Legends Walk Among Us

[American X]

Wednesday evening, Trevon Bluiett, J.P. Macura and Sean O’Mara take the floor at the Cintas Center for the final time.

#55

Jonathan Paul ‘J.P.’ Macura (aka Myles Fox Morrissey, aka JPMFMMFM)

The attitude, the fire, the passion…..the Thunderdunks, the SoulCrushers……a player unlike any other to wear the Xavier uniform.

J.P. could have gone to any number of other schools and been the star of the show, putting up a gillion shots. Instead, he chose Xavier and chose to be part of great TEAMS.

He is sui generis on the basketball floor, not to mention the master of the social media troll. A guy who gets into opponents’ heads like a demon spirit, gets under their skin like an incurable rash.

In March of 2017. J.P. showed his mettle during his finest hour. Decimated by injuries and on the brink of not making the tournament, he elevated his game and elevated his team - a true team player.

Although he is absolutely still J.P. “You miss 100% of the shots you do not take” Macura, he evolved over his career into one of the best all-around players to ever suit up for Xavier. Simply, a Legend.

#54

Out of the mists of Glen Ellyn comes a man, a mountain of a man, a man of many names – The Quiet Man, Irish, Big Irish, Big Sean, Sean O’Marruh…….or simply Mr. Sean O’Mara. A paragon of the four year player who improved every year, the backbone of the Xavier program, true heir to Jason Love and James Farr.

When his team was desperate last March for a win in Madison Square Garden, Sean put them on his back on the path to victory. Then in San Jose the shot of a lifetime - the High-Low Bluiett to O’Mara for the biggest win in Xavier history (yet). Now as a senior, locked in and loaded for bear, punishing frontcourts, playing the best basketball of his life, going out as a champion, going out as a Legend.

#5

What more can a person say about Trevon Bluiett? After switching from UCLA to Xavier (best decision ever), he arrived with a nice jump shot and a little soft on the edges. All he did from there was work at getting better and better to become the best scorer in a Xavier uniform most of us have ever seen.

Over four years, an endless stream of huge shots and huge games. We are witness to greatness. Tre2K whose number will hang in the Cintas Center one day. Yeah, Trevor Bullet, that kid’s good…Legend good.


Now this season, the type of season we have long dreamed about. A season of firsts – highest ranking ever, a Big East championship, the first #1 seed in program history, maybe another first in March, maybe another first in April.

Bluiett, Macura & O’Mara depart as the most accomplished players in Xavier history - highest rankings ever, highest seeds ever, four NCAA Tournaments appearances, a Sweet Sixteen, an Elite Eight and more to come. They live forever in lore as the ones who took us from hopes of one day making it to champions of the Big East conference. These three are the first Xavier players to play their entire career in the Big East. Little did we know four years ago, that Bluiett & Macura would leave as the all-time highest scoring duo in Xavier history.

Legends of March - they wrote the script of March 2017. Literally from the ashes, from the depths of despair, through the most improbable of runs, to the Best Win In Xavier History (yet). Now comes one more chance to write history in March.

Farewell and thank you for four incredible years.

ALL HAIL SENIOR J.P. MACURA!

ALL HAIL SENIOR SEAN O’MARA!

ALL HAIL SENIOR TREVON BLUIETT!

[nuts4xu]

Well done sir!

https://media.giphy.com/media/4wycNsucv3ofC/giphy.gif

[paulxu]

https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1486574546ra/21930529.gif

[IM4X]

Yes-Yes. Cheers to our senior THREE MUSKETEERS!!! You have all made us fans proud and helped the Xavier program continue to rise even higher.

And cheers to our 4th Musketeer taking the court for the last time - Kerem Kanter.

Well done fellas... Looking forward to seeing your best basketball yet in the days and weeks to come.

[whopper]

This is a great piece of writing and I think at age 62 with 2 girls at X I have a little skin in the game I have a tear in my eye. Thanks for mentioning Kanter for like Bernard and Gaston (who held the fort when NOTHING going right) they are a part of the legend. I defend X proudly in Connecticut to the hoop crowd and appreciate their efforts (as well as the underclassmen) and the coaches especially Coach Mack. This is the way I was taught to play and watch..fundamentals, humility, every game a new game(love the 4 minute war) and it is nice to see a team without world class athletes getting it done. Praying for a final 4

[mistabeecee41]

Yes-Yes. Cheers to our senior THREE MUSKETEERS!!! You have all made us fans proud and helped the Xavier program continue to rise even higher.

And cheers to our 4th Musketeer taking the court for the last time - Kerem Kanter.

Well done fellas... Looking forward to seeing your best basketball yet in the days and weeks to come.

grad transfers have been pivotal the last few years. let's not forget to give kanter his props. we all thought he would be an insurance policy in the event of a frontcourt injury. he's been the best player on the floor on either team in 5 games.

just like Malcolm Bernard was a Myles Davis insurance policy. Ended up playing 28 MPG, and shooting 39% from 3 despite all signs pointing to the fact that he couldn't shoot at all. People get wrapped in Big Sean's game winner, but Bernard's corner 3 after we fell down by 7 with about 2 minutes left might have been the play of the game.

[whopper]

I have only watched that youtube 1000 times and you are correct. The thing never in the highlights is Tre hitting 2 foul shots after an over the back on Markeennen. It was 130 AM in Conn and I was getting texts from my 60+ hoop friends each play. How can X top that this year(we all know how..but to start lets make it a senior night to remember!).

[webxu]

well said!! cant wait for March! LETS GO X!!

[xu koop scoop]

well said!! cant wait for March! LETS GO X!!

How about a little April Love as Pat Boone sang back in the day. A little April Reign as Champs. Isn't Reds Opening Day the same day as the Finals?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Wednesday evening, Trevon Bluiett, J.P. Macura and Sean O’Mara take the floor at the Cintas Center for the final time.

#55

Jonathan Paul ‘J.P.’ Macura (aka Myles Fox Morrissey, aka JPMFMMFM)

The attitude, the fire, the passion…..the Thunderdunks, the SoulCrushers……a player unlike any other to wear the Xavier uniform.

J.P. could have gone to any number of other schools and been the star of the show, putting up a gillion shots. Instead, he chose Xavier and chose to be part of great TEAMS.

He is sui generis on the basketball floor, not to mention the master of the social media troll. A guy who gets into opponents’ heads like a demon spirit, gets under their skin like an incurable rash.

In March of 2017. J.P. showed his mettle during his finest hour. Decimated by injuries and on the brink of not making the tournament, he elevated his game and elevated his team - a true team player.

Although he is absolutely still J.P. “You miss 100% of the shots you do not take” Macura, he evolved over his career into one of the best all-around players to ever suit up for Xavier. Simply, a Legend.

#54

Out of the mists of Glen Ellyn comes a man, a mountain of a man, a man of many names – The Quiet Man, Irish, Big Irish, Big Sean, Sean O’Marruh…….or simply Mr. Sean O’Mara. A paragon of the four year player who improved every year, the backbone of the Xavier program, true heir to Jason Love and James Farr.

When his team was desperate last March for a win in Madison Square Garden, Sean put them on his back on the path to victory. Then in San Jose the shot of a lifetime - the High-Low Bluiett to O’Mara for the biggest win in Xavier history (yet). Now as a senior, locked in and loaded for bear, punishing frontcourts, playing the best basketball of his life, going out as a champion, going out as a Legend.

#5

What more can a person say about Trevon Bluiett? After switching from UCLA to Xavier (best decision ever), he arrived with a nice jump shot and a little soft on the edges. All he did from there was work at getting better and better to become the best scorer in a Xavier uniform most of us have ever seen.

Over four years, an endless stream of huge shots and huge games. We are witness to greatness. Tre2K whose number will hang in the Cintas Center one day. Yeah, Trevor Bullet, that kid’s good…Legend good.


Now this season, the type of season we have long dreamed about. A season of firsts – highest ranking ever, a Big East championship, the first #1 seed in program history, maybe another first in March, maybe another first in April.

Bluiett, Macura & O’Mara depart as the most accomplished players in Xavier history - highest rankings ever, highest seeds ever, four NCAA Tournaments appearances, a Sweet Sixteen, an Elite Eight and more to come. They live forever in lore as the ones who took us from hopes of one day making it to champions of the Big East conference. These three are the first Xavier players to play their entire career in the Big East. Little did we know four years ago, that Bluiett & Macura would leave as the all-time highest scoring duo in Xavier history.

Legends of March - they wrote the script of March 2017. Literally from the ashes, from the depths of despair, through the most improbable of runs, to the Best Win In Xavier History (yet). Now comes one more chance to write history in March.

Farewell and thank you for four incredible years.

ALL HAIL SENIOR J.P. MACURA!

ALL HAIL SENIOR SEAN O’MARA!

ALL HAIL SENIOR TREVON BLUIETT!

Public Reps, the man is holding me down.

[xudash]

Me, too.

Very well done American X!

[chico]

Same here.

Great thread, AmX!

[xeus]

Great stuff AmX. I would rep you but I am keeping me down.

[GIMMFD]

+Public and Private reps. Can't state how much these three have done in helping our program grow, and watching them grow throughout these four years has been mind boggling. They deserve so much credit for becoming big time players in our program. All three have been so vital and important throughout the years, and I have nothing but love for the guys who bled for our alma mater.

Agreed with Kanter as well, he grew into an absolute stud, and has been incredible for us this season. Incredible thinking we weren't even sure how many minutes he'd get in the summer, he's helped transform our offense, and added another threat. I'm damn glad he decided to choose Xavier, and we're blessed to have him as well.

Wednesday, we ride.

[X-band '01]

Public reps to AmX since I can't do it in private right now.

[GenerationX]

Outstanding work, AmX!

(The man is holding me down, too.)

[Masterofreality]

Wednesday evening, Trevon Bluiett, J.P. Macura and Sean O’Mara take the floor at the Cintas Center for the final time.

#55

Jonathan Paul ‘J.P.’ Macura (aka Myles Fox Morrissey, aka JPMFMMFM)

The attitude, the fire, the passion…..the Thunderdunks, the SoulCrushers……a player unlike any other to wear the Xavier uniform.

J.P. could have gone to any number of other schools and been the star of the show, putting up a gillion shots. Instead, he chose Xavier and chose to be part of great TEAMS.

He is sui generis on the basketball floor, not to mention the master of the social media troll. A guy who gets into opponents’ heads like a demon spirit, gets under their skin like an incurable rash.

In March of 2017. J.P. showed his mettle during his finest hour. Decimated by injuries and on the brink of not making the tournament, he elevated his game and elevated his team - a true team player.

Although he is absolutely still J.P. “You miss 100% of the shots you do not take” Macura, he evolved over his career into one of the best all-around players to ever suit up for Xavier. Simply, a Legend.

#54

Out of the mists of Glen Ellyn comes a man, a mountain of a man, a man of many names – The Quiet Man, Irish, Big Irish, Big Sean, Sean O’Marruh…….or simply Mr. Sean O’Mara. A paragon of the four year player who improved every year, the backbone of the Xavier program, true heir to Jason Love and James Farr.

When his team was desperate last March for a win in Madison Square Garden, Sean put them on his back on the path to victory. Then in San Jose the shot of a lifetime - the High-Low Bluiett to O’Mara for the biggest win in Xavier history (yet). Now as a senior, locked in and loaded for bear, punishing frontcourts, playing the best basketball of his life, going out as a champion, going out as a Legend.

#5

What more can a person say about Trevon Bluiett? After switching from UCLA to Xavier (best decision ever), he arrived with a nice jump shot and a little soft on the edges. All he did from there was work at getting better and better to become the best scorer in a Xavier uniform most of us have ever seen.

Over four years, an endless stream of huge shots and huge games. We are witness to greatness. Tre2K whose number will hang in the Cintas Center one day. Yeah, Trevor Bullet, that kid’s good…Legend good.


Now this season, the type of season we have long dreamed about. A season of firsts – highest ranking ever, a Big East championship, the first #1 seed in program history, maybe another first in March, maybe another first in April.

Bluiett, Macura & O’Mara depart as the most accomplished players in Xavier history - highest rankings ever, highest seeds ever, four NCAA Tournaments appearances, a Sweet Sixteen, an Elite Eight and more to come. They live forever in lore as the ones who took us from hopes of one day making it to champions of the Big East conference. These three are the first Xavier players to play their entire career in the Big East. Little did we know four years ago, that Bluiett & Macura would leave as the all-time highest scoring duo in Xavier history.

Legends of March - they wrote the script of March 2017. Literally from the ashes, from the depths of despair, through the most improbable of runs, to the Best Win In Xavier History (yet). Now comes one more chance to write history in March.

Farewell and thank you for four incredible years.

ALL HAIL SENIOR J.P. MACURA!

ALL HAIL SENIOR SEAN O’MARA!

ALL HAIL SENIOR TREVON BLUIETT!

This makes me tear up. We will be in our Cintas seats at 5:55pm on Wednesday night to help give a throaty roar to honor the Greatness that we have witnessed. The body of work that these Seniors have provided is for the ages. Moments will live on- Sean's bucket vs Arizona, JP's stuff vs Seton Hall, Tre's 4 pointer vs GTown, Karem's tying 3 vs ETSU. Of course there are many, many more, but brilliance has been on display so much that shades are required.
For one last time on the Cintas floor, we are privileged to be present to view that brilliance. It can never be forgotten.

[Snipe]

Great post. It is going to be tough to say goodbye. My kids are particularly attached to this years class. It always gets me when coach takes them out for the last time.

[cfish]

Does anyone know how soon before tip off that they will start announcing the Sr's tomorrow? I really want to be in my seats for this, instead of our normal pre-game at Listerman's!

[muskiefan82]

I believe the festivities will begin at 6, so you need to be there by 5:55

[TUclutch]

I remember I had a buddy in college when the Yankees won the world series in 09 and I remember him telling us all he would cry if they won because it would likely be the last one Jeter and Rivera won. He had grown up watching the yankees with his grandpa like most of us grow up watching our teams with families. BUT I still remember laughing at how absurd I thought it was when he did cry when they won. Several of my teams have won championships and it's never been anything but happiness and pounding beers in celebration.

I no longer think it was crazy tho because I fully expect Cintas Center to be pretty dusty come 610pm tomorrow night. I never thought anyone would surpass Tu Holloway as my all time favorite Muskie and how his Senior Night brought Cintas alive, but there are 2 in this years class who i find it hard to imagine they'll be topped. If they are, its by someone who leads us to our second national championship because Im fully confident Tre2k and JP can win us our first.

[murray87]

Thanks AmX, a fantastic summary to a great group of basketballers! The FBI, Yahoo "sports" and ESPN are trying to tear apart the sport we love but Senior Night is so special. This one right up there with DFW's senior night.

[Cheesehead]

This makes me want to suit up... except that I am pushing 50, have a bum right foot, can't jump anymore and my jumper could use some work. I will however, foul the hell out of anyone.

All Hail our Seniors, our Senior walk-ons and Senior Managers too!

[Smooth]

Public reps to AmX since I can't do it in private right now.

You're inability to do it anywhere has been well documented.

[X-band '01]

You're inability to do it anywhere has been well documented.

Should I neg him for bad grammer?

[Smooth]

Should I neg him for bad grammer?

I'm so embarrassed I almost tried to find out how to post a GIF of someone being embarrassed.

Almost.

[bobbiemcgee]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXoFkD0J7Uk&t=25s

[drudy23]

I don't know that any of them are my favorite player ever (it's close), but collectively the strongest Senior class ever? It's obvious the impact Tre and JP have had on the program, but Sean has really earned my respect with how he has stuck with it, drastically improved, and really become a vital piece of this team.

Congrats and good luck to all 4. It's been very fun to watch you play. Big, big shoes to fill.

[xu82]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXoFkD0J7Uk&t=25s

That is AWESOME stuff!

[paulxu]

Next video is Mack press conference.

Reporter question: Chris, have you taken a moment to reflect with the team about the highest ever Xavier ranking, chance to win the BE crown?

Mack: Nope

[drudy23]

Next video is Mack press conference.

Reporter question: Chris, have you taken a moment to reflect with the team about the highest ever Xavier ranking, chance to win the BE crown?

Mack: Nope

It's Final Four or bust in Mack's mind...at least that's how I'm sure he's preparing his guys.

[X-ceptional]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXoFkD0J7Uk&t=25s

JP Sleeves the only one not wearing sleeves here WTF

[bleedXblue]

Well spoken guys. Carry themselves well. Proud they are part of our program and really sad to see them go.

[xu82]

JP Sleeves the only one not wearing sleeves here WTF

He didn’t have the white sleeves on?

[whopper]

Next video is Mack press conference.

Reporter question: Chris, have you taken a moment to reflect with the team about the highest ever Xavier ranking, chance to win the BE crown?

Mack: Nope
that is encouraging to me, you need EVERYTHING working to accomplish the task we want to accomplish

[American X]

I should mention I really like Kerem Kanter too. He has been such a surprisingly positive addition to this year's team. He has really been one of the X factors which took this from a really good to a great team.

Kanter provides Mack with such great flexibility to throw out a different look from O'Mara and Jones. His skillset is rather unique in the history of Xavier players.

Kerem may not quite be a Xavier Legend, but I look forward to his legendary moments in March ala Malcolm Bernard.

[Snipe]

I will be fighting back tears tonight. It is a fight I cannot win.

Legends indeed.