & 16 for a freshman in his first game at the Garden is a huge confidence booster.

Were people saying he was done? I don't remember that.

[fellahmuskie]

Mack has gotten a lot of flak at times this season, but give credit where it's due -- he clearly got through to Reynolds with that suspension. Let's hope the big fella brings this effort the rest of the season. We're gonna need it.

[ammtd34]

Were people saying he was done? I don't remember that.

At least one person suggested a transfer.

[Musketeer_15]

Were people saying he was done? I don't remember that.

More of an indirect reference to people that I know... but I believe there were a few people on here that expressed it

[Muskie]

I must have missed it. Thanks.

[The_Mack_Pack]

When Reynolds jumps out of crowd and grabs a rebound he, and everyone around him, knows the ball will be his. Can't wait to see him continue to improve but man that was impressive. Who was the last freshman big at X to put up numbers like that in a big game?

[DC Muskie]

Mack has gotten a lot of flak at times this season, but give credit where it's due -- he clearly got through to Reynolds with that suspension. Let's hope the big fella brings this effort the rest of the season. We're gonna need it.

Same as Jordan Crawford.

[Emp]

The rebounding and managing to stay on the floor are the biggest pluses tonight. Kid has the body to be a star. When his game matures, he'll be a force.

[XU-PA]

Game of the year for the young stud,,, awesome!

[ammtd34]

When Reynolds jumps out of crowd and grabs a rebound he, and everyone around him, knows the ball will be his. Can't wait to see him continue to improve but man that was impressive. Who was the last freshman big at X to put up numbers like that in a big game?

In his Garden debut, no less.

[Snipe]

What an absolute stud tonight.

Manimal

[xumuskies08]

Excuse my french but... give this guy his own fucking thread.

Amen. Reps.

[Cheesehead]

He played ok.

[gladdenguy]

Different team when he plays like that. A whole new level of toughness with him over Isaiah.

[RoseyMuskie]

I'll be the one to propose the question - does he start Saturday? I think his athleticism will be critical against slowing down McDermott.

[The_Mack_Pack]

I'll be the one to propose the question - does he start Saturday? I think his athleticism will be critical against slowing down McDermott.

I think he'll start but will be given the assignment to face guard Wragge.

[XUFan09]

Mack has gotten a lot of flak at times this season, but give credit where it's due -- he clearly got through to Reynolds with that suspension. Let's hope the big fella brings this effort the rest of the season. We're gonna need it.

I thought his game was already rising before the suspension. The Providence game just before was one of his better ones this season against non-awful competition.

[bleedXblue]

Sometimes you just need a game like this to realize that you can play and dominate at this level.

Confidence is so very important to young guys.

He got a very big dose of it tonight!

[Green Mamba]

He has the potential to be able to leave for the NBA by the end of his junior season.

[MuskiePimp23]

Different team when he plays like that. A whole new level of toughness with him over Isaiah.

Well stated. Reynolds needs to start and continue to take away minutes from Philmore and Stenger.

[KabeX]

j.f.r.​

[bobbiemcgee]

I think he'll start but will be given the assignment to face guard Wragge.


Reynolds Wrap?

[Snipe]

j.f.r.​

I thought it was

J.M.F.R.

[OTRMUSKIE]

He has the potential to be able to leave for the NBA by the end of his junior season.

I am assuming you're being sarcastic? He has the potential to be a full time starter for the next three years. I hope your right because that would mean he becomes a star. Gonna have to see more games like this from him but the arrow is green and pointing up for sure!

[Green Mamba]

I am assuming you're being sarcastic? He has the potential to be a full time starter for the next three years. I hope your right because that would mean he becomes a star. Gonna have to see more games like this from him but the arrow is green and pointing up for sure!

I'm not being sarcastic in the least. With regular playing time over his sophomore and junior seasons, given his potential, he could be draft ready by the end of his junior year.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Love the enthusiasm and you could be right. He has the body of a NBA player right now. It will be fun to watch him the next couple of years.

[Filthy Conservative]

Oh please..someone go to the UC thread and look all tbr Farr NBA nonsense.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Except Farr doesn't have an NBA body and has never had 16 boards. I agree though, one game doesn't make a career

[GoMuskies]

Tonight was Jalen's BYU.

[xuwin]

Jalen has been a totally different player since coming back from his suspension. Playing smarter with more confidence.

[Pault]

Way to go, Jalen! Props to your teammates for finding you on offense! Now, let's take down Creighton!! Play great D as you did against St. Johns!

[Milhouse]

If you don't think Jalen has NBA potential then I guess you don't watch NBA games.

There are several scouts that have been to practice and been more impressed with Reynolds than Semaj this year. Look at last night and you can easily see why.

Food for thought: I love Jalen, quickly becoming my favorite player on the team. But do you think he played better as he was going up against Jakar Sampson? This is a dude he battled in practice EVERY day 2 years ago. He knows his game and more importantly he knows he can hang with him...Will be very interesting to see how he plays against Creighton.

[paulxu]

Well, I'm assuming he doesn't go anywhere until he fulfills his promise of taking X to a FF.

[KabeX]

I thought it was

J.M.F.R.

I'm good with that too. I don't know why I caps doesn't seem to work despite several edits. Let me try again:

JALEN M%&*# F#%)ING REYNOLDS

Hummnn, must be working now ...

[ammtd34]

Food for thought: I love Jalen, quickly becoming my favorite player on the team. But do you think he played better as he was going up against Jakar Sampson? This is a dude he battled in practice EVERY day 2 years ago. He knows his game and more importantly he knows he can hang with him...Will be very interesting to see how he plays against Creighton.

I thought about that too. But I didn't think of it because he knew Sampson's game. I thought it could have been a pride thing. He didn't want Sampson, a guy he played with, to outplay him. Whatever the reason, I was ecstatic with the result.

[xufan2434]

Tonight was Jalen's BYU.

This is exactly what I was thinking. The way he was going up to get boards reminded me a lot of when DBrown was a freshman. Jalen did show a lot of glimpses of this against Marquette so I don't know how much it was because he was playing Sampson but I can see it.

Going to be big if he can continue this. I still don't think he's ready to start but its really awesome energy coming off the bench and playing a lot of minutes. He exploded last night so Creighton is going to play him differently so it should be interesting to see how he reacts.

Finally someone who provides the energy and the will to win that we've been talking about missing since Tu left.

[Snipe]

I'm good with that too. I don't know why I caps doesn't seem to work despite several edits. Let me try again:

JALEN M%&*# F#%)ING REYNOLDS

Hummnn, must be working now ...

You have to write something in the first 10 or so spaces and then go into caps. The messageboard has a program to convert all caps ("screaming") posts into lower case if your whole post is all caps. So if all you post is J.R.R it converts it to lower, but if you diddle a bit and then do it you are fine.


Tonight was Jalen's BYU.

I think you are right. And I like this post.

Different games for sure. Derrick Brown has 16 boards in 16 incredible bench minutes as a frosh in our victory over a then ranked BYU squad in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. I was in attendance. We beat them by two and outrebounded them by 6, only because the freshman mopped up every board possible. Incredible performance. After that performance, WH declared Derrick Brown the freshman of the year in the A-10, no matter how the coaches voted.

Jalen Reynolds had a monster game. 16 boards against a towering St. Johns front line is a man sized portion of rebounds. It would be interesting to see a list of Muskies that had 16 boards in a game. I bet it would be an impressive list. We outrebounded them by 5 last night, and that kid pulled down 16. Many players could have 17 points in a game when things go right, but not as many can pull down 16 boards.

I can't wait to watch some more of Jalen Reynolds. A coming out party indeed.

[Pablo's Brother]

We are potentially looking at the second coming of David West.

[LA Muskie]

Jalen played a monster game yesterday. And it was awesome. I hope there's a lot more of that to come. But it's only the first, maybe second, time he's had a meaningful role in a game all year. Perhaps we can we try to keep things in perspective before we compare him to the likes of David West and assume he's an NBA lottery pick?

[NY44]

I may be speculating here, but it seems that Jalen realized he is a man among boys in the paint. If he keeps this improvement up he could be getting paid to play in MSG someday.

[SlimKibbles]

We are potentially looking at the second coming of David West.

Nah. He's the first Jalen Reynolds. Don't think he'll leave the legacy of West but I also don't think X has had a true post player as athletic as him. They've had some great post players, don't get me wrong, but Jalen is more athletic in my mind. Posey and D-Brown had his size but they didn't play in the post much. West could never jump out of the gym like Jalen can. Plus the dude is cut. Those making the Dwight Howard comparisons, I agree with you. He was the first person I thought of when I saw Jalen in uniform for the first time back in November.

[nuts4xu]

What a great time for a coming out party. This team has been searching for someone other than SC, Stain, and JMart to step up and Jalen answers the bell. I think this is what we have all been waiting for since he arrived on campus nearly 2 years ago. Great to see him step up, we need that energy and production.

[Pablo's Brother]

Jalen played a monster game yesterday. And it was awesome. I hope there's a lot more of that to come. But it's only the first, maybe second, time he's had a meaningful role in a game all year. Perhaps we can we try to keep things in perspective before we compare him to the likes of David West and assume he's an NBA lottery pick?

jaylen had a high double digit double double. He owned the floor. Hit a jumper and is a physical player. Made free throws too. Notice I said "potentially." His game is a lot like west's. Yes, he has to prove himself. I am certain all of us hope he continues to improve - and dominate like dw.

[Musketeer_15]

Food for thought: I love Jalen, quickly becoming my favorite player on the team. But do you think he played better as he was going up against Jakar Sampson? This is a dude he battled in practice EVERY day 2 years ago. He knows his game and more importantly he knows he can hang with him...Will be very interesting to see how he plays against Creighton.

I think there was some pride that played in but I don't entirely think it was the fact that he knows Jakar's game. My reason is that jumper that he took somewhere in the middle of the game. He has the confidence to take those shots and he has the stroke to hit them. Also, his pure dominance on grabbing the boards was eye opening. He also played great defense outside the paint and his length really played a key role in this. I am very excited to see how he does against Creighton with all of their shooters.

[XUFan09]

Oh please..someone go to the UC thread and look all tbr Farr NBA nonsense.

Completely different situations. Farr was playing really well on the offensive end and on the glass in the early part of the season, and people were swooning over him, failing to account for his defense or his physical limitations. Reynolds, in the long run, doesn't have much in the way of limitations. He's been mentioned as an NBA prospect long before this game. He's still raw but he has a great physique, can jump out of the gym, has a good stroke on his jumper, and has loads of potential. That screams NBA prospect in the long run.

I just hope he keeps it up this season. I'm confident he will be a big-time contributor next season, but this season teams are going to start playing him differently, and then you add in the inconsistencies common with freshman. He'll need to respond and balance aggression with smart play.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

[GIMMFD]

I went to the aux gym at some point last week, around like 10PM-11PM, and Jalen was in there working on his game with another guys (I couldn't really tell who it was). I know a lot has been said about maybe his work ethic in practice, but he was in a full out sweat, working on jumpers and post moves. Maybe it's starting to pay off for him?

[The_Mack_Pack]

Jon Rothstein tweeted that Reynolds is an early candidate for the 2014-2015 breakout list. Nice to see a lot of media guys noticed his monster breakout game last night.

[LA Muskie]

jaylen had a high double digit double double. He owned the floor. Hit a jumper and is a physical player. Made free throws too. Notice I said "potentially." His game is a lot like west's. Yes, he has to prove himself. I am certain all of us hope he continues to improve - and dominate like dw.
Pablo, my post wasn't directed at you (but I can see how you might think it was). And to be clear, I was thrilled with Jalen yesterday. He was an absolute monster -- and to me, the reason we won the game.

My only concern is that people on this board tend to take things to extremes. To me this just seems like yet another example. I sure as hell hope he approaches D. West -- hell, anything even remotely close to that would be epic. At the same time, I can already hear the sighs of despair the next time he puts up a 2 pt, 3 rebound game. And it will happen. Because while Jalen may have endless talent and natural abilities, he's still learning how to harness his energy and emotions and be a consistent performer.

But when he does that? Watch the hell out...

[RealDeal]

Me and my kids have been talking about Jalen since seeing him in the summer league. He's exciting. Don't see the Dwight Howard comparisons though, Jalen is 6'9" 220, Dwight 6'11" 265. Maybe Antwan Jamison. Regardless, love the guys talent and effort.

[mistabeecee41]

Me and my kids have been talking about Jalen since seeing him in the summer league. He's exciting. Don't see the Dwight Howard comparisons though, Jalen is 6'9" 220, Dwight 6'11" 265. Maybe Antwan Jamison. Regardless, love the guys talent and effort.

his coach at Brewster frequently makes a Thomas Robinson comparison - which seems to be much more accurate.

[Juice]

Pablo, my post wasn't directed at you (but I can see how you might think it was). And to be clear, I was thrilled with Jalen yesterday. He was an absolute monster -- and to me, the reason we won the game.

My only concern is that people on this board tend to take things to extremes. To me this just seems like yet another example. I sure as hell hope he approaches D. West -- hell, anything even remotely close to that would be epic. At the same time, I can already hear the sighs of despair the next time he puts up a 2 pt, 3 rebound game. And it will happen. Because while Jalen may have endless talent and natural abilities, he's still learning how to harness his energy and emotions and be a consistent performer.

But when he does that? Watch the hell out...

My other issue with the comparison is that Jalen is so much more athletic than West. West was/is good because of his plethora of ways he could score from post moves to jump shots. At this point, Jalen has shown flashes of a nice jumper but he is so much more limited with his post moves. But again, Jalen can jump higher and move more smoothly on the court than West.

[Filthy Conservative]

[QUOTE=Snipe;432976]You have to write something in the first 10 or so spaces and then go into caps. The messageboard has a program to convert all caps ("screaming") posts into lower case if your whole post is all caps. So if all you post is J.R.R it converts it to lower, but if you diddle a bit and then do it you are fine.



Caps or no Caps you still manage to scream.




Sent from my M886 using Tapatalk 2

[waggy]

More trash to take out.

[ammtd34]

his coach at Brewster frequently makes a Thomas Robinson comparison - which seems to be much more accurate.

Thomas Robinson seems dead on to me. Plus, it's coming from a guy who has been around both players.

Looking at Robinson's less than impressive numbers his first two years at KU, I suppose it isn't crazy to think that a similar improvement is possible. How awesome would that be?

[XUFan09]

his coach at Brewster frequently makes a Thomas Robinson comparison - which seems to be much more accurate.

I agree that this is probably the best comparison. Their physiques and athletic ability are very similar, as are their games. Also, Robinson wasn't a world-beater as a freshman, before anyone protests the comparison to an All-American. He was actually pretty inefficient, albeit with a high usage rate. Sidenote: I can't really make sense as to why he had such a high usage rate as a raw freshman on a team with the Morrii, Cole Aldrich, Xavier Henry, and Tyshawn Taylor. That's five NBA players of varying levels, three drafted in the lottery or just outside.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

[Retire33]

Me and my kids have been talking about Jalen since seeing him in the summer league. He's exciting. Don't see the Dwight Howard comparisons though, Jalen is 6'9" 220, Dwight 6'11" 265. Maybe Antwan Jamison. Regardless, love the guys talent and effort.


his coach at Brewster frequently makes a Thomas Robinson comparison - which seems to be much more accurate.

I still say Amare Stoudemire

[bobbiemcgee]

Hoping it's not one "moment of brilliance" * like the 22 from JR vs LaSalle:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPJCevUAN54

*Dana and Victory Pkwy

[The_Mack_Pack]

Hoping it's not one "moment of brilliance" * like the 22 from JR vs LaSalle:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPJCevUAN54

*Dana and Victory Pkwy

La Salle was so unbelievably bad that game. Even Jay Canty put up 10 points. Robinson did put on a dunking display like no other but that was probably his best game ever.

[Caveat]

The most important thing for Reynolds, IMO, has been his defense and (specifically) his footwork on the defensive end. He's staying in good position and avoiding the bad fouls that plagued him during his early/mid-season minutes.

[The_Mack_Pack]

The most important thing for Reynolds, IMO, has been his defense and (specifically) his footwork on the defensive end. He's staying in good position and avoiding the bad fouls that plagued him during his early/mid-season minutes.

Good point. That and James Farr's amazing start to the season was kind of holding Reynolds back. I think we're going to start seeing a lot more of him (20ish minutes/game) from here on out as long as he doesn't pick up silly fouls.

[GoMuskies]

The emergence of Jalen has me feeling MUCH more confident about what next year holds for our team.

[ammtd34]

The most important thing for Reynolds, IMO, has been his defense and (specifically) his footwork on the defensive end. He's staying in good position and avoiding the bad fouls that plagued him during his early/mid-season minutes.

He rotated once last night in the first half and stayed vertical, forcing a guy for St. John's (I forget who it was) to miss a layup, then he grabbed the rebound. Defense is making a lot more sense to him, which is going to be scary.

[XUFan09]

Thomas Robinson seems dead on to me. Plus, it's coming from a guy who has been around both players.

Looking at Robinson's less than impressive numbers his first two years at KU, I suppose it isn't crazy to think that a similar improvement is possible. How awesome would that be?

His second season was actually pretty good, but he was just playing behind a pair of bigs who were drafted 14th and 15th in first round that year. That's what made his junior year unsurprising in its ridiculousness.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

[BandAid]

Hoping it's not one "moment of brilliance" * like the 22 from JR vs LaSalle:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPJCevUAN54

*Dana and Victory Pkwy

Please use names. Jeff Robinson and Jalen have the exact same initials. My first reaction was - Jalen never played against LaSuck!

[XBR1]

Please use names. Jeff Robinson and Jalen have the exact same initials. My first reaction was - Jalen never played against LaSuck!

I agree. We aren't UD.

[bobbiemcgee]

Sorry, I forgot satire is often misconstrued here. I don't think Jalen was playing in 2011.

[Milhouse]

Reynolds is already miles ahead of Jeff..

Who was the last Xavier player to have 16 rebounds in a game? I know Travis Taylor had like 18 last year in a game but before that you're probably going back 10+ years.

And the last freshman to have that many?...

[NY44]

I still say Amare Stoudemire

That's messed up, man. Stoudemire is hot garbage

[BBC 08]

Reynolds is already miles ahead of Jeff..

Who was the last Xavier player to have 16 rebounds in a game? I know Travis Taylor had like 18 last year in a game but before that you're probably going back 10+ years.

And the last freshman to have that many?...

Derrick Brown against BYU in the NCAA tournament.

[Milhouse]

http://www.goxavier.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/022514aaa.html

Here's highlights. Gotta love Jalen staring down the camera and throwing up the X.

[XUFan09]

Derrick Brown against BYU in the NCAA tournament.

That was one of the best regulation tournament games I've ever watched. Both teams were a little underseeded, IMO, and it was a tightly contested game. I just checked the play-by-play and every score from 5:09 until Josh Duncan's game-winning two-point jumper with 0:33 left either tied the game or broke a tie. Drew Lavender took over in the last two minutes with two consecutive scores to tie the game and then take the lead (prior to Duncan taking the lead for good) before grabbing the rebound off BYU's attempt to tie the game and icing the game with free throws with 0:12 left.

[danaandvictory]

This may be controversial but he reminds me a lot of Javale McGee. At Nevada McGee was all arms and legs his first year but would pull some ridiculous athletic crap every once in a while and shock everyone. His sophomore year he put down 14 and 7, shooting 33% from 3 and over 50% from the floor and then went pro.

Not a perfect comp as McGee is 7-0 and Jalen probably closer to 6-9, but their length is similar. Jalen obviously much more physically imposing and with superior strength. One thing they share is that they both play with a serious edge. Must be that Michigan upbringing.

[xu82]

Me and my kids have been talking about Jalen since seeing him in the summer league. He's exciting. Don't see the Dwight Howard comparisons though, Jalen is 6'9" 220, Dwight 6'11" 265. Maybe Antwan Jamison. Regardless, love the guys talent and effort.

I see a similarity in that they both have deltoids that generally shame those around them. I think that's what makes them seem like men among boys. They are big and cut. I'm not calling Jalen an NBA all star (before this gets misconstrued). Sadly for Dwight, his career FT% is about 5 points below Jalen's 62%. Let's hope Jalen can get that to climb as I can see him racking up fouls by opposing big men by attacking around the rim.

[nuts4xu]

Reynolds is already miles ahead of Jeff..

Who was the last Xavier player to have 16 rebounds in a game? I know Travis Taylor had like 18 last year in a game but before that you're probably going back 10+ years.

And the last freshman to have that many?...

Romain Sato had 16 in the Samford game, the third game of his freshman year (on 11/28/2000).

[GoMuskies]

Yes, but Sato was the greatest player in the history of the Central African Republic. So it's unfair to compare Jalen to someone like that.

[RealDeal]

Yes, but Sato was the greatest player in the history of the Central African Republic. So it's unfair to compare Jalen to someone like that.

He also spoke 7 languages. Jalen only speaks 5.

[ballyhoohoo]

He also spoke 7 languages. Jalen only speaks 5.

And Jalen can jump off one foot

[mistabeecee41]

And Jalen can jump off one foot

my sources confirm that jalen does enjoy pizza.

[X-Fan]

And Jalen can jump off one foot
And Boom Goes The Dynamite! lol!

Reps!

[Masterofreality]

Maybe it was said before, but Jalen Reynolds is a Bad...Bad Man. In the good sense of the word.

But, can he jump off TWO feet?

[xubball1993]

I too loved watching Jalen go to work last night. Now, I'm looking for consistency. I don't expect a double-double out of a freshman every game but I want to see that intensity. Somebody else noted how when Jalen rebounded, he made damn sure everybody knew that was his ball. I loved that. If this truly was a breakout game for him, opponents better look out.

Does anyone know if we've ever had a freshman get a double-double before? My guesses would be Byron and/or Stanley.

[ThrowDownDBrown]

I too loved watching Jalen go to work last night. Now, I'm looking for consistency. I don't expect a double-double out of a freshman every game but I want to see that intensity. Somebody else noted how when Jalen rebounded, he made damn sure everybody knew that was his ball. I loved that. If this truly was a breakout game for him, opponents better look out.

Does anyone know if we've ever had a freshman get a double-double before? My guesses would be Byron and/or Stanley.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that guy named David West probably had a couple his freshman year

[THRILLHOUSE]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that guy named David West probably had a couple his freshman year

10 of them to be exact: http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/xavier/david-west/game_stats?season=1999-2000&stat_type=1&game_type=1&chart1=minutes&chart2=points&chart3=assists&chart4=rebounds_total&chart5=

[xu82]

10 of them to be exact: http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/xavier/david-west/game_stats?season=1999-2000&stat_type=1&game_type=1&chart1=minutes&chart2=points&chart3=assists&chart4=rebounds_total&chart5=

Wow! That's impressive. Jalen had better pick up the pace. How many games between us and a national championship?

[MuskieCinci]

Reynolds is already miles ahead of Jeff..

Who was the last Xavier player to have 16 rebounds in a game? I know Travis Taylor had like 18 last year in a game but before that you're probably going back 10+ years.

And the last freshman to have that many?...

Jason Love had two 19 rebound games his senior year, against Marquette and UC. David West had a few big time rebounding games as well, including a 21 rebound game his sophomore year against GW. I doubt there have been any bigger ones than those though in somewhat recent history.

[Milhouse]

16 rebounds in 27 minutes is impressive.

Let's see what the dude does with 35.

[xunorm]

Didn't D Brown have 16 rebounds in the tourney his freshmen year against BYU??

[Muskie]

It remains to be seen if this is Jalen's coming out game or if this is the equivalent of Kenny Frease's run against Florida and LSU in 2009.

[xuwin]

It remains to be seen if this is Jalen's coming out game or if this is the equivalent of Kenny Frease's run against Florida and LSU in 2009.

I would think Jalen has higher up side potential than that. He starts with the ability to jump and move his feet.

[bourbonman]

It remains to be seen if this is Jalen's coming out game or if this is the equivalent of Kenny Frease's run against Florida and LSU in 2009.
Jalen learned on Tuesday what's possible. How he adjusts to what's next with other teams adjusting to him will determine his future. But this opens the game up for others. He is learning we will go as far as his growth will take us.

[Jumpy]

Can we at least wait until we see what the kid does in the next few games before we start proclaiming that he is the next D. West and will be leaving early for the NBA? I know he is a wild card with lots of potential- and it is exciting to see him have a great game finally- but it was only one game. I don't want to be a debbie downer, but the hyperbole in this thread is too much.

It would be really nice if he were to emerge as a superstar, but it is way to early to scream from the rooftops that he has arrived.

[Milhouse]

Jalen does have a ways to go. But him leaving early isn't coming out of nowhere.

This isn't like that old man that thought stainbrook would leave early to go to the NBA after this year...there's been a lot of talk of Jalen potentially having the option to leave after his junior year or so.

[Jumpy]

Jalen does have a ways to go. But him leaving early isn't coming out of nowhere.

This isn't like that old man that thought stainbrook would leave early to go to the NBA after this year...there's been a lot of talk of Jalen potentially having the option to leave after his junior year or so.

He has a lot to prove before the idea of his leaving early can even be seriously discussed. With the incoming class, I think it's a safer bet that he molds into a role player off the bench rather than a monster averaging double-doubles and declaring early.

[Milhouse]

He has a lot to prove before the idea of his leaving early can even be seriously discussed. With the incoming class, I think it's a safer bet that he molds into a role player off the bench rather than a monster averaging double-doubles and declaring early.

What?

Exactly who do you see from the incoming class that would possibly get more minutes at the 4 than him next year?

The only reason Reynolds may not start next year would be if Mack starts Jmart at the 4........

If you think Makande London or Sean O'Mara will come in and get more minutes than Reynolds then I got a pool pass to sell you...

[markchal]

He has a lot to prove before the idea of his leaving early can even be seriously discussed. With the incoming class, I think it's a safer bet that he molds into a role player off the bench rather than a monster averaging double-doubles and declaring early.

This is ridiculous. None of our incoming bigs are even expected to be huge contributors right away, to think they will beat out Reynolds for a starting job is insane. The incoming class is good but none of them are going to be Semaj and I think only Blueitt and Abell will see considerable time next year. If Reynolds isn't starting it's because Farr's defense has vastly improved.

[xufan2434]

London is basically the same type of player that Reynolds is. So, I'm guessing he's going to get minimal playing time next year until he gets up to speed on defense. It's really good to see the glimpses Reynolds and Farr have shown this year though because next year with Stainbrook gives this team so many options. If Semaj does end up staying, this team is going to be dangerous. I don't know where all the minutes are going to go. Remy Abell was the best player at midnight madness and gets forgotten about quite a bit.

[XUFan09]

London is basically the same type of player that Reynolds is. So, I'm guessing he's going to get minimal playing time next year until he gets up to speed on defense. It's really good to see the glimpses Reynolds and Farr have shown this year though because next year with Stainbrook gives this team so many options. If Semaj does end up staying, this team is going to be dangerous. I don't know where all the minutes are going to go. Remy Abell was the best player at midnight madness and gets forgotten about quite a bit.

London and Reynolds are both athletic forwards. The similarities end there.

- London is a finesse power forward trying to transition to the small forward position. He's a good outside shooter and a great passer but not a strong rebounder on either end.
- Reynolds puts the "power" in power forward. He has some post moves and generally works around the basket while possessing a respectable mid-range shot. He is a fantastic rebounder on both ends.

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[xu82]

London and Reynolds are both athletic forwards. The similarities end there.

- London is a finesse power forward trying to transition to the small forward position. He's a good outside shooter and a great passer but not a strong rebounder on either end.
- Reynolds puts the "power" in power forward. He has some post moves and generally works around the basket while possessing a respectable mid-range shot. He is a fantastic rebounder on both ends.

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Beat me to it, well said. However, I don't really get the part of transitioning to a small forward. I would think we'd be trying to add some power to the finesse. Get into the gym! Could he really guard a SF?

[danaandvictory]

The incoming class is good but none of them are going to be Semaj and I think only Blueitt and Abell will see considerable time next year.

I think Macura will get minutes as well. I actually think Reynolds's backup at the 4 next year is Justin Martin shifting down and the Muskies going small.

[markchal]

I think Macura will get minutes as well. I actually think Reynolds's backup at the 4 next year is Justin Martin shifting down and the Muskies going small.


Do you think Abell or Blueitt could see time at the 2? I just don't see Mack writing off Farr completely and playing Martin at the 4.

[Retire33]

I think Macura will get minutes as well. I actually think Reynolds's backup at the 4 next year is Justin Martin shifting down and the Muskies going small.

I also believe this will be the case when season opens. As for how lineup and minutes develop in a fluid season, just like this year noone truly knows

[Lloyd Braun]

I think Macura will get minutes as well. I actually think Reynolds's backup at the 4 next year is Justin Martin shifting down and the Muskies going small.

Not to sidetrack too much...Is jmart a grad student next year?

[xufan2434]

Do you think Abell or Blueitt could see time at the 2? I just don't see Mack writing off Farr completely and playing Martin at the 4.

I could see both of them playing the 2. The real question is what happens to Dee, Randolph, and Sumner. I gotta believe Dee will start but I really wouldn't mind seeing a lineup of:

Semaj, Remy, JMart or Blueitt, Reynolds, Stainbrook.

I think it's also fair to guess with X's history over the last ten years that at least one or two of those guys next year will be ruled ineligible the first year by the NCAA.

[markchal]

I could see both of them playing the 2. The real question is what happens to Dee, Randolph, and Sumner. I gotta believe Dee will start but I really wouldn't mind seeing a lineup of:

Semaj, Remy, JMart or Blueitt, Reynolds, Stainbrook.

I think it's also fair to guess with X's history over the last ten years that at least one or two of those guys next year will be ruled ineligible the first year by the NCAA.

Supposedly all of them are stellar students and won't have any issues. Semaj is a goner, or one of the incoming guys will have to do a year of prep school or maybe Randolph is sent packing along with Richards. That will all sort itself out, but I still firmly believe Semaj is gone, even if he's probably a mid-to-late first round pick at this point.

I think Dee is obviously a lock to start at the 1, and Myles, Remy, or Blueitt getting the minutes at 2 and the reserve 3 and Randolph backing up Dee. Sumner probably redshirts, since we have two point guards ahead of him. Reynolds, Farr and Stainbrook get most of the forward minutes with either O'Mara or London getting a few reserve minutes as well.

I think that makes the most sense, seeing as the 2 will be the only job really up for grabs and with almost all of our best returning talent being in the three forward positions.

[XUFan09]

I'm not worried about eligibility. These guys are all good students. Apparently two or three of them actually have a higher GPA than O'Mara, who made his college decision in good part off academics.

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[XUFan09]

Not to sidetrack too much...Is jmart a grad student next year?

Yep.

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[XUFan09]

I think Macura will get minutes as well. I actually think Reynolds's backup at the 4 next year is Justin Martin shifting down and the Muskies going small.

I agree with this. Martin actually seems better at the 4, but necessity puts him at the 3.

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[XUFan09]

Beat me to it, well said. However, I don't really get the part of transitioning to a small forward. I would think we'd be trying to add some power to the finesse. Get into the gym! Could he really guard a SF?

He'll definitely spend a lot of time in the weight room, but he has guard skills due to growing enormously only recently and he's probably best characterized as a combo forward. The description that always comes to mind for me, at least, is "wannabe Kevin Durant." Please don't read that while ignoring "wannabe."

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[Milhouse]

Wouldn't rule out a London redshirting....could be very helpful for us.

[XUFan09]

Wouldn't rule out a London redshirting....could be very helpful for us.

Agreed. He could use the year to develop, minutes will be hard to come by with both Stainbrook and Martin around, and it would provide good class balance.

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[More Cowbell]

When was the last time anyone voluntarily redshirted?

[XUFan09]

When was the last time anyone voluntarily redshirted?

Derrick Brown.

-Jeff Robinson was one injury away from being in the rotation.
- McKenzie was on a team with no depth.
- Farr was one injury away from being in the rotation.


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[xu82]

London definitely has crazy ball skills for a guy his size. I just wonder if he has the feet to keep up with a SF on D. I haven't seen enough to have an opinion either way. Nice to grow up as a guard then get all that height. What a mismatch if developed and used properly. Doellman could get that shot off from the corner where it was tough for Brad. My brother-in-law grew 8 inches in one year and literally had to have his legs screwed back into his hip sockets! Spent about 6 months in a wheel chair in high school. Has back trouble to this day. "Growing pains" is a real thing!

[xu82]

I also wonder if he has the strength to keep up with a PF. I'm not pushing for a redshirt as I have no idea what would be best all things considered, but I do see the advantages.

[danaandvictory]

Do you think Abell or Blueitt could see time at the 2? I just don't see Mack writing off Farr completely and playing Martin at the 4.

We need four guys in rotation down low. I'd expect that to be Stain, JMart, Reynolds, and Farr - assuming everything holds. Seems like London may be a redshirt candidate and O'Mara I wouldn't expect to get a ton of minutes as a freshman.

[Masterofreality]

Enough of the speculation on players' futures. It will sort itself out.

Makinde will need to get in the weight room, but he is skilled. I'm sure the coaches will figure out what his best state will be- whether to red shirt or play right away.

Next year will be very, very interesting. By the way, I think JP Macura was at MSG on the bench. There was a floppy haired white kid there.

[xu82]

Next year will be very, very interesting. By the way, I think JP Macura was at MSG on the bench. There was a floppy haired white kid there.

Interesting Indeed. Let's all remember it's a lot of young players and it doesn't happen over night, but it certainly looks promising. As for the kid on the bench, it's a great way to make a young man feel good about an important decision!

[Masterofreality]

Found out it was not JP. He had a playoff game last night whereby he scored 17.

[danaandvictory]

Enough of the speculation on players' futures.

What are we allowed to discuss, then?

[Muskie]

Can commits sit on the bench?

[Masterofreality]

What are we allowed to discuss, then?

Nah, you know what I mean.

[Masterofreality]

Can commits sit on the bench?

See my post above. The kid in Question wasn't really "on the bench" but was just behind it with the managers.

[nuts4xu]

See my post above. The kid in Question wasn't really "on the bench" but was just behind it with the managers.

Nothing wrong with sitting with the managers they have more fun than the players anyway .....

[gladdenguy]

Nothing wrong with sitting with the managers they have more fun than the players anyway .....

And the conversations with former managers at Xavier basketball games are priceless.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

And the conversations with former managers at Xavier basketball games are priceless.

It's a chat board, we can speculate if we want. If we couldn't this place would shut down in the summer.

That said, my friend was trading emails with his nephew a top 20 2015 recruit, who I shamelessly continue to tell to come to XU, who has said Matthews was heading to UK, Calipari was going to the Knicks, and Semaj was most likely staying next year. He is 1 for 3 so far.

No way Semaj stays, from what I have seen he is one of the best PGs in this class and can play the 1 or the 2.

[GoMuskies]

Semaj can't shoot. How can you play the 2 in the NBA and not be able to shoot?

[More Cowbell]

Semaj can't shoot. How can you play the 2 in the NBA and not be able to shoot?

James Harden is having a pretty good year shooting 34% from 3.

[bleedXblue]

Now do we really know if he cant shoot?

When he HAS this year his percentage is pretty damn high.

The mystery behind why he isnt pulling the trigger more is confounding to say the least.

[ammtd34]

Plus, we've gone over this. A lot.

[GoMuskies]

Now do we really know if he cant shoot?


If he could shoot, he'd be shooting.

[paulxu]

If he could shoot, he'd be shooting.

Maybe he doesn't want to get pegged as a 2, so he's auditioning for the 1.

[Milhouse]

Have you seen his court vision? Semaj is a point guard. He's playing the 2 out of necessity.

6'3" is a bit on the smaller side for a 2 guard in the league but perfect for a 1.

People that don't think he'll make in the league absolutely baffle me. But then again I just assume they don't watch many NBA games.

[LA Muskie]

Now do we really know if he cant shoot?

When he HAS this year his percentage is pretty damn high.

The mystery behind why he isnt pulling the trigger more is confounding to say the least.

I could sit down at the Horseshoe tonight and hit blackjack on two of my first four hands. Doesn't mean I'll leave with any money if I stay at the table.

[Masterofreality]

Have you seen his court vision? Semaj is a point guard. He's playing the 2 out of necessity.

6'3" is a bit on the smaller side for a 2 guard in the league but perfect for a 1.

People that don't think he'll make in the league absolutely baffle me. But then again I just assume they don't watch many NBA games.

Shooting is better, but he'd better work on that off hand.

[ammtd34]

People always scream when Semaj is compared to other tall, athletic guards that can't shoot, saying that those players are much better than Semaj. Perhaps they are, but it still doesn't change the fact that guards do not have to be able to shoot to be very very good in the NBA. Rajon Rondo is a career 25% 3 point shooter. John Wall is enjoying a 33% 3 point shooting mark this season, a career high. 29% for his career.

[LA Muskie]

I watch a lot of NBA games. Anyone who can't imagine Semaj playing in the league doesn't watch the league. He'll do just fine. Probably better.

[GoMuskies]

Other than muskiepimp23 (certainly not to be confused with the imminent pimpinthebox), I'm not sure I've yet seen a Xavier fan claim that Semaj could not play (and be quite successful) in the League.

[muskiefan82]

Other than muskiepimp23 (certainly not to be confused with the imminent pimpinthebox), I'm not sure I've yet seen a Xavier fan claim that Semaj could not play (and be quite successful) in the League.

Is imminent like quick? Or sudden?

[GoMuskies]

Eminent. Listen to what I mean, will ya?

[XULucho27]

Other than muskiepimp23 (certainly not to be confused with the imminent pimpinthebox), I'm not sure I've yet seen a Xavier fan claim that Semaj could not play (and be quite successful) in the League.

I know several. They're a sad, lonely bunch. I also know of two particular individuals who believe not only that Semaj won't do well in the league but that he won't even be drafted in this year's or any subsequent year's draft. Discussing X basketball with them is maddening.

[paulxu]

You need to stay off the Pride board.

[markchal]

I feel like I've seen a handful of doubters here that think he won't do well in the NBA or won't even get drafted. He'll be fine, but would certainly have a bigger impact if he had a shot. I also don't think some people realize how effective he can be as a PG surrounded by elite talent. He's played out of position here and has had to carry more of a scoring load than he will at the next level.

[bobbiemcgee]

Coach Mack couldn't say enough about Jalen's improved play. Said he couldn't even play 2 minutes against the Blue Jays in the first meeting, cuz he just didn't know the routines of a complex defense, didn't know where to position himself, and couldn't do much without fouling. He got 22 minutes tonite and his stat line was good, but Mack said it was everything else he did on the floor with his great athleticism. Mack said that Xavier fans should be very happy that Jalen has developed in a fine addition to the rotation. Byron asked why he only got 22 mins. and Mack said, "well, we had another guy out there that was pretty good" (Big Stain)

[waggy]

Jalen got some incredible rebounds tonight.

[Musketeer_15]

Does anyone else believe that Jalen would have been a legit Big East ROY candidate if he had developed earlier on in the season? I can't wait to see how he continues to develop the rest of this season. He still has two big regular season games, the conference tournament, and at least first round of the tourney to get even better this year. The sky is the limit for this man!

[American X]

Mr. Reynolds was a huge part of defeating Creighton. He was a force hitting some sweet shots and ripping tough boards. Opponents beware a monster is rising.

[THRILLHOUSE]

and now Jalen is the Big East Rookie of the Week - http://www.bigeast.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/030314aac.html

[ammtd34]

Jalen got some incredible rebounds tonight.

The rebound that got Wragge put on the bench for a while was awesome. Great effort and athleticism on that play.

[kyxu]

That spinning, running hook shot Jalen hit to put us by 8 late in the game was really sweet. I was as excited as anyone with his performance against St. John's, but I didn't really expect him to do too much against Creighton. He really surprised, and showed how far along he really is at this point in the season.

Jalen could have a big March.

[kyxu]

The rebound that got Wragge put on the bench for a while was awesome. Great effort and athleticism on that play.

Jalen's really the only one on the team that can rebound "out of his area." We need it!

[xuwin]

and now Jalen is the Big East Rookie of the Week - http://www.bigeast.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/030314aac.html

And Semaj on the Big East Team of the Week.

[xuwin]

Jalen's really the only one on the team that can rebound "out of his area." We need it!

Justin does also when he is motivated to do so.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Looks like he'll be thrown into the fire. Need a big game out of him on Thursday.

[vee4xu]

I worry about foul trouble with Reynolds. If he has to start and gets into foul trouble early that means that Mr. Stenger will be entering the game and playing significant minutes. No disrespect, but that won't be good for X.

[THRILLHOUSE]

I worry about foul trouble with Reynolds. If he has to start and gets into foul trouble early that means that Mr. Stenger will be entering the game and playing significant minutes. No disrespect, but that won't be good for X.

Me too. I wonder (fear?) if Stenger will get the start to reduce the chances of Jalen getting in early foul trouble.

[BandAid]

Me too. I wonder (fear?) if Stenger will get the start to reduce the chances of Jalen getting in early foul trouble.
I expect Stenger to get the start.

[X Factor]

I expect Stenger to get the start.

Please no

[TUclutch]

Please no

There really is little wrong with giving Stenger the start. Gives you rebounding and defense that Farr can't. Brings energy to the first couple minutes and gets XU to the first TV timeout with Jalen having zero fouls. No game is won or lost in the first 3-4 minutes.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I have watched Xavier lose many games this year in the first 4 minutes. The first 4 minutes will tell you if this team will compete or not.

[The_Mack_Pack]

I have watched Xavier lose many games this year in the first 4 minutes. The first 4 minutes will tell you if this team will compete or not.

This is a great point but that has only happened on the road with the exception of the home Seton Hall game. The fact of the matter is that Stenger is going to have to play some minutes against Nova because there is no way Farr, Reynolds, and Philmore will all stay out of foul trouble.

[American X]

That twisting dunk late in the second half was ridiculous.

[Muskeagle]

His patience and awareness seem light years away from the beginning of the season. Waiting for the defenders to go by...without traveling...and then abusing the rim. Love it.

[BTR MUSKIE]

I like him not backing down to Gardner.That little dust up seemed to turn the tide.

[Filthy Conservative]

I love the gratuitous left hand shove he gave Gardner at the end of that play. Little known fact: Jalen Reynolds is half man, half animal. He's a manimal.

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[Pablo's Brother]

Jalen does not dunk. He "abuses" the rim.

[OH.X.MI]

This might seem like a small thing, but I absolutely love the enthusiasm Reynolds has while he is sitting on the bench. He is always going nuts and cheering for the team. Love to see that in a kid.

[BandAid]

I like him not backing down to Gardner.That little dust up seemed to turn the tide.
It really did. The momentum started to shift after that. I don't have any stats, but it feels like Gardner totally disappeared after that play.

[Emp]

Gardner always gets gassed as the game goes on. He's tough in the paint with no bodies on him. For a half. I thought the time Farr put in on him was also a good move by Mack.

[Milhouse]

This might seem like a small thing, but I absolutely love the enthusiasm Reynolds has while he is sitting on the bench. He is always going nuts and cheering for the team. Love to see that in a kid.

That was always one of my favorite parts of watching the team. He loves his teammates and he loves Xavier. Could see him being one of my favorite muskies ever.

[Masterofreality]

Off topic, but compare Matt Stainbrook's dedication to conditioning and Davante Gardner's.

Gardner has skills, but is an abject slob.

[Lamont Sanford]

Jalen does not dunk. He "abuses" the rim.

Totally agreed. I absolutely love the fact that he wants to dunk everytime he gets the rock.

[ammtd34]

Plus, it's insane that he dunked so hard - twice - from a squatting position. He was completely staionary and still rocked the backboard.

[Smails]

Dude did some sort of standing 360...it was filthy

[xudash]

It really did. The momentum started to shift after that. I don't have any stats, but it feels like Gardner totally disappeared after that play.

Seriously, you could see it in Gardner's eyes when the camera went in for close-ups of him. It was as though he was thinking "what the hell is this freak show about."

[UCGRAD4X]

Seriously, you could see it in Gardner's eyes when the camera went in for close-ups of him. It was as though he was thinking "what the hell is this freak show about."

He wanted nothing to do with Ja-Rey. He looked like he started to and then thought better of it. Maybe because he would have been tossed or maybe because he just got tossed and he didn't want any more of that.

[RealDeal]

If you watch the repay, Jalen knocked him on his ass with his chest. Not his shoulder or forearm, it was his chest to gardner's shoulder. That's a 290 lb man. Hilarious.

[xu82]

If you watch the repay, Jalen knocked him on his ass with his chest. Not his shoulder or forearm, it was his chest to gardner's shoulder. That's a 290 lb man. Hilarious.

I think that was the first game all year I didn't DVR. I'm kicking myself because I would watch that over and over...and over