Last 2 Games

[X Factor]

Dee Davis

14 assists 1 turnover

[D-West & PO-Z]

He's been really good. Teams playing really well.

[RealDeal]

What has Myles Davis done in our last 2 games?

[waggy]

Dee has been playing some great ball.

He did make one kinda not smart play tonight, but I guess we gotta let that one slide.

Keep bringing Dee! It's coming to an end...

[xu82]

He's been really good. Teams playing really well.

Coincidence? I think not!

[xu82]

Dee has been playing some great ball.

He did make one kinda not smart play tonight, but I guess we gotta let that one slide.

Keep bringing Dee! It's coming to an end...

I like to think the giant, wonderful ride is about to begin!

[waggy]

I like to think the giant, wonderful ride is about to begin!


Go out like a G! Or is it a D?!

[xu82]

Go out like a G! Or is it a D?!

Or, as some know it, like a Chalmers!

[bobbiemcgee]

On the other hand, JP has been awful. Hope I can soon eat these words.

[xukeith]

On the other hand, JP has been awful. Hope I can soon eat these words.

Agree as he has shown tons of effort but he has gone cold offensively.
Never did play defense. Maybe Trevon can inspire some frosh love. Maybe he needs a solid off season.

[boozehound]

Remember how bad Myles looked late last year? I think JP will be fine.

[nuts4xu]

Dee Davis has been maddening at times through his career, and I have done more than my fair share of cursing his name the past 3+ years.

I love the way he is playing right now. It is great to see this team when they have enough guys playing well. It pains me to say this, but this team goes as Dee Davis goes. He is orchestrating some great offense right now.

[xu82]

On the other hand, JP has been awful. Hope I can soon eat these words.

He throws the ball away, but often after a steal. I know it's maddening, but there's something there I really like. He's not shooting as poorly as Myles finished last year, so that's a hopeful sign! I think we'll all be extremely happy in the end.

It's often said JP doesn't play D (and he certainly struggles in many ways), but he seems to get a lot of steals for a guy who doesn't play D. Good effort and his length helps, but he needs better anticipation that will come with time.

[MADXSTER]

I am very happy that Remy will be back next year.

[XUFan09]

On the other hand, JP has been awful. Hope I can soon eat these words.

I know it's DePaul at home, but he was ridiculously efficient at fairly high usage rate, okay at Providence at a lower usage rate, really efficient at a fairly high usage rate at Villanova, and very efficient at a moderate usage rate at DePaul and versus Seton Hall.

On the other side, I'm leaving out his defense (outside @Prov); both Georgetown games, the game at Butler, and the game versus Marquette; and his 1-9 shooting from deep in the four games since going 4-8 at Villanova. I wouldn't call his performance "awful." It's hit or miss.

[sgarcia]

Dee hasn't been forcing up bad shots or driving 1 on 3 like he has for most of his Xavier career. I think he has finally figured out his limitations and is playing within himself. He's been fantastic recently and has been a warrior getting in the trenches with the bigs for 50/50 balls.

[THRILLHOUSE]

On the other hand, JP has been awful. Hope I can soon eat these words.

I like the energy that JP has out there, but he is making too many errors. I'm not too concerned about him, he'll learn.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Dee hasn't been forcing up bad shots or driving 1 on 3 like he has for most of his Xavier career. I think he has finally figured out his limitations and is playing within himself. He's been fantastic recently and has been a warrior getting in the trenches with the bigs for 50/50 balls.

Yep. My biggest, and really my only, complaint about Dee were those drives he would force instead of bring it back out and setting the offense.

Overall, with the 4 guard offense the ball moves around so much better. Switching to that in the 2nd half of the DePaul game could be the changing moment of the season.

[GoMuskies]

Dee hasn't been forcing up bad shots or driving 1 on 3 like he has for most of his Xavier career.

He actually did that a number of times last night. Josh Smith actually tattooed the basketball on Dee's face on one of those drives. On another he tried to take it with no numbers on a fast break, and it turned into a missed shot on our end and an and 1 on the other end. Happily, none of that cost us yesterday.

[X-ROX]

I like the energy that JP has out there, but he is making too many errors. I'm not too concerned about him, he'll learn.
I like seeing Macura getting minutes. Sure, he's been making mistakes,but the tempo of the game changes with him out there. Controlled Havoc, is how I'd describe it.hes all over the place. Like a pest. He'll get his stroke back right when we need it

[kyxu]

He actually did that a number of times last night. Josh Smith actually tattooed the basketball on Dee's face on one of those drives. On another he tried to take it with no numbers on a fast break, and it turned into a missed shot on our end and an and 1 on the other end. Happily, none of that cost us yesterday.

Yes. Dee had a very efficient game, assist-to-turnover wise, but there were still a few instances last night where he tried to take it amongst the trees with very unsexy results.

But, nevertheless, this team doesn't win without him, and he will be sorely missed next season. When Dee just tries to be Dee (and not Remy), there are few more effective point guards in the conference.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Yes. Dee had a very efficient game, assist-to-turnover wise, but there were still a few instances last night where he tried to take it amongst the trees with very unsexy results.

But, nevertheless, this team doesn't win without him, and he will be sorely missed next season. When Dee just tries to be Dee (and not Remy), there are few more effective point guards in the conference.

Yeah, Dee hasn't completely stopped doing the 1 on 3 drives, but there were only two times last night where I thought he made a poor choice in that regard, which is a big improvement for him.

[Xavier]

He actually did that a number of times last night. Josh Smith actually tattooed the basketball on Dee's face on one of those drives. On another he tried to take it with no numbers on a fast break, and it turned into a missed shot on our end and an and 1 on the other end. Happily, none of that cost us yesterday.

Speaking of fast breaks, I think Remy screwed up 3 fast breaks (two of which lead to fast break buckets at the other end). Two times he drove with zero intention of making it and only looked for the foul,IMO. The other time he was slightly ahead of GT defender with Dee closely behind. Remy just ran right for basket turning the 2on1 to a 1on1 (IE he never gave a passing lane for dee) Dee missed it and GT went down for an and1. He needs to be smarter about it, that's all.

[GoMuskies]

I think Remy missed the basket by about 5 feet on a layup one of those times. Funny since we still won easy!

[kyxu]

I think Remy missed the basket by about 5 feet on a layup one of those times. Funny since we still won easy!

Yeah, Xavier played a great game, no doubt. Especially since it was on the road. We still made our fair share of horrendous mistakes, but Georgetown was so incredibly bad last night, the mistakes never seriously impacted.

[Masterofreality]

Last 3 games:

Dee Davis- 2 black eyes.

[joe titan]

"The other time he was slightly ahead of GT defender with Dee closely behind. Remy just ran right for basket turning the 2on1 to a 1on1 (IE he never gave a passing lane for dee) Dee missed it and GT went down for an and1. He needs to be smarter about it, that's all. "

A most astute observation as others faulted Dee on that play; it's a team game folks.

[GoMuskies]

Dee still took the contested shot, which was not a good decision.

[joe titan]

Yea but it is very tough in that situation to back the ball out (my preference is an entirely old school pull up at FT line and use the jump shot)

And equally poor decision by Trevon et al who lost floor balance resulting in GT having the break-out the other way.

I just more see that play as "XAVIER" did that Remy made a poor cut when Dee was looking to pass. Not willing to single out Dee for screwing up that play

[IM4X]

I know it's DePaul at home, but he was ridiculously efficient at fairly high usage rate, okay at Providence at a lower usage rate, really efficient at a fairly high usage rate at Villanova, and very efficient at a moderate usage rate at DePaul and versus Seton Hall.

On the other side, I'm leaving out his defense (outside @Prov); both Georgetown games, the game at Butler, and the game versus Marquette; and his 1-9 shooting from deep in the four games since going 4-8 at Villanova. I wouldn't call his performance "awful." It's hit or miss.

Okay then I will... He was "awful" (last night). He was the absolute opposite of Myles.

In 10 minutes of playing time he missed all three of his field goals (one was a lay up), had 2 recorded turnovers which really should have been 3 (one of which quickly turned into points for Georgetown) and he stood around in the corner too often on offense.

I like JP a lot and I think he is going to prove to be a special player one day- He's already shown us glimpses. But lately he's trying to do too much when his game is off, which has been a huge net negative for the team.

[xufan2434]

I thought when Dee got swatted by Josh Smith it was out of desperation because the offense was sputtering. Some of his drives didn't work out but they were missed layups and he's going to make those more than he misses.

I thought there were a couple great calls by him when he settled the offense down and ran a set play. I know one of them was the elbow-to-block lob to Matt for an easy lay in. He had total control of that offense and they would have been lost without him. As for JP, I like him coming off the bench to give quality minutes. They can't completely abandon the bench for the rest of the season and I think there's a difference between him and Myles last year. Myles looked defeated during his drought. I don't think JP knows or cares what that feeling is like. He's going to have the same attitude every game and at least give 100% effort which is all I can ask for.

[xufan2434]

Also, Brandon Randolph sighting last night???? And a bucket....???

[LA Muskie]

As for JP, I like him coming off the bench to give quality minutes. They can't completely abandon the bench for the rest of the season and I think there's a difference between him and Myles last year. Myles looked defeated during his drought. I don't think JP knows or cares what that feeling is like. He's going to have the same attitude every game and at least give 100% effort which is all I can ask for.
I agree. But his minutes need to be quality. Lately they haven't been -- even when he's done something good (grab a steal) he finds a way to turn it back over. But I still have faith in the kid.

[LA Muskie]

Also, Brandon Randolph sighting last night???? And a bucket....???
This is true. But you had to be watching very closely. He came in, made a bucket, committed a turnover, and got pulled.

[D-West & PO-Z]

This is true. But you had to be watching very closely. He came in, made a bucket, committed a turnover, and got pulled.

Not to derail the thread but I hope Randolph sticks it out and realizes he could be a good player for us in the future. Without knowing him or what he is thinking it seems like he would be the most logical guy to transfer if someone did. His playing time has decreased big time, he's far away from home, we have two young guys behind him who are expected to contribute. Hope he sticks it out.

[markchal]

He just seems to have no confidence lately. At the beginning of the season, I thought he looked pretty solid. Now, he plays with the added pressure of having a pretty short leash. I do think Mack has to do a better job at developing a backup option at PG. Randolph has looked very productive at times (other times, well yeah), Austin supposedly as overtaken him as the backup PG, but neither sees more than a couple minutes and can go games without even getting in. We can't keep playing Dee 35+ minutes a game, especially with him taking a beating lately.

We won't be able to get away with that in a tournament setting (feels nice to have more of these concerns), so we will need a strong backup to emerge over the next month.

[chico]

I like seeing Macura getting minutes. Sure, he's been making mistakes,but the tempo of the game changes with him out there. Controlled Havoc, is how I'd describe it.hes all over the place. Like a pest. He'll get his stroke back right when we need it

I like the was Macura really gets under his opponents' skin. Which is not a bad thing at all. I don't know if he's doing a lot of trash talking but he got shoved last night, and against DePaul he was getting the same treatment.

[BandAid]

I like the was Macura really gets under his opponents' skin. Which is not a bad thing at all. I don't know if he's doing a lot of trash talking but he got shoved last night, and against DePaul he was getting the same treatment.

He's definitely our A.J. Pierzynski. I'm so glad he's on our team. I think I'd want his head if he played for Butler.

[xavierj]

JP attacks offensive rebounds like a madman so you give guys minutes like that. The other stuff will take care of itself. He is also a little red and that is a good thing for this team which has some choir boys. You reward effort and that is why he is playing.

[pimpinthebox]

I like the was Macura really gets under his opponents' skin. Which is not a bad thing at all. I don't know if he's doing a lot of trash talking but he got shoved last night, and against DePaul he was getting the same treatment.

Xeus has been saying for weeks now that Macura is going to get sucker punched before the season is over. I tend to agree with him. Imagine how much you'd hate that guy if he played for the other team. He's our Brandon Phillips.

[XUFan09]

Okay then I will... He was "awful" (last night). He was the absolute opposite of Myles.

In 10 minutes of playing time he missed all three of his field goals (one was a lay up), had 2 recorded turnovers which really should have been 3 (one of which quickly turned into points for Georgetown) and he stood around in the corner too often on offense.

I like JP a lot and I think he is going to prove to be a special player one day- He's already shown us glimpses. But lately he's trying to do too much when his game is off, which has been a huge net negative for the team.

My entire post was about Macura's recent play in general because someone mentioned that he has been awful. I even mentioned both Georgetown games as counting against the good things he's done recently and part of why his performance has been hit or miss in conference.

So, why did you treat it like I was only talking about the Georgetown game? I mean, I don't disagree with what you said, but why bother quoting me? We're mostly talking about different parameters when it comes to Macura.

[IM4X]

My entire post was about Macura's recent play in general because someone mentioned that he has been awful. I even mentioned both Georgetown games as counting against the good things he's done recently and part of why his performance has been hit or miss in conference.

So, why did you treat it like I was only talking about the Georgetown game? I mean, I don't disagree with what you said, but why bother quoting me? We're mostly talking about different parameters when it comes to Macura.

I do agree with you. Sorry.

I apologize if it came across like I was attacking you. It was not my intention.

It was just that I was so frustrated with him in this last game. Might have been his worst game. But like I said (and it appears you agree), he has a huge upside. I just want him to play smarter. Not to try to be the big playmaker when he is having an off game.

In any event, I am sorry if it came across to you like I was claiming you were say something different.

[XUFan09]

I do agree with you. Sorry.

I apologize if it came across like I was attacking you. It was not my intention.

It was just that I was so frustrated with him in this last game. Might have been his worst game. But like I said (and it appears you agree), he has a huge upside. I just want him to play smarter. Not to try to be the big playmaker when he is having an off game.

In any event, I am sorry if it came across to you like I was claiming you were say something different.

Okay, thanks for the clarification, and the apology is appreciated but really not needed.

I agree that Macura has a huge upside. I think he can actually be better than Bluiett, which is definitely saying something because I think Bluiett will end up being all-conference for three years. It might just take longer for Macura to get there.

Macura is one of those cocky gunners that never saw a shot he didn't like. This served him well in high school, when few could really defend him, so most shots and most plays were good ones. In college, though, the defense ratchets up a big notch and there is plenty of offensive talent on this Xavier team besides him. He has the highest usage rate on the team, and the only players in recent memory to take a higher percentage of the team's shots when on the floor were Doellman in his senior year and Burrell in his first two years.

Granted, his height and his very quick release give him space against most guards, but he needs to learn how to work in the offense better. That's a big reason why there's such a fluctuation in his offensive play. Obviously, even more importantly, he needs to be locked in mentally on the defensive end. I think for the rest of this season, we'll continue to see those moments or those games where he "gets it," before he falls off again in the next game. Hopefully those good moments coincide with when we really need it (say, the tournament), but I don't think it will really start to come together until next year.

[xufan2434]

I think JP definitely has a lot of learning to do and I think he knows that. He knows when he screws up. But I love that he keeps getting after it and it doesn't affect his effort on the court. The question becomes, who else would you rather put in over him. Mack is already running the 4 main guards 25-40 minutes a game. At some point those guys are going to need some breaks or else this team is gonna be dead by March, especially with this SOS. In the A-10 with Matta and Miller, they could go with 7 guys by seasons end and roll. I just don't think this team can do that going through the gaunlet.

So, my point is JP has to play. And I'm sorry Chris, but Randolph is going to have to too. Dee and Myles can't be going 40 minutes a night with the teams we're playing in February. I'm not sure what they have to do to get his confidence back, but it sure would help

[xu82]

Granted, his height and his very quick release give him space against most guards, but he needs to learn how to work in the offense better. That's a big reason why there's such a fluctuation in his offensive play. Obviously, even more importantly, he needs to be locked in mentally on the defensive end. I think for the rest of this season, we'll continue to see those moments or those games where he "gets it," before he falls off again in the next game. Hopefully those good moments coincide with when we really need it (say, the tournament), but I don't think it will really start to come together until next year.
What I really like (besides the size and quick release) is he's not just a spot up shooter. Close out on him at your own risk, because he can go by you too! He's not a one trick pony. I get the negative comments on defense, but that was to be expected. What I like is the upside - he's long and pesky on D more than I expected. Overall, I'm really looking forward to seeing what he's capable of.

[xu82]

Didn't Dee finish high school as a state champ... and MVP? Just going from memory here, which is sketchy. It seems he may tend to grow into the situation, at least figuratively. The last two games were great, and I hope it's the start of something even better! Time for this team to gel and go on a run.

[XfansinKy]

I would like for Mack to grab Brandon by the collar, pull him in front of a mirror and say, "Look at yourself. You look like you should be playing safety for Alabama. Now go out and attack n have fun kid. These days are going by fast and will never return."

[LadyMuskie]

I would like for Mack to grab Brandon by the collar, pull him in front of a mirror and say, "Look at yourself. You look like you should be playing safety for Alabama. Now go out and attack n have fun kid. These days are going by fast and will never return."

I'm good enough. I'm smart enough. And gosh darn-it, people like me.

[bobbiemcgee]

Didn't Dee finish high school as a state champ... .

so did Macura's and Bluiett's. London was on the The best hs team in the Nation and got redshirted.

[xu82]

so did Macura's and Bluiett's. London was on the The best hs team in the Nation and got redshirted.

This sounds like a good thing.... Can't wait to see it all pay off! Maybe we have some players? GO X!

[bobbiemcgee]

They won't forget this in mn. antime soon:

https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=A0LEVjU5VcxUAw8A.EAnnIlQ;_ylu=X3oDMTB0b2 ZrZmU3BHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA2JmMQR2dGlkA1lIUzAwMl8x?p=m acura+game+winner+lakeview+youtube&tnr=21&vid=2A02DDE6E3B2143596C12A02DDE6E3B2143596C1&l=40&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts3.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DUN.6 08031081657141490%26pid%3D15.1&sigi=11r8niug2&rurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dv 06rk6wBJLk&sigr=11bkf2d28&tt=b&tit=Lakeville+North+Hits+Game+Winner&sigt=110ibruf7&back=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fyhs%2Fsearch %3Fp%3Dmacura%2Bgame%2Bwinner%2Blakeview%2Byoutube %26ei%3DUTF-8%26hsimp%3Dyhs-001%26hspart%3Dmozilla&sigb=13fmfmrfr&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-001

[XfansinKy]

I'm good enough. I'm smart enough. And gosh darn-it, people like me.
Only Muskie fans are clever enough to go from Randolph in front of a mirror to SNL.