London Calling

[ChiTownMuskie]

Hi all,

First off, congrats to our guys for a triumphant return to The Sweet Sixteen. I was ten when Hill and company got us to our first. My Dad told me then to enjoy it and appreciate it for what it was: something special, something rare (is there a more pitch-perfect nickname in all of sports for a particular phase of a postseason?). All these years later, we visit the second weekend with the same frequency as seven or eight of the most elite and storied programs in all of college basketball. While it might not be rare any longer to the Xavier faithful, it remains elusive to a long list of fine coaches and programs (our new friends in Philly come first to mind). So, thanks, Muskies. And thanks to all past players, coaches, presidents, et al who made yesterday possible. Can't wait for that first Final Four. It's coming.

Second, I have that feeling I'm sure many of you have: can next season start tomorrow? And I have to say, with the well-documented rocky road we've ridden these past few years, I welcome back this feeling. As I look ahead to next year, I see a lot of talent and some really interesting rotations. Can anyone in the know provide a Makinde London update? I've read a couple people on this board during the year suggest his ceiling might be the highest of all. Any word on how he practiced this year? Thoughts on his roll next year?

To high hopes and a quiet offseason!

[Strange Brew]

From London's bio he entered HS as a 6'1 guard before growing to 6'10. Didn't West have a similar transition in HS?

[Xville]

From London's bio he entered HS as a 6'1 guard before growing to 6'10. Didn't West have a similar transition in HS?

not sure about West but it sounds familiar...im almost positive that that happened to Duncan...if he can be a Josh Duncan, I will gladly take it :)

[sirthought]

Yes. My understanding was Mack wanted him to get used to his growth. (Somewhat the same story with Sumner.)

I haven't seen the team practice, but my guess is he'll be like several first-year players. He'll have spectacular flashes of why he was coveted. Struggle at times through the meat of the season, then do some things that really give us hope for the next year.

Because he's so tall and seems to have a dynamic skill set, I think the anticipation for him is much higher. Hopefully this year set him up with learning fundamentals for his position and how to prepare his body and mind for the long season.

[kyxu]

I've heard London compared most often to Doellman -- good size (though a little skinny) who can shoot. I think the coaching staff wants to beef him up to make him more of a stretch player. Kid has great upside and is one of the most intriguing guys from our 2014 class.

[xu82]

I saw him on TV in high school. He was in open court on a fast break and went behind his back to split a trap - and he made it look easy and smooth. My jaw dropped. He also has nice touch from behind the arc. I just hope he's been hitting the gym and the cafeteria... A LOT! Duncan looked like he lived in the weight room, London is shaped like the bar that holds the weights. We need our 6'10" guys to defend bigs and rebound effectively. I'm very eager to see him in action. Add Sumner and we get a lot longer next year.

[Milhouse]

He's the only player in Mack's tenure to practice with BOTH the guards and the bigs that should tell you all you need to know about his potential.

[mid major]

I've heard London compared most often to Doellman -- good size (though a little skinny) who can shoot. I think the coaching staff wants to beef him up to make him more of a stretch player. Kid has great upside and is one of the most intriguing guys from our 2014 class.

Doellman had a ridiculous growth spurt at Rlye High School in Kentucky. He went from 6'1 to 6'7 in a little over a year.

[kyxu]

Doellman had a ridiculous growth spurt at Rlye High School in Kentucky. He went from 6'1 to 6'7 in a little over a year.

Probably the reason for London's propensity to shoot more than bang inside, which was a knock on Doellman coming out of high school.

If London turned in to another Doellman, I would not be mad about it.

[sirthought]

No kidding. Doellman was truly a great player.

Still, it would be wonderful if he had that skill set AND banged inside a bit better.

[muskiefan82]

Tyrone Hill exploded in heighth too his senior year of high school. Tyrone Hill ended up being a serviceable player. :jawdrop2:

[XUFan09]

I worry about London's rebounding ability (he didn't show much of it in high school), but his ballhandling is great. He's the kind of big that could push it up the court himself in a fast break and make some great passes if he doesn't score himself (like Derrick Brown). Like many, I hope he beefs up so he can defend 4s, but he has the quickness to defend 3s.

[smileyy]

Gordon Hayward and Anthony Davis are also guys who started HS in the body of a guard.

[DC Muskie]

Don't forget, Justin became a banger down low by the time he graduated. Who knows what London will do. I'm excited about the possibilities.

[XUFan09]

Gordon Hayward and Anthony Davis are also guys who started HS in the body of a guard.
So was Farr, actually.

[jhelmes37]

Gotta say - I also love Josh Duncan.

As a senior. I love Josh Duncan as a senior. We forget how polarizing he was during his first 3 years. At least to me. Tons of outside shots, afraid to bang inside. But as a senior? After Sean had him buy in? Freaking beast mode.

Same as Stan. He was infuriating until Sean had him buy in and become the best defender in our league. And top 5 in the country.

Sean was REALLY good at that. Getting players to completely change their roles and their mindset to match Sean's ideal of what they SHOULD be.

[Masterofreality]

Don't forget, Justin became a banger down low by the time he graduated. Who knows what London will do. I'm excited about the possibilities.

I'm excited about kicking Georgetown's ass in the Verizon Center for the next century....then going drinking with DC Muskie.

[paulxu]

I'm pretty sure all big guys were once the size of guards.

(except maybe King Kenny)

[xu82]

I'm pretty sure all big guys were once the size of guards.

(except maybe King Kenny)

The mother of King Kenny must be the mother od all mothers! If you're born a PF that must be hell!

[Backyard Champ]

Gotta say - I also love Josh Duncan.

As a senior. I love Josh Duncan as a senior. We forget how polarizing he was during his first 3 years. At least to me. Tons of outside shots, afraid to bang inside. But as a senior? After Sean had him buy in? Freaking beast mode.

Same as Stan. He was infuriating until Sean had him buy in and become the best defender in our league. And top 5 in the country.

Sean was REALLY good at that. Getting players to completely change their roles and their mindset to match Sean's ideal of what they SHOULD be.

This post seems out of no where...

[Wheelhouse]

This post seems out of no where...

If we're going with out of nowhere posts touting our love of former players, I'd like to nominate Jason Love, who in my opinion is one of the most underrated players we've ever had. I had so much respect for that guy. Worked his tail off and became a high quality low post player by his junior and senior seasons.

[Perma Fro]

http://youtu.be/EfK-WX2pa8c

[American X]

If we're going with out of nowhere posts touting our love of former players, I'd like to nominate Jason Love, who in my opinion is one of the most underrated players we've ever had. I had so much respect for that guy. Worked his tail off and became a high quality low post player by his junior and senior seasons.

100%. Jason Love will not appear in the Xavier record books as an all-time great, but there should be a statue of him as a testament to perseverance and hard work. Jason Love came to Xavier a tall tub of goo and left a chiseled mountain of a man. He is high in the running for best interior defender to ever wear a Xavier uniform.

If anyone says a young player will not be able to develop much, point to Jason Love. Makinde London could excel at everything on the court if he follows the path of Jason Love.

[XfansinKy]

Having a guy like London who is near 7ft tall with his skillset is going to cause teams matchup nightmares. He will be a huge asset in beating the press. Putting him on one of the wings in that 1-3-1 will make our three point defense much better. He can also catch and shoot threes without rushing his shot because of his height and long arms. Big time prospect.

[xuwin]

not sure about West but it sounds familiar...im almost positive that that happened to Duncan...if he can be a Josh Duncan, I will gladly take it :)

I would hope he develops faster than Duncan did. Josh didn't really contribute big until his senior year.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I would hope he develops faster than Duncan did. Josh didn't really contribute big until his senior year.

Josh averaged 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in 21 mins/game his soph year. Thats pretty good for a sophomore. He did take a big jump for his senior year though.

[Masterofreality]

Josh averaged 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in 21 mins/game his soph year. Thats pretty good for a sophomore. He did take a big jump for his senior year though.

Obviously some forget the huge shot he hit against BYU in the Tournament to get us to the "Ron Lewis Heave" game,

[XUFan09]

100%. Jason Love will not appear in the Xavier record books as an all-time great, but there should be a statue of him as a testament to perseverance and hard work. Jason Love came to Xavier a tall tub of goo and left a chiseled mountain of a man. He is high in the running for best interior defender to ever wear a Xavier uniform.

If anyone says a young player will not be able to develop much, point to Jason Love. Makinde London could excel at everything on the court if he follows the path of Jason Love.
I think Love is actually in the record books for being the winningest player in Xavier history, which is highly appropriate for him. Dante Jackson and Joe Hughes were going to pass him up, but then they were one-and-done in both the conference and NCAA tournaments.

[paulxu]

100%. Jason Love will not appear in the Xavier record books as an all-time great, but there should be a statue of him as a testament to perseverance and hard work.

Isn't that him outside of the Cintas with a sword in his hand?

[Michigan Muskie]

I think Love is actually in the record books for being the winningest player in Xavier history, which is highly appropriate for him. Dante Jackson and Joe Hughes were going to pass him up, but then they were one-and-done in both the conference and NCAA tournaments.

In addition to his tremendous development, Love should always be remembered for providing the absolute best, most spot-on quote ever about Xavier basketball in March: "It's winning time." That's gold, Jerry.

[toledodan]

I've heard London compared most often to Doellman -- good size (though a little skinny) who can shoot. I think the coaching staff wants to beef him up to make him more of a stretch player. Kid has great upside and is one of the most intriguing guys from our 2014 class.

james posey is a better comparison. runs the floor, athletic and can shoot the three. saw many great no look passes out of him as well. probably most excited recruit that i'm looking forward to see since sato.

[mid major]

In addition to his tremendous development, Love should always be remembered for providing the absolute best, most spot-on quote ever about Xavier basketball in March: "It's winning time." That's gold, Jerry.

I'm sure I'm showing my age but I could swear Tyrone Hill would say that when the MCC tournament kicked off.

[xavierj]

Probably never happen but could you imagine the 1-3-1 or 1-1-3, which some call it, with JP, Sumner, Makinde, Jalen and Farr in at the same time? That would be a Tough group to shoot over.

[XU-XHI]

Having a guy like London who is near 7ft tall with his skillset is going to cause teams matchup nightmares. He will be a huge asset in beating the press. Putting him on one of the wings in that 1-3-1 will make our three point defense much better. He can also catch and shoot threes without rushing his shot because of his height and long arms. Big time prospect.

With London and Sumner we beat St. John's twice. The match-up versatility we will have the next few years should be great!

[sirthought]

Probably never happen but could you imagine the 1-3-1 or 1-1-3, which some call it, with JP, Sumner, Makinde, Jalen and Farr in at the same time? That would be a Tough group to shoot over.

If London is really playing like coach needs him to, I don't think this is so far fetched. Why the doubt that it would happen?

[XUFan09]

If London is really playing like coach needs him to, I don't think this is so far fetched. Why the doubt that it would happen?

Yeah, I could definitely see that lineup at some point. It probably won't be the most common lineup put out there, but it could get some run.

[smileyy]

Previously I've observed that Xavier gets players just as talented as anyone...except an inch or two or three shorter -- e..g, if Tu Holloway is 6'2", he's in the NBA. With Sumner and London, as, noted, Xavier gets a whole lot taller and longer.