Press conference

[KFX]

Press Conference scheduled today. Anyone think any coaches will be named? Also, does Growe get a promotion?

Would like to hear Steele state his vision for the program and not just continue "what Mack has done" etc.. I think he needs to set his demarcation point and make it clear that he will do a few things differently (not change for change's sake) but surely he has ideas that can improve the program. In MBA they said that each new leader should set out 3 things that will change from the outset, two that are achievable in a year and one that is a stretch. Gives the top guy credibility while keeping the "vision thing" As these are accomplished other goals are switched in.

I'm not expecting something as rote as that but I would like to hear how his approach will be different than the other guy's.

By the way, this post was originally just about finding a link to the press conference, having found that and feeling rather stupid, the post has morphed into something more substantive. (I hope - ed.)

[XUGRAD80]

Not open to the public, but can watch online at 3pm at goxavier.com

[KFX]

Not open to the public, but can watch online at 3pm at goxavier.com

Thank you.

[xu95]

The only coach that will be named is Travis Steele. If he had hired someone else already we would have known about it.

xu95

[xukeith]

The only coach that will be named is Travis Steele. If he had hired someone else already we would have known about it.

xu95
I did listen to a 25-30 minute interview with him.
he says next year with Scruggs, Goodin and Marshall, X will be extremely defensive and very quick in transition. He hopes offensive rebounding will be successful.

[drudy23]

Mack had like 10 offers out within his first hour on the job.

I would hope some progress has been made in the last week.

Xavier is also not the most transparent place in the world either (which is annoying), so who knows what's in the works and what's not.

[Cheesehead]

R-e-l-ax

[chico]

Any word in whether or not he's bringing back pre-game Mass?

In all seriousness, I think it would be a nice touch to bring back the custom of having a priest on the bench.

[JTG]

Any word in whether or not he's bringing back pre-game Mass?

In all seriousness, I think it would be a nice touch to bring back the custom of having a priest on the bench.

I'm old enough to remember Fr. Carter being on the bench when Staak was coach. Did other coaches have priests on the bench ?

[xukeith]

Any word in whether or not he's bringing back pre-game Mass?

In all seriousness, I think it would be a nice touch to bring back the custom of having a priest on the bench.

I totally agree. Represent a Catholic school with some Catholic representation. A priest on bench would be HUGE. Mass before each game is ideal.

[paulxu]

Are you all dissing on Sister Rose sitting behind the bench?

[xukeith]

If Sr. Rose wore a habit, I would have no problem. Optics is everything now. Is X Catholic? Show what that means with a priest or row of nuns (in habit)behind the bench.

[JTG]

Masses, priests, nuns, why stop there. Let's change the mascot to a Pope, and serve wine and wafers at Cintas. Flying nun cheerleaders, and as a miracle we beat Nova.

[xukeith]

Masses, priests, nuns, why stop there. Let's change the mascot to a Pope, and serve wine and wafers at Cintas. Flying nun cheerleaders, and as a miracle we beat Nova.

Very funny.lol The average fan and student has no clue what a Catholic means or what the heck a Jesuit is. So at a minimum, show something Catholic at the games and on TV. SOMETHING. Maybe before the Cintas home games, they could have Eucharist procession around the center. Fans would love it.

[flatspat]

I thought I saw an X pope at the Keg Room in NYC

[Cheesehead]

Fr. LaRoccca used to be on the bench, I believe.

[X Factor]

Masses, priests, nuns, why stop there. Let's change the mascot to a Pope, and serve wine and wafers at Cintas. Flying nun cheerleaders, and as a miracle we beat Nova.

If Coach Steele sweeps Nova next year, I think Saint Travis has a good ring to it.

[markchal]

If Sr. Rose wore a habit, I would have no problem. Optics is everything now. Is X Catholic? Show what that means with a priest or row of nuns (in habit)behind the bench.

I am afraid to respond to this sincerely because I'm 99.99 percent sure it's sarcastic.

[xu95]

I'm ok with a priest sitting at the end of the bench. I believe Villanova has one too. I don't think you should mandate that a non Catholic, which I am assuming most if not all of these players are, attend a mass. A pre-game prayer is one thing, a mass is another.

xu95

[GoMuskies]

Most Catholic schools aren't overtly religious. It's one of the best things about Catholic schools compared to other religious schools.

[Masterofreality]

Travis talked a bit about pressing more, although that will be a factor of roster depth more than anything else I imagine.

As to priests on the bench, Loyola did not have one on the bench and Sister Jean is team chaplain. If Sister Jean wasn't in a wheelchair she would be in the stands like she always was before....and like Sister Rose. Whatever. No issue.

[Masterofreality]

Most Catholics aren't overtly religious. It's one of the best things about Catholics compared to other religious.

Fixed that for you. :lol:

[GoMuskies]

Fixed that for you. :lol:

Boom. 100% improved.

[xu 89]

Sister Rose on the bench a few years ago would have been great.....she could have held Nancy Gates back from sucker punching Kenny.

[X Factor]

Greg Christopher already mentions the mystery surrounding the age of Travis Steeele.

[X Factor]

Steele: "Recruiting is the bloodline of our program."

[xudash]

I do believe we're going to enjoy this era of Xavier basketball.

[xuwin]

I was disappointed in the depth of the questioning by the media. They must have been handcuffed.

[Olsingledigit]

If Sr. Rose wore a habit, I would have no problem. Optics is everything now. Is X Catholic? Show what that means with a priest or row of nuns (in habit)behind the bench.
You are joking right? Did Sister Jeanne wear a habit? Sr Rose always has the cross pin denoting her position on.

[GoMuskies]

I'm pretty sure that pin IS her habit.

[Olsingledigit]

Fr. LaRoccca used to be on the bench, I believe.

Don't believe so and certainly hope not. The worst example of a Catholic priest I have ever known.

[xudash]

"We were prepared." The work began in January. The work began in the last half of the basketball season.

I don't want to read too much into that. I'm going "glass half full" as far as that goes, and simply assume that means that Greg thought it a good idea to be prepared JUST IN CASE.

I can't for the life of me believe that Mack could have made his intentions public at that point.

BTW, I seriously doubt the media were handcuffed during the presser. It's a "softball' event at a major university that has demonstrated success at this transitional task for decades. They weren't going to reveal name of other serious candidates. Specifics with respect to recruiting and other program management issues weren't going to be gotten into today.

Overall, the fact that Travis has framed the visioning into this "2%" funnel is a good thing in my mind.

He'll now hit the ground running.

[bobbiemcgee]

Made me laugh when he said JP, Tre, KK weren't the best defenders. Understatement.

[X Factor]

Made me laugh when he said JP, Tre, KK weren't the best defenders. Understatement.

Yeah, he said, "Hate to break the news..." :lol:

[chico]

I'm ok with a priest sitting at the end of the bench. I believe Villanova has one too. I don't think you should mandate that a non Catholic, which I am assuming most if not all of these players are, attend a mass. A pre-game prayer is one thing, a mass is another.

xu95

I was kidding about the Mass - that goes way back to one of the old boards when someone would make a big deal about bringing it back.

As for a priest, I simply think it's a nice touch that's not an over the top type show of faith.

[Muskeagle]

If Coach Steele sweeps Nova next year, I think Saint Travis has a good ring to it.

Well, that would be two "miracles" to point to to help get it through.

[drudy23]

Better recruits...better recruits...better recruits. Starts and ends here, with his imprint in between.

Let's do it.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Aside from every detail that actually matters, Coach Steele's press conference made me happy that I won't have to see the same damn blue shirt and silver tie every single game. Did that bother anyone else?

[OTRMUSKIE]

Did Steele’s wife come out in anything sexy?

[OTRMUSKIE]

I think this nun can sit on the bench anytime.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F569AGO/ref=asc_df_B00F569AGO5427826/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=395033&creativeASIN=B00F569AGO&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242019590609&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5423670905255344478&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9015719&hvtargid=pla-403425702235#immersive-view_1522877356834

[X Factor]

Well, that would be two "miracles" to point to to help get it through.

Beating Nova twice is going to take two miracles.

[smileyy]

"We were prepared." The work began in January. The work began in the last half of the basketball season.

I don't want to read too much into that. I'm going "glass half full" as far as that goes, and simply assume that means that Greg thought it a good idea to be prepared JUST IN CASE.

I can't for the life of me believe that Mack could have made his intentions public at that point.


Yeah, things don't have to be public to be inevitable or at least very likely to happen. Good to be prepared. Good for XU.

[nuts4xu]

Very funny.lol The average fan and student has no clue what a Catholic means or what the heck a Jesuit is. So at a minimum, show something Catholic at the games and on TV. SOMETHING. Maybe before the Cintas home games, they could have Eucharist procession around the center. Fans would love it.

Have you been to the Cintas Center lately? Every game we have a goofy priest do a strip tease at the behest of our student section from his private luxury box behind the home team bench. And we serve beer at every home game.

It doesn’t get more catholic than that.

[xu82]

Have you been to the Cintas Center lately? Every game we have a goofy priest do a strip tease at the behest of our student section from his private luxury box behind the home team bench. And we serve beer at every home game.

It doesn’t get more catholic than that.

If only they would include a fish fry!

...at least on Fridays.

[paulxu]

There is a fish fry every Thurs, Fri and Sat around here.
They are called Fish Camps.
Curiously, there aren't many Catholics.

[JTG]

Did Steele’s wife come out in anything sexy?

Ok, I appreciate a fine looking lady as much as the next guy. But, talking about, and posting pictures of the coach's wife in bikinis borders on creepy, and should probably cease.

[XUBison]

"We were prepared." The work began in January. The work began in the last half of the basketball season.

I don't want to read too much into that. I'm going "glass half full" as far as that goes, and simply assume that means that Greg thought it a good idea to be prepared JUST IN CASE.

I can't for the life of me believe that Mack could have made his intentions public at that point.

I didn’t see the presser. Were these comments by Steele or Christopher? Regardless, I can only shake my head at this. I 100% agree... It is hard enough to believe Mack was allowing himself to be distracted in January with another job opportunity, especially with his best team, one laden with seniors who had given so much to him. If he is such a prick to have engaged another program mid-season, it’s still bizarre to think he wouldn’t have kept things closer to the vest.

We all know the rumors that Mack’s conversations with Skanksville went way back into the season, but to me, the lack of professionalism this would have required made the rumors hard to believe. That said, what the hell else was Christopher/Steele referring to here? It’s almost as hard to believe, without cause, X was simply being proactive back in January. What would that even mean? And what would the relevance of January have been? Mack either made it quietly known he was dealing with skanksville, or he was so damn distracted that it was obvious to anyone close to him. Either way, screw Mack.

I have to believe this bothered Christopher/Steele, or why even mention it? It seems almost like a shot across Mack’s bow, as if to publicly acknowledge, “we know what you were up to turdface.” Again, I didn’t see the presser, so maybe I’m off base here.

[bleedXblue]

Our fan base just makes me shake my head at times. It is shoot first, aim second all the time. We think we know how things played out and the mention of the preparation beginning in January must indicate something sinister and devious by Mack. How about a scenario where Christopher pressed Mack back in January on what his interest may be in UL? Maybe Mack was honest with him and said he just might be interested? Seems pretty reasonable to me to think it could have played out close to this..............but whatever some of you need to do to make yourself feel better.

[Backyard Champ]

Ok, I appreciate a fine looking lady as much as the next guy. But, talking about, and posting pictures of the coach's wife in bikinis borders on creepy, and should probably cease.

100 percent agree. When I saw that behavior on xavierhoops it came across as creepy and old. Thought X fans would have a little bit of respect and be more classy than that.

[Ole blue eyes]

Our fan base just makes me shake my head at times. It is shoot first, aim second all the time. We think we know how things played out and the mention of the preparation beginning in January must indicate something sinister and devious by Mack. How about a scenario where Christopher pressed Mack back in January on what his interest may be in UL? Maybe Mack was honest with him and said he just might be interested? Seems pretty reasonable to me to think it could have played out close to this..............but whatever some of you need to do to make yourself feel better.

Agree 100%, but for CM to discuss his level of interest with his boss, it indicates to me he must have had some in depth discussion with the U of Losers prior to Jan.

[XUBison]

Our fan base just makes me shake my head at times. It is shoot first, aim second all the time. We think we know how things played out and the mention of the preparation beginning in January must indicate something sinister and devious by Mack. How about a scenario where Christopher pressed Mack back in January on what his interest may be in UL? Maybe Mack was honest with him and said he just might be interested? Seems pretty reasonable to me to think it could have played out close to this..............but whatever some of you need to do to make yourself feel better.

Yeah okay, whatever. And then there’s the real world, where sometimes people disappoint you. Whatever the truth is, one thing is for sure... Mack is a turdface.

[xudash]

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/2018/04/04/travis-steele-era-underway-after-his-official-xavier-basketball-introduction-head-coach/487008002/

[XUBison]

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/2018/04/04/travis-steele-era-underway-after-his-official-xavier-basketball-introduction-head-coach/487008002/

Steele is already pushing for improved facilities? That’s aggressive... I like it.

[GIMMFD]

Steele is already pushing for improved facilities? That’s aggressive... I like it.

A man with a plan, I like it, I'm very excited to see what he's about. Sounds like he's got big aspirations, and is trying to make sure the Xavier brand grows, I like his plan, seems like he's going to be charismatic and fun, interested to see how he rounds out the staff, but I'm pretty optimistic right now.

[TUclutch]

I was disappointed in the depth of the questioning by the media. They must have been handcuffed.

Wrong. The press conference was not intended to be too in depth. Travis gave sit down 1 on1s with multiple people on podcasts and to Shannon Russel for the Athletic. Pay for the content and you'll get what you seek

[nuts4xu]

Steele is already pushing for improved facilities? That’s aggressive... I like it.

Why not, his wife’s family has already PAID for upgraded facilities. If they need funding the McCaw family can always shake the couch cushions for some more loose change.

http://goxavier.com/news/2016/2/26/athletic-department-construction-of-the-new-xavier-strength-and-conditioning-center-is-underway-thanks-to-the-generosity-of-the-mccaw-family-charitable-fund.aspx

[nuts4xu]

100 percent agree. When I saw that behavior on xavierhoops it came across as creepy and old. Thought X fans would have a little bit of respect and be more classy than that.

Creepy and old? You talking about me?

[bleedXblue]

Why not, his wife’s family has already PAID for upgraded facilities. If they need funding the McCaw family can always shake the couch cushions for some more loose change.

http://goxavier.com/news/2016/2/26/athletic-department-construction-of-the-new-xavier-strength-and-conditioning-center-is-underway-thanks-to-the-generosity-of-the-mccaw-family-charitable-fund.aspx

I wonder what business the McCaw family is in?

[GoMuskies]

Quick Google says they owned Belcan. Then sold it.

[Muskie in dayton]

100 percent agree. When I saw that behavior on xavierhoops it came across as creepy and old. Thought X fans would have a little bit of respect and be more classy than that.

Are you kidding? X needs to promote the heck out of this. Those pics should be used on marketing materials and donation solicitations. That’s why Coach is talking about upgrades facilities - he knows ticket sales are going up! He should also take her on recruiting visits. She’s Our secret weapon to bring home that national championship!

[pimpinthebox]

Have you been to the Cintas Center lately? Every game we have a goofy priest do a strip tease at the behest of our student section from his private luxury box behind the home team bench. And we serve beer at every home game.

It doesn’t get more catholic than that.

I was getting on this thread to comment on just that, Nuts. I mean, honestly, Father Graham really needs to consider retiring that creepy act. Makes me uncomfortable.

[jhelmes37]

I was getting on this thread to comment on just that, Nuts. I mean, honestly, Father Graham really needs to consider retiring that creepy act. Makes me uncomfortable.

Honestly, if I'm a student, I absolutely refuse.

They actually like it and cheer for it every game.

It's so cringe-worthy. A grown-ass man taking off his sweater and waving it around his head at the request of 18-22 year olds.

And they go wild.............huh?

[BandAid]

I think we just saw a little bit of a Xavier recruiting pitch in that pres conference. Love it. Sign me up.

[Masterofreality]

Ok, I appreciate a fine looking lady as much as the next guy. But, talking about, and posting pictures of the coach's wife in bikinis borders on creepy, and should probably cease.


100 percent agree. When I saw that behavior on xavierhoops it came across as creepy and old. Thought X fans would have a little bit of respect and be more classy than that.

Welp. Xavierhoops wasn’t the cause of that. The national media site Busted Coverage, that has a LOT larger National reach than this site. had those pictures. They even quoted something from Amanda McCaws wedding website. This is not some surreptitious creepy thing. You may not like it, but Amanda is a public figure now and the media is going to dig somewhere and find pictures. This is not the Victorian Age anymore. Lighten up, Francis.

[xuwin]

100 percent agree. When I saw that behavior on xavierhoops it came across as creepy and old. Thought X fans would have a little bit of respect and be more classy than that.

I would assume that she didn't mind being seen in a bikini or she wouldn't have worn one.

[GoMuskies]

I'm certain that I don't mind seeing her in a bikini!

[Masterofreality]

I would assume that she didn't mind being seen in a bikini or she wouldn't have worn one.

Or being publically PHOTOGRAPHED in one.

[Caveat]

Honestly, if I'm a student, I absolutely refuse.

They actually like it and cheer for it every game.

It's so cringe-worthy. A grown-ass man taking off his sweater and waving it around his head at the request of 18-22 year olds.

And they go wild.............huh?

My biggest problem with it is that it sounds like the students are chanting "OVER-RATE-ED" at the end of every game.

[MHettel]

I wonder what business the McCaw family is in?

I couldn't make the connection, but there is an old money McCaw family in Seattle. The old man pretty much dominated the cable TV biz (or related industry, but communications in essence), and then busted. The 4 brothers then leveraged what was left and created a giant cell tower network and Clearwire Communications among other things. At the end, they sold it to Sprint or ATT for $11.5 BILLION. I don't know if there is any relation at all, but it would be weird that there are 2 rich McCaw families in 2 different cities and they ARENT related somehow.

[xudash]

I really think we're going to come to love and value this guy as our coach. I'm not going to worry right now about how long we'll be able to retain him.

I just am beginning to witness the onion getting peeled back to find a magnificent coaching philosophy. We've already learned how committed he is to the STUDENT-ATHLETE on the recruiting trail and how that resonates with parents. Now you can watch him in video, providing the troops a very direct message:

https://www.facebook.com/XavierMusketeers/videos/10160306121655444/

Bottom line: we may just have hired a coach who will motivate his team members to the point where they'll run through a brick wall for him. Love that culture. Love that team culture.

[Masterofreality]

I really think we're going to come to love and value this guy as our coach. I'm not going to worry right now about how long we'll be able to retain him.

I just am beginning to witness the onion getting peeled back to find a magnificent coaching philosophy. We've already learned how committed he is to the STUDENT-ATHLETE on the recruiting trail and how that resonates with parents. Now you can watch him in video, providing the troops a very direct message:

https://www.facebook.com/XavierMusketeers/videos/10160306121655444/

Bottom line: we may just have hired a coach who will motivate his team members to the point where they'll run through a brick wall for him. Love that culture. Love that team culture.

I wanna run through a Freaking Brick Wall RIGHT NOW!!

[GIMMFD]

I really think we're going to come to love and value this guy as our coach. I'm not going to worry right now about how long we'll be able to retain him.

I just am beginning to witness the onion getting peeled back to find a magnificent coaching philosophy. We've already learned how committed he is to the STUDENT-ATHLETE on the recruiting trail and how that resonates with parents. Now you can watch him in video, providing the troops a very direct message:

https://www.facebook.com/XavierMusketeers/videos/10160306121655444/

Bottom line: we may just have hired a coach who will motivate his team members to the point where they'll run through a brick wall for him. Love that culture. Love that team culture.

I agree, he just has something about him that resonates with people, he seems like a passionate, fiery individual. There has to be a reason why our guys went to bat for him and why so many of our former/current players love him. Hell look at Big Sheed's testimonial for him, I think we're going to be blessed to have Steele as our head coach in the motivation aspect, and really hoping he's just as good with the X's and O's aspect to lead us to that 2%.

[American X]

Did Steele call Mack a douche?