Filling out the last scholarships (Hankins Commit, Castlin Commit, Welage Commit)

[xudash]

Two thoughts:

1. If Castlin is anything like Malcom Bernard, then God blessed us.

2. While I see the logic and a certain amount of validity in analyzing a player's performance statistics from their previous team, I always can't help but think that those data points may not be relevant in a linear kind of way, as the player is stepping into a new team that will possess its own set of dynamics, etc. Yes, the league will be tougher as well, but what if these kids were the "go-to" guys on their respective squads. They would have been scouted and defended accordingly. Either way, they weren't playing with the likes of Q, Scruggs, and Marshal.

If they have the base level of skills to compete at the BE level, then it's up to Travis to coach them up and make them all gel together. I believe God blessed us with Travis, too. I believe he'll form this crew into a solid team that will have a great season. First year coaching blues be damned.

[IM4X]

I'll take Malcom Bernard. Sign me up

Hear, hear!

A point I've made before: If this guy (or any transfer) turns out to be as tenacious a player and as effective at motivating his fellow teammates as Malcom was down the stretch while at X, count me in as being ecstatic about him being on the team.

[bobbiemcgee]

We should have hired Malcolm to speak to the team prior to FSU and maybe a clip of "We got Champions in that locker room" from Stanley at halftime. :ninja:

[MHettel]

Two thoughts:

1. If Castlin is anything like Malcom Bernard, then God blessed us.

2. While I see the logic and a certain amount of validity in analyzing a player's performance statistics from their previous team, I always can't help but think that those data points may not be relevant in a linear kind of way, as the player is stepping into a new team that will possess its own set of dynamics, etc. Yes, the league will be tougher as well, but what if these kids were the "go-to" guys on their respective squads. They would have been scouted and defended accordingly. Either way, they weren't playing with the likes of Q, Scruggs, and Marshal.

If they have the base level of skills to compete at the BE level, then it's up to Travis to coach them up and make them all gel together. I believe God blessed us with Travis, too. I believe he'll form this crew into a solid team that will have a great season. First year coaching blues be damned.

Specifically relating to Castlin...

last year, XU players played a combined 7075 minutes. The team had 579 Assists, and 441 Turnovers.

Converting the minutes to a "per 40 as a team", the squad average 3.3 APG and 2.5 TOPG.

So, a A:TO ratio of 1:1.32.

So, this is the whole team, and I realize we kind of had a high octane offense that probably resulted in more assists due to our catch and shoot approach.

But Castlin's Assist and TOs (per 40) both seem a bit low to me, suggesting he wasnt trying to create much offense (hence low TO and Asst numbers).

Anyway, I felt like getting a better understanding of how the whole team did, and thought i'd just share it.

[Juice]

Specifically relating to Castlin...

last year, XU players played a combined 7075 minutes. The team had 579 Assists, and 441 Turnovers.

Converting the minutes to a "per 40 as a team", the squad average 3.3 APG and 2.5 TOPG.

So, a A:TO ratio of 1:1.32.

So, this is the whole team, and I realize we kind of had a high octane offense that probably resulted in more assists due to our catch and shoot approach.

But Castlin's Assist and TOs (per 40) both seem a bit low to me, suggesting he wasnt trying to create much offense (hence low TO and Asst numbers).

Anyway, I felt like getting a better understanding of how the whole team did, and thought i'd just share it.

Kyle Castlin had an Offensive Rating of 121.7 which was the highest on his team. It's higher than Trevon's and JP's. Now the numbers are skewed because his usage rate and games played/minutes played are much lower but he seems like a pretty efficient player.

[IM4X]

We should have hired Malcolm to speak to the team prior to FSU and maybe a clip of "We got Champions in that locker room" from Stanley at halftime. :ninja:

Yes... but then he would have needed to actually be in the FSU game too - like with that Arizona game- not allowing his teammates to give up and lose even when it looked like some were ready to fold around him.

[xukeith]

Yes... but then he would have needed to actually be in the FSU game too - like with that Arizona game- not allowing his teammates to give up and lose even when it looked like some were ready to fold around him.

Tu Holloway should have been there and taught all how to make free throws and play clutch when down 15-20 points(purdue game) and win.

[IM4X]

Tu Holloway should have been there and taught all how to make free throws and play clutch when down 15-20 points(purdue game) and win.

Yup... or maybe a certain head coach at the time should have done a little more than just show up and go through the motions... you know like actually coach his team when it counted most.

Okay, maybe I'm still a little bitter.

[gladdenguy]

Yup... or maybe a certain head coach at the time should have done a little more than just show up and go through the motions... you know like actually coach his team when it counted most.

Okay, maybe I'm still a little bitter.

Amen

[whopper]

Not bitter, loved Mack but not one of his best efforts. I watched the game 3 times(mercifully aged out of DVR) and the missed foul shots and needless turnovers killed us. The foul shots and turnovers were early in second half and lead of 12 max could have been 18 and we would have moved on. Looking forward to seeing how X guys do in summer league and next year team. Thankful for last 4 years and 95% of colleges would trade with X. I did not sleep that night though

[Steve A]

Looking like it's a 3 horse race for grad transfer Geno Crandall, the best remaining grad transfer on the market. Down to X, Gonzaga, and Minnesota.

http://www.startribune.com/north-dakota-guard-geno-crandall-getting-recruited-hard-as-graduate-transfer/486758891/

[GIMMFD]

Looking like it's a 3 horse race for grad transfer Geno Crandall, the best remaining grad transfer on the market. Down to X, Gonzaga, and Minnesota.

http://www.startribune.com/north-dakota-guard-geno-crandall-getting-recruited-hard-as-graduate-transfer/486758891/

Hopefully we pick him up, been looking at his game since the rumors came out and I think he'd be a splendid addition. Hopefully Ben Johnson can get him in a X uniform and he has some great years for us.

[xu82]

Another shooter would be an awesome addition!

[XUGRAD80]

If his desire is to compete for a NC, Gonzaga will be his choice. If he is interested in a professional BB career, X should be his choice. The contacts he can make by playing in the BE should help him more when it comes to playing in Europe than playing at Gonzaga will. He also may be more of an impact player at X than at Gonzaga, they are loaded. Hope he comes!

[GoMuskies]

I don’t think he’ll have any issues getting into pro ball from Gonzaga. They’ve had more than their share of pros. There aren’t many programs where you get more exposure than Gonzaga.

[xukeith]

I don’t think he’ll have any issues getting into pro ball from Gonzaga. They’ve had more than their share of pros. There aren’t many programs where you get more exposure than Gonzaga.

Well, maybe UK, Duke, UNC, UCLA, Virginia, and Michigan State would disagree as the East Coast lacks Zag coverage.

[Juice]

If his desire is to compete for a NC, Gonzaga will be his choice. If he is interested in a professional BB career, X should be his choice. The contacts he can make by playing in the BE should help him more when it comes to playing in Europe than playing at Gonzaga will. He also may be more of an impact player at X than at Gonzaga, they are loaded. Hope he comes!

Gonzaga has way more guys drafted than X and in the first round.

[GoMuskies]

Well, maybe UK, Duke, UNC, UCLA, Virginia, and Michigan State would disagree as the East Coast lacks Zag coverage.

The east coast gets ESPN, and Gonzaga is on it plenty. But I didn’t say the Zags get more exposure than everyone. Just more than most.

[xu82]

Well, maybe UK, Duke, UNC, UCLA, Virginia, and Michigan State would disagree as the East Coast lacks Zag coverage.

Scouts don’t pick players based on TV coverage.

[DexterBailey84]

Well, maybe UK, Duke, UNC, UCLA, Virginia, and Michigan State would disagree.

yeah that's awesome, you just named 6 schools out of the entire country...... :goodone: :thumbsup:

[scoscox]

Maybe a little over half of their games are on national tv, which is good for a team from a non-power conference, better than anyone else, but significantly less than almost all power conference teams. 100% of our games are on national tv.

[XUGRAD80]

Gonzaga does get coverage, but it’s also coverage that is more apt to be late a night for people in the east. I don’t believe that he has a real shot at being drafted into the NBA, nor is thinking as the NBA as his chance to be a “professional” player. So his best chances are to going to be in Europe. The Big East schools, becaued of their location and easy access to Europe, among other factors, seem to have more contacts with teams in the European leagues.

I’m sure that somebody is going to come on here and say...”what about this guy? Or that guy? They went to a west coast school and they play in Europe!” Fine, maybe that’s true. Who cares? Don’t take it so seriously. Just my casual observation that most of the Xavier players that have gone on to play professional basketball have done so in Europe. Not so much in Asia or Australia. Probably true for most people from schools east of the Mississippi i’m betting. Did I spend hours researching this? No, and I don’t plan to. I’ve better things to do. I swear, some of the people on here are much more concerned with proving themselves “right” than is healthy.

I made a causal observation based on what I’ve seen happen over the years with Xavier players going to play in Europe. Do I really care if that is correct? Not really. It’s just a casual observation. It doesn’t really matter if it’s correct or not, does it? Really, does it?

He will choose to play where he chooses. It’s HIS decision. I certainly hope that his decision is not based on the ramblings and thoughts of anyone HERE. I also certainly hope that nobody HERE let’s his decision either ruin your day or make your day.

[GoMuskies]

Do we need different fonts for items that are open for discussion and those that are just mindless bullshit that everyone should just pretend to accept?

[paulxu]

Do we need different fonts for items that are open for discussion and those that are just mindless bullshit that everyone should just pretend to accept?

You have clearly lost your way and wandered out of the Politics thread and into this one.

[GoMuskies]

You have clearly lost your way and wandered out of the Politics thread and into this one.

Good point. :) All my posts should be read in the "mindless bullshit that everyone should just pretend to accept" font, by the way. Not that I had to tell you!

[XUGRAD80]

Do we need different fonts for items that are open for discussion and those that are just mindless bullshit that everyone should just pretend to accept?


Lighten up Francis

[XUBison]

Gonzaga does get coverage, but it’s also coverage that is more apt to be late a night for people in the east. I don’t believe that he has a real shot at being drafted into the NBA, nor is thinking as the NBA as his chance to be a “professional” player. So his best chances are to going to be in Europe. The Big East schools, becaued of their location and easy access to Europe, among other factors, seem to have more contacts with teams in the European leagues.

I’m sure that somebody is going to come on here and say...”what about this guy? Or that guy? They went to a west coast school and they play in Europe!” Fine, maybe that’s true. Who cares? Don’t take it so seriously. Just my casual observation that most of the Xavier players that have gone on to play professional basketball have done so in Europe. Not so much in Asia or Australia. Probably true for most people from schools east of the Mississippi i’m betting. Did I spend hours researching this? No, and I don’t plan to. I’ve better things to do. I swear, some of the people on here are much more concerned with proving themselves “right” than is healthy.

I made a causal observation based on what I’ve seen happen over the years with Xavier players going to play in Europe. Do I really care if that is correct? Not really. It’s just a casual observation. It doesn’t really matter if it’s correct or not, does it? Really, does it?

He will choose to play where he chooses. It’s HIS decision. I certainly hope that his decision is not based on the ramblings and thoughts of anyone HERE. I also certainly hope that nobody HERE let’s his decision either ruin your day or make your day.

This is such a strange post... on a publuc message board?

[Roadlife]

Gonzaga does get coverage, but it’s also coverage that is more apt to be late a night for people in the east. I don’t believe that he has a real shot at being drafted into the NBA, nor is thinking as the NBA as his chance to be a “professional” player. So his best chances are to going to be in Europe. The Big East schools, becaued of their location and easy access to Europe, among other factors, seem to have more contacts with teams in the European leagues.

I’m sure that somebody is going to come on here and say...”what about this guy? Or that guy? They went to a west coast school and they play in Europe!” Fine, maybe that’s true. Who cares? Don’t take it so seriously. Just my casual observation that most of the Xavier players that have gone on to play professional basketball have done so in Europe. Not so much in Asia or Australia. Probably true for most people from schools east of the Mississippi i’m betting. Did I spend hours researching this? No, and I don’t plan to. I’ve better things to do. I swear, some of the people on here are much more concerned with proving themselves “right” than is healthy.

I made a causal observation based on what I’ve seen happen over the years with Xavier players going to play in Europe. Do I really care if that is correct? Not really. It’s just a casual observation. It doesn’t really matter if it’s correct or not, does it? Really, does it?

He will choose to play where he chooses. It’s HIS decision. I certainly hope that his decision is not based on the ramblings and thoughts of anyone HERE. I also certainly hope that nobody HERE let’s his decision either ruin your day or make your day.

Well said!
Too many experts (read "ex spurts" - defined as "former drips under pressure") on this board and the other one.

[XUGRAD80]

This is such a strange post... on a publuc message board?

It’s one thing to post up an opinion...it’s quite another thing when the purpose of a post is just to point out that the other person is wrong. When the purpose is just to argue. When the purpose is to “show off” ones own knowledge and expertise. IMO, there is far to much of this going on here by some people. Like it really matters if Gonzaga does or does not have more people drafted than X? Like it really matters where a player has a better chance of becoming a professional playing there or at X? Why make it into an argument?

Public DISCUSSION board or not........discussing doesn’t always have to turn into an argument, does it?

[94GRAD]

It’s one thing to post up an opinion...it’s quite another thing when the purpose of a post is just to point out that the other person is wrong. When the purpose is just to argue. When the purpose is to “show off” ones own knowledge and expertise. IMO, there is far to much of this going on here by some people. Like it really matters if Gonzaga does or does not have more people drafted than X? Like it really matters where a player has a better chance of becoming a professional playing there or at X? Why make it into an argument?

Public DISCUSSION board or not........discussing doesn’t always have to turn into an argument, does it?



Is this your first time on the internet? :laugh::laugh::laugh:

[D-West & PO-Z]

It’s one thing to post up an opinion...it’s quite another thing when the purpose of a post is just to point out that the other person is wrong. When the purpose is just to argue. When the purpose is to “show off” ones own knowledge and expertise. IMO, there is far to much of this going on here by some people. Like it really matters if Gonzaga does or does not have more people drafted than X? Like it really matters where a player has a better chance of becoming a professional playing there or at X? Why make it into an argument?

Public DISCUSSION board or not........discussing doesn’t always have to turn into an argument, does it?

Too.....




:biggrin:


(edit: hopefully this is completely obvious as a joke, but ya never know)

[XUGRAD80]

LOL. Good one!

[GIMMFD]

It’s one thing to post up an opinion...it’s quite another thing when the purpose of a post is just to point out that the other person is wrong. When the purpose is just to argue. When the purpose is to “show off” ones own knowledge and expertise. IMO, there is far to much of this going on here by some people. Like it really matters if Gonzaga does or does not have more people drafted than X? Like it really matters where a player has a better chance of becoming a professional playing there or at X? Why make it into an argument?

Public DISCUSSION board or not........discussing doesn’t always have to turn into an argument, does it?

People like to argue for argument sake. I honestly think we as fans read so much more into the decision making process than what these guys are going through. For their age, there's a couple factors on their minds: Do I have a shot at a professional career, is the campus lifestyle going to fit what I want, and do I think I can gel/play/produce for this team? I highly doubt they're researching every single school's top draft picks, what connections they have to Europe, etc. True gamers have confidence in their abilities and will get the exposure if necessary, we can sit here and argue about Gonzaga/Xavier for the next 4 months until Muskie Madness, but it's really not going to influence Geno, he's going to pick what he feels right for him, as he should. I mean hell, look at the dumpster fire programs around the country that are still getting commitments, people are going to pick what's attractive/right for them at the end of the day, no matter what.

[xu koop scoop]

I really wish we had an ongoing home and home series with Gonzaga. Nuff said.

[xukeith]

yeah that's awesome, you just named 6 schools out of the entire country...... :goodone: :thumbsup:
There aren’t many programs where you get more exposure than Gonzaga. Was Go Muskies' quote.

Lots of teams get more exposure. That was my point. :goodone, :thumbsup

[noteggs]

Didn’t know where to post this question so forgive me if it should be somewhere else...

Last year Saddiq Bey was close to 100% going to commit to X based off experts. Obviously at the end, they had it down to X and NCS with him chosing State. Question I have, why did he leave a school like NCS over potential playing time and choose Villanova? Numbers game I get with 4 leaving early for NBA. I realize after Peg’s left (the main recruiter), his chances of choosing X were slim to none.

Bottom line, I really like his game and potential and think he’s going to be a thorn in our side for 3 or 4 years.

[xu95]

I don't think we were ever going to land Bey. We supposably were second to Miami when he was going to commit there. Then the FBI stuff happened and he decided Miami wasn't his choice, so he should have picked Xavier right? I mean come on we finished second. Wrong, NC State here I come. And now Villanova. I don't know who Bey was talking to, but he had them all suckered.

xu95

[XU 87]

Last year Saddiq Bey was close to 100% going to commit to X based off experts.

XU 95's post above is accurate re: Bey recruitment. At best, X was a very distant second place, with plenty of teams being able to move in front of X.

[bjf123]

Per Shannon Russell today, Jake Walter is not on campus, and she has no other information on him. Everyone else is on campus except Ryan Welage who’s finishing up some academic obligations at San Jose State.


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[GIMMFD]

Per Shannon Russell today, Jake Walter is not on campus, and she has no other information on him. Everyone else is on campus except Ryan Welage who’s finishing up some academic obligations at San Jose State.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Maybe the rumors are true, is it surprising that there isn't more news about this, or is it hushed up because he's a minor still?? I'm not 100% sure why we haven't heard much, granted legal proceedings can take a while.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Doesn’t that leave us at 10?


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[drudy23]

I'm guessing Shannon knows the story, she just isn't reporting it.

[DexterBailey84]

Geno Crandall decision coming tomorrow apparently...any word on how he's leaning?

[paulxu]

Geno Crandall decision coming tomorrow apparently...any word on how he's leaning?

http://www.xavierhoops.com/showthread.php?32925-Geno-Crandall

[DexterBailey84]

thanks

[webxu]

Crandall Picks Zags... :(

[Cheesehead]

he's dead to me!

[noteggs]

I’m disappointed that Crandall didn’t choose X. What makes me more concerned is that we’re trying to pickup our 4th grad transfer for next year...How does this happen with very good program like X? Storied program...no, but better than this.

Don’t know what situation was in 2015 recruitment with Gates being the only one signed, but what happened to X in recruiting after what was considered our best year in 2014 (minus last year...what and see). If this has already been discussed, please disregard ...

[smileyy]

Did Miller and Mack both swing and miss on a recruiting class or two and then decide that they can't recruit at Xavier?

[scoscox]

Transfers and ineligible players from last years class, maybe the walter situation from this year, losing kaiser, and missing on a few guys last year all added up, plus crandall would be our 13th scholly I think, so adding a 4th transfer is more of a luxury than a necessity

[xavier513]

Transfers and ineligible players from last years class, maybe the walter situation from this year, losing kaiser, and missing on a few guys last year all added up, plus crandall would be our 13th scholly I think, so adding a 4th transfer is more of a luxury than a necessity

Excluding Walter, Xavier has 10 scholarship players for next year.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

I’m disappointed that Crandall didn’t choose X. What makes me more concerned is that we’re trying to pickup our 4th grad transfer for next year...How does this happen with very good program like X? Storied program...no, but better than this.

Don’t know what situation was in 2015 recruitment with Gates being the only one signed, but what happened to X in recruiting after what was considered our best year in 2014 (minus last year...what and see). If this has already been discussed, please disregard ...

While I understand the frustration over what led to the situation (previous recruiting classes, transfers, etc.), I would rather not enter the season with only 5 (4.5) returning players and 2 freshmen. Steele did what he had to do to put together a competitive roster for the season. It shouldn't have happened, but it did. It shouldn't, and most likely won't, be an annual occurrence.

[XUOHTX]

Did Miller and Mack both swing and miss on a recruiting class or two and then decide that they can't recruit at Xavier?

I would be interested in more digging on this theory.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Fact is, The day X gets a final four things will change. Gonzaga got the monkey off of its back and look at Few now. He isn’t killing it but he gets who he wants. That is impressive with the conference and location.


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[Cincypunk.org]

What is the deal with Walter?

[smileyy]

What is the deal with Walter?

From the limited news, he appears to be accused of _____________t. Not much is really public because he (and the alleged victim?) are/we're minors.

[GIMMFD]

While I understand the frustration over what led to the situation (previous recruiting classes, transfers, etc.), I would rather not enter the season with only 5 (4.5) returning players and 2 freshmen. Steele did what he had to do to put together a competitive roster for the season. It shouldn't have happened, but it did. It shouldn't, and most likely won't, be an annual occurrence.

Yeah agreed, it's just unfortunate circumstances to where we have to go after grad transfers, it's not ideal, but Steele has done well into filling out the roster for this year and beyond. Also lost Gates this year which we didn't expect, so that didn't help, plus Bordeaux changing his mind. It shouldn't and won't be happening often, the bright side is that we're still in on some impressive 2019 recruits, which means we're still trending upwards.

[TUclutch]

From the limited news, he appears to be accused of __________lt. Not much is really public because he (and the alleged victim?) are/we're minors.

Where are you seeing "limited news".
I have found absolutely nothing on it and we probably shouldn't post about it without sources in the media

[stammina0721]

Did Miller and Mack both swing and miss on a recruiting class or two and then decide that they can't recruit at Xavier?

I think this is the case to an extent. We get good guys but not the NBA ready player. Of course this program was not built on that and getting those kids guarantees nothing... look at LSU 2 years ago. I really think X needs to explore the international scene to get to the next level

[94GRAD]

I think this is the case to an extent. We get good guys but not the NBA ready player. Of course this program was not built on that and getting those kids guarantees nothing... look at LSU 2 years ago. I really think X needs to explore the international scene to get to the next level

Pleaase name for us the programs that went Internatinal to get them to the "next level."

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I think this is the case to an extent. We get good guys but not the NBA ready player. Of course this program was not built on that and getting those kids guarantees nothing... look at LSU 2 years ago. I really think X needs to explore the international scene to get to the next level

Few does that. I like the idea, but I feel like the second tier teams like us have a chance now when we hit on a good class. We take that class all four years and fill in gaps with grad transfers. Some coaches hate them, but they are making basketball competitive.


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[JTG]

Pleaase name for us the programs that went Internatinal to get them to the "next level."

Gonzaga, has had International players for past 10 years.

[94GRAD]

Gonzaga, has had International players for past 10 years.

But they've been at their level for the last 15/20 years

[JTG]

Gonzaga was at the same level as X until they made the FF. They have not been at a different level for 20 yrs.

[GIMMFD]

Gonzaga was at the same level as X until they made the FF. They have not been at a different level for 20 yrs.

This. The only difference is that they made the Final Four, and beat us to get there, if that game goes differently, we wouldn't even have this conversation. I think international players are a good option if necessary, but in reality most of them are playing for club teams overseas. You think a Luka Doncic type of player wants to come to a new country to earn zero dollars when he can live comfortably at 18 back home? He's going to get exposure either way if he's good enough with how much the NBA is scouting Europe these days, it's just hard to convince a team transcending talent that he should come to the states unless his family is well off, or he really wants that experience in my opinion.

[sirthought]

Pleaase name for us the programs that went Internatinal to get them to the "next level."

Do you watch college ball outside of X games? You do the research. But multiple programs have looked overseas to make their team stronger. I'm surprised we haven't a long time ago.

[xufan02]

Xavier tried once in the international market and got burned; Alexander Vezenkov. He committed and then signed a pro contract in Greece instead, and eventually in 2017 was a second round NBA pick.

I know mining the international market can be fruitful, but you need connections and it really bursts the recruiting budget. If you look at Saint Mary's, they have an Aussie connection. It has done them well but it hasn't made them NCAA tournament contenders every year.

[XUGRAD80]

There are a lot of obsticals to international recruiting.....cost is a major one. Lack of contacts and lack of qualified candidates is another. Watching the recruiting sites for JUCO and 4-year colleges, I see a lot of international players going the JUCO Route initially, or D-2 and even D-3. I don’t see many going straight into major D-1. Doesn’t mean there aren’t some, but there aren’t many. There seem to be far more D-1 ready players just in the states of Georgia or Texas than there is in the whole of Europe. Why go to Europe when you can go watch a tourney like the Peach Jam in Atlanta, and see hundreds of kids (some of whom are international players here at Prep schools) all in one week? If Xavier can just land 5 of the players that they offers out to right now for 2019, they will have a great class coming in.

[xukeith]

There are a lot of obsticals to international recruiting.....cost is a major one. Lack of contacts and lack of qualified candidates is another. Watching the recruiting sites for JUCO and 4-year colleges, I see a lot of international players going the JUCO Route initially, or D-2 and even D-3. I don’t see many going straight into major D-1. Doesn’t mean there aren’t some, but there aren’t many. There seem to be far more D-1 ready players just in the states of Georgia or Texas than there is in the whole of Europe. Why go to Europe when you can go watch a tourney like the Peach Jam in Atlanta, and see hundreds of kids (some of whom are international players here at Prep schools) all in one week? If Xavier can just land 5 of the players that they offers out to right now for 2019, they will have a great class coming in.

I would be ecstatic with 5. Happy with 3. Disappointed with 2.

[XUGRAD80]

I would be ecstatic with 5. Happy with 3. Disappointed with 2.

I agree.

[GIMMFD]

I would be ecstatic with 5. Happy with 3. Disappointed with 2.

I think we're gonna end up between 3-4, but if it's something like Elias King, Armaan Franklin, Zeke Nnaji, Daniel Ramsey, Jaylin Williams, or Dontaie Allen, any 3 or 4 or those guys and we have a phenomenal class to be ecstatic about. Recruiting is a fickle game, wish Curtis didn't decommit, would have been nice to have 2 guys committed already.

[XUGRAD80]

After reading comments made by Nnaji and written about him, on Rivals I would be totally shocked if he ends up at Xavier. Not even sure based on that report that X is even in his top 5. But X has about 3 dozen 2019 offers out, and is making more it seems every day, so I think that 4 really good playes, and even 5 if things work out, is going to happen. I don’t see any more 2018 players being added to the mix.

[IM4X]

Nice to see we are in good with a number of versatile guys who could play the 1, 2 or 3. Gotta make sure we lock up a big, though. I don't care if the guy is an athletic beast (like D Brown) or just a big body with soft hands (like Stainbrook), let's Just get a get a commitment form a talented 6'9" + player soon.

[GIMMFD]

Nice to see we are in good with a number of versatile guys who could play the 1, 2 or 3. Gotta make sure we lock up a big, though. I don't care if the guy is an athletic beast (like D Brown) or just a big body with soft hands (like Stainbrook), let's Just get a get a commitment form a talented 6'9" + player soon.

Yeah that's our biggest thing, even if Franklin commits, that's just another combo guard, we definitely need one or two big bodies in this class, and really hoping to get a skilled guy that can play that role soon.

[xufan02]

When it is all said and done I think Xavier will get 4 guys in the 2019 class. A big, another combo forward, and a ballhandler/bucket getter to go with Elias King.

I think Xavier will get a third big for the 2019-2020 season from the grad transfer market. If they miss out, you can play small ball with Dontarius James as your third big.

[XUGRAD80]

Nnaji puts out his,list of schools he will be visiting.....and X is not on it. But Creighton and OSU are.

[AviatorX]

Nnaji puts out his,list of schools he will be visiting.....and X is not on it. But Creighton and OSU are.

Not a huge secret that this one is trending above X's level. He got an offer from Kansas yesterday. Wouldn't rule out IU at all either if Archie makes a push.

[noteggs]

Not a huge secret that this one is trending above X's level. He got an offer from Kansas yesterday. Wouldn't rule out IU at all either if Archie makes a push.

Might be above X, but not Creighton’s?

[noteggs]

Not a huge secret that this one is trending above X's level. He got an offer from Kansas yesterday. Wouldn't rule out IU at all either if Archie makes a push.

Might be above X, but not Creighton’s?

[AviatorX]

Might be above X, but not Creighton’s?

Definitely above theirs too, I mean the guy semi-announced like 13 visits. Creighton's staff can use their limited time/resources how they see fit but seems like a loooooong shot.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I heard ASU and KU's Sam Cunliffe was on campus. I have read on other boards he may have committed via snapchat. I don't want this guy, all signs point to him being a bad basketball players. He is tall, an athlete, 3 point shooter, but bad at defense and everything else.

[GoMuskies]

I live in Kansas and have never heard of this guy. That's not a good sign. But if he is on scholarship at KU, he's probably not terrible.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I live in Kansas and have never heard of this guy. That's not a good sign. But if he is on scholarship at KU, he's probably not terrible.

He was a top 40 recruit and play 10 games or so at ASU before transferring to KU. He played half a season there and never broke into the lineup. He left when Vick came back.

He had some film crew at ASU when he first got there, but he did shoot 40% from 3.


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[mistabeecee41]

He was a top 40 recruit and play 10 games or so at ASU before transferring to KU. He played half a season there and never broke into the lineup. He left when Vick came back.

He had some film crew at ASU when he first got there, but he did shoot 40% from 3.


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I mean unless Steele and Co have a bad feeling about where things stand with Beverley/Gaffney/Bishop/Franklin, i'd say no thanks.

[GIMMFD]

I mean unless Steele and Co have a bad feeling about where things stand with Beverley/Gaffney/Bishop/Franklin, i'd say no thanks.

I agree, I'm a little weary about him transferring twice already, I understand places aren't a great fit, and things happen, but that doesn't seem to be a great sign. 40% from the three is good, but never breaking the line up is bad. I'd much rather see if we get one of the combo guards here and develop them before saying yes to Cuncliffe.

[sirthought]

I haven't seen him play, but the fact that he started all 10 games he played as a freshman at ASU before deciding to transfer says they thought a good deal about his game. And getting a shot to play for KU doesn't happen for just anyone.

On the positive side for whatever team he joins: He's already 21 and wants to prove himself, so he's got a drive and (hopefully) maturity that younger players take time to develop. He's already been through two different D1 college systems, so he's trained for offense and defense in a way that younger players haven't yet. He may have even absorbed some leadership skills that could be useful to younger players.

If this kid wasn't cracking the KU rotation then it's obvious he has some work to do, but with a different system and personnel he might be a positive addition. He'd also be a solid competition asset in practices during his sit out year. My biggest concern is his age and after needing to sit out, will he actually want to stay two years or move on to some pro opportunity.

[XUGRAD80]

I trust that the coaches will consider all of the pros and cons, be able to view tape, and will actually talk with all parties involved, before they make a decision. Since they have already invited him to visit, and he has already visited, I’m confident that they have already done quite a bit of groundwork. Unless someone doesn’t think that the coaching staff can evaluate potential players effectively and accurately, I see no reason to be concerned. In addition, it’s not likely that he will necessarily be a key cog for the team. Sometimes you take a flyer on a player because of the potential that they may have and because of the faith you have in yourself as a coach to bring that potential out. They have some open scholarships, they haven’t much value if they aren’t filled.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Sometimes they take a kid as a favor. We all know it happens, I just don't want a locker room issue.

[scoscox]

Evansville it is

[sirthought]

Well he certainly should get his minutes there. I hope if works out for them.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I am not disappointed one bit about this.

[XUGRAD80]

I’m very surprised......not that he is not going to X, but that he is going to Evansville.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I’m very surprised......not that he is not going to X, but that he is going to Evansville.

He should have stayed at ASU, but I think he was a locker room issue. Not that he was crazy, the team just didn't like him that much.

[GIMMFD]

He should have stayed at ASU, but I think he was a locker room issue. Not that he was crazy, the team just didn't like him that much.

Soo he went from being on our campus, to heading to Evansville?? That just seems strange in my books, but I guess weird things happen all the time. I'm okay with it, hopefully we land another top 19' recruit instead.

[GoMuskies]

Soo he went from being on our campus, to heading to Evansville??

The bizarro Chris Mack

[Muskie]

The bizarro Chris Mack
I'm in on this thread before someone complains that we lost a recruit to Evansville and the sky is falling!

[UCGRAD4X]

I'm in on this thread before someone complains that we lost a recruit to Evansville and the sky is falling!

What!!! We lost a recruit to Evansville and the sky is falling?

Steele's dead to me. Fire him NOW!

[bjf123]

What!!! We lost a recruit to Evansville and the sky is falling?

Steele's dead to me. Fire him NOW!

Public reps! [emoji16]


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[xudash]

What!!! We lost a recruit to Evansville and the sky is falling?

Steele's dead to me. Fire him NOW!

Well done!

[paulxu]

I'm so use to years of Fire Chris Mack, I'm having trouble making the switch.

[Lloyd Braun]

Rule of thumb for response to lost recruiting battle to avoid sky falling mentality-

Recruit picks “less accomplished” program: He wants more PT that X can’t guarantee, and he probably isn’t that talented anyways.
Recruit picks large state school/football school: He doesn’t care about his education so I’m glad he won’t be at X!

[ArizonaXUGrad]

In this case, I am no fan of Cunliffe's game. McCarty needs bodies at Evansville and has to give a kid with that shot a lot of PT. It is a win/win.

[IM4X]

Rule of thumb for response to lost recruiting battle to avoid sky falling mentality-

Recruit picks “less accomplished” program: He wants more PT that X can’t guarantee because he isn’t quite as talented as some others who will be playing at X.
Recruit picks large state school/football school: He doesn’t care about his education so I’m glad he won’t be at X!


Bingo.

[XUGRAD80]

A quick look at the transfers list on Verbal Commit site (all 800 of them) shows many many players that have left a “big time” school and transferred to a smaller school in a less competitive league. There are far more of those than there are of players moving up from smaller programs to the big time...such as X has a couple of. There can be more than a few reasons why a student/player chooses to do this, but playing time is almost for certain going to be a part of the decision. No one likes to just sit on the bench and play only at garbage time, and I wouldn’t want a player that did.

[Sonoran Desert Muskie]

I’m surprised if X had Cunliffe on campus for a visit. He’s a great athlete but his teammates at ASU couldn’t stand the guy and he was a very selfish player. Maybe he matured while at KU, but I’m glad he’s going elsewhere.

[XUGRAD80]

I’m surprised if X had Cunliffe on campus for a visit. He’s a great athlete but his teammates at ASU couldn’t stand the guy and he was a very selfish player. Maybe he matured while at KU, but I’m glad he’s going elsewhere.

Not sure exactly who pays for visits from potential transfers. I know that “official” visits by regular recruits are paid for by the schools, and that there is a limit on how many a school can host every year, but I wonder what rules there are for potential transfers. Anyone know?

[GoMuskies]

Hankins did the mile in 5:19. That's motoring, particularly for a big guy. If basketball doesn't work out, maybe cross country?

[whopper]

that is amazing time for a big guy. I think him and hopefully Welage view this as a chance for visibility at the next level as there is a "recency bias" in scouting for your most recent effort If he plays 25 min a game no need to keep anything in reserve. I look forward to seeing this year's team (although I watched the Colorado game from last year on youtube) and would be satisfied with a week 2 sweet 16 appearance which is a stretch.