Malcolm Bernard!

[mistabeecee41]

I think it's time we give Malcolm some credit. Not a traditional senior, but he's doing what we've seen all 4 year Xavier seniors do in the past - come to play when it counts.

Scored 2 points in a 38 minute stretch over 2 games - and we all wanted him sent back to whatever crappy team he came from in Florida. He got benched. Instead of sulking, he's put together an incredible 5 game stretch. I knew he was playing well, but I honestly didn't realize he's been this good over the past 5.

12 pts, 6 boards, 50% FG, 42% from 3.

Yes, Tre won the game for us last night. He rightfully got his own thread, but let's give Malcolm some credit. He's playing like a senior who has never been to the NCAA tournament and desperately wants it.

[SemajParlor]

To use an overused but applicable saying: Malcolm doesn't want to go home.

[xufan2434]

It's not always pretty, but he adds a whole new dimension to this team when he can drive to the basket from the wing. Also, that right handed bounce pass he threw to Q on the break was fricken awesome. Keep bringing it Malcolm!

[XU 87]

Malcolm is much, much more aggressive on offense now. I guess it just took him a while to 1) get comfortable and 2) play with some confidence.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Love it, props to Malcolm!

[ammtd34]

I have no idea how he picked out that (right handed) bounce pass. I didn't even see the angle on TV. I thought it was definitely getting stolen. Impressive.

[XMuskieFTW]

He had some big time rebounds last night where he basically rose above everyone else. He's been huge the past few weeks. Senior mode is a fun thing.

[Masterofreality]

To use an overused but applicable saying: Malcolm doesn't want to go home.

Malcolm played a fantastic all around basketball game last night. His long range bounce pass to Q for a slam was a beautiful thing. Scoring, rebounding and defense. The guy did it all last night.

He and Sean O'Mara are the unsung heroes of last nights game. Outstanding stuff.

[X Factor]

Yes, really happy the way Malcolm has played lately. We need him to keep it up. He's actually our best 3 pt shooter this year.

Good job Malcolm!

[whopper]

His interview after Marquette turned the team around..he said "we dont even want to make the tournament". It was as close as you can come to calling your teammates out but he figured as a senior what have you got to lose". Hard to believe this was less than 2 weeks ago.. Great job
http://www.cincinnati.com/videos/news/2017/03/01/malcolm-bernard-sounds-off-xavier-loss/98622390/

[Juice]

I felt bad for him for awhile because he came here to play in the tournament and there was an obvious chance we wouldn't. But I'm glad both him and the team are doing what they need to do to keep playing.

[American X]

I have never said an unkind word about Malcolm Bernard and have repeatedly stated the ball should be in his hands with the shot clock expiring.

[whopper]

We’re not really showing that we want to win the Big East title,” Bernard said after the Marquette game. “We’re not even showing that we want to be in the NCAA Tournament right now… We’ve got to get it done or we’re going to be sitting home on the couch watching the NCAA Tournament.”



CLOSE

I really think Bernard's lament after Marquette woke everyone up. Imagine coming to a school that always made the dance, then them NOT making it your first year? That would cause a lot of soul searching..

Xavier senior (graduate transfer) Malcolm Bernard had some strongly-worded responses during his postgame press conference. The Enquirer/Patrick Brennan

Xavier hasn’t lost since. Now, winners of three in a row and with an upset of No. 18-ranked Butler in its back pocket, the Musketeers are rolling again.

[X-ceptional]

No one is more excited to be playing in March than Malcolm X! Dude's got himself a couple of highlight reel blocks in the past two games.

http://i.imgur.com/eH661E0.gif

http://i.imgur.com/zWfAw56.gif

[D-West & PO-Z]

No one is more excited to be playing in March than Malcolm X! Dude's got himself a couple of highlight reel blocks in the past two games.

http://i.imgur.com/eH661E0.gif

http://i.imgur.com/zWfAw56.gif

That one vs FSU was amazing. Unbelievable hustle and to not foul from so far behind.

[stammina0721]

If I had to guess I'd say he was surprised with the speed of the game night in and night out here as opposed to Florida A&M. I think he vanished in a lot of games for this reason. Then reality smacked him in the face. He understood his basketball career was almost over and took a F it attitude and it's paying huge dividends. He is one of the best stories in a while and let's hope his book isn't finished yet. Let's hand it to Zona

[xudash]

His interview after Marquette turned the team around..he said "we dont even want to make the tournament". It was as close as you can come to calling your teammates out but he figured as a senior what have you got to lose". Hard to believe this was less than 2 weeks ago.. Great job
http://www.cincinnati.com/videos/news/2017/03/01/malcolm-bernard-sounds-off-xavier-loss/98622390/

Thanks for posting this. He should have a special place in the annals of X hoops for helping to get them to turn the corner mentally.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Now he can proudly say that he played in the NCAA tournament, and not just that, he will be in the Sweet 16.

[xu82]

His interview after Marquette turned the team around..he said "we dont even want to make the tournament". It was as close as you can come to calling your teammates out but he figured as a senior what have you got to lose". Hard to believe this was less than 2 weeks ago.. Great job
http://www.cincinnati.com/videos/news/2017/03/01/malcolm-bernard-sounds-off-xavier-loss/98622390/

That's a great interview. On of my favorite parts of last night was seeing our players up talking with everyone and posing for photos last night after the game. I met some parents and the whole thing made me even more of a fan. I'm not going to go all Pollyanna, but for the most part these seem like a lot of nice young men and families. I'm not there on a regular basis like so many of you are, so this was cool for me to see in person.

[IM4X]

How fortunate it is for us (and this team) that Malcolm transferred to X. He's stepped up in so many different ways recently. In the past 6 games he has shown tremendous effort and has proven he "wants it" more than the other team. So happy for him that he has been able to accomplish his dream of playing and winning in the NCAA Tournament and so proud of him for proving to be a great senior leader.

Malcolm, keep on dreaming... keep on playing... keep on winning.

[Cincypunk.org]

Malcolm's smile after the game last night says it all.

[XfansinKy]

His interview after Marquette turned the team around..he said "we dont even want to make the tournament". It was as close as you can come to calling your teammates out but he figured as a senior what have you got to lose". Hard to believe this was less than 2 weeks ago.. Great job
http://www.cincinnati.com/videos/news/2017/03/01/malcolm-bernard-sounds-off-xavier-loss/98622390/

That was brutally honest. Thanks for sharing that.

[AviatorX]

Malcolm has for sure been up and down throughout the year, but picked a good time to carve out his exact role and produce.

Is it just me or does it seem like he's too good of an athlete to have started and played most of his career in the dregs of D1? I mean he is 6'6 and can get up pretty well, I'm surprised no one talked themselves into him out of HS or the first time he transferred, although maybe there were academic or other issues I don't know about.

[X-band '01]

Not sure it would be academic - don't forget that Malcolm Bernard is a grad transfer to begin with. He started at Charleston Southern, then transferred to Florida A&M and graduated there after 4 academic years between both schools.

[X-band '01]

And posting about Malcolm Bernard has now put me in 10,000 post territory. Still another 10,000+ to catch up to GoMuskies.

[AviatorX]

Not sure it would be academic - don't forget that Malcolm Bernard is a grad transfer to begin with. He started at Charleston Southern, then transferred to Florida A&M and graduated there after 4 academic years between both schools.

True that's what I figured. But wasn't there a problem getting into Richmond or something, which was supposed to be his original grad transfer destination?

Regardless, 6'6 with hops and speed I'm still surprised no one took a chance on him. There have been much worse spring signings all up and down high and mid major conferences.

[XUMIOH12]

why isn't this thread an "Ode to Malcolm Bernard"?

[Cincypunk.org]

Is he the best shot blocking guard X has ever had?

[XfansinKy]

Is he the best shot blocking guard X has ever had?

Maybe Ed?

[X Factor]

I remember this one from Sato against Dayton at UD. Took this from a preseason hype video for Xavier a few years back.

http://i.imgur.com/EJFmp5Z.gif

[GIMMFD]

I remember this one from Sato against Dayton at UD. Took this from a preseason hype video for Xavier a few years back.

http://i.imgur.com/EJFmp5Z.gif

Helluva attention span and screen grab.

[powerofX]

I remember this one from Sato against Dayton at UD. Took this from a preseason hype video for Xavier a few years back.

http://i.imgur.com/EJFmp5Z.gif

Helluva block. But I believe that is keith Jackson. I see where you might have mistaken as he is jumping off both feet. 😜

[X Factor]

Helluva block. But I believe that is keith Jackson. I see where you might have mistaken as he is jumping off both feet. 

Ha, you're right. That is Keith. I swear Sato had a monster block like that too. My mistake...:headscratch::ashamed:

[X-ceptional]

Xavier. Legend.

[X Factor]

Malcolm was awesome tonight. He hit huge three's, a huge block in transition...

Thank you MB!!

[BandAid]

Xavier. Legend.

The stone the message board rejected has become the cornerstone. Or something like that.

[Xavier]

The rebound on JP quick 3 followed by two free throws. Dude is awesome

[D-West & PO-Z]

Xavier. Legend.

Cemented! I am sure now EVERYONE is happy we took him!

[Masterofreality]

Malcolm Bernard has just risen to Lionel Chalmers Legendary Stuff.

A) Took Charge of a Players Only meeting at the time when the season was spinning out of control. Would not let them give up.
B) When Xavier was down 71-64 tonight, he hit a HUGE 3 to start the comeback
C) Had a Monstrous rebound off a JP 3 miss, got fouled, made both frees to bring us within 2-giving him 5 straight points when X needed them MOST.
D) saved his best basketball for the second half tonight with 15 points.
E)Had the ball in his hands at games end after a gigantic 50/50 rebound.

His joy is incredible and his Leadership is unparalleled. The Ultimate Mr. GLue!! #Malcolm

[JAPER]

He is just one of ~13 young men who became greater than the sum or each part. Way to go Malcolm! Proud of you all. You are not done!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Great post MOR!

He was huge in our 9-0 run to end the game!

[IM4X]

Bernard... Bellissimo!!!

[American X]

Macolm 'The Smile' Bernard

LEAD US! LEAD US TO THE FINAL FOUR!

[bobbiemcgee]

Malcolm Freakin' Bernard

[AviatorX]

I know he is playing his best ball ever right now, but honestly how did this guy play for Charleston Southern and FAMU?????

[waggy]

Malcolm Bernard is seriously ballin'.

[OTRMUSKIE]

nobody should hate on a college kid period. Constructive criticism is fine but too hate on these kids while we drink beer is BS. Get a life

[stammina0721]

I know he is playing his best ball ever right now, but honestly how did this guy play for Charleston Southern and FAMU?????

Because of the Malcolm Bernard we saw until March. However, something just clicked in him and he has been a different animal. So glad he did

[markchal]

Why people try to start fights at a time like this is beyond me.

[Xavier]

I know he is playing his best ball ever right now, but honestly how did this guy play for Charleston Southern and FAMU?????

I think there are a ton of guys that are in a similar situation as him. They can be great role players. Stepping up when they have to, knowing role and being great at it. They may not appear good enough out of HS but put enough talented players around them and they can bring a ton of value.----I want to take it back a little, the Bernard of the last 4-5 weeks would have had a ton of better offers. Dont want to diminish what he has been doing.

Bernard....well, as others have said, is a Xavier legend now. Sums it up nicely.

[CSS85]

Malcolm Freakin' Bernard

Times 15!

[sgarcia]

The shot of Malcolm Bernard blasting Conor Peterson when that final buzzer sounded better be in one shining moment. Hot damn that was great. I can't stop smiling, barely slept and could care less about doing any work today. Malcolm has us all smiling right now.

[X Factor]

Nothing but praise.

He's turned it on lately and Xavier wouldn't' have won last night without him. He averaged 6 points and 4 boards this year before the tourney. No better time to play your best than the NCAA tournament.

Now, can we all enjoy what Xavier's doing right now?

[cutterX]

JP and Trevon did their usual thing but I think the second half Bernard had when Bluiett was struggling shooting saved the game! His clutch threes and his huge offensive rebound on a miss where he got fouled was big too! The man stepped up to the bright lights and responded like a champ! Keep it rollin' X!

[bjf123]

I seem to remember an article earlier this week that mentioned a talk Malcolm gave to the team late in the season about why he came to X and that it seemed people were playing for themselves and not for the team. I can't seem to find it now. Did I hallucinate that, or can someone find me a link?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[XU '11]

I seem to remember an article earlier this week that mentioned a talk Malcolm gave to the team late in the season about why he came to X and that it seemed people were playing for themselves and not for the team. I can't seem to find it now. Did I hallucinate that, or can someone find me a link?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

https://www.theplayerstribune.com/trevon-bluiett-xavier-march-madness/


...Malcolm Bernard, a senior, stood up. He didn’t need to remind us why this year meant so much to him. He’d transferred at the end of last season from Florida A&M — a program that last made the tournament in 2007.

Xavier was his best shot at getting to the postseason before his collegiate career was over.

He said we weren’t buying into coach’s system. He said weren’t playing for each other, only for ourselves. We weren’t even playing hard — which is the only thing you can really control on the court.

“We’re being selfish,” he said. “And I’m tired of it.”

At the end of his speech, Malcolm made a promise and a request.

“I’m willing to sacrifice everything for this team,” he said.

“I’m going to dive for every loose ball, close out harder on every shot, block out for every rebound. I’m going to play harder than I’ve ever played. And I need you all to follow me.”

[bjf123]

That's it. Thanks.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[xavierj]

Remember when Xavier couldn't shot the 3? Bernard is now 40% on the year. He is playing line a champion.

[American X]

Malcolm Bernard leveling Conor Peterson will love forever in Xavier lore.

Thank you, Malcolm, for being the catalyst and glue this team needed. I hope that smile never leaves you.

[whopper]

his lament after marquette loss on senior day righted the ship..it was as close as you can be to calling out specific people(only 8 play so it had to be uncomfortable in the room) as you can be without quitting team. He actually played like Edmund a little especially with the chase down blocks. I also think Gaston was very professional and scored in all the games in the tournament and contributed on the boards. There may be no need for 5th yr seniors next year with the recruits but these 2 were stalwarts.

[X-ceptional]

Ugh, couldn't even bring myself back to the board for a couple of days. That loss sucked. But what a season. And this guy is a huge reason why it turned out the way it did. I just had a couple more thoughts on Malcolm.

First off, credit to Whopper for coining the term Malcolm's Lament earlier in the month. This is how the post-Marquette loss press conference and subsequent turn-around should heretofore be known in all recitations. This will be a special piece of Xavier Lore.

Second, to AmX's point:

I hope that smile never leaves you.

Thankfully, following the game, Malcolm tweeted the following:

Love my teammates, coaches, fans and the memories I've made here! Thank you Xavier Nation from the bottom of my heart #team95 #StillSmilling (Emphasis mine.)

As far as lasting impacts by someone who is only with the team for one year, Malcolm's should not be understated. He left everything on the floor during this tournament run. The chasedown blocks, the timely threes. He came here for one reason, and he lived it. The words quoted by Tre in his Players' Tribune piece should be the rallying cry of any senior who ever puts on the Xavier jersey.

Malcolm's creed:

I’m willing to sacrifice everything for this team. I’m going to dive for every loose ball, close out harder on every shot, block out for every rebound. I’m going to play harder than I’ve ever played. And I need you all to follow me.

[Muskie]

Malcolm Bernard is the kind of player you miss when he's not on the floor next year. His play during the Big East Tournament and NCAA's will be talked about for years to come. That guy left it all on the floor.

[IM4X]

Ugh, couldn't even bring myself back to the board for a couple of days. That loss sucked. But what a season. And this guy is a huge reason why it turned out the way it did. I just had a couple more thoughts on Malcolm.

First off, credit to Whopper for coining the term Malcolm's Lament earlier in the month. This is how the post-Marquette loss press conference and subsequent turn-around should heretofore be known in all recitations. This will be a special piece of Xavier Lore.

Second, to AmX's point:


Thankfully, following the game, Malcolm tweeted the following:
(Emphasis mine.)

As far as lasting impacts by someone who is only with the team for one year, Malcolm's should not be understated. He left everything on the floor during this tournament run. The chasedown blocks, the timely threes. He came here for one reason, and he lived it. The words quoted by Tre in his Players' Tribune piece should be the rallying cry of any senior who ever puts on the Xavier jersey.

Malcolm's creed:


"I’m willing to sacrifice everything for this team. I’m going to dive for every loose ball, close out harder on every shot, block out for every rebound. I’m going to play harder than I’ve ever played. And I need you all to follow me."


Yes, Malcolm did deliver on his promise... and his words should be painted on the team's locker room wall. He was spectacular. Diving, blocking, hitting threes. Senior leadership as great as gets.

[whopper]

I was shocked at the Marquette senior night..Trevon hurt for sure but it seemed like they expected a coronation and it was like bringing a knife to a gun fight. Malcolm say the season slipping and layed it all out on the line..it may have shocked JP, Trevon, Kaiser, Sean who were giving about 90%. It should be replayed next year to remind them of this great effort and how it must be re established next year because X will have a target like Villanova did. I am so happy in Conn(w 2 girls at X and have met Sister and Matt Stainbrook) and my Providence, Villanova and Seton hall friends tipped their hat. I even snuck onto mike Francesa before Arizona and said watch out for "Hoosiers" and a Jimmy Chitwood named Trevon. I am too old for this

[SemajParlor]

I even snuck onto mike Francesa before Arizona and said watch out for "Hoosiers" and a Jimmy Chitwood named Trevon. I am too old for this

Sports radio 66..... the FAN! WFAN!!!!

[xudash]

I was shocked at the Marquette senior night..Trevon hurt for sure but it seemed like they expected a coronation and it was like bringing a knife to a gun fight. Malcolm say the season slipping and layed it all out on the line..it may have shocked JP, Trevon, Kaiser, Sean who were giving about 90%. It should be replayed next year to remind them of this great effort and how it must be re established next year because X will have a target like Villanova did. I am so happy in Conn(w 2 girls at X and have met Sister and Matt Stainbrook) and my Providence, Villanova and Seton hall friends tipped their hat. I even snuck onto mike Francesa before Arizona and said watch out for "Hoosiers" and a Jimmy Chitwood named Trevon. I am too old for this

Ha! Great post.

Have had the pleasure of meeting Sister Rose and Matt as well - met Matt at Dana's one evening after he had finished and as he was trying out for the NBA.

You can wind down now. Treat yourself to a relaxing drive on the Merritt Parkway.

[xu82]

Malcolm Bernard is the kind of player you miss when he's not on the floor next year. His play during the Big East Tournament and NCAA's will be talked about for years to come. That guy left it all on the floor.

Definitely, on the court....and in the locker room. It sounds like our "new senior" lived up to expectations there too. Thank you Malcolm!

[D-West & PO-Z]

"I’m willing to sacrifice everything for this team. I’m going to dive for every loose ball, close out harder on every shot, block out for every rebound. I’m going to play harder than I’ve ever played. And I need you all to follow me."


Yes, Malcolm did deliver on his promise... and his words should be painted on the team's locker room wall. He was spectacular. Diving, blocking, hitting threes. Senior leadership as great as gets.


Might have a new signature tag.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I was shocked at the Marquette senior night..Trevon hurt for sure but it seemed like they expected a coronation and it was like bringing a knife to a gun fight. Malcolm say the season slipping and layed it all out on the line..it may have shocked JP, Trevon, Kaiser, Sean who were giving about 90%. It should be replayed next year to remind them of this great effort and how it must be re established next year because X will have a target like Villanova did. I am so happy in Conn(w 2 girls at X and have met Sister and Matt Stainbrook) and my Providence, Villanova and Seton hall friends tipped their hat. I even snuck onto mike Francesa before Arizona and said watch out for "Hoosiers" and a Jimmy Chitwood named Trevon. I am too old for this


Sports radio 66..... the FAN! WFAN!!!!

Mike probably thought we were in the A10 (if he even knew that) just kike he still thought Maryland was in the ACC. This just days after laughing off a caller who mistaknely thought Rutgers was still in the Big East.

[xu82]

Might have a new signature tag.

I'll admit, it's a beautiful thing!

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'll admit, it's a beautiful thing!

Done, how's it look?

[xu82]

Done, how's it look?


It IS a beautiful thing!

Public reps, it's all I got!