So Who Can Tell Me Where X Is At The Moment?

[vee4xu]

Loses to Georgetown, Marquette and two to Seton Hall

Wins over St. John's and DePaul on the road and big win at home versus Creighton

Where is this team right now? Forget Stain getting hurt, this team is so unpredictable and inconsistent, that I am not sure how to describe it.

Anyone willing to take a stab at it?

[LA Muskie]

Loses to Georgetown, Marquette and two to Seton Hall

Wins over St. John's and DePaul on the road and big win at home versus Creighton

Where is this team right now? Forget Stain getting hurt, this team is so unpredictable and inconsistent, that I am not sure how to describe it.

Anyone willing to take a stab at it?
I think they're probably huddled around Stain in the locker room, scared as shit. All while Stain is cracking jokes to try to lighten them up.

[The_Mack_Pack]

I thought they were in Jersey but their game seems to have stayed in Cincy.

[XMuskieFTW]

We're a good team who doesn't generally face adversity well. That being said, we're still a good team. Two straight losses my guess is our tourney hopes are 50/50. 1-2 and we're in. I think this team has it in them to win another game. Specifically I think Semaj has it in him to lead us to a win. Need Jmart and Dee to not disappear when faced with adversity and need something, ANYTHING from Farr or Myles. I still expect us to make it.

[gladdenguy]

Microcosm of the season. Dee is so inconsistent it's ridiculous. Myles Davis can't hit the ocean.
It will be a shame if Semaj leaves. One of the most talented Xavier players ever and he might not experience an NCAA game. If they do back in this team is so inconsistent away from home the won't even show up anyway.

[LadyMuskie]

GG brings up a good point. If we do happen to make the tournament, what team will show up? The team who beat Creighton? Or the team who wet the bed against Seton Hall? Twice? Who the hell knows? But, I hope for the sake of pride and dignity, we play much better if we're given that chance than we have most of the season on the road.

[vee4xu]

My fear that will keep me up at night is an NIT berth versus ud at the Cintas Center. Remember where you read it first!

[sgarcia]

My fear that will keep me up at night is an NIT berth versus ud at the Cintas Center. Remember where you read it first!

Vee, I was just speaking with a friend and we both think that Xavier/UD will be one of the play in games.

[LadyMuskie]

Can UD play in a play-in game? If it's on their home court? How does that work?

[XU3232]

It's unreal how bad we are away from Cintas... I can't believe this team beat St. John's on the road.

[sgarcia]

Can UD play in a play-in game? If it's on their home court? How does that work?

Yes they can play on their home court:

http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/02/27/3963496/ncaa-ok-with-dayton-playing-in.html

[mistabeecee41]

easy answer. on the bubble.

[vee4xu]

Well, after Saturday the team and we fans were atop Mt. Everest. Today, I feel like we are all in Death Valley.

[vee4xu]

Also, I can't think of any Xavier team, at least since Cintas opened that has had such a good year at home and been so bad on the road.

[mistabeecee41]

Well, after Saturday the team and we fans were atop Mt. Everest. Today, I feel like we are all in Death Valley.

agreed. i can't get over this one. seriously. "BEAT SETON HALL AND YOU'RE IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT". simple as that. instead, we lay another turd. the definition of disappointment.

[Masterofreality]

Can UD play in a play-in game? If it's on their home court? How does that work?

Yes...yes they can. They get an exemption, but no worries. There will not be 6 A10 teams taken. The dump has to go to St. Louis and will need to win the A10 Tournament. Won't happen.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Also, I can't think of any Xavier team, at least since Cintas opened that has had such a good year at home and been so bad on the road.

Xavier's always been the far superior team to those they usually had to play on the road. Everyone is going to take their bumps in their first year in a new better league.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Also, I can't think of any Xavier team, at least since Cintas opened that has had such a good year at home and been so bad on the road.

Last one I can think of would be the 98-99 team. Only lost once at home but went 6-6 and the road and 2-3 on neutral court (a-10 tourney and the thanksgiving tourney). That team lost 5 of their last 6 road games which basically cost them the tourney bid (that and Lamar Odom's buzzer beater in the A10 championship)

[vee4xu]

agreed. i can't get over this one. seriously. "BEAT SETON HALL AND YOU'RE IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT". simple as that. instead, we lay another turd. the definition of disappointment.

Nothing much has come easy for this year's team, so why should now be any different, I guess.

[Filthy Conservative]

We won't go anywhere if we make the tournament anyway? Wow, spoiled brats.

Sent from my M886 using Tapatalk 2

[Nocalmuskie]

Xavier was picked SEVENTH in the Big East in pre-season. Right now, they are in position to FINISH THIRD. The answer to your question about where Xavier is? They are OVERACHIEVING ... with a chance to get to the tourney in a year they made a big league upgrade

[xu82]

We'll be fine.... you know, as long as we get in. And they let us play the tourney at Cintas, of course.

[Xavier]

I can't stand that line of thinking, expectations change.

[SemajParlor]

Anybody know how tie breakers work for conference standings?

[GoMuskies]

It's unreal how bad we are away from Cintas... I can't believe this team beat St. John's on the road.

St. John's blows. Then again, so does Seton Hall, so who knows?

[GoMuskies]

Xavier's always been the far superior team to those they usually had to play on the road. Everyone is going to take their bumps in their first year in a new better league.

Seton Hall would be a bad A-10 team.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Seton Hall would be a bad A-10 team.

Are you telling me Seton Hall wouldn't win the A-10?!?!?!?!

[mistabeecee41]

Xavier was picked SEVENTH in the Big East in pre-season. Right now, they are in position to FINISH THIRD. The answer to your question about where Xavier is? They are OVERACHIEVING ... with a chance to get to the tourney in a year they made a big league upgrade

We're Xavier. Throw preseason predictions out the window. Fact of the matter is if we are able to beat Seton Hall ONCE, we're a lock. Instead, we have to win a much tougher game to lock up a spot. Most likely without our 2nd best player.

If things don't go well and we miss the tourney, we won't look back and say "oh well, we did better than a bunch of coaches predicted we would." We'll look back at a blown opportunity to get back where we belong.

[GoMuskies]

Are you telling me Seton Hall wouldn't win the A-10?!?!?!?!

I mistake some of our fans for Mick Cronin sometimes.

[waggy]

Seton Hall is a lot better than their record imho. They look like a decent team to me. Certainly not an easy road win on senior night when your center goes down. X didn't play very well, but Seton Hall isn't dogshit. Some of the calls on X kinda sucked too.

We're still a tourney team.

[xsteve1]

Xavier was picked SEVENTH in the Big East in pre-season. Right now, they are in position to FINISH THIRD. The answer to your question about where Xavier is? They are OVERACHIEVING ... with a chance to get to the tourney in a year they made a big league upgrade

Villanova was picked 4th. Pre-season predictions mean crap. X has enough talent to finish third in this league with Georgetown and Marquette being down.

[GoMuskies]

They're exactly what their record indicates. That's how they got that record. They gave us every opportunity tonight. Our team was just awful.

[LadyMuskie]

Seton Hall is a lot better than their record imho. They look like a decent team to me. Certainly not an easy road win on senior night when your center goes down. X didn't play very well, but Seton Hall isn't dogshit. Some of the calls on X kinda sucked too.

We're still a tourney team.

They might not be dogshit, but we lost to them twice. Two times. Once at home. Their RPI is 147. Two losses to that team with that RPI.

[MuskieFN]

Seton Hall is a lot better than their record imho. They look like a decent team to me. Certainly not an easy road win on senior night when your center goes down. X didn't play very well, but Seton Hall isn't dogshit. Some of the calls on X kinda sucked too.

We're still a tourney team.


^ This. Seton Hall was within a possession of winning at Creighton and came back two days later to lose at DePaul. Some teams are difficult matchups. For instance, is Creighton really 49 points better over two games than Villanova? Creighton has three road losses in the BE and Villanova hasn't lost to anyone but Creighton and Syracuse. But their two games weren't close in any sense.

I would be worried if Stainbrook isn't able to play again this season. Otherwise, carry on.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I honestly thought X would lose to Johns and Hall and beat Creighton and Nova. So far X has done better than I thought. X will beat Nova Thurs, I promise! Even if Matt isn't playing X is winning that game. They will then go to the BET and lose by 10 to St. John's.

[xsteve1]

I honestly thought X would lose to Johns and Hall and beat Creighton and Nova. So far X has done better than I thought. X will beat Nova Thurs, I promise! Even if Matt isn't playing X is winning that game. They will then go to the BET and lose by 10 to St. John's.

They are a lock if they beat Nova. I also believe X's stay in the BE Tourney will be very short regardless of who they play. This team just has no confidence away from Cintas. The St. John's game was an aberration and a career night from Jalen didn't hurt.

[Lamont Sanford]

They are a lock if they beat Nova. I also believe X's stay in the BE Tourney will be very short regardless of who they play. This team just has no confidence away from Cintas. The St. John's game was an aberration and a career night from Jalen didn't hurt.

What he said.

[vee4xu]

So, I ask this question, yet again!

[Lloyd Braun]

So, I ask this question, yet again!

@jppalmCBS: Win the BE. Less might work, but not a sure thing RT @Scoop_24: So where does that loss place Xavier? What do they need to do to get in?!

Not sure that I agree but you gotta figure a couple at large bids will be stolen.

[beatuc]

So, I ask this question, yet again!

One win in the BE tourney probably puts them in. Two wins a lock. One and done and start watching NIT bracketology.

[BMoreX]

@jppalmCBS: Win the BE. Less might work, but not a sure thing RT @Scoop_24: So where does that loss place Xavier? What do they need to do to get in?!

Not sure that I agree but you gotta figure a couple at large bids will be stolen.

I think that's way more than needed. That's three wins.

[xumuskies08]

There's only one thing left to do...

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/07/ugy2u3aq.jpg

[beatuc]

I think that's way more than needed. That's three wins.

I don't think that's off by much at all. Everyone was believing the two win notion and Xavier was a lock, but that seemed a bit skeptical to me. Xavier needs at least one win, probably two in the BET to get in the tourney.

[paulxu]

My dislike of Seton Hall is growing to epic proportions.

[beatuc]

My dislike of Seton Hall is growing to epic proportions.

Yeah those two are killers, same with USC. Win one of those three games and X is looking probable for the NCAA tourney.

[BMoreX]

Anyone can be mad at the game on Monday. Win that and you are playing for seeding. Instead, you add another crappy loss and put your chances in jeopardy.

But I can't be too disappointed in losing to a Top Ten team tonight. The team didn't give up, they just don't have shooters to match Villanova's perimeter power.

[Xavier]

I don't think that's off by much at all. Everyone was believing the two win notion and Xavier was a lock, but that seemed a bit skeptical to me. Xavier needs at least one win, probably two in the BET to get in the tourney.

I think 1 win they are in no question. Even a loss could see X in the play in game

[danaandvictory]

I still think they'll make it, but probably in Dayton and if they don't start hitting shots, it will be an ugly and short trip.

[Cheesehead]

Squarely on bubble. If they are one and done in NYC then we might be hosting an NIT game. I don't see THIS Xavier team dancing at 20-12. I just don't.

[Lamont Sanford]

I am not anticipating a long stay in Manhattan. We will all be sweating bullets come Selection Sunday.

[XUFan09]

@jppalmCBS: Win the BE. Less might work, but not a sure thing RT @Scoop_24: So where does that loss place Xavier? What do they need to do to get in?!

Not sure that I agree but you gotta figure a couple at large bids will be stolen.

Lol Jerry Palm is a mediocre bracketologist. So is Lunardi, for that matter. My goal is to somehow dissuade all Xavier fans from considering them the expert sources.

http://www.bracketmatrix.com/rankings.html

[The_Mack_Pack]

I could be a better bracketologist than Jerry Palm. That guy bases almost all of his decisions on RPI.

[XUFan09]

I could be a better bracketologist than Jerry Palm. That guy bases almost all of his decisions on RPI.

Thank you!

I appreciate what Jerry Palm did, being the first one outside the Selection Committee to calculate RPI for the general public, but I don't rely on him to predict what the bracket will be.

[danaandvictory]

If I'm to take Palm at his word, he thinks X could beat St. John's on their home court and beat Creighton and not be a lock for the tournament? That's patently absurd.

He's like my uncle in 1989, still waiting for Betamax to hit its stride.

[Snipe]

I like our chances.

[casualfan]

Here's Borzello's take. Not as gloom and doom as Palm's, but not exactly comforting either. (http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24471193/poppin-bubbles-xavier-falls-to-villanova-still-has-work-to-do)

[The_Mack_Pack]

Here's my take: top 20 SOS, top 45 in RPI, probably #3 team in the BE. Wins over G-Town, Provy, Johnnies(x2), Tennessee, UC, and Creighton. We'll be dancing.

[GIMMFD]

I think one in the tournament will for sure get us in, we just need to take care of business in the Big East tournament and worry about the rest later.

[XUFan09]

Here's Borzello's take. Not as gloom and doom as Palm's, but not exactly comforting either. (http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24471193/poppin-bubbles-xavier-falls-to-villanova-still-has-work-to-do)

Borzello is really good, or at least he has been over the last five years (and I don't think the Selection Committee has fundamentally changed this season).

"If the Musketeers fall in the Big East quarterfinals, it's going to be a long few days for Chris Mack's team." That's fair.

[Fireball]

I think one win the the Big East Tournament puts us in for sure. I think if we lose, I would still have us as around a 60% shot to be in. We could fall out if a lot of things go wrong, but I think it would take a lot of things going wrong.

[casualfan]

top 45 in RPI

You know there are only 36 at-large bids right?

[The_Mack_Pack]

You know there are only 36 at-large bids right?

You know a lot of top 50 RPI teams receive automatic bids, right?

[GoMuskies]

You know a lot of top 50 RPI teams receive automatic bids, right?

I count 14 auto bids in the 44 teams in front of us. 4 of those are in one-bid leagues if they win the auto-bids. So best case is that 45 gives us 5 places of headroom with 4 possible bid-stealer leagues out there.

Of course, RPI is far from the be-all, end-all.

[LadyMuskie]

I think if we lose Thursday, we all better start praying hard that every team we need to lose, loses. If we lose, we better hope that some 7h ranked team in some other league doesn't win their tourney. We lose Thursday, and we allow others to determine our fate and leave too much to chance. Just win!

[RealDeal]

Looks like we should just win the whole damn thing.

[American X]

The NCAA Tournament will take us. They need the dues.

[Xville]

I hope we make it this year, but I'm not very hopeful. We do not play well on the road, and we are going to end up playing St. John's again on their home floor, or Marquette who we match up terribly with.

My focus goes to next year. If we don't make the tournament this year, is Mack on the hot seat next year? I think he needs to be. Not making the tournament two years in a row is unacceptable at Xavier. The problem is that I am not sure we are going to be much better next year than this year. Yes we have a talented recruiting class but you know Randolph was talented coming out of high school too and look where he is today. We can't count on any Freshman next year...no one can unless they are a top 15 player coming out of high school.

So what do we have for next year then?

Another year of Stainbrook in the middle..which he is what he is...good inside player but limited athletically.

Reynolds---great potential but at this point not an upgrade over Philmore so far

Martin---he is what he is

Abell---who knows

Dee Davis--sorry to all you Davis apologists out there, but he isn't Big East good...he is 5'8 with a shot that takes half an hour to get off. He is also slow, and makes poor decisions. He also is not that great of a passer for a point guard...how many times does he throw it at our forwards feet?

That is probably the starting five, at least at the start of the season. Does that starting five inspire much confidence in Xavier being much better next year than they were this year?

[Pajama Joe]

We have plenty of time to discuss next season in the off season.

[GoMuskies]

We have plenty of time to discuss next season in the off season.

No, the offseason is reserved for the discussion of Amazing Jews.

[StanleyOwnsYou]

I hope we make it this year, but I'm not very hopeful. We do not play well on the road, and we are going to end up playing St. John's again on their home floor, or Marquette who we match up terribly with.

My focus goes to next year. If we don't make the tournament this year, is Mack on the hot seat next year? I think he needs to be. Not making the tournament two years in a row is unacceptable at Xavier. The problem is that I am not sure we are going to be much better next year than this year. Yes we have a talented recruiting class but you know Randolph was talented coming out of high school too and look where he is today. We can't count on any Freshman next year...no one can unless they are a top 15 player coming out of high school.

So what do we have for next year then?

Another year of Stainbrook in the middle..which he is what he is...good inside player but limited athletically.

Reynolds---great potential but at this point not an upgrade over Philmore so far

Martin---he is what he is

Abell---who knows

Dee Davis--sorry to all you Davis apologists out there, but he isn't Big East good...he is 5'8 with a shot that takes half an hour to get off. He is also slow, and makes poor decisions. He also is not that great of a passer for a point guard...how many times does he throw it at our forwards feet?

That is probably the starting five, at least at the start of the season. Does that starting five inspire much confidence in Xavier being much better next year than they were this year?

XVille, no one wants to hear to this type of pessimistic outlook. How can you say "He is who he is" about 3 of our most crucial players? JMart is who he is? He was invisible and inconsistent at best last year and has been magnificent against Big East competition. The guy has improved leaps and bounds from last season and is on his way to an all conference team in 2014.

Who is to say that our other players can't develop. Xavier in particular is a program that prides itself on player development and being led by it's seniors. Stainbrook was sitting out at this point last year and while he was getting i shape, no one knew just how effective he'd be. Give him another summer where he doesn't have to completely focus on getting in shape and can develop his right hand. He'll be a monster in the post.

In terms of Reynolds and comparing him to nothing more than Philmore, that is just silly. I actually think IP has been a solid contributor but anyone who knows basketball can immediately tell you that Jaylen has 100 times more potential than Isaiah ever will based on his size and athleticism. For Jaylen and Myles, It was their first year of college basketball and they are only going to get better and better over the next year.

Randolph hasn't been asked to do much and will get better as most think the PG is the toughest position to transition to from HS to college.

I have full confidence in the staff in being able to develop the current players for next season and bring in the freshman to help. The one thing I do agree with you on is to not count on a whole lot from any type of Freshman. If they can come in and hit some shots, provide a decent second scoring punch for 8-10 a game, I will be very happy.

[XUFan09]

Saying "he is who he is" about both Martin and Stainbrook as a means of downplaying them is downright laughable. It wouldn't surprise me to see one, if not both of them, received at least Honorable Mention for the the all-conference teams. And that's not just me, a Xavier fan, saying that. I spend a decent amount of time on Holy Land of Hoops and both of them have come up multiple times. "He is who he is"? LOL.

As for Dee, his assist-to-turnover ratio is just under 3:1. That is fantastic for a point guard. He has an above-average offensive rating (108.1 to D1 average of 104.5), and he is considered one of the best on-ball defenders in the Big East. He's not going to be on any all-conference teams, but he receives a lot of respect from opposing coaches, the Xavier coaching staff, his teammates, and independent experts. You know, everyone except the Xavier fanbase.

And then going on to the freshmen, you fail to appreciate the usually big freshman-to-sophomore jump, especially with Jalen. It's that simple.

[Xville]

XVille, no one wants to hear to this type of pessim


istic outlook. How can you say "He is who he is" about 3 of our most crucial players? JMart is who he is? He was invisible and inconsistent at best last year and has been magnificent against Big East competition. The guy has improved leaps and bounds from last season and is on his way to an all conference team in 2014.

Who is to say that our other players can't develop. Xavier in particular is a program that prides itself on player development and being led by it's seniors. Stainbrook was sitting out at this point last year and while he was getting i shape, no one knew just how effective he'd be. Give him another summer where he doesn't have to completely focus on getting in shape and can develop his right hand. He'll be a monster in the post.

In terms of Reynolds and comparing him to nothing more than Philmore, that is just silly. I actually think IP has been a solid contributor but anyone who knows basketball can immediately tell you that Jaylen has 100 times more potential than Isaiah ever will based on his size and athleticism. For Jaylen and Myles, It was their first year of college basketball and they are only going to get better and better over the next year.

Randolph hasn't been asked to do much and will get better as most think the PG is the toughest position to transition to from HS to college.

I have full confidence in the staff in being able to develop the current players for next season and bring in the freshman to help. The one thing I do agree with you on is to not count on a whole lot from any type of Freshman. If they can come in and hit some shots, provide a decent second scoring punch for 8-10 a game, I will be very happy.

Did you even read what I wrote regarding Reynolds? I said at this point is in comparable to philmore. Of course he has potential to be fantastic, I love his potential. However, will that potential turn into ability? We don't know. I said he is who he is about martin, stain because I don't see them being better next year than this year. You can disagree with me and that is fine, but I think they have maxed out their ability. My main concern is the point guard situation and the fact that Christian may be gone. Dee Davis is not a big east point guard....the only way for this team to get better is to have great point guard play which is what all great Xavier teams have had in the past. Davis is not the answer. So I hope that this staff can develop Randolph enough from this year to the next to supplant Davis. Otherwise we will see another up and down season much like this one.

[Xville]

Saying "he is who he is" about both Martin and Stainbrook as a means of downplaying them is downright laughable. It wouldn't surprise me to see one, if not both of them, received at least Honorable Mention for the the all-conference teams. And that's not just me, a Xavier fan, saying that. I spend a decent amount of time on Holy Land of Hoops and both of them have come up multiple times. "He is who he is"? LOL.

As for Dee, his assist-to-turnover ratio is just under 3:1. That is fantastic for a point guard. He has an above-average offensive rating (108.1 to D1 average of 104.5), and he is considered one of the best on-ball defenders in the Big East. He's not going to be on any all-conference teams, but he receives a lot of respect from opposing coaches, the Xavier coaching staff, his teammates, and independent experts. You know, everyone except the Xavier fanbase.

And then going on to the freshmen, you fail to appreciate the usually big freshman-to-sophomore jump, especially with Jalen. It's that simple.

Ahh the dee Davis apologist turnover to assist ratio argument. Apparently that is the only way to judge how good a point guard is. How about the fact he is 5 8 and doesn't have the ability to tear drop like lavender could? How about every time he drives he can't get a shot up without getting blocked because he isn't athletic enough to make up for his height disadvantage. How about how he continually makes poor decisions and throws it at our forwards ankles most of the time?

[Xville]

And I wasn't downplaying martin and stain. I was just saying I don't see them being much better next year than this year. That isn't a knock on their ability. I think they are good players, I just believe they have maxed out their ability.

[gladdenguy]

Did Dee Davis graduate last night? Damnit. We have him another year.

[XUFan09]

Ahh the dee Davis apologist turnover to assist ratio argument. Apparently that is the only way to judge how good a point guard is. How about the fact he is 5 8 and doesn't have the ability to tear drop like lavender could? How about every time he drives he can't get a shot up without getting blocked because he isn't athletic enough to make up for his height disadvantage. How about how he continually makes poor decisions and throws it at our forwards ankles most of the time?

Um, I also mentioned his above-average offensive rating. That is based solely on shots and turnovers. When a possession ends with Dee in one way or another, Xavier is scoring more than the D1 average. Considering he is a role player in terms of scoring responsibility, that's pretty good.

I did say he'll never be all-conference, as he does make mistakes and his scoring load is only that of a role player. I do like how you failed to acknowledge my comment on his defense, though. You know that's half the game, right?

[Xville]

Um, I also mentioned his above-average offensive rating. That is based solely on shots and turnovers. When a possession ends with Dee in one way or another, Xavier is scoring more than the D1 average. Considering he is a role player in terms of scoring responsibility, that's pretty good.

I did say he'll never be all-conference, as he does make mistakes and his scoring load is only that of a role player. I do like how you failed to acknowledge my comment on his defense, though. You know that's half the game, right?

I don't see the great on ball defense either...yes he did well against Dunham...outside of that? I don't see it...he is too slow and continually gets beat on a drive which causes our d to collapse inside which leads to the wide open threes which has occured this year more than any other year in Xavier's past thaan I can remember.

[XUFan09]

I don't see the great on ball defense either...yes he did well against Dunham...outside of that? I don't see it...he is too slow and continually gets beat on a drive which causes our d to collapse inside which leads to the wide open threes which has occured this year more than any other year in Xavier's past thaan I can remember.

1) He often faces the best guard on the opposing team. He's going to get scored on, just like anyone. He doesn't "continually" get beat on drives though lol.

2) D'Angelo Harrison, DSR, Brandon Young, Austin Chatman, Arcidiacano. These are all guys he has shut down in at least one of their meetings, if not both. And sometimes, great players manage to score despite great defense.

[XU 87]

As for Dee, his assist-to-turnover ratio is just under 3:1. That is fantastic for a point guard. He has an above-average offensive rating (108.1 to D1 average of 104.5), and he is considered one of the best on-ball defenders in the Big East. He's not going to be on any all-conference teams, but he receives a lot of respect from opposing coaches, the Xavier coaching staff, his teammates, and independent experts. You know, everyone except the Xavier fanbase.



That 108 average, is that as compared to other point guards or all other players? And what percentile does that put him in? Top 60%? 70%?

[mistabeecee41]

Statistics wise he's fine. 38% from 3. 5 assists to 2 turnovers. Dee defenders are quick to point out that during his good games, he's great. Problem is that he is wildly inconsistent - from a junior point guard, it's just not good enough. Remember his performance in the Bahamas. Look back at his stretch of games during our 3 game losing streak in January/February. When he's bad - he's BAD. And that when has been way too frequently this season.

Maybe we've just been spoiled considering prior to Dee taking over the reigns we had Drew/Tu running the point.

[XU 87]

That's my problem with Dee- he is very inconsistent. He's had some absolutely horrific games this year. He does a good job of running the offense and gettign the ball up the court quickly. He plays good defense. But you can't count on him to score. And while he's shooting about 38% from the three, he's also shooting around there from the two. His inability to make some shots yesterday was one reason this team got in a hole. He made the two threes at the end when the team was down by 12 and then 9 with a minute go.

[XUFan09]

Statistics wise he's fine. 38% from 3. 5 assists to 2 turnovers. Dee defenders are quick to point out that during his good games, he's great. Problem is that he is wildly inconsistent - from a junior point guard, it's just not good enough. Remember his performance in the Bahamas. Look back at his stretch of games during our 3 game losing streak in January/February. When he's bad - he's BAD. And that when has been way too frequently this season.

Maybe we've just been spoiled considering prior to Dee taking over the reigns we had Drew/Tu running the point.

Yes, and yes, to the two bolded parts. His inconsistency, though, is generally more in scoring, which is more of a tertiary responsibility. He has has almost had a positive A/TO ratio in conference and his defense has been steady, which matter more to the team. The scoring inconsistency can be frustrating simply because sometimes he can be the difference-maker in the game.

And yeah, we have been spoiled by our last two point guards. Also, in general this board seems to get bent out of shape at times over role players, as if everyone on the team is supposed to be star-quality.

[XU 87]

Yes, and yes, to the two bolded parts. His inconsistency, though, is generally more in scoring, which is more of a tertiary responsibility. He has has almost had a positive A/TO ratio in conference and his defense has been steady, which matter more to the team. The scoring inconsistency can be frustrating simply because sometimes he can be the difference-maker in the game.

And yeah, we have been spoiled by our last two point guards. Also, in general this board seems to get bent out of shape at times over role players, as if everyone on the team is supposed to be star-quality.

We obviously need more talent or we wouldn't be having a discussion as to whether or not this team is going to make the NCAA tournament. I'm not saying Dee sucks. But we need a better point guard if we want to be in the national picture/top 25/top 6 seed, which is where I want to be.

[drudy23]

Good D - we can beat anyone
Bad D - we can lose to anyone

More consistency is the key. How he and Martin go, we go.

[XUFan09]

That 108 average, is that as compared to other point guards or all other players? And what percentile does that put him in? Top 60%? 70%?

All other players. I doubt there is much of a difference, though. I'm not sure exactly what percentile that puts him in, but 108.1 is fairly significantly above average. It's almost identical with Semaj (108.3) and closer to Stain (110.6) than the average. It's also ahead of Justin Martin (106.1).

Actually, when you account for the fact that Dee doesn't take many shots (15.0% when on the floor), thus making his turnovers have a disproportionate weight, that's pretty good for a role player.

[casualfan]

We obviously need more talent or we wouldn't be having a discussion as to whether this team is going to make the NCAA tournament. I'm not saying Dee sucks. But we need a better point guard if we want to be in the national picture/top 25/top 6 seed, which is where I want to be.

Actually this year we need a better wing.

We have one of the top PGs in the game, but we can't play him there.

Assuming Semaj leaves we'll need both...

[XUFan09]

We obviously need more talent or we wouldn't be having a discussion as to whether or not this team is going to make the NCAA tournament. I'm not saying Dee sucks. But we need a better point guard if we want to be in the national picture/top 25/top 6 seed, which is where I want to be.

A better point guard isn't at the top of my list of what we need, even if Dee could definitely stand to be more consistent. Without thinking about it too much, I would say a more productive bench and a more experienced roster (both which should come with a year of maturation) rank much more highly.

[XU 87]

It's almost identical with Semaj (108.3) and closer to Stain (110.6) than the average. It's also ahead of Justin Martin (106.1).

Actually, when you account for the fact that Dee doesn't take many shots (15.0% when on the floor), thus making his turnovers have a disproportionate weight, that's pretty good for a role player.

I'm a fan of stats and believe they tell a lot. But if Dee and Semaj have the same rating, that tells me there's a problem with how one or the other's stats are computed.

Dee is a role player. If you want to have a really good team, I want my role players to be coming off the bench playing 15 minutes per game, not starting and playing 30 plus per game. Again, I'm not saying Dee sucks. I'm not saying there's someone on the bench who should be getting hs minutes. The issue is do you want X to be consistently a top 25/ top 6 program? If you do, you need more from your point guard than what Dee is capable of giving.

[The_Mack_Pack]

The holdover BE teams have big, strong, physical guards who just bully you. Even Semaj is just an average sized guard compared to some of the guys on Nova, GTown, St. Johns, and Providence. We'll have those types of players next season.

[XU 87]

A better point guard isn't at the top of my list of what we need, even if Dee could definitely stand to be more consistent. Without thinking about it too much, I would say a more productive bench and a more experienced roster (both which should come with a year of maturation) rank much more highly.

We start a junior, sophomore, junior, junior and senior. The sophomore started every game last year other than when he was hurt. That's an experienced starting lineup. Granted, the bench is young, but I supect most benches are younger. I think we need some better players. We need more shooters. I'd like to have a bigger point guard who can score more. We could use some more athleticism at the 4 and 5. Actually, we need some bigger, stronger and more athletic players overall.

[Xville]

I'm a fan of stats and believe they tell a lot. But if Dee and Semaj have the same rating, that tells me there's a problem with how one or the other's stats are computed.

Dee is a role player. If you want to have a really good team, I want my role players to be coming off the bench playing 15 minutes per game, not starting and playing 30 plus per game. Again, I'm not saying Dee sucks. I'm not saying there's someone on the bench who should be getting hs minutes. The issue is do you want X to be consistently a top 25/ top 6 program? If you do, you need more from your point guard than what Dee is capable of giving.

Agreed, Dee is a role player. The problem is that we have a role player (a point guard) as a starter. This isn't the NBA where you can have 2-3 superstars and the rest be role players and you can win a championship. The college game doesn't work that way. All five starters have to be significant contributors in order to be a top 15-20 team with Final Four aspirations. This is why I said earlier in the thread, that if we want to be better next year than this year, someone is going to have to supplant Dee at the starting point guard position. If that does not happen, we will again be an up and down team next year. You can throw all the stats at me about Dee's To/A...efficiency blah blah blah but the truth is that he is a marginal Big East player. Would you rather have Tu, Drew, Lionel or Dee running the point next year? One of those four don't belong talent-wise and it is obvious to anyone who knows anything about basketball.

You absolutely must have a point guard that does more than Dee can do to be successful (top 15-20 team) in the college game...period.

[XU 87]

I'm going to back track a little bit. I shouldn't have said or implied that NO team can REALLY good having a role player who starts and plays 30 plus per game. You can, depending on the players around said role player. Xavier just doesn't have enough talent to get around having a role player at point.

[XUFan09]

We start a junior, sophomore, junior, junior and senior. The sophomore started every game last year other than when he was hurt. That's an experienced starting lineup. Granted, the bench is young, but I supect most benches are younger. I think we need some better players. We need more shooters. I'd like to have a bigger point guard who can score more. We could use some more athleticism at the 4 and 5. Actually, we need some bigger, stronger and more athletic players overall.

Our experience weighted for minutes played ranks 257th in the country.

[XU 87]

Our experience weighted for minutes played ranks 257th in the country.

Ahh, quit using the objective statistics against me.

[XUFan09]

Here's a nice exercise: Name the starting point guards in the Big East you would take over Dee. I would pick a few, but I definitely wouldn't take the majority.

[Xville]

I'm going to back track a little bit. I shouldn't have said or implied that NO team can REALLY good having a role player who starts and plays 30 plus per game. You can, depending on the players around said role player. Xavier just doesn't have enough talent to get around having a role player at point.

I think you can have a "role player" at other positions on the floor, I don't think you can have a role player at point and be successful in the college game.

[XUFan09]

Ahh, quit using the objective statistics against me.

Lol. I think another issue is that two of our starters never played for a tournament-caliber team prior to this year (Philmore and Stainbrook) and our star player is a sophomore (who led a team of suckitude last year). The only guys who played for a winning team (Martin and Dee) were bench role players, and they weren't even the first ones off the bench. I think some people tend to over-emphasize "winning culture," but that doesn't mean I'd dismiss it. I think it is a real thing that has an effect on a team.

[XU 87]

Here's a nice exercise: Name the starting point guards in the Big East you would take over Dee. I would pick a few, but I definitely wouldn't take the majority.

I've seen Snow doing the same thing. I'm not interested in saying "our point guard is better than St. John's point guard". St. John's is also on the bubble. I don't want to be on the bubble. I want to be worrying about if we're getting a 5 or 6 seed.

If we have all this talent as you say, why are we on the bubble?

Dee Davis is a role player. You said it yourself. He can't score on any regular basis. But we don't have enough talent around him to afford this "luxury" at point guard. But Dee is as good as we have right now.

[Retire33]

Still in Jeff Borzello's bracket as last team to avoid 1st round in Dayton

http://www.bustingthebracket.com/2014/03/bracket-breakdown_7.html

FYI...He is consistently one of the higher rated Bracketologist per bracket matrix.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Our major problem is the bench. I think we have a very good starting 5 that work well together when Stainbrook is healthy. Right now we basically need all of our starters to have good games for us to win, though. On most teams, even great teams, you'll have a starter or two each night who don't play all that well. Great teams have guys they can bring off the bench that can be the best player on any given night. You're not going to win many games against good competition when your bench obtains more personal fouls than points like in last nights contest.

[XUFan09]

I've seen Snow doing the same thing. I'm not interested in saying "our point guard is better than St. John's point guard". St. John's is also on the bubble. I don't want to be on the bubble. I want to be worrying about if we're getting a 5 or 6 seed.

If we have all this talent as you say, why are we on the bubble?

Dee Davis is a role player. You said it yourself. He can't score on any regular basis. But we don't have enough talent around him to afford this "luxury" at point guard. But Dee is as good as we have right now.

It's more in response to people who say Dee is a marginal Big East point guard. If that's true, there aren't many true Big East point guards in the Big East.

We're on the bubble because our bench hasn't contributed like it used to. If Myles Davis and James Farr simply were hitting their open looks at a normal rate this conference season (not even the contested ones, so no one can make claims about heightened competition), this wouldn't be a bubble team. Xavier would be directly scoring a little more and would indirectly be harder to guard. And that's not too much to ask.

Our starters work well together, Dee with them. It's too bad that college basketball doesn't have the level of stats accumulation that the NBA does, because I'd be willing to bet that our starting lineup scores at a high rate and defends at a solid level. You insert a bench player or two, though, and the team doesn't score as effectively and doesn't defend nearly as well.

Add in the overall inexperience, which tends to lead to inconsistency, and that's why we're on the bubble.

[XU 87]

So you don't think the inconsistent play of our point guard has anything to do with being on the bubble?

[Xville]

Here's a nice exercise: Name the starting point guards in the Big East you would take over Dee. I would pick a few, but I definitely wouldn't take the majority.

Not that Difficult though two are injured....Acriadono, Starks, Roosevelt Jones, Sterling Gibbs, Kris Dunn, Rysheed Jordan

[GoMuskies]

Did anyone else throw something at the TV when Dee decided to try and drive and shoot a layup over a 6-5 guy in a key possession down the stretch last night? I'm not sure he has successfully converted with that move a single time this season.

[LadyMuskie]

Dee sometimes thinks the name of the back of his jersey is Holloway.

[XU 87]

Did anyone else throw something at the TV when Dee decided to try and drive and shoot a layup over a 6-5 guy in a key possession down the stretch last night? I'm not sure he has successfully converted with that move a single time this season.

Unbelievable that he tried to do that in such a critical situation.

[XUFan09]

Not that Difficult though two are injured....Acriadono, Starks, Roosevelt Jones, Sterling Gibbs, Kris Dunn, Rysheed Jordan

Lol taking guys that aren't even playing right now. And I wouldn't take Jordan over Dee this year. We are actively complaining about Dee being inconsistent, and you want to take a guy that's far more inconsistent than him and doesn't defend as well? I think you're basing his inclusion too much on his high potential, not his current production.

[GoMuskies]

I loved the second three he hit, though. If we make a run to the Final Four, he just might hit the TV screen at Cowboys Stadium with one of his jumpers.

[XUFan09]

So you don't think the inconsistent play of our point guard has anything to do with being on the bubble?

I'm not saying it's not a factor. I'm saying those other things are resoundingly more significant, making it not worth mentioning on the same level.

[Xville]

Lol taking guys that aren't even playing right now. And I wouldn't take Jordan over Dee this year. We are actively complaining about Dee being inconsistent, and you want to take a guy that's far more inconsistent than him and doesn't defend as well? I think you're basing his inclusion too much on his high potential, not his current production.

LOL BRB OMG ROFL you said name the starting point guards you would take over Dee...not name the starting point guards who are playing this year and only this year

And if you want to not include Dunn and say Cotton instead since he is their point guard this year than by all means

yes I would take Jordan over Dee...1.) because he has a ton more talent than Dee 2.) He isn't 5'8 and 3.) he can actually drive the lane and score

The rest of those guys are a ton better than Dee Davis...would you take Davis over Jones, Aricadano, starks, dunn or gibbs? if so you are freaking crazy

[XUFan09]

LOL BRB OMG ROFL you said name the starting point guards you would take over Dee...not name the starting point guards who are playing this year and only this year

yes I would take Jordan over Dee...1.) because he has a ton more talent than Dee 2.) He isn't 5'8 and 3.) he can actually drive the lane and score

The rest of those guys are a ton better than Dee Davis and if you don't believe that well, I have an ocean to sell you out in the sahara.

Very cute. You knew what I meant yet chose to distort it for your own argument, and you're being an ass about it. The title of this thread is "So Who Can Tell Me Where X Is At This Moment?" Not, "What's X Going to be Like Next Year?" Oh, by the way, I missed it before, but Roosevelt Jones is not a point guard. He's a forward that can handle and pass the ball. So was Andre Walker.

Jordan's production has not caught up to his talent yet. We stand a good chance of playing SJU, and I am not interested in the idea of switching point guards with them simply because of what Jordan could be in the future.

[RealDeal]

LOL BRB OMG ROFL

Are you joking with this or are you a 13 year old girl? (No offense to 13 year old girls.)

[XU 87]

I'm not saying it's not a factor. I'm saying those other things are resoundingly more significant, making it not worth mentioning on the same level.

Prior to Seton Hall, Dee's Kenpom rating in games X lost was about 70.

[XUFan09]

Are you joking with this or are you a 13 year old girl? (No offense to 13 year old girls.)

I used "Lol" in my response, and he thought he was being clever.

[Xville]

Very cute. You knew what I meant yet chose to distort it for your own argument, and you're being an ass about it. The title of this thread is "So Who Can Tell Me Where X Is At This Moment?" Not, "What's X Going to be Like Next Year?" Oh, by the way, I missed it before, but Roosevelt Jones is not a point guard. He's a forward that can handle and pass the ball. So was Andre Walker.

Jordan's production has not caught up to his talent yet. We stand a good chance of playing SJU, and I am not interested in the idea of switching point guards with them simply because of what Jordan could be in the future.

That's my mistake on Jones. You are absolutely correct...anyways, this year i'll take cotton, arciadano, starks, gibbs and Jordan. Happy now?

[XUFan09]

Prior to Seton Hall, Dee's Kenpom rating in games X lost was about 70.

Hmm, interesting. I'll have to rethink its relative effect. Of course, the Bahamas are weighing down the average a decent bit, and I don't think anyone would deny that Dee was a big "contributor" to those losses. I also tend to consider Dee since the conference season started, as he turned his season around after the Bahamas, but I don't want to give too much credit to a slate of games that included Bowling Green, Evansville, and Wake Forest at home. In conference his median rating is a below-average 90. Not awful, but more of a pedestrian bad. That could definitely be more of a contributor to Xavier's inconsistency than I am giving it.

[XUFan09]

That's my mistake on Jones. You are absolutely correct...anyways, this year i'll take cotton, arciadano, starks, gibbs and Jordan. Happy now?

Fair. Still disagree on Jordan (I'm assuming I'm going to change my mind for the 2014-2015 season). Gibbs is a wash: offensively more productive but not as good of a defender. That still puts Dee right in the middle of the Big East starting point guards, hardly marginal.

[XU 87]

Hmm, interesting. I'll have to rethink its relative effect. Of course, the Bahamas are weighing down the average a decent bit, and I don't think anyone would deny that Dee was a big "contributor" to those losses. I also tend to consider Dee since the conference season started, as he turned his season around after the Bahamas, but I don't want to give too much credit to a slate of games that included Bowling Green, Evansville, and Wake Forest at home. In conference his median rating is a below-average 90. Not awful, but more of a pedestrian bad. That could definitely be more of a contributor to Xavier's inconsistency than I am giving it.

In our last three losses Dee has shot 4-22 from the field.

In our three losses in Bahamas, Dee was 1-15 from the field.

Not Kenpom ratings, but still. He simply disappears in some games.

[XUFan09]

In our last three losses Dee has shot 4-22 from the field.

In our three losses in Bahamas, Dee was 1-15 from the field.

Not Kenpom ratings, but still. He simply disappears in some games.

He does, and I think we have consensus on his inconsistency. He's not alone in shitty shooting over the last three losses though. Those were team efforts of suck!

[Xville]

Fair. Still disagree on Jordan (I'm assuming I'm going to change my mind for the 2014-2015 season). Gibbs is a wash: offensively more productive but not as good of a defender. That still puts Dee right in the middle of the Big East starting point guards, hardly marginal.

I think my main problem with Dee is that I have been spoiled by some incredible point guards at Xavier in the past 10 plus years, and I just keep expecting it. We have basically gone from Chalmers to Lavendar to Tu with a year of Finn/Wolf sprinkled in. I just don't see Xavier being a top 20 team without one and Davis is not it in my opinion.

[profson]

That's my mistake on Jones. You are absolutely correct...anyways, this year i'll take cotton, arciadano, starks, gibbs and Jordan. Happy now?

That is within the range of reason and a fair analysis. I would take him over Gibbs because Gibbs is a bad FT shooter and his defense is much worse and maybe (this year only) Jordan as his PG skills are raw. But whether Dee is #4, #5 or #6, that establishes he is a solid middle of conference starting point guard. It does NOT establish that he is "awful", "bad" or not a "BE player" as some say.

[Xville]

That is within the range of reason and a fair analysis. I would take him over Gibbs because Gibbs is a bad FT shooter and his defense is much worse and maybe (this year only) Jordan as his PG skills are raw. But whether Dee is #4, #5 or #6, that establishes he is a solid middle of conference starting point guard. It does NOT establish that he is "awful", "bad" or not a "BE player" as some say.

I don't think he is awful, but being a middle of the road point guard in a conference that will probably send 3 teams to the dance doesn't mean he is all that good either. He is average, and an average point guard is not something we are used to around here.

[profson]

I think my main problem with Dee is that I have been spoiled by some incredible point guards at Xavier in the past 10 plus years, and I just keep expecting it. We have basically gone from Chalmers to Lavendar to Tu with a year of Finn/Wolf sprinkled in. I just don't see Xavier being a top 20 team without one and Davis is not it in my opinion.

Good observation. If the standard is Chalmers, Lavender and Tu ("incredible"), sure, Dee falls short.

[sgarcia]

We are currently not in a great spot. We've lost 2 straight and it seems like Farr and Myles no longer play with any confidence so we basically have no bench. Our starters are exhausted and Stainbrook won't be 100% even if he comes back. Yes we may get 3rd place (via tiebreakers) but just note that we will be tied with 2 other teams for 3rd and at best 2 games ahead of 7th place so it's not like we ran away and hid from the other 7 teams in the league. Heck, we lost to the 8th place team twice! We have 6 days to get ready for our BE tournament. If we can't win next Thursday regardless of who we play then we don't deserve to back door our way into the tournament in my opinion.

[XU 87]

I don't think he is awful, but being a middle of the road point guard in a conference that will probably send 3 teams to the dance doesn't mean he is all that good either. He is average, and an average point guard is not something we are used to around here.

I think that is a fair assesment.

[profson]

I don't think he is awful, but being a middle of the road point guard in a conference that will probably send 3 teams to the dance doesn't mean he is all that good either. He is average, and an average point guard is not something we are used to around here.

Can't argue with that but sometimes your superior players come from different positions. With the possible exception of Love (who I loved but was never a center of the offensive flow), you have to go back a long way to get a center as good or better than Stainbrook this year and what we hope he will be next year.

[XUFan09]

I don't think he is awful, but being a middle of the road point guard in a conference that will probably send 3 teams to the dance doesn't mean he is all that good either. He is average, and an average point guard is not something we are used to around here.

That's a good point, but the deficiencies of a lot of the bubble teams don't concern the point guard play.

- Marquette just needs shooters (and that's with Jamil Wilson being one of the weaker PGs in the conference)
- Georgetown lost Greg Whittington and Josh Smith
- St. John's simply got their heads out of their asses late in the game
- Providence just does not have depth

[paulxu]

Did anyone else throw something at the TV when Dee decided to try and drive and shot a layup over a 6-5 guy in a key possession down the stretch last night? I'm not sure he has successfully converted with that move a single time this season.

This. EXACTLY this. And not one 6-5 guy, him and a couple of his 6-8 buddies holding a love-in under the basket.
All season, every game. Drives me absolutely crazy. Broke a keyboard pounding out my anger in live chat a few games.
Just don't grasp why Mack doesn't pull the cord on that. Tell him he just can't do it.
Back door from the baseline, with the under the basket shot every now and then? OK.
But NOT down the lane into the forest. Makes me want to throw shit and drink more bourbon.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Did anyone else throw something at the TV when Dee decided to try and drive and shoot a layup over a 6-5 guy in a key possession down the stretch last night? I'm not sure he has successfully converted with that move a single time this season.

That drives me crazy. Philmore thinking he was Dirk Nowitzki and shooting a turnaround 15 footer in the last minute was absolutely ridiculous as well.

[xsteve1]

This. EXACTLY this. And not one 6-5 guy, him and a couple of his 6-8 buddies holding a love-in under the basket.
All season, every game. Drives me absolutely crazy. Broke a keyboard pounding out my anger in live chat a few games.
Just don't grasp why Mack doesn't pull the cord on that. Tell him he just can't do it.
Back door from the baseline, with the under the basket shot every now and then? OK.
But NOT down the lane into the forest. Makes me want to throw shit and drink more bourbon.

Can somebody find Drew Lavender and have him come in and teach Dee how to do that tear drop this summer. Lavender made a living with that shot.

[XUFan09]

Can somebody find Drew Lavender and have him come in and teach Dee how to do that tear drop this summer. Lavender made a living with that shot.

I'm of the opinion that no one can replicate that. He had it down to an art form.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

[Xavier]

Can somebody find Drew Lavender and have him come in and teach Dee how to do that tear drop this summer. Lavender made a living with that shot.

Also single handily broke every press. He was great.

[jhelmes37]

Also single handily broke every press. He was great.

This was EASILY Drew's greatest asset. Sean never had to set up SHIT when the other team pressed. It was literally, "Give Drew the ball and get your ass down court."

It was awesome.

[gladdenguy]

Well this makes me feel good at 11pm on a Friday night after being depressed the whole day about last night's loss.

http://www.bustingthebracket.com/2014/03/bracket-breakdown_7.html

No. 1: Florida, Arizona, Wichita State, Kansas
No. 2: Wisconsin, Villanova, Virginia, Michigan
No. 3: Syracuse, Creighton, Duke, Iowa State
No. 4: Michigan State, San Diego State, Oklahoma, Cincinnati
No. 5: North Carolina, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Texas
No. 6: VCU, UCLA, Louisville, Ohio State
No. 7: New Mexico, Saint Louis, Kentucky, Kansas State
No. 8: George Washington, Baylor, Arizona State, Oklahoma State
No. 9: Iowa, Oregon, Memphis, SMU
No. 10: Colorado, Gonzaga, Saint Joseph’s, BYU
No. 11: Dayton, Georgetown, Xavier, Stanford, Arkansas
No. 12: Providence, California, Green Bay, Louisiana Tech, Toledo
No. 13: North Dakota State, Harvard, Belmont, Iona
No. 14: Stephen F. Austin, Delaware, Boston University, Georgia State
No. 15: Vermont, UC-Irvine, Robert Morris, North Carolina Central
No. 16: Davidson, Florida Gulf Coast, Utah Valley, Weber State, Coastal Carolina, Alabama State

Last Four In: Stanford, Arkansas, Providence, California
Last Four Out: Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Missouri, Minnesota
Next Four Out: Nebraska, Florida State, Utah, St. John’s

This weekend (I would guess we want the teams in bold to win) Correct me if I'm wrong
Syracuse @ Florida St. (Sunday)
Missouri @ Tennessee
Utah @ Stanford
St. Johns @ Marquette Unless you would rather play Marquette
Arkansas @ Alabama
Colorado @ California
Richmond @ Dayton
Providence @ Creighton
Arizona @ Oregon
Wisconsin @ Nebraska (Sunday)
Georgetown @ Villanova

[Retire33]

Well this makes me feel good at 11pm on a Friday night after being depressed the whole day about last night's loss.

http://www.bustingthebracket.com/2014/03/bracket-breakdown_7.html

No. 1: Florida, Arizona, Wichita State, Kansas
No. 2: Wisconsin, Villanova, Virginia, Michigan
No. 3: Syracuse, Creighton, Duke, Iowa State
No. 4: Michigan State, San Diego State, Oklahoma, Cincinnati
No. 5: North Carolina, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Texas
No. 6: VCU, UCLA, Louisville, Ohio State
No. 7: New Mexico, Saint Louis, Kentucky, Kansas State
No. 8: George Washington, Baylor, Arizona State, Oklahoma State
No. 9: Iowa, Oregon, Memphis, SMU
No. 10: Colorado, Gonzaga, Saint Joseph’s, BYU
No. 11: Dayton, Georgetown, Xavier, Stanford, Arkansas
No. 12: Providence, California, Green Bay, Louisiana Tech, Toledo
No. 13: North Dakota State, Harvard, Belmont, Iona
No. 14: Stephen F. Austin, Delaware, Boston University, Georgia State
No. 15: Vermont, UC-Irvine, Robert Morris, North Carolina Central
No. 16: Davidson, Florida Gulf Coast, Utah Valley, Weber State, Coastal Carolina, Alabama State

Last Four In: Stanford, Arkansas, Providence, California
Last Four Out: Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Missouri, Minnesota
Next Four Out: Nebraska, Florida State, Utah, St. John’s

This weekend (I would guess we want the teams in bold to win) Correct me if I'm wrong
Syracuse @ Florida St. (Sunday)
Missouri @ Tennessee
Utah @ Stanford
St. Johns @ Marquette Unless you would rather play Marquette
Arkansas @ Alabama
Colorado @ California
Richmond @ Dayton
Providence @ Creighton
Arizona @ Oregon
Wisconsin @ Nebraska (Sunday)
Georgetown @ Villanova

Posted this earlier today and love it as well. Also keep in mind Jeff is consistently one of the best at predicting seed line AND at-large teams (per his Bracket Matrix ranking)

[SemajParlor]

So far down the line but a potential 6 v 11 matchup with Montrezl Harrell and Jalen Reynolds actually makes me giddy as a basketball fan.

[XUFan09]

It all comes down to how the Committee considers Stainbrook. Now if Xavier beats SJU/Marquette/Georgetown without him or with him getting limited to no minutes, that clinches it.

Or, if Xavier can really sell him being fully ready for the tournament (which would to a degree involve him actually being fully ready for the tournament), the losses could be chalked up to his absence.

Xavier is in a very strange place. Every once in awhile a team deals with this situation, but there isn't a large enough sample size to really predict what the Committee will do with any strong level of confidence. If I see Stainbrook getting double-digit minutes next week, I'll feel much better.

[sweet16]

If I see Stainbrook getting double-digit minutes next week, I'll feel much better.

You're going to have a shitty week.

[fellahmuskie]

The situation we're in right now feels somewhat similar to the first two Sean Miller years. Year 1 - led by freshman Stanley Burrell, but no postseason and plenty of fear about the program's future. Year 2 - Injury to Thornton, bad, bad finish to the regular season (much worse than this year), but miraculous A-10 tourney run to sneak into the tournament. From there, of course, X hit its stride advancing to all those sweet 16s and producing multiple NBA players. Sean Miller, panned by many in Year 2, ends up taking over at Arizona a few years later and is now considered one of college basketball's best coaches.

The last two years haven't been exactly the same, but the similarities are striking. Mack, for all his early success, will be under some pressure here if this team misses the tournament. At the same time, just like back then, regardless of whether we make the tournament this year or not, there is a ton of talent coming in, which could/should propel the program into a cycle similar to that 7-year tourney streak and 4 sweet 16s in 5 years. Mack is facing some heat, but it's easy to imagine the blue-chip programs trying to woo him away from his alma mater in a few years, after some deep runs in March.

I say all this not to imply that the team must make the tournament this year to duplicate the success of a decade ago. Rather, the short-term doom and gloom that's so easy to fall into (and believe me, I did, between Tuesday morning and Friday morning) often looks silly from a long-term perspective. The key, of course, is Mack and his ability to mold champions in the next few years, but I'm confident he can. We get a chance to do that with the Big East Tournament--and what a stage for this team to shut up the critics--but no matter the outcome of next week, I can't wait for the future.

[UCGRAD4X]

thanks fella for a more positive outlook…

opportunity knocks…

Now - kick down the f***ing door!

[XUFan09]

You're going to have a shitty week.

You do know that's actually within the range of possibility, right? More likely, he makes a cameo appearance as the 4th or 5th big. And it's not like it's going to be awful for Xavier if he doesn't play double-digit minutes.

[vee4xu]

I am not real thrilled about the idea of playing St. John's. No matter what, it is tough to beat a team three times in one season, much less playing that team on their home court. Scares me a little.

[kyxu]

I am not real thrilled about the idea of playing St. John's. No matter what, it is tough to beat a team three times in one season, much less playing that team on their home court. Scares me a little.

But at the same time, it's a comforting feeling knowing that in a must-win game, the opposing coach is Steve Lavin.

[Fireball]

I'm absolutely thrilled with the possibility of playing St. John's. We played them twice and neither game was really in doubt in the last few minutes. Our style of play matches up very well with theirs.

I'd much rather play St. John's than Georgetown or Marquette.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[XUFan09]

I'm absolutely thrilled with the possibility of playing St. John's. We played them twice and neither game was really in doubt in the last few minutes. Our style of play matches up very well with theirs.

I'd much rather play St. John's than Georgetown or Marquette.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Even though Jalen matches up well with them, I'm still trying to account for how well Xavier matches up with them without Stainbrook or without Stainbrook playing starter minutes. It's tough to determine, as he was a real problem for the Johnnies.

[MuskiePimp23]

Stainbrook able to play or not is ludicrous and no reason to keep a team out of the NCAA tournament. In the NFL playoffs, would they knock out the Patriots if they had the best record, but Tom Brady got hurt in the second to last game? It is a team sport not an individual one and this whole Stainbrook being out is garbage. We have won 20 games against a very solid schedule. I think this team actually plays well, maybe better without Stainbrook. He looked pretty awful against Creighton. If Farr ever got his confidence back, we could be much more of a formidable opponent regardless of Stainbrook. Someone else pointed out the Iowa loss and missing Christon for the last 12 mins of the game. Does that get an asterisk too? This injury thing is ridiculous. Other sports it is about who you play and who you beat. Injuries are part of the game, but it is in fact a team game last I checked. The front of the Jerseys say Xavier, not individual players names.

[XU 87]

I think this team actually plays well, maybe better without Stainbrook.

He's third on the team in scoring and leads the team in rebounding. And the team is 0-2 without him.

[outsideobserver11]

Stainbrook able to play or not is ludicrous and no reason to keep a team out of the NCAA tournament. In the NFL playoffs, would they knock out the Patriots if they had the best record, but Tom Brady got hurt in the second to last game? It is a team sport not an individual one and this whole Stainbrook being out is garbage. We have won 20 games against a very solid schedule. I think this team actually plays well, maybe better without Stainbrook. He looked pretty awful against Creighton. If Farr ever got his confidence back, we could be much more of a formidable opponent regardless of Stainbrook. Someone else pointed out the Iowa loss and missing Christon for the last 12 mins of the game. Does that get an asterisk too? This injury thing is ridiculous. Other sports it is about who you play and who you beat. Injuries are part of the game, but it is in fact a team game last I checked. The front of the Jerseys say Xavier, not individual players names.

NFL is different though because the entire playoffs is based on record from the regular season, it's not possible to bump a team out. While in college basketball, it has happened before. Definitely get where your coming from and it's not really fair, but the fact that it has happened makes the situation a little more unnerving.

[profson]

Stainbrook able to play or not is ludicrous and no reason to keep a team out of the NCAA tournament. In the NFL playoffs, would they knock out the Patriots if they had the best record, but Tom Brady got hurt in the second to last game? It is a team sport not an individual one and this whole Stainbrook being out is garbage. We have won 20 games against a very solid schedule. I think this team actually plays well, maybe better without Stainbrook. He looked pretty awful against Creighton. If Farr ever got his confidence back, we could be much more of a formidable opponent regardless of Stainbrook. Someone else pointed out the Iowa loss and missing Christon for the last 12 mins of the game. Does that get an asterisk too? This injury thing is ridiculous. Other sports it is about who you play and who you beat. Injuries are part of the game, but it is in fact a team game last I checked. The front of the Jerseys say Xavier, not individual players names.

First, the source for all selection and seeding rules is the following: http://www.ncaa.com/content/di-principles-and-procedures-selection

Second, the committee is provided with injury information:

"Among the resources available to the committee are complete box scores, game summaries and notes, pertinent information submitted on a team’s behalf by its conference, various computer rankings, injury reports, head-to-head results, chronological results, Division I results, non-conference results, home, away and neutral results, rankings, polls and the NABC regional advisory committee rankings."

There is no specific guidance on use of any of the provided information, but there is no sense in referring to injury reports if they can't be used in some sense in the selection or seeding process.

Third, the committee first selects who is in the field, and then does seeding and bracketing. Initially, each committee member separately compiles a list of up to 36 teams that he thinks should be an at-large selection (irrespective of whether a team might eventually become an automatic qualifier). In doing so, the member is advised to make his selections "based on play to date". I believe this language is the source of why some say you can't consider a current injury in deciding whether to invite (but can do so in seeding because that language is not repeated in the seeding section of the rules). If that is the intention, it could have been written more clearly, since the "based on play to date" language could also mean you can't project the result of games still to be played (remember, the committee begins deliberations before all games are over). Note also that the injury question is actually two questions -- can you consider a continuing injury in "devaluing" a team's record of performance and can you consider a past injury in "revaluing" a team's record of performance?

In addition to providing a list of teams that "should" be invited, the member also provides a list of which teams should be "considered". The "based on play to date" language is not repeated but I don't give any significance to that.

Fourth, after the field is set, a "seeding list" is prepared "which reflects the relative qualitative assessment of the field in descending order". For those who say that the "based on play to date" language that applies in the selection process does not permit consideration of continuing injuries, the "relative qualitative assessment of the field" language that applies in the seeding process can be read to mandate or permit a qualitative assessment of the teams as they are likely to be when the tournament starts (in other words not as they have been over the entire course of the season), thereby acknowledging a role (albeit limited) for the injury reports that are provided.

My conclusion is not to draw any conclusions unless and until something in writing issues from the NCAA or the chairman of the committee goes on the record on this topic. If asked to speculate, my guess is that a fair amount of discretion and common sense is allowed, and that humans being humans it is difficult to tell people to ignore a fact or circumstance they believe to be relevant.

As others have said, win and there is no issue.

[vee4xu]

Looking at BE standings and see that Marquette has lost three in a row. Would much rather play them in NYC, limping in with three straight L's and a double OT game today than a SJU team that now has the exact record as X and will be rejuvenated in MSG next week. GO CREIGHTON!!!!

[XUFan09]

Looking at BE standings and see that Marquette has lost three in a row. Would much rather play them in NYC, limping in with three straight L's and a double OT game today than a SJU team that now has the exact record as X and will be rejuvenated in MSG next week. GO CREIGHTON!!!!

Marquette has lost consecutive games by 1 in double overtime. BRU-TAL.

[vee4xu]

Creighton 25
Providence 9
10 mins remain in 1st half

[XUFan09]

Creighton 25
Providence 9
10 mins remain in 1st half

Good.

[mid major]

Looking at BE standings and see that Marquette has lost three in a row. Would much rather play them in NYC, limping in with three straight L's and a double OT game today than a SJU team that now has the exact record as X and will be rejuvenated in MSG next week. GO CREIGHTON!!!!

Exactly. Anyone here thinks we are going to hold Harrison to 4 points again if played the Johnnies. I don't want to find out.

[gladdenguy]

As you know I will preface this by saying I'm usually negative, HOWEVER,

With Providence and Georgetown getting absolutely run out of the gym today I think that even with a loss (if Stainbrook plays) Xavier should still be in barring anybody but Creighton or Villanova winning the tourney. I don't think St. Johns gets in over Xavier and I'm glad Providence and St. Johns play each other because the loser of that game is probably out. I just think the SOS and the top 50 wins are much better than Providence or St. Johns and I don't think they take just 2 Big East teams. The only excuse for Xavier to not be included is if Stainbrook is not able to go, Xavier loses Thursday, and they punish for the Stainbrook injury. Please let this be the game where that Jake Thomas doesn't go off. He was 2-6 today with only 6 points. Gardner and Mayo will be the two to keep in check with Jake Thomas.

[gladdenguy]

Exactly. Anyone here thinks we are going to hold Harrison to 4 points again if played the Johnnies. I don't want to find out.

I would like to find out. That would mean Xavier would play them for a Big East tourney title. :ok:

[XUFan09]

I would like to find out. That would mean Xavier would play them for a Big East tourney title. :ok:

1) Playing in the Big East tournament title would be awesome lol
2) Holding Harrison to 4 points again would basically guarantee they win the Big East title.
3) They would also go 3-0 against SJU, whose fans on HLOH (most of them at least) I don't really care for.

[vee4xu]

St. John's is currently #59 in the Live RPI after today's win. Would have thought something better than that.

[Masterofreality]

Finishing in a tie for 3rd, while claiming the actual 3rd seed in the first year in the Big East and winning 20 games is all right. Based upon the quality of Villanova and Creighton, no way we could have finished higher than 3rd.

Remember, we we picked to be 7th. The next season now begins.

[paulxu]

Finishing in a tie for 3rd, while claiming the actual 3rd seed in the first year in the Big East and winning 20 games is all right. Based upon the quality of Villanova and Creighton, no way we could have finished higher than 3rd.

Remember, we we picked to be 7th. The next season now begins.

Wait a sec. I'm not done with this one yet.

[Masterofreality]

Wait a sec. I'm not done with this one yet.

The "regular" season is over. It is now "Tournament" season.

[Xavier]

Wait a sec. I'm not done with this one yet.

--MOR beat me to it

[paulxu]

(takes computer into repair shop to check sarcasm font key)

[beatuc]

As you know I will preface this by saying I'm usually negative, HOWEVER,

With Providence and Georgetown getting absolutely run out of the gym today I think that even with a loss (if Stainbrook plays) Xavier should still be in barring anybody but Creighton or Villanova winning the tourney. I don't think St. Johns gets in over Xavier and I'm glad Providence and St. Johns play each other because the loser of that game is probably out. I just think the SOS and the top 50 wins are much better than Providence or St. Johns and I don't think they take just 2 Big East teams. The only excuse for Xavier to not be included is if Stainbrook is not able to go, Xavier loses Thursday, and they punish for the Stainbrook injury. Please let this be the game where that Jake Thomas doesn't go off. He was 2-6 today with only 6 points. Gardner and Mayo will be the two to keep in check with Jake Thomas.

I like your optimism, but Xavier is now listed as one spot ahead of Dayton as the fifth last team in. If Xavier loses to Marquette it's all over as far as a bid to the NCAA tourney.

[drudy23]

Worst case scenario:

Play-in game vs. Dayton at UD Arena

We better win Thursday. And if we don't win, we're all Creighton or Villanova fans through the weekend.

And GO SHOCKERS today!!!!

[xavierj]

I like your optimism, but Xavier is now listed as one spot ahead of Dayton as the fifth last team in. If Xavier loses to Marquette it's all over as far as a bid to the NCAA tourney.

You do realize that all of the teams around Xavier will most likely lose this week, right? Xavier has done enough but a win sure would help with anxiety.

[vee4xu]

Marquette is in a bad place right now. Not bad as in a bad team, but in a bad mental place. The team has lost three games in a row, two in double overtime. They very likely lost their NCAA spot at home, on senior night, after coming back from down 6 points in regulation with 30 seconds left, only to lost after being up three very late in the second OT. If tired and disappointed isn't enough, they get on a plane and travel to NYC to play a Xavier team, who though fighting disappointments of their own, will have had one week off to heal, prepare and rest. Bottom line: If Xavier does not beat Marquette this Thursday in the BE tournament, well I'll let you each finish this sentence.

GO X!!

[XUFan09]

You do realize that all of the teams around Xavier will most likely lose this week, right? Xavier has done enough but a win sure would help with anxiety.

Exactly.

[X-band '01]

Worst case scenario:

Play-in game vs. Dayton at UD Arena

We better win Thursday. And if we don't win, we're all Creighton or Villanova fans through the weekend.

And GO SHOCKERS today!!!!

Both Xavier and Dayton have to lose their tournament openers for that to be a realistic possibility at the moment.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Limit the turnovers and X should be fine against Marquette. Hopefully some timely threes can find the bottom of the net as well.

[Masterofreality]

Too bad that "Final Regular Season Record 18-13" thread is closed.

20-11. Just can't trust that Real Time RPI.

[XUFan09]

Too bad that "Final Regular Season Record 18-13" thread is closed.

20-11. Just can't trust that Real Time RPI.

But I thought it was the best predictor of performance?

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

[JTG]

Limit the turnovers and X should be fine against Marquette. Hopefully some timely threes can find the bottom of the net as well.

Could I have some of what you're smoking ? we got run over by Marq with Stain at full strength. I bet Marq plays there ass off Thurs. Unless Gardner doesn't play we are in for a lonģ afternoon

[The_Mack_Pack]

Could I have some of what you're smoking ? we got run over by Marq with Stain at full strength. I bet Marq plays there ass off Thurs. Unless Gardner doesn't play we are in for a lonģ afternoon

The game at home was never really in doubt and we had our chances at their place despite absurd 3 point and free throw shooting by them and 19 turnovers by us. Semaj, Dee, and Philmore played poorly as well. 9 points isn't getting "run over" by the way. Have some faith, Xavier is obviously the better team and should win.

[beatuc]

You do realize that all of the teams around Xavier will most likely lose this week, right? Xavier has done enough but a win sure would help with anxiety.

If any of the final four in, first four out, and next four out get hot this week they will take someone's spot. That's sixteen teams that aren't all going to lose this week. Xavier is not in a good spot right now. I love Xavier basketball like everyone else, but lets not act like this team is a lock. If Xavier loses Thursday they won't play in the first four or anywhere else in the tournament. If they somehow they do I will be the first on here to eat my words, but I follow Bracketology like everyone else and when you add up everyone's collective brackets Xavier is in serious jeopardy of missing the tournament.

[SemajParlor]

Our RPI is 51? Is this accurate?

[Masterofreality]

Our RPI is 51? Is this accurate?

Depends which one you're looking at. The one on Yahoo says we're 49.

[vee4xu]

Live RPI is 48 as of 30 seconds ago.

[vee4xu]

One way that X could get screwed is if some team like St. John's or Providence somehow wins the BE tournament, or goes to the finals and X loses in round one. That would be dark.

[The_Mack_Pack]

One way that X could get screwed is if some team like St. John's or Providence somehow wins the BE tournament, or goes to the finals and X loses in round one. That would be dark.

If St John's makes it that far then they'd be a top 50 win, adding 2 more top 50 wins to our resume which isn't all bad. I'm hoping St. John's can make a bit of a run in MSG.

[vee4xu]

If St John's makes it that far then they'd be a top 50 win, adding 2 more top 50 wins to our resume which isn't all bad. I'm hoping St. John's can make a bit of a run in MSG.

Good point. Better them than Providence.

[JTG]

One way that X could get screwed is if some team like St. John's or Providence somehow wins the BE tournament, or goes to the finals and X loses in round one. That would be dark.

BIG EAST going chalk is our best bet

[profson]

BIG EAST going chalk is our best bet

Agree, with the important wrinkle that we root for St. John's against Providence as that gets us the best chance of being the 3rd BE pick should XU lose to Marquette.

[Masterofreality]

Agree, with the important wrinkle that we root for St. John's against Providence as that gets us the best chance of being the 3rd BE pick should XU lose to Marquette.

Yes. Root for the Johnnies.

[Michigan Muskie]

BIG EAST going chalk is our best bet

I'd argue it's the second-best bet.

[gladdenguy]

I'd argue it's the second-best bet.

Public reps. Even though it is not likely I agree it definitely would be second best to the Muskies cutting down the nets Saturday.

[Masterofreality]

The ratings this morning for Xavier are pretty consistent. RPI- 48, Pomeroy rating 44, Sagarin rating 43. In all cases except for RPI, Xavier is ahead of UMess, the dump and St. Joes. The RPI, however, loves the Atlantic 10' although there are not a lot of Top 50 wins for that league other than them beating each other. Looks like Bernie McGlade and her master mathematicians have figured out the Mike "Slime" Slive scheme of scheduling to pump the RPI up just like Slive did in the old Convict USA.

Listen for the wailing of a number of pundits- especially ESPN- who would love to see the Big East get screwed in the selection by pointing out RPI numbers pimping the A-10 for 6 bids.

Also, listen for all the ESPN dunderheads and also Syracuse graduate media members, like Pete Thamel, to diss the Big East on potentially not selling out the Garden for the Tournament. You know that they would love to get a foot in the door to bring the ACC Tournament to the Garden and will use all the power of their pens to make it happen.

Just wait for it..............

[danaandvictory]

Has Thamel found Lennay Kekua yet?

[GoMuskies]

Also, listen for all the ESPN dunderheads and also Syracuse graduate media members, like Pete Thamel, to diss the Big East on potentially not selling out the Garden for the Tournament. You know that they would love to get a foot in the door to bring the ACC Tournament to the Garden and will use all the power of their pens to make it happen.

If the ACC was willing to commit to playing at MSG every year long-term (which they are not), I have no doubt that the Garden would find a way to move the Big East out and the ACC in.

[sweet16]

The ratings this morning for Xavier are pretty consistent. RPI- 48, Pomeroy rating 44, Sagarin rating 43. In all cases except for RPI, Xavier is ahead of UMess, the dump and St. Joes. The RPI, however, loves the Atlantic 10' although there are not a lot of Top 50 wins for that league other than them beating each other. Looks like Bernie McGlade and her master mathematicians have figured out the Mike "Slime" Slive scheme of scheduling to pump the RPI up just like Slive did in the old Convict USA.

Listen for the wailing of a number of pundits- especially ESPN- who would love to see the Big East get screwed in the selection by pointing out RPI numbers pimping the A-10 for 6 bids.

Also, listen for all the ESPN dunderheads and also Syracuse graduate media members, like Pete Thamel, to diss the Big East on potentially not selling out the Garden for the Tournament. You know that they would love to get a foot in the door to bring the ACC Tournament to the Garden and will use all the power of their pens to make it happen.

Just wait for it..............

Man, you are one spiteful, hateful individual.

[sgarcia]

If the Garden comes anywhere close to selling out any session I'll be pleasantly shocked. There's no Cuse and no UConn at the Garden which always accounted for a ton of fans.

[Masterofreality]

Man, you are one spiteful, hateful individual.

Nope, already happening. Thamel is already tweeting. Just fact, Mr. Red Dots.

[Masterofreality]

If the Garden comes anywhere close to selling out any session I'll be pleasantly shocked. There's no Cuse and no UConn at the Garden which always accounted for a ton of fans.

16,000 pre-sold.

"@T_Richer: @AdamZagoria about 3500k left for each session, reported by Forbes and you can validate on Ticketmaster. Not bad."

[chico]

Man, you are one spiteful, hateful individual.

Irony apparently is lost on you.

[beatuc]

16,000 pre-sold.

"@T_Richer: @AdamZagoria about 3500k left for each session, reported by Forbes and you can validate on Ticketmaster. Not bad."

That is great. A lot more than I expected. I wanted to make the trip this year, but will have to wait till next year. Finally a big-time conference tournament with fans in attendance.

As a side not, Xavier now listed as last four in on Bracket Matrix.

[MuskieFN]

The ratings this morning for Xavier are pretty consistent. RPI- 48, Pomeroy rating 44, Sagarin rating 43. In all cases except for RPI, Xavier is ahead of UMess, the dump and St. Joes. The RPI, however, loves the Atlantic 10' although there are not a lot of Top 50 wins for that league other than them beating each other. Looks like Bernie McGlade and her master mathematicians have figured out the Mike "Slime" Slive scheme of scheduling to pump the RPI up just like Slive did in the old Convict USA.

Listen for the wailing of a number of pundits- especially ESPN- who would love to see the Big East get screwed in the selection by pointing out RPI numbers pimping the A-10 for 6 bids.

Also, listen for all the ESPN dunderheads and also Syracuse graduate media members, like Pete Thamel, to diss the Big East on potentially not selling out the Garden for the Tournament. You know that they would love to get a foot in the door to bring the ACC Tournament to the Garden and will use all the power of their pens to make it happen.

Just wait for it..............

It's not just them. Jon Rothstein of CBSSN is leading the pack for 6 A10 teams. ESPN's angle is obvious. But CBS had a package of BE games this season!

[Masterofreality]

It's not just them. Jon Rothstein of CBSSN is leading the pack for 6 A10 teams. ESPN's angle is obvious. But CBS had a package of BE games this season!

CBS had an A-10 doubleheader on CBSCCCCCCCCCPSN yesterday. They've had a lot more A10 games because they were basically given them for free by Bernie.

I like Rothstein, but he always campaigns for the littler guy. He's always done that for X as well.

[Masterofreality]

Man, you are one spiteful, hateful individual.


Nope, already happening. Thamel is already tweeting. Just fact, Mr. Red Dots.

See what I mean?

From Zags Blog:

"According to ESPN.com sources, the ACC is “thoroughly investigating” moving their tournament to Madison Square Garden sometime after the current deal in Greensboro, N.C., expires in 2015.

Perhaps no school would benefit more than Syracuse from such a move.

The Garden is Syracuse’s second home and fills up with Orange fans every year for the Big East Tournament.

“I think it would be good for the league,” Boeheim told SNY.tv Thursday. “It’s a great venue. It’s all up in the air. Obviously, there’s contracts in place and all that stuff so I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future.”

The Big East has a contract with the Garden through 2026, but it remains possible that the Garden could get out of the contract if the new-look Big East — which now lacks perennial NCAA Tournament Final Four contenders Syracuse and Louisville — doesn’t bring in fans the way the old tournament did."

HMMMMMMMM. From "ESPN.com sources" huh? Nope. No wild conspiracy theory on my part. NO.

[Xavier]

From MSG standpoint of course they would rather have ACC, no question will it be the best conference in America, and I think possibly best ever. For Big East, I wouldn't be too upset going to the Brooklyn Nets new arena.

[GoMuskies]

From MSG standpoint of course they would rather have ACC, no question will it be the best conference in America, and I think possibly best ever. For Big East, I wouldn't be too upset going to the Brooklyn Nets new arena.

The ACC may want to dabble in New York, but there's no way they're going there full-time. That's the saving grace for the Big East. MSG isn't going to toss the Big East out so that they can get the ACC every few years.

[beatuc]

The ACC may want to dabble in New York, but there's no way they're going there full-time. That's the saving grace for the Big East. MSG isn't going to toss the Big East out so that they can get the ACC every few years.

There is no way Duke and UNC agree to play in NY every year.

[chico]

I tend to agree with Go. While MSG is nice, I just don't see the Carolina blue bloods and the other traditional ACC schools moving the tourney out of Dixie.

[XUFan09]

Agreed on Carolina, but I could see Duke being interested, as they have a lot of fans up in the Northeast. Still, not enough conference-wide support most likely.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

[sweet16]

See what I mean?

From Zags Blog:

"According to ESPN.com sources, the ACC is “thoroughly investigating” moving their tournament to Madison Square Garden sometime after the current deal in Greensboro, N.C., expires in 2015.

Perhaps no school would benefit more than Syracuse from such a move.

The Garden is Syracuse’s second home and fills up with Orange fans every year for the Big East Tournament.

“I think it would be good for the league,” Boeheim told SNY.tv Thursday. “It’s a great venue. It’s all up in the air. Obviously, there’s contracts in place and all that stuff so I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future.”

The Big East has a contract with the Garden through 2026, but it remains possible that the Garden could get out of the contract if the new-look Big East — which now lacks perennial NCAA Tournament Final Four contenders Syracuse and Louisville — doesn’t bring in fans the way the old tournament did."

HMMMMMMMM. From "ESPN.com sources" huh? Nope. No wild conspiracy theory on my part. NO.

No, I was referring to your disparaging comments/nicknames about a multitude of people, schools and other organizations. Just off the top of my head: UC, Dayton, Notre Dame, Duke, Matta, Miller, Cronin, Pastner, LaSalle, Duquesne, Fordham, Butler, St. Bonn, A-10, ESPN, AAC, Gonzaga, Huggins, Big East (previous years), Lance Mc, Paul "Doc", Jay Bilas, Dick V, ConfUSA, Mike Slive, Brian Greg......and that probably just scratches the surface. Life's too short brother to be so full of hate.

[Masterofreality]

Lighetn up Francis, it's a message board for one team and I'm speaking to a captive audience. I don't go on other schools message boards to troll. I'm being entertaining and have never been censored. Fact is, I see things for how they are and cut through the BS that those with an obvious bias and agenda are trying to feed to the masses. Nice job keeping track. That means you read my stuff. Not much obsession on your part, I guess, Huh? People obviously love what you do on here. :whistle:

Many on here like my little nicknames. udump has become very popular as has my numerous Coach nicknames that have been used by others. Bilas singled out Xavier as not being worthy of the Tournament over some Big East teams a few years ago. Fordham, Duquesne and LaSalle continue to suck, and, ah hell, what's the use in explaining?

No hate here. I Looooooooove Xavier, my kids, my family and all the loyal posters here. Just don't do anything to cross my school.

[UCGRAD4X]

TESTIFY Brother MOR!!!

[GoMuskies]

I'm being entertaining

We'll be the judge of that! :smile:

[Masterofreality]

We'll be the judge of that! :smile:

Yes you will, sirs, yes you will.

" I serve at the pleasure of the people".

[chico]

No, I was referring to your disparaging comments/nicknames about a multitude of people, schools and other organizations. Just off the top of my head: UC, Dayton, Notre Dame, Duke, Matta, Miller, Cronin, Pastner, LaSalle, Duquesne, Fordham, Butler, St. Bonn, A-10, ESPN, AAC, Gonzaga, Huggins, Big East (previous years), Lance Mc, Paul "Doc", Jay Bilas, Dick V, ConfUSA, Mike Slive, Brian Greg......and that probably just scratches the surface. Life's too short brother to be so full of hate.

This coming from the guy that pretty much does nothing but take potshots at people on here. Self-awareness is such a precious commodity sometimes.

[XU 87]

No, I was referring to your disparaging comments/nicknames about a multitude of people, schools and other organizations. Just off the top of my head: UC, Dayton, Notre Dame, Duke, Matta, Miller, Cronin, Pastner, LaSalle, Duquesne, Fordham, Butler, St. Bonn, A-10, ESPN, AAC, Gonzaga, Huggins, Big East (previous years), Lance Mc, Paul "Doc", Jay Bilas, Dick V, ConfUSA, Mike Slive, Brian Greg......and that probably just scratches the surface. Life's too short brother to be so full of hate.

I see you're making new friends as always.

[xubrew]

No, I was referring to your disparaging comments/nicknames about a multitude of people, schools and other organizations. Just off the top of my head: UC, Dayton, Notre Dame, Duke, Matta, Miller, Cronin, Pastner, LaSalle, Duquesne, Fordham, Butler, St. Bonn, A-10, ESPN, AAC, Gonzaga, Huggins, Big East (previous years), Lance Mc, Paul "Doc", Jay Bilas, Dick V, ConfUSA, Mike Slive, Brian Greg......and that probably just scratches the surface. Life's too short brother to be so full of hate.

Thanks for the laugh. The idea that anyone would actually be irritated by MOR is pretty funny.

From this day forth, MOR shall refer to you as SweetSucksTeen.

[X-band '01]

There is no way Duke and UNC agree to play in NY every year.

You're right about UNC, but Duke would love to play in New York on a frequent basis. Where do you think most of their students come from?

[XU 87]

Lighetn up Francis, it's a message board for one team and I'm speaking to a captive audience. I don't go on other schools message boards to troll. I'm being entertaining and have never been censored. Fact is, I see things for how they are and cut through the BS that those with an obvious bias and agenda are trying to feed to the masses. Nice job keeping track. That means you read my stuff. Not much obsession on your part, I guess, Huh? People obviously love what you do on here. :whistle:

Many on here like my little nicknames. udump has become very popular as has my numerous Coach nicknames that have been used by others. Bilas singled out Xavier as not being worthy of the Tournament over some Big East teams a few years ago. Fordham, Duquesne and LaSalle continue to suck, and, ah hell, what's the use in explaining?

No hate here. I Looooooooove Xavier, my kids, my family and all the loyal posters here. Just don't do anything to cross my school.

I think I speak on behalf of the masses- you don't need to explain yourself to Mr. Red Dots.

[X-band '01]

See what I mean?

From Zags Blog:

"According to ESPN.com sources, the ACC is “thoroughly investigating” moving their tournament to Madison Square Garden sometime after the current deal in Greensboro, N.C., expires in 2015.

Perhaps no school would benefit more than Syracuse from such a move.

The Garden is Syracuse’s second home and fills up with Orange fans every year for the Big East Tournament.

“I think it would be good for the league,” Boeheim told SNY.tv Thursday. “It’s a great venue. It’s all up in the air. Obviously, there’s contracts in place and all that stuff so I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future.”

The Big East has a contract with the Garden through 2026, but it remains possible that the Garden could get out of the contract if the new-look Big East — which now lacks perennial NCAA Tournament Final Four contenders Syracuse and Louisville — doesn’t bring in fans the way the old tournament did."

HMMMMMMMM. From "ESPN.com sources" huh? Nope. No wild conspiracy theory on my part. NO.

This isn't the first time the ACC has made noise about having the tournament in New York, although I'd have to believe they'd wind up at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. What I don't know is whether or not particular dates were reserved for the Big East through 2026. I find it hard to believe that the Big East Tournament (or, for that matter, the ACC Tournament) would be running a week early alongside other mid-major conference tournaments.

[sweet16]

Thanks for the laugh. The idea that anyone would actually be irritated by MOR is pretty funny.

From this day forth, MOR shall refer to you as SweetSucksTeen.

Irritated.......not in the least. Just never really understood the motivation. Thought it may be spiteful but he explained that it is simply for the entertainment of XH loyal posters. Alrighty then.

[vee4xu]

MOR is a great American and loyal Xavier fan. In fact, he listed Xavier ahead of his family. Hopefully, his wonderful Trophy Wife will not read that comment. :whew:

[paulxu]

MOR is a great American and loyal Xavier fan. In fact, he listed Xavier ahead of his family. Hopefully, his wonderful Trophy Wife will not read that comment. :whew:

In addition to not teaching her how to drive a straight shift (lowering the possibility of escape) he also has not taught her how to log on a computer. (Password protected)

[chico]

I think I speak on behalf of the masses- you don't need to explain yourself to Mr. Red Dots.

I just can't believe that someone actually needed this explained. Especially someone who pulls up MOR quotes from years ago on other message boards.

[casualfan]

Borzello has us in his last four in. (http://www.bustingthebracket.com/2014/03/bracket-breakdown_11.html)

[Masterofreality]

In addition to not teaching her how to drive a straight shift (lowering the possibility of escape) he also has not taught her how to log on a computer. (Password protected)

Oh, she can get on here. She has her own account- "MORs Trophy". Only 2 posts though. I'm good. It's not like I'm flirting with Lady Muskie or anything like that! :jig:

[bourbonman]

Borzello has us in his last four in. (http://www.bustingthebracket.com/2014/03/bracket-breakdown_11.html)
Three of the last 8 and 4 of the last 12 continue to be Big East teams. We must win at least one game or we're in big trouble, IMO. Winning two will help me breathe better through Sunday.

[paulxu]

Oh, she can get on here. She has her own account- "MORs Trophy". Only 2 posts though. I'm good. It's not like I'm flirting with Lady Muskie or anything like that! :jig:

Hey! My dream is to someday meet Lady Muskie.
I should find the MORs Trophy account and rep her big time for putting up with you.

[X-band '01]

The problem with Trophy Wife and Coach Mack are the same - they have very few posts on here, and you can only rep a post once.

[vee4xu]

One last time before Selection Sunday. Looks like we are in and probably an 11 seed. If so, I'll take it.

[Masterofreality]

One last time before Selection Sunday. Looks like we are in and probably an 11 seed. If so, I'll take it.

Yep. In both Palm and Lunardi. RPI 46. Pomeroy is 42. Only possible bid stealer left is NC State. Providence is projected to be in Dayton in the play in.

Looking bad for Iowa (54) and SMU (53). Moral, don't blow your first game to an inferior opponent in your conference tournament.

[THRILLHOUSE]

X should be an 11 seed. Only question that remains if it will be an 11 seed in the main field or in the "first four" game. I think if Creighton wins tonight then X will be in the main field, but if Providence wins we swap positions and X will be playing in Dayton.

[BandAid]

X should be an 11 seed. Only question that remains if it will be an 11 seed in the main field or in the "first four" game. I think if Creighton wins tonight then X will be in the main field, but if Providence wins we swap positions and X will be playing in Dayton.
Play-in game against Dayton. Calling it

[gladdenguy]

This Creighton game means a ton. If they win I think we avoid Dayton. Come on Creighton.
Bid stealers still are NC State Georgia and Bonnie's.

[THRILLHOUSE]

This Creighton game means a ton. If they win I think we avoid Dayton. Come on Creighton.
Bid stealers still are NC State Georgia and Bonnie's.

Yep. Kind of reminds me of 1998. X won in the A10 quarterfinals, lost to Temple in the semis but we still thought they'd get in...then Lamar Odom popped our bubble. Since there is the "first" round now, a Providence win shouldn't pop our bubble but will likely make us play in Dayton.

[KabeX]

11 seed vs. Kentucky. I'd take that. Would make for a very interesting upset. And the bragging rights in my extended family would be priceless.

[crolfes12]

Teams I would like to play: St. Louis, Texas

Not like to play: VCU, Baylor, Oregon, New Mexico,

Not sure about UK. They are inconsistent but I feel when it's tourney time Cal will have them ready

[THRILLHOUSE]

Teams I would like to play: St. Louis, Texas

Not like to play: VCU, Baylor, Oregon, New Mexico,

Kentucky is looking like a 8 maybe a 7

As long as UK takes care of Georgia they will be a 6 seed at worst.

Texas would be a tough matchup for X if Stain is still struggling with the mcl injury. They have a big and talented frontcourt. But they are young and have been inconsistent down the stretch, so certainly a game X could win. Would love to play St. Louis, I think their recent slide drops them to a 7 seed though.

[SkyWalker]

Where is X at the moment? I don't know but I expect we will be in Dayton on Tuesday or Wednesday night.

[gladdenguy]

I really want to go to Dayton if they go there.....but then again I don't know if I wanna put up with the crap.

[xavierj]

I don't think they will send Xavier their. I can see SMU and NC State their though.

[Xavier]

Lundardi latest update has X in play in game.

[BlueGuy]

Having X play Dayton in Dayton would be such a punch to the gut... I wonder if the committee takes that into account.

[StanleyOwnsYou]

Can someone refresh my memory (Didn't watch Selection Sunday last year for multitude of reasons, one being St. Patty's Day), Don't they announce the #1 seeds first, then do the play in games. Or do they announce them per usual as they go down the bracket of each Region?

EDIT**: Answered my own question. Just watched a part of the 2011 Selection Show and it looks like we will have to wait until the matchups are released going down the region game by game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0uneYG_9ls

[crolfes12]

Can someone refresh my memory (Didn't watch Selection Sunday last year for multitude of reasons, one being St. Patty's Day), Don't they announce the #1 seeds first, then do the play in games. Or do they announce them per usual as they go down the bracket of each Region?

Just watched it from last year. They do the regular bracket and just list the two teams in one slot. So we wouldn't know until they get to the slot

[gladdenguy]

These 8 teams are probably the last 8 in.
I can see Xavier's resume MAYBE being better than Tennessee, BYU (and Collinsworth out with an ACL), and SMU.....that would be last 4 in. I don't see the resume being better than Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma St, Dayton, or St. Joes.
Get ready to go to Dayton.

Xavier - 21-12, RPI 47, SOS - 25, OOC SOS - 90, KEN POM - 41 Sagarin 43
1-25 (2-4)
26-50 (2-2)
51-100 (5-3)
101-200 (9-3)
Wins: Creighton (10), Cincinnati, (20 - Neutral), Providence (40), Tennessee (42)
Losses: Seton Hall (127 - home), Seton Hall (127), USC (175 - Neutral)

BYU - 22-11 RPI 31, SOS - 24, OOC SOS - 4, KEN POM - 49 Sagarin 44
1-25 (1-5)
26-50 (2-1)
51-100 (5-1)
101-200 (11-4)
Wins: Gonzaga (19), Stanford (40 - Road),
Losses: Pacific (135), Pepperdine (160), Portland (179), Loyola Marymount (180)

Tennessee - 20-12, RPI 42, SOS - 22, OOC SOS - 42, KEN POM - 13 Sagarin 25
1-25 (1-5)
26-50 (1-1)
51-100 (5-2)
101-200 (9-4)
Wins: Virginia (11), Xavier (47 - Neutral),
Losses UTEP (102), Texas A&M (147 - home), Texas A&M (147)

Nebraska - 19-12, RPI 48, SOS - 27, OOC SOS - 106, KEN POM - 47 Sagarin 53
1-25 (3-7)
26-50 (1-0)
51-100 (4-2)
101-200 (7-3)
Wins: Ohio St., Minnesota (50), Michigan St. (23 - Road), Wisconsin (7)
Losses Penn St. (114), Purdue (145), UAB (153)

Dayton - 23-10, RPI 43, SOS - 64, OOC SOS - 100, KEN POM - 52 Sagarin 57
1-25 (2-2)
26-50 (2-4)
51-100 (6-1)
101-200 (8-3)
Wins: Gonzaga (19 - Neutral), GW (25), Saint Louis (27 - Road), UMass (23)
Losses Illinois St. (135), Rhode Island (156), USC (175 - Home)

Iowa - 19-12, RPI 57, SOS - 35, OOC SOS, 186, KEN POM - 27, Sagarin - 17
1-25 (2-8)
26-50 (3-1)
51-100 (1-2)
101-200 (7-1)
Wins: Michigan (10), Ohio St. (19 - Road), Xavier (47 - Neutral), Nebraska (48), Minnesota (50)
Losses: Indiana (100), Northwestern (125)

Oklahoma St. - 21-12, RPI 45, SOS - 30, OOC SOS - 112, KEN POM - 22, Sagarin 15
1-25 (1-5)
26-50 (3-5)
51-100 (4-1)
101-200 (7-1)
Wins: Kansas (3), Texas (35), Memphis (36)
Losses: Texas Tech (122)

St. Joes - 23-9, RPI 37, SOS 63, OOC SOS 146, KEN POM - 53, Sagarin - 62
1-25 (2-3)
26-50 (3-2)
51-100 (3-3)
101-200 (8-1)
Wins: UMass (23), Dayton (42 - Road), Dayton (42 - Neutral), Dayton (42)
Losses: Temple (178)

SMU - 23-9, RPI 53, SOS 114, OOC SOS - 296, KEN POM - 32, Sagarin - 34
1-25 (3-4)
26-50 (1-1)
51-100 (0-1)
101 - 200 (9-2)
201+ - 1 loss (only team with a loss over 200)
Wins: Cincinnati (20), UConn (21 - Road), UConn (21), Memphis (36),
Losses: Temple (178), South Florida (231), Houston twice (144),

[XUFan09]

We have to hope Dance Card is right on this. These teams are listed after Xavier:

BYU
California
Nebraska
Iowa
Oklahoma State
Southern Miss
*Bubble Bursts*
SMU
NC State

Providence is not projected as an at-large (last updated Saturday morning), so they take away a spot. That still leaves five teams after Xavier. For what it's worth, Kansas State, Arizona State, and Tennessee are the three listed just above Xavier.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

[vee4xu]

So here is what Lunardi has at 1:25 a.m. this morning:


Xavier [21-12 (10-8), RPI: 46, SOS: 30] We figured the Musketeers would be in slightly safer shape by now; we figured we'd lock them in eventually. They were trending that way, and then they weren't. As-is, we think they'll get in and avoid the First Four ... provided the committee doesn't get greedy and put Dayton and Xavier on the same line in the "opening" rounds. Actually, who are we kidding?! We totally want that to happen! Get greedy, selection committee!

[drudy23]

So here is what Lunardi has at 1:25 a.m. this morning:


Xavier [21-12 (10-8), RPI: 46, SOS: 30] We figured the Musketeers would be in slightly safer shape by now; we figured we'd lock them in eventually. They were trending that way, and then they weren't. As-is, we think they'll get in and avoid the First Four ... provided the committee doesn't get greedy and put Dayton and Xavier on the same line in the "opening" rounds. Actually, who are we kidding?! We totally want that to happen! Get greedy, selection committee!

Yet his updated bracket has us in a play-in game?

[XUFan09]

So here is what Lunardi has at 1:25 a.m. this morning:


Xavier [21-12 (10-8), RPI: 46, SOS: 30] We figured the Musketeers would be in slightly safer shape by now; we figured we'd lock them in eventually. They were trending that way, and then they weren't. As-is, we think they'll get in and avoid the First Four ... provided the committee doesn't get greedy and put Dayton and Xavier on the same line in the "opening" rounds. Actually, who are we kidding?! We totally want that to happen! Get greedy, selection committee!

That's actually Eamonn Brennan, though I'm sure he collaborates with Lunardi some on these Bubble Watch posts.

[paulxu]

Assumedly the Dance Card is frozen at this point as the 8 teams playing today are all safely in.
Now is the time for those people to be dead on the money. We are #39 on that card and safely away from the play in nonsense.
I'm printing it off and am going to watch to see how they do.

(It also is favorable to Snipe's thread of having 5 ACC teams (30%) in the field, and 4 BE teams (40%) in the field with NC State missing the cut)

[chico]

Bracket matrix has on in on 98 of 99 bracket projections. They have us as an 11 seed and, if I read it correctly (because there are 6 11 seeds and the bottom 2 would play 12 seeds), not one of the teams playing in Dayton. While I wouldn't be surprised if we were in Dayton, I don't think it's going to happen.

[vee4xu]

Actually, I am trying to think if Xavier would be in any better shape had they beaten Creighton and then lost to Providence in the final. Yes, they would have a second win over Creighton, but Providence still would have the automatic bid.

Thoughts?

[Masterofreality]

Actually, I am trying to think if Xavier would be in any better shape had they beaten Creighton and then lost to Providence in the final. Yes, they would have a second win over Creighton, but Providence still would have the automatic bid.

Thoughts?

Probably would have moved us up to that coveted 8/9 matchup.

[XUFan09]

Probably would have moved us up to that coveted 8/9 matchup.

Or at least been a solid 10 seed...which sounds a lot better.

[vee4xu]

I am wondering if Xavier will get the benefit of having been such a solid program for such a long time and having shown the same consistency in a newer, tougher league than in the old A-10.