New Blood

[X-ceptional]

I don't know... trying to be more positive and think about something else.

Out of the new arrivals, who are you looking forward to seeing most next year?

RaShid Gaston
6'9" 240# Gaston averaged 15.5 and 9.6 in the '14-'15 season for Norfolk State. Say what you want about the level of competition, but it isn't easy to average a double-double (I round up). Someone else mentioned in another thread that rebounding also seems to be one of those things that translates pretty well between levels of play. I tend to agree, and while you can't replace a guy like James Farr when it comes to rebounding, I think Gaston is going to be a huge help here. We get him for one year--hope he makes the most of it!

I couldn't find a Gaston-specific highlight tape... I watched a few of NSU's highlights that they posted a couple years ago... nothing to write home about necessarily. He is #35--this one starts with a layup from him. I think this one also includes a dunk and midrange from him as well, but to be honest, I can't really remember if I am just mixing videos up, and I'm not going to watch NSU highlight videos anymore. One thing you can see a little bit in this one and a couple of the other videos, is that he definitely seems to fight for position on the offensive boards.

Can't embed four videos in one post, so I'll just include the links: Click here for video. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRUDMKI_9CA)


Quentin Goodin
6’3” 190# 4* Well, Sumner is seriously a freak and unless things go terribly wrong, I think he has to be gone after next year. Some think that Goodin will jump LAJr immediately in the depth chart, but who knows? PG is a difficult position for freshman (although Ed handled it with aplomb generally, there were definitely moments of… concern). He is another high-flyer, seems to have a good handle and has confidence in his jump shot. His HS numbers are insane 23.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.9 steals, although the competition is not the greatest.

Check the coast-to-coast at 1:16… the speed burst and dunk at 1:29. Click here for video. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJJReEAMoEc)


Tyrique Jones
6’7” 220# 4* Played in the same prep school league as Brewster (Jalen and Semaj). Maybe a little undersized? Seems like a beast, though—definitely plays above the rim. A couple different sources indicated he has good footwork, and everyone seems to agree on his rebounding abilities. Jones needs to work on his shot, but thankfully X has not been lacking in shooters as of late.

Jones goes hard… I’ll take pedantic issue with the video title, since the video does--in fact--show him doing other things than just dunking, but DAMN! Click here for video. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-ZkAxbLrXQ)


Eddie Ekiyor
6’8” 215# 4* Ekiyor enrolled at X this past year and redshirted. Had some serious offers including Providence and Nova from the Beast, and Miami (FL), Oregon, Vandy, among others. Looks athletic and like he has some decent moves down low, but Ekiyor is probably the one I have heard least about… other than the offseason issue last year where he hit the bicyclist in his car… saw he just entered a guilty plea earlier this month—didn’t see anything on penalty. He seems contrite, and if Mack gave him the OK, so do I.

Click here for video. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FriM6qu8m0)


So what do you guys think?

[X-ceptional]

To answer my own question, I think Gaston will be most important next year, but I am most excited to see Goodin. I love the length that X has had at the PG position as of late, and I am glad we can continue that with a new 6'3" PG coming into the fold. Hope he lives up to the hype!

[SemajParlor]

I know we were all crushed after the loss, but as Mack said. The sun always comes up tomorrow. The program is in great shape, folks.

[Masterofreality]

To answer my own question, I think Gaston will be most important next year, but I am most excited to see Goodin. I love the length that X has had at the PG position as of late, and I am glad we can continue that with a new 6'3" PG coming into the fold. Hope he lives up to the hype!

Agree 100% on this. Although, I gotta say that the mixtape of Tyrique was intriguing.

[xavierj]

Just my opinion but I think Goodin will play the 2 and be a slasher to the basket, which is what xavier missed this year. He is big and strong for a guard. I can see him spelling Myles more than Edmond next year and then maybe be a point when Ed leaves.

[Masterofreality]

Just my opinion but I think Goodin will play the 2 and be a slasher to the basket, which is what xavier missed this year. He is big and strong for a guard. I can see him spelling Myles more than Edmond next year and then maybe be a point when Ed leaves.

This is very possible.

[XUFan09]

If LAJ has another offseason of improvement, I could also see him pushing Sumner or Goodin to the 2 to provide a strong defensive presence in the backcourt (plus Sumner is more of a combo guard than anything and Goodin might be too).

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[XU 87]

Larry is a steady athletic player, but until he can make some shots from the three, I just don't see him getting much PT. In 334 minutes played this year, Larry attempted one three. With Goodin coming in, I can see him getting even less PT.

[XUFan09]

Larry is a steady athletic player, but until he can make some shots from the three, I just don't see him getting much PT. In 334 minutes played this year, Larry attempted one three. With Goodin coming in, I can see him getting even less PT.
I think that will limit his playing time, but not necessarily cut it out entirely.

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[Snipe]

Remy has minutes opening up, so I think LAJ can still get some time. It is going to be really competitive. Sumner redshirted a year, so he wasn't a true Freshman as he was practicing with the team. Don't know if Goodin will hit the ground running of if he could benefit from a redshirt year as well. We are going to have a full load of players for sure.

I heard some positive stuff both about Gaston and Ekiyor in the STL. It was from a fan in a bar that claims to know about such things, and you know those sources are always very reliable.

This program is in fantastic shape. I can see us being preseason Top 10. I want them to keep that unselfishness that made this year so special and take it to the next level. It was a fun team to watch, and I imagine next year will be fantastic.

[XU 87]

This program is in fantastic shape. I can see us being preseason Top 10.

I agree, although that may depend if Jalen comes back. If not, then we will have some questions about the front court.

[Snipe]

Maybe I shouldn't be as optimistic as I am, but I think our frontcourt is fantastic either way.

Have to say though that when Jalen Reynolds gets to play in front of non-Big East refs that young man is an amazing talent.

[Muncie]

His steal and half court drive to the basket for a monster dunk was memorable !

[X-ceptional]

His steal and half court drive to the basket for a monster dunk was memorable !

https://twitter.com/CBSSports/status/711738897647149057

Just unreal.

[MADXSTER]

To answer the question....Gaston.

As a possible lineup...Goodin, Davis(Davis could help handle the pg duties), Sumner(he would have a much better time guarding a 3 than a 1, especially if he gets stronger), Bluiett, Gaston.

LAJ plays good defense and runs the offense well but doesn't shoot the 3 and gets blocked when driving. He really needs to work on his 3.

[xukeith]

To answer the question....Gaston.

As a possible lineup...Goodin, Davis(Davis could help handle the pg duties), Sumner(he would have a much better time guarding a 3 than a 1, especially if he gets stronger), Bluiett, Gaston.

LAJ plays good defense and runs the offense well but doesn't shoot the 3 and gets blocked when driving. He really needs to work on his 3.

He would have tons of weight lifting to do plus eat tons too.

[MADXSTER]

He would have tons of weight lifting to do plus eat tons too.

Yup, but now that he's done growing, he'll have a better opportunity to put on some weight.

[MADXSTER]

To answer the question....Gaston.

As a possible lineup...Goodin, Davis(Davis could help handle the pg duties), Sumner(he would have a much better time guarding a 3 than a 1, especially if he gets stronger), Bluiett, Gaston.

LAJ plays good defense and runs the offense well but doesn't shoot the 3 and gets blocked when driving. He really needs to work on his 3.

A more probable lineup of Sumner, Davis, JP, Bluiett and Gaston.

[boozehound]

I don't know why everyone is so sure Ed is gone after next season. It's a possibility, but doesn't seem like a foregone conclusion by any means. He needs to bulk up and show that he can consistently (1) finish in traffic, and (2) make better decisions.

[LA Muskie]

I would be shocked if at least one of our experienced bigs (O'Mara and/or Gates) doesn't start. Although we could really use Gates' defense, there's more room for O'Mara.


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[xu82]

We are spending a lot of time on who might start. The more important question is who will get the most minutes, and when. The last 4 minutes are more telling than the first 4 minutes. This season clearly showed that.

[XUFan09]

I would be shocked if at least one of our experienced bigs (O'Mara and/or Gates) doesn't start. Although we could really use Gates' defense, there's more room for O'Mara.


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I could actually see Gates starting at the 4, pushing Trevon back to the 3. He offers a lot of the same mismatch issues on the offensive end as Trevon at the 4, and the two can switch back and forth on defensive assignments as need be. This would mean that he starts over J.P., most likely, but Remy did the same thing in good part because of his defensive ability.

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[X-ceptional]

We are spending a lot of time on who might start. The more important question is who will get the most minutes, and when. The last 4 minutes are more telling than the first 4 minutes. This season clearly showed that.

Hey hey hey, the MOST important question is the one I started this thread with! Who are you most excited to see next year, out of the newcomers?

[xu82]

Hey hey hey, the MOST important question is the one I started this thread with! Who are you most excited to see next year, out of the newcomers?

Oh, we left that behind a long time ago! :wave:

I agreed with you, Gaston will be most important, but can't wait to see Goodin.

[GIMMFD]

I'm gonna say Ekinyor. He's had half a semester to be with the team, he's enrolled at X, I want to see if that helps him get a running start and possibly contribute to the front court. Obviously Gaston has a whole year, but Ekinyor's a 4 star talent where a lot of big schools wanted him. Leaves a little extra level of intrigue for me.

[X-ceptional]

Definitely see where you're coming from, GIMMFD. As I mentioned up front, EE is the one I've heard least about, since he hasn't been playing tournaments, etc after enrolling, whereas you'll still see a tweet about Jones and Goodin here or there. Obviously he's got some serious talent to get so many offers from good programs. Really does have that level of intrigue as you put it.

[XUFan09]

I have to say Gaston. I don't expect a dynamic offensive player, but he could be really fun to watch. I imagine he'll be grabbing rebounds like crazy and defending at a high rate in the post.

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[GIMMFD]

Definitely see where you're coming from, GIMMFD. As I mentioned up front, EE is the one I've heard least about, since he hasn't been playing tournaments, etc after enrolling, whereas you'll still see a tweet about Jones and Goodin here or there. Obviously he's got some serious talent to get so many offers from good programs. Really does have that level of intrigue as you put it.

The best part is he already gets to start transforming his body as opposed to the other guys we have coming in, he'll already be dieting differently, doing weight training with the team. He got to go against James, Jalen, Sean, Gaston in practice. I think that could help him tremendously.

[blueblood]

In 334 minutes played this year, Larry attempted one three.

I actually take that to be a positive for Larry. Clearly the guy understands that when he is on the court with Tre, JP, Myles, etc. he shouldn't be taking three-pointers (or any shots that aren't wide open). I expect to see a lot more of LAJ and Gates next year because they are both plus defenders. For a freshman, Gates was a fabulous defender more often than not.

As for looking forward to see I'd say all except Rashid are mostly likely behind several players on the depth chart, but I'm looking forward to seeing Quentin because I like guards with good size.

What's really crazy is how deep X is now with so many four star recruits . . . and you think back to a few years when it was Semaj and Travis and that was about it.

[RoseyMuskie]

The best part is he already gets to start transforming his body as opposed to the other guys we have coming in, he'll already be dieting differently, doing weight training with the team. He got to go against James, Jalen, Sean, Gaston in practice. I think that could help him tremendously.

To my understanding, he's already packed on fifteen pounds since he began at X. From 215 to 230.

[smileyy]

I could actually see Gates starting at the 4, pushing Trevon back to the 3. He offers a lot of the same mismatch issues on the offensive end as Trevon at the 4, and the two can switch back and forth on defensive assignments as need be. This would mean that he starts over J.P., most likely, but Remy did the same thing in good part because of his defensive ability.


I mentioned this elsewhere at some point: given this year's roles (which may not hold for next year), Trevon, Makinde and Kaiser will be fighting for minutes at the same position. I expect to see both Tre (and possibly Kaiser) getting minutes at the 3. Tre creates mismatches when he's on the court in a small lineup; he's also undersized defending 4's (though all of basketball is getting smaller).

[TUclutch]

To my understanding, he's already packed on fifteen pounds since he began at X. From 215 to 230.

He's maybe 220, but he's strong.

[XfansinKy]

I believe Goodin is going to be a really good player for X. Key words are "going to be". He's not a very good shooter, but his elite level athleticism allows him to be a good scorer. It's no secret that D1 college ball requires a guard to be more than athletic to be efficient. Once he gets to Xavier and can shoot as many jump shots per day as he wants, combined with his physical strength n athleticism, I believe/hope he will make the transition over a couple years. Being a PG in the Big East is a tough gig man. Ky high school basketball fans are kind of a small group, allowing us to ask a few fans and get good info. With that said, I asked a friend of mine who's a relative of Goodin's if he would play pro ball some day and got a two word answer, "Hell yea!".

[X-ceptional]

"Hell yea!".

Haha, I love it. I'm just glad Goodin is coming in with a little meat on his bones already. He's 2 or 3 inches shorter than Ed, but outweighs him by 20 pounds. I like the idea XavierJ brought up earlier in the thread of Goodin playing the 2... At 190lbs, and if he can do a little extra work in the weight room this summer, I would love to see what a lineup with two ball-handlers like Ed and Goodin could do out there together. Remy was good slashing to the hoop on runouts (though not always), but having someone like Goodin who appears to have really good handles to get to the hoop in the half court and power through contact is an exciting prospect.

[X-Fan]

Remy has minutes opening up, so I think LAJ can still get some time. It is going to be really competitive. Sumner redshirted a year, so he wasn't a true Freshman as he was practicing with the team. Don't know if Goodin will hit the ground running of if he could benefit from a redshirt year as well. We are going to have a full load of players for sure.

I heard some positive stuff both about Gaston and Ekiyor in the STL. It was from a fan in a bar that claims to know about such things, and you know those sources are always very reliable.

This program is in fantastic shape. I can see us being preseason Top 10. I want them to keep that unselfishness that made this year so special and take it to the next level. It was a fun team to watch, and I imagine next year will be fantastic.
Totally agree, and I'll add that I want to see them develop a killer instinct. They need to embrace jumping on their opponent and stomping them out before they even think they have a chance to win.

[Masterofreality]

Tweet:

Xavier has inquired about UNM guard Cullen Neal (12.3 ppg, 3.7 apg), who is planning to transfer. His father Craig is the coach of the Lobos

My question is WHY?

[XUFan09]

Tweet:

Xavier has inquired about UNM guard Cullen Neal (12.3 ppg, 3.7 apg), who is planning to transfer. His father Craig is the coach of the Lobos

My question is WHY?
Is he a good defensive player? If so, he could be the perfect replacement for Remy. Regardless, he would still be with the team after Myles graduates. Trevon and Ed could both be gone then too.

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[xu82]

Tweet:

Xavier has inquired about UNM guard Cullen Neal (12.3 ppg, 3.7 apg), who is planning to transfer. His father Craig is the coach of the Lobos

My question is WHY?


Umm, is he a Remy type defensively? All I can come up with.

[GoMuskies]

Are you asking why we're interested or why he's transferring out of his dad's program?

[Xville]

He has a great handle, court vision, and can score in traffic....something our guards have trouble doing. He would be a welcome addition even if it is at the expense of jalen leaving or someone transferring.

[xu82]

He has a great handle, court vision, and can score in traffic....something our guards have trouble doing. He would be a welcome addition even if it is at the expense of jalen leaving or someone transferring.

He'd have to sit a year right? Nothing to do with Jalen either way, I think.

[GoMuskies]

Sounds like a portion of the New Mexico fanbase has a case of the crazy.

"Neal had a difficult time playing for the Lobos, battling multiple injuries, including a ruptured appendix before his freshman year in August 2013 while on a trip to Australia. Neal's erratic play at times led him to be the subject of criticism of the team, to the point that Craig Neal said during a news conference last month that there had been threats made against his son.

Craig Neal said the "death threats" forced Cullen Neal to change his phone number twice and close his Facebook and Twitter pages."

[GoMuskies]

He'd have to sit a year right? Nothing to do with Jalen either way, I think.

He wouldn't have to sit because he's graduating. And it still wouldn't matter, because transfers sitting out still count against your scholarship limit.

[xu82]

Didn't realize he was graduating, but good point on the scholarship.

[XUFan09]

He wouldn't have to sit because he's graduating. And it still wouldn't matter, because transfers sitting out still count against your scholarship limit.
It's interesting seeing a guy use the graduate transfer rule after two playing years. It's both crazy when you consider summer classes and maybe some college credit from high school. I believe Tu was only a few credits shy of graduating when he was testing the draft waters after his junior year. I bet other players were in a similar situation, but that's the only one I actually heard about.

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[xukeith]

I believe Goodin is going to be a really good player for X. Key words are "going to be". He's not a very good shooter, but his elite level athleticism allows him to be a good scorer. It's no secret that D1 college ball requires a guard to be more than athletic to be efficient. Once he gets to Xavier and can shoot as many jump shots per day as he wants, combined with his physical strength n athleticism, I believe/hope he will make the transition over a couple years. Being a PG in the Big East is a tough gig man. Ky high school basketball fans are kind of a small group, allowing us to ask a few fans and get good info. With that said, I asked a friend of mine who's a relative of Goodin's if he would play pro ball some day and got a two word answer, "Hell yea!".

If we have to weight for him to come to X before starting to shoot tons of proper jumpre, we have some trouble. If he is not a shooter in HS, he probably won't be in college.
A slasher and driver is what he sounds to be.
Off the bench frosh role player.

[X Factor]

From ESPN.com, Andy Katz article:

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14968784/cullen-neal-transfer-new-mexico-lobos-leaving-coach-father-craig-neal


New Mexico redshirt sophomore guard Cullen Neal will transfer from the school after playing for his father, Craig Neal, the past two seasons, the Lobos coach told ESPN.com on Sunday night.

Cullen Neal will graduate in the spring and have two seasons of eligibility remaining. Craig Neal said he had no idea where Cullen would play next season; Cullen will be able to play immediately under the graduate transfer rule.

[xu82]

So he graduated early? Hmmm

And shot 35% from the floor if what I read is correct. Lower than anyone on our roster? Must have been a volume scorer to average 12.3. Could be bad info or mitigating factors, but...... Maybe a Remy replacement as much as anything?

[GIMMFD]

So he graduated early? Hmmm

And shot 35% from the floor if what I read is correct. Lower than anyone on our roster? Must have been a volume scorer to average 12.3. Could be bad info or mitigating factors, but...... Maybe a Remy replacement as much as anything?

Agreed, do we know anything about his defense, because if he's lock down, I say let's welcome him in, and see what he's got for us.

[TUclutch]

schollie Numbers, averages, defense or offense I don't care. I operate under the "In coach mack(+staff) i trust". If the staff thinks someone is needed/useful by all means

[SemajParlor]

What's really crazy is how deep X is now with so many four star recruits . . . and you think back to a few years when it was Semaj and Travis and that was about it.

Agreed. It is worth noting that they had to scramble because Lyons and Dez Wells should have been on that team, but I get the point.

[xu82]

schollie Numbers, averages, defense or offense I don't care. I operate under the "In coach mack(+staff) i trust". If the staff thinks someone is needed/useful by all means

Amen!

[XUMIOH12]

If we have to weight for him to come to X before starting to shoot tons of proper jumpre, we have some trouble. If he is not a shooter in HS, he probably won't be in college.
A slasher and driver is what he sounds to be.
Off the bench frosh role player.

yeah, if you are a bad shooter in HS, you probably wont be good in college either, just have to hope to become an average shooter

[XUGRAD80]

yeah, if you are a bad shooter in HS, you probably wont be good in college either, just have to hope to become an average shooter

Most likely true, but with proper coaching and practice that can change....if the player wants to.

[XfansinKy]

If Goodin can go from around 25% from 3pt range(that's what he's been in HS) to near 35% or so, that would be nice. An athletic pg that can at least be a threat to knock down a jumper isn't exactly dime a dozen. I hope he's a rotation player right out of the gate, but I'm not gonna get discouraged if he isn't. Here's hoping he's got a good handle with both hands too.

[XUFan09]

Far as I know, Goodin isn't a BAD shooter. He's just not a good one. He's okay, probably enough that he can't be left wide open, and good enough that maybe he can improve in the long term.

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[XUMIOH12]

If Goodin can go from around 25% from 3pt range(that's what he's been in HS) to near 35% or so, that would be nice. An athletic pg that can at least be a threat to knock down a jumper isn't exactly dime a dozen. I hope he's a rotation player right out of the gate, but I'm not gonna get discouraged if he isn't. Here's hoping he's got a good handle with both hands too.

yeah 35% would be great haha. That would make him our 3rd best 3pt% shooter next year, based on this years %s

[XUMIOH12]

Far as I know, Goodin isn't a BAD shooter. He's just not a good one. He's okay, probably enough that he can't be left wide open, and good enough that maybe he can improve in the long term.

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right, hes not terrible, and should be able to make enough to keep defenders honest.

[XfansinKy]

yeah 35% would be great haha. That would make him our 3rd best 3pt% shooter next year, based on this years %s


Again, I think you either jumped in without quickly looking over my posts that lead to the last post or my post/posts somehow went right over your head.(That's my hypothesis)My posts were making the point that Goodin may need a year-year n a half to get really efficient. If he jumps his 3pt percentage up ten percent his freshman year, I would like for you to understand that's a nice jump. Try reading a few posts before making uneducated replies. Makes you look not so smart.

[XMuskieFTW]

Again, I think you either jumped in without quickly looking over my posts that lead to the last post or my post/posts somehow went right over your head.(That's my hypothesis)My posts were making the point that Goodin may need a year-year n a half to get really efficient. If he jumps his 3pt percentage up ten percent his freshman year, I would like for you to understand that's a nice jump. Try reading a few posts before making uneducated replies. Makes you look not so smart.

wake up on the wrong side of the bed?

[smileyy]

If Goodin can go from around 25% from 3pt range(that's what he's been in HS) to near 35% or so, that would be nice. An athletic pg that can at least be a threat to knock down a jumper isn't exactly dime a dozen. I hope he's a rotation player right out of the gate, but I'm not gonna get discouraged if he isn't. Here's hoping he's got a good handle with both hands too.

Going from 25% in high school where he's probably been quick enough to get separation, to 35% his freshman year seems....ambitious.

OTOH, he's likely shooting a lot off the dribble in high school, which is much lower %age (Tu and Dee's steel balls notwithstanding) than getting to spot-up.

[GIMMFD]

Going from 25% in high school where he's probably been quick enough to get separation, to 35% his freshman year seems....ambitious.

OTOH, he's likely shooting a lot off the dribble in high school, which is much lower %age (Tu and Dee's steel balls notwithstanding) than getting to spot-up.

35% isn't going to happen, I don't think it matters how much time he spends in the gym. He will improve, that is a given, and we will see what happens in the future, but 10% in a summer to November.. I don't think that's realistic.

[X Factor]

35% isn't going to happen, I don't think it matters how much time he spends in the gym. He will improve, that is a given, and we will see what happens in the future, but 10% in a summer to November.. I don't think that's realistic.

I disagree. Not saying he will, but I'm sure a lot of his threes aren't "good" threes. He probably took a lot of dribble across half court and launch a three type shots or step back threes, etc.

As a freshman, he is going to take threes within the flow of the offense. Drive and kick spot up threes.

I can definitely see him shooting around 32-35% from three as a freshman, similar to Sumner this past year.

[XMuskieFTW]

I disagree. Not saying he will, but I'm sure a lot of his threes aren't "good" threes. He probably took a lot of dribble across half court and launch a three type shots or step back threes, etc.

As a freshman, he is going to take threes within the flow of the offense. Drive and kick spot up threes.

I can definitely see him shooting around 32-35% from three as a freshman, similar to Sumner this past year.

hopefully he can be better than sumner was from 3. Sumner was only a 30% three point shooter this year and only 9-41(22%) the last 18 games

[Masterofreality]

hopefully he can be better than sumner was from 3. Sumner was only a 30% three point shooter this year and only 9-41(22%) the last 18 games

And yet he shot 3 Sunday night.....making none.

[smileyy]

Sumner's form looks terrible...his legs are split apart...seems like a very awkward jump and release. I'm expecting that shot to improve a lot.

Then again, Remy Abell's form looks terrible too, and he was draining them Sunday.

[AviatorX]

Damn. This place has become a real tough crowd for Sumner since Sunday.

[X Factor]

We're damn lucky to have Sumner. Yeah, he went into a shooting slump from three, but so did Myles last year when he went something like 3-1,000,000 at one point.

Sumner was a freshman. He had great moments and some not so great moments. He's gonna be very, very good next year.

[Masterofreality]

Damn. This place has become a real tough crowd for Sumner since Sunday.

Not really. Just stating facts. Can't deny what happened.

He'll learn from it...and be more motivated to be a prime time player next year.

[smileyy]

Not really. Just stating facts. Can't deny what happened.

He'll learn from it...and be more motivated to be a prime time player next year.

This. High performance brings high expectations. I don't think anyone is "down" on Sumner or thinks we're better off without him. Quite the contrary.

[XMuskieFTW]

Sumner is a stud. His shooting currently leaves a lot to be desired. I fully expect to see it improve and add another facet to his already good game.

[XfansinKy]

wake up on the wrong side of the bed?

Honestly...yes. I have been since the guard from Wisconsin made that game winning shot. Maybe I'll sleep on the bottom of the bed tonight. Naw I love this sight n hope to meet some of you guys the next game I catch because X has some of the most knowledgable fans in the country about how the game is played. My bad. Give me 6-7 months or our first win and I'll have a good attitude again.

[bleedXblue]

I see teams still playing in the tourney and I see teams with athleticism well beyond where X is today. This is across all positions.

Hoping Mack starts to address this in recruiting as guys like Myles, Trevon and JP are good players but not overly athletic....IMHO.

[XMuskieFTW]

I see teams still playing in the tourney and I see teams with athleticism well beyond where X is today. This is across all positions.

Hoping Mack starts to address this in recruiting as guys like Myles, Trevon and JP are good players but not overly athletic....IMHO.

Looks like Quentin and Tyrique will definitely add to the athleticism of the team. I don't expect either to play a major role next year, but at least it's on the horizon.

[Xville]

I see teams still playing in the tourney and I see teams with athleticism well beyond where X is today. This is across all positions.

Hoping Mack starts to address this in recruiting as guys like Myles, Trevon and JP are good players but not overly athletic....IMHO.

Agree with this. We have to get a bit more athletic especially at the guard spots. Guys like TU, Lyons, Crawford, Sato...we need a couple of these types of guys mixed in with all the shooters that we have. I think Goodin and Jones will be pretty athletic so that is a start, and I think JP is relatively athletic.

It has to be tough out there recruiting wise though to find both athleticism and good shooters...I mean those types of players are typically going to blue blood schools. That's why I think it is important for Xavier to have both types of players on the roster...right now X just doesn't have much athleticism for a major division 1 program.

[SemajParlor]

I know it seems like a while ago, but before this season started we didn't know what to make of Sumner. Remember the whole Xavier doesn't have a PG / Myles will have to play PG threads? I think we were all pleasantly surprised with how good he was. My point is, we can speculate on incoming talent but you just never know until the games start.

[Cheesehead]

I see teams still playing in the tourney and I see teams with athleticism well beyond where X is today. This is across all positions.

Hoping Mack starts to address this in recruiting as guys like Myles, Trevon and JP are good players but not overly athletic....IMHO.

JP won the slam dunk contest, you racist!!!!! :lmao:

[bobbiemcgee]

I see teams still playing in the tourney and I see teams with athleticism well beyond where X is today. This is across all positions.

Hoping Mack starts to address this in recruiting as guys like Myles, Trevon and JP are good players but not overly athletic....IMHO.

and yet, good enough to beat 'Nova by 7.

[XUFan09]

I see teams still playing in the tourney and I see teams with athleticism well beyond where X is today. This is across all positions.

Hoping Mack starts to address this in recruiting as guys like Myles, Trevon and JP are good players but not overly athletic....IMHO.
I agree that the addition of more athleticism would be good, and the staff does too, as they are recruiting this type of player.

That being said, Villanova is in the Elite Eight and they are far more skilled than athletic. Wisconsin wasn't overly athletic and they beat us. I'm sure there are other examples. Xavier isn't out of the tournament because of a lack of athleticism. They lost because their strengths, skilled players and shooters, failed them, and they only scored 0.91 points per possession.

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[XUMIOH12]

Again, I think you either jumped in without quickly looking over my posts that lead to the last post or my post/posts somehow went right over your head.(That's my hypothesis)My posts were making the point that Goodin may need a year-year n a half to get really efficient. If he jumps his 3pt percentage up ten percent his freshman year, I would like for you to understand that's a nice jump. Try reading a few posts before making uneducated replies. Makes you look not so smart.

i'm not really sure where the hostility is coming from here, but i'll keep that in mind the next time you say something like how some of our players have already been to the NBA Draft combine.

Oh and here's a quote from you just a couple days ago in the Jalen thread;
"Anybody know when a decision will be made? If it's already been mentioned, my bad, I skipped a bunch of posts."

[XfansinKy]

i'm not really sure where the hostility is coming from here, but i'll keep that in mind the next time you say something like how some of our players have already been to the NBA Draft combine.

Oh and here's a quote from you just a couple days ago in the Jalen thread;
"Anybody know when a decision will be made? If it's already been mentioned, my bad, I skipped a bunch of posts."
Thank you. I apologize you were taking this more serious than me. You win.

[SemajParlor]

Oh and here's a quote from you just a couple days ago in the Jalen thread;
"Anybody know when a decision will be made? If it's already been mentioned, my bad, I skipped a bunch of posts."

2039

[smileyy]

Agree with this. We have to get a bit more athletic especially at the guard spots. Guys like TU, Lyons, Crawford, Sato...we need a couple of these types of guys mixed in with all the shooters that we have.

I'm a little shocked that there's complaints about X's athleticism, coming off of a season with Edmond Sumner, J.P. Macura and Jalen Reynolds all playing substantial roles. If Koenig's last 3 doesn't fall and X wins in overtime, we're not having this discussion.

Tu wasn't particularly athletic (heresy!). He didn't have explosiveness or a lot of lateral quickness. What he did have was a boatload of determination to get every single bit out of his game, a body that could absorb contact to let him grind out games, and the savvy to get his shot. Just like this "Myles Davis" guy on the current team (except Myles is 3" taller).


right now X just doesn't have much athleticism for a major division 1 program.

And yet somehow finished 2nd in the Big East (which everyone around here holds up as a major conference) and went to the Sweet 16 and almost Elite 8 last year with Dee Davis, Matt Stainbrook and the "not-athletic enough" Trevon Bluiett as major players.

Seriously, I have a feeling that Tre is going to go down as the least heralded player in Xavier history a guy who as a freshman comes in and plays 28 minutes a game and scores in double figures.

I *really* don't get where this conversation is coming from.

[Xville]

I'm a little shocked that there's complaints about X's athleticism, coming off of a season with Edmond Sumner, J.P. Macura and Jalen Reynolds all playing substantial roles. If Koenig's last 3 doesn't fall and X wins in overtime, we're not having this discussion.

Tu wasn't particularly athletic (heresy!). He didn't have explosiveness or a lot of lateral quickness. What he did have was a boatload of determination to get every single bit out of his game, a body that could absorb contact to let him grind out games, and the savvy to get his shot. Just like this "Myles Davis" guy on the current team (except Myles is 3" taller).



And yet somehow finished 2nd in the Big East (which everyone around here holds up as a major conference) and went to the Sweet 16 and almost Elite 8 last year with Dee Davis, Matt Stainbrook and the "not-athletic enough" Trevon Bluiett as major players.

Seriously, I have a feeling that Tre is going to go down as the least heralded player in Xavier history a guy who as a freshman comes in and plays 28 minutes a game and scores in double figures.

I *really* don't get where this conversation is coming from.

I completely disagree with your notion that Tu wasn't particularly athletic, and to compare him to Myles is just downright silly. They have completely different games. The only thing about them that is the same is that they are both guards.

What I don't understand is when people come on here to critique the team, people take it as a personal insult and that I'm calling their own baby ugly. There is a reason why Xavier isn't going to be in the Final Four this year or cutting down the nets, and that is the ultimate goal right? Or is having a nice regular season and getting bounced the first weekend the goal?

In order for Xavier to get to their ultimate goal, the roster is going to need to be a bit more balanced than it is now in my opinion. You need guys that can drive the lane, take contact and finish. You also need guys who can shoot the rock which is something Xavier definitely has already. You also need guys who can stay in front of their man on defense and not allow guys to penetrate so easily, and finally you need upper classmen leadership who just refuse to lose.

Some of these things, this year's team had, others they did not. I'm just pointing out what I see compared to other teams still in the race....watch Kansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma and tell me you don't see a difference.

[xavierj]

I completely disagree with your notion that Tu wasn't particularly athletic, and to compare him to Myles is just downright silly. They have completely different games. The only thing about them that is the same is that they are both guards.

What I don't understand is when people come on here to critique the team, people take it as a personal insult and that I'm calling their own baby ugly. There is a reason why Xavier isn't going to be in the Final Four this year or cutting down the nets, and that is the ultimate goal right? Or is having a nice regular season and getting bounced the first weekend the goal?

In order for Xavier to get to their ultimate goal, the roster is going to need to be a bit more balanced than it is now in my opinion. You need guys that can drive the lane, take contact and finish. You also need guys who can shoot the rock which is something Xavier definitely has already. You also need guys who can stay in front of their man on defense and not allow guys to penetrate so easily, and finally you need upper classmen leadership who just refuse to lose.

Some of these things, this year's team had, others they did not. I'm just pointing out what I see compared to other teams still in the race....watch Kansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma and tell me you don't see a difference.

Not that I totally disagree with you, but xavier did not lose to Wisconsin because Wisconsin had more athletes. And how did Kansas lose in the round of 32 the last two years? Sometimes teams just lose, even when they are better. And when Butler went to the final four twice, they were not loaded with athletes.

[Xville]

Not that I totally disagree with you, but xavier did not lose to Wisconsin because Wisconsin had more athletes. And how did Kansas lose in the round of 32 the last two years? Sometimes teams just lose, even when they are better. And when Butler went to the final four twice, they were not loaded with athletes.

Agreed...we didn't lose to Wisconsin because of athletic ability, and we probably have better athletes than ND too, but then we would have played north Carolina and honestly, we probably would have lost anyways just being realistic. Anyways all I'm saying is that we need a few more pieces to get to the goal we as fans all want. We could get there by happenstance like butler with just sheer determination but that's extremely rare. I want a final four and a championship just like any fan, and I see some deficiencies in our ability to get there. Some people on here take that as me being negative, but I'm just giving my opinion.

[xu82]

Agreed...we didn't lose to Wisconsin because of athletic ability, and we probably have better athletes than ND too, but then we would have played north Carolina and honestly, we probably would have lost anyways just being realistic. Anyways all I'm saying is that we need a few more pieces to get to the goal we as fans all want. We could get there by happenstance like butler with just sheer determination but that's extremely rare.

We can get there based on our current trajectory and with some continuity.

[TUclutch]

I completely disagree with your notion that Tu wasn't particularly athletic, and to compare him to Myles is just downright silly. They have completely different games. The only thing about them that is the same is that they are both guards.

What I don't understand is when people come on here to critique the team, people take it as a personal insult and that I'm calling their own baby ugly. There is a reason why Xavier isn't going to be in the Final Four this year or cutting down the nets, and that is the ultimate goal right? Or is having a nice regular season and getting bounced the first weekend the goal?

In order for Xavier to get to their ultimate goal, the roster is going to need to be a bit more balanced than it is now in my opinion. You need guys that can drive the lane, take contact and finish. You also need guys who can shoot the rock which is something Xavier definitely has already. You also need guys who can stay in front of their man on defense and not allow guys to penetrate so easily, and finally you need upper classmen leadership who just refuse to lose.

Some of these things, this year's team had, others they did not. I'm just pointing out what I see compared to other teams still in the race....watch Kansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma and tell me you don't see a difference.

I'm as big a fan of Tu as anyone, but sorry, he was not very athletic. If he was, he wouldn't be in the D-League right now. His numbers this season say he should get a chance on an NBA roster, but his athletic ability and size are preventing people from trusting the numbers they are seeing.

[X Factor]

I'm as big a fan of Tu as anyone, but sorry, he was not very athletic. If he was, he wouldn't be in the D-League right now. His numbers this season say he should get a chance on an NBA roster, but his athletic ability and size are preventing people from trusting the numbers they are seeing.

Tu was and is 10 times more athletic than Myles. Tu was only 6 feet tall but could finish at and around the rim extremely well.

If Tu was 6'3 no doubt in my mind he would be in the NBA right now. It has nothing to do with athleticism.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il6e5G1tqGE

[XUFan09]

Tu had a fantastic first step. He could create so much space with that quick first step and he had the body control and strength to finish through contact.

That said, his acceleration, speed, and vertical were nothing to write home about.

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[X-ceptional]

Tu's athleticism was deceiving. He would have appeared much more athletic if it weren't for gigantic steel balls weighing him down.

[TUclutch]

Tu was and is 10 times more athletic than Myles. Tu was only 6 feet tall but could finish at and around the rim extremely well.

If Tu was 6'3 no doubt in my mind he would be in the NBA right now. It has nothing to do with athleticism.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il6e5G1tqGE

Pretty sure I never said he wasn't more athletic than Myles. Neither are very athletic. They know how to use their body well though.

[waggy]

Xavier Hoops: where Myles Davis and Tu Holloway get compared.

[XfansinKy]

2039

Thanks. I feel better now.

[XfansinKy]

[QUOTE=XUMIOH12;550286]i'm not really sure where the hostility is coming from here, but i'll keep that in mind the next time you say something like how some of our players have already been to the NBA Draft combine.

Oh and here's a quote from you just a couple days ago in the Jalen thread;
"Anybody know when a decision will be made? If it's already been mentioned, my bad, I skipped a bunch of posts."[/QUOTET]

Thank you for your concern. Means a lot to me.

[xukeith]

If Goodin can go from around 25% from 3pt range(that's what he's been in HS) to near 35% or so, that would be nice. An athletic pg that can at least be a threat to knock down a jumper isn't exactly dime a dozen. I hope he's a rotation player right out of the gate, but I'm not gonna get discouraged if he isn't. Here's hoping he's got a good handle with both hands too.

Redford went worse in college than hs. Most shooters go worse from HS to college. I hope e becomes a good shooter but doubt it.

[xukeith]

Holloway was sooooooooo good and clutch.

[XMuskieFTW]

Redford went worse in college than hs. Most shooters go worse from HS to college. I hope e becomes a good shooter but doubt it.

On one hand, he'll be facing much better defenses, on the other hand, he'll be much more selective in shooting 3s so the ones he does shoot will be better looks. My guess is we will only see him take about 1 a game and he'll shoot about 30-33% on the year.

[scoscox]

On one hand, he'll be facing much better defenses, on the other hand, he'll be much more selective in shooting 3s so the ones he does shoot will be better looks. My guess is we will only see him take about 1 a game and he'll shoot about 30-33% on the year.

He's also going to hopefully become a better shooter by the time he leaves Xavier. Most guys definitely improve their shooting. Brad was a special case in that he basically had nowhere to go, but down from high school and that was his entire game. He didn't make it to D1 ball based on his athleticism like Goodin is more or less able to.

I'll weigh in on Tu. Tu was a great defender and could score from all over and took better care of the rock than almost anyone we've ever had. Myles has been good for us, is a great shooter, and is solid getting into the lane, but tends to turn it over too much and struggles defensively against quick guards. Look, Tu wasn't exactly a ridiculous athlete at point and Myles is still very far behind him. Not a great comparison at all honestly. Putting them in the same sentence together is difficult. Tu was simply way better at basketball.

[scoscox]

Also, it wouldn't hurt to improve our athleticism at the guard spot. Edmond is obviously a great athlete, but is long and struggles with shifty, small guards in tight spaces. Larry was a great athlete, but not good enough to play. Remy was our best athlete, but not all that impactful. Myles and JP are a step slower than practically everyone we play, and Trevon isn't explosive either. There is room to improve in that department. Luckily, all of our guys are great scorers and generally very good players and it was never really a factor, but we certainly didn't have any devonte graham's or frank mason's out there.

Lastly, I think it's a crime that Tu has not made a roster. That being said, PG is absolutely loaded in the NBA.

[xukeith]

So with 2 graduates, 2 X players transferring and players coming in, is X locked in with 13 scholarships players next fall?

[XUFan09]

So with 2 graduates, 2 X players transferring and players coming in, is X locked in with 13 scholarships players next fall?

Locked in with 13? Keith, they have 10 or 11 scholarship players, which frankly isn't a bad spot to be in. I'd like to see a traditional transfer ready to contribute in 2017-2018 after some personnel losses or a fifth-year defensive stopper on the wing, but there's not a real need for anything else.

[bleedXblue]

Locked in with 13? Keith, they have 10 or 11 scholarship players, which frankly isn't a bad spot to be in. I'd like to see a traditional transfer ready to contribute in 2017-2018 after some personnel losses or a fifth-year defensive stopper on the wing, but there's not a real need for anything else.

Well other than some solid depth in case of injury. I feel pretty good that we'll either get a 5th year or traditional transfer this summer. Who knows about Jalen.......

[xu82]

Too much talent is a better problem than not enough talent, but it still presents some issues.

[Drew]

Mack knows what hes doing.

[XUFan09]

Well other than some solid depth in case of injury. I feel pretty good that we'll either get a 5th year or traditional transfer this summer. Who knows about Jalen.......
But we do have that depth. Think of this past season, which was heralded for its depth. There were 9 guys getting regular minutes, and one of them, LAJ, was losing time to a non-PG in Myles. Only 8 guys were really needed. So, we have a margin of error of 1 or 2 guys for injuries right now, and that's just to continue ensuring that the team is really deep in its regular rotation. We have even more margin of error if it's just to field a reasonable rotation for a few games.

I also feel good that we'll get a transfer. That will be good for the one area of depth that has no margin of error: practice squad depth.

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[xukeith]

Locked in with 13? Keith, they have 10 or 11 scholarship players, which frankly isn't a bad spot to be in. I'd like to see a traditional transfer ready to contribute in 2017-2018 after some personnel losses or a fifth-year defensive stopper on the wing, but there's not a real need for anything else.

D1 schools have 13 schollys for mens basketball.

Free ride and education plus make 8-9 man rotation not rely on freshmen. Develop those underclassmen so as juniors they will be rock solid.

[GIMMFD]

D1 schools have 13 schollys for mens basketball.

Free ride and education plus make 8-9 man rotation not rely on freshmen. Develop those underclassmen so as juniors they will be rock solid.

I agree that we should have as many scholarship players as possible, but I think he was just saying that we only have 10-11, which would still leave us in a good spot. But you're right, we must continue to develop our talent and do the best we can with it. We're in a good spot roster wise, an incoming transfer would help, but it's not the end of the world if we don't get one.

[XUFan09]

D1 schools have 13 schollys for mens basketball.

Free ride and education plus make 8-9 man rotation not rely on freshmen. Develop those underclassmen so as juniors they will be rock solid.

Other schools also offer the free ride and education. 13 is the limit but that doesn't make it the requirement.

At the high-D1 level, it's really hard to keep 12 or 13 players happy, particularly because even the guys at the end of the bench can probably play somewhere else right away, at least at the mid-major level (or even at the major level where there's a more favorable depth chart at their position). And though it's not good to rely on freshman in key roles unless they are someone like Sumner, I have no problem with having freshmen incorporated into the regular rotation like Gates was this year and Macura and (to an extent) O'Mara and Austin were last year.

At this level, the talent level is higher and players are ready to contribute right away. Even a guy who wasn't quite good enough to earn more minutes like LAJ was at least able to contribute for two years as a bench player.

And I don't want juniors to be rock solid. That's a leftover mentality from when Xavier had to recruit to the A10. I want juniors to be stars or at least significant contributors. Underclassmen should be role players and sometimes big-time players themselves, not guys who never see the floor because there are too many players. The only reason Makinde London wasn't a role player this past season, for example, is because Xavier was ridiculously deep at his position. Also, it's a lot easier to develop players like you want if they get game experience.

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[RetireFiftyTu]

Here is a scholarship matrix dating back to Chris Mack's first year as head coach: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gwwSXePyawvJ3boyXW6gkHEbRF227pxZ06sUKAm1fDE/edit?usp=sharing

[bobbiemcgee]

Here is a scholarship matrix dating back to Chris Mack's first year as head coach: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gwwSXePyawvJ3boyXW6gkHEbRF227pxZ06sUKAm1fDE/edit?usp=sharing

Nice. Thx. Somebody needs to "sticky' this in "Recruiting" under schollies.

[XUFan09]

Eddie Ekiyor was a weird case. Technically, he was a redshirt freshman this spring, but entering the season, Xavier had one scholarship open. That gave them the flexibility to add him to the roster, because he wanted to start school in the spring. Sometimes, you get a good player who transfers at the end of the first semester too (e.g. Luke Fischer). They started the season with him, but Andre Walker didn't commit until July, and June or July commitments are not an isolated case with transfers.

It's nice to have that flexibility, to leave a scholarship open just in case. I haven't heard of any 5th-year transfers on the wing who are defensive stoppers, but sometimes they crop up late. One of those guys would be a nice piece to have, as it would resolve the glaring weakness this coming year.

[Muncie]

Anybody hear how Gaston did against Farr and or Renolds in practice competition ? I seem to remember a post at some point that indicated he held his own both offensively and defensively .