Can we start talking about Xavier as a title contender?

[FIGHTING MUSKETEER]

I am loving IT. No more under the radar folks.


http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2015/12/12/after-beating-cincy-can-we-start-talking-about-no-12-xavier-as-a-title-contender/

[Xville]

Final four contender? Sure. Title? I dunno...we haven't and probably won't play anyone this season that is a top 5 team until the tournament, so I think that's hard to judge. Eye test I think we are a final four contender but honestly don't even know about that yet...we have played a few tourney teams and beaten them really well. However there is no way to know how we stack up against the Michigan state, kentucky, Kansas etc. Those are the final four favorites.

[xu82]

"Contender"? Sure, because there's a whole lot of wiggle room there, but maybe just for Jalen's promised Final Four. . "Favorite" is far off in the distance.

[XMuskieFTW]

Yes we are. I think we are one of about 10-15 teams that have a realistic shot at a title. It's so hard to judge since we haven't had to come back in a game or play a top ten team, but I don't doubt our chances. The next 4 games will give us a good idea if we are just a final four contender or a nat champ contender.

[Backyard Champ]

I'll admit, I'm more of a cautious fan. I know our team is very good. Best Xavier team ever? Not sold. Before the UC game I thought if Cincinnati wasn't the name on the jersey, we would win by double digits, and we did. Maybe college basketball isn't great this year, but I'm not sold on our opponents.

Then again college basketball is bad, so maybe our opponents aren't as bad as I think. But, based on our results I won't argue our current ranking. But again, could be because I'm overly cautious, but I don't see how we can play any Better than we are currently. Maybe that's enough to get to the final four though. Thing is.. We really haven't been challenged. I'd like to see how we play when we are out of our confort zone.

[xubrew]

I think so!

[Emp]

If we just play this way, we're clearly final four material. Title is crazy. Luck is important for a team like this, were great, but we're not going to get ahead of ourselves.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

So far, I do not see one favorite team to win the title this year. So, why not Xavier?

[Juice]

So far, I do not see one favorite team to win the title this year. So, why not Xavier?

Exactly. It's not like last year when UK, Wisconsin, and Duke were heads and shoulders above everyone else. This year is way more wide open. Can X make a final 4? Absolutely. Time will tell if they will.

[XUFan09]

Final four contender? Sure. Title? I dunno...we haven't and probably won't play anyone this season that is a top 5 team until the tournament, so I think that's hard to judge. Eye test I think we are a final four contender but honestly don't even know about that yet...we have played a few tourney teams and beaten them really well. However there is no way to know how we stack up against the Michigan state, kentucky, Kansas etc. Those are the final four favorites.
There's also no way to know how they stack up against us. This year is wide open. Xavier is one of the really good teams, and there are no great teams.

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[PM Thor]

If you look at two starters, Jalen and Bluett...they combined for 11 points in 53 minutes of play...and we still won by 10 vs a top 25 team (and yeah, UC is good), this team is a true contender for the National Title.

Now with that being said, I seriously doubt we win the Big East, which isn't a bad thing really. There is some serious competition in this league, and we will be tested, and tested, and tested again. So the tourney won't be a surprise. I'm all in this year.

[Xville]

It is wide open this year compared to last year. A big part of that is that this class of freshman just isn't very good and everyone knew that.

Anyways all I'm saying is we are really good, I just don't know how good....

[GIMMFD]

I think it depends on what seed we get in the tournament, and it's a favorable draw, but honestly yes, I think we could be a title contender. I definitely didn't expect it at the beginning of the season, but we are damn good this year when we fire on all cylinders. We haven't had to rely on one guy to take over the game, we have a team of strong players that any single one can catch fire and go off, and I think that's whats going to get us to the next level. Let's just hope Jalen keeps true on his promise.

[xu82]

I say it when we struggle, and I'll say it now.... A season is a lifetime. Looks great so far, but don't panic when we hit some bumpy parts of the road. Right now, they look terrific.

[XU-PA]

I think we will see an incredible amount of change as this team progresses through the BE schedule.
Most of the pre game talk in every game is how deep XU is, that we go 8 or 9 deep long before mop up time. I think it could very well be a 10 player team, with our "second" 5 being strong enough to start for 90% of the teams in D-1. Mack has done some great work with these men so far, the next 4 months have the potential to be the best ever!

[Muskied]

We haven't even lost yet…..let that sink in. hell yes we are a contender.

[Michigan Muskie]

Of course Xavier is a contender. It's kind of a stupid question actually. Acknowledging X is contending for the title isn't the same as predicting a national championship. Anyone who doesn't think they are a contender at this point is either lying or not paying attention.

[Xville]

One thing I want to say is I'm sorry to Chris mack. Before this season, I questioned his coaching ability to get us to the next step in the tourney...I no longer question that ability. He's gonna get us there sooner or later, and it looks like it is gonna be sooner.

[xu82]

One thing I want to say is I'm sorry to Chris mack. Before this season, I questioned his coaching ability to get us to the next step in the tourney...I no longer question that ability. He's gonna get us there sooner or later, and it looks like it is gonna be sooner.

Run up to Dana's and tell him in person. :-)

[PM Thor]

I say it when we struggle, and I'll say it now.... A season is a lifetime. Looks great so far, but don't panic when we hit some bumpy parts of the road. Right now, they look terrific.

No, it's not. We are 10 games in, which is a third of the year. There aren't any growing pains anymore. There aren't guys trying to figure out their roles.

When talking heads say "We are only in December", that's BS. Programs know what they have. Teams and players know their roles. We are full on into the season.

[bobbiemcgee]

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25411587/xavier-beats-cincinnati-improves-to-10-0-with-nine-double-digit-victories

[xu82]

No, it's not. We are 10 games in, which is a third of the year. There aren't any growing pains anymore. There aren't guys trying to figure out their roles.

When talking heads say "We are only in December", that's BS. Programs know what they have. Teams and players know their roles. We are full on into the season.

So, we're Champs! Cool! If you think we're going to run the table... well, I'll give you enough credit to know we won't. There will be a day when it all goes south for some reason. Then you get into tourney time and everything changes. One bad day and you go home. I believe we are working towards a very high seed, but there's a lot of ball to be played. I LOVE the way this team is put together, but I'll wait and see what happens when some adversity (or.... yikes...injury?) arises. We have not even begun BE play. Runs can be good or bad. I think we're too talented for a long bad spell. I think we'll do great, but how far do we get??? Don't know.

[LadyMuskie]

I really don't know how to feel about all of this praise. I've been a Xavier fan since birth, and in my 36 years on this planet, we've ALWAYS been the underdogs. Even when we shouldn't have been the underdogs, we were the underdogs. The only time we usually get noticed is in March when the rest of the world comes round to what we all knew months before.

It's not that I like sneaking up on people, but it just feels odd.

I believe. I mean, this team is special. And yes, I think Final Four special. They play together. They play smart. There seem to be no mental issues at all in any facet of the game. They're cool, calm and collected and having fun all at the same time. It's beautiful to watch. But nevertheless, people jumping on our bandwagon in December just feels bizarre. Like someone is going to jump out soon and say "Ha ha. It was just a dream, silly goose."

[Caveat]

This is a very good team. They do so many different things well, they play unselfishly, and they don't have a glaring weakness.

That much being said, winning a national title usually means you've gotta win 1 or 2 against some of the real blue bloods of college basketball, and I'm not ready to make any declarations about that yet.

[XU 87]

Yes.

[D-West & PO-Z]

So far, I do not see one favorite team to win the title this year. So, why not Xavier?


Exactly. It's not like last year when UK, Wisconsin, and Duke were heads and shoulders above everyone else. This year is way more wide open. Can X make a final 4? Absolutely. Time will tell if they will.

My thoughts too.

If we are final 4 contenders also, then why not title contenders? Once you get there anything can happen, only need 1 win there to get the chance to get it.

[Perma Fro]

Grain of salt and all that but The Evil Empire's (ESPN) Andy Katz just selected Xavier as one of his Final Four teams. Resume your regularly scheduled life.

[toledodan]

Grain of salt and all that but The Evil Empire's (ESPN) Andy Katz just selected Xavier as one of his Final Four teams. Resume your regularly scheduled life.

also said we might be the best team in the country. had to replay to hear it again. been a fan for a long time and never thought i would hear that on espn or anywhere else. gonna enjoy the positive comments while we can get them!

[nasdadjr]

The great things I see are this...
1. Trevon played horrible and we still were a dominate team. It's a great thing knowing our best player can be off against a legitimate top 25 team ( UC is one even though they will fall out this week... They will be back in soon) and we can still play like that.

2. Horrible second half but when needed our guys will step up and play defense to win a game which is beyond awesome for such an offensively gifted team.

3. Outside of butler this will be the best defense we see this year. With that said sumner handled the pressure better than I thought he would. He still has much to learn but I am half surprised sumner was not a turnover machine in this one like I thought may happen.

4. When uc made their run the guys didn't panic they just played ball and reasserted themselves as the better team.

So with these things being true right now I think we definitely are title contenders. First thing is first though and that is how about we finally beat Villanova for once

[wkrq59]

To the original question NO, not yet

[X-Fan]

The great things I see are this...
1. Trevon played horrible and we still were a dominate team. It's a great thing knowing our best player can be off against a legitimate top 25 team ( UC is one even though they will fall out this week... They will be back in soon) and we can still play like that.

2. Horrible second half but when needed our guys will step up and play defense to win a game which is beyond awesome for such an offensively gifted team.

3. Outside of butler this will be the best defense we see this year. With that said sumner handled the pressure better than I thought he would. He still has much to learn but I am half surprised sumner was not a turnover machine in this one like I thought may happen.

4. When uc made their run the guys didn't panic they just played ball and reasserted themselves as the better team.

So with these things being true right now I think we definitely are title contenders. First thing is first though and that is how about we finally beat Villanova for once
It will be interesting to see as the season develops more, but right now Butter is givinging up a ton of points on average. And yes, can we please finally beat Nova!!!!

[XUFan09]

It will be interesting to see as the season develops more, but right now Butter is givinging up a ton of points on average. And yes, can we please finally beat Nova!!!!
Yeah, Butler is not strong defensively this year. Villanova will be the best defensive opponent this year.

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[XfansinKy]

I don't know. After the first game, I pointed out how many really good players we had n how good this team would be and I basically was told to chill. Hmm...

[Michigan Muskie]

To the people saying no: Why? If not, then who is? And why? What am I missing here? The team is 10-0 and nine of the wins are double digits. We're not talking about 10 wins against NJIT and South-North Wyoming Tech either.

Again, the question isn't asking if you are predicting X to win the national championship. The question is only if they, right now, are a legitimate contender. I don't know how anyone who follows college basketball can answer no to this, especially a Xavier fan who ostensibly watches the team play.

I get the feeling those who are saying NO are of the same mentality of those who urge other message board members to "not look ahead" and "take it one game at a time." As if the attitude/comments of Internet chatter has even a smidge of impact on the outcome of anything that happens on the court.

Here is my Christmas present to my fellow X fans -- you are permitted to enjoy this. Embrace the fact that you are cheering on one of this year's elite basketball teams and don't be afraid to admit you truly believe they can make a run at this thing. If things change (injuries or whatever) then they change. But as of today, December 13, 2015, the Xavier Musketeers are unquestionably contenders for the title. And that decks my halls and jingles my bells. Fa la la la freakin la, baby!

[UCGRAD4X]

Apparently, we can.

And we are.

So....yes!

[XUFan09]

To the people saying no: Why? If not, then who is? And why? What am I missing here? The team is 10-0 and nine of the wins are double digits. We're not talking about 10 wins against NJIT and South-North Wyoming Tech either.

Again, the question isn't asking if you are predicting X to win the national championship. The question is only if they, right now, are a legitimate contender. I don't know how anyone who follows college basketball can answer no to this, especially a Xavier fan who ostensibly watches the team play.

I get the feeling those who are saying NO are of the same mentality of those who urge other message board members to "not look ahead" and "take it one game at a time." As if the attitude/comments of Internet chatter has even a smidge of impact on the outcome of anything that happens on the court.

Here is my Christmas present to my fellow X fans -- you are permitted to enjoy this. Embrace the fact that you are cheering on one of this year's elite basketball teams and don't be afraid to admit you truly believe they can make a run at this thing. If things change (injuries or whatever) then they change. But as of today, December 13, 2015, the Xavier Musketeers are unquestionably contenders for the title. And that decks my halls and jingles my bells. Fa la la la freakin la, baby!
There are no elite teams this year, but that's what makes this such a good opportunity for X. Agreed with everything else. This is most definitely a title contender. Early on, there was the potential that a good team just had a really good ten-day period. Now, that question is laid to rest.

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[XUGRAD80]

In the immortal words of Sheriff Buford T Justice....."you can think about it, buuuuut don't do it".

Truthfully, X winning the NC has never ever been anymore than a pipe dream to me....kind of like wondering what I would do if I ever won a Power Ball. But getting to the F-4? I think about it every year. I've talked it over with my wife and when it happens, I WILL be there. Some people have bucket lists that have world trips, or sky diving, or some such thing in them. Mine has two....X goes to the final four and I am there, is first. Second is the Bengals make it to a super bowl and WIN.

Could both happen in 2016? Or is that too much to even dream about?

[Michigan Muskie]

There are no elite teams this year ...

I use "elite" in relative terms. This year's "elite" teams may not be as good as last year's, but they are still elite when compared to the rest of the field.

[xuwin]

So, we're Champs! Cool! If you think we're going to run the table... well, I'll give you enough credit to know we won't. There will be a day when it all goes south for some reason. Then you get into tourney time and everything changes. One bad day and you go home. I believe we are working towards a very high seed, but there's a lot of ball to be played. I LOVE the way this team is put together, but I'll wait and see what happens when some adversity (or.... yikes...injury?) arises. We have not even begun BE play. Runs can be good or bad. I think we're too talented for a long bad spell. I think we'll do great, but how far do we get??? Don't know.

Unlike teams of the past it would take more than one injury to devastate this team. There is quality depth at every position. Xavier can go big, they can go small or any combination in between. The biggest problem so far is not being able to give all of the talent enough playing time to develop to their fullest.

[jhelmes37]

By the third game it was obvious to me this was the best X team ever assembled.

I've been watching 25 years, which isn't a lot by the standards of some of the dinosaurs around here, but still is a pretty long time.

I got lots of shit for saying this team was the best X team ever. Lots of "08 was better" talk.

Nah. This team would light them up. Too much firepower and size. Just too much. So many weapons it makes your head spin.

If we didn't have Xavier on our jersey - if we were a real blue blood at 10-0 with our resume (already), there would be NO DOUBT we would be ranked in the top 3. EVERYONE would be calling us a title contender.

And we are saying "no" to this thread?

YES, 100%, ABSOLUTLEY, BEYOND A SHADOW OF A DOUBT WE ARE A TITLE CONTENDER.

As Mich Muskie said - enjoy, everyone. It may be a once in a lifetime chance.

[bleedXblue]

Yes we are.

But really no point in talking about it now.

We have a long way to go and so much depends on tourney seeding and matchups. Lots of "title contenders" don't even make it to the second weekend.

[Section 200]

Yes, because we have 2 legit Big Men and 1 serviceable Big Man. Reynolds, Farr,O'Mara. Add a 6'6 point guard, Davis and Blueitt and we are a complete team. We lost to Duke in 04 E8 when Myles got the 2 quick fouls mid 2nd half and did not have the depth to hold on. We also went 3/15 from 3. This team has the 3 Big Men plus 3 point threats and multiple guards to handle a press. Mack built a complete team!

[blobfan]

Every time I see a thread like this I get nervous and start waiting for injury reports. I guess I'm in the 'maybe but it's too soon to be sure' crowd. Maybe after a few conference games I'll change but probably won't be ready to dream until we actually make the final game.

[vee4xu]

I think that last night was a great win. But, as excited as I am about this team, I'm going to give myself a few days to decide about things like NCAA championships. Though, I must say, that betting slip that's in my drawer indicating my bet on Xavier @ 100-1 to win the NCAA championship is looking better today than in October when I bought it.

[D-West & PO-Z]

To the people saying no: Why? If not, then who is? And why? What am I missing here? The team is 10-0 and nine of the wins are double digits. We're not talking about 10 wins against NJIT and South-North Wyoming Tech either.

Again, the question isn't asking if you are predicting X to win the national championship. The question is only if they, right now, are a legitimate contender. I don't know how anyone who follows college basketball can answer no to this, especially a Xavier fan who ostensibly watches the team play.

I get the feeling those who are saying NO are of the same mentality of those who urge other message board members to "not look ahead" and "take it one game at a time." As if the attitude/comments of Internet chatter has even a smidge of impact on the outcome of anything that happens on the court.

Here is my Christmas present to my fellow X fans -- you are permitted to enjoy this. Embrace the fact that you are cheering on one of this year's elite basketball teams and don't be afraid to admit you truly believe they can make a run at this thing. If things change (injuries or whatever) then they change. But as of today, December 13, 2015, the Xavier Musketeers are unquestionably contenders for the title. And that decks my halls and jingles my bells. Fa la la la freakin la, baby!

Yes, yes, yes.....Reps my man!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Every time I see a thread like this I get nervous and start waiting for injury reports. I guess I'm in the 'maybe but it's too soon to be sure' crowd. Maybe after a few conference games I'll change but probably won't be ready to dream until we actually make the final game.

Thats no fun!

[X-Fan]

By the third game it was obvious to me this was the best X team ever assembled.

I've been watching 25 years, which isn't a lot by the standards of some of the dinosaurs around here, but still is a pretty long time.

I got lots of shit for saying this team was the best X team ever. Lots of "08 was better" talk.

Nah. This team would light them up. Too much firepower and size. Just too much. So many weapons it makes your head spin.

If we didn't have Xavier on our jersey - if we were a real blue blood at 10-0 with our resume (already), there would be NO DOUBT we would be ranked in the top 3. EVERYONE would be calling us a title contender.

And we are saying "no" to this thread?

YES, 100%, ABSOLUTLEY, BEYOND A SHADOW OF A DOUBT WE ARE A TITLE CONTENDER.

As Mich Muskie said - enjoy, everyone. It may be a once in a lifetime chance.
I don't think it's even possible to say best X team ever until we see how the do post season. They tie the '08 team (get to Elite 8) & I'll consider it.

Also, I disagree completely that this team would dismantle the '08 team. 1st, that team played LOCK DOWN D, so they could stay in any game. Also, they had just as balanced of scoring, and beat you down getting to the FT line. Their only weakness was teams that had stretch 4's who could hit 3's & pull out bigs out of the paint. There are many similarities between the two teams really. '08 had more vets, this team has more "raw" talent.

Either way, I agree this team can contend. Once we get into conference play well know what this team is truly made of. Go X!!!!

[MuskiePimp23]

Final four contender? Sure. Title? I dunno...we haven't and probably won't play anyone this season that is a top 5 team until the tournament, so I think that's hard to judge. Eye test I think we are a final four contender but honestly don't even know about that yet...we have played a few tourney teams and beaten them really well. However there is no way to know how we stack up against the Michigan state, kentucky, Kansas etc. Those are the final four favorites.

Villanova may be a top 5-10 type of team. We will certainly be tested in the Big East with Top 25 caliber teams, Butler, Providence, Georgetown. Georgetown just about beat Duke and Maryland. They were right there on both of them. One on the road and one at home. Providence has some nice wins and without some phantom fouls on Kris Dunn, I think they beat Michigan St. To say there is no way to know how we stack up against the teams above is ludicrous, because our conference is just as good, maybe better than any league in the country. We will get tested for sure and if we can win in the Big East we have a chance to be a Final Four team. The whole Final Four, sure, but Title you don't know? If you can make the Final Four, you can win the whole damn thing and this Xavier team is only going to get better. We can do both.

[XUFan09]

I don't think it's even possible to say best X team ever until we see how the do post season. They tie the '08 team (get to Elite 8) & I'll consider it.

Also, I disagree completely that this team would dismantle the '08 team. 1st, that team played LOCK DOWN D, so they could stay in any game. Also, they had just as balanced of scoring, and beat you down getting to the FT line. Their only weakness was teams that had stretch 4's who could hit 3's & pull out bigs out of the paint. There are many similarities between the two teams really. '08 had more vets, this team has more "raw" talent.

Either way, I agree this team can contend. Once we get into conference play well know what this team is truly made of. Go X!!!!
The '08 team didn't consistently play lockdown defense. They were regularly able to lock down star players, especially if Burrell could guard them, but the team as a whole finished on the back end of the top 50 in defensive efficiency. Now, they were ridiculously good on offense, finishing 9th in a year loaded with elite teams.

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[MuskiePimp23]

I don't know. After the first game, I pointed out how many really good players we had n how good this team would be and I basically was told to chill. Hmm...

I posted this before the season and was told by some folks to chill as well on here and other boards. It's not easy, but that has to be our goal. We can keep improving and beat anyone in the country. I think this is our most talented team ever and David West's Senior season had 4 NBA draft picks on that team (West, Chalmers, Sato, David Young). This team keeps it together mentally and doesn't get distracted listening to the hype and the sky is the limit.

Raise Your Sword

With a new season kicking off tonight I feel we are ready to take things to the next level. The pre-season predictions I've seen for us from anywhere from 2nd-5th in the conference are nice, but it is time to kick down the door and win this conference title. Everyone seems to point to us losing Davis and Stainbrook and seems to forget Villanova lost Pinkston, Hilliard, and Ennis. I think we will be better at PG and in the post. We have speed at certain positions. We have shooters at every position. We have size and length. We have rebounding, toughness, and what I believe will be great leadership. We have experience and youth. We have depth at every position.

I am sick of people outside not even ranking us in the pre-season top 25 while a team like Butler gets ranked and a team like UK is #1 in the polls after losing 87% of their scoring. I believe this Xavier team will be better than both when all is said and done at the end of this season. I don't buy that game at Michigan being unwinnable. We need to go up to Michigan and hand it to them. We are a better team. Screw the Alabama's and Wichita State's being so good. We should roll both of those pretenders.

I expect Xavier to win the Big East Conference Regular Season title with a record of 15-3. I expect Xavier to be a 2 or 3 seed entering the NCAA Tournament. And I expect that this is the year when we finally put it all together and kick down that door that is the 2nd weekend of the NCAA Tourney and get to the Final Four. I believe and I know the team in that locker room believes. Jalen said he was going to get us to a Final Four when he committed and this is his year when we blow through that door and Jalen rides off into the sunset of the NBA Lottery.

I know it is early, but I expect great things from this team and from our fans. I expect greatness and believe this team will deliver. So Raise Your Sword, for tonight is the first of many. TONIGHT WE RIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bobbiemcgee]

X > Golden State...bunch of losers!

[MADXSTER]

Of course this is a title contender team.

Odd fan base though. Media outlets are claiming they are title contenders but many of the fan base want to hold back. Usually it's the other way around. Butler can be two years in a row but Xavier cannot with what is arguably their best team.

Conceive It
Believe It
Achieve It

[markchal]

Here is my Christmas present to my fellow X fans -- you are permitted to enjoy this. Embrace the fact that you are cheering on one of this year's elite basketball teams and don't be afraid to admit you truly believe they can make a run at this thing. If things change (injuries or whatever) then they change. But as of today, December 13, 2015, the Xavier Musketeers are unquestionably contenders for the title. And that decks my halls and jingles my bells. Fa la la la freakin la, baby!

I think this is the most important thing said on this thread. I see it a lot in Bengals fans who say nothing counts until we win a playoff game and refuse to get excited about the regular season. How is that fun as a fan? You just took something that should give you 18 weeks of entertainment and turned it into a one week do or die. Seems like a sad world to live in.

[Murph85]

Two things

We are a contender. There is no argument that can be made that we are not. Butler went to the finals in consecutive years with much less than we have now. It used to be we needed the March magic X always seemed to muster, now it is a matter of playing the way they are clearly and unarguably capable of.

Second, I noticed the UC fans don't eat sour grapes anymore. I ran into several die hards on my victory tour back to the homestead last night and it is as if they are conceding to not just a crosstown win but a superior program. That has never been the case in the past in my neck of the woods.

[UCGRAD4X]

I say, not only yes, but

Oh, Hell Yes!

I do think it is funny that some people are afraid that they will 'jinx' the team if they believe, but, hey, that's just the way some people are.
Whatevs

Enjoy the ride.

And I don't mean, "Enjoy it now because this may not come around again!" Although I wouldn't totally discount that notion - I'm not buying it for two reasons:

First, this is part of a general trajectory the program has been on since Staak. It has taken some twist and turns along the way but this is our destiny - embrace it. We're ready to quit knocking on the door and we're ready to break it down! If not now, soon and with a bang!

Might as well do it sooner rather than later. Why wait?

Besides - in the word of the immortal Mel Brooks, "it's good to be the king!" Everything else is second place.

Again I say: Embrace it!

I'm sorry if that makes you uncomfortable or even a bit squeamish! Don't be 'skeerd'!

In fact, get used to it.

Until proven otherwise - why the f'ck not?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Of course this is a title contender team.

Odd fan base though. Media outlets are claiming they are title contenders but many of the fan base want to hold back. Usually it's the other way around. Butler can be two years in a row but Xavier cannot with what is arguably their best team.

Conceive It
Believe It
Achieve It

Yes, agree 100%, it was the same thing I thought when I was wondering why people were trying to argue we were ranked too high when we came in at #12 that first time.

I dont get it.

Go Muskies!!

[scoscox]

First off. Everyone is a title contender every year. That conversation is dumb. But we're definitely an elite team this year. After watching us play and Michigan state and others play, I really don't see any difference. In fact I think we could easily handle those teams. Denzel Valentine is the best player in the country? I'm hardly convinced or intimidated by any of them, except maybe Kentucky if they put it all together. Kansas too, but I don't see anyone else I look at and think they're better than Xavier right now top to bottom. We could've really embarrassed UC last night if we got to the line like we normally do. For some reason we weren't getting the calls on our drives that normally get called, but I think part of that is the refs just being rattled by calling a rivalry game. UC is a good team and we handled them with relative ease with Trevon not contributing and generally playing a terrible second half. Personally I see Xavier as a duke of sorts. Small private school with an extreme commitment to basketball and I think we're inching our way there and a national title or a final four are all that's keeping us from being seriously mentioned in those circles every year and I see no reason why this team doesn't have a shot at delivering one of those this year. Nothing wrong with considering yourself elite. That's part of the mystique and difference between good and great programs. At some point you've gotta start considering yourself one of the big boys as a fan instead of a spurned mid major. You've got to expect greatness. Like Mick Cronin said in his press conference, this isn't 1994 in the gardens in the mcc. It's in the cintas center in the big east and if Mick Cronin and UC fans can even admit that to our faces then I think it's safe for our own fans to act that way as well. I'm quietly stoked about this team this year. Keep it up boys! I love murdering everyone. It's a good time.

[Xville]

Villanova may be a top 5-10 type of team. We will certainly be tested in the Big East with Top 25 caliber teams, Butler, Providence, Georgetown. Georgetown just about beat Duke and Maryland. They were right there on both of them. One on the road and one at home. Providence has some nice wins and without some phantom fouls on Kris Dunn, I think they beat Michigan St. To say there is no way to know how we stack up against the teams above is ludicrous, because our conference is just as good, maybe better than any league in the country. We will get tested for sure and if we can win in the Big East we have a chance to be a Final Four team. The whole Final Four, sure, but Title you don't know? If you can make the Final Four, you can win the whole damn thing and this Xavier team is only going to get better. We can do both.

Until our conference partners do anything in the tournament I'm not going.to believe they are that good. Have u watched nova this year? They aren't that great..they are a good team but the elite teams this year will crush them just like Oklahoma did. Novas system doesn't work against the really good teams...it's a mid major system. And it is the same team as last year's except not as good.

I think we are the best team in the conference and should win the big East this year. It is enough of a conference to prepare us for the tourney, but I still don't think we will know how we stack up against the kansas, Michigan St etc teams until we play them. Eye test to me seems like we are right there, but we will see.

Difference between a final four and winning a title is huge. When u get to the final four u are going to have to beat one if not two bluebloods....that's completely different than getting there...George mason, vcu, Butler have all been there...winning is a whole different animal.

[xudash]

First off. Everyone is a title contender every year. That conversation is dumb. But we're definitely an elite team this year. After watching us play and Michigan state and others play, I really don't see any difference. In fact I think we could easily handle those teams. Denzel Valentine is the best player in the country? I'm hardly convinced or intimidated by any of them, except maybe Kentucky if they put it all together. Kansas too, but I don't see anyone else I look at and think they're better than Xavier right now top to bottom. We could've really embarrassed UC last night if we got to the line like we normally do. For some reason we weren't getting the calls on our drives that normally get called, but I think part of that is the refs just being rattled by calling a rivalry game. UC is a good team and we handled them with relative ease with Trevon not contributing and generally playing a terrible second half. Personally I see Xavier as a duke of sorts. Small private school with an extreme commitment to basketball and I think we're inching our way there and a national title or a final four are all that's keeping us from being seriously mentioned in those circles every year and I see no reason why this team doesn't have a shot at delivering one of those this year. Nothing wrong with considering yourself elite. That's part of the mystique and difference between good and great programs. At some point you've gotta start considering yourself one of the big boys as a fan instead of a spurned mid major. You've got to expect greatness. Like Mick Cronin said in his press conference, this isn't 1994 in the gardens in the mcc. It's in the cintas center in the big east and if Mick Cronin and UC fans can even admit that to our faces then I think it's safe for our own fans to act that way as well. I'm quietly stoked about this team this year. Keep it up boys! I love murdering everyone. It's a good time.

Truly excellent post.

Jalen Reynolds said he would deliver a F4. Ladies and gentlemen, we are in process.

[paulxu]

Flagship.

(just because I hadn't typed it in a long time)

ps. It's like "they" are all expecting us to get there with the constant chatter about there are no "great" teams this year. Screw that. Kick the damn door down.

[flagship]

Flagship.




Whats up?

[Bearcat_Bounce]

Xavier's metrics certainly lineup with those of teams that make the Final Four. They play fast, but not too fast (86th in tempo). They have a top 20 adjusted offense and defense. They have flexibility to play Farr and Renyolds together or with a 4 out. They have a First round talent in Bluiett and upperclassmen that can make plays down the stretch in Davis. See no reason why Xavier couldn't make the Final Four.

[bleedXblue]

Truly excellent post.

Jalen Reynolds said he would deliver a F4. Ladies and gentlemen, we are in process.

I would say that Mack is delivering this......but if Jalen at any point in time wants to start playing like an All American, I'm all for it

[Xville]

Xavier's metrics certainly lineup with those of teams that make the Final Four. They play fast, but not too fast (86th in tempo). They have a top 20 adjusted offense and defense. They have flexibility to play Farr and Renyolds together or with a 4 out. They have a First round talent in Bluiett and upperclassmen that can make plays down the stretch in Davis. See no reason why Xavier couldn't make the Final Four.

Agree with this except the bluiett comment. He doesn't have a position in the nba..not athletic enough for a 2, too small for a 3. Outstanding college player though. Sumner is muchmore likely to be a first rounder than bluiett because of athletic ability, position, and height.

[Bearcat_Bounce]

Agree with this except the bluiett comment. He doesn't have a position in the nba..not athletic enough for a 2, too small for a 3. Outstanding college player though. Sumner is muchmore likely to be a first rounder than bluiett because of athletic ability, position, and height.

You're probably right. That Sumner kid was really impressive for a freshman. Not sure if he is a true point guard at this point.

[XUFan09]

You're probably right. That Sumner kid was really impressive for a freshman. Not sure if he is a true point guard at this point.
He's more of a combo, and he would have the size for that in the NBA too.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[MuskiePimp23]

First off. Everyone is a title contender every year. That conversation is dumb. But we're definitely an elite team this year. After watching us play and Michigan state and others play, I really don't see any difference. In fact I think we could easily handle those teams. Denzel Valentine is the best player in the country? I'm hardly convinced or intimidated by any of them, except maybe Kentucky if they put it all together. Kansas too, but I don't see anyone else I look at and think they're better than Xavier right now top to bottom. We could've really embarrassed UC last night if we got to the line like we normally do. For some reason we weren't getting the calls on our drives that normally get called, but I think part of that is the refs just being rattled by calling a rivalry game. UC is a good team and we handled them with relative ease with Trevon not contributing and generally playing a terrible second half. Personally I see Xavier as a duke of sorts. Small private school with an extreme commitment to basketball and I think we're inching our way there and a national title or a final four are all that's keeping us from being seriously mentioned in those circles every year and I see no reason why this team doesn't have a shot at delivering one of those this year. Nothing wrong with considering yourself elite. That's part of the mystique and difference between good and great programs. At some point you've gotta start considering yourself one of the big boys as a fan instead of a spurned mid major. You've got to expect greatness. Like Mick Cronin said in his press conference, this isn't 1994 in the gardens in the mcc. It's in the cintas center in the big east and if Mick Cronin and UC fans can even admit that to our faces then I think it's safe for our own fans to act that way as well. I'm quietly stoked about this team this year. Keep it up boys! I love murdering everyone. It's a good time.

Exactly...Our expectations as fans is that we have to expect great things. Not make up a bunch of excuses about matchups, or getting a little lucky etc. to get to a Final Four and win one of these things. Let's just get it done, no excuses. I mean, we have been on the doorstep time and time again. I'm tired of being right there, we have failed before and if we fail again, it is nothing new, but we have to expect that we will eventually succeed and get over the hump to the promised land.

[MuskiePimp23]

Until our conference partners do anything in the tournament I'm not going.to believe they are that good. Have u watched nova this year? They aren't that great..they are a good team but the elite teams this year will crush them just like Oklahoma did. Novas system doesn't work against the really good teams...it's a mid major system. And it is the same team as last year's except not as good.

I think we are the best team in the conference and should win the big East this year. It is enough of a conference to prepare us for the tourney, but I still don't think we will know how we stack up against the kansas, Michigan St etc teams until we play them. Eye test to me seems like we are right there, but we will see.

Difference between a final four and winning a title is huge. When u get to the final four u are going to have to beat one if not two bluebloods....that's completely different than getting there...George mason, vcu, Butler have all been there...winning is a whole different animal.

Have you seen what our league has done to other conferences in the non-conference the last 2 years? Nova was 4-32 against Oklahoma. Let's say, they shoot 10-32 (which is far below their usual standards), they would be right there and the game would have been a lot different. 13-32 and they win. What the hell is a "mid-major system?" Why would you even say that? I think the Big East will make some serious noise in March and April and I think this Xavier team can lead the league. Instead of all this crap about how we won't be prepared or how we can't do this, I look at it like the Big East when it was founded in the 1980's and the league was playing for respect. I think we are in the same situation today because of the conference re-alignment and instead of whining about not getting respect, we are getting it done in the non-conference, now let's get it done in March and April. This year we will. We have a Top 2-3 league and this may be the best league in the entire country top to bottom. Other than maybe Depaul, this league has some solid teams.

[MuskiePimp23]

Xavier's metrics certainly lineup with those of teams that make the Final Four. They play fast, but not too fast (86th in tempo). They have a top 20 adjusted offense and defense. They have flexibility to play Farr and Renyolds together or with a 4 out. They have a First round talent in Bluiett and upperclassmen that can make plays down the stretch in Davis. See no reason why Xavier couldn't make the Final Four.

I would also add, that my goodness we have the most length I can think of any Xavier team has ever had. We are almost as long as UK was last year and it made it so hard for opponents to score. UC had absolutely no answer and kept turning the ball over against our zone. When you can go 6'5" (JP), 6'6" Edmond, 6'6" Bluiett or 6'4" Abell, then 6'10" Reynolds", 6'10" Farr, my god. Mo Egger said it best, he goes, I don't know how the hell you score or at least consistently. I hardly agree with Mo, but he was dead on,from that standpoint, I would compare us to UK from last year. We don't currently have a dominant inside scorer and shot blocker, but we are an Elite rebounding team and I think if Reynolds can develop, Sumner will get better,oh my, the sky is the limit.

[xeus]

Sure, we could play for a title, along with about 10-15 other teams. Anything can happen come March. I'm trying not to get too carried away with my own expectations yet. A season IS a lifetime, and we have a tough road schedule in a very good conference. We have a lot to learn and achieve yet. That's not a "negative" take - to be clear, I believe this team can play with anyone in the country. I'm just taking my time getting used to the talent we have and how the team has managed that talent. It's remarkable and impressive and exciting and scary.

[xu82]

Sure, we could play for a title, along with about 10-15 other teams. Anything can happen come March. I'm trying not to get too carried away with my own expectations yet. A season IS a lifetime, and we have a tough road schedule in a very good conference. We have a lot to learn and achieve yet. That's not a "negative" take - to be clear, I believe this team can play with anyone in the country. I'm just taking my time getting used to the talent we have and how the team has managed that talent. It's remarkable and impressive and exciting and scary.

While I'm pleased and excited, there's a LONG way to go. Let's keep it up!

[Xville]

Have you seen what our league has done to other conferences in the non-conference the last 2 years? Nova was 4-32 against Oklahoma. Let's say, they shoot 10-32 (which is far below their usual standards), they would be right there and the game would have been a lot different. 13-32 and they win. What the hell is a "mid-major system?" Why would you even say that? I think the Big East will make some serious noise in March and April and I think this Xavier team can lead the league. Instead of all this crap about how we won't be prepared or how we can't do this, I look at it like the Big East when it was founded in the 1980's and the league was playing for respect. I think we are in the same situation today because of the conference re-alignment and instead of whining about not getting respect, we are getting it done in the non-conference, now let's get it done in March and April. This year we will. We have a Top 2-3 league and this may be the best league in the entire country top to bottom. Other than maybe Depaul, this league has some solid teams.

It's nice what this league has done in the non conference, all I'm saying is March is all that matters and this league sucked in March last year outside of xavier. So I'm not ready to anoint this conference yet this year either. Nova I'm not sold on...they tricked me last year into believing they were different than the year before and I'm just not going to fall for it anymore. I see another flame out from them in march. We can play the what if game all night long...such as what if they didn't shoot 32 3s and actually went inside like they needed to when theyou figured out shots weren't falling? They didn't because their system is jack up threes..live by the three, die by the three that's what I mean by mid major system. They are that mid major team that can shoot it lights out and beat a few good teams in the tourney and then one bad shooting night and they are gone. They don't have staying power against great teams in my opinion.

Anyways I'm excited for this Xavier team, I'm just cautious because I know we are good, just don't know really how good....I think we are top 10-15 for sure..but we need to be a top 5 team to Germany to what this question is asking at least to me, and my answer is not sure yet. I don't think that's a crime.

[Xavier]

how can a team be final four contender but not NC contender?

We're either Butler teams top 5? I know one of them was a 5 seed, the other an 8 or 9

[D-West & PO-Z]

Can we start talking about Xavier as a title contender, is the question of the thread.

The answer of anyone who has posted in this thread has to be yes, because you are indeed talking about it. :biggrin:

[D-West & PO-Z]

how can a team be final four contender but not NC contender?

We're either Butler teams top 5? I know one of them was a 5 seed, the other an 8 or 9

I wondered the same in earlier posts. Once you get there you just need to win 1 to be in the title game. Anything can happen. Funny.

[paulxu]

Whats up?

Nothing much.

[X-Fan]

Whats up?


Nothing new. Same old, same old.

Fixed that for you.

[Emp]

Sure, we could play for a title, along with about 10-15 other teams. Anything can happen come March. I'm trying not to get too carried away with my own expectations yet. A season IS a lifetime, and we have a tough road schedule in a very good conference. We have a lot to learn and achieve yet. That's not a "negative" take - to be clear, I believe this team can play with anyone in the country. I'm just taking my time getting used to the talent we have and how the team has managed that talent. It's remarkable and impressive and exciting and scary.

This. It's a legitimate and not negative to believe, "Wow, great so far. We could be great. " We're naming angels on the head of a pin to be doing anything but savoring and anticipating with great hope this could be a breakout year.

[GIMMFD]

40-0 guys, it's happening. Stop with the negativity.

[UCGRAD4X]

Whats up?

Swords, yo!

[Xville]

40-0 guys, it's happening. Stop with the negativity.

I'm excited to see who our 40th win will be against :) most we can play this year is 39.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'm excited to see who our 40th win will be against :) most we can play this year is 39.

Are you saying you doubt our ability to go 40-0 during a 39 game schedule? What kind of fan are you?

[GIMMFD]

Are you saying you doubt our ability to go 40-0 during a 39 game schedule? What kind of fan are you?

40th win is when we take on Golden State, duh?

[muskiefan82]

It's actually 41-0 because X would get two additional wins for beating Miller and Matta to a National Championship.

[STL_XUfan]

Are you saying you doubt our ability to go 40-0 during a 39 game schedule? What kind of fan are you?
Nah, he is counting the selection committee screwing us and sending us to dayton.

[xu82]

Nah, he is counting the selection committee screwing us and sending us to dayton.

Flyer fans would have to decide between coming to root against us or traveling to see thier team in an NIT game. Tough decision...

[muskiefan82]

Nah, he is counting the selection committee screwing us and sending us to dayton.

I can hear the selection committee now...."after reviewing Xavier's resume, we noticed they had beaten both teams from Dayton, but hadn't played a game there. While it may seem odd, the way the seeding came out, it just made sense to send Xavier to play a game in Dayton."

[FIGHTING MUSKETEER]

First let me apologize for this LOOOOONG contribution. Since I realized my impression about our team was wrong, I thought it was worthy to provide some objective info as some of you might be in the same boat. So bear with me, you don't need to read it all at once; take some breaks and please, please, please, let my mom out of this.

It's no secret that to reach the championship game you need a good team and some luck regarding health/injuries and as to the draw/matchups in the way there. Let's put the discussion of luck aside since none of us can tell where/how we will be during March 2016.

We are not unbiased but all can identify a good team when we see it playing, particularly after watching 10 games. However, we all have different definitions/approaches/preferences as to what is a good team. Some lean towards offense because if you do not score you can't win, others prefer defense because you may have off nights with your offense but it's much more difficult to have an off night in defense. Also, you might score all you want but if you can't stop the other team, you are screwed. Finally, others believe in having the best of both world. However, those are scarce and really special teams. Xavier IS good, but what type of team are we? Before going any further, I have to admit that before reviewing some stats, I felt ... no, I could have swear we were more of an offensive team than a defensive team. I don't know how many of you felt the same, but based on statistics, my "eye" test was out of focus.

WHAT TYPE OF TEAM ARE WE? Keeping it simple and without analyzing national stats in depth (that is considering quality of opponents, amount of home/away/neutral games, overtime games and any other mambo jambo we could come up) thru 10 games XU is the 50th best offensive team in the Nation with an avg. of 81.4 points/gm while allowing 63.1 pts/gm, good for the best 36th defense in Division 1. That puts us at #16 in scoring margin with +18.3. We are biased but numbers are not and those stats, not only are good, but it seems to me we are witnessing a pretty balanced team.

To put XU's numbers in perspective, I'll throw some stats for other D1 teams. Citadel is the #1 offense with 93.6 pts. However, Citadel allows 90.8 pts/gm "good" for dead last (346) in the nation. I know what you are thinking, Citadel does not play the same quality opponents bla, bla, bla. Well #2 is our Big East partner, Butler, scoring 91.7 pts/gm and allowing 72.9 pts/gm (214 in Div. 1). Remember that is the same Butler team that scored 78 points against the same UC team we only managed to score 65 points. You may argue that Butler's schedule has not been as strong as ours but in addition to UC they've played Temple, Miami and Tennessee.

On the other hand, this week the consensus #1 team in the Nation seems to Michigan St. FYI, they score 79.8 pts/gm (#65 in Div. 1)) and allow 56.8 pts/gm (#3). Even though they have played some shitty teams, that is still pretty impressive considering they have played Kansas, Louisville, Providence and Florida. Michigan St. has the 6th best scoring margin (+23.0).

Louisville has the best scoring margin (+30.6) - they average 86.0 pts/gm (17th) and opponents score 55.4 pts/gm (2nd). However, their competition has been below average. They did play Michigan St. and Saint Louis but that's about it.

Our friends at UC has the 10th best scoring margin at +20.2. UC averages 79.3 pts/gm (75th) and opponents score 59.1 pts/gm (10th).

VD has the 118th best scoring margin at +7.0. Dayton averages 74.0 pts/gm (173rd) and opponents score 67.0 pts/gm (97th).
Our next opponent, Auburn, stands as the 82nd best scoring margin at +9.7. Auburn averages 88.7 pts/gm (7th) and opponents score 79.0 pts/gm (298th).

Villanova has the 16h best scoring margin at +18.4. Villanova averages 76.0 pts/gm (137th) and opponents score 57.6 pts/gm (7th).

Finally, let me throw at you the stat that, in my opinion, allows us to compare apples with apples and oranges with oranges. By all accounts, Xavier's 2014-2015 team was a good and solid competitive one. They reach the Sweet 16 and for many of us was close to reach the next round. That team averaged 73.3 pts/gm and opponents scored 67.4 pts/gm for a scoring margin of +5.9. I know it is not fair to compare the 2014-2015 season with the first 10 games of this season so I obtained the scores for last year's first 10 games and averaged them. For those first 10 games we averaged 82.2 pts/gm while our opponents averaged 66.5 pts/gm for a scoring margin of +15.7. We must acknowledge that competition in those 10 games was of a lesser caliber than this year's opponents. Our record was 8-2 and that stretch included such powerhouses as Northern Arizona, Long Beach St., Stephen F. Austin, Murray State, San Diego, Univ. of Texas - El Paso (Loss), Long Beach State (2nd game with L.B.St. which we lost), Alabama, IUPUI and Missouri. Of those teams, only Stephen F. Austin reached the NCAA tournament as an automatic qualifier (12th seed and lost in 1st round to Utah).

Based on all these information, I could comfortably state that our team should be in any and all Sweet 16 and/or Elite 8 discussions. Now, the XU hard-nose fan part of me do feel that we are a Final 4 and championship caliber team and that we shall be in those conversations as well. However, the analytical, objective and cold "me" thinks that to reach the Final 4/Championship game we will need quite some luck in the drawing. That's quite a caveat.

The next 4 games will tell us a lot about our team. If we go 4-0, ALL of me will scream we are the No. 1 team in the nation. If we go 3-1 and the loss is a close one @ Villanova, we should still be in the Final 4 conversations. Losing with Butler is not bad, but I just don't see us losing to them at home. If we do, we will probably be out of the Final 4 conversation until we reach a new winning streak. Losing to Auburn and/or Wake Forest is not the end of the world, but it will throw us back to "normal" Xavier status.

After all this BS, I suggest we all enjoy this season the best we can. Watch all the games you can, record them all and enjoy them with your family and friends because this team has all the ingredients to TRANSCEND.

[muskiefan82]

It's simpler than that. Xavier beat UC and UC didn't drop in the AP rankings (they stayed at #23) and WENT UP in the Coaches poll (#22 to #20). THAT is how good X is.

[XUFan09]

You need to check out some tempo-free stats, my man. Points per possession is a better metric, as it accounts for the pace of the game.

Then there's Kenpom's adjusted efficiency, which accounts for the strength of opponents. Xavier is 17th in the nation on offense and 12th on defense.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[ballyhoohoo]

First let me apologize for this LOOOOONG contribution. Since I realized my impression about our team was wrong, I thought it was worthy to provide some objective info as some of you might be in the same boat. So bear with me, you don't need to read it all at once; take some breaks and please, please, please, let my mom out of this.

It's no secret that to reach the championship game you need a good team and some luck regarding health/injuries and as to the draw/matchups in the way there. Let's put the discussion of luck aside since none of us can tell where/how we will be during March 2016.

We are not unbiased but all can identify a good team when we see it playing, particularly after watching 10 games. However, we all have different definitions/approaches/preferences as to what is a good team. Some lean towards offense because if you do not score you can't win, others prefer defense because you may have off nights with your offense but it's much more difficult to have an off night in defense. Also, you might score all you want but if you can't stop the other team, you are screwed. Finally, others believe in having the best of both world. However, those are scarce and really special teams. Xavier IS good, but what type of team are we? Before going any further, I have to admit that before reviewing some stats, I felt ... no, I could have swear we were more of an offensive team than a defensive team. I don't know how many of you felt the same, but based on statistics, my "eye" test was out of focus.

WHAT TYPE OF TEAM ARE WE? Keeping it simple and without analyzing national stats in depth (that is considering quality of opponents, amount of home/away/neutral games, overtime games and any other mambo jambo we could come up) thru 10 games XU is the 50th best offensive team in the Nation with an avg. of 81.4 points/gm while allowing 63.1 pts/gm, good for the best 36th defense in Division 1. That puts us at #16 in scoring margin with +18.3. We are biased but numbers are not and those stats, not only are good, but it seems to me we are witnessing a pretty balanced team.

To put XU's numbers in perspective, I'll throw some stats for other D1 teams. Citadel is the #1 offense with 93.6 pts. However, Citadel allows 90.8 pts/gm "good" for dead last (346) in the nation. I know what you are thinking, Citadel does not play the same quality opponents bla, bla, bla. Well #2 is our Big East partner, Butler, scoring 91.7 pts/gm and allowing 72.9 pts/gm (214 in Div. 1). Remember that is the same Butler team that scored 78 points against the same UC team we only managed to score 65 points. You may argue that Butler's schedule has not been as strong as ours but in addition to UC they've played Temple, Miami and Tennessee.

On the other hand, this week the consensus #1 team in the Nation seems to Michigan St. FYI, they score 79.8 pts/gm (#65 in Div. 1)) and allow 56.8 pts/gm (#3). Even though they have played some shitty teams, that is still pretty impressive considering they have played Kansas, Louisville, Providence and Florida. Michigan St. has the 6th best scoring margin (+23.0).

Louisville has the best scoring margin (+30.6) - they average 86.0 pts/gm (17th) and opponents score 55.4 pts/gm (2nd). However, their competition has been below average. They did play Michigan St. and Saint Louis but that's about it.

Our friends at UC has the 10th best scoring margin at +20.2. UC averages 79.3 pts/gm (75th) and opponents score 59.1 pts/gm (10th).

VD has the 118th best scoring margin at +7.0. Dayton averages 74.0 pts/gm (173rd) and opponents score 67.0 pts/gm (97th).
Our next opponent, Auburn, stands as the 82nd best scoring margin at +9.7. Auburn averages 88.7 pts/gm (7th) and opponents score 79.0 pts/gm (298th).

Villanova has the 16h best scoring margin at +18.4. Villanova averages 76.0 pts/gm (137th) and opponents score 57.6 pts/gm (7th).

Finally, let me throw at you the stat that, in my opinion, allows us to compare apples with apples and oranges with oranges. By all accounts, Xavier's 2014-2015 team was a good and solid competitive one. They reach the Sweet 16 and for many of us was close to reach the next round. That team averaged 73.3 pts/gm and opponents scored 67.4 pts/gm for a scoring margin of +5.9. I know it is not fair to compare the 2014-2015 season with the first 10 games of this season so I obtained the scores for last year's first 10 games and averaged them. For those first 10 games we averaged 82.2 pts/gm while our opponents averaged 66.5 pts/gm for a scoring margin of +15.7. We must acknowledge that competition in those 10 games was of a lesser caliber than this year's opponents. Our record was 8-2 and that stretch included such powerhouses as Northern Arizona, Long Beach St., Stephen F. Austin, Murray State, San Diego, Univ. of Texas - El Paso (Loss), Long Beach State (2nd game with L.B.St. which we lost), Alabama, IUPUI and Missouri. Of those teams, only Stephen F. Austin reached the NCAA tournament as an automatic qualifier (12th seed and lost in 1st round to Utah).

Based on all these information, I could comfortably state that our team should be in any and all Sweet 16 and/or Elite 8 discussions. Now, the XU hard-nose fan part of me do feel that we are a Final 4 and championship caliber team and that we shall be in those conversations as well. However, the analytical, objective and cold "me" thinks that to reach the Final 4/Championship game we will need quite some luck in the drawing. That's quite a caveat.

The next 4 games will tell us a lot about our team. If we go 4-0, ALL of me will scream we are the No. 1 team in the nation. If we go 3-1 and the loss is a close one @ Villanova, we should still be in the Final 4 conversations. Losing with Butler is not bad, but I just don't see us losing to them at home. If we do, we will probably be out of the Final 4 conversation until we reach a new winning streak. Losing to Auburn and/or Wake Forest is not the end of the world, but it will throw us back to "normal" Xavier status.

After all this BS, I suggest we all enjoy this season the best we can. Watch all the games you can, record them all and enjoy them with your family and friends because this team has all the ingredients to TRANSCEND.

I could think of better uses for a lunch hour then penning a message board diatribe.

Do you have a PowerPoint summary that I can digest easier?

[Bearcat_Bounce]

I would also add, that my goodness we have the most length I can think of any Xavier team has ever had. We are almost as long as UK was last year and it made it so hard for opponents to score. UC had absolutely no answer and kept turning the ball over against our zone. When you can go 6'5" (JP), 6'6" Edmond, 6'6" Bluiett or 6'4" Abell, then 6'10" Reynolds", 6'10" Farr, my god. Mo Egger said it best, he goes, I don't know how the hell you score or at least consistently. I hardly agree with Mo, but he was dead on,from that standpoint, I would compare us to UK from last year. We don't currently have a dominant inside scorer and shot blocker, but we are an Elite rebounding team and I think if Reynolds can develop, Sumner will get better,oh my, the sky is the limit.

Saturday was the first time I've watched Xavier this season and that Sumner kid is a game changer. Typically you guys have had a short guard like Dee Davis, Redford, Holloway, etc. Adding Sumner, who I read grew like 5 inches late in HS, really was a steal. Didn't seem like he really even had any other big offers out of HS.

[XUFan09]

Saturday was the first time I've watched Xavier this season and that Sumner kid is a game changer. Typically you guys have had a short guard like Dee Davis, Redford, Holloway, etc. Adding Sumner, who I read grew like 5 inches late in HS, really was a steal. Didn't seem like he really even had any other big offers out of HS.
Michigan and Michigan State were recruiting him, but they were holding him at bay a bit while waiting on a priority recruit. Part of Sumner's reasoning for committing to Xavier was that he wanted to go where he wasn't a team's second choice.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[mid major]

The '08 team didn't consistently play lockdown defense. They were regularly able to lock down star players, especially if Burrell could guard them, but the team as a whole finished on the back end of the top 50 in defensive efficiency. Now, they were ridiculously good on offense, finishing 9th in a year loaded with elite teams.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
The '08 team was riding around in a Buick whilst the 2015-16 Xavier hoopsters are riding around in a Lexus.

[MADXSTER]

The '08 team was riding around in a Buick whilst the 2015-16 Xavier hoopsters are riding around in a BMW.

Fixed it for you

[xu82]

Fixed it for you

Let's hope it's a Bentley or Lamborghini!

[mid major]

Let's hope it's a Bentley or Lamborghini!

I'll drink to that.

[vee4xu]

My son sent me an ESPN podcast today in which Katz and Greenberg interviewed Mack. The interview starts at the 16 minute mark of the cast. Mack did an excellent job and both Katz and Greenberg were highly complimentary of both Mack and the team. If I wasn't such a lazy butt, I'd have provided the link here. However, I highly recommend listening to it.

[xukeith]

I think every title winner in the past 15 years has had 3 number 1 draft picks that went to the NBA that following summer.

X? Maybe. Top 8 but not top 4.

X has a chance to beat the best. It will come down to NBA talent and luck.

[Lloyd Braun]

My son sent me an ESPN podcast today in which Katz and Greenberg interviewed Mack. The interview starts at the 16 minute mark of the cast. Mack did an excellent job and both Katz and Greenberg were highly complimentary of both Mack and the team. If I wasn't such a lazy butt, I'd have provided the link here. However, I highly recommend listening to it.

http://m.espn.go.com/general/play?id=14366416

[waggy]

I think the media guys are learning that Chris is a good interview.

[xu82]

I think the media guys are learning that Chris is a good interview.

I think that's very true. It's one of the many skills needed, and he's got that covered.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think that's very true. It's one of the many skills needed, and he's got that covered.

I dont think it is necessarily needed but a bonus and good for the fans/media.

See Greg Popovich, Bill Belichick, Nick Saban.

[waggy]

There was a point in the interview when they asked Chris what he thought he had before the season started. He didn't really answer the question and talked about getting better everyday. Didn't sound manufactured.

I think in one of the pressers Farr mentioned their goal was to be a top 40 defense.

I hope they've altered their goal.

[SemajParlor]

Yes, even if the reason is that there are no dominant teams this year.

[JTG]

The NCAA run depends a lot on draws, match ups and luck, look at the great seasons Villanova has had only to crapout the first weekend. Sad, but the only thing that matters is the 3 weeks in March. I don't think we'll know much for sure until we survive a close game, we've wiped the floor with everyone we've played so far. The Villanova Butler games should tell alot...talk about no favors from the schedule makers.

[xu82]

I dont think it is necessarily needed but a bonus and good for the fans/media.

See Greg Popovich, Bill Belichick, Nick Saban.

You noted two pro coaches, and semi-pro Alabama. In college that's part of the sales pitch to high school kids looking for a college. High profile is important. Like being ranked during the season, it helps.

[D-West & PO-Z]

You noted two pro coaches, and semi-pro Alabama. In college that's part of the sales pitch to high school kids looking for a college. High profile is important. Like being ranked during the season, it helps.

You can be high profile and not a good interview. Maybe not at a small school like Xavier though.

And yes you definitely need the sales pitch and having that ability when not at a blue blood probably makes you someone who would be a good interview.

[smileyy]

I dont think it is necessarily needed but a bonus and good for the fans/media.

See Greg Popovich, Bill Belichick, Nick Saban.

Apparently Gregg Popovich actually a great interview. He hates the midgame sideline interviews though, and isn't afraid to let anyone know it.

[Xavier]

The NCAA run depends a lot on draws, match ups and luck, look at the great seasons Villanova has had only to crapout the first weekend. Sad, but the only thing that matters is the 3 weeks in March. I don't think we'll know much for sure until we survive a close game, we've wiped the floor with everyone we've played so far. The Villanova Butler games should tell alot...talk about no favors from the schedule makers.

You know, I typically agree the only thing that matters is March. But man, I'd be really happy with some Big East championship gear. Until we win a few of those I won't be apart of the "post season is all that matters" group.

[UCGRAD4X]

Apparently Gregg Popovich actually a great interview. He hates the midgame sideline interviews though, and isn't afraid to let anyone know it.

Probably the most completely useless 30 seconds of 'journalism' ever. Painful.

[letskeepitreal]

Is it possible that a Buick will beat a Lexus to the finish line?

[scoscox]

You can be high profile and not a good interview. Maybe not at a small school like Xavier though.

And yes you definitely need the sales pitch and having that ability when not at a blue blood probably makes you someone who would be a good interview.

Yea, if you win the media will respect you anyway. Still, there's nothing wrong with trying to be cordial with the media as long as they aren't wasting too much of your time.

[mid major]

I think that's very true. It's one of the many skills needed, and he's got that covered.

Better skills than one Speedy Morris, former LaSalle coach. That guy hated us and never had anything nice to say about us. Michael Perry was the beat writer back then and some of the junk Morris would tell about us. He always had a perpetual hard on for us.

[DoubleD86]

For those that like the statistical analysis, I recommend KenPom (as many others have said). The tempo free and opposition adjusted aspects make it the best system in my opinion. There are some other great ones out there too (Sagarin, Massey, etc).

That being said, I remember last year reading something that of the past 10 years, 9 or so champions had top 15 or 20 AdjO and AdjD on KenPom with Kemba's UConn the only exception. Every champion (bar maybe 1 or 2) was also top 15 in KenPom total. Someone with better knowledge can double check these parameters for me, but here is why I think Xavier is a F4/NC contender. It is early, but X is #17 AdjO rating and #11 AdjD rating with a total rating placing them at #9 in the country. Unless you are only counting 4 or 6 teams as contenders (which doesn't make sense to me) you have to include Xavier in that conversation.

Basically, I wouldn't call them a favorite, but I don't think you can exclude them from a contender.

[X-band '01]

Better skills than one Speedy Morris, former LaSalle coach. That guy hated us and never had anything nice to say about us. Michael Perry was the beat writer back then and some of the junk Morris would tell about us. He always had a perpetual hard on for us.

Not as much as our old friend Explorer Steve hates A-10 refs.

[Xville]

I think every title winner in the past 15 years has had 3 number 1 draft picks that went to the NBA that following summer.

X? Maybe. Top 8 but not top 4.

X has a chance to beat the best. It will come down to NBA talent and luck.

I think for a few of them that could be true (I'm guessing you meant 3 first rounders)...but not the case for all. That 13-14 UCONN team only has one in the NBA right now...and at most will have two if Brimah makes it just based on his size. The year before, Louisville, had Dieng, Russ Smith, Peyton Siva, and Montrez Harrell end up in the NBA but only two of them were first round picks and Harell went to the NBA two years later.

The rest could be true like the two Duke teams, the UK team etc but its definitely not a prerequisite. The other conversation started here is kind of like the chicken or the egg argument because a lot of those guys that got drafted had no business being drafted in the first place, and may have only been drafted because of the teams' success in college.

[blueblob06]

I think that last night was a great win. But, as excited as I am about this team, I'm going to give myself a few days to decide about things like NCAA championships. Though, I must say, that betting slip that's in my drawer indicating my bet on Xavier @ 100-1 to win the NCAA championship is looking better today than in October when I bought it.
Agreed, I jumped on X for fun in October when I saw they were at a ridiculous 220 to 1!!! (This was between 40th and 50th as far as best odds to win the title!) On the same site today, Xavier is 30 to 1. (Tied for 11th best odds)
By the way, if only 10 teams have better odds to win the title according to VEGAS, you are a title contender! Duke is 7 to 1 and the "favorite". Villanova is 14 to 1. Michigan is 80 to 1, Butler, Gtown, and UC are 85 to 1.

[MuskieXU]

For those that like the statistical analysis, I recommend KenPom (as many others have said). The tempo free and opposition adjusted aspects make it the best system in my opinion. There are some other great ones out there too (Sagarin, Massey, etc).

That being said, I remember last year reading something that of the past 10 years, 9 or so champions had top 15 or 20 AdjO and AdjD on KenPom with Kemba's UConn the only exception. Every champion (bar maybe 1 or 2) was also top 15 in KenPom total. Someone with better knowledge can double check these parameters for me, but here is why I think Xavier is a F4/NC contender. It is early, but X is #17 AdjO rating and #11 AdjD rating with a total rating placing them at #9 in the country. Unless you are only counting 4 or 6 teams as contenders (which doesn't make sense to me) you have to include Xavier in that conversation.

Basically, I wouldn't call them a favorite, but I don't think you can exclude them from a contender.

Agreed. Xavier picked a really good year to be really good because there dont appear to be any elite teams meaning we've got about as good a chance as anyone. I also think the way our team is set up will really help us in march. What kind of teams lose early? Teams that focus too much on either offense or defense, and either go cold or have the other team get hot. Teams that focus too much on shooting 3s, then go cold. Teams that only have a player or two who can score and those players go cold. A team as balanced as ours will be really hard to beat because if one aspect of our game is having an off night there are so many other aspects we can step up to make up for it.

[DoubleD86]

Another number post: RPIForecast.com currently has Xavier's Expected RPI at 5.7. Obviously just a prediction, but if Xavier has an RPI around 6 they are looking at a 1 or 2 seed pretty easily. As a 1 or 2 seed, you have to be considered a contender for the F4/NC.

[Pete Delkus]

My one issue with our Xavier team.

Our ball dominating guards can run our offense and quickly ignore the post to try to get a perimeter shot. Example, when Sean O came in, he has given a touch on the block and converted a nice jump hook. The next 2 times we jacked 3's (JP, Remy) and Ellis converted a layup.

Our bigs are super talented, and we need not to ignore them for the sake of a guard wanting a shot.

BUT....we are undefeated and what the hell do I know!

[jhelmes37]

By the third game it was obvious to me this was the best X team ever assembled.

I've been watching 25 years, which isn't a lot by the standards of some of the dinosaurs around here, but still is a pretty long time.

I got lots of shit for saying this team was the best X team ever. Lots of "08 was better" talk.

Nah. This team would light them up. Too much firepower and size. Just too much. So many weapons it makes your head spin.

If we didn't have Xavier on our jersey - if we were a real blue blood at 10-0 with our resume (already), there would be NO DOUBT we would be ranked in the top 3. EVERYONE would be calling us a title contender.

And we are saying "no" to this thread?

YES, 100%, ABSOLUTLEY, BEYOND A SHADOW OF A DOUBT WE ARE A TITLE CONTENDER.

As Mich Muskie said - enjoy, everyone. It may be a once in a lifetime chance.

Bump.

Let's do this thing.

[XMuskieFTW]

Bump.

Let's do this thing.

Count me in. I'm ready for the new "The Run".

[MauriceX]

Interesting tidbit that may interest only me:

I keep hearing that every team to win the national championship has been in the top 25 of Kenpom Adj. Offense and Defense rankings. I also keep hearing that there are 17 different teams that could win the national championship, which I think is laughable.

If the Kenpom streak holds, the teams that are in the running for national champion based only on this stat are:

(Team - AdjO - AdjD - Overall Rank)
Kansas - 7 - 7 - 1
Michigan State - 2 - 20 - 2
Virginia - 10 - 10 - 3
Villanova - 12 - 9 - 4
Oklahoma - 15 -12 - 6
Xavier - 18 - 25 - 12

Next Closest:
Arizona - 21 - 33 - 15

On the downside, we are on the cusp of not being in that group. On the upside, we are in that group.

[Cheesehead]

Interesting tidbit that may interest only me:

I keep hearing that every team to win the national championship has been in the top 25 of Kenpom Adj. Offense and Defense rankings. I also keep hearing that there are 17 different teams that could win the national championship, which I think is laughable.

If the Kenpom streak holds, the teams that are in the running for national champion based only on this stat are:

(Team - AdjO - AdjD - Overall Rank)
Kansas - 7 - 7 - 1
Michigan State - 2 - 20 - 2
Virginia - 10 - 10 - 3
Villanova - 12 - 9 - 4
Oklahoma - 15 -12 - 6
Xavier - 18 - 25 - 12

Next Closest:
Arizona - 21 - 33 - 15

On the downside, we are on the cusp of not being in that group. On the upside, we are in that group.

Where's UNC? I would throw them in the mix too.

[MauriceX]

Where's UNC? I would throw them in the mix too.

UNC - 5 - 38 - 5

They are close too, but that 38 in AdjD took them out of the running. (Again, this isn't who I think will win, just who falls in top 25 in both)

[Cheesehead]

UNC - 5 - 38 - 5

They are close too, but that 38 in AdjD took them out of the running. (Again, this isn't who I think will win, just who falls in top 25 in both)

I think the list makes a lot of sense. I think X could get to the Final 4 and then who knows but one game at a time. It's all about matchups and we have trouble w/ really athletic teams.

[AviatorX]

Interesting tidbit that may interest only me:

I keep hearing that every team to win the national championship has been in the top 25 of Kenpom Adj. Offense and Defense rankings. I also keep hearing that there are 17 different teams that could win the national championship, which I think is laughable.

If the Kenpom streak holds, the teams that are in the running for national champion based only on this stat are:

(Team - AdjO - AdjD - Overall Rank)
Kansas - 7 - 7 - 1
Michigan State - 2 - 20 - 2
Virginia - 10 - 10 - 3
Villanova - 12 - 9 - 4
Oklahoma - 15 -12 - 6
Xavier - 18 - 25 - 12

Next Closest:
Arizona - 21 - 33 - 15

On the downside, we are on the cusp of not being in that group. On the upside, we are in that group.

Also have to consider what a team's numbers would look like after a championship run. It's easy to shoot up the rankings in March, like UK did two years ago although they fell short of winning it all.

[XUFan09]

Also have to consider what a team's numbers would look like after a championship run. It's easy to shoot up the rankings in March, like UK did two years ago although they fell short of winning it all.
Good point to consider, but I think the data that they draw from is just before the tournament. I am not positive, though.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[xukeith]

How do they measure defense? Can't be simply points allowed.

[xavierj]

How do they measure defense? Can't be simply points allowed.

You can go to his site and he explains it. But its basically points allowed per 100 possessions against the average of division 1 offenses. So basically wveryone is up against the same metric. Its not points allowed per game. I know the coaches believe in it.

[MauriceX]

You can go to his site and he explains it. But its basically points allowed per 100 possessions against the average of division 1 offenses. So basically wveryone is up against the same metric. Its not points allowed per game. I know the coaches believe in it.

Another way of saying this is that it takes the points allowed and adjusts it based on strength of the opponent and the pace of the game.

So giving up 70 points to a team that is bad and plays slowly can hurt you more than giving up 100 points to a good team that plays fast.

[MauriceX]

I went back to look through the past championship games as far back as Kenpom stats go. It turns out there is one exception: UConn in 2014. Other than that it holds. For 2nd place there isn't as much correlation. (Thank Butler for throwing that off)

Also, these stats do include tournament games. I know there was a question about that earlier.

Again it is team - AdjO-AdjD-Overall

2015: Duke – 3-12-4 beat Wisconsin – 1-54-3
2014: UConn – 39-10-8 beat Kentucky – 10-41-11
2013: Louisville – 4-3-1 beat Michigan – 1-48-4
2012: Kentucky – 2-8-1 beat Kansas- 28-3-4
2011: UConn – 18-13-9 beat Butler – 48-44-33
2010: Duke – 1-8-1 beat Butler – 57-2-9
2009: UNC – 1-21-1 beat Mich. St. – 22-8-6
2008: Kansas – 2-1-1 beat Memphis – 6-2-2
2007: Florida – 1-17-1 beat Ohio State – 3-11-2
2006: Florida – 3-6-1 beat UCLA – 38-4-4
2005: UNC – 2-12-2 beat Illinois – 3-4-1
2004: UConn – 9-5-2 beat GA Tech – 26-6-7
2003: Syracuse – 14-14-5 beat Kansas – 15-4-3
2002: Maryland – 2-7-2 beat Indiana – 23-6-6

[boozehound]

I think the list makes a lot of sense. I think X could get to the Final 4 and then who knows but one game at a time. It's all about matchups and we have trouble w/ really athletic teams.

Agreed. We can play a great game, but we can also play a pretty bad game. It only takes one of the latter before you are done in the tournament.

[Xtemporaneous]

Save the '11 Uconn and '03 Cuse squads, each winner has been elite in either category (10th or above). '11 Uconn just missed with their D ranking but both teams were balanced in their ranking.

We have some work to do.