Following our 2019 Recruits

[atljar]

When was the last long athletic wing for X that shot a high % 3?

Never? Unless you say Bluiett was a long athletic 3...... ( long?? athletic?)

Derrick Brown?

[smileyy]

Derrick Brown?

I came here to say that. I hope it's Naji this year.

[XUGRAD80]

Mark “3” Pointer? :swordfight:

[scoscox]

When was the last long athletic wing for X that shot a high % 3?

Never? Unless you say Bluiett was a long athletic 3...... ( long?? athletic?)

you might not remember this guy. there was this guy xavier had a long time ago named Kaiser Gates...

in all seriousness, we've had plenty of these guys. derrick brown for one, naji before last years debacle shot 35% his freshman year, james posey shot 36% his junior season from 3. athletic is stretching it, but doellman was a great stretch 4 as well

[xufan2020]

I don’t know which highlights you’re watching but he absolutely has the same “husky” build as Trevon
247 and VC list him at 180lbs and Rivals has him at 205lbs. Wouldn't consider that very husky for 6'5"

[noteggs]

247 and VC list him at 180lbs and Rivals has him at 205lbs. Wouldn't consider that very husky for 6'5"

Agree physical build does remind of Tre. Sure Jennings can work his magic. What excites me the most is Wicher’s step back jumper and his quick release like Tre’s. Love to sign this young man!

[scoscox]

247 and VC list him at 180lbs and Rivals has him at 205lbs. Wouldn't consider that very husky for 6'5"

i mean i can use my eyes and see that he isn't exactly svelte. maybe 205 is reasonable, but dude is nowhere close to 180. he'd be skinny as a rail. edmond sumner is 180. i don't think he's quite as big as trevon, but he's definitely a little stocky.

[xufan2020]

i mean i can use my eyes and see that he isn't exactly svelte. maybe 205 is reasonable, but dude is nowhere close to 180. he'd be skinny as a rail. edmond sumner is 180. i don't think he's quite as big as trevon, but he's definitely a little stocky.
Sure he's not slender (probably baby fat), but the two sites listing at 180 is just odd. I'd agree he's definitely closer to 205, and he definitely has room to improve athletically. Plus an offseason with Jennings would be great.

[joe titan]

Derrick Brown?

By the time he was Senior, DFW.

[SemajParlor]

When was the last long athletic wing for X that shot a high % 3?

Never? Unless you say Bluiett was a long athletic 3...... ( long?? athletic?)

Kaiser Gates

[GoMuskies]

Was Kaiser Gates athletic?

[muskiefan82]

Yes. As you can see in the below picture, he can jump off of one foot.

2338

[GIMMFD]

Was Kaiser Gates athletic?

Decent question to ask in my opinion, long definitely, moments of being a great shooter? Absolutely, I thought he showed flashes of athleticism when he took the ball and drove to the rim (albeit rarely), interestingly enough I tried to look up his combine work, etc. and found no grade on him though an Athletic Article by Shannon states that NBA scouts thought Gates was the best prospect on the team, and is doing decent putting up 12.4 ppg and 6.2rpg in the G-League.

[Xuperman]

When was the last long athletic wing for X that shot a high % 3?

I just realized that we may have one hiding in plain sight......Dontarius James (or who my kid dubbed "Super Freak"). I base this solely on his performance at Musketeer Madness where he canned several deep balls with no hesitation and nice form. The guy is long and cut like an elite athlete. Ran the floor really well, showed good quickness on D and looked totally comfortable out there. I would love to know the reason/reasons he became Mr Pine Rider but I predict he will show us something in the fall.

[Juice]

I just realized that we may have one hiding in plain sight......Dontarius James (or who my kid dubbed "Super Freak"). I base this solely on his performance at Musketeer Madness where he canned several deep balls with no hesitation and nice form. The guy is long and cut like an elite athlete. Ran the floor really well, showed good quickness on D and looked totally comfortable out there. I would love to know the reason/reasons he became Mr Pine Rider but I predict he will show us something in the fall.

I think I read somewhere that he was slow to grasp his role on defense. I could be wrong though.

[Lloyd Braun]

No love for Kevin Frey?

[drudy23]

Was Kaiser Gates athletic?

He moved very well for his size, especially his footwork. He legitimately could have hung with quicker guards on the perimeter. We never really saw a total glimpse of athleticism because he did nothing but shoot 3's. There's a reason the NBA sees some upside in him.

[IM4X]

I just realized that we may have one hiding in plain sight......Dontarius James (or who my kid dubbed "Super Freak"). I base this solely on his performance at Musketeer Madness where he canned several deep balls with no hesitation and nice form. The guy is long and cut like an elite athlete. Ran the floor really well, showed good quickness on D and looked totally comfortable out there. I would love to know the reason/reasons he became Mr Pine Rider but I predict he will show us something in the fall.

I am with you. I have to say, I too was puzzled about his lack of play time this past season. If the real reason for sitting was that he was having trouble grasping his role on defense then I remain puzzled. I feel that argument could have been made for most of the players for the first half of the season.

It certainly felt like he was never given enough minutes in actually games (like Kennedy and Hardin were) to fairly assess how well he was grasping things. Who’s to say he wouldn’t have dropped several big threes and started to feel comfortable out there, if he just had been given more time. I don’t know, maybe I missed something, but I don’t remember ever hearing myself say, “Man, Steele needs to get James out of the game. He’s really hurting the team” the way I heard myself say multiple times about more than a few other players during last season.

Anyway, I am wondering if maybe he was just SO out of position each time he saw the floor, resulting in easy buckets for the opponent. But then again, he was barely out there. Surprised he wasn’t given a few more chance to prove he can learn to make the adjustments. Anyway, Steele must think James is improving and he must believe he can play at a high enough level to earn more playing time or he would likely have hinted that it might be tough for him to expect to see the floor more.

[GIMMFD]

I think I read somewhere that he was slow to grasp his role on defense. I could be wrong though.

In the Q&A Session Steele had (sorry to keep bringing this up), Steele said the biggest thing he wanted games to work on was being a consistent knock-down shooter from deep, so maybe he was a bit erratic in practice? Also definitely could be the defense thing as well, I'm interested to see how much burn he gets, especially with a boat load of new talent coming in.

[letskeepitreal]

Isn’t he a 4? I would imagine he should get time at least spelling Tyrique and our new transfer?

[noteggs]

Highlights from Tandy’s Kentucky Senior Junior All-Star game.

https://t.co/vDNe0U1rEW?ssr=true

[Juice]

In the Q&A Session Steele had (sorry to keep bringing this up), Steele said the biggest thing he wanted games to work on was being a consistent knock-down shooter from deep, so maybe he was a bit erratic in practice? Also definitely could be the defense thing as well, I'm interested to see how much burn he gets, especially with a boat load of new talent coming in.

I'm not disagreeing with you at all, I just want to add this bit from Shannon's newest article to show I'm not crazy


Biggest question
Dontarius James. He struggled to learn Xavier’s defensive system as a freshman and averaged only 3.3 minutes in the 12 games he played.

[Xuperman]

Nothing much to go on as far as how he practiced, but he must have been somewhat inconsistent offensively in addition to the issues with the defense and/or EFFORT. If not, one would think he would have seen the floor a lot more when we were in basic zone looks.

[xufan2020]

CJ Wilcher!
Give Dante a raise

[UCGRAD4X]

I am with you. I have to say, I too was puzzled about his lack of play time this past season. If the real reason for sitting was that he was having trouble grasping his role on defense then I remain puzzled. I feel that argument could have been made for most of the players for the first half of the season.

It certainly felt like he was never given enough minutes in actually games (like Kennedy and Hardin were) to fairly assess how well he was grasping things. Who’s to say he wouldn’t have dropped several big threes and started to feel comfortable out there, if he just had been given more time. I don’t know, maybe I missed something, but I don’t remember ever hearing myself say, “Man, Steele needs to get James out of the game. He’s really hurting the team” the way I heard myself say multiple times about more than a few other players during last season.

Anyway, I am wondering if maybe he was just SO out of position each time he saw the floor, resulting in easy buckets for the opponent. But then again, he was barely out there. Surprised he wasn’t given a few more chance to prove he can learn to make the adjustments. Anyway, Steele must think James is improving and he must believe he can play at a high enough level to earn more playing time or he would likely have hinted that it might be tough for him to expect to see the floor more.

Could be what he showed in practice sessions. Lost on defense, lack of effort, not able to get open shots...who knows.

[GIMMFD]

I'm not disagreeing with you at all, I just want to add this bit from Shannon's newest article to show I'm not crazy

Oh no, I wasn't saying you were, I was just trying to wrap my head around what could have possibly been the case. It's not like he was a walk on, or anything crazy like that, he wasn't a 4 star, but I would have thought he'd be able to bring a little more to the table last year, I'm curious as to what his role will be moving forward, especially since our 2019 class is solid, and our 2020 has a lot of potential too

[Xuperman]

CJ Wilcher!
Give Dante a raise

I can hardly contain myself!!! From Staak to Steele has been an amazing ride!!

[Xuperman]

Agree physical build does remind of Tre. Sure Jennings can work his magic. What excites me the most is Wicher’s step back jumper and his quick release like Tre’s. Love to sign this young man!

There is a lot of video out there on CJ and the Tre comparison is a good one, swishin' 3's from all over! He kinda reminds me of Kris Jenkins also. Looks like we're getting a sure fire sniper in this guy as one article sites him as a Top 3 shooter from distance in the 2020 class. The other thing that stands out for me is his passion/intensity..... talks a lot of smack but definitely backs it up.

Another big plus is that he plays at St. Benedict in Newark. Big time program on a national scale....he will come in polished, disciplined and battle tested.

[GIMMFD]

There is a lot of video out there on CJ and the Tre comparison is a good one, swishin' 3's from all over! He kinda reminds me of Kris Jenkins also. Looks like we're getting a sure fire sniper in this guy as one article sites him as a Top 3 shooter from distance in the 2020 class. The other thing that stands out for me is his passion/intensity..... talks a lot of smack but definitely backs it up.

Another big plus is that he plays at St. Benedict in Newark. Big time program on a national scale....he will come in polished, disciplined and battle tested.

I like his confidence too, he said "not to took my own horn, but I think I'm the best shooter in this class," so I think an off-night won't rattle him too much. Was also excited to see that he knows his defense is a weak part of his game, and is actively going out and trying to improve it. Oh, and the cherry on top? He is HUGE on academics and cited Chris Barbour and his plan on how to help him out academically also sold him (wants to look into Sports Medicine). Sounds like someone with a great head on his shoulders, I'm excited to have him part of the Muskie family.

[Xuperman]

https://www.cityrocks.org/page/show/4981159-17u-eybl

Here is Wilcher’s stats for his time on the Nike circuit this spring. He came in late on the circuit but ended up being their top scorer at just under 20 ppg. His percentages were nothing to get too excited about but he caught fire in his last few games. MU commit Symir Torrence was his running mate and 2nd on the team in scoring.

[Xuperman]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pfIPgiMl29c

Here’s some impressive video on Odom....Not any defense being played here but his skill set is undeniable. What stands out to me is how he’s developed physically. Big East ready now. Just image what he will do against High School competition in the fall!

[joe titan]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pfIPgiMl29c

Here’s some impressive video on Odom....Not any defense being played here but his skill set is undeniable. What stands out to me is how he’s developed physically. Big East ready now. Just image what he will do against High School competition in the fall!

That's not exactly college level form on his outside shot; hopefully he learns to (I) jump and (ii) release from some point above his waist.

[sirthought]

Thanks for the posts, but remember that Wilcher and Odom are 2020 recruits, not 2019.

Yeah, that video doesn't really show anything to get excited about, but based on what I've from a while ago I think he could end up as one of the Xavier greats. His movement with the ball is really impressive.

[bleedXblue]

That's not exactly college level form on his outside shot; hopefully he learns to (I) jump and (ii) release from some point above his waist.

thats not Odom...........thats the Williams kid with the low release

[Xuperman]

Thanks for the posts, but remember that Wilcher and Odom are 2020 recruits, not 2019.

Yeah they got lumped in with the 2019’s. Maybe a new thread is in order.....following our recruits keeps me excited year round!

[sirthought]

There was a new thread started already.

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[Olsingledigit]

That's not exactly college level form on his outside shot; hopefully he learns to (I) jump and (ii) release from some point above his waist.

I would agree with that, and I am sure the coaches are aware of it and will work with him to make the adjustments.

[noteggs]

Are we there yet?

Actually sounds like 4 of 5 have shown up on campus and Freemantle is suppose to come in next week.

Short interviews with Steele on Freemantle and Bishop.

https://t.co/kvlvKIIztu?ssr=true

https://t.co/bejaQtI70r?ssr=true

[xu82]

Are we there yet?

Actually sounds like 4 of 5 have shown up on campus and Freemantle is suppose to come in next week.

Short interviews with Steele on Freemantle and Bishop.

https://t.co/kvlvKIIztu?ssr=true

https://t.co/bejaQtI70r?ssr=true

THANKS! I’m getting excited about this season strangely early this year! Maybe it’s wanting to get the taste of last year out of my mouth......but mostly it’s these new guys added to what we have returning!

[Olsingledigit]

The Steak Fry is tomorrow evening. I will be there.

[bjf123]

The Steak Fry is tomorrow evening. I will be there.

Me, too. Hope they have it planned to be indoors. The forecast is looking a little wet.


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[GIMMFD]

THANKS! I’m getting excited about this season strangely early this year! Maybe it’s wanting to get the taste of last year out of my mouth......but mostly it’s these new guys added to what we have returning!

I'm with you on this, I think it's a mixture of knowing the potential on this roster, and seeing a highly lauded class get to campus. 7 new guys are going to be putting on the X uniform, which means there's plenty to speculate about with all of these particular new pieces. There's a lot of excitement around the program right now with Steele crushing it on the recruiting trail, and not to mention looking miles better as a coach at the end of the year as opposed to the beginning. Still expect him to have some growing pains, but X basketball looks like it's in a good place, and that's exciting.

[Olsingledigit]

Me, too. Hope they have it planned to be indoors. The forecast is looking a little wet.


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I believe it is always inside now.

[Xuperman]

Now that basketball activities can officially begin, any hope for a transfer back up for Tyrique is over. Coach Steele must be pretty confident that at least one of the 3 frosh will be ready for some post action, or plans to slot Carter there when needed. Either way it’s not ideal and reason for concern because there’s always the dreaded “I” word. Fact is the conference has added several quality bigs.....X will face considerably more height and/or experience in the BE when Jones is not in there.

As far as the 13th scholarship goes, it could go to a current roster player for one year but most certainly will be available for another 2020 guy.

[bjf123]

I believe it is always inside now.

OK. They were always outdoors when I used to attend, but it’s been a few years.


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[Muskie4106]

Is it true 2020 Zac Harvey is committing to the Kitty Kats?

[xufan02]

Now that basketball activities can officially begin, any hope for a transfer back up for Tyrique is over. Coach Steele must be pretty confident that at least one of the 3 frosh will be ready for some post action, or plans to slot Carter there when needed. Either way it’s not ideal and reason for concern because there’s always the dreaded “I” word. Fact is the conference has added several quality bigs.....X will face considerably more height and/or experience in the BE when Jones is not in there.

As far as the 13th scholarship goes, it could go to a current roster player for one year but most certainly will be available for another 2020 guy.

The roster is set for this year.

[xufan02]

Is it true 2020 Zac Harvey is committing to the Kitty Kats?

Highly probable.

[xufan02]

Highly probable.

No longer highly probable. This is weird.

[scoscox]

elias king just committed to umass lowell

[Juice]

elias king just committed to umass lowell

I think it's a different Elias King
https://twitter.com/trigonis30/status/1142530698907045889
The guy in this picture doesn't look like the one that committed to Miss. State (after X and UGA).

[X Factor]

I think it's a different Elias King
https://twitter.com/trigonis30/status/1142530698907045889
The guy in this picture doesn't look like the one that committed to Miss. State (after X and UGA).

Definitely NOT the former committed to Xavier Elias King.

[Xuperman]

CJ Wilcher!
Give Dante a raise

Looks like CJ will not only play against his home town Pirates in the future but also against UConn and the guy that built his High School program into a national power. Dan Hurley is a St. Benedict legend. With the Huskies now headed to the BEast, one has to wonder if his recruitment may have went differently.

[xukeith]

Looks like CJ will not only play against his home town Pirates in the future but also against UConn and the guy that built his High School program into a national power. Dan Hurley is a St. Benedict legend. With the Huskies now headed to the BEast, one has to wonder if his recruitment may have went differently.
Was UConn even in the running for CJ?

[Xuperman]

Was UConn even in the running for CJ?

No, but his top 4 were all BE schools. Apparently playing in the BE was a big part of his decision. That’s why I’m surprised we snatched him away from SHU. The fact that UConn will start competing in conference when he’s just a soph, it could have went differently. The Hurley/St Benedict connection would have been a powerful one.

[bobbiemcgee]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D929VAGWwAEpBqK.jpg

KYKY 42" vert

[noteggs]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D929VAGWwAEpBqK.jpg

KYKY 42" vert

Crazy!!!

Heard he came in at 200lbs and say they may want him slim down a bit or guess he could just add muscle. Not sure what his playing weight should be but obviously he’s physically ready to play in BE. Can you imagine what his vert will be with a little work with Matt?

[atljar]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D929VAGWwAEpBqK.jpg

KYKY 42" vert


Off of one foot or from both feet? Inquiring minds need to know

[paulxu]

Nice recap of our incoming class.

https://bustingbrackets.com/2019/07/14/xavier-basketball-analyzing-2019-recruiting-class/?utm_campaign=FanSided+Daily&utm_source=FanSided+Daily&utm_medium=email

[GoMuskies]

Nice recap of our incoming class.

https://bustingbrackets.com/2019/07/14/xavier-basketball-analyzing-2019-recruiting-class/?utm_campaign=FanSided+Daily&utm_source=FanSided+Daily&utm_medium=email

As a bonus, the top of this page includes a great picture of both WCWIII and me!

[scoscox]

good article, but this " Dieonte Miles comes in with a college-ready body" gave me a laugh

[paulxu]

As a bonus, the top of this page includes a great picture of both WCWIII and me!

I'm feeling pretty good about not being able to pick you out !

(actually I'm jealous of course that you made it to Maui)

[noteggs]

Think they’re the ones with X shirts on lol.

[xu82]

Nice recap of our incoming class.

https://bustingbrackets.com/2019/07/14/xavier-basketball-analyzing-2019-recruiting-class/?utm_campaign=FanSided+Daily&utm_source=FanSided+Daily&utm_medium=email

Umm, is it just me, or is Miles playing against middle school kids?

Thanks for the recap. Looking forward to finishing!

[noteggs]

Weird on Ramsey tape playing with Kyky.

[xu82]

The video of Kyky is just ridiculous!

[noteggs]

I’m sure many have seen this because it’s been retweeted numerous times. However, sounds like we’ve got 5 hungry players (again).

https://t.co/66TJGmbRq1?ssr=true

[xudash]

I’m sure many have seen this because it’s been retweeted numerous times. However, sounds like we’ve got 5 hungry players (again).

https://t.co/66TJGmbRq1?ssr=true

Saw that on Facebook earlier today.

Pumped to see them develop at X.

Proud to catch some very nice glimpses of campus, too!

[IM4X]

I’m sure many have seen this because it’s been retweeted numerous times. However, sounds like we’ve got 5 hungry players (again).

https://t.co/66TJGmbRq1?ssr=true

I did not see it... Nice.

Thank you for posting noteggs!

[IM4X]

It’s going to be pretty excited to see how well this incoming group will mesh with the core four (and James).

I’ve got to say though, all of the sudden, I got really excited about the addition of Jason Carter too after seeing the photo of him dunking in practice and then watching some of his videos (which I hadn’t done for some reason until yesterday). He looks much leaner and more athletic than I first thought. Feeling pretty confident we won’t need 35+ minutes per game out of Naji or Paul this season just to stay in games against tougher opponents.

[scoscox]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUn-XXu1aWE

one of my favorite steele quotes. "i want a dunking mentality around the rim". i like that mindset. considering tyrique and hankins were both in the top 5 in D1 in dunks last year I think we took it to heart

[Xuperman]

I’m sure many have seen this because it’s been retweeted numerous times. However, sounds like we’ve got 5 hungry players (again).

https://t.co/66TJGmbRq1?ssr=true

It’s a very well made video introduction and kudos to those involved in making it.

It’s safe to say that a great percentage of posters here are true hardcore X fans and very knowledgeable as it pertains to the Staak to Steele era. I wonder how close to unanimous it is, that this is the finest incoming class ever....or is that a given at this point? Obviously not one minute has been played officially but I can’t recall there ever being a year more highly anticipated. The program has arrived at a new level.

[sirthought]

They might be, but certainly the hype around prospects and the program has grown leaps and bounds. Marketing is focused year round. I see the same with UC since Brennan arrived.


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[BMoreX]

It’s a very well made video introduction and kudos to those involved in making it.

It’s safe to say that a great percentage of posters here are true hardcore X fans and very knowledgeable as it pertains to the Staak to Steele era. I wonder how close to unanimous it is, that this is the finest incoming class ever....or is that a given at this point? Obviously not one minute has been played officially but I can’t recall there ever being a year more highly anticipated. The program has arrived at a new level.

I still think Blueitt, Macura, Sumner, O'Mara, London, Austin in 2014 get the nod.

[XUGRAD80]

Only time will tell, but on paper this is the best class X has ever gotten.

However, it may not be the most impactful when talking about how much it may elevate the program from where if was prior to it. I think that only if this class leads to the F4, that we have all been waiting for, will it have the impact that the Dexter Bailey led or Blueitt classes had on the program.

But never has my optimism been at a higher level than it is with this group.

[IM4X]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUn-XXu1aWE

one of my favorite steele quotes. "i want a dunking mentality around the rim". i like that mindset. considering tyrique and hankins were both in the top 5 in D1 in dunks last year I think we took it to heart

I like it too. If you are close enough to throw it down... then throw it down.

Don’t mess with lower percentage shots where you’re less likely to draw a foul.

[IM4X]

I still think Blueitt, Macura, Sumner, O'Mara, London, Austin in 2014 get the nod.

Way too early to say this year’s class is a better class than that one.

When you look at the incoming transfers and freshmen collectively, it is very impressive. What’s really making me start to droll is looking at next year’s class and seeing how it may end up being even more impressive (with potentially 3 or 4 commits being in the top 100).

[XUBison]

It’s a very well made video introduction and kudos to those involved in making it.

It’s safe to say that a great percentage of posters here are true hardcore X fans and very knowledgeable as it pertains to the Staak to Steele era. I wonder how close to unanimous it is, that this is the finest incoming class ever....or is that a given at this point? Obviously not one minute has been played officially but I can’t recall there ever being a year more highly anticipated. The program has arrived at a new level.

It’s a nice class, but I feel like you might be related to someone in it.

According to 247 composite, Tandy is 87, and no one else is top 100. There’s the JP and Tre class for sure, but Scruggs, Naji, and Harden were all higher rated than anyone in this class. And Scruggs was what, our 2nd highest rated recruit ever? I’d argue that there were other more anticipated classes as well, but I don’t want to argue. I’d agree more with the sentiment that whats exciting is the prospect of the 2020 class on top of this one.

[XUGRAD80]

Not sure that X has ever had a 24/7 top 25 ranked class, but maybe they have. I’m kind of surprised that some of the players X has in this class seem to have fallen in the overall 24/7 rankings over the last couple of months. But I also notice that each of the players is ranked in the top 20 at their position. That makes me think that they have a very solid and balanced class.

On a side note......just read that David Johnson ( out of Trinity and signed with UL) is going to have shoulder surgery and will miss 5-6 months. Sorry to see him go through that, but it couldn’t happen to a better school.