The biggest question marks surrounding next season

[markchal]

It's disappointing to think about this earlier than we should be, but turning the page, what are the biggest question marks surrounding next year's team?

I think the obvious one is replacing our rebounding. Jalen and James were exceptional in that regard, and it let us play the 1-3-1 much more than we could've if not for their terrific rebounding. Losing that much skill and talent inside is going to be extremely difficult to replace. O'Mara will likely take on a much bigger role, and while he's capable offensively, his propensity to foul and turn the ball over remind me a lot of Jalen's game. I like Kaiser Gates future, but he's going to need to get stronger in the offseason to help us here. Gaston is a big question mark, but I have to assume at this point, he'd be our starting center. I hope he can score/rebound from the getgo, because we don't have time for him to really learn on the job. I'm not expecting much from any of the incoming frosh bigs, because it's pretty rare for them to make a discernible impact.

The other big question/concern will be our defense. We lose our best defender with no clear replacement and we lose a pair of bigs that were capable defenders (especially compared to O'Mara). I also get the feeling that many of the teams in the Big East have sort of figured out the 1-3-1, so I'll be interested to see how much we use it next year. Our m2m is what it is, and it's not like Myles or Tre are going to get uber-athletic in the offseason, but I do hope that Ed makes a big jump here. I do think increased playing time for Gates will be a big boost to the defense.

Are these question marks bigger or smaller than the ones we faced this season, replacing Stainbrook and Davis? It looked like it was going to be a monumental process to figure out the new roles and who would step into those voids, but this team pretty much hit the ground running. Can they do it again next year?

[GoMuskies]

Can Snipe convince Alex Oriakhi to transfer from UCONN to Xavier?

[BandAid]

We're also losing our best on-ball defender in Remy. That will be another question mark. Do we have another guard with the foot speed and tenacity to shut down an outside threat?

[smileyy]

We're also losing our best on-ball defender in Remy. That will be another question mark. Do we have another guard with the foot speed and tenacity to shut down an outside threat?

Sumner, if he can improve his defense.
LAJ is noted as a defender, no?
I can see Kaiser being able to throw a body on a larger wing

[BandAid]

Sumner, if he can improve his defense.
LAJ is noted as a defender, no?
I can see Kaiser being able to throw a body on a larger wing

I agree. Sumner has the foot speed. Larry has the tenacity. Can they have a lovechild by the start of next season?

Larry is held back by his offense. He has it in him to shut a guy down, but then we'd essentially be playing 4 on 5 on the other end.

[XUFan09]

Sumner, if he can improve his defense.
LAJ is noted as a defender, no?
I can see Kaiser being able to throw a body on a larger wing
That sums it up. I doubt any of them can replace Remy outright, but we could see a net improved defense.

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[xufan2434]

I agree. Sumner has the foot speed. Larry has the tenacity. Can they have a lovechild by the start of next season?

Larry is held back by his offense. He has it in him to shut a guy down, but then we'd essentially be playing 4 on 5 on the other end.

Is there any chance LAJ develops a better jumper? I have to believe he works hard on it. I thought at some point during the season someone said he shoots more and better in practice

[RoseyMuskie]

We're also losing our best on-ball defender in Remy. That will be another question mark. Do we have another guard with the foot speed and tenacity to shut down an outside threat?

To my understanding, Goodin has the capability of being a plus defender. But asking him to come in right away and be next year's Remy is likely asking too much.

I think LAJ is an average+ defender, but his height is a concern of mine against the Seton Halls of the world.

I really hope Ed can pack on about fifteen-twenty pounds. You'd think he has the athleticism and foot speed to guard most, but he needs the extra weight to help him hold his ground.

Both Bluiett and Macura made tremendous strides defensively from year one to two. Bluiett's effort last night against Hayes was one of the strongest defensive performances he's displayed (too bad the same can't be said offensively).

Assuming the loss of Reynolds, next year's hole plugging will be tougher than last. Reynolds/Farr > Stainbrook (two good vs. one). And while Dee ARGUABLY might have been a better cog than Remy, X had a plug with Sumner.

All in all, the defensive stopper role is my biggest concern.

[Xavier]

Can Snipe convince Alex Oriakhi to transfer from UCONN to Xavier?

In all honesty- is there any chance Xavier gets a 5th year graduate transfer? Not saying we need one, just seeing if that's an option.

For next year, things are a lot different if for some reason Jaylen stays (lets not discuss that topic here, though). If he does, I think next year we will be very good again and I would think X would be in line for a top 3 seed. If he isn't back, I can see some growing pains, especially defensively and rebounding but obviously am not concerned about making the tournament at all. I think top 3 in the Big East will be the expectation regardless.

[markchal]

In all honesty- is there any chance Xavier gets a 5th year graduate transfer? Not saying we need one, just seeing if that's an option.

For next year, things are a lot different if for some reason Jaylen stays (lets not discuss that topic here, though). If he does, I think next year we will be very good again and I would think X would be in line for a top 3 seed. If he isn't back, I can see some growing pains, especially defensively and rebounding but obviously am not concerned about making the tournament at all. I think top 3 in the Big East will be the expectation regardless.

What position would you want a 5th year guy? Would we really be able to get someone better than Gaston? I think we have to roll the dice to see what we can get from O'Mara (who needs to make a big jump defensively), Gaston, Gates, London and Trevon at the 4. I would have to assume we will see more time from Blueitt at the three next year as well, since he and JP will be absorbing Remy's minutes.

[XUFan09]

What position would you want a 5th year guy? Would we really be able to get someone better than Gaston? I think we have to roll the dice to see what we can get from O'Mara (who needs to make a big jump defensively), Gaston, Gates, London and Trevon at the 4. I would have to assume we will see more time from Blueitt at the three next year as well, since he and JP will be absorbing Remy's minutes.
If Xavier went after a fifth-year transfer, I bet it would be an athletic wing who could guard the 1 through 3.

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[markchal]

hasn't Mack basically said Gates can guard 1-4? Shouldn't he at least get a shot to see what he can do with extended minutes? How does our scholarship situation sit right now...do we even have an open one or is it only if Jalen leaves?

[XUFan09]

hasn't Mack basically said Gates can guard 1-4? Shouldn't he at least get a shot to see what he can do with extended minutes? How does our scholarship situation sit right now...do we even have an open one or is it only if Jalen leaves?
This is not mutually exclusive from getting a guy who can guard the 1 through 3. Just in this game alone, Remy and Kaiser were out there together, to the benefit of the defense.

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[Blue Blooded-05]

Here's the list of transfers. You can filter by those who will be immediately available: http://www.verbalcommits.com/transfers/2016

[TUclutch]

hasn't Mack basically said Gates can guard 1-4? Shouldn't he at least get a shot to see what he can do with extended minutes? How does our scholarship situation sit right now...do we even have an open one or is it only if Jalen leaves?

I thought we were over next year, but I just wrote it out.

This year:
Seniors - Farr, Abell, Gaston*
Juniors - Reynolds, Davis,
Sophomores - Bluiett, Macura, Austin Jr, O'Mara
Freshman - Sumner, London, Gates, Ekiyor*
*Denotes sitting out this season(senior and freshman respectively)

Next Year:
Seniors - Reynolds, Davis, Gaston
Juniors - Bluiett, Macura, Austin Jr, O'Mara
Sophomores - Sumner, London, Gates
Freshman - Ekiyor, Gooden, Jones

[Masterofreality]

Like others have said-who is going to be the guy to be the shutdown defender, ala Stan Burrell/Remy Abell? Someone who has the size and the "want-to" to take the other side's best guy and hold him down? That is a tough task amend many don't want to do it.

If Jalen comes back, we are going to be strong as onions offensively, but who will defend?

[X Factor]

Incoming frosh Tyrique Jones:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEYDoYwMBno

[TUclutch]

If I watched that without knowing who it was, it would remind me of Dez Wells. Just bigger

[XMuskieFTW]

Incoming frosh Tyrique Jones:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEYDoYwMBno

I like this a lot. Didn't know he could shoot from deep and looks like he has at least what appears to be the beginning of a post game. The future is bright.

[GIMMFD]

Tyrique is a monster, let's hope he grabs the strength training in the offseason, gains some muscle, and that this video isn't just a tease. His spin move is mean, he's a huge shot blocker. As said before, the future is very bright.

[X Factor]

Tyrique's a kid who you don't have to worry about not being physically ready to play. Get him in the weight room and he will be a monster.

[xu82]

Incoming frosh Tyrique Jones:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEYDoYwMBno

THAT was not what I was expecting. Much more skilled offensively than I realized. I expected a slower banging kind of guy. He can still bang, but seems to move very well. It looked like 9' rims out there.

[XUMIOH12]

If Xavier went after a fifth-year transfer, I bet it would be an athletic wing who could guard the 1 through 3.

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yes. exactly what i was thinking. Thats the one thing Xavier will need that they wont have on the roster as of now.

[XUMIOH12]

LAJ is a good defender but his offense will hold back his PT. If Reynolds comes back than we are good to go inside, if he doesnt, it will take some time, but may be able to use a combo of players to offset that loss. You figure one of those bigs will step up and perform well. Sumner (hopefully) making a big improvement will be a factor too.
I mean we are only losing two (maybe 3) players, albeit starters, i think with all the guys available we should be able to make up for those losses.

[XUFan09]

I like this a lot. Didn't know he could shoot from deep and looks like he has at least what appears to be the beginning of a post game. The future is bright.
I wouldn't expect him to really shoot the three in college. I do like him as a rebounder and defensive player, though.

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[Caveat]

The biggest question mark remains, and will remain indefinitely: When will this program take the next step and reach a Final Four?

They punted their best chance in school history this season.

[XUGRAD80]

Keep in mind that every other program in the country is also asking these same questions, making these same comments about their players/coaches, and speculating about next season.....or they soon will be. Just within the BE....what will Whitehead and Dunn do? What will Butler have coming back? How will Marquette replace their big freshman down low when he leaves? How will Nova replace their seniors? What incoming freshmen or transfers will make the biggest difference? Etc etc etc. IMO Xavier is in a much better place than virtually any other program in the BE, and probably as good a position as just about anyone else in the country. That's not to say that they won't struggle at times, or any guarantee that they will have the type of regular season they had this year, next year. But just remember that X basketball does not occur in a vacumn and the questions are the same for everyone.

[kyxu]

The biggest question mark remains, and will remain indefinitely: When will this program take the next step and reach a Final Four?

They punted their best chance in school history this season.

Let's not get too hung up on "best chance in school history", because you never really know whether you have the team that can do it until it actually happens. The NCAA Tournament is a fickle wench, and sometimes, it doesn't matter how good your team is, if you have one bad day (hell, a bad 6 minutes), you won't make it. And you could enter the NCAAT with 27 wins, but if you're not clicking at the right time, you may not get out of the first round (hi, Michigan State).

I thought the 2002-03 team was one of our best teams in school history, with a shot to make a really deep run. Plenty of people in the national media agreed. But like this year's team, we couldn't get out of the first weekend. Just didn't play well when it mattered. And what happened the next year? A team that wasn't great for most of the season clicked at the right time, and got closer to the Final Four than any other team in Xavier history. That could happen next season.

[LA Muskie]

1. We will probably lose one, possibly 2, players to transfer. Bear that in mind when assessing how next year's roster may look.

2. It is almost impossible for a freshman to come in and immediately become a lockdown defender. Even someone with the physical tools needs to catch up to the speed and physicality of the D1 game.


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[XUMIOH12]

Let's not get too hung up on "best chance in school history", because you never really know whether you have the team that can do it until it actually happens. The NCAA Tournament is a fickle wench, and sometimes, it doesn't matter how good your team is, if you have one bad day (hell, a bad 6 minutes), you won't make it. And you could enter the NCAAT with 27 wins, but if you're not clicking at the right time, you may not get out of the first round (hi, Michigan State).

I thought the 2002-03 team was one of our best teams in school history, with a shot to make a really deep run. Plenty of people in the national media agreed. But like this year's team, we couldn't get out of the first weekend. Just didn't play well when it mattered. And what happened the next year? A team that wasn't great for most of the season clicked at the right time, and got closer to the Final Four than any other team in Xavier history. That could happen next season.

those are good thoughts, its all about getting in to the tournament, and from there the chances to advance change each day.

[Masterofreality]

Incoming frosh Tyrique Jones:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEYDoYwMBno

Pretty impressive. A lot of times all you get on those "And 1 mixtapes" is a bunch of slam dunks. Tyrique has pretty form on his outside shot and appears to be trained in banging down low around the rim. The future looks bright for him. Just get stronger, T.

[Masterofreality]

1. We will probably lose one, possibly 2, players to transfer. Bear that in mind when assessing how next year's roster may look.

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Glad that you're in the dorm talking to players. Better yet, glad you're in the players' homes hob-nobbing with their parents and are tuned in to their close knit conversations. We WILL probably.... Nice parsing of words Counselor.

There is no better example of idle speculation than this. I'll anxiously await the announcement that JP Macura is transferring back to Minnesota and Trevon Bluiett is transferring to UCLA. Hell, why not Kaiser Gates transferring to SucKS and Ed Sumner to Michigan State...because, you know........

[kyxu]

Glad that you're in the dorm talking to players. Better yet, glad you're in the players' homes hob-nobbing with their parents and are tuned in to their close knit conversations. We WILL probably.... Nice parsing of words Counselor.

There is no better example of idle speculation than this. I'll anxiously await the announcement that JP Macura is transferring back to Minnesota and Trevon Bluiett is transferring to UCLA. Hell, why not Kaiser Gates transferring to SucKS and Ed Sumner to Michigan State...because, you know........

In all fairness, saying that we will "probably" lose a player to transfer in the off-season is not much of stretch, considering it's happened every off-season at Xavier for as long as we can remember. Even with the graduations of Remy, James and potential departure of Jalen, there is still so much talent on this team with limited minutes to go around, some kids are not going to be happy with the offer of limited playing time, and may ultimately decide to look elsewhere.

This isn't an indictment on the kid, his family, or the Xavier program. This is just the reality of college basketball, particularly on teams with as much talent as Xavier.

[LA Muskie]

In all fairness, saying that we will "probably" lose a player to transfer in the off-season is not much of stretch, considering it's happened every off-season at Xavier for as long as we can remember. Even with the graduations of Remy, James and potential departure of Jalen, there is still so much talent on this team with limited minutes to go around, some kids are not going to be happy with the offer of limited playing time, and may ultimately decide to look elsewhere.

This isn't an indictment on the kid, his family, or the Xavier program. This is just the reality of college basketball, particularly on teams with as much talent as Xavier.

Yes. This. It's not rumor mongering -- there's a reason I didn't mention any names. It's just the reality of D1 basketball. Cool your heels, MOR.


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[XUFan09]

I think the average transfer rate is something like 1.3 per school per year, so it's a solid bet to expect at least one. Sometimes it doesn't happen, but with this team, that would require one or two players to be okay with only getting reserve minutes next year. That's possible but it takes a lot of wishful thinking to assume that it will just happen each year.

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[Masterofreality]

Yes. This. It's not rumor mongering -- there's a reason I didn't mention any names. It's just the reality of D1 basketball. Cool your heels, MOR.


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Well, yes it is "rumormongering" unless you have some facts to back it up. You're a lawyer, right? What you have said is not admissible in court...including the Messageboard court. Cute that you hide behind "not mentioning any names" card.

I just get very offended when outsiders start speculating on what current Xavier Musketeers- part of our family- may decide to do or not do. How many "James Farr is transferring" speculation posts do we have to endure before we just shut the F up?

Just stop.

[XUMIOH12]

Yes. This. It's not rumor mongering -- there's a reason I didn't mention any names. It's just the reality of D1 basketball. Cool your heels, MOR.


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its not a terrible thing to say. i'm not sure i see it with anyone on this team, this year. But, with well over 500 players transferring each year, the odds say somebody may go.

[LA Muskie]

Well, yes it is "rumormongering" unless you have some facts to back it up. You're a lawyer, right? What you have said is not admissible in court...including the Messageboard court. Cute that you hide behind "not mentioning any names" card.

I just get very offended when outsiders start speculating on what current Xavier Musketeers- part of our family- may decide to do or not do. How many "James Farr is transferring" speculation posts do we have to endure before we just shut the F up?

Just stop.

You're right MOR. We should just ignore history and context and assume all 11 of our eligible returning players are in fact returning. Because they obviously are until they announce they are not. This lesson brought to us from a head sunk deeply in the sand.


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[scoscox]

It would either be larry or makinde in this case, but I think Makinde will be a contributor if he gets a little stronger and Larry is such a good athlete, but still looks a little lost. I'd expect it more to be larry to be honest, but it could very well be no one. I wouldn't want to leave this team or program right now if I was a player with the way we're trending. Besides that I think they all love competing with each other in practice and that's not always easy to find.

[Masterofreality]

It would either be larry or makinde in this case, but I think Makinde will be a contributor if he gets a little stronger and Larry is such a good athlete, but still looks a little lost. I'd expect it more to be larry to be honest, but it could very well be no one. I wouldn't want to leave this team or program right now if I was a player with the way we're trending. Besides that I think they all love competing with each other in practice and that's not always easy to find.

And here we go................ Way to light that fire LA.

[LA Muskie]

I take no responsibility for scoscox, who should know better.


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[GoMuskies]

And Donald Trump takes no responsibility for his supporters' violent actions!

(I'm just messing with you on this one, by the way.)

[LA Muskie]

And Donald Trump takes no responsibility for his supporters' violent actions!

(I'm just messing with you on this one, by the way.)

Ha! I was waiting for that...


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[scoscox]

Ha, my apologies. I'm actually on MOR's side here. I don't think there's any indication of anyone leaving.

[XUFan09]

It will be interesting to see if the staff goes after a 5th year transfer or a traditional transfer. I think the odds are pretty good that they'll go after at least one of those, but they'll be picky about who they choose. There is no strong need, but like I said before, they would probably like an athletic, defensive-minded wing.

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[Xavier]

This is rich coming from the person who either has the worst source(s) in the world or quite simply just makes stuff up.

Any chance you can give an example? MOR is unique dude, he just doesn't throw out a lot of sourced stuff. At least that I remember.

[AviatorX]

Any chance you can give an example? MOR is unique dude, he just doesn't throw out a lot of sourced stuff. At least that I remember.

The Kipper Nichols situation.

Edit: I'm saying that's the only time he has ever even remotely mentioned sources that I can remember, not in the sense that he's always throwing sources as implied by the post above.

[XUMIOH12]

The Kipper Nichols situation.

Edit: I'm saying that's the only time he has ever even remotely mentioned sources that I can remember, not in the sense that he's always throwing sources as implied by the post above.

im quite glad Kipper Nichols didnt end up at Xavier

[Masterofreality]

The Kipper Nichols situation.

Edit: I'm saying that's the only time he has ever even remotely mentioned sources that I can remember, not in the sense that he's always throwing sources as implied by the post above.

"Source" was the family who I know through St. Edward connections. There were some falsehoods put out there about his situation and I was counteracting some of the stuff the wise guys, who are supposedly in the know and make you pay for their info, were putting out there. Period.

It has worked out fine for both. Xavier got a good player and Kipper will be fine at Illinois. He had to make a quick contingency plan with Tulane after the X thing ended very late in the process in the spring. Now it's worked out well with him at Illinois where he can start on the court this December.

Kipper will be a very good player and he's got a great mother. All good all the way around. That is all.

[LA Muskie]

Glad that you're in the dorm talking to players. Better yet, glad you're in the players' homes hob-nobbing with their parents and are tuned in to their close knit conversations. We WILL probably.... Nice parsing of words Counselor.

There is no better example of idle speculation than this. I'll anxiously await the announcement that JP Macura is transferring back to Minnesota and Trevon Bluiett is transferring to UCLA. Hell, why not Kaiser Gates transferring to SucKS and Ed Sumner to Michigan State...because, you know........

I'm such an A-Hole for seeing this coming... And no, I don't think I'm special in that regard. Both of the transfers were quite likely (i.e., "will probably") yet not inevitable. The coaching staff was shocked when they initially indicated they were returning.

Best of wishes to both Makinde and LAJ. I selfishly wish they both would have stayed, but their respective decisions certainly are understandable. Once a Muskie, always a Muskie!

[XUFan09]

If you have a season without a transfer, that's mildly unusual. Not a crazy occurrence, but I wouldn't make a bet on it happening in your normal offseason.

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[markchal]

For what it's worth, I still think the question marks coming into this season were bigger than they will be going into next. We're going to have four extremely good starters with a talented-if-unproven big or a transfer big who posted good numbers at a mid-major. Have some nice pieces off the bench too, even if our depth took a little hit.

[Olsingledigit]

For what it's worth, I still think the question marks coming into this season were bigger than they will be going into next. We're going to have four extremely good starters with a talented-if-unproven big or a transfer big who posted good numbers at a mid-major. Have some nice pieces off the bench too, even if our depth took a little hit.

Your assumption in arriving at this conclusion is based on Tre coming back. I am hopeful that he will, but if he doesn't, then all bets are off.

[nuts4xu]

Your assumption in arriving at this conclusion is based on Tre coming back. I am hopeful that he will, but if he doesn't, then all bets are off.

Tre ain't leaving this season.

[LA Muskie]

Tre ain't leaving this season.
Tre ain't going nowhere this year. Hell, I think there are reasonable odds he's back for 2017-18.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I think after the combine is over and Reynolds and Tre get their feedback xavierhoops with have a collective sigh of relief when at least Tre comes back.

[markchal]

I think after the combine is over and Reynolds and Tre get their feedback xavierhoops with have a collective sigh of relief when at least Tre comes back.

Honestly, I think very few people are worried about it. I think most know Tre is back, and a reasonable amount know Jalen is gone. I also think Tre will be here all four years.

[XMuskieFTW]

Bluiett working out for the Timberwolves Saturday and Celtics the following Saturday. That's cool he's getting some workouts with teams. Still assume 100% he's staying.

[Cheesehead]

...more importantly, what craft beers will be served at D'Artagnan's Deck?

[Muskie]

Bluiett working out for the Timberwolves Saturday and Celtics the following Saturday. That's cool he's getting some workouts with teams. Still assume 100% he's staying.

Brad Stevens going to send the scouting report to his friends in Indianapolis?

[muskiefan82]

Brad Stevens going to send the scouting report to his friends in Indianapolis?

Won't help.

[GIMMFD]

Won't help.

Agreed we have Butler's number, and too much talent across the board the last few years.

[xukeith]

Tre ain't going nowhere this year. Hell, I think there are reasonable odds he's back for 2017-18.

so true! He is a great solid COLLEGE player. Not quick enough for sg on NBA

[Drew]

The best thing Tre can do is keep working on his shot. He has a beautiful stroke and combine that with his other skills and he can get make great money (possibly in NBA).

[casualfan]

No surprise here, but the NBA just released the combine invite list and Bluiett is officially not on it.

Nor for that matter is Jalen.

[xukeith]

No surprise here, but the NBA just released the combine invite list and Bluiett is officially not on it.

Nor for that matter is Jalen.

LSU's Simmons also not invited FWIW

[XUFan09]

LSU's Simmons also not invited FWIW
No need to check out the combine stats of the future number 1 pick.

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[Juice]

LSU's Simmons also not invited FWIW

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think he declined to participate.

[xu82]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think he declined to participate.

And why should he participate?

[casualfan]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think he declined to participate.

Correct. There are guys who don't get invited and those who decline. Big difference.

[Juice]

And why should he participate?

In no way do I think he should, I never said that. I was just trying to point out that there's a difference between not being chosen and declining an invitation.

[xu82]

In no way do I think he should, I never said that. I was just trying to point out that there's a difference between not being chosen and declining an invitation.

Oh no, I didn't think you were doing anything more than pointing out the obvious.

[paulxu]

Quentin Goodin for X.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/15999633/recruits-impact-top-25-college-basketball-teams

[XMuskieFTW]

Quentin Goodin for X.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/15999633/recruits-impact-top-25-college-basketball-teams

Hopefully his defense is ready for the college level. As much as his offense will be a nice spark, we need at least decent defense from him.

[chowertime]

misc news regarding nike skills camp:

http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2016/07/28/nike-skills-academy-college-basketball?xid=si_social

Xavier's Edmond Sumner was not the most polished point guard at the academy—that title belonged to Morris—but more than one NBA scout thought Sumner might end up being the academy's highest eventual draft pick, either in 2017 or 2018. The appeal of Sumner is in things that can't be taught: He's a 6'6" floor general with a quick-as-hell first step and the ability to get from the perimeter to the rim in a couple of long strides. Scouts figure that Sumner's body will start to fill out in his sophomore season with the Musketeers, and that he's starting to get better at pick-and-roll pacing—rather than simply going 100 miles per hour—but they still feel his jumper needs a complete overhaul. At the moment it's neither fluid mechanically nor accurate enough to keep defenses from going way under screens.

[UCGRAD4X]

his jumper needs a complete overhaul

If that is truly the case, and I can't dispute that it is, it is a bit troubling and I wonder why that process hasn't been undertaken in earnest already.

[paulxu]

Brad Redford has a camp for this I think.

[XUGRAD80]

If that is truly the case, and I can't dispute that it is, it is a bit troubling and I wonder why that process hasn't been undertaken in earnest already.

Maybe it has, and it just haven't been very successful. I'll wait and see how he shoots this season before making any judgement on his current shooting ability. Some players, even ones that have played for Hall of Fame coaches, never develop into polished shooters. The guy is 6' 6", long and thin, it's harder for someone with that build to be polished and consistent in their movements than it is for someone who is more compact in stature. It's also a matter of what training and practicing he has done at a young age. Usually, the earlier someone is taught proper form, the easier it is for them to learn it. He has many years of muscle memory to overcome now, and it's going to be a real struggle for him to overcome it. Doesn't mean he can't or won't become a better shooter, but there is only so much his college coaches can do to help him here and he's only had one real year of college ball so far. His red shirt year was because of bad knees and I'm sure that limited just how much he could actually work on being a better shooter during that time.

[xu82]

Maybe it has, and it just haven't been very successful. I'll wait and see how he shoots this season before making any judgement on his current shooting ability. Some players, even ones that have played for Hall of Fame coaches, never develop into polished shooters. The guy is 6' 6", long and thin, it's harder for someone with that build to be polished and consistent in their movements than it is for someone who is more compact in stature. It's also a matter of what training and practicing he has done at a young age. Usually, the earlier someone is taught proper form, the easier it is for them to learn it. He has many years of muscle memory to overcome now, and it's going to be a real struggle for him to overcome it. Doesn't mean he can't or won't become a better shooter, but there is only so much his college coaches can do to help him here and he's only had one real year of college ball so far. His red shirt year was because of bad knees and I'm sure that limited just how much he could actually work on being a better shooter during that time.

Huh? That applies to weight lifting, but I think Reggie Miller could shoot kinda OK. I get that a sweet stroke doesn't come quickly or easily, but I don't think body type is the barrier.

[XUGRAD80]

Huh? That applies to weight lifting, but I think Reggie Miller could shoot kinda OK. I get that a sweet stroke doesn't come quickly or easily, but I don't think body type is the barrier.

Think of a baseball pitcher.....developing a compact and repeatable motion is easier for someone that isn't tall and lanky. Of course there are always exceptions (Randy Johnson), but the principle remains the same.

[XUFan09]

I can't recall if it was his junior or senior season, but one high school season, Sumner shot 40+% from 3. Shooting translates pretty well to college, so his shooting is probably fine with a lot of reps. A makeover on his form might help, but such a drastic change might not actually work. He could be better off fine-tuning the imperfect form he already has.

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[Muncie]

I bet those NBA scouts know what they are talking about .

[Emp]

I can't recall if it was his junior or senior season, but one high school season, Sumner shot 40+% from 3. Shooting translates pretty well to college, so his shooting is probably fine with a lot of reps. A makeover on his form might help, but such a drastic change might not actually work. He could be better off fine-tuning the imperfect form he already has.

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I think he was 6-2 that season. Kid is still growing into being 6-6. Upside is still freaky.

He doesn't have to make the 3 when the D goes under the screen, but Myles or someone else does for us to be really successful.

[UCGRAD4X]

I bet those NBA scouts know what they are talking about .

I guess the thing to remember is this guy is probably considering what is going to make him a better NBA prospect and not necessarily what will make him a better player for X.

It might even set him back to try to retool at this point - otherwise they would have begun that process already.

As has been mentioned, that may not be what we need him to do. He shoots "well enough" and they have others to do so.

[xukeith]

I think he was 6-2 that season. Kid is still growing into being 6-6. Upside is still freaky.

He doesn't have to make the 3 when the D goes under the screen, but Myles or someone else does for us to be really successful.

Not to be picky about inflated roster heights but standing side by side, Sumner is 2 inches shorter than Bluiett.
I hope both grew 2 inches but doubt it.

[GIMMFD]

Sumner is already a better shooter than Semaj in my opinion, I say give it some time, let's see if it's a confidence thing before we try to completely re-tool a player's shot. There's some pretty decent shooters that had a very ugly shot (SHAWN MARION ANYBODY??)

[MuskieXU]

Sumner is already a better shooter than Semaj in my opinion, I say give it some time, let's see if it's a confidence thing before we try to completely re-tool a player's shot. There's some pretty decent shooters that had a very ugly shot (SHAWN MARION ANYBODY??)

As an aside, I was looking at Semaj stats the other day and was surprised to see he shot 39% from 3 his sophomore season. Granted, he took a lot less 3s than Sumner but Sumner only shot 30%. Even with the difference in percentage I would agree that Sumners the better shooter and I think his percentage should increase this season.

[paulxu]

Not wanting to start a new thread for 2018, this guy plays at the small private school my girls attended, about 2 miles from my house.
Would I be violating some NCAA rules if I showed up at his games with big "Come to Xavier" signs and held them up the whole game?

http://247sports.com/Bolt/Zion-Williamson-takes-top-spot-in-2018-Top247-46590333

[bleedXblue]

Sumner is already a better shooter than Semaj in my opinion, I say give it some time, let's see if it's a confidence thing before we try to completely re-tool a player's shot. There's some pretty decent shooters that had a very ugly shot (SHAWN MARION ANYBODY??)

completely agree.....he's beginning his second year....

[XU3232]

Does anyone know if Eddie Ekiyor is still on campus or if he went back to Canada for the summer? Haven't heard much about him recently and didn't see him in any of the pictures at the softball game or anything...

[Juice]

Does anyone know if Eddie Ekiyor is still on campus or if he went back to Canada for the summer? Haven't heard much about him recently and didn't see him in any of the pictures at the softball game or anything...

Back in Canada. He's still on the team and all that.

[X-band '01]

Not wanting to start a new thread for 2018, this guy plays at the small private school my girls attended, about 2 miles from my house.
Would I be violating some NCAA rules if I showed up at his games with big "Come to Xavier" signs and held them up the whole game?

http://247sports.com/Bolt/Zion-Williamson-takes-top-spot-in-2018-Top247-46590333

If you have to ask, ALWAYS assume the answer is yes.

[GoMuskies]

Nothing wrong with a sign. Just don't give him a booster handshake.

After reading the article...don't waste your time with the sign.

[XU3232]

Back in Canada. He's still on the team and all that.

Ok that makes sense, thank you.

[paulxu]

Nothing wrong with a sign. Just don't give him a booster handshake.

After reading the article...don't waste your time with the sign.

I've convinced myself in one of my bourbon-induced semi-comatose states, that going to Kaiser Gates games in Alpharetta was directly responsible for him committing to X.
Might as well go to some games down the street.

[xu82]

Not wanting to start a new thread for 2018, this guy plays at the small private school my girls attended, about 2 miles from my house.
Would I be violating some NCAA rules if I showed up at his games with big "Come to Xavier" signs and held them up the whole game?

http://247sports.com/Bolt/Zion-Williamson-takes-top-spot-in-2018-Top247-46590333

My brother-in-laws kids go/went there. I played tennis there about a month ago.

[paulxu]

Your sister lives in Spartanburg?

[xu82]

Your sister lives in Spartanburg?

Wife's brother. His daughter is in that kids class. Said he was 6'4" when school let out and now he's more like 6'7".

[GIMMFD]

I mean what do you have to lose?? I say do it. I'll send him some very vague mails which will be even better since they'll be addressed from Antigua saying that there's treasure buried under the Cintas Center.

[Harryfe]

Does anyone know if Eddie Ekiyor is still on campus or if he went back to Canada for the summer? Haven't heard much about him recently and didn't see him in any of the pictures at the softball game or anything...
Is Ekiyor the player that was accused of hit and run and whatever happened to that?

[MarvAlbert]

Is Ekiyor the player that was accused of hit and run and whatever happened to that?

Don't know what happened with it, but it wasn't an accusation. He hit an off duty police officer that was biking and ran from the accident.

Edit: I guess my memory is wrong, but he didn't turn himself in. Just saw he pled guilty in March. He can be in a program if the victim agrees to meet with him and sentencing is yet to be set according to this article- http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/young-basketball-star-eddie-ekiyor-pleads-guilty-to-hit-and-run