2019 Oral Commits

[Muskeagle]

Four 4 star commits....and barely a word on the board. Keep getting it done, men of Steele!

PF--Daniel Ramsey
Deerfield-Windsor School (Albany, GA)
6-8 / 220
Commit 8/6/2018


SF--Elias King
Lincoln Academy (Suwanee, GA)
6-7 / 185
Commit 5/16/2018


C--Zach Freemantle
Bergen Catholic (Oradell, NJ)
6-9 / 215
Commit 8/21/2018


PG--Dwon Odom
6-3/ 180
Commit 8/17/2018 or so

[X Factor]

Dwon Odom is technically a 2020 commit. There is some small talk of him possibly reclassifying to 2019 though, which would be awesome.

Travis Steele and his staff are doing a fantastic job on the recruiting trail!

[Muskeagle]

Dwon Odom is technically a 2020 commit. There is some small talk of him possibly reclassifying to 2019 though, which would be awesome.

Travis Steele and his staff are doing a fantastic job on the recruiting trail!

Thanks for the clarification. I hadn't realized that.

[XUBison]

Dwon Odom is technically a 2020 commit. There is some small talk of him possibly reclassifying to 2019 though, which would be awesome...


Wonder how realistic this is, although I realize it happens sometimes. Any idea if this is why he opted to commit early, or is it now being pondered since he did? Agree it would be awesome. Hard to believe a verbal will maintain a commitment for two years, given how fluid things are nowadays.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Elias King just de-committed, per his twitter.

[bleedXblue]

WTF.......this is getting just really stupid.....

[Mrs. Garrett]

Elias King just de-committed, per his twitter.

He said it was for family reasons. So we'll see . . .

[Xville]

just goes to show, not worth getting excited about a recruit until said recruit is enrolled in school and practicing

[Muskeagle]

just goes to show, not worth getting excited about a recruit until said recruit is enrolled in school and practicing

Damn....you said it. Obviously, the de-committing is happening more and more (all around not just at X), but sort of sucks. Oh well. Keep on moving forward.

[XU 87]

He said it was for family reasons. So we'll see . . .

It was kind of an odd tweet when he finished with "I am not granting any interviews". Makes me wonder what's going on.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

I'm going to go ahead and tell myself that David Johnson (similar position to King, I suppose) is committing and Dwon Odom is reclassifying to ease the pain.

[noteggs]

Wow! This kid is a little fickle since this is his second decommit.

Wonder if it has anything to do with all the 3’s and 4’s we’re going after?

Hope we can get a commit from Robbie Beran. However, his new 247 ranking just went to 45, so competition for him is really going to heat up! He is now listed as high choice for X...

[scoscox]

We weren't really going after any 3's though.

[drudy23]

At this point, I'm not sure who's on our team and who's not.

Wake me up when they sign. This "verbal commitment" crap needs to not be a term anymore. Stop reporting verbals.

[scoscox]

Robbie Beran is a stud. Would be an incredible get

[Billy]

At this point, I'm not sure who's on our team and who's not.

Wake me up when they sign. This "verbal commitment" crap needs to not be a term anymore. Stop reporting verbals.

This is where I'm at as well.

I feel like if I can't beat up on a 17 year-old for changing his mind...I also need to not give a shit until a 17 year-old signs a NLI.

[noteggs]

We weren't really going after any 3's though.

Guess I was referring to Beran on the 3 stuff (sites have him at both.) Know I’m getting way ahead with this kid and who really knows what goes on behind the scenes. However, if he does commit I see him playing mostly at the 3. Sure he can play 4 if needed (I love his versatility). He has made comments he likes to play both.

[xu82]

I'm going to go ahead and tell myself that David Johnson (similar position to King, I suppose) is committing and Dwon Odom is reclassifying to ease the pain.

That’s the spirit! I tend to play those games myself..... it can help a bit.

[xu82]

These top college coaches make a ton of money. They deserve it! Dealing with these kids, parents, coaches and hangers-on would put me over the edge.

[Muskie in dayton]

247 sports showing King has decommitted. Damn kids these days.
https://247sports.com/college/xavier/Season/2019-Basketball/Targets/

[noteggs]

These top college coaches make a ton of money. They deserve it! Dealing with these kids, parents, coaches and hangers-on would put me over the edge.

Amen brother!!! Dealing with college age girls is hard enough!

[Olsingledigit]

You put your first recruit in, you take your first recruit out... shake it all about. Sounds to me like the family put the heat on him to stay at home.

[Xuperman]

Guaranteed smile...go to YouTube and watch some ZFree highlights! Kid can really score in the paint with both hands and LOVES to dunk! Runs the court like a deer....:neo:

[xukeith]

Guaranteed smile...go to YouTube and watch some ZFree highlights! Kid can really score in the paint with both hands and LOVES to dunk! Runs the court like a deer....:neo:

Be careful Xuperman,
he now will pull his commitment and all will be bummed again. Let's look at the incoming frosh highlight tapes.

[Xuperman]

Be careful Xuperman,
he now will pull his commitment and all will be bummed again. Let's look at the incoming frosh highlight tapes.

Maybe true, BUT it is nice to see that he has been a committed catholic school guy for his high school years. Might be the difference compared to some others that go the prep school route. It is somewhat a subtle difference but a factor I think....he will be a good Muskie!!

[joe titan]

Maybe true, BUT it is nice to see that he has been a committed catholic school guy for his high school years. Might be the difference compared to some others that go the prep school route. It is somewhat a subtle difference but a factor I think....he will be a good Muskie!!

So Armaan Franklin, David Johnson & Jalen Thomas should fall right in line.

[bobbiemcgee]

Maybe true, BUT it is nice to see that he has been a committed catholic school guy for his high school years. Might be the difference compared to some others that go the prep school route. It is somewhat a subtle difference but a factor I think....he will be a good Muskie!!

I'm happy we stole this guy from right under SHU's nose!

[SixFig]

Four 4 star commits....and barely a word on the board. Keep getting it done, men of Steele!

PF--Daniel Ramsey
Deerfield-Windsor School (Albany, GA)
6-8 / 220
Commit 8/6/2018


SF--Elias King
Lincoln Academy (Suwanee, GA)
6-7 / 185
Commit 5/16/2018


C--Zach Freemantle
Bergen Catholic (Oradell, NJ)
6-9 / 215
Commit 8/21/2018


PG--Dwon Odom
6-3/ 180
Commit 8/17/2018 or soJ

Jinxed it

[Muskeagle]

J

Jinxed it

Damnit!!!! I know! Sorry. Really I was just surprised that since we are in the off season and that is generally a time when we get reports and opinions on Quentin Goodin's nocturnal flatulential habits, that NO ONE had even mentioned a couple of the verbal commitments. I knew (and REALLY know now) that this are not written in stone, but in the past there have been pages welcoming guys to the program...and with Odom, nary a mention. It was just a little odd.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

2019 6’11 Big from northern Kentucky Dieonte Miles just committed. Coverage makes it seem like he could be a redshirt candidate but man he’s big and athletic.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

On that note, time to add Robbie Beran, a combo guard, and call it a class.

[muskienick]

Miles was injured for a period last season and did not get a chance to draw the interest from top programs. He played well with his summer team, took unofficial visits to both XU and Louisville recently, and committed to Xavier when offered a scholarship by Coach Steele. The article I read said he was 6"10" and still growing. He's got to put some muscle on as he continues to grow, but one of his big assets is his ability to block shots and alter the shots of opposing players.

[muskienick]

On that note, time to add Robbie Beran, a combo guard, and call it a class.

Beran, at 6'9", is listed as a power forward by 247 and not a combo guard.

[scoscox]

its a sequence not a descriptor. robbie beran, (and) a combo guard, and call it a class

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Thanks SCOSCOX. Yes, let’s add Beran, and any one of the CGs were in on, and then call it a class.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Steele wants to play a traditional game with two bigs on the block.


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[XU 87]

Steele wants to play a traditional game with two bigs on


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That would shock me.

[Juice]

Steele wants to play a traditional game with two bigs on the block.


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I don't think he wants to do that at all.

[xu82]

I don't think he wants to do that at all.

Yeah, that does not seem to be the direction the game is going....at all. You need some bigs, but....

[94GRAD]

Steele wants to play a traditional game with two bigs on the block.


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Fake News

[BandAid]

I’m really excited for Miles - he’s the rare defintion of a sleeper in the current recruiting world. If we only had 2 spots in the class I’d be concerned, but with a handful - he’s perfect

[SixFig]

I could see Miles as a James Farr with better upside. Great frame, good post game and some shooting touch outside. Might take some time but looking forward to seeing it.

We need a guard and a wing and call it a class.

[sirthought]

Getting a local prospect like Miles is a big deal. Exciting to hear his high school coach say he thinks Miles has a chance to go pro. That's talk that's way too soon, but with his size and reports of a great motor, I trust that the coaches can work with him to be a great college player.

[joe titan]

Getting a local prospect like Miles is a big deal. Exciting to hear his high school coach say he thinks Miles has a chance to go pro. That's talk that's way too soon, but with his size and reports of a great motor, I trust that the coaches can work with him to be a great college player.

Not sure why it "is a big deal"; for whatever reasons Miles was not highly touted nor heavily recruited by noteworthy schools despite his size. Walton Verona is not exactly a pipeline of D1 talent; at this moment others see Miles as redshirt candidate. Glad for him to commit but not "big deal" local or otherwise.

[TUclutch]

Steele wants to play a traditional game with two bigs on the block.


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this is 100 percent false

[ArizonaXUGrad]

We are going to have 4 bigs next year. If we get Beran that is 5.


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[Juice]

We are going to have 4 bigs next year. If we get Beran that is 5.


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One is a senior, two will be freshmen, one will be a redshirt and Beran is a combo forward playing the 3 or the 4.

[Crosstown]

Not sure why it "is a big deal"; for whatever reasons Miles was not highly touted nor heavily recruited by noteworthy schools despite his size. Walton Verona is not exactly a pipeline of D1 talent; at this moment others see Miles as redshirt candidate. Glad for him to commit but not "big deal" local or otherwise.

I'd say the lack of recruitment is due to injuries and grades. He's been injury prone through high school so not a lot of coaches has seen him and his grades are flat out pitiful. This alone may scare some coaches away.

But you cant teach height and athleticism. He just needs to add some muscle. He definitely has a high ceiling.

[IM4X]

One is a senior, two will be freshmen, one will be a redshirt and Beran is a combo forward playing the 3 or the 4.

Yeah... I think the coaches see Beran being more like Kaiser in that he shoots 3s well and would fit comfortably at the 3.

[Frambo]

Yeah... I think the coaches see Beran being more like Kaiser in that he shoots 3s well and would fit comfortably at the 3.

Like Kaiser? Watching Beran’s tape, he’s more like A 6’9 JP to me. I really like his midrange game.

[IM4X]

Like Kaiser? Watching Beran’s tape, he’s more like A 6’9 JP to me. I really like his midrange game.

I guess he is a bit more like JP in some ways. But he is tall and will likely play a lot at the three and can play at the four if needed like Kaiser. I guess anything is possible, but I would be surprised seeing Beran (at 6’9” ) playing the 2 as much as JP did.

[scoscox]

He seems to have a pretty good all-around game like JP and unlike Kaiser. Maybe that's what he meant. He's like a 6'9", more athletic JP aka a monster and would be an awesome, awesome get.

[IM4X]

No question it would be a great get... and it looks like X may be in good shape to land at least one really talented true SG/SG soon. That would be one heck of a good class for Steele and staff in their first year.

[scoscox]

Here's to hoping it's Beran, Bishop, and Beverly. I like Brandon Newman and Les Quinones a lot as well, but I think we're in the best position with those first three.

[noteggs]

Here's to hoping it's Beran, Bishop, and Beverly. I like Brandon Newman and Les Quinones a lot as well, but I think we're in the best position with those first three.

Think you’re spot on!

My only ask if Bishop commits...if he announces via Twitter like he did when he got his offer, he’ll say “just committed to Xavier University” vs “University of Xavier”. Just saying:)

[xufan02]

My guess is that Xavier gets only one more guard in the early signing period among; Beverly, Bishop, Newman, or Gaffney. The 5th spot in this class has already committed in 2020, Dwon Odom. I can see him reclassify to 2019.

[IM4X]

It’s likely X will take a CG/SG and Brenan, if they both want to commit.

Miles is a redshirt candidate, being that there are two ( or possibly three) guys coming in who could playat the 4 or 5.

[scoscox]

I wouldn’t be surprised if we take two guards and beran

[xufan02]

I wouldn’t be surprised if we take two guards and beran

Beran scheduled 3 official visits today, Georgia Tech, Boston College, and Kansas State. I really don't see us in this one given our depth 3-5; Naji, James, Freemantle, Ramsey, Tyrique, and Miles. We need guards because outside of Paul and Q don't have much.

[IM4X]

I think he had those visits planned. He did already visit X unofficially. I sure hope we are still in with Beran too. If he comes to X, I see him playing a lot of minutes right away, no matter who else commits. Pretty sure with all of his different skills Steele can guarantee him he won’t be a bench warmer.

Beran has been active in August taking visits as well. "He’s visited George Washington, Dayton, Xavier ,Virginia Tech, Wisconsin and Northwestern this August unofficially," Harris, the coach at Richmond (Va.) Collegiate, told 247Sports.

[Olsingledigit]

Beran scheduled 3 official visits today, Georgia Tech, Boston College, and Kansas State. I really don't see us in this one given our depth 3-5; Naji, James, Freemantle, Ramsey, Tyrique, and Miles. We need guards because outside of Paul and Q don't have much.

What about Franklin from Indy?

[X-man]

What about Franklin from Indy?

He's looking like he will commit to Purdue.

[xufan02]

What about Franklin from Indy?

He is in decision mode right now. He visited Indiana last week and his Purdue visit ends today. Xavier and Armaan both went in different directions. I see Franklin making a decision by Wednesday of next week.

[drudy23]

Are we going to get any of our top targets?

[xufan02]

Are we going to get any of our top targets?

Nothing is guaranteed but I think the staff lands one of the following targets; Harlond Beverly, Dahmir Bishop, Jalen Gaffney, David Johnson, or Brandon Newman.

My preference would be Bishop. He is a combo guard that is a good midrange and 3 point shooter, but has great bounce. His visit was originally scheduled for Sept 14, but it was moved up. I just think he fits best with the current roster and with Dwon Odom.

[XUGRAD80]

Are we going to get any of our top targets?

Rivals rated Xavier’s August as one of the top 3 in the country. Xavier may have lost one, but so did many other schools. Commit-decommit seems to be a trend across the country. But overall, with the addition of 3 2019 recruits that Xavier had been targeting as top wants/needs, Xavier had a VERY successful month. Q and Scruggs both have 2-3 years of eligibility left, so that need isn’t as critical as inside/wing was. Have to believe thst X isn’t done, and that there will be 1-2 more announcements this fall/winter.

[xukeith]

I like Brandon Newman. Maybe he likes Indiana but Xavier is on his final 4 list. Him and the guard in Louisville but it is hard to tae a player out of Louisville unless UL is banned from NCAA tourney.

[Olsingledigit]

I like Brandon Newman. Maybe he likes Indiana but Xavier is on his final 4 list. Him and the guard in Louisville but it is hard to tae a player out of Louisville unless UL is banned from NCAA tourney.

Isn’t Q from Louisville or a burb?

[sirthought]

Isn’t Q from Louisville or a burb?

No, not really close even. He's from Campbellsville KY.

[Lloyd Braun]

Any idea where we are with Franklin? Is he most likely Purdue or are we still in mix?

[X-man]

Any idea where we are with Franklin? Is he most likely Purdue or are we still in mix?

I think he's Purdue's if they want him. Hope I'm wrong.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I think he's Purdue's if they want him. Hope I'm wrong.

He is a weird one, he was all in for X but we seemed to cool on him. Now he is all in for Purdue but has yet to commit. I just think he has a high side that high D1 schools aren't wow'ed by.

[Lloyd Braun]

He is a weird one, he was all in for X but we seemed to cool on him. Now he is all in for Purdue but has yet to commit. I just think he has a high side that high D1 schools aren't wow'ed by.

Franklin commits to IU just as predicted. Weird class!

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

First domino falls with Franklin to IU. Newman will probably be next to decide. And Bishop is visiting X this weekend.

[Juice]

First domino falls with Franklin to IU. Newman will probably be next to decide. And Bishop is visiting X this weekend.

I could see this as a Goodin-Simpson situation between these two.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

I could see this as a Goodin-Simpson situation between these two.

Would love to get Bishop to commit after this weekend, but seems like there’s a couple others he is also really considering and will want to visit. Meanwhile I think it’s just us and Purdue for Newman now.

[XUGRAD80]

Jalen Gaffney has an official visit scheduled for Oct 7...Xavier in Home next Tuesday. X in his final 4. 6’2” guard from NJ.

[xukeith]

How about :
Lester Quinones
David Johnson- I know he is in Louisville and likely will stay there but there is always a small chance.
Jaylin Williams

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Definitely worth still watching, but just haven't heard much on our end about any movement. Think we're in a very good spot to land: Bishop, Newman, Beverly, or Gaffney- in that order, if I had to guess. Nonetheless, any of those four, or of the three you mentioned, would be a great get.

[noteggs]

Would love to get Bishop to commit after this weekend, but seems like there’s a couple others he is also really considering and will want to visit. Meanwhile I think it’s just us and Purdue for Newman now.

Looks like Bishop’s visit to X went very well (even with all the rain).

Crystal ball just blew up 100% for X! Hopefully a commit is coming soon.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Awesome to hear. Maybe tomorrow afternoon we could get some great news.

[XU 87]

Evans and Snow both now predicting he’s coming to X. Maybe he verballed but he’s not officially announcing yet.

[GIMMFD]

Looks like Bishop’s visit to X went very well (even with all the rain).

Crystal ball just blew up 100% for X! Hopefully a commit is coming soon.

He definitely looked like he enjoyed his time on Twitter, that would be a big time get, to help lessen the blow of King a bit, I'd love to see Bishop in a Xavier uniform

[SixFig]

He still has a couple official visits lined up (Rhode Island, Penn St., VCU), but here's hoping he found love at first sight with X

[MHettel]

He still has a couple official visits lined up (Rhode Island, Penn St., VCU), but here's hoping he found love at first sight with X

Yes, he’s still visiting blah, bland and bleech.

Just commit, Bishop.

[paulxu]

I don't like the title of this thread.

It reminds me of recent dentists appointments...among other things.

[xu82]

I don't like the title of this thread.

It reminds me of recent dentists appointments...among other things.

I don’t love the dentist, but not all things oral are bad.

[sirthought]

I'm eager to see what happens with Jalen Gaffney. He seems like a guy with a lot of potential, especially if he's learning the point position.

He'll visit Florida and UCON this month. FL has a bit of a crowd at his position, and it might be hard to get much playing time. But I'm hoping the new coaching staff doesn't win him over at UCON. That program is in bad shape, so I'd have to think XU would be a smarter choice for him. We should be able to offer decent minutes for him.

[IM4X]

Yes, he’s still visiting blah, bland and bleech.

Just commit, Bishop.

Ha... I love it that our b-ball program has climbed the ladder so high since I was at X that reading your comment (in reference to Bishop’s other possible choices) caused me to laugh out loud. It’s only really funny because it’s so damn true.

[XMuskieFTW]

I'm eager to see what happens with Jalen Gaffney. He seems like a guy with a lot of potential, especially if he's learning the point position.

He'll visit Florida and UCON this month. FL has a bit of a crowd at his position, and it might be hard to get much playing time. But I'm hoping the new coaching staff doesn't win him over at UCON. That program is in bad shape, so I'd have to think XU would be a smarter choice for him. We should be able to offer decent minutes for him.

Florida and Gaffney are no longer involved. It's down to us, Clemson, Uconn, Pitt, and St. John's. UConn may pose the biggest competition.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Bishop had an in-home with URI yesterday. Quick turnaround after an official to X Friday/Saturday. 247 now lists X and URI as "warmer" and his visit to URI is scheduled for the 21st I believe. Hopefully we have some good news before then.

[muskiefan82]

Bishop had an in-home with URI yesterday. Quick turnaround after an official to X Friday/Saturday. 247 now lists X and URI as "warmer" and his visit to URI is scheduled for the 21st I believe. Hopefully we have some good news before then.

Why would anyone want to be part of URInation?

[xukeith]

I am no coach but Bishop seems amazingly talented. I want him.....

[BandAid]

Why would anyone want to be part of URInation?

Prostate problems

[GIMMFD]

Why would anyone want to be part of URInation?

Didn't we lose out on a 4* to URI last cycle as well?? I don't necessarily get it, but who knows, I've been out in Providence, it's a pretty cool place, but other than that in Rhode Island there isn't much, North East beaches are weird... maybe they have some donors in Newport or something?? haha.

[xu82]

Didn't we lose out on a 4* to URI last cycle as well?? I don't necessarily get it, but who knows, I've been out in Providence, it's a pretty cool place, but other than that in Rhode Island there isn't much, North East beaches are weird... maybe they have some donors in Newport or something?? haha.

I have a sister in Providence and get there a good bit. It’s a GREAT town (other than the whole winter thing), but if I am about basketball, that’s a no-brainier! X all the way. Is it possible I might be a little biased? Yes. But I’m still correct.

[xudash]

Didn't we lose out on a 4* to URI last cycle as well?? I don't necessarily get it, but who knows, I've been out in Providence, it's a pretty cool place, but other than that in Rhode Island there isn't much, North East beaches are weird... maybe they have some donors in Newport or something?? haha.

Yes, but wasn't he literally from Providence or the immediate area?

[Juice]

Yes, but wasn't he literally from Providence or the immediate area?

The new head coach was his lead recruiter when he was the assistant and I think they had a preexisting relationship before that.

[noteggs]

The new head coach was his lead recruiter when he was the assistant and I think they had a preexisting relationship before that.

Yes and heard the same about Harris who is from Maryland (outside DC). He may have left X after Mack took the Louisville job. Obviously pure speculation on my part. Pegs was lead recruiter on Harris because of his DC ties.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

The staff had an in-home with Bishop yesterday. Hoping we don’t get to the weekend of his official to URI, but if we do, hopefully it just gives him more of a chance to see X is the right spot for him.

[GIMMFD]

The new head coach was his lead recruiter when he was the assistant and I think they had a preexisting relationship before that.

Ahhh okay, that makes more sense to me now, I wasn't sure of the ins and outs, it's kinda hard to keep a track of the guys who don't come here.. except for DSR because he decided to choose Georgetown haha.

[muskiefan82]

Bishop is coming to X!

https://247sports.com/Article/Xavier-has-dipped-into-the-city-of-Philadelphia-and-landed-top-100-guard-Dahmir-Bishop-121861327/

[scoscox]

Dante seems to be pretty good on the trail

[Lloyd Braun]

He’s a stud. Nice job, staff!

https://twitter.com/dahh215/status/1040750455595393026?s=21

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I love this get, he is a tough Philly guard. Is Steele done for '19 or does he go for one more? Beran? Gaffney? Does Odom reclass?

[MHettel]

Does anyone else look at Bishop and see Ray Allen and Bradley Beal? Hope he plays like that!

[xufan02]

Does anyone else look at Bishop and see Ray Allen and Bradley Beal? Hope he plays like that!

When I first watched his highlight reels the guy that came to mind was former Missouri star from the David West era, Kareem Rush. He was a long silky smooth scorer who was athletic, competitive, and tough. Bishop reminds me of him.

I remember Xavier played Missouri in Indianapolis and we lost that game. Rush was sensational.

[scoscox]

I love this get, he is a tough Philly guard. Is Steele done for '19 or does he go for one more? Beran? Gaffney? Does Odom reclass?

I think we're going for at least one more, maybe two. I think Beran's ship has sailed since he isn't planning a visit, so we're probably looking at 1-2 of Gaffney, Beverly, and Newman. Seems like Gaffney is most likely

[XUGRAD80]

I love this get, he is a tough Philly guard. Is Steele done for '19 or does he go for one more? Beran? Gaffney? Does Odom reclass?

I don’t believe that they are done. Brandon Newman will be visiting end of September according to reports.

Welcome Mr. Bishop. May you play well and prosper.

[paulxu]

By adding Bishop, Xavier now has the No. 4 ranked class in the country.

Nice

[GIMMFD]

Love it, always nice to get a top 100 guy, definitely looks like a guy that can light it up, very athletic, and smooth in scoring, excited to get him. Hopefully the commitment holds strong!

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Good positional size, smooth athlete and has a nice shot. Best guard we were in on IMO. Big fan. Wondering who’s next (and most likely last) for this class

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Welcome Bishop. Great get for X.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I love Gaffney’s game. My Jersey contact loves that kid and he plays AAU for a crazy good Team Rio. He is good and went under the radar.


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[GIMMFD]

So I guess I'll start this discussion, hypothetically if we get one more, which I think we will, is this the best class in Xavier history if everyone of them makes it to campus??

EDIT: On paper of course, we don't know how these guys will pan out.

[SixFig]

So I guess I'll start this discussion, hypothetically if we get one more, which I think we will, is this the best class in Xavier history if everyone of them makes it to campus??

EDIT: On paper of course, we don't know how these guys will pan out.

The Macura (#102) , Blueitt(#39), Sumner (#106), Omara (#156), London (#88), Austin (#132) class would like a word

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Yeah that class was good. Austin and London were overrated but the rest were great. This class needs a top 50 guy to equal that.


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[sirthought]

Best class ever? Do we need the measuring stick on everything? Can't we just enjoy watching them play?

[Xville]

Sorry to be the party pooper, but can we get to that last 2% getting guys ranked at this level? Fringe top 100 guys are great and it has gotten us to where we are now. But in order to get to the next level, we need to get more of those next tier guys.

[xufan02]

Sorry to be the party pooper, but can we get to that last 2% getting guys ranked at this level? Fringe top 100 guys are great and it has gotten us to where we are now. But in order to get to the next level, we need to get more of those next tier guys.

I agree here, but this is a class that needed to be big primarily because last year the staff went after the player that could close that 2% gap and missed on every one of them.

We could not afford to do the same in 2019 with our roster. We have landed 3 4star talents, all priority guys going into the early evaluation period, and a high upside 3star Center. Dwon Odom in 2020 is a 2% kid. The staff can afford to swing for the fences in 2020 for two more guys.

[Xville]

I agree here, but this is a class that needed to be big primarily because last year the staff went after the player that could close that 2% gap and missed on every one of them.

We could not afford to do the same in 2019 with our roster. We have landed 3 4star talents, all priority guys going into the early evaluation period, and a high upside 3star Center. Dwon Odom in 2020 is a 2% kid. The staff can afford to swing for the fences in 2020 for two more guys.

Fair enough!

[Juice]

Obviously lots of this will change but this is positive

https://247sports.com/Season/2019-Basketball/CompositeTeamRankings/

[markchal]

A lot of the recruiting rankings of our class have to do with the size of it, right? I feel like every few years we have a giant class of 4-5 kids and everyone gushes because it's ranked so high, but then a few decommit or transfer or don't fit in. I'm really excited for the kids we have coming in, but I think we should take our class rank with a grain of salt.

[xukeith]

I love this get, he is a tough Philly guard. Is Steele done for '19 or does he go for one more? Beran? Gaffney? Does Odom reclass?

Sources tell reporters Steele will try and get 1 more 2019 player.

[novachap]

Hey! Get off our lawn. Awesome get, congratulations. He's going to be a star in a couple years.

[noteggs]

Thank you Greg Christopher for hiring Travis Steele on March 31! What he and his staff have been able to pull off the the last 5 months is remarkable. Not only has he (and staff) set up X for future success from our 2019 and 2020 recruits, but they also got us quality grad transfers to be competitive for the upcoming season. Well done gentlemen!

[XUGRAD80]

Hey! Get off our lawn. Awesome get, congratulations. He's going to be a star in a couple years.

It’s just an added plus that he happens to come from Philly....:yahoo:

Y’all aren’t doing so shabby yourselves though.....:nono:

[MHettel]

This is a really good class on paper, and hopefully it fulfills it’s potential. But it takes years before that answer is known. Frease, Holloway, Lyons, Redford and Walsh was a class right? Perfect example of a mixed bag. One legend, a couple guys that contributed, an injury and a transfer. Trevon and Macura stand out as exceptions when you can get 2 4-year studs out of one class.

Anyway, the rankings DO have a lot to do with the number of players in the class, and keep in mind most of the 5 star guys don’t commit until later and those teams will just jump up in the rankings when that occurs. So, #4 right now, but right now isn’t what matters. Actually none of this ranking garbage matters ever. Wins matter.

[XU 87]

But it takes years before that answer is known. Frease, Holloway, Lyons, Redford and Walsh was a class right? Perfect example of a mixed bag. One legend, a couple guys that contributed, an injury and a transfer.



That was a great class. Besides Holloway, Lyons probably would have been a hall of famer had he stayed for his senior year (he still scored over 1200 points in 3 years). Frease didn't live up to his hype, but he still scored over 1100 points and had over 700 rebounds. I think Redford left as the all time leader in 3 pointers.

That class also went to three Sweet 16's.

[SixFig]

As others have mentioned, there 2 schollies out there. At least one will either go to another guard (Beverly, Gaffney, Newman) or a combo forward (hopefully Beren). The other possibiliy Steele will hold on and see what shakes out in the spring with decommits and transfers. Here is the depth chart next year as I see it (pure speculation based on seniority and rankings, also as we know positions are fluid).

PG Q Goodin, D Bishop
SG P Scruggs, K Kennedy
SF E Harden, D James
PF N Marshall, D Ramsey
C T Jones, Z Freemantle, D Miles

[paulxu]

I hope Naji bulks up if he's playing PF.

[MHettel]

That was a great class. Besides Holloway, Lyons probably would have been a hall of famer had he stayed for his senior year (he still scored over 1200 points in 3 years). Frease didn't live up to his hype, but he still scored over 1100 points and had over 700 rebounds. I think Redford left as the all time leader in 3 pointers.

That class also went to three Sweet 16's.

I don’t think Lyons would have been a HOFer had he stayed. He was good, but doesn’t measure up to the best players we’ve had. Frease came up short for sure. We HAD to play him due to lack of other options. So he racked up some stats but I wouldn’t say he ever had even one productive year.

Almost certain that Redford didn’t have the record for 3’s

[Juice]

I don’t think Lyons would have been a HOFer had he stayed. He was good, but doesn’t measure up to the best players we’ve had. Frease came up short for sure. We HAD to play him due to lack of other options. So he racked up some stats but I wouldn’t say he ever had even one productive year.

Almost certain that Redford didn’t have the record for 3’s

Kenny had an offensive rating of 112.2 in 2011 which was second on the team. His eFG% was 54.9 which put him in the top 250 in the country. His DR% was 21.8 which put him at 110th in the country. He had productive years but people thought he should have been averaging 20 and 10 so nothing he did was ever good enough.

[xukeith]

This is a really good class on paper, and hopefully it fulfills it’s potential. But it takes years before that answer is known. Frease, Holloway, Lyons, Redford and Walsh was a class right? Perfect example of a mixed bag. One legend, a couple guys that contributed, an injury and a transfer. Trevon and Macura stand out as exceptions when you can get 2 4-year studs out of one class.

Anyway, the rankings DO have a lot to do with the number of players in the class, and keep in mind most of the 5 star guys don’t commit until later and those teams will just jump up in the rankings when that occurs. So, #4 right now, but right now isn’t what matters. Actually none of this ranking garbage matters ever. Wins matter.

Same with Bluiett, Macura, OMara, and someone else. 2 were great. 1 was average, 1 was lackluster.

[MHettel]

Kenny had an offensive rating of 112.2 in 2011 which was second on the team. His eFG% was 54.9 which put him in the top 250 in the country. His DR% was 21.8 which put him at 110th in the country. He had productive years but people thought he should have been averaging 20 and 10 so nothing he did was ever good enough.

I don’t know much about those specific metrics. I do know what I witnessed from him, and he was pretty dang average

[noteggs]

Same with Bluiett, Macura, OMara, and someone else. 2 were great. 1 was average, 1 was lackluster.

Thought Ed was pretty darn good in that class. Two lackluster in that class with Makinde and Austin.

[GIMMFD]

Best class ever? Do we need the measuring stick on everything? Can't we just enjoy watching them play?

I know everything shouldn't be a measuring stick, but it's the off-season, I figured some discussion would liven up the place and just get us a little more excited for X basketball. Like I said, on paper, I realize that things happen, life happens, etc. But I figured it'd be a fun little talking point since there's not much else going on right now haha.

I don't necessarily think this was the best class ever, but I figured it would be interesting to see how it compared with others, obviously we know nothing until the guys get here and what not, but just kind of mulling over, I think I have it as these three or four worth debate (going with 247 rankings:

2011 - Dez Wells (59th), Jalen Reynolds (100th), Dee Davis (103rd)
2014 - Trevon Blueitt (39th), Makinde London (88th), JP Macura (102nd), Edmond Sumner (106th), Sean O'Mara (156th)
2017 - Paul Scruggs (34th), Naji Marshall (58th), Elias Harden (136th)
2019 - Zach Freemantle (103rd), Daniel Ramsey (109th), Dahmir Bishop (123rd), Dieonte Miles (184th)

Obviously 2019 will change with players moving up and down, but now that I've typed it up and looked at it, I think it's definitely between the 2014 and 2017 class on paper as the best. Pretty interesting stuff to just see I guess more than anything. I don't know. I am happy with the hiring of Travis Steele and I do believe we are trending on the right path, these aren't recruits that will give us the last 2% as of yet (per XVILLE's saying), but I do think it's a solid basis, and with Odom committed, if we could somehow get another home run with him, it would beautiful.

[JTG]

Thank you Greg Christopher for hiring Travis Steele on March 31! What he and his staff have been able to pull off the the last 5 months is remarkable. Not only has he (and staff) set up X for future success from our 2019 and 2020 recruits, but they also got us quality grad transfers to be competitive for the upcoming season. Well done gentlemen!

He's already proving to be an ace recruiter. If he can coach, which I believe he can, we're gonna be Badass good.

[XU 87]

I don’t think Lyons would have been a HOFer had he stayed. He was good, but doesn’t measure up to the best players we’ve had. Frease came up short for sure. We HAD to play him due to lack of other options. So he racked up some stats but I wouldn’t say he ever had even one productive year.

Almost certain that Redford didn’t have the record for 3’s

This class had three 1000 point scorers. Another guy made almost 200 threes, which was he was brought in to do. They won 3 A-10 championships and went to the NCAA’s All 4 years, going to 3 Sweet 16’s.

[scoscox]

I know everything shouldn't be a measuring stick, but it's the off-season, I figured some discussion would liven up the place and just get us a little more excited for X basketball. Like I said, on paper, I realize that things happen, life happens, etc. But I figured it'd be a fun little talking point since there's not much else going on right now haha.

I don't necessarily think this was the best class ever, but I figured it would be interesting to see how it compared with others, obviously we know nothing until the guys get here and what not, but just kind of mulling over, I think I have it as these three or four worth debate (going with 247 rankings:

2011 - Dez Wells (59th), Jalen Reynolds (100th), Dee Davis (103rd)
2014 - Trevon Blueitt (39th), Makinde London (88th), JP Macura (102nd), Edmond Sumner (106th), Sean O'Mara (156th)
2017 - Paul Scruggs (34th), Naji Marshall (58th), Elias Harden (136th)
2019 - Zach Freemantle (103rd), Daniel Ramsey (109th), Dahmir Bishop (123rd), Dieonte Miles (184th)

Obviously 2019 will change with players moving up and down, but now that I've typed it up and looked at it, I think it's definitely between the 2014 and 2017 class on paper as the best. Pretty interesting stuff to just see I guess more than anything. I don't know. I am happy with the hiring of Travis Steele and I do believe we are trending on the right path, these aren't recruits that will give us the last 2% as of yet (per XVILLE's saying), but I do think it's a solid basis, and with Odom committed, if we could somehow get another home run with him, it would beautiful.

Of all these guys, I'm low key very excited about Dieonte Miles. I won't be surprised if he moves up in the rankings over the next year. He looks like a stud.

[scoscox]

I hope Naji bulks up if he's playing PF.

He looks like he has bulked up atleast from these pictures

https://twitter.com/XavierMBB/status/1040029388782411776

[XU 87]

Next up- a point guard.

[novachap]

It’s just an added plus that he happens to come from Philly....:yahoo:

Y’all aren’t doing so shabby yourselves though.....:nono:

Lol... philly tough. You will like him.

We're down to 1 scholly left for 2019-2020 so making a big push for a mobile big. Seems like you guys have signed a ton of kids. How many left?

[scoscox]

Two schollies left. We'll definitely sign at least one more.

[GIMMFD]

Of all these guys, I'm low key very excited about Dieonte Miles. I won't be surprised if he moves up in the rankings over the next year. He looks like a stud.

I don't know much about him, the highlights I watched he was playing against guys like 6 inches shorter than him, so it wasn't even fair, I also don't know how big of a HS Walton-Verona or whatever is, but he has great size and length, needs to get in the gym a bit more and bulk up, looks like he can run the court which is good. I trust our staff, and the article I read say he's somewhat of a project, but I'm really excited about this class. It doesn't jump out at you like crazy, but Steele has done good work in getting this class together, and I think we'll see it pay off a bit years down the line, as this class was very important. We couldn't have another 2018 type of class, otherwise we would have started falling backwards.

[XU 87]

My guess is Miles is a tall and athletic guy who currently lacks basketball skills (see Aaron Williams).

For our younger folks, Aaron Williams was a 6’9” center from Chicago who could jump and run his freshman year (1989-1990) and got WAY better and played in the NBA for about 12 years.

[scoscox]

I don’t know. He’s extremely mobile, can handle it well and is, per his coach, a capable shooter. He didn’t join his aau team until late in the season so he hasn’t had much exposure. I wouldn’t be surprised if he moved up

[scoscox]

My guess is Miles is a tall and athletic guy who currently lacks basketball skills (see Aaron Williams).

For our younger folks, Aaron Williams was a 6’9” center from Chicago who could jump and run his freshman year (1989-1990) and got WAY better and played in the NBA for about 12 years.

He’s not the athlete that the a train was but he’s a little taller and, like I said, has a better handle and appears to be more mobile

[Lloyd Braun]

Sooooo Anthony Coleman?

[MHettel]

My guess is Miles is a tall and athletic guy who currently lacks basketball skills (see Aaron Williams).

For our younger folks, Aaron Williams was a 6’9” center from Chicago who could jump and run his freshman year (1989-1990) and got WAY better and played in the NBA for about 12 years.

Williams was at XU when I was. He was a good player for sure, but for some reason never would accept my arm wrestling challenge. I used to call him “toothpicks”

[xudash]

Aaron Williams? One of the greatest put-backs in Xavier history against Georgetown.

May this new recruit have high character, a burning desire to develop and win, and may all that allow him to deliver his own great Xavier memories.

[xukeith]

Aaron Williams? One of the greatest put-backs in Xavier history against Georgetown.

May this new recruit have high character, a burning desire to develop and win, and may all that allow him to deliver his own great Xavier memories.

7 blocks against Loyola(Chicago) too. He was frustrating to watch as he disappeared often but Grant and he both at times were dominant.

[noteggs]

Aaron Williams? One of the greatest put-backs in Xavier history against Georgetown.


1989 - 90 has some the fondest memories I have with X. Three future NBA players on the team and advancing to sweet 16 for first time in school history with that win you described. Thought we would beat Texas next since they were a 10 seed. Unfortunately, not much of a game because they were on fire and we gave up 102 points.

Almost forgot, that was the year I graduated as well...

[IM4X]

A lot of the recruiting rankings of our class have to do with the size of it, right? I feel like every few years we have a giant class of 4-5 kids and everyone gushes because it's ranked so high, but then a few decommit or transfer or don't fit in. I'm really excited for the kids we have coming in, but I think we should take our class rank with a grain of salt.

Yeah. I agree. There should be excited about how the 2019 class is shaping up. Yet, it probably makes sense to wait on feeling complete confident until the players are officially signed.

There are a few things we should keep in mind: We are one of only three schools (USC and Aburn being the other two) who have 4 commits, which means other schools will be moving up once they get more commits. All of of the recruits committing to X are ranked higher on the 24/7 site than on other sites (rivals has only one of our players in the top 100 and they rank our class 4 spots lower as 8th best class).

Still, I cannot help but be please about the players who have verbally committed. They look legitimately talented.

[bobbiemcgee]

Steele appears to have a great "pipeline" to talented players. Who knows maybe he pulls out a 5 star. You'll have "decommits' but this guy never stops with the relentless recruiting efforts. Just moves on to next best alternative. His contact list must be huge. We'll have to see with the X's and O's, but man, this guy has a great rep as a recruiter. I think he kills it with the 2020 class.

[XUGRAD80]

Steele appears to have a great "pipeline" to talented players. Who knows maybe he pulls out a 5 star. You'll have "decommits' but this guy never stops with the relentless recruiting efforts. Just moves on to next best alternative. His contact list must be huge. We'll have to see with the X's and O's, but man, this guy has a great rep as a recruiter. I think he kills it with the 2020 class.

on the 24/7 site they have a section where you can see all of the players that they have listed as having received OFFERS from X for various years. The Verbal Commits site has the same thing, but it also shows the current roster and breaks the positions down even better. According to that site, X has already offered at least 1 high school FRESHMAN. The twitter feeds on those sites frequently mention what coach is in to see which player and which player has received an offer from what school. From looking at these sites frequently, its easy to see that recruiting is a 24/7-365 day a year job. X still has a lot of offers out to players and there are still quite a few players in the top 100-150 for 2019 that are undecided. In addition, there are very few schools that have any commitments for the 2020 class, and x has lots of offers out to players in that class too.

[GIMMFD]

Steele appears to have a great "pipeline" to talented players. Who knows maybe he pulls out a 5 star. You'll have "decommits' but this guy never stops with the relentless recruiting efforts. Just moves on to next best alternative. His contact list must be huge. We'll have to see with the X's and O's, but man, this guy has a great rep as a recruiter. I think he kills it with the 2020 class.

It definitely helped getting Jonah Hayes, and Ben Johnson as well. I definitely think our entire staff is recruiting at a high level, hell even Dante was vital in getting Dahmir Bishop. They are definitely relentless in the recruiting game, I think as long as the on court product continues to be good, and we keep making good runs in the tournament this staff has the ability to land a "5 star" guy. Odom is a promising start to the 2020 class, only time will tell obviously, but we're definitely in a good place with recruiting. I just hope we can keep onto Hayes and Johnson for a few years, because I'm sure they're gonna get poached for a HC job soon.

[GoMuskies]

2019 class rankings from 24/7 are pretty interesting right now. Mack and Steele duking it out! LOL

https://247sports.com/Season/2019-Basketball/CompositeTeamRankings/

[XU 87]

2019 class rankings from 24/7 are pretty interesting right now. Mack and Steele duking it out! LOL

https://247sports.com/Season/2019-Basketball/CompositeTeamRankings/

Gotta give Mack and his staff credit for being able to recruit under these circumstances.

[MHettel]

Gotta give Mack and his staff credit for being able to recruit under these circumstances.

No we dont

[IM4X]

Well, I guess it is not a complete surprise after 3 bigs and 1 tall guard committing. Robbie Beran does not have X in his latest cut to seven teams.


https://247sports.com/college/maryland/Article/Maryland-Basketball-Recruiting-Terps-Make-Cut-2018-Robbie-Beran-122037534/ (https://247sports.com/college/maryland/Article/Maryland-Basketball-Recruiting-Terps-Make-Cut-2018-Robbie-Beran-122037534/)

[MHettel]

What a weird list of finalists. A few good academic minded schools. A few power schools from good conferences. A couple schools from some middling conferences. And Louisville.

[noteggs]

2019 class rankings from 24/7 are pretty interesting right now. Mack and Steele duking it out! LOL

https://247sports.com/Season/2019-Basketball/CompositeTeamRankings/

Conversation at the Mack household-

Chris Mack “Why did I leave my alma mater to recruit the same type of guys?”

Christi “you know I wanted to get back home and I’ll give you 4 million more reasons!”

Chris “oh yeah, but we’re eventually going to move back to the Westside, right?”

[IM4X]

What a weird list of finalists. A few good academic minded schools. A few power schools from good conferences. A couple schools from some middling conferences. And Louisville.

Any school but Louisville Robbie. Besides, they aren’t getting to a Final Four anytime soon.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Unfortunately, it hadn’t seemed likely for a couple weeks with Beran. But he would’ve been the perfect piece to end the class with. We need a versatile wing (not 2 guard, since Bishop fills that hole nicely). But as the current situation is shaking out, we don’t have a King/Marshall/bluiett type guy in the works. After Welage graduates and Naji eventually graduates, we’re definitely lacking on a true wing/3 player. We’d have to go three guards and two bigs. Don’t think there’s anyone in the ‘19 prospects to fill this.

On the flip side, Elias, Keonte, and Bishop all have enough length to play the 3, I suppose. Curious to see who the last piece will ultimately end up being.

[Juice]

Gotta give Mack and his staff credit for being able to recruit under these circumstances.

Mehhh, Arizona is bringing in recruits again too. Times has lessened the heat around each of these programs.

[Xville]

Any school but Louisville Robbie. Besides, they aren’t getting to a Final Four anytime soon.

They may not because I dont think mack has the coaching chops to do so, but the rest of those schools aren't getting there for sure. Rest of those schools are between mediocre and crap.

[xukeith]

@PatLawless_
Following Following @PatLawless_
More
USC, Michigan, Georgia Tech, and Xavier were in for '20 Corey Walker from Bishop Snyder (FL) today.

7:16 PM - 18 Sep 2018

Xavier is aiming high for a SF in 2020 class. X needs an awesome SF frosh in 2020.

https://hoopseen.com/news/player/201805/5-star-2020-sf-corey-walker-discusses-his-recruitment

[IM4X]

They may not because I dont think mack has the coaching chops to do so, but the rest of those schools aren't getting there for sure. Rest of those schools are between mediocre and crap.

Ha... agreed... and there is no excuse about “not being able to get the recruits he needs to win a final four ” (wat to throw your X players under the bus champ). His Cardinal team will come up short again and again... though he will still have the last laugh when the school finally figures it out after having payed out... what will it be... $28 million.


Anyway, works out for CM and it works out for us now that we get the guy at the helm who will prove to be the best coach X has ever had. I have a good feeling about my man Steele (and his staff)... a really good feeling.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Ha... agreed... and there is no excuse about “not being able to get the recruits he needs to win a final four ” (wat to throw your X players under the bus champ). His Cardinal team will come up short again and again... though he will still have the last laugh when the school finally figures it out after having payed out... what will it be... $28 million.


Anyway, works out for CM and it works out for us now that we get the guy at the helm who will prove to be the best coach X has ever had. I have a good feeling about my man Steele (and his staff)... a really good feeling.

I am pretty sure his 2019 class is pretty good. He has three top 100 guys and one top 50 guy already.

[GIMMFD]

@PatLawless_
Following Following @PatLawless_
More
USC, Michigan, Georgia Tech, and Xavier were in for '20 Corey Walker from Bishop Snyder (FL) today.

7:16 PM - 18 Sep 2018

Xavier is aiming high for a SF in 2020 class. X needs an awesome SF frosh in 2020.

https://hoopseen.com/news/player/201805/5-star-2020-sf-corey-walker-discusses-his-recruitment

247 has his composite score at 33rd currently, could you imagine if him and Odom both came here?? Salivating at the thought.

[XUGRAD80]

Rivals just reported that Brandon Newman just verbally commited to Perdue....:(

I was really hoping he was going to come to X, and was expecting it too.

Oh well, move on, next!

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

With the Bishop commit Newman seemed unlikely. They don’t bring enough of a different skillset to take both, and I personally would rather have Bishop. Now Gaffney or Beverly... that’s a different story. Both are capable of and more inclined to playing the lead guard role.

[noteggs]

Not really surprised with Newman. Bishop should be a strong player at the 2 (and at wing when needed). Hopefully, Gaffney decides to commit. I know 2018, was not our best in terms of high ranking players. Both James and KK can be a pleasant surprise despite their rankings. Saw text recently (from xhoops.com), that Elias gained 20 pounds this year which will help dramatically (I hope). Steele and company have done a great job this year in terms of recruiting!

[drudy23]

Rivals just reported that Brandon Newman just verbally commited to Perdue....:(



Will Perdue?

[XUGRAD80]

Will Perdue?


D*+m spell check!

[XUGRAD80]

Ha... agreed... and there is no excuse about “not being able to get the recruits he needs to win a final four ” (wat to throw your X players under the bus champ). His Cardinal team will come up short again and again... though he will still have the last laugh when the school finally figures it out after having payed out... what will it be... $28 million.


Anyway, works out for CM and it works out for us now that we get the guy at the helm who will prove to be the best coach X has ever had. I have a good feeling about my man Steele (and his staff)... a really good feeling.

Johnson just committed to them, according to Twitter link off of Rivals site.

[xukeith]

I hate to say this and I give into the temptation to even care about UL recruiting but Mack and co. are getting very good players for a program in not so great of PR shape. 3-4 top 100 players is looking solid for them.
OK I am done looking at THAT school. I will now only focus on X.

[JTG]

I hate to say this and I give into the temptation to even care about UL recruiting but Mack and co. are getting very good players for a program in not so great of PR shape. 3-4 top 100 players is looking solid for them.
OK I am done looking at THAT school. I will now only focus on X.

Wonder how much they're paying for a recruit these days ?

[XUGRAD80]

I could care less than nothing who they recruit....except when it’s a player that X has also been recruiting.

[IM4X]

I am pretty sure his 2019 class is pretty good. He has three top 100 guys and one top 50 guy already.

I will say that he and his boys who joined him to coach at that place have done a nice job of recruiting in there first year.

But then, like I mentioned, now that CM won’t be able to use the classless and insensitive, “I wasn’t able to get the players I wanted,” excuse for not making a final four. He is going to have to come up with a new angle to use to throw someone else under the bus when he isn’t able to advance any further in an NCAA tournament there than he did at X.

[Xville]

I hate to say this and I give into the temptation to even care about UL recruiting but Mack and co. are getting very good players for a program in not so great of PR shape. 3-4 top 100 players is looking solid for them.
OK I am done looking at THAT school. I will now only focus on X.

meh...Mack can recruit we all know that...X and O coaching though....never was impressed.

[IM4X]

Johnson just committed to them, according to Twitter link off of Rivals site.

Not seeing this. His twitter still has 3 (including X)

EDIT: This piece written yesterday says he is down to two... X is no longer in the mix. So we needn’t waste any more time on DJ.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/247sports.com/college/basketball/recruiting/Article/David-Johnson-down-to-two-sets-Louisville-official-visit-122094226/Amp/

[drudy23]

meh...Mack can recruit we all know that...X and O coaching though....never was impressed.

Really?

Word amongst his peers is that he's among the best with the X's and O's.

I've seen some dismantling of good teams based off of gameplans and execution.

[XMuskieFTW]

Really?

Word amongst his peers is that he's among the best with the X's and O's.

I've seen some dismantling of good teams based off of gameplans and execution.

To be fair, Steele has been in charge of the offense for the last 5 or so years, so how much was Mack and how much was Steele is a bit unknown.

[XU 87]

meh...Mack can recruit we all know that...X and O coaching though....never was impressed.

Possibly the best X and O coach we've had.

[Xville]

Possibly the best X and O coach we've had.

Absolutely completely disagree...Miller is by far a better x and o coach in my opinion.

Mack doesnt value defense and was continually dismantled against nova over and over and over because he refused to adjust his gameplan against them.

[xu82]

Possibly the best X and O coach we've had.

Yeah, but other than that....

[Xville]

Really?

Word amongst his peers is that he's among the best with the X's and O's.

I've seen some dismantling of good teams based off of gameplans and execution.

What peers? Against the ones who unequivocally dismantled his teams like jay Wright time and time again...or the ones who beat his teams early in the ncaa tournament or big east tournament?

He is going to get exposed against the great coaches that are in the acc...there is only one he had to worry about in the big east.

[GoMuskies]

I'll go with Steele as our best ever Xs and Os coach. Just edging out Prosser (yes, that part is a joke).

[SM#24]

Absolutely completely disagree...Miller is by far a better x and o coach in my opinion.

Mack doesnt value defense and was continually dismantled against nova over and over and over because he refused to adjust his gameplan against them.

Maybe Villanova was just better than X. Like 4 - 0 in drafted players better. I actually thought our game plan for the game at X last year was very good. Sometimes better teams just play better.

[scoscox]

Maybe Villanova was just better than X. Like 4 - 0 in drafted players better. I actually thought our game plan for the game at X last year was very good. Sometimes better teams just play better.

Better? Yes. 25 points better every single time we play? No.

[94GRAD]

Absolutely completely disagree...Miller is by far a better x and o coach in my opinion.

Mack doesnt value defense and was continually dismantled against nova over and over and over because he refused to adjust his gameplan against them.


How about the X's and O's in the game out in San Jose?

[MHettel]

Maybe Villanova was just better than X. Like 4 - 0 in drafted players better. I actually thought our game plan for the game at X last year was very good. Sometimes better teams just play better.

I did an analysis a while back regarding Villanova bs the Big East.

Over the 5 years of the New Big East, Nova had something like 20 total losses. EVERY team has logged at least 1 win against nova, so that account for 9 of the 20. Since XU only has one, that means the other 8 teams have combined for 11 additional wins against Nova.

We literally are tied for worst record vs. Nova in the BE.

jay Wright has our number.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Mack was a great offensive coach and I think he could game plan with anyone (Wright and Few were exceptions). Jury is out on Steele, but he is just getting started and we are going to find out. I think people forget the early lumps Mack took, but towards the end I saw him out scheme opposing coaches. He has time to learn and improve.

I am not bitter about Mack leaving at all. It took a huge payday, and his wife's hometown to pry him out AND he left us with what I think is a worthy successor (who has a hot wife). If Steele really is the mastermind of the offense or learned from Mack himself fantastic, here is to hoping that Johnson/Jackson/Hayes can slide in some rugged defense.

[Xville]

I did an analysis a while back regarding Villanova bs the Big East.

Over the 5 years of the New Big East, Nova had something like 20 total losses. EVERY team has logged at least 1 win against nova, so that account for 9 of the 20. Since XU only has one, that means the other 8 teams have combined for 11 additional wins against Nova.

We literally are tied for worst record vs. Nova in the BE.

jay Wright has our number.

Jay Wright has chris Mack's number. It's extremely simple...mack refuses to play a different defense other than the pack line or the 131 zone against nova which is completely stupid since they are an incredibly talented shooting team year in and year out.

[XU 87]

Jay Wright has chris Mack's number. It's extremely simple...mack refuses to play a different defense other than the pack line or the 131 zone against nova which is completely stupid since they are an incredibly talented shooting team year in and year out.

Mack also ran a 2-3. So those were the 3 defenses he ran. Are you suggesting X should have installed a 4th and different defense for two games per year?

While I realize Mack left, he was a damn good coach, and arguably the most successful coach in Xavier history.

[Muskie in dayton]

Mack also ran a 2-3. So those were the 3 defenses he ran. Are you suggesting X should have installed a 4th and different defense for two games per year?

While I realize Mack left, he was a damn good coach, and arguably the most successful coach in Xavier history.

Agreed, too bad he’s such a douche bag, as we learned.

[xukeith]

Miller was my favorite coach.
Defense, rebounding, recruiter.

Mack's best thing was the out of bounds plays and recruiting.

[Xville]

Mack also ran a 2-3. So those were the 3 defenses he ran. Are you suggesting X should have installed a 4th and different defense for two games per year?

While I realize Mack left, he was a damn good coach, and arguably the most successful coach in Xavier history.

Dont remember him ever running a 2-3 against nova and regardless running a zone against nova is truly stupid just like the packline. Simple man to man would have been exponentially better than the packline even with the lack of foot speed our guys had...packline leaves guys on the wing wide effing open which works great against teams that cant shoot well.

[GIMMFD]

Mack was a great offensive coach and I think he could game plan with anyone (Wright and Few were exceptions). Jury is out on Steele, but he is just getting started and we are going to find out. I think people forget the early lumps Mack took, but towards the end I saw him out scheme opposing coaches. He has time to learn and improve.

I am not bitter about Mack leaving at all. It took a huge payday, and his wife's hometown to pry him out AND he left us with what I think is a worthy successor (who has a hot wife). If Steele really is the mastermind of the offense or learned from Mack himself fantastic, here is to hoping that Johnson/Jackson/Hayes can slide in some rugged defense.

I'm in this boat, I'm excited to see the potential Steele has, definitely agree there's going to be some growing pains, he's going to be learning on the fly in the Big East which is a lot different than the A10, but I think that'll help him in the long run. You're going up against Jay Wright, Wojo, McDermott, Cooley, etc. and those guys have been around a lot of basketball and are good at what they do, the biggest thing I hope for in Steele is that he isn't stubborn and understands when changes are necessary, and makes them. Since he was the mastermind of our offense, I'm excited to watch it continue to grow and us to put up points, but you're right, defense is lacking. He said he's going to address it in the off-season, and I think we have the athleticism finally to put together a decent defensive unit, we'll have to see. As for Mack, screw him, he's not our coach anymore, I could care less what he does at Louisville.


I did an analysis a while back regarding Villanova bs the Big East.

Over the 5 years of the New Big East, Nova had something like 20 total losses. EVERY team has logged at least 1 win against nova, so that account for 9 of the 20. Since XU only has one, that means the other 8 teams have combined for 11 additional wins against Nova.

We literally are tied for worst record vs. Nova in the BE.

jay Wright has our number.

Jay Wright definitely has our number, but it's also interesting that Nova seems to always play lights out against us. I knew the game at Cintas was over when Bridges came out of the gate with 16 quickly, hitting three's over defenders draped all over him. Sometimes there's nothing you can do, but for the most part we were outclassed by Jay Wright and Nova. There's a talent gap for sure, but like people have said no way it should be around the 20 point beat downs it has been in order for us to take the next step. I think we're improving on the recruiting front, but we're going to have to find a way to slow down the Nova machine.

[JTG]

I'm in this boat, I'm excited to see the potential Steele has, definitely agree there's going to be some growing pains, he's going to be learning on the fly in the Big East which is a lot different than the A10, but I think that'll help him in the long run. You're going up against Jay Wright, Wojo, McDermott, Cooley, etc. and those guys have been around a lot of basketball and are good at what they do, the biggest thing I hope for in Steele is that he isn't stubborn and understands when changes are necessary, and makes them. Since he was the mastermind of our offense, I'm excited to watch it continue to grow and us to put up points, but you're right, defense is lacking. He said he's going to address it in the off-season, and I think we have the athleticism finally to put together a decent defensive unit, we'll have to see. As for Mack, screw him, he's not our coach anymore, I could care less what he does at Louisville.



Jay Wright definitely has our number, but it's also interesting that Nova seems to always play lights out against us. I knew the game at Cintas was over when Bridges came out of the gate with 16 quickly, hitting three's over defenders draped all over him. Sometimes there's nothing you can do, but for the most part we were outclassed by Jay Wright and Nova. There's a talent gap for sure, but like people have said no way it should be around the 20 point beat downs it has been in order for us to take the next step. I think we're improving on the recruiting front, but we're going to have to find a way to slow down the Nova machine.

Cmon, outclassed ? How do you explain Butler beating Nova 3 times in 2 years ? Mack just refused to game plan properly for Nova. Plus he let Nova intimidate us last winter at Cintas. Spellman played like a Mafia enforcer in that game. A good coach takes away something from the opponent. The " we do what we do " philosophy is stupid.

[94GRAD]

Cmon, outclassed ? How do you explain Butler beating Nova 3 times in 2 years ? Mack just refused to game plan properly for Nova. Plus he let Nova intimidate us last winter at Cintas. Spellman played like a Mafia enforcer in that game. A good coach takes away something from the opponent. The " we do what we do " philosophy is stupid.

Please explain why Butler is 4-10 agaisnt X since they both joined the Big East. Do the Butler coaches refuse to gameplan for X?

[Xville]

Please explain why Butler is 4-10 agaisnt X since they both joined the Big East. Do the Butler coaches refuse to gameplan for X?

How many of those losses by butler are twenty point blowouts and the game was basically over after ten minutes of game time? It isnt just that Mack has continually lost to nova, it's that most of the time, x hasnt even been remotely competitive and it's because mack refused to to properly adjust against them.

[XUGRAD80]

This is all very interesting, but what it has to do with “Oral Commits” is beyond me.

Seems to have more to do with oral comments than anything else.

I can’t wait until the season begins and people can start complaint about Steele not having the team prepared and about his lack of game planning for opponents.

I suggest taking the Mack discussion to the Mall....have a drinking contest...last person awake wins. He’s gone. He’s not coming back. Get over it already!

[94GRAD]

How many of those losses by butler are twenty point blowouts and the game was basically over after ten minutes of game time? It isnt just that Mack has continually lost to nova, it's that most of the time, x hasnt even been remotely competitive and it's because mack refused to to properly adjust against them.

What i'm saying is there are teams that X match up well against and teams they don't. I'm not into moral virtory losses. Would you rather lose by 20 or on a last second 3 from the corner that keeps you from the Sweet Sixteen?

[Xville]

What i'm saying is there are teams that X match up well against and teams they don't. I'm not into moral virtory losses. Would you rather lose by 20 or on a last second 3 from the corner that keeps you from the Sweet Sixteen?

X didnt "match up" well is an excuse for twenty point shellackings in which most of the time they were never even competitive. That wasnt due to just "match up issues," it was mack's refusal to adjust to the opponent.

[bleedXblue]

I'm in this boat, I'm excited to see the potential Steele has, definitely agree there's going to be some growing pains, he's going to be learning on the fly in the Big East which is a lot different than the A10, but I think that'll help him in the long run. You're going up against Jay Wright, Wojo, McDermott, Cooley, etc. and those guys have been around a lot of basketball and are good at what they do, the biggest thing I hope for in Steele is that he isn't stubborn and understands when changes are necessary, and makes them. Since he was the mastermind of our offense, I'm excited to watch it continue to grow and us to put up points, but you're right, defense is lacking. He said he's going to address it in the off-season, and I think we have the athleticism finally to put together a decent defensive unit, we'll have to see. As for Mack, screw him, he's not our coach anymore, I could care less what he does at Louisville.



Jay Wright definitely has our number, but it's also interesting that Nova seems to always play lights out against us. I knew the game at Cintas was over when Bridges came out of the gate with 16 quickly, hitting three's over defenders draped all over him. Sometimes there's nothing you can do, but for the most part we were outclassed by Jay Wright and Nova. There's a talent gap for sure, but like people have said no way it should be around the 20 point beat downs it has been in order for us to take the next step. I think we're improving on the recruiting front, but we're going to have to find a way to slow down the Nova machine.

Steele has been on the sidelines since we joined the Big East. I don't think the "transition" is going to really be that dramatic.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

A good coach takes away something from the opponent.

So Chris Mack wasn't a good coach? Okay.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

X didnt "match up" well is an excuse for twenty point shellackings in which most of the time they were never even competitive. That wasnt due to just "match up issues," it was mack's refusal to adjust to the opponent.

I can't disagree with this. I always felt like there was some kind of lack of preparedness or a lack of willingness to try something different against 'Nova. To be fair, they play a very similar game offensively and just do it better. Wright gets guys, to be fair, are all tough minded East Coast players. They all play hard on defense. We all need to remember, he took a lot of lumps early and Wright seems to either win the tournament or bail out early.

Wright is also a top 5 current coach who clearly doesn't like us one bit. He gets his team ready to rumble each and every time they play us. We have to win at 'Nova's best.

[atljar]

Wright is also a top 5 current coach who clearly doesn't like us one bit..

?? Ive never seen anything from Wright derogatory towards X. Example of something I missed??


As a coach, its his job to get the guys fired up and ready to play. That is competitive, but not dislike.

[GIMMFD]

Cmon, outclassed ? How do you explain Butler beating Nova 3 times in 2 years ? Mack just refused to game plan properly for Nova. Plus he let Nova intimidate us last winter at Cintas. Spellman played like a Mafia enforcer in that game. A good coach takes away something from the opponent. The " we do what we do " philosophy is stupid.

I definitely do agree with what you're saying, Mack had no answer for Jay Wright, and that's kind of what I was going on about with Steele hoping he's not stubborn and willing to adapt to different tactics and become a better coach. I just think there's a lot of factors involved with Nova other than Mack, I think they're always ready and don't come out flat against us, I also think it might be a mental thing a bit now too since they have just put beat down after beat down on us. I wasn't saying Mack isn't to blame in the whole scenario, but there's just a couple of other talking points we could consider as well. It'll be interesting to see how we switch things up moving forward.


Steele has been on the sidelines since we joined the Big East. I don't think the "transition" is going to really be that dramatic.

Right, I do know that, but it's a bit different when you're the head guy calling the shots. I mean Mack was part of a good Wake Forest staff in the ACC but still had some growing pains in the A10. It's a new role, and with a new role comes new challenges and faces of adversity. I think Steele will be fine, but I'm hoping we stay patient as a fan base if he doesn't knock the doors off in his first season or two, I mean hell we had Fire Mack threads 5 years into his tenure.


?? Ive never seen anything from Wright derogatory towards X. Example of something I missed??


As a coach, its his job to get the guys fired up and ready to play. That is competitive, but not dislike.

I agree with this, Jay Wright has been nothing but complimentary of basically every team in the league, it's actually very hard to dislike him. He has a great personality, and I think Nova is great for the Big East. As we move forward, it's a program we should try to get on even footing with, I just think he's incredibly good at what he does, and his players respect the hell out of him. He seems charismatic, and a guy that I could buy into and play for. He's just competitive as you say, and he'll stomp on a throat to make sure they close teams out.

[IM4X]

?? Ive never seen anything from Wright derogatory towards X. Example of something I missed??

As a coach, its his job to get the guys fired up and ready to play. That is competitive, but not dislike.

Wright secretly may not be a fan of the CM way, but he clearly doesn’t dislike Xavier.

What isn’t a secret is that Jay has shown he has a bit more class and talent and integrity... and he’s always shown more respect for others than CM. That’s not to say CM can’t dig a little deeper inside and find some more of each.

There truly is not a more perfect fit for CM than the place where he now coaches. It is one of the few universities where integrity and class are not particularly important. You just have to prove you can recruit well and win enough.

Xavier fans should be grateful to CM for the things has accomplished while at X, but also very mindful of what he did not accomplish - yet probably should have.

[IM4X]

I can’t wait until the season begins and people can start complaint about Steele not having the team prepared and about his lack of game planning for opponents.

I can’t speak for anyone else, but this little video has got me feeling all tingly inside about Steele having the team prepared to play this season.

https://mobile.twitter.com/XavierMBB/status/1041427788098621441/video/1

[XU 87]

I can’t wait until the season begins and people can start complaint about Steele not having the team prepared and about his lack of game planning for opponents.



You left out complaints about "Coach having a lack of emotion", "had that deer in headlights look", and "he didn't make any adjustments at halftime".

[xudash]

I do believe the final 2% will be delivered under his reign.

[GIMMFD]

I do believe the final 2% will be delivered under his reign.

Yeah I could see that happening too, we're on the cusp, and our recruiting is fine with Steele in charge, he's a never ending recruiter, as long as his recruiting can also translate to the X's and O's, I don't see any reason why we can't get to a Final 4. He's young but he's been around things a while, and made great additions to our staff, I am definitely excited to see what the future brings.

[noteggs]

Yeah I could see that happening too, we're on the cusp, and our recruiting is fine with Steele in charge, he's a never ending recruiter, as long as his recruiting can also translate to the X's and O's, I don't see any reason why we can't get to a Final 4. He's young but he's been around things a while, and made great additions to our staff, I am definitely excited to see what the future brings.

Everyone accurately states that Steele is a great recruiter. Also, people have stated he pretty much ran the offense the last 5 years. One thing he has never done at any level is be a head coach (same thing with Miller and Gillen).

As you, I think Steele has everything he needs (mindset and skill on the court) to be successful. Also think there may be some bumps and bruises along the way. Hopefully people will be somewhat patient on his transition and he also surprises the hell out of me.

[94GRAD]

Everyone accurately states that Steele is a great recruiter. Also, people have stated he pretty much ran the offense the last 5 years. One thing he has never done at any level is be a head coach (same thing with Miller and Gillen).

As you, I think Steele has everything he needs (mindset and skill on the court) to be successful. Also think there may be some bumps and bruises along the way. Hopefully people will be somewhat patient on his transition and he also surprises the hell out of me.

Is this your first time on the internet? HA

[noteggs]

Is this your first time on the internet? HA

Lol! Even tried using “somewhat”. Forgot where I was...

[Xville]

Johnson recommitted to louisville.....whatever

[GIMMFD]

Johnson recommitted to louisville.....whatever

Not terribly surprised by that news, didn't think we were gonna get him tbh. I still think we're on course to grab one more guy that'll have an impact.

[SixFig]

Very happy with the class of 2019. They are going to be the foundation.

The class of 2020 will be the gem. With Odom in the fold and then add another top 50 player such as Corey Walker or Dawson Garcia and we are on the way to the Final Four and beyond.

[xukeith]

I know we fans get excited with stars and ranking numbers but practably nobody recruited Zach H, Brian Grant, Aaron Williams, and Lenny Brown

they all didn't play in NBA but great players don't always = Final 4's.
I do know National champions need 2-3 NBA players so we will roll the dice like Duke and UK do.

[X-man]

I know we fans get excited with stars and ranking numbers but practably nobody recruited Zach H, Brian Grant, Aaron Williams, and Lenny Brown

they all didn't play in NBA but great players don't always = Final 4's.
I do know National champions need 2-3 NBA players so we will roll the dice like Duke and UK do.
I think D West was a 3-star. Before he got to campus, someone from North Carolina posted to this board that West might be the best player in X history. I call that "prescient", with apologies to Byron.

[joe titan]

I think D West was a 3-star. Before he got to campus, someone from North Carolina posted to this board that West might be the best player in X history. I call that "prescient", with apologies to Byron.


David West was not 3 star & had zero D1 offers when Jeff Battle accidentally discovered him @ Hargraves.

[xukeith]

I think D West was a 3-star. Before he got to campus, someone from North Carolina posted to this board that West might be the best player in X history. I call that "prescient", with apologies to Byron.

I don't think in 1998 or 1999 there were any star systems. I remember The Sporting News had a top 100 rating system and some magazines had some top 100 rankings for recruits.

I know West was waaayy off the radar. He was at Hargrave Military Academy which MAY have gotten himself some eyeballs.
I remember in 1997, TJ Johnson from Oak Hills Academy and X power forward, was ranked 99th by The Sporting News.

[GIMMFD]

I know we fans get excited with stars and ranking numbers but practably nobody recruited Zach H, Brian Grant, Aaron Williams, and Lenny Brown

they all didn't play in NBA but great players don't always = Final 4's.
I do know National champions need 2-3 NBA players so we will roll the dice like Duke and UK do.

I was pretty curious about how many NBA guys came off of National Championship teams, so I decided to do research for the last few years (just guys drafted):
2018 - Villanova - Mikail Bridges, Donte DiVincenzo, Omari Spellman, Jalen Brunson
2017 - UNC - Justin Jackson, Tony Bradley
2016 - Villanova - N/A
2015 - Duke - Jahlil Okafor, Justise Winslow, Tyus Jones,
2014 - UCONN - Shahbaz Napier
2013 - Louisville - Gorgui Dieng, Peyton Siva

So definitely having NBA talent translates to winning a National Championship, but there's 2 out of 6 years there, there was 1 or none that were drafted. Obviously you have a better chance of winning with better talent, that's just a given. The thing though is that the NCAA Tournament is so fickle, and it really depends on how hot your team is. I mean UVA should beat UMBC 99 out of 100 times, but they ran into that one time. There's a bevy of factors in play, but getting in on some Top 50 guys for 2020 would be great for us moving forward.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Wasn’t josh Hart drafted?

[sirthought]

Yeah the 2016 might not have had guys drafted as seniors but all of their starters are either in the NBA (Hart, Brunson, Arcidiacono), or had played some time in the NBA (Ochefu, Jenkins). Booth was injured later. That roster was loaded with pro players.

The 2014 Huskies also had Rodney Purvis who took a cup of coffee with the Magic.

[XUGRAD80]

Rocket Watts (G) to Michigan State.....no surprise

Jalen Thomas (C) to UMass....somewhat of a surprise, he was thought to be 100% X at one point

With 4 commits in the fold, We will undoubtedly see more kids that X was recruiting for 2019 now start going to other schools. Nothing to be surprised or concerned about. X has already filled some needs and schools always puts out many more offers than they have spaces for. X still has two scholarships available but it wouldn’t surprise me if at least one was left open, possibly both.

[GIMMFD]

Wasn’t josh Hart drafted?

Hart was drafted in 2017, not 2016 when Nova won!


Yeah the 2016 might not have had guys drafted as seniors but all of their starters are either in the NBA (Hart, Brunson, Arcidiacono), or had played some time in the NBA (Ochefu, Jenkins). Booth was injured later. That roster was loaded with pro players.

The 2014 Huskies also had Rodney Purvis who took a cup of coffee with the Magic.

Nova was ridiculously loaded in 2016, I agree with that, they just had talent everywhere. I HATED Arcidiacono because I felt like he usually played really well against us haha.

And yup, Purvis was pretty solid, transferred from NC State to UCONN I believe? Napier, and Boatwright were the two main guys on their championship run though, not quite the level of Kemba Walker when he was there, but they were kind of fun to watch.

[joe titan]

Rocket Watts (G) to Michigan State.....no surprise

Jalen Thomas (C) to UMass....somewhat of a surprise, he was thought to be 100% X at one point

With 4 commits in the fold, We will undoubtedly see more kids that X was recruiting for 2019 now start going to other schools. Nothing to be surprised or concerned about. X has already filled some needs and schools always puts out many more offers than they have spaces for. X still has two scholarships available but it wouldn’t surprise me if at least one was left open, possibly both.


A bit surprised, yes, b/c it looks like XU thinks it will find better; he was a prime target for awhile and by all appearances a good fit.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Gaffney has committed to UConn. Harlond Beverly moves up to priority #1.

[XUGRAD80]

Gaffney has committed to UConn. Harlond Beverly moves up to priority #1.

UConn made him their top priority and promised him immediate playing time. X not going to do that, not with Q and Scruggs still around, not to mention a few others.

I’d rather see a SF in the fold, but X can afford to be choosy. No need to sign anyone just to fill an open scholly.

[scoscox]

If we can get him, I'd gladly take Beverly.
As far as I can tell, we're the only of his major offers left that haven't filled our need at the guard spot, so we should have a really good chance

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

[QUOTE=XUGRAD80;629081]UConn made him their top priority and promised him immediate playing time. X not going to do that, not with Q and Scruggs still around, not to mention a few others.

I’d rather see a SF in the fold, but X can afford to be choosy. No need to sign anyone just to fill an open scholly.[/QUOTE

If there’s a SF we think can help us, I’d definitely take him. Only one that comes to mind is Quinn Slazinski. Don’t know a ton about him but he’s a long sharp-shooter. Not as athletic or skilled as Robbie Beran, but probably a similar fit.

Conversely, taking Beverly would more ably allow Harden and Bishop to play more 3 because of more guard depth.

[scoscox]

Beverly is a really long 6'4" so he's extremely versatile and looks like a great defender

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Beverly is a really long 6'4" so he's extremely versatile and looks like a great defender

Signs point to Beverly being an MSU lock. Hopefully that isn't the case.

[scoscox]

Signs point to Beverly being an MSU lock. Hopefully that isn't the case.

Are you basing that off anything other than the crystal balls? Those are old and I've heard he's basically no longer considering MSU. They have a ton of depth at guard and just signed rocket watts, so I think mutual interest may be less than what it was

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Snow has said at this point he doesn’t think MSU will get more than a token visit. As has been mentioned, his recruitment has played out oddly. Lots of his previous top choices have filled guard spots, so it could be a total wildcard school at this point. With Rocket Watts choosing MSU, one school to watch for Beverly could be Mizzou. I still think X is in a good position for him, though.

[XU 87]

Signs point to Beverly being an MSU lock. Hopefully that isn't the case.

I don't think that is true, or even close to true.

[noteggs]

Interesting that Beverly is the only player left being truly considered from the Mack era (head recruiter has always been Steele). All other players who committed to play in 2019 and 2020 were recruited by Steele and staff since he took the job.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Are you basing that off anything other than the crystal balls? Those are old and I've heard he's basically no longer considering MSU. They have a ton of depth at guard and just signed rocket watts, so I think mutual interest may be less than what it was

Nope, some hopefully disappointed MSU fans I know. They still think he is a lock. I didn't really pay that close attention to him.

[xufan02]

There are a lot of very uninformed takes on Beverly today.

[xukeith]

I think our guards are solid. That SF spot for a 6'6 Marshall/ Bluiett size would be ideal. Our frontcourt is filled up.

[scoscox]

And now we're trending for kyky tandy

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

I think our guards are solid. That SF spot for a 6'6 Marshall/ Bluiett size would be ideal. Our frontcourt is filled up.

Guards are solid as long as nobody leaves and Odom stays committed.

I agree we need a 3 more than anything else right now, but if there is a bigger guard that is a better player and better program fit (perhaps Beverly), then you take him over a project-3. This would, in theory, allow Harden/Bishop to play more on the wing.

If there's anyone out there that has been linked to X before that fills the wing need, it's Quinn Slazinski. Additionally, you could bank the scholarship and sign a grad transfer who fills a need for the 2019 season.

[xufan02]

I think our guards are solid. That SF spot for a 6'6 Marshall/ Bluiett size would be ideal. Our frontcourt is filled up.

The Elias King decommittment hurt us here, but I would rather find a grad transfer this off-season then reach on a 2019 kid that isn't good enough. I also think that Dontarius James might be able to help us here as well. Word on the street is that he is working his butt off.

[xufan02]

Guards are solid as long as nobody leaves and Odom stays committed.

I agree we need a 3 more than anything else right now, but if there is a bigger guard that is a better player and better program fit (perhaps Beverly), then you take him over a project-3. This would, in theory, allow Harden/Bishop to play more on the wing.

If there's anyone out there that has been linked to X before that fills the wing need, it's Quinn Slazinski. Additionally, you could bank the scholarship and sign a grad transfer who fills a need for the 2019 season.

Quinn has been strongly linked to Louisville as a sign and redshirt kid.