If not now, when?

[Caveat]

Big East season champs.

Top-10 team majority of the year.

#1 seed in the tournament.

Three senior starters.

If not now, when?

[XUBob]

Excellent question. Had this discussion earlier tonight, the harsh reality for Xavier fans is that the answer might be never. It is a major hill to climb, this was probably our best shot ever. Didn’t happen I guess you keep plugging away as a program and hope to get there. I don’t think it is for lack of trying or support by the university but obviously it not as easy as we fans would like it to be. Go X.

[AviatorX]

Excellent question. Had this discussion earlier tonight, the harsh reality for Xavier fans is that the answer might be never. It is a major hill to climb, this was probably our best shot ever. Didn’t happen I guess you keep plugging away as a program and hope to get there. I don’t think it is for lack of trying or support by the university but obviously it not as easy as we fans would like it to be. Go X.

Sadly...I completely agree with this.

As great as rooting for X is, it's hard to imagine X will ever be able to take that next step where this kind of run-potential is an annual thing. It really takes a perfect storm.

We obviously reload instead of rebuild these days...but the programs a step above reload at a different level. Even IU, who has sucked the better part of a decade, has a chance to load up for a run if they sign Romeo Langford in the next few weeks. X just doesn't do that.

[xavierj]

Excellent question. Had this discussion earlier tonight, the harsh reality for Xavier fans is that the answer might be never. It is a major hill to climb, this was probably our best shot ever. Didn’t happen I guess you keep plugging away as a program and hope to get there. I don’t think it is for lack of trying or support by the university but obviously it not as easy as we fans would like it to be. Go X.

Didn’t we say this two years ago? Heck it wasn’t that long ago we missed the tourney and then played in the PIG. It probably will happen when you least expect it. But man this team had it. If JP doesn’t foul out, no way they lose.

[Caveat]

Didn’t we say this two years ago? Heck it wasn’t that long ago we missed the tourney and then played in the PIG. It probably will happen when you least expect it. But man this team had it. If JP doesn’t foul out, no way they lose.

The point above is dead-on — even now we don’t recruit the kind of studs you need to really “reload.”

If it’s ever going to happen, it’s going to take a few guys developing and “coming of age” as upperclassmen all at once like this year was. And they choked.

The next opportunity like this might be ages away.

[xu82]

I don’t want this thinking in the foxhole with me. Damn!

[AviatorX]

The point above is dead-on — even now we don’t recruit the kind of studs you need to really “reload.”

If it’s ever going to happen, it’s going to take a few guys developing and “coming of age” as upperclassmen all at once like this year was. And they choked.

The next opportunity like this might be ages away.

Another aspect of the perfect storm is college basketball likely needs to be "down." I mean look at this year...Xavier builds their best team ever over the course of 4 years and Marvin Bagley decides he wants to play for Duke two weeks before the season starts and boom.

Things can change so fast and if you happen to build your incredible 4 year squad in a year where there's an insane pool of one and done talent...good luck. Look at the team Bo Ryan built and (although they nearly did it) they had to go through literally half of the NBA lottery over the Elite 8-Championship Game span.

The reality is its virtually impossible to climb that mountain without 5 star talent. If X put a team like this together over 4 years and a guy like Kris Wilkes was in the rotation, maybe we're having a different conversation tonight.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Fact is elite teams don’t lose like this. It sucks but until X learns to put the hammer down we just won’t be a consistent top program.

To the naysayers, the future is bright. Scruggs and Marshall are studs. They are Macura and Bluiett, you just don’t see it yet. You need theses two but you group good role players around them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[LadyMuskie]

Keep the faith.
Nothing is impossible.
Hang in there.
Believe in miracles.
I'd rather be lucky than good any day.
Where there's a will, there's a way.
Every dog has his day.

Pick a positive saying and go with it.

[Caveat]

Fact is elite teams don’t lose like this. It sucks but until X learns to put the hammer down we just won’t be a consistent top program.

To the naysayers, the future is bright. Scruggs and Marshall are studs. They are Macura and Bluiett, you just don’t see it yet. You need theses two but you group good role players around them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

They looked like lost kids in an airport when they had to play without Tre & JP tonight.

I don’t see it. At all.

[X Factor]

This incoming class isn't going to help. We'd probably be disappointed with this class if we were still in the A10. But hey, maybe we get a diamond in the rough or two who turn out to be all-timers. Wishful thinking? Probably.

[AviatorX]

Fact is elite teams don’t lose like this. It sucks but until X learns to put the hammer down we just won’t be a consistent top program.

To the naysayers, the future is bright. Scruggs and Marshall are studs. They are Macura and Bluiett, you just don’t see it yet. You need theses two but you group good role players around them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Absolutely love Naji and Scruggs and think they will be tremendous players. Scruggs really came on down the stretch and Naji was obviously great throughout.

But let's be realistic -- let's say those guys are seniors and X is a #2 seed. Showing up to the Elite 8 game with X's core against #1 Duke with 5 first round picks is bringing a knife to a gun fight.

[Xuperman]

The point above is dead-on — even now we don’t recruit the kind of studs you need to really “reload.”
The next opportunity like this might be ages away.

C'mon man....we have studs in the making.....Q and AGENT ZERO as SENIORS with NAJ and SCRUGGS one year back feels pretty studdly to me.....GO X!!!

[xu82]

They looked like lost kids in an airport when they had to play without Tre & JP tonight.

I don’t see it. At all.

Would you rather follow Dayton? Top 5 team at the end of the regular season. A #1 seed. One bad game and we’re all pissed off. Shit happens. Villanova will tell you this. Only ONE team wins each year. I know this SUCKS, but the whining is pathetic. What do you want to do? Fire Mack? Go find a new team to follow? It’s up to you.....

[Caveat]

Would you rather follow Dayton? Top 5 team at the end of the regular season. A #1 seed. One bad game and we’re all pissed off. Shit happens. Villanova will tell you this. Only ONE team wins each year. I know this SUCKS, but the whining is pathetic. What do you want to do? Fire Mack? Go find a new team to follow? It’s up to you.....

I’d like the team to stop having “one bad game” every March when it matters most. I want to attend one Final Four in my lifetime. I’m to the point where I don’t even care if they win a title — just one time I’d like to see what the final weekend feels like.

[Xuperman]

No worries The KID from XENIA , Samari Curtis, is going to blow up the circuit this summer and become all the rage in '19!!!

[LadyMuskie]

Fact is elite teams don’t lose like this. It sucks but until X learns to put the hammer down we just won’t be a consistent top program.



Lol! I don't see this happening. That takes a certain type of player and more importantly, philosophy. I agree with you wholeheartedly, but two of our top players, one of whom was an ice cold killer at the end of games, once used the word "gangsta" in a press conference and there was so much pearl clutching and reflection sessioning that it nearly derailed a season.

[X Factor]

Would you rather follow Dayton? Top 5 team at the end of the regular season. A #1 seed. One bad game and we’re all pissed off. Shit happens. Villanova will tell you this. Only ONE team wins each year. I know this SUCKS, but the whining is pathetic. What do you want to do? Fire Mack? Go find a new team to follow? It’s up to you.....

One bad game? Did you not watch the Providence game?

[xu82]

I’d like the team to stop having “one bad game” every March when it matters most. I want to attend one Final Four in my lifetime. I’m to the point where I don’t even care if they win a title — just one time I’d like to see what the final weekend feels like.

There are 350+ teams, and all but ONE end with an unhappy result. I went into this knowing each game is a toss up. This sucked, but it was not unforeseeable. You go cold, you get a few bad calls, a few bad bounces.....shit happens. Getting to the FF is as much about fate as talent and coaching. They all factor in.

[xu82]

One bad game? Did you not watch the Providence game?

Fine, go be a Providence fan. Better yet, go be a Patriots fan and complain if they don’t win the Super Bowl. You play 30+ games - you’re going to have some stinkers. I can’t believe the complaining! I get disappointment, but calm the hell down with the anger! Did you run suicides with these guys for the last 4 years? I feel for our players who are hurting right now. Period.

[X Factor]

Fine, go be a Providence fan. Better yet, go be a Patriots fan and complain if they don’t win the Super Bowl. You play 30+ games - you’re going to have some stinkers. I can’t believe to complaining! I get disappointment, but calm the hell down with the anger! Did you run suicides with these guys for the last 4 years? I feel for our players who are hurting right now. Period.

Go take your meds.

[xu82]

Go take your meds.

I’m disappointed, for sure. But I won’t go into full meltdown as some people apparently are. This sucked for sure, but I feel more for the players than I do for whiney fans. If someone needs meds, it’s not me. At least not for this! :-)

[LadyMuskie]

It really boils down to this . . . don't tell others how to be a fan - especially upon the death of season that could've had a special ending. We lost. It sucks. Our best player looked like a space cadet for the second time in two weeks, and our second best player was getting screwed up one side and down the other by the three guys the NCAA calls referees. I'm sure the team is hurting. Honestly, I hope they are because for the young guys it means they can use the failure to learn since it is the best teacher. But this? Again? We heard all of this after Providence and here we are again. It felt like How to Lose a Game in One Half The Sequel: Enter the Referees.

Fans are told to chip in with their wallets. They're told to come to games and cheer loud because they make a difference. They're told to buy tickets to away games because it matters to the conference. They're told to watch on tv because it matters to the conference. You can play without fans, yes. You can even play without passionate fans. The Reds do it year after year. But, that support, especially monetarily, is important. Cintas isn't notoriously tough to play in because of the announcer or because the pretzels are stale. It's because of the fans, and one way or the other Chris Mack, the guys on the team, the University, they need us as much as we need them to enjoy college basketball.

No one is done with the team. No one is saying that guys should be put in front of a firing squad when they return. No one is burning shirts. No one is saying that tomorrow is not another day, and that in the grand scheme of things this doesn't really matter. We know. But, let us have tonight. Let us mourn what could've been. Frankly, I think we're a pretty fantastic fan base for a school of our size, and I think we've earned the right to go through our seven stages and come out on the other side in October ready to cheer them on again.

[xu82]

Mourning is appropriate and healthy. No question about that. Criticism and attacks are not appropriate. No one mourns more than our seniors. My thoughts and prayers are with them. We are all obviously enormously disappointed.

[XUBob]

Mourning is appropriate and healthy. No question about that. Criticism and attacks are not appropriates. No one mourns more than our seniors. My thoughts and prayers are with them. We are all obviously enormously disappointed.

Agree completely that attacks are not appropriate but I think it is ok to criticize as long as it isn’t venomous.

[xu82]

Agree completely that attacks are not appropriate but I think it is ok to criticize as long as it isn’t venomous.

It’s real life, and it’s ok within reason for sure, but I know that NOBODY is hurting more than our players. It may be fair game, but I won’t be kicking them now. It just sucks.

On a side note, I didn’t win the lottery either. X had a better chance of winning it all, but that’s life...

[Billy]

Fact is elite teams don’t lose like this. It sucks but until X learns to put the hammer down we just won’t be a consistent top program.


North Carolina, the 2017 National Champions, and a school with five national Championships before that one, that has had about 6,000 McDonalds All-Americans play there...they got beat by 21 tonight by Texas A&M.

[Caveat]

North Carolina, the 2017 National Champions, and a school with five national Championships before that one, that has had about 6,000 McDonalds All-Americans play there...they got beat by 21 tonight by Texas A&M.

When you have banners hanging from the rafters, you get a pass every now and then.

[LadyMuskie]

North Carolina, the 2017 National Champions, and a school with five national Championships before that one, that has had about 6,000 McDonalds All-Americans play there...they got beat by 21 tonight by Texas A&M.

I'll take UNC's success that you mention and the 21 point loss over losing again in the second round with no final four or National Championship banners hanging in our rafters. Knowing you've done and will do it again, soothes a lot.

[xu82]

North Carolina, the 2017 National Champions, and a school with five national Championships before that one, that has had about 6,000 McDonalds All-Americans play there...they got beat by 21 tonight by Texas A&M.

Forget it, the silly people don’t want to hear about facts. Remember the powerhouse Xavier was back when UNC started winning all those early Championships? Villanova was crapping the bed at Tourney Time not too long ago. It’s a processs. Will we get there? Time will tell, but I’m not pissing on them now after a terrific season and an unfortunate loss.

[BandAid]

If not now, when?!

Maybe next year.
Maybe the year after that.
Maybe twenty years from now.
Maybe never.

One thing I know for sure, I’m going to enjoy following the Xavier men’s basketball team through it all. Why? Because it’s fun and is a nice escape from the banalities of routine life.

[xu82]

If not now, when?!

Maybe next year.
Maybe the year after that.
Maybe twenty years from now.
Maybe never.

One thing I know for sure, I’m going to enjoy following the Xavier men’s basketball team through it all. Why? Because it’s fun and is a nice escape from the banalities of routine life.

Dilly Dilly!!!

Did I do that right? I think I may be out of reps....

[LadyMuskie]

If not now, when?!

Maybe next year.
Maybe the year after that.
Maybe twenty years from now.
Maybe never.

One thing I know for sure, I’m going to enjoy following the Xavier men’s basketball team through it all. Why? Because it’s fun and is a nice escape from the banalities of routine life.

Very true. But, when you're building a brand and you're running a business - which, never forget, is what Xavier is doing - fun and escapism is only going to get you so far unless you're an amusement park and even then you have to keep getting bigger and better to compete. The big bucks are coming in because the deep pockets have been sold on the idea that their money, the big money, is going to build something fantastic and historical. Cintas wasn't built on fun. Mack's endowment wasn't put in place because of fun. We got into the Big East not because we're fun guys, but because of our potential, our dedication to growing the program, and our trajectory. People are paying to see elite basketball with elite results.

[XUBison]

It really boils down to this . . . don't tell others how to be a fan - especially upon the death of season that could've had a special ending. We lost. It sucks. Our best player looked like a space cadet for the second time in two weeks, and our second best player was getting screwed up one side and down the other by the three guys the NCAA calls referees. I'm sure the team is hurting. Honestly, I hope they are because for the young guys it means they can use the failure to learn since it is the best teacher. But this? Again? We heard all of this after Providence and here we are again. It felt like How to Lose a Game in One Half The Sequel: Enter the Referees.

Fans are told to chip in with their wallets. They're told to come to games and cheer loud because they make a difference. They're told to buy tickets to away games because it matters to the conference. They're told to watch on tv because it matters to the conference. You can play without fans, yes. You can even play without passionate fans. The Reds do it year after year. But, that support, especially monetarily, is important. Cintas isn't notoriously tough to play in because of the announcer or because the pretzels are stale. It's because of the fans, and one way or the other Chris Mack, the guys on the team, the University, they need us as much as we need them to enjoy college basketball.

No one is done with the team. No one is saying that guys should be put in front of a firing squad when they return. No one is burning shirts. No one is saying that tomorrow is not another day, and that in the grand scheme of things this doesn't really matter. We know. But, let us have tonight. Let us mourn what could've been. Frankly, I think we're a pretty fantastic fan base for a school of our size, and I think we've earned the right to go through our seven stages and come out on the other side in October ready to cheer them on again.

This is an excellent post. Thank you for it.

[markchal]

We've had two pretty major chokes in three years. It's starting to become a trend. When's the last time we actually played like we deserved a high seed? 2008 as a 3?

[X Factor]

We've had two pretty major chokes in three years. It's starting to become a trend. When's the last time we actually played like we deserved a high seed? 2008 as a 3?

Yeah and unfortunately that team ran into Russel Westbrook, Kevin Love, and about 3 or 4 other NBA players on that UCLA team.

That '08 Xavier team was so tough though.

[paulxu]

I wonder if Virginia has this angst?
Their one FF was back before the tourney expanded to its current size.
In this century, 1 E8 (Xavier has 3)
In this century, 1 other S16 (Xavier has 4)
Ranked #1 in the country
Seeded #1 in the country
Lost to a 16 in the first game.

This doesn't lessen my disappointment at all. It does provide some perspective.

[47&18]

They looked like lost kids in an airport when they had to play without Tre & JP tonight.

I don’t see it. At all.

They haven't played many minutes with Tre, JP, and Kanter all off the floor. The entire offense ran through these guys, especially the last few weeks of the season. I'm not surprised at all that the offense stalled when it was just the young guys and Gates. Goodin, Scruggs, and Marshall all showed flashes of brilliance this year, but that was with the stars on the court at the same time creating shots and drawing the attention of the defense.

Next year X will have 5 players back with a ton of playing experience We've seen that they can be successful when the opportunities arise. I'm confident they will develop enough chemistry in the post-Bluiett/JP/Kanter era to be a very competitive team before the season starts. Not a top seed, but a team that can win on any given night against anyone (except flipping Nova).

Last note...I don't think we are giving enough attention to Naji being hurt. He's the most athletic player on the team and that was FSU's only true advantage.

[X Factor]

I wonder if Virginia has this angst?
Their one FF was back before the tourney expanded to its current size.
In this century, 1 E8 (Xavier has 3)
In this century, 1 other S16 (Xavier has 4)
Ranked #1 in the country
Seeded #1 in the country
Lost to a 16 in the first game.

This doesn't lessen my disappointment at all. It does provide some perspective.

We're probably about to watch Gonzaga make their 2nd consecutive Final Four...there's some perspective.

[GoMuskies]

We're probably about to watch Gonzaga make their 2nd consecutive Final Four...there's some perspective.

And we're probably where Gonzaga was in 2013 when they lost to Wichita State in the second round as a #1 seed. They were back to the Elite Eight as a #2 seed two years later, and two years after that they were killing us in the Regional Final. It's going to happen.

[X Factor]

It's going to happen.

Not with the recruiting class we have coming in next year. Gonzaga is recruiting at a higher level than X.

[Caveat]

Not with the recruiting class we have coming in next year. Gonzaga is recruiting at a higher level than X.

We saw the future last night — it isn’t good.

[Xville]

Not with the recruiting class we have coming in next year. Gonzaga is recruiting at a higher level than X.

I agree about our recruiting, but Gonzaga doesn't really recruit any better than Xavier...where they have done well though is on the transfer circuit lately...of course that is a part of recruiting but you know what I mean.

[Blue Blooded-05]

And we're probably where Gonzaga was in 2013 when they lost to Wichita State in the second round as a #1 seed. They were back to the Elite Eight as a #2 seed two years later, and two years after that they were killing us in the Regional Final. It's going to happen.

Only difference is Mark Few was there throughout it all to guide them over the hump. We’re left hoping the next man up (Kelsey? Steele?) is going to be able to keep it going.

[IM4X]

It really boils down to this . . . don't tell others how to be a fan - especially upon the death of season that could've had a special ending. We lost. It sucks. Our best player looked like a space cadet for the second time in two weeks, and our second best player was getting screwed up one side and down the other by the three guys the NCAA calls referees. I'm sure the team is hurting. Honestly, I hope they are because for the young guys it means they can use the failure to learn since it is the best teacher. But this? Again? We heard all of this after Providence and here we are again. It felt like How to Lose a Game in One Half The Sequel: Enter the Referees.

Fans are told to chip in with their wallets. They're told to come to games and cheer loud because they make a difference. They're told to buy tickets to away games because it matters to the conference. They're told to watch on tv because it matters to the conference. You can play without fans, yes. You can even play without passionate fans. The Reds do it year after year. But, that support, especially monetarily, is important. Cintas isn't notoriously tough to play in because of the announcer or because the pretzels are stale. It's because of the fans, and one way or the other Chris Mack, the guys on the team, the University, they need us as much as we need them to enjoy college basketball.

No one is done with the team. No one is saying that guys should be put in front of a firing squad when they return. No one is burning shirts. No one is saying that tomorrow is not another day, and that in the grand scheme of things this doesn't really matter. We know. But, let us have tonight. Let us mourn what could've been. Frankly, I think we're a pretty fantastic fan base for a school of our size, and I think we've earned the right to go through our seven stages and come out on the other side in October ready to cheer them on again.

Beautifully Said.

Love the players... disappointed as hell with how things fell apart at the end. X should have beaten this team. Period. All fans feel bad for this team -I particularly feel bad for JP because he left it all out there on the court and was unfairly penalized by the refers. I also feel bad for the fans who probably wouldn't be so disappointed if X actually played smart and lost because the other team was just sensational in everything they did. That was not the case.

X had a small lineup in that had trouble grabbing a rebound on defense and they had 5 turnovers right at the end of the game- partly because they were forcing plays that were not there... and nothing was done to correct it. This is where Mack comes in... I don't feel quite as bad for Mack who is making a heck of a lot of money (relative to the average person) and then speaks in the post press conferences as if none of that blown lead and disasterous loss had anything to due with him.

We saw this team fall apart at the end of many games this season and you'd think in this game there would have been better clock management and a better plan in place during the final four or so minutes to help prevent it from happening again.

That and unfortunately Tre picked the worst night to disappear and not show his senior leadership.

But then, while it's unfortunate about what could/should have been in the tournament, I really Am proud of this great group of kids for a very good and entertaining season they delivered and for bringing the first Big East regular season championship to X! That was a tremendous accomplishment that the players and coaches should feel very good about... And something I know we fans are all very grateful to them for pulling off.

[THRILLHOUSE]

And we're probably where Gonzaga was in 2013 when they lost to Wichita State in the second round as a #1 seed. They were back to the Elite Eight as a #2 seed two years later, and two years after that they were killing us in the Regional Final. It's going to happen.

Yeah, a few hours after the shock wore off it hit me that we are basically where Gonzaga was a few years back. This sucks. It hurts. But I still got faith we'll get there some day.

[xubrew]

Big East season champs.

Top-10 team majority of the year.

#1 seed in the tournament.

Three senior starters.

If not now, when?

In my opinion (and everyone is free to take that for what they think it's worth), perhaps sooner than we think.

I have what I call the "Group of Ten Theory." It's basically this. Going into the NCAA Tournament if everyone had to pick ten teams that would win it all, then 99% of the people would have the national champion in their group of ten. When you look at every NCAA Tournament back to 1985 when the field expanded to 64, and really going back to 1953 when it sort of overtook the NIT as the bigger tournament, there are probably only four examples in the last 65 years where a team outside the group of ten won it all. Granted, one was rather recently in 2014, but still. It's pretty solid.

In the last three years, Xavier has been in that group of ten twice. Now, I know we've gone out early the two times we did it, but over time I'm really not concerned about that because the other part of the theory is that while one of those ten teams will win it all, at least one other team (and usually more) will go out prior to the Sweet Sixteen. In recent years it's happened to us twice, Villanova three times, Duke, North Carolina, Michigan State twice, Virginia twice, and I'm sure there are others. But still, if you're in that group of ten, then you have a legitimate chance to win it, and Xavier is doing the things that they need to in order to keep putting themselves in that group. If you're not in that group, which Xavier never really was until recently, then your chances of winning it all are very small. Going back to 1985 there have been four teams that have done it. There have been 54 teams each year that were not in the group of 10. That puts the odds at 4/1782, which is just over one-tenth of one-percent. I'll need GoMuskie to check my math on that. He always does. But, I THINK that's right.

It sucks to lose. Every team but one loses the last one. I'm not going to tell anyone how they should feel or what the proper etiquette is for being a "real" fan. I will say this, though. If you're raving pissed, and I understand why a lot of people would be, maybe ask yourself what it is that you're so mad at. And, should you be letting it bring out the worst in you?? It's college students most of us have never met and will likely never meet playing a game that we are watching. I love college athletics for many reasons, mostly because of how it can rally fanbases of people who are tied to the schools. I also understand how soul crushing it can be. But at the same time....it's gonna be okay. It really will be. Especially if you're doing what Xavier is doing. I'm more encouraged now, despite two second round exits, than I have ever been before because of my "group of ten" theory. But, then again, that's just me. I know a lot of people reading this think that I'm crazy and have thought that for a long time, so, what can ya do?

[Billy]

As usual, Brew makes much sense.

[RoseyMuskie]

I don’t know the answer. None of us do. And it stinks when you have the personnel to make a legitimate push, you lose early, and then you know you are going to take a few steps back next season.

But those steps back won’t be very far.

And on a another positive note, I wore an X hat out for St. Patrick’s Day here in Chicago. I had about ten people come up to me and ask if I attended Xavier and talked about the basketball program. It’s pretty neat when people are able to recognize your brand and your program.

[Caf]

My silver lining from this has been that experience and talent compound in this program. The bitter end of Bluiett-Macura will boost the future of Scruggs-Marshall. If you compare Bluiett and Macura's freshman year to this one, there are a lot of similarities. We had a tough exit and sad end for Stainbrook-Davis but a few freshmen that showed a lot of promise. I think these freshmen have the talent to learn from what they've seen from our seniors and carry it further. The depressing and exciting part is that we'll have to wait awhile to see if that comes to fruition.

[bjf123]

We're probably about to watch Gonzaga make their 2nd consecutive Final Four...there's some perspective.

Thanks for pissing in my Wheaties.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[xubrew]

This ruined my weekend. I had Friday off and was going to come into Cincinnati on Thursday night to watch the game with friends and stay through the weekend. This ruined it. But, there is a silver lining. I'm going to save hundreds of dollars, and not have to deal with the after effects of several long nights out, which I'm not nearly as used to dealing with as I used to be.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I watched Cincy go down and then us. It was nice to see Mack stand up for Macura. Conversely, Cronin berated Cumberland in the same situation. I felt bad for that guy.

I really want Mack to stay, all this no class crap about him from those immature Butler board children is stupid. Mack is pure class.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[D-West & PO-Z]

We saw the future last night — it isn’t good.

To compare what 5 young guys did on the court last night in a situation they probably rarely ever practiced to what they will be next year and into the future is ridiculous. I'm sure you know that and I know you are mad but dont be silly.

[Caveat]

To compare what 5 young guys did on the court last night in a situation they probably rarely ever practiced to what they will be next year and into the future is ridiculous. I'm sure you know that and I know you are mad but dont be silly.

Sure, but what you saw last night perfectly reflects the questions that this squad will face going in to 2018-2019 -- namely that there isn't anyone, right now, that you look at and can feel confident about getting buckets.

[X-band '01]

We said the same thing back in 2003, 2007 and in 2016 - you just never know year to year when the doorway opens up for you. While 2 of the final 3 games left a sour taste in the mouth, these were the types of games Xavier won all season long. At Seton Hall, at Butler, at Creighton and at home against Georgetown were just a few examples of how differently the season could have gone.

I just wished this team and group of seniors had a few more games left in them, but it has been a blast following them this year and for the past 4-year stretch where the program finally got past the brawl fallout and into the magic kingdom of the Big East.

[bleedXblue]

Glass is more than half full from my perspective.......its hurts right now, but things are certainly very positive on many fronts.

[Muskie]

This ruined my weekend. I had Friday off and was going to come into Cincinnati on Thursday night to watch the game with friends and stay through the weekend. This ruined it. But, there is a silver lining. I'm going to save hundreds of dollars, and not have to deal with the after effects of several long nights out, which I'm not nearly as used to dealing with as I used to be.

I too am in the "found" money boat. I guess that's a positive. I would have relished spending money in San Antonio.

[xu82]

I’d like the team to stop having “one bad game” every March when it matters most. I want to attend one Final Four in my lifetime. I’m to the point where I don’t even care if they win a title — just one time I’d like to see what the final weekend feels like.

There are 67 teams in that tournament that end with a “bad game”. That’s why it’s so special....it’s really, REALLY hard!

[xubrew]

There are 67 teams in that tournament that end with a “bad game”. That’s why it’s so special....it’s really, REALLY hard!

And about 270 that aren't in the tournament that also end things with a "bad game" in their conference tournaments.

[xu koop scoop]

It's been about 35 years since the NCAA Tourney went to 64 / 68 Teams. I wonder how many schools have gone to 1 or more Final 4's. Maybe 40. Someone knows I'm sure. Would you prefer to be a fan of a school that made 1 or 2 , such as George Mason or VCU or Gonzaga or even Butler with their 2. I could name a few more with 1 that I would still rather not be a fan of. I will be proud of our 3 Elite 8s & savor being the only BE Team other than Villanova to win a BE Season Championship in the past 5 years.

[GIMMFD]

It's been about 35 years since the NCAA Tourney went to 64 / 68 Teams. I wonder how many schools have gone to 1 or more Final 4's. Maybe 40. Someone knows I'm sure. Would you prefer to be a fan of a school that made 1 or 2 , such as George Mason or VCU or Gonzaga or even Butler with their 2. I could name a few more with 1 that I would still rather not be a fan of. I will be proud of our 3 Elite 8s & savor being the only BE Team other than Villanova to win a BE Season Championship in the past 5 years.

I'm happy with our success so far, but I also think we should always strive for greatness, I'm proud of the way our program is ran, I'm proud of the way our guys handle themselves in press conferences, off the court, etc. The brand of Xavier basketball is beautiful, and we're in a big time conference now. I think competing in the Big East for a Championship itself should mean Final 4's are a good goal to reach. We haven't been there yet, but I do think with time, we will get there. Hell look at our Freshman now in Marshall and Scruggs who have became studs, Harden will grow in his four years, if we have another good recruiting class in 2019, which I think we will, I wouldn't be surprised if we were having a conversation about their Senior class being one of the best Xavier teams of all time if they stay.

There's a lot of parity and a lot of talent spread out in college basketball, that's why upsets in the tournament happen, that's why we have to keep into perspective just how hard it is to get to the final weekend. You not only need a good team, but you need a mixture of luck, and match-ups as well. There's no reason to count us out just because this season went awry, there's positive steps being set in stone, and we are growing and improving. We don't know when we're going to reach a Final 4, and that's okay, but I'm going to keep faith that I will see my alma mater reach that milestone one day, and continue to believe we can win any single game we're placed in.

[dethwing]

It's been about 35 years since the NCAA Tourney went to 64 / 68 Teams. I wonder how many schools have gone to 1 or more Final 4's. Maybe 40. Someone knows I'm sure. Would you prefer to be a fan of a school that made 1 or 2 , such as George Mason or VCU or Gonzaga or even Butler with their 2. I could name a few more with 1 that I would still rather not be a fan of. I will be proud of our 3 Elite 8s & savor being the only BE Team other than Villanova to win a BE Season Championship in the past 5 years.

Teams with at least one final four since 1985: 45.

Of those, 18 have exactly 1. Other than Gonzaga and Texas, all have fewer than 20 total tournament wins, and 5 have 10 or less. Fewest wins is last year's darling, South Carolina who has, you guessed it, exactly 4 tournament wins in that time period.

Of those 132 total Final Fours more than half (73) belong to the 12 teams with at least 4. You could probably name them with no trouble....

[stammina0721]

I've lost faith in it happening. I just dont see it with current recruiting trends. I hate saying this but Xavier needs to take a page out of the Gonzaga book. Our potential is maxed at elite 8 because of our cap on recruitable talent in America. Gonzaga faces the same problem. They get around it by taking decent American players and surrounding them great international talent that takes few years to develop. So in my opinion, until X starts making splashes on the international scene then we wont see a final four.

[stammina0721]

If you think about it, it makes sense for X. We have not built a program on one and done players and never will. Why not hit the international scene where we can get guys who will be amazing after a year or two of development instead of chasing top 25 American players we have a good shot of either not landing or losing after a year anyway. Seems like a logical progression for the program

[SemajParlor]

Friendly reminder that Final 4 appearances don't necessarily indicate the programs peak teams.

[Caveat]

Friendly reminder that Final 4 appearances don't necessarily indicate the programs peak teams.

Yeah — but you gotta get one banner up before you can make statements like that.

[SemajParlor]

Yeah — but you gotta get one banner up before you can make statements like that.

I don't really know what that means. I'm just saying just because our arguably most talented team ever didn't make the FF doesn't mean we have to be that or even more talented to ever make a FF. VCU made a Final 4 a few years ago and they were a play in. It can happen. Hell it almost happened last year. Like a lot of things, you need a little luck too.

[nuts4xu]

The more we enter the tournament as a high seed, the better our chances to knock down the door. It hasn’t happened yet, but it will, and it will be even more rewarding when it does.

[boozehound]

The more we enter the tournament as a high seed, the better our chances to knock down the door. It hasn’t happened yet, but it will, and it will be even more rewarding when it does.

Exactly. See: Villanova. They have had a ton of 1 and 2 seeded teams that didn't make it out of the first weekend. Then they made a Final 4 in 2009 as a 3 seed. It's not a linear progression, and your best teams are not necessarily the ones that do the best in the tournament. Keep making the dance with a team that has the potential for a run and I will eventually happen.

[stammina0721]

But you forget on critical point. Xavier is a Cincinnati team. Believe what you want but the curse is alive and well. If you are a team in this city then at some point are you not only guaranteed to lose, but it is guaranteed to be the most gut wrenching and improbable loss imaginable

[IM4X]

The more we enter the tournament as 6-11 seeds, the better our chances to knock down the door. It hasnÂ’t happened yet, but it will, and it will be even more rewarding when it does.

Just a minor change needed in that statement. If history has taught us anything about X teams, it's that the teams who had to fight to get into tournament are the ones who continue to fight the hardest and seem motivated the most to prove something. They find a way to give everything they have and play their best.

Our two highest seeded teams came into the tournament with less of a chip on their shoulder- for whatever reason they seem a little less focused, they got rattled a little easier and they took their foot off the pedal more often.

For that reason, I could care less about how high we are seeded in the future, I just want a team and coach who are so jacked and so tenacious and have so much confidence that it doesn't matter who the opponent is. Only JP had that attitude carry through into this last game against FSU.

[smileyy]

There's a small disadvantage to being a very high seed -- the second-round team has more opporunity to scout you exclusively. FSU knew they were playing X. X wasn't sure if it was playing Missouri or FSU.

[X Factor]

Just a minor change needed in that statement. If history has taught us anything about X teams, it's that the teams who had to fight to get into tournament are the ones who continue to fight the hardest and seem motivated the most to prove something. They find a way to give everything they have and play their best.

Our two highest seeded teams came into the tournament with less of a chip on their shoulder- for whatever reason they seem a little less focused, they got rattled a little easier and they took their foot off the pedal more often.

For that reason, I could care less about how high we are seeded in the future, I just want a team and coach who are so jacked and so tenacious and have so much confidence that it doesn't matter who the opponent is. Only JP had that attitude carry through into this last game against FSU.

Totally disagree with this. Xavier should be trying to get a Top 4 seed every year. HISTORY has proven those teams make Final Fours and win National Championships A LOT more than teams seeded lower.

Oh sure, you have your VCU's and George Mason's that had a magical run to the FF as a double digit seed, but those are EXTREMELY rare and likely isn't going to happen to Xavier.

[xudash]

Totally disagree with this. Xavier should be trying to get a Top 4 seed every year. HISTORY has proven those teams make Final Fours and win National Championships A LOT more than teams seeded lower.

Oh sure, you have your VCU's and George Mason's that had a magical run to the FF as a double digit seed, but those are EXTREMELY rare and likely isn't going to happen to Xavier.

Correct: you care about seeding.

What you want is for the highly seeded team to go all-in and focused. Seeding and passion can co-exist just fine.

[whopper]

There's a small disadvantage to being a very high seed -- the second-round team has more opporunity to scout you exclusively. FSU knew they were playing X. X wasn't sure if it was playing Missouri or FSU.Bingo. It is significant and in hindsight the game plan (face guard Tre, use all the players all the time to press and pester) would have stemmed from a "free" viewing of X v Texas So.

[IM4X]

Totally disagree with this. Xavier should be trying to get a Top 4 seed every year. HISTORY has proven those teams make Final Fours and win National Championships A LOT more than teams seeded lower.

Oh sure, you have your VCU's and George Mason's that had a magical run to the FF as a double digit seed, but those are EXTREMELY rare and likely isn't going to happen to Xavier.

You can say that higher seeds (in general) advance further and make more final fours. On that point, I would agree. But I am talking specifically about historic facts as they pertain to Xavier teams in the tournament. X Teams in the tournament that were lower seeded have advance further than the two highest seeded teams... that's a fact.

My point is how our X teams seem to play relative to there seeding. My point is that it has been lower seeded X teams that have played like they HAVE TO play out of their minds every game whereas the 1 and 2 seeded teams have played with much less of a killer instinct. That really my point... it's a point that's less about opinion than fact... again at least historically.

[IM4X]

Correct: you care about seeding.

What you want is for the highly seeded team to go all-in and focused. Seeding and passion can co-exist just fine.

Yes, absolutely, those two things can co-exist.

Unfortunatelty, they haven't yet with high seeded X teams.

I am just stating the obvious: the two highest seeded X teams allowed opponent that they were clearly better than come back and beat them. Those two teams folded in a way that several of X's lower seeded teams did not. Some teams expect to win (and don't give their best for 40 minutes) while others play with a killer instinct and will themselves to win.

[D-West & PO-Z]

You can say that higher seeds (in general) advance further and make more final fours. On that point, I would agree. But I am talking specifically about historic facts as they pertain to Xavier teams in the tournament. X Teams in the tournament that were lower seeded have advance further than the two highest seeded teams... that's a fact.

My point is how our X teams seem to play relative to there seeding. My point is that it has been lower seeded X teams that have played like they HAVE TO play out of their minds every game whereas the 1 and 2 seeded teams have played with much less of a killer instinct. That really my point... it's a point that's less about opinion than fact... again at least historically.

Well a big part of that I believe is we have a small sample size as a high seed. We have way more tourney appearances as 6 or lower seed than top 4 seeds. We have been a 1, 2, or 3 seed 4 times I believe. We made it to the Elite 8 once as a 3 seed, we know that happened with the 1, 2, and other 3 seed. But 25% of the time as a top 3 seed we have made it to the Elite 8. That has to be a higher % as the other seeds we have been right?

[IM4X]

Well a big part of that I believe is we have a small sample size as a high seed. We have way more tourney appearances as 6 or lower seed than top 4 seeds. We have been a 1, 2, or 3 seed 4 times I believe. We made it to the Elite 8 once as a 3 seed, we know that happened with the 1, 2, and other 3 seed. But 25% of the time as a top 3 seed we have made it to the Elite 8. That has to be a higher % as the other seeds we have been right?

That's certainly a fair way to look at it. The way I see it though is that of the four 1, 2 and 3 seeded X teams, only one team (the one coached by Matta) made it past the second round. That's really underachieving, and it suggests how unprepared, unfocused or unable to tap into a sense of urgency 3 of those 4 top 3 seed teams were. If we were to exclude the tournament appearances from the 80s and 90s (when it was harder for X to recruit at the same level as most other teams in the tournament), it would show how much better the lower seeds did versus the higher seeds over the past 18 years or so.

People are making valid points in response to my originial post about lower seeds versus higher seeds. I am just saying that I am making a more specific observation about how ready to play it seems many of our lower seeded X teams (who had to fight to get in the tournament) have been -not so much about about the likelihood of a high or lower seeded team in general to advance further in the tournament.

Clearly both our #1 and #2 seeded teams were underachievers. While we can point to a number of reasons for their early exits (e.g. bad officiating, off days from certain key players, wet floors), it's hard to deny that those two teams looked less focused and determined to finish a team off as some of the lower seeds which advanced further. And to that point, I'd much rather see a lower seeded X team in the tournament playing with a killer instinct for 40 minutes than see a higher seeded one give away a game to a team they are superior to.

[D-West & PO-Z]

That's certainly a fair way to look at it. The way I see it though is that of the four 1, 2 and 3 seeded X teams, only one team (the one coached by Matta) made it past the second round. That's really underachieving, and it suggests how unprepared, unfocused or unable to tap into a sense of urgency 3 of those 4 top 3 seed teams were. If we were to exclude the tournament appearances from the 80s and 90s (when it was harder for X to recruit at the same level as most other teams in the tournament), it would show how much better the lower seeds did versus the higher seeds over the past 18 years or so.

People are making valid points in response to my originial post about lower seeds versus higher seeds. I am just saying that I am making a more specific observation about how ready to play it seems many of our lower seeded X teams (who had to fight to get in the tournament) have been -not so much about about the likelihood of a high or lower seeded team in general to advance further in the tournament.

Clearly both our #1 and #2 seeded teams were underachievers. While we can point to a number of reasons for their early exits (e.g. bad officiating, off days from certain key players, wet floors), it's hard to deny that those two teams looked less focused and determined to finish a team off as some of the lower seeds which advanced further. And to that point, I'd much rather see a lower seeded X team in the tournament playing with a killer instinct for 40 minutes than see a higher seeded one give away a game to a team they are superior to.

You also can't forget pure luck. As a 1,2,3 seed you are guaranteed to play a pretty solid team in the second round. 1 seed plays 8 or 9, 2 plays 7 or 10, and 3 seed plays 6 or 11. Those are all usually at large teams from a power conference. When you are a lower seed like a 10 seed in 2012 or a 6 seed in 2015 you have the chance to play 15 seed Lehigh and 14 seed Georgia State in the second round. That luck greatly increases the chance of making it to the second round.

[GoMuskies]

Well, when you're a 1, 2, and 3 seed you're almost guaranteed to get to the second round. Even if you're second round opponent may be tougher, it's better to be in the second round than lose in the first!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Well, when you're a 1, 2, and 3 seed you're almost guaranteed to get to the second round. Even if you're second round opponent may be tougher, it's better to be in the second round than lose in the first!

No I agree completely, I am just saying we have had some good luck happen to us in second rounds as a lower seed to help us along and help this narritive some people have that its better to be the lower hungry seed.

Give me the top 3 seed everyday.

[IM4X]

You also can't forget pure luck. As a 1,2,3 seed you are guaranteed to play a pretty solid team in the second round. 1 seed plays 8 or 9, 2 plays 7 or 10, and 3 seed plays 6 or 11. Those are all usually at large teams from a power conference. When you are a lower seed like a 10 seed in 2012 or a 6 seed in 2015 you have the chance to play 15 seed Lehigh and 14 seed Georgia State in the second round. That luck greatly increases the chance of making it to the second round.

True, that was fortunate. But then to your point about luck, X had what some would considered an unlucky path to get to an Eliete 8 in 2004 and 2017. Both had multiple opponents seeded higher that were considered to be very tough to get past... yet those lower seeded X teams were determined to prove something....give it their all and win.

[IM4X]

No I agree completely, I am just saying we have had some good luck happen to us in second rounds as a lower seed to help us along and help this narritive some people have that its better to be the lower hungry seed.

Give me the top 3 seed everyday.

Hmm... Did you mean to say "Top 3 seeds" or did you actually mean "top 3 seed?" (i.e. You don't want the 1 or 2 seed).

[dethwing]

The higher the seed, the better off you are. With the loan exception of the 8/9 match. Avoid that one like the plague. I'd rather be 10 or 11, or even 12 than 8 or 9.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Hmm... Did you mean to say "Top 3 seeds" or did you actually mean "top 3 seed?" (i.e. You don't want the 1 or 2 seed).

Top 3 seeds*

[D-West & PO-Z]

The higher the seed, the better off you are. With the loan exception of the 8/9 match. Avoid that one like the plague. I'd rather be 10 or 11, or even 12 than 8 or 9.

Unless we get to play ourselves as the 1 seed. Then 8/9 X will def beat 1 seed X.