Zach Hankins

[sirthought]

Hankins sounds like he's full of major effort and personality, two things I think we all enjoy seeing in Xavier basketball players. Kind of hard to believe he didn't try to transfer out of Ferris State earlier, but I guess we should be glad how he got here. I look forward to seeing what he can do.

Here's the Enquirer link (https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2018/09/21/xavier-basketball-grad-transfer-zach-hankins-never-thought-id-get-here/1344484002/).

[xu82]

Great stuff!!!

[scoscox]

Sounds like his outlook on fitness and competition differs a little bit from Kenny Frease's. I like that

[bleedXblue]

man crush

[JTG]

Judging effort and personality he might be a bigger JP. If so, Whoa Nellie, we got us a hoss. For you younger folks, google Keith Jackson.

[whopper]

He had a good game against Mich State. Very nice article and fitness is underrated, it is the way to get easy baskets and long rebounds which we were a little weak in. Wish we had Kaiser as I don't want to have breakdowns due to over use injury but lets see if James can fill a void. We had Castin and Hankins and look forward to Welage (who has a great youtube)

[noteggs]

Sounds like we’re going to have a dedicated player with a little chip on his shoulder. After writing that, does sound a bit like we might have a big JP.

[IM4X]

A BigMac size Macura. A Sean who’s a tad less “puffy” and a step faster. A Kerem who can always rise higher. A Tre that can better help carry the defense.

I’d be happy with any version of Hankins.

[X-man]

Sounds like we’re going to have a dedicated player with a little chip on his shoulder. After writing that, does sound a bit like we might have a big JP.

Freemantle, who is coming in 2019, is also reputed to be a larger version of JP. So we are good on that front both for this year and beyond.

[whopper]

He looks good but the proof is in the pudding. I love him so far (and Castin and Welage and Hansen) but the guys you mentioned did produce at a high level , almost the highest, and I will never forget the events of the past 4 years.

[Muskie]

Sounds like his outlook on fitness and competition differs a little bit from Kenny Frease's. I like that

Not picking on you. Buy your post brings up this thought: Is Kenny F the most maligned Xavier player, by the fanbase ever? Based on his hype as a recruit and the flashes we saw Freshman year, he was never going to meet expectations.

[muskiefan82]

Not picking on you. Buy your post brings up this thought: Is Kenny F the most maligned Xavier player, by the fanbase ever? Based on his hype as a recruit and the flashes we saw Freshman year, he was never going to meet expectations.

Hmmm.....I would say it might actually be Jeff Robinson.

[GoMuskies]

Is Kenny F the most maligned Xavier player, by the fanbase ever?

Dee Davis or Dante Jackson, perhaps?

[MHettel]

Not picking on you. Buy your post brings up this thought: Is Kenny F the most maligned Xavier player, by the fanbase ever? Based on his hype as a recruit and the flashes we saw Freshman year, he was never going to meet expectations.

Justin Martin.

Freese didnt have the work ethic to make sure he was in top physical condition and ready to play over the short, 4 year window of his college career.

Dante had great leadership skills that always seemed to be in excess of his actual production.

To me, Kaiser Gates was just flat unassertive. All the talent and physical gifts, and just disappeared.

Jeff Robinson was just aloof. Like completely unaware that a game was going on.

But Justin Martin was a whole different level. He was a guy that wanted to make sure that he wasnt perceived as trying too hard. Like it wasnt "cool" to be diving for balls and hustling. he just wanted to take dumb shots. Did you ever know a really smart kid that did miserable at school because he was worried that if people thought that he was actually trying that he wouldnt be cool? Thats Justin Martin.

[XU 87]

Dee Davis or Dante Jackson, perhaps?

How about Mo McAfee?

[GoMuskies]

How about Mo McAfee?

Thinking about watching all of these guys give me the shakes. Mo drove me crazy, but he was also saddled with bad teammates when he was an upperclassman.

[scoscox]

Thinking about watching all of these guys give me the shakes. Mo drove me crazy, but he was also saddled with bad teammates when he was an upperclassman.

Well he had Darnell Williams, Lloyd Price, Kevin Frey, David West as a junior and A-10 POY David West with kevin frey, and a young lionel and sato his senior year, so I'm not sure I agree with that.

[GoMuskies]

Well he had Darnell Williams, Lloyd Price, Kevin Frey, David West as a junior and A-10 POY David West with kevin frey, and a young lionel and sato his senior year, so I'm not sure I agree with that.

Well, let me just stick with McAfee driving me crazy, then! But on that 2000 team (when McAfee was the "star"), Darnell really wasn't Darnell. He didn't recover well from the knee injury. West was a surprisingly excellent freshman, and Frey was okay/solid. Price was about half as good as he should have been if he wasn't such an idiot (359 dunks and armed roberries and all). But the sixth leading scorer on that team was Alvin Brown. Alvin Brown! That team was as thin as it gets.

[XU 87]

Well he had Darnell Williams, Lloyd Price, Kevin Frey, David West as a junior and A-10 POY David West with kevin frey, and a young lionel and sato his senior year, so I'm not sure I agree with that.

I think we could include Lloyd Price on the "most maligned" list. (Or Floyd Prince as my dad thought he was named.)

[GoMuskies]

I think we could include Lloyd Price on the "most maligned" list. (Or Floyd Prince as my dad thought he was named.)

Price is also our most maligned criminal. https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/27/sports/colleges-fdu-robbery-is-comedy-of-errors.html

[DexterBailey84]

Dee Davis or Dante Jackson, perhaps?

who doesn't like Dee Davis??

[XU 87]

Price is also our most maligned criminal. https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/27/sports/colleges-fdu-robbery-is-comedy-of-errors.html

Eh, he's an amateur compared to Andre Smith or Mo Brantley.

Price got a suspended sentence for this. How he didn't go to prison for armed robbery is beyond me, even if he was using a starter's pistol.

[GoMuskies]

Eh, he's an amateur compared to Andre Smith or Mo Brantley.

Exactly. Ask his victim: ''It's the dumbest crook I know,'' Patel said

[scoscox]

Well, let me just stick with McAfee driving me crazy, then! But on that 2000 team (when McAfee was the "star"), Darnell really wasn't Darnell. He didn't recover well from the knee injury. West was a surprisingly excellent freshman, and Frey was okay/solid. Price was about half as good as he should have been if he wasn't such an idiot (359 dunks and armed roberries and all). But the sixth leading scorer on that team was Alvin Brown. Alvin Brown! That team was as thin as it gets.

True, his junior year team was a little thin, but hey they had enough to beat #1 UC and the NPOY.

[XUGRAD80]

I will predict that Zach will NOT be a part of this list!

X has had many very good transfers over the years, Zach may well be as good as any of them.

[Smooth]

He looks good but the proof is in the pudding. I love him so far (and Castin and Welage and Hansen) but the guys you mentioned did produce at a high level , almost the highest, and I will never forget the events of the past 4 years.

The proof in the pudding got Cosby 3-10 in the pokey.

Happy First Day of Practice everyone.

[xukeith]

I will predict that Zach will NOT be a part of this list!

X has had many very good transfers over the years, Zach may well be as good as any of them.

I don't believe in jinxes and boldly predict that Zach will go down as the best all time grad transfer in XU basketball history. 12 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.8 blocks a game. Come BE Tourney time, 15 ppg, 8 rebounds.

[Xuperman]

I boldly predict that Zach will go down as the best all time grad transfer in XU basketball history. 12 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.8 blocks a game. Come BE Tourney time, 15 ppg, 8 rebounds.

So where is Jones going to be while all this happens? I personally would like to see Tyrique post those kind of numbers and build toward a monster 2019/20 season.

[XUGRAD80]

So where is Jones going to be while all this happens? I personally would like to see Tyrique post those kind of numbers and build toward a monster 2019/20 season.

Remains to be seen, especially if Steele decides to use more pressure defense this year. I've heard that Ty has lost some weight and is in better shape this year. Perhaps he will have less physical problems than in the past and can remain on the floor longer? I would hope that between the 2 players we see a nightly double-double out of the post position, and some rim protection (that has been missing the last couple of years) on defense.

[xukeith]

So where is Jones going to be while all this happens? I personally would like to see Tyrique post those kind of numbers and build toward a monster 2019/20 season.

Good problem to have.
Tyrique is first to wear gold jersey.

He has most post experience. He will lead team in rebounding for sure. Biggest concern for Zach and Tyrique is obvious foul trouble. How can the frontcourt play hard tough D and not get 2 fouls in first half?
We shall see. Most opposing teams will attack the post to get them in foul trouble and they hope that crushes our team.
We shall see how well Welage and Marshall play the 4.

[XMuskieFTW]

So where is Jones going to be while all this happens? I personally would like to see Tyrique post those kind of numbers and build toward a monster 2019/20 season.

Our bigs averaged 24.6/12.2 last year in 46 mpg. Could easily see both Zach and Tyrique averaging 11/6.5 in 20-23 mpg each.

[bigdiggins]

who doesn't like Dee Davis??

The run into the lane with no plan, turn your back to the basket, and then throw it up towards the hoop move got old.

[XU 87]

The run into the lane with no plan, turn your back to the basket, and then throw it up towards the hoop move got old.

Dee could be frustrating at times, but my recollection is that he had a very good second semester his senior year, including hitting a huge three at the end to beat UC at 5/3 Arena.

[bigdiggins]

Dee could be frustrating at times, but my recollection is that he had a very good second semester his senior year, including hitting a huge three at the end to beat UC at 5/3 Arena.

Agreed. He is not in my personal top 5 maligned players, but if someone didn't like Dee Davis that type of play is likely a big part of why.

[xukeith]

Agreed. He is not in my personal top 5 maligned players, but if someone didn't like Dee Davis that type of play is likely a big part of why.

Dee Davis said he is organizing the XU alumni team. he will be on it with Holoway, McLean, and others. Get ready.

[Xuperman]

Our bigs averaged 24.6/12.2 last year in 46 mpg. Could easily see both Zach and Tyrique averaging 11/6.5 in 20-23 mpg each.

If Ty and Zach can equal what those 3 did last year, look out! I mentioned the possibility of both on the floor together in another thread and it was shot down. Mostly because Jones would be shredded on D by opposing "stretch" fours. So, yeah, they both should see 90% of the pt at the 5....ZH most likely 100%

[xukeith]

[QUOTE=Xuperman;629229]If Ty and Zach can equal what those 3 did last year, look out! I mentioned the possibility of both on the floor together in another thread and it was shot down. Mostly because Jones would be shredded on D by opposing "stretch" fours. So, yeah, they both should see 90% of the pt at the 5....ZH most likely 100%[/QUOTE
Agreed. Hope Ty can run faster and guard without fouling. If X is any good, Zach or Ty will need to average close to 35 minutes of PT in February and March.

[MHettel]

Our bigs averaged 24.6/12.2 last year in 46 mpg. Could easily see both Zach and Tyrique averaging 11/6.5 in 20-23 mpg each.

The production from the 5 was the best that I can recall over the years. Tyrique and Sean pulled down the boards, while Karem was more of a scorer. All 3 had high FG%, and that was huge as well.

With JP and Trevon gone, the scoring load will need to be spread around more. I like Q and Scruggs, but they don’t fit the “lead scorer” role. Naji will be the guy, and Wellage will be #2, or #1 when Naji rests. Gonna need some points from inside. So I see 24 per game as possible. I think the blocks will go WAY up. I think Hankins is an elite shot blocker, and when he comes out, teams will try to go at Tyrique. He will eat them.

Fouls. Only wild card. Hankins can play major minutes, but if he gets in foul trouble we will have to count on Tyrique for extended minutes, which has been his weakness thus far....

[DexterBailey84]

The run into the lane with no plan, turn your back to the basket, and then throw it up towards the hoop move got old.

alright then, you got me.

good kid though....and all that.

[MHettel]

alright then, you got me.

good kid though....and all that.

Davis, McAfee, Dante=. Had fire

Martin, Robinson, gates=. No fire

Fire is everything

[DexterBailey84]

Fire is everything

no truer words

[muskiefan82]

Dee Davis or Dante Jackson, perhaps?

I can't ever put Jackson on the list after that full court bank shot to beat Va. Tech years ago

[Xuperman]

If X is any good, Zach or Ty will need to average close to 35 minutes of PT in February and March.

Any scenario in which either get close to 35 minutes is not a good one unless some major minutes are logged at another position.

[XMuskieFTW]

Any scenario in which either get close to 35 minutes is not a good one unless some major minutes are logged at another position.

Yea the only way that happens is if someone goes down with an injury.

[Xuperman]

Yeah,
I couldn't bring myself to say it!

[GIMMFD]

I don't think we'll see the type of production from the 5 as we did last year, but if Hankins/Rique can combine to average around 18-20 points per game, and 10-12 rebounds a game we'll be alright. Hankins also brings shot blocking to the floor, which I feel like we haven't had a true rim protector in a while. Both are going to have to stay out of foul trouble, otherwise it's going to be a big problem for us, and we'll be forced to go pretty small. The best thing is that we don't have a true number 1 or 2 option that will always get "his", we can allow for whoever is the hot hand that particular night to shoulder the scoring load. Hankins/Rique probably won't have games where one of them drop 20+ points like Kanter did for us, barring something strange happening.

Obviously a lot of talk is that Naji is going to be our top scorer, which I agree upon. He has the physical tools to do so, I hope he improved his outside shooting, though not terrible by any means, him as a legitimate deep threat will allow for other guys like Welage to get more looks. I also think with how big the staff has been talking about Castlin, he may be a little more surprising than I originally thought. I'm hoping he can bring the 3 and D game, but it looks like he already has the attitude and leadership skills. I also really hope that Q/Scruggs shooting from the end of the season continues, because we're so much better when teams can't sag off of them, with Q getting into the weight room and looking shredded, I'm hoping it leads to him finishing around the rim through contact more this season.

I think the best thing about this season is that we really don't know what we have. We have the potential to be a pretty decent team, but a lot of it is going to play out in front of our eyes. It's an interesting roster for a first time head coach to acquire, with all of the grad transfers and new roles these guys are gonna have. I have a feeling we'll see a lot of unselfish team play, and I think we're gonna have someone we didn't expect surprise us throughout the course of the season like Kanter did for me. I'm excited for the beginning of the Steele era, and to just see what type of team we have.

[Xuperman]

We are all about to see how a DII POY translates to DI first hand. Can anyone remember any recent such players? How about any DII guys in general? None come to mind for me. I know that there have been many that had NBA careers, so that says something. Zach is going to be successful. Most BE centers will not show him up. He will hold his own against all of them with few exceptions. I could see him struggle to score in BE play but he is a gifted defender and elite shot blocker. Those skills should translate well regardless of the jump in class.

[bigdiggins]

We are all about to see how a DII POY translates to DI first hand. Can anyone remember any recent such players? How about any DII guys in general? None come to mind for me. I know that there have been many that had NBA careers, so that says something. Zach is going to be successful. Most BE centers will not show him up. He will hold his own against all of them with few exceptions. I could see him struggle to score in BE play but he is a gifted defender and elite shot blocker. Those skills should translate well regardless of the jump in class.

Max Strus for DePaul. We saw him multiple times last year and will again this year.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Duncan Robinson came from DIII. Ferris State is a really good program in all sports, and a lot of players from that conference (GLIAC) have nice careers in Europe. Zach played well against Jaren Jackson and Ward, enough so that MSU was interested in acquiring his skills for this year. It’ll be different to go up against it on a nightly basis but he definitely seems up for the challenge.

[UCGRAD4X]

Fire is everything


no truer words

And, it's so easy, even a cave man can do it.

BTW: the more I hear about Haskins the more I look forward to seeing him in action against more consistent stream of D1 comp, esp. BE.

Not that I was not before....

As others have said, the unknown aspects of this season add another element of anticipation that is, as usual, a constant during the months of inaction in any off-season.

[whopper]

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/ryan-welage-1.html
I would not sleep on Welage. He looks like "Opie" but seemed to carry a big load for an undermanned team and contributed on the boards. He also looks like he has a nice in between game that he can use if pushed off the 3 pt line. Defense is desire and effort and not having to carry the full load may make him an acceptable defense player if he is playing 20 min/game instead of 33. Castin will be solid, it is not your father's Ivy League anymore with the Pete Carrill offense. There is a requirement for athleticism that was not there 20 years ago..I see Yale a bit and there have been a couple of years recently when they were better than Uconn

[xukeith]

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/ryan-welage-1.html
I would not sleep on Welage. He looks like "Opie" but seemed to carry a big load for an undermanned team and contributed on the boards. He also looks like he has a nice in between game that he can use if pushed off the 3 pt line. Defense is desire and effort and not having to carry the full load may make him an acceptable defense player if he is playing 20 min/game instead of 33. Castin will be solid, it is not your father's Ivy League anymore with the Pete Carrill offense. There is a requirement for athleticism that was not there 20 years ago..I see Yale a bit and there have been a couple of years recently when they were better than Uconn

People think he will play power forward too. Yikes. Maybe 2-5 minutes at the 4. I think he will be less harmed out on the perimeter.

[Juice]

People think he will play power forward too. Yikes. Maybe 2-5 minutes at the 4. I think he will be less harmed out on the perimeter.

He will probably have to play more minutes than that at the 4. He's too slow to guard a wing but too slim to play against traditional PFs.

[MHettel]

People seem cautious about the expectations. I think I this team can be REALLY good.

We picked up 3 guys that look upon this chance with first hand knowledge of what it’s like to struggle. All 3 of those guys were overlooked and have achieved at a lower level. Each has a burning desire to get their shot at this level. They are NOT freshman, who often need time to physically mature or get use to the speed of the game, or unfortunately, lack the emotional maturity to compete at this level.

These guys are going to be great.

On a roster with 2 returning guards, a producing wing, and a tough minded center, we added a rim protecting center that can score, a proven stretch 4, and a hustling wing that can do a little of everything.

These guys are hungry and ready to prove something.

It would not surprise me if this team got to 26-27 wins

[XUFan09]

He will probably have to play more minutes than that at the 4. He's too slow to guard a wing but too slim to play against traditional PFs.

Yep. And if I have to choose between a guy getting bullied in the post or absolutely torched on the perimeter, I'm choosing getting bullied in the post. If he's bullied in the post, he can still put hands up to contest a shot and the team can bring in a double team to force the ball back out. If a guy blows by him on the perimeter, the whole defense collapses.

[sirthought]

Yep. And if I have to choose between a guy getting bullied in the post or absolutely torched on the perimeter, I'm choosing getting bullied in the post. If he's bullied in the post, he can still put hands up to contest a shot and the team can bring in a double team to force the ball back out. If a guy blows by him on the perimeter, the whole defense collapses.

agreed

We had Bluiett playing defense in the power forward spot for two years. Thank goodness he didn't have to do it all alone. Welage should compete and he'll have help.