Heartbroken

[SemajParlor]

There’s no other words. God bless, everybody.

[xu82]

THIS is the appropriate response in my opinion.

Do any of you have a clue what Tre and JP and the others have put into this? The complaining and whining should stop immediately! Hell, how much have YOU contributed compared to what our players have?

[KabeX]

Heartbroken is NOT the right term. Extreme disappointment yes. Heartbroken is when someone dies, even a pet. This aint that. What is this? This is the big time. And with the big time comes big disappointment when things don't work out like we EXPECT. I am pissed and disappointed but I am not heartbroken. November can't get here fast enough!

[Caveat]

THIS is the appropriate response in my opinion.

Do any of you have a clue what Tre and JP and the others have put into this? The complaining and whining should stop immediately! Hell, how much have YOU contributed compared to what our players have?

Come on — nobody can deny the hard work they put in.

But that doesn’t insulate them from the fact that they were dropped out of the tournament on the opening weekend twice when holding top seeds. Their legacy as Muskateers will be defined by that. And anyone is lying if they say this loss won’t be the first thing they think of when/if Tre’s jersey gets retired every time they look up in the rafters.

[xu82]

Come on — nobody can deny the hard work they put in.

But that doesn’t insulate them from the fact that they were dropped out of the tournament on the opening weekend twice when holding top seeds. Their legacy as Muskateers will be defined by that. And anyone is lying if they say this loss won’t be the first thing they think of when/if Tre’s jersey gets retired every time they look up in the rafters.

They took an 11 seed into the elite 8 last year. You seem to just want to focus on the negative.

And NO, this loss will be far from the first thing I think of when Tre’s jersey goes up - I will remember his terrific career.

[KabeX]

They took an 11 seed into the elite 8 last year. You seem to just want to focus on the negative.

And NO, this loss will be far from the first thing I think of when Tre’s jersey goes up - I will remember his terrific career.

Tried to Rep but the man... #5 will rightfully hang from the rafters of the 'Tas for evermore. Despite his last game he was a GIANT of XU hoops history and will be remembered as a key kog of elevating us to the real big time. I will miss seeing #5 (and #55) forever. But damn I enjoyed him while he was here.

[xu82]

Heartbroken is NOT the right term. Extreme disappointment yes. Heartbroken is when someone dies, even a pet. This aint that. What is this? This is the big time. And with the big time comes big disappointment when things don't work out like we EXPECT. I am pissed and disappointed but I am not heartbroken. November can't get here fast enough!

We had a few recent deaths, then a health scare with my Golden retriever. If I had to choose, I’ll take my best fluffy friend over this win.

But this does hurt like hell. We went through this whole year where we just found a way to win games that looked like losses. We had a great record, but we could have lost far more games than we did.

[mohr5150]

Come on — nobody can deny the hard work they put in.

But that doesn’t insulate them from the fact that they were dropped out of the tournament on the opening weekend twice when holding top seeds. Their legacy as Muskateers will be defined by that. And anyone is lying if they say this loss won’t be the first thing they think of when/if Tre’s jersey gets retired every time they look up in the rafters.

Is that what you think of when you think of David West? The first thing that comes to mind is his final team getting bounced by Maryland? I understand this stings, but out of the mouths of babes is how I will judge this event. My 10-year old cried uncontrollably for an hour after the game because of his love for this team and players and the fact he won't see JP or Tre in an X uniform ever again. If that isn't heartbroken, I don't know what is. I'm heartbroken, disappointed, mad, and many other emotioons I can't put into words right now. I'm heartbroken for the players who put so much of their heart and soul into this and it just wasn't meant to be. This sucks.

[whopper]

Just got 2 hours sleep in Conn. Thinking of the players walking down the runway to locker room with Sister Rose trailing. Thinking of Sean bucking up JP with arm around him. Karem in tears..Tre walking like a zombie knowing what happened. I am devastated but know how much they put into it. God bless them all and the Coach.

[Caveat]

Is that what you think of when you think of David West? The first thing that comes to mind is his final team getting bounced by Maryland? I understand this stings, but out of the mouths of babes is how I will judge this event. My 10-year old cried uncontrollably for an hour after the game because of his love for this team and players and the fact he won't see JP or Tre in an X uniform ever again. If that isn't heartbroken, I don't know what is. I'm heartbroken, disappointed, mad, and many other emotioons I can't put into words right now. I'm heartbroken for the players who put so much of their heart and soul into this and it just wasn't meant to be. This sucks.

No offense to Mr. West, but circumstances were different then. There were no expectations on the program like there are now — they didn’t enter the tournament as, in the minds of the selection committee, one of the top-4 teams in the country.

When I think of Tre, I’ll think of a great player that shrunk when the lights got bright.

[GoMuskies]

Also, David West was the best player on the floor in his last game. He just didn't have enough help. Not the same.

[X Factor]

Also, David West was the best player on the floor in his last game. He just didn't have enough help. Not the same.

That team had no one besides West, Sato, and Chalmers. The ONLY two guys off the bench were Will Caudle and Keith Jackson, and they barely played.

[mistabeecee41]

in 5-10 years, we will all look back at the legacy of Tre/JP and remember they lead us to 2 of the best regular seasons we've ever had. They both, rightfully so, will go down as legends.

But...you can try to act as politically correct on this message board as you want. To the crowd who is saying that they won't look back at these years as "what could have been", you're lying to yourself.

[Xavier]

in 5-10 years, we will all look back at the legacy of Tre/JP and remember they lead us to 2 of the best regular seasons we've ever had. They both, rightfully so, will go down as legends.

.

And one of the best post seasons we’ve had. Beating Miller in the sweet 16 was awesome, and a heck of a run. Point remains, though.

[47&18]

That team had no one besides West, Sato, and Chalmers. The ONLY two guys off the bench were Will Caudle and Keith Jackson, and they barely played.

This is a great point and actually shows just how far X has come since then. We've had a solid starting 5 and decent bench for years now.

I'm not heartbroken or angry about last night's loss or how it ended. I took the Cage/Doellman exit much harder for some reason. That was also pre-kids, so I tended to live/die on my sports teams much more than I do now.

I'm definitely bummed because team 96 was crazy fun to watch and their potential was amazing. But, college basketball is all about matchups and X tended to struggle against athletic teams and teams with great guard play. The turnovers just killed us in the end.

I won't look back and think what could have been. This is a single elimination tournament and sh*t happens like last night. This was a truly epic group of seniors and getting to the elite is 8 is something that is extremely difficult even for much larger programs. Yes, I wanted a FF this year and an NC. But it wasn't in the cards and I think we've all seen that this year's tourney has been flipping crazy.

[SemajParlor]

I particularly enjoyed this group and this era of Xavier basketball. And with a large question mark still looming, it's tough to not to wonder if that is the end to something really special. Seeing them go out like that was more upsetting than the fact of being out of the tournament. We'll always have that 2016-17 run. It's funny that if the results of the last 2 years were swapped, the feeling would be so different.

[Nigel Tufnel]

My mom had surgery on Tuesday to remove melanoma from her scalp. The surgeon also did a biopsy of her lymph nodes to see if the cancer had spread. She called me sobbing in relief Saturday afternoon to let me know she is cancer free. Really put things in perspective for me. I understand everyone's disappointment...but in the grand scheme of things, its a game and its entertainment. I got the W that mattered most on Saturday afternoon. I will look back fondly on this season.

[Muskie]

My mom had surgery on Tuesday to remove melanoma from her scalp. The surgeon also did a biopsy of her lymph nodes to see if the cancer had spread. She called me sobbing in relief Saturday afternoon to let me know she is cancer free. Really put things in perspective for me. I understand everyone's disappointment...but in the grand scheme of things, its a game and its entertainment. I got the W that mattered most on Saturday afternoon. I will look back fondly on this season.

Glad to hear your mom got great news!

[gladdenguy]

No offense to Mr. West, but circumstances were different then. There were no expectations on the program like there are now — they didn’t enter the tournament as, in the minds of the selection committee, one of the top-4 teams in the country.

When I think of Tre, I’ll think of a great player that shrunk when the lights got bright.

When the lights got bright THIS YEAR. Certainly not last year. You could argue he was the best player in the tourney last year.

[Caveat]

When the lights got bright THIS YEAR. Certainly not last year. You could argue he was the best player in the tourney last year.

They were playing with house money last year -- the underdog in every game they walked into.

This year and in 2016, when there were actual expectations attached to the team? They folded like a cheap suit.

[Straightshooter]

I think when the dust settles, the Big East regular season championship for Xavier will be recognized for what it is, a historical and an honorable life time achievement.

This group has done things no other group has ever done, conference title, 1 seed, #3 year ending ranking. To go with an Elite 8 and beating UC 3 out of 4 years. That's what comes to the top of my mind.

Well done men.

[mohr5150]

This group of seniors brought a lot of joy and excitement to Xavier, and I, for one, will not focus on their last game as a total summation of their time here. They brought us into the Big East and won seven tournament games in the process. If you look at success in the tournament as the only way to measure success, life is going to be pretty rough for you unless you root for UNC, Duke, Kentucky, or Kansas. Think about this: Seton Hall's recruiting class from the same year, which was more heralded than ours, won one tournament game their entire careers. I thank all four of our seniors for the joy they brought my family and me over their four years here. I'm so sad to see them go, and I wish them all the success in the world.

[whopper]

This group of seniors brought a lot of joy and excitement to Xavier, and I, for one, will not focus on their last game as a total summation of their time here. They brought us into the Big East and won seven tournament games in the process. If you look at success in the tournament as the only way to measure success, life is going to be pretty rough for you unless you root for UNC, Duke, Kentucky, or Kansas. Think about this: Seton Hall's recruiting class from the same year, which was more heralded than ours, won one tournament game their entire careers. I thank all four of our seniors for the joy they brought my family and me over their four years here. I'm so sad to see them go, and I wish them all the success in the world.could not have said it better. I can tell they know they will never put on the X uniform again and that is an overwhelming feeling. They now have their own life ..many will play hoops at various locations and we will follow on the internet. I am so sad today (slept 2 hours last night as I kept being jolted awake by the realization it was over) but glad that it happened.

[GIMMFD]

After taking a night to process my emotions, and folding under copious amounts of alcohol I'll say this: This wasn't the result we wanted, or expected. Coming in, with this much potential, this deep of a roster, and how the tournament was unfolding it felt like we were destined to make a run, it just didn't happen due to our own demise. However, this is a Senior class that won over 100 games, they took us to the Elite 8 last year, they were fun, entertaining, great personalities. Each one had something to offer in their own right. Watching how hard it was for those guys in the tunnel going into their locker room absolutely gutted me, they wanted it so bad, they just didn't execute down the stretch.

Xavier basketball has grown so much in the 4 years that these guys busted their asses for us, and that in itself is a crowning achievement, yes we all wanted our first Final Four, but the program is in a better shape than when they arrived. They helped us transition from A-10 to Big East and being competitive in a big time conference, something I'm sure a lot of you older guys could never fathom. They deserve nothing but our love and respect, we had some of the most amazing times, and unfortunately the end goal wasn't reached.

It hurts, it stings, and it sucks as fans, but I can't even imagine what's going through their heads. I for one will have nothing but good things to say about this Senior class, and what they meant for our program. However, it's a part of the beast that is the NCAA Tournament, for our returning guys, it's time to get in the gym and work their asses off and gear up for next year. The pain won't go away for a while, and that's fine, but we're still trending in the right direction, even though it felt like this was the year, there's still more years and more growth to witness. God bless our Seniors, God bless our coaches, however on this day, I'm still proud as hell to call Xavier my alma mater.

[D West]

They were playing with house money last year -- the underdog in every game they walked into.

This year and in 2016, when there were actual expectations attached to the team? They folded like a cheap suit.


Man, you routinely find the negative on every aspect of Xavier basketball. Tre is and always will be a legend with a retired # like David West. JP was and always will be remembered as a warrior who never backed down on the court. You, will continue to be a cancer trying to downgrade this great program. Just one persons view.

[whopper]

100% agree and great memories..from stain brook to this.. The video of them walking off from Mack to Tre to Karem to especially JP and Sean(almost holding up JP) is touching and reminds me of 40+ year old memories of teammates that I talk to quite often now. I hope they stay like this as when you get to be 60+ this is often the best thing that you remember..

[markchal]

Man. It's a day later and this one still stings. I thought for sure we'd be in the second weekend. Damn.

[xukeith]

How long before X has a top 25 team? Pure speculation but I imagine next year is a rebuilding year. I say if X gets in the NCAA next year it will be as a 4th or 5th team from BE. Maybe I hope as a 8,9,10 seed.

[xavierj]

How long before X has a top 25 team? Pure speculation but I imagine next year is a rebuilding year. I say if X gets in the NCAA next year it will be as a 4th or 5th team from BE. Maybe I hope as a 8,9,10 seed.

So you are saying they will be seeet 16 or elite 8?

[nuts4xu]

This was one of the most enjoyable Xavier teams I've ever watched. For many of us who watch and attend so many games every year, the journey to the tournament can be a grind. The things we accomplished this year, were the stuff I've dreamt about my entire Xavier rooting life. While the end of the season was disappointing and unforeseen, this season will go down as one of the most memorable in our history. I have over 30 seasons invested in this program, and I am still amazed at the success we enjoy most every season. We have had a really slow build to get us to this point, and we are still climbing.

We finally got a taste of being among the elite teams in all of college basketball. It didn't happen this year, when I felt it was our best team ever. But things don't always happen when we expect them to. While we have had many seasons like last year, where our tournament success made our season, this was one of the few where the entire season season can be overshadowed because of our disappointing post season.

It was a great ride, with some unexpected twists in the narrative, but the narrative of this season should be overwhelmingly positive with all that team 96 has accomplished. I love these seniors and will never forget their place in Xavier history.

[xudash]

This was one of the most enjoyable Xavier teams I've ever watched. For many of us who watch and attend so many games every year, the journey to the tournament can be a grind. The things we accomplished this year, were the stuff I've dreamt about my entire Xavier rooting life. While the end of the season was disappointing and unforeseen, this season will go down as one of the most memorable in our history. I have over 30 seasons invested in this program, and I am still amazed at the success we enjoy most every season. We have had a really slow build to get us to this point, and we are still climbing.

We finally got a taste of being among the elite teams in all of college basketball. It didn't happen this year, when I felt it was our best team ever. But things don't always happen when we expect them to. While we have had many seasons like last year, where our tournament success made our season, this was one of the few where the entire season season can be overshadowed because of our disappointing post season.

It was a great ride, with some unexpected twists in the narrative, but the narrative of this season should be overwhelmingly positive with all that team 96 has accomplished. I love these seniors and will never forget their place in Xavier history.

The beer is on me nuts, the next time I see you at Dana's. Great post.

[xu koop scoop]

My mom had surgery on Tuesday to remove melanoma from her scalp. The surgeon also did a biopsy of her lymph nodes to see if the cancer had spread. She called me sobbing in relief Saturday afternoon to let me know she is cancer free. Really put things in perspective for me. I understand everyone's disappointment...but in the grand scheme of things, its a game and its entertainment. I got the W that mattered most on Saturday afternoon. I will look back fondly on this season.

Prayers for your mom. I am having surgery Apr 6 for a facial nerve that makes me feel like I'm being electrocuted. 5th surgery. If that goes well, that beats any XU run. The Senior players had more heartbreak than any fans. The Seniors got us to a Sweet 16 & Elite 8. Their two best regular seasons only got us to the 2nd round. They never went out 1st round. So that adds up to a 7-4 NCAA Tourney resume for the Seniors. Kudos to all of them.

[paulxu]

The beer is on me nuts, the next time I see you at Dana's. Great post.

Nuts, I'm with Dash on echoing your sentiments (except I've got 50+ years into it)

If I'm not mistaken, I was having a drink at the bar with Dash when you came into Dana's a couple years ago.
Maybe I'll show up again (and hope BJ is around!)

[novachap]

Was shocked (and saddened) to see the game... Believe me, totally understand the feelings you all have (our Wisconsin loss last year felt like it ripped our souls out). What little I can offer as an outsider is that when you look back you will see it was a very good year, your first BE Regular Season title, you got to watch your seniors have stellar careers and given your history---you will be back. Slainte.

[dethwing]

Well said. It happens to the best of them. That's why they call it March Madness.

[smileyy]

Well said. It happens to the best of them. That's why they call it March Madness.

cf. Virginia, who put up historic efficiency margins until the first round of the tournament.

[paulxu]

Yikes, I can't help but wish we were still playing in this one.

Going to be a long off-season.

[xavierj]

Yikes, I can't help but wish we were still playing in this one.

Going to be a long off-season.

Tilie is out. Xavier would have walked to elite 8.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Tilie is out. Xavier would have walked to elite 8.

Wow. UGH!

[X Factor]

Salt in the wound. That FSU game was an epic disaster and collapse. Considering the circumstances, it could be the worst loss in X history the way it went down.

[Xavier]

I never wanted a win more than over Kansas State in the sweet 16 knowing we’d have Butler to get to the final four.

[GoMuskies]

FSU's FT defense is excellent tonight as well.

[whopper]

Florida State is kind of doing the same thing tonight and that senior minor league picture hitting a buzzer beater is a bad omen for Zags. Tillie had not been playing that well if I recall

[SemajParlor]

I can't even bring myself to watch it. I've just been watching the UK - Kansas St even through commercials and halftime break. I thought I had gotten over that loss and tonight is proof I have not. Oof.

[whopper]

I did not think I would but now looking at FSU they are a deep interchangeable team. We are deep but not as interchangeable. I can't put a finger on it but Savoy, Walker, Walker Forrest, and Cofer are almost the same player. Mann is the bully Angloa is the shooter and the 2 African players are the rim protectors. They must be hard to prepare for.

[Xville]

Well at least uk lost.

[HenryMuto]

What a crap tournament Xavier gets upset and now Kentucky loses to a garbage team. I had dreams of Kentucky and Xavier Final 4 game.

I hate this sport.

[AviatorX]

What a crap tournament Xavier gets upset and now Kentucky loses to a garbage team. I had dreams of Kentucky and Xavier Final 4 game.

I hate this sport.

Hard to feel bad for you to be honest.......

[GoMuskies]

What a crap tournament Xavier gets upset and now Kentucky loses to a garbage team. I had dreams of Kentucky and Xavier Final 4 game.

I hate this sport.

UK is the scourge of the earth. Eff all you UK fans!!! :)

[AviatorX]

Xavier really fucked this one up.

Gonzaga appears to suck. Michigan is good but would be considerably weaker than previous E8 opponents. Loyola/KSt. waiting in San Antonio.

[SemajParlor]

I can't tell if FSU winning makes me feel worse or better. Probably worse because Zaga looks like they stink.

[GoMuskies]

Unreal. There will be a shitty national championship participant.

[KabeX]

Mon & Tue sucked to a level of suckage that I haven't had since Wisc. And for whatever reason this was worse. Wed a little better. Today a little better. I didn't think I'd watch it but I did (while watching the Wildcats finally beat the Wildcats). It's all good. We would have pounded the Zags tho. Just sayin.

[Xville]

Let this sink in:

Loyola
FSU
Michigan
K state

One of these teams will be playing for the championship in about a week and a half.

[SemajParlor]

Let this sink in:

Loyola
FSU
Michigan
K state

One of these teams will be playing for the championship in about a week and a half.

And X is better than all of them. I'm not a fan of basketball right now.

[Jehoya]

Xavier really fucked this one up.

Gonzaga appears to suck. Michigan is good but would be considerably weaker than previous E8 opponents. Loyola/KSt. waiting in San Antonio.

Pleaseeeeee 😩😩 make it stop!!!

[XUBison]

Let this sink in:

Loyola
FSU
Michigan
K state

One of these teams will be playing for the championship in about a week and a half.

Wow, we blew it... Big time donkey balls.

[AviatorX]

I can't tell if FSU winning makes me feel worse or better. Probably worse because Zaga looks like they stink.

Not sure I've ever understood something less in my life than all the pundits pumping Gonzaga the past few weeks out of nowhere. They suck.

[X Factor]

Most disappointing loss in Xavier history. Shit down the leg collapse. Thinking about it hurts.

[Jehoya]

Looking at this just makes it worse, it’s like another roundhouse kick to the nuts

[Xville]

Most disappointing loss in Xavier history. Shit down the leg collapse. Thinking about it hurts.

I don’t want to bring up other heartbreakers, so I won’t, but feel there are others that have been worse.

[gladdenguy]

I don’t want to bring up other heartbreakers, so I won’t, but feel there are others that have been worse.

Games that were heartbreakers? Yes. Ohio St definitely comes to mind. But overall opportunity to make a final four and beyond? No way there has or might ever be a better opportunity. And with the loss on Sunday Mack is out the door. What makes it worse? Mack is taking smiling selfies and now going to Hookerville.

The worst week ever as a Xavier fan. What a terrible shit down the leg game and piss away an opportunity then lose a hometown coach to a scum University when Xavier threw out a hell of an offer. This shit sucks.

[Caveat]

Best team in program history. Weakest bracket in recent memory.

And they still blew it. I don't know that I'm ever going to get over this one.

[markchal]

Games that were heartbreakers? Yes. Ohio St definitely comes to mind. But overall opportunity to make a final four and beyond? No way there has or might ever be a better opportunity. And with the loss on Sunday Mack is out the door. What makes it worse? Mack is taking smiling selfies and now going to Hookerville.

The worst week ever as a Xavier fan. What a terrible shit down the leg game and piss away an opportunity then lose a hometown coach to a scum University when Xavier threw out a hell of an offer. This shit sucks.

This is the biggest thing for me. Yeah, Wisconsin and OSU ended in a more shocking fashion, but everything was breaking pretty well for us to not only make the FF but the National Title game. Mack leaving after that would be a little more tolerable. Instead, a team that had been great in crunch time all year, just completely collapsed and choke over an excruciating 5-7 minutes, and our best class left on that note, along with our most successful head coach and the only one we've had who could've been here for a looong time.

[Nigel Tufnel]

I don't check my notifications often enough. Just did. I tried to figure out how to PM those who gave me positive comments about my mom....but I'm old and just got.confused....so I'm just going to post here. Thanks for all the support.