Player you are most excited about 2018-2019

[Muskie]

For me it's a toss-up between the continued development of Scruggs and the Hankins. I'm intrigued on what he might be able to do down low.

[X-man]

I agree with you. I am also excited to see Naji's freshman-to-sophomore jump.

[Lloyd Braun]

For me it’s Q... I think with a big year this may be his last at X.

[GIMMFD]

Welage, I love everything I've seen out of our guys so far so I'm excited for the unknown, but on the Twittersphere it says he has some unlimited range, I'd love to see this guy pulling up from Brad Redford territory and stretching defenses, which would give our core guys more room to operate, and make plays.

[bobbiemcgee]

Naji - so impressed by his terrific athleticism. Thinks he leaves the Frosh mistakes behind and takes over this team. Has a chance to be First Team All BE.

[MHettel]

Naji finishes. He will be featured

[noteggs]

Agree with Naji stuff! Very excited to his transition to sophomore season.

In terms of newness, I want see what KK can do! Sure it’ll be your typical slow freshman start, but with his athleticism and defense ability, this could be key sub potential when the conference starts.

Finally, excited to see what Hardin can or cannot do for this team

[SM#24]

Scruggs

[whopper]

I think all the grad transfers will surprise on upside. Ivy League is much better than you think and Castin had a strong game in a 15 pt loss to Villanova and the box said they played their normal rotation (12p, 6r, 5a) I think. Welage played well against Nevada, UNLV, St Mary's and Hankins negated Ward at Mich State. Q, Scruggs, Naj(man we missed him v FSU) and Tyrique solid and the freshman will find their way. I see 21 wins

[X-ROX]

I’m really looking forward to see what Tyrique is going to bring this year. I expect him to play a lot more and put up big numbers this year.

[GIMMFD]

I think all the grad transfers will surprise on upside. Ivy League is much better than you think and Castin had a strong game in a 15 pt loss to Villanova and the box said they played their normal rotation (12p, 6r, 5a) I think. Welage played well against Nevada, UNLV, St Mary's and Hankins negated Ward at Mich State. Q, Scruggs, Naj(man we missed him v FSU) and Tyrique solid and the freshman will find their way. I see 21 wins

I'd love to see 21 wins and to keep our conference .500 record streak alive, I do agree that the grad transfers are sneaky good if they can play to potential. Hankins had interest from Texas Tech and Michigan State as well, which are two solid teams not to sleep on, and you're right, Welage scoring 20 on St. Mary's, 21 on Santa Clara, 23 on UNLV, 22 on Nevada aren't numbers to scoff at. If those two click to potential, and Castlin can come in and play good 3 and D, we'll be pretty good. Really depends on how well everyone meshes, but I'm pretty optimistic about our roster.

[sirthought]

Some of these guys I'm just expecting to progress. The person I'm most excited to see turn the corner and produce is Harden. We need him to break out, if anything to make sure there is a solid scorer off the bench.

[xu82]

Naji. He shocked me as a freshman. If he can add a little finesse, and get it under control....WOW!

[Xuperman]

Welage and seeing him transition to BE play......he has to get very close to his SJSU numbers, or I fear we will struggle to win 20 games. Other than injury, can anyone see a scenario where he doesn't start and log starter minutes? Could easily see him leading the team in scoring by a hair at about 15 per. Gotta stay healthy!!

[Lloyd Braun]

If Welage doesn’t lead the team in scoring I will be surprised.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Espn article from the Chris Paul Canp Quentin attended. For whatever reason, the writer wasnt very impressed beyond Q’s physical measures. Hopefully he proves him wrong.

“One of the strongest guards in attendance at 6-5, 200 pounds, Xavier's Quentin Goodin didn't move the needle. He looked most comfortable as a straight-line driver, using his powerful frame to get to the rim in space. Gooden can also make a standstill 3 with decent mechanics, but he's a fairly reluctant shooter and average ball handler in shot-creation situations. Gooden certainly has the physical tools to compete, but his skill level remains a work in progress.”

[blueblood]

Well, I agree but would have said it like this:

“One of the strongest guards in attendance at 6-5, 200 pounds, Xavier's Quentin Goodin is a solid player. He looked most comfortable as a straight-line driver, using his powerful frame to get to the rim in space. Gooden can also make a standstill 3 with his improved mechanics as shown during Big East play last season, but given his nature as an unselfish ball distributor he's a fairly reluctant shooter. No problems with his ball handling in shot-creation situations. Gooden certainly has the physical tools to compete and keeps improving as seen in the drastic improvement between his freshman and sophomore campaigns."

[smileyy]

I thought Goodin was 6'3". I'll be thrilled if he measured that tall.

For me, I want to see Naji Naji Naji. He's could be a star.

[GIMMFD]

Well, I agree but would have said it like this:

“One of the strongest guards in attendance at 6-5, 200 pounds, Xavier's Quentin Goodin is a solid player. He looked most comfortable as a straight-line driver, using his powerful frame to get to the rim in space. Gooden can also make a standstill 3 with his improved mechanics as shown during Big East play last season, but given his nature as an unselfish ball distributor he's a fairly reluctant shooter. No problems with his ball handling in shot-creation situations. Gooden certainly has the physical tools to compete and keeps improving as seen in the drastic improvement between his freshman and sophomore campaigns."

It's crazy how different things sound when worded differently. I think Q is going to shock some people this season, he's going to have a bigger role, if his shot keeps improving, and he can continue to get to the rim and finish around the rim, he'll be a force. It seems like he has a great work ethic, and could get NBA looks with a break through campaign. The biggest thing is that you can't teach size and athleticism, and Q checks those boxes. But agreed with Smileyy, no idea that Q was 6'5, definitely thought he was 6'3, we've started falling in love with these tall point guards and I really enjoy it.

[xu82]

It's crazy how different things sound when worded differently. I think Q is going to shock some people this season, he's going to have a bigger role, if his shot keeps improving, and he can continue to get to the rim and finish around the rim, he'll be a force. It seems like he has a great work ethic, and could get NBA looks with a break through campaign. The biggest thing is that you can't teach size and athleticism, and Q checks those boxes. But agreed with Smileyy, no idea that Q was 6'5, definitely thought he was 6'3, we've started falling in love with these tall point guards and I really enjoy it.


Agreed on the big PG’s, but remember the struggles we had staying in front of the quick, little, attacking guys early last season. The 6’5” surprised me as well. I guess you need to measure them to know for sure.

[whopper]

I love the youtube for Walage, Hankins and Castin. However I guess a good youtube could be made for anyone.. I stood next to Q at a gas station in May and I am 6'2 and had a brief conversation I would say 6'3" but solid as a rock and wide.

[sirthought]

goxavier.com lists Goodin as 6'4", but that is probably generous.

I see him similar to James Farr in that he has all the tools to play his position well, but the questions remain on if he's taking things seriously enough to improve what skill sets need work, beyond just physical gifts. It took James a while to figure stuff out, but he certainly helped us along the way. I think Goodin has moved further because he was forced to, but he still has to improve his shot and defense quite a bit. I think he's becoming more fearless as a playmaker and willing to try things, but he's not a killer when it comes to taking jump shots or shutting his opponent down. Just my two cents. He might really improve this season.

[Lloyd Braun]

Goodin was slowed last off-season by injury so he had a rough start... he’s going to surprise a lot of people this year. All Big East selection is waiting for him.

[AviatorX]

goxavier.com lists Goodin as 6'4", but that is probably generous.

I see him similar to James Farr in that he has all the tools to play his position well, but the questions remain on if he's taking things seriously enough to improve what skill sets need work, beyond just physical gifts. It took James a while to figure stuff out, but he certainly helped us along the way. I think Goodin has moved further because he was forced to, but he still has to improve his shot and defense quite a bit. I think he's becoming more fearless as a playmaker and willing to try things, but he's not a killer when it comes to taking jump shots or shutting his opponent down. Just my two cents. He might really improve this season.

Wow - not sure I could disagree with this any more. Q is already one of the most under appreciated guys in recent memory IMO and I have no doubt he has a huge back end of his career ahead of him.

He started every single game at PG as a sophomore and had great assist numbers on one of the most potent offenses in the nation. Oh yeah, it happened to be the best regular season in X history. Farr wasn't even in that stratosphere at this point. Don't think Farr was getting invited to elite positional camps either.

[GIMMFD]

Wow - not sure I could disagree with this any more. Q is already one of the most under appreciated guys in recent memory IMO and I have no doubt he has a huge back end of his career ahead of him.

He started every single game at PG as a sophomore and had great assist numbers on one of the most potent offenses in the nation. Oh yeah, it happened to be the best regular season in X history. Farr wasn't even in that stratosphere at this point. Don't think Farr was getting invited to elite positional camps either.

I agree with this, Q is definitely further along than Farr, does Q have things to work on? Absolutely, defensively we can't let little guards blow by us at will anymore, so hopefully he's working on agility, and lateral quickness, his shot isn't quite there yet, but it has been improving. Overall it seems Q has a great work ethic, and knows the short comings of his game, I think he does take it seriously, he went from 25% from beyond the arc, to 30% beyond the arc between Freshman and Sophomore year, now I agree that's still not ideal out of a point guard, but if he can creep it up a few more percentage points, it'll be huge for us in the long run, and also went from 3.4 apg/1.9 TO to 4.9 apg/2.3 TO per game, I genuinely believe he's putting work in to improve, and if he can climb the ladder a bit more going into this year, he will be very solid.

[IM4X]

Yeah... As much as I loved seeing the dramatic improvement of Farr his senior year (it was truly a beautiful thing to behold) I am not sure it is fair to Q to suggest Farr was at the same level development-wise during this point of his college career. Like Farr, there were games were Q, as a sophomore, struggled to finish at the rim. But Q has already improved his game in so many other ways that Farr hadn’t by the end of his sophomore year. Right now, Q looks like a legit BE starter who we know has an even higher ceiling. Farr didn’t even look like a legit starter his sophomore year... It wasn’t until his senior year that everything clicked and he transformed into a low post beas- One of the most improved X players from junior to senior year over the past 30 years.

I think Q is going to blow us all away this year. I see he is already sporting a superhero body... I am ready for his superhero-like performances this coming season and I think Sruggs will really up his game too. He’s already shown glimpses of greatness towards the end of last season.

To me, Naji is the one who has the most to prove. He has been hyped to the point where he’s expected to be a BE first team All-America before he is done wear an X uniform. No question he has the tools, yet he still needs to figure out a few things... including being more aware of his options so he makes better decisions when he is driving in the lane with the ball.

I see Jones making a big step forward... playing at a high level for longer stretches.

Looking forward to see how the transfers’ talents translate at the BE level and how the incoming freshmen stack up. Heck I am even looking forward to see Harden get a chance to show he can shine

One exciting thing is that we will get to see so many new players on the floor this year and so many new starters.

[sirthought]

Ha! Sounds like you guys backed up everything I said.

[XUGRAD80]

Ha! Sounds like you guys backed up everything I said.

I think that your questioning of how “serious” Q takes the need to improve his shooting and defense is what people disagree with. He HAS improved both from freshman to sophomore years, and I suspect that those will improve again this year. In the face of that, people are apt to question your questioning.

What do you base your assumption about how “serious” he is on?

[XMuskieFTW]

If Welage doesn’t lead the team in scoring I will be surprised.

I'll be surprised if he even starts. He's apparently a huge liability defensively. I think Castlin will start at the 3 and Naji at the 4. I'm excited to see Castlin because I'm expecting Malcolm Bernard 2.0. If we can get MB's effort, 3 point % and defense for 20-25 minutes a game from Castlin, I'll be thrilled.

[bleedXblue]

I do love the optimism of our fan base at times. Q is a nice college player, but leaving after this year? Big East POY? The only place he would be going after this year is the Kaiser Gates route. Can he improve and get better? Of course.

[Lloyd Braun]

I do love the optimism of our fan base at times. Q is a nice college player, but leaving after this year? Big East POY? The only place he would be going after this year is the Kaiser Gates route. Can he improve and get better? Of course.

I said All-Big east, not POY. It is also safe to say that your predictions/evacuations on who goes pro and/or drafted (see the Nova thread) is not great, including the much documented hate on Kaiser. If Goodin’s goal is to play in the NBA then leaving after this year is most likely his best bet to accomplish that.

[Lloyd Braun]

I'll be surprised if he even starts. He's apparently a huge liability defensively. I think Castlin will start at the 3 and Naji at the 4. I'm excited to see Castlin because I'm expecting Malcolm Bernard 2.0. If we can get MB's effort, 3 point % and defense for 20-25 minutes a game from Castlin, I'll be thrilled.

Why is Welage a defensive liability? Because he’s not a super athlete? He will be our best offensive player and that will be hard to keep off the floor on a team that lacks scoring. Floor spacing might get tight with Castlin, which is why Welage will start and get 25+ minutes.

Edit: this is not to say you won’t see Castlin in at the 3 and Naji at the 4. That will have to happen due to lack of depth in frontcourt.

[XMuskieFTW]

Why is Welage a defensive liability? Because he’s not a super athlete? He will be our best offensive player and that will be hard to keep off the floor on a team that lacks scoring. Floor spacing might get tight with Castlin, which is why Welage will start and get 25+ minutes.

Edit: this is not to say you won’t see Castlin in at the 3 and Naji at the 4. That will have to happen due to lack of depth in frontcourt.

From all reports, he is not good defensively. His points per possession against is not good. I'd be shocked if he's better offensively than Q or Naji. He averaged 18 ppg for an atrocious team in the mountain west. I don't see him averaging more than 10-12 a game. I think we'll be able to create a lot for him and he'll play 20-25 minutes, but our offense won't run around him.

Honestly I don't think it matters if he starts or not. Q Scruggs and Naji are all going to play 32-35 minutes a game and Castlin Welage Tyrique and Haskins will all play 20-25. They'll all have their chances. I just don't see an 18 ppg Mountain West guy averaging 15+ in the Big East. I'd just be shocked if Q or Naji doesn't lead this team in scoring next year.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I'll be surprised if he even starts. He's apparently a huge liability defensively. I think Castlin will start at the 3 and Naji at the 4. I'm excited to see Castlin because I'm expecting Malcolm Bernard 2.0. If we can get MB's effort, 3 point % and defense for 20-25 minutes a game from Castlin, I'll be thrilled.

Spot on, I just don't know if Castlin is as athletic as Bernard was. Welage is my mystery guy. I know he can score, but he can't be a defensive black hole. With Goodin/Scruggs/Marshall all driving, he should see a few open shots though.

[markchal]

We're in trouble if Welage is our leading scorer. Like others have said, we're going to be much better defensively, but will definitely have some issues scoring at times. I really think Marshall is going to make a leap now that he'll be asked to do more. Wouldn't be surprised to see him lead us in scoring with Hankins close behind followed by one of our two PGs.

I don't expect him to be our leading scorer or best player, but I'm really excited to see Scruggs this year. He's really talented but didn't start putting it together until midway through the year last year. There's a lot of opportunity for guys to step up and be leaders and playmakers and I think he could surprise us this season.

[Lloyd Braun]

From all reports, he is not good defensively. His points per possession against is not good. I'd be shocked if he's better offensively than Q or Naji. He averaged 18 ppg for an atrocious team in the mountain west. I don't see him averaging more than 10-12 a game. I think we'll be able to create a lot for him and he'll play 20-25 minutes, but our offense won't run around him.

Honestly I don't think it matters if he starts or not. Q Scruggs and Naji are all going to play 32-35 minutes a game and Castlin Welage Tyrique and Haskins will all play 20-25. They'll all have their chances. I just don't see an 18 ppg Mountain West guy averaging 15+ in the Big East. I'd just be shocked if Q or Naji doesn't lead this team in scoring next year.

Fair enough... it’s tough to envision anyone scoring much more than 15ppg, so it’s probably moot anyways.

[Lloyd Braun]

I need to see better handles and health from Naji before giving him such an increased load. Potential is there but many unknowns too...

[bleedXblue]

I said All-Big east, not POY. It is also safe to say that your predictions/evacuations on who goes pro and/or drafted (see the Nova thread) is not great, including the much documented hate on Kaiser. If Goodin’s goal is to play in the NBA then leaving after this year is most likely his best bet to accomplish that.

This is great. Please expand on who got drafted/or not drafted that I predicted.

[XMuskieFTW]

Naji averaged 7.7 ppg in 21.8 minutes per game last year. Just increasing his minutes to 32.5 a game would see that ppg total around 11.5. Take into account the fact that he'll be an improved player and have the ball in his hands more often next year and I think we'll see Naji lead the team in scoring at around 14-15 ppg.

[Lloyd Braun]

This is great. Please expand on who got drafted/or not drafted that I predicted.

Pretty sure you said Spellman wasn’t coming out unless he was a top 10 pick, along with Divencenzo not being a first rounder....Those are a couple recent examples. It just seems that anytime someone leaves “early” you take it as a surprise or a bad decision, whereas I am probably the opposite. A degree isn’t going to be all that valuable in the short term for most of these guys who have talent to play pro ball somewhere. Losing a year of income and a year to develop skills/focus 100% on basketball is a major downside of staying in school. What if I said this is probably Scruggs last year? It doesn’t mean I think he’s going to be good enough for the NBA, just that more and more guys are not completing 4 years because there is potential to make money. Scruggs and Goodin both turn 21 this season. 22 year olds don’t get drafted in the NBA.

[Lloyd Braun]

Naji averaged 7.7 ppg in 21.8 minutes per game last year. Just increasing his minutes to 32.5 a game would see that ppg total around 11.5. Take into account the fact that he'll be an improved player and have the ball in his hands more often next year and I think we'll see Naji lead the team in scoring at around 14-15 ppg.

Assuming he can stay healthy he should get that opportunity.

[bleedXblue]

Pretty sure you said Spellman wasn’t coming out unless he was a top 10 pick, along with Divencenzo not being a first rounder....Those are a couple recent examples. It just seems that anytime someone leaves “early” you take it as a surprise or a bad decision, whereas I am probably the opposite. A degree isn’t going to be all that valuable in the short term for most of these guys who have talent to play pro ball somewhere. Losing a year of income and a year to develop skills/focus 100% on basketball is a major downside of staying in school. What if I said this is probably Scruggs last year? It doesn’t mean I think he’s going to be good enough for the NBA, just that more and more guys are not completing 4 years because there is potential to make money. Scruggs and Goodin both turn 21 this season. 22 year olds don’t get drafted in the NBA.

LOL. Yeah, I didn't say any of that. I said something along the lines of that I thought Spellman had the best long term prospects of an NBA career.....IMHO.

I was speaking about Gates and Gates only when he decided to leave. Thought it was a horrible decision then.....and it is proving to this point to be a bad one. The guy wasn't ready.......and may never be.

How many guys over 22 got drafted this past year? Its close to 10 players. IT DOES happen.

[MHettel]

-The Q / James Farr comparisons dont mean much to me. Q came in as a PG, was thrust into a featured role as a frosh, and he did ok given the circumstances. As a Soph with Macura, Trevon, and Naji (or Gates) on the floor, he was alwmost always our 4th perimeter scoring option, and as a result looked to create for those others. His role next year will be different, and I see his scoring coming from drives to the rim where he can out-muscle others and get to the foul line. he not going to turn into a great shooter. He's a servicable catch and shoot guy from 3, but I dont see him ever being able to pull up for a jumper off the bouce like Trevon. Farr, on the other hand, was recruited as a stretch 4 and honestly he wasnt that good in that role. He was forced to stay on the outside with Stainbrook clogging the middle, and then having Reynolds who could only play inside too. Once Farr moved inside, he was a completely different player. He didnt "get better", he was asked to take on a different role of whcih he was much more suited to play....

- Scruggs is going to be good. His defence is solid. Most of his problems last year stemmed from being a little careless with the ball. Lots of sloppy turnovers in the half-court. He can fix that pretty easily. He also will never be a great shooter, and he's got the most potential as a guy that can get to teh rim and finish.

- Welage will play alot, due to his ability to shoot. I wouldnt consider Q, Scruggs, or Naji to be "good" shooters, although each of them can make an occasional 3. Because those 3 guys are all capable of taking it to the rim, I would expect Welage to be on the floor to keep the defense honest. If the defense collapses and there is no shooter, then it negates the driving skills of our main guys.

- My understanding is that Castlin can also shoot and would need to be on the floor when Welage isn't. I see Naji, Welage and Castin as a 3 man rotation between the SF and PF positions.

-Wonder if Naji could see any minutes at SG? Seems unlikely, but might be necessary since we are thin in experienced guards. If Hardin or Kennedy prove capable, then they woudl get those minutes I'm sure. Only other option would be Castlin....

[Lloyd Braun]

LOL. Yeah, I didn't say any of that. I said something along the lines of that I thought Spellman had the best long term prospects of an NBA career.....IMHO.

I was speaking about Gates and Gates only when he decided to leave. Thought it was a horrible decision then.....and it is proving to this point to be a bad one. The guy wasn't ready.......and may never be.

How many guys over 22 got drafted this past year? Its close to 10 players. IT DOES happen.

Sure guys get drafted when they are 22, I didn’t mean it as a literal statement. There was one 1st rounder this year from what I recall: Grayson Allen.


Evans will be a bench warmer for 3-4 years and then be out of the league. I have no idea what anyone is thinking about taking him in the 1st round. Must be a top heavy draft.


Yes, I was simply approaching this from the perspective that if Spellman isn't going to be a sure 1st round pick, he's likely NOT going.

He would be foolish to do so considering he could really blow up next year and be a top 10 pick


Look I’m trying to dog on you, just that leaving “early” is going to be the best outcome most of the time for someone who will be playing basketball for money. To say Gates’ decision to leave at age 21 is looking bad just seems like unreasoned hate. Did you think Semaj left too early? I bet you did at the time. Still might think that. Same will be said next year when someone you don’t think is “ready” decides to leave X.

[bleedXblue]

I'll stand by what I said. If I end up being wrong, I'll admit that.

Spellman went in the first round. He went a little little later than where I think he thought he would go. I also think he would have been a beast this year and a heavy favorite for BE-POY.

Evans can't score. He ended up in about the best possible place he could. Can he get that next contract? Time will tell.

Semaj, I don't recall where I was. No doubt disappointed, like 99.9% of this board. And so far, Semaj hasn't done all that much. Could he have gone to Europe and made a lot more $$$?

Look, I base most of my opinion on whether I think guys can play in the NBA and carve out an 8-10 year career. If they choose to go to Europe, good for them. I also see huge value in guys that are marginal, to stick around and get a degree to have something to fall back on. Ultimately, they make the call. I just get to sit back and question the decisions and offer up my opinion. Thats why we are here I think........

[Xavier]

Evans will absolutely be an 8-10 year player.

[GIMMFD]

Evans will absolutely be an 8-10 year player.

Yeah I tend to agree with this, I hate UC as much as the next guy, but Evans landed in the perfect place, they'll hold on to him for cheap to play defense, and hit a three here and there with the ball rotation that Golden State runs. He has decent enough size at 6'6, and doesn't turn the ball over a ton. That's valuable for Golden State to get on a cheap rookie contract. This allows for him to go up against some of the best talent in the NBA in practice and develop his game as well, I could see him being in the league a while, do I think he'll be an all-star?? No. But I do think he'll be a good bench player to have.

[Xuperman]

Welage averaged 18 ppg for an atrocious team in the mountain west. I don't see him averaging more than 10-12 a game.

Wouldn't it make sense that leading a bad team in scoring at a 18 per clip would confirm how good of a scorer he is? He played against some nice competition out there for 3 full years and started as a freshman. Tended to put up big numbers vs the better teams. You know they game planned hard to stop him with no other real scoring threat to consider. Talked to a guy from the Greenburg area and he said he had ridiculous range in HS.....a poor mans McDermott. He is load with DI experience with leadership qualities and a high BB IQ. Jump in class will not bother him and should easily be the most productive of the 3 transfers.

[Lloyd Braun]

Welage is not just a spot up shooter as some may think. He can create his own shot off the dribble and has a real nice pull up stroke. He’s going to be the most consistent offensive option on a team that might struggle to score at times. We have been really spoiled offensively with Tre the last four years. X’s ability to get good grad transfers is pretty incredible.

[Xuperman]

I agree. Go to sports-reference.com and look at his career numbers. Kid can stuff a stat sheet. He really only shoots about 40% of his shots from distance. That tells me he should have a nice ball fake to go with an effective mid range jumper. Probably follows his shot well and is not hesitant to mix it up low as reflected by his rebounding numbers. The cool thing is that he has progressed NOTICEABLY each year in all aspects.... He's gonna be real good!!

[AviatorX]

If Welage is a top 3 scorer for X next year, the team will be very bad.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

If Welage is a top 3 scorer for X next year, the team will be very bad.

I just don't agree here. We have a ton of talent but a ton of unknowns. I think anything really could happen. If we get consistent shooting from Welage when he is in, that should open space for our athletes to drive to the hoop. Welage and Castlin are the keys for next year, they need to shoot and be at least average defenders. Harden though is the number one issue, if he plays average defense and shoots like he did in HS we should be good again.

[GIMMFD]

I just don't agree here. We have a ton of talent but a ton of unknowns. I think anything really could happen. If we get consistent shooting from Welage when he is in, that should open space for our athletes to drive to the hoop. Welage and Castlin are the keys for next year, they need to shoot and be at least average defenders. Harden though is the number one issue, if he plays average defense and shoots like he did in HS we should be good again.

Yeah the biggest think will be Welage's defense, we're going to need him to not be a liability on that end, but checking his stats it definitely looks like he is much more than a spot up shooter. Did anybody think Karem Kanter was going to be our third leading scorer last year?? We do well with transfers, and he had to have drawn a lot of attention, I think he definitely could and should be a top 3 scorer, especially since I feel we'll be attacking the rim a lot with Naji, Q, and Scruggs.

[Xuperman]

If Welage is a top 3 scorer for X next year, the team will be very bad.

Please elaborate on this statement....there is NOTHING other than a plague of injuries, that will make this team "bad". I stated earlier that X has, as a group, the best core 4 returning BE players in the league. Welage will thrive as a result.

[AviatorX]

I just don't agree here. We have a ton of talent but a ton of unknowns. I think anything really could happen. If we get consistent shooting from Welage when he is in, that should open space for our athletes to drive to the hoop. Welage and Castlin are the keys for next year, they need to shoot and be at least average defenders. Harden though is the number one issue, if he plays average defense and shoots like he did in HS we should be good again.

Welage is one of the biggest unknowns. This team being really good is built directly around Q, Scruggs and Marshall taking their respective next steps. If those aren't the three leading scorers, this team won't reach its peak. Not really sure how you could reasonably argue Harden is the biggest issue - anything he gives is a bonus.

Not sure how anyone could disagree with this but the keys for X this coming year are very obviously those three guys.


Please elaborate on this statement....there is NOTHING other than a plague of injuries, that will make this team "bad". I stated earlier that X has, as a group, the best core 4 returning BE players in the league. Welage will thrive as a result.

I would pose that the only way Welage winds up leading scorer is a plague of injuries.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Welage is one of the biggest unknowns. This team being really good is built directly around Q, Scruggs and Marshall taking their respective next steps. If those aren't the three leading scorers, this team won't reach its peak. Not really sure how you could reasonably argue Harden is the biggest issue - anything he gives is a bonus.

Not sure how anyone could disagree with this but the keys for X this coming year are very obviously those three guys.



I would pose that the only way Welage winds up leading scorer is a plague of injuries.

I will just say it, I don't think this team to be a great team needs Q to light up the points column. We need Scruggs/Marshall/Welage/Jones, some form of those guys to have good scoring nights. I think Q can put in 8 points per night and we should still be good.

[Xuperman]

Welage is one of the biggest unknowns. Not sure how anyone could disagree with this. The only way Welage winds up leading scorer is a plague of injuries.

Well I look forward to REVISITING this post come December. "Biggest unknown"? What?? Proven D1 talent with mass success straight out of high school. A true experienced leader by example with nothing but upside for his last year of college ball. He landed in the perfect place with a team desperate for his position and skill set.....A true EXPERIENCED stretch 4!

[GIMMFD]

I will just say it, I don't think this team to be a great team needs Q to light up the points column. We need Scruggs/Marshall/Welage/Jones, some form of those guys to have good scoring nights. I think Q can put in 8 points per night and we should still be good.

Though I agree that Q doesn't have to be lighting it up in the score sheet for us to be good, Q averaged 8 a game last year on the most loaded offensive team we've had in a while. I realize that he's very unselfish and a great distributer, but I'd expect that to creep up to AT LEAST 10. However, I still agree on the Welage point, I see Naji as our leading scorer comfortably, I think he'll take a major leap forward, and grow from Freshman to Sophomore year, play more in control and in tune, but after that I think it's a toss-up for who the next two top scorers are. It could be any combination of Q/Scruggs/Welage in my opinion. Scruggs showed a lot of improvement at the tail end of the season, and has the ability to get to the rim with athleticism, and his shooting got better to boot as well, I'm sure he's working on his game, and improving step by step. However, a guy like Welage who creates his own shot, and hits comfortably from behind the arc is what we need the most. We're lacking shooters, Scruggs, Q, Naji can all get to the rim, but when they kick we need Welage, Castlin, Harden, Kennedy, etc. to hit those shots. Just for that simple fact, I could easily see Welage in our top 3 in scoring.

[AviatorX]

Well I look forward to REVISITING this post come December. "Biggest unknown"? What?? Proven D1 talent with mass success straight out of high school. A true experienced leader by example with nothing but upside for his last year of college ball. He landed in the perfect place with a team desperate for his position and skill set.....A true EXPERIENCED stretch 4!

Have you ever watched Ryan Welage play basketball? Like in an actual game. I watch a ton of college basketball and I know I haven't.

Not saying he won't be a key piece, but he has A LOT to prove at this level.

[Xuperman]

Have you ever watched Ryan Welage play basketball? Like in an actual game. I watch a ton of college basketball and I know I haven't.

Of course I have! Why post w/o facts? When he transferred to X, I immediately went to something called YouTube to get informed. I assume your "ton" of basketball viewing is limited to only live games. Not many SJSU games televised in Cincy. Try digging deeper using available sources. His 1/3/18 performance vs Nevada would be a good start for you......plenty more out there. He's a polished D1 player that will produce regardless of conference.

[AviatorX]

Of course I have! Why post w/o facts? When he transferred to X, I immediately went to something called YouTube to get informed. I assume your ton of basketball viewing is only live games. Not many SJSU games televised in Cincy. Try digging deeper using available sources. His 1/3/18 performance vs Nevada would be a good start for you......plenty more out there. He's a polished D1 player that will produce regardless of conference.

Very much appreciate the helpful tips. If you've actually watched full SJSU games on YouTube (not highlights) then more power to you. But based on some of your other takes, I'm good sticking with what works for me...

PS: SJSU didn't play Nevada that day, as much as I wanted to take you up on your suggestion.

[Xuperman]

OK,
My memory failed me....It was the other Nevada team, UNLV, and he raked for 23. Just sayin' there are plenty of Welage games if you want to be more informed before posting. Anyone can see he's going to be really good.

[bleedXblue]

Fully expect Welage to average around 12-13 PPG. We aren't going to have a dominant scorer, but several guys who can score double digits on any given night.

[whopper]

I don't hear anyone talking Hankins, Jon Rothstein says he was the surprise of the camp on Twitter. Welage and Hankins (maybe Castin) will be motivated to use this year to showcase themselves for the next level (G league or Europe). If you look at the Ferris vs Mich State game you will be impressed with Hankins and we will need him. Castin had 12, 6 and 6 against Villanova and looks solid. We will need them all to be solid. I am excited to hear the Foxsports theme in November till early March and a number of CBS themes in March(and last year we hoped April).

[GIMMFD]

I don't hear anyone talking Hankins, Jon Rothstein says he was the surprise of the camp on Twitter. Welage and Hankins (maybe Castin) will be motivated to use this year to showcase themselves for the next level (G league or Europe). If you look at the Ferris vs Mich State game you will be impressed with Hankins and we will need him. Castin had 12, 6 and 6 against Villanova and looks solid. We will need them all to be solid. I am excited to hear the Foxsports theme in November till early March and a number of CBS themes in March(and last year we hoped April).

I'm actually pretty excited about Hankins as well, as I said earlier, Texas Tech and Michigan State were giving him a hard look too, and you're right, he looked good against Michigan State. I'm really hoping his biggest contribution will be on the defensive end, I don't expect him to have 127 blocks in a year like he did at Ferris State, but if he can be a rim protector that's good at not getting into foul trouble, it'll pay HUGE dividends. I don't remember the last time we had a true shot blocking presence that played big minutes, I guess Jalen Reynolds right? So that would be a great thing to add along with his offensive skills he seems to possess already.

[XU3232]

I don't hear anyone talking Hankins, Jon Rothstein says he was the surprise of the camp on Twitter. Welage and Hankins (maybe Castin) will be motivated to use this year to showcase themselves for the next level (G league or Europe). If you look at the Ferris vs Mich State game you will be impressed with Hankins and we will need him. Castin had 12, 6 and 6 against Villanova and looks solid. We will need them all to be solid. I am excited to hear the Foxsports theme in November till early March and a number of CBS themes in March(and last year we hoped April).

I think Hankins will be a big piece to next years team and will surprise a lot of people. He's probably going to play 15-20 min a game too. He's definitely going to produce.

[SemajParlor]

Scruggs. His upside is scary. I don't think people how realize how good he is defensively.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Scruggs. His upside is scary. I don't think people how realize how good he is defensively.

Naji was the guy all the experts said the elite coaches would kick themselves for missing. I saw Marshall from 32 down to the 90s. Scruggs was consistently 25-35 in all rankings. He did get hurt up in Napa his Senior year which delayed his development.

Scruggs and Marshall won't score like Macura and Bluiett did, but I just have a feeling they will be better overall players.

[MHettel]

I don't remember the last time we had a true shot blocking presence that played big minutes, I guess Jalen Reynolds right?

Jalen didnt come to mind when I started thinking Shot Blockers. It seemed to me that Jalen DID block shots at a good clip, but they tended to be shots taken by guys that he wasnt guarding. Like a "help" block.

Hankins, if I understand correctly, is a lot more inclined to block his own mans shot.

If I had to choose between the 2, i'd take a guy that can block the shot of his own man. I think it's a bit more "intimidating" and more likely to alter a shot and produce a rebound, or have a guy pass on a shot becuase that shotblocker is in his head. We havent had a guy that THAT in a LONG time.....

[GIMMFD]

Jalen didnt come to mind when I started thinking Shot Blockers. It seemed to me that Jalen DID block shots at a good clip, but they tended to be shots taken by guys that he wasnt guarding. Like a "help" block.

Hankins, if I understand correctly, is a lot more inclined to block his own mans shot.

If I had to choose between the 2, i'd take a guy that can block the shot of his own man. I think it's a bit more "intimidating" and more likely to alter a shot and produce a rebound, or have a guy pass on a shot becuase that shotblocker is in his head. We havent had a guy that THAT in a LONG time.....

Yeah, I definitely agree with those points. I was just quickly trying to think of someone that blocked shots more than how they blocked shots, but you're 100% right, Jalen was a "help" blocker. I think Jalen was intimidating more so because he was built like Dwight Howard, not really because he was crafty at altering shots. I agree about a guy that can "block his own shot", it makes the guy going against him a lot more weary, Hankins looks like he's very good at that. Seems to have a really high defensive IQ, I think that alone will help us out on the defensive end a ton, and lord knows we need it after last season.

[bleedXblue]

Naji was the guy all the experts said the elite coaches would kick themselves for missing. I saw Marshall from 32 down to the 90s. Scruggs was consistently 25-35 in all rankings. He did get hurt up in Napa his Senior year which delayed his development.

Scruggs and Marshall won't score like Macura and Bluiett did, but I just have a feeling they will be better overall players.

Wow.....better than the #2 scorer in XU history? Bluietts name will be in the rafters one day.

I get what you are saying about being all around players on both sides of the ball......but.........

[WCWIII]

I’m really looking forward to see what Tyrique is going to bring this year. I expect him to play a lot more and put up big numbers this year.

I agree with watching for Tyrique's development this year. Andy Mac on Brad Redford's podcast, if I remember, said he's lost some weight and wouldn't be surprised to see at the 4. Maybe play at times even with Hankins.

[AviatorX]

I agree with watching for Tyrique's development this year. Andy Mac on Brad Redford's podcast, if I remember, said he's lost some weight and wouldn't be surprised to see at the 4. Maybe play at times even with Hankins.

Love Tyrique...but I really hope not. With the core of Q/Scruggs/Naji, this team needs to space the floor, not clog it up with two bigs (certain matchups notwithstanding).

[drudy23]

Love Tyrique...but I really hope not. With the core of Q/Scruggs/Naji, this team needs to space the floor, not clog it up with two bigs (certain matchups notwithstanding).

Moving him to the 4 allows that. Is Tyrique capable of a more-mobile 4 man? I don't know, but if the staff has thoughts of moving him there, then I guess he's capable.

[drudy23]

Love Tyrique...but I really hope not. With the core of Q/Scruggs/Naji, this team needs to space the floor, not clog it up with two bigs (certain matchups notwithstanding).

Moving him to the 4 allows that. Is Tyrique capable of a more-mobile 4 man? I don't know, but if the staff has thoughts of moving him there, then I guess he's capable.

[XU 87]

Love Tyrique...but I really hope not. With the core of Q/Scruggs/Naji, this team needs to space the floor, not clog it up with two bigs (certain matchups notwithstanding).

The days of X playing the double low post (Hill and Strong, Aaron Williams and Grant, etc.) are long gone. I don't see how you play Tyrique at the 4.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Wow.....better than the #2 scorer in XU history? Bluietts name will be in the rafters one day.

I get what you are saying about being all around players on both sides of the ball......but.........

Scoring is just one piece of the game, I think Scruggs/Marshall will be better overall players than Macura/Bluiett. I think we are finally going to see some good defense again that isn't zone.

[AviatorX]

Moving him to the 4 allows that. Is Tyrique capable of a more-mobile 4 man? I don't know, but if the staff has thoughts of moving him there, then I guess he's capable.

Don't think I agree here. I absolutely love Tyrique's game and I think he's perfect for X's system (at the 5) where he is relatively mobile, can clean the glass, block a few shots and clean up misses, etc. He's shown flashes of being able to get a bucket or two when you throw it to him down low also.

Still, barring a complete renaissance in his game, he can't space the floor because there's no need to guard him outside 5 feet.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Wow.....better than the #2 scorer in XU history? Bluietts name will be in the rafters one day.

I get what you are saying about being all around players on both sides of the ball......but.........

Scoring is just one piece of the game, I think Scruggs/Marshall will be better overall players than Macura/Bluiett. I think we are finally going to see some good defense again that isn't zone.

[drudy23]

Maybe he turns into Amari Spellman.

I agree...hard to see that type of transformation, but they're apparently giving it a shot, at least right now.

[AviatorX]

Scoring is just one piece of the game, I think Scruggs/Marshall will be better overall players than Macura/Bluiett. I think we are finally going to see some good defense again that isn't zone.

Damn, is Bluiett already underrated? I think there's a reasonable argument that he had the best overall career in Xavier history.

[XU 87]

Moving him to the 4 allows that. Is Tyrique capable of a more-mobile 4 man? I don't know, but if the staff has thoughts of moving him there, then I guess he's capable.

I do think Tyrique is capable of guarding a 4 out on the perimeter. I'm just not sure what you would do with him on offense. He certainly can't play on the perimeter on offense.

[drudy23]

Maybe he turns into Amari Spellman.

I agree...hard to see that type of transformation on offense, but they're apparently giving it a shot, at least right now.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Damn, is Bluiett already underrated? I think there's a reasonable argument that he had the best overall career in Xavier history.

I am not underrating him at all. I am just saying the Scruggs and Marshall have the talent and athleticism to be better overall than Bluiett and Macura. If X makes a FF with Scruggs/Marshall, you might sing a different tune.

[drudy23]

You knew from the jump Tre and JP were going to be special. Both contributed right away and neither seemed to be out of their element as they made the transition.

The are the standard for Xavier duos going forward. If they are surpassed, that's real good for us.

[drudy23]

You knew from the jump Tre and JP were going to be special. Both contributed right away and neither seemed to be out of their element as they made the transition.

The are the standard for Xavier duos going forward. If they are surpassed, that's real good for us.

[MHettel]

Drudy, have you developed a stutter?

[MHettel]

Damn, is Bluiett already underrated? I think there's a reasonable argument that he had the best overall career in Xavier history.

I think he had a really good career, but the 2 flame outs in the NCAA as a #1 & #2 seed is easy to target as a downside. His rebounding was average for the number of minutes he played, his passing was average. his defense was below average. His scoring was remarkable. The talent around him was remarkable as well, giving him a chance to escape being the focus of the defense. On the occasions where he WAS the focus of the defense, he was often contained.

Again, I'm NOT trying to bash Trevon by any means. it's just that he had a pretty one-dimensional game, and we built an entire offense around it. Of course he put up big scoring numbers...

DWest had the best career in my opinion.

[AviatorX]

I think he had a really good career, but the 2 flame outs in the NCAA as a #1 & #2 seed is easy to target as a downside. His rebounding was average for the number of minutes he played, his passing was average. his defense was below average. His scoring was remarkable. The talent around him was remarkable as well, giving him a chance to escape being the focus of the defense. On the occasions where he WAS the focus of the defense, he was often contained.

Again, I'm NOT trying to bash Trevon by any means. it's just that he had a pretty one-dimensional game, and we built an entire offense around it. Of course he put up big scoring numbers...

DWest had the best career in my opinion.

Won't argue at all with West. I think it's one of the two. Bluiett's post season career (flame outs included) was definitely more successful than West (not to mention leading teams to 1 and 2 seeds). Bluiett also played in a far better conference. They're both all time greats clearly.

[AviatorX]

I am not underrating him at all. I am just saying the Scruggs and Marshall have the talent and athleticism to be better overall than Bluiett and Macura. If X makes a FF with Scruggs/Marshall, you might sing a different tune.

This is such a hot take I love it. They've got a looooong way to go. It will take more than a Final Four. Trevon is in rarified air.

If you're right this is going to be one hell of a stretch.

[Muskie]

I do think Tyrique is capable of guarding a 4 out on the perimeter. I'm just not sure what you would do with him on offense. He certainly can't play on the perimeter on offense.

He already fouls at a tremendous clip. I don't think putting him out on the perimeter will help that?

[Muskie]

I am not underrating him at all. I am just saying the Scruggs and Marshall have the talent and athleticism to be better overall than Bluiett and Macura. If X makes a FF with Scruggs/Marshall, you might sing a different tune.

Will I think they had a better career if that happens? Yes. Will I think either is better than Trevon or West individually? TBD.

[whopper]

If they are that good you won't see them for 4 years. You may never see 3 4 year seniors get a number one seed again. Tre and JP were damn good players; good enough to lead us to a 1 seed but not good enough to be on the NBA radar according to the little metrics and combine type scouts. Good luck to Sean and Karem 2 in Europe..It is amazing to see all 4 seniors playing for pay. I am excited for this year to see a merging of good one year players who want to emulate Sean or Karem with their exposure from X with our last two year recruits. I am optimistic and see 21 wins and a sweet 16 ceiling.

[XUFan09]

The days of X playing the double low post (Hill and Strong, Aaron Williams and Grant, etc.) are long gone. I don't see how you play Tyrique at the 4.

It would take him shooting more than 30% from three to earn any regular minutes at the 4. Sounds rather unlikely.

[Lloyd Braun]

You will see Tyrique shoot and make 3s this year... at what % is a good question however.

[GIMMFD]

If they are that good you won't see them for 4 years. You may never see 3 4 year seniors get a number one seed again. Tre and JP were damn good players; good enough to lead us to a 1 seed but not good enough to be on the NBA radar according to the little metrics and combine type scouts. Good luck to Sean and Karem 2 in Europe..It is amazing to see all 4 seniors playing for pay. I am excited for this year to see a merging of good one year players who want to emulate Sean or Karem with their exposure from X with our last two year recruits. I am optimistic and see 21 wins and a sweet 16 ceiling.

Yeah I definitely believe that, the one and done culture doesn't look like it will be going away any time soon, so our days of really good 4 year players are probably over. We had a very special Senior class that made great memories, and unfortunately came up short in the tournament to our expectations, but it doesn't take away anything that they did. An incredible 4 year ride watching those guys grow into the players they were. I just don't see that happening anymore. I don't see Naji and Scruggs if they fit the bill, stay for all 4 years, I mean I'd love for that to happen, but if the NBA comes calling, and you can secure your future, who can blame you for that?

[XU 87]

You will see Tyrique shoot and make 3s this year... at what % is a good question however.

Do you know something we don't? Other than a free throw, I don't think I've seen Tyrique shoot a shot beyond a few feet.

[Xuperman]

LARKIN....second to none.

[xu82]

Do you know something we don't? Other than a free throw, I don't think I've seen Tyrique shoot a shot beyond a few feet.

He will be the first player EVER to DUNK a three pointer.

Do not underestimate my man!

[Lloyd Braun]

Do you know something we don't? Other than a free throw, I don't think I've seen Tyrique shoot a shot beyond a few feet.

He has a decent shot beyond the FT line believe it or not. No one will ever confuse him for Tre Bluiett but I think they are hoping to get more out of Tyrique on offense.