The Shootout & Recruiting

[xudash]

Let's hope so:

IT'S ALL ABOUT RECRUITING, and don't you ever forget it. The Musketeers were said to have hosted as many as 15 recruits for the Crosstown Shootout. Dozens of additional prospects would have watched Xavier's throttling of No. 11 UC on national TV. And whether they were in Cintas Center or watching on the couch at home, what a show of Xavier force they witnessed. Raucous crowd. Big stage. Lively student section. Those fresh new uniforms. Revamped arena. Saturday checked all the boxes for Xavier as far as putting on a show for future Muskies, and you better that'll believe pay dividends down the line.

That's a postmortem piece from the Enquirer.

[X Factor]

Let's hope so:

IT'S ALL ABOUT RECRUITING, and don't you ever forget it. The Musketeers were said to have hosted as many as 15 recruits for the Crosstown Shootout. Dozens of additional prospects would have watched Xavier's throttling of No. 11 UC on national TV. And whether they were in Cintas Center or watching on the couch at home, what a show of Xavier force they witnessed. Raucous crowd. Big stage. Lively student section. Those fresh new uniforms. Revamped arena. Saturday checked all the boxes for Xavier as far as putting on a show for future Muskies, and you better that'll believe pay dividends down the line.

That's a postmortem piece from the Enquirer.

We need to get back on track that's for sure. It was rough summer recruiting for sure.

[xu82]

We need to get back on track that's for sure. It was rough summer recruiting for sure.

That’s glass half empty stuff. Our class this year is so freakin good some guys worried about minutes. I’m going with that and my trust in Mack! We will overcome some disappointments.

[X Factor]

That’s glass half empty stuff. Our class this year is so freakin good some guys worried about minutes. I’m going with that and my trust in Mack! We will overcome some disappointments.

All 15 Top 100 kids who chose a different school? Not buying it. I can see a couple kids, but not all of them. We offered plenty of big men too, and we're in great need of bigs next year unless you think Tyrique is going to play 40 minutes a game.

[xu82]

All 15 Top 100 kids who chose a different school? Not buying it. I can see a couple kids, but not all of them. We offered plenty of big men too, and we're in great need of bigs next year unless you think Tyrique is going to play 40 minutes a game.

So what is your explanation? We suck all of a sudden? Please enlighten us.

It’s a mix of things, and some are just unlucky.

[xudash]

My reason for creating this thread was focused on the sheer number of recruits that were at the game, as well as the good point made about the number of prospective recruits probably watching it.

Beyond that, the game, it's outcome, the Cintas Center and our Fanbase and everything else that goes into that package has absolutely got to show well to prospective recruits.

I understand the level of concern about this year's recruiting outcome. You're certainly free to post about it here. But I do like the points being made in that write-up.

[xu82]

My reason for creating this thread was focused on the sheer number of recruits that were at the game, as well as the good point made about the number of prospective recruits probably watching it.

Beyond that, the game, it's outcome, the Cintas Center and our Fanbase and everything else that goes into that package has absolutely got to show well to prospective recruits.

I understand the level of concern about this year's recruiting outcome. You're certainly free to post about it here. But I do like the points being made in that write-up.

This had to fire up a lot of recruits! If it didn’t fire them up, I have to wonder about those kids.

[XUhockey99]

To tie this into the postgame comments from Mack, my first thoughts about his comments were that recruits would love a coach like that - one who backs his player publicly. I'd assume he said something to Macura privately, but in my opinion, saying what he did after the game could be positive in how recruits perceive Mack.

[XUGRAD80]

To tie this into the postgame comments from Mack, my first thoughts about his comments were that recruits would love a coach like that - one who backs his player publicly. I'd assume he said something to Macura privately, but in my opinion, saying what he did after the game could be positive in how recruits perceive Mack.

Couldn’t agree more.

[Juice]

To tie this into the postgame comments from Mack, my first thoughts about his comments were that recruits would love a coach like that - one who backs his player publicly. I'd assume he said something to Macura privately, but in my opinion, saying what he did after the game could be positive in how recruits perceive Mack.

Tu tweeted about how Mack had JP's back. I assume Tu's tweet is very similar to what recruits think, which brings me to my original point that I think you're right.

[Lamont Sanford]

FYI...one of the recruits at the game on Saturday was Dartmouth transfer Evan Boudreaux who is looking at X, Colorado, Purdue, etc. Gotta think the whole atmosphere on Saturday created a positive lasting impression on this kid.

[Steve A]

FYI...one of the recruits at the game on Saturday was Dartmouth transfer Evan Boudreaux who is looking at X, Colorado, Purdue, etc. Gotta think the whole atmosphere on Saturday created a positive lasting impression on this kid.

Boudreaux will have two years of eligibility and will be able to play right away as a graduate transfer. He would be a huge get for the team next year. He could either start at the 4 or be the first guy off the bench if X goes small and starts Gates at the 4.

[XU 87]

This had to fire up a lot of recruits! If it didn’t fire them up, I have to wonder about those kids.

"Gentlemen, if this game doesn't fire you up, the pilot light must be out."

[IM4X]

Anyone have any more info/ names of those X prospects who were at the game?

[IM4X]

Also... Thanks Lamont and Steve for posting about Boudreaux.

He looks fearless.... a good finisher inside with a nice touch from outside. Indeed looks to be a nice pick up, if X can get him.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IdQ1srJY-y8

That said... Still would love to see X find another 6'9"+ athletic big who is a good rebounder, defender and scorer in the paint. Maybe Walter will develop nicely, but adding an athletic 4/5 transfer for next season who's played a little college ball already would be a very nice addition to see.

[FIGHTING MUSKETEER]

The other day I was worried about how some unfortunate incidents are damaging Xavier’s reputation, as well as the player’s reputation, and the effect it may have in recruiting and in scheduling games with top programs. I am not trying to judge who was at fault here. I am taking the events at face value although I believe both, Macura and Cronin, were out of order. Cronin much more so for being a coach and for what he did.

As fans, we tend to give these great explanations to excuse some of our players’ behavior. However, the truth is that during the past recent years we have had some issues. It comes to my mind Dez Wells, Eddie Ekiyor, Trevon’s marihuana charges and Macura’s pants/fake id/intoxication and on the court behavior. And let me say this, I know some of those incidents have decent explanations. However, more often than not, the truth is not as important as the impressions left behind.

I don’t know anything about the recruiting process but if I am the coach of another program competing with Xavier for a recruit, I am going to let the recruit, his coach and the recruit’s parents know of those issues. No one can really tell the effect it may have because a recruit’s decision can be based on so many things and what is important to one is not to other. But one thing is certain for me, it is becoming harder and harder for CM to sell Xavier in the recruiting trail as a program with good players inside and outside of the basketball court. We don’t want to admit it, but we compete with a bunch of programs as good as, or better than, ours. I’m sure some (but not all) of those programs have similar issues or worst issues but if that is going to be our excuse/explanation, then we are not striving for excellence.

One more thing, for JP’s sake, someone needs to tell him that he needs to clean his act. I love how JP plays basketball to the point that I believe he can be an NBA player. If not in the NBA, without a doubt, he will be playing professional basketball somewhere. I don’t think these events are helping his stock as they tend to portray him as a problematic.

[scoscox]

All the players are still graduating. On top of that, we have doled out punishment in each of the instances that have been deserving of it. If Trevon and JP had their incidents in season they would've been punished as well.

I would not be concerned.

[scoscox]

PS reading the UC boards after this shootout has been comical. I think they may have lost their minds.

[XMuskieFTW]

The other day I was worried about how some unfortunate incidents are damaging Xavier’s reputation, as well as the player’s reputation, and the effect it may have in recruiting and in scheduling games with top programs. I am not trying to judge who was at fault here. I am taking the events at face value although I believe both, Macura and Cronin, were out of order. Cronin much more so for being a coach and for what he did.

As fans, we tend to give these great explanations to excuse some of our players’ behavior. However, the truth is that during the past recent years we have had some issues. It comes to my mind Dez Wells, Eddie Ekiyor, Trevon’s marihuana charges and Macura’s pants/fake id/intoxication and on the court behavior. And let me say this, I know some of those incidents have decent explanations. However, more often than not, the truth is not as important as the impressions left behind.

I don’t know anything about the recruiting process but if I am the coach of another program competing with Xavier for a recruit, I am going to let the recruit, his coach and the recruit’s parents know of those issues. No one can really tell the effect it may have because a recruit’s decision can be based on so many things and what is important to one is not to other. But one thing is certain for me, it is becoming harder and harder for CM to sell Xavier in the recruiting trail as a program with good players inside and outside of the basketball court. We don’t want to admit it, but we compete with a bunch of programs as good as, or better than, ours. I’m sure some (but not all) of those programs have similar issues or worst issues but if that is going to be our excuse/explanation, then we are not striving for excellence.

One more thing, for JP’s sake, someone needs to tell him that he needs to clean his act. I love how JP plays basketball to the point that I believe he can be an NBA player. If not in the NBA, without a doubt, he will be playing professional basketball somewhere. I don’t think these events are helping his stock as they tend to portray him as a problematic.

The funny thing is, JP is in complete control. He antagonizes because other players(and apparently coaches) are soft and let it get to their head. JP doesn't cross the line. He gets a reaction and walks away with a smirk on his face. When Cronin came back towards JP on Saturday, he just kept walking and laughing at the situation. If we are discussing on court chirping and a marijuana possession as our program's problems, then we are doing great.

[bpo]

PS reading the UC boards after this shootout has been comical. I think they may have lost their minds.

I agree - its been wildly more amusing to read than I initially thought. They bounce between their standard bears of X being a dirty program, their scheduling, Mick, and their lack of a consistent PG play, back to X being class-less.

Talk about a lost fan base...

[bleedXblue]

I agree - its been wildly more amusing to read than I initially thought. They bounce between their standard bears of X being a dirty program, their scheduling, Mick, and their lack of a consistent PG play, back to X being class-less.

Talk about a lost fan base...

when you lose 8 of 11, you have to make excuses to cover up for your inability to get it done on the floor.......pretty sad

[MuskieXU]

The funny thing is, JP is in complete control. He antagonizes because other players(and apparently coaches) are soft and let it get to their head. JP doesn't cross the line. He gets a reaction and walks away with a smirk on his face. When Cronin came back towards JP on Saturday, he just kept walking and laughing at the situation. If we are discussing on court chirping and a marijuana possession as our program's problems, then we are doing great.

JP knew he could get in Micks head, saw an opportunity, and got in his head so bad he caused him to get T’d up. That speaks volumes about Mick, not that it’s anythinf new.

[gladdenguy]

The funny thing is, JP is in complete control. He antagonizes because other players(and apparently coaches) are soft and let it get to their head. JP doesn't cross the line. He gets a reaction and walks away with a smirk on his face. When Cronin came back towards JP on Saturday, he just kept walking and laughing at the situation. If we are discussing on court chirping and a marijuana possession as our program's problems, then we are doing great.

Public Reps. The man holding me down.

JP is awesome. He made Cronin look like a fool. And the first person to lay a hand on JP because JP is in their heads......JP would laugh at them right in their face and we would all rack up another huge win for Jonathan Paul Macura. He is seriously one of a kind.

[X-man]

JP knew he could get in Micks head, saw an opportunity, and got in his head so bad he caused him to get T’d up. That speaks volumes about Mick, not that it’s anythinf new.

I spoke with someone who has seats very close to UC's bench. He told me that (1) the YTG was going nuts from about the 2-minute mark because of his team's play, (2) his T likely had nothing to do with JP, but was rather a culmination of his running hissy fit about the officials, and (3) the T's on JP happened after YTG was T'd up, and involved JP and a bench sitting player who yelled something at JP who responded to the bench player (not YTG) to "Fuck off". YTG either thought it was directed at him (probably because everyone who runs into him probably tells him the same thing) or deliberately misrepresented the interaction in his lame post-game remarks.

[MuskieXU]

I spoke with someone who has seats very close to UC's bench. He told me that (1) the YTG was going nuts from about the 2-minute mark because of his team's play, (2) his T likely had nothing to do with JP, but was rather a culmination of his running hissy fit about the officials, and (3) the T's on JP happened after YTG was T'd up, and involved JP and a bench sitting player who yelled something at JP who responded to the bench player (not YTG) to "Fuck off". YTG either thought it was directed at him (probably because everyone who runs into him probably tells him the same thing) or deliberately misrepresented the interaction in his lame post-game remarks.

I was sitting right there as well. The T was directly because of JP. Mick had complained to the refs about him multiple times throughout the 1st half. The two possessions prior to the T you can see JP saying something to Mick. The possession directly before the T Xavier hits a 3 and JP puts the ball on the floor and turns directly to Mick, and says something. We saw it, and its pretty publicized what it was.

The next possession, after the block and before he gets Td you can see him go to the ref and say "he told me to f off." The ref tells him enough and he goes nuts saying something like "its all effing game" and gets the technical. Also if you go back and read his lips after the T, hes talking directly about JP. I can read "he comes over after every time out" and " "he said F you." It was directly a result of JP getting in his head.

[paulxu]

I'm curious. When a penalty is called in football, there's always an official explanation:
Example: "Unsportsman like conduct, number 72 defense, taunting. 15 yards....etc."

Why is there no official explanation as to why Mick got T'd up?
Mack says he knows because the official told him what it was.
But why the big mystery? Why isn't the official's call and reasoning available to the public?

[Masterofreality]

I'm curious. When a penalty is called in football, there's always an official explanation:
Example: "Unsportsman like conduct, number 72 defense, taunting. 15 yards....etc."

Why is there no official explanation as to why Mick got T'd up?
Mack says he knows because the official told him what it was.
But why the big mystery? Why isn't the official's call and reasoning available to the public?

Because refs are never called upon to explain anything in College Basketball... Unless they volunteer to because it was such an agregious error. This was not.

And, once again. These were NCAA Tournament caliber officials. Roger Ayers, who called the technical on YTG, is rated the best of ALL college officials by KenPom. Doug Shows has reffed National Championship Games. Lamar Simpson is a veteran and highly thought of.

To that point. Good officiating crews try to correct a mistake that they make in the flow of the game. Remember when the ball went off a SucKs player's elbow after a crappy BoreCat pass? It was clear that they made a mistake. As soon as a Clifton Community College player missed a shot, Ayers called a foul under the basket. It very well could have gone against JP, but to make the clear mistake up, Ayers called it on the Convict player. Right then YTG's coat came off and he was really off the hook. This even though he had gotten a gift call before. Because his team didn't take advantage of it wasn't Xavier's fault.

I don't know if Xavier controlled the selection of the officials in this game, but NO ONE can complain that they didn't try to get the best.

[paulxu]

Because refs are never called upon to explain anything in College Basketball... Unless they volunteer to because it was such an agregious error. This was not.

But that's just the thing. When they call a regular foul, they're all very demonstrative with it.
They blow the whistle...run toward the scoring table..grab their arm for a hold, push their hands for a push off, put their hand behind their head for a charge, etc. They clearly signal the table with the offending player's number.

We get all that but no explanation for a T? Doesn't make sense to me.

Edit: It also doesn't make sense to me for Cronin to get T'd for saying the ref: "hey ref, that player just told me to fuck off."
Can't imagine that's worth a T. Maybe the ref (after about the third time) thought Mick told him (the ref) to fuck off.

[GIMMFD]

But that's just the thing. When they call a regular foul, they're all very demonstrative with it.
They blow the whistle...run toward the scoring table..grab their arm for a hold, push their hands for a push off, put their hand behind their head for a charge, etc. They clearly signal the table with the offending player's number.

We get all that but no explanation for a T? Doesn't make sense to me.

Edit: It also doesn't make sense to me for Cronin to get T'd for saying the ref: "hey ref, that player just told me to fuck off."
Can't imagine that's worth a T. Maybe the ref (after about the third time) thought Mick told him (the ref) to fuck off.

I feel like the usually tell the announcers and we get an explanation from them, but it didn't seem to be the case Saturday for this instance. I feel like 90% of technicals are explained from the announcers on the TV, so either they didn't bother to tell them, or the announcers found it unimportant?? Who knows, anyways, we'll let Cronin think whatever he thinks, and let him sit there and think about his record against X. Who cares, we beat the daylights out of them, and they have a midget temper-tantrum infused child of a head coach.