Final 4 Missing Piece

[bleedXblue]

What's the one thing needed to advance to the Final Four? It could be luck, great play by a particular player, NC getting knocked out prior to an Elite 8 match up.....etc., etc.

I'll go with Jalen getting hot and playing well. 15 PTS and 10 RBS / game hot.

With all else being equal, his play could propel us there. He said he would deliver a Final Four. Now is his chance.

[XMuskieFTW]

What's the one thing needed to advance to the Final Four? It could be luck, great play by a particular player, NC getting knocked out prior to an Elite 8 match up.....etc., etc.

I'll go with Jalen getting hot and playing well. 15 PTS and 10 RBS / game hot.

With all else being equal, his play could propel us there. He said he would deliver a Final Four. Now is his chance.

He's been much better as the season has gone on. We just need to find a way to keep him on the floor. Would also be nice if he stopped shooting baby hook shots or at least didn't go like 1-19 on them.

[XUMIOH12]

He's been much better as the season has gone on. We just need to find a way to keep him on the floor. Would also be nice if he stopped shooting baby hook shots or at least didn't go like 1-19 on them.

he keeps short arming his hooks a little bit. He has been getting to a good spot to get off what should be a high percentage shot, but wont make them.

[mistabeecee41]

(jumping the gun a bit, but...)

Press break. With the potential matchup with WVU, Seton Hall and Creighton have both shown we can struggle against aggressive pressing over the last few weeks. Granted, our problems have come when Sumner has had foul trouble or on the bench, but I'm already having nightmares picturing LAJ trying to break the WVU press.

[BandAid]

For Sumner to play like an upperclassman and stay out of foul trouble.

[XUMIOH12]

For Sumner to play like an upperclassman and stay out of foul trouble.

yeah, good guard play usually wins NCAA Tournament games. We need Sumner and Davis to step up.

[xuwin]

What's the one thing needed to advance to the Final Four? It could be luck, great play by a particular player, NC getting knocked out prior to an Elite 8 match up.....etc., etc.

I'll go with Jalen getting hot and playing well. 15 PTS and 10 RBS / game hot.

With all else being equal, his play could propel us there. He said he would deliver a Final Four. Now is his chance.

The goal should not be the final four. There are always 3 losers in the final four.

[XUMIOH12]

it would be nice if Abell could get hot for a couple games.

[xuwin]

(jumping the gun a bit, but...)

Press break. With the potential matchup with WVU, Seton Hall and Creighton have both shown we can struggle against aggressive pressing over the last few weeks. Granted, our problems have come when Sumner has had foul trouble or on the bench, but I'm already having nightmares picturing LAJ trying to break the WVU press.

Most teams 3rd string point guards would have trouble against D1 presses. Fortunately it is our 3rd option.

[nuts4xu]

I hope we never see Myles Davis with 8 turnovers in a month, let alone in the same game.

We just need to play our game, like we did against Marquette, and take care of the ball. Our game includes solid defense and high potent offense shooting a high percentage. The potent offense is a result of working the offense, and NOT settling for jump shots. When we settle for jump shots early in the shot clock, especially against a pressing team like Seton Hall, it leads to being out of position to rebound, and a quick transition basket for the other team. Can't do that. Must be patient and play with confidence.

[XUFan09]

He's been much better as the season has gone on. We just need to find a way to keep him on the floor. Would also be nice if he stopped shooting baby hook shots or at least didn't go like 1-19 on them.
Yeah, in the last third of the season, Reynolds has really impacted the game, even if his shot isn't falling, because he's demanded the attention of the defense and passed well out of the post, in addition to continuing to rebound well. Now, those short-armed hooks...

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[GIMMFD]

Yeah, in the last third of the season, Reynolds has really impacted the game, even if his shot isn't falling, because he's demanded the attention of the defense and passed well out of the post, in addition to continuing to rebound well. Now, those short-armed hooks...

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I hope he's spending the entire week shooting those and getting muscle memory down to start making those hooks.

[Xavier]

Our shots need to be dropping. If our offense is clicking we are very hard to beat, I don't think our Defense can win us games when our offense is lost. I think we need to keep getting Farr the ball in position to score, too. Our guards can drain but if Farr is on it just opens everything up.

[XUFan09]

Our shots need to be dropping. If our offense is clicking we are very hard to beat, I don't think our Defense can win us games when our offense is lost. I think we need to keep getting Farr the ball in position to score, too. Our guards can drain but if Farr is on it just opens everything up.

Yup, this sums up this Xavier squad nicely. The defense of this squad isn't bad, but it definitely does fluctuate. It has been ranked as high as 6 and as low as 40, averaging out around 20-25 most of the time. It appears that how well the defense performs is highly dependent on matchups, and that's not something you want to rely on. The offense carries the team, and the defense simply provides support.

In all five losses this season, Xavier hasn't scored more than 1.07 points per possession, slightly above the D1 average of 1.037. In three of those losses, they didn't even score one point per possession.

[nasdadjr]

it would be nice if Abell could get hot for a couple games.

Everything else aside I think this is the key. Good call here

[GIMMFD]

Everything else aside I think this is the key. Good call here

I don't think we need him to be "hot" persay, anywhere around 6-10 points, and that's a good showing, obviously he has the ability to go off (see Butler), but I think in times we need scores, I'm more comfortable with Tre, or Ed driving, or old man Smyles to take care of it. Remy is one of our last options, so if he plays good defense, and can contribute just a couple buckets, we can do pretty well

[XUFan09]

I don't think we need him to be "hot" persay, anywhere around 6-10 points, and that's a good showing, obviously he has the ability to go off (see Butler), but I think in times we need scores, I'm more comfortable with Tre, or Ed driving, or old man Smyles to take care of it. Remy is one of our last options, so if he plays good defense, and can contribute just a couple buckets, we can do pretty well
Yeah, I think he just needs to keep the defense honest and put a few points on the board. A three here, a drive there, and the rest of the time, when he probes the defense, the defense will have to pay attention to him.

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[nasdadjr]

Yeah, I think he just needs to keep the defense honest and put a few points on the board. A three here, a drive there, and the rest of the time, when he probes the defense, the defense will have to pay attention to him.

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If he can hit a couple three a game he will take a huge amount of pressure off Davis which will help.

Just heard a fun stat. Something like 11 of the past 12 champs had blue in team colors. Check and mate haha

[Masterofreality]

Just heard a fun stat. Something like 11 of the past 12 champs had blue in team colors. Check and mate haha

Guess that means it's Gone-zaga's year!!!!!!

Oh, wait.....

[MauriceX]

Yup, this sums up this Xavier squad nicely. The defense of this squad isn't bad, but it definitely does fluctuate. It has been ranked as high as 6 and as low as 40, averaging out around 20-25 most of the time. It appears that how well the defense performs is highly dependent on matchups, and that's not something you want to rely on. The offense carries the team, and the defense simply provides support.

In all five losses this season, Xavier hasn't scored more than 1.07 points per possession, slightly above the D1 average of 1.037. In three of those losses, they didn't even score one point per possession.

I agree with your post, but to keep some perspective here... a top 40 defense is still a pretty good defense. Not elite, but pretty good. For perspective, Oregon's defense is 50th. Kentucky is 70th. Heck, there is a 6 seed (Notre Dame) whose defense is ranked 172nd. It's not like we are in horrible shape with our defense.

[xu82]

For Sumner to play like an upperclassman and stay out of foul trouble.

YEP! And some very solid help from the rest of the gang would be nice. Great guard play in all phases will be critical.

[Michigan Muskie]

Our shots need to be dropping. If our offense is clicking we are very hard to beat, I don't think our Defense can win us games when our offense is lost. I think we need to keep getting Farr the ball in position to score, too. Our guards can drain but if Farr is on it just opens everything up.

Without question.

For this team, this year, it comes down to these three things in order:

1) Shooting percentage
2) Shooting percentage
3) Shooting percentage

[mid major]

How about making a great majority of our free throws. I saw that Willis kid from Kentucky shooting free throws against Georgia. I believe he went 9/9. I thought to myself I wish our bigs shot ft's like that.

[XUFan09]

How about making a great majority of our free throws. I saw that Willis kid from Kentucky shooting free throws against Georgia. I believe he went 9/9. I thought to myself I wish our bigs shot ft's like that.
That has to be Fordham's first tournament in a long time.

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[vee4xu]

Very simple. Play defense that turns into offense as they did the first 12 games of the season. Nothing else.

[The Coz]

Get interior touches and keep Sumner out of foul trouble...Mack will address the press-break.

[X-band '01]

That has to be Fordham's first tournament in a long time.

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Too bad they had to buy their way in.

[Emp]

Summer fired up 18 shots to Tevons 11 in the loss to SH. unless he's on fire---and 6-18 is not on fire -- I like to see him find Trevon more. He's our shooter. Give hm the ball.

[X-ceptional]

Plenty of good points in this thread, but I feel like the answer was in the first post: the key to The Run 2.0 is Mr. Jalen Reynolds. The rest of the pieces are good enough to get us to that regional final, but I think a big March from Jalen is what puts us over the top.

That being said, if we're lucky, and everything mentioned in this thread falls into place... the Final 4 is not the limit for this team.

[XfansinKy]

Without question.

For this team, this year, it comes down to these three things in order:

1) Shooting percentage
2) Shooting percentage
3) Shooting percentage
Yep. Take n make good shots.

[bleedXblue]

Plenty of good points in this thread, but I feel like the answer was in the first post: the key to The Run 2.0 is Mr. Jalen Reynolds. The rest of the pieces are good enough to get us to that regional final, but I think a big March from Jalen is what puts us over the top.

That being said, if we're lucky, and everything mentioned in this thread falls into place... the Final 4 is not the limit for this team.

I thought we would see more of this. If you look at every starter and player who's playing considerable minutes........only Jalen and Remy haven't improved statistically from last year. Everyone thought Jalen was going to have a big year and almost no one considers Remy a key cog offensively. Strange.....

[nuts4xu]

This is simple, for us to advance to the final four, we will need to score more points than our opponents.

I guarantee our first final 4 if we can make this happen. Score more points, hold our opponents to less points than us, and no turnovers.

Let's March!!

[muskiefan82]

This is simple, for us to advance to the final four, we will need to score more points than our opponents.

I guarantee our first final 4 if we can make this happen. Score more points, hold our opponents to less points than us, and no turnovers.

Let's March!!

X also needs to get to the Elite Eight and score more points than the other team. That is the one thing that has held back the other two Elite Eight teams. They didn't score more points than Duke or UCLA.

[bleedXblue]

This is simple, for us to advance to the final four, we will need to score more points than our opponents.

I guarantee our first final 4 if we can make this happen. Score more points, hold our opponents to less points than us, and no turnovers.

Let's March!!

Never heard that one before...........

[Cheesehead]

Some of you might not like Izzo but I respect the hell out of him and he was very adamant after the Big 10 tourney win that defense wins in March. Even with an off shooting night a team still has a chance to win if they play excellent defense. This what is what worries me the most about X's chances. They have given up a lot points recently.

[Xaveriana]

Continue to play the team and not the name on the jersey. That's my biggest fear as we move along.

[bleedXblue]

Some of you might not like Izzo but I respect the hell out of him and he was very adamant after the Big 10 tourney win that defense wins in March. Even with an off shooting night a team still has a chance to win if they play excellent defense. This what is what worries me the most about X's chances. They have given up a lot points recently.

Agreed. Seems like 1-3-1 is a band aid more than anything. Our guys cant consistently guard man-to-man against really athletic teams. Out scoring teams only lasts so long.

[Xavier]

Man, Izzo is a genius. Defense wins championships- who would have thought?

[MADXSTER]

Every Team has a weakness. That's why matchups matter. The missing piece for Xavier is probably it's defense but it's not the end of the world. Other teams may have a worse defense. Other teams may have good defense but not have the depth to carry it through the entire game like Xavier does. It probably comes down to who's missing piece is more significant to the other teams missing piece.

[MADXSTER]

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger/opposing-coaches-reveal-how-top-seeds-can-be-beaten-and-by-whom-164911758.html

XAVIER (No. 2 seed, East Region)

Big East assistant coach on Xavier: "They're the deepest team in our league and top to bottom the most talented team in our league. They can mix and match their lineups so that one four-minute segment Trevon Bluiett is at the four — and he's a monster to guard at the four because he can drive bigger guys — and then the next segment they go big, [James] Farr and [Jalen] Reynolds play together and they just try to bully you. They give you different looks throughout the whole game. ... Sometimes I think they shoot too quick and it gets them in trouble. The games they lost they would go one pass, shot or no pass, shot. If those shots aren't going in, that backfires on them. ... The best thing they do offensively is how they play in transition. They run that ball down your throat. They have multiple ball handlers who attack. ... If you eliminate transition baskets and keep them off the offensive glass, you have a good chance to beat them. If they're doing both those things, I don't know if anyone can beat them. ... If you have to take one guy away, it's Bluiett. You have to try to make him a two-point shooter and make him work for everything. ... You can really drive them and you can hurt them in transition. A lot of times they're sending three or four guys to the offensive glass, so if you can rebound, you can run. That's one thing we stressed. Then you've got to make them work. I think if you move the ball two or three times, they get really spread out and you can drive the ball and attack the paint. ... One thing they have is that 1-3-1. It's like a changeup for them, and it's tough to go against, especially in a tournament setting when you don't have much time to prepare for it."

Who does Xavier want to see in the South Region? Indiana. A favorable matchup for Xavier is one in which it can bully the opponent on the glass and then get out in transition. The Hoosiers are vulnerable to both of those things, though the likelihood of them reaching a potential regional final against the Musketeers is probably slim given their difficult draw.

Who does Xavier want to avoid in the East Region? West Virginia. The Mountaineers' ability to attack off the dribble make them a potentially challenging matchup for Xavier. West Virginia's pressure could also get Xavier sped up and force the Musketeers into turnovers and quick shots

[usfldan]

This is simple, for us to advance to the final four, we will need to score more points than our opponents.

I guarantee our first final 4 if we can make this happen. Score more points, hold our opponents to less points than us, and no turnovers.

Let's March!!

Last year we outscored our opponents, 211-192, and only made the Sweet 16.

[paulxu]

Ah...the DCPT approach.

(Dayton Cumulative Points Theory)

[Xuperman]

The missing piece for X to get to the F4 is ONE MORE year. I think based on what we have seen in March thus far and the difficulty of our NCAA bracket, we are 1 year away. How about this scenario. LAJ is encouraged to transfer to free up scholly spot and Goodin is game ready from the jump. Gaston takes Farr's minutes. Both JR and ES return along with MD as a senior. Ekiyor and Jones bolster an already deep bench. That should get us there.

[nasdadjr]

The missing piece for X to get to the F4 is ONE MORE year. I think based on what we have seen in March thus far and the difficulty of our NCAA bracket, we are 1 year away. How about this scenario. LAJ is encouraged to transfer to free up scholly spot and Goodwin is game ready from the jump. Gas ton takes Farr's minutes. Both JR and ES return along with MD as a senior. Ekiyor and Jones bolster an already deep bench. That should get us there.

Am I out of line with saying really dude? This screams negative when we are in a region with a draw that is damn good. Stop worrying about what we don't have and let's focus on what we got which is a damn good team. Let's tip this off already

[Xuperman]

No, the title of the thread is "missing piece". That to me means, we are to give our opinion on what X is lacking to be a F4 team. Simply responding to the thread along those lines. 1 more year makes loads of since, especially in my scenario and that would be hard to argue. Again, "missing piece". Get it? You seem a bit dense and confrontational, so it would be entertaining for you to elaborate on what you think is the missing piece.

[Xpectations]

Semaj holding a presser saying he never accepted money since he left and he's returning immediately to complete his senior year.

Mack said to everyone at the banquet that the key is Jalen becoming the player they all know he can be--being aggressive and smart, and maximizing his talent. He challenged Jalen to be that player.

I think that is the surest way to be Final Four legit, or beyond. When Jalen is locked in and not over-thinking or under-thinking, he presents ridiculous problems to opponents on offense, on defense, and on the boards. There aren't many players in college hoops with his talent.

There are plenty of other ways to get there. This team has enough talent, balance and depth to beat teams in a number of ways. There's no team out there that should intimidate them in any way.

[XUMIOH12]

Semaj holding a presser saying he never accepted money since he left and he's returning immediately to complete his senior year.

Mack said to everyone at the banquet that the key is Jalen becoming the player they all know he can be--being aggressive and smart, and maximizing his talent. He challenged Jalen to be that player.

I think that is the surest way to be Final Four legit, or beyond. When Jalen is locked in and not over-thinking or under-thinking, he presents ridiculous problems to opponents on offense, on defense, and on the boards. There aren't many players in college hoops with his talent.

There are plenty of other ways to get there. This team has enough talent, balance and depth to beat teams in a number of ways. There's no team out there that should intimidate them in any way.

yeah, when it comes down to it, when all other players are playing their average abilities than Reynolds stepping up will make the biggest difference. Him playing to his max capabilities lets us match up much better against big/athletic teams like North Carolina

[XMuskieFTW]

The missing piece for X to get to the F4 is ONE MORE year. I think based on what we have seen in March thus far and the difficulty of our NCAA bracket, we are 1 year away. How about this scenario. LAJ is encouraged to transfer to free up scholly spot and Goodin is game ready from the jump. Gaston takes Farr's minutes. Both JR and ES return along with MD as a senior. Ekiyor and Jones bolster an already deep bench. That should get us there.

Why would LAJ transferring and freeing up a scholly change anything? All it would create is a depth problem at guard. This is silly. This is the year to make a run because no team is exceptional. Looking at the classes UK and Duke are bringing in next year, there should be those teams again next year like Wiscy, Duke, and UK were last year. There is absolutely no reason we can't make a run this year. What's wrong with back to back final fours?

[markchal]

Why would LAJ transferring and freeing up a scholly change anything? All it would create is a depth problem at guard. This is silly. This is the year to make a run because no team is exceptional. Looking at the classes UK and Duke are bringing in next year, there should be those teams again next year like Wiscy, Duke, and UK were last year. There is absolutely no reason we can't make a run this year. What's wrong with back to back final fours?

Yeah, that was an absurd post. If anything, we're more likely to get there this year, since the 1s aren't as strong as they will be next year (the incoming frosh class is supposed to be pretty strong).

[Xuperman]

C'mon guys, I am all for back to back CHAMPIONSHIPS, but I think only us X fan would think that is realistic. Next years team should be even better than this one IF jalen and ed return. Barring injury, is that even debatable? Gaston fills Farr's role along w/ Gates and Goodin take some of Remy's minutes. A LAJ transfer is only speculation. I read it somewhere. There is a jam for scholarship spots for next year. Unless there is a combination of transfer/redshirt or JR or ES leaving early, there are not enough spots. If anyone knows more about how that works I would appreciate more info. I have been following Q Goodin closely and he is ready now.

[XMuskieFTW]

C'mon guys, I am all for back to back CHAMPIONSHIPS, but I think only us X fan would think that is realistic. Next years team should be even better than this one IF jalen and ed return. Barring injury, is that even debatable? Gaston fills Farr's role along w/ Gates and Goodin take some of Remy's minutes. A LAJ transfer is only speculation. I read it somewhere. There is a jam for scholarship spots for next year. Unless there is a combination of transfer/redshirt or JR or ES leaving early, there are not enough spots. If anyone knows more about how that works I would appreciate more info. I have been following Q Goodin closely and he is ready now.

We are full this year on scholarships at 13 including gaston and eddie. We lose farr and remy and gain Quentin and tyrique to remain at 13. Don't really see how there's a scholarship issue at all. Also, don't see LAJ leaving. He's still going to be getting 10-12 minutes a game next year most likely.

And we may be better next year, and we will be if Jalen returns, but so will the NCAA as a whole.

[Xville]

C'mon guys, I am all for back to back CHAMPIONSHIPS, but I think only us X fan would think that is realistic. Next years team should be even better than this one IF jalen and ed return. Barring injury, is that even debatable? Gaston fills Farr's role along w/ Gates and Goodin take some of Remy's minutes. A LAJ transfer is only speculation. I read it somewhere. There is a jam for scholarship spots for next year. Unless there is a combination of transfer/redshirt or JR or ES leaving early, there are not enough spots. If anyone knows more about how that works I would appreciate more info. I have been following Q Goodin closely and he is ready now.

If you are following him that closely, you also know then that the majority of the games are against subpar competition. His school is out in the middle of nowhere, and they don't play against a whole lot of good teams, when they do play against good teams, they typically lose. Not saying he won't be a good piece, but I think its a stretch to say he is ready right now.

[XUMIOH12]

If you are following him that closely, you also know then that the majority of the games are against subpar competition. His school is out in the middle of nowhere, and they don't play against a whole lot of good teams, when they do play against good teams, they typically lose. Not saying he won't be a good piece, but I think its a stretch to say he is ready right now.

yeah i agree, there arent many freshman PGs who are ready right away, especially when they arent a 5 star type player.

[XUMIOH12]

We are full this year on scholarships at 13 including gaston and eddie. We lose farr and remy and gain Quentin and tyrique to remain at 13. Don't really see how there's a scholarship issue at all. Also, don't see LAJ leaving. He's still going to be getting 10-12 minutes a game next year most likely.

And we may be better next year, and we will be if Jalen returns, but so will the NCAA as a whole.

yeah no reason to assume or want LAJ to transfer. The most likely scenario for a scholly to open is if reynolds leaves

[Xuperman]

Hey, thanks for the info. Didn't realize that Gaston and EE take up spots on this years roster. So Eddie has been reshirted?

[XMuskieFTW]

Hey, thanks for the info. Didn't realize that Gaston and EE take up spots on this years roster. So Eddie has been reshirted?

Yes. He came in in January and theoretically could have played the conference season, but it didn't make sense to do anything but redshirt especially with our depth at the 4/5.

[bleedXblue]

The missing piece for X to get to the F4 is ONE MORE year. I think based on what we have seen in March thus far and the difficulty of our NCAA bracket, we are 1 year away. How about this scenario. LAJ is encouraged to transfer to free up scholly spot and Goodin is game ready from the jump. Gaston takes Farr's minutes. Both JR and ES return along with MD as a senior. Ekiyor and Jones bolster an already deep bench. That should get us there.

We're a 2 seed............no one knows what the future holds and what kind of draw we get next year assuming a pretty successful year. The opportunity is NOW.

[Xuperman]

As far as Q, that is not correct. He is a 4 star on the rise and his 6'3 frame is solid. Widely consider the best player in the state 2 years running. Taylor co. has won 17 of 18 and steamrolled it's way to the S16 at Rupp tomorrow against Mason Co. Scored 33 in the regional championship shooting 5/6 from 3. He is special and BE ready.

[XUMIOH12]

Hey, thanks for the info. Didn't realize that Gaston and EE take up spots on this years roster. So Eddie has been reshirted?

yeah redshirted players take up scholarships, (unless if you are jalen or myles ha). Theoretically Ekiyor could have been playing if Mack wanted to waste his redshirt.

[XUMIOH12]

As far as Q, that is not correct. He is a 4 star on the rise and his 6'3 frame is solid. Widely consider the best player in the state 2 years running. Taylor co. has won 17 of 18 and steamrolled it's way to the S16 at Rupp tomorrow against Mason Co. Scored 33 in the regional championship shooting 5/6 from 3. He is special and BE ready.

i like goodin and think he will be a good player, and as a freshman probably contribute some. But it sounds like you think he will be a starting caliber PG right off the bat. There is a big difference between being a top 25 5 star prospect and a 4 star in the 80-100 range. Also, Kentucky is a bad HS basketball state, especially most of the competition he plays against.

[Xville]

As far as Q, that is not correct. He is a 4 star on the rise and his 6'3 frame is solid. Widely consider the best player in the state 2 years running. Taylor co. has won 17 of 18 and steamrolled it's way to the S16 at Rupp tomorrow against Mason Co. Scored 33 in the regional championship shooting 5/6 from 3. He is special and BE ready.

Yes he is probably going to win Mr. Basketball in Kentucky. Kentucky isn't a good high school basketball state, I should know I live here. However, what I said was not incorrect. He plays for a small school that plays against subpar competition most of the time. When they play good competition, they typically lose. Not saying he isn't going to be a good piece for us, but to say he is BE ready without him even stepping onto the campus yet is a little premature.

[XUMIOH12]

Yes he is probably going to win Mr. Basketball in Kentucky. Kentucky isn't a good high school basketball state, I should know I live here. However, what I said was not incorrect. He plays for a small school that plays against subpar competition most of the time. When they play good competition, they typically lose. Not saying he isn't going to be a good piece for us, but to say he is BE ready without him even stepping onto the campus yet is a little premature.

He lost out on the Mr. Basketball award somehow. would have been nice for him, but not really a big deal.

[XMuskieFTW]

He lost out on the Mr. Basketball award somehow. would have been nice for him, but not really a big deal.

Yeaa sounds like her really got snubbed but no big deal. Rather see him win National POY in 4 years anyways.

[Xville]

He lost out on the Mr. Basketball award somehow. would have been nice for him, but not really a big deal.

Whoa did not know they announced that just the other day...ehh doesn't really matter.

[Xavier]

The missing piece for X to get to the F4 is ONE MORE year. I think based on what we have seen in March thus far and the difficulty of our NCAA bracket, we are 1 year away. How about this scenario. LAJ is encouraged to transfer to free up scholly spot and Goodin is game ready from the jump. Gaston takes Farr's minutes. Both JR and ES return along with MD as a senior. Ekiyor and Jones bolster an already deep bench. That should get us there.

JR isn't coming back, that sentiment is as foolish as this whole post.

[Xuperman]

With all due respect whether it is warranted or not. Nothing foolish about it at all. Of course I am hoping for the F4 this year like all of us. We certainly have the talent and seeding to get there. It is my opinion, and maybe mine only, that X will be even better next year. If it is w/o Jalen, so be it. Doesn't change my opinion one bit. I guess you could be JP himself, if not how can you possibly know what he is thinking. That IS foolish.

[XUFan09]

With all due respect whether it is warranted or not. Nothing silly about it at all. Of course I am hoping for the F4 this year like all of us. We certainly have the talent and seeding to get there. It is my opinion, and maybe mine only, that X will be even better next year. If it is w/o Jalen, so be it. Doesn't change my opinion one bit. And unless you are JP himself, how can you possibly know what he is thinking. That IS silly.
Xavier might be better next year, but the top seeds of the field will improve even more.

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[Xuperman]

Yeah, the fact is the opportunity is now and the future holds no guarantees to any team including the #1 seeds.

[waggy]

The team never totally recaptured the complete mojo it had prior to Ed's injury.

[nuts4xu]

The team never totally recaptured the complete mojo it had prior to Ed's injury.

It was there for the second Villanova game, that performance was awesome.

[Cheesehead]

The team never totally recaptured the complete mojo it had prior to Ed's injury.

I agree with this but this tournament is a new season and a team can get hot and roll. Why not the Muskies? I am optimistic. The time is now to march on to Houston!!!!

We ride!!!!!!!

[bleedXblue]

The team never totally recaptured the complete mojo it had prior to Ed's injury.

I don't know......you can definitely contribute some of this to level of competition........14-4 in the BE is pretty damn good.

[Xuperman]

Wow, that has to be the all time heart breaker, but the team will be loaded again in the fall. I guess there was a little foresight in my original post on this thread. The Final 4 missing piece is one more year and the experience that goes with it.

[GoMuskies]

Competent guards

[Xuperman]

The experience will benefit Ed the most. He will be back. No way ready for any pro ball. In his defense, coach Mack asked way to much of him late. Can't believe Myles did not get to run the offense more in the last 5 mins or so.

[Cheesehead]

Ed looked like freshman tonight. Too many unfinished drives to the basket and poor shooting from the line. Our guards were not very good tonight. That's the story of the game. Not sure why we didn't just pound it inside.

[X Factor]

I've been watching college basketball for over 30 years and the teams that make the Final Four always have guys that step up in big games; always make clutch shots, grab a clutch rebound, make a clutch play. Not just one guy, but multiple guys do that. And they do it for 4 games to make a Final Four.

This team really didn't have anyone who could get their own shot when we needed it. Sumner was a freshman and couldn't finish as well as he will in the future. Semaj was actually a better finisher than Ed right now. But guys like Bleuitt, Myles, Remy, etc. all need to be set up by someone else or a called play. Those guys rarely can just break someone down and get a bucket.

I actually think JP has the skill to get his own shot.

[ford]

I've been watching college basketball for over 30 years and the teams that make the Final Four always have guys that step up in big games; always make clutch shots, grab a clutch rebound, make a clutch play. Not just one guy, but multiple guys do that. And they do it for 4 games to make a Final Four.

This team really didn't have anyone who could get their own shot when we needed it. Sumner was a freshman and couldn't finish as well as he will in the future. Semaj was actually a better finisher than Ed right now. But guys like Bleuitt, Myles, Remy, etc. all need to be set up by someone else or a called play. Those guys rarely can just break someone down and get a bucket.

I actually think JP has the skill to get his own shot.

The teams that win titles also usually have at least one McDs AA and future pros. It's not a guarantee formula by any means, but it's as close to a pre req as there is. These are the glass ceilings we need to break through. Can't just hope to have a few top 50-100 guys play perfectly.

[X Factor]

The teams that win titles also usually have at least one McDs AA and future pros. It's not a guarantee formula by any means, but it's as close to a pre req as there is. These are the glass ceilings we need to break through. Can't just hope to have a few top 50-100 guys play perfectly.

Good point.

[waggy]

How many pro's are on Wisconsin?

[X Factor]

How many pro's are on Wisconsin?

They're not going to the Final Four either.

[waggy]

We didn't get beat by talent is my only point.

[X Factor]

You're right on that one.

[ford]

We didn't get beat by talent is my only point.

Come on. Look at the team's that win titles. No comparison on talent level. Again not a guarantee, just required. It is what it is. I think I just need to come to terms with E8 or F4 (assuming favorable draws) being about the best we can hope for as a program until then. I got fooled into thinking we could make a run in this wide open year. But alas, talent will win out again. We lucked out with Sumner's growth spurt, but not sure if one future pro is enough to really feel confident about next year.

[waggy]

If you think Wisconsin is more talented than X this year, I don't know what to tell you. More experienced in the backcourt, yes, but not more talented.

[ford]

If you think Wisconsin is more talented than X this year, I don't know what to tell you. More experienced I'll agree with, especially in the backcourt, but not more talented.

what I'm saying is there are 5-10 teams every year that have 2+ McDs AA and/or future legit (Rd1) pros on the roster. Those are the only teams that are capable of winning a championship. Wisky and XU are not one of those teams this year. Open to other evidence of past champions to prove otherwise. I recall readiing when drew lavender was playing for us that no team had one a title without a McD AA (since that all started) and noting that we had drew, that always stuck with me and I think it is becoming more critical given the 1yr rule.

[waggy]

Ford, yes, superior talent generally wins.

That didn't happen tonight.

[LadyMuskie]

I actually think what Ford is trying to argue is that tonight's loss is ultimately moot because without a McD's AA or two on the team, we had little chance if beating UNC to get to the Final Four. Moreover, if we want to compete at the final four level, we need to recruit better players per Ford.

[BandAid]

Wow, that has to be the all time heart breaker, but the team will be loaded again in the fall. I guess there was a little foresight in my original post on this thread. The Final 4 missing piece is one more year and the experience that goes with it.

This is a pretty douchey post.

[waggy]

I actually think what Ford is trying to argue is that tonight's loss is ultimately moot because without a McD's AA or two on the team, we had little chance if beating UNC to get to the Final Four. Moreover, if we want to compete at the final four level, we need to recruit better players per Ford.

I don't necessarily disagree with that.

But I see it as reactionary to tonights result.

[X Factor]

It sucks though. So many things have to go right to make a Final Four. You actually have to play good basketball for four games. Matchups are huge too. We got good matchups but couldn't take advantage of them.

I have no idea how George Mason and VCU made Final Fours.

[Cheesehead]

It's all about guard play and our guards did not have a good tournament:

Weber State
Myles 3-9 6 asst 3 TO's 6 points
Ed 1-6 6 asst 3 TO's 2 points

Wisconsin
Myles: 1-5 0 asst 1 TO 5 points
Ed 4-13 5 asst 3 TO's 11 points

So Myles shot 4-14 for .28% and avg 5.5 points per game while Ed shot 5-19 for .26% and 6.5 points per game. That will not get it done in March.

[xukeith]

Next year, X has 90% of players coming back. Hope defense is better.
I think Wisconsin(after back to back FFs and a national championship game) had better recruits.
X has great underclassmen guards but it will wait 2 years for our guards to be super awesome. Same with big guys.

Basically, X needs to win BE and get a 1 seed.