2016-2017 Season Thoughts

[paulxu]

Don't know how this season will pan out as we wait for some things to settle down (grades, off-season antics, etc.)

But what an interesting place to find the Muskies, being considered as one of the nation's top 10 teams going into a season.
A long, long way from the time I first was exposed to Xavier basketball.

Thank you to all the teams, coaches and the University for taking this ride. It's been fun, and can only get better.

http://bustingbrackets.com/2016/08/21/xavier-basketball-musketeers-headed-2016-17-top-10-team/?utm_campaign=FanSided+Daily&utm_source=FanSided+Daily&utm_medium=email

[Muskie]

From my perspective as an alum and fan:

Alum: I'm so proud of what X has become Academically and Athletically. There are so many things that Xavier and this Administration have done right over the 16 years that I have graduated. From getting Cintas built, to updating the facilities, residence halls, and classrooms, Xavier is now a stonger place than it was when I first visited in 1995. Much of that is due to the vision Fr. Hoff had, and the decision by Father Graham to carry on that vision while adding his own stamp on campus and athletics. That said, Xavier from my viewpoint is in a dangerous place now that we are in the Big East. Bringing our Academics and Athletics to the top of the conference (which is where we wish it to be) will continue to require an engaged alumni base and continued good decisions by the Administration on how to improve the campus and spend money. I won't bore you with the statistics, but X is near the bottom of the league when it comes to the University's endowment and Alumni giving levels. That simply cannot continue. At the same time, many alumni want to be viewed as more than just a "check". Going forward, X needs to continue to find ways to engage the average alumni base (not just during basketball season). But we also have to make the effort to be more engaged outside of basketball season as well.

Fan: This season has the potential to be the very best season in school history. I don't say that lightly. Paul's right. We are waiting for some things to settle down. But as a fan, from my view, we are an unsettled bunch. Many are up in arms about the "re-seating" at Cintas. Most of us, if we're being honest, are concerned about another "let-down" this year. I'm personally ready to see what the season has in store, and like last season I'm going to my very best to enjoy the ride. Because the ride is phenomenal. Let's do this.

[GIMMFD]

I think we're in a good place in pure basketball standing, we have experienced players, a group of highly touted Freshmen, and we have a very high ceiling. Starting out the year in the top 10 is no little statistic, and it's really growing the Xavier brand. Even here in the Caribbean when I say I go to Xavier, a lot of the kids from California and New York say, "Oh wow, Xavier? You guys have a really good basketball program" which is refreshing to hear. I think we'll make positive strides forward this season, and I think the taste left in our mouths from disappointment will help motivate us to a new level. If we click on all cylinders, and our defence can stay the course it could be a great season. Obviously the biggest question is our big men, and I have a feeling they'll get that sorted out as the season progresses.

[xu82]

We'll know we have made it as a program if we can go an entire season without once hearing Eggs-Zavier.

[XU3232]

We'll know we have made it as a program if we can go an entire season without once hearing Eggs-Zavier.

There will always be morons out there... that will never change.

[MADXSTER]

Preseason thoughts?

The biggest question mark is the bigs. Replacing Reynolds and Farr is not an easy task. Farr had an incredible year and Jalen had a Jalen year. Jalen, whether his fault or a referees bias, had a typical year. Everything I've heard makes me believe that the combo of Gaston and O'Mara will come pretty close to the production of Reynolds and Farr. And close is all that Xavier needs.

The rest of the team is going to exceed last years production. Get ready for... wait for it.....

Kaiser Gates... Kaiser is going to play like a man. He alone will make up for whatever lack of production there is from Gaston and O'Mara at the 5.

Then we have Trevon, Edmond with another year under their belts. They will play with a bit of urgency since this may be their last year in a Xavier uniform. That sense of urgency will take Xavier to another level.

JP will be a little quicker, stronger, smarter and a better defender. He improve from Frosh to Soph and I expect another jump this season.

Quentin Goodin may be the most ready freshman Xavier has ever had coming into a season. Will there be a learning curve, absolutely. But that curve will be short lived as he will catch on quickly.

Myles Davis has the question mark surrounding him. This team will be really good without him but let's not act like he isn't the rock in the middle of a the raging waters. He is probably the smartest player on the court even when he's on the bench. Knows when to slow things down, keep players calm, fires players up, drain the big shot, etc. Myles stirs the drink that we all love and that drink is winning.

[Emp]

If the game can "slow down" for Omara we could be ready for every one we meet. He's got good tools. I'd like to see hm join the ranks of undervalued Xavier center recruits who become shrewd, savvy talents. A bit more Kevin Frey in the mix would be nice.

[Blue Blooded-05]

We'll know we have made it as a program if we can go an entire season without once hearing Eggs-Zavier.

I rarely hear Eggs-Zavier anymore. In all seriousness, I think we have the brawl with UC to "thank" for this.

[Masterofreality]

From my perspective as an alum and fan:

Alum: I'm so proud of what X has become Academically and Athletically. There are so many things that Xavier and this Administration have done right over the 16 years that I have graduated. From getting Cintas built, to updating the facilities, residence halls, and classrooms, Xavier is now a stonger place than it was when I first visited in 1995. Much of that is due to the vision Fr. Hoff had, and the decision by Father Graham to carry on that vision while adding his own stamp on campus and athletics. That said, Xavier from my viewpoint is in a dangerous place now that we are in the Big East. Bringing our Academics and Athletics to the top of the conference (which is where we wish it to be) will continue to require an engaged alumni base and continued good decisions by the Administration on how to improve the campus and spend money. I won't bore you with the statistics, but X is near the bottom of the league when it comes to the University's endowment and Alumni giving levels. That simply cannot continue. At the same time, many alumni want to be viewed as more than just a "check". Going forward, X needs to continue to find ways to engage the average alumni base (not just during basketball season). But we also have to make the effort to be more engaged outside of basketball season as well.

Fan: This season has the potential to be the very best season in school history. I don't say that lightly. Paul's right. We are waiting for some things to settle down. But as a fan, from my view, we are an unsettled bunch. Many are up in arms about the "re-seating" at Cintas. Most of us, if we're being honest, are concerned about another "let-down" this year. I'm personally ready to see what the season has in store, and like last season I'm going to my very best to enjoy the ride. Because the ride is phenomenal. Let's do this.

This, top to bottom.

I know it gets old and boring to talk about Xavier's endowment and financial state, but we have always succeeded in "Playing Bigger than our Size." Now, however, X is the the Big Boy leagues and it was totally necessary to invest in new buildings and facilities. However, going forward, X needs to build the endowment to continue to be able to attract quality students while providing them with financial assistance and giving them high quality academics that challenge them. That takes big $$$ as well.

We as alumni and supporters must continue to find ways to increase our contributions. I have this year while keeping my season tix and giving some extra to the Golf program. There is no other way to ensure a bright future for the school that we love.

[Juice]

http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2016/08/29/xavier-musketeers-edmond-sumner-trevon-bluiett

[GIMMFD]

http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2016/08/29/xavier-musketeers-edmond-sumner-trevon-bluiett

Pretty much everything we already knew, though that Villanova matchup is going to be incredible. Is it November yet???

[paulxu]

Not to completely beat a dead horse, but I looked up some preseason rankings. I hope I never start taking this stuff for granted.
But it's a nice place to be.

7 SB Nation
9 ESPN
13 NBC
10 Sports Illustrated
5 CBS
8 Athalon
9 Indi Hoops
6 USA Today

These have to be tempered with the Myles situation, but still a nice place to be.

[xubrew]

Not to completely beat a dead horse, but I looked up some preseason rankings. I hope I never start taking this stuff for granted.
But it's a nice place to be.

7 SB Nation
9 ESPN
13 NBC
10 Sports Illustrated
5 CBS
8 Athalon
9 Indi Hoops
6 USA Today

These have to be tempered with the Myles situation, but still a nice place to be.

It's nice, but that's really all it is. We weren't ranked in any preseason polls last year. For the win at Michigan, they were ranked and we were not. Same with the 07-08 season. Wherever you start is completely forgotten before the month of December anyway.

But, yeah, it is kind of nice.

[paulxu]

Xavier has started the new season ranked in the polls only once in 13 years.

= under the radar.

Guess we can forget that for a while.

http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2016/10/4/13154080/xavier-basketball-preview-trevon-bluiett-edmond-sumner

[GoMuskies]

I hope teams don't sneak up on us.

[IM4X]

It's October. Good timing for this thread and lots of great posts.

Thanks to all of you, I am feeling great about my alma mater and I am now officially ready for an exciting 16-17 Season. Let's go X!