Practice thread

[Xuperman]

I have been mining for any tidbits of info here and on other sites. There seems to be no doubt that our core 4 have gotten much stronger. Also someone in another thread mentioned Welage is struggling to find his shot. Read on another site some first hand observations that both freshman are physically ready and not showing any jitters. Stated that Naj really stands out. Hope to hear a lot more soon!

[bobbiemcgee]

Guess you can go see for yourself at the open practice this Saturday:

https://goxavier.com/news/2018/9/24/mens-basketball-xavier-basketball-host-training-camp-for-fans-on-saturday.aspx

Us out of towners will need a full report here, please!

[XU3232]

I have been mining for any tidbits of info here and on other sites. There seems to be no doubt that our core 4 have gotten much stronger. Also someone in another thread mentioned Welage is struggling to find his shot. Read on another site some first hand observations that both freshman are physically ready and not showing any jitters. Stated that Naj really stands out. Hope to hear a lot more soon!

Kennedy is not physically ready... he needs to get a lot stronger. You are correct about James though.

[XUBison]

Practice??? We’re talking about... practice?

[UCGRAD4X]

Practice??? We’re talking about... practice?

With the new regime, so many new players, many who need to contribute NOW and not depend on the benefit of a year or more of development this seems appropriate as a matter of interest. Besides, at this point, we take what we can get :crazy:

[GenerationX]

Practice??? We’re talking about... practice?


https://youtu.be/L29cuziRazU

[xukeith]

man. It has been over 3 hours and no witnesses??

[xukeith]

per twitter. Zach gave Tyrique plenty of fits as they went at each other. My only first analysis is per twitter.

[XUBison]

With the new regime, so many new players, many who need to contribute NOW and not depend on the benefit of a year or more of development this seems appropriate as a matter of interest. Besides, at this point, we take what we can get :crazy:

Yep. Bad joke, evoking my inner AI. I’m as curious as anyone, and am anxious for updates from those who were there today.

[xukeith]

This is the best XU hoops info board but I guess no more than 100 people showed for practice as there has been ZERO input or feedback here. I guess we will wait until exhibition.

[UCGRAD4X]

Yep. Bad joke, evoking my inner AI. I’m as curious as anyone, and am anxious for updates from those who were there today.

tsall good: after the bitter taste of the tourney game (esp. after winning the BE) and the off season stab in the back by him who shall remain nameless until a suitably disparaging moniker can be established, getting back to actual basketball players with basketballs in their hands is one step closer to putting all that behind us.

[XU22]

I was in attendance for Saturday's open practice and can give a few notes for everyone who was unable to attend:

Tyrique Jones: Slimmed down a little, looks to move a lot quicker. I was really impressed with him on the defensive end and could see that he has been spending some time working on that. Really struggled on his FTs, Steele was not happy about that.

Paul Scruggs: Defense, Defense, Defense. WOW, Scruggs was amazing on the defensive end. He has got great length and played really well on defense I thought. Offensively he is not looking for his shot as much but he had some great passes I thought, and I thought really helped lead his team in the competition drills.

Kyle Castlin: I was very impressed with his leadership, I was sitting close to the court so I could hear some of what was being said and I heard Castlin multiple times helping out Keonte especially. Great team player. Shoots the ball pretty well, should be a great piece this year.

Quentin Goodin: I think he has the chance with Steele at the helm to be a star. Goodin looks like a running back out there, he looks like he has gained some serious muscle this offseason and he was no question one of the leaders out there. he excelled in transition and was a beast on the defensive end. If Steele needed to stop some guards, Q and Scruggs could do it. I was very impressed with both of their improvements on the defensive end.

Keonte Kennedy: Two words that I can give right away: Weight Room. He showed some great flashes, and ultimately I came away pretty impressed he got a couple buckets when his team needed them in the competition drill. He has a good shot and if he gets hot, watch out. Ultimately his PT will be determined on how well he knows the system and sometimes it looked like he didn't know what he was doing, he is asking Coach Dante a lot of questions I thought which is good.

Dontarius James: Out of all the newcomers, James impressed me the most. Physically he is a step ahead of where most freshmen are and he looked like he had a good sense of the system for sure, I think he has a good chance to get some PT if he plays like he did Saturday. Ran the floor really well too.

Elias Harden: Very vocal in practice I thought, he was one of the biggest talkers during the competition part of practice. Did a great job of knocking down shots and looked really good I thought, he has taken a step forward from last year I think and should play a decent role.

Naji Marshall: Confidnent is what I got from Marshall at the practice. He just seemed very confident and really looked like he was focused and listening to everything Steele had to say and asking questions to the assistants as well if he had them. Shot the ball well, and defended well too.


Ryan Welage: I came away with mixed feelings on Welage. Defensively, to put it nicely he is just a step behind and Steele and the assistants were on him quite a bit for it. For being listed at 6'10 he's qualified as a big but just doesn't look the part of a big at all. He relies on his shooting mostly and when that wasn't going for him he kind of got a little frustrated, but if he is open he is usually making the shot.

Zach Hankins: This teams JP Macura. Opposing teams are going to hate him, but I absolutely loved him. He is a true big guy and when Coach Hayes was working with the bigs, he was giving Tyrique the work. This kid has endurance for days, the managers offered him water so many times and it seemed like he was denying it everytime, and then he never got gassed out there. I think he is going to be really good in the post game as well and when working with Coach Hayes I was really impressed with some of the post moves he had.

Myles Hanson: I know he has to sit out this year but this kid is legit. Long, Athletic, and a high motor. Took practice very serious and went extremely hard. I think he will be able to make an impact next year for sure.

[bobbiemcgee]

Public and Private reps - great job!

[XUGRAD80]

Thank you for that report..excellent!

I see this as a team that will do nothing but improve all year long. A solid nucleus that needs to improve on what they were, and some high quality newcomers. By the end of the year they could be a hard team to beat.

[XU 87]

Good stuff. I am reading the same thing repeatedly about Welage- he’s a shooter but struggles at just about everything else.

I have also repeatedly read that Myles Hanson can play.

[GIMMFD]

Awesome, public and private reps as well man, great in-depth stuff there to get the excitement going. I think we have potential with this group, seem to have a lot of leaders, hungry to get better and improve, it's going to take a little bit to gel and hit our stride, but it's nice to hear that they're going very hard. Very excited to hear about James, didn't really know what type of role he was going to carve out, but to hear that he was very impressive out of the new comers is great news, and it's great to hear Rique/Hankins getting at each other defensively, seems as if practice is breeding competition which will do nothing but help in the grand scheme of things.

[xukeith]

Lots of time before 1st game but excited to hear about amazing defense of Scruggs, Goodin and Marshall.
Hope Hankins and Jones will stay out of foul trouble and play great defense.

Maybe X will be the Virginia of 2018 (ignore the 16 seed upset).

[Murph85]

I attended the practice as well and would agree with just about every comment. What could be added is that I saw Scruggs making 3 pt shots and I thinks James may be much better than his recruiting rankings. He has a nice 3pt shot and hopefully it translates in games. Moves very well. It is a bit different when there is a defender in your face but the release is high and he has great rotation.

As goes T Jones, he has slimmed down and really seems focused. Hopefully he nor Hankins gets hurt. Hankins went 125% effort the entire time. They should be formidable.

Lastly, Travis Steele appears to be pretty intense. I particularly liked it when he was not happy with the effort and pointed out that nobody has guaranteed minutes. Play hard 100% of the time or ride the pine.

[whopper]

Welage will be fine..he had to do a lot at San Jose St so probably plays to keep out of foul trouble. With 20 min a game he can worry about what he does best and I did see a decent mid range game on youtube when they came up on him as well as 5-6 rebound a game(certainly not in traffic but there are always rebounds to be had). Our coaches will stay on him so he won't be a liability. Looking forward to this team

[IM4X]

Thanks to those of you who shared tour thoughts from practice.

Sounds promising. I especially liked hearing how well conditioned everyone seems to be and also what Steele was saying to players about riding the pine if they don’t give 100%. I love hearing that stuff. There is no excuse for not giving your absolute best when you are on the floor. A few too many times last year (and years prior) we saw X players not diving after loose balls or hustling back after taking a shot and even sometimes standing around on offense. Sounds like under Steele this group is going to be in even better shape which will play into them all giving better effort every minute they are on the floor.

[xukeith]

Thanks to those of you who shared tour thoughts from practice.

Sounds promising. I especially liked hearing how well conditioned everyone seems to be and also what Steele was saying to players about riding the pine if they don’t give 100%. I love hearing that stuff. There is no excuse for not giving your absolute best when you are on the floor. A few too many times last year (and years prior) we saw X players not diving after loose balls or hustling back after taking a shot and even sometimes standing around on offense. Sounds like under Steele this group is going to be in even better shape which will play into them all giving better effort every minute they are on the floor.

Short bench too. Maybe James will play some 4. Maybe Harden stays at 3. Hope Elias plays some.
It looks early like Castlin will play a lot. Hankins has to play a lot and it hopefully will be all positive.

[sirthought]

* I hope Hankins starts taking fluids. Cramping like Sumner used to get doesn't help us when it matters. He must be really trying to impress right now.

* How many weeks have they been practicing? I'm hoping that Welage is just getting used to the system. Hard to believe his former program didn't have him bulk up a little. You can't believe that a guy did not work hard at all if he's shooting those numbers, but going in the weight room and building up to play defense are all part of it. Maybe we'll see some things taking shape as the season progresses. I don't blame Steele for taking a chance with the kid. He looks like a great shooter.

* I'm curious who Goodin and Scruggs are playing against in practice. I assume they are both on the same squad. But if their defense looks so stellar, do we have them up against someone who can really get into the lane effectively? Just curious. I really want to believe this has improved over last year.

* Hanson looked really good to me in YouTube videos. Those are obviously weighted, but his size and athleticism seemed on point for good things. Glad he's here.

* I'm really pulling for Harden. I want to see him break out this year badly.

[IM4X]

Short bench too. Maybe James will play some 4. Maybe Harden stays at 3. Hope Elias plays some.
It looks early like Castlin will play a lot. Hankins has to play a lot and it hopefully will be all positive.

Having only two true bigs has me a tad concerned, but yeah, hopefully James and even Naji can help in a pinch. I do recall a few seasons where X had a shorter bench (one I remember even had a walk on playing significant minutes). Though, I can’t remember an X team with so many new faces... like ever. That thought together with the fact we have a new head coach (albeit a familiar face) and new assistants (again at least a one familiar face) scares me a little. It is so strange in so many ways. No returning scholarship players who will be seniors (but at least there are two transfers with senior leadership).

Thank goodness we have returning players who were key contributes on last seasons’s team (that won the BE regular season title) and two who were contributors in the sweet sixteen run the year before. Their experience and success should help to set a fearless tone for all teammates to follow.

[GIMMFD]

Having only two true bigs has me a tad concerned, but yeah, hopefully James and even Naji can help in a pinch. I do recall a few seasons where X had a shorter bench (one I remember even had a walk on playing significant minutes). Though, I can’t remember an X team with so many new faces... like ever. That thought together with the fact we have a new head coach (albeit a familiar face) and new assistants (again at least a one familiar face) scares me a little. It is so strange in so many ways. No returning scholarship players who will be seniors (but at least there are two transfers with senior leadership).

Thank goodness we have returning players who were key contributes on last seasons’s team (that won the BE regular season title) and two who were contributors in the sweet sixteen run the year before. Their experience and success should help to set a fearless tone for all teammates to follow.

You're alluding to the year Landon Amos was playing a bunch right?? I felt like he got a lot of minutes as a walk on. Definitely hope James can play some 4, and I'm sure Naji can since he bulked up if we need to go smaller. But you're right, it feels like a complete re-haul and the year after we're gonna have about 4 or 5 new faces as well. Hopefully we can start building some continuity from this point moving forward. I'm worried as others about Welage's defense, but there's still some time to get it all sorted out. I'd like to think this team is going to have some pretty good chemistry, it'll be nice not having a lofty pre-season ranking, it might allow these guys to play without some pressure and string together some solid performances.

I think we do have good leadership without traditional seniors. Q, Scruggs, Naji, Rique have all played significant minutes on a team that was supposed to make a deep run, and Q and Rique on a team that has made a deep run into the NCAA's, and with Castlin, Hankins, and Welage some more leadership that way. I think that will do wonders in keeping this group focused throughout practice and improving. It's going to take a while, but I think if everybody can reach potential, we could be pretty damn solid by Big East play.

[xukeith]

You're alluding to the year Landon Amos was playing a bunch right?? I felt like he got a lot of minutes as a walk on. Definitely hope James can play some 4, and I'm sure Naji can since he bulked up if we need to go smaller. But you're right, it feels like a complete re-haul and the year after we're gonna have about 4 or 5 new faces as well. Hopefully we can start building some continuity from this point moving forward. I'm worried as others about Welage's defense, but there's still some time to get it all sorted out. I'd like to think this team is going to have some pretty good chemistry, it'll be nice not having a lofty pre-season ranking, it might allow these guys to play without some pressure and string together some solid performances.

I think we do have good leadership without traditional seniors. Q, Scruggs, Naji, Rique have all played significant minutes on a team that was supposed to make a deep run, and Q and Rique on a team that has made a deep run into the NCAA's, and with Castlin, Hankins, and Welage some more leadership that way. I think that will do wonders in keeping this group focused throughout practice and improving. It's going to take a while, but I think if everybody can reach potential, we could be pretty damn solid by Big East play.

Andy Taylor got a lot of PT in the year Frease and Tu played and lost in Cleveland to Marquette.

[IM4X]

You're alluding to the year Landon Amos was playing a bunch right?? I felt like he got a lot of minutes as a walk on. Definitely hope James can play some 4, and I'm sure Naji can since he bulked up if we need to go smaller. But you're right, it feels like a complete re-haul and the year after we're gonna have about 4 or 5 new faces as well. Hopefully we can start building some continuity from this point moving forward. I'm worried as others about Welage's defense, but there's still some time to get it all sorted out. I'd like to think this team is going to have some pretty good chemistry, it'll be nice not having a lofty pre-season ranking, it might allow these guys to play without some pressure and string together some solid performances.

I think we do have good leadership without traditional seniors. Q, Scruggs, Naji, Rique have all played significant minutes on a team that was supposed to make a deep run, and Q and Rique on a team that has made a deep run into the NCAA's, and with Castlin, Hankins, and Welage some more leadership that way. I think that will do wonders in keeping this group focused throughout practice and improving. It's going to take a while, but I think if everybody can reach potential, we could be pretty damn solid by Big East play.

I was actually thinking about Taylor, but yes, I do remembered they needed Amos to play a good bit of minutes one year.

There is no substitute for senior leadership (even if it comes in the form of a transfer). I could see how Castlin might end up being this year’s Bernard, firing up the team should they lose their focus and swagger midway through the season and most importantly at the end to help extend X’s season at least a few more games. And yes, no doubt those four returning players you’ve mentioned will provide additional leadership... and hopefully they will display even more confidence in their play this season due to the improved chemistry you mentioned along with improved individual skills.

One other thing that excites me about this season: We might be witnessing the quickest and best defensive team X has had on the floor in a long time. That alone could make up for some of the other things some of us have been concerned about.

[IM4X]

Andy Taylor got a lot of PT in the year Frease and Tu played and lost in Cleveland to Marquette.

That’s the walk on I had in mind.

[GIMMFD]

I was actually thinking about Taylor, but yes, I do remembered they needed Amos to play a good bit of minutes one year.

There is no substitute for senior leadership (even if it comes in the form of a transfer). I could see how Castlin might end up being this year’s Bernard, firing up the team should they lose their focus and swagger midway through the season and most importantly at the end to help extend X’s season at least a few more games. And yes, no doubt those four returning players you’ve mentioned will provide additional leadership... and hopefully they will display even more confidence in their play this season due to the improved chemistry you mentioned along with improved individual skills.

One other thing that excites me about this season: We might be witnessing the quickest and best defensive team X has had on the floor in a long time. That alone could make up for some of the other things some of us have been concerned about.

Whoops, yes I remember that now as well. I guess I was thinking a little more recently haha. But to your last point about defense, I whole heartedly agree, I think we have a lot of athleticism, and with Steele saying he's going to make a point to focus on defense, it could be a night and day change from last year, especially since Hankins and Castlin get after it defensively.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

Andrew Taylor was a scholarship player, and was far and away our best player in the ugly first round loss to Marquette in Cleveland.

The walk-on that had to play a great deal was Kevin Feeney from Illinois. Great kid, super bouncy. Was with Joe Hughes and Johnny Mazza as walk-ons, but was thrust into the rotation due to injuries.

Erik Stenger was also technically a walk-on when he transferred from NKU and his brute athleticism and Navy SEAL shoulders also catapult him into the rotation at times.

[IM4X]

Andrew Taylor was a scholarship player, and was far and away our best player in the ugly first round loss to Marquette in Cleveland.

The walk-on that had to play a great deal was Kevin Feeney from Illinois. Great kid, super bouncy. Was with Joe Hughes and Johnny Mazza as walk-ons, but was thrust into the rotation due to injuries.

Erik Stenger was also technically a walk-on when he transferred from NKU and his brute athleticism and Navy SEAL shoulders also catapult him into the rotation at times.

I felt pretty sure about Taylor not being on scholarship the entire time at X so I looked it up and found this piece which mentions he came to X but was not guaranteed a scholarship an then had to give up the scholarship they were going to give him when Crawford joined the team. I also remembered that he had to play quite a bit one year when X had a very short bench. Oh, and I completely agree with you about him being the best player in that first round game.


http://xavierexaminer.blogspot.com/2011/03/andrew-taylor-not-just-hustle.html?m=1


Oh my... Stenger - yes... another walk on who got some solid minutes due to get another season with a short bench.

[IM4X]

Whoops, yes I remember that now as well. I guess I was thinking a little more recently haha. But to your last point about defense, I whole heartedly agree, I think we have a lot of athleticism, and with Steele saying he's going to make a point to focus on defense, it could be a night and day change from last year, especially since Hankins and Castlin get after it defensively.

yes indeed!

[xukeith]

yes indeed!

X has never had a supreme defensive team. Will it be live by defense, die by defense?

Hope Welage and Scruggs can fill up from 3 point land as Jones and Hankins pose a consistent inside force.

[XUFan09]

I felt pretty sure about Taylor not being on scholarship the entire time at X so I looked it up and found this piece which mentions he came to X but was not guaranteed a scholarship an then had to give up the scholarship they were going to give him when Crawford joined the team. I also remembered that he had to play quite a bit one year when X had a very short bench. Oh, and I completely agree with you about him being the best player in that first round game.


http://xavierexaminer.blogspot.com/2011/03/andrew-taylor-not-just-hustle.html?m=1


Oh my... Stenger - yes... another walk on who got some solid minutes due to get another season with a short bench.

Andrew Taylor was not going to receive a scholarship for like a day. Jordan Crawford joined the team, but then Adrion Graves transferred, opening up a scholarship for him again.

[XUFan09]

X has never had a supreme defensive team.

The 2008-2009 team would like to have a word with you...

[Xville]

The 2008-2009 team would like to have a word with you...

As would the 04 team....again this is why I dont mind mack leaving. In order for x to get to that final 2% they have to stress defense...they will never have the recruits to get by on just the offensive side of the ball.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

As would the 04 team....again this is why I dont mind mack leaving. In order for x to get to that final 2% they have to stress defense...they will never have the recruits to get by on just the offensive side of the ball.

Even if you look at the nba, champs still play defense. They never just run the other guy out of the gym. These Golden State teams have Green and a rim protector.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[xukeith]

As would the 04 team....again this is why I dont mind mack leaving. In order for x to get to that final 2% they have to stress defense...they will never have the recruits to get by on just the offensive side of the ball.

That team won because of Sato and Chalmers getting red hot and Myles awoke from sleep and played like an NBA player the last 10 games.

[XUFan09]

That team won because of Sato and Chalmers getting red hot and Myles awoke from sleep and played like an NBA player the last 10 games.

That team also had a really good defense and just needed that offense to start clicking.

[scoscox]

97 was pretty great too if I remember correctly. Turned uc over something like 25 times in the shootout that year. We were always a well coached defensive team under Gillen, prosser, Matta, and Miller. Mack was by far the worst defensive coach of the bunch. Not even close. On the other hand he was also easily the best offensive coach

[GIMMFD]

97 was pretty great too if I remember correctly. Turned uc over something like 25 times in the shootout that year. We were always a well coached defensive team under Gillen, prosser, Matta, and Miller. Mack was by far the worst defensive coach of the bunch. Not even close. On the other hand he was also easily the best offensive coach

That's why I'm hoping we get a mix of Miller/Mack with Steele, it's good he said he was going to address it, because it means he knows it's a problem. I don't know much about Jonah Hayes' defensive philosophy, I know he did develop some good big men in his time at Georgia which should help out Hankins/Tyrique, and I don't know about Ben Johnson's defensive philosophy either, however I do trust they're finding ways to improve this team. We look a whole helluva lot different from last year, and I think strong defensive is gonna help us win some tight games. I don't expect us to be Virginia or anything like that, but I do want to see some improvement, because we tried to outrun a lot of teams last year, and I don't think we're even remotely as close with the offensive firepower to attempt that this year.

[Juice]

That's why I'm hoping we get a mix of Miller/Mack with Steele, it's good he said he was going to address it, because it means he knows it's a problem. I don't know much about Jonah Hayes' defensive philosophy, I know he did develop some good big men in his time at Georgia which should help out Hankins/Tyrique, and I don't know about Ben Johnson's defensive philosophy either, however I do trust they're finding ways to improve this team. We look a whole helluva lot different from last year, and I think strong defensive is gonna help us win some tight games. I don't expect us to be Virginia or anything like that, but I do want to see some improvement, because we tried to outrun a lot of teams last year, and I don't think we're even remotely as close with the offensive firepower to attempt that this year.

Snow and Rick on the Scout board have said that Hankins has the shot blocking capabilities that X hasn't had in a center in a long time.

[Muskie]

Snow and Rick on the Scout board have said that Hankins has the shot blocking capabilities that X hasn't had in a center in a long time.

An astute observation since he’s averaged 106 blocks per season over his career so far. The school season record is David West with 80 in one season. Hankins has a great shot of beating that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Xuperman]

He's BE defensive POY if that happens! Hankins and Jones combine to get 80+ certainly seems doable. Zach would have to play out of his mind to get there by himself. Assuming he will split time with Jones all season.

[xukeith]

That's why I'm hoping we get a mix of Miller/Mack with Steele, it's good he said he was going to address it, because it means he knows it's a problem. I don't know much about Jonah Hayes' defensive philosophy, I know he did develop some good big men in his time at Georgia which should help out Hankins/Tyrique, and I don't know about Ben Johnson's defensive philosophy either, however I do trust they're finding ways to improve this team. We look a whole helluva lot different from last year, and I think strong defensive is gonna help us win some tight games. I don't expect us to be Virginia or anything like that, but I do want to see some improvement, because we tried to outrun a lot of teams last year, and I don't think we're even remotely as close with the offensive firepower to attempt that this year.

obvious. Live by defense die by defense. We will be a similar team to UC. Great D but shaky O.

[XUGRAD80]

obvious. Live by defense die by defense. We will be a similar team to UC. Great D but shaky O.

Not so fast......

It’s true that X doesn’t have people coming back that scored a lot for them last year, but that doesn’t mean that those same players aren’t capable of scoring much more THIS year. Plus, the grad transfers coming in were double digit scorers in their past locations. The returners were not asked to score a lot last year

[Olsingledigit]

Not so fast......

It’s true that X doesn’t have people coming back that scored a lot for them last year, but that doesn’t mean that those same players aren’t capable of scoring much more THIS year. Plus, the grad transfers coming in were double digit scorers in their past locations. The returners were not asked to score a lot last year
Great point. Every school has seasons where they lose a lot of their scoring. That doesn’t mean we go from 70+ points a game to 35 points a game.

[bleedXblue]

We aren't scoring like we scored the last few years....period. You don't just replace the #2 scorer in program history.

I do think by mid year this team will be much better off than early. Guys needs to find their roles and figure each other out.

[Xuperman]

Kennedy is not physically ready... he needs to get a lot stronger. You are correct about James though.

Just watched the Andy Mac Brad Redford podcast. 1st hand commentary on how team 97 is shaping up. Mac said that both James and Kennedy look physically ready to play now, that Harden has not shown much improvement. Heavily praised Scruggs as a BEAST ready to dominate!!

[xukeith]

Just watched the Andy Mac Brad Redford podcast. 1st hand commentary on how team 97 is shaping up. Mac said that both James and Kennedy look physically ready to play now, that Harden has not shown much improvement. Heavily praised Scruggs as a BEAST ready to dominate!!

Yes and Hankins is fantastic too.
He says Hankins and Jones might only be on the same floor for 6-8 minutes. Maybe like the NBA, one comes out, there is no let down.
Remember last year how O'Mara started then went to 3rd big man as Kanter escalated to top spot. Jones' injury pushed him to 3rd.
Praying for no injuries. Hope Scruggs can show his elite status as scorer and defender. Still doing packline but making the 2's very difficult. Be a much better 3 point defender team.
Those small quick guards knifed through our defense last year.

[RetireFiftyTu]

Snow and Rick on the Scout board have said that Hankins has the shot blocking capabilities that X hasn't had in a center in a long time.

I think Hankins is going to be really good for X. And his shot blocking will give Xavier something they haven't had in a long time. Most shot blockers also foul a ton but Hankins is a little bit different.

Per game
2016-2017: 3.9 BPG, 2.5 FPG
2017-2018: 3.3 BPG, 2.2 FPG

Totals
2016-2017: 130 Blocks, 83 Fouls
2017-2018: 128 Blocks, 84 Fouls

Per 40 Minute Stats
Jaren Jackson Jr: 5.5 Blocks, 5.9 Fouls
Zach Hankins: 4.9 Blocks, 3.2 Fouls

Take these stats with a grain of salt obviously since it was Division 2 but it is still impressive.

Tyrique fouls a lot so this could prove to be key. Hankins is in great shape. He set the big man mile record and big man record for the Riley Test.

[RetireFiftyTu]

I think Hankins is going to be really good for X. And his shot blocking will give Xavier something they haven't had in a long time. Most shot blockers also foul a ton but Hankins is a little bit different.

Per game
2016-2017: 3.9 BPG, 2.5 FPG
2017-2018: 3.3 BPG, 2.2 FPG

Totals
2016-2017: 130 Blocks, 83 Fouls
2017-2018: 128 Blocks, 84 Fouls

Per 40 Minute Stats
Jaren Jackson Jr: 5.5 Blocks, 5.9 Fouls
Zach Hankins: 4.9 Blocks, 3.2 Fouls

Take these stats with a grain of salt obviously since it was Division 2 but it is still impressive.

Tyrique fouls a lot so this could prove to be key. Hankins is in great shape. He set the big man mile record and big man record for the Riley Test.

A couple other Hankins stats from last year:
ORtg: 129.6 (the best ORtg a Xavier player has put up in the Kenpom era has been 125.7)
OR%: 14.1% (if this were D1 it would have ranked in the Top 25 nationally)
DR%: 24.7% (would have ranked in the Top 50 nationally)
Blk%: 11.2% (would have ranked in the Top 20 nationally)

Again, D2 stats but still very impressive.

[bobbiemcgee]

Just watched the Andy Mac Brad Redford podcast. 1st hand commentary on how team 97 is shaping up. Mac said that both James and Kennedy look physically ready to play now, that Harden has not shown much improvement. Heavily praised Scruggs as a BEAST ready to dominate!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfA6z7bwgtw

[DexterBailey84]

Hankins has cornrows......that's really all I heard.

[GIMMFD]

We aren't scoring like we scored the last few years....period. You don't just replace the #2 scorer in program history.

I do think by mid year this team will be much better off than early. Guys needs to find their roles and figure each other out.

Agreed with that, I don't think we're gonna be putting up a crap ton of points either, but like I said, I don't see us being UC/UVA in the scoring department, I think it'll drop off a little, but you're right, once guys find their roles, and what not we'll be fine. I think Naji knows he's gonna be the go to guy in this offense, but Welage can shoot, Q/Scruggs can create, they haven't been asked to do this much, so we'll find out a lot more on how they adapt and handle it. We have capable players in the scoring department, it's just going to be interesting to see how long it takes them to mesh and figure it out.

[Xuperman]

A lot of us are assuming that Welage will start and be featured at the 4 but Andy Mac made no indication that will be the case. Predicting that we will see ZH and TJ together for 8 or so minutes and that Castlin would sub as a forward. If Coach Steele intends to have team 97 a defense 1st approach, all indications are that will cost RW minutes. I for one, am hoping this is not the case UNLESS Jones is being groomed to play a lot more at the 4.

[Xuperman]

Was looking at some BEast stats from last year and ran across something quite stunning. Tyrique Jones was virtually tied with Govan in rebounds at 12 when averaged over a full 40 minutes!!! Only Delgado was better and he's gone. If he can start logging close to 30 mpg with consistency, LOOK OUT!!

[X-man]

Had a chance to watch a bit of practice yesterday with Andy Mac and met Adam Baum, the new beat writer from the Enquirer. Seemed like a good guy. The new players that really impressed me were James and Hankins. And Naji is going to be a beast this year!

[Xuperman]

The new players that really impressed me were James and Hankins. And Naji is going to be a beast this year!

Can you elaborate some on James. He needs to make some impact this year because we will certainly need him for depth in the front court next.

[X-man]

Can you elaborate some on James. He needs to make some impact this year because we will certainly need him for depth in the front court next.

He has a college-ready body, and seems to have a great rapport with Naji. He has a nice shooting touch, and is very active and athletic. He will get plenty of minutes at the 3/4, and maybe even spell Tyrique and Hankins at the 5. He's a little small for the 5, but knows how to use his butt on boxing out and getting position.

[Xuperman]

Nice to hear those positives. Since he has the physical tools and a good motor, maybe Naj will reveal some of his 1st year success secrets and we'll get a carbon copy!!! How do they compare in stature? On paper they seem very similar.