Game Thread: Xavier v. Missouri (December 18, 2018) Non-Conference Game

[Muskie]

http://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/2752.png&h=70&w=70vs.http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/142.png&h=100&w=100


December 18, 2018
7:00 P.M.
Columbia, Missouri

Radio: Link (http://goxavier.com/watch/?Live=130)
TV: ESPNU
Live Stats (http://stats.statbroadcast.com/statmonitr/?id=150163)
Live Chat (http://webchat.freenode.net/?channels=XavierHoops)

[Xuperman]

Roadkills will be hard to come by for us but Mizzou is down right terrible in at least one key stat.....they have 121 turnovers vs 95 assists in 9 games....some here think our 1-1 ratio is unacceptable. They also struggle to put the ball in the basket....only a .429 team FG% and .667 from the line. However they do have a deep bench and get after it on the O glass. This stat spells trouble, they shoot roughly 22 triples per game at a 39% clip.

[X Factor]

Muskie - the game is tomorrow, December 18th.

[GoMuskies]

What do you guys think? Mizzou -3?

EDIT: Guessed before looking at Sagarin. Based on the Sagarin, I'm thinking pick 'em.

[Juice]

What do you guys think? Mizzou -3?

EDIT: Guessed before looking at Sagarin. Based on the Sagarin, I'm thinking pick 'em.

KenPom has Mizzou as a two point favorite

[paulxu]

...some here think our 1-1 ratio is unacceptable.

Count me in that group. It is unacceptable.
In large part because many of the TO's are from sloppy play/passing, rather than stellar defense/steals.

[GoMuskies]

KenPom has Mizzou as a two point favorite

Sagarin says we're more than 3 points better before accounting for homecourt, and I don't expect this to be a particularly hostile environment (and by that, I mean it will be a morgue). If we get 2, I'm all over that.

[Xville]

Sagarin says we're more than 3 points better before accounting for homecourt, and I don't expect this to be a particularly hostile environment (and by that, I mean it will be a morgue). If we get 2, I'm all over that.

No way I'd put money on this xavier team to win a road game until I actually see it can be done, but that's just me. Missouri is improving, I dont think Xavier is, yet.

[Muskie]

I believe that X will Win.

[atljar]

Overall I've been fairly down on this team, however this feels like a road win to me

[bobbiemcgee]

Count me in that group. It is unacceptable.
In large part because many of the TO's are from sloppy play/passing, rather than stellar defense/steals.

Maybe we'll have another 3 TO game:crazy:

[skyking]

Vegas says Missouri by 1.5.

[GoMuskies]

Vegas says Missouri by 1.5.

+1 for me. Wish I'd been able to get to it earlier.

[Nigel Tufnel]

+1 for me. Wish I'd been able to get to it earlier.


With a pretty even amount of wagers coming in (52% on X), the line was moved to X -3. Under normal circumstances, that would be a very good sign. With this team, who knows?

[KabeX]

Vegas is (almost) always smarter than me.

[Jesuit4Life]

Let's Go X

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

The total is 130... what am I missing here...

[xu82]

I miss having shooters.......

[Xville]

The total is 130... what am I missing here...

Missouri has a good d, xavier has trouble scoring against good d see uc game. missouri has trouble scoring against any d

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

We lost Travis bluiett from last year... damn

[xu82]

....and I’m sick of these moving screen fouls.

[xu82]

We lost Travis bluiett from last year... damn

I was afraid I was going to be petty, but I’m glad you caught that too!

[Xville]

Is there anyone on this team that you feel comfortable shooting the ball outside of five feet? It's sad. I guess welage but hes got to be very open to get his shot off

[skyking]

Please stop with the threes!

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Is there anyone on this team that you feel comfortable shooting the ball outside of five feet? It's sad.

Scruggs and Welage, and that’s absolutely it.

[X Factor]

Our guys just can't make threes. Sad.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

This team is sad.

[Xville]

This team is going to get eaten alive in conference.

[X Factor]

Missouri has good three point shooters.

What has Kennedy shown this year?

[X Factor]

They know we can't shoot so they just instantly double Tyrique.

[X Factor]

Beautiful pass from the human turnover machine.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Q with a 1 on 1 fast break and pulls up. That is so so bad.

[X Factor]

Naji - another turnover.

He's already at his season average of 3 turnovers per game.

[RoseyMuskie]

Naji, sloppy. Welage, gives up O board, three, then misses. Bad fouls, including another ball screen violation.

Maybe I’m the sucker for thinking X would play decently tonight.

[AviatorX]

Gotta say I enjoy how those who are the most outspoken about how much this team sucks always seem to be the most surprised when they suck in the actual games.

X will settle in and win this one. Just need it manageable at half. Not sure what Welage brings to a rock fight like this.

[skyking]

I am afraid that this is going to be a long season.

[X Factor]

Gotta say I enjoy how those who are the most outspoken about how much this team sucks always seem to be the most surprised when they suck in the actual games.

X will settle in and win this one. Just need it manageable at half. Not sure what Welage brings to a rock fight like this.

It would be nice to see some improvement. Just in some part of the game. We're 12 games into the season.

[skyking]

Gotta say I enjoy how those who are the most outspoken about how much this team sucks always seem to be the most surprised when they suck in the actual games.

X will settle in and win this one. Just need it manageable at half. Not sure what Welage brings to a rock fight like this.

The first ten minutes of the second half will say a lot about our coach.

[drudy23]

Scoring droughts and consistent defensive lapses aren't a good recipe for success.

We're just not very good and I don't see it changing all that much this year. Rebuild at its core.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Gotta say I enjoy how those who are the most outspoken about how much this team sucks always seem to be the most surprised when they suck in the actual games.

X will settle in and win this one. Just need it manageable at half. Not sure what Welage brings to a rock fight like this.

Regardless of the outcome of this game, it’s clear to anyone watching this team is not playing anywhere near average basketball

[xu82]

I would say the few dozen people who showed up to see this game make a fair amount of noise.

[AviatorX]

The first ten minutes of the second half will say a lot about our coach.

No...it won't. It's very very clearly a roster makeup issue this season. I'm not sure how anyone can disagree with that. If you want to blame Steele for some part of that, I guess that's fine.

[X Factor]

No...it won't. It's very very clearly a roster makeup issue this season. I'm not sure how anyone can disagree with that. If you want to blame Steele for some part of that, I guess that's fine.

The only part I would blame him for is the lack of improvement. We keep making the same mistakes over and over.

We all know we have guys who can't shoot. I can't blame that on Steele.

[skyking]

No...it won't. It's very very clearly a roster makeup issue this season. I'm not sure how anyone can disagree with that. If you want to blame Steele for some part of that, I guess that's fine.
I'm glad you agree.

[X Factor]

Wide open three. We suck at defense.

[xu82]

I thank anyone who will foul our 3 point shooters. Gives us a chance at points.

[xu82]

Is that arena 30% full?

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Tell me one positive from this game so far

[X Factor]

Is that arena 30% full?

Doesn't look like it.

[RoseyMuskie]

Maybe I’m a prisoner of the moment, but my biggest concern lies in the fact that I’m questioning Naji and Q as lead dog caliber players. I preface by saying they are excellent complimentary pieces. And Naji is still incredibly young. But if Q and Naji aren’t stars, X is going to have serious issues for the next two years. Because there’s no top fifty guy coming. And I can’t stand how that thought has slowly crept into my head.

[drudy23]

There's a reason our grad transfers played where they played. But at the same time, I think they've more than done their part so far.

It's becoming more obvious that Q, Naji, and Tyrique need alpha male type of contributors as they are complementary players. None of these 3 seem to be the guy who wants to put a team on their back. Scruggs may have that DNA, but he can't do it by himself.

[X Factor]

Great shot Zach.

[drudy23]

Maybe I’m a prisoner of the moment, but my biggest concern lies in the fact that I’m questioning Naji and Q as lead dog caliber players. I preface by saying they are excellent complimentary pieces. And Naji is still incredibly young. But if Q and Naji aren’t stars, X is going to have serious issues for the next two years. Because there’s no top fifty guy coming. And I can’t stand how that thought has slowly crept into my head.

Wow, we wrote this at the same time. Completely agree.

[Xville]

Q with a 1 on 1 fast break and pulls up. That is so so bad.

Him and naji are just not good at all right now. If I were Steele, is have to start seriously thinking about taking q out of the starting lineup and have Scruggs run the point. He cant be worse than what q has been this year.

[AviatorX]

The only part I would blame him for is the lack of improvement. We keep making the same mistakes over and over.

We all know we have guys who can't shoot. I can't blame that on Steele.

This is fair. But there's still roughly 2/3's of the season left to play. Improvement for this team might not be making the tournament, but it could be just looking smoother on offense and being able to guard a few possessions in a row.

Shooting can mask a lot of issues. It just feels like people have really short memories - both Miller and Mack's first teams were pretty brutal out of the gate, and Mack at least had a much much much better roster. Mack had Tu, Lyons, Dante, Crawford and Jason Love for god's sake.

[Xville]

Gotta say I enjoy how those who are the most outspoken about how much this team sucks always seem to be the most surprised when they suck in the actual games.

X will settle in and win this one. Just need it manageable at half. Not sure what Welage brings to a rock fight like this.

I'm surprised because I'm a missouri fan and I have watched almost all their games this year. They aren't very good either and x is making them look like a 1 seed.

[XUBob]

While I agree that the roster isn’t ideal, I don’t think an influx of freshman will make that much of a difference. What troubles me as a fan/supporter of this team is the same mistakes are made game after game. I’m not seeing improvement in any area and twelve games in I don’t think things are going to change. X isn’t in the A-10, or the MCC anymore. It’s big boy basketball. I want/hope success for Travis, but I think a close watch needs to be kept on the program.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Him and naji are just not good at all right now. If I were Steele, is have to start seriously thinking about taking q out of the starting lineup and have Scruggs run the point. He cant be worse than what q has been this year.

I would sit Naji and Q to start the second half here. Do SOMETHING to try to elicit some sort of fire for these guys.

[Xville]

No...it won't. It's very very clearly a roster makeup issue this season. I'm not sure how anyone can disagree with that. If you want to blame Steele for some part of that, I guess that's fine.

Agreed...the roster talent is slim to none. As I said multiple times this year, most of the roster wouldn't be on the same had mack not struck out so.much last year and gates had not left unexpectedly

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Once again we won’t finish better than .500. This team is just rotten and at times painful to watch. There has been no improvement at all. We need this next class to absolutely hit it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[noteggs]

Secrets out...put a little full court ball pressure on Q and our offense falls apart.

[xuinmd]

We will be below 50% in conference.

[Xville]

Doesn't look like it.

It's been difficult to get fans back in the building after years of being absolutely dreadful, imagine three seasons where the most the team won was ten..plus there was the whole boycott football thing which pissed off a very long contingent of season ticket holders and donors for basketball and football. Slowly starting to get fans back but it's been a tough sell.

[bjf123]

We will be below 50% in conference.

We might not hit 25%. OK, that’s mathematically impossible. Let’s go with 27.8%, or 5 wins.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[drudy23]

Gents (and Ladies),

so much of what's being said was also said when Mack struggled in his first year. Neither Mack or Steele have/had great teams in year one. The lifeblood is and always has been recruiting. Steele needs 2-3 very, very, very good classes in a row. It's where it all begins and ends.

He did well in year one. Some of the new guys will have to be contributors next year.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

As shoulder is now likely fine, Naji has put back his weight from when he was sick. These two guys just have serious, serious flaws in their games. Physically gifted, but seriously lacking in translatable basketball skills, and basketball IQ. Neither can dribble, neither can shoot, and they don’t make enough hustle plays to make up for any sort of deficiency.

[X Factor]

The lack of talent is most obvious on our bench. Kennedy, Hankins, Harden, Welage, and Castlin really give us nothing, and are low level players.

Goodin, Scruggs, Naji, and Tyrique were all Top 150 players. Goodin and Naji aren't playing like it though.

[X Factor]

Gents (and Ladies),

so much of what's being said was also said when Mack struggled in his first year. Neither Mack or Steele have/had great teams in year one. The lifeblood is and always has been recruiting. Steele needs 2-3 very, very, very good classes in a row. It's where it all begins and ends.

He did well in year one. Some of the new guys will have to be contributors next year.

Didn't Mack take the team to the Sweet 16 his first year?

[Xville]

Gents (and Ladies),

so much of what's being said was also said when Mack struggled in his first year. Neither Mack or Steele have/had great teams in year one. The lifeblood is and always has been recruiting. Steele needs 2-3 very, very, very good classes in a row. It's where it all begins and ends.

He did well in year one. Some of the new guys will have to be contributors next year.

Mack had a great team in year one. He struggled out of the gate, but that team is one of the best x has ever had. With that said, mack had difficult seasons.

[xuinmd]

I hope a couple guys transfer

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Tell me one positive from this game so far

Mizzou had their highest scoring half of the season. That's pretty good isn't it?

Ph, you meant positive for X?

How's this...………….if the Muskies have not improved their defense as much as Steele said they have, Mizzou would have had their highest scoring half of decade.

[drudy23]

The point is...go get some dawgs. This year is exactly what it looks like.

[XUOWNSUC]

Gents (and Ladies),

so much of what's being said was also said when Mack struggled in his first year. Neither Mack or Steele have/had great teams in year one. The lifeblood is and always has been recruiting. Steele needs 2-3 very, very, very good classes in a row. It's where it all begins and ends.

He did well in year one. Some of the new guys will have to be contributors next year.

What? Mack was handed a great team in his first year. Xavier went to the Sweet 16 that year (remember the Sweet 16 game versus Kansas St.?)

[drudy23]

Calm down. Getting my years messed up. Mack definitely did struggle early, but I guess I'm off on the team.

Point is, get some dudes, cuz these guys need help.

[Blue Blooded-05]

At this point I wouldn’t mind seeing Steele get tossed in the 2nd half. Stop being a player’s coach and send an f’ing message

[Xville]

We need a point guard that can handle the ball and get to the rim, 2 or 3 shooters, and an entire team that is willing to play defense. Other than that, xavier is all set :)

[X Factor]

This is ridiculous.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Q with another fucking lazy pass. Sit him and Naji. I don’t care what the results of this game are.

[xu82]

I won’t panick over one game, or even one season, but this is painful.


We are spoiled.

[drudy23]

From the very beginning, this group has had very little emotion. I remember thinking after the exhibition game that this team is going to surprise some people. Little did I know that that was going to be our best game of the year with the most emotion.

Naji looked like an NBA lottery pick in that game.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

We need a point guard that can handle the ball and get to the rim, 2 or 3 shooters, and an entire team that is willing to play defense. Other than that, xavier is all set :)

Q legitimately cannot handle the basketball.

[KFX]

Steele is a very good strategist.

[Xavier]

Does anyone on the team care? They look like they couldn’t care less to be playing.

[drudy23]

Does anyone on the team care? They look like they couldn’t care less to be playing.

Scruggs...that might be it.

[AviatorX]

Steele is a shit coach. More to follow post game.

This stuff amazes me. This isn't complicated. You cannot be good in basketball in the year 2018 if you can't shoot. It's even worse when the strengths of your most talented players are reliant on spacing. This has 0 to do with coaching.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Does anyone on the team care? They look like they couldn’t care less to be playing.

No, which is why they should sit.

[X Factor]

This stuff amazes me. This isn't complicated. You cannot be good in basketball in the year 2018 if you can't shoot. It's even worse when the strengths of your most talented players are further crippled because the team can't shoot. This has 0 to do with coaching.

We know that. What about the atrocious defense? The turnovers? The lack of energy?

I haven't seen Steele tear into anyone. He doesn't show much emotion either.

[xu82]

Secrets out...put a little full court ball pressure on Q and our offense falls apart.

It worked a little better with JP and Tre to help out, handling and shooting. I think the lack of shooting is our biggest problem.

[skyking]

This stuff amazes me. This isn't complicated. You cannot be good in basketball in the year 2018 if you can't shoot. It's even worse when the strengths of your most talented players are reliant on spacing. This has 0 to do with coaching.

It's both. We seem to have neither.

[xu82]

Steele is a shit coach. More to follow post game.


Relax, give it a few classes of recruits to know what he can do with a competitive team.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

What on earth did Elias say to Winston Steele?

[drudy23]

I miss Tu.

[KFX]

I miss Tay Baker

[X Factor]

What on earth did Elias say to Winston Steele?

This made me laugh.

[Xville]

Geist is what a good point guard looks like.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Hey guy I’ve forgotten more from b-ball that you will ever know. The players need a leader They have a used car salesman

Lmao.

[X Factor]

Getting absolutely blown out by a mediocre Missouri team.

[AviatorX]

Hey guy I’ve forgotten more from b-ball that you will ever know. The players need a leader They have a used car salesman

Noted. I forgot you can definitely tell how good of a coach someone will be within 15 games (especially at a program that doesn't drip with instant impact talent).

[drudy23]

Aren't all D1 basketball coaches kind of used car salesmany?

[Xville]

Hey guy I’ve forgotten more from b-ball that you will ever know. The players need a leader They have a used car salesman

Hey!!! Over here!!! Look at me!!!

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

This made me laugh.

I mean really? I know Kk has made a shot this year, but I’m not sure I’ve ever seen it. You can’t tell me he’s not getting any run in a 20 point game just because.

[KFX]

Defense non existent.

[bleedXblue]

Kennedy is not a high level D1 player.

[AviatorX]

Aren't all D1 basketball coaches kind of used car salemany?

Yeah, honestly probably way more of a pro than a con. Recruiting is the most important part of the job.

[bleedXblue]

Screw you relax. X has a better roster than Missouri. And we’re getting our ass kicked. Don’t tell me to relax.

they have some good shooters and a nice big man in the middle We dont have either of those

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Screw you relax. X has a better roster than Missouri. And we’re getting our ass kicked. Don’t tell me to relax.

Relax, Bobby.

[Blue Blooded-05]

This stuff amazes me. This isn't complicated. You cannot be good in basketball in the year 2018 if you can't shoot. It's even worse when the strengths of your most talented players are reliant on spacing. This has 0 to do with coaching.

I agree KFX was heavy on the hyperbole, but we rank 236th in turnovers, 243rd in points allowed and 313th in defensive 3-point percentage. By comparison, we rank 222nd in offensive 3-point percentage. Bottom line, our problems run deeper than shooting. I don’t think most of us expect a F4 run, but improvement in effort areas isn’t too much to ask. It’s not like we lack the athletes. At this point, just appearing that we give a sh!t would be a step in the right direction.

[AviatorX]

I mean really? I know Kk has made a shot this year, but I’m not sure I’ve ever seen it. You can’t tell me he’s not getting any run in a 20 point game just because.

Totally agree. I'd like to see a lot more Harden (which says a lot about where we are with this team).

[Xville]

Screw you relax. X has a better roster than Missouri. And we’re getting our ass kicked. Don’t tell me to relax.

Based on this statement, I know for a fact you know very little about basketball, especially in regards to Missouri's roster.

[skyking]

[QUOTE=AviatorX;634878]Noted. I forgot you can definitely tell how good of a coach someone will be within 15 games (especially at a program that doesn't drip with instant impact talent).[/QUOTE

Missouri was favored by 1.5 and is not a top program. Our team is not this bad. So what's the issue? Don't be a Homer.

[KFX]

Defense is lacking

[drudy23]

We have 5 low level D1 players playing. We aren't gonna be good.

[drudy23]

Hey xville. I played with the 85 86 team. What did you do. Stfu

Why is he a used car salesman? Obviously you have a beef. Why?

If you're gonna be tough guy, come clean.

[X Factor]

Our first field goal of the second half...only took 10 minutes!

[drudy23]

We look like a Cronin team without the defense.

[Xville]

Hey xville. I played with the 85 86 team. What did you do. Stfu

Congrats. It's sad then how little you know about basketball.

[drudy23]

This is fucking pathetic.

[X Factor]

Can't remember a Xavier team looking this bad.

Steele refusing to show ANY emotion whatsoever.

[xu82]

I think Missouri will cover.

[bleedXblue]

Steele is starting to embarrass himself by not sitting the starters

[AviatorX]

[QUOTE=AviatorX;634878]Noted. I forgot you can definitely tell how good of a coach someone will be within 15 games (especially at a program that doesn't drip with instant impact talent).[/QUOTE

Missouri was favored by 1.5 and is not a top program. Our team is not this bad. So what's the issue? Don't be a Homer.

Must have missed where I said Mizzou was a top program or that Steele was the second coming (I haven't even said he's a good coach). My stance is it's wayyyyyyy too early to judge, especially when (i) the roster construction is what it is (we've beaten this into the ground I'd say) and (ii) Steele's top strength (recruiting, you know, one of if not the most important pieces of the job) hasn't had a chance to shake out yet (but looks good on paper).

It has nothing to do with being a homer. If Mick left UC after this year I wouldn't question the new guy in his first 15 games. That would be insane.

Short of doing something monumentally stupid off the court or mistreating players, etc., there is absolutely nothing that can happen this season that will cause me to conclude Travis Steele is a bad coach.

PS: this team IS this bad and they have been all season. What are you watching?

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Worst part about this is I’ve got to watch this sober and go to the library in 15 minutes.

[drudy23]

Steele is starting to embarrass himself by not sitting the starters

I agree. The least few possessions on defense have been completely unacceptable. No fight in these dudes at all. Pathetic.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Steele is starting to embarrass himself by not sitting the starters

This. 1000%.

[X Factor]

We'll hear the same canned responses by Coach Steele and the players after the game.

[KFX]

Wrong hire. It’s that simple.

[XUBob]

Not trying to get in a pissing match, but, at what point are we allowed to question Steele’s ability. I would have hired him, I like the guy but that same could be said about Dick LeBeau. I know this team is talent deficient but it looks like X is regressing. Something has to change. Go ahead tell me I’m over reacting.

[xu82]

Meaningless, but that was not a block. The guy jumped into Naji. But it’s one more thing to piss me off, so there’s that!

[Xville]

Wrong hire. It’s that simple.

Lmao

[skyking]

We didn't have the best players under Matta but when he called a time out or they came out after halftime we had a different approach.

[AviatorX]

Not trying to get in a pissing match, but, at what point are we allowed to question Steele’s ability. I would have hired him, I like the guy but that same could be said about Dick LeBeau. I know this team is talent deficient but it looks like X is regressing. Something has to change. Go ahead tell me I’m over reacting.

You're allowed to do it whenever you want. My immediate follow up question would be who do you think would be doing a better job to this point and why?

[drudy23]

I see a team that lacks effort, lacks intensity, gives up easy, hangs their heads, and lacks mental and physical toughness. Usually these type of things are signs of deeper issues with personalities or accountability. What the hell is this?

[X Factor]

Steele is starting to embarrass himself by not sitting the starters

Jay Wright benched his starting five in a game earlier this year and left them there for a while. I've seen Coach K do it too.

I've seen Wright and Coach K scream at their guys before. Haven't seen Steele even raise his voice at someone.

[xu82]

I will look forward to the Bills game Sunday. It’s usually the other way around.

[whopper]

I know that Welage is lacking on defense and probably benched for that but you could say that some of the players should be benched for being lacking on offense. I hope to see better effort going forward as I am seeing mediocre body language. We know this game is over but let this be a character test.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Jay Wright benched his starting five in a game earlier this year and left them there for a while. I've seen Coach K do it too.

I've seen Wright and Coach K scream at their guys before. Haven't seen Steele even raise his voice at someone.

I am sure there is at east some adjustment time it takes for a long time assistant to go from the buddy buddy assistant to disciplinarian head coach. Steele should hopefully get better with that. I feel like Mack completely ignored every player coming off the court when being subbed. Travis usually gives them a pat or a five.

[bleedXblue]

Harden isn't a high level D1 player either......

[D-West & PO-Z]

We might legit finish last in the big east. Andy Katz looking pretty smart.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Also Naji being upset about not being on an all conference preseason team looks hilarious now.

[X Factor]

Coach Steele needs to bring CJ Anderson in and let him tear into the guys if he wont' do it himself.

[drudy23]

They honestly should be winning by 40.

[Xville]

Be play should be interesting to say the least. Hopefully they can hold serve at home a few games.

[bleedXblue]

I see a team that lacks effort, lacks intensity, gives up easy, hangs their heads, and lacks mental and physical toughness. Usually these type of things are signs of deeper issues with personalities or accountability. What the hell is this?

Agreed. Something going on and I think it starts with there really being no real leader on this team

[XUBob]

Not saying I have the answer, heard Oates at Bullalo and Brannon at NKU were candidates, don’t know if they would have made a difference. I do know X handed a quality program to a first year guy, I’m OK with that, but, he has to be held accountable for results. He said I’m the CFO, results are measured in wins and losses. A year from now if the same problems are present well.......

[D-West & PO-Z]

I consider myself one of the more positive and optimistic posters on this board but it is hard to have any positive feelings about anything this team has done or will do moving forward. You really just hope Naji figures out how to be a go to guy to some extent to improve for next year and that the first year as a head coach Travis really learns some valuable things. Seeing continued development from Scruggs would be nice too.

[Xville]

I think this team would look a lot better if they just played a 40 minutes of hell type game this year.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Mack would’ve never gotten another offer if he had stayed to coach this group.

[drudy23]

Mack was the smartest guy in the room.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

I see a team that lacks effort, lacks intensity, gives up easy, hangs their heads, and lacks mental and physical toughness. Usually these type of things are signs of deeper issues with personalities or accountability. What the hell is this?

You have made 4-5 posts on this game thread and, sadly, I have to agree with every one of them. this team has no fight and I see no fight in their coach. I am really interested to see if there is any change in this team's approach now that conference play is about to begin.

[X Factor]

I think this team would look a lot better if they just played a 40 minutes of hell type game this year.

You need quality depth to play that style.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'm with Snipe on trying to play Jones and Hankins some significant time together. Try and out big some other teams maybe? Maybe it will make us worse but we cant get that much worse.

[skyking]

I'm with Snipe on trying to play Jones and Hankins some significant time together. Try and out big some other teams maybe? Maybe it will make us worse but we cant get that much worse.
Agree. Worth a try.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think I remember reading someone say after last season was over that they were looking forward to watching next years team (this years) play next season because it should be more fun with less pressure and some realy good athletes and better D and there would be some good play with underdog type mentality.

Yikes. How lucky were we last year. Ugh

[xufan2020]

I remember watching X battle back and give Auburn all they can handle in Maui.
I thought this team had grit and was capable of completing against good teams.
What happened?

[vee4xu]

I blame this current state of Xavier men's basketball on whoever it was that invited Tay Baker into the Cintas Center during last season. Ever since then, X has gone to hell in a hand basket. He sucked as coach when I attended Xavier and he still sucks. Toodle-oo.

[Xville]

You need quality depth to play that style.

True.

[bleedXblue]

Something isn't right...............I refuse to believe that we are this bad.

[bjf123]

Hope we’re taking notes on how to beat a press.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Xville]

I remember watching X battle back and give Auburn all they can handle in Maui.
I thought this team had grit and was capable of completing against good teams.
What happened?

Agreed. What the heck has happened inside that locker room since then?

[xu82]

We might not be a #1 seed this year.

[Xville]

Though not exactly a hostile environment, I will say this is this teams first true road experience.

[skyking]

Though not exactly a hostile environment, I will say this is this teams first true road experience.
No one is there. We can't blame this on the environment.

[Xville]

The total is 130... what am I missing here...

Went under....other than the 15 point spread, it went about how I thought it would go...didnt expect xavier to win this one but didnt expect them to get blown out either.

[xudash]

I see a team that lacks effort, lacks intensity, gives up easy, hangs their heads, and lacks mental and physical toughness. Usually these type of things are signs of deeper issues with personalities or accountability. What the hell is this?

This is Xavier Basketball, circa 1975'ish. It smells like the floor of Schmidt Memorial Fieldhouse before the 3.2 Hudy dries completely.

I agree with you. Where is the PRIDE?

[Xville]

No one is there. We can't blame this on the environment.

Just saying...its the first true road game. There could be zero people there, it still makes a difference. Not an excuse but it is reality.

[drudy23]

There's no positive way for Steele to spin this in the postgame.

This may be one of the few appropriate times to call guys out publicly.

[whopper]

Welage was in the rotation then, had 17 and you felt that a swing pass meant something good was going to happen. I guess Steele want to give Kennedy and Harden some minutes to see what they could do but Welage could play 4-6 minutes and give Marshall a rest at small forward. There is not a target that you feel is shooting accurately from the 3 even though Q hit some tonight.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Hey guy I’ve forgotten more from b-ball that you will ever know. The players need a leader They have a used car salesman

:rolleyes:

[scoscox]

Not saying I have the answer, heard Oates at Bullalo and Brannon at NKU were candidates, don’t know if they would have made a difference. I do know X handed a quality program to a first year guy, I’m OK with that, but, he has to be held accountable for results. He said I’m the CFO, results are measured in wins and losses. A year from now if the same problems are present well.......

I was a big fan of Oates. Hope trav is the guy tho

[bjf123]

Abso fucking lutely embarrassing. We made 8 FGs in the 2nd half. If Steele has ANY balls the starting lineup next game will be Kennedy, James, Harden, Schrand, and Hankins, and I’m only saying Hankins because we need to have at least one starter over 6’8”.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[bleedXblue]

Steele better figure out pretty quickly WTF is going on with this team.

While a don't see an NCAA tournament bid and expected a down year......I did not expect lazy, careless and half ass basketball. This team plays with no purpose and lacks any resemblance of the Xavier teams of the past 15-20 years.

You want to find yourself in the hot seat really early in your coaching career....keep running this bullshit effort out on the court every game.

These guys don't value and take pride in what has come before them.

[D-West & PO-Z]

We might not be a #1 seed this year.

CBI 1 seed??

[vee4xu]

Seriously, it's no mystery that when Xavier plays its best basketball it shoots well from 3-pt line, limits turnovers, wins both the defensive and offensive rebound margins, makes more FTs than the other team takes and creates offense from defense. Go check the year to date stats for 3-pt %-age, turnovers, rebounds and FTs and this mess we all are witnessing today will become much more comprehendible. It ain't rocket science.

[X Factor]

Seriously, it's no mystery that when Xavier plays its best basketball it shoots well from 3-pt line, limits turnovers, wins both the defensive and offensive rebound margins, makes more FTs than the other team takes and creates offense from defense. Go check the year to date stats for 3-pt %-age, turnovers, rebounds and FTs and this mess we all are witnessing today will become much more comprehendible. It ain't rocket science.

And who were those games against? Hint, they weren't BE quality teams.

[SkyWalker]

No one is there. We can't blame this on the environment.

I've seen more people in the restroom during halftime at Cintas.

[vee4xu]

And who were those games against? Hint, they weren't BE quality teams.

Historically over the years.

[sirthought]

Abso fucking lutely embarrassing. We made 8 FGs in the 2nd half. If Steele has ANY balls the starting lineup next game will be Kennedy, James, Harden, Schrand, and Hankins, and I’m only saying Hankins because we need to have at least one starter over 6’8”.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I'd be okay with this and actually enjoy the statement from it. You want to support your guys, but you also want them to know there are consequences for their actions. Unfortunately, the younger lineup doesn't get you the results you want, but it will give people experience and maybe light a fire on those who think they deserve to start.


This season, by all indications, is OVER. No confidence that we'll manage a turnaround in league play when we know there are quality teams fighting each night. This team is not quality at the moment.

[X Factor]

Historically over the years.

True.

[Backyard Champ]

Our offense had a little over 30 points with 8:30ish left in the game. Zero flow offensively. Pack the paint, and you've effectively shut down Xavier's offense.

We have a ton of offensive talent, it just doesn't seem to fit together, which means it's easy to defend against. Problem is: best offensive plays are 1v1, with a guard or big, mixed with no real shooters=clog the lane. Thus our offense looks pathetic with no flow. I really don't know how that is fixed. Maybe a quicker offensive pace?

At this point in the season, I'm hopeful Scruggs takes over the spot we all thought Marshall would take. Marshall simply isn't ready for a primary role in this offense. Maybe then his defense will improve, as it appears his defense has gotten worse with the more he's involved in the offense.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Abso fucking lutely embarrassing. We made 8 FGs in the 2nd half. If Steele has ANY balls the starting lineup next game will be Kennedy, James, Harden, Schrand, and Hankins, and I’m only saying Hankins because we need to have at least one starter over 6’8”.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I agree with the theory, but mine would be:

Scruggs, KK, Harden, James and Hankins

[noteggs]

It worked a little better with JP and Tre to help out, handling and shooting. I think the lack of shooting is our biggest problem.

Exactly

[Backyard Champ]

Seriously, it's no mystery that when Xavier plays its best basketball it shoots well from 3-pt line, limits turnovers, wins both the defensive and offensive rebound margins, makes more FTs than the other team takes and creates offense from defense. Go check the year to date stats for 3-pt %-age, turnovers, rebounds and FTs and this mess we all are witnessing today will become much more comprehendible. It ain't rocket science.

Historically when ANY team does the above, they win. It ain't rocket science that when you outperform your opponent in nearly every aspect of the game, you do well.

[D-West & PO-Z]

We cant shoot and we are terrible at getting into the lane (and not just because teams pack it in because we cant shoot). Not a good combo.

Anyone who thinks Steele is on the hot seat after one year is crazy though. He has to be given time to grow as a head coach and bring in recruits who play how he wants the team to play.

And I said it earlier but I truly think there is some adjustment period for him to go from buddy buddy assistant coach to disciplinarian head coach.

[bleedXblue]

I think there is something to be said for team chemistry at this point. If you think about it, we have more new guys on this team than returning players. I just wonder how well they all get along. Add to that a brand new coaching staff. You have to think that Q, TY, Naji and Scruggs feel a little bit like they were left behind to fend for themselves after Mack left. You have 3 new grad transfers who come in who have a totally different perspective with it being their last year of college bball. That's a huge amount of movement and change. Not surprised things aren't clicking and going better than they are.

[Xville]

We cant shoot and we are terrible at getting into the lane (and not just because teams pack it in because we cant shoot). Not a good combo.

Anyone who thinks Steele is on the hot seat after one year is crazy though. He has to be given time to grow as a head coach and bring in recruits who play how he wants the team to play.

And I said it earlier but I truly think there is some adjustment period for him to go from buddy buddy assistant coach to disciplinarian head coach.

Agreed....if x looks like this January 2020, then I'll hit the big red button

[bleedXblue]

We cant shoot and we are terrible at getting into the lane (and not just because teams pack it in because we cant shoot). Not a good combo.

Anyone who thinks Steele is on the hot seat after one year is crazy though. He has to be given time to grow as a head coach and bring in recruits who play how he wants the team to play.

And I said it earlier but I truly think there is some adjustment period for him to go from buddy buddy assistant coach to disciplinarian head coach.

Steele gets his first year pretty much as a honeymoon. Next year if progress isn't made, he will be on the hot seat in 2020.

Next years class is solid.......and one that should establish a foundation to build from. But, it isn't chalk full of studs........I think we have 1 top 100 guy right now in Tandy. So, next year is definitely still a huge question mark to make the tourney IMHO.

[OTRMUSKIE]

We suck, we knew we would suck and that it. Steele gets 3 years. This year is a freebie

[paulxu]

12 for 21 from the FT line???

17 TO/ 12 assists. 1:1 looks good based on this.

[D-West & PO-Z]

We suck, we knew we would suck and that it. Steele gets 3 years. This year is a freebie

Yes, year 3 will be the big one. Even next year we may struggle some, but year 3 is going to be make or break for Steele.

[whopper]

this needs to be a point of emphasis. I honestly see Castlin and especially Welage as almost strangers on the court at times. They are not that good but they are legit Division 1 players who deserve the confidence of their teammates. I think the core 4, after the FSU loss and Mack leaving, do feel a little hurt and a little exposed as good, not great players. Hankins not so much as his role is better defined. We will be playing Wednesday at MSG unless a miracle happens so the time to pull it together is now. Hey we played Wednesday 2 years ago when we made the elite 8. We really have to thread the needle now to have any chance to have some hope in March, even to make a good run in the NIT(which Marquette did last year)

[AviatorX]

this needs to be a point of emphasis. I honestly see Castlin and especially Welage as almost strangers on the court at times. They are not that good but they are legit Division 1 players who deserve the confidence of their teammates. I think the core 4, after the FSU loss and Mack leaving, do feel a little hurt and a little exposed as good, not great players. Hankins not so much as his role is better defined. We will be playing Wednesday at MSG unless a miracle happens so the time to pull it together is now. Hey we played Wednesday 2 years ago when we made the elite 8. We really have to thread the needle now to have any chance to have some hope in March, even to make a good run in the NIT(which Marquette did last year)

Barring something drastic IMO theres basically no compelling argument for increased roles for the grad transfers.

I wouldn’t be opposed to playing Q off the ball a bit to get him going. If memory serves he was starting to thrive in that roll a bit before Ed went down two seasons ago. Obviously a very small sample size but what is there to lose?

[coasterville95]

Hey, maybe this is why the Harlem Globetrotters are coming to Cintas this year. They will be playing the Musketeers dressed in Washington Generals uniforms.


Desperate to find a way to laugh this performance off.

[D-West & PO-Z]

So Naji like a tweet by someone saying "I miss Coach Mack". Greeeat.

[coasterville95]

Well, Creighton can't be proud of their first half either.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

So who posted that Steele was a used car salesman? That is exactly the verbiage used in the Butler board.

Post up KFC and let us know why.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GoMuskies]

Jesus, we're awful.

[X Factor]

Well, Creighton can't be proud of their first half either.

Let's not compare ourselves to Creighton. Creighton has actually played better than expected so far this year.

This Xavier team has serious issues. Lack of leadership? Lack of fundamentals, lack of defense, lack of energy, etc.

[CP05XU08CU13]

These types of losses are unacceptable. It is embarrassing. I was willing to give Coach Steele the benefit of the doubt, but a 7 and 5 start is ridiculous. This team lacks motivation and discipline. That all stems from the top. Coach Steele's head coaching gig will be short lived if he does not turn it around. He may be better suited for an assistant position. Good programs do not rebuild, they reload. Xavier basketball is too valuable financially to the University to have a down year. It is NCAA tournament or bust for this program every year. It is as simple as that!

[coasterville95]

In more serious tones - I do recall the tar and feathers coming out for both Miller and Mack early on.

I thought every coaches first year is a throw away year (unless the former coach was nice like Miller and left Mack a stacked cupboard) Mack was especially lucky his dream job came open and he was able to jump off this ship. While not totally bare, the cupboard is full of players that don't seem to have any chemistry.


It's gonna take a year or two of solid recruiting classes that are sold on Steele's system. I'm not in full panic mode because deep down I suspected we might have a rare rebuilding year here at Xavier, while hoping the ship could just keep cruising.

[drudy23]

So Naji like a tweet by someone saying "I miss Coach Mack". Greeeat.

Perfect.

This is the least hungry I have ever seen an X team since I've been watching them since I was 5 years old. There has to be a reason for it. Body language says alot. It's not Xavier basketball.

Did anyone listen to the post-game presser or with Byron/Joe? What was the sentiment?

[ArizonaXUGrad]

We are going to lose players this year to transfer. It will take two classes to get back to normal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GoMuskies]

We are going to lose players this year to transfer. It will take two classes to get back to normal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Well, there are only four guys who we're going to care if they transfer.

[XU 87]

So Naji like a tweet by someone saying "I miss Coach Mack". Greeeat.

That’s bad.

[GoMuskies]

I don't miss the guy who left this roster.

[whopper]

I am going to take a breath. That was a bad game, as bad as I have seen with a full squad. During the 6 game losing streak 2 years ago Trevon was out. Players have got to be called out in private and the assistants have got to take a bigger role but it has to come from within. I do believe that Steele must trust the non "core 4" a little more as the minutes played by Q, Naj, and Scruggs especially are rendering them ineffective.Actually you would have thought that if Q had these numbers like tonight we would have had a good game.

[Pete Delkus]

Trav’s father-in-law seems to be able to make things happen with his deep pockets. I wonder if he can endow a win?

[Backyard Champ]

Trav’s father-in-law seems to be able to make things happen with his deep pockets. I wonder if he can endow a win?

Shameful. Thankfulky the majority of the fanbase isn't as stupid as this. The same people calling Travis on the hot seat were sad Mack was leaving, after also ignorantly calling for his job years ago..

[GoMuskies]

Trav’s father-in-law seems to be able to make things happen with his deep pockets. I wonder if he can endow a win?

Presto, Mike Davis and Detroit Mercy appear next for a "buy" game. After that, all the wins will have to come the old fashioned way.

[XU88]

Did anyone listen to the post-game presser or with Byron/Joe? What was the sentiment?


Steele told Joe and Byron that the team's performance was embarrassing, and that he felt bad for Xavier fans that had to watch it.

[GoMuskies]

Good answer. I felt bad for me too.

[XUOHTX]

Steele told Joe and Byron that the team's performance was embarrassing, and that he felt bad for Xavier fans that had to watch it.

This is the only acceptable answer to this game. I am imploding.

[mid major]

Based on this performance I think a 4-14 conference record is about what we can expect.

[XUGRAD80]

It’s 6:30 in the morning in Cincinnati and I readily expect the sun to come up in about an hour.

Across town there is a college football team that went 4-8 last season, with a 1st year rookie head coach. This year they are 10-2 and have a ton of underclassman starting. They will probably be a top 25 team to start next year. Things can change almost overnight.

For those people that live and die by how the XU basketball team does in each game, and get depressed when they don’t play well, or get angry with the world when they lose, I hope you can get over it. The sun will come up, spring will come someday, and Xavier will be good again. Don’t let the things you can’t control, control the things that you can. It’s entertainment. It’s not life and death. Sometimes the writers don’t do a good job, or the actors don’t play their parts well, and you get a lousy show. Why let it effect your life?

[xuinmd]

So Naji like a tweet by someone saying "I miss Coach Mack". Greeeat.
This is a disaster. Travis cannot ignore.

[Xville]

So Naji like a tweet by someone saying "I miss Coach Mack". Greeeat.

Geezus.

[bleedXblue]

It’s 6:30 in the morning in Cincinnati and I readily expect the sun to come up in about an hour.

Across town there is a college football team that went 4-8 last season, with a 1st year rookie head coach. This year they are 10-2 and have a ton of underclassman starting. They will probably be a top 25 team to start next year. Things can change almost overnight.

For those people that live and die by how the XU basketball team does in each game, and get depressed when they don’t play well, or get angry with the world when they lose, I hope you can get over it. The sun will come up, spring will come someday, and Xavier will be good again. Don’t let the things you can’t control, control the things that you can. It’s entertainment. It’s not life and death. Sometimes the writers don’t do a good job, or the actors don’t play their parts well, and you get a lousy show. Why let it effect your life?

Yeah I don't mind losing really with this team and I do agree with most of this, but EFFORT and PLAYING HARD is missing and that is the lifeblood of every good program.

[XUGRAD80]

Yeah I don't mind losing really with this team and I do agree with most of this, but EFFORT and PLAYING HARD is missing and that is the lifeblood of every good program.

Never said I didn’t mind losing or that lack of effort doesn’t bother me...:(....only that THEIR lack of success or lack of effort shouldn’t ruin MY day, or those of the people around me.

This team is leaderless and has a serious lack of talent when it comes to shooting. They don’t play as hard as I think they should, or are capable of playing. They have lots of problems to overcome. But those are THEIR problems and challenges. Not ours.

[Xavier]

This is a disaster. Travis cannot ignore.

On one hand I can somewhat understand Naji- him and Scruggs would not have committed to Xavier if they knew Mack was leaving after one year. On the other hand, I thought their were reports that the team went to the AD and vouched for Steele.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Based on this performance I think a 4-14 conference record is about what we can expect.

I think I put the O/U at 6.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I guess I am still waiting for KFC to elaborate how he knows Steele is a used car salesman.

How fast people forget Mack not having any control over Tu and Mark. We should remember he threw them out to the media after the brawl and how stupid they sounded.

Steele needs a time when he lays his claim to this job and earns respect.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Xville]

I guess I am still waiting for KFC to elaborate how he knows Steele is a used car salesman.

How fast people forget Mack not having any control over Tu and Mark. We should remember he threw them out to the media after the brawl and how stupid they sounded.

Steele needs a time when he lays his claim to this job and earns respect.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Agree with all of this. Steele gets 3 years and most people who know anything about basketball knee this team was going to struggle based on roster talent. It sucks to be a fan and watch this but hopefully they figure it out and can hit the 16-18 win mark.

Mack and Miller both had rough years...heck Mack's fourth year was freaking terrible due to rough recruiting...in other words, it happens. All we can hope is that this year is an outlier in the Steele program.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Agree with all of this. Steele gets 3 years and most people who know anything about basketball knee this team was going to struggle based on roster talent. It sucks to be a fan and watch this but hopefully they figure it out and can hit the 16-18 win mark.

Mack and Miller both had rough years...heck Mack's fourth year was freaking terrible due to rough recruiting...in other words, it happens. All we can hope is that this year is an outlier in the Steele program.

This and remember a year in there where we only got a CBI bid that was rejected.

IKFC is probably a butler board troll.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Muskie4106]

I agree we all knew this would be a low expectation year and it is hard to watch. BUT....no matter how bad our teams have been or will be I still want to see EFFORT on the court.


Lock the doors at Cintas and make them practice over at Schmidt Fieldhouse. I think these players need a history lesson about how effort built this program to where it is now.

[Xville]

I agree we all knew this would be a low expectation year and it is hard to watch. BUT....no matter how bad our teams have been or will be I still want to see EFFORT on the court.


Lock the doors at Cintas and make them practice over at Schmidt Fieldhouse. I think these players need a history lesson about how effort built this program to where it is now.

I understand this sentiment as well. I'm going to assume a lot here so I may be completely off base, but I'm assuming the core 4 have never really had to go thru much adversity in terms of their basketball career and they are figuring out how the heck to get thru it. Hopefully, this is a very valuable lesson that they will begin to thrive on and not wilt. Honestly, I think it can very much go either way...this is where Steele makes his money.

[xumuskies08]

I had the misfortune of making the trek from KC to Columbia last night. I didn’t expect a win, but I at least expected a game. I posted this on Twitter, but...

I’ve been a Xavier fan since birth. My family had season tickets growing up. I’ve been to several hundred games. So when I say that this is the worst game I have EVER seen them play in person, just know I have a large pool to draw from and I don’t say that lightly.

In a basically 18 minute stretch from when Naji hit a jump shot with 8:21 left in the first half until Castlin hit a put back layup with 10:39 left in the second half Xavier went...

4/20 from the field (20%)
1/7 from 3 (14%)
9 turnovers
15 points scored (32 points allowed)

That 18 minute stretch was the game. It’s unfathomable that in such a huge game you can look utterly dead for basically 1/2 the game.

[AviatorX]

I agree we all knew this would be a low expectation year and it is hard to watch. BUT....no matter how bad our teams have been or will be I still want to see EFFORT on the court.


Lock the doors at Cintas and make them practice over at Schmidt Fieldhouse. I think these players need a history lesson about how effort built this program to where it is now.

I understand where this sentiment comes from as a fan, but it still cracks me up a bit. Didn't we all used to make fun of Huggins when he'd lock UC out of the locker room? Or Wojo when he made Marquette practice at a park in white tees?

While I will admit this strategy worked admirably in the movie Coach Carter, this kind of stuff doesn't really translate. Not to mention no one on here has any idea what the inner workings of this team are like (and no, I'm not going to let a liked tweet from a college sophomore convince me I have any insight there).

[Xville]

I understand where this sentiment comes from as a fan, but it still cracks me up a bit. Didn't we all used to make fun of Huggins when he'd lock UC out of the locker room? Or Wojo when he made Marquette practice at a park in white tees?

While I will admit this strategy worked admirably in the movie Coach Carter, this kind of stuff doesn't really translate. Not to mention no one on here has any idea what the inner workings of this team are like (and no, I'm not going to let a liked tweet from a college sophomore convince me I have any insight there).

To say that stuff doesn’t work is ignorant. It does work but you have to know your kids well enough to know whether or not it will work for them. Huggins has had a heck of a coaching career so I’m going to assume he knows what he is doing. Where do you think wojo got that from? Yeah coach k...pretty sure that guy knows what he is doing. Does it work for every group? No, but it could work for this group. I don’t know them so I can’t say either way.

[bleedXblue]

Forgive me, but I tend to just simply things sometimes. I think the message is simple. You earn playing time. Period. No one is guaranteed minutes. You're going to sit if your effort is below whatever standard Steele has.

If that message hasn't been sent after last night, we are in for more lackluster performances and losses.

[GoMuskies]

Forgive me, but I tend to just simply things sometimes. I think the message is simple. You earn playing time. Period. No one is guaranteed minutes. You're going to sit if your effort is below whatever standard Steele has.

I hear you, but for four of the guys what exactly is the threat? "I'm going to make you sit on the bench and watch the terrible basketball your backups play if you don't give the right effort"? Kind of a tough situation for Coach.

[bleedXblue]

I hear you, but for four of the guys what exactly is the threat? "I'm going to make you sit on the bench and watch the terrible basketball your backups play if you don't give the right effort"? Kind of a tough situation for Coach.

Those 4 in particular all want an opportunity to play at the next level. You cant show what you have from the bench. That's the only "threat".........

[GoMuskies]

Again, I get it, but the guys behind them are not good. You've got to find a way to motivate them for sure, but having them sit on the bench very much is cutting off the old nose to spite thy face.

[bleedXblue]

Again, I get it, but the guys behind them are not good. You've got to find a way to motivate them for sure, but having them sit on the bench very much is cutting off the old nose to spite thy face.

yeah I get it........Steele is in a tough spot. he has to be able to figure out what the hell is going on and why the guys aren't buying in. Thats why hes paid the big $$$$$$

[American X]

Let's be honest. The real winner of that contest was the Missouri Dance Team.

[whopper]

Again, I get it, but the guys behind them are not good. You've got to find a way to motivate them for sure, but having them sit on the bench very much is cutting off the old nose to spite thy face.. When you know you are getting 36 min it is easy to take it a little easy on defense. For example we generate ZERO turnovers (in fact 4 times last night I thought we had a turnover and out of nowhere Missouri recovered), with a few less minutes from the starters we "might" get a few more turnovers or long rebounds on either side due to fresh players with one goal, effort. At this time there is no reason to conserve energy. I like Welage but maybe he should go a little nuts out there, try to get a hand in passing lane , instead of playing "solid" but somewhat ineffective defense.

[AviatorX]

To say that stuff doesn’t work is ignorant. It does work but you have to know your kids well enough to know whether or not it will work for them. Huggins has had a heck of a coaching career so I’m going to assume he knows what he is doing. Where do you think wojo got that from? Yeah coach k...pretty sure that guy knows what he is doing. Does it work for every group? No, but it could work for this group. I don’t know them so I can’t say either way.

Coach K also thinks it’s a good idea to go to opposing locker rooms of teams that upset Duke in the tournament and “congratulate” them in person. K and Huggins are obviously extremely good coaches, but stunts like that are wayyyyyyyyyy down the list of why.

[Masterofreality]

That was an abject abomination. I'll limit my comments to these.

First thing. For those who keep excusing this trash as guys being "young. You cannot say that this roster is "young". 3 Grad transfers with all kinds of collegiate experience, a Junior Point Guard and Center, and Naji, who may as well be a Junior because he spent a year at Hargrave and is only a few days short of being 21 years old. Where is the leadership on the court from some player of coach? David West would be collaring guys and shouting in their faces if they showed that kind of effort. You can fairly say that they are having trouble meshing, but that leads to my second point regarding how HE prepared for this season.

Travis Steele should be held accountable for an awful misread of what kind of player he had coming back in each team member's case. For him to just roll over the "let 'em play" offensive philosophy to this group without installing more pass/move/move the ball quicker structure offense is a massive mistake. For example, he should have known that Naji Marshall is a bad outside shooter..it was in his high school scouting report. every time Naji Marshall shoots a 3, an angel loses it's wings. Travis was the "offensive coordinator" so he should have in depth known that the old style wouldn't work. For him to just let these guys dribble and then only pass East/West then jack up 19 three's is despicable. He had all summer to look at tape, had seen these guys who were here for two or three years, and had the entire preseason, but he just rolled the bet over. Now we see deterioration after other teams have scouting reports and zero reduction in the bad play. 27 turnovers vs Eastern Kentucky is ludicrous and last night, Mizzou was playing "Jump/Trap/Double on every Xavier ball handler, which is perfect for a Pick & Roll action. Yet, there were only THREE, yeah, THREE P & R's run-all three resulting in a basket.One was the very first play of the game, yet it wasn't run again until Hankins basket with 11 minutes left in the SECOND half. Where was an adjustment? And for him to continue the mediocre to substandard pack line with this group is another massive misread. He kept repeating that this team would be greatly improved defensively and the "meanest, nastiest" team on the floor. Uh, NOT happening. The torching this team gets from 3 Land is ridiculous. I know from experience that the longer you coach, the better you get, but I have to say that I doubt that Travis Steele is getting much X and O input from his Assistants. he could use an "old head" coordinator like a Jim Whitsell.The biggest job of a coach is for HIM to prepare- by honest analyzing of your players, designing a system to fit them, then putting the guys in their best positions to succeed. This has not, and is not happening. Just a simple roll over of the previous stuff.

I'm usually as positive as the next Xavier fan, but the reality that I can see, is much different. Gird your loins for a lost season. I'll be the first to admit if I'm wrong.

[XUOWNSUC]

I'm with Snipe on trying to play Jones and Hankins some significant time together. Try and out big some other teams maybe? Maybe it will make us worse but we cant get that much worse.

At this point, why not?

[Masterofreality]

I had the misfortune of making the trek from KC to Columbia last night. I didn’t expect a win, but I at least expected a game. I posted this on Twitter, but...

I’ve been a Xavier fan since birth. My family had season tickets growing up. I’ve been to several hundred games. So when I say that this is the worst game I have EVER seen them play in person, just know I have a large pool to draw from and I don’t say that lightly.

In a basically 18 minute stretch from when Naji hit a jump shot with 8:21 left in the first half until Castlin hit a put back layup with 10:39 left in the second half Xavier went...

4/20 from the field (20%)
1/7 from 3 (14%)
9 turnovers
15 points scored (32 points allowed)

That 18 minute stretch was the game. It’s unfathomable that in such a huge game you can look utterly dead for basically 1/2 the game.

Thanks for representing at the game, N. Just a disgusting effort. Then you had to make that boring nighttime drive back to KC from Columbia.
A for Effort!!

[Masterofreality]

So Naji like a tweet by someone saying "I miss Coach Mack". Greeeat.

Then he rescinded his "like" but damage done.

This house is burning...already. :-(

[D-West & PO-Z]

Then he rescinded his "like" but damage done.

This house is burning...already. :-(

Thanks, I didnt know that but figured it would happen.

I'm not sure it really means anything in terms of any deeper meaning with regards to the teams feelings about Steele but either way it was definitely poor judgement.

[Masterofreality]

We are going to lose players this year to transfer. It will take two classes to get back to normal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

We might lose Elias Harden at THIS semester break if he doesn't start getting more PT. And that is only a half joke, but I really know nothing & am not speculating.

[GoMuskies]

We might lose Elias Harden at THIS semester break if he doesn't start getting more PT. And that is only a half joke, but I really know nothing & am not speculating.

I'm okay with Harden playing 40 minutes against Detroit. Watching the Titans play will be a reminder of how blessed we truly are.

[Masterofreality]

Calihan Hall. Home of Spencer Haywood Dave DeBusschere and Dick Vitale.
If you drive around the hood around the Titans' campus, you've seen that the glory days are long gone. :-(
2313

[RyanblockXU]

Man...... That was ugly.


I have no idea whats wrong with this team. We have a lot of talent on this Roster. There are teams in the top 25 right that don't have 4 top 100 players with 2 of them being top 50 and yet, we just don't look like we care.

I'm starting to think Naji Marshall just might end up being a role player and not a future superstar Like I pictured him to be.

It is what it is...



I'm not surprised that 2nd year players struggle on the road. But I am surprised about the lack of fight these guys have in them.

[MHettel]

Forgive me, but I tend to just simply things sometimes. I think the message is simple. You earn playing time. Period. No one is guaranteed minutes. You're going to sit if your effort is below whatever standard Steele has.

If that message hasn't been sent after last night, we are in for more lackluster performances and losses.

Honestly, this is some worn out logic.

What if nobody earns PT? Then what? Dont play the game? Or play the game, and give guys PT that didnt earn it?

[bjf123]

Let's be honest. The real winner of that contest was the Missouri Dance Team.

But are they nationally ranked? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[IM4X]

That was an abject abomination. I'll limit my comments to these.

First thing. For those who keep excusing this trash as guys being "young. You cannot say that this roster is "young". 3 Grad transfers with all kinds of collegiate experience, a Junior Point Guard and Center, and Naji, who may as well be a Junior because he spent a year at Hargrave and is only a few days short of being 21 years old. Where is the leadership on the court from some player of coach? David West would be collaring guys and shouting in their faces if they showed that kind of effort. You can fairly say that they are having trouble meshing, but that leads to my second point regarding how HE prepared for this season.

Travis Steele should be held accountable for an awful misread of what kind of player he had coming back in each team member's case. For him to just roll over the "let 'em play" offensive philosophy to this group without installing more pass/move/move the ball quicker structure offense is a massive mistake. For example, he should have known that Naji Marshall is a bad outside shooter..it was in his high school scouting report. every time Naji Marshall shoots a 3, an angel loses it's wings. Travis was the "offensive coordinator" so he should have in depth known that the old style wouldn't work. For him to just let these guys dribble and then only pass East/West then jack up 19 three's is despicable. He had all summer to look at tape, had seen these guys who were here for two or three years, and had the entire preseason, but he just rolled the bet over. Now we see deterioration after other teams have scouting reports and zero reduction in the bad play. 27 turnovers vs Eastern Kentucky is ludicrous and last night, Mizzou was playing "Jump/Trap/Double on every Xavier ball handler, which is perfect for a Pick & Roll action. Yet, there were only THREE, yeah, THREE P & R's run-all three resulting in a basket.One was the very first play of the game, yet it wasn't run again until Hankins basket with 11 minutes left in the SECOND half. Where was an adjustment? And for him to continue the mediocre to substandard pack line with this group is another massive misread. He kept repeating that this team would be greatly improved defensively and the "meanest, nastiest" team on the floor. Uh, NOT happening. The torching this team gets from 3 Land is ridiculous. I know from experience that the longer you coach, the better you get, but I have to say that I doubt that Travis Steele is getting much X and O input from his Assistants. he could use an "old head" coordinator like a Jim Whitsell.The biggest job of a coach is for HIM to prepare- by honest analyzing of your players, designing a system to fit them, then putting the guys in their best positions to succeed. This has not, and is not happening. Just a simple roll over of the previous stuff.

I'm usually as positive as the next Xavier fan, but the reality that I can see, is much different. Gird your loins for a lost season. I'll be the first to admit if I'm wrong.


Wow... I couldn’t be more on the same page about this.

Not only did Steele misread his players prior to the season starting, he has continued to misread them after a number of games this season. He’s mentioned in his press conferences how players like Naji and Q are taking some good shots but they just aren’t falling. It’s as if he’s honestly expecting Naji and Q to magically start shooting as well as Tre or JP just by taking a few more open shots. And all that garbage he’d have us believe about how improved the defense will be... he was still convinced of it even after several bad performance by the defense early this season.

I don’t know if we’ll ever have a nicer guy as a coach, but he (and his staff and team) are in need of a serious reality check as to how they are preforming as players and coaches. Steele has been going through the motions and shoveling horse crap at press conference so far this season as if the team just needs a little fix here or there to be special.

Travis, you’re not going to earn respect from fans (at least not this one) by stating that a performance was embarrassing for fans. You’ll only earn respect when you actually show you know how to get players playing to their strengths, playing smarter together and giving better effort.

Expectations were not terribly high before the season began. We fans understood the team lost a lot of good shooters... and a few leaders. Travis did no favor for himself by making comments that set expectations higher for fans at the begining of the seasons. Maybe that was a mistake. One of many so far.

Still, Travis has a chance to turn this around. To show he can still remold these guys to their strengths which might actually ignite a fire resulting in inspired play and some real tenacity...instead of just giving fans more lip service.

[bleedXblue]

Honestly, this is some worn out logic.

What if nobody earns PT? Then what? Dont play the game? Or play the game, and give guys PT that didnt earn it?

If you have a better idea, have at it. You can ask them to play hard with a "pretty please".........and I'm also assuming that benching one player may send a message or signal to others.

Obviously whatever has been done to this point........isn't working. Gotta try something different. Again, if you have a better suggestion I'd love to hear it.

[XfansinKy]

First coach Steele had to be the buddy and convince these guys to stay, now he's gotta be their disciplinarian and put the hammer down. That's why he's not the assistant anymore.

[X-band '01]

What are the odds that this team will wind up practicing on Christmas Day? Last year the team did so because of a compressed schedule, but I could see a Christmas practice being more of a punishment/wake-up call for this team this year. This team has done a 180 ever since the San Diego State collapse.

At this point, I don't give two shits about the UDM home game. I only care what will happen for the Big East opener against DePaul. They look a lot better than Xavier has this season. A LOT better.