Game Thread: Xavier v. San Diego State (November 20, 2018) Maui Invitational

[Muskie]

http://www.xavierhoops.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1866&d=1416330212&thumb=1 (http://www.xavierhoops.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1866&d=1450195293) vs 2304


Xavier Musketeers (2-2; 0-0) vs. San Diego State (2-1, 0-0)

Time: 2:30 p.m. ET

Lahaina Civic Center, Maui, HI

TV: ESPN2

Radio:

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

Live Stats (http://statbroadcast.com/events/tournament.php?tid=699&l=1)
(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 (https://goxavier.com/news/2018/11/5/mens-basketball-celebrates-opening-night-on-tuesday-vs-iupui.aspx)Preview (https://goxavier.com/news/2018/11/17/mens-basketball-prepares-for-no-9-auburn-at-maui-jim-maui-invitational.aspx)

The Athletic: (https://theathletic.com/632581/2018/11/06/egger-talking-xavier-hoops-with-shannon-russell-as-musketeers-tip-off-new-season/)Behind the Scenes in Maui (https://theathletic.com/660507/2018/11/18/musketeers-in-paradise-behind-the-scenes-of-xaviers-business-and-pleasure-in-maui/)


*check back for more links and articles

The Setting

Xavier returns to Lahaina Civic Center less than twenty-four hours after falling to Auburn in overtime. This is the first meeting between Xavier and San Diego State.

San Diego is 2-1 after losing to Duke in the previous round of the Maui Invitational. San Diego will be playing on approximately fifteen hours of rest. (Link to San Diego State Tip Sheet (https://s3.amazonaws.com/goaztecs.com/documents/2018/11/20/MBB19_G04_SDSU_Game_Notes_vs_Xavier.pdf))

What to Watch

Xavier: Will Xavier be able to play with the same intensity with a quick turnaround? Was the play against Auburn a turning point in this young season?

SDSU: How will San Diego react to their first loss of the season. SDSU has made the Championship game of their last six Holiday Tournament Appearances.

Last Game:

Xavier lost to Auburn in OT. (Link (https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2018/11/19/live-updates-xavier-faces-no-9-auburn-maui-invitational/2047828002/)).

San Diego State lost to Duke, 90-64 (Link (https://goaztecs.com/news/2018/11/19/no-1-1-duke-tops-mens-basketball-in-maui.aspx)).

[drudy23]

Just win.

[GoMuskies]

San Diego State fans were lined up (with me) waiting for the beer garden at the Civic Center to open at 8:30 am. Safe to say I like San Diego State's fans.

[IM4X]

The start of a 10 game win streak starts today.

[GoMuskies]

The start of a 10 game win streak starts today.

Why only 10? Honestly, I don't feel great about today.

[BMoreX]

What's this camera angle.

[BMoreX]

What's this camera angle.

Nevermind. Damn ESPN multiple camera angle options

[Olsingledigit]

No head bands today. Banned?

[xu82]

PLEASE run away with this! I can’t do another game like yesterday!

[Olsingledigit]

PLEASE run away with this! I can’t do another game like yesterday!

I second that.

[Xuperman]

They don't get much production off their bench.....let's pile up some fouls on their starters!!!

[X Factor]

Nice start. Jones and Hankins should have a big impact. They already have in the early going.

Just take care of the ball.

[XfansinKy]

I got a private message here from someone that's trying to sell Viagra. Smh

[noteggs]

Different team when not getting a bunch of pressure like Aurburn yesterday

[xu82]

Let’s keep Harden in that corner!!!

[noteggs]

Who’s that #4?

[xu82]

Different team when not getting a bunch of pressure like Aurburn yesterday

No kidding! We can learn a little something from that D!

[Olsingledigit]

Let’s keep Harden in that corner!!!

Nine points. Showin his stuff. Where has this man been?

[X Factor]

Hello Mr. Harden!!!!

[noteggs]

I got a private message here from someone that's trying to sell Viagra. Smh

Got that message two weeks ago. Hmm

[Caf]

Harden's confidence handling the ball is great to see!

[BMoreX]

Holy Elias Harden

[noteggs]

Wow a James sighting

[X Factor]

That turnaround baseline jumper from Scruggs was sick.

[GoMuskies]

Would be nice to avoid the late first half blues we saw against IUPUI and Evansville.

[sirthought]

exciting game for X so far

I never enjoy the Bill Walton talk during the game. Focus Bill!

[noteggs]

Here comes the pressure

[BMoreX]

Lock in here in the last 6, please.

[sirthought]

Why is Goodin shooting threes with this lead?

[X Factor]

I see Goodin hasn't found his stroke

[xu82]

Do NOT let them back in this!

[X Factor]

Bill Walton actively rooting for SDSU

[noteggs]

Side note. Not digging the coaches shirts

[Olsingledigit]

Do NOT let them back in this!

Unfortunately we have let them back in. All of the sudden we got very sloppy and they have started raining threes.

[Muskie4106]

Bill Walton actively rooting for SDSU

not really. He keeps complimenting Xaviers D right before they give up a 3

[Olsingledigit]

Bill Walton actively rooting for SDSU

I am not picking that up. He seems to be pretty fair to me.

[X Factor]

Unfortunately we have let them back in. All of the sudden we got very sloppy and they have started raining threes.

We're still up 10. Need to stay patient and get good shots.

[xu82]

Are the announcers aware of the game happening in front of them? Bill? You with us?

[KabeX]

Goodness. Sleepwalking.

[BMoreX]

Ugh.

[KabeX]

And the verbal diarrhea just won't stop.

[xu82]

FINALLY! We were stuck on 32 forever, it seemed!

[xudash]

40 minutes.

[KabeX]

40 minutes.

I'd take 20 at this point.

[BMoreX]

Lack of awareness is infuriating.

[KabeX]

Is there any doubt we'll be tied at HT?

[GoMuskies]

Would be nice to avoid the late first half blues we saw against IUPUI and Evansville.

Well, it really would have been nice!

[xu82]

Well, the START was fun.......

[KabeX]

Well Travis has lots of material for the halftime "discussion"

[noteggs]

Pressure completely took us out of our offense

[Muskie4106]

spacing on offense needs to improve. Too many times 3 players are right next to each other allowing one player to guard 3 players at once. Spacing is so bad they can't even dribble without losing the ball or almost losing the ball. Not a bad half but we DO have a rookie head coach that needs to set these guys up for success. Cheers to a better second half and a 10 point win.

[sirthought]

If you notice, as SDSU ball pressure increased we stopped moving the ball via the pass as much.

If they just start to move the ball more they'll get better looks. (And Goodin don't shoot a three unless there is no other option on the clock.)

Seems like our guys don't get in the ready stance for defence enough. Wonder why that isn't taught more?

[Blue Blooded-05]

Prior to listening to Bill Walton announce today’s game, I had no idea the Aloha state legalized recreational marijuana.

[X Factor]

Why do we constantly leave the corner three wide open for the other team???

[GoMuskies]

We aren't great.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

We absolutely suck at defending behind the arc. I am we are terrible at it. Bielein admitted to himself a few years ago who couldn't coach defense. He fired his assistants and hired some who could.

The staff is new, I am not advocating firing people for sure here. I am curious who is on staff that is pushing defense.

[mistabeecee41]

Why do we constantly leave the corner three wide open for the other team???

was just thinking this. most of them today have been on naji's guy. he keeps reaching in on the big for some reason and doesn't get back out to his shooter.

[noteggs]

If you notice, as SDSU ball pressure increased we stopped moving the ball via the pass as much.

If they just start to move the ball more they'll get better looks. (And Goodin don't shoot a three unless there is no other option on the clock.)

Seems like our guys don't get in the ready stance for defence enough. Wonder why that isn't taught more?

Totally agree with ball movement. I was tired of watching the one on one stuff

[mistabeecee41]

was just thinking this. most of them today have been on naji's guy. he keeps reaching in on the big for some reason and doesn't get back out to his shooter.

and another one.

[Strange Brew]

Going to be a long year...

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Defend like this and we don't have to worry about anything extra in March.

[X Factor]

Steele has been talking since he got hired how this would be one of Xavier's best defensive teams. Still waiting.

[GetUp5]

Why tf is Kennedy in the game?

[drudy23]

Now THIS would be a missed opportunity.

[GoMuskies]

At least we're not getting embarrassed by Dook!

[ArizonaXUGrad]

SDSU is even with us in Kenpom. It should be an even game with one getting it in the end. That said, we come home 2-4 in this tourney and I don't see enough good teams left to combat our inconsistent play. We are going to lay egg against crappy teams.

[xu82]

When does this get fun???

[xuinmd]

I hat listening to Bill Walton

[ArizonaXUGrad]

When does this get fun???

Skip's second season was my sophomore year. That was .500 ball I endured then. This team is better, but we play better teams.

[XUBob]

I used to post all the time on various message boards. I was a bit psychotic, too high after wins and too low and angry after losses. As I got older I kept my opinions to myself, hell, I wasn’t coaching and I bitched too much. I have several friends that I go to games with and talk XU hoops. It has amazed me during the last few Mack years how X consistently frittered away leads. Seems like the trend will continue. Too much freedom, up 19 play smart but that is no longer in our bag of tricks. I’ve said for years just because of the law of averages X would someday hire the wrong guy. I like Travis I would have hired him also hopefully this isn’t a mistake. I know it’s early but I don’t like the deer in the headlights look. I know he knows the game and can recruit, his mantra has been I’m the same guy I’ve always been. He has moved one seat over he might need to be a different guy.

[X Factor]

Naji is so lazy on defense

[xu82]

Is there a way to get Bill Walton to shut up???

[X Factor]

This is going to be a rough year folks.

[xuinmd]

Mack Knew who to leave

[KabeX]

Is there a way to get Bill Walton to shut up???

Mute button very effective.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

This is a 500 team. Steele is going to take it in the teeth this year. I hope he has a thick skin.

[Blue Blooded-05]

After Naj’s Last missed three...

- We are shooting 39/122 (31.9%) from 3 this year

- Our opponents are collectively shooting 56/135 (41.5%) from 3 this year

That is a difference of 10 points per game over 5 games

[xu82]

This is going to be a rough year folks.

I just pray that we start to see progress. They just don’t seem mentally tough. This is NOT the same team that played the first 10 minutes. Need to overcome moments of adversity and fight through it.

[xuinmd]

Not only do have to listen to Walton but he gets more face time than the game

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I didn't say anything about the Auburn game. I think for teams it's easier to get up for a ranked team. They got up for it and just lost in OT. Getting up for this game obviously stopped around the 12 minute mark of the first. Getting up every game is a lot tougher.

We may do markedly better than .500, but that will be because of the Big East being really down this year. A team that shows consistent effort and some poise in the league could do ok.

[kellernr]

defensively we are trash. Naji, Goodin and Scruggs look uninterested on the defensive end and just float around out there.
Hankins needs to play way more minutes than Jones. Jones is never in position to get a rebound and his only offense is dunking.

[KabeX]

start 4 - 5 from 3
1 - 15 ever since
This aint rocket science. Drive the F'in ball.

[xu82]

It’s still possible that they climb back and win this. IF they were to do so, it just might work wonders in terms of growth and confidence. It’s a very big IF.

[xu82]

Mute button very effective.

I just want a selective mute button!

[ArizonaXUGrad]

start 4 - 5 from 3
1 - 15 ever since
This aint rocket science. Drive the F'in ball.

Watch their drives, Scruggs drives and coughs it up or gets blocked. Goodin drives and either passes back or gets blocked. Our best offense has been consecutive passes and off the ball movement to open lanes or shots.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Just like I said on the drives, blind drives are killing us.

[X Factor]

Goodin with two horrible decisions. Shoots a corner three with tons of time left on the clock and then takes a terrible shot on the next possession.

[paulxu]

Please sit Goodin down. He just wasted one whole possession. Maybe he thinks he's something special. He's not. Not yet.
Not until he plays point, instead of selfish.

Also, one of these goofy announcers just said "the great thing about the Maui tournament is that every game comes down to the last possession."
He must have slept through the Duke game.

[KabeX]

Watch their drives, Scruggs drives and coughs it up or gets blocked. Goodin drives and either passes back or gets blocked. Our best offense has been consecutive passes and off the ball movement to open lanes or shots.

Fair enough but live by the 3 ... and we're dyin here

[kellernr]

Goodins drains a 3 then kills all the momentum with a missed 3 and awful shot selection in the lane. he needs to realize hes not the guy that should have the ball in crunch time

[KabeX]

Fair enough but live by the 3 ... and we're dyin here

Unfortunately we're now at the point where we have to take 3s

[BMoreX]

I really love Goodin as a player but the last two games and his insistence on playing hero ball has been incredibly frustrating.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I really love Goodin as a player but the last two games and his insistence on playing hero ball has been incredibly frustrating.

This and you can toss in Naji in there as well. Both of those guys go it alone when our best offense comes from stringing passes together and off the ball movement.

[Xavier]

Goodins drains a 3 then kills all the momentum with a missed 3 and awful shot selection in the lane. he needs to realize hes not the guy that should have the ball in crunch time

Hoisted a 3 real quick into that shot clock. Then dribbled forever and forced a bad shot....from our leader. Just absolute horrible decision making.

[Muskie4106]

I really love Goodin as a player but the last two games and his insistence on playing hero ball has been incredibly frustrating.

He is trying to be the hero. He wants to be the Trevon of this team and THAT IS NOT HIS GAME.

[KabeX]

I just hope we're .500 after this. Not too optimistic about that.

[KabeX]

Did he just say "East Asia which is here in Hawaii"? Where's that mute button?

[kellernr]

Honestly we don't have a guy that should take the final shots in crunch time. Thought it would be Naji but he looks like he forgot to shoot. Is it November 2019 yet?

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[XUBob]

This team is hard to watch, maybe I’m too old and crotchety but I expect more effort, and pride than I’ve seen all year from this X team.

[whopper]

not for nothing but these rims are very loose. This is disappointing though. Funny thing is that in the elite 8 run Maryland, Fl State and Arizona shot poorly from 3s with many open shots. I am still optimistic for the Big East but we are getting only 4 teams this year.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

This was the only team in this tournament I thought we could beat. We will come home just as I thought, 2-4. I think 7-6 going into the conference season should be a goal. Missouri is winnable but on the road, UC is winnable but on the road. I bet we split those and lay an egg against a buy team.

[bjf123]

I just hope we're .500 after this. Not too optimistic about that.

I’m afraid our string of .500 or better in conference play will end this year.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kellernr]

Need to keep track of how many times we blow a double digit lead this year. They are about as good as the bengals at closing out games

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[KabeX]

Prolonging the inevitable.

[paulxu]

I didn't need to be reminded that we led by 19 at one point.

[xu82]

Drag this out for another half hour to piss off Walton!

[ArizonaXUGrad]

This is sad to say, but I think this season's success will be the Shootout, Butler games, and 'Nova. We have a long way to go, but this team isn't going to flip a switch and start being that much better.

[X Factor]

This is sad to say, but I think this season's success will be the Shootout, Butler games, and 'Nova. We have a long way to go, but this team isn't going to flip a switch and start being that much better.

You're probably right.

[KabeX]

.85 points per min in 2nd. Wonder what changed.

[X Factor]

I thought last year's team was bad on defense.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Take one thing I said back, I think we can beat Illinois if/when they lose to ISU. Illinois should be an equally close match-up for us. I am sure they will just reign threes on us also.

[XfansinKy]

Considering next year's class doesn't have any recruits that are ranked higher than Scruggs, Marshall or Q, I guess we will have to buckle down and be patient.

[IM4X]

Flat out embarrassing! Up by 19...There is no way they should have lost that game...I am looking at you Travis. Too lax... too laid back- need to bark at your players at least a little bit... too many hurried shots in the second half... offense became a mess. Bad Bad playing... bad bad coaching. Come on guys. Low Basketball IQ by too many experienced players. Ugh.

[KabeX]

Considering next year's class doesn't have any recruits that are ranked higher than Scruggs, Marshall or Q, I guess we will have to buckle down and be patient.

Key will be between their collective ears.

[xu82]

Flat out embarrassing! Up by 19...There is no way they should have lost that game...I am looking at you Travis. Too lax... too laid back- need to bark at your players at least a little bit... too many hurried shots in the second half... offense became a mess. Bad Bad playing... bad bad coaching. Come on guys. Low Basketball IQ by too many experienced players. Ugh.

You should ALSO be a Bills fan! :)

[drudy23]

Our guards have to realize that we're not playing MAC schools in these tournaments. You can't just go to the rim and not expect to get 2-3 really athletic guys trying to block your shot.

I think I've come to realize that we simply aren't going to make the Final Four without some 5 star guys. Think of how unathletic some really athletic dudes have made our guys look in the past two games.

We think Q and Tyrique are athletic wonders. Until we play a couple 5 stars and realize there is another level. Can we ever consistently recruit 5 stars at a place like X?

[sirthought]

You guys say they can't just flip a switch...well here's the thing: Xavier has some really great players. They have all the tools now to flip the switch. This system isn't allowing them to defend right now. The demand for defensive excellence is not installed. The coaches should be able to turn this around. We'll see if they decide to do something new, because the current methods aren't working.

[bobbiemcgee]

when do pitchers and catchers report.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Considering next year's class doesn't have any recruits that are ranked higher than Scruggs, Marshall or Q, I guess we will have to buckle down and be patient.

Pump the brakes on 2019 a bit. Rankings are just one person's opinion. Scruggs and Marshall are underachieving, more so because they are juniors by age though sophomores by class. This team has three guys and one third of our minutes going to players that came from low D1 and D2. Add that and that we have just seven other players brings us down more. We have no depth and the high D1 recruits are all inexperienced.

This 2019 class has a bit of it all with the exception of a wing player. I think wings are easier to get on the grad-transfer market than anything else.

[bjf123]

Flat out embarrassing! Up by 19...There is no way they should have lost that game...I am looking at you Travis. Too lax... too laid back- need to bark at your players at least a little bit... too many hurried shots in the second half... offense became a mess. Bad Bad playing... bad bad coaching. Come on guys. Low Basketball IQ by too many experienced players. Ugh.

This. Absolutely embarrassing. In the games where we’ve given up big leads, what was the combined swings, about 60-10?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GoMuskies]

I think this is a bit of a wakeup call for Steele. He was PISSED at his assistants in the second half. That may have been new.

[IM4X]

You should ALSO be a Bills fan! :)

Bills fans are used to this kind of thing. It’s kind of new to us X fans.

[IM4X]

I don’t mind losing a close game where players are playing smart. They started out playing smart but just were a big mess —- 19 points!!! —- then just fall apart and play like garbage for most of the second half with quick shots and bad passes and so many other mistakes... sorry but Travis needs to do something different with his approach- he simply wasn’t getting through to his guys. X should have won this game by at least 10.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Steele is new to this part of his job. Take that and some of these players may still see him as an assistant. I remember Mack seemingly having little control over some of Miller's guys (it was obvious he didn't).

This loss annoys me, it was a winnable game. With all teams like this, we will lose winnable games and win those we don't think we should win. This is flat out a team that will finish .500 or a couple games over that.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

We all knew there would be learning curves for a 1st year coach, if everyone takes a deep breath, lower your expectations for this year, you'll understand this was fairly easy to see coming. I said they'd win 16 or 17 games and was hammered, but you have a 1st year coach and rotation guys from Columbia (IVY), San Jose State, and Ferris State (D2). This year isn't going to be great, it just isn't. Enjoy the journey, understand next year will be much better, don't lose sleep over the streak of being .500 or better in league play (that isn't happening), and just look for bits of improvement.

This isn't a tournament team, but it isn't the end of the world, everyone reading this as much to be thankful for. Like, being a Xavier fan, for starters.

[whopper]

I hope you are wrong about coaching dissension. This is a time to close ranks.

[drudy23]

Remember when Coack Mack and Coach Miller really tried to be "the friend" and "the positive guy" early in their tenures? It's probably typical for most new head coaches. Eventually, those coaches say "screw it, shit needs to change and it starts with me". That happens sooner or later, depending on the level of early adversity.

But at the end of the day, we can't guard anyone and we don't make great decisions. Meaning, we aren't very good.

[scoscox]

It’s not gonna change and this is probably a dead horse, but I can’t stand the pack line especially with our guys. Let them loose. We’re too athletic to stay in the packline

[BigMoeMusketeer]

Remember when Coack Mack and Coach Miller really tried to be "the friend" and "the positive guy" early in their tenures?

I don't think they were trying to be anything, that is just the role they had previously under different head guys, and it isn't like you can flip a switch and be someone completely different the next day. That wouldn't work. Sean transitioned into the head-cracker he was born to be fairly quickly, didn't take long for balls to start getting punted into the upper deck. Chris never really did at practice, he did change, to be sure, but not nearly as drastically as Sean did. It isn't his nature. Travis will never be Sean, of that I'm certain, in terms of anger /cussing / spitting while yelling / ball-punting, etc. However, he will have to find himself as he continues the transition into the new role. This is all part of the process when sliding one chair over, and isn't something you can "just do", it has to happen with time; and I'm sure today's game will help expedite that transition.

He will figure it out, and by next October, he should be in a good place in terms of how he will deal with the team and coaches in different situations. This year is a transition year for so many reasons, and you can't rush that process.

Fortunately, he has a GREAT class next year to help him springboard the program in the direction he'll ultimately take it.

[X Factor]

I think this is a bit of a wakeup call for Steele. He was PISSED at his assistants in the second half. That may have been new.

Pissed about what?

[ArizonaXUGrad]

It’s not gonna change and this is probably a dead horse, but I can’t stand the pack line especially with our guys. Let them loose. We’re too athletic to stay in the packline

From what I have seen now in 5 games, Naji is lazy on defense most of the time. Scruggs is lazy on defense some of the time. Welage/Harden are not physically gifted enough to play in a pressure man setting. I actually think Hankins is not a bad interior defender but Jones has learned nothing about footwork. The packline and various zones are what we will need to employ this year.

[Caf]

Obviously they didn't maintain it, but we saw what this team can do at the beginning of the game. We were also much less pathetic on the turnover front compared to yesterday. Alright that's all I got for silver linings.

[xukeith]

It is painful to come back to this message board but here are some thoughts:

X was fatigued in last 10 minutes of 2nd half. They were tired and it showed (thin bench, lack of a leader)

SDSU will win games this year. I bet they will finish 2nd or 3rd behind Nevada in their league so it is not a horrible loss.

X HAS to beat the next team tomorrow it will lose to a BAD B10 team.

BE Coaches knew this X squad when they predicted X 6th.
3 Grad transfers are productive but none are leaders.
Marshall, Scruggs and others are too inexperienced to lead X to a victory. Goodin may be that guy come mid/late December.

[xukeith]

Flat out embarrassing! Up by 19...There is no way they should have lost that game...I am looking at you Travis. Too lax... too laid back- need to bark at your players at least a little bit... too many hurried shots in the second half... offense became a mess. Bad Bad playing... bad bad coaching. Come on guys. Low Basketball IQ by too many experienced players. Ugh.

Auburn was killing X. they let X back in. Should Bruce Pearl be the fall guy?

[xukeith]

Our guards have to realize that we're not playing MAC schools in these tournaments. You can't just go to the rim and not expect to get 2-3 really athletic guys trying to block your shot.

I think I've come to realize that we simply aren't going to make the Final Four without some 5 star guys. Think of how unathletic some really athletic dudes have made our guys look in the past two games.

We think Q and Tyrique are athletic wonders. Until we play a couple 5 stars and realize there is another level. Can we ever consistently recruit 5 stars at a place like X?

100% agree. X needs first round NBA talent(2 top 20 picks) to make a Final 4 run.

[SemajParlor]

This is sad to say, but I think this season's success will be the Shootout, Butler games, and 'Nova. We have a long way to go, but this team isn't going to flip a switch and start being that much better.


Not many teams can flip a switch out of nowhere. The history of college basketball suggests that younger teams and staff in November might have room for some substantial improvement come February in March.

Not picking on just you Arizona, just feel like collectively we should have all watched enough CBB to say that it's kind of crazy to write off a team so early.

[SkyWalker]

It's the headbands! But seriously when was the last time Xavier had a sub 500 record?

[xukeith]

He is trying to be the hero. He wants to be the Trevon of this team and THAT IS NOT HIS GAME.

Who is the leader and David West, Tu Holloway, Trevon Bluiett of this team?

I think it is Q. He will be ready by the UC game.

[SemajParlor]

I think I've come to realize that we simply aren't going to make the Final Four without some 5 star guys.



That would help of course, but as a rule I disagree. I think we have to just look back a few months to realize that's not really true.

[xukeith]

This is a 500 team. Steele is going to take it in the teeth this year. I hope he has a thick skin.

"Best defensive team in X history" remember that quote?

[kellernr]

Gotta come home with at least 1 win. Then beat up on some cupcakes at home to get some confidence back. When's the last time an X team put together a full 40 minutes? Zona game?

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[OTRMUSKIE]

I thought going into this tournament X go 1-2 or 0-3. Just too many new faces and a new coach. We have gone through this same scenario before with other coaches and we always suck in these tournaments. Give this team 3 more games and you will see a huge difference. This team has talent and come March they are going to be a tough out. X will still dance and win 20+ games. Get out of Hawaii with a win and things will be okay.

[xu82]

OK, I’m trying to regroup. We are led by Q (who is NOT a shooter but seems to feel the need to be one) and some sophomores with a few new grad transfers thrown in. Our HC is new to the job, and the assistants are new.

This should not be shocking, though it is indeed painful. This season will smart, but these early lessons should pay off as these guys mature. Get a good class next year, let everyone mature (including the coaching staff), and we can get back on track....in time. This season is FAR from over.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

"Best defensive team in X history" remember that quote?

Not from me, but we do have enough athletes to put a better defensive team than last year. Q/Scuggs/Naji/Castlin/Hankins should not be allowing a million threes to rain down. The issue is that Naji/Scruggs just aren't putting down the effort they should be and Castlin was over-billed.

[bjf123]

..... understand next year will be much better, don't lose sleep over the streak of being .500 or better in league play (that isn't happening),....

I won’t lose sleep over it, but that’s the ONE thing I want from this season.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[IM4X]

This. Absolutely embarrassing. In the games where we’ve given up big leads, what was the combined swings, about 60-10?


Close enough.

“The Aztecs answered with a 19-3 run to pull within three by halftime and had an early 16-2 run in the second half.”

[whopper]

Yet Auburn is giving Duke all it can handle (still can't win of course). Against Auburn for some reason Welage (not a pro prospect but at times a great shooter) got excellent spacing and looks. It shows what we "could" do in the Big East with the right effort and plan. It will be an interesting Big East year and from what I see St Johns and Georgetown may have the best teams

[drudy23]

That would help of course, but as a rule I disagree. I think we have to just look back a few months to realize that's not really true.

Tre and JP weren't recruited as 5 star guys, but they're pros. Both were 3 star athletically and 5 star in basketball skill.

But you will also remember Tre was manhandled in the Florida State game by vastly more athletic dudes.

[Xville]

Tre and JP weren't recruited as 5 star guys, but they're pros. Both were 3 star athletically and 5 star in basketball skill.

But you will also remember Tre was manhandled in the Florida State game by vastly more athletic dudes.


May be wrong but think he was referring to Loyola. In any regard, of course it’s easier with five star guys but 3s and 4s can get you there with a bit of luck.

[XfansinKy]

May be wrong but think he was referring to Loyola. In any regard, of course it’s easier with five star guys but 3s and 4s can get you there with a bit of luck.

I agree, except it's gonna take more than some luck to get through a Big East schedule healthy, and then still have the talent to make a deep run. We absolutely have to get back to recruiting some future NBA guys. Other than a long shot in Naji, this season and next year's class doesn't have any. We will just have to see what happens.

[X-man]

Iowa State is up 28 on SDSU with 5 minutes left in the game. We are in trouble until this team begins to play like a team.

[American X]

Maybe someone should have hit Goodin in the head with a coconut.

[Muskie]

"Best defensive team in X history" remember that quote?

Maybe in practice?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro