Quentin Goodin

[XfansinKy]

His stat line on the ESPN ticker was 11pts 6reb 7asst. I may have the reb n asst mixed up. Not a bad line at all, but I don't know how many turnovers he had.

[Muskie]

6 turnovers. More than you would like.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Masterofreality]

As you all know, I have been all over Q's ass to show aggressiveness. Apparently the coaches have been too since from the very first play yesterday, Q got after it. That was great to see. That is excellent. He still has things to learn and I still have some concerns over his instincts to recognize when he's going to be trapped, but that possibly can be overcome with more High level Division 1 experience. At least yesterday gave me a bit of hope that the light was coming on. I wish that same aggressiveness was shown at Seton Hall. There is still a problem with his outside shot, however, and that is a true problem. Defenses now know they can drop off of him and double the post or Tre, or JP and make it harder for them to score. I sure wish that Q work hard in the summer with Brad Redford on his shot to become a more complete player. Defense was so so, however. Baldwin, another freshman, scored 17 points shot 53% from the field and made big shots. I don't totally blame Q for that because Baldwin made some really tough shots and Butler ran great actions, but for as good as Q played, Baldwin outshone him. Butler had 9 steals, not all off Q, but they scored 19 points off T.O.'s. Again, not all Q's fault or all off him, but the margin for error with high level teams is very thin.

The next two games are truly huge. Let's all hope for further development.

[markchal]

he had a couple really bad turnovers, but on the whole, I thought he played pretty well. It's just too bad he cannot shoot at all. He had a wiiiiide open three that was ugly, and a free throw that wasn't remotely close, but also had some really nice drives and a sweet dunk.

I think his plays that hurt us the most were some of the really dumb fouls he took, because we need him on the floor so bad. The and-1 he committed to get his fourth was terrible, as was one of the fouls he committed immediately after turning it over. Just senseless fouls from a guy we really need out there.

[Harryfe]

6 bad silly turnovers killed us..
And how can Sean be so stupid to KICK the ball 30' in the air at a critical point in the game? Oh, he did apologize. I guess that makes it ok.

[Cheesehead]

6 bad silly turnovers killed us..
And how can Sean be so stupid to KICK the ball 30' in the air at a critical point in the game? Oh, he did apologize. I guess that makes it ok.

Unlike past teams, this year's version has made many bonehead plays at crucial points in games. It has been extremely frustrating to watch it over and over and from upperclassmen as well. I don't see the confidence either. It's almost like this team no longer expects to win and each defeat doesn't help this type of mindset either.

[xavierj]

6 bad silly turnovers killed us..
And how can Sean be so stupid to KICK the ball 30' in the air at a critical point in the game? Oh, he did apologize. I guess that makes it ok.

Are you really a Xavier fan? You always seem to be looking for every negative. Now I get there is not much positive going on now, but I looked back at all 93 posts you have and I am not sure you ever had a positive to say and seem to disappear when Xavier wins. It's interesting or maybe you are just a really negative guy. During Xavier's 4 game win streak prior to the losing streak, you were a ghost.

[LA Muskie]

6 bad silly turnovers killed us..
And how can Sean be so stupid to KICK the ball 30' in the air at a critical point in the game? Oh, he did apologize. I guess that makes it ok.
He didn't kick it. He volleyed it with his fist. Still stupid.

[GIMMFD]

Are you really a Xavier fan? You always seem to be looking for every negative. Now I get there is not much positive going on now, but I looked back at all 93 posts you have and I am not sure you ever had a positive to say and seem to disappear when Xavier wins. It's interesting or maybe you are just a really negative guy. During Xavier's 4 game win streak prior to the losing streak, you were a ghost.

"Some people just want to watch the world burn."

[D-West & PO-Z]

Are you really a Xavier fan? You always seem to be looking for every negative. Now I get there is not much positive going on now, but I looked back at all 93 posts you have and I am not sure you ever had a positive to say and seem to disappear when Xavier wins. It's interesting or maybe you are just a really negative guy. During Xavier's 4 game win streak prior to the losing streak, you were a ghost.

Careful, you'll be called a stalker and admonished for putting other people down as a way to make yourself feel better about XU's subpar season (or something along those lines)!

[Harryfe]

Careful, you'll be called a stalker and admonished for putting other people down as a way to make yourself feel better about XU's subpar season (or something along those lines)!


Are you really a Xavier fan? You always seem to be looking for every negative. Now I get there is not much positive going on now, but I looked back at all 93 posts you have and I am not sure you ever had a positive to say and seem to disappear when Xavier wins. It's interesting or maybe you are just a really negative guy. During Xavier's 4 game win streak prior to the losing streak, you were a ghost.
Wow you looked at all 93 of my posts? You are a stalker!!. What would you say + about this years team? A few people have played up to par. The only person that has played perhaps better than expectations is Tre. But I expected him to play this well. You are satisfied with losing 5 in a row? Wow. I never thought there was a chance to miss NCAA even without Ed. But it seems we probably will. Maybe next year I will say something +

[XfansinKy]

Careful, you'll be called a stalker and admonished for putting other people down as a way to make yourself feel better about XU's subpar season (or something along those lines)!

That's just you.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Nvm

[xavierj]

Wow you looked at all 93 of my posts? You are a stalker!!. What would you say + about this years team? A few people have played up to par. The only person that has played perhaps better than expectations is Tre. But I expected him to play this well. You are satisfied with losing 5 in a row? Wow. I never thought there was a chance to miss NCAA even without Ed. But it seems we probably will. Maybe next year I will say something +

Yes it's been a rough season, but there have been some positives. Where were you after the Creighton game on the road? Tyrique Jones was a redshirt candidate and had to play and has gotten better, Quentin Goodin was supposed to play 10 to 15 minutes a game but is instead playing 38 and is the only point guard, Gaston and Bernard were supposed to be bench role players and instead are starting. Edmond was our best player and he is out for the season. Did you expect miracles with everything this team has been through? Only thing I agree with all of your bashing is that I expected to see more improvement from Gates and O'Mara.

[muskieindent]

Yes it's been a rough season, but there have been some positives. Where were you after the Creighton game on the road? Tyrique Jones was a redshirt candidate and had to play and has gotten better, Quentin Goodin was supposed to play 10 to 15 minutes a game but is instead playing 38 and is the only point guard, Gaston and Bernard were supposed to be bench role players and instead are starting. Edmond was our best player and he is out for the season. Did you expect miracles with everything this team has been through? Only thing I agree with all of your bashing is that I expected to see more improvement from Gates and O'Mara.
After that Creighton game,I started to think we'd be alright.Then Tre goes down and we can't seem to get that mojo back.Unfortunately we need guys who are more role players to step up.Hasn't happened enough these last 5 games

[Harryfe]

Yes it's been a rough season, but there have been some positives. Where were you after the Creighton game on the road? Tyrique Jones was a redshirt candidate and had to play and has gotten better, Quentin Goodin was supposed to play 10 to 15 minutes a game but is instead playing 38 and is the only point guard, Gaston and Bernard were supposed to be bench role players and instead are starting. Edmond was our best player and he is out for the season. Did you expect miracles with everything this team has been through? Only thing I agree with all of your bashing is that I expected to see more improvement from Gates and O'Mara.
No miracles!! But Gooden and Jones are no better than I expected them to be. In fact I expected them both to be somewhat better. But perhaps they will be much better in the future.

[XU 87]

Wow you looked at all 93 of my posts? You are a stalker!!. What would you say + about this years team? A few people have played up to par. The only person that has played perhaps better than expectations is Tre. But I expected him to play this well. You are satisfied with losing 5 in a row? Wow. I never thought there was a chance to miss NCAA even without Ed. But it seems we probably will. Maybe next year I will say something +

I would say that this team lost 2 of its top three players, and played 2.5 games without its top three players, and has struggled as a result. I would also say that I'm not satisfied with losing 5 in a row. When searching for reasons why this team has lost 5 in a row, I read my first sentence.

I also am optimistic this team will win tomorrow and at DePaul. It beats saying, "We stink. We're going to the NIT."

[xu82]

I would say that this team lost 2 of its top three players, and played 2.5 games without its top three players, and has struggled as a result. I would also say that I'm not satisfied with losing 5 in a row. When searching for reasons why this team has lost 5 in a row, I read my first sentence.

I also am optimistic this team will tomorrow and at DePaul. It beats saying, "We stink. We're going to the NIT."

This sounds more like someone I would actually want on MY team.

[Masterofreality]

Quentin Goodin has won me over here in New York folks. He'll never be a knockdown shooter, but I believe he WILL work at it.

The kid impressed me the whole Tournament with his aggressiveness. I thought he played a superb game tonight. Great defense, active, driving the ball and finishing. I think that this Tournament was his Coming out Party. His confidence is growing and now we may be seeing the return of the player who folks saw in High School. The team is so much better for it. His work should not be overlooked.

Way to go Q. Way to bring it and progress!

[Xavier]

Completely agree- he had a really solid tournament. Only big critique I have (outside of his rough jump shooting) is towards the end of the game it looked like we had called an ISO for him. Pretty much no matter how good anyone is playing, in crunch time I want everything going to Tre (despite the fact that he missed a couple clutch free throws each game).

[bleedXblue]

Best game of his career. The difference is confidence. When he plays like he belongs, he's a totally different player. Look for Q to be a real leader and floor general for the next 3 years.

[xu82]

I suspect a few years from now we will look back and laugh at the folks who questioned Q early. He was unexpectedly thrown into the deep end...full of sharks. His expected 10 minutes/game of getting his feet wet turned into something entirely different. Well done, sir.

(Now go spend some time on that jumper before next season.)

[Muskeagle]

I actually haven't gotten a lot of the criticism this season. For a guy who went from playing just a little to play just a LOT with NBA future shoes to fill, I've been pretty impressed. Yeah, there's been a learning curve. Most freshmen in big programs get to do that learning curve against Sister Mary's school for the Blind, but he had to step in and do it against the meat of the 3rd best conference in the country. He hasn't always been great, but he's been poised from the start. The D has been good. The A/TO has been great. The growth has been obvious. Yeah, like MOR said, he's probably never going to be a shooter, but Semaj never could shoot....Edmund never could shoot (God love 'em). At this level, Q's going to be a stud. He's athletic, poised, a GREAT passer and he WILL finish. Great tournament for him. Proud to have him on this team. I don't think he'll be "just a serviceable" player at X, I think he will be great.

[GIMMFD]

I suspect a few years from now we will look back and laugh at the folks who questioned Q early. He was unexpectedly thrown into the deep end...full of sharks. His expected 10 minutes/game of getting his feet wet turned into something entirely different. Well done, sir.

(Now go spend some time on that jumper before next season.)

Exactly. Everyone was so intense about his development, and they didn't take the time to look at the bigger picture. He's playing with a lot more confidence in his game now, and it's translating well for our team. Hell even Edmond tweeted something like "When Q plays with confidence, he always plays GREAT!" We're watching Q grow, and we should sit back and appreciate it, I'm glad he found his footing tournament time.

[AviatorX]

Exactly. Everyone was so intense about his development, and they didn't take the time to look at the bigger picture. He's playing with a lot more confidence in his game now, and it's translating well for our team. Hell even Edmond tweeted something like "When Q plays with confidence, he always plays GREAT!" We're watching Q grow, and we should sit back and appreciate it, I'm glad he found his footing tournament time.

Ed said post game in his sit down with Rick that Q has the best vision of anyone he's played with.

[American X]

Quentin called bank.

Amazing what a chat with Lionel Chalmers will do for a person's life. Truly some Orlando magic for these two point guard's respective Xavier squads.

[D-West & PO-Z]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/xavier-basketball-was-forced-to-a-backup-point-guard-and-made-him-an-x-factor/2017/03/18/96172cac-0c11-11e7-b77c-0047d15a24e0_story.html?utm_term=.4e296ede6377

[XU 87]

I thought Q played a great game yesterday. FSU put a lot of pressure on him when guarding him, but he still played fast, but under control. He only had two turnovers.

(I see the Washington Post plagiarized my post.)

[bleedXblue]

Point Guard !!

[stammina0721]

If Sumner comes back because of this injury and to improve his jumper first along with Blueitt we are going to have a monster lineup. I'd think JP would go back to being a 25 minute a night sixth man. I think he loves that role anyway. I think Sumner is by far the better player but that Q is becoming the better PG. Sumner goes through stretches where he just wants to get his and forces the issue. Nothing wrong with that if he is playing the 2 but that isn't ideal at the one. If both come back we would have

PG- Q
SG- Sumner
SF Blueitt
PF- Tyrique
C- Omara

With significant bench minutes from JP, Scruggs, the rest of our frosh. That may be enough to get a one seed next year

[Xavier]

Don't get your hopes up for that. I do think sumner will be back but I thought it would be a long shot to get him ready before December. Could be wrong but thought I read that with him having to get both surgeries done. I don't think it's imposssible Tre comes back but I'd bet against it.

Q has been great. He will be so tough the next few years.

[bleedXblue]

If Sumner comes back because of this injury and to improve his jumper first along with Blueitt we are going to have a monster lineup. I'd think JP would go back to being a 25 minute a night sixth man. I think he loves that role anyway. I think Sumner is by far the better player but that Q is becoming the better PG. Sumner goes through stretches where he just wants to get his and forces the issue. Nothing wrong with that if he is playing the 2 but that isn't ideal at the one. If both come back we would have

PG- Q
SG- Sumner
SF Blueitt
PF- Tyrique
C- Omara

With significant bench minutes from JP, Scruggs, the rest of our frosh. That may be enough to get a one seed next year

That's a lot of if's........

Trevon returning would of course be huge.

Regardless,the prospects for next year look so much different now than they did 2 weeks ago. Mainly b/c of the play of Gates and O'Mara.

[bobbiemcgee]

Regardless,the prospects for next year look so much different now than they did 2 weeks ago. Mainly b/c of the play of Gates and O'Mara.

plus Q and Tryrique.

[stammina0721]

That's a lot of if's........

Trevon returning would of course be huge.

Regardless,the prospects for next year look so much different now than they did 2 weeks ago. Mainly b/c of the play of Gates and O'Mara.

I agree it's a lot of "ifs" but not impossible. The way I view it is...

1. With Blueitt- he could go but may pull a Kris Dunn and stay for his senior year. Dunn was a first round pick but stayed his senior year just to see what he could do in the tournament. I could see Blueitt having the personality to do the same and try and get a final 4 if they fall short this year. He just seems to have that personality to make that move although he could easily decide otherwise.

2. With Sumner- showing he is healthy and improving his jumper makes him an easy lottery pick. As of now he is a project who will not play until December at the earliest. He could come back to try and get that lottery money. As of now he would still get drafted but the first round isn't a guarantee ( although I think the Spurs would jump at him if he fell that far). For Sumner, it is just a decision of if he wants to try and get more money earlier.

[Backyard Champ]

To think Sumner would come back may not be that ridiculous. To think he would come back to play anything BUT point guard is ridiculous.

[Juice]

If Sumner comes back because of this injury and to improve his jumper first along with Blueitt we are going to have a monster lineup. I'd think JP would go back to being a 25 minute a night sixth man. I think he loves that role anyway. I think Sumner is by far the better player but that Q is becoming the better PG. Sumner goes through stretches where he just wants to get his and forces the issue. Nothing wrong with that if he is playing the 2 but that isn't ideal at the one. If both come back we would have

PG- Q
SG- Sumner
SF Blueitt
PF- Tyrique
C- Omara

With significant bench minutes from JP, Scruggs, the rest of our frosh. That may be enough to get a one seed next year

Tyrique and Sean are not going to play at the same time unless there are injuries/issues with the available players.

[JTG]

To think Sumner would come back may not be that ridiculous. To think he would come back to play anything BUT point guard is ridiculous.
That's crazy, with Q at point, Sumner could score at will.

[stammina0721]

That's crazy, with Q at point, Sumner could score at will.

Agreed. A 6'6" 2 guard with his speed could do a lot of damage at the NBA level. He could post up a majority of the league

[stammina0721]

Tyrique and Sean are not going to play at the same time unless there are injuries/issues with the available players.

I guess the way I view it is that that guard trio would be so good that we could start two massive bigs to neutralize anything down low

[markchal]

I agree it's a lot of "ifs" but not impossible. The way I view it is...

1. With Blueitt- he could go but may pull a Kris Dunn and stay for his senior year. Dunn was a first round pick but stayed his senior year just to see what he could do in the tournament. I could see Blueitt having the personality to do the same and try and get a final 4 if they fall short this year. He just seems to have that personality to make that move although he could easily decide otherwise.

2. With Sumner- showing he is healthy and improving his jumper makes him an easy lottery pick. As of now he is a project who will not play until December at the earliest. He could come back to try and get that lottery money. As of now he would still get drafted but the first round isn't a guarantee ( although I think the Spurs would jump at him if he fell that far). For Sumner, it is just a decision of if he wants to try and get more money earlier.

Kris Dunn had a lot to gain by coming back. Tre does not. He is who he is and he's going out about as well as you can. He's never going to get a bigger share of the offense and attention than he will now (by necessity). Also, JP would not love coming off the bench, and that's a silly idea. He's going to be our leader next year, and will obviously start. And as others have said, Tyrique and Sean will play together very very rarely.

[Juice]

Agreed. A 6'6" 2 guard with his speed could do a lot of damage at the NBA level. He could post up a majority of the league

What? 6'6'' isn't that big in the NBA for a 2 guard and Ed gives up probably 20-30 pounds.

[Juice]

I guess the way I view it is that that guard trio would be so good that we could start two massive bigs to neutralize anything down low

Mack rarely plays two bigs anymore and has no desire to go back to that.

[Xavier]

What? 6'6'' isn't that big in the NBA for a 2 guard and Ed gives up probably 20-30 pounds.

Yeah, he isn't posting anyone up in the NBA, especially at 2 guard...but I was hoping Mack would try to get him to post up other PGs this year.

[paulxu]

Where did Gates go in all those discussions?

[xu82]

I love the idea of so many truly gifted players that it's hard to find minutes. It's like....how am I going to spend all this money? A good problem to have.

[stammina0721]

Yeah, he isn't posting anyone up in the NBA, especially at 2 guard...but I was hoping Mack would try to get him to post up other PGs this year.

Agree with this. The only issue is you can't post up Sumner against a zone.

[stammina0721]

What? 6'6'' isn't that big in the NBA for a 2 guard and Ed gives up probably 20-30 pounds.

Your right I was a victim of a mistype. I meant at the one but typed 2. The agreed part was meant to be he should play the 2 here

[SemajParlor]

Hey guys, Tre is gone.

[xu82]

Hey guys, Tre is gone.

Tre is here until he's not, and he's here this week! Love the guy and will worry about what's next when it's that time. Right now is Sweet 16 time! Let's all just love this run and hope it continues!

[XUGRAD80]

Tre is here until he's not, and he's here this week! Love the guy and will worry about what's next when it's that time. Right now is Sweet 16 time! Let's all just love this run and hope it continues!

Exactly! Why people can't just enjoy the NOW, without worrying about the WHEN, I'll never understand. Why not just let the coaching staff worry about the roster for NEXT year and just ENJOY what THIS year's roster is accomplishing? They are doing GREAT things!

[muskiefan82]

Hey guys, Tre is gone.

To San Jose!! He knew the way.

[GIMMFD]

Tre is here until he's not, and he's here this week! Love the guy and will worry about what's next when it's that time. Right now is Sweet 16 time! Let's all just love this run and hope it continues!

In Tre Bae Bae we trust <33

[xu82]

To San Jose!! He knew the way.

I wonder what % actually got that? I appreciated it.

[xudash]

I wonder what % actually got that? I appreciated it.

Burt Bacharach baby!

[xu82]

Burt Bacharach baby!

Raindrops keep....... But not THIS week!

[xudash]

Raindrops keep....... But not THIS week!

I say a little prayer for US!

[XfansinKy]

He's got a lot of folks around here in Kentucky pulling for him. A surprising amount. Everyone I know around here that knows or knows of Q, also knows I'm a huge X fan, so I have found out he has a bunch pulling for him. Almost everybody says they are his relative. Sounds like he's a really good young man that is living his dream right now.

[X-ceptional]

Article: Forced into major role, freshman Quentin Goodin stars for Xavier
Link: http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2017/03/20/freshman-quentin-goodin-thrives-for-xavier/99379418/

Nice write-up on Q from USA Today. I particularly liked this quote from Coach Steele:


“He’s watched a ton of film and he’s spent a lot of hours in the gym working out, and it’s paying off,” Steele said. “He’s had to grow up a lot, very, very quickly.”

Q's putting in the work, and it's paying dividends!

[GoMuskies]

Didn't want to start a new thread for this particular tidbit, but did any of you know that Q has a brother who is a junior in high school and a promising football recruit? His brother is a CB with a couple of smaller offers, but it looks like he's closing in on getting an offer from Louisville. Quite a talented family.

https://247sports.com/Player/Tre-Goodin-46082416/

[xukeith]

In that article X is getting ready to play Arizona in Sweet 16 BUT what amazes me is this quote: "As No. 11 Xavier (23-13) " How was X 11th in the country with 13 losses???????

[GoMuskies]

In that article X is getting ready to play Arizona in Sweet 16 BUT what amazes me is this quote: "As No. 11 Xavier (23-13) " How was X 11th in the country with 13 losses???????

11 seed

[Xavier]

It amazes me someone who posts as much as him can forget that run/seed. It was just two years ago.

[IM4X]

In that article X is getting ready to play Arizona in Sweet 16 BUT what amazes me is this quote: "As No. 11 Xavier (23-13) " How was X 11th in the country with 13 losses???????

The 11th seed had the #1 badass grad transfer that year who wouldn’t let his team lose: He proved a Buick was indeed better than a Lexus.


”He said the Xavier and Arizona situation is like going from a Buick to a Lexus.”
-Kevin Parrom (Quoting what he was told by Sean Miller)

[xufan2020]

Since everyone’s favorite musketeer announced his return, I’ve been wondering where he goes from here.
I think he’ll have a better year for the simple reason that he won’t be asked to shoulder as much burden with the more talented roster coming in next season. The spacing will be better too with more shooters on this team, allowing him to drive more effectively. Also I’ve never had a problem with him taking threes when they were good looks, he just forced too much last year and his 3pt% reflected that.
Next year has all the makings for a much improved team. Here’s to hoping for a big year from Q.

[XU 87]

Since everyone’s favorite musketeer announced his return, I’ve been wondering where he goes from here.
I think he’ll have a better year for the simple reason that he won’t be asked to shoulder as much burden with the more talented roster coming in next season. The spacing will be better too with more shooters on this team, allowing him to drive more effectively. Also I’ve never had a problem with him taking threes when they were good looks, he just forced too much last year and his 3pt% reflected that.
Next year has all the makings for a much improved team. Here’s to hoping for a big year from Q.

I think we all learned last year that Q is not a shooter, and he's not a scorer. He's a distributor. I wondered last year if the staff was asking him to shoot more and score more, simply because that's what the team needed.

[XUOHTX]

What effect does going through the NBA draft process have? For instance what if the message was: "You're good but you need to be a better shooter." But then coach says "We need you to shoot less and focus on distributing to the scorers."

Same could go for any of the guys that went through the process. If you're a player how do you reconcile conflicting messaging from scouts and NBA teams vs current coach?

[GoMuskies]

Where's the conflict?

NBA Scouts: "You shoot like shit"

Xavier Coaches: "Actually, now that you mention it, it would help our team, too, if you sucked less at shooting."

[JTG]

Where's the conflict?

NBA Scouts: "You shoot like shit"

Xavier Coaches: "Actually, now that you mention it, it would help our team, too, if you sucked less at shooting."

Very funny Go, had I been drinking, there would be bourbon sprayed all over my laptop.

[noteggs]

Totally agree with opening up the spacing. Like you said hopefully we answered the shooting problems with the players we brought in. Also not having to play (albeit limited) Hankins and Ty at the same time should help.

[xufan2020]

Malcolm Bernard or Semaj were never considered shooters, but each but up a solid season by keeping the attempts low. That’s what I hope Q can do because there was a good stretch last year where he was knocking down 3’s at a high rate.

[GIMMFD]

Malcolm Bernard or Semaj were never considered shooters, but each but up a solid season by keeping the attempts low. That’s what I hope Q can do because there was a good stretch last year where he was knocking down 3’s at a high rate.

Two seasons ago even it looked like he was getting better from 3, when Q is just able to run the offense and not worry about getting his, he looks a lot more comfortable out there, and I think it translates to confidence. He's not going to be a knockdown shooter, but if he can shoot less, drive when given space, and not have many turnovers, he's a DAMN GOOD point guard. It'll be interesting to see how things progress, I think it's safe to assume Scruggs and Naji will get even better, but we're gonna have to see how all these new guys fit into the roster, if Tandy can live up to the billing, that'll help relieve some pressure as well. I think as long as Q isn't asked to shoulder much of a scoring load, he'll be able to have a really solid Senior campaign.

[IM4X]

Yeah. I expect to see a more focused and poised Q next season and an X team with better chemistry and ability to put together a lockdown defense from day one.

If Scruggs was able to dramatically improve his 3 point shooting during the off season last year, then there is no reason Q (and Naji) couldn’t put some extra time in and get the percentage up a bit this off season.

I don’t know how many possessions last year X put up a 3 without the ball ever touching a big inside, but it was quite a lot more than it ever should have been (especially since we had no Trevon or JP on the floor). When Steele finally got serious about making sure Tyrique and Hankins were getting touches, everything started improving (including shot selection from 3).

Last year the team was talking about how great their chemistry was before the season even began. I hope this time around they have the mentality that they have to prove how good they are together every time they play and that they feel at the conclusion of each game that they are always playing a little smarter and a little harder.

[noteggs]

Yeah. I expect to see a more focused and poised Q next season and an X team with better chemistry and ability to put together a lockdown defense from day one.

If Scruggs was able to dramatically improve his 3 point shooting during the off season last year, then there is no reason Q (and Naji) couldn’t put some extra time in and get the percentage up a bit this off season.

I don’t know how many possessions last year X put up a 3 without the ball ever touching a big inside, but it was quite a lot more than it ever should have been (especially since we had no Trevon or JP on the floor). When Steele finally got serious about making sure Tyrique and Hankins were getting touches, everything started improving (including shot selection from 3).

Last year the team was talking about how great their chemistry was before the season even began. I hope this time around they have the mentality that they have to prove how good they are together every time they play and that they feel at the conclusion of each game that they are always playing a little smarter and a little harder.

Nice post

[GIMMFD]

Yeah. I expect to see a more focused and poised Q next season and an X team with better chemistry and ability to put together a lockdown defense from day one.

If Scruggs was able to dramatically improve his 3 point shooting during the off season last year, then there is no reason Q (and Naji) couldn’t put some extra time in and get the percentage up a bit this off season.

I don’t know how many possessions last year X put up a 3 without the ball ever touching a big inside, but it was quite a lot more than it ever should have been (especially since we had no Trevon or JP on the floor). When Steele finally got serious about making sure Tyrique and Hankins were getting touches, everything started improving (including shot selection from 3).

Last year the team was talking about how great their chemistry was before the season even began. I hope this time around they have the mentality that they have to prove how good they are together every time they play and that they feel at the conclusion of each game that they are always playing a little smarter and a little harder.

I'm curious because Steele said with the guard depth we're gonna get out and run way more up-tempo, so could see a lot of transition buckets, and drives to the paint, he also said he wanted Scruggs to get better at driving and kicking, and Q just to make better decisions overall, but I do think having guys like Bishop and Tandy coming in, they'll be able to rest more. That's another factor to consider, the 10 practices we're allowed before the Spain trip are going to be immense in my opinion into building chemistry with all the freshmen and grad transfers, I think the roster outlook looks pretty good.

For the chemistry point, they definitely grew more comfortable into their roles towards the end of the year, and the defensive intensity picked up in a big way as well. I think the Core 4 will be on the same page, but it may take just a little time for all the moving pieces to fit in, I definitely agree that Rique should get touches all the time, interested into seeing the effect Freemantle can have as well, though the pieces are a bit unknown, I think there's a lot of promise for our Core 4 to really shine next year.

[XUGRAD80]

I’d like to see Q go all Stanley Burrell on us and become the defensive stopper he is capable of being. With his experience, strength, physical abilities, and toughness he should be able to guard multiple positions.

I don’t think that X will need him to score, but at the same time if he can’t hit an open jumper then the opposition will be able to concentrate on the other players and will leave him open. He doesn’t need to hoist up shots early in the shot clock, but needs to show that when open he can hit it more often than not. And it doesn’t need to be a 3 point shot either! A dependable shot from 15 foot would more valuable than an undependable shot from 20+ feet, or a charge on a drive to the basket.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

I’d like to see Q go all Stanley Burrell on us and become the defensive stopper he is capable of being. With his experience, strength, physical abilities, and toughness he should be able to guard multiple positions.

I don’t think that X will need him to score, but at the same time if he can’t hit an open jumper then the opposition will be able to concentrate on the other players and will leave him open. He doesn’t need to hoist up shots early in the shot clock, but needs to show that when open he can hit it more often than not. And it doesn’t need to be a 3 point shot either! A dependable shot from 15 foot would more valuable than an undependable shot from 20+ feet, or a charge on a drive to the basket.

Q does many things right but, last year, forced some horrific shots and created turnovers that appeared to result from unfocused play. A new season brings a clean slate and if Q can get back to better decision making (which is critical for solid point guard play) with a focus on distributing the ball, taking the OPEN shot if it is provided to him and playing lock down defense, X should be pretty good. He haso have plenty of offensive capability around him and with a good backup, should not have to play as many minutes.

You are on target. If Q wants to shine, he is very capable defensively. Recall his performance in the first DePaul game last year. He logged a bunch of minutes but played a solid overall floor game and shut down Strus. So, he has the game to contribute mightily if he just plays within himself without jacking up low percentage shots and committing turnovers.

I'm hoping last year's performance was just a bad cocktail of coaching changes, new players around him, a mediocre start to the season and whatever it was that seemed to zap his mental focus. In his first two year's he played more effectively when he didn't appear to be trying to shoulder the whole load.

[Xuperman]

Let's not forget the separated shoulder. That was 90% of the problem IMO. Q scores 300+ pts with around 150 assist and 40% from 3.....book it!

[XMann]

Let's not forget the separated shoulder. That was 90% of the problem IMO. Q scores 300+ pts with around 150 assist and 40% from 3.....book it!

Separated shoulder a terrible excuse. If the shoulder was that bad then he should've sat out instead of going 2/10 from the floor every night. Q just needs to embrace his skill set and drive to the hoop.

[Final4]

but if he can shoot less, drive when given space, and not have many turnovers, he's a DAMN GOOD point guard.

If I was 45 years younger, 5 inches taller and significantly more athletic I could be a DAMN GOOD point guard.

[GIMMFD]

If I was 45 years younger, 5 inches taller and significantly more athletic I could be a DAMN GOOD point guard.

Hahaha yeah in hindsight I realize that sentence is a lot of ifs, I think really what I'm getting at is if his decision making improves, he has the tools. The length, the athleticism, some quickness. He was a top 100 recruit, so he's definitely got talent, all those things stem from decision making, which hopefully with less pressure to score channels him into a better all around floor general.

[Olsingledigit]

Hahaha yeah in hindsight I realize that sentence is a lot of ifs, I think really what I'm getting at is if his decision making improves, he has the tools. The length, the athleticism, some quickness. He was a top 100 recruit, so he's definitely got talent, all those things stem from decision making, which hopefully with less pressure to score channels him into a better all around floor general.

As my dad used to say. "I am not overweight, but i am 3 inches too short."

[Joel]

Separated shoulder a terrible excuse. If the shoulder was that bad then he should've sat out instead of going 2/10 from the floor every night. Q just needs to embrace his skill set and drive to the hoop.

I'd love to hear where you'd be getting the 30-35 minutes necessary to allow Q to sit out. That roster couldn't have supported his resting for several games in a row.

[UCGRAD4X]

As my dad used to say. "I am not overweight, but i am 3 inches too short."

Sounds like: "I'm not bald, I'm just taller than my hair!"

[Xuperman]

Spot on Joel,
And impossible to replace the 149 assists with him sitting....XMann is clueless, a troll or both. Q played hurt most of the year.

[IM4X]

I think really what I'm getting at is if his decision making improves...

(along with Naji, Tyrique and Paul’s decision making), next season’s team will be at another level altogether.

[bjf123]

....A dependable shot from 15 foot would more valuable....

Sadly, this is a lost art in basketball today at any level.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[scoscox]

I'd love to hear where you'd be getting the 30-35 minutes necessary to allow Q to sit out. That roster couldn't have supported his resting for several games in a row.

i mean, didn't we already do that last year? q missed like 5 games and xavier won a few of those and played pretty well

[xufan2020]

i mean, didn't we already do that last year? q missed like 5 games and xavier won a few of those and played pretty well
Yeah that’s fair, ignore the final 11 games that turned the season around. Goodin was playing over 37 mpg during that stretch. Are you all going to argue Xavier won in spite of Q?

[scoscox]

Yeah that’s fair, ignore the final 11 games that turned the season around. Goodin was playing over 37 mpg during that stretch. Are you all going to argue Xavier won in spite of Q?

i'm not saying that at all, i'm just saying we did in fact find a way to cope without him for multiple games last year contrary to what joel was saying.

i'm very optimistic about q next year

[GIMMFD]

(along with Naji, Tyrique and Paul’s decision making), next season’s team will be at another level altogether.

Definitely everyone could improve it, I think Naji and Rique are a little bit ahead of our two guards at the moment, but I also think that's a bit easier to say when the offense doesn't run through them, as Steele said in his Q&A session he wanted Q's assist to turnover to lead the Big East, and he wanted Scruggs to be better in kick and drive situations, but didn't mention decision making for Rique and Naji, basically wants Rique to be better from the line, and be able to knock down some shots that are further than a couple feet away, etc. I think there's plenty of promise just because of the quality coming in, but again there's gonna be growing pains, I still however 100% believe anything less than an NCAA Tournament bid is a complete and utter failure with the way the off season schedule looks, and the way the Big East looks.

[XUGRAD80]

Don’t know if I would use the term “failure”, but it certainly would be a big disappointment if they didn’t make the tourney and also win some games. Also agree that there are going to be growing pains. I can’t imagine all of the freshman becoming big contributors, if for no other reason than there just aren’t enough minutes to give everyone lots of time on the court. It will take some time for the rotation to get set and for players to settle into their roles.

The trip to Spain couldn’t have happened in a better year, as the extra practices and games will give them time to experiment with different lineups and rotations, and give the newcomers extra time to acclimate themselves to the system and each other.

[UCGRAD4X]

Don’t know if I would use the term “failure”, but it certainly would be a big disappointment if they didn’t make the tourney and also win some games. Also agree that there are going to be growing pains. I can’t imagine all of the freshman becoming big contributors, if for no other reason than there just aren’t enough minutes to give everyone lots of time on the court. It will take some time for the rotation to get set and for players to settle into their roles.

The trip to Spain couldn’t have happened in a better year, as the extra practices and games will give them time to experiment with different lineups and rotations, and give the newcomers extra time to acclimate themselves to the system and each other.

This trip last year would have meant more wear and tear on the 6-7 deep. This year they can play much deeper, give the core four some minutes with the newbies (and vice verse) but give meaningful minutes to players who will be expected and capable of contributing quality minutes, especially into Conference play, down the stretch and into NCAAs, and not wear out our starters for the same stretch.

[IM4X]

I still however 100% believe anything less than an NCAA Tournament bid is a complete and utter failure with the way the off season schedule looks, and the way the Big East looks.

I agree that not making the NCAA tournament would indeed be viewed as a failure by most fans and by all X coaches and players. I do think, however, that the BE teams (aside from maybe Villanova) will be a bit better this season as a whole. So X has to be more than a little better than last year if they are expecting to finish on top or even in the top three. Still, there is zero excuse for X not to make the NCAA tournament. We are Xavier and making the tournament is what we do- it’s what is expected (a message Steele has even made clear).

[IM4X]

The trip to Spain couldn’t have happened in a better year, as the extra practices and games will give them time to experiment with different lineups and rotations, and give the newcomers extra time to acclimate themselves to the system and each other.

This is so true- Good point.

[GoMuskies]

Barring some key injuries, not making the Tournament this year would be a catastrophe.

[xudash]

Barring some key injuries, not making the Tournament this year would be a catastrophe.

No doubt.

And second weekend - - at least. If not the final 2% this year, then an affirmation of the existing 98%.

[GIMMFD]

I agree that not making the NCAA tournament would indeed be viewed as a failure by most fans and by all X coaches and players. I do think, however, that the BE teams (aside from maybe Villanova) will be a bit better this season as a whole. So X has to be more than a little better than last year if they are expecting to finish on top or even in the top three. Still, there is zero excuse for X not to make the NCAA tournament. We are Xavier and making the tournament is what we do- it’s what is expected (a message Steele has even made clear).

Hmm, I'm going to think out loud a bit about the Big East, Marquette gets Howard back but lost both Hauser's, so I think they're going to take a step down (even though we all know Howard is capable of winning games on his own), Seton Hall getting Myles Powell back should be big for them too, they have a pretty solid roster, I think Georgetown will be much improved with some growth from their stud guards, but I don't know about St. John's (new coach, not a great class, Shamorie Ponds gone), it'll be interesting. I think we improved, but like I said the time it'll take to gel may cause some headscratchers. I still think we should be in the top 3 of the BE with attrition itself, and the pieces we added.

I don't think the Freshman are going to light the world on fire, I think Tandy is going to contribute the most of course, Bishop will get solid minutes, we'll need Freemantle to get some minutes for front court depth. Interested to see what happens with Ramsey and Miles, and of course the transfers are going to play into it as well. As said above, the Spain trip is huge for getting 10 extra practice days, and a chance to run out in real games and allow for Steele to tinker around.


No doubt.

And second weekend - - at least. If not the final 2% this year, then an affirmation of the existing 98%.

I definitely could see us making the second weekend if we can peak in March, if we can play defense like we did at the end of the season (Top 25 caliber) and with some depth finally, it's a strong possibility. The guard depth will be nice for Q and Scruggs to get breaks throughout the season, which should theoretically help out for the tourney.

[JTG]

If Goodin could leave the shooting to Marshall, Scruggs and the new guys, so as to concentrate on being a stopper, we could ne really good.

[xufan2020]

If Goodin could leave the shooting to Marshall, Scruggs and the new guys, so as to concentrate on being a stopper, we could ne really good.
I think he definitely could do this too. If Q can keep his 3pt attempts per game to just around 3 (only taking in-rhythm, wide open 3’s) then he could actually shoot a solid % (say (33-36). It’s not like his form is bad, he just needs to stop chucking like he did last year. That and being a great distributor are his biggest challenges for the season.
I want to see him go out with a bang and set himself up for at least a two-way deal or a nice European contract.

[Joel]

i'm not saying that at all, i'm just saying we did in fact find a way to cope without him for multiple games last year contrary to what joel was saying.

i'm very optimistic about q next year

Assuming we would have beaten Ohio U and IUPUI pretty much no matter what happened, the two meaningful games Q missed were Georgetown and Butler. Georgetown we won thanks to a comeback from down 17; Butler we won thanks to coming back from down 10 with 4 minutes to go. Naj and Scruggs each played 40 minutes in both games. If you think counting on miracles comebacks and resting Scruggs and Marshall for a combined total of 0 minutes was a sustainable route to success last year, then yeah, that roster would have been fine sitting Q for a while.

I, too, am optimistic about Q next year.

[scoscox]

Assuming we would have beaten Ohio U and IUPUI pretty much no matter what happened, the two meaningful games Q missed were Georgetown and Butler. Georgetown we won thanks to a comeback from down 17; Butler we won thanks to coming back from down 10 with 4 minutes to go. Naj and Scruggs each played 40 minutes in both games. If you think counting on miracles comebacks and resting Scruggs and Marshall for a combined total of 0 minutes was a sustainable route to success last year, then yeah, that roster would have been fine sitting Q for a while.

I, too, am optimistic about Q next year.

i get what you're saying and it's not ideal to not have q obviously, but the roster successfully sustained itself without q for several games last year and got two of the biggest wins of the first half of the season. it's just a small technical correction. i don't think it was a sustainable path to success, but we withstood his injury very successfully for a decent stretch of games

[IM4X]

Marquette gets Howard back but lost both Hauser's, so I think they're going to take a step down... I don't know about St. John's (new coach, not a great class, Shamorie Ponds gone)... I still think we should be in the top 3 of the BE with attrition itself, and the pieces we added.


Good point about Marquette and St. John’s. I completely spaced about the key players who will be gone on those two teams. It makes sense for both to be included with Nova as BE teams not likely to be as good next season. The Hauser brothers bolting will indeed be a huge loss. I can’t imagine how Marquette would be anywhere near as good without them.

Anyhow, I complete agree with you about where expectations need to be for X this coming season: Making the NCAA Tournament is the absolute minimum. If that doesn’t happen, fans will be changing their tune about that quick extension Steele got. I gotta believe, though, Steel and his assistants (and his players) will embrace this opportunity and make us all proud.

[XMann]

I'd love to hear where you'd be getting the 30-35 minutes necessary to allow Q to sit out. That roster couldn't have supported his resting for several games in a row.

Don't you and your boys on Banners frequently site the strange usage of E? Scruggs and Castlin could've filled the void for a couple of games. It doesn't even have to be just guards. I was calling for the double post early in the season - Hankins and Rique could've gotten more minutes. This isn't a complex puzzle you have to put together to fill up these minutes.

I'm not saying that I wish Q just sat out all season I'm just saying he should've sat out a couple more games. This isn't a hot take - Q sucked last season and it is a cop out to say it was because of his shoulder. Naji was the reason we had a late season run and he's had back problems for 2 years. Come on now.

[MHettel]

Let's not forget the separated shoulder. That was 90% of the problem IMO. Q scores 300+ pts with around 150 assist and 40% from 3.....book it!

Good enthusiasm, but I can't really see how this happens. The pts scored and 3pt % just dont make sense together.

You are basically saying that he will average less than 10 pts a game (300/36 games =8.3333), but he will do it while hitting 40% from 3?

He averaged 4.5 3PA last year and shot 29%. If he shoots 40% from 3 next year, then i would assume he's taking the same number of shots, and if he's not then I'm yelling at him through the TV to do so!

So, if he were to take 4.5 3PA per game, and hit 40%, then that would be 5.4 PPG just from 3's. So, he'd score just 3 more points a game? See, it just doesnt make sense.

He should get 3 points per game AT THE LINE during the last 5 minutes of games we are closing.

I see Q playing slightly less minutes (32ish) while averaging 12 PPG on a much improved FG% due to taking less 3's and driving more often.

Q took 6.2 2-pt FGA per 40 minutes last year. That was actually LESS than both his freshman and Soph years. I think he attacks the rim next year and averages about 7 FTA per game, up from 4 last year.

[xukeith]

Good enthusiasm, but I can't really see how this happens. The pts scored and 3pt % just dont make sense together.

You are basically saying that he will average less than 10 pts a game (300/36 games =8.3333), but he will do it while hitting 40% from 3?

He averaged 4.5 3PA last year and shot 29%. If he shoots 40% from 3 next year, then i would assume he's taking the same number of shots, and if he's not then I'm yelling at him through the TV to do so!

So, if he were to take 4.5 3PA per game, and hit 40%, then that would be 5.4 PPG just from 3's. So, he'd score just 3 more points a game? See, it just doesnt make sense.

He should get 3 points per game AT THE LINE during the last 5 minutes of games we are closing.

I see Q playing slightly less minutes (32ish) while averaging 12 PPG on a much improved FG% due to taking less 3's and driving more often.

Q took 6.2 2-pt FGA per 40 minutes last year. That was actually LESS than both his freshman and Soph years. I think he attacks the rim next year and averages about 7 FTA per game, up from 4 last year.

If Q could be a 82-85% Free throw shooter, that would definitely help this team. Sealing the game or driving and drawing fouls.

[noteggs]

Hmm, I'm going to think out loud a bit about the Big East, Marquette gets Howard back but lost both Hauser's, so I think they're going to take a step down (even though we all know Howard is capable of winning games on his own), Seton Hall getting Myles Powell back should be big for them too, they have a pretty solid roster, I think Georgetown will be much improved with some growth from their stud guards, but I don't know about St. John's (new coach, not a great class, Shamorie Ponds gone), it'll be interesting. I think we improved, but like I said the time it'll take to gel may cause some headscratchers. I still think we should be in the top 3 of the BE with attrition itself, and the pieces we added.


Interesting that Katz and Goodman still have Marquette in their top 25 after guys returning from draft stuff. Guess they have a few good transfers (sit one and grad) that will play next year. Also, Katz has 7 BE teams in his top 36 and yes same guy who had X projected to finish 9th in conference last year so take it for what its worth. Katz has X ranked 15 and Goodman 20 which I think is a bit bullish at this point but nice to see on paper.

[GIMMFD]

Good point about Marquette and St. John’s. I completely spaced about the key players who will be gone on those two teams. It makes sense for both to be included with Nova as BE teams not likely to be as good next season. The Hauser brothers bolting will indeed be a huge loss. I can’t imagine how Marquette would be anywhere near as good without them.

Anyhow, I complete agree with you about where expectations need to be for X this coming season: Making the NCAA Tournament is the absolute minimum. If that doesn’t happen, fans will be changing their tune about that quick extension Steele got. I gotta believe, though, Steel and his assistants (and his players) will embrace this opportunity and make us all proud.

To be honest, I would be really surprised if Steele didn't get us to the NCAA's just by the growth that happened throughout the season. Going through the stretch that our guys last season did, it felt like the team was much more together, Steele mentioned that they were never down on themselves spirit wise in practice, and that he expected the results. Once they bought in, it was a much different Xavier team. With those guys committed to Steele's vision, it makes it to where the Freshman, grad transfers, etc. will be more likely to buy in from the get go.


Interesting that Katz and Goodman still have Marquette in their top 25 after guys returning from draft stuff. Guess they have a few good transfers (sit one and grad) that will play next year. Also, Katz has 7 BE teams in his top 36 and yes same guy who had X projected to finish 9th in conference last year so take it for what its worth. Katz has X ranked 15 and Goodman 20 which I think is a bit bullish at this point but nice to see on paper.

Hmm interesting, they didn't sign much in their class, Akanno who's a 3* CG, but Symir Torrence reclassified to 2019 a couple days ago and he's a 4* recruit that looks promising. I wonder how much of it is the "Markus Howard effect," however. Again, I think he's a guy that can will Marquette to wins when he's on, but interesting none the less, the transfer I like is Koby McEwen from a decent Utah State program where he averaged 15.4 ppg and 5.4 rpg, sat out last year to play this year, and they have a 7'0 on grad transfer as well. Definitely think Marquette was very good at times, and at other times were exposed, they kind of live and die by the 3, and missing the Hauser brother's on the interior could mean some teams could have their way with them.

Totally agree to see it on paper about X though, kind of shocking with so many new pieces coming in and it being an unknown, but I do believe our Core 4 are going to take a step up, and that those 4 are amongst the best core players around. It's spread out too, so it's not like it's only the backcourt and wings covered, I think we definitely have potential to be a Top 25 team, again I expect growing pain, but on paper, to me at least, it seems like the talent is there.

[Joel]

Don't you and your boys on Banners frequently site the strange usage of E? Scruggs and Castlin could've filled the void for a couple of games. It doesn't even have to be just guards. I was calling for the double post early in the season - Hankins and Rique could've gotten more minutes. This isn't a complex puzzle you have to put together to fill up these minutes.

I'm not saying that I wish Q just sat out all season I'm just saying he should've sat out a couple more games. This isn't a hot take - Q sucked last season and it is a cop out to say it was because of his shoulder. Naji was the reason we had a late season run and he's had back problems for 2 years. Come on now.

Yeah, we frequently cited that. The real problem was that Q was the only real PG we had. His assist rate was 25.5%; nobody else had one that was even 20%. Castlin and Hardin were both below 7% and Kennedy was just a touch over 8%. No question Q had some huge flaws in his game last year, most notably a pathological desire to shoot the ball despite a lot of evidence indicating it was a bad idea for him to do so, but we had exactly zero other dudes to manage and distribute the ball in his absence.

He missed four games, which I'm not sure meets the threshold of "several," and I'd push back against the idea that the roster successfully sustained itself in his absence. They beat two low majors and made two borderline miraculous comebacks. I feel like the lack of a reliable ballhandler would have been exposed down the line.

Also, he may have "sucked" last year, but his ORtg was 96.0 to Naji's 95.1. I'm not denying he was bad last year, but he may not have been the anchor he's been made out to be by some folks.

[GoMuskies]

Naji was pretty bad for quite a bit of last year, too, so those numbers make sense.

[Xuperman]

Why would a guy join a fan board and go negative from the jump? It appears that XMANN signed up specifically to join the “bash Q” contingent here....very peculiar. 2 posts and both include Goodin sucks. Along with the “2 for 10 every night” sarcasm.

[XMuskieFTW]

Anyone who is expecting Q to magically be an excellent 3 point shooter is crazy. I think with better shot selection and more pieces around him, we could hope for 33-35%. His best ever three point shooting season was his junior year of high school at 32%. He's not going to suddenly shoot 40% this year.

[Muskie]

I think many of us are just hoping for the Q level of play from two seasons ago over last years injury plagued campaign.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Xuperman]

Anyone who is expecting Q to magically be an excellent 3 point shooter is crazy. He's not going to suddenly shoot 40% this year.

It's a long shot but not crazy. Like MUSKIE pointed out he was injured most of last year. I doubt that he was ever 100%. His 2017-18 numbers clearly show he is capable of getting there when healthy and obviously more experienced. If he hits only 5 more 3s two years ago, that gets him real close to 40%.....you know at least 5 rimmed out!

[XMuskieFTW]

It's a long shot but not crazy. Like MUSKIE pointed out he was injured most of last year. I doubt that he was ever 100%. His 2017-18 numbers clearly show he is capable of getting there when healthy and obviously more experienced. If he hits only 5 more 3s two years ago, that gets him real close to 40%.....you know at least 5 rimmed out!

He also banked in at least 6.

[XMann]

Yeah, we frequently cited that. The real problem was that Q was the only real PG we had. His assist rate was 25.5%; nobody else had one that was even 20%. Castlin and Hardin were both below 7% and Kennedy was just a touch over 8%. No question Q had some huge flaws in his game last year, most notably a pathological desire to shoot the ball despite a lot of evidence indicating it was a bad idea for him to do so, but we had exactly zero other dudes to manage and distribute the ball in his absence.

He missed four games, which I'm not sure meets the threshold of "several," and I'd push back against the idea that the roster successfully sustained itself in his absence. They beat two low majors and made two borderline miraculous comebacks. I feel like the lack of a reliable ballhandler would have been exposed down the line.

Also, he may have "sucked" last year, but his ORtg was 96.0 to Naji's 95.1. I'm not denying he was bad last year, but he may not have been the anchor he's been made out to be by some folks.

Yeah that's fair and getting back to the original point - Q didn't suck last year because of his shoulder. I think you and I would both agree that Q is not shooting 40% from 3 next year (especially if they move it back). I also think that we would agree that, outside of passing, taking the ball to the hole is Q's best asset. All I was saying was that if user A who I originally responded to thinks Q could've shot 40% from 3 and be a God then maybe Q should've sat out a couple more games if "90% of the problem" was the shoulder. I guess that makes me a troll. I'm not a Q hater. I said on many occasions last season that we needed Q. Just wish he played better is all as does everyone.

[MHettel]

Yeah that's fair and getting back to the original point - Q didn't suck last year because of his shoulder. I think you and I would both agree that Q is not shooting 40% from 3 next year (especially if they move it back). I also think that we would agree that, outside of passing, taking the ball to the hole is Q's best asset. All I was saying was that if user A who I originally responded to thinks Q could've shot 40% from 3 and be a God then maybe Q should've sat out a couple more games if "90% of the problem" was the shoulder. I guess that makes me a troll. I'm not a Q hater. I said on many occasions last season that we needed Q. Just wish he played better is all as does everyone.

-Taking bad shots is not caused by Shoulder Inuries.

-Having a sloppy handle / making sloppy passes is not caused by Shoulder Injuries.

-Being tentative going to the whole, and as a result trying to do other things like shooting shots you shouldnt take COULD be caused by shoulder injuries.

I buy the injury excuse to some degree. I think he couldnt drive, and decided that he would try to contribute in ways that dont match his strength. Put alot of pressure on himself, and as it proved to not work too well, I think the pressure mounted.

I think he will be much better next year. like I said previously, his FT attempts per game will be the measure of his contribution.

[XU 87]

Yeah, we frequently cited that. The real problem was that Q was the only real PG we had. His assist rate was 25.5%; nobody else had one that was even 20%. Castlin and Hardin were both below 7% and Kennedy was just a touch over 8%. No question Q had some huge flaws in his game last year, most notably a pathological desire to shoot the ball despite a lot of evidence indicating it was a bad idea for him to do so, but we had exactly zero other dudes to manage and distribute the ball in his absence.

He missed four games, which I'm not sure meets the threshold of "several," and I'd push back against the idea that the roster successfully sustained itself in his absence. They beat two low majors and made two borderline miraculous comebacks. I feel like the lack of a reliable ballhandler would have been exposed down the line.

Also, he may have "sucked" last year, but his ORtg was 96.0 to Naji's 95.1. I'm not denying he was bad last year, but he may not have been the anchor he's been made out to be by some folks.

I wouldn't say Q was "bad" last year. He struggled shooting, but as you point out, he was the only true ball handler on the team, and he did that fairly well.

Next year, he needs to distribute and not look for his shot as much. I suspect the reason he shot so much last year was because X didn't have many other shooters or scorers.

[GIMMFD]

I wouldn't say Q was "bad" last year. He struggled shooting, but as you point out, he was the only true ball handler on the team, and he did that fairly well.

Next year, he needs to distribute and not look for his shot as much. I suspect the reason he shot so much last year was because X didn't have many other shooters or scorers.

Not bad, but not good. I definitely think being the only ball handler on the team had some effect to that, but it was again the decision making, forcing shots, taking dumb shots, etc. more than anything. I was also a little worried that his FT% went down 13%, granted he took more last season, but I'd like for our PG to be in the high 70s like he was his Sophomore year. I think we expected Q to make a big jump from Sophomore to Junior year (fairly or unfairly is a different debate), without realizing that he's going to have to shoulder (no pun intended) a bigger role in scoring, which isn't the strength of his game. With more weapons, I think he'll be what we expected him to be quite frankly, it's a lot easier to not force shots if everyone on the court can score as opposed to having to be one of the top options.

[xufan2020]

Since everyone’s favorite musketeer announced his return, I’ve been wondering where he goes from here.
I think he’ll have a better year for the simple reason that he won’t be asked to shoulder as much burden with the more talented roster coming in next season. The spacing will be better too with more shooters on this team, allowing him to drive more effectively. Also I’ve never had a problem with him taking threes when they were good looks, he just forced too much last year and his 3pt% reflected that.
Next year has all the makings for a much improved team. Here’s to hoping for a big year from Q.
Yeah I’ll eat crow on this one.
I understand having a down year in production, but Q regressed like someone I’ve never seen at X. I’m not a sports psychologist but there was something just off with his play this year. The mental mistakes, the lazy passes, the blown layups.. blame who you want but it’s baffling to believe he still finished with as many points and assists for his career as he did.
Personally I think his regression was the combination of a poor shooting team limiting the spacing/his ability to effectively drive and kick (which I realize contradicts what I said above back in May) along with his mental/confidence issues.
I don’t see this as something to be worried about moving forward because of Freemantle and Kyky.
None of this really matters now, but it’s interesting to think about.
I do wish him the very best in his career.

[UCGRAD4X]

Yeah I’ll eat crow on this one.
I understand having a down year in production, but Q regressed like someone I’ve never seen at X. I’m not a sports psychologist but there was something just off with his play this year. The mental mistakes, the lazy passes, the blown layups.. blame who you want but it’s baffling to believe he still finished with as many points and assists for his career as he did.
Personally I think his regression was the combination of a poor shooting team limiting the spacing/his ability to effectively drive and kick (which I realize contradicts what I said above back in May) along with his mental/confidence issues.
I don’t see this as something to be worried about moving forward because of Freemantle and Kyky.
None of this really matters now, but it’s interesting to think about.
I do wish him the very best in his career.

His career doing what in particular and where?

Just curious.

[xufan2020]

His career doing what in particular and where?

Just curious.
Ha! I would hope basketball but honestly think Q should tryout for WR or DB somewhere. Has more of a football build

[UCGRAD4X]

Ha! I would hope basketball but honestly think Q should tryout for WR or DB somewhere. Has more of a football build

He does have a college degree from Xavier University, so he has options.

In any case, despite the criticisms, I too wish him well in all his endeavors. He was a Musketeer and should represent proudly.

[whopper]

agreed and there are good memories. Good luck to them all and I hope Q can leverage degree. After reading the article about Welage in the Athletic it is tougher to make money playing basketball than I thought. "(Ervin) was saying I would probably make in the first year anything between like $30,000 and $50,000 overseas. Obviously, that’s decent but not great, so that definitely played into it for sure. He let me make my own decision and was really cool about it.
(Another player) made like $40,000 his first year, but then he had a really good season and got like $60,000 or $70,000 the next year. Then he had another good season and now he has experience and is making a lot more money."
He does have a college degree from Xavier University, so he has options.

In any case, despite the criticisms, I too wish him well in all his endeavors. He was a Musketeer and should represent proudly.. By the way if you look at Kyle Castlin twitter feed he PAID $150 to try out for Trevon's team (salt lake) and has a 2 minute video where he looks like a poor man's Edmund Sumner. Just goes to show (what I don't know)