Game Thread: Xavier v. IUPUI (Nov 6, 2018) Non-Conference Game #1

[Muskie]

http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/2752.png&h=150&w=150 v. 2301

Xavier Musketeers (0-0; 0-0) vs. IUPUI Jaguars (0-0, 0-0)

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET

Cintas Center | Cincinnati, Ohio

TV: FS2

Radio: 550 WKRC (link (https://goxavier.com/watch/?Live=1321&type=Live))

Live Chat (http://webchat.freenode.net/?channels=XavierHoops)

Live Stats (https://goxavier.com/sidearmstats/mbball/summary)
(http://www.sidearmstats.com/xavier/mbball/)
(http://goxavier.com/news/2018/2/26/mens-basketball-no-3-xavier-can-clinch-a-share-of-the-big-east-title-with-a-win-on-wednesday.aspx)GoXavier.com Preview (https://goxavier.com/news/2018/11/5/mens-basketball-celebrates-opening-night-on-tuesday-vs-iupui.aspx)

The Athletic: 5 Burning Questions (https://theathletic.com/632581/2018/11/06/egger-talking-xavier-hoops-with-shannon-russell-as-musketeers-tip-off-new-season/)

Enquirer: Game Preview (https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2018/11/05/xavier-mens-basketball-season-opener-vs-iupui-scouting-report/1848853002/)



*check back for more links and articles


The Setting

Xavier opens the 2018-2019 season playing host to the IUPUI Jaguars at the Cintas Center. Xavier returns just four players with significant game experience in a Musketeers uniform while adding three Graduate Transfers, including the reigning Division II Player of the year, Zach Hankins. Finally, Travis Steele makes his official debut as Head Coach of the Xavier Musketeers (with new Assistants Jonas Hayes, Ben Johnson, and Dante Jackson).

IUPUI enters its 5th Season under the direction of Coach Jason Gardner (former Indiana Mr. Basketball and National Champion Runner-up with Arizona). As a player, Jason Garnder won 107 games in four years. However, his IUPUI teams have never posted a winning record with him as the helm. IUPUI's last winning season was 2010-2011. They were recently predicted to finish 6th in the Horizon League.

Players to Watch

Xavier: Graduate transfers Zach Hankins, Ryan Welage, and Kyle Castlin are expected to make their debuts along with Freshman Keonte Kennedy and Dontarius James. How Goodin's shoulder looks, and how Hankins will adapt to Division I post play figure to be two of the most watched aspects of the game. Naji Marshall and Paul Scruggs return and hope to build on impressive Freshman campaigns. Tyrique Jones will be tasked with providing starters minutes in the paint. Quentin Goodin is not expected to be ready for the opener.

IUPUI: Camron Justice (KY Mr. Basketball 2015) is the Jags primary scorer having transferred from Vanderbilt, while DJ McCall is their best defender. Evan Hall will defend the post with 7-1 Ahmed Ismail. Freshman Forward Brandon Kenyon figures to have major minutes off the bench.

Last Game:

Xavier posted a 98-69 victory over Kentucky Wesleyan on November 1, 2018 (Link (https://goxavier.com/news/2018/11/1/mens-basketball-marshall-and-jones-both-post-22-points-in-98-69-victory-over-kentucky-wesleyan.aspx))

IUPUI defeated Central State (OH) 86-52 on October 29, 2018 (Link (https://iupuijags.com/news/2018/10/29/mens-basketball-jags-breeze-past-central-state-in-exhibition-tilt.aspx))

[X-band '01]

55KRC? Guessing WLW would rather do election stuff - UC doesn't play tomorrow night.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Can't wait to be at a Xavier basketball game again! Xavier season has really saved my sports fandom life over the last few years being a Mets, Giants, and Knicks fan. I have a winning team to root for again!

[Muskie]

55KRC? Guessing WLW would rather do election stuff - UC doesn't play tomorrow night.

I saw conflicting info. So I'm not quite sure yet.

[Muskie]

According to @slrussell: No Q for tomorrow night.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

According to @slrussell: No Q for tomorrow night.

Well that is bad.

[xu82]

Can't wait to be at a Xavier basketball game again! Xavier season has really saved my sports fandom life over the last few years being a Mets, Giants, and Knicks fan. I have a winning team to root for again!

I was going to say that as a Bills fan, I really need this season to start. I only have one really sucky team, but we take sucking to the extreme. The Bills will play the rest of the season and not score as many points as X gets in the first half tomorrow. Our offense scored more points for the Bears than they did the Bills yesterday.

[xu82]

According to @slrussell: No Q for tomorrow night.

I’m praying that is an extreme abundance of caution?

[ArizonaXUGrad]

The quote she got from Steele was that Q was participating in non-contact practice, shooting drills, and extra fitness work to keep his wind up. He would be ready soon, but not for the opener.

[American X]

Paul Shruggs is going to have a breakout season.

[GoMuskies]

I took IUPUI small +18.5. Just seems like a big number for this team, particularly with Q out.

[Muskie]

I took IUPUI small +18.5. Just seems like a big number for this team, particularly with Q out.

Wow. That’s a big number.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Xuperman]

Cautionarily speaking, tonight concerns me. Its for real now....Coach only gets one chance to make a first impression. Will we take on the personality of a defense 1st team as advertised? Didn't see that in the exhibition but it was an exhibition. Hoping we can turn them over in bunches and score off them like we did Thursday. Need to limit their open looks from 3 and hold them under 70. On a side note, because Naji, Paul and Q (when healthy) are so aggressive slashing to the rim, I am expecting teams to TRY and draw a lot of charges on us. We'll see......Go X!!!

[Muskie]

Added some preview articles to the top.

[Muskie]

Cautionarily speaking, tonight concerns me. Its for real now....Coach only gets one time to make a first impression. Will we take on the personality of a defense 1st team as advertised? Didn't see that in the exhibition but it was an exhibition. Hoping we can turn them over in bunches and score off them like we did Thursday. Need to limit their open looks from 3 and hold them under 70.

You can preach defense all you want, but if you don't have the personnel to play D, you get what you get. Look at last year, X ultimately had no "stopper".

[Xuperman]

Size, length and quickness along with exceptional basketball IQ make great defenders. Coach certainly has plenty of those players to work with! It's his job to get them mentally ready to go all out from start to finish.

[Olsingledigit]

Debut night for coach Steele. Go X

[XU 87]

I just wonder how many points Steven Thomas will have tonight?

(I hope of some of our long time posters will get this joke.)

[xeus]

I just wonder how many points Steven Thomas will have tonight?

(I hope of some of our long time posters will get this joke.)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn34vzPELsU

[paulxu]

Snipe and Kahns...it's safe to come out now.

[gladdenguy]

This season is going to be challenging. I'm legitimately worried about losing to IUPUI tonight with no Q or Naji (being limited or not going).

[XU 87]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn34vzPELsU

"I made a mistake when I chose Dayton over IUPUI. I transferred here after realizing IUPUI had the better program."

[Kahns Krazy]

Snipe and Kahns...it's safe to come out now.

Oh thanks. Where the hell have I been?

[xu82]

Sounds like a pretty lively crowd! Long off-season, for sure.

[GoMuskies]

Did we know Hankins was going to have that hair?!? Wow.

[Xville]

I know its iupui, but xavier looks so much more athletic this year than last.

[GoMuskies]

I know its iupui, but xavier looks so much more athletic this year than last.

Yes, and playing incredibly hard. Love that.

[xu82]

Did we know Hankins was going to have that hair?!? Wow.

I’m just happy for people with hair, at this point.

[Grizzx12]

DAMN it feels good to be back in these threads!! First impression is Hankins hair is impressive

[xu82]

So much for shutting out opponents for the season.

[GoMuskies]

Welage likes to shoot. Hope some go in.

[RoseyMuskie]

Pretty clear this team will live and die by transition and hustle opportunities. Jones and Hankins are impressive running the floor.

[xu82]

Tyrique really lost 25 lbs? He sure looked good there.

[GoMuskies]

Jones is dominating. Safe to say he'd be Horizon Player of the Year.

[Xville]

Pretty clear this team will live and die by transition and hustle opportunities. Jones and Hankins are impressive running the floor.

Sounds good to me...much more entertaining style to watch than what we have seen last couple of years though those teams were obviously very good.

[noteggs]

Tyrique really lost 25 lbs? He sure looked good there.

He really does. Great steel and dunk!

[xu82]

He really does. Great steel and dunk!

Was that a replay? Haha

[xu82]

TY looks like a new guy! Holy cow!

[xu82]

Hankins was a find!

[xu82]

Hankins is the new JP! Making guys lose their minds!

[GoMuskies]

This should be about a 40 point win now.

[Boro Muskie]

We have our new JP.

[Berger]

I read the Athletic article today with Egger and Shannon Russell talking about who would replace JP in terms of getting in the heads of opponents and the type of intensity people can feed off of. She said Hankins was the guy, good call Shannon lol.

[Smooth]

No Justice, No Peace!

[FIGHTING MUSKETEER]

Stats indicate Ty has no rebounds. Is that correct? Where is he playing?

[xu82]

This should be about a 40 point win now.

What was the spread?

[GoMuskies]

So, Hankins is going to be great. Welage is going to be great when his shots are falling. Castlin? Too early to tell. But good work on the grad transfer scene.

[GoMuskies]

What was the spread?

18.5

[GoMuskies]

Didn't see the 13-0 run coming after they lost their best player.

[xu82]

Back to a 5 point lead? Not loving this stretch.

[GoMuskies]

15 really good minutes followed by 5 atrociously awful ones.

[Xville]

Team lost focus which was prevalent last year as well.

[noteggs]

New team - new players - new coach. Not ideal but expected

[Grizzx12]

Seemed like the last few minutes this team was searching for their offensive identity and whiffed a little and created some transition opportunities the other way. Happy halftime showed up to settle down

[xu82]

Time to beat them up. they don’t have the bodies to match us. Where has Ty been? Lordy, I don’t want to be Michigan vs Appalachian State.....

[xu82]

Seemed like the last few minutes this team was searching for their offensive identity and whiffed a little and created some transition opportunities the other way. Happy halftime showed up to settle down

Agreed, we looked lost on offense. We had a plan that worked, then.......

We need to OWN the boards.

[xu82]

Where is Naji? Why are we not pounding it inside? So many questions!

[paulxu]

Why is this game tied?

[GoMuskies]

Glad Castlin came out of the locker room.

[xu82]

That's It....REBOUND.

Attack them inside!

[noteggs]

You can tell Marshall is not playing at 100% (because he’s been sick)

[Grizzx12]

Wow!! Like Castlin stepping up and wouldn't have expected it

[Blue Blooded-05]

Why isn’t Hankins flushing those from point blank?

[GoMuskies]

Not sure Welage can do this against good teams, but we needed this tonight.

[X Factor]

I knew Welage would be a big factor for this team. You don't score as many points as he has at the DI level without knowing how to play and score.

[RoseyMuskie]

Naji is gassed. He looked it early in the game.

And have yourself a game Welage.

[xu82]

Welage appears to be a shot in the making, even if he doesn’t have the ball yet.

[mistabeecee41]

Knew it would take time for Hankins to adjust to D1 competition but he’s gotta finish at the rim. 6 points left on the board.

[noteggs]

This is our year to be better defensively?

[xu82]

This is our year to be better defensively?

A year is a long time. Keep in mind, we are playing the greatness that is Ewy-Pooey.

[xu82]

Foul them ALL OUT!

[GoMuskies]

Scruggs has been kind of invisible. Need a lot out of him this year.

[xu82]

Scruggs has been kind of invisible. Need a lot out of him this year.

Very true. Seems like Jones could take over if they’d let him.

[GoMuskies]

Jones against these guys is unfair.

[noteggs]

They are just a different team with Jones on the floor

[xu82]

LOVE that unselfishness!!!!

[RoseyMuskie]

Positives
-Jones quickness and energy. Wow
-Welage recovers from a slow start carries the team for an extended period
-Castlin was simply solid
-Hankins taking over JP roll

Negatives
-Scruggs and fouls. He was out of sync
-Hankins needs to finish

And Naji didn’t quite look himself.

[whopper]

I think if you have a couple of more makes by Hankins (and foul shote 2-6)this is a different game..he was over excited and hurried things. Harden not bad and Naj must have the flu but came on at end. Tyrique is a more athletic version of what we have seen.. Castin looked solid and his first 5 pos of second half stopped bleeding. Welage very promising and better all around than many thought. TIUPIU did hit some tough shots and that Kenyon bank off a missed steal I though was a bad omen(thankfully not). Scruggs should have been a little better. Man the next few games will be telling

[KFX]

Too bad the donor section is empty. What’s the hurry?

[Strange Brew]

New coach
Need to boil the stew of players
good win

LET'S GO X!

[paulxu]

One down. 30 to go.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Good win for our first game. We should be better when Q comes back.

[X Factor]

We didn't have Goodin and Naji has been sick for two days and honestly, it was questionable if he was even going to play tonight.

First game with a lot of new players and players adjusting to new roles. Had a few lapses, but overall, I'll take it.

Hankins showed promise. Welage went off (and X needed it), Tyrique doesn't even look like the same player. He is so much quicker. He looks great physically.

I think Goodin will make a HUGE difference for this team when he comes back. Scruggs will be able to play off the ball and Goodin will be dishing out assists.

[xu82]

We didn't have Goodin and Naji has been sick for two days and honestly, it was questionable if he was even going to play tonight.

First game with a lot of new players and players adjusting to new roles. Had a few lapses, but overall, I'll take it.

Hankins showed promise. Welage went off (and X needed it), Tyrique doesn't even look like the same player. He is so much quicker. He looks great physically.

I think Goodin will make a HUGE difference for this team when he comes back. Scruggs will be able to play off the ball and Goodin will be dishing out assists.

They also had a captain injured, and their leading scorer was ejected. This is SO embarrassing! I don’t know how I can sleep tonight!

Oh, wait, I was trying to fit into the Bills Board. Never mind. Good first game for a new regime and following huge turnover. Go X!!!

[X-band '01]

Goodbye Jason Gardner, hello Walter McCarty on Saturday.

How many other 1990s/2000s NCAA players will be opposing head coaches against X this season?

[xukeith]

This is our year to be better defensively?

Agree. Can you see X play 40 minutes of half court defense against Wisconsin? I think X is a 7-8 man team with athleticism but the guards and wings are too young and inexperienced. Defense is needed badly and holding teams under 50 points please.

[Xavier]

It’s late so maybe I’m missing the sarcasm...but under 50 points? That’s ridiculous

[XUGRAD80]

It’s late so maybe I’m missing the sarcasm...but under 50 points? That’s ridiculous

Agreed. The only way that happens is if X plays stall ball, packs in a zone, and the other team can’t throw it into the ocean. IUPUI shot 36% overall, 33% from 3, took 10 less shots than X, and still scored 69 points.

Back to last nights game....

The team looked disjointed and unorganized at times. Players are not in game time shape yet. Fouls, missed players, sickness, inexperience all play a part in that. Fortunately, those are all things that can be overcome. It was nice to see Hardin, Kennedy, and James all get some playing time early in the game and not just in mopup time. This helps to build the bench and can really pay dividends later this year and beyond. Scruggs never got into a grove, but I thought he started out playing well. The transfers are all going to play a major role in this year’s team. Beyond them, the future looks bright and I see next years team as being very deep and talented. For this year, I don’t expect anything more than a mid-pack BE record. But if the team can get settled and the players develop while staying injury free, it could be interesting. Forward! Into the Past!

[throwbackmuskie]

Little closer than expected, however lots of good things. Harden put in a lot of minutes, 18, and had a nice three and drive floater. Was surprised to see Kennedy get so many minutes, wasn't afraid to shoot. Welage sure can fill it from long range. Hankins will be good, I think he was a bit overhyped. Three blocks? Jones was a beast. The first part of the first half was great. I have said it since Travis was higher, I think we will be more uptempo this year, mainly due to personnel.

[drudy23]

Welage saved us, obviously.

Naji and Scruggs looked the opposite of what they did in the exhibition game. Can't have both play poorly. They have to play like seniors. Both looked clueless against a zone.

We're going to struggle to score, I think, as we play better teams and coaches.

I'll reserve further judgment until I see what we look like with Q playing 35 minutes.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Goodbye Jason Gardner, hello Walter McCarty on Saturday.

How many other 1990s/2000s NCAA players will be opposing head coaches against X this season?

IKR... Every time I see Bobby Hurley with a head full of gray hair I pour myself another glass of prune juice. Even Jim Jackson in the studio is sporting the distinguished salt and pepper look this year.

[throwbackmuskie]

Couple of things to remember, Naji was sick, but he still played pretty well. Also Scruggs is so much better off the ball than being the point. I also tend to think Steele knew this was going to be a win, so that is why we saw a lot of Kennedy and James and Harden to a point.

[drudy23]

Couple of things to remember, Naji was sick, but he still played pretty well. Also Scruggs is so much better off the ball than being the point. I also tend to think Steele knew this was going to be a win, so that is why we saw a lot of Kennedy and James and Harden to a point.

Agree on Kennedy, James, and Harden.

Disagree on Naji. He played well for about 3 minutes late in the game. The rest of it, he looked lost. Bad shots, bad passes. He has to learn to play when it's not up-tempo. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt since he was sick.

[GoMuskies]

I also tend to think Steele knew this was going to be a win, so that is why we saw a lot of Kennedy and James and Harden to a point.

We all KNEW it, but I bet Coach Steele was among those becoming concerned about that assumption shortly after the second half started! Nice Welage show thereafter to ease such concerns!

[Muskie]

Reflections from the next morning:

I was stunned at the number of players who had missed practices in the past ten days. Getting everyone on the same page will help.

Scruggs is limited by being forced to stand at the top of the key while we wait for Goodin to return.

I liked the hustle.

Loved Hankins on Defense, hope he learns to finish. 5 blocks last night.

Our offense again relies on 3 point shooting. Welage can’t be relied on for 6 per night.

Really liked what Kyle C brought to the table.

Gotta keep Jones out of foul trouble. Not a new development.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[GoMuskies]

I loved the way Hankins ran the floor. He's going to be a problem for some other teams' big men in that regard. He'll run them ragged.

[IM4X]

Couple of things to remember, Naji was sick, but he still played pretty well. Also Scruggs is so much better off the ball than being the point. I also tend to think Steele knew this was going to be a win, so that is why we saw a lot of Kennedy and James and Harden to a point.

Steele mentioned after the game that early fouls to starters forced him to play those three guys for many more minutes than he was hoping. Glad to hear that as his reason and not that it was part of his original plan, since playing them so long allowed IUPUI to go on a huge run and build confidence they did not have early on. Can’t wait for Q to be back so we never have to see so many non starters on the floor together for long stretches like we saw last night.

Even when X had a big lead in the beginning, the offense just looked off. Gotta believe that when Q is back in there running it, the chemistry and rhythm will look much better and it will allow Paul to get back to doing what he does best.

[throwbackmuskie]

Steele mentioned after the game that early fouls to starters forced him to play those three guys for many more minutes than he was hoping. Glad to hear that as his reason and not that it was part of his original plan, since playing them so long allowed IUPUI to go on a huge run and build confidence they did not have early on. .

I thought of that as well, but James and Kennedy to a point really didn't need to be on the court as much due to fouls, Harden, yes. Regardless, they put in some solid minutes. James looked lost, Kennedy did at times, and at other times did well.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think we are going to end up needing some good minutes at times from Harden. He seems to be our emergency 3rd PG option. At least last night. Also just think he will be the 8th man, and Steele said early he wants to go 8 deep. Hopefully Harden can step up to the challenge. Don't think we will see a whole lot from either freshman.

[IM4X]

As many of you pointed out, Jones looked really good: better endurance and much quicker.

Welage was a very pleasant surprise and Hankins looked really good at times (think he’ll not miss the easy bunnies going forward)

Though, what may have been the most promising thing for me to see last night was Castlin stepping up and becoming the kind of leader the team desperately needed when things started getting scary. Let’s be clear- He single handily took back the momentum of the game for his teammates... and then Welage helped X pull away with his barrage of 3s. I can see how Castlin might be this year’s Malcolm Bernard... responsible for guiding his team out of a funk or pulling them back up when he sees them heading in a downward spiral... and how special would that be.

[IM4X]

I thought of that as well, but James and Kennedy to a point really didn't need to be on the court as much due to fouls, Harden, yes. Regardless, they put in some solid minutes. James looked lost, Kennedy did at times, and at other times did well.

Yeah... every time there are 3 teammates on the court that don’t normally play many minutes, bad things usually happen. I too thought so many of them on the court at the same time seemed unnecessary. Thinking possibly Scruggs and Jones were taken out due to foul trouble at the same time Naji was taken out due to exhaustion. Even so, I sure hope we never see so many of those 7 8 9 10 deep players on the floor together unless everyone else has fouled out (or it’s at the end of a game where X is blowing out the opponent).

[D-West & PO-Z]

Saw on twitter X was +22 with Castlin on the court.

[IM4X]

Even though there has only been one game, that Castlin stat seems worth paying attention to throughout the year.

[Muskie]

Even though there has only been one game, that Castlin stat seems worth paying attention to throughout the year.

I think Castlin is going to be a rich man's, Malcolm Bernard. You'll get the consistent glue guy play, but with streaky points production (with a higher ceiling than Malcolm.

[Nigel Tufnel]

One thing that stood out to me was how you can tell the kids who have been at X a few years versus the grad transfers based on their physique. Xavier’s strength and conditioning coach has to be one of the best in college basketball.

[scoscox]

I was impressed with IUPUI. Those guys were all really well built. Kind of surprising. They weren't really physically overmatched at any position except against tyrique, but tyrique is just an absolute monster.

[GoMuskies]

One thing that stood out to me was how you can tell the kids who have been at X a few years versus the grad transfers based on their physique.

Yes, except for Hankins. He's the best conditioned athlete on our team. Perhaps he's lacking a bit on the strength side, though.

[noteggs]

We have to give Steele and staff a lot of credit. Finding what seems to be 3 very good grad transfers with such diverse strengths and having them contribute to the team was exciting. Even just a year, it should be fun watching them develop with the program.

[whopper]

Castin was great and solid but Malcolm Bernard made our season with one game v Arizona that is an all time great performance by a "role player". I think 15 pts in second half and the ball in hand at game's end. Kudos to Castin and lets hope he is in the same situation week 2 of the ncaas

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Castin was great and solid but Malcolm Bernard made our season with one game v Arizona that is an all time great performance by a "role player". I think 15 pts in second half and the ball in hand at game's end. Kudos to Castin and lets hope he is in the same situation week 2 of the ncaas

I agree, Bernard was a capable defender but disappeared at times. I think being forced to grab three graduate transfers vs. just one hurts us overall. It will definitely make us inexperienced next year with a slew, really hopefully they all sign, incoming freshmen.

Each transfer so far has shown potential, but that was against a team just inside the top 300. Wisconsin is going to be what shows us what this team is right now. Gard is going to key on what he has seen from us in our two first games and adjust accordingly. Wisconsin lit it up from three and Happ had a triple double, thought Coppin is literally one of the bottom 10 teams in all of basketball.

[GIMMFD]

Didn't get to watch but reading this thread sounds like it was a bit of a rollercoaster, amazed to see Welage drop 21 in the second half, and with Naji basically out with the flu, and Q being out, I figured we'd look a little off/lost, but we managed to get a win which is important for Steele and the guys, just have to keep building confidence and chemistry with each other, and we have another opportunity on Saturday for that.

I think Castlin is going to be a monster for us, sounds like he was the leader we expected after Steele named him captain, I'm very much so looking forward to seeing how this season turns out, it's going to have some downs, but one in the W column is all that matters as of now.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Yes, except for Hankins. He's the best conditioned athlete on our team. Perhaps he's lacking a bit on the strength side, though.

Fair enough. Just seeing What the strength and conditioning has done with Q, Tyrique, Trevon, JP....it's amazing. Dude has to be at the top of his game.

[XU-XHI]

Wow, same story every year when X brings in transfers and grad players. One game and all these doubts. Remember last year when many were doubting Kanter after the first couple of games. Give Hankins a couple of games before passing judgement. From what I saw at the game, he is going to be a very strong option to Tyrique once he settles in to D1 play and the excitement of the new season and team.

[GoMuskies]

Remember last year when many were doubting Kanter after the first couple of games.

And look at that last shot he took in a Xavier uniform...

[atljar]

I'm Unfortunately not nearly as optimistic as some here. That game was a train wreck against a bad team. No chemistry, no flow. Very little ball movement, porous defense. God I hope I'm wrong but I think it's going to be a long season.

[AviatorX]

I'm Unfortunately not nearly as optimistic as some here. That game was a train wreck against a bad team. No chemistry, no flow. Very little ball movement, porous defense. God I hope I'm wrong but I think it's going to be a long season.

Train wreck is pretty strong...if they look the same with Goodin and 100% Naji, then I'll start buying into this. I think Saturday will be a better representation of where this team is.

[RetireFiftyTu]

I'm Unfortunately not nearly as optimistic as some here. That game was a train wreck against a bad team. No chemistry, no flow. Very little ball movement, porous defense. God I hope I'm wrong but I think it's going to be a long season.

Which is fair and the jury is still out on this team obviously but here is why you shouldn't be panicking or worrying yet. Our best player (Naji) has been sick all week and hasn't been at practice for 4 days. He wasn't himself out there and was kind of a liability for the first 30 minutes. Maybe our most important player and lead guard (Q) didn't play. Scruggs picked up two fouls and then sat out essentially the last 8 minutes of the first half which is where things went to shit because Harden was playing point guard and he is most definitely not a point guard. Tyrique played really well but battled a little bit of foul trouble and ended up fouling out. With Q back, things will run smoother, Scruggs can play more off the ball (where he is better), and Harden won't have to run point. Also, Naji should be back to his usual self by Saturday. It's possible Xavier doesn't wind up being any good this year but I'm pretty optimistic. All I'm saying is please nobody panic after one game with several injuries and illnesses to key players.

[Muskie4106]

I'm Unfortunately not nearly as optimistic as some here. That game was a train wreck against a bad team. No chemistry, no flow. Very little ball movement, porous defense. God I hope I'm wrong but I think it's going to be a long season.


Cannot even say this after one game. Our starting point guard did not play. Naji had the flu. On top of that we had 3 grad transfers out there playing with the only experience players beside Jones being Role players to JP and Tre for the last few years.

From what I hear and see this team is close and all they need is games under their belt to gel as a TEAM.

Patience this year. This team is going to frustrate the hell out of us early and excite us toward the end.

We are not going to be that dominating team that we have come accustom to, but usually with Xavier teams the teams with low expectations are our most exciting fun rides of the year.

[X Factor]

And look at that last shot he took in a Xavier uniform...

What, it was just a little off...:lol:

[Xuperman]

One thing that stood out to me was how you can tell the kids who have been at X a few years versus the grad transfers based on their physique. Xavier’s strength and conditioning coach has to be one of the best in college basketball.

One has to wonder if San Jose St. has a strength and conditioning program.....:no:

[X-band '01]

One has to wonder if San Jose St. has a basketball program.....:no:

Fixed that for you.

[blueblood]

I was impressed with IUPUI. Those guys were all really well built. Kind of surprising. They weren't really physically overmatched at any position except against tyrique, but tyrique is just an absolute monster.

Yep, listening to the player intros they were 6'2", 6'3", 6'6", 6'7" and 7'1". So they definitely didn't lack starting height and none of them were string beans either.

[Xuperman]

Fixed that for you.

Words of wisdom, Lloyd, words of wisdom

[sirthought]

While this team is by no means a well oiled machine yet, everyone has to remember this is why we have buy games on the schedule. They have to get into the trenches before they can win on the field.

I'm concerned about game play on both sides, but I understand it's going to take time for some players to get up to speed. Even when everyone is pointing out fouls or illness or injury, you want ALL bench players to know their role and perform to expectation. Still, got to cut some slack, as this is a new experience for many.

Harden needs to get his head on straight and start playing stronger. I really like the kid, but he's been here long enough where the game should be slowing down for him more. Scruggs needs to figure out how to utilize plays more and less hero ball one-on-one stuff.

Welage seems exactly what the doctor ordered except for his strength in the post. He was seriously trying to block out several times, which is a great sign, but he looked to be pushed aside at times or just not able to win a rebound after holding someone back. Guards are going to have to rebound this year more than ever. Really excited to see how Welage shoots throughout the season.

Surprised we weren't passing it into the post more frequently to really work things out with Jones/Hankins. A lot of their attempts were more in a transition type of play rather than passing down there and letting them go to work. Maybe that's just a sign of how the game has changed, but two big guys like that...man we could see plays like the Hankins spin dunk a lot more. Excitement!

[sirthought]

Xavier's bench was outscored by IUPUI's bench 41-14

[smileyy]

Big East Highlight Reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MuYLK5Cgpc
Xavier Highlight Reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-BzytlbWlA
Some Other Highlight Reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY1ZonourRE

[paulxu]

We've got a tall Brad Redford...who needs a hair stylist.

[atljar]

I'm Unfortunately not nearly as optimistic as some here. That game was a train wreck against a bad team. No chemistry, no flow. Very little ball movement, porous defense. God I hope I'm wrong but I think it's going to be a long season.


Just revisiting this. Any takers yet?