Game Thread: Seton Hall vs. Xavier (1/2/2019)

[paulxu]

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/kBAAAOSwqfNXkU44/s-l300.jpg VS. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e1/Seton_Hall_Pirates_logo.svg/200px-Seton_Hall_Pirates_logo.svg.png



Xavier University Musketeers (9-5, 1-0 BE) vs. Seton Hall Pirates (10-3, 1-0 BE)
Wednesday, January 2, 2019: 6:30 PM, EST
Cintas Center(10,224), Cincinnati, OH

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

All Access (https://goxavier.com/watch/?Live=1335&type=Live)

Notes and Stats
(https://goxavier.com/news/2018/12/31/mens-basketball-hosts-seton-hall-on-wednesday-in-its-first-game-of-2019.aspx?path=mbball)
Television: FS1 with play-by-play from Justin Kutcher and analysis from Donny Marshall.

Radio: 55KRC-AM with Joe Sunderman '79 (play-by-play) and Bryon Larkin '88 (analysis).

[paulxu]

OK, first game of the New Year.
Can only assume Muskie, MadX and Amex are somewhere recovering from a big party.
Plus, Lego Muskie is undefeated this year.

Get some:shield:

[GoMuskies]

It's going to be a long wait until November for this game!

[paulxu]

It's going to be a long wait until November for this game!

Well crap. Finger slipped.

I can't edit the thread title. If we have to wait until a mod wakes up, it will be sometime in November.

[GoMuskies]

I see that Xavier is 3.5 point favorites tonight. As happy as that makes me, I just cannot imagine taking Xavier and giving the 3.5. I certainly hope I regret not taking the Muskies (but I'd also be just as happy with a 1-3 point win)!

[D-West & PO-Z]

I see that Xavier is 3.5 point favorites tonight. As happy as that makes me, I just cannot imagine taking Xavier and giving the 3.5. I certainly hope I regret now taking the Muskies (but I'd also be just as happy with a 1-3 point win)!

I saw the same thing and was surprised as well. Think we can win but I sure wouldnt bet on it, and wouldnt bet we win by 4 or more.

[Xuperman]

Something fishy for sure.....the money will force an adjustment by tip off.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Something fishy for sure.....the money will force an adjustment by tip off.

Eh I dunno, home court is a big advantage in college basketball. St. Johns was favored against Marquette and looked fishy and they blew them off the court.

[Xuperman]

Eh I dunno, home court is a big advantage in college basketball. St. Johns was favored against Marquette and looked fishy and they blew them off the court.

From a Vegas sportsbook perspective, that’s apples and oranges. I’m guessing they had no problem keeping the money close to even in that one. I don’t see how they could go all in on Xavier if the line is still -3 1/2 come game time. One would think the overwhelming $$$ would be on SHU if it does. Look for the line to move close to pickem by 6 o’clock.

[GoMuskies]

From a Vegas sportsbook perspective, that’s apples and oranges. I’m guessing they had no problem keeping the money close to even in that one. I don’t see how they could go all in on Xavier if the line is still -3 1/2 come game time. One would think the overwhelming $$$ would be on SHU if it does. Look for the line to move close to pickem by 6 o’clock.

Well, it also could be that the Vegas books WANT all the money piling in on Seton Hall so they make a killing on Xavier.

[Xuperman]

There’s no “gambling” in the gambling business. If the money stays even at 3 1/2, the line will stick. Otherwise it will move accordingly.

[GoMuskies]

There’s no “gambling” in the gambling business. If the money stays even at 3 1/2, the line will stick. Otherwise it will move accordingly.

Nigel will be along shortly to set you straight. :)

The books often don't even the money on every game. And they can't move the line too much or they'll risk a middle-ing that would absolutely get them clobbered.

[Muskie]

Well crap. Finger slipped.

I can't edit the thread title. If we have to wait until a mod wakes up, it will be sometime in November.

Last day of vacation for me...


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[bjf123]

Student section still kind of empty. They not back yet?


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[paulxu]

That Hankins guy needs a new hairstyle.

[noteggs]

Student section still kind of empty. They not back yet?


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They start back up January 14

[Xville]

Looks like a completely different team since the Mizzou debacle. Playing hard. Playing together. Still probably going to have quite a few bumps this season due to talent, but if they play with this effort, think 500 in conference is a possibility

[paulxu]

Q making some assists.

Let's get Welage some more shots.

[xudash]

Looks like a completely different team since the Mizzou debacle. Playing hard. Playing together. Still probably going to have quite a few bumps this season due to talent, but if they play with this effort, think 500 in conference is a possibility

Totally agree.

Much more together on both sides of the ball.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Literally everyone on our opponents are threats to hit threes. LIke Xville said, they are playing a lot better now than at almost any point in the non-conference. This looks like a team that will be a tough beat.

[GoMuskies]

Offense has been steady so far, but we need to have a lull. If we have a lull today, SH will run away from us. This last 5 minutes before halftime has been a problem before...

[xu82]

That Hankins guy needs a new hairstyle.

The way he’s playing, he can keep it....until you copy him. :-)

[GoMuskies]

That Hankins guy is okay.

DII POY to BE POY? :)

[Olsingledigit]

That Hankins guy is okay.

DII POY to BE POY? :)
Playing like I expected being DII POY

[xu82]

Paul needs the headband too!

[whopper]

I am glad to see Tyrique leading the charge off the bench..we will need them both although this is incredible

[Lloyd Braun]

Powell pump fakes from 35 feet and we bite everytime.

[bjf123]

They start back up January 14

Wow. We didn’t have that long of a break when I was at X.


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[mistabeecee41]

That Welage missed 3 was huge. Let SHU to go on a mini 5-0 run to keep it closer than it should be.

[noteggs]

Offense has been steady so far, but we need to have a lull. If we have a lull today, SH will run away from us. This last 5 minutes before halftime has been a problem before...

We’re getting better. This time it was just last minute 30.

[xudash]

Hankins loves being a Musketeer.

It is what it is, but at least two of their made 3's in the first half came from two guys who aren't known, at all, for making them.

For those of you who are golf fanatics, and if you happen to be in the Cintas Center right now, there is a guy sitting behind the Seton Hall bench with a Pine Valley vest on. Buy him a couple of beers and maybe he'll invite you over for a round.

[xu82]

Wow. We didn’t have that long of a break when I was at X.


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When I went to X, these things were flexible. A couple of roomies went to Mardis Gras and we wondered if they were EVER coming back!

[GoMuskies]

I suspect Willard will make sure we get nothing and like it from Hankins in the second half. Time for the shooters to step up!

[xu82]

Hankins loves being a Musketeer.

It is what it is, but at least two of their made 3's in the first half came from two guys who aren't known, at all, for making them.

For those of you who are golf fanatics, and if you happen to be in the Cintas Center right now, there is a guy sitting behind the Seton Hall bench with a Pine Valley vest on. Buy him a couple of beers and maybe he'll invite you over for a round.

DAMN! Now I wish I was there even more!

Still haven’t planned my trip this year as life got a bit complicated. I’d hate to miss my annual trip. Still holding out hope.

[mistabeecee41]

Naji and Q were absolutely abysmal during the first 6 minutes of the 2nd half. What was that?

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Q’s shot isn’t broken mechanically, I guess, but it literally never looks like it’s going in.

[Xville]

That was 6 minutes of awful basketball by both teams....yuck

[JTG]

Goodin could not play worse. His head is totally up his ass tonite.

[Blue Blooded-05]

I hope Q and Naji combine to go 0-0 from three for the remainder of the game

[paulxu]

I will need more than a headband.

I finally saw them run a screen play to free up Welage for a 3. And of course Q throws the ball away with a lazy pass.

ARRRRRRGH

Edit: they finally did it !

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Paul and Hanky having absolutely great days. And Welage has a handful of solid rebounds.

[xu82]

I will need more than a headband.

I finally saw them run a screen play to free up Welage for a 3. And of course Q throws the ball away with a lazy pass.

ARRRRRRGH

Edit: they finally did it !

Yes, pants are HIGHLY recommended!

Feeling good about the last couple minutes.

[xudash]

Marshall can be problematic at times.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Tyrique is severely limited in his offensive game.

[xu82]

Marshall can be problematic at times.

That was kindly worded. He needs to be reigned in.

[paulxu]

From up 10, to up 1...with absolutely sloppy play.

This season will test my heart.

Edit: and we just keep turning it over.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Q. Come on

[GoMuskies]

Q is no bueno right now.

And Marshall. Yikes.

[whopper]

how we have kept the lead I have no idea. Terrible decisions over the past 3 minutes plus ramping up by a seton hall team. Praying now but there won't be any Hankins easy dunks now..it will be a man game

[xudash]

What was that value every possession thing we all wanted to see?

[Xville]

Naji and q need to stop shooting us out of games. They are killing us. Neither of them are good shooters yet they keep forcing crap over and over.

[xudash]

That was kindly worded. He needs to be reigned in.

Yes. For sure.

[GoMuskies]

Well, we've had our lull, and we still have a lead. That lull needs to end now. Like, right now. This possession.

[xu82]

Q is no bueno right now.

And Marshall. Yikes.

Both want to be “the man”, and need to step down for guys who are playing better.

[paulxu]

What was that value every possession thing we all wanted to see?

Exactly. We get a very nice lead, and then it's almost like they think they have it in the bag, and start playing lazy.

I know that's not the case (I hope) but that's the feeling I get from watching the out of control play.

[kellernr]

Naji and Q need to look who they are passing to. Also naji throws the weakest/laziest passes. Its mind boggling how bad he plays most of the time. Killed it against DePaul but against good teams he tries too hard and turns it over constantly

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[IM4X]

This team gets so F’in lazy with their passes. They can get so.sloppy and dumb. It’s like their brains shut off at times. WTF Steele. Naji and Q need to quit shooting 3s and learn to use the backboard when driving. It’s your friend fellas.

[GoMuskies]

Welage with the drive!

[xu82]

I’d rather have Welage, Scruggs, Hankins....or the Blue Blob trying to score than see Q shoot the 3 or Naji dribble away a possession.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Paul with two absolutely huge offensive rebounds in the second half. He is far and away our best player

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Paul with two absolutely huge offensive rebounds in the second half. He is far and away our best player

Bump

[Xville]

Paul with two absolutely huge offensive rebounds in the second half. He is far and away our best player

Yep by far! Ball needs to be in his hands a lot more.

[GoMuskies]

Nobody boxing out the fucking shooter on that FT just cannot happen.

[noteggs]

How in the hell do let the foul shooter get the rebound!!!

Edit: what GO said

[bjf123]

Nobody boxing out the fucking shooter on that FT just cannot happen.

Especially when we’ve got four on the lane and they had one.


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[GoMuskies]

The streak is on the line tonight fellas. No chance we get to 9 Big East wins without a win tonight. It's right there for us.

[xu82]

Nobody boxing out the fucking shooter on that FT just cannot happen.

I put that one on Naji, for the most part. He’s the big in there, and looked almost disinterested.

[IM4X]

Steele...No one better take a 3 but Scruggs or Wealage from now on or I’ll bench you for 4 games.”

At least that’s what I’m saying at this TO if I’m him.

[Xville]

Q is absolute garbage tonight.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Right when we need good ball movement and a team offense, Goodin runs an ISO play.

[IM4X]

They get three offensive rebounds every possession and we get zip. Way to finish strong guys.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

That drops and we have a shot.

[GoMuskies]

Down 2 and it's Q who takes a shot. Grr. At least it wasn't a 3.

Now Q missing a front end. Killing us.

[xu82]

How much would it hurt to sit Naji some more? Not hating, but he might learn to control himself when he’s on the court.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

This is what we get this year. For those holding onto a .500 conference year, let it go already. It won't happen.

[IM4X]

Q AND NAJI BOTH HAVE BEEN absolute garbage tonight.

Fixed it for you.

[Xville]

Q can sit his ass on the bench next game. I'm sick of his play...hes cost us several games this year

[kellernr]

Naji and Q. 5 for 19. Cant believe they're supposedly the best players on the team

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[X Factor]

I've said it before, Goodin is not a true point guard.

[xu82]

Well, this was fun.....for a while. Lots of work to do. Hang in this year, build next year. Keep it rolling long term.

[GoMuskies]

Fuck this white club!

[IM4X]

What is sad is this team is good enough to win these games but just plays so dumb at times. Much of that I blame on coaching. Looking at you Steele.

[kellernr]

Fixed it for you.Not just tonight. Most of the season

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[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Blown opportunity. And the game is on Q and Naji when it was 58-50. Quentin does not make winning basketball plays.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Q can sit his ass on the bench next game. I'm sick of his play...hes cost us several games this year

We can't go crazy, but it was time for Naji and Goodin to takes bites out of a reality sandwich about 10 games ago. It is clear it won't happen. Now next year, Steele can bench Goodin for Tandy and give Tandy plenty of minutes.

[Xville]

This is what we get this year. For those holding onto a .500 conference year, let it go already. It won't happen.

I kind of agree with you, but Seton Hall is a top 3 team in the conference. Sucks because the opportunity was there for us this game, and looking at the schedule, we could have opened 4-1 with a win in this one.

[Olsingledigit]

Many possessions with NO passes

[xu82]

Q should not be allowed to shoot more than a layup. Play PG and get the ball to people whom can score.

[X Factor]

Goodin and Marshall aren't leaders. We need a leader.

Outscored by 20 points after X went up 10.

[whopper]

Damn..the worst 2-3 minutes I have seen in a long time. 34-14 run after our 10 point lead. We kept driving on that shot blocker which is like a turnover unless you are going to finish. I can't throw anyone under the bus as I love the team but I hope especially Naji and Q look at the film in detail with many rewinds. Tyrique seems snakebit so far, it is hard to know if he is playing poorly or just at wrong place at wrong time but I think he was in during that 2-3 minutes that killed us at the 12 minute mark. Next Sunday at Marquette...we shall see.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

I've said it before, Goodin is not a true point guard.

100%, he’s just not. But if he’s not a true point guard, what is he? He can’t shoot, he struggles finishing at the rim, I just don’t think he’s much of a basketball player. Just a good athlete.

[Xville]

We can't go crazy, but it was time for Naji and Goodin to takes bites out of a reality sandwich about 10 games ago. It is clear it won't happen. Now next year, Steele can bench Goodin for Tandy and give Tandy plenty of minutes.

I agree on tandy, but why not have paul run the point next game and bring q off the bench. It cant be any worse with that configuration. Q needs to have the ball less, and paul should have it more.

[GoMuskies]

Did Goodin just end the game with a three pointer off the backboard with no rim? Did I see that right? That's kind of poetic, really.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Q should not be allowed to shoot more than a layup. Play PG and get the ball to people whom can score.

The problem we have right now is that Steele is holding out hope that the guys will salvage the season. I think he is genuinely thinking 10-8 is possible. Steele needs a massive reality check. I would start Q against Marquette, his first stupid shot and he sits. Make him sit a long time. That last prayer three short in the clock should be played back for him GIF style repeatedly.

[IM4X]

Q can sit his ass on the bench next game. I'm sick of his play...hes cost us several games this year

Why the hell doesn’t Steele tell him to use the damn backboard when he drives. It’s like he is worried it won’t look cool enough.

Shame on this team and this coaching staff for blowing this game. Dumb F’n play. SH out hustled and played us and out coached us in a game NO QUESTION we should have won this one on our own court.

[noteggs]

Tandy was there tonight. Hope he didn’t pick up any bad habits.

[bjf123]

Absolutely pathetic effort towards the end. There’s no fucking way we should lose that game. Keep that up and we might finish 1-17.


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[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Q shooting 38% from three in conference last year was a total sham. Check the last like 5-7 games of the year and I think he was back to his regular ways. Tandy probably can’t wait to take Q’s spot next year. Q and Naji have no killer in them.

[kellernr]

Can we give kennedy or Hardin all of castlin's minutes? They can at least shoot the ball from 3. Castlin contributes 0 on offense.

Also why doesnt harden ever see the floor. Mack talked about how good he was and Steele talked him up all offseason but neither coach let him on the floor. It's not like the guys in front of him are 5 star players. This teams not dancing in March so you might as well run all the scholarship players out there to get some real game experience.

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[Blue Blooded-05]

Scruggs needs to embrace the role of the alpha dog

[ArizonaXUGrad]

The sad part is, this team is playing out the conference season and tournament and that will be it (baring any kind of miracle in March). We won't be playing in any tournament. Steele has shortened his bench like we have a realistic shot. Naji and Goodin should be playing no more than 30 mins/game. I would rather develop Hardin/Kennedy and lose than play this shortened bench and still lose.

[kellernr]

Absolutely pathetic effort towards the end. There’s no fucking way we should lose that game. Keep that up and we might finish 1-17.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkI'm still confused on how hankins dropped 18 in the 1st half then we quit going to him the entire 2nd half. If they double him kick it out for a 3.

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[ArizonaXUGrad]

I'm still confused on how hankins dropped 18 in the 1st half then we quit going to him the entire 2nd half. If they double him kick it out for a 3.

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For a Goodin or Marshall three? Those are practically turnovers. Rightfully, they had Scruggs and Welage covered. I would leave Marshall/Goodin open on those kick outs all day long.

That is where we really miss not giving Harden and Kennedy a chance. Those two can shoot or at least Kennedy has shown he can. If Harden can't, let him transfer where he will get that extra second to set his feet.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

I'm still confused on how hankins dropped 18 in the 1st half then we quit going to him the entire 2nd half. If they double him kick it out for a 3.

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I’m not sure how much Tyrique played in the second half, but it was too much.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Q was 3-10 from the field, 4-7 from FT line, and had 6 turnovers, but probably a couple more that should count as such.


Next year he might be relegated to a bench role by the start of conference play. If there was anyone who could initiate the offense while still letting Paul do what he does best it would’ve already happened. He is a seriously flawed basketball player who doesn’t play to his strengths and has failed to take what should be a leadership role. He says the same things over and over again in pressers “we weren’t the tougher team, we gotta stay focused all game.” Do something about it to enact change.

[whopper]

I know that could not continue as that is the easiest thing to stop..just play straight up and see if we can hit shots. I am mad but can't boo Q and Naji as we need them to play well if we are to have a chance. We are not dancing it seems but still a game like tonight is entertainment(albeit painful at the end). If they played a normal game (instead of 5-20 with 9 turnovers say 8-20 with 6 turnovers) we may have won. I think they all have to do some soul searching before the Marquette game for sure and we need Zach and Tyrique to contribute. I am Pollyanna I know but we have been spoiled.

[kellernr]

When is the last time we had a PG that could:
1) create their own shot
2) had a killer mentality when needed
3) shoot the 3 ball consistently
4) make a damn free throw

Had to be back when Tu played right? Mack had Sumner but he couldn't shoot.

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[X Factor]

When is the last time we had a PG that could:
1) create their own shot
2) had a killer mentality when needed
3) shoot the 3 ball consistently
4) make a damn free throw

Had to be back when Tu played right? Mack had Sumner but he couldn't shoot.

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Tu and Lavender before him.

[sirthought]

There was a lot of improvement in this game in many ways. But unfortunately I think we saw Jones and Goodin lose this game with their turnovers and inability to make winning plays. Not sure what's going on with Jones as he can be really strong with the ball, but he missed or dropped multiple good opportunities.

[X Factor]

I’m not sure how much Tyrique played in the second half, but it was too much.

Huge disappointment. You're a junior and only play 9 minutes in a conference game???

[ArizonaXUGrad]

When is the last time we had a PG that could:
1) create their own shot
2) had a killer mentality when needed
3) shoot the 3 ball consistently
4) make a damn free throw

Had to be back when Tu played right? Mack had Sumner but he couldn't shoot.

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There aren't a lot of those guys out there. Right now Steele has to convince Q his job is to create first and getting a shot should be about 5th on the list. That stretch where Q/Naji killed us, there was zero ball movement on offense and when they did we saw lazy passes for TO's. However you want to look at this game, it was 35 minutes that were pretty good and 5 that were bad. That is improvement.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Huge disappointment. You're a junior and only play 9 minutes in a conference game???

He just brings nothing to the table besides offensive rebounds. Hankins is significantly better.

[kellernr]

There aren't a lot of those guys out there. Right now Steele has to convince Q his job is to create first and getting a shot should be about 5th on the list. That stretch where Q/Naji killed us, there was zero ball movement on offense and when they did we saw lazy passes for TO's. However you want to look at this game, it was 35 minutes that were pretty good and 5 that were bad. That is improvement.Should have no problem being able to pull in a guard like Tu every couple of years being in the Big East. Miller was able to pull in Tu and Lyons while in the A10.

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[ArizonaXUGrad]

Let's temper our panic mode, Butler who I thought had a legit chance at a conference title just got beat at home by Georgetown. Depaul is up on 'Nova in Chicago.

They have real shots, we don't.

[kellernr]

There aren't a lot of those guys out there. Right now Steele has to convince Q his job is to create first and getting a shot should be about 5th on the list. That stretch where Q/Naji killed us, there was zero ball movement on offense and when they did we saw lazy passes for TO's. However you want to look at this game, it was 35 minutes that were pretty good and 5 that were bad. That is improvement.And I do agree that there was improvement but whenever the games get close Q and Naji take it upon themselves to go one on one and kills the flow of the game.

I would love to see naji shoot from 10ft and in. Q needs to spend every available minute he has in the gym shooting FTs. He's going to spend a lot of time at the line so he needs to be able to hit those. And NO more 3s unless wide open.

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[whopper]

it is actually at Villanova. You are correct about panic mode but we did have a taste tonight. My daughters were at the game and excited up 10.. My text " this is not over but hopeful"..Man I wish I was wrong

[kellernr]

Let's temper our panic mode, Butler who I thought had a legit chance at a conference title just got beat at home by Georgetown. Depaul is up on 'Nova in Chicago.

They have real shots, we don't.It's not panic. It's people pointing out the obvious flaws of this team. Just so happens the 3 biggest flaws are who were supposed to be 3 of the top 4 players on the team.

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[scoscox]

I would’ve considered toying with the 2 big lineup there in the second half. I’d rather have tyrique and Zach in and let one of our guards sit whether it’s castlin or Kennedy who offer us nothing, to get paul or Quentin a breather, or let q sit for awhile. It needs to be an option. We especially could use it against seton hall. They were throwing massive lineups at us and it worked

[xu82]

Tandy was there tonight. Hope he didn’t pick up any bad habits.

I’ll pray that rather than get cold feet, he gets excited about opportunity!

[Xville]

What does castlin bring to the table? I mean seriously...that guy is the biggest non factor ever. Why does he start??

[scoscox]

Let's temper our panic mode, Butler who I thought had a legit chance at a conference title just got beat at home by Georgetown. Depaul is up on 'Nova in Chicago.

They have real shots, we don't.

Butler isn’t good

[kellernr]

I’ll pray that rather than get cold feet, he gets excited about opportunity!He signed his LOI right? Dont need him getting cold feet after tonight's game

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[Backyard Champ]

Tandy was there tonight. Hope he didn’t pick up any bad habits.

More importantly, hope he didn't listen to the crowd. We desperately missed the student section tonight. In extremely close games, they can make a difference. Unfortunately, tonight, the loudest the crowd got was when they got the opportunity to boo their team. Xavier was still in the lead, and the boo's were pouring down from the upper deck.

Obviously mistakes were made, but it seems like a lot of the upper deck couldn't wait to boo the team. I understand that it can be frustrating as fans, but I have to imagine that as a player, when turning the ball over in a close game, hearing your home crowd boo has to make it even worse. Maybe I'm wrong and the players can easily ignore their home crowd booing them, despite being in the lead.

This team is growing, and no doubt about it, improving. I'm not someone that thinks fans can't boo their team, but man, in a close game, the boos can't be louder than the cheers.

[xudash]

There was a lot of improvement in this game in many ways. But unfortunately I think we saw Jones and Goodin lose this game with their turnovers and inability to make winning plays. Not sure what's going on with Jones as he can be really strong with the ball, but he missed or dropped multiple good opportunities.

Key moment. Marshall attempts a circus pass up court that gets picked, he then fouls on the SH possession and I believe that may have been an AND 1 outcome.

That happened when we still were hovering in that 8 to 10 point lead territory.

I mean there was a chunk of time there in the second half where they just seemed to go FULL ON STUPID.

[noteggs]

More importantly, hope he didn't listen to the crowd. We desperately missed the student section tonight. In extremely close games, they can make a difference. Unfortunately, tonight, the loudest the crowd got was when they got the opportunity to boo their team. Xavier was still in the lead, and the boo's were pouring down from the upper deck.

Obviously mistakes were made, but it seems like a lot of the upper deck couldn't wait to boo the team. I understand that it can be frustrating as fans, but I have to imagine that as a player, when turning the ball over in a close game, hearing your home crowd boo has to make it even worse. Maybe I'm wrong and the players can easily ignore their home crowd booing them, despite being in the lead.

This team is growing, and no doubt about it, improving. I'm not someone that thinks fans can't boo their team, but man, in a close game, the boos can't be louder than the cheers.

Well said on all points.

[whopper]

More importantly, hope he didn't listen to the crowd. We desperately missed the student section tonight. In extremely close games, they can make a difference. Unfortunately, tonight, the loudest the crowd got was when they got the opportunity to boo their team. Xavier was still in the lead, and the boo's were pouring down from the upper deck.

Obviously mistakes were made, but it seems like a lot of the upper deck couldn't wait to boo the team. I understand that it can be frustrating as fans, but I have to imagine that as a player, when turning the ball over in a close game, hearing your home crowd boo has to make it even worse. Maybe I'm wrong and the players can easily ignore their home crowd booing them, despite being in the lead.

This team is growing, and no doubt about it, improving. I'm not someone that thinks fans can't boo their team, but man, in a close game, the boos can't be louder than the cheers. I love basketball(still play at 63 fairly competitively) but I can imagine the frustration of players not being able to deliver on their home floor. Everything is so ramped up by the blogs (which of course I am following now and read all of Shannon's excellent writing) but sometimes the game just happens. Lets see it all play out.. we loved Tyrique, Q and Naji when things were going well so lets see if we can help them right the ship.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Key moment. Marshall attempts a circus pass up court that gets picked, he then fouls on the SH possession and I believe that may have been an AND 1 outcome.

That happened when we still were hovering in that 8 to 10 point lead territory.

I mean there was a chunk of time there in the second half where they just seemed to go FULL ON STUPID.

It was an and 1. This was either right before or right after Q had a turnover, and a long stepback 2. Along with Q getting his shot blocked and Tyrique getting his blocked. It was 58-50. Then it was quickly 58-57. Just a horrendous stretch.

[bjf123]

Key moment. Marshall attempts a circus pass up court that gets picked, he then fouls on the SH possession and I believe that may have been an AND 1 outcome.

That happened when we still were hovering in that 8 to 10 point lead territory.

I mean there was a chunk of time there in the second half where they just seemed to go FULL ON STUPID.

They never showed a replay of that at the game. In real time, it looked like like Naji drew a charge, not fouled as a block.


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[XUBob]

I have been as critical as anyone this year. While frustrated with losing I do see improvement. Still way to many turnovers but effort and want to are fine. With little to no help from the bench guys have to play too many minutes. A little break may help the overall performance but that may not be possible with this group. Keep playing hard and let’s hope the improvement continues. A saying I hate to use baby-steps.

[bleedXblue]

There was a lot of improvement in this game in many ways. But unfortunately I think we saw Jones and Goodin lose this game with their turnovers and inability to make winning plays. Not sure what's going on with Jones as he can be really strong with the ball, but he missed or dropped multiple good opportunities.

You're kidding right. How can you lose a game from the bench? Tyrique hardly played in the second half

[bleedXblue]

We lost the game last night primarily b/c we had too many CARELESS TO's. We were up 10 and then turned it over on multiple possessions. I also think Williard made some nice adjustments and we didn't. He's a good coach.

[bjf123]

I think the turnovers were a direct result of Q, Scruggs, and Naji playing too much (40, 39, and 36 minutes) and getting worn out. That’s on Steele. He needs to figure out a way to give them a break. Play Tyrique and Zach at the same time and sit one. Get Harden and James in there for a few minutes. They can’t be so bad that they’d have even more turnovers in that 3 minute span where we lost the game.


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[bleedXblue]

I think the turnovers were a direct result of Q, Scruggs, and Naji playing too much (40, 39, and 36 minutes) and getting worn out. That’s on Steele. He needs to figure out a way to give them a break. Play Tyrique and Zach at the same time and sit one. Get Harden and James in there for a few minutes. They can’t be so bad that they’d have even more turnovers in that 3 minute span where we lost the game.


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Agreed although we've seen careless TO's from Naji pretty much all year. Some were just bad decisions trying to force the ball into to tight of a space.

Harden, Kennedy and James should all be getting 3-5 minutes/game minimum. If they cant give us that...we are in trouble.

[CP05XU08CU13]

I think that the Xavier players are more worried about the way they look (e.g., all wearing D-bag headbands) than actually winning the game. The lack of discipline is astounding. Look at the top echelon teams. They do not play with a "look at me" mentality. That is what the NBA is for. They approach the game as a business. Prepare to win...win...move on to the next game. This team better get it together or they are going to be punching a one way ticket to the NIT and not March Madness.

[throwbackmuskie]

I feel like the team is one solid player away from being really good. The lack of solid depth is hurting as others mentioned.

I also think Marshall needs to reign in himself. The Point Forward thing is not helping. I feel like too many times he is only focused on scoring and forcing the issue. I also think Goodin is trying to do way to much.

[X Factor]

I think that the Xavier players are more worried about the way they look (e.g., all wearing D-bag headbands) than actually winning the game. The lack of discipline is astounding. Look at the top echelon teams. They do not play with a "look at me" mentality. That is what the NBA is for. They approach the game as a business. Prepare to win...win...move on to the next game. This team better get it together or they are going to be punching a one way ticket to the NIT and not March Madness.

This team is not playing in the NCAA tournament regardless. Zero quality non-conference wins and will probably only win 7-8 conference games.

[fellahmuskie]

Best way to bounce back from last night is winning at Marquette. This team is maddening at times, but the potential is still sky-high.

Big East is going to be a dog fight. 12-6 might win the conference the way things are going so far. If we can somehow get to 9-9 or 10-8, anything can happen in the BET.

[X Factor]

I think the turnovers were a direct result of Q, Scruggs, and Naji playing too much (40, 39, and 36 minutes) and getting worn out. That’s on Steele. He needs to figure out a way to give them a break. Play Tyrique and Zach at the same time and sit one. Get Harden and James in there for a few minutes. They can’t be so bad that they’d have even more turnovers in that 3 minute span where we lost the game.


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Myles Powell leads the league in minutes played. It has nothing to do with minutes played. It didn't affect Scruggs last night.

It would be nice to have quality depth though.

[Lamont Sanford]

Key moment. Marshall attempts a circus pass up court that gets picked, he then fouls on the SH possession and I believe that may have been an AND 1 outcome.

That happened when we still were hovering in that 8 to 10 point lead territory.

I mean there was a chunk of time there in the second half where they just seemed to go FULL ON STUPID.

Dash -

Totally agreed. And then Steele never pulled Marshall from the game after it!!! Unacceptable. Hold the players accountable for stupid plays.

[Xville]

Myles Powell leads the league in minutes played. It has nothing to do with minutes played. It didn't affect Scruggs last night.

It would be nice to have quality depth though.

Agreed nothing to do with minutes played, it's low basketball IQ which q and naji both have. Depth at this level is very overrated in my opinion. Villanova's championship teams played 7 guys. Dont need more than that.

However, I do wish naji and q would start being benched for playing hero ball. I know you cant do it every time they make a mistake, but at some point a message needs to be sent.

[IM4X]

I love basketball(still play at 63 fairly competitively) but I can imagine the frustration of players not being able to deliver on their home floor. Everything is so ramped up by the blogs (which of course I am following now and read all of Shannon's excellent writing) but sometimes the game just happens. Lets see it all play out.. we loved Tyrique, Q and Naji when things were going well so lets see if we can help them right the ship.

This is not on the fans. We are not getting paid to right the ship. It’s the job of Steele and his staff. Unfortunately, they are not getting it done thus far in terms of getting through to this team (particularly Naji and Q and Jones).

While there have been sparks of better chemistry more recently, the continuation of bonehead decisions (with certain players taking bad shots and making bad passes and not hustling for the ball seems to indicate that the coaches are failing them.

This team proved last night it has enough talent to compete with pretty much all of the now weaker collection of BE teams, but players still do not get the difference between a good decision and a bad one... between going after the ball with tenacity and standing around and expecting the ball will fall in their lap... Again, so much of this is on Steele. It time for him and the other coaches to prove they know how to get this team to play smarter and each understand (and stick to) what they do best.

No other way to put it- X was out played and out coached on their own court by a team it should have beaten. It is not Xavier basketball- It is simply embarrassing.

[Muskie]

Two games into the conference season Xavier's biggest issue is: Depth. For all the posts I see saying sit this person or this person is playing too many minutes, my response is: Sit them and play who else exactly? This team's major impediment this season: replacing 60% of prior team's scoring cannot be solved. The up and down recruiting of the last administration has left the team with virtually no serviceable depth to spell the starters for any significant period of time.

[Xville]

This is not on the fans. We are not getting paid to right the ship. It’s the job of Steele and his staff. Unfortunately, they are not getting it done thus far in terms of getting through to this team (particularly Naji and Q and Jones).

While there have been sparks of better chemistry more recently, the continuation of bonehead decisions (with certain players taking bad shots and making bad passes and not hustling for the ball seems to indicate that the coaches are failing them.

This team proved last night it has enough talent to compete with pretty much all of the now weaker collection of BE teams, but players still do not get the difference between a good decision and a bad one... between going after the ball with tenacity and standing around and expecting the ball will fall in their lap... Again, so much of this is on Steele. It time for him and the other coaches to prove they know how to get this team to play smarter and each understand (and stick to) what they do best.

No other way to put it- X was out played and out coached on their own court by a team it should have beaten. It is not Xavier basketball- It is simply embarrassing.

I go back and forth if it is a players' problem, coaches' problem or a combination of both. I think at some point, the players are ultimately responsible for stupid basketball decisions. The coach can't physically make them stop making lazy passes, playing hero ball etc. The coach can send a message by benching the player after said multiple mistakes, but at some point, its ultimately the player that needs to change.

I'm extremely disappointed in the play of Naji and Q. I thought Naji was going to develop into The Man this year, but hes been quite awful in most games, and Q is just not a very smart basketball player. His basketball IQ is shockingly low without JP and Tre around him. We need an influx of talent so badly....last year's complete strike out on the recruiting trail sucks so bad.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I think what we are seeing from Q and Naji is what we saw from Macura and Tre last year when we need one to step up. The difference is that neither can do it on their own right now.

Most of us know by now but some are still fooling themselves, our march is the big east tournament. We aren’t NIT or NCAA tournament team. No way, we are CBI if they want it.


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[throwbackmuskie]

. No way, we are CBI if they want it.


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I hope we don't pay $50K to play against a bunch of nobodies.

[klark]

Two games into the conference season Xavier's biggest issue is: Depth. For all the posts I see saying sit this person or this person is playing too many minutes, my response is: Sit them and play who else exactly? This team's major impediment this season: replacing 60% of prior team's scoring cannot be solved. The up and down recruiting of the last administration has left the team with virtually no serviceable depth to spell the starters for any significant period of time.

I could not watch but listened to Joe and Byron, and Byron made the comment when X was down 4 that Naji,Q, and Scruggs played almost the entire game to that point and feared they ran out of gas. I think depth is absolutely the issue, and will continue to be for the rest of the year.

[GoMuskies]

Kennedy and Harden are bad, but I don't see why we can't get 10 minutes combined from the two of them to allow for Naji and Q to grab a bit of bench time.

[Muskie]

Kennedy and Harden are bad, but I don't see why we can't get 10 minutes combined from the two of them to allow for Naji and Q to grab a bit of bench time.

Keonte Kennedy subbed on at the 4:36 mark yesterday. I can't remember how long he was on the floor. But he definitely subbed on.

[Xville]

I could not watch but listened to Joe and Byron, and Byron made the comment when X was down 4 that Naji,Q, and Scruggs played almost the entire game to that point and feared they ran out of gas. I think depth is absolutely the issue, and will continue to be for the rest of the year.

I do think it is an issue that Q played 40 minutes last night. I don't see the point in him playing that much. He's not an all world player, and there are ways to spell him without even adding Kennedy or Harden to the mix. There are ways for 6-7 guys to play and still have everyone get 5 minutes of rest within the game. This is one thing Steele and the rest of the staff could manage better in my opinion.

[GoMuskies]

Keonte Kennedy subbed on at the 4:36 mark yesterday. I can't remember how long he was on the floor. But he definitely subbed on.

Kennedy played 6 minutes. Naji, Scruggs and Marshall sat for 5 total. 4 minutes for Harden, and Q and Scruggs could have taken two minutes off each.

[Muskie]

I do think it is an issue that Q played 40 minutes last night. I don't see the point in him playing that much. He's not an all world player, and there are ways to spell him without even adding Kennedy or Harden to the mix. There are ways for 6-7 guys to play and still have everyone get 5 minutes of rest within the game. This is one thing Steele and the rest of the staff could manage better in my opinion.

They could start Q and Scruggs. Sub Q off for Castlin, then bring Q back on for Scruggs after a breather. I don't love Scruggs running the point (he's much better moving without the ball), but I don't know that Kyle could run the point.

[bleedXblue]

It isn't that hard to get these guys a breather. Scruggs can spell Q at the PG spot. Harden and Kennedy don't have to be on the court at the same time. James ought to be able to give Naji a blow for 1-2 minutes each half. I know its not ideal........but we aren't talking about huge chunks of time. That gives us 9 players. With 6 getting the bulk of the minutes.

Also, WTF happened to Jones last night in the second half? He is by far our best rebounder and it was clear that Hankins needed a blow a couple of times.

I'm as disappointed in his maturity as the next person..........but we could have really used him last night IMHO. Poor time to send a message if that is what Steele was trying to do. Hankins is not nearly as a good rebounder/defender as Jones.

[Muskie]

It isn't that hard to get these guys a breather. Scruggs can spell Q at the PG spot. Harden and Kennedy don't have to be on the court at the same time. James ought to be able to give Naji a blow for 1-2 minutes each half. I know its not ideal........but we aren't talking about huge chunks of time. That gives us 9 players. With 6 getting the bulk of the minutes.

Also, WTF happened to Jones last night in the second half? He is by far our best rebounder and it was clear that Hankins needed a blow a couple of times.

I'm as disappointed in his maturity as the next person..........but we could have really used him last night IMHO. Poor time to send a message if that is what Steele was trying to do. Hankins is not nearly as a good rebounder/defender as Jones.

I assumed at first Steele was staying with Hankins because he had the hot hand. Other than Coach's decision I don't know why he wasn't playing in the second half. He wasn't injured based on his dancing and jumping up and down on the bench. Maybe Steele thought Hankins matched up better?

[paulxu]

Curious about Jones. What a decision about the matchups with Seton Hall?

In the DePaul game he had 23 minutes, was 5-6, 4 boards, and 13 pts.

Only played 9 minutes last night, and took one shot.

Can't argue with Hankins as he had a good game though.
Am also sort of curious about Welage. In just a couple instances did it seem like they actually ran a play to get him open.
Did notice a number of times on some of the strange one-on-three drives to the bucket we stupidly do, that they dragged his man into the fray, but wouldn't pass back out to him in the open. Frustrating.

[bleedXblue]

I assumed at first Steele was staying with Hankins because he had the hot hand. Other than Coach's decision I don't know why he wasn't playing in the second half. He wasn't injured based on his dancing and jumping up and down on the bench. Maybe Steele thought Hankins matched up better?

He was dog tired and cant rebound in space very well.

Made no sense to me.

[whopper]

Curious about Jones. What a decision about the matchups with Seton Hall?

In the DePaul game he had 23 minutes, was 5-6, 4 boards, and 13 pts.

Only played 9 minutes last night, and took one shot.

Can't argue with Hankins as he had a good game though.
Am also sort of curious about Welage. In just a couple instances did it seem like they actually ran a play to get him open.
Did notice a number of times on some of the strange one-on-three drives to the bucket we stupidly do, that they dragged his man into the fray, but wouldn't pass back out to him in the open. Frustrating.

I noticed that too..and I also noticed that Welage can rebound a bit and did not seem exploited on defense even though Powell's basket that put them up for good was from baseline one on one with Welage. Overtired players don't force turnovers or make deflections..that is where a fresh player for a few minutes can make a difference even if an inferior player

[ArizonaXUGrad]

100%, the first person on this team that needs a reality check is the coach. He needs to accept that this team's finale will be in New York and not in the NIT. Once he does guys like Kennedy and Harden will get more minutes and give Q, Naji, Scruggs all rests. This team is going to lose so you might as well give yourself a chance by resting the guys.

That is a tad unfair to Scruggs. He was the only one of those three that looked good playing 37 minutes. Q and Naji should play, but Steele needs to bench these two when they start playing sloppy and toss in Harden/Kennedy.

I wonder if Steele is getting a little pressure to turn the team around.

Edit: Good lord, I just looked and I don't see us winning a single Kenpom top 100 game yet. It's the mid-season point and we are 0-5 top 100 and have a loss to a top 150. I guess no good wins and one bad loss.

[bleedXblue]

100%, the first person on this team that needs a reality check is the coach. He needs to accept that this team's finale will be in New York and not in the NIT. Once he does guys like Kennedy and Harden will get more minutes and give Q, Naji, Scruggs all rests. This team is going to lose so you might as well give yourself a chance by resting the guys.

That is a tad unfair to Scruggs. He was the only one of those three that looked good playing 37 minutes. Q and Naji should play, but Steele needs to bench these two when they start playing sloppy and toss in Harden/Kennedy.

I wonder if Steele is getting a little pressure to turn the team around.

Edit: Good lord, I just looked and I don't see us winning a single Kenpom top 100 game yet. It's the mid-season point and we are 0-5 top 100 and have a loss to a top 150. I guess no good wins and one bad loss.

Q played 40 minutes at DePaul and played great. IMHO they cant do it every game. Steele feels pressure to win like every other big time college coach.

[xukeith]

Naji should not shoot another 3 the rest of the year unless he has 5 seconds to stare at the rim and square up. He is shooting 22% from 3. He should stop.

[sirthought]

You're kidding right. How can you lose a game from the bench? Tyrique hardly played in the second half

There were I think four or five possessions in a row he was involved with where he either couldn't handle the pass or had the ball stripped from his hands. That was at a critical part of the game in their comeback and Steele took him out. So, yeah I think his inability to handle the ball and score was a big impact. He's clearly not the only cause of the loss, but this is a guy we're depending on to perform well.

[IM4X]

I could not watch but listened to Joe and Byron, and Byron made the comment when X was down 4 that Naji,Q, and Scruggs played almost the entire game to that point and feared they ran out of gas. I think depth is absolutely the issue, and will continue to be for the rest of the year.

Ran out of gas? That is the excuse? Sorry, Naji was 2 for 10 (0-3 from 3) and Q wasn’t much better. This is not just running out of gas. This is guys either not knowing how to or at least not listen to how to play to their strengths (and also used the backboard a few times). Too many bad decisions by players often starting with players being out of position.

Yes, X could use a few more solid players on the roster, but the ones who are supposed to be stepping up and playing well are not (except for Scruggs). Why is that? Are Q and Naji and Jones that overrated or could it be that they just continue to make poor decisions again and again this year under this coaching staff? They keep aking low percentage shots. They keep telegraphing bad passes to teammates who are not all that open. They make predictable moves to the basket that are easy to anticipate and defend against

The movement on offense is clumsy and players look out of rhythm and position often. Too few box out on defense- How many second and third chance did SH get last night? No this is a team that is not committed to playing smart or simply hasn’t been taught what it means. Either way- Steele and his staff have earned their share of the blame.

[IM4X]

I go back and forth if it is a players' problem, coaches' problem or a combination of both. I think at some point, the players are ultimately responsible for stupid basketball decisions. The coach can't physically make them stop making lazy passes, playing hero ball etc. The coach can send a message by benching the player after said multiple mistakes, but at some point, its ultimately the player that needs to change.

I'm extremely disappointed in the play of Naji and Q. I thought Naji was going to develop into The Man this year, but hes been quite awful in most games, and Q is just not a very smart basketball player. His basketball IQ is shockingly low without JP and Tre around him. We need an influx of talent so badly....last year's complete strike out on the recruiting trail sucks so bad.

Multiple players are not playing up to their potential mostly becasue they are making poor choices . That is both on the coach’s and the players.

To your point about Tre and JP... either of those guys proved they could take over a game. I thought the same might be true about Naji and Q, but they seem to refuse to stick to what they do best. Until they do, we are likely to see the same poor performance from them and the team.

[klark]

Ran out of gas? That is the excuse? Sorry, Naji was 2 for 10 (0-3 from 3) and Q wasn’t much better. This is not just running out of gas. This is guys either not knowing how to or at least not listen to how to play to their strengths. Bad, bad decisions by players often starting with players being out of position.

Yes, X could use a few more solid players on the roster, but the ones who are supposed to be stepping up and playing well are not (except for Scruggs). Why is that? Are Q and Naji and Jones that overrated or could it be that they just continue to make poor decisions again and again this year under this coaching staff? They keep aking low percentage shots. They keep telegraphing bad passes to teammates who are not all that open. They make predictable moves to the basket that are easy to anticipate and defend against

The movement on offense is clumsy and players look out of rhythm and position often. Too few box out on defense- How many second and third chance did SH get last night? No this is a team that is not committed to playing smart or simply hasn’t been taught what it means. Either way- Steele and his staff have earned their share of the blame.

I agree with most everything said, but I think there is a disturbing drop off in Naji's stats this year as he has played more minutes and been the focus of opposing teams defense:

SEASON TEAM MIN FGM-FGA FG% 3PM-3PA 3P% FTM-FTA FT% REB AST BLK STL PF TO PTS
2018-19 XAV 34.1 4.4-10.6 .412 0.9-4.1 .224 2.9-4.1 .707 8.0 3.4 0.3 1.1 2.5 3.5 12.6
2017-18 XAV 21.8 2.7-5.2 .530 0.4-1.2 .349 1.8-2.4 .753 4.4 1.6 0.3 0.7 1.7 1.6 7.7

If you look at individual games you will see any game he plays more than 34 minutes, outside of the Wisconsin game, his stats are terrible. Q, Scruggs, and Naji are now the focal point of this teams offense and do not look like they have embraced it.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

5 straight trips late in the 2nd half Xavier had no-pass possessions, two by Q, two by Naji, and one by Paul. That is horrific basketball. What is worse, you can see Travis calling something (elbow at least once, a salute motion twice, and some other play call) and yet they end up going 1 on all and forcing a terrible shot. There are so many flaws to this team, but that stretch as Seton Hall was closing the gap and then taking the lead really encapsulated the season for me. Ignore the play call and be a hero, or at least that is what it ultimately looks like.

Does the lack of quality depth hurt them? Sure. Obviously it is better to have more good players than less. But this team has bigger issues than just that.

Many of us have said from the beginning that Travis was going to have a huge adjustment from amiable assistant who was their buddy to head guy, but reigning this team back in is really going to test that.

Honestly, sitting and watching that last night, it was difficult to believe as it was happening. The in-game host played up the fact that we needed to be loud the last 4 minutes as Xavier only had a 1 point lead, and yet, as the next 4 minutes ticked by, it was almost surreal how quickly and completely we fell apart on both ends.

[bleedXblue]

I agree with most everything said, but I think there is a disturbing drop off in Naji's stats this year as he has played more minutes and been the focus of opposing teams defense:

SEASON TEAM MIN FGM-FGA FG% 3PM-3PA 3P% FTM-FTA FT% REB AST BLK STL PF TO PTS
2018-19 XAV 34.1 4.4-10.6 .412 0.9-4.1 .224 2.9-4.1 .707 8.0 3.4 0.3 1.1 2.5 3.5 12.6
2017-18 XAV 21.8 2.7-5.2 .530 0.4-1.2 .349 1.8-2.4 .753 4.4 1.6 0.3 0.7 1.7 1.6 7.7

If you look at individual games you will see any game he plays more than 34 minutes, outside of the Wisconsin game, his stats are terrible. Q, Scruggs, and Naji are now the focal point of this teams offense and do not look like they have embraced it.

Yeah you cant directly compare this to last year. He wasn't the focus last year and the other teams best defenders were busy guarding JP, Tre and others.others.........

[bleedXblue]

Guys this isn't that hard. We have a very slim margin of error this year. We cant give possessions away with poor shots and TO's. Clean that up and we will be much better off. You can blame it on minutes played.........but I'm not buying most of that. Sure they need a breather every half for 1-2 minutes, but its more than that.

Two weeks ago we had to clean up our defense and for the most part have improved there. Giving SH fast break lay up dunks b/c we turned it over or took horrible shots is not going to win anything in this league.

[JTG]

Why didn't we stick Q on Powell for the entire game, like we had him on Struss on Saturday. Instead there were posessions where Welage was guarding Powell. That was a recipe for disaster.

[bleedXblue]

Why didn't we stick Q on Powell for the entire game, like we had him on Struss on Saturday. Instead there were posessions where Welage was guarding Powell. That was a recipe for disaster.

Q and Naji had him most of the game. We lost b/c we took bad shots and turned it over way to much.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Q and Naji had him most of the game. We lost b/c we took bad shots and turned it over way to much.

Defensive switches are part of the game. X won 35 minutes of that game, but 5 minutes of lazy hero ball and no defense cost them the win. This is where the staff teaches the team what it takes to pull these games out.

[xudash]

Defensive switches are part of the game. X won 35 minutes of that game, but 5 minutes of lazy hero ball and no defense cost them the win. This is where the staff teaches the team what it takes to pull these games out.

Totally agree. Most here are focused on the same basic thing: FOCUS / INTENSITY / INTELLIGENT PLAY OVER ALL 40 MINUTES.

We all saw the same thing unfold last night. A strong performance through the first half, combined with a major push in positive momentum to position for a win in the second half after 2 made back-to-back 3's, only to witness some of the dumbest basketball possible thereafter.

I have to imagine Steele has them in the film room with a lot of "what were you "thinking" when you did this" going on.

What is that saying: slow down a little and let the game come to you. We're not there yet. BUT, if we ever get there, assuming that disposition holds for 40 minutes across the active roster, these guys could actually accomplish something.

[bleedXblue]

Defensive switches are part of the game. X won 35 minutes of that game, but 5 minutes of lazy hero ball and no defense cost them the win. This is where the staff teaches the team what it takes to pull these games out.

Yeah splitting hairs I think........but how many run out dunks did they have after bad shots and TO's ? That doesn't get chalked up to bad D......

[JTG]

I've always been a fan of the Belichek system: take away the other teams best weapon, and if the rest of them beat you, so be it. Plus, if Q spends all his energy on d, he'll be too tired to take those shitty shots he's so fond of.

[AviatorX]

I've always been a fan of the Belichek system: take away the other teams best weapon, and if the rest of them beat you, so be it. Plus, if Q spends all his energy on d, he'll be too tired to take those shitty shots he's so fond of.

Aside from the fact that football is a completely different sport that isn’t comparable at all to basketball, I think you’re forgetting how this interacts with literally every other team’s “our best weapon is really good and we’re going to get him going no matter what” approach.

Or do you not remember watching Trevon Bluiett the past four seasons? Good offense beats good defense.

[noteggs]

Two games into the conference season Xavier's biggest issue is: Depth. For all the posts I see saying sit this person or this person is playing too many minutes, my response is: Sit them and play who else exactly? This team's major impediment this season: replacing 60% of prior team's scoring cannot be solved. The up and down recruiting of the last administration has left the team with virtually no serviceable depth to spell the starters for any significant period of time.

Agree. You could divide depth in half - depth on the bench and depth of three point shooting.

[whopper]

true and you have to define "something"..It is not the Number 1 seed of last year or the 2 seed of 3 years ago. The elite 8 run team needed Tre's basket against Butler at MSG to keep us from the NIT. Maybe this year the goal is to straighten things out so they can get an NIT bid after winning Wednesday and (maybe)Thursday at MSG. I am sure we would take that now in a heartbeat. You can't give up, and public finger pointing does not work in college as you can't trade someone. I will watch and see what happens and hope Q and Naji (last week big east player of week) play smarter and Tyrique finds a way to complement Hankins the same way Hankins found his way. I hope Welage is used better(he did not look THAT bad on defense/rebounding last night), Castlin can spell as necessary and Kennedy/Harden find their 5 min of hustle relief, tips and a 3 pt threat. Rose colored glasses I know but I don't think everyone has forgotten how to play

[IM4X]

I agree with most everything said, but I think there is a disturbing drop off in Naji's stats this year as he has played more minutes and been the focus of opposing teams defense:

SEASON TEAM MIN FGM-FGA FG% 3PM-3PA 3P% FTM-FTA FT% REB AST BLK STL PF TO PTS
2018-19 XAV 34.1 4.4-10.6 .412 0.9-4.1 .224 2.9-4.1 .707 8.0 3.4 0.3 1.1 2.5 3.5 12.6
2017-18 XAV 21.8 2.7-5.2 .530 0.4-1.2 .349 1.8-2.4 .753 4.4 1.6 0.3 0.7 1.7 1.6 7.7

If you look at individual games you will see any game he plays more than 34 minutes, outside of the Wisconsin game, his stats are terrible. Q, Scruggs, and Naji are now the focal point of this teams offense and do not look like they have embraced it.

Naji’s stats are indeed terrible. He is ceiling was so much higher than last year and as you pointed out, he is playing much worse this year.

Scruggs seems to be embracing his role as one of the focal points alright. That is the strange thing. It’s Almost like he really focused on the areas that would make him a more versatile and valuable player (like his 3 point shooting) whereas Naji and Q unfortunately were content with there game (not concerned with improving other parts of their game. Steele said Naji really worked on his 3 point shooting over the summer. I didn’t hear that about Naji or Q.

[IM4X]

Most here are focused on the same basic thing: FOCUS / INTENSITY / INTELLIGENT PLAY OVER ALL 40 MINUTES.

We all saw the same thing unfold last night. A strong performance through the first half, combined with a major push in positive momentum to position for a win in the second half after 2 made back-to-back 3's, only to witness some of the dumbest basketball possible thereafter.

I have to imagine Steele has them in the film room with a lot of "what were you "thinking" when you did this" going on.

What is that saying: slow down a little and let the game come to you. We're not there yet. BUT, if we ever get there, assuming that disposition holds for 40 minutes across the active roster, these guys could actually accomplish something.

Yes... this is it in a nutshell... AND YET... how is it not sinking in.

Actually, I differ on one thought... for me... I have to imagine Steele DOES NOT have them in a film room asking “What were you thinking” because these bonehead, brainless stretches happen again and again and again and again. I have to imagine Steele was not telling his players yesterday during the TO (when they are up by 10)... “Okay guys... make sure we play smart... work it around for something easy... No 3 point shots unless Scruggs or Wealage are wide open and make sure you are crashing the boards.”

I completely agree with your final point about this team actually accomplishing someplaying if they play smart ans let the game come to them for 40 minutes. It is not like X can not hang with BE opponents. No it is clear X proved they can play with any BE opponent and beat them if they in fact get their act together and do not remain their own worst enemy by doing so many dumb things that cause them games. It is on Steele, in my opinion, to make that happen. I wish he would quit with all of this overpraising of his players- like he is afraid to hurt their feelings.

I wish Steele would grow some balls and say, “We blew it as coaches and players. We are all much better than our performance right now and we all need to wake the hell up and play Xavier basketball with pride and tenacity and just win.”

[bleedXblue]

Naji’s stats are indeed terrible. He is ceiling was so much higher than last year and as you pointed out, he is playing much worse this year.

Scruggs seems to be embracing his role as one of the focal points alright. That is the strange thing. It’s Almost like he really focused on the areas that would make him a more versatile and valuable player (like his 3 point shooting) whereas Naji and Q unfortunately were content with there game (not concerned with improving other parts of their game. Steele said Naji really worked on his 3 point shooting over the summer. I didn’t hear that about Naji or Q.

Naji is the reigning Big East player of the week. He played like a man possessed against DePaul. Pissed b/c he missed a game b/c of his (cough/cough) "injury".

Overall, I think Naji has played "ok". Still getting used to being one the focal points of the offense instead of the sidekick he was last year.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Aside from the fact that football is a completely different sport that isn’t comparable at all to basketball, I think you’re forgetting how this interacts with literally every other team’s “our best weapon is really good and we’re going to get him going no matter what” approach.

Or do you not remember watching Trevon Bluiett the past four seasons? Good offense beats good defense.


I don't believe that is true. Most college teams don't play really good defense. And, most teams don't focus on defense because most college teams are made up of 3-4-5 star players got those ratings because of their offensive production. If you are that guy that switches off, covering for a teammate who switched off to cover for a teammate who's helped another teammate by cutting off the baseline, and you force a fourth pass and bad shot at end of clock, there's no glory in that. It is great basketball but you aren't celebrated in the same manner as when you get a thunderous dunk as a result of an easy pass or if you drain a wide open three. Consequently, you don't see really tough as nails defense. And, I would add, tough help defense for the full shot clock takes tremendous effort that makes you less effective on the offensive end. And, with no bench, playing really hard defense takes everything you've got. Our players, for the most part, didn't get to X because they were great defensive players. And, it is tough (although not impossible) to teach them at this point in their careers.

I know Mick Cronin is probably the least popular name on this board. But, U.C. seldom has really strong shooters or scorers and they get twenty wins every year. I heard one of the U.C. Asst. coaches talk about their most important metric and I thought it was very interesting. He said they tell the team to get forty DEFLECTIONS per game and if they do, U.C. will regardless of anything else. Deflections in this context are not turnovers. A deflection is touching the ball when the other team is on offense regardless of whether or not you cause a turnover.

All that said, I think it is way too late to try and turn X into a defensive juggernaut. But, my point is there are different ways to win and you don't have to have a Blueitt and Macura on the team to do it. But that ship has sailed for this year.

I reiterate my thought that this team will likely win less than six games in the B.E. If they win 7-8, I'm ecstatic and Steele gets my vote for Coach of the Year. The leadership isn't there; the coaching isn't there. I'd like Steele to play Kennedy, James and Hardin more. This is not a rebuilding year----it is a bridge year to the rebuilding that must occur next year. If we get through this year, Steele will be a better coach (like his mentor, he doesn't seem to be able to adjust well in mid game) and the players will be better for the experience---if they get that experience via playing time. To me, it is senseless to have Castlin on the floor when we have three younger players who need experience. and, we need to find out if they can play. I can't give up on any of them until I see much more.

But, I also think this is a bit of a dangerous year. Every program has down years but one down year can easily lead to two down years and two down years leads even more easily to three down years. It doesn't have to go on too long before we become a DePaul and then it is so hard to turn things around. I'm not predicting that (certainly don't desire it either) but just pointing out how thin is the ice on which we walk.

[IM4X]

Naji is the reigning Big East player of the week. He played like a man possessed against DePaul. Pissed b/c he missed a game b/c of his (cough/cough) "injury".

Overall, I think Naji has played "ok". Still getting used to being one the focal points of the offense instead of the sidekick he was last year.


Yes. he did have a really nice game against DePaul and certainly deserves credit. If we look deeper at that game, I think it’s fair to say he played more of the kind of basketball his teammates need from him.

He crashed the boards (had twice as many rebounds as he did in the SH game and he had 2 offensive rebounds versus 0 against SH) and he found a way to get to the foul line more often 8 attempts versus 4 against SH). He even made 2 of 4 3s... you almost have to wonder if his playing hard to get those rebounds and getting to the line gave him more confidence when he shot his threes.

[vee4xu]

Here's what I saw from Section 107, Row U, Seat 9. Xavier was up 10 with 11 minutes left in the second half. Up until then, Xavier had their way in the paint with layups, alley-oop dunks and short shots near the basket. Hankins was having a field day. Out of that timeout, SH changed defensive strategy and put a big man in the middle of the lane, removing the easy inside shots. Instead of noticing and adjusting, Steele let the team flounder for the next nearly 4 minutes, when they didn't score and had several turnovers, blocked shots and poor shots down low trying to still get the ball into the lane. It was then that SH methodically got themselves back into the game and took the lead with about 5 1/2 minutes to go, eventually winning going away. That's a 20 point swing in the score from the 11 minute point on, if you're scoring at home. Steele will eventually be okay, but he got a bit outcoached right there and to me, that's why X ultimately lost that game. SH knows that X has no three point shooting threat, so they forced X to their weakness and it worked.

[AviatorX]

I don't believe that is true. Most college teams don't play really good defense. And, most teams don't focus on defense because most college teams are made up of 3-4-5 star players got those ratings because of their offensive production. If you are that guy that switches off, covering for a teammate who switched off to cover for a teammate who's helped another teammate by cutting off the baseline, and you force a fourth pass and bad shot at end of clock, there's no glory in that. It is great basketball but you aren't celebrated in the same manner as when you get a thunderous dunk as a result of an easy pass or if you drain a wide open three. Consequently, you don't see really tough as nails defense. And, I would add, tough help defense for the full shot clock takes tremendous effort that makes you less effective on the offensive end. And, with no bench, playing really hard defense takes everything you've got. Our players, for the most part, didn't get to X because they were great defensive players. And, it is tough (although not impossible) to teach them at this point in their careers.

I know Mick Cronin is probably the least popular name on this board. But, U.C. seldom has really strong shooters or scorers and they get twenty wins every year. I heard one of the U.C. Asst. coaches talk about their most important metric and I thought it was very interesting. He said they tell the team to get forty DEFLECTIONS per game and if they do, U.C. will regardless of anything else. Deflections in this context are not turnovers. A deflection is touching the ball when the other team is on offense regardless of whether or not you cause a turnover.

All that said, I think it is way too late to try and turn X into a defensive juggernaut. But, my point is there are different ways to win and you don't have to have a Blueitt and Macura on the team to do it. But that ship has sailed for this year.

I reiterate my thought that this team will likely win less than six games in the B.E. If they win 7-8, I'm ecstatic and Steele gets my vote for Coach of the Year. The leadership isn't there; the coaching isn't there. I'd like Steele to play Kennedy, James and Hardin more. This is not a rebuilding year----it is a bridge year to the rebuilding that must occur next year. If we get through this year, Steele will be a better coach (like his mentor, he doesn't seem to be able to adjust well in mid game) and the players will be better for the experience---if they get that experience via playing time. To me, it is senseless to have Castlin on the floor when we have three younger players who need experience. and, we need to find out if they can play. I can't give up on any of them until I see much more.

But, I also think this is a bit of a dangerous year. Every program has down years but one down year can easily lead to two down years and two down years leads even more easily to three down years. It doesn't have to go on too long before we become a DePaul and then it is so hard to turn things around. I'm not predicting that (certainly don't desire it either) but just pointing out how thin is the ice on which we walk.

Not sure how anything in this rant disproves what I said, but OK

FYI, Tom Crean also obsessively talks about deflections. He’s not exactly running defensive juggernauts out there.

[paulxu]

We have a 3 pt shooting threat...Welage. He's shooting 44%.
We just can't figure out how to set him up.

[xu82]

We have a 3 pt shooting threat...Welage. He's shooting 44%.
We just can't figure out how to set him up.

We probably COULD find a way, if Q or Naji didn’t jack one up first.

It’s a game. I’m hopeful Travis can get through to these guys and make the most of this as we rebuild following the mess Mack left.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Not sure how anything in this rant disproves what I said, but OK

FYI, Tom Crean also obsessively talks about deflections. He’s not exactly running defensive juggernauts out there.


I would have preferred a reply to my post something like this...…………..

"Not sure how anything in this missive disproves what I said but O.K.".

Webster defines a rant as "a wild, unhinged tirade, an emotional outburst or diatribe". A missive is defined as "a long or thoughtful and organized written communication".

Nothing I communicated was meant to be emotional or unhinged. I merely disagreed with your statement that offense trumps defense. But, my intent was to disagree with you in a sincere, professional respectful manner and then substantiate my opinion in an unemotional way. So, I included information about Mick Cronin's defensive coaching strategy and in the process was able to acknowledge that even arrogant pricks with a Napoleonic complex can occasionally get something right.

Then, in my attempt to be thoughtful and organized I segued (efficiently I think) into a discussion of why this year's X team cannot hope to emulate coach Cronin's defensive emphasis. In the process of so doing, I validated (at least somewhat) your thesis. For this team to succeed this year, their offensive production must exceed their defense.

I ended by repeating (perhaps needlessly I agree) my conclusion that this year's team will not win more than six conference games. I actually think t will be closer to 3-4 games. On that prediction, I have standing with me, none other than the poster known as "D. West" woi I assume to be the real D. West, the great one.

Now, if I had said something like the following (which I admit I have come close to saying on this blog)……………………

"Q. has no f***ing business jacking threes. He is a s****y, f***ing shooter who can't hit the ocean from the beach". That, I think, would qualify as a rant.

Now, I will admit my post was rather long-winded (a quality further qualifying it as a missive). But, that was in deference to the many Xavier alum who read this board. A Jesuit education allows the recipient to read and comprehend multiple paragraphs containing more than one idea and so my length is really just a sign of respect for the readers of my post, many of whom obtained just such an education.

I pledge to never rant or become unhinged in my posts on this board with the possible and occasional exception when I comment on Q's three point shooting.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

make the most of this as we rebuild following the mess Mack left.

I don't mean to be confrontational, but I hate this narrative. Do you, for one minute, think our record would be the same if Chris was coaching this exact roster? Do you think Naji / Q / Paul would run off 5 straight no-pass possessions in crunch time while Chris was aimlessly calling offensive sets that were being ignored? The answers are No and No.

The comments on this board and twitter that have existed for nearly 8 months that allude to, insinuate, or suggest that we now have a better coach are laughably absurd. Maybe one day Travis will be a solid Big East caliber coach, but Sean and Chris are elite coaches, and Travis has a long way to go to even see them from where he is standing. The first year in the big chair is hard, everyone understands that, and going from being their buddy / ass't to the head guy is not an easy transition. It isn't popular, but this year was the first year in a LONG time where UC had the better coach on the bench than Xavier...and while that stings, it is the reality for the near future.

I have no doubt that Travis will learn, develop, grow, and improve in his role. No one should be upset or surprised that he has taken some lumps this year, and without question or debate, Willard dominated the last 12 minutes of that game from a coaching standpoint. However, we have to also believe that Travis will be better in the long run for having gone through this transition year in 2018-19.

I'm genuinely excited about 2019-20, hopefully everything holds together, everyone stays healthy, and I believe we will have a very solid coach leading this team by that point. This year is just going to be rocky, it is what it is.

[MHettel]

We have a 3 pt shooting threat...Welage. He's shooting 44%.
We just can't figure out how to set him up.

3 things needed
- A guy to get the ball to the shooter.....check
- A shooter.....check
- A guy that works to get the shooter open................

You can get a shooter open with a drive, resulting in a collapsing defense, a kickout, and possibly a perimeter pass. But when the opponent has a shotblocker in the post, then the defense doesnt need to collapse and the passing lanes dont open, and then the drive results in a finish attempt at the rim against a shot blocker. Exactly what we did vs. Seton Hall.

Or, you can set effective off ball screens to get the shooter open. I'm not seeing that very often. O'Mara and Gates were very effective at this. kanter as well. On this squad, all I see are ON-BALL screens by Tyrique, and he rolls to the basket too early most of the time. Sure it's cool when he dunks, but he's gotta stay in position a little longer so the ball handler can get around the pick, providing an option to have the ball handler try to finish.

Tyrique needs to stay close to the basket and Welage needs to stay far from the basket. If Tyrique steps out to the perimeter to screen for Welage, it's not gonna work too well becasue Tyrique's man will just stay at home since Jones is not a threat from outside.

Personnel on this team just isn't right.

[Xville]

I don't mean to be confrontational, but I hate this narrative. Do you, for one minute, think our record would be the same if Chris was coaching this exact roster? Do you think Naji / Q / Paul would run off 5 straight no-pass possessions in crunch time while Chris was aimlessly calling offensive sets that were being ignored? The answers are No and No.

The comments on this board and twitter that have existed for nearly 8 months that allude to, insinuate, or suggest that we now have a better coach are laughably absurd. Maybe one day Travis will be a solid Big East caliber coach, but Sean and Chris are elite coaches, and Travis has a long way to go to even see them from where he is standing. The first year in the big chair is hard, everyone understands that, and going from being their buddy / ass't to the head guy is not an easy transition. It isn't popular, but this year was the first year in a LONG time where UC had the better coach on the bench than Xavier...and while that stings, it is the reality for the near future.

I have no doubt that Travis will learn, develop, grow, and improve in his role. No one should be upset or surprised that he has taken some lumps this year, and without question or debate, Willard dominated the last 12 minutes of that game from a coaching standpoint. However, we have to also believe that Travis will be better in the long run for having gone through this transition year in 2018-19.

I'm genuinely excited about 2019-20, hopefully everything holds together, everyone stays healthy, and I believe we will have a very solid coach leading this team by that point. This year is just going to be rocky, it is what it is.

You think mack is an elite coach? No way no how. In my opinion, the record would be quite similar, if not the same if mack were coach. Do you not remember last year where the team looked completely lost against average competition yet were bailed out by JP or tre basically playing hero ball because they were just so damn good? I do because I was in the building for a few of them.

Elite coaches go to final fours and dont routinely get destroyed time and time again against the main competition in their conference. Mack elite? Geezus. I'm sorry I know that statement was a very small piece of what you said, but people calling mack an elite coach obviously strikes a nerve with me.

It's not fair to judge Steele based off the talent that was left to him...you realize we have at the least 5 guys that wouldn't be on a big east roster had Mack not struck out so much on the recruiting trail? Of course a bit of that is on Steele, but the buck stopped with Mack.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

You think mack is an elite coach? No way no how. In my opinion, the record would be quite similar, if not the same if mack were coach. Do you not remember last year where the team looked completely lost against average competition yet were bailed out by JP or tre basically playing hero ball because they were just so damn good? I do because I was in the building for a few of them.

Elite coaches go to final fours and dont routinely get destroyed time and time again against the main competition in their conference. Mack elite? Geezus. I'm sorry I know that statement was a very small piece of what you said, but people calling mack an elite coach obviously strikes a nerve with me.

It's not fair to judge Steele based off the talent that was left to him...you realize we have at the least 5 guys that wouldn't be on a big east roster had Mack not struck out so much on the recruiting trail? Of course a bit of that is on Steele, but the buck stopped with Mack.

https://thebiglead.com/2018/04/10/top-college-basketball-coaches-rankings/

https://www.ranker.com/list/best-current-college-basketball-coaches/ranker-ncaa-basketball

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaabk/ranking-the-top-15-college-basketball-coaches-right-now/ar-AAvIyNt

Yes, I think Chris is an outstanding coach, if you don't, all good.

I'm in the building for all of them, and I'll take Chris all day, everyday. Was he perfect? No.

[GoMuskies]

If we had Mack on the sidelines coaching the same roster, we maybe have two more wins (San Diego State and perhaps SH...but Willard outcoached Mack in Cintas more than once, too). The Xs and Os may not be perfect, but this team's issue is the Jimmys and Joes.

[xu82]

If we had Mack on the sidelines coaching the same roster, we maybe have two more wins (San Diego State and perhaps SH...but Willard outcoached Mack in Cintas more than once, too). The Xs and Os may not be perfect, but this team's issue is the Jimmys and Joes.

Both Jimmy AND Joe struggle from behind the arc. The only real shooter we have is Welage, and he looks like he’s doing it wrong!

As has been pointed out to me, Mack is the reason we have to be so reliant on three grad transfers. That came to be under his watch.

Yes, we might have a slightly better record if Mack was still on the bench....but he’s gone.

[scoscox]

Both Jimmy AND Joe struggle from behind the arc. The only real shooter we have is Welage, and he looks like he’s doing it wrong!

As has been pointed out to me, Mack is the reason we have to be so reliant on three grad transfers. That came to be under his watch.

Yes, we might have a slightly better record if Mack was still on the bench....but he’s gone.

Yea, roster construction under mack was lacking on his way out even past this year's freshman class. There were serious problems what with ridder and jones not joining the team, the problems with walter, kaiser being the only player in his class, and losing ekiyor. Man it would be nice to have eddie ekiyor although that's on him not us, still stinks

[JTG]

My current fear us that Steele can't control these guys. I believe he's smart enough, but Q and Naji refuse to listen.

[xu82]

My current fear us that Steele can't control these guys. I believe he's smart enough, but Q and Naji refuse to listen.

I can’t help but wonder if there’s not something to that.

[noteggs]

I don't mean to be confrontational, but I hate this narrative. Do you, for one minute, think our record would be the same if Chris was coaching this exact roster? Do you think Naji / Q / Paul would run off 5 straight no-pass possessions in crunch time while Chris was aimlessly calling offensive sets that were being ignored? The answers are No and No.

The comments on this board and twitter that have existed for nearly 8 months that allude to, insinuate, or suggest that we now have a better coach are laughably absurd. Maybe one day Travis will be a solid Big East caliber coach, but Sean and Chris are elite coaches, and Travis has a long way to go to even see them from where he is standing. The first year in the big chair is hard, everyone understands that, and going from being their buddy / ass't to the head guy is not an easy transition. It isn't popular, but this year was the first year in a LONG time where UC had the better coach on the bench than Xavier...and while that stings, it is the reality for the near future.

I have no doubt that Travis will learn, develop, grow, and improve in his role. No one should be upset or surprised that he has taken some lumps this year, and without question or debate, Willard dominated the last 12 minutes of that game from a coaching standpoint. However, we have to also believe that Travis will be better in the long run for having gone through this transition year in 2018-19.

I'm genuinely excited about 2019-20, hopefully everything holds together, everyone stays healthy, and I believe we will have a very solid coach leading this team by that point. This year is just going to be rocky, it is what it is.

I get your point on coaching abilities. However, I think what ‘XU82’ original point was referring to the lack of depth Mack left us vs coaching ability. In particular leaving us with only one good 3 point shooter (Scruggs didn’t prove this until he worked his ass off last summer) on this year’s team.

IMO, Mack was a great coach for this program during his tenure. With that said and at this point, I really don’t care to think about what he could’ve done with this team.

[D-West & PO-Z]

My current fear us that Steele can't control these guys. I believe he's smart enough, but Q and Naji refuse to listen.


I can’t help but wonder if there’s not something to that.

Miller and Mack struggled with this early on too. Especially Mack. Again moving from buddy assistant to disciplinarian head coach coach is probably more than a one year adjustment.