More Good Pub For Xavier Nation

[nuts4xu]

This from Seth Davis and Sports Illustrated...

http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2015/12/09/undefeated-teams-michigan-state-oklahoma-xavier

[D-West & PO-Z]

This from Seth Davis and Sports Illustrated...

http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2015/12/09/undefeated-teams-michigan-state-oklahoma-xavier

Wow he is calling Sumner a better version of Semaj already. High praise.

[GoMuskies]

I didn't particularly like the part about him picking us to lose the Skip Prosser Classic.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I didn't particularly like the part about him picking us to lose the Skip Prosser Classic.

Yeah his answer should have been: TBD sometime in '16-'17 season pending schedule release.

[GoMuskies]

I would have even accepted December 31.

[Muskeagle]

The best part is the second mention on the page. Picking the loss at Wake smarts, but this is nice:

Who is the most surprising team thus far this season? Why? — Chris Yarbrough (@CoachYarbrough)

Lists, lists, we love lists!

1. Xavier (9–0, AP No. 12). The Musketeers lost their best interior scorer and overall passer, Matt Stainbrook, as well as point guard Dee Davis, from a Sweet 16 team. Yet, they are tougher, faster and deeper than they were last year. Keep your eye on redshirt freshman point guard Edmond Sumner, who is a better version of Semaj Christon.

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/insider/story/_/id/14363196/xavier-musketeers-coach-chris-mack-deserves-more-attention

Chris Mack part of 5 up.

[Masterofreality]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/insider/story/_/id/14363196/xavier-musketeers-coach-chris-mack-deserves-more-attention

Chris Mack part of 5 up.

What is Goodman trying to do? Get CMack hired somewhere else? The people who count know who CMack is.

#ESPNConspiracy:rolleyes:

[paulxu]

I think he's angling for a job for himself somewhere else.
The kids at Bristol can't be happy with him giving good pub to the BE; and they of course are sharp as a pistol.

(OK, I know no one knows who the Dovells were)

[Xville]

That Wake Forest game is a bit concerning though....away game against a decent team looking for a big win....close to Christmas, next game is huge big east opener etc etc. I expect us to win but it could be a nail-biter.

[xudash]

I think he's angling for a job for himself somewhere else.
The kids at Bristol can't be happy with him giving good pub to the BE; and they of course are sharp as a pistol.

(OK, I know no one knows who the Dovells were)

Who the hell were the Dovells?

[XU 87]

The best part is the second mention on the page. Picking the loss at Wake smarts, but this is nice:

Who is the most surprising team thus far this season? Why? — Chris Yarbrough (@CoachYarbrough)

Lists, lists, we love lists!

1. Xavier (9–0, AP No. 12). The Musketeers lost their best interior scorer and overall passer, Matt Stainbrook, as well as point guard Dee Davis, from a Sweet 16 team. Yet, they are tougher, faster and deeper than they were last year. Keep your eye on redshirt freshman point guard Edmond Sumner, who is a better version of Semaj Christon.

I think X is much better on defense this year compared to last year. And that's not a criticism of Stainbrook or Dee. X is just quicker, more athletic and taller.

[NY44]

I think X is much better on defense this year compared to last year. And that's not a criticism of Stainbrook or Dee. X is just quicker, more athletic and taller.

Agreed. I contribute it to the effectiveness of our hedging with more nimble big men than Stainbrook. Also the fact that Farr basically prevents any second chances.

[flatspat]

Who the hell were the Dovells?

Dovells sang the " Bristol Stomp"

[nuts4xu]

Dovells sang the " Bristol Stomp"

I still have no idea what this is...

[XU 87]

Agreed. I contribute it to the effectiveness of our hedging with more nimble big men than Stainbrook. Also the fact that Farr basically prevents any second chances.

I think it also helps to have a 6'6" point guard as opposed to a 5'10" point guard.

In the last 8-10 minutes of Saturday's game, I thought X's 1-3-1 was fantastic. Because of all the size and quickness X has, UC kept lobbing those high passes around the perimeter. No way you can run an effective offense with that type of passing. But that's what X forced them to do.

[Masterofreality]

I still have no idea what this is...

I think what Paul was opaquely referring to is that ESPN, based in "Bristol", would "Stomp" Goodman for giving good pub to the Big East.

The Dovells were the band that had the song from back in the early 1960's, when you weren't alive yet, Son! :biggrin:

Now that Paul has 10,000 posts, I guess he is now going to the "impossible to decipher Dead Sea Scroll" verbiage in his musings.

#Byzintine

[D-West & PO-Z]

What is Goodman trying to do? Get CMack hired somewhere else? The people who count know who CMack is.

#ESPNConspiracy:rolleyes:

I used to love when our coaches got national attention. Because it just meant Xavier was getting national attention.

Now I hate it.

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://espn.go.com/espn/dickvitale/story/_/id/14364836/vitale-weekly-awards-oklahoma-buddy-heild-stars-unbeaten-sooners

Coach of the week

Chris Mack, Xavier Musketeers

He led the Musketeers to a win in the Crosstown Shootout over Cincinnati.

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=14364406

Xavier, Marquette, and Wichita State with Katz's top wins of the week.

[XUGRAD80]

I used to love when our coaches got national attention. Because it just meant Xavier was getting national attention.

Now I hate it.

Not to worry. Even IF CMack was to leave, and that's a BIG IF, X is very attractive and very likely to get a great replacement. I would only expect him to leave for something close by and I don't see any those jobs opening up any time soon. I just don't see him going anywhere. Personally I hope he gets tons of great positive publicity.....that will mean the team is having a great season also.

[Milhouse]

Not to worry. Even IF CMack was to leave, and that's a BIG IF, X is very attractive and very likely to get a great replacement. I would only expect him to leave for something close by and I don't see any those jobs opening up any time soon. I just don't see him going anywhere. Personally I hope he gets tons of great positive publicity.....that will mean the team is having a great season also.

Ummm job in bloomington could be up soon.

[AviatorX]

Not to worry. Even IF CMack was to leave, and that's a BIG IF, X is very attractive and very likely to get a great replacement. I would only expect him to leave for something close by and I don't see any those jobs opening up any time soon. I just don't see him going anywhere. Personally I hope he gets tons of great positive publicity.....that will mean the team is having a great season also.

Seems like Indiana and Louisville could be open sooner than later. Those are big time jobs.

[scoscox]

That attitude is one that I can't stand. What I mean is the one where we're scared about big time jobs opening up. Xavier is a big time job. Our success is basically on par with most of the "great programs" in the country, other than the fact we haven't gone to a final four or won a national title, but there's no reason we can't. And it's not like you're going to get much better support for a basketball program than you have at Xavier. Chris Mack already gets paid on a level on par with everyone but John Calipari and the facilities and amenities at Xavier are superb. When Cal was coming after Chris Mack I couldn't have been less concerned. Cal would be such a huge step down in caliber from coaching at Xavier it's not even funny. Even in other cases, how successful have our other coaches been once leaving Xavier? I would argue that, for the most part, they found the grass less green in other places. They are only a handful of places I would consider to be a better destination than Xavier. Maybe 10 to 15 at the extreme most and I would hope that the opportunity to advance our program and build X into one of the country's premier programs and have us compete with and beat the best would be enough to keep a local guy like Chris Mack around, but who knows, maybe that doesn't have any sort of sentimental value to him, but I think it does and is really about as great a situation as a coach can hope for. After all, every program was built by a great coach (Indiana, UCLA, Kentucky, UNC, Duke), so I would hope a coach would realize that success in college basketball isn't a guarantee everywhere.

[UCGRAD4X]

Seems like Indiana and Louisville could be open sooner than later. Those are big time jobs.

Oh, God! Here we go! :facepalm:

[scoscox]

My apologies for the run on sentences

[IM4X]

I think it also helps to have a 6'6" point guard as opposed to a 5'10" point guard.

In the last 8-10 minutes of Saturday's game, I thought X's 1-3-1 was fantastic. Because of all the size and quickness X has, UC kept lobbing those high passes around the perimeter. No way you can run an effective offense with that type of passing. But that's what X forced them to do.

Great point.

[IM4X]

I would be a bit more worried about the coaching situation if this team was playing only well enough to barely make it into the tournament and then only get to a sweet sixteen again. That might have Mack thinking more that a ceiling may have been hit at Xavier and that getting a a bit fatter check somewhere else with a possible better chance of getting to a final 4 might make sense.

But it should makes little sense now that he sees he can indeed build a legit final 4 caliber team at X (knocking on wood that we keep playing ), recruit at the level of other top 15 schools, get paid well at his current position for a long long time, and stay in the city he loves.

[X-Fan]

That attitude is one that I can't stand. What I mean is the one where we're scared about big time jobs opening up. Xavier is a big time job. Our success is basically on par with most of the "great programs" in the country, other than the fact we haven't gone to a final four or won a national title, but there's no reason we can't. And it's not like you're going to get much better support for a basketball program than you have at Xavier. Chris Mack already gets paid on a level on par with everyone but John Calipari and the facilities and amenities at Xavier are superb. When Cal was coming after Chris Mack I couldn't have been less concerned. Cal would be such a huge step down in caliber from coaching at Xavier it's not even funny. Even in other cases, how successful have our other coaches been once leaving Xavier? I would argue that, for the most part, they found the grass less green in other places. They are only a handful of places I would consider to be a better destination than Xavier. Maybe 10 to 15 at the extreme most and I would hope that the opportunity to advance our program and build X into one of the country's premier programs and have us compete with and beat the best would be enough to keep a local guy like Chris Mack around, but who knows, maybe that doesn't have any sort of sentimental value to him, but I think it does and is really about as great a situation as a coach can hope for. After all, every program was built by a great coach (Indiana, UCLA, Kentucky, UNC, Duke), so I would hope a coach would realize that success in college basketball isn't a guarantee everywhere.

Do we know what Macks compensation is? I'm sure it's finally over 1 Mil a season, but last I heard it wasn't much more. If that's the case, many schools pay better than that. I have no idea if Coach Mack wants to stay long term. X has great fan support, but a good amount of Cincy prefers UC. I wonder if that could factor into Mack taking a job at IU or UL where the whole city/region is All-In for your program.

[scoscox]

I definitely belittled the difference in pay, but I think we can afford to pay Mack more especially if he continues to win like he has. Also, the second is a good point, but it's not like he's hurting for support. Even though it's small, the Xavier community has been extremely supportive. My point is that success can be had anywhere and I'd like for a coach for once to think why not here? I mean, great coaches continue to leave and Xavier continues to get better regardless. I'd think coaches would start to say hey maybe I should just stay on the winning side if you will.

[xukeith]

I think X is much better on defense this year compared to last year. And that's not a criticism of Stainbrook or Dee. X is just quicker, more athletic and taller.

I agree. Xavier's length and quickness with so many 4 year players, have amazing defense which will carry this team. I am very nervous about away game at below average WF team.

[blobfan]

I definitely belittled the difference in pay, but I think we can afford to pay Mack more especially if he continues to win like he has. Also, the second is a good point, but it's not like he's hurting for support. Even though it's small, the Xavier community has been extremely supportive. My point is that success can be had anywhere and I'd like for a coach for once to think why not here? I mean, great coaches continue to leave and Xavier continues to get better regardless. I'd think coaches would start to say hey maybe I should just stay on the winning side if you will.
Maybe they could, but would they? Is there a point at which paying a coach an obscene amount of money would be considered contrary to Jesuit philosophy?

[scoscox]

That depends. The Jesuit vow of poverty is a personal vow, not necessarily keeping them from spending money in their institutions. Certainly hasn't stopped the Jesuits from expanding St. Xavier High School. Also, Fr. Hoff saw basketball as a platform to help the entire university, so I think it wouldn't be unreasonable for them to see it as a spend money to make money kind of situation that in turn benefits the institution as a whole. Atleast I hope so because I love Muskies basketball.

[xudash]

That attitude is one that I can't stand. What I mean is the one where we're scared about big time jobs opening up. Xavier is a big time job. Our success is basically on par with most of the "great programs" in the country, other than the fact we haven't gone to a final four or won a national title, but there's no reason we can't. And it's not like you're going to get much better support for a basketball program than you have at Xavier. Chris Mack already gets paid on a level on par with everyone but John Calipari and the facilities and amenities at Xavier are superb. When Cal was coming after Chris Mack I couldn't have been less concerned. Cal would be such a huge step down in caliber from coaching at Xavier it's not even funny. Even in other cases, how successful have our other coaches been once leaving Xavier? I would argue that, for the most part, they found the grass less green in other places. They are only a handful of places I would consider to be a better destination than Xavier. Maybe 10 to 15 at the extreme most and I would hope that the opportunity to advance our program and build X into one of the country's premier programs and have us compete with and beat the best would be enough to keep a local guy like Chris Mack around, but who knows, maybe that doesn't have any sort of sentimental value to him, but I think it does and is really about as great a situation as a coach can hope for. After all, every program was built by a great coach (Indiana, UCLA, Kentucky, UNC, Duke), so I would hope a coach would realize that success in college basketball isn't a guarantee everywhere.

Excellent post.

Compensation has to be factored into the discussion, but we need to start looking at coaching changes at Xavier on the basis of PRE-BIG EAST v. POST BIG EAST. Other than compensation, the last key program step that needed made was to correct our conference affiliation, with due respect to the A10. We've done that now.

We cannot compete on compensation with any program that wants Chris so badly that they'll go north of $2mm to attract him, but, should that threat occur at some point, we'll react as best we'll be able to react, and he'll otherwise be left to put everything on the scales to determine what is best for him.

Finally, don't look at it as a single year compensation matter. Imagine Chris Mack at Xavier under a 10 year contract making no less than $1.5mm base: $15 million package - in Cincinnati (home) and at a place where he'll always be top dog. Let's say State U. comes calling, offering $2mm over 5 years and the opportunity for Chris to drive by a football stadium that seats >50k on his way into his basketball office every day. Yes, $2.5mm is a lot of money at the margin, but the pressures, expectations, the relocation - - all of that stuff - - will enter into the equation for him.

I like that Chris Mack is well positioned to eventually have the court on the Cintas Center floor named after him. I think there is a high probability for that to happen.

And, though we really haven't discussed it all that much, I see Chris Mack eventually becoming a very entertaining broadcast analyst at some point.

[xudash]

Maybe they could, but would they? Is there a point at which paying a coach an obscene amount of money would be considered contrary to Jesuit philosophy?

Please don't worry about that.

[Xavier]

That attitude is one that I can't stand. What I mean is the one where we're scared about big time jobs opening up. Xavier is a big time job. .

Well, seeing how the last two coaches left I think its ok to wonder/worry. Hopefully the Big East will help put that to rest, though.

[birdman71]

Great point.

I think right now he's a very good point. A few more years and he'll be a great point.....guard :]

[muskiefan82]

I like that Chris Mack is well positioned to eventually have the court on the Cintas Center floor named after him. I think there is a high probability for that to happen.



Mack Daddy Court.

[AviatorX]

Excellent post.

Compensation has to be factored into the discussion, but we need to start looking at coaching changes at Xavier on the basis of PRE-BIG EAST v. POST BIG EAST. Other than compensation, the last key program step that needed made was to correct our conference affiliation, with due respect to the A10. We've done that now.

We cannot compete on compensation with any program that wants Chris so badly that they'll go north of $2mm to attract him, but, should that threat occur at some point, we'll react as best we'll be able to react, and he'll otherwise be left to put everything on the scales to determine what is best for him.

Finally, don't look at it as a single year compensation matter. Imagine Chris Mack at Xavier under a 10 year contract making no less than $1.5mm base: $15 million package - in Cincinnati (home) and at a place where he'll always be top dog. Let's say State U. comes calling, offering $2mm over 5 years and the opportunity for Chris to drive by a football stadium that seats >50k on his way into his basketball office every day. Yes, $2.5mm is a lot of money at the margin, but the pressures, expectations, the relocation - - all of that stuff - - will enter into the equation for him.

I like that Chris Mack is well positioned to eventually have the court on the Cintas Center floor named after him. I think there is a high probability for that to happen.

And, though we really haven't discussed it all that much, I see Chris Mack eventually becoming a very entertaining broadcast analyst at some point.

Definitely fair points, and a lot I agree with. I just think that the number of factors that have been brought up over and over again on this board with respect to Mack's career trajectory make Indiana and Louisville two of the bigger threats -- whether Xavier was in the Horizon League or the ACC.

[bleedXblue]

I think of it in terms of what the best coaches in the BIG East are making. Wright and Thompson are north of 2.5 million/year. I think if X can get Mack in close to the 1.75-2.0/yr range he would be more than happy to stick around for another 10-15 years.

[paulxu]

I think what Paul was opaquely referring to is that ESPN, based in "Bristol", would "Stomp" Goodman for giving good pub to the Big East.

There was nothing opaque about it. Straight to the point.

(ps. thanks for explaining to the younger crowd)

[Masterofreality]

There was nothing opaque about it. Straight to the point.

(ps. thanks for explaining to the younger crowd)

Well "Dovells" is a pretty indirect reference hidden behind light darkening shade next to tinted glass.

[kenny powers]

Do we know what Macks compensation is? I'm sure it's finally over 1 Mil a season, but last I heard it wasn't much more. If that's the case, many schools pay better than that. I have no idea if Coach Mack wants to stay long term. X has great fan support, but a good amount of Cincy prefers UC. I wonder if that could factor into Mack taking a job at IU or UL where the whole city/region is All-In for your program.

According to the latest 990 available from Xavier, Mack had a total compensation of $1,109,453 from July 2012 through June 2013. And I would imagine it's gone up since. Also, that is only compensation directly from the university.

(page 39) http://www.xavier.edu/controller/documents/4XAVIERUNIVERSITY2012990PUBLICDISCLOSURE.pdf

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25413250/observations-xavier-has-best-team-since-its-2008-elite-eight-squad

[XUGRAD80]

Not worried about Mack going to either Louisville or Indiana......or Kentucky or UCLA or Duke or NC or any of another 1/2 dozen places that could be considered "dream" jobs. I think he has his OWN dream job. Money, facilities, expectations, opportunities are all important, but they are not everything to everybody. There are other factors envolved, including relationship with adminsitration and power to make decisions in their own, that may be equally as important. Any, and all, of those things can change over time. However, it seems that he is happy right now so why worry about what "might" happen?

[MuskieXU]

Not worried about Mack going to either Louisville or Indiana......or Kentucky or UCLA or Duke or NC or any of another 1/2 dozen places that could be considered "dream" jobs. I think he has his OWN dream job. Money, facilities, expectations, opportunities are all important, but they are not everything to everybody. There are other factors envolved, including relationship with adminsitration and power to make decisions in their own, that may be equally as important. Any, and all, of those things can change over time. However, it seems that he is happy right now so why worry about what "might" happen?

I think Mack is incredibly happy at Xavier right now, and I think it would take a big time offer for him to even consider leaving. That being said, unless the information I got regarding his discussions with Cal was incorrect or he was playing hard ball (both very possible) he strongly considered that offer, which would indicate that he is not necessarily set on being a lifer at XU.

[XUFan09]

I think Mack is incredibly happy at Xavier right now, and I think it would take a big time offer for him to even consider leaving. That being said, unless the information I got regarding his discussions with Cal was incorrect or he was playing hard ball (both very possible) he strongly considered that offer, which would indicate that he is not necessarily set on being a lifer at XU.
Yup.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[Musketeer15]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/powerrankings/_/show/middle

Katz has X ranked #4 along with FIVE other BE teams ranked

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/109726/vote-which-undefeated-team-do-you-think-is-best

Vote for Xavier as best undefeated team remaining!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Ranking undefeated teams:

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/insider/story/_/id/14366215/michigan-state-spartans-top-remaining-undefeated-teams

[D-West & PO-Z]

Not mentioned in this but it is predicting first undefeated team to lose. 2 said Iowa State to UC and one said Purdue to Butler.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14367669/daily-word-which-undefeated-team-falls-first

[MuskieXU]

Not mentioned in this but it is predicting first undefeated team to lose. 2 said Iowa State to UC and one said Purdue to Butler.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14367669/daily-word-which-undefeated-team-falls-first

I could see UC beating Iowa St, I tend to think theyre a little overrated. I think Purdue will handle Butler easily though, too much of a size advantage for the Boilermakers.

[beatuc]

There is also that OSU job up north that people are claiming to be open after this season. They throw money at coaches like nobody else in the business.

[flatspat]

MOR, thanks for the kudos

[Blue Blobs Bro]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/insider/story/_/id/14377507/bilas-index-more-knowledge-best-68-teams-land

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/insider/story/_/id/14377507/bilas-index-more-knowledge-best-68-teams-land

"Xavier is the best it has been since Skip Prosser was at the helm."

Huh? Would anybody say any of our top 3 all time teams were when Skip was coach? We had some good teams but this comment seems odd.

[paulxu]

"Xavier is the best it has been since Skip Prosser was at the helm."

Huh? Would anybody say any of our top 3 all time teams were when Skip was coach? We had some good teams but this comment seems odd.

Consider the source.

[Masterofreality]

MOR, thanks for the kudos

Anybody who remembers the "Bristol Stomp" and who sung it, is Tops in my book!!

[Masterofreality]

Not mentioned in this but it is predicting first undefeated team to lose. 2 said Iowa State to UC and one said Purdue to Butler.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14367669/daily-word-which-undefeated-team-falls-first

Of course ESPN would pimp SucKS of their product AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAC And they would beat Iowa State.

[bobbiemcgee]

Have X 3rd. Bonus underboob at bottom:

http://www.barstoolsports.com/barstoolu/barstool-college-hoops-xavier-looks-legit-top-25-player-of-the-year-rankings/

[FIGHTING MUSKETEER]

Not necessarily good publicity but I liked the picture/drawing I put as my avatar, Could not uploaded so here is the link in case anyone wants to download it.

https://twitter.com/musketeerreport

[MADXSTER]

Need help. Someone Google, Chris Mack, Xavier HC - ESPN

There is a really good podcast from a day or two ago

[XUOHTX]

This http://es.pn/1P2Px1p

Also, I'm going to assume you somehow had access to XH.com but not Google.com.

[xu82]

This http://es.pn/1P2Px1p

Also, I'm going to assume you somehow had access to XH.com but not Google.com.

Google is a very exclusive Club. They don't accept just anyone.

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14420682/daily-word-chances-smu-mustangs-going-undefeated

Video with Andy Katz talking about BE and how such a high % of league has a chance for tourney bids.

Also didn't know Chrabs was banged up for Butler, he discusses that as well.

[Steve A]

I still think Jeff Goodman is the smartest guy in college basketball currently.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/powerrankings/_/show/first

[paulxu]

Hah! Main page NCAA BB on ESPN has a 4 minute video of Katz/Greenburg talking about Butler.

The image on the screen is Jalen Reynolds and the Xavier bench.

[Masterofreality]

Hah! Main page NCAA BB on ESPN has a 4 minute video of Katz/Greenburg talking about Butler.

The image on the screen is Jalen Reynolds and the Xavier bench.

Stupid F$&@cks!!!

[MauriceX]

I may have missed it, but I haven't seen this anywhere yet. Washington Post article talking about how Xavier might be the best team in the country.

Link (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fancy-stats/wp/2015/12/21/xavier-might-be-the-best-team-in-college-basketball-no-really/)

[powerofX]

Stupid F$&@cks!!!

And article right after that is about smu and has a pic of x.

[MauriceX]

Another good article from the Big East website - Link (http://www.bigeast.com/news/2015/12/22/MBB_1222150158.aspx)

[xu82]

Another good article from the Big East website - Link (http://www.bigeast.com/news/2015/12/22/MBB_1222150158.aspx)

That's a great piece, and more Farr being Farr. I'm loving him more every day!

[paulxu]

Somebody tell me what that tweet on ESPN's BB page means (down the right side)

Picture of Jalen, big #6, and this caption "??facts"

(#newagetechnicallychallenged)

[atljar]

Somebody tell me what that tweet on ESPN's BB page means (down the right side)

Picture of Jalen, big #6, and this caption "??facts"

(#newagetechnicallychallenged)


If you click the picture... it gives more info....

"Xavier is ranked 6th in the AP polls, the musketeers' highest ranking in school history"

As for the "??facts"..... My guess would be the person posting the tweet was too lazy to look up if that was true or not, hence the "? facts"

[paulxu]

Figures, it's an ESPN post. Thanks.

[MauriceX]

I know the ESPN bias is real, but right now, the Big East is kinda dominating the Men's Basketball section of the ESPN website. Andy Katz's 3 point shot is about the Big East and Butler/Chrabascz. There is an article about Xavier, Butler, and Providence moving up, a big picture of the X bench. Another story about Marquette. Sometimes they actually show some respect where it is due. Sometimes.

[Xpectations]

I know the ESPN bias is real, but right now, the Big East is kinda dominating the Men's Basketball section of the ESPN website. Andy Katz's 3 point shot is about the Big East and Butler/Chrabascz. There is an article about Xavier, Butler, and Providence moving up, a big picture of the X bench. Another story about Marquette. Sometimes they actually show some respect where it is due. Sometimes.

I agree. If there is an ESPN conspiracy against Big East teams, someone forgot to tell Andy Katz, Jeff Goodman and Dana O'Neil.

Here are a few things they said today (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14446151/interesting-conference-races-include-big-east-big-12), while gushing about our favorite conference and team:

1. Which conference race will be most interesting to watch?

Andy Katz: The Big East. You could pick Xavier, Butler, Villanova or Providence. And any of the four could win it. Georgetown, Seton Hall and Creighton on any given night could beat the top four. The Big 12 is the only league that could match that kind of balance.

Jeff Goodman: There are so many good ones, but I'll go with the Big 12. Can Kansas finally be dethroned? Both Oklahoma and Iowa State are capable. I love this league because of its balanced schedule: Everyone plays everyone else twice.

Dana O'Neil: I think it will be the Big East. Xavier, Butler, Villanova and Providence are the pack to watch, but Seton Hall (with a win against Wichita State), Marquette (with Henry Ellenson) and Georgetown (seriously, the Hoyas have to get better, right?) can all challenge. I couldn't predict a winner right now if I had to.

2. Which team had the most surprising nonconference season?

Katz: Butler. The Bulldogs were supposed to a top-30 team, not top-10. But you could make an argument for the Bulldogs as a Final Four contender. Butler's offense has been sensational and versatile. Beating Cincinnati on the road was a precursor to what was ahead. The win over Purdue was as strong a statement as any team has made this month. Their only loss is to a Miami team that can lay claim to being one of the best in the ACC -- on a neutral court.

Goodman: To me, this is a no-brainer. I thought Xavier would be a good team, but I didn't see this coming. The Musketeers have as impressive a résumé thus far as any team in the country. They beat Michigan in Ann Arbor (against a healthy Derrick Walton Jr.), pummeled Dayton on a neutral court and knocked off Cincinnati with relative ease. Chris Mack's team is ranked No. 6 in the country after a tough nonconference slate that also included neutral-site games against Alabama and USC.

O'Neil: Xavier wins in a runaway. The Musketeers started the season among the others-receiving-votes group and now stand at No. 6 in the country. The game that, to me, is emblematic of just how good this team is: the one against Wake Forest. The Musketeers trailed by 15 at the break and proceeded to outscore the Demon Deacons by 23 in the second. The best thing? There's no star. This team is built to succeed collectively.

[UCGRAD4X]

O'Neil: This team is built to succeed collectively.

Amen.

[scoscox]

Another college bball front page article for the Big East on ESPN this morning. Unfortunately I don't have insider so I can't post a meaningful link.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/insider/story/_/id/14451765/numbers-matter-big-east

[D-West & PO-Z]

Another college bball front page article for the Big East on ESPN this morning. Unfortunately I don't have insider so I can't post a meaningful link.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/insider/story/_/id/14451765/numbers-matter-big-east

He picked us to finish 3rd:

3. Xavier Musketeers
Number to know: 29
Undefeated and ranked in the top 10, the Musketeers have been the good-news story of the Big East so far this season. Being able to say not only that you beat Dayton but did so by 29 points will serve this team very well going forward, and Chris Mack's rotation of Jalen Reynolds and James Farr at the center position guarantees that XU has one of the nation's finest offensive rebounders on the floor more or less at all times.

Speaking of rebounding, the Musketeers excel on the boards at both ends of the floor. That prowess gives Xavier a consistent boost on offense, but on defense XU's strength can be mitigated by an opponent that hits its shots. Villanova will try to do just that and hand Mack's men their first loss on Thursday in Philly.

[xufan2434]

He picked us to finish 3rd:

3. Xavier Musketeers
Number to know: 29
Undefeated and ranked in the top 10, the Musketeers have been the good-news story of the Big East so far this season. Being able to say not only that you beat Dayton but did so by 29 points will serve this team very well going forward, and Chris Mack's rotation of Jalen Reynolds and James Farr at the center position guarantees that XU has one of the nation's finest offensive rebounders on the floor more or less at all times.

Speaking of rebounding, the Musketeers excel on the boards at both ends of the floor. That prowess gives Xavier a consistent boost on offense, but on defense XU's strength can be mitigated by an opponent that hits its shots. Villanova will try to do just that and hand Mack's men their first loss on Thursday in Philly.

Assuming he went:
Nova
Butler
X
Providence??

[STL_XUfan]

Assuming he went:
Nova
Butler
X
Providence??

Probably could just pick those names out of a hat and have just as good of a chance of predicting the final conference standings.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Assuming he went:
Nova
Butler
X
Providence??

Yes

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://espn.go.com/espn/dickvitale/story/_/id/14458087/roundball-chatter-xavier-musketeers-race-undefeated-start

[Musketeer15]

Early bracket watch:

http://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/story/bracket-watch-ncaa-tournament-michigan-state-xavier-oklahoma-kansas-122915


X #1 seed

[Musketeer15]

Also, am I the only one who thinks this is a little too crazy?


https://twitter.com/XUmktgguy/status/681905047051972608

[GoMuskies]

Early bracket watch:

http://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/story/bracket-watch-ncaa-tournament-michigan-state-xavier-oklahoma-kansas-122915


X #1 seed

If X got to a regional final in Anaheim, I'd probably prefer Kentucky to Arizona. Kentucky fans travel, but it would be an absolute home game for Arizona if they were playing.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Also, am I the only one who thinks this is a little too crazy?


https://twitter.com/XUmktgguy/status/681905047051972608

It would be a little much for a game floor, but it is a practice floor.

[xudash]

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25430433/big-east-doubleheader-on-new-years-eve-will-get-your-day-started-right

[Masterofreality]

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25430433/big-east-doubleheader-on-new-years-eve-will-get-your-day-started-right

Gawd, I love this League!!!!

[Masterofreality]

I agree. If there is an ESPN conspiracy against Big East teams, someone forgot to tell Andy Katz, Jeff Goodman and Dana O'Neil.

Here are a few things they said today (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14446151/interesting-conference-races-include-big-east-big-12), while gushing about our favorite conference and team:

1. Which conference race will be most interesting to watch?

Dana O'Neil: I think it will be the Big East. Xavier, Butler, Villanova and Providence are the pack to watch, but Seton Hall (with a win against Wichita State), Marquette (with Henry Ellenson) and Georgetown (seriously, the Hoyas have to get better, right?)

The same Dana O'Neil who called the Big East "a circus" the summer before play began.

Bust the f-ing door down, then they can't keep you out.

[Xville]

Early bracket watch:

http://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/story/bracket-watch-ncaa-tournament-michigan-state-xavier-oklahoma-kansas-122915


X #1 seed

selfishly, i want us in the south or midwest so that it would be easy travel....West? Screw that..I'd rather be a two seed somewhere else.

[paulxu]

The Big Beast, uh, Big East
Two years ago, Big East commissioner Val Ackerman told reporters who gathered at the conference's inaugural media day in New York City that she was not here to play games. "We're going to make this conference a force," she said. Sure. You're going to turn the new Big East into a player? Really, commissioner? Well, last week's top 25 featured four Big East schools: Xavier (6), Butler (9), Providence (10) and Villanova (17). Marquette hasn't lost since Nov. 20. Seton Hall has won eight of its past nine, a stretch that includes a win over Wichita State. Right now, the Big East is the strongest conference in America. And Ackerman is probably sitting in her office listening to "How You Like Me Now?" by The Heavy or "Hi Hater" by Maino.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14448274/the-floor-winners-losers-nonconference-schedule

Hah! Great stuff.

[scoscox]

Also, am I the only one who thinks this is a little too crazy?


https://twitter.com/XUmktgguy/status/681905047051972608

I don't mind it. I don't like the changes to the main floor. Not a big fan of the shading and etching designs on courts. Too much going on, the focus is supposed to be on the game not the floor. The practice court is a nice bold declaration of where you're playing and I almost like that better, but a plain floor is probably still best. You can't please everybody.

[UCGRAD4X]

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25430433/big-east-doubleheader-on-new-years-eve-will-get-your-day-started-right

While he makes a compelling statistical argument that the Big East may be the best league right now, save, perhaps, the ACC, he still can not give the league credit beyond "relevance": "But that never meant it couldn't remain relevant. And now here we are."

Hell, the A10 was relevant (at least an argument can be made for such). It still seems that most national sports pundits are having a difficult time admitting how good this league is and will be for some time to come, expecting the 'other shoe to drop' at any time and reveal the true mediocrity of the New Big East. The problem is, now that league play has started, there will be few new arguments to make about the strength and viability of the league. Most writers / commentators will latch onto information to substantiate how they really feel and report out that way. I think this article is a back-handed compliment, at best.

As I said, the information is interesting and makes a point he himself does not really admit. His analysis is that the teams playing each other will make for an interesting diversion until the football games start.

[powerofX]

So how balanced are we? This article goes through the top 10 and mentions a weakness for each as to why they can't hold on to #1. The reason for X? Because we haven't before. No actual mention of a team reason.

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/109941/can-any-team-maintain-the-nations-no-1-rank

[paulxu]

No. 6 Xavier? It might not be able to handle the circus that would come on that campus and the city of Cincinnati by being No. 1.

I'm pretty sure we could handle the "circus." Just look how well we've handled climate change and the streetcar.

[xufan02]

They also said Butler might not be able to match-up with size. They just beat Purdue, who has one of the best and most talented front courts, on a neutral court.

[D-West & PO-Z]

They also said Butler might not be able to match-up with size. They just beat Purdue, who has one of the best and most talented front courts, on a neutral court.

To be fair they said continually. These arent reasons teams cant be number 1, they are reason teams might not be able to hold on to the number 1 spot for an extended period of time.

A better reason for our team would have been the strength of the top of our league and that we play 2 top 15 teams this week.

[xufan2434]

So how balanced are we? This article goes through the top 10 and mentions a weakness for each as to why they can't hold on to #1. The reason for X? Because we haven't before. No actual mention of a team reason.

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/109941/can-any-team-maintain-the-nations-no-1-rank

This little blog is just stupid.. He just keeps trying to explain the parity without actually talking about anything. Should have just said the only time teams can stay at No. 1 for weeks at a time is if they're a very good, dominant team located in an average to below average conference with not a lot of depth.

[paulxu]

In the spirit of the holiday season, I've decided to become indignant about that guy's comment.

Is he suggesting only the pussycats can be #1 in the country as a Cincinnati team?

I'm pretty sure we don't have any "toughness" issues. Break the damn door down.

[Musketeer15]

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/bracketology


X with #1 seed here. Providence and Butler both #2

[Blue Blooded-05]

In the spirit of the holiday season, I've decided to become indignant about that guy's comment.

Is he suggesting only the pussycats can be #1 in the country as a Cincinnati team?

I'm pretty sure we don't have any "toughness" issues. Break the damn door down.

I don't think it's that unreasonable of an outside observation. Let's face it, the last time the national media's focus was on us (UC fight), we didn't exactly handle it like we'd been there before.

As a program, we've always excelled in the underdog role. In recent years, we've become 'the hunter' ever since joining the Big East. The last time we succeeded as 'the hunted' and won our own conference was 2010-11. For perspective, Kaiser Gates was in the 8th grade. This year's team has a wealth of talent, drive, toughness, depth... but they've never been the tippy top dog before.

If given a choice of things to worry about, this is far preferable than, say, rebounding. Nevertheless, it's a mildly relevant observation worth passing consideration.

[bobbiemcgee]

http://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/story/big-east-coaches-jay-wright-chris-mullin-john-thompson-chris-mack-stories-of-first-jobs-123015

[Musketeer15]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/bracketology

X with #2 seed in Lunardi's latest update

[Xville]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/bracketology

X with #2 seed in Lunardi's latest update

I'm happier with this one than the last one...this is a case of being a #2 seed being better than a #1. In this case, we would go from st. louis to chicago...both pretty easy traveling destinations for a majority of fans, especially students. Plus, that is an extremely easy route to the elite eight.

[Blue Blobs Bro]

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Upperclassmen dominate Goodman's midseason All-Americans

Michigan State's Denzel Valentine has missed three games with an injury, but did enough in the first 12 to move to Jeff Goodman's first team. Jim Rogash/Getty Images
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9:42 AM ET
Jeff Goodman
ESPN Insider
We're just about at the midway point of the season, which makes it as good a time as any to do an All-American Reset in which we give out awards to those who have earned it so far.

The player of the year race is wide open among four or five players -- and believe it or not, we're sticking with four of our five-man preseason All-America team. We also handed out a coach of the year, freshman of the year, most improved player and an all-freshman squad.

The shocker? Just one frosh made the list of 15 All-Americans.


Player of the year

Buddy Hield, Oklahoma Sooners

This was extremely difficult because there are a few worthy candidates, but it came down to Hield or Providence guard Kris Dunn. Denzel Valentine is on the mend, and Ben Simmons is making up ground quickly, but Hield has been scorching this season, and he is coming off one of the best individual performances in recent memory with 46 points at Kansas. His team is also No. 2 in the land.

Coach of the year

Chris Mack, Xavier Musketeers

There's just one loss, and it came at Villanova in a game in which his starting point guard, Edmond Sumner, took a nasty fall in the opening minutes. No one saw this coming with the Musketeers, who are 14-1 with wins over Michigan, Dayton, Cincinnati and Butler.

Most improved

Moses Kingsley, sophomore, center, Arkansas Razorbacks

There were tons of candidates -- from Butler's Kelan Martin to Xavier's James Farr to Colorado's George King. We didn't count Providence's Ben Bentil since we gave him the nod on one of the All-America teams. We went with a guy who went from 3.6 points and 2.5 boards last season to 17.1 points and 9.9 rebounds this season.

Freshman of the year

Ben Simmons, LSU Tigers

An easy choice and the lone frosh to place on any of the All-America squads.


First team

F: Denzel Valentine, senior, Michigan State Spartans

Had he not been hurt and missed the past three games with a knee injury, Michigan State might still be undefeated and Valentine might be the front-runner for national player of the year. Valentine has a pair of triple-doubles and almost single-handedly brought the Spartans back in a win over No. 1 Kansas in Chicago earlier this season.

F: Georges Niang, senior, Iowa State Cyclones

He's doing it all for the Cyclones. His scoring, rebounding and efficiency are up, and so is his leadership. He's a point-forward who is as versatile on the offensive end as anyone in the country. He's shooting 55 percent from the field, 40 percent from beyond the arc and 86 percent from the line.

C/F/G: Ben Simmons, freshman, LSU

Call him whatever you want positionwise because he can do whatever you need. The Tigers struggled out of the gates, but it wasn't due to Simmons. He just didn't have enough around him. The multifaceted Aussie has lived up to the hype and is the only player in the country averaging more than 20 points, 10 boards and 5 assists per game. He has incredible court vision and passing abilities, is terrific in transition and is one of the nation's top rebounders. The only thing he hasn't done? Shoot it from the perimeter.

G: Buddy Hield, senior, Oklahoma

The Bahamas native has been an offensive machine with an upgraded, more versatile game. Hield's memorable performance came earlier this week in Lawrence, Kansas, when he went for 46 points and also grabbed 8 boards to go with 7 assists in a loss to No. 1 Kansas. Hield is shooting 50 percent from the field, 50 percent from 3-point range and 90 percent from the line.

G: Kris Dunn, redshirt junior, Providence Friars

He decided to spurn the NBA and come back to school to get his degree and work on several facets of his game. Among them, his perimeter shooting and cutting down on his turnovers. Dunn has made 11 of 17 from deep over his past four games and is shooting 40 percent from deep this season. He also has cut down his turnovers from 4.2 to 3.3 per contest. He's the most well-rounded player in the country right now, largely thanks to his ability to lock down on the defensive end.



Second team

F: Jarrod Uthoff, senior, Iowa Hawkeyes

Find me another guy who shoots 46 percent from 3 and also blocks more than three shots per game. You can't. Almost always, the shot-blockers aren't overly skilled. Uthoff has carried the No. 19 Hawkeyes this season.

F: Roosevelt Jones, senior, Butler Bulldogs

It doesn't always look pretty, but Jones just finds a way. He's a power guard, wing or whatever you want to call him. He's just a player who does almost everything. While Kellen Dunham has struggled, Jones has been consistent and impacts the game in so many ways.

C: Brice Johnson, senior, North Carolina Tar Heels

Johnson has always left me wanting more -- until this season. He's coming off a monstrous 39-point, 23-rebound performance at Florida State, but the key is he's playing harder more consistently.

G: Malcolm Brogdon, senior, Virginia Cavaliers

He doesn't get enough attention, and I'm not quite sure why. Maybe it's because he plays for Virginia, or isn't flashy, or doesn't yearn for the limelight. Whatever the case, though, Brogdon is one of the best all-around guards in the country.

G: Melo Trimble, sophomore, Maryland Terrapins

On a team loaded with talent, the sophomore point guard has been the Terps' best player. He has shot it well, has improved his floor game and has helped lead the team to a 13-1 record.



Third team

F: Ben Bentil, sophomore, Providence

He has come out of nowhere and quickly become one of the nation's top big men. Sure, he has Dunn feeding him the ball, but Bentil has been terrific this season, scoring around the basket, rebounding, and even stepping out and making plenty of shots.

F: Domantas Sabonis, sophomore, Gonzaga Bulldogs

You know when people loosely throw around the comment, "No one plays harder than ..."? It applies to Sabonis. Arvydas' son is a walking double-double and also performs on the defensive end.

C: Jakob Poeltl, sophomore, Utah Utes

His team has struggled of late, but Poeltl has been as good as any big man in the country this season. He has gotten stronger, and has also improved his ability to score in the post. That, along with his mobility, makes him a brutal matchup for opposing big men.

G: Grayson Allen, sophomore, Duke Blue Devils

I'm not sure anyone in the country went through a role alteration like Allen did from a season ago. Allen has become the go-to guy from the Blue Devils after being an afterthought much of his freshman season. Allen has been sensational in all but two games -- and it's no coincidence that those also happen to be the Blue Devils' only two losses.

G: Frank Mason III, junior, Kansas Jayhawks

You've got to have someone from the No. 1 team, and my pick is Mason. He gives KU its toughness, gets after it on the defensive end and has really improved on the offensive end. The bottom line is he's the quarterback of the best team in America right now.



All-freshman team

Ben Simmons, LSU
Stats: 20.1 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 5.2 APG

Henry Ellenson, Marquette
Stats: 16 PPG, 9.9 RPG

Brandon Ingram, Duke
Stats: 16.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG

Jamal Murray Kentucky
Stats: 17.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.7 APG

Allonzo Trier, Arizona
Stats: 14.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG

[Blue Blobs Bro]

Didn't mean to post that whole thing, just the section that has Mack as mid season coach of the year

[paulxu]

Coach of the year

Chris Mack, Xavier Musketeers

There's just one loss, and it came at Villanova in a game in which his starting point guard, Edmond Sumner, took a nasty fall in the opening minutes. No one saw this coming with the Musketeers, who are 14-1 with wins over Michigan, Dayton, Cincinnati and Butler.

Really? No one? Check this board once in a while.


Haters. 12-0.

[LA Muskie]

I love the pub for Mack and Farr. But including Roosevelt Jones as a Top 10, 2nd Team All American cheapened it immensely.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MuskieXU]

Nice to hear Mack get recognition. I think he has this team playing better than the sum of its parts, and thats saying a lot considering how good the parts are. Definitely deserves consideration for coach of the year considering how well everything has come together over the offseason.

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14545186/the-floor-there-no-substitute-strong-bench

J.P. Macura (Xavier): Chris Mack's program showcased its depth when it hammered Butler without guard Edmond Sumner, who suffered a head injury in the team's previous game against Villanova. Macura's production off the bench is the highlight of a unit that has turned Xavier into a squad with the Big East's -- and maybe America's -- toughest rotation. Macura has averaged 8.7 PPG and 2.0 APG. He's also connected on 78 percent of his free throw attempts this season.

[paulxu]

Things like this will make it really difficult to fire Chris Mack this year:

http://www.sportingnews.com/list/4691005-college-basketball-midseason-awards-player-of-the-year-freshman-coach-all-american-picks/slide/426926

[QuickNick6Xu]

Interesting read about Jalen and Trevon growing up:

http://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/story/xavier-musketeers-basketball-jalen-reynolds-barber-haircuts-011516

[Olsingledigit]

[QUOTE=paulxu;531190]Things like this will make it really difficult to fire Chris Mack this year:

[url]http://www.sportingnews.com/list/4691005

Huh? I guess this is a jest? Why would you even bring up firing him - unless, again, it is a facetious remark. I'll take it as that.

[LA Muskie]

Huh? I guess this is a jest? Why would you even bring up firing him - unless, again, it is a facetious remark. I'll take it as that.
I'm pretty sure (as in nearly certain) it was in jest, targeting the infamous "Fire Chris Mack" threads.

[GoMuskies]

targeting the infamous "Fire Chris Mack" threads.


That I'm pretty sure never existed in the first place.

[UCGRAD4X]

Interesting read about Jalen and Trevon growing up:

http://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/story/xavier-musketeers-basketball-jalen-reynolds-barber-haircuts-011516

Krispy Kuts?

How has he not gotten to Kaiser Gates yet?

[bobbiemcgee]

Anybody see this? pretty cool:

https://soundcloud.com/xaviermusketeers

[scoscox]

Good find.

[xu82]

I'm pretty sure (as in nearly certain) it was in jest, targeting the infamous "Fire Chris Mack" threads.

Those threads are generally in the years where we do not have the "Dear Lord Don't Lose HIM - PAY THE MAN" threads. It's nice to mix it up. What's cool is the idea of having both simultaneously! We can be a crazy bunch.

[LA Muskie]

I'm not sure if it counts as simultaneous, but I'm pretty sure we had both in the same year two years ago--and possibly last year as well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/insider/story/_/id/14641057/fran-mccaffery-iowa-hawkeyes-playing-elite-level

James Farr, Xavier: It's rare that a guy makes such a significant jump from his junior to senior season, but that's exactly what the 6-foot-10 big man has done. Farr averaged 4.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last season. He's nearly averaging a double-double (10.8 PPG, 9.1 RPG) this season and has been Chris Mack's most dependable and productive big man. Farr had 16 points and 19 boards last week in a win against Marquette and had 24 points, 15 boards, four assists and three blocks Saturday in a victory over Seton Hall.

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/110703/weekday-predictions-maryland-regains-its-footing-in-the-big-ten-race

No. 5 Xavier at No. 16 Providence (Providence, R.I.), 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, FS1: The matchup features arguably the nation’s best point guard in Providence’s Kris Dunn, against who could be his heir apparent in Xavier’s Edmond Sumner. The winner will remain tied with either Creighton or Georgetown for second place in the Big East. The Friars became the first team to take Villanova down a notch after their 82-76 overtime win in Philadelphia on Sunday. They return home where, oddly enough, they’ve been vulnerable this season.

Prediction: Xavier 77, Providence 75.

[XUFan09]

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/110703/weekday-predictions-maryland-regains-its-footing-in-the-big-ten-race

No. 5 Xavier at No. 16 Providence (Providence, R.I.), 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, FS1: The matchup features arguably the nation’s best point guard in Providence’s Kris Dunn, against who could be his heir apparent in Xavier’s Edmond Sumner. The winner will remain tied with either Creighton or Georgetown for second place in the Big East. The Friars became the first team to take Villanova down a notch after their 82-76 overtime win in Philadelphia on Sunday. They return home where, oddly enough, they’ve been vulnerable this season.

Prediction: Xavier 77, Providence 75.
That's some damn good praise for Sumner!

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[xuwin]

That's some damn good praise for Sumner!

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Sumner is having a much better freshmen year than Dunn so it's not unreasonable. Dunn averaged 3.8 points in 26.5 minutes per game as a freshman.

[XUFan09]

Sumner is having a much better freshmen year than Dunn so it's not unreasonable. Dunn averaged 3.8 points in 26.5 minutes per game as a freshman.
Oh yeah, it's not out of the question at all. It's just nice to see national press suggesting that.

To be fair, I'm pretty sure injuries screwed up Dunn's freshman season.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://espn.go.com/blog/giant-killers/insider/post/_/id/835/giant-killers-which-giants-are-most-immune-to-upsets

Xavier Musketeers

This might come as a bit of a shock, but a team that regularly plays three 6-foot-10 guys does a pretty good job on the boards. Rebounding might be the biggest key to Xavier’s success this season, and it is certainly the primary reason why the Musketeers are a terrible matchup for an upset-oriented team. James Farr (6-foot-10, 247 pounds) ranks seventh in the country with a 17.5 percent offensive rebound rate and 15th at 28.6 percent on the defensive end. Oh, and he does that off the bench. Jalen Reynolds (6-foot-10, 232 pounds) checks in with respective marks of 12.2 and 23.5 percent, and overall, Xavier ranks 24th in offensive rebounding (37.1 percent) and 18th on the defensive boards (24.8 percent). To put it another way, you’d better make a seriously high percentage of your shots against Xavier, because once the ball hits the rim, you aren’t getting it back. Don’t believe us? Just ask Dayton, which slayed three Giants in the previous two NCAA tournaments. The Flyers met Xavier in Orlando two months ago and lost by 29 points, mustering just four of 31 potential offensive rebounds (12.9 percent). Ouch.

[Caveat]

I'm surprised the rebounding numbers are that good, given that it seems like the 1-3-1 forces a lot of terrible shots that end up as offensive rebounds due to the misses being so bad.

[drudy23]

Oh yeah, it's not out of the question at all. It's just nice to see national press suggesting that.

To be fair, I'm pretty sure injuries screwed up Dunn's freshman season.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Honestly, it's a perfect situation for Sumner. He doesn't have the pressure Semaj did, and he's capable of putting up 20. If he has a bad game, others step up. If he has a great game, we're DAMN good. Outstanding learning environment for him without him becoming frustrated by piling up L's or having to feel like he has to do too much.

[scoscox]

It could've been Dunn vs. Semaj last night. That would've been awesome.

[LA Muskie]

It could've been Dunn vs. Semaj last night. That would've been awesome.
Meh -- I'll take what we have over that. Don't get me wrong; Semaj is clearly a superior basketball player right now so his talent would increase the overall talent level of the team. But I've never seen a Xavier team with chemistry like this.

[bobbiemcgee]

Xavier Speeding up
Adj. tempo National rank
2009-10 70.3 45
2010-11 65.9 212
2011-12 67.2 112
2012-13 63.3 281
2013-14 65.8 207
2014-15 65.0 159
2015-16 71.5 78

Source: kenpom.com


http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2610942-xavier-is-a-legit-final-four-contender-and-that-shouldnt-surprise-anyone

[smileyy]

Semaj was great. I'll take Sumner 100 days of the week.

[Xavier]

You guys mignt be right. Can't say for sure because semaj didn't have nearly as good a team around him...

[scoscox]

Ha, what? You guys can't honestly think that. Semaj was a stud. I can't imagine the kind of havoc he'd be wreaking with this kind of team around him.

[GIMMFD]

Ha, what? You guys can't honestly think that. Semaj was a stud. I can't imagine the kind of havoc he'd be wreaking with this kind of team around him.

Agreed, I think Semaj would have gelled just fine with this team and had been scary good in the process, but guess what? We'll never know, and for now, I can appreciate Sumner for being an amazing freshman prospect.

[scoscox]

Ed's good and I love him, but I'm not going to sit Semaj behind him on the bench at this point in their careers. He was putting up 17/4/3 as a sophomore. I would've been curious to see how he'd dominate if he was still in college. Him vs. Dunn would've been a show.

[scoscox]

Agreed, I think Semaj would have gelled just fine with this team and had been scary good in the process, but guess what? We'll never know, and for now, I can appreciate Sumner for being an amazing freshman prospect.

True, just thinking about it. Not trying to start a debate.

[xu82]

I'll take Sumner's left hand and jump shot over Semaj's. Even Semaj didn't seem to trust his jumper. Glad we've had the chance to have both and see them play for X. Remember Ed is still young.

[scoscox]

True, Sumner's got him in that department and I think he's a little more explosive too, but Semaj was no slouch. Semaj would've matched up better against Dunn I think maybe solely from a strength point of view. Imagine if he was coming out and Edmond came in to back him up... haha we would be terrifying. That team might win the D-league.

[smileyy]

That team might win the D-league.

Yeah, no. The guys in the D-League are really really good, and most of them can't sniff the end of an NBA bench. The gulf between D-I, the D-League and the NBA are huge.

[xufan2434]

Didn't see this link posted anywhere from Goodman.. But I don't have Insider

Anyone care to summarize?

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/insider/story/_/id/14660049/how-xavier-musketeers-were-built-recruiting

[Xtemporaneous]

Since I can't seem to start a new thread I'll just add this here - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2611286-the-10-must-see-ncaa-basketball-games-in-february?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=college-basketball

BR talking about must see games for Feb. and somehow forgot to add XU v. Nova and instead puts XU v. Prov. ARE YOU FRIGGIN' KIDDING ME?

I accidentially posted this in another thread. Mods please delete the other entry... thanks.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Since I can't seem to start a new thread I'll just add this here - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2611286-the-10-must-see-ncaa-basketball-games-in-february?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=college-basketball

BR talking about must see games for Feb. and somehow forgot to add XU v. Nova and instead puts XU v. Prov. ARE YOU FRIGGIN' KIDDING ME?

I accidentially posted this in another thread. Mods please delete the other entry... thanks.

It's bleacher report. Don't get worked up about it.

[bobbiemcgee]

http://www.unf.edu/~jcoleman/dance.htm

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/insider/story/_/id/14660049/how-xavier-musketeers-were-built-recruiting

https://soundcloud.com/xaviermusketeers/musketeer-minute-1-28-16


http://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2016-01-25/college-basketball-big-east-looks-beast-ncaa-tournament-tell

[D-West & PO-Z]

Didn't see this link posted anywhere from Goodman.. But I don't have Insider

Anyone care to summarize?

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/insider/story/_/id/14660049/how-xavier-musketeers-were-built-recruiting

Great article thanks for posting. I will try and summarize some of it tonight.

[xuwin]

True, Sumner's got him in that department and I think he's a little more explosive too, but Semaj was no slouch. Semaj would've matched up better against Dunn I think maybe solely from a strength point of view. Imagine if he was coming out and Edmond came in to back him up... haha we would be terrifying. That team might win the D-league.

Sumner is already much better than Semaj with the left hand too. Semaj very seldom drove to the left

[D-West & PO-Z]

Didn't see this link posted anywhere from Goodman.. But I don't have Insider

Anyone care to summarize?

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/insider/story/_/id/14660049/how-xavier-musketeers-were-built-recruiting

Here is the intro:


When Xavier coach Chris Mack and his staff set out to put together a six-man recruiting class a few years back, the goal was to basically find someone at every position -- and then grab one more player to help re-stock a roster.

The Musketeers' coach was coming off a 17-14 campaign, his first in four years at the helm in which he didn't go to the NCAA tournament. The program was set to go from the A-10 to the Big East in 2013, and he was well-aware he needed to upgrade the talent.

"It wasn't pressure that I was worried about getting fired," Mack said. "But we knew we needed better players."

So, Mack and his right-hand man, assistant Travis Steele, wound up getting six commitments in a seven-month span from May 12, 2013, to Nov. 3, 2013.

"We sold the Big East," Mack added. "Really hard."

Well, it has worked. Xavier has utilized depth -- a breakout season from a somewhat unheralded point guard and the development of a veteran big man -- to elevate itself to the No. 7 spot in the country.

We take a look back at how Xavier was built:

I bolded a line above.

They then talk about the players on our team and their recruitment. I'll post a blurb or two from each story:


Jalen:
"We felt like we had a secret," Mack said. "But we were scared he'd blow up in July." Mack and his entire staff went out for Reynolds's first AAU game at the Adidas Invitational in Indianapolis. Pittsburgh coach Jamie Dixon and USC coach Kevin O'Neill were also sitting baseline. Reynolds proceeded to do his best Amar'e Stoudemire (in his prime) impersonation with seven powerful dunks. Reynolds committed to Xavier on Aug. 10, 2010.

Farr:
Steele gives the assist on this one to former point guard Dee Davis, whose father gave him a tip about this big kid (Farr) from just outside of Chicago. Farr came from Evanston, Illinois, and his academics were questionable. There were offers from Boise State and Ball State, and Mack offered a scholarship on the same day he found out Farr didn't receive a qualifying test score. Farr committed on April 25, 2011.

Myles:
Received some Big East looks, but picked Xavier on July 19, 2011. The connection here comes from former assistant Rasheen Davis (who is now at VCU). Davis was close with Pittsburgh assistant Brandin Knight, who's related to Myles Davis. But the Panthers never moved on Davis.


Trevon:
Everyone knew about him," Mack said. "It's not like he was a late-bloomer."
"He could really shoot it," Mack added. "But he was a little chunky."
Mack was worried that he wouldn't have much of a shot with big schools like Indiana, Purdue, Michigan State, Butler (with former coach Brad Stevens) and UCLA all in pursuit.
Bluiett even admitted Butler was the leader and would have probably been the destination if Stevens hadn't left for the Boston Celtics. Steele said Xavier just hung in there, and it paid off as Bluiett decommitted from UCLA


Sumner:
Mack loved Sumner's quickness when he first saw him, but Mack wasn't completely sold. Xavier offered a scholarship while Mack kept his eye on Sumner.

"He was terrible," Mack said. "He just didn't do anything."

But then Mack watched him in the spring, and shortly after Sumner and his mother visited the campus, the coach pulled the trigger.

"We thought he was a baby Semaj [Christon]," Steele said. "But we didn't know he'd grow to 6-6."


Remy:
Abell initially signed with Bradley, but wound up at Indiana after former Braves coach Jim Les was fired. Ultimately, it came down to Xavier, St. Louis and Saint Mary's after he decided to leave Bloomington.


JP:
Xavier offered Macura a scholarship in the spring, he visited campus in the fall and chose the Musketeers over Creighton and Minnesota.


London:
Mississippi State and VCU were also in the mix, but Shaka Smart received commitments from a trio of frontcourt guys; that took the Rams out of the equation.

"It was a shorter recruitment," Mack said. "Makinde knew what he wanted. We liked him because he ran the floor and had great touch. He also affected the game [by] blocking shots."


O'mara:
"He was big, mobile, could really pass and could catch it," Mack said. "He was just so big. He played football, was a tough kid and likes contact."

O'Mara was a little off the radar playing for the Benet's summer team, and it ultimately came down to Xavier and Loyola (Illinois) -- even though he had offers from Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, Wichita State and Seton Hall.


LAJ:
He was a late addition after starting point guard Semaj Christon opted to declare for the NBA draft following his sophomore season. Austin had signed with Tennessee but opened up his recruitment after Cuonzo Martin left Knoxville for Cal. It came down to Xavier, Providence and Cal.


Gates:
The 6-foot-8 freshman played in the shadow of Kobi Simmons (committed to Arizona) and Malik Beasley (Florida State) at St. Francis High in Georgia and also on the AAU circuit with the Atlanta Celtics. Mack saw him for the first time at the adidas All-American Camp and was impressed with his versatility at 6-foot-8.


Gaston:
He has only one year left and will provide a tough, rebounding presence. He averaged 15.5 points and 9.6 boards as a junior at Norfolk State.

[muskiefan82]

I always forget X has Gaston next year.

[xu82]

I always forget X has Gaston next year.

Giving the news guys some time to get up to speed. I'm telling ya, this Mack guy may know a thing or two.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I always forget X has Gaston next year.

I did as well.

[LA Muskie]

Not cool to post paid content, guys.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[waggy]

Insider's not paid is it? I thought it was simply a register your email sort of thing, but don't really know.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Not cool to post paid content, guys.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Was not the whole thing and I have seen Mods on here say before it isnt an issue. If it is they can feel free to delete.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Insider's not paid is it? I thought it was simply a register your email sort of thing, but don't really know.

It is paid but people post insider articles on message boards all over the internet, really not a huge deal. Wasnt even the whole thing but looks like it because the article was very long. I've posted parts of other insider articles before and no one has told me not to, but again if mods want me to stop I will.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Quick serious question. If I had an ESPN or SI magazine that I bought and saw an article of note and screen shot it and post it here that is the same thing. Would that be a problem?

What about a dentist office who had an SI subscription and puts it in the waiting room for their customers to read?

[smileyy]

I always forget X has Gaston next year.

Ooh, yeah....that's some extra front-line depth.

[letskeepitreal]

What about that Eddie Ekiyor is something like that who enrolled this month? Anyone seen him at practice. Next year looks to be even more loaded than this year

[LA Muskie]

Quick serious question. If I had an ESPN or SI magazine that I bought and saw an article of note and screen shot it and post it here that is the same thing. Would that be a problem?

What about a dentist office who had an SI subscription and puts it in the waiting room for their customers to read?

I can give you the full copyright law analysis but I don't think anyone really wants that. The short of it, though, is a snippet of an article (i.e. a quote) is probably fine. Anything more than a very small amount is not. A screen shot of most or all of an article is not OK. The magazine on the table in the dentist's office is fine. Unless he's making photo copies.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[maketewahXalum]

What about that Eddie Ekiyor is something like that who enrolled this month? Anyone seen him at practice. Next year looks to be even more loaded than this year

Eh...we will be losing a lot...I think we will be in great shape, but not sure about "more loaded than this year."




Pts/Gm
Reb/Gm
Min/GM


J. Farr
10.8
9.1
21.2


R. Abell
6.4
1.6
25.6


J. Reynolds
9.7
6.7
20.2


TOTAL
26.9
17.4
67.0


% LOST
34%
42%
34%



That is quite a bit of lost production (assuming Jalen does not return for his Senior year). Not only just production, but a lot of quality experience, an intangible that cannot be taught. Gaston put up some pretty solid stats last year (15.5 PPG & 9.6 RPG), but the Big East is not the MEAC. I am hoping he has zero problems right off the bat, but I am thinking he will have some early struggles with his transition, similar to Travis Taylor a few years back. I hope I am wrong.

I am really hoping O'Mara can work his way into the starting lineup next year. He only averages 8.5 min/game, but is more often than not extremely efficient. I also am hoping for London and Kaiser to take big jumps and assume a larger role. The freshman coming in are all rock solid prospects, but they are just prospects at this point. You just never know with freshman. We should be good to great next year, but there are a lot of uncertainties with the current freshmen and incoming recruits.

Does anyone have any insight as to how the redshirt freshman, Eddie Ekiyor, has been performing in practice? His body looks like it is ready for Big East basketball, rather than most freshman bigs who come in needing to add a considerable amount of weight/muscle.

[American X]

Semaj very seldom drove to the left

http://cdn.playbuzz.com/cdn/1b07e8cc-9952-4108-9275-0b21a37b21fe/7c6ce361-c66b-4852-8d39-53087ab4ac64.jpg

[bleedXblue]

Eh...we will be losing a lot...I think we will be in great shape, but not sure about "more loaded than this year."




Pts/Gm
Reb/Gm
Min/GM


J. Farr
10.8
9.1
21.2


R. Abell
6.4
1.6
25.6


J. Reynolds
9.7
6.7
20.2


TOTAL
26.9
17.4
67.0


% LOST
34%
42%
34%



That is quite a bit of lost production (assuming Jalen does not return for his Senior year). Not only just production, but a lot of quality experience, an intangible that cannot be taught. Gaston put up some pretty solid stats last year (15.5 PPG & 9.6 RPG), but the Big East is not the MEAC. I am hoping he has zero problems right off the bat, but I am thinking he will have some early struggles with his transition, similar to Travis Taylor a few years back. I hope I am wrong.

I am really hoping O'Mara can work his way into the starting lineup next year. He only averages 8.5 min/game, but is more often than not extremely efficient. I also am hoping for London and Kaiser to take big jumps and assume a larger role. The freshman coming in are all rock solid prospects, but they are just prospects at this point. You just never know with freshman. We should be good to great next year, but there are a lot of uncertainties with the current freshmen and incoming recruits.

Does anyone have any insight as to how the redshirt freshman, Eddie Ekiyor, has been performing in practice? His body looks like it is ready for Big East basketball, rather than most freshman bigs who come in needing to add a considerable amount of weight/muscle.

We do this every year. We always lose some quality and depth.

Who would have thought losing Stain would have resulted in 18-2?


O'Mara, Ekiyor, Gaston will all step up. Plus London and Gates should be better as well. Not worried at all

[XUGRAD80]

Always have to remember that other teams lose players every year too. Look at how much Villanova and Providence will probably lose in terms of top talent and experience. They will potentially lose more than X, but one knows what freshmen and transfers will add in or how much certain players will improve from one year to the next.

[UCGRAD4X]

yeah, I'm pretty sure we lost as much (more or less) when Dee and Matt graduated.

[Xville]

yeah, I'm pretty sure we lost as much (more or less) when Dee and Matt graduated.

This is just my opinion, but might reflect other people's opinions on here. Admittedly, I wasn't much of a fan of Dee's game but I was of the Big Stain. Dee and Matt both got the job done as much as they could with their ability. I think they really maximized their talent level. So, not talking bad about either of them, but they were what they were. I was not concerned about where our team would go when they graduated, for a couple of different reasons 1.) not to sound harsh but they were replaceable, and 2.) we had more athletic and higher ceiling players waiting in the wings.

Next year I am a little more concerned with our front court with Farr and potentially Reynolds leaving.....to me, there is a bit more unknown next year at least in the frontcourt. Backcourt we should be in good shape though.

[xuwin]

This is just my opinion, but might reflect other people's opinions on here. Admittedly, I wasn't much of a fan of Dee's game but I was of the Big Stain. Dee and Matt both got the job done as much as they could with their ability. I think they really maximized their talent level. So, not talking bad about either of them, but they were what they were. I was not concerned about where our team would go when they graduated, for a couple of different reasons 1.) not to sound harsh but they were replaceable, and 2.) we had more athletic and higher ceiling players waiting in the wings.

Next year I am a little more concerned with our front court with Farr and potentially Reynolds leaving.....to me, there is a bit more unknown next year at least in the frontcourt. Backcourt we should be in good shape though.

Mack has shown an ability to adjust his style of play to the personnel that he has available. Kaiser Gates will make a big jump in production next year and I think O'Mara will too. Farr's board work will be the toughest thing to replace but I think our tall guards will pick up the slack.

[markchal]

This is just my opinion, but might reflect other people's opinions on here. Admittedly, I wasn't much of a fan of Dee's game but I was of the Big Stain. Dee and Matt both got the job done as much as they could with their ability. I think they really maximized their talent level. So, not talking bad about either of them, but they were what they were. I was not concerned about where our team would go when they graduated, for a couple of different reasons 1.) not to sound harsh but they were replaceable, and 2.) we had more athletic and higher ceiling players waiting in the wings.

Next year I am a little more concerned with our front court with Farr and potentially Reynolds leaving.....to me, there is a bit more unknown next year at least in the frontcourt. Backcourt we should be in good shape though.

Totally agree on the front court concerns, but I'm hoping the emergence of Sumner and the continued improvement of Tre and JP will help take the pressure off. I do think we're gonna miss Remy more than people think, his defense is huge.

[scoscox]

This is just my opinion, but might reflect other people's opinions on here. Admittedly, I wasn't much of a fan of Dee's game but I was of the Big Stain. Dee and Matt both got the job done as much as they could with their ability. I think they really maximized their talent level. So, not talking bad about either of them, but they were what they were. I was not concerned about where our team would go when they graduated, for a couple of different reasons 1.) not to sound harsh but they were replaceable, and 2.) we had more athletic and higher ceiling players waiting in the wings.

Next year I am a little more concerned with our front court with Farr and potentially Reynolds leaving.....to me, there is a bit more unknown next year at least in the frontcourt. Backcourt we should be in good shape though.

Agreed on Dee and Stain. Farr and Reynolds leaving is a little concerning, but it's looking like we'll have no shortage of size again next year. O'Mara, London, Gates, Ekiyor, Jones, Gaston. I think we;ll end up being fine in that area as long as those guys commit themselves to being aggressive.

[xufan2434]

Great article thanks for posting. I will try and summarize some of it tonight.

Thank you for summarizing, really appreciate it. This story alone almost made me pull the trigger for the insider deal

[nuts4xu]

http://espn.go.com/blog/giant-killers/insider/post?id=835

Another Insider article, but nice mention for the Muskies. Here is a quote from the article which runs down which highly ranked teams are least likely to be upset.

Xavier Musketeers

"Rebounding might be the biggest key to Xavier’s success this season, and it is certainly the primary reason why the Musketeers are a terrible matchup for an upset-oriented team."

[MauriceX]

http://www.unf.edu/~jcoleman/dance.htm



I do love the Dance Card. I know it is not perfect, but I put a lot more stock in this than I do any of the "expert" bracketologies. And seeing X as a 1 seed has me giddy.

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=14669159

Dino says we are best in BE.

[XUFan09]

http://espn.go.com/blog/giant-killers/insider/post?id=835

Another Insider article, but nice mention for the Muskies. Here is a quote from the article which runs down which highly ranked teams are least likely to be upset.

Xavier Musketeers

"Rebounding might be the biggest key to Xavier’s success this season, and it is certainly the primary reason why the Musketeers are a terrible matchup for an upset-oriented team."
Rebounding rate and turnover margin are actually two of the best predictors of tournament success, because they are more consistent than shooting and other qualities. Another one is FT rate, both offensive and defensive.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://espn.go.com/blog/giant-killers/insider/post/_/id/835/giant-killers-which-giants-are-most-immune-to-upsets

Xavier Musketeers

This might come as a bit of a shock, but a team that regularly plays three 6-foot-10 guys does a pretty good job on the boards. Rebounding might be the biggest key to Xavier’s success this season, and it is certainly the primary reason why the Musketeers are a terrible matchup for an upset-oriented team. James Farr (6-foot-10, 247 pounds) ranks seventh in the country with a 17.5 percent offensive rebound rate and 15th at 28.6 percent on the defensive end. Oh, and he does that off the bench. Jalen Reynolds (6-foot-10, 232 pounds) checks in with respective marks of 12.2 and 23.5 percent, and overall, Xavier ranks 24th in offensive rebounding (37.1 percent) and 18th on the defensive boards (24.8 percent). To put it another way, you’d better make a seriously high percentage of your shots against Xavier, because once the ball hits the rim, you aren’t getting it back. Don’t believe us? Just ask Dayton, which slayed three Giants in the previous two NCAA tournaments. The Flyers met Xavier in Orlando two months ago and lost by 29 points, mustering just four of 31 potential offensive rebounds (12.9 percent). Ouch.


http://espn.go.com/blog/giant-killers/insider/post?id=835

Another Insider article, but nice mention for the Muskies. Here is a quote from the article which runs down which highly ranked teams are least likely to be upset.

Xavier Musketeers

"Rebounding might be the biggest key to Xavier’s success this season, and it is certainly the primary reason why the Musketeers are a terrible matchup for an upset-oriented team."

Yeah I posted this a couple days ago, and pasted the whole Xavier part (just a fraction of the article). Love seeing XU in that article as being immune to giant killers. Obviously anything can happen but nice to see we have a lot of the areas covered that prevent the big upset.

[X-band '01]

In Xavier's last 12 NCAA Tournament games as the higher seed, the only loss was against Marquette in 2011. As the lower (or equal in the case of the 2014 play-in) seed, Xavier is 4-9 (going back to 2004).

[GIMMFD]

In Xavier's last 12 NCAA Tournament games as the higher seed, the only loss was against Marquette in 2011. As the lower (or equal in the case of the 2014 play-in) seed, Xavier is 4-9 (going back to 2004).

Hmm, that's an interesting statistic. Hopefully if we stay in the 1-2 range, it continues to trend that way.

[toledodan]

Hmm, that's an interesting statistic. Hopefully if we stay in the 1-2 range, it continues to trend that way.

a 2 seed could have us playing in St. Louis. i could live with that

[UCGRAD4X]

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=14669159

Dino says we are best in BE.

Always liked Dino. Hope he likes what he is doing and there is opportunity for him to get back into the game, if he so chooses. Stand-up individual. Nice to see him throwing some good words our way. Shows how smart he is too.

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=14719943

Xavier first to 20 wins

[Cheesehead]

Always liked Dino. Hope he likes what he is doing and there is opportunity for him to get back into the game, if he so chooses. Stand-up individual. Nice to see him throwing some good words our way. Shows how smart he is too.

yeah, pretty good guy. I remember him on campus. Personable and upbeat.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Nice article from 2/8 that appeared in the Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/no-5-xavier-having-best-season-with-lot-of-room-yet-to-grow/2016/02/08/47acef98-ceb4-11e5-90d3-34c2c42653ac_story.html

[LadyMuskie]

The NCAA (http://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2016-02-09/college-basketball-5-toughest-active-places-win-college?cid=ncaammsocial_fb_sf20646652) named Xavier/Cintas one of the 5 toughest places to play in college basketball. We're grouped with Wisconsin, UK, Kansas and Gonzaga.

[LA Muskie]

The NCAA (http://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2016-02-09/college-basketball-5-toughest-active-places-win-college?cid=ncaammsocial_fb_sf20646652) named Xavier/Cintas one of the 5 toughest places to play in college basketball. We're grouped with Wisconsin, UK, Kansas and Gonzaga.
I'm so torn... I want to be on the list. But Gonzaga sucks. So if they are on the list, the list sucks. Right? (Italics is sarcasm font, right?)

[LadyMuskie]

I'm so torn... I want to be on the list. But Gonzaga sucks. So if they are on the list, the list sucks. Right? (Italics is sarcasm font, right?)

Well, no A10 teams are listed, so that's got to be a plus.

[Xtemporaneous]

A good piece on Trey on CBS - http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25480629/marine-made-trevon-bluiett-has-the-training-and-skill-to-command-a-xavier-run

And here's the kicker... "There was one other vital aspect to Bluiett landing at Xavier: The Big East. Had Xavier remained in the Atlantic 10, Reynardo said his son would have gone elsewhere. The conference realignment that put this program into the Big East was a clinching part.

[Xtemporaneous]

And while you're in the reading mood, here's one on Ed from SI. http://www.campusrush.com/edmond-sumner-fall-xavier-musketeers-basketball-chris-mack-1597848788.html

Thursdays must be the day to pump out human interest stories.

[Masterofreality]

A good piece on Trey on CBS - http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25480629/marine-made-trevon-bluiett-has-the-training-and-skill-to-command-a-xavier-run

And here's the kicker... "There was one other vital aspect to Bluiett landing at Xavier: The Big East. Had Xavier remained in the Atlantic 10, Reynardo said his son would have gone elsewhere. The conference realignment that put this program into the Big East was a clinching part.

What? Tre wouldn't have won the A10?

[X-band '01]

What? Tre wouldn't have won the A10?

There's also a good chance D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera would have stuck with Xavier had they been in the Big East back in 2012. Better late than never!

[RealDeal]

And while you're in the reading mood, here's one on Ed from SI. http://www.campusrush.com/edmond-sumner-fall-xavier-musketeers-basketball-chris-mack-1597848788.html

Thursdays must be the day to pump out human interest stories.

Thanks, great read on Ed. And F Villanova.

[XMuskieFTW]

Really good articles. Puts it into perspective how lucky we are to have had such a quick recovery with Sumner.

[UCGRAD4X]

Really good articles. Puts it into perspective how lucky we are to have had such a quick recovery with Sumner.

Yes. The way he described it, which fits with my recollection, for the most part, and then 'he only missed three games' gave me the same thought.

[sweet16]

And while you're in the reading mood, here's one on Ed from SI. http://www.campusrush.com/edmond-sumner-fall-xavier-musketeers-basketball-chris-mack-1597848788.html

Thursdays must be the day to pump out human interest stories.

Great article and yet another reference to jumping off of one foot or two by the Xavier coaching staff. That's twice in the last three weeks. Must be really embarrassing for those on here who continually made fun of another poster when in fact the joke was actually on them.

[Musketeer15]

http://www.sportingnews.com/list/4694352-when-does-ncaa-tournament-start-teams-bubble-watch-seeds-selection-sunday

Notice the confidence level, X tied for the highest at 6/10

[Tardy Turtle]

BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH

http://www.quickmeme.com/img/d2/d2117295eff3a60556a1f4a5647fe64f997b85707cf4de9d7d b18bcfe472ef5c.jpg

[sweet16]

http://www.quickmeme.com/img/d2/d2117295eff3a60556a1f4a5647fe64f997b85707cf4de9d7d b18bcfe472ef5c.jpg

Well I guess you must be in the "I don't understand the concept and therefore find it funny" camp. Take a look at the following.......a bit elementary but probably a good place for you to start.

http://www.balldontstop.com/what-type-of-jumper-are-you/

[GoMuskies]

http://www.quickmeme.com/img/d2/d2117295eff3a60556a1f4a5647fe64f997b85707cf4de9d7d b18bcfe472ef5c.jpg

What's funny is that literally no one (other than this asshole) remembered the genesis of the joke before this asshole started talking about it again so defensively.

[X-band '01]

What's funny is that literally no one (other than this asshole) remembered the genesis of the joke before this asshole started talking about it again so defensively.

Nobody besides Chico, anyway. (http://www.xavierhoops.com/showthread.php?30689-Program-Turning-Points&p=535253#post535253)

It's only a matter of time before Sweet16 bitches and moans that Xavier didn't make the Final 4 or win the national title because of his inability to jump off of one foot.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Revised college hoops predictions from preseason.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14747017/revisiting-some-cases-revising-our-preseason-college-hoops-predictions

5 people picked Mack for coach of the year.
3 people picked XU to Final 4.

[GoMuskies]

Nobody besides Chico, anyway. (http://www.xavierhoops.com/showthread.php?30689-Program-Turning-Points&p=535253#post535253)

It's only a matter of time before Sweet16 bitches and moans that Xavier didn't make the Final 4 or win the national title because of his inability to jump off of one foot.

No, that's the point. Until sweetcheeks made the post chico was responding to there, no one remembered who made the statement that started the joke. No one was making fun of sweety when they kidded about jumping off one foot. Now everyone will be thinking of him when making those references. Just kinda funny.

[Masterofreality]

"Jumping off one foot"..."Passed as a Program"... and "Were You there, Did You Hear" are message board statements that will live forever.

Any other legends I'm forgetting?

[THRILLHOUSE]

"Jumping off one foot"..."Passed as a Program"... and "Were You there, Did You Hear" are message board statements that will live forever.

Any other legends I'm forgetting?

"Xavier should go independent"

[UCGRAD4X]

"Jumping off one foot"..."Passed as a Program"... and "Were You there, Did You Hear" are message board statements that will live forever.

Any other legends I'm forgetting?

Snuggies will make all the difference at Duquesne.

[GoMuskies]

"Are you telling me Presbyterian wouldn't win the A-10?"

[sweet16]

"I'm the best golfer on this board", "there was no cash settlement in the Dez Wells case", "Mack makes $2million plus a year", "Semaj is announcing today that he will return", "Lyons left because he wanted to play point, end of story", "I contribute more to X than any other poster", "X will play Colorado starting next year"........

[THRILLHOUSE]

"Jumping off one foot"..."Passed as a Program"... and "Were You there, Did You Hear" are message board statements that will live forever.

Any other legends I'm forgetting?

Xavier Final Five t-shirts

and pretty much any thread about Johnny Wolf.

[X-band '01]

Michigan Muskie's XavierHoops Bracket of the Top 64 posters.

[GoMuskies]

Chris Mack was a d-bag. New, but I think it has staying power.

[waggy]

Bob Huggins has no integrity.

[Masterofreality]

Oh yeah...

"Sweet 16 is a doosh"

[paulxu]

"YTG" has some staying power.

[Muncie]

Revised college hoops predictions from preseason.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14747017/revisiting-some-cases-revising-our-preseason-college-hoops-predictions

5 people picked Mack for coach of the year.
3 people picked XU to Final 4.
What do all these guys see in Maryland ? Geesch

[Blue Blobs Bro]

What do all these guys see in Maryland ? Geesch

I thought they looked pretty damn good when I watched them against Iowa.

[LA Muskie]

What do all these guys see in Maryland ? Geesch
I still think they have a hole at the top of their resume (of course, so do we). But they are 4-2 on the road in the BiG (with their road losses coming @ MSU and @ Mich). They've won @ Wisconsin, @ Ohio State, @ Nebraska and @ Northwestern. Now those aren't t exactly barnstorming wins, but they are road conference wins against KenPom 100 teams nevertheless (and road-adjusted, KenPom considers all of them them Top 50 wins). They have 2 big tests to close out their season -- @ Purdue and @ Indiana. We should know a lot more about them after those games.

[chico]

Did Mack bring back pre-game mass?

[XU 87]

"I'm the best golfer on this board", "there was no cash settlement in the Dez Wells case", "Mack makes $2million plus a year", "Sumner is announcing today that he will return", "Lyons left because he wanted to play point, end of story", "I contribute more to X than any other poster", "X will play Colorado starting next year"........

"I'm a 60 year old immature man who gets made fun of by everyone on a message board because I'm such an a-hole. That's why I lead the board by a large margin with all those red dots under my name."

[X-band '01]

Did Mack bring back pre-game mass?

The man will not let me rep Chico privately, so public reps are in order.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Michigan Muskie's XavierHoops Bracket of the Top 64 posters.

I must have been on a break from the board, I dont really recall this.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Is that related to the XH Bracket Xcitement link at the top?

[X-band '01]

Is that related to the XH Bracket Xcitement link at the top?

It is indeed:

This started in 2011 (http://www.xavierhoops.com/showthread.php?17775-XH-Madness-2011-Selection-Sunday-(4-30-PM-EST)&highlight=breasticles)

[chico]

"I'm a 60 year old immature man who gets made fun of by everyone on a message board because I'm such an a-hole. That's why I lead the board by a large margin with all those red dots under my name."

He's really unique. Typically a troll on here is someone who comes from another program and tries to stir up things with us because he hates our program. I've never seen someone who is actually a fan of a team troll that team's message board. It's truly amazing.

[nasdadjr]

I do find it kinda funny how last year I said on these boards how Blueitt looked like he had a bunch of baby fat on him and I was ridiculed on here. Of course an article comes out this week that confirmed it from the player himself. Guess I wasn't so crazy after all

[LA Muskie]

I still think they have a hole at the top of their resume (of course, so do we). But they are 4-2 on the road in the BiG (with their road losses coming @ MSU and @ Mich). They've won @ Wisconsin, @ Ohio State, @ Nebraska and @ Northwestern. Now those aren't t exactly barnstorming wins, but they are road conference wins against KenPom 100 teams nevertheless (and road-adjusted, KenPom considers all of them them Top 50 wins). They have 2 big tests to close out their season -- @ Purdue and @ Indiana. We should know a lot more about them after those games.

Well I guess they answered the question earlier than anticipated. Then again, we dropped a home game to GTown...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Masterofreality]

I do find it kinda funny how last year I said on these boards how Blueitt looked like he had a bunch of baby fat on him and I was ridiculed on here. Of course an article comes out this week that confirmed it from the player himself. Guess I wasn't so crazy after all

Oh, don't worry. We've all been ridiculed here at times...but never because of anything we've said here that was wrong! :laugh:

[sweet16]

"I'm a 60 year old immature man who gets made fun of by everyone on a message board because I'm such an a-hole. That's why I lead the board by a large margin with all those red dots under my name."

You bring up those dots quite often......they must carry quite a bit of significance for you. I'm curious, do you go on messageboards anonymously and place value on some arbitrary metric assigned by a complete stranger? Do you find a need to come on this board seeking inclusion and/or validation? Do you come here looking for friends? Are you enabled in some way by what perfect strangers think of your opinions? Why are those dots so important to you?

[XU 87]

You bring up those dots quite often......they must carry quite a bit of significance for you. I'm curious, do you go on messageboards anonymously and place value on some arbitrary metric assigned by a complete stranger? Do you find a need to come on this board seeking inclusion and/or validation? Do you come here looking for friends? Are you enabled in some way by what perfect strangers think of your opinions? Why are those dots so important to you?

Everybody on this board thinks you're an asshole. The Xavier message board is not the place for you to deal with your deep rooted insecurities.

[Xavier]

I visit a few message boards and I have to say Sweet16 is one of the most sensitive posters I see. Easy to rattle him.

[chico]

You bring up those dots quite often......they must carry quite a bit of significance for you. I'm curious, do you go on messageboards anonymously and place value on some arbitrary metric assigned by a complete stranger? Do you find a need to come on this board seeking inclusion and/or validation? Do you come here looking for friends? Are you enabled in some way by what perfect strangers think of your opinions? Why are those dots so important to you?

I had this nice long response, but then I realized you're not worth the time. If it was up to me you'd have been shown the door a long time ago. You bring absolutely nothing to this board except ill-will. Time to put you on ignore.

[Muskie]

I had this nice long response, but then I realized you're not worth the time. If it was up to me you'd have been shown the door a long time ago. You bring absolutely nothing to this board except ill-will. Time to put you on ignore.

There's no need.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/insider/story/_/id/14783027/reason-not-the-top-25-teams-country

Reasons to trust and not trust every top 25 team for the tourney. Here is the little snipet about X:

Xavier Musketeers
Why we like them: Chris Mack's team has no shortage of pieces, and it includes a talented, young point guard in Edmund Sumner. There's also a couple of big men with James Farr and Jalen Reynolds, and shooters (Myles Davis and Trevon Bluett).

Potential fatal flaw: Perimeter defense. The Musketeers aren't overly athletic -- especially on the perimeter.

Confidence Meter: 8

[Xville]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/insider/story/_/id/14783027/reason-not-the-top-25-teams-country

Reasons to trust and not trust every top 25 team for the tourney. Here is the little snipet about X:

Xavier Musketeers
Why we like them: Chris Mack's team has no shortage of pieces, and it includes a talented, young point guard in Edmund Sumner. There's also a couple of big men with James Farr and Jalen Reynolds, and shooters (Myles Davis and Trevon Bluett).

Potential fatal flaw: Perimeter defense. The Musketeers aren't overly athletic -- especially on the perimeter.

Confidence Meter: 8

Ha. The writer must read a lot of this messageboard..basically what most of us have been saying all year long especially about the one potential flaw.

[X-band '01]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/insider/story/_/id/14783027/reason-not-the-top-25-teams-country

Potential fatal flaw: Perimeter defense. The Musketeers aren't overly athletic -- especially on the perimeter.

Confidence Meter: 8


Ha. The writer must read a lot of this messageboard..basically what most of us have been saying all year long especially about the one potential flaw.

See Villanova, Georgetown and Creighton for examples.

Just an FYI - this is part of an Insider article on the Mothership's webpage. You would need a membership to look at how Goodman breaks down the other Top 25 teams this week.

[D-West & PO-Z]

"In this unpredictable season, why not the Big East?"

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2016/02/21/big-east-college-basketball-ncaa-tournament-villanova-xavier-national-title/80674898/

[XUFan09]

"In this unpredictable season, why not the Big East?"

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2016/02/21/big-east-college-basketball-ncaa-tournament-villanova-xavier-national-title/80674898/
That quote is a bit backhanded.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[D-West & PO-Z]

That quote is a bit backhanded.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Yeah it is to some extent. The article itself wasnt though I didnt think.

[JTG]

As a longtime fan it kind of gives me chills....please don't blow this, at least not the first weekend. .

[nuts4xu]

Weekday predictions: Xavier knocks off No. 1 Villanova

C.L. Brown
ESPN Staff Writer

No. 1 Villanova at No. 8 Xavier (Cincinnati), 7 p.m., FS1, Wednesday: The Wildcats' 95-64 win against Xavier on Dec. 31 was the insult. Edmund Sumner's hard fall two minutes into the game was the injury. There is no such a thing as a 32-point play, but payback will indeed be a Musketeer.

Prediction: Xavier 80, Villanova 74.

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/111627/weekday-predictions-xavier-knocks-off-no-1-villanova

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/111678/111678

[skyking]

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/xavier-makes-case-as-true-contender-in-toppling-no--1-villanova-045046785-ncaab.html
Xavier could make first Final Four in school history

[xukeith]

Philly perspective:

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/colleges/villanova/20160225_No__1_Villanova_knocked_off_by_Xavier.htm l

[zanesxu]

Philly perspective:

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/colleges/villanova/20160225_No__1_Villanova_knocked_off_by_Xavier.htm l

Lot more self loathing in the comments than I'd expect from fans of a program like Nova...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[THRILLHOUSE]

FoxSports.com write up - http://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/story/no-5-xavier-beats-no-1-villanova-proves-new-big-east-alive-and-well-no-longer-afterthought-022416

[xukeith]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2618187-biggest-x-factor-for-each-ap-top-25-team-in-college-basketball/page/22

Including last night's win, here is a series of profiles of 27 teams and there strengths/weaknesses.

[xukeith]

Just heard on Cincinnati radio that bracketologist Lunardi moved X to #2 overall seed behind Kansas.

I am excited BUT I thought the Selection Committee doesn't put the whole season on 1 game.

We wont know for 2 weeks. X must beat SH at SH to be top #1 seed.

[GoMuskies]

Lot more self loathing in the comments than I'd expect from fans of a program like Nova...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


I don't think those were Nova fans.

[xuwin]

I don't think those were Nova fans.

They were definitely not Big East fans of any kind.

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/insider/story/_/id/14836350/iowa-hawkeyes-exceed-expectations-georgetown-hoyas-disappoint

Chris Mack, Xavier Musketeers

The Musketeers were considered a fringe tournament team entering the season. No one knew what Mack had with redshirt freshman Edmond Sumner. No one knew James Farr would make this type of jump. Xavier was 24-3 entering Wednesday night's game with Villanova.

[XUMIOH12]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/insider/story/_/id/14836350/iowa-hawkeyes-exceed-expectations-georgetown-hoyas-disappoint

Chris Mack, Xavier Musketeers

The Musketeers were considered a fringe tournament team entering the season. No one knew what Mack had with redshirt freshman Edmond Sumner. No one knew James Farr would make this type of jump. Xavier was 24-3 entering Wednesday night's game with Villanova.

typical under rating Xavier pre season by saying they are a fringe tournament team, and look where we are now. I figured we would be a borderline top 25 team most of the year and make the tourney easily, but i'm not sure anyone expected what we have gotten so far.

[PM Thor]

They were definitely not Big East fans of any kind.

One guy actually said that Xaviers OOC schedule was weak, actually abysmal...I immediately stopped reading after that. You can't get more incorrect than that.

[Roach]

Pat Forde wrote a great article this morning. Check it out.

Xavier makes case as true contender in toppling No.1 Villanova (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/xavier-makes-case-as-true-contender-in-toppling-no--1-villanova-045046785-ncaab.html)