The Best Point Guard in the Big East...

[American X]

...wears a Xavier uniform. My research team is working on pinpointing the day and time, but at some point in the past few weeks Edmond Sumner decided he is the best point guard in the conference. I approve of this young man's decision making. He is considerate, wise, and an absolute holy terror on defenses.

Submitted as definitive video proof - Surgeons Carve Like Butchers Next To This (https://twitter.com/XavierGameday/status/702675462376415232)

This also serves as a Public Service Announcement reminder to the rest of the Big East that he is only a freshman. Ponder that in your heart. After you have worked through your Acceptance phase, you may submit your resignations to the receptionist. We thank you for participating in The Edmond Sumner Experience.

[X-ceptional]

Ahh, Fox Sports cut off the video one second too early. Didn't let Gus finish his call: "Edmond Sumner. Point. Guard!"

[smileyy]

I love watching the players off the ball. Sumner goes after JP clears his man out. Myles immediately pops to the top of the key to be open in case his man helps on Sumner (he doesn't; probably would have fouled Sumner if he tried). Bluiett also retreats to the corner to be open for 3, in case his man stays to help (he doesn't, and half-heartedly chases Bluiett). Farr waits and waits as his man comes over to help. Great blow-by and amazing pass by Sumner.

[blueblob06]

His new career-high of 9 assists last night were huge!

And his ability to penetrate Nova's defense and draw defense and fouls was a huge reason X had success last night.

Add in that he was 11-13 from the FT (and 9-9 before the game got out of hand at the end) and this guy was AWESOME.

[smileyy]

I take it back. I think Myles' defender should have helped. It was as Sumner passed that duo that the blow-by really happened. The Villanova defender on Sumner hesitates as they pass Myles+defender, either avoiding contact or expecting a switch, and all was lost.

[smileyy]

I mean, look how much Edmond's man was sagging off, and Ed still blew past him.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Ahh, Fox Sports cut off the video one second too early. Didn't let Gus finish his call: "Edmond Sumner. Point. Guard!"

pretty sure Gus said "POINT GOD!" not "GUARD"

[ammtd34]

I take it back. I think Myles' defender should have helped. It was as Sumner passed that duo that the blow-by really happened. The Villanova defender on Sumner hesitates as they pass Myles+defender, either avoiding contact or expecting a switch, and all was lost.

Not a chance Arch is helping off of Myles at the top of the key.

[EastCoastXman]

Classic Billy Raf "a lot of lingerie on the deck"!

[smileyy]

Not a chance Arch is helping off of Myles at the top of the key.

Not helping is probably the right choice most of the time. I thought it was interesting that, going into the game, Villanova had a reputation for switching on picks (because they're fairly interchangeable defensively, similar to X). I'm guessing that play would have gone worse if were an actual screen and the players had a chance to switch.

[xavierj]

Between Ed and Myles last night: 35 points, 15 assisits, 10 rebounds and only 5 turnovers and 13-15 at the line. Not bad.

[xufan2434]

Between Ed and Myles last night: 35 points, 15 assisits, 10 rebounds and only 5 turnovers and 13-15 at the line. Not bad.

Thought Larry played well for the time he was in there too. Didn't force anything but was more aggressive than in the beginning of the year. Did have that travel, but I'll take it with him attacking. Had the nice fast break assist to JP on the goaltending and thought he played pretty solid defense as well

[D-West & PO-Z]

Classic Billy Raf "a lot of lingerie on the deck"!

Love Raf, my wife had to ask me 15 times what he meant when he said different things, lol.

[MADXSTER]

I didn't realize that Jimmy Binnie had 4 brothers playing defense for Villanova last night.

[American X]

I didn't realize that Jimmy Binnie had 4 brothers playing defense for Villanova last night.

Except they did not. Villanova is one of the best defensive teams in the country. To discount the Wildcats' defensive ability undermines the phenomenal offensive performance put on by Xavier.

[MADXSTER]

Except they did not. Villanova is one of the best defensive teams in the country. To discount the Wildcats' defensive ability undermines the phenomenal offensive performance put on by Xavier.

Was referring to the one play when Ed blew by the Vill and no one knew what to do as stated above. Not undermining Xavier's performance at all.

[American X]

Underminer!

And the Villanova players knew exactly what to do. Just stand there. Trying to stop Edmond is a waste of energy.

[GIMMFD]

Somebody noted Ed was showing Semaj type explosion in the pre-season and I was a little skeptical about it, and I've never been so happy to be wrong. He might be more explosive honestly, Ed has been a treat this season, definitely did not expect him to perform how he has been performing, and it's been beautiful. I'm really enjoying this ride so far.

[xu82]

Somebody noted Ed was showing Semaj type explosion in the pre-season and I was a little skeptical about it, and I've never been so happy to be wrong. He might be more explosive honestly, Ed has been a treat this season, definitely did not expect him to perform how he has been performing, and it's been beautiful. I'm really enjoying this ride so far.

That somebody was a guy named Chris Mack. I tend to believe him now.

Honestly, Ed has been much more than I expected, despite the hype. Hey, what do I know?

[smileyy]

I think Ed is quicker than Semaj. Some of that might just be the extra length.

[xuwin]

I think Ed is quicker than Semaj. Some of that might just be the extra length.

He's also better with his left hand and driving to his left.

[smileyy]

I can see that making him look quicker, as defenders can't set up to favor one hand or the other.

[xu82]

He's also better with his left hand and driving to his left.

And, to me Ed seems better at finishing at the rim, not just drawing the foul. Plus I trust his jumper more. Not bashing Semaj by any means, but he had to be almost dared to shoot at times, though he made quite a few.

[Xavier]

It's really hard to compare them too much, IMO. With the shooters this team has its likely easier for ED when he drives than Semaj when he did. Not saying ED isn't better or could be better but Semaj gets judged a little harshly because of the talent around him.

[xu82]

True, Semaj was often having to create on his own.

[gladdenguy]

Ed is a much better shooter than Semaj will ever be. Ed can also hit free throws.....Semaj was maddening at the line.
I think Ed is much quicker. Mack confirmed that when he said Ed is the quickest player he's ever coached from baseline to baseline.

I don't think it's close. Ed will also play in the league. Semaj most likely will never play in the league.

[XUOHTX]

And, to me Ed seems better at finishing at the rim, not just drawing the foul. Plus I trust his jumper more. Not bashing Semaj by any means, but he had to be almost dared to shoot at times, though he made quite a few.

No way. Nobody finished at the rim better than Semaj. However, Ed is just better, period.

[Muskie in dayton]

Between Ed and Myles last night: 35 points, 15 assisits, 10 rebounds and only 5 turnovers and 13-15 at the line. Not bad.

Remember when we were concerned about the point guard position before the season began?!? Ha!

[spursy]

Remember when we were concerned about the point guard position before the season began?!? Ha!
I had forgotten all about that but great point. Ed, Myles, and Larry are fantastic. And with Blu and JP, we handle every press confidently.

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[XUMIOH12]

Remember when we were concerned about the point guard position before the season began?!? Ha!

at this point, PG is the last position we are worrying about

[Milhouse]

Semaj over TWO years - 26/77 from 3 - 34%

Ed so far in ONE year - 21/63 - 33%


Ed's on track to have more made 3s in freshman year than Maj did in two years, they may be around the same % but I don't think Maj ever had confidence in his shot like Ed does

[markchal]

No way. Nobody finished at the rim better than Semaj. However, Ed is just better, period.

Gotta disagree with this. I feel like no one finished at the rim like Crawford and he wasn't given half the fouls he drew in the process.

[xu82]

No way. Nobody finished at the rim better than Semaj. However, Ed is just better, period.

OK, Semaj finished "at" the rim, and you knew where he was going - right to the rim. (I was frustrated he seemed to be content with being fouled at times and NOT make the shot, but I felt that way with Tu on occasion, so maybe that's a me thing.) The difference is Ed can finish "near" the rim, with long arms, body control and instincts that allow him to adjust on the fly (literally) and maybe use the glass to get off a shot with a good chance of going in, and a little less chance of being blocked. Anyway, Semaj is not currently in the BE, so......

[Boro Muskie]

I was waiting for someone else to say what I was thinking regarding Sumner. The albeit limited exposure we saw early in the year was very, very promising and to think he accomplished that with his medical issues is pretty remarkable. I personally think we are in fine to good hands with both Larry Austin Jr and Edmond Sumner manning the backcourt.

I would like to point out my clarevoyancy (I think thats a term) on this exact subject back on 4/3/2015.
Now if only I could channel that...

[scoscox]

They're extremely similar and I think Semaj would have incredible success with this team around him. Ed is a little taller and a little more difficult to contain and a more confident shooter. Still, extremely similar, tall athletic point guards and would probably both be wildly successful. It'd be like having the Harrison twins and they were both good at basketball if we had them on the same floor. Oh man that team is almost too much to even think about.

[smileyy]

I just watched more Villanova highlights -- the joy and satisfaction on the faces of both Sumner and Davis when they set up a teammate...

[XUFan09]

They're extremely similar and I think Semaj would have incredible success with this team around him. Ed is a little taller and a little more difficult to contain and a more confident shooter. Still, extremely similar, tall athletic point guards and would probably both be wildly successful. It'd be like having the Harrison twins and they were both good at basketball if we had them on the same floor. Oh man that team is almost too much to even think about.
I don't know that I would call Semaj a less confident scorer. Scoring was harder with the guys around him. He would just be a less confident shooter, but taking the ball to the rim would be something that Semaj could do with upmost confidence.

This program really wasted Semaj's two years at Xavier. One team that would have sucked without him, and one team that was definitely doing no better than the NIT without him.

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[American X]

I lost count of the jaw-dropping plays by Edmond last night. Frozen rope passes, slicing through the defense, and an ALLEY-OOP! Seriously, an alley-oop to the point guard!

[ammtd34]

I lost count of the jaw-dropping plays by Edmond last night. Frozen rope passes, slicing through the defense, and an ALLEY-OOP! Seriously, an alley-oop to the point guard!

Not in transition, either. A half court set against the back side of their zone. Nasty.

[XMuskieFTW]

I lost count of the jaw-dropping plays by Edmond last night. Frozen rope passes, slicing through the defense, and an ALLEY-OOP! Seriously, an alley-oop to the point guard!

That one pass to Farr underneath was unbelievable. I have no idea how James was able to catch that. I could barely keep my eyes on the ball he whipped it in there so fast.

[atljar]

It was nice to see things implemented that, I assume, were worked on over the last week off. Ie there were the alley oops to Edmond... one successful and one bad pass miss. Also its like someone told Edmond to pass the ball with some speed. I dont think I have ever seen those type/speed of passes at XU. Those wrinkles that arent on film yet, but have been practiced over and over again can and will be difference makers in tight games.

[bobbiemcgee]

It was nice to see things implemented that, I assume, were worked on over the last week off. Ie there were the alley oops to Edmond... one successful and one bad pass miss.

which he turned into a score.

[Muncie]

I believe Ed has thrown those super jet passes since coming to X and often especially our big have had trouble with them. But I think they are getting used to both expect them and the velocity .

[UCGRAD4X]

I believe Ed has thrown those super jet passes since coming to X and often especially our big have had trouble with them. But I think they are getting used to both expect them and the velocity .

I was going to make the point, not to diminish what Ed brings (and considering the point of this particular thread) but even if other PGs can (or can't) make the passes, if there is not someone on the other end to both receive and follow through on the delivery...and if a tree falls in the forest...