Game Thread: Xavier vs. Georgetown (January 31, 2019)

[paulxu]

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/kBAAAOSwqfNXkU44/s-l300.jpg VS. https://i.pinimg.com/236x/8c/3a/87/8c3a87d83a06f86809928e956866dc35--georgetown-basketball-georgetown-hoyas.jpg

Xavier University Musketeers (11-10, 3-5 BE) vs. Georgetown Hoyas (13-7, 3-4 BE)
Thursday, January 31, 2019, 8 PM, EST
Capital One Arena (20,60) Washington, DC

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

Notes and Stats (https://goxavier.com/news/2019/1/29/mens-basketball-looks-to-bounce-back-on-thursday-in-washington.aspx?path=mbball)

Television: CBS Sports Network with play-by-play from Andrew Catalon and analysis from Steve Lappas.
Xavier Radio: 700 WLW-AM, including via iHeart Radio, TuneIn and via Sirius XM (381) and Internet (972) with play-by-play from XU Hall of Famer and former Musketeer standout Joe Sunderman ('79). Analysis will be provided by Xavier Hall of Famer and XU all-time leading scorer Byron Larkin ('88).

Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com. Fan stats at GoXavier.com.

[Xuperman]

I watch A LOT of BE games. In fact I rarely watch any other conference. Sunday’s GU/SJU game was about as good as it gets. The parade of talent was remarkable.....Just a plethora of jaw dropping plays and the effort on both sides was off the chart. Here’s the thing, GU IS LOADED. their 2,3,4 scorers are FRESHMAN. McClung is the white guy version of Markus Howard and Akinjo looks like the second coming of Maurice Watson along with Mr. Glass LeBlanc. They go a legitimate 10 deep that includes a lot of experience and versatility, with 2 first team All BE freshman from last year and a transfer sniper. The elephant in the room is Govan....WOW, he’s my BE POY if it wasn’t a beauty contest. A 6’11 freak that does it all. He leads the team in made 3’s AND 3P% and had the BEast lead in scoring until a last week!

Ewing must be commended for the incredible turn around. They are now hitting on all cylinders and I think they have the talent to hang with ANYONE.
We have our hands full folks!

[BMoreX]

I'll be there - section 113.

[GoMuskies]

Saw X +3 last night. We've been getting a lot of respect from oddsmakers...much to the dismay of anyone who has put much money on X this year.

[xukeith]

I watched the SJU-Creighton game last night. SJU starting 5 look outstanding but Creighton looked AWFUL. I bet CU finishes 10th. And Butler was crushed at home by Marquette. At least X held MU to only a 5 point win.

How s X's defense looking? Remember Steele saying this year would be the best X defensive team ever...I know X is a LOT better D than in December.

[X-band '01]

Saw X +3 last night. We've been getting a lot of respect from oddsmakers...much to the dismay of anyone who has put much money on X this year.

That might be more of a testament to Georgetown playing 4 tight games at home in Big East play:

3-pt loss to St. John's in OT
6-pt win against Providence in double OT
3-pt loss to Marquette
4-pt loss to Creighton

[GIMMFD]

Hmmm, do I want to put myself through misery by watching this??

[Jesuit4Life]

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Keep in mind we are also scheduled to be on CBS Sports Network for 2/13 vs Creighton and 2/20 at Seton Hall.

[noteggs]

Hmmm, do I want to put myself through misery by watching this??

Water is warm so far, come on in

[X-band '01]

Now that's more like it.

[paulxu]

Can you get an assist to the other guys?

Love our opening, but pass the damn ball. Also, please don't shoot the 3 Q.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Airball Q.

[kellernr]

Amazing how bad the offense looks when certain players enter the game.

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[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Airball Q.

In what world does Q miss that and 1? Misses the first free throw too.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Eli making plays. Keep it up.

[Xville]

Hankins why? Made a great play then just completely negate it.

[X-band '01]

That was not a good T for McSpanky. Have fun explaining that to Dante Jackson and Jonas Hayes on the bench.

[paulxu]

I'm just imagining what our record might be if we didn't play sloppy and stupid sometimes.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Idk, let him jaw a little bit. If he said something specifically egregious, yeah. Just for jawing, no.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

I’ve still never seen Tyrique pass out of a double.

[paulxu]

or...if we could just shoot 30% from 3.

[RoseyMuskie]

I should know better, but I continue to be amazed at how bad X shoots. For some reason I expect a high major team to be better, but it’s not.

[xudash]

Welage is, well, he's not clutch.

[Xville]

Welage is, well, he's not clutch.

I think hes forgotten how to shoot.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

What does keonte Kennedy do to get playing time?

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Lmao Q! I love that shot haha. Whatever works.

[Xville]

Well, up 8 at half...I'll take it. I

[RoseyMuskie]

A bit sloppy, but I’ll take it.

Hopefully Q can build some confidence off that make.

[noteggs]

A bit sloppy, but I’ll take it.

Hopefully Q can build some confidence off that make.

Thought same with Q. Plus he was fouled

[paulxu]

Well, it was a nice first half.

[xudash]

Yes. Indigestion.

[RoseyMuskie]

Let’s not go under screens on Akinjo. His strength is 3pt shooting. Make him beat you in the lane.

[KabeX]

For the record I picked the Hoyas 82-74. We're good.

[RoseyMuskie]

X really struggling on the 50/50 balls.

[Xville]

Wow naji are you freaking kidding me...grow a pair u weak ass excuse for a d 1 player

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

What a god awful 4 possession sequence right there.

[kellernr]

Naji just gave up 8 straight points with his lazy ass play.

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[xufan2020]

Uhhh naji

[Xville]

Turn out the lights...this team freaking refuses to defend the 3 point line...just lazy ass closeouts game after game.

[paulxu]

3 TO's = 8 pts.

Story of the season.

Come on Muskies!

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

I rag on Q enough. I’m just going to say that he planned that three off the waaay high glass.

[scoscox]

Turn out the lights...this team freaking refuses to defend the 3 point line...just lazy ass closeouts game after game.

it's so infuriating. is it scheme? effort?

[xufan2020]

Turn out the lights...this team freaking refuses to defend the 3 point line...just lazy ass closeouts game after game.
Seriously is this what happened under Prosser that infected Mack that infects Steele?

[scoscox]

for some reason we've gone back to letting quentin run the offense, hold it for 15 seconds and not let scruggs shoot. makes no sense at all

[scoscox]

we've also completely gone away from elias and the two big lineup aka everything we do well

[paulxu]

Good job Naji. Don't pass it to a wide open Scruggs.
Just get your circus shot blocked. Crap.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

For the love of God just start using glass on every three Q. I don’t care anymore.

[xu82]

Q has a new banked 3 approach. I’m OK with it so far.

I wish it was on purpose.

[scoscox]

we've been pissing this game away for 20 minutes with no sense of urgency

[Xville]

We should keep going under screens and leaving guys wide open for 3 its genius. This team is beyond infuriating...I have no clue why I watch. They refuse to learn from their mistakes.

[Xville]

11-11 here we come.

[scoscox]

the three point defense needs to be addressed. someone has to press travis on it. it's absolutely unacceptable

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

They haven’t missed in the second half, but we definitely have something to do with that.

[scoscox]

our offense is so much worse being run through goodin

[Xville]

So glad q took yet another 3...absolutely killing this team every game. I dont know why I watch this team...same crap every single game...turnovers, awful shot selection, terrible defense, awful decision making by q which Steele seems to love. The new xavier way.

Steele why dont you wake the fuck up and realize that running the offense thru goodin is freaking stupid.

[kellernr]

Scruggs has looked absolutely lost out there tonight.

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[MITTENMUSKIE16]

What a disappointing game. Perfect microcosm of season.

[GIMMFD]

More hero ball, more stupid turnovers, more mental mistakes the last two minutes of the game. Painful to watch.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

So glad q took yet another 3...absolutely killing this team every game. I dont know why I watch this team...same crap every single game...turnovers, awful shot selection, terrible defense. The new xavier way.

I usually agree, but there was absolutely nobody else doing anything on that possession.

[X Factor]

Another meltdown.

Georgetown starts THREE freshman, and they killed us in the second half. Gave up 51 points in the second half.

Hoyas were 8-12 from three in the second half.

[paulxu]

Courtesy of some banks, we actually shot the 3 ball well this game. 48%.

But just like all year, our TO's killed us. Just absolutely drives a stake through our heart. And our 3 pt defense sucks.

[scoscox]

we do the same thing every game and expect things to change. this game could not have been more winnable

[markchal]

I almost think it'd be better to be getting blown out. Why does GT have such good frosh and ours can't even see the floor on a barely .500 team?

[kellernr]

I almost think it'd be better to be getting blown out. Why does GT have such good frosh and ours can't even see the floor on a barely .500 team?Why does every team have guards that can hit FTs consistently but our guards always struggle from the line. Mack recruited a bunch of guys that can drive to the hoop but cant shoot. Hopefully the next class has actual shooters in it. If not they will struggle to finish above .500 again.

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[scoscox]

how many games are we gonna get up 10+ and then slowly piss the rest of the game away? it's the same script every game

[XUBob]

The most frustrating XU team I’ve ever watched. I want to be optimistic for the future, but, X will have to rely on freshman. Not trying to be Debbie Downer but I’m worried it might be a while before we are even average again. That said I’ll support the but it’s notgood for my blood pressure.

[GIMMFD]

I almost think it'd be better to be getting blown out. Why does GT have such good frosh and ours can't even see the floor on a barely .500 team?
Georgetown
James Akinjo - 4*, 90th in the Nation
Josh LeBlanc - 4*, 123rd in the Nation
Mac McClung - 3*, 235th in the Nation

31st nationally with the addition of another guy I didn't feel like adding

Xavier
Donatrius James - 3*, 222nd in the Nation
Keonte Kennedy - 3*, 241st in the Nation

61st Nationally.

They have good frosh because we completely struck out last recruiting cycle.

[Xville]

I dont see this team winning more than 3 of their remaining games and that may even be generous.

[scoscox]

it's an uncomfortable truth that we're better without quentin. he's so bad on both sides of the ball. watching him kill the team is painful. all of a sudden scruggs can't get a shot the last twenty minutes so we can watch q hold the ball for twenty seconds every possession and throw up a horrible shot or turn it over. it's like watching homer bailey give up 6+ runs every game

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Blow up the roster, blow of the schemes, blow it all up. Move forward with Paul, Naji, Tyrique, and Q (in that order). Maybe they won’t be very good next year, but if the 6 or 7 incoming guys are at least halfway decent, try and press and run all game. Do something different, because this isn’t working.

[xufan2020]

Q had 14 on 3-6 from 3, 4 boards and 4 assists to 1 turnover

Ppl ragging on him can stfu for this game.

[scoscox]

but travis deserves a lot of blame for this. the defense is beyond unacceptable

[Xville]

it's an uncomfortable truth that we're better without quentin. he's so bad on both sides of the ball. watching him kill the team is painful. all of a sudden scruggs can't get a shot the last twenty minutes so we can watch q hold the ball for twenty seconds every possession and throw up a horrible shot or turn it over. it's like watching homer bailey give up 6+ runs every game

Yep absolutely killing this team every game. Undefeated without him..maybe Steele should try somethjng different and keep.him on the bench all game against creighton.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Q had 14 on 3-6 from 3, 4 boards and 4 assists to 1 turnover

Ppl ragging on him can stfu for this game.

Yeah. I rag on Q a lot. And while the stat line may be a bit misleading, he definitely wasn’t the problem today. At least not the only one. He needs to continue to play harder and smarter, but I think today was better than it has been.

[scoscox]

Q had 14 on 3-6 from 3, 4 boards and 4 assists to 1 turnover

Ppl ragging on him can stfu for this game.

nah. two lucky banks on horrible shots don't get him a pass. he disrupts the flow of the team and his defense is beyond horrific. he's the laziest player on the team and i'm tired of watching him get burned every possession. akinjo ate his fucking lunch

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

I’ve been thinking... do we have the least talented roster in the big east? Honestly I don’t think it’s any stretch of the imagination to say we do.

[Juice]

Q had 14 on 3-6 from 3, 4 boards and 4 assists to 1 turnover

Ppl ragging on him can stfu for this game.

I think Q should continue to play because I think he will eventually work his way out of this but he did bank in two 3s. He had a much better game compared to other recent turds but he didn't exactly kill it today.

[AviatorX]

nah. two lucky banks on horrible shots don't get him a pass. he disrupts the flow of the team and his defense is beyond horrific. he's the laziest player on the team and i'm tired of watching him get burned every possession. akinjo ate his fucking lunch

Definitely the stat line of someone who tanked the offense tonight...cmon guys, if you’re gonna talk about how much Q sucks all the time you can’t rrally complain tonight.

[xufan2020]

nah. two lucky banks on horrible shots don't get him a pass. he disrupts the flow of the team and his defense is beyond horrific. he's the laziest player on the team and i'm tired of watching him get burned every possession. akinjo ate his fucking lunch
Bullshit
Naji was the one who was giving up the most on defense, especially that one bad stretch that gave Georgetown the lead.

[X Factor]

Definitely the stat line of someone who tanked the offense tonight...cmon guys, if you’re gonna talk about how much Q sucks all the time you can’t rrally complain tonight.

Seriously, he's lucky there was a backboard there on two of his threes or else they would've ended up in the 3rd row. Luckily, they went in.

He wasn't terrible tonight, but Georgetown's freshman PG lit us up.

[xu82]

I’m starting to think this will not be the year we break into the final Four.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

I’m starting to think this will not be the year we break into the final Four.

We now have the last 5% of the mountain to climb.

[scoscox]

questions for steele: what did elias do to get nailed to the bench after giving us good minutes? why did we go away from the two big lineup for the entire second half? why didn't scruggs get a shot in the last 15 minutes? why do we keep losing 10+ leads?

[Xville]

Is it next year yet? This year is beyond infuriating and depressing. At least next year, we can lose with freshmen but see the future...its hard to see it this year.

[scoscox]

Bullshit
Naji was the one who was giving up the most on defense, especially that one bad stretch that gave Georgetown the lead.

they both stunk on defense. quentin was worse

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

questions for steele: what did elias do to get nailed to the bench after giving us good minutes? why did we go away from the two big lineup for the entire second half? why didn't scruggs get a shot in the last 15 minutes? why do we keep losing 10+ leads?

Yeah no idea why Eli didn’t play the entire second half. Maybe now that we are finally .500 Steele will see the rest of this season only matters for next year. Start playing Eli and DJ way, way more. I have seen exactly zero from Keonte to give me any hope into his future with the program, and I expect if we get Harvey he can either transfer or remove the athlete from student-athlete.

[bjf123]

Watching this team is giving me flashbacks to the lost decade of the Bengals. Even when we’re winning a game, I’m wondering how we’ll give it away.


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[bleedXblue]

This team plays like it has not 100% bought in. Plain and simple. It rears its ugly head when games get tight and we implode with horrible defense and poor offensive execution. I want to "blame" someone or something, but I just cant put my finger on it.

[bleedXblue]

Watching this team is giving me flashbacks to the lost decade of the Bengals. Even when we’re winning a game, I’m wondering how we’ll give it away.


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exactly........there is no true fight in this team. Once we give up the lead, its basically over.

[bleedXblue]

I've been harping on this the last 3-4 games. How do you shoot 46% from the floor and 48% from 3 and out rebound a team by 11 and lose the fucking game?

Its because you are giving up too much on the other end of the court. You don't turn anyone over...we had 3 steals to GT's 10. 3 steals for the entire game. How is that possible? We forced 7 TO's and gave up 14 on our own.

Its really not that hard yet we keep doing the same things over and over.

[kellernr]

nah. two lucky banks on horrible shots don't get him a pass. he disrupts the flow of the team and his defense is beyond horrific. he's the laziest player on the team and i'm tired of watching him get burned every possession. akinjo ate his fucking lunchI'd vote that naji is up there for laziness. He basically walks out on close outs. In man defense naji is pretty damn good but in the zone him and q get lost.

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[GoMuskies]

I like the kids, but I hate this team. They're fucking terrible at basketball.

[kellernr]

Yeah no idea why Eli didn’t play the entire second half. Maybe now that we are finally .500 Steele will see the rest of this season only matters for next year. Start playing Eli and DJ way, way more. I have seen exactly zero from Keonte to give me any hope into his future with the program, and I expect if we get Harvey he can either transfer or remove the athlete from student-athlete.I'd prefer that we limit castlin and welage to 5-8 minutes a game. Get James, Harden and Kennedy some actual minutes. I'd rather get the guys that will be here next year some minutes instead of 2 grad transfers that are inept on offense. Seasons over so why not play the guys you are using 4 year scholarships on. Plus it would give Scruggs and naji some breathers. They looked gassed at the end of games.

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[kellernr]

but travis deserves a lot of blame for this. the defense is beyond unacceptableHe better be recruiting shooters. I'm hoping the next class has at least 2 guys who can consistently hit an outside shot.

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[MITTENMUSKIE16]

I'd prefer that we limit castlin and welage to 5-8 minutes a game. Get James, Harden and Kennedy some actual minutes. I'd rather get the guys that will be here next year some minutes instead of 2 grad transfers that are inept on offense. Seasons over so why not play the guys you are using 4 year scholarships on. Plus it would give Scruggs and naji some breathers. They looked gassed at the end of games.

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Precisely. DJ Eli and KK can start pulling minutes from the two grad transfers, and also to start spelling Naji, Q, and Paul way more. No need to play those guys 38 minutes a game anymore. If they can get down to 32 or so they’d be better for it.

[GoMuskies]

I'd prefer that we limit castlin and welage to 5-8 minutes a game. Get James, Harden and Kennedy some actual minutes. I'd rather get the guys that will be here next year some minutes instead of 2 grad transfers that are inept on offense. Seasons over so why not play the guys you are using 4 year scholarships on. Plus it would give Scruggs and naji some breathers. They looked gassed at the end of games.

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I dont think any of the 5 guys you mentioned have any significant role to play in the future of Xavier basketball. So I'd rather watch Hankins and Castlin play, because they're far superior players today.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

He better be recruiting shooters. I'm hoping the next class has at least 2 guys who can consistently hit an outside shot.

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Dah and Tandy are better shooters than anyone not named Scruggs. I saw a stat the other day that in games where Eli gets 4 or more shots he’s doing pretty well, so maybe we can actually get him consistent run the rest of the year and see if he is a capable shooter and thus part of the plans for the next two years.

[kellernr]

Precisely. DJ Eli and KK can start pulling minutes from the two grad transfers, and also to start spelling Naji, Q, and Paul way more. No need to play those guys 38 minutes a game anymore. If they can get down to 32 or so they’d be better for it.It also gets the 3 young guys valuable minutes to get them ready for next year.

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[MITTENMUSKIE16]

I dont think any of the 5 guys you mentioned have any significant role to play in the future of Xavier basketball. So I'd rather watch Hankins and Castlin play, because they're far superior players today.

If we get one more 2019 and a grad transfer there is only 1 spot for the three guys. However, I do think that either Eli or DJ could prove enough going forward to be a role player in the future. Eli because of what he’s shown in flashes. DJ, because of the completely unknown with him.

[kellernr]

I dont think any of the 5 guys you mentioned have any significant role to play in the future of Xavier basketball. So I'd rather watch Hankins and Castlin play, because they're far superior players today.Hankins should definitely play. I don't to see castlin and welage on the floor for significant minutes. Castlin would be 3rd or 4th guy off the bench for most other teams. Welageis a 1 trick pony and his trick has been broken all season.

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[MITTENMUSKIE16]

It also gets the 3 young guys valuable minutes to get them ready for next year.

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Yes, but that was already said in the previous reply to you. I was just pointing out the additional benefits.

[GoMuskies]

It also gets the 3 young guys valuable minutes to get them ready for next year.

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Without any inside knowledge, I'd be surprised if more than one of those three are at Xavier next year. Typically when you can't get on the floor for an awful team you dont hang around.

[CP05XU08CU13]

Miller missed the NCAA tournament in his first year, and Mack only missed the NCAA tournament once during his tenure. Unless this team goes on an absurd run in the Big East tournament, which I do not foresee happening, then this team will miss the NCAA tournament this year. Steele will definitely be feeling the pressure from Xavier Nation next year if not already. We expect a lot from our teams and are used to making the NCAA tournament. Pressure comes with coaching big time programs. We expect quick and consistent results. Our expectations are not unrealistic. Hopefully, the situation improves next year!

[GoMuskies]

Miller should have missed the Tournament his first two years.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Without any inside knowledge, I'd be surprised if more than one of those three are at Xavier next year. Typically when you can't get on the floor for an awful team you dont hang around.

Really don’t need inside knowledge, either. Xavier is actively recruiting 2-3 2019 options still (they will only take one). They’ll more than likely be a participant in the grad transfer market.

QG
Tyrique
Naji
Paul
+ 5 current 2019s
+ one of Harvey/Beverely/Roderick
+ grad transfer

Leaves 2 spots for 3 of Eli, DJ, and KK. That’s also assuming Hanson isn’t awarded a scholarship, which I don’t remember all the details of what might happen with him after this walk on year.

[Masterofreality]

Ok, I’m gonna say it. Not liking Steele's answers on the post game. Very Cronin-esque blaming the players for being "selfish and disconnected" . In my experience, that's what players do when A) You don't give them a clear path on what they should be doing, B) The players don't trust that the coach is giving them the right path to win so they "go off the reservation" . I think it's becoming clear that a couple of our players especially don't trust Steele. I think Scruggs does and tries to do as told, and most do, but there is clearly a rift, and Steele is passing the buck as to why the team is so undisciplined- especially at the end of games.
IMO, we should have stayed man D with the starters out there or Harden in for Castlin in the last 5 min. to mirror the first 5 of the game. Let Paul run the team. We could get whatever we wanted inside and keep feeding Hanky & Jones, but in reality no one out there at the end had a clear idea of what to do. Result was the same old screwups and turnovers in the last two minutes. Hey Coach. This was game 22 and your end game was as undisciplined as it ever has been. Yeah, I’m pissed.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Ok, I’m gonna say it. Not liking Steele's answers on the post game. Very Cronin-esque blaming the players for being "selfish and disconnected" . In my experience, that's what players do when A) You don't give them a clear path on what they should be doing, B) The players don't trust that the coach is giving them the right path to win so they "go off the reservation" . I think it's becoming clear that a couple of our players especially don't trust Steele. I think Scruggs does and tries to do as told, and most do, but there is clearly a rift, and Steele is passing the buck as to why the team is so undisciplined- especially at the end of games.
IMO, we should have stayed man D with the starters out there or Harden in for Castlin in the last 5 min. to mirror the first 5 of the game. Let Paul run the team. We could get whatever we wanted inside and keep feeding Hanky & Jones, but in reality no one out there at the end had a clear idea of what to do. Result was the same old screwups and turnovers in the last two minutes. Hey Coach. This was game 22 and your end game was as undisciplined as it ever has been. Yeah, I’m pissed.

I’m going to go ahead and assume that it’s not a coincidence that the best player on the team, by far, is the one who trusts the coach and tries to do what the coach tells him.

[X Factor]

It also gets the 3 young guys valuable minutes to get them ready for next year.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

I would be willing to bet good money Harden, Kennedy, and James won't be on the roster next year.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Ok, I’m gonna say it. Not liking Steele's answers on the post game. Very Cronin-esque blaming the players for being "selfish and disconnected" . In my experience, that's what players do when A) You don't give them a clear path on what they should be doing, B) The players don't trust that the coach is giving them the right path to win so they "go off the reservation" . I think it's becoming clear that a couple of our players especially don't trust Steele. I think Scruggs does and tries to do as told, and most do, but there is clearly a rift, and Steele is passing the buck as to why the team is so undisciplined- especially at the end of games.
IMO, we should have stayed man D with the starters out there or Harden in for Castlin in the last 5 min. to mirror the first 5 of the game. Let Paul run the team. We could get whatever we wanted inside and keep feeding Hanky & Jones, but in reality no one out there at the end had a clear idea of what to do. Result was the same old screwups and turnovers in the last two minutes. Hey Coach. This was game 22 and your end game was as undisciplined as it ever has been. Yeah, I’m pissed.

Also, as for plan B, it’s hard to get kids to buy in without first having results. But it’s a chicken or the egg argument. Additionally, I don’t know Steele personally but I know from his resume and how long he’s been in the sport at a high level that he knows better than the players, and if they would listen more to his voice they would be in a better position. I don’t know how you get them to buy in if they don’t by now. It won’t be results oriented.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

I would be willing to bet good money Harden, Kennedy, and James won't be on the roster next year.

I think one of them will be. I don’t believe it will be KK, but I’m not sure who out of DJ and Eli it’ll be.

[Masterofreality]

I’m going to go ahead and assume that it’s not a coincidence that the best player on the team, by far, is the one who trusts the coach and tries to do what the coach tells him.

Welp, Paul is the best player on the team because he’s the best, most highly rated player on the team.
But if the best player on the team can’t get shots at the end of games when you lose, any trust will erode quickly.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Paul is partly the best on the team because of his ranking, skills, etc, but doesn’t it seem a bit suspicious that the most talented player on the team wants to listen to and trust the head coach? Why don’t the other guys? Does Steele have secret meetings with Paul where he gains his trust? Or is Paul simply smarter and more cognizable of the benefits of listening to your head coach?

[scoscox]

Elias should transfer. The coaches have never given him a chance. I’d like him to play and I like his attitude and effort but our coaches dont

[drudy23]

Without any inside knowledge, I'd be surprised if more than one of those three are at Xavier next year. Typically when you can't get on the floor for an awful team you dont hang around.

Forced transfers. I could see the staff being honest with some of these guys after this season. The roster needs a significant upgrade.

[XUBison]

I dont think any of the 5 guys you mentioned have any significant role to play in the future of Xavier basketball. So I'd rather watch Hankins and Castlin play, because they're far superior players today.


100% agree... The grad-transfers chose to transfer and commit their last year of college eligibility for this shit-fest, all for the chance to make the tourney with a perennial tourney team, despite major roster turnover and a coaching change. No way their leaps of faith aren’t rewarded with every opportunity to make the tourney. Unlikely as this may be, this means BE tourney exit at the earliest. They certainly shouldn’t lose time to three children who can’t EARN minutes on this crap-team... and rightfully so. The kids can put their time in over the offseason if they want PT next season... on their own time, not on the time of these more productive, 5th-year, bachelor‘s-in-hand, grad-students. Steele would never get another quality grad-transfer again, and we may need one or two next year.

[xu82]

I’ll have to live with hovering around .500 in a perfect shit storm of a rebuilding year. I’ll trust that we will build this back up. As a Bills fan it’s taken 20 years to feel hopeful. I can live with one so-so year with a promising group coming in. It’s hard to win these days without more pure shooters.

[XavierRunningMan]

Shocked people haven’t figured this out yet. Look at the level of talent we have coming in next year and the following year (3 guards) hopefully 4 if we land Harvey ����. DJ was a 3 star recruit and may have the “body” but might not be the best fit talent wise.

We need the scholarships to bring in more SF/C’s to have a balanced roster long term. Wouldn’t mind grabbing a few grad transfers as well to bridge the gap, which we’ll never land if we bring them in and sit them.

Stay the course..we’re already making great strides with who were bringing in. Let Steele land another killer class and we’re right back where we need to be.

[Xville]

Really don’t need inside knowledge, either. Xavier is actively recruiting 2-3 2019 options still (they will only take one). They’ll more than likely be a participant in the grad transfer market.

QG
Tyrique
Naji
Paul
+ 5 current 2019s
+ one of Harvey/Beverely/Roderick
+ grad transfer

Leaves 2 spots for 3 of Eli, DJ, and KK. That’s also assuming Hanson isn’t awarded a scholarship, which I don’t remember all the details of what might happen with him after this walk on year.

I think we have learned with Gates, to never assume someone is coming back. Unless Paul really enjoys the college experience, there is little for him to gain by staying another year. He's an older sophomore, hes got length, athleticism and can shoot. The league is going to like what he brings to the table. He does need to work on his ball handling, because PG is probably his position at the next level, but that is something he can work on in the g league or on an nba roster.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

100% agree... The grad-transfers chose to transfer and commit their last year of college eligibility for this shit-fest, all for the chance to make the tourney with a perennial tourney team, despite major roster turnover and a coaching change. No way their leaps of faith aren’t rewarded with every opportunity to make the tourney. Unlikely as this may be, this means BE tourney exit at the earliest. They certainly shouldn’t lose time to three children who can’t EARN minutes on this crap-team... and rightfully so. The kids can put their time in over the offseason if they want PT next season... on their own time, not on the time of these more productive, 5th-year, bachelor‘s-in-hand, grad-students. Steele would never get another quality grad-transfer again, and we may need one or two next year.

I have been pushing to see more minutes for Kennedy, Harden and James because I regard the season as pretty much lost and I feel we need to see what we have in these guys. But, you make a good point and I have to re-think if what I've been pulling for is the right way to go.

But, even if we back off of the philosophy of playing them solely because of their youth, I still don't understand Steele's substitution patterns. Harden, while inconsistent and perhaps weak defensively, is one of only 2-3 guys that can hit the three. I thought he played O.K., if not spectacularly, last night in first half. I think he has earned more minutes based solely on his play but didn't see him in second half.

[Xville]

For the second game in a row (and this has probably happened more than that this year), Paul who is by far our best player, doesn't get to shoot the ball for long periods of time while we watch the Q and Naji bumbling like idiots show.

At the 12:39 mark of the second half, Scruggs is 2-6 with 2 3 pointers made and the team is up 48-47. He never gets another shot up the rest of the game. If there is one thing I blame Steele for, it is the simple fact that the offense should never be running thru Q and Naji. So either Steele is a complete idiot who doesn't recognize how this team can win games, or Q and Naji are going rogue and deciding they are going to do whatever they feel like. Either way, that is a coaching problem and it needs to be addressed. I don't really give a crap who else is in for them, but if Q and Naji continue to do what they did in the second half on both sides of the ball, they need to ride the pine plain and simple.

I'm sorry I know this team isn't that talented, but they have pissed away too many winnable games this year in the 2nd half due to Q and Naji period.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Naji shot 3-4 on threes yesterday and his stroke looks much smoother over the past 3-4 games. Q made threes but really they shouldn’t have hit rim so I’m not really going to argue with you on that one.

[Caf]

Naji shot 3-4 on threes yesterday and his stroke looks much smoother over the past 3-4 games. Q made threes but really they shouldn’t have hit rim so I’m not really going to argue with you on that one.

Some credit has to be given to Georgetown. If you're not playing zone against this team you're making a mistake. They did a good job of limiting Jones' and Hankins' looks.

[muethibp]

I think we have learned with Gates, to never assume someone is coming back. Unless Paul really enjoys the college experience, there is little for him to gain by staying another year. He's an older sophomore, hes got length, athleticism and can shoot. The league is going to like what he brings to the table. He does need to work on his ball handling, because PG is probably his position at the next level, but that is something he can work on in the g league or on an nba roster.

Agree. I think there's a substantial chance Paul isn't here next year. Would you leave money on the table to come back and play at Xavier right now?

[muskies1235]

I've been harping on this the last 3-4 games. How do you shoot 46% from the floor and 48% from 3 and out rebound a team by 11 and lose the fucking game?

Its because you are giving up too much on the other end of the court. You don't turn anyone over...we had 3 steals to GT's 10. 3 steals for the entire game. How is that possible? We forced 7 TO's and gave up 14 on our own.

Its really not that hard yet we keep doing the same things over and over.

This team is putrid defensively and has been all year.

I'm shocked at the pass the staff is getting for that.

I think we all know in year one of a new staff there is always going to be growing pains.

There is no excuse in hell for being 173rd in defense though. None. Especially not when Travis came into the year touting this would be the best defense X ever had.

[bleedXblue]

This team is putrid defensively and has been all year.

I'm shocked at the pass the staff is getting for that.

I think we all know in year one of a new staff there is always going to be growing pains.

There is no excuse in hell for being 173rd in defense though. None. Especially not when Travis came into the year touting this would be the best defense X ever had.

it is mind blowing that amount of wide open 3's and lack of ball deflections and to's this team generates.

[X-band '01]

It was mind-boggling that Georgetown could just flip a switch from the first half where they went 0-9 behind the arc and suddenly couldn't miss in the 2nd half. Creighton is going to be licking their chops for Super Bowl Sunday.

Equally disappointed with the loss last night as the Providence L at home.

[drudy23]

For the second game in a row (and this has probably happened more than that this year), Paul who is by far our best player, doesn't get to shoot the ball for long periods of time while we watch the Q and Naji bumbling like idiots show.

At the 12:39 mark of the second half, Scruggs is 2-6 with 2 3 pointers made and the team is up 48-47. He never gets another shot up the rest of the game. If there is one thing I blame Steele for, it is the simple fact that the offense should never be running thru Q and Naji. So either Steele is a complete idiot who doesn't recognize how this team can win games, or Q and Naji are going rogue and deciding they are going to do whatever they feel like. Either way, that is a coaching problem and it needs to be addressed. I don't really give a crap who else is in for them, but if Q and Naji continue to do what they did in the second half on both sides of the ball, they need to ride the pine plain and simple.

I'm sorry I know this team isn't that talented, but they have pissed away too many winnable games this year in the 2nd half due to Q and Naji period.

I agree. Based on their track records this year, Q or Naji should not have the ball in their hands in crucial situations. They give games away, almost to the point you know it's coming.

[scoscox]

For the second game in a row (and this has probably happened more than that this year), Paul who is by far our best player, doesn't get to shoot the ball for long periods of time while we watch the Q and Naji bumbling like idiots show.

At the 12:39 mark of the second half, Scruggs is 2-6 with 2 3 pointers made and the team is up 48-47. He never gets another shot up the rest of the game. If there is one thing I blame Steele for, it is the simple fact that the offense should never be running thru Q and Naji. So either Steele is a complete idiot who doesn't recognize how this team can win games, or Q and Naji are going rogue and deciding they are going to do whatever they feel like. Either way, that is a coaching problem and it needs to be addressed. I don't really give a crap who else is in for them, but if Q and Naji continue to do what they did in the second half on both sides of the ball, they need to ride the pine plain and simple.

I'm sorry I know this team isn't that talented, but they have pissed away too many winnable games this year in the 2nd half due to Q and Naji period.

That’s worse than I thought. A blind man can see that Paul is our best player and was yesterday. It isn’t like Georgetown took him out of the game. We took the ball out of his hands ourselves. The three best players on the team are Scruggs, Jones and Hankins and we basically ignored them the entire second half in favor of two of the most inefficient players in the conference.

On top of that, the defense is an absolute joke and is never addressed. It gets worse every game and yet nothing changes. I’m very out on our coaching staff right now in every way. I’m not calling for any heads yet but they’ve done a horrible job so far. This team is on game 23 and seems to get worse

[muskies1235]

it is mind blowing that amount of wide open 3's and lack of ball deflections and to's this team generates.

I don't think the 3p defense is as much to blame as i think a lot of people do.

Don't get me wrong, it's not been good and is a part of the problem. But it's just that, a part of the problem, not the only problem.

One of the things i have not seen mentioned much is defensive rebounding. They're letting teams get 28% of their misses which is good for 159th in the country.

In a vacuum that number isn't terrible. It's not as good as you'd like it to be, but certainly nothing that would lead to such a poor defense, again in a vacuum.

But take it out of the vacuum.

X is a packline team which is designed around keeping players around the painted area as much as possible. Don't take risks, don't play passing lanes. Play solid defense, clog the lane and hold teams to one shot.

The give here is not creating turnovers. And with that the take should be excellent defensive rebounding, but that just hasn't happened.

If you're not interested in turning teams over you damn well better clean the glass at a high, high level.

This team hasn't done that and when you couple not turning teams over with average defensive rebounding and poor 3-pt defense you get maybe the worst defense of a team in a power league.

[Caf]

I haven't specifically looked out for what XVille's describing, but I will from now on. Another possible explanation is that Paul isn't shooting. Unless you're saying he doesn't have the ball. It seems reasonable to think defenses end up focusing on him realizing he is our strongest scoring threat.


I agree. Based on their track records this year, Q or Naji should not have the ball in their hands in crucial situations. They give games away, almost to the point you know it's coming.

I'm not going to argue that for sure, but it's important to note that Scruggs has had the dagger turnover in these last second losses. He's definitely our best bet, but I don't think he's a sure hand just yet. We still don't have anyone I'm actually confident in through the final second. Just degrees of less confidence.

[drudy23]

At the end of the day, we're just not very good. There seems to be some divisiveness between the players and staff. Maybe it's necessary to get where we want in 3-4 years.

We knew there would be some growing pains. But growing pains aren't worth it if you don't grow. Time will tell.

[American X]

I was already slowly gutted with a dull knife by the end of Providence game, so it could not happen again last night. So, hah, joke is on you, Xavier.

[muskies1235]

The more i look into it the more i think the defensive rebounding issue should be public enemy number one.

As mentioned in the post above this year they give up 28% of an opponents miss which is good for 159th in the country.

Last year was 23% good for 14th in the country.

Year before it was 25% good for 37th.

2016 again it was 25% good for 36th.

This team has lost it's identity on the defensive glass and it is causing major problems.

[CP05XU08CU13]

At the end of the day, we're just not very good. There seems to be some divisiveness between the players and staff. Maybe it's necessary to get where we want in 3-4 years.

We knew there would be some growing pains. But growing pains aren't worth it if you don't grow. Time will tell.

I do not think Steele will get 3-4 years to rebuild considering how successful and valuable the program has become. Promoting from within the coaching ranks has worked well for Xavier, but we also saw relatively quick success by Steele’s predecessors. Xavier is a much more attractive job now and the AD may have to hire a coach from the outside if things do not improve drastically next year. The boosters and the fan base expect quick results since that is what we have grown accustomed to. Coach Steele knows this. Expectations run high at universities where basketball is the premier sport. Basketball has too much of an economic impact on the university as a whole to have subsequent down years. Of course all of this is a nonissue if Coach Steele rights the ship and starts winning consistently. I hope and pray that he is successful moving forward.

[XUGRAD80]

I do not think Steele will get 3-4 years to rebuild considering how successful and valuable the program has become. Promoting from within the coaching ranks has worked well for Xavier, but we also saw relatively quick success by Steele’s predecessors. Xavier is a much more attractive job now and the AD may have to hire a coach from the outside if things do not improve drastically next year. The boosters and the fan base expect quick results since that is what we have grown accustomed to. Coach Steele knows this. Expectations run high at universities where basketball is the premier sport. Basketball has too much of an economic impact on the university as a whole to have subsequent down years. Of course all of this is a nonissue if Coach Steele rights the ship and starts winning consistently. I hope and pray that he is successful moving forward.

We’ve (the fan base) have not gone through to many down years over the last 30. But I don’t doubt that the administration will not overreact to this one. I expect that they are realistic about what is going on, do not find it very surprising, and won’t make any hasty decisions based merely on the won-loss record over a year or two. Steele has been an employee of the university for 10 years as an assistant and has a five year contract to be the head coach. I don’t think that Xavier is in any hurry to eat any of that contract. The mere fact that it was an initial contract for five years leads me to believe that they knew it might take more than a year to put things back on the right track.

[GIMMFD]

We’ve (the fan base) have not gone through to many down years over the last 30. But I don’t doubt that the administration will not overreact to this one. I expect that they are realistic about what is going on, do not find it very surprising, and won’t make any hasty decisions based merely on the won-loss record over a year or two. Steele has been an employee of the university for 10 years as an assistant and has a five year contract to be the head coach. I don’t think that Xavier is in any hurry to eat any of that contract. The mere fact that it was an initial contract for five years leads me to believe that they knew it might take more than a year to put things back on the right track.

Agreed, though college basketball and athletics are a business, rational minds know it takes some time to get things right. It's Coach Steele's first year, I'm sure they'll give him time to implement his players that he recruits, and see what happens in the future, to make a rash decision on a team that we knew wasn't going to be very good would be foolish. Honestly, this team could be 15/16-7/8 but stupid play towards the end of games has really cost them. I would love to see us grow, but it just hasn't happened much so far, however, we need to be patient, and give this thing some time. Luckily the 2019 class looks pretty good and has the potential to help get things back on track.

[bleedXblue]

The first real class for Steele where he worked from the beginning to the end of the recruiting process as HC will be the 2020 class. Odom is great start. He has to add another 1-2 top 100 guys and if he does that will be very telling......