2015-2016 OOC schedule

[GoXavier]

Anyone know what kind of OOC schedule we're looking at next season. We've got a Big Ten game and UC for sure. Are Auburn and Missouri coming to our place? Is Wake back on the schedule or was the series thrown out? Thanks!

[GoMuskies]

Here are the teams in the Orlando Classic:

Alabama
Dayton
Iowa
USC
Notre Dame
Wichita State
Monmouth

Auburn and Mizzou will visit Cintas.

[OH.X.MI]

Any bets on who we get paired with for the B1G challenge?

[bleedXblue]

Any bets on who we get paired with for the B1G challenge?

IU or OSU

[spursy]

Any bets on who we get paired with for the B1G challenge?
Would love IU.

But knowing iu and B1G, it'll probably be northwestern.

[XUFan09]

No road games scheduled yet. Last year we had three. The year before we had one.

[Masterofreality]

Here are the teams in the Orlando Classic:

Alabama
Dayton
Iowa
USC
Notre Dame
Wichita State
Monmouth

Auburn and Mizzou will visit Cintas.

And the Borecats. We also restart the Skio Prosser Classic and play at Wake next year.

[XUMIOH12]

Any bets on who we get paired with for the B1G challenge?

Ohio or either of the Michigan schools

[D-West & PO-Z]

Order of who I would like to play:

1. OSU
2. Mich St
3. Wisconsin
4. IU
5. Michigan
6. Maryland
--------------------------
Iowa
Illinois
Purdue-----------------------any of these 3 teams next in any order

I wouldn't mind any of those teams really as long as it isnt Northwestern, Nebraska, Penn St.

[waggy]

Forgot about the Boilers. Wouldn't be surprised to see them.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Forgot about the Boilers. Wouldn't be surprised to see them.

Yeah geography wise OSU, IU, or Purdue make the most sense, or either Michigan school maybe.

[waggy]

Yeah geography wise OSU, IU, or Purdue make the most sense, or either Michigan school maybe.


The Boilers would be a good frontcourt match up. The coaches will have some input too, and that might be a game both staffs are cool with.

[OH.X.MI]

Purdue would be a good game. But we did play them a few year ago (arguably the greatest game I've ever seen Cintas). I'd like to play some we haven't seen before, or at least in the last few years. I bet we get IU or Michigan. Would love Ohio, but I'm guessing they are afraid of playing us and will lobby against it.

[ammtd34]

Purdue would be a good game. But we did play them a few year ago (arguably the greatest game I've ever seen Cintas). I'd like to play some we haven't seen before, or at least in the last few years. I bet we get IU or Michigan. Would love Ohio, but I'm guessing they are afraid of playing us and will lobby against it.

Semaj also dominated the game at Mackey.

[throwbackmuskie]

Wasn't Painter pissed after we beat them? Had some unkind things to say about the players and coaches?

[X-Fan]

Wasn't Painter pissed after we beat them? Had some unkind things to say about the players and coaches?

Ya, he was in the caravan of Tu/Cheekz Haters. Then decided to "pile on" after the Brawl. How is that pr1ck still at Purdue?

[xubrew]

Georgraphically, Ohio State would make the most sense.

Ratings wise, Ohio State would make close to the most sense.

TV interest and fan interest wise, Ohio State would make the most sense.

So, with all that in mind, chances are we're not playing Ohio State.

Maryland probably isn't playing Georgetown either.

Interesting OOC games are things to avoid all across college basketball.

[Xavier]

I get why everyone would want to play OSU, they'd likely be my second choice. I'd rather play MSU-better program. I think they will pair up big names though- Nova against MSU, Gtown vs Wisconsin. This big10 Big East challenge is going to be another big opportunity for the Big East. I love it.

[xufan2434]

I think a lot of it depends on who ends up leaving early for the teams in both conferences.

Nova will be matched up with whoever the B1G favorite is.. But I don't know if that's Wisconsin or not. They're going to be losing a ton of talent after this year. I think Purdue and Michigan are better next year.
And they'll want to use GTown, but with DSR declaring yesterday, that brings questions about how good they'll be. When Dunn goes pro, Providence is gonna be worse as well.

I think Nova, Butler, and X should be matched up with the best of the B1G for the Big East to have a shot at winning some big time games.

[Jehoya]

Ohio or either of the Michigan schools

OU joined the B1G??

[XUMIOH12]

OU joined the B1G??

THE Ohio Buckeyes

[QueensbridgeMF]

Do this years conference standings have any impact on who they pair up in the challenge? or more geographically and predicted finish more so?

[toledodan]

Would love IU.

But knowing iu and B1G, it'll probably be northwestern.

xavier ad told me it would be based on standing. we finished 6th so somebody around 6th. not every team from both conferences will start next season but we will. wake is back on the schedule as well and probably be on the road.

[casualfan]

xavier ad told me it would be based on standing. we finished 6th so somebody around 6th. not every team from both conferences will start next season but we will. wake is back on the schedule as well and probably be on the road.

Why do i have a feeling we won't end up playing the team who finished 6 (http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/m-baskbl-standings.html)th in the BIG?

[OH.X.MI]

OU joined the B1G??

The Bobcat's are Ohio University. That other school is just ohio.

[XUFan09]

Why do i have a feeling we won't end up playing the team who finished 6 (http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/m-baskbl-standings.html)th in the BIG?
If Russell enters the draft, though, will they even be good? They have a good freshman class coming in, but I don't know if any of those guys is so good that he could carry the team in his first year. If the game were at OSU, it could still be beneficial, but it wouldn't be that great of a home game.

[GoMuskies]

I'm pretty sure Xavier will be at Nebraska next year in the Big East/Big Ten challenge.

[muskiefan82]

I predict Indiana. It just makes sense.

[nuts4xu]

I'm pretty sure Xavier will be at Nebraska next year in the Big East/Big Ten challenge.

OOOOHhhh! Now that is a juicy match up, can't wait!

[sgarcia]

We aren't guaranteed to be in this next year. If I recall the stipulation is that there are 8 games each year for the next 8 years. Everyone in the BE will have to play at least 6 times and everyone in the B1G has to play at least 4 times. I have no idea who chooses the matchups each year.

[ThrowDownDBrown]

The Bobcat's are Ohio University. That other school is just ohio.

They're also just national champs

[flatspat]

OOOOHhhh! Now that is a juicy match up, can't wait!

Nuts,
from a purely selfish point of view, I'd love that game

[Jehoya]

Ohio is in Athens..Why would we downgrade and play a MAC school? Do you mean the billion dollar program that holds the football national championship?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Ohio is in Athens..Why would we downgrade and play a MAC school? Do you mean the billion dollar program that holds the football national championship?

An Ohio State University

[Chalmers0]

We aren't guaranteed to be in this next year. If I recall the stipulation is that there are 8 games each year for the next 8 years. Everyone in the BE will have to play at least 6 times and everyone in the B1G has to play at least 4 times. I have no idea who chooses the matchups each year.

McDermott already let it slip that Creighton is sitting out the first year, not sure who the other team sitting out year 1 will be.

[casualfan]

McDermott already let it slip that Creighton is sitting out the first year, not sure who the other team sitting out year 1 will be.

If the idea is to include the best 8 teams my best guess would be the fighting leitaos.

[GoMuskies]

Yes, I would think all Big East members should get to participate 6 times...except for DePaul. They should be kept out of view.

[Chalmers0]

If the idea is to include the best 8 teams my best guess would be the fighting leitaos.

Based on current roster makeup (obviously still plenty of off-season for things to shake out) but I think I'd rather see St. John's or maybe even Providence (if Dunn leaves) sit this year out since they could be in full rebuild mode. DePaul is going to have to play at some point anyway...

[XUFan09]

Based on current roster makeup (obviously still plenty of off-season for things to shake out) but I think I'd rather see St. John's or maybe even Providence (if Dunn leaves) sit this year out since they could be in full rebuild mode. DePaul is going to have to play at some point anyway...
Yeah, DePaul at least has some offensive talent, led by BG, Jr. They just didn't play defense under Purnell. St. John's loses so much from a very short bench.

[Muskie]

And the Borecats. We also restart the Skio Prosser Classic and play at Wake next year.

Please let Wake be a weekend game so I can travel to see it.

[Muskie]

That Orlando tourney is stacked (at least on paper).

[Muskie]

Ya, he was in the caravan of Tu/Cheekz Haters. Then decided to "pile on" after the Brawl. How is that pr1ck still at Purdue?

He's an alum. He gets a long leash because the AD's up there have traditionally been pretty cheap.

[GoMuskies]

That Orlando tourney is stacked (at least on paper).

Anyone have an idea of what tickets to this thing will run? After the flight and the ridiculous Disney room/park ticket/meal package it will hardly matter, but I guess I should at least know.

[Muskie]

Anyone have an idea of what tickets to this thing will run? After the flight and the ridiculous Disney room/park ticket/meal package it will hardly matter, but I guess I should at least know.

Is it over Thanksgiving?

[GoMuskies]

Yes. Thursday, Friday and Sunday games, I believe.

[Muskie]

Yes. Thursday, Friday and Sunday games, I believe.

That will ratchet up the expenses.

[GoMuskies]

Yes, I believe I've been priced out of that event. Bummer.

[XUMIOH12]

Ohio is in Athens..Why would we downgrade and play a MAC school? Do you mean the billion dollar program that holds the football national championship?

Ohio-Athens or Ohio-Columbus, pretty sure Xavier doesn't care who wins a football championship. This is basketball

[XUFan09]

What's football?

[xu82]

What's football?

It's where people go for concussions. It should be gone in 12-24 months.

[XUFan09]

It's where people go for concussions. It should be gone in 12-24 months.
Ha, love it!

[OH.X.MI]

Ohio is in Athens..Why would we downgrade and play a MAC school? Do you mean the billion dollar program that holds the football national championship?

Ugh relax. Calling OSU ohio is just a friendly jab from your neighbors to the north (MI).

[Jehoya]

Ugh relax. Calling OSU ohio is just a friendly jab from your neighbors to the north (MI).



I don't see the jab, Ohio is a school, what did the bobcats do to MI but beat them in the NCAA tourney back in 2012?

[Drew's Crew]

I think a lot of it depends on who ends up leaving early for the teams in both conferences.

Nova will be matched up with whoever the B1G favorite is.. But I don't know if that's Wisconsin or not. They're going to be losing a ton of talent after this year. I think Purdue and Michigan are better next year.
And they'll want to use GTown, but with DSR declaring yesterday, that brings questions about how good they'll be. When Dunn goes pro, Providence is gonna be worse as well.

I think Nova, Butler, and X should be matched up with the best of the B1G for the Big East to have a shot at winning some big time games.

I wouldn't be surprised if MD is the favorite to win the B1G next year. They'll be competing for a National Championship.

[Xavier]

I don't see the jab, Ohio is a school, what did the bobcats do to MI but beat them in the NCAA tourney back in 2012?

It's obviously a jab if you're this upset about it.

[DART87]

It's obviously a jab if you're this upset about it.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2012/02/michigan-brady-hoke-ohio-state-upset-ohio/1#.VR6mIOGHcug

[xufan2434]

I wouldn't be surprised if MD is the favorite to win the B1G next year. They'll be competing for a National Championship.

Agreed.. Forgot about everyone they're returning next year. Bringing in Diamond Stone next year as well.

[GoMuskies]

Agreed.. Forgot about everyone they're returning next year. Bringing in Diamond Stone next year as well.

Maryland is bringing in a stripper?

[xu82]

Maryland is bringing in a stripper?

Plural. It's the largest line item on the recruiting budget.

[MADXSTER]

I'm confused....

Do I live in The State of Ohio or just Ohio or The Ohio State

[muskiefan82]

I'm confused....

Do I live in The State of Ohio or just Ohio or The Ohio State

State of confusion perhaps?

[Wheelhouse]

I don't see the jab, Ohio is a school, what did the bobcats do to MI but beat them in the NCAA tourney back in 2012?

You sound fun.

[SlimKibbles]

I don't see the jab, Ohio is a school, what did the bobcats do to MI but beat them in the NCAA tourney back in 2012?

Are you being serious or just trolling? OSU fans like to say THE Ohio State University. Michigan fans attempt to get under their skin by simply saying Ohio. I have friends on both sides of that. Personally I loathe the fanbases of both schools, and pretty much every other big state school in the nation.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Jon Rothstein ‏@JonRothstein
Xavier will host Auburn on Saturday 12/19/15 at the Cintas Center, source told @CBSSports. Return game of home-and-home series.

[xufan1988]

Western KY

http://www.wbko.com/SportsInsider/headlines/Keeping-track-of-the-WKU-basketball-schedule-300814241.html?device=phone&c=y

[xu82]

Jon Rothstein ‏@JonRothstein
Xavier will host Auburn on Saturday 12/19/15 at the Cintas Center, source told @CBSSports. Return game of home-and-home series.

I would consider it an early Christmas present to kick their ass! Last year was a long, miserable ride home driving an Auburn fan after the double OT loss at their place. Not my favorite night of the season.

[GoMuskies]

WKU is no Murray State, but that's not a terrible buy opponent.

[X-band '01]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0r0RNqeUWw

Hopefully Xavier doesn't need to pull the goalie to win this game. The fans in the lower right hand corner are fantastic.

[xubrew]

Western Kentucky is chronically never as good as they should be. They had decent guard play this past season, at least most of the time. The problem is they're all gone now. WKU may be a train wreck this year. But, I agree that by buy game standards, it's not a bad opponent.

[Pault]

Anyone have an idea of what tickets to this thing will run? After the flight and the ridiculous Disney room/park ticket/meal package it will hardly matter, but I guess I should at least know.

Attended the Old Spice Classic in 2009...all tickets were $20...open seating...if my memory serves me right that was "per session (two games)"...don't know if Championship is more, since X wasn't in it, and I didn't go...place is at the "Milk House" which is on the Wide World of Sports property....right across from the baseball stadium where the Braves minor league team plays, and their spring training facility...nice place. No bad seats, but all "open seating" was on first come, first served basis.

[nasdadjr]

Well it looks like we are going to Ann Arbor in November.

[GoMuskies]

Well it looks like we are going to Ann Arbor in November.

See, now I just think you're TRYING to get people to give you shit.

[BMoreX]

@slrussell: The Musketeers face Miami U., NKU, Wright State & UC, all by Dec. 12. The first 3 are guarantee games (no return trips for #Xavier).

[GoMuskies]

@slrussell: The Musketeers face Miami U., NKU, Wright State & UC, all by Dec. 12. The first 3 are guarantee games (no return trips for #Xavier).

I think this scheduling is just as bad as scheduling Murray State and SFA was good last year. Woof! Woof! and Woof!

[Masterofreality]

Some games:

Miami University - 11/13
NKU - 11/23
Wright St - 12/8
Cincinnati - 12/12

[muskiefan82]

Some games:

Miami University - 11/13
NKU - 11/23
Wright St - 12/8
Cincinnati - 12/12

That is some "get the new point guard's feet wet" scheduling if I've ever seen it.

[D-West & PO-Z]

At least the Crosstown Shootout is on a weekend again. I hate when they are week night games.

[Masterofreality]

I think this scheduling is just as bad as scheduling Murray State and SFA was good last year. Woof! Woof! and Woof!


That is some "get the new point guard's feet wet" scheduling if I've ever seen it.

Ok, but

A) We're in a much better Thanksgiving Tournament
B) Auburn will be much, much better.
C) We play at Michigan, much better than playing at Mizzou last year.

Let's see how the whole schedule plays out first, before Mario gets roasted.

[muskiefan82]

X just needs to add Eastern Kentucky to the schedule so we can have all the Directional Division 1 Kentucky teams. Northern, Western, and Eastern.

[TUclutch]

I think this scheduling is just as bad as scheduling Murray State and SFA was good last year. Woof! Woof! and Woof!

You do realize the OOC schedule isn't gonna be like it was just a few years ago when they were in the A10. Just get used to lesser OOC games

[Nigel Tufnel]

You do realize the OOC schedule isn't gonna be like it was just a few years ago when they were in the A10. Just get used to lesser OOC games

I'm thinking Go was being facetious. SFA and Murray St didn't end up sucking last year. For buy in games, they were pretty solid.

[GoMuskies]

I'm thinking Go was being facetious. SFA and Murray St didn't end up sucking last year. For buy in games, they were pretty solid.

I wasn't being facetious. SFA and Murray State were brilliant scheduling. They combined to win close to 50 games in a row at one point during the regular season. They were wonderful buy game RPI fodder. These three games are just the opposite of that.

[waggy]

I wasn't being facetious. SFA and Murray State were brilliant scheduling. They combined to win close to 50 games in a row at one point during the regular season. They were wonderful buy game RPI fodder. These three games are just the opposite of that.


My guess is that SFA & Murray State asking prices went up. As they should.

[xubrew]

My guess is that SFA & Murray State asking prices went up. As they should.

Both are trying to get away from being on the receiving end of buy games.

[Masterofreality]

I wasn't being facetious. SFA and Murray State were brilliant scheduling. They combined to win close to 50 games in a row at one point during the regular season. They were wonderful buy game RPI fodder. These three games are just the opposite of that.

And Murray did NOT make the Tournament.

[Muskie]

There's that traditional match up with Miami that everyone wanted.... you're welcome.

[XUFan09]

There's that traditional match up with Miami that everyone wanted.... you're welcome.

I want to hear from DC about how this is a great rivalry game.

[xubrew]

I wasn't being facetious. SFA and Murray State were brilliant scheduling. They combined to win close to 50 games in a row at one point during the regular season. They were wonderful buy game RPI fodder. These three games are just the opposite of that.


And Murray did NOT make the Tournament.

As far as RPI fodder, that doesn't matter that Murray missed the tournament. All that matters is that they won 27 (I think) div1 games.

Go has a good understanding of how the RPI works. He wants to play games like North Dakota State, South Dakota State, North Florida, Sam Houston (who I know lost two starters, but goes nine deep and plays in a weak league), and Belmont. It would be somewhat surprising if any of those teams failed to win 25 games. In fact Belmont has so many good players back, they may once again be hovering round the bubble.

In terms of strictly speaking of RPI fodder and/or NCAA Tournament Resume fodder, Wright State, NKU and Miami are horrible buy games. I know most people's minds are blown when I say this, but they actually make more sense as home and homes in terms of RPI fodder. It's a very winnable road game, and you get way more credit for winning on the road than you do at home.

Say we alternated Miami, NKU and Wright State to where we were playing at least one of them on the road every year. That's one more road win on the profile every year, and essentially more than doubling the RPI value of an ordinary buy game at home.

Now, say everyone in the conference did that. If they all played one road game that they'd win almost all the time, it would boost the resume a lot despite the fact that it's really not a hard game to win, and that close to half the fans will be rooting for the road team, so it's not really like a road game. It would make a difference, yet it really wouldn't be any harder because the games would still be very winnable.

I mostly agree with GO. The games we scheduled are bad games, and we should have looked to schedule teams that were like Murray State and SFA from a year ago. I just disagree with the notion that we have nothing to gain from playing winnable road games against local teams. I've explained why several times.

[Nigel Tufnel]

I wasn't being facetious. SFA and Murray State were brilliant scheduling. They combined to win close to 50 games in a row at one point during the regular season. They were wonderful buy game RPI fodder. These three games are just the opposite of that.

Sorry...I misread your original post. Mea culpa.

[waggy]

Both are trying to get away from being on the receiving end of buy games.


Sure they are...

[Drew]

The local games are bad RPI games but they will be more exciting and mean more than the games against Murray State and SFA. It sucks that the RPI rules everything, and effectively killed rivalries. Had RPI been so prevalent 20-30 years ago UC probably would've dropped Xavier off the schedule.

[GoMuskies]

The local games are bad RPI games but they will be more exciting and mean more than the games against Murray State and SFA.

Oh, absolutely. I'm always urging Xavier to drop games against good teams so that we can play shitty local teams instead. MUCH more exciting!

[Xville]

we may want to wait until the rest of the "buy" games are announced before casting judgment. These games could be replacing the FGCU, N. Arizona, IUPUI games from last year and not the SFA, Murray State. Regardless, from a fan perspective (yes im ignoring the rpi...i get that) this year is a much better schedule to me than last year. I'd rather play Michigan than SFA, i'd much rather play in the upcoming tournament than the piece of crap one we played in last year.

I understand the "rpi game" but last year's non-con was a snoozefest....i like this one better.

[xubrew]

Sure they are...

They are. Do you for some reason think otherwise?? Last year Murray State posted ten ads, and nine of them were wanting to start home and homes at Murray. SFA actually bought three div2 games last year rather than being on the receiving end of a buy game. I'm not saying they'll be able to do it. I'm just saying that's what they are trying to do.

[ThrowDownDBrown]

1. Some of you way overrate the RPIs importance when it comes to making the tourney. Every year that fact is brought up yet every year some of you still freak out about the continuously less relevant statistic.
2. Our RPI will be just fine considering the improvement of our top tier non conference games (Michigan will be a top 25 team, Thanksgiving tournament is a huge upgrade. Even more importantly we play in one of the best conferences in the country now in case you forgot.
3. The SF Austin and Murray St games were, along with LB St, the three lowest attended games last year. All three were under 9600 while two were under 9500. Attendance will likely be higher for the three local games as alums from those schools will potentially attend the games. Also factor in we're likely paying these schools less then we had to pay SF Austin, Murray St and LB St. to come to Cintas combined with the higher attendance and Xavier could be making a decent amount more money off these games.

Overall our season is not going to be changed at all based off our buy games as long as we win them. If Xavier cares more about making some more money then slightly boosting our less and less meaningful rpi then I don't blame them whatsoever.

[GoMuskies]

last year's non-con was a snoozefest

Absolutely. But Murray and SFA were essentially the highlights of that snoozefest. Those are GREAT buy games, but TERRIBLE non-conference highlights!

[GoMuskies]

1. Some of you way overrate the RPIs importance when it comes to making the tourney.

I think Xavier's non-conference SOS had a lot to do with Xavier's high seeding last year. For example, looking at ESPN.com, Xavier's non-conference strength of schedule was #44 last year according to the RPI. This despite the fact that we really didn't play anyone in the non-conference. It was just smart scheduling to not play many BAD teams that put Xavier in that position.

[paulxu]

Updated with new buy games. Last year-ending RPI.

HOME (8 games)

Cincinnati 37
Auburn 129
Missouri 218
NKU 265
Wright State 264
Miami, Ohio 229
Buy Game
Buy Game

AWAY (2 games)

Michigan 80
Wake Forest 150

NEUTRAL (3 games)
Orlando Tournament

I'm going to subscribe to the "get your new guard's feet wet" theory and hope that Sumner turns out to be the tall PG we've needed since Semaj left.
Which doesn't help me much as it reminds me Semaj would be a senior this year. Ugh.

[muskiefan82]

Wasn't Western Kentucky supposed to be on the schedule somewhere?

http://www.bgdailynews.com/blogs/hilltopper_focus/hilltopper-focus-wku-hoops-to-play-at-xavier-next-season/article_1fc8cdae-6492-11e4-9b6b-0b59943144cf.html

[casualfan]

Wasn't Western Kentucky supposed to be on the schedule somewhere?

http://www.bgdailynews.com/blogs/hilltopper_focus/hilltopper-focus-wku-hoops-to-play-at-xavier-next-season/article_1fc8cdae-6492-11e4-9b6b-0b59943144cf.html

Thank you for posting this. It answers a question i had posted earlier which is how much do teams get for a buy game from us. From the article it appears that number is ~$100k.

[markchal]

I think Xavier's non-conference SOS had a lot to do with Xavier's high seeding last year. For example, looking at ESPN.com, Xavier's non-conference strength of schedule was #44 last year according to the RPI. This despite the fact that we really didn't play anyone in the non-conference. It was just smart scheduling to not play many BAD teams that put Xavier in that position.

Cannot agree with this more. It definitely helped us a lot.

[paulxu]

I'll keep trying till I get it all filled in. Added WKU.

Updated with new buy games. Last year-ending RPI.

HOME (8 games)

Cincinnati 37
Auburn 129
Missouri 218
NKU 265
Wright State 264
Miami, Ohio 229
WKU 111
Buy Game

AWAY (2 games)

Michigan 80
Wake Forest 150

NEUTRAL (3 games)
Orlando Tournament

[muskiefan82]

I'll keep trying till I get it all filled in. Added WKU.

Updated with new buy games. Last year-ending RPI.

HOME (8 games)

Cincinnati 37
Auburn 129
Missouri 218
NKU 265
Wright State 264
Miami, Ohio 229
WKU 111
Buy Game

AWAY (2 games)

Michigan 80
Wake Forest 150

NEUTRAL (3 games)
Orlando Tournament

How can the other buy game NOT be EKU? It just fits.

[Muskie]

How can the other buy game NOT be EKU? It just fits.

UK would also work? They'd be a great "buy" game.

[XUFan09]

I think Xavier's non-conference SOS had a lot to do with Xavier's high seeding last year. For example, looking at ESPN.com, Xavier's non-conference strength of schedule was #44 last year according to the RPI. This despite the fact that we really didn't play anyone in the non-conference. It was just smart scheduling to not play many BAD teams that put Xavier in that position.

Yep. The tournament seeding in general has actually correlated much more with RPI the past two years than in the few years before that, so to claim that RPI is becoming less relevant is patently false. There are probably two major reasons as to why it is becoming more relevant:

1) The increased emphasis on road games and games away from home in general. Because these wins are weighted much more heavily (and the losses much more lightly), the bias of the Committee toward road games is indirectly creating a greater emphasis on the RPI.
2) The increased emphasis on SOS, particularly non-conference SOS, in the past five years or so. As this is a major contributor to one's RPI, you'll see a lot of correlation between the two.

Notice I say correlation. It's not like the Committee is looking at profiles and saying things like, "Well, this team has an RPI of 38, whereas that team has an RPI of 45." They are looking at individual factors. Because these factors they are emphasizing more directly contribute to the RPI, you have an indirect correlation.

I really don't like RPI. I much prefer advanced metrics like Kenpom and Sagarin, which have a significantly higher predictive value on who wins games (which itself implies that it is good at indicating who the best teams are). But it is downright foolish to scoff at the RPI when it comes to a discussion of making the tournament. If you don't like the idea of going to play at NKU or someplace like that (not Miami, though, as they can actually be tough at their place), I understand. Just don't try to suggest that road opponents like that wouldn't be better for Xavier's tournament profile. You can hate the RPI game all you want (I do), but it doesn't change facts.

Frankly, the only reasonable argument I can think of (not the BS "we're better than that" claim as better programs than Xavier begin to do this) is that replacing a buy game with a local road game would cost Xavier significant revenue. That's fair, and revenue does need to be balanced against working on the tournament profile. Would the boost to the profile from picking up another road game more than make up for the loss of a game's revenue? That's not an easy question to answer, and it's one that needs to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

[XMuskieFTW]

I'll keep trying till I get it all filled in. Added WKU.

Updated with new buy games. Last year-ending RPI.

HOME (8 games)

Cincinnati 37
Auburn 129
Missouri 218
NKU 265
Wright State 264
Miami, Ohio 229
WKU 111
Buy Game

AWAY (2 games)

Michigan 80
Wake Forest 150

NEUTRAL (3 games)
Orlando Tournament

With the Orlando Tournament, this isn't a bad non-conference schedule. Hopefully the last buy game can be someone top 150 rpi. I'll be content with that.

[Olsingledigit]

With the Orlando Tournament, this isn't a bad non-conference schedule. Hopefully the last buy game can be someone top 150 rpi. I'll be content with that.

I would expect Missouri and Auburn to increase their RPIs this year.

[X-band '01]

I would expect Missouri and Auburn to increase their RPIs this year.

Same for Michigan as well. Not sure what to expect from Wake.

[XUFan09]

I would expect Missouri and Auburn to increase their RPIs this year.
It's actually unfortunate that they'll be home games and not road games, as they will probably fall in that sweet spot of "very winnable game that looks good if it's on the road."

[waggy]

Would the boost to the profile from picking up another road game more than make up for the loss of a game's revenue? That's not an easy question to answer, and it's one that needs to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.


BE road wins are hard to come by, so I personally think at least one more, maybe even two more, OOC road games are needed.

[paulxu]

BE road wins are hard to come by, so I personally think at least one more, maybe even two more, OOC road games are needed.

You're in trouble. There's only one spot left on the schedule.

[waggy]

You're in trouble. There's only one spot left on the schedule.

Speaking in general terms and not necessarily for this year only.

[paulxu]

I wonder if they can take that last spot that is supposed to be a buy home game, and somehow get a decent road game?
Probably too late.

[XUFan09]

I wonder if they can take that last spot that is supposed to be a buy home game, and somehow get a decent road game?
Probably too late.

I wish, but yep, probably too late. There are enough good parts in the schedule that it wouldn't have to be anyone good (and probably shouldn't be), just someone in the 100-150 range.

[Drew]

Oh, absolutely. I'm always urging Xavier to drop games against good teams so that we can play shitty local teams instead. MUCH more exciting!

1) Relax
2) Murray St. and SFA aren't what I would call "Good" teams. I know they have some good stats now, but neither team put up a fight against X at all.
3) So yea, I give local games extra merit as opposed to purely taking the best RPI team you can get.
4) If we all thought like you, UC would've left the Crosstown Shootout a long time ago.

[XUFan09]

1) Relax
2) Murray St. and SFA aren't what I would call "Good" teams. I know they have some good stats now, but neither team put up a fight against X at all.
3) So yea, I give local games extra merit as opposed to purely taking the best RPI team you can get.
4) If we all thought like you, UC would've left the Crosstown Shootout a long time ago.

Xavier's ability to take them to the woodshed at home said a lot more about Xavier (when everything is going right) than it did about SFA/Murray St. Murray St. was decent but definitely not a tournament team as some people wanted, while SFA was actually pretty good and a legitimate bubble team. They weren't far behind Ole Miss as a bubble team, and Xavier beat those guys up pretty soundly too, and on a neutral court at that.

[danaandvictory]

I wonder if they can take that last spot that is supposed to be a buy home game, and somehow get a decent road game?
Probably too late.

The only way X schedules a 31st game is if it is associated with the exempt tournament. Last year X added an additional game with LBSU, the year before they enjoyed the Abilene Christian RPI dump. I'd rather they played no one than some 300+ turd.

[GoMuskies]

Murray St. and SFA aren't what I would call "Good" teams.

Got it. You prefer good names to good teams.

Not sure how well he played against Xavier, but Cam Payne was one of the top few players to visit the Cintas Center last year. I'd rather watch a team with Cam Payne on it than bad local teams.

[Drew]

Got it. You prefer good names to good teams.

Not sure how well he played against Xavier, but Cam Payne was one of the top few players to visit the Cintas Center last year. I'd rather watch a team with Cam Payne on it than bad local teams.

Its about generating interest locally. Whatever, I am done with this thread. Nice community you got here xavierhoops.

[GoMuskies]

Whatever, I am done with this thread. Nice community you got here xavierhoops.


Relax

Take your own advice.

[XUFan09]

Its about generating interest locally. Whatever, I am done with this thread. Nice community you got here xavierhoops.
Lol someone disagrees with you, and you throw a hissy fit.

[X-band '01]

The only way X schedules a 31st game is if it is associated with the exempt tournament. Last year X added an additional game with LBSU, the year before they enjoyed the Abilene Christian RPI dump. I'd rather they played no one than some 300+ turd.

I did not know that tidbit - based on that, it does raise a few interesting questions.

Michigan State and Santa Clara, for example, did play each other in East Lansing before the bracketed portion of the event. Not all 8 teams played the 4th game allowable under the tournament rules.

The only team that screams buy game that is in the field is Monmouth. However, they could just as easily play Notre Dame, Wichita State, Iowa or Dayton as the "4th game." I'm pretty certain that you-know-who is not coming to Cintas; otherwise it would have likely been announced earlier in the week along with the other local teams.

[GoMuskies]

Seems to me that Xavier could come to Wichita State in November. That would accomplish a number of objectives.

[coasterville95]

Not the least of which being a game you could attend?

[GoMuskies]

Not the least of which being a game you could attend?

Huh, I guess that's right. Hadn't thought of that angle. :)

[xubrew]

The only way X schedules a 31st game is if it is associated with the exempt tournament. Last year X added an additional game with LBSU, the year before they enjoyed the Abilene Christian RPI dump. I'd rather they played no one than some 300+ turd.

Is it even worth discussing what team we think that should be??

It's the offseason, so of course it is!

[paulxu]

Instead of the 31st game being a buy game from the Orlando field (guess that would mean Monmouth or Dayton), could the 31st game be the beginning of a H/H series with one of the other teams?

[paulxu]

For some reason this part of the article confuses me. http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25178325/observations-arizona-will-have-added-competition-from-cal-oregon


5. Scheduling is the most underrated part of any college basketball program.

Programs in the American, Atlantic 10, and the Big East aren't getting the same types of quality opportunities in league play as programs that play in a power-five conference and that's made their nonconference slate beyond vital.

I get that scheduling is vital and together with your conference mates playing in OOC, determines your league RPI going into conference play.

Last year we had the second best league RPI, better than 4 out of 5 "power-five" conferences, which I think made our league play great quality opportunities.

What am I missing?

[Xavier]

I think the assumption is league play is down because of yet another dissapointing NCAA tournament showing. The Big East won't get respect until we do damage in the tournament.

[blueblob06]

Xavier announced the dates of all the non-conference home games. Here's where we stand:

2015-16 Men's Basketball Home Non-Conference Schedule
Saturday, November 7 -- Exhibition Game (opponent TBD)
Friday, November 13 -- Miami (Ohio)
Tuesday, November 17 -- Missouri
Monday, November 23 -- NKU
Saturday, December 5 -- Western Kentucky
Tuesday, December 8 -- Wright State
Saturday, December 12 -- Cincinnati
Saturday, December 19 -- Auburn

Non-Conference Road Schedule
at Wake Forest
at Michigan (part of Big East/Big Ten Challenge)

Orlando Classic during Thanksgiving Week (3 games)
Field is: Alabama, Dayton, Iowa, Monmouth, Notre Dame, Wichita State, USC, & Xavier

Big East Conference Schedule
The usual - 9 home games vs each team and 9 away games vs each team, dates TBD

I'm ready! GO MUSKIES!

[gladdenguy]

4) If we all thought like you, UC would've left the Crosstown Shootout a long time ago.

Certainly not after the last 30 years. Because now we beat their a$$ on a consistent basis.

[nuts4xu]

Its about generating interest locally. Whatever, I am done with this thread. Nice community you got here xavierhoops.

I would prefer Xavier has a schedule that prepares them for the Big East schedule and to compete for national championships. If we can do that with local teams, that is even better. But I would gladly sacrifice local games for games versus teams that help enhance our tournament resume. Generating local interest is nice for a game against one or two schools, but it is not the goal for this program (nor should it be).

[Masterofreality]

Xavier announced the dates of all the non-conference home games. Here's where we stand:

2015-16 Men's Basketball Home Non-Conference Schedule
Saturday, November 7 -- Exhibition Game (opponent TBD)
Friday, November 13 -- Miami (Ohio)
Tuesday, November 17 -- Missouri
Monday, November 23 -- NKU
Saturday, December 5 -- Western Kentucky
Tuesday, December 8 -- Wright State
Saturday, December 12 -- Cincinnati
Saturday, December 19 -- Auburn

Non-Conference Road Schedule
at Wake Forest
at Michigan (part of Big East/Big Ten Challenge)

Orlando Classic during Thanksgiving Week (3 games)
Field is: Alabama, Dayton, Iowa, Monmouth, Notre Dame, Wichita State, USC, & Xavier

Big East Conference Schedule
The usual - 9 home games vs each team and 9 away games vs each team, dates TBD

I'm ready! GO MUSKIES!

Last year we played 31 games total. Above makes 30. Can we get one more in there, or is the Orlando Classic what it is?

[fellahmuskie]

I'm with Snipe. Put Dayton back on the schedule already.

[XUFan09]

Last year we played 31 games total. Above makes 30. Can we get one more in there, or is the Orlando Classic what it is?

It would have to be some crappy team that a bunch of schools in the Orlando Classic all play in order to get the exempt status. I'm not really a fan of another Abilene Christian (though at least with them, they were new enough in D1 that they didn't count in the RPI).

[paulxu]

It would have to be some crappy team that a bunch of schools in the Orlando Classic all play in order to get the exempt status. I'm not really a fan of another Abilene Christian (though at least with them, they were new enough in D1 that they didn't count in the RPI).

If it has to be one of the Orlando Classic teams to qualify for the 31st game, and I know that generally means buying a game like with Monmouth...does anyone ever use that 31st opportunity to set up the beginning of a series? For example: we could start a H/H with Notre Dame and the first game (wherever played) would count as the 31st game?

[bourbonman]

Xavier announced the dates of all the non-conference home games. Here's where we stand:

2015-16 Men's Basketball Home Non-Conference Schedule
Saturday, November 7 -- Exhibition Game (opponent TBD)
Friday, November 13 -- Miami (Ohio)
Tuesday, November 17 -- Missouri
Monday, November 23 -- NKU
Saturday, December 5 -- Western Kentucky
Tuesday, December 8 -- Wright State
Saturday, December 12 -- Cincinnati
Saturday, December 19 -- Auburn

Non-Conference Road Schedule
at Wake Forest
at Michigan (part of Big East/Big Ten Challenge)

Orlando Classic during Thanksgiving Week (3 games)
Field is: Alabama, Dayton, Iowa, Monmouth, Notre Dame, Wichita State, USC, & Xavier

Big East Conference Schedule
The usual - 9 home games vs each team and 9 away games vs each team, dates TBD

I'm ready! GO MUSKIES!

Saw the home OOC on Facebook a couple of days ago. Already knew dates for Orlando and Michigan games. Does anyone know when the Wake game is? Eyeballing the schedule as I believe it to be and assuming this isn't the first game of the season or during conference season, it smells like it'll be the week before Christmas. Anyone know for certain?

[XUFan09]

If it has to be one of the Orlando Classic teams to qualify for the 31st game, and I know that generally means buying a game like with Monmouth...does anyone ever use that 31st opportunity to set up the beginning of a series? For example: we could start a H/H with Notre Dame and the first game (wherever played) would count as the 31st game?
I saw you ask this before, but I'm not really sure of the answer. It would be nice if that were possible, though.

[xufan2434]

I would prefer Xavier has a schedule that prepares them for the Big East schedule and to compete for national championships. If we can do that with local teams, that is even better. But I would gladly sacrifice local games for games versus teams that help enhance our tournament resume. Generating local interest is nice for a game against one or two schools, but it is not the goal for this program (nor should it be).

At first, I thought the same thing. But keeping it going with Auburn is gonna payoff sooner rather than later with Pearl at the helm. BE/B10 challenge will help as well. And the Orlando Classic is a lot deeper than I remember. UD is gonna be solid again and Iowa should be decent. I know Notre Dame is losing a lot but they'll be good again. And WSU is returning their entire starting backcourt that are studs. Could be some good games in there.

[Denver Muskie]

Xavier announced the dates of all the non-conference home games. Here's where we stand:

2015-16 Men's Basketball Home Non-Conference Schedule
Saturday, November 7 -- Exhibition Game (opponent TBD)
Friday, November 13 -- Miami (Ohio)
Tuesday, November 17 -- Missouri
Monday, November 23 -- NKU
Saturday, December 5 -- Western Kentucky
Tuesday, December 8 -- Wright State
Saturday, December 12 -- Cincinnati
Saturday, December 19 -- Auburn

Non-Conference Road Schedule
at Wake Forest
at Michigan (part of Big East/Big Ten Challenge)

Orlando Classic during Thanksgiving Week (3 games)
Field is: Alabama, Dayton, Iowa, Monmouth, Notre Dame, Wichita State, USC, & Xavier

Big East Conference Schedule
The usual - 9 home games vs each team and 9 away games vs each team, dates TBD

I'm ready! GO MUSKIES!

@ Michigan November 20
@ Wake December 22

[blueblob06]

Hey xubrew, or anyone else that may know... How's Mizzou gonna be this year?

I have to travel for work and I hate to miss a home game in general but may work my schedule so I can hopefully be home in time for XU/Mizzou November 17th.

[casualfan]

Hey xubrew, or anyone else that may know... How's Mizzou gonna be this year?

I have to travel for work and I hate to miss a home game in general but may work my schedule so I can hopefully be home in time for XU/Mizzou November 17th.

They're going to be pretty brutal again IMHO.

They were terrible last year and lost their best player (Johnathan Williams) to a transfer. They have a huge class (6 guys), but none of them appear to be locks to immediately contribute.

Maybe a bunch of their young guys that got experience last year take a huge jump or maybe they get a surprise contribution from a frosh or two, but on the surface it looks like they'll be pretty bad again.

[Xville]

Hey xubrew, or anyone else that may know... How's Mizzou gonna be this year?

I have to travel for work and I hate to miss a home game in general but may work my schedule so I can hopefully be home in time for XU/Mizzou November 17th.

Born and raised in st. Louis and my parents are.mizzou grads so by default mizzou is my second team. They will be better than last year...how much better remains to be seen. It is simply amazing that their coach, kim Anderson was able to keep all of those freshmen together from last year's 9 win campaign. That is astounding to be honest. With that said, there is a lot of talent from that freshmen recruiting class...Gant was georgias mr. Basketball, gil caesar was a top 50 recruit..etc etc. There is talent there, but it remains to be seen if that talent comes to fruition.

Anyways there is some guarded hope surrounding mizzou basketball team coming into next year. No one is expecting a miracle turnaround, but no one thinks an nit invite is out of the question. I think a 15-16 win season...not great but not the rpi cellar dweller they were last year.

[xubrew]

Last year we played 31 games total. Above makes 30. Can we get one more in there, or is the Orlando Classic what it is?


It would have to be some crappy team that a bunch of schools in the Orlando Classic all play in order to get the exempt status. I'm not really a fan of another Abilene Christian (though at least with them, they were new enough in D1 that they didn't count in the RPI).


If it has to be one of the Orlando Classic teams to qualify for the 31st game, and I know that generally means buying a game like with Monmouth...does anyone ever use that 31st opportunity to set up the beginning of a series? For example: we could start a H/H with Notre Dame and the first game (wherever played) would count as the 31st game?

The rule is that if you play in an exempt tournament, you're allowed 27 games in addition to the tournament. (Up to 31 total)

Exempt tournaments must consist of at least five teams, you can play up to four games, all teams must be in different conferences (barring a waiver), and all games must be played within fourteen days. That's it. That's the only rule.

We could schedule any of the seven other teams, and count it as an exempt tournament game so long as the game is played within fourteen days of the tournament.

What some tournaments have started to do (like the Maui), is that their field actually has twelve teams in it. You have eight "main teams" that play the bracketed format out in Maui, and four other lower caliber teams. Those four lower caliber teams play two road games, that are essentially buy games, and then play either a bracketed tournament of four against each other (two games), or just two other games. That way, the eight main teams get the three bracketed tournament games, plus one buy game, and the four crappy teams get two buy games ($$) and two more games. Everyone gets four games.

I don't think the Old Spice does that, but we could absolutely play a 31st game if we wanted to. It could be against any one of the seven teams. You may recall last year that Charlotte and Miami FL played in the Charleston Classic, and then played a previously scheduled unbracketed game in Charlotte just two days later.

[casualfan]

Mizzou just lost maybe their best returning player.

They were likely to be pretty bad anyway, but now it seems like a certainty.

[X-band '01]

Born and raised in st. Louis and my parents are.mizzou grads so by default mizzou is my second team. They will be better than last year...how much better remains to be seen. It is simply amazing that their coach, kim Anderson was able to keep all of those freshmen together from last year's 9 win campaign. That is astounding to be honest. With that said, there is a lot of talent from that freshmen recruiting class...Gant was georgias mr. Basketball, gil caesar was a top 50 recruit..etc etc. There is talent there, but it remains to be seen if that talent comes to fruition.

Anyways there is some guarded hope surrounding mizzou basketball team coming into next year. No one is expecting a miracle turnaround, but no one thinks an nit invite is out of the question. I think a 15-16 win season...not great but not the rpi cellar dweller they were last year.


Mizzou just lost maybe their best returning player.

They were likely to be pretty bad anyway, but now it seems like a certainty.

Word on the Mizzou board is that Gil Caesar is the one transferring out.

[Xville]

Yeah obviously not good for mizzou, we may suck again. The timing is weird

[casualfan]

Word on the Mizzou board is that Gil Caesar is the one transferring out.

Yep. It's been announced by multiple media members. That program is a dumpster fire. Any time you go 9-23, average 60.5 pts, rank 245th in adjusted offense on kenpom and then lose two of your three top scorers to transfer you have problems.

[STL_XUfan]

Yep. It's been announced by multiple media members. That program is a dumpster fire. Any time you go 9-23, average 60.5 pts, rank 245th in adjusted offense on kenpom and then lose two of your three top scorers to transfer you have problems.

Well this is going to be a long Mizzou basketball season.....

[xubrew]

How in the hell are they so bad??

[Juice]

How in the hell are they so bad??

Because they hire bad coaches

[Xville]

Because they hire bad coaches

Alden, who was the AD, hired three bad coaches in a row as you stated. Mike Anderson (who was never going to stay at Mizzou), Frank Haith (who has never had any success anywhere), and now Kim Anderson (no Div 1 coaching experience). That doesn't even mention the nightmare that Quin Snyder was. Kim may be different in that he is a former Mizzou player, and he has some relationships with the Saint Louis high schools since he previously coached at Central Missouri in Division 2 for a number of years. The problem is that the last two coaches left a gigantic mess, and its going to take a few years (if he can even do it) to turn things around.

One of the main problems with the program is that none of the coaches have really recruited St. Louis for about a decade now, and the high school coaches are pissed about it and don't trust the program. Players like Bradley Beal and others didn't even look at Mizzou because they weren't even recruited really by them. If they can repair that distrust, Mizzou might have a chance to succeed in the future. It may be a while now though, but who knows, things can change quickly season to season.

Let us also not forget that this can happen to almost any program in America. It even happened to Indiana, a blue-blood program under completely different circumstances. I'm not comparing Indiana to Missouri, but just saying a couple of bad coaching hires, and your program will turn into complete poo. That is why every time Mack somehow ticks me off, I step back and think about just how much worse it could possibly be.

[xubrew]

I think Mike Anderson is a really good coach. He didn't leave Mizzou in a mess, and did pretty well when he was there. They were certainly a lot better when he left than they were when he got there. He's done a really good job at Arkansas as well. His teams were always bad when he took over, always good when he left and actually set up to continue to be good (which Missouri was for one year despite the fact that Haith was the coach), but then became bad again. If anything, that's a sign that he's the one that's mostly responsible for the success because without him those programs have been pathetic.

[Xville]

I think Mike Anderson is a really good coach. He didn't leave Mizzou in a mess, and did pretty well when he was there. They were certainly a lot better when he left than they were when he got there. He's done a really good job at Arkansas as well. His teams were always bad when he took over, always good when he left and actually set up to continue to be good (which Missouri was for one year despite the fact that Haith was the coach), but then became bad again. If anything, that's a sign that he's the one that's mostly responsible for the success because without him those programs have been pathetic.

This isn't really true the part about set up to continue to be good. From an outside perspective, I can see why people may believe that, but he actually left quite a mess. Yes he had those seniors for the first year that Haith coached, but after that he didn't leave much else. The reason is because he basically stopped recruiting the final year or two he was at Mizzou, knowing he was going to be leaving, even though he told everyone he wasn't. I also point to the St. Louis recruiting I mentioned above..I know its silly to say probably from an outsiders perspective, but it is the same problem that Missouri had with their football program until Pinkel righted the ship about 4-5 years after he was hired.

[Snipe]

When does the full schedule come out. I would think sometime in the next 30 days.

I just looked at last year and it looks like they released it on September 9. So I guess I answered my own question.

[X-band '01]

It just depends on how soon the leagues are able to get their TV schedules in order. They've been unveiling all the exempt tournaments along with ACC/B1G TV times recently. Some of the smaller conferences have already unveiled full schedules; it should be about 2-3 weeks before we see full schedules for Xavier and other Big East teams.

[Masterofreality]

I am now a full season ticket holder of 2 seats in the lower bowl directly behind Muskie.

Only a 500 mile round trip to each game. Someone had better be bringing me free beers.

I suggest Snipe.

[paulxu]

I'll bring the damn beer if you leave trophy wife at home and I get her seat.

Edit: and it's 850 for me.

[Frambo]

I am now a full season ticket holder of 2 seats in the lower bowl directly behind Muskie.

Only a 500 mile round trip to each game. Someone had better be bringing me free beers.

I suggest Snipe.

XavierBob and I have moved down to 104. We'll be good for one beer at least.

[Emp]

I am now a full season ticket holder of 2 seats in the lower bowl directly behind Muskie.

Only a 500 mile round trip to each game. Someone had better be bringing me free beers.

I suggest Snipe.

Collective condolences to Muskie.

[Masterofreality]

XavierBob and I have moved down to 104. We'll be good for one beer at least.

Good job, guys! Hope Bob is doing well!

[Masterofreality]

I'll bring the damn beer if you leave trophy wife at home and I get her seat.

Edit: and it's 850 for me.

Well, c'mon man!!!

[Masterofreality]

Collective condolences to Muskie.

He'll be fine. Not sure about his wife though.

[XUBob]

MOR,
Thanks for the concern. I'm doing well I'll reach the halfway point in treatment on Mon. Frambs and I are also going to Orlando will we see you there?