Eddie Ekiyor leaves X

[THRILLHOUSE]

"@RickBroering Official from XU: Eddie Ekiyor is no longer enrolled at Xavier. He will enroll for the fall semester at Carleton University in Canada."

[blueblob06]

:sign-wtf: WHAT?!?!?!

Edit - did he read the Trump vs Hilary vs Leaving the country thread and decide to bail?

[Xville]

the thing that stinks about this is now X is down to 9 scholarship players, well I guess 10 if you really want to count Tim, but lets be honest with ourselves. That's fine as long as everyone stays healthy, but is a bit concerning should anything else happen.

[AviatorX]

the thing that stinks about this is now X is down to 9 scholarship players, well I guess 10 if you really want to count Tim, but lets be honest with ourselves. That's fine as long as everyone stays healthy, but is a bit concerning should anything else happen.

Certainly not ideal, but the quality of those 8 or 9 is still pretty high. Sure, X is in some trouble if one or two of the top 8 sustain serious injuries, but that would be the case with or without Ekiyor.

Edit: Also isn't it 10 counting Malcolm Bernard?

[throwbackmuskie]

Ten Scholarship players

Bernard is not on the university website yet.

[bleedXblue]

My optimism for this year is waning. Yes, we have a great group of core guys, but depth and quality in the post are going to really challenge this team.

[bleedXblue]

Ten Scholarship players

Bernard is not on the university website yet.

Are you counting Jones? I'm hearing not so good news about his eligibility.

[throwbackmuskie]

He is on the roster.

[AviatorX]

My optimism for this year is waning. Yes, we have a great group of core guys, but depth and quality in the post are going to really challenge this team.

Still have O'Mara and Gaston in a system where there will rarely be two bigs on the floor at the same time (might never be this year, there were a few moments last season where the quality of Farr/Reynolds dictated otherwise, but it was still rare). More of a problem for the future IMO.

[casualfan]

I'm hearing not so good news about his eligibility.

Oh no. Isn't he on campus?

[Lamont Sanford]

Are you counting Jones? I'm hearing not so good news about his eligibility.

I've heard the same about Jones. We'll likely have to play a Nova style lineup in 16-17 with limited bigs.

[GoMuskies]

I think Carleton beat Wichita State by about 30 points last week. So they've got a squad.

[AviatorX]

I've heard the same about Jones. We'll likely have to play a Nova style lineup in 16-17 with limited bigs.

X already played that style last year. I think a big part of the optimism for this year's team stems from being able to do that more effectively now that Sumner/Bluiett/Macura have another summer behind them and Goodin is on board. Not to mention the positional flexibility of Gates that can allow the team to go small more effectively.

[casualfan]

I think Carleton beat Wichita State by about 30 points last week. So they've got a squad.

They are very good and REALLY fun to watch. They've won 12 of the last 14 national championships up there.

[casualfan]

X already played that style last year. I think a big part of the optimism for this year's team stems from being able to do that more effectively now that Sumner/Bluiett/Macura have another summer behind them and Goodin is on board. Not to mention the positional flexibility of Gates that can allow the team to go small more effectively.

Just gotta hope everyone stays healthy and that Gaston and Omara can stay out of foul trouble.

There is a really strong top 4 with Bluiett, Sumner, Myles, and JP.

Then you have 5 guys in Goodin, Bernard, Gates, Gaston and Omara that are lesser known. There are reasons to be optimistic about each one, but none of them have the track record the other 4 have.

Can anyone shed some light on the Jones situation? Is this similar to Myles and Jalen where he'd just have to redshirt or with the new rules is he going to have to go juco?

[XMuskieFTW]

The two guys who were going to see very limited playing time likely were Eddie and Tyrique. While this news is not ideal and doesn't help the future, I think it has little to no impact on this year. We'll be 9-10 deep and that will be fine.

[AviatorX]

The two guys who were going to see very limited playing time likely were Eddie and Tyrique. While this news is not ideal and doesn't help the future, I think it has little to no impact on this year. We'll be 9-10 deep and that will be fine.

Agreed 100%. While the point about Gaston/O'Mara foul trouble is valid, at the same time would anyone be confident if those two picked up a couple quick ones each and we're playing a road BE game relying on Ekiyor/Jones? Most teams X plays aren't going to have really skilled and strong big men. That just isn't college basketball at this point.

[casualfan]

Agreed 100%. While the point about Gaston/O'Mara foul trouble is valid, at the same time would anyone be confident if those two picked up a couple quick ones each and we're playing a road BE game relying on Ekiyor/Jones? Most teams X plays aren't going to have really skilled and strong big men. That just isn't college basketball at this point.

No doubt. This is more about what the roster looks like in coming years. Getting a high level big in the 2017 class now becomes a huge priority.

This only affects this year's team if Omara and Gaston have constant foul trouble or if gob forbid one of them gets hurt.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Wow, Jones with eligibility issues and now Ekiyor leaving. This is troubling. I am hoping that Ekiyor leaving is more about Jones smoking him in practice and qualifying.

[XUMIOH12]

heard the Ekiyor thing was coming. Would be nice to have the additional depth, but I dont think its a huge loss, especially since the scholarship can be filled in the next recruiting class (or transfer in).

[throwbackmuskie]

IF Jones was going to have eligibility issues it would have been known by now. He has been doing team activities for a while now.

[GIMMFD]

IF Jones was going to have eligibility issues it would have been known by now. He has been doing team activities for a while now.

I agree, it's so close to the semester starting, I feel like we would know about Jones having eligibility issues for sure.

Sucks Ekinyor decided to leave, I think he would have been helpful just by being in the system and going up against Farr and Reynolds in practice last semester, but we can't blame a 19 year old for not knowing what he wants. At the end of the day, we still have 9 scholarship players, which isn't terrible considering Duke made it to the Sweet 16 with 5-6 at times last year, sure we don't have 5 star talent, but we have some damn good players, and 9 scholarship players won't make or break us as long as Gaston and O'Mara are okay, and perform. It's not the end of the world yet, I have full faith that Mack & co will get a good big for the next recruiting class.

[Chalmers0]

IF Jones was going to have eligibility issues it would have been known by now. He has been doing team activities for a while now.

Fully being cleared and being involved in team activities are not synonymous. Omari Spellman for Villanova another example. He's with the team, working out, enrolled in school etc but is not fully cleared therefore could not go/play in their Euro trip.

[XUFan09]

It often takes awhile for the NCAA to fully clear players. The decision on Myles and Jalen took a long time, for example.

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[bigdiggins]

It often takes awhile for the NCAA to fully clear players. The decision on Myles and Jalen took a long time, for example.

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And they didn't get cleared and had to pay their own way for their FR year.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Carlton university has a very good basketball team. It's among the best in Canada. Good luck to Ekiyor. That's the second Canadian bb player we lost in recent years (remember Sim B. ?).

[AviatorX]

I agree, it's so close to the semester starting, I feel like we would know about Jones having eligibility issues for sure.

Sucks Ekinyor decided to leave, I think he would have been helpful just by being in the system and going up against Farr and Reynolds in practice last semester, but we can't blame a 19 year old for not knowing what he wants. At the end of the day, we still have 9 scholarship players, which isn't terrible considering Duke made it to the Sweet 16 with 5-6 at times last year, sure we don't have 5 star talent, but we have some damn good players, and 9 scholarship players won't make or break us as long as Gaston and O'Mara are okay, and perform. It's not the end of the world yet, I have full faith that Mack & co will get a good big for the next recruiting class.

How many did Nova have last season? Hmmm.

[XUFan09]

And they didn't get cleared and had to pay their own way for their FR year.
Right, but it doesn't always play out that way.

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[XGeN]

Not sure if this means anything but Tyrique is registered for classes at X. He's on the roster for my oral communication class.

[xu82]

Not sure if this means anything but Tyrique is registered for classes at X. He's on the roster for my oral communication class.

I hope he gets an A!

Oh, and good luck to you too, but if I had to choose? Hmmm.

[XGeN]

I hope he gets an A!

Oh, and good luck to you too, but if I had to choose? Hmmm.

I'll take the L for Tyrique if I have to

[xu82]

I'll take the L for Tyrique if I have to

THAT'S the spirit!

[GIMMFD]

How many did Nova have last season? Hmmm.

Are we counting ones that actually played??
8 logging over 10 minutes, 9 if you consider 9.3 mpg the 10 minute mark.

[Roadlife]

Looks like X was Ekiyor's second hit and run.

[xu82]

Looks like X was Ekiyor's second hit and run.

Or was this more of a drive by???

[casualfan]

Not sure if this means anything but Tyrique is registered for classes at X. He's on the roster for my oral communication class.

I could be wrong, but I think being admitted to school and being academically eligible to play NCAA sports are different.

[XMuskieFTW]

It often takes awhile for the NCAA to fully clear players. The decision on Myles and Jalen took a long time, for example.

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Any idea what time of year this decision came?

[Chalmers0]

I agree, it's so close to the semester starting, I feel like we would know about Jones having eligibility issues for sure.

Sucks Ekinyor decided to leave, I think he would have been helpful just by being in the system and going up against Farr and Reynolds in practice last semester, but we can't blame a 19 year old for not knowing what he wants. At the end of the day, we still have 9 scholarship players, which isn't terrible considering Duke made it to the Sweet 16 with 5-6 at times last year, sure we don't have 5 star talent, but we have some damn good players, and 9 scholarship players won't make or break us as long as Gaston and O'Mara are okay, and perform. It's not the end of the world yet, I have full faith that Mack & co will get a good big for the next recruiting class.

Jay Wright has basically said the last few years he doesn't want more than 10 active scholarship players because it's impossible to keep everyone happy. I've also heard Mack agrees with this type of philosophy now as well so wouldn't be shocked if we only have 10-11 going forward. Would having a little extra depth in case of an injury be great? Obviously but losing these 2 guys literally won't change the rotation. If anything maybe Tyriques ~5 minutes per game will go to Kaiser at the 5.

I remember hearing that there was a decent chance Tyrique would redshirt regardless of whether got through the clearinghouse or not just because it likely wasn't worth spending a year of eligibility for a few minutes a game max.

[XUFan09]

Any idea what time of year this decision came?
In the fall, I believe. I've seen NCAA decisions, both positive and negative that happen just in time for the season. Keep in mind that fall sports come first.

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[LA Muskie]

I have a absolutely no inside knowledge about Tyrique Jones. Just wanted you all to know that.


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[bobbiemcgee]

Not sure if this means anything but Tyrique is registered for classes at X. He's on the roster for my oral communication class.


Otto Kapil?

[Muncie]

Otto kapil ? ?? What does that mean?

[birdman71]

Otto kapil ? ?? What does that mean?

It was, I believe, spelled Kvapil. Department chair in the olden days. Big in local theater.
I took Judge Gardner under the lights for that class

[casualfan]

For what it's worth i talked to a guy i know involved on the admin side with the team who said he has no idea where the Jones rumors are coming from.

[xu82]

For what it's worth i talked to a guy i know involved on the admin side with the team who said he has no idea where the Jones rumors are coming from.

I fully support this! (And pray like hell it's true.)

[xudash]

Otto Kapil?

Well done.

I had him for a class.

Neat guy, actually, as theatre guys go.

[bobbiemcgee]

Well done.

I had him for a class.

Neat guy, actually, as theatre guys go.

He died in '85.

[casualfan]

Same guy just text me and said whoever had the Tyrique info was on it.

So whoever had that pat yourself on the back.

Told me it is going to be REALLY close and come down to the wire.

He's been very good in the past on some stuff, but he was also the guy who as of a week ago hadn't heard anything so do with that info what you will.

[GIMMFD]

Same guy just text me and said whoever had the Tyrique info was on it.

So whoever had that pat yourself on the back.

Told me it is going to be REALLY close and come down to the wire.

He's been very good in the past on some stuff, but he was also the guy who as of a week ago hadn't heard anything so do with that info what you will.

This is becoming a roller coaster, though if he doesn't qualify, we should still be fine, I like the idea of giving Kaiser the minutes that might have went to Jones, though the ideal situation would be that he qualifies so he can get a year of experience under his belt. The price of practice is not to be taken lightly.

[AviatorX]

This is becoming a roller coaster, though if he doesn't qualify, we should still be fine, I like the idea of giving Kaiser the minutes that might have went to Jones, though the ideal situation would be that he qualifies so he can get a year of experience under his belt. The price of practice is not to be taken lightly.

Agreed -- we're talking about a third string big man in a system that plays one big at a time. Eligible or not, it's not too hard to imagine that Jones wouldn't be much of a factor in 2016-17. It's hard to overstate the importance of Gates on this team IMO -- he'll be able to fill time at a couple different positions which should be able to mask some of the weakness (if you can even call it that) when it comes to depth. Not to mention I have a suspicion X is going to want to find him as many minutes as possible.

[XUFan09]

Agreed -- we're talking about a third string big man in a system that plays one big at a time. Eligible or not, it's not too hard to imagine that Jones wouldn't be much of a factor in 2016-17. It's hard to overstate the importance of Gates on this team IMO -- he'll be able to fill time at a couple different positions which should be able to mask some of the weakness (if you can even call it that) when it comes to depth. Not to mention I have a suspicion X is going to want to find him as many minutes as possible.
Yeah, Gates will be the most versatile defender on the team. I see him vying for BE Sixth Man of the Year this season if his offense develops. At minimum, he should get enough reps from three to shoot closer to his "true average," which is really good, according to practice.

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[Harryfe]

I don't think he will be 6th man of the year but a starter.

[AviatorX]

I don't think he will be 6th man of the year but a starter.

Pending off-season news, seems like a pretty safe bet that Sumner, Davis, Macura, Bluiett, O'Mara/Gaston will be the starting 5.

[mistabeecee41]

Pending off-season news, seems like a pretty safe bet that Sumner, Davis, Macura, Bluiett, O'Mara/Gaston will be the starting 5.
I personally am an advocate for JP coming off of the bench (he'll play starters minutes regardless). Don't know if I love the idea of a freshmen PG and a grad transfer as our only ballhandlers off of the bench.

[Xville]

Yeah not a fan of jp and trevon being on the floor at the same time. I'd rather have jp come in off the bench for some instant offense. I also am not a fan of trevon playing the 4 spot. I want kaiser starting as he is our best returning defender and gives our team a lot of much needed length.

[AviatorX]

Yeah not a fan of jp and trevon being on the floor at the same time. I'd rather have jp come in off the bench for some instant offense. I also am not a fan of trevon playing the 4 spot. I want kaiser starting as he is our best returning defender and gives our team a lot of much needed length.

Trevon played the VAST majority of minutes at the "4" (if you still want to number positions in modern basketball) last year when there were two post players on the roster better than any on this year's. I'd get used to it.

[Xfan5667]

:sign-wtf: WHAT?!?!?!

Edit - did he read the Trump vs Hilary vs Leaving the country thread and decide to bail?
😂😂😂😂😂

[Xville]

Trevon played the VAST majority of minutes at the "4" (if you still want to number positions in modern basketball) last year when there were two post players on the roster better than any on this year's. I'd get used to it.

Yeah I know and I wasn't a fan of it at all. We will see if mack had to do it out of necessity last year, or if he does it again this year. Last year he basically had to because Reynolds and farr couldn't be on the floor together much at the same time and gates was still a freshman learning the ropes.

Mack obviously knows more about basketball than me, but to me it makes a lot more sense for gates to start at the 4, and Tre at the three and have jp come off the bench. Plus, Gates is our best returning defender and I think you want that in the starting lineup.

[LA Muskie]

JP is starting. Get used to it.


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[Xville]

JP is starting. Get used to it.


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We'll see. Lots of time between now and november

[XU 87]

Yeah I know and I wasn't a fan of it at all.

Similar to Villanova, Mack wants to spread out the floor and play 4 people on the perimeter and one guy at the post. As such, expect to see Trevon play a lot of 4 this year.

[xu82]

In Mack I Trust.




That never gets old....

[Xville]

Similar to Villanova, Mack wants to spread out the floor and play 4 people on the perimeter and one guy at the post. As such, expect to see Trevon play a lot of 4 this year.

I get that, but you can also do that with a 6'8 gates at the 4, and Tre at the 3. Plus, as I have pointed out, basketball is not played at just one end of the floor, and having arguably your best defender not in the starting five seems odd. But whatever..that's why they pay mack the big bucks and I just type on a.messageboard.

[XU 87]

I get that, but you can also do that with a 6'8 gates at the 4, and Tre at the 3. Plus, as I have pointed out, basketball is not played at just one end of the floor, and having arguably your best defender not in the starting five seems odd.

Kaiser averaged 3.2 ppg last year. It's not like he's the heir apparent for the starting 4 job.

[SC in DC]

87, I know you can't do this---but hammer away at me. TB averaged about 20 ppg in a 40 min game. KG averaged about 13 ppt. Look for a freshman-soph improvement (generally conceded to be a big one) and I'm hopeful KG with what he brings on defense, sees big time mins with good offensive production.

[XU 87]

87, I know you can't do this---but hammer away at me. TB averaged about 20 ppg in a 40 min game. KG averaged about 13 ppt. Look for a freshman-soph improvement (generally conceded to be a big one) and I'm hopeful KG with what he brings on defense, sees big time mins with good offensive production.

My post was not a knock on Kaiser. I hope to see the same improvement. I'm just saying it's a little premature to be saying, "Based on last year, Kaiser should be starting and seeing a lot of minutes."

Kaiser was a 10 minute per game role player last year. Bluiett was a starter who averaged double digits points per game his freshman year. I don't think it's a real good comparison between the two.

While I expect Kaiser to get more PT and be more productive this year, I don't see him getting 25-30 minutes per game this year and averaging double digit scoring. But if he does, that only helps, a lot.

[GIMMFD]

My post was not a knock on Kaiser. I hope to see the same improvement. I'm just saying it's a little premature to be saying, "Based on last year, Kaiser should be starting and seeing a lot of minutes."

Kaiser was a 10 minute per game role player last year. Bluiett was a starter who averaged double digits points per game his freshman year. I don't think it's a real good comparison between the two.

While I expect Kaiser to get more PT and be more productive this year, I don't see him getting 25-30 minutes per game this year and averaging double digit scoring. But if he does, that only helps, a lot.

I don't know, we had monsters in Farr and Reynolds, I could definitely see Kaiser creeping up to at least 20 a game. Obviously depends on his development, and what he did with the off-season, he had some flashes of brilliance last year, and could definitely be a contributing factor.

[XU 87]

I hope Kaiser is playing 25-30 minutes per game and averaging double digits ppg this year. If that happens, X is most likely very, very good again.

[Chalmers0]

Yeah I know and I wasn't a fan of it at all. We will see if mack had to do it out of necessity last year, or if he does it again this year. Last year he basically had to because Reynolds and farr couldn't be on the floor together much at the same time and gates was still a freshman learning the ropes.

Mack obviously knows more about basketball than me, but to me it makes a lot more sense for gates to start at the 4, and Tre at the three and have jp come off the bench. Plus, Gates is our best returning defender and I think you want that in the starting lineup.

I don't think Tre played the 4 because Jalen/James couldn't be on the floor at the same time. I think Tre played the 4 because he was a major mismatch for most opposing 4's as they could not guard him on the perimeter or off the dribble. He also is actually better at guarding 4's than 3's due to foot speed/athleticism.

The interesting thing about Kaiser is that he really embodies Mack's move towards "positionless" basketball. He will technically play the 3, 4 and 5 at times this year, while also being able to guard a 1 or 2 on a ball-screen switch.

And as I've said before, JP will start, he earned that with his performance last year. But as always, starting isn't much more than getting your name called during the pre-game. Play and match-ups will determine who plays more minutes and most importantly, the meaningful minutes down the stretch. Gates versatility, assuming he performs, will get him starters minutes, whether he actually starts or not.