Nice article

[sUCk]

Say what you want about the man but this is a very complimentary article

http://espn.go.com/espn/dickvitale/story/_/id/14265395/xavier-musketeers-turning-heads-open-season

[XUGRAD80]

Normally when I watch X on TV I turn down the sound and listen to Joe and Byron on the radio. However, for the games in Orlando there was about a 30-40 second delay from the action to my computer/Iheart radio app broadcast. So I listened to the TV announcers, including DV. The things he wrote in the article are essentially the same things he was saying during the broadcast. He was very complimentary of the players and coaching staff, including Reynolds, Bluiett, and Mack. He had a lot of good things to say about Xavier and their success over the last 30 years, but he did fail to mention anything about Bob Stack or Pete Gillen. He was so nice I kept waiting for the "but" to come out and for the other shoe to fall. LOL

[gladdenguy]

I also heard during the Duke/Indiana game the other night (I think) he was giving the X-men some of the same compliments. Very nice to hear.

[kyxu]

I feel like during the broadcast, Vitale kept getting Dayton and Xavier confused. He would start to heap praise on X, but would attribute something in their history to Dayton.

I also remember him talking about Jalen at the free-throw line and said that if he was still the coach at the University of Detroit, he would have told Dayton "no way, you're not coming into my city for this kid." Except Jalen Reynolds doesn't play for Dayton.

[muskiefan82]

I also heard during the Duke/Indiana game the other night (I think) he was giving the X-men some of the same compliments. Very nice to hear.

He did. "Xavier can flat out play" was one of the comments.

[GoMuskies]

I also remember him talking about Jalen at the free-throw line and said that if he was still the coach at the University of Detroit, he would have told Dayton "no way, you're not coming into my city for this kid." Except Jalen Reynolds doesn't play for Dayton.

He was sort of mixing metaphors there, but I believe what he was saying was that back in the '70s Dayton was coming into Detroit to get good players (like Reynolds is a good player from Detroit), and he was putting a wall around the city and keeping all the players at Detroit. Obviously, back in Vitale's day, Xavier wasn't getting good players from Detroit, Cincinnati or anywhere else.

[kyxu]

He was sort of mixing metaphors there, but I believe what he was saying was that back in the '70s Dayton was coming into Detroit to get good players (like Reynolds is a good player from Detroit), and he was putting a wall around the city and keeping all the players at Detroit. Obviously, back in Vitale's day, Xavier wasn't getting good players from Detroit, Cincinnati or anywhere else.

Ok, gotcha. Figured that maybe I was misunderstanding him, and what you say makes sense, but Vitale has an idiotic way of explaining things.

[xudash]

He was sort of mixing metaphors there, but I believe what he was saying was that back in the '70s Dayton was coming into Detroit to get good players (like Reynolds is a good player from Detroit), and he was putting a wall around the city and keeping all the players at Detroit. Obviously, back in Vitale's day, Xavier wasn't getting good players from Detroit, Cincinnati or anywhere else.

The Understatement of the Year Award has been buttoned up by GoMuskies.

Tay Baker on the recruiting trail...

[scoscox]

He was definitely talking us up during the Duke game. And does anybody know if Bilas said anything about us in his article on the best 68 teams in college hoops? I would have to think we're in that category, but I don't have insider.

[D-West & PO-Z]

He was definitely talking us up during the Duke game. And does anybody know if Bilas said anything about us in his article on the best 68 teams in college hoops? I would have to think we're in that category, but I don't have insider.

8. Xavier Musketeers
The Bilastrator sees this Xavier team as the best under Chris Mack, and he has had some darn good teams. Jalen Reynolds is a load for any interior defender, Trevon Bluiett is the top scorer and Edmond Sumner is a special player.

[scoscox]

Thanks. Dang, number 8 is high praise.

[paulxu]

What is a Bilastrator? Is that Shaq speak?
I think I'll be the paulxuastrator.
The paulxuastrator says the bilastrator can still bite me. (bandwagon jumper)

[chico]

8. Xavier Musketeers
The Bilastrator sees this Xavier team as the best under Chris Mack, and he has had some darn good teams. Jalen Reynolds is a load for any interior defender, Trevon Bluiett is the top scorer and Edmond Sumner is a special player.

So I guess we all like Jay Bilas again.

[GoMuskies]

So I guess we all like Jay Bilas again.

He went to Dook. Permanent black mark.

[LadyMuskie]

So I guess we all like Jay Bilas again.

Never.

Also, is he the one referring to himself as The Bilastrator?!?! That just makes him that much more of a d-bag. You can't give yourself a nickname.

[bobbiemcgee]

After watching UK last nite, this team can beat anybody this year, if the good #94 shows up.

[IM4X]

8. Xavier Musketeers
The Bilastrator sees this Xavier team as the best under Chris Mack, and he has had some darn good teams. Jalen Reynolds is a load for any interior defender, Trevon Bluiett is the top scorer and Edmond Sumner is a special player.

Wow... Jay Bilas really said these words about X? I guess anything IS possible.

[Milhouse]

There are ZERO elite teams this year.

Last year Duke Wisconsin and UK were HEADS and tails better than everyone else.

One month in and I'm not seeing any team that is flawless.

We get a top 5 seed and this could be a special year.

[XUFan09]

There are ZERO elite teams this year.

Last year Duke Wisconsin and UK were HEADS and tails better than everyone else.

One month in and I'm not seeing any team that is flawless.

We get a top 5 seed and this could be a special year.
I really think this is a top three seed team, minimum.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[Emp]

There are ZERO elite teams this year.

Last year Duke Wisconsin and UK were HEADS and tails better than everyone else.

One month in and I'm not seeing any team that is flawless.

We get a top 5 seed and this could be a special year.

If we just take care of business and can lay one on Nova at Cintas, not a stretch to expect a top 4 seed, and a reasonably accessible tourney site.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Hell we lost 9 conference games last year and got a 6 seed. This team plays up to its potential I dont think any seed is a stretch.

[bleedXblue]

If we just take care of business and can lay one on Nova at Cintas, not a stretch to expect a top 4 seed, and a reasonably accessible tourney site.

We ought to aim higher. Zags, Wich State, VCU have all done this

[XUFan09]

Key words: No bad losses. The team already has a good road win and three neutral wins for a total of 3 top 50 wins away from home.

A win at Wake would be nice too. It would be a solid road win and push X up to 5-0 away from home going into the conference schedule.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[D-West & PO-Z]

We ought to aim higher. Zags, Wich State, VCU have all done this

We dont want to be greedy!

(Sorry, couldnt resist) :biggrin:

[muskiefan82]

Wow... Jay Bilas really said these words about X? I guess anything IS possible.

When we beat duke this year he can say he saw it all along. Just cya for the future

[mid major]

If we just take care of business and can lay one on Nova at Cintas, not a stretch to expect a top 4 seed, and a reasonably accessible tourney site.

Someone help me here but isn't the closest site, for us, this year is in St. Louis?

[mid major]

He was definitely talking us up during the Duke game. And does anybody know if Bilas said anything about us in his article on the best 68 teams in college hoops? I would have to think we're in that category, but I don't have insider.

For those who care this is what the Bilastrator said about our underlords up north:
30. Dayton Flyers
Even without Dayshawn Pierre, Dayton is a good team. The Flyers are very solid defensively but need to be more sure-handed with the ball. Too many turnovers. Losing to Xavier is not a bad loss. Xavier is really, really good.

[SM#24]

Key words: No bad losses. The team already has a good road win and three neutral wins for a total of 3 top 50 wins away from home.

A win at Wake would be nice too. It would be a solid road win and push X up to 5-0 away from home going into the conference schedule.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
What the heck...let's just win them all

[X-band '01]

Someone help me here but isn't the closest site, for us, this year is in St. Louis?

Yes, for the 1st and 2nd rounds, the closest site is St. Louis (approximately 350 miles). Des Moines and Raleigh are the next closest sites.

If Xavier gets to the Sweet 16, Chicago and Louisville are easy driving distance. Philly wouldn't be too bad, either.

[D-West & PO-Z]

St. Louis is an easy drive.

[Backyard Champ]

Love the praise. Didn't that 08 team have a crazy streak in the non con of dominating teams?

Having said that.. And not to be overly critical, but man that was a tough article to read. Seemed all over the place, no flow at all. Then again, I think Dickie V is a joke, so maybe I'm biased.

[ballyhoohoo]

I really think this is a top three seed team, minimum.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
I think he is referring to over all seeding. A top five would be a one or the top #2

[nasdadjr]

I have never said this on these boards but Xavier has a legitimate chance at being a 1 seed. I've watched every supposed top seed and that is my assessment. The one thing that can stop that is something I anticipate UC and other schools to do soon and that is really pressure sumner. I've watched him play 7 games and time and time again I see him get frazzled and make a desperate pass or turn the ball over when he gets pressured. He also picks up his dribble too quickly with pressure. With that being said he also runs the offense very well when he isn't pressured. I anticipate him seeing a ton of pressure these next few games and if he can get through it and grow while we hopefully win I don't see many teams outright better than X.

[wkrq59]

Oh Lordy, Cousin Gordy, it's early December and these people are a talking about NCAA tournament seeding and road trips. Yep we done won 7 and lost none but there's a whole lot of ball to be played.. Oh well, it's better than all the negativity that used to abound. Go Muskies.

[XU-PA]

Yes, for the 1st and 2nd rounds, the closest site is St. Louis (approximately 350 miles). Des Moines and Raleigh are the next closest sites.

If Xavier gets to the Sweet 16, Chicago and Louisville are easy driving distance. Philly wouldn't be too bad, either.

Come back to Florida,,,,,,, 5-0 in tournament games in recent memory (tossing out that 09-10 year 2-2) I promise I'll wear the same hat,, and get our friend Bill to come too

[Drew's Crew]

There are ZERO elite teams this year.

Last year Duke Wisconsin and UK were HEADS and tails better than everyone else.

One month in and I'm not seeing any team that is flawless.

We get a top 5 seed and this could be a special year.

UNC and MD both have the chance to be that elite team. Paige and Trimble are just such great players with REALLY solid supporting casts. We will have to see how they gel throughout the year though (especially MD....they have three starters who didn't play for them last year).

[Drew's Crew]

Love the praise. Didn't that 08 team have a crazy streak in the non con of dominating teams?

Having said that.. And not to be overly critical, but man that was a tough article to read. Seemed all over the place, no flow at all. Then again, I think Dickie V is a joke, so maybe I'm biased.

I was thinking the same thing. It's really bad.

[UCGRAD4X]

Oh Lordy, Cousin Gordy, it's early December and these people are a talking about NCAA tournament seeding and road trips. Yep we done won 7 and lost none but there's a whole lot of ball to be played.. Oh well, it's better than all the negativity that used to abound. Go Muskies.

This was my reaction too. lol

I guess the euphoria can be partly attributed to how disappointing Xavier has been in early season tournaments in recent years. Finally winning out, and in the manner they did - far cry from what we have come to expect.

But, hey - beats the alternative.

[markchal]

I have never said this on these boards but Xavier has a legitimate chance at being a 1 seed. I've watched every supposed top seed and that is my assessment. The one thing that can stop that is something I anticipate UC and other schools to do soon and that is really pressure sumner. I've watched him play 7 games and time and time again I see him get frazzled and make a desperate pass or turn the ball over when he gets pressured. He also picks up his dribble too quickly with pressure. With that being said he also runs the offense very well when he isn't pressured. I anticipate him seeing a ton of pressure these next few games and if he can get through it and grow while we hopefully win I don't see many teams outright better than X.

Pressuring Sumner is easier said than done. A few teams have tried and he's just blown right past the traps. He's very quick and has a decent handle. I agree he can get flustered, but it's hard to pin him down for that. If anything, he seems to turn it over more when he makes an ill-advised decision to drive and needs to get bailed out.