The James Farr Experiment

[American X]

Hitting jump shots, grabbing rebounds, communicating on defense, cool as the polar vortex. James Farr was on deem for the Crosstown Shootout.

The man from Evanston was a difference maker under pressure in the biggest rivalry game of the year. Keep it rolling big man.

[Masterofreality]

In two Shootouts, James Farr has put up 17/9/1 on 7-9/3-4/0-0 shooting. #BigGameJames

[Lamont Sanford]

Jimmy had a great game last night. Loved the couple mid-range jumpers he made and thought he played solid D.

Props to the big lefty!

[Cheesehead]

He was huge after basically disappearing the last 3-4 games.

[SemajParlor]

#BigGameJames

[Xavier]

He was huge after basically disappearing the last 3-4 games.

3-4 games? Feel like I haven't seen anything big out of him in all of conference play. What he did last night is exactly what is needed from him and hope it translates the rest of the season.

[markchal]

I think they need to stop giving his minutes to O'Mara. Sean will be a fine player but Farr brings so much more to this team, especially when he's hitting.

[BandAid]

I think they need to stop giving his minutes to O'Mara. Sean will be a fine player but Farr brings so much more to this team, especially when he's hitting.

I thought O'Mara was getting a couple of Stain's minutes...when Stain was in foul trouble or struggling with his butt problem. But that's probably because I consider O'Mara solely as a 5 and Jimmy as a 4.

[Backyard Champ]

James Farr can be a difference maker. I didn't look it up to verify, but it was really surprising to hear that his 3 last night was the 9th of the season for him. would like to see him play more, and make some more 3's. He can be such a matchup problem for opposing teams.

[mohr5150]

James Farr can be a difference maker. I didn't look it up to verify, but it was really surprising to hear that his 3 last night was the 9th of the season for him. would like to see him play more, and make some more 3's. He can be such a matchup problem for opposing teams.

It would be great if he could do this, but he has proven throughout the season that he isn't a stretch 4 because he doesn't consistently make outside shots. I would love for him to be that guy.

[OH.X.MI]

It would be great if he could do this, but he has proven throughout the season that he isn't a stretch 4 because he doesn't consistently make outside shots. I would love for him to be that guy.

I've thought for a while Mack too short of a leash on Farr. If he's going to a good stretch 4, which I think he can be, he's gotta play through some shooting slumps. Seems like every game he's sent to the bench after one bad shot. Let the kid improve!

[X-Fan]

I've thought for a while Mack too short of a leash on Farr. If he's going to a good stretch 4, which I think he can be, he's gotta play through some shooting slumps. Seems like every game he's sent to the bench after one bad shot. Let the kid improve!
I don't know. I think matchups and other guys playing better have been the main reason why his playing time has gone down. Many games X has gone to a quicker lineup with more shooters. Also, James was in a slump of sorts and I recall his D not being up to par. Would love to see James play like he did yesterday and in the early part of the season.

[LA Muskie]

I think Mack has given Farr an appropriate leash up to this point. James just wasn't producing. On either end. (Except on the boards -- he has always been stellar there.) I think the vast majority of his issues has been confidence. It's amazing what a great performance in a big game can do for that. I'm hoping yesterday is just what Farr needed to break out of his funk. If he plays like he did yesterday, it takes a ton of pressure off the rest of the guys -- and gives us yet another weapon who can't be ignored.

[markchal]

We've seen how good he can be with confidence, so I hope this is a big step in the right direction for him. His defense was somewhat better last night (none of the bigs were good on that side) but what's most important is his stellar rebounding and getting that on the floor. If he plays with confidence on both ends and can give us some minutes, that's a huge improvement over O'Mara in there or going small (which has been a big defensive liability lately).

I also was a little confused with Reynolds play when he was in with Stainbrook. How many times did Stain get an advantageous 1-on-1 matchup, only to have Reynolds crowding the paint and forcing Matt into a bad situation?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Farr's leash has seemed to be too long at times early in the season and the inexplicable short in a couple games where he was playing really well. I cant remember the two specific games now (I'd have to look back) but James played really well in the first halves of both shooting well with good rebound numbers and a couple blocks and then barely plays in the second half. I think Mack referenced in post game comments after one of them that James should have played more in the second half.

[Masterofreality]

Farr's leash has seemed to be too long at times early in the season and the inexplicable short in a couple games where he was playing really well. I cant remember the two specific games now (I'd have to look back) but James played really well in the first halves of both shooting well with good rebound numbers and a couple blocks and then barely plays in the second half. I think Mack referenced in post game comments after one of them that James should have played more in the second half.

The leash was much too short against Seton Hall on the road...and Coach even admitted it afterward.

[LA Muskie]

Farr's leash has seemed to be too long at times early in the season and the inexplicable short in a couple games where he was playing really well. I cant remember the two specific games now (I'd have to look back) but James played really well in the first halves of both shooting well with good rebound numbers and a couple blocks and then barely plays in the second half. I think Mack referenced in post game comments after one of them that James should have played more in the second half.
I think that's pretty fair. I was thinking at a more macro level, but at a micro level I agree there have been times when the leash was too short.

[LA Muskie]

The leash was much too short against Seton Hall on the road...and Coach even admitted it afterward.

Agreed on that.

[XU-XHI]

Farr's biggest problem is defense. His footwork leaves much to be desired. Even UC took advantage of him with the isolation on the in-bounds to to take the lead. His shooting could be better but you can tell from his free throws that his shot has been gone. I truly hope he gets his shooting back and improves the D. He has an NBA body and college freshman defensive skills. He's just never found the coordination to play against the BigE talent he typically winds up defending.

[xufan2434]

James played great last night and was locked in when he got in there. The problem is he doesn't make those shots consistently enough to force Mack to stay in the game. He made a 3 last night but maybe he should stick to the elbow jumper. That looks like a much better shot for him. Also the running bank shot in the lane came out of nowhere!

I don't think Mack has had a choice honestly.. UC is a good matchup for James. I think he plays good post defense and was rebounding like a machine. Problem is there aren't a lot of teams in the BE that play 2 natural big guys like X can. Most teams are stretch 4's except for maybe Marquette and James has shown he can't be running around everywhere and stick with people. Unfortunate, but the truth. I think him and Jalen will be a monster duo next year.

[XUMIOH12]

I think Farr has played his way in to having a short leash. Most games this season he comes in and bricks a couple of 3s or takes a couple bad shots. Average defense, but I will give him credit for being a solid rebounder when he is in.

[LA Muskie]

Farr's biggest problem is defense. His footwork leaves much to be desired. Even UC took advantage of him with the isolation on the in-bounds to to take the lead. His shooting could be better but you can tell from his free throws that his shot has been gone. I truly hope he gets his shooting back and improves the D. He has an NBA body and college freshman defensive skills. He's just never found the coordination to play against the BigE talent he typically winds up defending.

Farr was our best big defender yesterday.

[LA Muskie]

James played great last night and was locked in when he got in there. The problem is he doesn't make those shots consistently enough to force Mack to stay in the game. He made a 3 last night but maybe he should stick to the elbow jumper. That looks like a much better shot for him.
Farr is flashing out to the 3 pt line because that's where Mack wants him. And he wants him taking that open shot. I can only guess that's because he has shown in spurts in games, and probably much more often in practice.

[XU-XHI]

Farr was our best big defender yesterday.

I concur and that says a lot about UC's dominance in the post, especially in the 2nd half.

[American X]

Based on his hustle plays alone, James Farr has to be a net positive when on the court. However, his shots are............................................... ......four feet off.

[X-Fan]

Based on his hustle plays alone, James Farr has to be a net positive when on the court. However, his shots are............................................... ......four feet off.
Agree. James plays tough and has a knack for getting to rebounds. If he could focus on the Rebounding, Defense, and hustle the rest of this year it would be huge. I don't mind him taking a shot if he's WIDE open, but otherwise let's work the offense more.

Really, the only shot I want him to take is his very first shot. He usually comes in with a good rhythm, but then forces shots after that. He's gotten better at not forcing shots though, and I believe the shot he took last night was because of the situation (later in the shot clock, no one getting open).

[chico]

Farr is really good around the basket. He's tall, wiry, athletic and has that knack of knowing where a miss shot is going to go. And he makes a great middle on the 1-3-1 - when he's in the middle and Reynolds is at the point the combined wingspan seems to stretch from the 3 point line to the basket.

On offense, I wish he'd spend 90% of his time around the basket. He's a very, very streaky shooter from the 3, but he spends a lot of time hovering around the 3 point line. If the shot clock is under 10 and he has to shoot the 3, fine. Otherwise, stay near the basket and keep grabbing those offensive rebounds.

[LA Muskie]

He can't stay around the basket 90% of the time, because our ball-screen offense requires him to come out and set screens. Then, unlike Stain and Reynolds, we tend to have him roll out to the perimeter. I'm guessing that's because he doesn't tend to play in the 4-1 lineup, so when he's in either Stain or Reynolds is also in, and we don't want him clogging the lane.

[chico]

My point is that Farr's role should be the same as Stainbrook and Reynolds, where they are only outside the paint when they're setting screens or used as an outlet at the top of the key. Rarely does Reynolds or Stainbrook attempt anything outside of 8-10 feet, (though Reynolds seems to be developing more of an outside game). He should only be shooting 3's when the clock is under 5 and nobody else is open. He does much more damage down below.

When Stainbrook and Reynolds are in together, there's no issue with the lane being clogged, so I don't think it would be an issue with Farr and either of the two in at the same time.

[BlueGuy]

He must be a hell of an outside shooter in practice. It seems that, on occasion, plays are run so that he gets open looks from 3. Mack and his teammates seem to have confidence in his shot.

[American X]

Credit X-ceptional for coining 'JFX'.

JFX decided he would get all the rebounds (and swish a three for that silky, smooth finish which you crave).

[Masterofreality]

Credit X-ceptional for coining 'JFX'.

JFX decided he would get all the rebounds (and swish a three for that silky, smooth finish which you crave).

It's truly perplexing....I'm sure for even James. He swishes a beautiful 3 after missing a 3 inch bunny and mucho free throws. The constant is that he has gotten much better defensively and he might be our most consistent rebounder. Nice block or two yesterday too.

I know he will work his ass off in the summer. I expect a huge year from Jimmy Farr next year.

[Cheesehead]

James Farr was a rebounding machine yesterday. That was very important for X. Jalen was off so we need James, you add both of their production and results are nice: 12 points 17 rebounds from that 4 position.

[American X]

James Farr Is A Man.

[BMoreX]

He's not an experiment.

[GordonBombay91]

As much as I would love to live and mostly die with James Farr camping along the 3 point line...I love what I've seen from him this year. He belongs in the paint!!! Offensive rebounding has been elite.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Stud!

[XUFan09]

I was telling my friends while we watched that James Farr is at worst a top 10 rebounder in the country. Usually there are one or two guys that are absolutely ridiculous, but he's on that next tier of bonafide elite rebounders. As Belein said after the game, "he got whatever rebound he wanted."

[Michigan Muskie]

This thrills me but doesn't surprise me. How many players have we seen transform from mistake-prone, frustrating-decision-making, role players into leaders. I told my son before the season started to keep an eye on Farr and Remy this season because seniors at Xavier tend to excel, even if they struggled as underclassmen. Remy has always been a solid player at X so he doesn't really fit the mold of this narrative, but Jimmy Farr has encountered his ups and downs, much like Chalmers, BJ Raymond, Jason Love, Dee Davis, and the list goes on. Farr may have more of a ceiling offensively than the guys on that list, but I think he's in for a special season. Kind of like a bigger, badder Jamel McLean. I think he can own the floor if he wants to.

[D-West & PO-Z]

This thrills me but doesn't surprise me. How many players have we seen transform from mistake-prone, frustrating-decision-making, role players into leaders. I told my son before the season started to keep an eye on Farr and Remy this season because seniors at Xavier tend to excel, even if they struggled as underclassmen. Remy has always been a solid player at X so he doesn't really fit the mold of this narrative, but Jimmy Farr has encountered his ups and downs, much like Chalmers, BJ Raymond, Jason Love, Dee Davis, and the list goes on. Farr may have more of a ceiling offensively than the guys on that list, but I think he's in for a special season. Kind of like a bigger, badder Jamel McLean. I think he can own the floor if he wants to.

Yes this, I'd have to find my old posts but at the end of the season last year I said I fully expected Farr to fall in line of great Muskie seniors who step up their game and go out as fondly remembered Xavier players. Jimmy is living up to the expectations!

[XMuskieFTW]

Farr is averaging 10.7 rebounds a game in JUST 21.7 minutes a game. Absolutely unreal. Top 5 rebounder in the country and his refined game around the basket when he gets those offensive boards is memorizing. Yes. Mezmorizing.

[Juice]

I was telling my friends while we watched that James Farr is at worst a top 10 rebounder in the country. Usually there are one or two guys that are absolutely ridiculous, but he's on that next tier of bonafide elite rebounders. As Belein said after the game, "he got whatever rebound he wanted."

You are one of few posters who have sung Farr's praises the last year or so. Everyone else here is full of shit.

[Muskie]

I think a big reason is that he's actually in the paint more this year. We don't seem to be running the plays that send him out to take a 3... Like what I see so far. James Farr following in the footsteps of Reggie Butler, Anthony Myles, and Jason Love.


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[X-Fan]

How about James accepting his role off the bench this year and doing whatever the team needs! I thought for sure Coach Mack would keep him in the starting line up because he was a starter last year and is a Senior this year. The lineup combos are making more and more sense. Thought it was great when X went big and had both Jalen & Farr on the court late in the 2nd Half. James Farr is following in the footsteps of previous big men at X who worked their tail off and became very solid players by their Jr/Sr years! Keep it up Jimmy Farr!

[XUFan09]

You are one of few posters who have sung Farr's praises the last year or so. Everyone else here is full of shit.
It's amazing how much a lot of people undervalue rebounding. Even if he had not scored a single point last year, Farr still would have been a major net positive for the team.

I found laughable those who called him mediocre. It's impossible to mediocre when you are absolutely elite in a category.

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[Strange Brew]

Farr is averaging 10.7 rebounds a game in JUST 21.7 minutes a game. Absolutely unreal. Top 5 rebounder in the country and his refined game around the basket when he gets those offensive boards is memorizing. Yes. Mezmorizing.

Jimmy Eat Board! His effort deserves a Ric Flair "wooooo"

[ArizonaXUGrad]

If I remember right Mack said in Farr's freshman year that he just loved to play. Farr accepting the roll of a bench guy makes sense. The kid wanted to at Xavier and just wants to play. We have a couple of freshman stretch players. We don't need that from him and so far he knows it.


Jimmy Eat Board! His effort deserves a Ric Flair "wooooo"

[NY44]

I have to take my hat off to Farr. I always found his role in the offense to be infuriating and didn't think he had what it took to play in the paint. He absolutely proved me wrong.

Our rebounding as a whole has been surprisingly stellar. We had 18 more boards than Michigan. 11 more offensive. That's spectacular especially for a team running 4 guard lineups at times.

[Caveat]

How about James accepting his role off the bench this year and doing whatever the team needs! I thought for sure Coach Mack would keep him in the starting line up because he was a starter last year and is a Senior this year. The lineup combos are making more and more sense. Thought it was great when X went big and had both Jalen & Farr on the court late in the 2nd Half. James Farr is following in the footsteps of previous big men at X who worked their tail off and became very solid players by their Jr/Sr years! Keep it up Jimmy Farr!

There is so much quality up and down the bench on this team right now that the line between starter and bench player is really blurred. I think it'll help everyone on the team knowing that anyone can be a big time contributor at any time and that minutes are going to be there for more than just the starting 5.

[bleedXblue]

This team wouldn't be at 3-0 without James Farr. He's been massive. Now, if we could simply get Jalen Reynolds to play at a consistent level night in and night out......I know that's asking a lot....but just think how good this team would/could be.

[DoubleD86]

For those who enjoy this sort of thing, Farr is currently ranked 11th in the country in Offensive Rebound % and 9th in the country in Defensive Rebound % on KenPom.com

[Cheesehead]

He also had 2 dunks in one game!!!

[D-West & PO-Z]

For those who enjoy this sort of thing, Farr is currently ranked 11th in the country in Offensive Rebound % and 9th in the country in Defensive Rebound % on KenPom.com

37th overall in just RPG at only 21.7 mins/game.

Of the top 60 rebounders/game in the country only 2 average less mins than Farr and only one of those 2 have more rpg.

[birdman71]

''The James Farr Experiment''. Somehow that makes me think of ''The Alan Parsons Project'', but I digress...........
I think James is greatly improved, much hungrier and will continue to be a better scorer and improved rebounder.
I also like our 1 big and 4 perimeter guy look. JF and JR will get rest and at least one should be around at every games end.
Our perimeter guys are able to grab a lot of rebounds as they have demonstrated thus far this year.

[muskiefan82]

Did anyone notice if Farr went up for rebounds off of one foot?

[paulxu]

Clearly.

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/fef23e7fad741e9f9ee45258cebb97a0c78c7f7a/c=0-0-3251-4335&r=537&c=0-0-534-712/local/-/media/Cincinnati/Cincinnati/2014/11/18/635519404801574731-USATSI-8213362.jpg

[muskiefan82]

Clearly.

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/fef23e7fad741e9f9ee45258cebb97a0c78c7f7a/c=0-0-3251-4335&r=537&c=0-0-534-712/local/-/media/Cincinnati/Cincinnati/2014/11/18/635519404801574731-USATSI-8213362.jpg

That is awesome. Clearly the experiment is a success from a "jump off of one foot" standpoint.

[X-man]

Bump.

[UCGRAD4X]

Bump.

Just adds to the well deserved love Farr is getting from Xavier faithful (and others, I would presume). No fewer than six threads here on the topic.