2018-2019 Lineup

[Muskie]

PG: Goodin
SG: Scruggs
SF: Marshall
PF/F: Gates
F/C: Jones

____
the way it looks to me the day after the season ends.

[Xville]

Seeing that...we are going to be exponentially more athletic next year. Athleticism doesn't equal wins but I do like the potential. Frontcourt has to improve over the summer though to not take a significant step back from this year.

[NWOHMuskie]

One change for me:
PG: Goodin
SG: Marshall
F: Boudreaux
F: Gates
F/C: Jones

This may not work but I don't see putting both your PGs out on the floor to start the game. Leaves no fallback.

[Caveat]

There's no other way to say it -- they need Gates & Goodin to massively step up next year.

Defense should improve a bit, but you look at that group and wonder who is going to get buckets. Depth is extremely concerning as well.

[Billy]

PG: Goodin
SG: Scruggs
SF: Marshall
PF/F: Gates
F/C: Jones

____
the way it looks to me the day after the season ends.

I don't want to see Scruggs and Goodin starting together unless one of them becomes much better at scoring in the offseason.

Keonte Kennedy is almost certainly going to start as a guard next season. Probably at the expense of Gates or Scruggs, if I had to guess.

[BandAid]

Next year's team will have more lateral quickness, so we can hopefully expect to see an improvement in our man defense. Similarly, with Q, Scruggs, and Naji on the floor we'll see our offense be based more on penetration with occasional kick-outs to Gates, Boudreaux and Kennedy.

[Xuperman]

We need to go to the Marcus Foster store and pick up an 2018/19 model

[Xville]

Hopefully harden has a big summer. Depth is only a concern if there's an injury.

[GoMuskies]

PG: Goodin
SG: Scruggs
SF: Marshall
PF/F: Gates
F/C: Jones

____
the way it looks to me the day after the season ends.

If you'd have asked me 24 hours ago, I'd have been comfortable with this lineup. After watching the end of the first half last night, I'm now a bit terrified.

Small sample sizes and all, but that's the last impression on that lineup we get until the fall.

[Grizzx12]

Happy to get this thread going. Will help the sting go away of what could have been. Losing Tre, JP, and Kerem will obviously take the majority of our deep threat away; however, the one thing we definitely gain is a massive upgrade in athleticism and for the love of god hopefully defense as a result. We dont need to score 90 ppg if we can hold opponents to 60-65 for the most part and our half court defense was pretty impressive last night. The turnovers just fed right into what FSU wanted to do and about the only way they could score. Still a lot of time to settle the lineup but we have Goodin, Scruggs, Naji, Kaiser, and Jones all coming back and a full offseason to improve and develop. That's a strong core to start with regardless of how last night went with Tre and JP on the bench.

Also feel like someone has to redshirt but not sure who unless we're planning on going 10 deep? Boudreaux and Harden have to be in the rotation I would imagine but we also have Kennedy, James, and Walter. I'd peg Walter as that guy but do we skip the rS because without him we don't really have any sort of size? Thoughts?

[markchal]

It's the depth that concerns me. And the shooting, but I'm counting on picking up at least one grad transfer. The depth is the really scary part. Think about how lucky we were this season with injuries, and we went 9 deep. We also need another big man, since our frosh will be a project and Jones can barely play 20 minutes without a considerable drop-off.

At least our defense will be better. I'm gonna miss JP and Tre like crazy, but defense was not their forte.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

We have 10 guys this year and Mack has said he likes that number. Don’t sleep on harden. He is that long shooter we need. Also remember he was a true 18 year old freshman this season. I bet he makes a jump. Marshall and Scruggs are studs. I don’t think you have seen what Marshall can really do. Front court is our biggest deficiency and not because of Jones. Boudreaux and Walter will need to step up.

Goodin
Harden
Marshall
Gates
Jones

If Boudreaux is good I could see Marshall playing the 2 and pushing Harden to bench. I see a better defensive team that doesn’t score as much.


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[Cheesehead]

Look for X to land a big man via juco or 5th year

[mistabeecee41]

Paul and Q are starting together, get over it. Would expect to see the staff go after a combo-guard type Grad transfer to play off of the bench.

[smileyy]

and for the love of god hopefully defense as a result

There definitely will be some differences without two turnstiles on defense out there. Macura and Bluiett were *not* good on-ball defenders.

[smileyy]

This may not work but I don't see putting both your PGs out on the floor to start the game. Leaves no fallback.

Nah, you can make it work. Q has already shown he can play 40 minutes a game if he has to, albeit at a slower tempo. I don't see next year's team running / scoring quickly nearly as much as this year.

[markchal]

This is a pretty massive change for our team and we'll need time for guys to get used to all their new roles. What are the expectations for next year? I'd gotta think just making the tournament would be a successful season.

[Billy]

Paul and Q are starting together, get over it.

No.

[BandAid]

No.

I'm sorry, I laughed out loud at this response. No, they're not going to start together, or no, you're not going to get over it? Oh hell, why not both?

[Caveat]

This is a pretty massive change for our team and we'll need time for guys to get used to all their new roles. What are the expectations for next year? I'd gotta think just making the tournament would be a successful season.

Keep a winning record in conference play. That's my only goal for next year.

I think this team could really struggle to score next year, absent a miraculous turnaround from Gates as a senior.

[XUFan09]

I don't want to see Scruggs and Goodin starting together unless one of them becomes much better at scoring in the offseason.

Keonte Kennedy is almost certainly going to start as a guard next season. Probably at the expense of Gates or Scruggs, if I had to guess.

I thought the rigid views of basketball positions had died out, but I guess not.

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[GoMuskies]

My rigid view is that you need at LEAST one guard who is a reliable shooter. Right now, that's neither Q nor Scruggs.

[XUFan09]

My rigid view is that you need at LEAST one guard who is a reliable shooter. Right now, that's neither Q nor Scruggs. You can make up for it with shooting at the 3 and 4 spots, but honestly, this team just isn't going to have multiple knock-down shooters. The only guards who are supposed to be anything approaching that are a skinny sophomore who didn't play much this past year and a freshman who doesn't exactly have a college-ready physique himself. Really, if you give a lot of minutes to one of them at the expense of Scruggs and Goodin, your offense will probably be worse and your overall team will definitely be worse.

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[xavierj]

My rigid view is that you need at LEAST one guard who is a reliable shooter. Right now, that's neither Q nor Scruggs.

No but both should be able to get to rim at will and both should be excellent defenders. On the bright side both improved greatly shooting the ball. I started to feel very comfortable with Paul on the floor.

[smileyy]

My rigid view is that you need at LEAST one guard who is a reliable shooter. Right now, that's neither Q nor Scruggs.

Nor is it anyone else on the roster that we've seen.

[smileyy]

I expect Q, Scruggs and Marshall to be practicing a lot of 3-point shots this offseason.

I expect Naji to be the leading scorer on the team.

[sirthought]

Just watched a few YouTube videos of Evan Boudreaux. The guy says in all his high school videos he is 6'7" (not like the listed 6'8" at Dartmouth). He's got a nice all around game and pretty looking shot. I know the change in competition will be huge for him, but from what I saw he really was assertive at both ends of the court. Hopefully like a Kevin Frey who can actually shoot it a little. He rebounds, but I don't see him as an inside bruiser unfortunately, so Jones will be our sole banger. But if Gates is going to try living at the three point line as often as he does, having a guy like Boudreaux on the floor might be good thing.

It would be incredible if Bryce Golden (Pitt decommit) decided to look at XU again. 6'9" 220 skilled kid would be just what the doctor ordered.

[xukeith]

My rigid view is that you need at LEAST one guard who is a reliable shooter. Right now, that's neither Q nor Scruggs.

My hope is at least 1 guard enters the Tu Holloway post season workout. He shot 100,000 shots in practice and it bore fruit.

[THRILLHOUSE]

I expect Naji to be the leading scorer on the team.

So do I, though I expect it to be a more balanced scoring effort where a lot of the starters are pretty close in ppg.

[47&18]

No but both should be able to get to rim at will and both should be excellent defenders. On the bright side both improved greatly shooting the ball. I started to feel very comfortable with Paul on the floor.

This is exactly what I'm thinking. Scruggs and Q will definitely log plenty of minutes together with Scruggs (in my opinion) drifting over to the 2. All I've heard all year is that he and Q are $$$ from three in practice and we didn't really see it in game until the end of the year. I thought Scruggs improved more than any player on the team from game 1 to last night. He, Q, and Naji are special, game changing players and with another year under their belts will show even more improvement.

We have to hope Gates figures it out over the off-season. He can be a great rebounder and defender at times and we all know what happens when he gets hot from the outside. It will be interesting to see how Jones plays without having to share minutes with big Sean and Kanter. Hopefully he can step it up and become the type of small center/PF we all think he can be.

Harden was a 4* recruit if I remember correctly. Hopefully he stays and shows off what made X and other big schools give him offers.

Typing all of this out...I'm feeling a lot better about next year.

[GIMMFD]

We've been blessed to be a little better on the reloading front. I'm sure Mack will do the grad-transfer route again, and hopefully he can pick up somebody as great as Kanter was for us this season, but Scruggs really came on during the end, he showed some of that explosive ability everybody was raving about when we were recruiting him. If him and Q can continue to hit down the 3, and just become adequate 3 point shooters (I'm not expecting them to be Blueitt and Macura next year), it'll help progress this team along. I'm going to assume Harden stays considering the sheer minutes he should get next year, and I really hope that's true, though it was meaningless game time experience, it was still game-time experience in itself.

I'm a little worried about our bigs situation since Jones has the tendency to foul, not sure if he's going to be able to log 25 minutes a game or so, but I hope so, he shows great athleticism at times, almost like a baby Jalen Reynolds. Gates having a James Farr type of growth into his senior year would be amazing, he gets hated on quite a bit (not as much as Justin Martin or Jeff Robinson did, but still a decent amount), we've seen that Senior jump time after time again, and I am going to keep faith that he's going to get it figured out, we need his athleticism on defense, and on the glass.

Naji is going to be an absolute stud, I also believe he will be our leading scorer, and a monster defensively, he's got great length and if he can shoot the three a little bit more consistently as well too, he's going to be almost unstoppable. Looking forward to seeing him have a monster sophomore jump as well.

Moving forward, I think we'll be alright next year, I think we'll be competitive still, not going to set the world on fire with 30 wins, it's going to be a growing pain type of struggle for a little bit, but we're in a good position. If the 2018 class with Kennedy and Walters can just turn themselves into solid 4 year players that can contribute minutes, and we build on a monster 2019 class, we could have something scary for Q's Senior year, kind of like this year to be quite honest..

[D-West & PO-Z]

ESPN Insider take:

http://www.espn.com/blog/ncbrecruiting/on-the-trail/insider/post?id=18181

An excerpt:

Possible 2018-19 starting five

G: Quentin Goodin

G: Paul Scruggs

G: Naji Marshall

F: Kaiser Gates

F: Evan Boudreaux

Trending: Neutral -- for now. Much of this depends on what happens with Mack. He’s going to be one of the primary candidates at Louisville, and it remains to be seen what Xavier would do if he left. As it stands, don’t expect Xavier to take a huge step back, and the Musketeers will likely be busy on the transfer market to fill some gaps.

[XUFan09]

Moving forward, I think we'll be alright next year, I think we'll be competitive still, not going to set the world on fire with 30 wins, it's going to be a growing pain type of struggle for a little bit, but we're in a good position. If the 2018 class with Kennedy and Walters can just turn themselves into solid 4 year players that can contribute minutes, and we build on a monster 2019 class, we could have something scary for Q's Senior year, kind of like this year to be quite honest..

You forgot about SF/PF Dontarious James.

[SemajParlor]

I think this Boudreaux kid is better than people think.

[GoMuskies]

I think this Boudreaux kid is better than people think.

He'd better be!

[SemajParlor]

Trying to be optimistic here. A lineup with Goodin, Scruggs, Marshall, Gates, and Jones on paper is fantastic defensively (and significantly better than this years I might add). Throw in some scoring from what I think is a good incoming transfer for 2 years and maybe pick up a grad that can provide some shooting. If you take a look at some of the big names that are leaving the Big East, I like our chances to be a fun defensive unit that can get and up and down the floor. This team on paper will be drastically different from our high powered O and moderate to poor D this year. Not suggesting we will overall be anywhere near as this year, but a tournament berth is certainly a reasonable goal to me.

[RoseyMuskie]

Agree, Semaj.

I do think Mack, or Mack’s replacement, will have to change the defensive strategy to put an increased emphasis on turnovers. Reason being, Marshall, Scruggs, and Goodin all need space to shoot from the perimeter. Whereas, Macura and Bluiett did not. So playing solid defense, getting out in transition, and hitting open shots in transition will be the team’s key to success. And the length / lateral quickness this team puts a premium on needs to counterbalance knockdown shooting.

As the team currently stands - and we all know how summers at X typically go - I think it’s a fringe Top 25 team.

[throwbackmuskie]

I can see a more uptempo team, more of a run and gun for next year. Scruggs and Q will start together, we have seen them play a lot together this year. I think Hardin will make a good leap, he's got a nice stroke, needed a year to grow as a player, hopefully he steps of this offseason knowing he has a chance to get big piece next season. I also saw where James is the highest rater player coming in, I think he will provide good minutes, like Jones did his freshman year. I agree would be nice to add another guard.

[chico]

Keeping my fingers crossed that Hardin is the BJ Raymond of his class.

I guess I'm a little more optimistic than some about the lineup next year. Both Goodin and Scruggs have shown an ability to get to the rim, and if Boudreaux is as good a shot as some say he'll get open looks off the drive and kick out. We'll be thin down low, but maybe Gates can go the James Farr route and become more of a presence on the boards and around the basket.

I'm not concerned at all about how this lineup looked Sunday. It was the first time all year they played that lineup, in arguably the biggest game of the year. With time to practice and players now knowing it's their turn to step up, it should be a much different look in the fall.

As far as the Big East in general, we're not the only team losing the bulk of their scoring. Nova loses at least Brunson and Bridges. Seton Hall loses Carrington and Delgado. Providence loses Bullock and Cartwright. Creighton loses Foster, and Butler loses Martin. Pretty much every teams' heart and soul is departing. The Big East is going to be a different conference next year. Why can't our lineup compete?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Keeping my fingers crossed that Hardin is the BJ Raymond of his class.

I guess I'm a little more optimistic than some about the lineup next year. Both Goodin and Scruggs have shown an ability to get to the rim, and if Boudreaux is as good a shot as some say he'll get open looks off the drive and kick out. We'll be thin down low, but maybe Gates can go the James Farr route and become more of a presence on the boards and around the basket.

I'm not concerned at all about how this lineup looked Sunday. It was the first time all year they played that lineup, in arguably the biggest game of the year. With time to practice and players now knowing it's their turn to step up, it should be a much different look in the fall.

As far as the Big East in general, we're not the only team losing the bulk of their scoring. Nova loses at least Brunson and Bridges. Seton Hall loses Carrington and Delgado. Providence loses Bullock and Cartwright. Creighton loses Foster, and Butler loses Martin. Pretty much every teams' heart and soul is departing. The Big East is going to be a different conference next year. Why can't our lineup compete?

Brunson is only a junior and I dont think hes leaving early because I'm not sure he's going to get a first round guarantee.

But I agree with the rest of your post.

[chico]

Brunson is only a junior and I dont think hes leaving early because I'm not sure he's going to get a first round guarantee.

But I agree with the rest of your post.

Probably wishful thinking on my part. It does look like he's projected as a second rounder.

[X Factor]

I can see a more uptempo team, more of a run and gun for next year. Scruggs and Q will start together, we have seen them play a lot together this year. I think Hardin will make a good leap, he's got a nice stroke, needed a year to grow as a player, hopefully he steps of this offseason knowing he has a chance to get big piece next season. I also saw where James is the highest rater player coming in, I think he will provide good minutes, like Jones did his freshman year. I agree would be nice to add another guard.

If anything, we're probably going to play at a slower pace next year, which might be a good thing.

X had one of the fastest adj. tempos in the country last year. Not going to next year.

[SemajParlor]

I have a tough time seeing Jalen Brunson in a Villanova uniform next year. I think he's gone.

[letskeepitreal]

May be wishful thinking on my part but I think both Brunson and Bridges are gone.

[smileyy]

May be wishful thinking on my part but I think both Brunson and Bridges are gone.

Agree, especially if Villanova wins the title.

[GIMMFD]

Agree, especially if Villanova wins the title.

Yeah if those two leave it's a bit more open for us, who knows what our bottom feeders are going to do, I think the verdict is still out on Ewing at Georgetown, he has kind of an interesting class coming in, our class isn't great, but I trust our player development, as we've seen over the years, I'd be surprised if we weren't competitive. The Big East for sure is going to look very strange next year not seeing all these guys that were critical to their teams.

[Muskeagle]

I agree with the sentiment that we will be much more balanced next year. If the defense is stronger, I think we could be a very good team next year (not great, but good). I expect the scoring to be reminiscent of the 07-08 team where the top guy (Marshall, I'd expect) is around 12 or 13 ppg, but there will be five or six guys hovering around double figures. Also, agree that the main concern is depth at the bigs. Need another center. Jones can play a lot more than he did this year, but definitely need another quality big.


Josh Duncan 1 SR F 6-8 Cincinnati, OH 12.4 Pts, 4.7 Reb, 1.3 Ast
Derrick Brown 5 SO F 6-8 227 Dayton, OH 10.9 Pts, 6.5 Reb, 1.7 Ast
C.J. Anderson 20 JR G 6-6 225 Cincinnati, OH 10.7 Pts, 5.9 Reb, 1.5 Ast
Drew Lavender 24 SR G 5-7 153 Columbus, OH 10.8 Pts, 2.7 Reb, 4.5 Ast
B.J. Raymond 11 JR F 6-6 226 Toledo, OH 9.9 Pts, 3.0 Reb, 0.9 Ast
Stanley Burrell 34 SR G 6-3 210 Indianapolis, IN 9.7 Pts, 2.2 Reb, 3.8 Ast

[Muskeagle]

I agree with the sentiment that we will be much more balanced next year. If the defense is stronger, I think we could be a very good team next year (not great, but good). I expect the scoring to be reminiscent of the 07-08 team where the top guy (Marshall, I'd expect) is around 12 or 13 ppg, but there will be five or six guys hovering around double figures. Also, agree that the main concern is depth at the bigs. Need another center. Jones can play a lot more than he did this year, but definitely need another quality big.


Josh Duncan 1 SR F 6-8 Cincinnati, OH 12.4 Pts, 4.7 Reb, 1.3 Ast
Derrick Brown 5 SO F 6-8 227 Dayton, OH 10.9 Pts, 6.5 Reb, 1.7 Ast
C.J. Anderson 20 JR G 6-6 225 Cincinnati, OH 10.7 Pts, 5.9 Reb, 1.5 Ast
Drew Lavender 24 SR G 5-7 153 Columbus, OH 10.8 Pts, 2.7 Reb, 4.5 Ast
B.J. Raymond 11 JR F 6-6 226 Toledo, OH 9.9 Pts, 3.0 Reb, 0.9 Ast
Stanley Burrell 34 SR G 6-3 210 Indianapolis, IN 9.7 Pts, 2.2 Reb, 3.8 Ast

[SemajParlor]

We all know there's of course a more than likely chance something will happen to the roster in the next 2 years. But even the following year we will get everyone back except Kaiser, with experienced Seniors Quentin Goodin and Tyrique Jones and upperclassmen Paul Scruggs and Naji Marshall leading the NCAA charge. There are bright times ahead.

[Muskeagle]

sorry for the double post.

[xu82]

I have a tough time seeing Jalen Brunson in a Villanova uniform next year. I think he's gone.

I pray his MVP in the National Championship game elevates his draft status.

[XUBison]

I pray his MVP in the National Championship game elevates his draft status.

Agreed. I know where he’s currently projected, but it seems insane that Brunson wouldn’t be a first round lock. Tyus Jones from Duke was a 1st rounder, and you can’t tell me his measurables were superior to Brunson’s. Their games are really pretty similar, except I think Brunson is bigger and more explosive. Incidentally, Jones is playing well for the T’Wolves, and many Wolves fans think he should be starting over Jeff Teague.

[D-West & PO-Z]

May be wishful thinking on my part but I think both Brunson and Bridges are gone.

Bridges is definitely gone.

I think Brunson is back regardless of the outcome of their season.

[Muskeagle]

I know that Brunson is a Jr....but he graduates in May. He made sure to do extra work to get the degree in 3. I think he is gone. If he is a second rounder now....he's a second rounder next year. He'll have his degree....I bet that is it for him.

[GIMMFD]

I know that Brunson is a Jr....but he graduates in May. He made sure to do extra work to get the degree in 3. I think he is gone. If he is a second rounder now....he's a second rounder next year. He'll have his degree....I bet that is it for him.

I tend to think the same, and if Bridges declares he's for sure gone. He's won the National championship, he could win another one, Big East player of the year, first team, I don't think he has much more to accomplish unless he just genuinely loves the college experience, but finishing his degree in 3 would seem like it may not be that way

[XUBison]

I know that Brunson is a Jr....but he graduates in May. He made sure to do extra work to get the degree in 3. I think he is gone. If he is a second rounder now....he's a second rounder next year. He'll have his degree....I bet that is it for him.

Yep. It has just felt all season like it‘s his last. Not sure exactly what that means, just a sense I’ve gotten when watching their games. Whatever the hell thats worth.

[usfldan]

I know that Brunson is a Jr....but he graduates in May. He made sure to do extra work to get the degree in 3. I think he is gone. If he is a second rounder now....he's a second rounder next year. He'll have his degree....I bet that is it for him.

It sounds like we found our graduate transfer for next year...

[D-West & PO-Z]

I agree with the sentiment that we will be much more balanced next year. If the defense is stronger, I think we could be a very good team next year (not great, but good). I expect the scoring to be reminiscent of the 07-08 team where the top guy (Marshall, I'd expect) is around 12 or 13 ppg, but there will be five or six guys hovering around double figures. Also, agree that the main concern is depth at the bigs. Need another center. Jones can play a lot more than he did this year, but definitely need another quality big.


Josh Duncan 1 SR F 6-8 Cincinnati, OH 12.4 Pts, 4.7 Reb, 1.3 Ast
Derrick Brown 5 SO F 6-8 227 Dayton, OH 10.9 Pts, 6.5 Reb, 1.7 Ast
C.J. Anderson 20 JR G 6-6 225 Cincinnati, OH 10.7 Pts, 5.9 Reb, 1.5 Ast
Drew Lavender 24 SR G 5-7 153 Columbus, OH 10.8 Pts, 2.7 Reb, 4.5 Ast
B.J. Raymond 11 JR F 6-6 226 Toledo, OH 9.9 Pts, 3.0 Reb, 0.9 Ast
Stanley Burrell 34 SR G 6-3 210 Indianapolis, IN 9.7 Pts, 2.2 Reb, 3.8 Ast

I think that team may have been our best ever.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It sounds like we found our graduate transfer for next year...

HA, wouldnt that be nice!

[XUBison]

It sounds like we found our graduate transfer for next year...

Oh good. We’re desperate for a backup PG next year.

[Xavier]

I think that team may have been our best ever.

Completely agree.

[smileyy]

I think that team may have been our best ever.

I'd love to see that team play the 2016 team

[SemajParlor]

I'd love to see that team play the 2016 team

Or, *wipes away tears*, this years.

[smileyy]

Or, *wipes away tears*, this years.

Drew Lavender would be in the lane so often he may as well move in.

[Xville]

Drew Lavender would be in the lane so often he may as well move in.

No kidding. I think 08 would have torn this year's version to shreds.

[Caveat]

No kidding. I think 08 would have torn this year's version to shreds.

I love nostalgia as much as the next guy, but nah.

The '18 squad would have the best scorer on the floor (Tre), the best big on the floor (Kanter), and the most overall athletic player on the floor (Naji).

In a best-of-7, I'd say '18 in 5.

[smileyy]

Derrick Brown v. Naji Marshall would be epic, that's for sure.

I disagree that Kanter is better than Josh Duncan was.

[GoMuskies]

I'll take '08. '08 Brown vs. '18 Marshall? No contest. The '18 team wouldn't have had a prayer trying to guard the '08 team, either.

High scoring affair won close by '08.

[Xville]

I love nostalgia as much as the next guy, but nah.

The '18 squad would have the best scorer on the floor (Tre), the best big on the floor (Kanter), and the most overall athletic player on the floor (Naji).

In a best-of-7, I'd say '18 in 5.

With a straight face you think Kanter would be the best big? Wow.

I'll take the best point guard and the better defense myself. Blueitt would be shut down just like he was against fsu

[AviatorX]

With a straight face you think Kanter would be the best big? Wow.

I'll take the best point guard and the better defense myself. Blueitt would be shut down just like he was against fsu

By Stanley Burrell? Don't think so. Bluiett would get his, just like he did in virtually every game he played against everyone.

[GoMuskies]

FWIW, KenPom ranks 2018 Xavier #15 with an AdjEM of +21.18. He has 2008 Xavier #15 with an AdjEM of +22.05. (2016 Xavier is was #14 +22.52).

Sagarin has 2018 Xavier #14 with an. 88.23 rating. 2008 Xavier is #11 with an 89.64 rating. (2016 Xavier was #13, 88.48)

[SemajParlor]

Yikes, recency bias isn't friendly to the best duo in Xavier basketball history huh?

[SemajParlor]

If we're doing this crazy hypothetical. I'd pay a lot of money to sit by the floor to hear Tu and Lyons versus Macura.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'll take '08. '08 Brown vs. '18 Marshall? No contest. The '18 team wouldn't have had a prayer trying to guard the '08 team, either.

High scoring affair won close by '08.

Yeah I agree.

I thinks its close and I could see either winning a 7 game series but I gave the edge to '08.

[D-West & PO-Z]

With a straight face you think Kanter would be the best big? Wow.

I'll take the best point guard and the better defense myself. Blueitt would be shut down just like he was against fsu


By Stanley Burrell? Don't think so. Bluiett would get his, just like he did in virtually every game he played against everyone.

No, Stan wouldnt shut down Tre, he probably wouldnt even have been the one guarding him.

I think senior Lavender over soph Goodin would be the difference.

[Xville]

By Stanley Burrell? Don't think so. Bluiett would get his, just like he did in virtually every game he played against everyone.

most likely it would be raymond...who has length and athleticism on tre

[AviatorX]

most likely it would be raymond...who has length and athleticism on tre

Yes, BJ Raymond, noted athlete.

Tre would be a very very tough cover for the 08 team (and basically every team).

Not to mention 96 has Macura also -- who is guarding him on the wing?

[GoMuskies]

Burrell would have Macura, presumably. Drew Lavender would have a field day in that game, BTW.

[smileyy]

By Stanley Burrell? Don't think so. Bluiett would get his, just like he did in virtually every game he played against everyone.

I'd assign:

Goodin would be covered by Lavender
Macura -> Burrell
Bluiett -> Brown
Marshall -> CWeez
Kanter -> Duncan

[smileyy]

Yes, BJ Raymond, noted athlete.

IIRC, Raymond mostly came off the bench that year. I also recall he wasn't a great defender his Junior year and got a lot better as a Senior.

[Xville]

Yes, BJ Raymond, noted athlete.

Tre would be a very very tough cover for the 08 team (and basically every team).

Not to mention 96 has Macura also -- who is guarding him on the wing?

Stan most likely.

My question....who on this years team is guarding Brown, Lavender, Duncan...the answer is probably no one which was a problem with this year's team.

[smileyy]

Fun discussion tho

[smileyy]

My question....who on this years team is guarding Brown, Lavender, Duncan...the answer is probably no one which was a problem with this year's team.

I'd have the reverse defensive assignments as:

Lavender covered by Goodin
Burrell covered by Macura
Brown covered by Marshall/Gates
CWeez covered by Tre
Duncan covered by Kanter/Jones

They'd have the benefits of (1) Burrell not being much of a scorer that year so he might not light up Macura as much as the team might hope and (2) Tre could take advantage of Anderson not having a jumper.

I think Duncan would be a very tough matchup for O'Mara (and the others), who didn't do well with a big who pulled him out of the paint.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Fun discussion tho

Nice to take our mind off Mack.

[GoMuskies]

I'd have the reverse defensive assignments as:

Lavender covered by Goodin
Burrell covered by Macura
Brown covered by Marshall/Gates
CWeez covered by Tre
Duncan covered by Kanter/Jones

They'd have the benefits of (1) Burrell not being much of a scorer that year so he might not light up Macura as much as the team might hope and (2) Tre could take advantage of Anderson not having a jumper.

I think Duncan would be a very tough matchup for O'Mara (and the others), who didn't do well with a big who pulled him out of the paint.

Don't you think Anderson would absolutely abuse Trevon on the offensive end? Trevon or Marshall (whoever Anderson covered) would certainly get his at the other end, though.

[smileyy]

'18 offense vs. '09 defense would be a fun matchup too. I think '18 would be able to outscore them, but it'd be fun to watch.

[smileyy]

Don't you think Anderson would absolutely abuse Trevon on the offensive end? Trevon or Marshall (whoever Anderson covered) would certainly get his at the other end, though.

A few things I remember:
* I remember that Tre matched up against 4's earlier in his career -- I think he'd have the strength to handle Anderson's strength. Like I said, CJ didn't have a jump shot, so maybe Tre could be better at guarding him off the dribble
* I remember Anderson being one of the team's better defenders against 3's and 4's

(I could be totally wrong about these things)

[SemajParlor]

Jordan Crawford and Tu are on the sideline and have called we got winner.

[smileyy]

A disadvantage of '08 is that they only went 7 deep (sorry Dante Jackson and other SG whose name I don't remember and ended up transferring out):
Lavender
Burrell
Anderson
Brown
Duncan
Raymond
Love

vs. 9-deep for '18

[GoMuskies]

Dante may have saved the '08 season with his big 3 against Georgia in the first round. You've got to include him as a rotation guy.

[D-West & PO-Z]

A disadvantage of '08 is that they only went 7 deep (sorry Dante Jackson and other SG whose name I don't remember and ended up transferring out):
Lavender
Burrell
Anderson
Brown
Duncan
Raymond
Love

vs. 9-deep for '18

If its a one game winner takes all situation 7 deep is plenty. But '18 definitely had more depth and more options if someone was off or there was foul trouble.

[smileyy]

Dante may have saved the '08 season with his big 3 against Georgia in the first round. You've got to include him as a rotation guy.

Nice recall. I was at that game. It was not fun.

[Caveat]

With a straight face you think Kanter would be the best big? Wow.

I'll take the best point guard and the better defense myself. Blueitt would be shut down just like he was against fsu

Kanter was virtually unguardable down the stretch this season. So yeah, straight face.

And Tre isn’t getting shut down by that kind of team. It was freak athletes with incredible size and lateral quickness that gave Tre fits. No one on that ‘08 team fits the bill there.

[smileyy]

I disagree -- Derrick Brown had the length and athleticism to bother Tre.

[GIMMFD]

If we're doing this crazy hypothetical. I'd pay a lot of money to sit by the floor to hear Tu and Lyons versus Macura.

The shit talk in that game would be incredible, I'd like to think all 3 would go off for 20+ in that hypothetical situation.

[smileyy]

The shit talk in that game would be incredible

Haha yes...and they'd all be able to take it, unlike the guys on the wrong end of 76-53

[X Factor]

Lavender is the exact type of guard that would give this team nightmares. He had a killer floater and would get into the lane at will and then kick out to BJ Raymond, Josh Duncan, and even Derrick Brown.

CJ Anderson would take Trevon to the hoop every time he touched the ball.

I just think that '08 team would give this team all it could handle and probably win a 7 game series in 6 games.

[xu koop scoop]

As an older fan I'm bringing up the 1990 team vs 08 or 18. Would have to research entire lineup, but that team went Sweet 16. That team had 3 long term NBA players on roster : Sr Tyrone Hill (splendid NBA Career), Sr Derrick Strong (half a dozen NBA Years), Fr Aaron Williams (long NBA Career).
That team had 2 losses going into last regular season game. This is based partially on what became good NBA Players. Other good NBA players we had years ago included Brian Grant , James Posey & of couse David West . As good as we have been the past 10 years, we aren't putting players in the NBA, at least none that last long or make an impact there.

[dethwing]

Nice recall. I was at that game. It was not fun.

That Georgia team was legendary. They finished last in the SEC, and then won 3 games in the span of 30 hours to win the SEC. There was a tornado that touch down in Atlanta.

[xu9697]

I have always thought the ideal in college is to have an 8 man rotation. Starting 5 along with a guy that can back up the 4/5, a back-up wing and a true back-up PG. In addition, it is nice to have 1-2 guys that could play if called upon, especially as you move into the conference season.

I think some underestimate the strides that can be made by Goodin, Scruggs and Marshall especially, along with Jones and Harden. Gates reminds me of Josh Duncan, and I am hoping Gates can make that little bit of an extra leap forward that Duncan did in his senior year.

Like others have said- we need 3 immediate contributors to our main 5- I hope Harden can be one, maybe one of the frosh and one grad transfer. If we get a 4/5 type player and "3 and D" wing, or heck, just a lights out shooter that is not a total liability on D, I still think a top 25 finish, top 3 BE finish and top 6 seed can be reached. Internal development will be huge.

GO X!

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

That's about my line of thinking, with what we need, and if we get it how we will do.

Our starting 5 is big and athletic. They will be capable of playing great defense, and getting to the hole. They won't shoot great from the outside, but if they can get to the hole, get fouled, and make free throws, that'll be huge. Scoring in transition, limiting turnovers, and offensive rebounding will be the way this team wins games (from an offensive standpoint). Steele stressed in his podcast with Evan Daniels how important offensive rebounding will be to the team, and that should be very true. (Also talked about how they need to have the best offseason they have all ever had, which gets me excited).

If one of Harden/Kennedy can provide shooting off the bench, and we get a backup big who can score a little, and a backup 1 or 2 who can shoot consistently from three, we'll be just fine. I'd say similar to Creighton/Seton Hall this year, where we're fringe top 25. Probably somewhere between 9-9 and 11-7 in conference.

[markchal]

I wish I had the confidence of some of you. We were the 7th worst 3-pt shooting team last year and we lose our best three shooters. We are going to struggle to score.

[xu95]

We absolutely will struggle to score. Our defense should be better though so hopefully it will even out. Our defense this year was porous at best.

xu95

[smileyy]

I wish I had the confidence of some of you. We were the 7th worst 3-pt shooting team last year and we lose our best three shooters. We are going to struggle to score.

As much as people may want to hate him, Gates was 2nd in 3P% for the team last year. Naji was 4th, ahead of Kanter.

[X Factor]

As much as people may want to hate him, Gates was 2nd in 3P% for the team last year. Naji was 4th, ahead of Kanter.

True, but in 18 regular season conference games, he only shot .297% (19-64) from three. He probably shot equally poor in the postseason.

Goodin even made 17 three's in conference play.

Gates will HAVE to be more consistent next year because he is our only "consistent" threat from three returning.

[xuwin]

True, but in 18 regular season conference games, he only shot .297% (19-64) from three. He probably shot equally poor in the postseason.

Goodin even made 17 three's in conference play.

Gates will HAVE to be more consistent next year because he is our only "consistent" threat from three returning.

Gates will have to be more of an inside presence next year. I think he will be used much differently because of our needs.

[XMuskieFTW]

We are going to rely a ton on turnovers leading to transition baskets a ton next year. Can definitely win a ton of games that way especially with how some of our guys can finish at the basket. If we could just get one more grad transfer 3 point shooter(or even if Harden or Kennedy can step in and shoot 37-38% from 3) we should be fine. Our biggest weakness this year was being exploited in our transition defense. We just have to do what teams did to us next year.

[AviatorX]

Gates will have to be more of an inside presence next year. I think he will be used much differently because of our needs.

0% chance.

[Masterofreality]

0% chance.

I gonna love riding the Ferris Wheel next year.

[xukeith]

The Ferris Wheel has committed and I hope he helps X BIG time

[xukeith]

https://twitter.com/hankymckspanky

[Muskie]

New Lineup for the Steele Age

PG: Goodin
SG: Scruggs
SF: Marshall
PF/F: Gates
F/C: Jones/Hankins

[xu9697]

New Lineup for the Steele Age

PG: Goodin
SG: Scruggs
SF: Marshall
PF/F: Gates
F/C: Jones/Hankins

I would love to see a situation where Scruggs is OK coming off the bench one more year. There are situations in college and pro where your "best 5" don't start. Heck, look at Divincenzo @ Nova. I'd love to see Harden work his way to the starting line-up (or Kennedy, James or TBD SG) and leave Scruggs bringing his PG skills off the bench. Now, if Scruggs and Goodin both drastically improve outside shooting, that starting 5 is great.

[smileyy]

I'd love to see Harden work his way to the starting line-up

I'd love to see that too. I also don't see it happening. What I do see is Goodin and Scruggs starting, and also splitting time at the PG when another SG is on the floor.

[GIMMFD]

I would love to see a situation where Scruggs is OK coming off the bench one more year. There are situations in college and pro where your "best 5" don't start. Heck, look at Divincenzo @ Nova. I'd love to see Harden work his way to the starting line-up (or Kennedy, James or TBD SG) and leave Scruggs bringing his PG skills off the bench. Now, if Scruggs and Goodin both drastically improve outside shooting, that starting 5 is great.

I mean, drastically would be nice, but even with how much they improved throughout the season was huge, it was a major question mark, but now you can't sag off Q like everyone used to. I'm sure they'll work on it in the off-season, that's what it's for, and we'll see some more steps forward, but I definitely think those two have to start. They both can slash and are athletic, makes us much better defensively as well

As mentioned beneath, I could see a 3 guard line-up with Harden/Kennedy as the designated 3 point specialist for when we drive and kick, if those guys are as good as billed shooting wise, it could be a great combination. Our biggest wildcard is if Gates can shoot well and break out of that slump he was in end of the season, our offense truly transforms when he contributes.

[Xuperman]

Goodin
Scruggs
Marshall
Jones
Welage in the role of Gates as a stretch 4.
Castlin and Hankins with lots of experience off the bench.
I am predicting James to surprise us all with his physicality. Kid from Huntington Prep is very impressive!
I like this!

[Xuperman]

Going to be interesting to see how much "baby fat" Big Jake can lose in the next 6 months. Stamina is a problem, but if he comes in noticeably leaner/stronger and is able to get back on defense faster, he will contribute some quality minutes. Otherwise he is a perfect candidate for a red shirt.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

Going to be interesting to see how much "baby fat" Big Jake can lose in the next 6 months. Stamina is a problem, but if he comes in noticeably leaner/stronger and is able to get back on defense faster, he will contribute some quality minutes. Otherwise he is a perfect candidate for a red shirt.

There is no way on Earth that a 7 foot kid, on a 10 scholarship team, is going to redshirt. None. Barring an injury, he will be in the rotation during the "buy games" in November.

[Xuperman]

If you say so, but Jake is a very large individual that needed frequent breathers in high school. He is now in the BE. Unless he can shed some lbs, the speed of BE play will be a real problem for him, especially get back for post defense position on missed shots. I am confident CS and staff will hand out 1 or 2 more scholarships if a redshirt is needed but I am also confident our S&C team can get him ready by fall.

[XUGRAD80]

There is no way on Earth that a 7 foot kid, on a 10 scholarship team, is going to redshirt. None. Barring an injury, he will be in the rotation during the "buy games" in November.

Normally I might agree with this, but after seeing him play, I’m not so sure. In reality he is going to be at best a 3rd option at center and doesn’t seem either physically or talent wise ready for major college play. It would seem to be in the best long term interests of both him and Xavier to give him time to develop and improve. No guarantee either way, but it will be interesting to see what happens. Hopefully he will surprise all of us.

[Xuperman]

Yeah, BigMoe apparently commented having not done that. Jake has to vastly improve on his speed from rim to rim or it would make no sense for him to be out there. 5 on 4 is not a good recipe for success.But anyway this is a starting lineup thread. Anyone think TJ can start at the 4 while Hankins get the start at center? Love a traditional POWER forward!

[XMuskieFTW]

Yeah, BigMoe apparently commented having not done that. Jake has to vastly improve on his speed from rim to rim or it would make no sense for him to be out there. 5 on 4 is not a good recipe for success.But anyway this is a starting lineup thread. Anyone think TJ can start at the 4 while Hankins get the start at center? Love a traditional POWER forward!

He will on occasion, but never in a starting line up. Too many teams play small now. It's what the college game has turned into. Would you want Tyrique guarding a Naji or Bluiett type at the 4? He'd get his doors blown off. They also probably won't play much together due to lack of depth at the 5. I don't see Jake playing much, so we don't want our two other bigs out there collecting fouls at the same time.

Only way I see it is if we are playing someone like Seton Hall when they had Sanogo and Delgado or if we go to a 1-3-1 to switch things up. I do love the traditional PF. I remember we played at Creighton a few years back and ended up losing, but we stayed in the game by playing both Farr and Jalen and feeding the ball inside every possession. It's definitely fun to watch.

[Xuperman]

Going to be interesting to see how much "baby fat" Big Jake can lose in the next 6 months. Stamina is a problem, but if he comes in noticeably leaner/stronger and is able to get back on defense faster, he will contribute some quality minutes. Otherwise he is a perfect candidate for a red shirt.

I am guessing the concern about Big Jake that is swirling, is that he is looking to red shirt. I personally hope that he does.