SI's "Way too Earlys"

[bobbiemcgee]

NC tonite so time for next years predictions:

http://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/college-basketball-rankings-sporting-news-way-too-early-top-25-for-2019-20/1oplcsov8ioxf18ydgei068fyp

[GoMuskies]

I'm not sure I understand the relative placement of Gonzaga and Louisville on that list. Gonzaga seems to have a clearly better recruiting class with at worst equal players returning.

[X-Men55]

Here's another one by NBC Sports - XU @ 19
https://twitter.com/cbtonnbc/status/1115336489540440065

[UCGRAD4X]

Where's TexTech?

[XUGRAD80]

Where's TexTech?

Lubbock







:). Sorry, couldn’t resist.

[bjf123]

Lubbock







:). Sorry, couldn’t resist.

Public reps!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Xville]

These way too early lists are usually stupid but this one really takes the cake.

[D-West & PO-Z]

NBC sports had us #19 in theirs.

[bobbiemcgee]

NBC sports had us #19 in theirs.

And 5 BE Teams:

https://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2019/04/08/college-basketball-2019-2020-preseason-top-25/

[Xuperman]

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/26464237/loaded-michigan-state-leads-way-too-early-top-25-2019-20

X gets no love here but MU certainly does.

[XfansinKy]

https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-much-is-your-college-basketball-team-worth-11554739458
Found this online but it won't reveal after being copied. Anyways, the Wall Street Journal has Dayton listed as worth a lot more money than Xavier.

[UCGRAD4X]

And 5 BE Teams:

https://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2019/04/08/college-basketball-2019-2020-preseason-top-25/

and they've heard of Texas Tech

[UCGRAD4X]

Sounds like next year is going to be a sneak-up-on-em season.

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/26464237/loaded-michigan-state-leads-way-too-early-top-25-2019-20

X gets no love here but MU certainly does.

And the BE as a whole. 3 BE teams in the top 12.

Although they mention two more BE teams in the next in line and neither at X (Creighton/Georgetown). I am biased but I think X will be in the top 4 next year.

Safe to say I think the BE will be bouncing back in a big way next year.

[Xville]

5 be teams in bracketology and x isn’t one of them. Knew this past year was going to be tough, but I fully expect x to be back in the tourney next season.

[Xuperman]

I don't know what these national pundits are missing but just like last year, X has the BEST 4 RETURNING players in the league and a killer incoming class to boot!!!

[scoscox]

5 be teams in bracketology and x isn’t one of them. Knew this past year was going to be tough, but I fully expect x to be back in the tourney next season.

that bracketology was a joke. big east will have a good shot at 7 tourney teams next year. xavier will definitely be one.

[scoscox]

I don't know what these national pundits are missing but just like last year, X has the BEST 4 RETURNING players in the league and a killer incoming class to boot!!!

assuming myles powell and markus howard come back they will be probably the two best returning players, but after that i think we might have the next four. i don't see any way we'd miss the tournament

[bobbiemcgee]

Looks like Si updated and put us "on the cusp" or 28th.

[XfansinKy]

I don't know what these national pundits are missing but just like last year, X has the BEST 4 RETURNING players in the league and a killer incoming class to boot!!!

They may be the 4 best defensive players returning. Q, Scruggs, and Naji already have the reputation as good defenders, and Tyrique has managed to hold his own against taller post players. Wouldn't be surprised to see Tyrique have a monster season and average a double double.

[xuwin]

They may be the 4 best defensive players returning. Q, Scruggs, and Naji already have the reputation as good defenders, and Tyrique has managed to hold his own against taller post players. Wouldn't be surprised to see Tyrique have a monster season and average a double double.

I would like for Tyrique to extend his range beyond a dunk.

[Xville]

I would like for Tyrique to extend his range beyond a dunk.

I bet that is also the number one thing that NBA scouts will be telling him as well. He should be putting up all kinds of shots over the summer.

[novachap]

New one from NBC.. Hausers out at MU really impacting them.

https://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2019/04/23/college-basketball-2019-2020-preseason-top-25/

6(Nova), 12 (Hall) 18 (X) and 19 (Creighton). No Marquette----crazy what happened there. IMO I think Nova is too high at 6 for early in the season. Will be very good by end of year. Also, Georgetown is going to be good. Nice to see you guys there. Your core guys back and good recruits---should be very strong. Personally, I won't miss Hankins!

[GoMuskies]

18 is too high for us. We're more of a "sneak up" in 2020, I think.

[Xuperman]

New one from NBC.. Hausers out at MU really impacting them.

https://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2019/04/23/college-basketball-2019-2020-preseason-top-25/

6(Nova), 12 (Hall) 18 (X) and 19 (Creighton). No Marquette----crazy what happened there. IMO I think Nova is too high at 6 for early in the season. Will be very good by end of year. Also, Georgetown is going to be good. Nice to see you guys there. Your core guys back and good recruits---should be very strong. Personally, I won't miss Hankins!

If Hankins leaving gives you a sigh of relief, imagine how we feel with Booth AND Paschall gone!

Maybe you can give some insight from your end on VU being ranked higher than X, given what both teams lost/retained. Total score in the 3 games last year were VU-204 XU-203. Both win at home and it takes 28 pts from PB AND OT to win the rubber game.

I have been quite adamant about there being no logical reason for you guys to be picked ahead of us but everyone does anyway. For what reasons are you buying in to this BS in NovaNation? I mean your losing 1263 points of offense and all of your in game leadership, while we retain nearly all of ours.

Obviously pre season predictions mean jack....especially in April but I just would like to hear how this is being justified.

[scoscox]

If Hankins leaving gives you a sigh of relief, imagine how we feel with Booth AND Paschall gone!

Maybe you can give some insight from your end on VU being ranked higher than X, given what both teams lost/retained. Total score in the 3 games last year were VU-204 XU-203. Both win at home and it takes 28 pts from PB AND OT to win the rubber game.

All I’m saying is we win that big east tournament game by double digits with a healthy naji marshall.

I’d guess the logic to having them ranked higher is that nova has two 5 stars coming in and jay wright and we dont

[X-man]

If Hankins leaving gives you a sigh of relief, imagine how we feel with Booth AND Paschall gone!

Maybe you can give some insight from your end on VU being ranked higher than X, given what both teams lost/retained. Total score in the 3 games last year were VU-204 XU-203. Both win at home and it takes 28 pts from PB AND OT to win the rubber game.

I have been quite adamant about there being no logical reason for you guys to be picked ahead of us but everyone is anyway. For what reasons are you buying in to this BS in NovaNation? I mean your losing 1263 points of offense and all of your in game leadership, while we retain nearly all of ours.
I think I can explain. Have you checked out Nova's recruiting class? Absolutely fabulous, and one of the top 3 in the country.

[Xuperman]

I think I can explain. Have you checked out Nova's recruiting class? Absolutely fabulous, and one of the top 3 in the country.

Channeling Iverson I say Freshman? Freshman? We're talking Freshman?

Freshman are unknowns (see Quinerly or any number of UK frosh). Yes, they are very good but good enough to move the needle that much compared to proven upperclassmen. Can't see it.

[Xuperman]

I’d guess the logic to having them ranked higher is that nova has two 5 stars coming in and jay wright and we dont

I know that's the logic but it's not logical. So, by replacing Booth with Antoine and Paschall with Robinson-Earl you get a better team? All while our Core 4 are a year older/wiser with firmly established chemistry. Not happening. Hard to spin it any other way.

[Xville]

I know that's the logic but it's not logical. So, by replacing Booth with Antoine and Paschall with Robinson-Earl you get a better team? All while our Core 4 are a year older/wiser with firmly established chemistry. Not happening. Hard to spin it any other way.

There are several reasons why nova is ahead of Xavier preseason:

Jay Wright x and o's
Better recruits
A coach and staff that is a known commodity in terms of players progressing year to year.

Steele and staff is still an unknown to people outside of xavier.

[xukeith]

There are several reasons why nova is ahead of Xavier preseason:

Jay Wright x and o's
Better recruits
A coach and staff that is a known commodity in terms of players progressing year to year.

Steele and staff is still an unknown to people outside of xavier.

plus putting a lot of intangibles on 5 frosh and 2 transfers is shaky at best.

[Xville]

plus putting a lot of intangibles on 5 frosh and 2 transfers is shaky at best.

Especially since every single one of those freshman are ranked lower than any of the freshmen nova has coming in.

I like xavier's chances next year, but nova and jay Wright have rightly earned the benefit of the doubt.

[GoMuskies]

I like Xavier's chances next year, too, but I think we need A LOT to go right from the newcomers. I've seen enough of the "Core 4" to know that they're not nearly enough.

[xavierj]

I like Xavier's chances next year, too, but I think we need A LOT to go right from the newcomers. I've seen enough of the "Core 4" to know that they're not nearly enough.

I think the core 4 will be really good next year. Naji has a poor year by our standards for some reason but would have been considered solid for most sophomores. I expect him to be really, really good next year. He has a ton of potential and he was really good for a few weeks last year. I also think Jones will be a monster and expect Paul to be an all league player. Q if he plays within the system will be gold as well. Get contributions from 3 or 4 newcomers and it should be a really good year. You only need 7 or 8 players. Not many teams go deeper than 8 any way.

[novachap]

Not sure I'm totally buying into it into it either. As I mentioned, I think it's an inflated rating for early in the year. There's a lot of brand equity in that rating and a lot tied to Jay Wright. That said by the end of the year, I think this Nova team will be incredibly strong. A tremendous amount of depth and there won't be a lot of deference to booth and Pascal by key guys as there was last year. There clearly was a lot of that this year. Between Robinson-Earl and Bryan Antoine you have 2 guys that can create shots and I think you're going to see some scoring out of them as starter ready freshman. I also think you're going to see a huge jump in the quality of play from both Bey and Samuels. On top of that, swider Crosby Roundtree and Brandon Slater are going to see burn. To me the big question will be point guard. Gillespie will get the nod to start, but that's the weak link from my perspective. A key development will be Justin Moore, he's the other four star coming in this year. If he can handle some of the point duty, Nova will be formidable. To your point, this is April and it's all swag at this point! And again, I think you guys are going to be really strong and probably better in the beginning of the year.

[Xuperman]

I've seen enough of the "Core 4" to know that they're not nearly enough.

If FOUR 1000 point scorers, on ONE team, are not "nearly" enough (along with the All Time assist guy), I am shocked by your lack of enthusiasm. If you've seen enough of these wonderful kids you need help with perspective.....sorry GO.
;

[noteggs]

Interesting article on how NBA draft effects “way to early” teams. X is included because they were considered on the cusp. At this point, looks like Seton Hall, Providence and X may or may not be effected in BE.

https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2019/04/22/nba-draft-decisions-ncaa-return-kentucky-michigan-kansas

[GoMuskies]

If FOUR 1000 point scorers, on ONE team, are not "nearly" enough (along with the All Time assist guy), I am shocked by your lack of enthusiasm. If you've seen enough of these wonderful kids you need help with perspective.....sorry GO.
;

Uh, wut? I've seen enough of them to know they need quite a bit more help (for us to be #18 in the country and/or better than Nova). I haven't "seen enough of them".

[JTG]

Tandy is going to be a special player. Maybe the piece this group needs to do great things. Anxious to see what he does in the Ind v Ky all Star game, as Ind almost always wins going away.

[IM4X]

With what appears to be an upgrade in talent coming in at most positions (compared to what the team has lost), we could indeed see a scary-good team that will prove worthy of a top 20 preseason ranking. We could also witness a repeat of last season where the team, coming out of the gate, is a bit overconfident. Where players are again forcing bad shots or trying to do too much on their own. There were stretches during this past season where each of the core 4 players looked quite good and other stretches where each got exposed and looked quite bad.

The good news is the team did really start to play much better (especially on defense) late in the season. We're all just going to have to wait and see how well the new recruits and transfers mesh with the core 4. I believe Freemantle can be a bit of a threat from outside. If Kyky and Bishop can shoot well from 3 and if Miles does not redshirt, it would make me feel a little more comfortable.

I don't care if Miles is raw, I just want a big with long arms who is legitimately taller than 6'8" available, should we run into an opponent with players scoring with ease over our 6'8 post players. We all saw how effective Hankins (at 6' 11" and with those long arms) could be at making an opponent have to change their approach on offense and even cause opponents matchup problems inside on the other end.

[Juice]

With what appears to be an upgrade in talent coming in at most positions (compared to what the team has lost), we could indeed see a scary-good team that will prove worthy of a top 20 preseason ranking. We could also witness a repeat of last season where the team, coming out of the gate, is a bit overconfident. Where players are again forcing bad shots or trying to do too much on their own. There were stretches during this past season where each of the core 4 players looked quite good and other stretches where each got exposed and looked quite bad.

The good news is the team did really start to play much better (especially on defense) late in the season. We're all just going to have to wait and see how well the new recruits and transfers mesh with the core 4. I believe Freemantle can be a bit of a threat from outside. If Kyky and Bishop can shoot well from 3 and if Miles does not redshirt, it would make me feel a little more comfortable.

I don't care if Miles is raw, I just want a big with long arms who is legitimately taller than 6'8" available, should we run into an opponent with players scoring with ease over our 6'8 post players. We all saw how effective Hankins (at 6' 11" and with those long arms) could be at making an opponent have to change their approach on offense and even cause opponents matchup problems inside on the other end.

When did someone score over us/Jones last year? Hankins did alter shots, I'll give you that.

And why would you sacrifice every other facet of the game because a guy can block a shot or two? I'll take the well rounded players over the big who can only shot block and is tall.

[paulxu]

Channeling Iverson I say Freshman? Freshman? We're talking Freshman?

Freshman are unknowns (see Quinerly or any number of UK frosh). Yes, they are very good but good enough to move the needle that much compared to proven upperclassmen. Can't see it.

There's a phone call for you...some guy named Zion...

[JTG]

With what appears to be an upgrade in talent coming in at most positions (compared to what the team has lost), we could indeed see a scary-good team that will prove worthy of a top 20 preseason ranking. We could also witness a repeat of last season where the team, coming out of the gate, is a bit overconfident. Where players are again forcing bad shots or trying to do too much on their own. There were stretches during this past season where each of the core 4 players looked quite good and other stretches where each got exposed and looked quite bad.

The good news is the team did really start to play much better (especially on defense) late in the season. We're all just going to have to wait and see how well the new recruits and transfers mesh with the core 4. I believe Freemantle can be a bit of a threat from outside. If Kyky and Bishop can shoot well from 3 and if Miles does not redshirt, it would make me feel a little more comfortable.

I don't care if Miles is raw, I just want a big with long arms who is legitimately taller than 6'8" available, should we run into an opponent with players scoring with ease over our 6'8 post players. We all saw how effective Hankins (at 6' 11" and with those long arms) could be at making an opponent have to change their approach on offense and even cause opponents matchup problems inside on the other end.

If the side by side pictures of Miles and KyKy are legit, either KyKy is not 6 ft or If he is, then Miles is at least 6'11.

[IM4X]

When did someone score over us/Jones last year? Hankins did alter shots, I'll give you that.

And why would you sacrifice every other facet of the game because a guy can block a shot or two? I'll take thhe well rounded players over the big who can only shot block and is tall.

Players from Nova and even other teams were shooting over Jones and other post players not named Hankins. Not saying it happened often, but when it did, Hankins (with his 6’11 frame and long wing span) caused those opponents to alter their approach on offense.

Why would X be sacrificing every other facet. You haven’t even seen the kid play at X yet. I certainly think X gained more than it sacrificed when Hankins was in there swatting away shots in the paint.

[IM4X]

If the side by side pictures of Miles and KyKy are legit, either KyKy is not 6 ft or If he is, then Miles is at least 6'11.

He does appear to be at least 6’’11.”

I stood next to Freemantle after one of his final games. I would say he is closer to 6’8. Freemantle should prove to be a very solid player with a nice stroke from outside, but again, having a 6’11 guy available to use next year would indeed be nice, should his size and blocking ability prove to be more effective in certain situations.

[Xuperman]

There's a phone call for you...some guy named Zion...

A "one in a decade" type guy.....not relevant here. Nova has nothing like him.
Someone pointed out that all their incoming are rated higher than ANY of our guys, but after the top 10 or so it's all a wash. I like Tandy, Bishop and BIG Z better than anything they have coming in........but I am somewhat bias.

[Xuperman]

Not sure I'm totally buying into it into it either. As I mentioned, I think it's an inflated rating for early in the year. There's a lot of brand equity in that rating and a lot tied to Jay Wright. That said by the end of the year, I think this Nova team will be incredibly strong. A tremendous amount of depth and there won't be a lot of deference to booth and Pascal by key guys as there was last year. There clearly was a lot of that this year. Between Robinson-Earl and Bryan Antoine you have 2 guys that can create shots and I think you're going to see some scoring out of them as starter ready freshman. I also think you're going to see a huge jump in the quality of play from both Bey and Samuels. On top of that, swider Crosby Roundtree and Brandon Slater are going to see burn. To me the big question will be point guard. Gillespie will get the nod to start, but that's the weak link from my perspective. A key development will be Justin Moore, he's the other four star coming in this year. If he can handle some of the point duty, Nova will be formidable. To your point, this is April and it's all swag at this point! And again, I think you guys are going to be really strong and probably better in the beginning of the year.

Hey thanks Chap for the Philly perspective.
Just curious, do you think you have any pre season ALL BE guys? Also, what's up with Swider and his inability to gain any traction? The guy looks a bit soft and overwhelmed......Eric Dixon is going to steal his lunch money.

[Xuperman]

He does appear to be at least 6’’11.”

I stood next to Freemantle after one of his final games. I would say he is closer to 6’8. Freemantle should prove to be a very solid player with a nice stroke from outside, but again, having a 6’11 guy available to use next year would indeed be nice, should his size and blocking ability prove to be more effective in certain situations.

Yeah, it's awful nice to have that kind of size and length.......especially with natural rim instincts. I am hoping he contributes nicely in the fall and we end up with a Paul Reed type guy!

[novachap]

Hey Xuperman, great question on all BE. Not sure we do. Bey was all rookie, so perhaps him or Samuels depending on how much they improve. Perhaps one of the frosh..

Swider is interesting, he was starting to get more time just as he broke his hand / thumb. He is a little slow so he did get burned on D occasionally but rebounds well. Had a really good game against providence last year. Waiting on his development over the offseason. He and Antoine and Gillespie will be the vest pure shooters.

You are right, Dixon is a beast. He will be fun to watch the next few years. Jay has a lot of talent at the 3/4.... a lot of talent for limited minutes. Wouldn't be surprised with someone redshirting.

[GIMMFD]

A "one in a decade" type guy.....not relevant here. Nova has nothing like him.
Someone pointed out that all their incoming are rated higher than ANY of our guys, but after the top 10 or so it's all a wash. I like Tandy, Bishop and BIG Z better than anything they have coming in........but I am somewhat bias.

I don't agree with the after the Top 10 it's a wash point at all.. Using 247; Nova has the 14th, 15th, 48th, and 63rd overall recruit. For comparison our best is Tandy at 88th, then Dahmir at 115, and Freemantle at 127; so applying this data:


2018 - Keldon Johnson was 13th overall, Darius Garland was 14th (only played in 5 games due to injury but looked good), Tre Jones from Duke 15th, AJ Reeves 48th. Keldon Johnson is a projected lottery pick, Darius Garland is projected 15th or so (with only playing 5 games), and Tre Jones could have declared but decided to stay.

In comparison, Pete Nance was 88th, played 23 games before injury but not that amazing (definitely not one and done), Matt Bradley was 115, not bad by any means, but not on any draft mocks, and Elias Valtonen was 127th.. which if you have any idea who that is, congratulations.



2017 - Brandon McCoy 14th overall prospect, one and done, averaged a double double, PJ Washington was 15th at Kentucky, obviously pretty damn solid, and 43rd was Jeremiah Tilmon who is pretty solid as well for Mizzou (dropped 23 on us this year)

Jordan Nwora was 88th (pretty damn good for Loserville no matter how I feel about them), 115th was Aamir Simms (still in college, solid for Clemson as well), 127th was Deng Gak (uhhh??)



There's an obvious difference between the top 30-40 recruits and the 80-140 region, and though yes, guys like Tandy whom I'm high on too have ridiculous amounts of potential, Freshman DO play solid roles because of how college basketball is shaped these days, and though rankings are a crap shoot, they still are a DECENT guideline into what you can expect.

[bobbiemcgee]

then there's the case of 5 stars like Quinerly….they don't always work out .

[noteggs]

Speaking of Quinerly, looks like UC reached out to him. Guess it had to be Brannen since he didn’t hire an assistant until yesterday (former assistant at NKU). Brannen better branch out if he’s going to get 3 or 4 star recruits. On second thought, maybe he shouldn’t.

Steele was great and quick to get good experienced assistants from P5 conferences from across the country.

[GIMMFD]

then there's the case of 5 stars like Quinerly….they don't always work out .

Right, I completely agree with you there, but majority of the time it's safe to say there's a clear discrepancy between a top 50 recruit and outside of the top 50, recruiting is a crapshoot, you never truly know who's gonna pan out and the star system isn't the best in the world, but it does serve as a fairly decent guideline (as long as you don't follow ESPN recruiting, they're just idiots), we won't know with our two classes coming in, but I can't confidently say our class is going to be better than Nova's based off paper.

[Xuperman]

I see that ESPN has updated their top 20 now that the dust has settled post draft deadline. X comes in at #20. VU , SHU, there as well....MU at #23. They have Mack's team WAY overrated IMO.

[GoMuskies]

I see that ESPN has updated their top 20 now that the dust has settled post draft deadline. X comes in at #20. VU , SHU, there as well....MU at #23. They have Mack's team WAY overrated IMO.

I'd have Louisville and Memphis swap places, personally.

We are going to have about as much experienced talent as anyone in the country plus some pretty good young guys. If it all comes together just right, this team has a chance to be REALLY good in a way that last year's team just never did.

[noteggs]

When talking about Louisville, they said: “Williamson has plenty of upside and will be an X-factor if he hits the ground running.”

Sports writers should be prohibited from using “X-factor” when discussing Mack’s team! Petty? Sure, but that’s who I am.

[UCGRAD4X]

When talking about Louisville, they said: “Williamson has plenty of upside and will be an X-factor if he hits the ground running.”

Sports writers should be prohibited from using “X-factor” when discussing Mack’s team! Petty? Sure, but that’s who I am.

Think we can get an injunction? I know there are some legal eagles on this site that could make that happen. I'll chip in a fiver.

[Xuperman]

We are going to have about as much experienced talent as anyone in the country plus some pretty good young guys. If it all comes together just right, this team has a chance to be REALLY good in a way that last year's team just never did.

You are correct sir.....barring injury or other unknowns, there is going to be a lot of focus on Coach Steele and his young staff.

[bleedXblue]

You are correct sir.....barring injury or other unknowns, there is going to be a lot of focus on Coach Steele and his young staff.

I sure hope the majority of our fan base doesn't have huge expectations for a guy that's in his second year with a great recruiting class and lining up another one for 2020. I see it a little differently.

Steele is still trying to figure things out and he he is still developing as a coach. I see much bigger expectations 2-3 years from now personally.

[fellahmuskie]

I sure hope the majority of our fan base doesn't have huge expectations for a guy that's in his second year with a great recruiting class and lining up another one for 2020. I see it a little differently.

Steele is still trying to figure things out and he he is still developing as a coach. I see much bigger expectations 2-3 years from now personally.

I'm pretty sure we will be in meltdown mode, myself included, if we don't make the tournament this year.

But I agree that perspective is important and as long as he continues to recruit, he will have time to develop as a coach. The short term outlook for the program is good, but the long term outlook is what has everyone salivating.

[bleedXblue]

I'm pretty sure we will be in meltdown mode, myself included, if we don't make the tournament this year.

But I agree that perspective is important and as long as he continues to recruit, he will have time to develop as a coach. The short term outlook for the program is good, but the long term outlook is what has everyone salivating.

Making the tourney yes........I see that as table stakes at Xavier. Last year was an anomaly. Any expectations beyond that at this point.......are silly. We have to see what the freshman class can bring to next years team. I think Jason Carter will be a significant contributor from day one. We still have no one to back up Jones in the paint (except for the frosh). Lots of potential.......and some question marks too.

[Xuperman]

Steele knows that coaching a squad like this is becoming a unique opportunity. With 3 Seniors and 3 Juniors in our top 6, a swing and a miss here would be a huge disappointment. I fully expect to see FIVE 1000 point scorers on the floor together come March.

But, you're right, it will be interesting to see if Coach and staff can develop these hot recruits. Hopefully they will excel in this area to where a jump from November to March for these young guys are undeniable....because there are more on the way!

[GIMMFD]

Making the tourney yes........I see that as table stakes at Xavier. Last year was an anomaly. Any expectations beyond that at this point.......are silly. We have to see what the freshman class can bring to next years team. I think Jason Carter will be a significant contributor from day one. We still have no one to back up Jones in the paint (except for the frosh). Lots of potential.......and some question marks too.

I don't know, I'd need some answers if we don't make the tournament. There's question marks, but our Core 4 is pretty damn solid, plus the 10 practices before Spain will help gel the guys together a little more as well. I think there's too much talent on this roster to not make the NCAA's, now I'm not expecting a world beater team out there, but this is an NCAA team, and a Top 25 team if they play similar to how they did at the end of season last year.

[bleedXblue]

I don't know, I'd need some answers if we don't make the tournament. There's question marks, but our Core 4 is pretty damn solid, plus the 10 practices before Spain will help gel the guys together a little more as well. I think there's too much talent on this roster to not make the NCAA's, now I'm not expecting a world beater team out there, but this is an NCAA team, and a Top 25 team if they play similar to how they did at the end of season last year.

yeah that's what i said....LOL

[GIMMFD]

yeah that's what i said....LOL

Haha my apologies, more thinking out loud and echoing what you were saying more than anything, I think potentially we can be Sweet 16/Elite 8 almost, I just don't know how well things will mesh together to be honest. I think we did well addressing some concerns, I'm hoping Bishop can be a solid outside threat, we really need some more shooters especially with the 3 point line moving back some.

[SC in DC]

Not to be a Debbie downer, because I want the F4 as much as the next Xfan, but until we show that we can shoot the 3 we are destined to be disappointed.
Last year, with Welage at 42% we were still one of the worst 3 pt shooting teams in D-1 at 33.7%. Plug in Carter(34.3&) with our returning 3 shooters and you get 31.9%. Hopefully, they all improve, but with the line being moved back there are no guarantees. Hopefully as GIMMFD said, the freshmen can help--but I don't expect huge minutes from them. So I'm cautiously optimistic, but shooting the 3 is the key, especially without McSpanky's offense down low.

[scoscox]

Not to be a Debbie downer, because I want the F4 as much as the next Xfan, but until we show that we can shoot the 3 we are destined to be disappointed.
Last year, with Welage at 42% we were still one of the worst 3 pt shooting teams in D-1 at 33.7%. Plug in Carter(34.3&) with our returning 3 shooters and you get 31.9%. Hopefully, they all improve, but with the line being moved back there are no guarantees. Hopefully as GIMMFD said, the freshmen can help--but I don't expect huge minutes from them. So I'm cautiously optimistic, but shooting the 3 is the key, especially without McSpanky's offense down low.

What happens when you add Bryce Moore’s 39%? And presumably kyky and Dahmir will be at least competent shooters. Hopefully naji shoots like he did down the stretch and Quentin improves a little.

[SC in DC]

[QUOTE=scoscox;650932]What happens when you add Bryce Moore’s 39%? And presumably kyky and Dahmir will be at least competent shooters. Hopefully naji shoots like he did down the stretch and Quentin improves a little.[/QUOTE

Sorry, forgot about him. He brings us back to only a little worse than last year at about 33%. And as I said, I hope they all improve and the freshman help--but until we see it I'm not sure S-16 and E-8 are realistic. But hopeful!

[bjf123]

I'm pretty sure we will be in meltdown mode, myself included, if we don't make the tournament this year.

It won’t take that long. We’ll be in full meltdown mode after the first out of conference loss, especially if it’s to UC.


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[Xuperman]

It won’t take that long. We’ll be in full meltdown mode after the first out of conference loss, especially if it’s to UC.

No doubt the Cumberland's will be formidable.

[bobbiemcgee]

Aaron Torres (whomever that is) had us @ #13 -

Idiot Seth Davis @ 45

http://kentuckysportsradio.com/basketball-2/way-too-early-top-25-for-the-2019-2020-college-basketball-season/

[GIMMFD]

It won’t take that long. We’ll be in full meltdown mode after the first out of conference loss, especially if it’s to UC.


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We shouldn't lose to UC, though them getting Cumberland back is huge, I have to feel like the Cintas magic will continue on a little longer.


Aaron Torres (whomever that is) had us @ #13 -

Idiot Seth Davis @ 45

http://kentuckysportsradio.com/basketball-2/way-too-early-top-25-for-the-2019-2020-college-basketball-season/

Wow, that Aaron Torres guy is a genius, huge fan of his, big time sports writer (no idea who he is); and of course Seth Davis continues to be Seth Davis.

[surfxu]

I prefer not being ranked early in the season and sneaking up on people.... boom... match thrown on gas...

I love the old back and forths... oh yeah, and Romain Sato can't jump off of one foot.

Not seeing any of the new guys play in person and going off of the improvement that came together at the end of the season I'm in the 20-25 range camp. Hanky will definitely be missed in a lot of ways but hopefully the additions will fill in the void.
Looking forward to the Butler Steak Fry next Wednesday though. Always fun to hear coach talk about what's going on in the program and share expectations etc.
After the coach's shows last year Travis would generally walk around to a lot of the tables and chat for a minute or so (Chris never did that, but that's OK... but it's nice that Travis does, makes it a little more personal)... but you could tell by his comments that he was really excited about what the incoming group is going to add this year, and that was obviously before there was any confirmations about transfers etc.
Got a LOT of new pieces this year. I think the core four will get us started on the right foot and the additions will hopefully really add some fire power by the end of non-con and conference season.
Gonna be a good one I believe.

Of course by the end of the year we'll be #1, but starting out I'm thinking top 20-25 range.

PS: Seth Davis is an idiot.

[GIMMFD]

I prefer not being ranked early in the season and sneaking up on people.... boom... match thrown on gas...

I love the old back and forths... oh yeah, and Romain Sato can't jump off of one foot.


Haha we almost pulled the ultimate sneak job last year, but I tend to agree, I think we do better in the underdog role, less pressure, and the guys look more relaxed, I wouldn't mind not starting out ranked, but at the same time, being ranked means more exposure, in with better recruits, etc. This staff likes to recruit, so showing that X is a mainstay as a top dog in a Power conference is important for moving forward, but you know, there'd be something beautiful about knocking down the doors to our first Final 4 with a squad that was ranked low/unranked at the start of the season. (Not saying we're gonna make the Final 4 as a guaranteed or anything, but just dreaming a little)

[bobbiemcgee]

I'm one of those old fossils who still read the paper every morning. I like the exposure we get from being in the Top 25 since that is only the only thing national papers cover anymore.

[xudash]

My preferences:

1. Top 10 ranking all season long, preferably at #1 most of the time.

2. National Championships.

3. Big East Championships.

Sneaking up on people is for losers.

[bjf123]

I'm one of those old fossils who still read the paper every morning.

You’re not alone!


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[GIMMFD]

My preferences:

1. Top 10 ranking all season long, preferably at #1 most of the time.

2. National Championships.

3. Big East Championships.

Sneaking up on people is for losers.

Well yes, now that Xavier is established as a basketball powerhouse, can't really pull the whole sneaking up on people card anymore, except for the occasional rebuilding year, but come on, doesn't even a little bit of you think it would be poetic to have X reach a Final Four in a year we weren't supposed to be elite?? ;)

[xudash]

Well yes, now that Xavier is established as a basketball powerhouse, can't really pull the whole sneaking up on people card anymore, except for the occasional rebuilding year, but come on, doesn't even a little bit of you think it would be poetic to have X reach a Final Four in a year we weren't supposed to be elite?? ;)

Oh, sure. Sorry if I missed your point.

[XUGRAD80]

Sneaking up on people is for losers.

Xavier is no longer in a position to sneak up on anyone. Doesn’t mean they won’t surprise the “experts” who will almost always pick the blue bloods as their F4 and NC favorites. But part of that is that they haven’t done it....yet. Until they do, it’s going to be hard to convince a lot of them that they will.

However, I wouldn’t call any of the teams that made it to the F4 by “sneaking up on people” losers. (Except maybe Butler....LOL)

[GIMMFD]

Oh, sure. Sorry if I missed your point.

Haha no, not at all, I don't think I was very clear, I'm a bit of a rambler I've noticed. Just something I think would be cool, and would kind of pay homage to those tough X teams of the past that paved the way for Xavier to be what it is now. When I think of Xavier basketball, I think of determination and grit. Guys who truly love the game, and put everything out there on the line.

[paulxu]

Sort of interesting that some preseason polls have us in the top 25.

And ESPN's latest bracket doesn't even have us as one of the 6 BE teams in.

[X-man]

Sort of interesting that some preseason polls have us in the top 25.

And ESPN's latest bracket doesn't even have us as one of the 6 BE teams in.

Lunardi is an idiot. This is a well-known FACT.

[xufan02]

I know we are all homers here, but some of Lundari's inclusions and exclusions are mind boggling. Oregon as a 6 seed and Xavier not in the field is a head scratcher.

Oregon lost 4 of 5 starters. They landed a good class, but damn. I think until Travis gets into the tournament the ESPN pundits will continue to push us out of rankings despite our roster.