Brazil Trip 8-3 to 8-12

[bobbiemcgee]

Off to Brazil tmrw:

http://www.goxavier.com/view.gal?id=164088

Wow. Big Stain looking svelte!

[xu82]

And London looking like a PG pushing the ball up the floor.

[sWest32]

Any word if there will be some kind of streaming online? Also, are these closed scrimmages, or will fans be at the games?

[bobbiemcgee]

Any word if there will be some kind of streaming online? Also, are these closed scrimmages, or will fans be at the games?


Tom Eiser @Eiser_XUSports · Jul 29

Follow http://GoXavier.com , @XUAthletics, & Facebook; @mstainbrook40's first @ENQSports diary entry from Brazil targeted for Aug. 4 or 5.

Tom Eiser @Eiser_XUSports · Jul 29

Looking forward to the Brazil trip with #Xavier men's basketball. We'll have photos, some video and more. I know @cliffyballgame is ready.

Guess we'll have to rely on cliffyballgame.

[Xtemporaneous]

Not to worry cliffyballgame will have the goods.

[Muskie]

Who's cliffyballgame? Is he like JimmyTwoTimes or Johnny Roast Beef?

[XfansinKy]

Who's cliffyballgame? Is he like JimmyTwoTimes or Johnny Roast Beef?:bigstick:

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Guess we'll have to rely on cliffyballgame.

heh . . .

[danaandvictory]

That's Cliff Jenkins - he works for the University Communications office and handles most of the video production for Xavier. The court level highlights that are posted on the official site I believe are his, and he shoots all of the press conferences as well. He also is one of the roving cameramen at GABP and PBS. Really nice guy.

[Masterofreality]

Remy Abel - That's a Grown Man......BABY!

[Masterofreality]

And...

Talking about cliffyballgame:

"@cliffyballgame: Stainbrook sandwhich. #xavier #bestflightever #brazil

http://t.co/2bt4kCIBms

[paulxu]

Sneaks in picture of lady across the isle:

http://instagram.com/p/rQjar0iN-r/

[GIMMFD]

Who's cliffyballgame? Is he like JimmyTwoTimes or Johnny Roast Beef?

Sound guy for all the commercials aired during games, and films a bunch of stuff, he's a very nice guy and will have some cool shots!

[bobbiemcgee]

http://www.goxavier.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/080414aaa.html

[paulxu]

I think the team they play tonight beat Kansas State 2 years ago when they went down.

[BMoreX]

@edmondsumner: Good first team win in Brazil!

[mistabeecee41]

@edmondsumner: Good first team win in Brazil!

Nice. Searched twitter for 'Xavier Flamengo' and stumbled across this write up. Doesn't mention any X player specifics but it looks like we won 97-68. I translated it via Google, but since it didn't really mention much I'm not going to post the lengthy translated article.

http://flamengoemfoco.com.br/2014/08/basquete-flamengo-sub-22-enfrenta-xavier-musketeers-em-amistoso-preparatorio-para-ldb/

[paulxu]

Wonder why Matt Stainbrook didn't play tonight.

(our 3 pt % remains ugly)

[PMI]

Wonder why Matt Stainbrook didn't play tonight.

(our 3 pt % remains ugly)

Apparently Dee and Stain are going to be limited in Brazil (Dee may not play at all as he's dealing with an injury.) I think the idea behind that is to play it safe with two guys who have been injured and who are seniors, thus we know what to expect from them. I think the staff will use this trip, among other things, to see how the new guys look and play together.

[danaandvictory]

Stainbrook and Dee probably won't play much -- if at all -- this trip. Dee's still got that hamstring issue. Not sure what the deal is with Stain, who seemed to be 100% in practice.

[nkymuskie]

Stainbrook and Dee probably won't play much -- if at all -- this trip. Dee's still got that hamstring issue. Not sure what the deal is with Stain, who seemed to be 100% in practice.

No reason to play Stain and risk injury. We know what he is and playing a couple meaningless exhibition games in August won't help him help us win games Nov-April

[X Factor]

First game highlights. I think those are the thickest nets I've ever seen.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1ZoGjTI1jc

[xukeith]

Who won? No box scores?

[xu82]

I love highlights! They can let me live in my own little world of delusion. That's all I need. (It sure was fun.)

[PMI]

Who won? No box scores?

Xavier won 99-68.

[X Factor]

Who won? No box scores?

Final: Xavier - 99 Flamengo - 68

Boxscore Link (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/xavi/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2014-15/misc_non_event/FlamengoGameFinalBox.pdf)

[coasterville95]

I kind of liked the big tassels at the bottom of the nets. I also noted the game consisted of 4 periods, so international rules.

Great first game for the team, let's all hope this tour builds the team chemistry early.

It's August 5 and we are talking about Xavier basketball games! Gotta love it!

[RedsX11]

I don't give a crap if they lose these games by 40. Yeah its nice if they win, but 40 minute of competition vs an opponent you don't know goes a heck of a long way further than an open gym does.

[xufan2434]

Matt rolled his ankle the day before leaving so no point in him playing much.

Team had a lot of turnovers in first half (Sumner with 8!).. but as expected when all of these guys are playing together for the first time. I love the idea of them not only bonding off the court with hanging out all the time but already playing together as a team. I know they play together in practice and open gyms but putting the uniform on and getting a feel for one another is in my mind completely different.

The box score may have said 3pt% wasn't all that great but Eisner asked Mack after the game what's one thing that showed or to take away and he said "We can shoot the ball a lot better than we have the last couple of years"

[Xtemporaneous]

Sneaks in picture of lady across the isle:

http://instagram.com/p/rQjar0iN-r/

Do you blame him! Jeez the ladies down south are lovely.

[X-man]

Wonder why Matt Stainbrook didn't play tonight.

(our 3 pt % remains ugly)

I was told that Dee and Matt would be bench coaches for the first game. Any confirmation from those who were there?

[XU-PA]

Stain's blog
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/2014/08/05/xavier-musketeers-matt-stainbrook-brazil-diary/13656423/

[mistabeecee41]

Dear God Jalen, where did that reverse spin move come from? Good luck stopping that, BE big men.

[ammtd34]

Dear God Jalen, where did that reverse spin move come from? Good luck stopping that, BE big men.

Plus he spun the other way first. Nasty.

[nuts4xu]

Do you blame him! Jeez the ladies down south are lovely.

I agree! Plus they make sure to keep the under carriage nice and smooth, and very clean cut.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/mretaoin/meet-brazil-women_zps5e75e1cd.jpghttp://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/mretaoin/brazil2Bbeach2Bvolleyball_zps538eb906.jpg

[bobbiemcgee]

I was told that Dee and Matt would be bench coaches for the first game. Any confirmation from those who were there?

Mack said Stain "rolled his ankle" in the last practice b4 BRA but can play, just out for precautionary reasons. Same with Dee.

[PMI]

Stain's blog
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/2014/08/05/xavier-musketeers-matt-stainbrook-brazil-diary/13656423/

I find it amusing that Jalen Reynolds is afraid of heights.

[XUOHTX]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1ZoGjTI1jc

Man those shorts are hideous.

Edit: Removed incorrect statement referencing Blueitt.

Looks like we can knock down shots.

Jalen is a beast.

[Chalmers0]

That cut that Blueitt made reminded me of Semaj.


Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think there were any Blueitt clips in there.

[mistabeecee41]

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think there were any Blueitt clips in there.

Don't think so either. If he's referring to the Semaj-esque baseline drive, I believe it was Sumner.

[paulxu]

Kudos to Cliffy for the tape. He managed to get 4 of our 6 3pt shots, out of 21 attempts on it.
I'll believe Mack that they are shooting better (overall at 47%) but I'm a little skeptical looking at the defense.
Sort of looked like summer league.

[GoMuskies]

27 turnovers and we win by 30. I'm having a hard time getting excited about that. I'm guessing there aren't too many teams we're going to be capable of outrebounding 60-24.

[drudy23]

Kudos to Cliffy for the tape. He managed to get 4 of our 6 3pt shots, out of 21 attempts on it.
I'll believe Mack that they are shooting better (overall at 47%) but I'm a little skeptical looking at the defense.
Sort of looked like summer league.

???????????????????????????????????

What exactly were you expecting? My guess is Mack's main goal is to be sure that everyone is playing hard, together, and with intensity. It's the first game with this group together, and he knew there would be a ton of mistakes....and there was. However, nothing can or should be concluded from this...ever.

[paulxu]

However, nothing can or should be concluded from this...ever.

That was exactly my point. You just said it better.

[nuts4xu]

Sort of looked like summer league.

Well it is summer....and the games are completely meaningless. So yes, these exhibition games will resemble summer league games.

[X-band '01]

I find it amusing that Jalen Reynolds is afraid of heights.

Some find it amusing; I find it ironic.

[BMoreX]

Chris Mack ‏@CoachChrisMack 40s

81-53 Xavier over Macae. Dinner and a 3 hour bus ride awaits.

[xu82]

I agree! Plus they make sure to keep the under carriage nice and smooth, and very clean cut.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/mretaoin/meet-brazil-women_zps5e75e1cd.jpghttp://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/mretaoin/brazil2Bbeach2Bvolleyball_zps538eb906.jpg
I think I'm going to enjoy this trip for the multi-cultural, educational experience that it is for our young men... and for the coverage provided by our hard charging reporter Nuts.

[bobbiemcgee]

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/xavi/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2014-15/misc_non_event/MacaeGameFinalBox.pdf

[xu82]

Ouch! Barely 50% on FT's and most of that on Jalen at 2-9. That's not opponent related, just not pretty.

[XU-PA]

hilites

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OGI0WuGFZY

1) Jalen=hilite machine
2) O'mara has some moves and muscle under the hoop
3) wait for it, Myles gets the score of the night, and smile.

[bourbonman]

Ouch! Barely 50% on FT's and most of that on Jalen at 2-9. That's not opponent related, just not pretty.

That's what I just noticed, then I read your post. OUCH!

[bleedXblue]

I cant believe that anyone would critique or be concerned at all about the play in Brazil.

I hope that most are simply looking at this as an opportunity for the team to play together and get a little ahead of where they would normally be.

[Xville]

for those more in the know...what can we expect from Sean O'Mara this year? I haven't seen him other than the highlights here, but it looks like he has a solid frame and may contribute right away....Am I correct in that or is it just a man against boys right now?

[mistabeecee41]

for those more in the know...what can we expect from Sean O'Mara this year? I haven't seen him other than the highlights here, but it looks like he has a solid frame and may contribute right away....Am I correct in that or is it just a man against boys right now?

There should be minutes in the rotation for a 4th big to play some minutes - especially when Stain, Jalen and Farr get in some foul trouble. Might depend on matchup to see whether O'Mara or London gets the nod (or if we go small with Bluiett at the 4 which I've heard is something they'll be doing).

[Milhouse]

I'd look for O'Mara to get 5-10 mins a night dependant on the circumstances.


Probably one of the more "capable" freshman bigs we've had. Fortunately he doesn't need to contribute right away.

[paulxu]

Chris Mack on Jalen: "He's a load."

[XfansinKy]

I like seeing the way this team gets out and runs. Didn't see much of that last year but it looks like if X wants to get out and run they have the personnel to do it. For me, I'm not concerned at all about the free throws or even some missed assignments on D. When I was that age, concentrating on those two things would have been tough over there if there were many females around like the ones in that fabulous picture.

[XUOHTX]

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think there were any Blueitt clips in there.

You are correct. I thought I saw a 5 at one point, looking back it was not.

[XUOHTX]

hilites

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OGI0WuGFZY

1) Jalen=hilite machine
2) O'mara has some moves and muscle under the hoop
3) wait for it, Myles gets the score of the night, and smile.

I love getting Xavier Basketball highlights in August!

[Chalmers0]

I love getting Xavier Basketball highlights in August!

I honestly can't decide if I love them or if they are just too much of a tease. All signs pointing directly at a HUGE breakout year for Jalen.

[Muskied]

I honestly can't decide if I love them or if they are just too much of a tease. All signs pointing directly at a HUGE breakout year for Jalen.

Can someone ask to change the music on the video? It sounds like they prepared by Brazzers.

[muskiefan82]

Can someone ask to change the music on the video? It sounds like they prepared by Brazzers.

Or simply add Brazzers videos with the previous ladies in the photos

[drudy23]

Yeah, yeah, yeah I know they are just youtube videos and it's impossible to gather anything from it....but these new guys pass the eye test. They look confident and they can play. Didn't have that feel with the past 2-3 classes.

Jalen and Stain starting in the frontcourt....yikes.

[bobbiemcgee]

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/xaviersports/2014/08/08/postcard-from-brazil-from-matt-stainbrook/13770139/

[GoMuskies]

Matt may want to re-think the beach. I understand the level of raw sewage in the water even near Copacabana is alarmingly high.

[X Factor]

Xavier - 76 Tijuca U22 - 42

Box Score and Highlights (http://www.goxavier.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/080814aab.html)

Highlight of the game - Jalen Reynolds behind the back step back jumper.

[waggy]

Athletically #4 stands out.

[XU-PA]

Athletically #4 stands out.

Edmund Sumner, huge talent! But first thing they need to do when they get back to Cinti, someone needs to lead him down to the cafeteria and show him the delights of all you can eat!

[XfansinKy]

Edmund Sumner, huge talent! But first thing they need to do when they get back to Cinti, someone needs to lead him down to the cafeteria and show him the delights of all you can eat!
5 assists and 3 steals. Maybe we got a hidden gem? (If 4 star recruits can be hidden gems)

[BandAid]

Xavier - 76 Tijuca U22 - 42

Box Score and Highlights (http://www.goxavier.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/080814aab.html)

Highlight of the game - Jalen Reynolds behind the back step back jumper.

I was like, "Jalen noooo! It's not fair!"

If that's part of his regular arsenal...poor, poor Big East

[bobbiemcgee]

0-12 from 3 pt land - ouch

[mistabeecee41]

Jalen is a monster. I know I'm reading too far into it, but I wouldn't be surprised if Jalen lead us in scoring this year, not Stain.

Also, I've been hard on Dee for the last few years - but if he can control his bad turnovers, there is no reason he can't average 7 assists per game this year. He'll have the ball in his hands more this year without Semaj, and he has weapons inside and out.

[X Factor]

0-12 from 3 pt land - ouch

Yeah, but 22-25 from the FT line.

I think this team will be a solid 3 point shooting team. I'm not worried about an 0-12 game in August.

[xu82]

Edmund Sumner, huge talent! But first thing they need to do when they get back to Cinti, someone needs to lead him down to the cafeteria and show him the delights of all you can eat!
And from there lead him over to the weight room....then back for more snacks. Back and forth....

[paulxu]

I feel a little better when they went 8-13 in their last game.
Good to see Blueitt 3-3, as well as Abell.

[bobbiemcgee]

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/xavi/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2014-15/misc_non_event/SecondFlamengoBox.pdf

Really happy nobody got hurt - yay!

[paulxu]

Maybe Edmond Sumner can help Jalen work on his free throws.

[bleedXblue]

Sumner may be the gem of this class.

[Masterofreality]

My goodness. To think that 6 of these guys are going to be around for 4 years.

Uh, I'm excited.

[Murph85]

Numbers are all impressive except for the turnovers.

[XfansinKy]

Jalen is a monster. I know I'm reading too far into it, but I wouldn't be surprised if Jalen lead us in scoring this year, not Stain.

Also, I've been hard on Dee for the last few years - but if he can control his bad turnovers, there is no reason he can't average 7 assists per game this year. He'll have the ball in his hands more this year without Semaj, and he has weapons inside and out.
I thought the same thing but also wonder after seeing an improved Randolph and Sumner being so skilled, if Dee will get many minutes.

[paulxu]

We suffered through a year with about 7 guys not too long ago.

I hope this group gets out and runs...and keeps on running.

[Mark 3 Pointer]

Really happy nobody got hurt - yay!

Just an observation from the box... Macura didn't play.

[drudy23]

Very excited about the next few years. FINALLY, a good feeling over the summer and leading up to the season. We need to get this 3 year funk off us.

[XU-PA]

Just an observation from the box... Macura didn't play.

"JP Macura took a hard fall Friday and was held out of the finale as a precaution."

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/xaviersports/2014/08/09/xavier-goes-4-0-in-brazil/13838661/

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Definitely like what I see in the box scores. Sumner not a hidden gem since he was top 100 on most recruiting sites. For some reason Rivals had him like 140. Kid played on The Family AAU team. They are tough and Austin being a 3* is also odd since his HS league was very tough. I would like to know the size of the guys they played. I would imagine Sumner being light is going to be a problem early for him.

[wkrq59]

Some observations :
Nothing set in stone as the result of the trip and four games except Matt Stainbrook is a very mature leader who will be a vital asset in this his final season upcoming.
That said, the pluses:
Sumner and Bluett are going to live up to their billing.
Reynolds and Farr should show drastic improvement over the pastnyear.
The rest of the rookies and Abell should give this team incredible depth. The Xavier depth was one of the major reasons for the 4-0 record. That and the coaching --these kids obviously lissten and act on what they hear.
As far as minutes for and not for
some, it is way too damned soon to say that for example Dee Davis' minutes will be limited, or London will have a tough time seeing the court or any other BS like that. Right now, Chris Mack has perhaps his deepest team and most talented.
Right now the picture is very bright as is the future.

[xudash]

Some observations :
Nothing set in stone as the result of the trip and four games except Matt Stainbrook is a very mature leader who will be a vital asset in this his final season upcoming.
That said, the pluses:
Sumner and Bluett are going to live up to their billing.
Reynolds and Farr should show drastic improvement over the pastnyear.
The rest of the rookies and Abell should give this team incredible depth. The Xavier depth was one of the major reasons for the 4-0 record. That and the coaching --these kids obviously lissten and act on what they hear.
As far as minutes for and not for
some, it is way too damned soon to say that for example Dee Davis' minutes will be limited, or London will have a tough time seeing the court or any other BS like that. Right now, Chris Mack has perhaps his deepest team and most talented.
Right now the picture is very bright as is the future.

I love reading wisdom that is full of good news.

[XfansinKy]

Some observations :
Nothing set in stone as the result of the trip and four games except Matt Stainbrook is a very mature leader who will be a vital asset in this his final season upcoming.
That said, the pluses:
Sumner and Bluett are going to live up to their billing.
Reynolds and Farr should show drastic improvement over the pastnyear.
The rest of the rookies and Abell should give this team incredible depth. The Xavier depth was one of the major reasons for the 4-0 record. That and the coaching --these kids obviously lissten and act on what they hear.
As far as minutes for and not for
some, it is way too damned soon to say that for example Dee Davis' minutes will be limited, or London will have a tough time seeing the court or any other BS like that. Right now, Chris Mack has perhaps his deepest team and most talented.
Right now the picture is very bright as is the future.
My bad. I didn't mean to upset anybody. I'm just thinking out loud during the offseason I guess. With the depth X will have, it could be an opportunity to run rotations like NBA teams. I don't know if that's even possible, but a deep bench is obviously going to be one of the strengths.