Disturbing trend under Steele

[Xuperman]

Free throw shooting has been abysmal so far under Steele. Yesterday was particularly terrible. I think 7 guys went to the line and NO ONE made a single freebie except ZFree! We hardly got to the line anyway, which is equally disturbing. Only 13 attempts vs that team? What the hell is going on?

It seems like forever that Xavier's calling card was that we made more FTs than the other team ATTEMPTED. This has been a very powerful and undeniable factor in our decades of success but for some reason Steele is not cutting it. In fact, the table has nearly been turned on us a couple of times, especially the UConn game.

We just are not getting to the line nearly enough, and obviously, not making enough when we do....with this roster of physical/athletic upperclassmen it's inexcusable. We simply have to start drawing more fouls. Anyone have a theory on why we're not? I predict that if these mediocre FT #'s/% continue, a mediocre record will follow.

[cfish]

Lighten up Francis

[OTRMUSKIE]

Are the refs calling less fouls? I will say the league as a whole seems to be shooting more 3’s and there doesn’t seem to be a distance that will keep that from happening.

[drudy23]

Apparently we're 1-7, not 7-1. Damn.

[XU 87]

X has attempted 165 free throws this year. The other team- 137.

As for making them, I wonder if they are practicing free throws enough, or maybe they need better free throw drills. Either that, or this team simply doesn't shoot very well.

I will say- Bishop is a head scratcher so far- he's 4-13 from the free throw line. He's also 4-24 from the field.

[drudy23]

or this team simply doesn't shoot very well.

.

That's one theory...

[scoscox]

That's one theory...

you mean to tell me the team shooting 27% from three isn't a good shooting team?!

[drudy23]

The season is going to be a grind. I think most would have expected to kind of build off of the momentum from last year, and pick up where we left off, but we haven't. We have a few non conference games left that won't be gimmies, and the Big East will be very tough.

In saying that, I think the team is improving each game. Adding KyKy and establishing Paul as the go-to guy will allow Naji and Q to settle in (I hope). Naji is so much better playing off of others than trying to do it all himself. He's a first teamer when he lets the game come to him and doesn't try to do too much.

We can't shoot - get used to it. Hopefully, in the most important games, we get hot. Every team gets hot once in a while. Also, let's hope our best shooters (Paul, KyKy) take the majority of our threes and the others (Q, Naji) get to the rim. That's when they are at their best.

We have depth. Every guy isn't going to play a great game every game. But we have many guys that are capable of great games.

Just get in the tournament, and we know what can happen. And beat UC.

[XU 87]

you mean to tell me the team shooting 27% from three isn't a good shooting team?!

That's just my speculation. I think it has more to do with the free throw drills Steele is running in practice. He has to change that.

[Xuperman]

X has attempted 165 free throws this year. The other team- 137.

As for making them, I wonder if they are practicing free throws enough, or maybe they need better free throw drills. Either that, or this team simply doesn't shoot very well..

I am specifically referring to our past tradition of making more than the opponent attempts and we are not close enough to 137 made. Just wondering why results under Steele are somewhat detached from previous norms. I have no doubt that the % will improve but consistently getting to the line more is a separate concern that coach needs to address.

[XU 87]

I am specifically referring to our past tradition of making more than the opponent attempts and we are not close enough to 137 made. Just wondering why results under Steele are so detached from previous norms. I have no doubt that the % will improve but consistently getting to the line more is a separate concern that coach needs to address.

We're only 8 games into the season.

And the stat you quote (X make more free throws than the other team attempts) may be true for some years (2017-18 season) but is not true for most recent years (see for example, every season before 2017- 2018 going back to 2008-2009.)

[Xuperman]

Yea but it gets much more competitive soon. It's a legit concern. Just surprised that with the physicality of this roster, that we're not drawing more shooting fouls in the paint.

[XU 87]

Yea but it gets much more competitive soon. It's a legit concern. Just surprised that with the physicality of this roster, that we're not drawing more shooting fouls in the paint.

You're concerned about a stat (X makes more free throws than the other team attempts) that has happened once in the last 10 years.

[scoscox]

We're only 8 games into the season.

And the stat you quote (X make more free throws than the other team attempts) may be true for some years (2017-18 season) but is not true for most recent years (see for example, every season before 2017- 2018 going back to 2008-2009.)

but it's a tradition, you see

[bobbiemcgee]

Redford shot 96% ft and 44.6% from 3 his last year. Maybe bring him in for a consult. So far we're shooting like the Storm Troopers.

[Xuperman]

You're concerned about a stat (X makes more free throws than the other team attempts) that has happened once in the last 10 years.

Of course, doing it for the ENTIRE SEASON is definitely a rarity and a helluva accomplishment. Doubt that many teams have done that recently. I'm speaking of doing it at a very high clip on a game to game basis, which used to be a point of emphasis and expected before Steele. In fact, it's a stat that Byron has pointed to on a regular basis in the past.

[noteggs]

Are the refs calling less fouls?

The ref’s definitely swallowed their whistle yesterday which I liked. Hopefully that will continue because we can’t afford the cheap fouls with the defensive intensity we’re playing with.

[Muskie]

Free throw shooting has been abysmal so far under Steele. Yesterday was particularly terrible. I think 7 guys went to the line and NO ONE made a single freebie except ZFree! We hardly got to the line anyway, which is equally disturbing. Only 13 attempts vs that team? What the hell is going on?

It seems like forever that Xavier's calling card was that we made more FTs than the other team ATTEMPTED. This has been a very powerful and undeniable factor in our decades of success but for some reason Steele is not cutting it. In fact, the table has nearly been turned on us a couple of times, especially the UConn game.

We just are not getting to the line nearly enough, and obviously, not making enough when we do....with this roster of physical/athletic upperclassmen it's inexcusable. We simply have to start drawing more fouls. Anyone have a theory on why we're not? I predict that if these mediocre FT #'s/% continue, a mediocre record will follow.

What would you have Steele do differently? It’s not as if he’s coaching them to miss free throws. I suspect we just have a crop of guys that for whatever reason aren’t good free throw shooters. Some people just shoot them well.


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[bjf123]

The ref’s definitely swallowed their whistle yesterday which I liked. Hopefully that will continue because we can’t afford the cheap fouls with the defensive intensity we’re playing with.

Agreed. It was nice not having the endless parade to the charity stripe yesterday. Neither team got to the bonus in the first half. In the second half, we’re finally got to the bonus with 1:44 left in the game. They got to the bonus with 53 seconds left.

If anyone thinks this team doesn’t shoot a boatload of FTs at every practice, you’re clueless.


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[xukeith]

XU's offense is better than Virginia's offense but Virginia's defense is amazing. Hope X can get defenders like VA.

[UCGRAD4X]

Redford shot 96% ft and 44.6% from 3 his last year. Maybe bring him in for a consult. So far we're shooting like the Storm Troopers.

Worst shooters ever!! I use the term often in games or in shows where the 12 bad guys using assault rifles can's hit the good guy who kills all the bad guys with a pistol and a knife (and his ability to sneak up on them and break their neck).


What would you have Steele do differently? It’s not as if he’s coaching them to miss free throws. I suspect we just have a crop of guys that for whatever reason aren’t good free throw shooters. Some people just shoot them well. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I agree, just not these players' strength. If there is something Travis and Co. can do, it will be done.

[Xuperman]

What would you have Steele do differently? It’s not as if he’s coaching them to miss free throws. I suspect we just have a crop of guys that for whatever reason aren’t good free throw shooters. Some people just shoot them well.


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Instill an attacking mind set in practice and assist more in the paint with the INTENT to get fouled. We have the horses to go all in aggressive in set O schemes. Just not seeing anything in that regard but I am just a humble observer.

[Muskie]

Instill an attacking mind set in practice and assist more in the paint with the INTENT to get fouled. We have the horses to go all in aggressive in set O schemes. Just not seeing anything in that regard but I am just a humble observer.

That’s all fine and good. But it doesn’t necessarily fix the issue you identified with FTs.


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[XUGRAD80]

I was wrong.....I guess there WAS something to complain about from yesterday’s game. Wow.

It’s up to the players themselves to shoot free throws on their own time....if they hope to improve. There isn’t enough time in the limited hours that the team has to practice to spend much time with the players shooting free throws. They have to work on them in their own time. The players that want to be most successful will do that.

Speaking of working on things in their own time.......when the team got back from Charleston at 3:30 in the morning there were 2 players that didn’t go back to the dorms and crash, but went to the gym to get shots up. Marshall and Carter. Wish it had been a few others, but still happy to see them being leaders and workers.

[xufan02]

Is this a real thread? A grown ass man or women bitching about one stat and saying it is attributed to our success over the last decade. According to this thread making more free throws then your opponent takes is all this team needs to do to win. What a freaking joke. Stupid take.

[Xuperman]

Is this a real thread? A grown ass man or women bitching about one stat and saying it is attributed to our success over the last decade. According to this thread making more free throws then your opponent takes is all this team needs to do to win. What a freaking joke. Stupid take.

I'm a little surprised with the push back on this thread, but talk about stupid..Are you a real fan? Or just a grown ass man bitching about a thread questioning a legitimate concern? I'm guessing the latter. EVERYONE, but an out of touch fool like you, knows BIG games were actually LOST at the stripe last year....LOST. AND, it WILL happen again this year if things don't trend otherwise.

X is not getting it done from the line under Steele...PERIOD. The intent of the thread is to question why. I assume none of us here are coaches or players, so unless you are, try bringing something substantial to the debate or don't bother posting.A

[X-band '01]

I'm a little surprised with the push back on this thread, but talk about stupid..Are you a real fan? Or just a grown ass man bitching about a thread questioning a legitimate concern? I'm guessing the latter. EVERYONE, but an out of touch fool like you, knows BIG games were actually LOST at the stripe last year....LOST. AND, it WILL happen again this year if things don't trend otherwise.

X is not getting it done from the line under Steele...PERIOD. The intent of the thread is to question why. I assume none of us here are coaches or players, so unless you are, try bringing something substantial to the debate or don't bother posting.A

But I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express, so we'll opine regardless.

Sure, free throw shooting is a problem, but not the biggest problem right now. Turnovers and bad shots that may as well be turnovers are the more pressing need right now. Both are fixable.

[bleedXblue]

You can practice FT all you want...these guys have been playing basketball and shooting FT's for the last 10+ years. It's a damn FT, what the hell is Steele supposed to do? This is one instance where it is all on the players themselves to improve IMHO. Getting to the rim and drawing fouls, obviously a different issue. Also, new flash, this team isn't going to start miraculously shooting it well. Just isn't the strength of this team. Hopefully it improves some.......but it is Steele's job to run an offense that gets guys the ball in the right spots. Naji off the ball is critical in order to get him shots in and around the basket. Jones has to be better around the rim and in particular passing out of double teams and protecting the ball much better in the post. Way too many TO's. I love Scruggs game and how he's evolving. Q, I'm not really sure about right now. He's a major wild card. KyKy better embrace playing better D. He looked sort of half interested in playing on that side of the ball. First game, so I let it go......for now.

[scoscox]

But I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express, so we'll opine regardless.

Sure, free throw shooting is a problem, but not the biggest problem right now. Turnovers and bad shots that may as well be turnovers are the more pressing need right now. Both are fixable.

This is my stance. does it pain me to see us miss all these free throws? yes. does it pain me even more to see the turnovers, bad shots, airballs, missed layups, etc.? yes. i'm numb to the free throws at this point. baby steps

[scoscox]

You can practice FT all you want...these guys have been playing basketball and shooting FT's for the last 10+ years. It's a damn FT, what the hell is Steele supposed to do? This is one instance where it is all on the players themselves to improve IMHO. Getting to the rim and drawing fouls, obviously a different issue. Also, new flash, this team isn't going to start miraculously shooting it well. Just isn't the strength of this team. Hopefully it improves some.......but it is Steele's job to run an offense that gets guys the ball in the right spots. Naji off the ball is critical in order to get him shots in and around the basket. Jones has to be better around the rim and in particular passing out of double teams and protecting the ball much better in the post. Way too many TO's. I love Scruggs game and how he's evolving. Q, I'm not really sure about right now. He's a major wild card. KyKy better embrace playing better D. He looked sort of half interested in playing on that side of the ball. First game, so I let it go......for now.

shannon tweeted a quote from a manager about marshall and carter staying late in cintas to get shots up and how the manager had never seen that before. honestly, that was a little troubling to me. no one ever stays late to shoot? kind of explains the shooting

[X-band '01]

shannon tweeted a quote from a manager about marshall and carter staying late in cintas to get shots up and how the manager had never seen that before. honestly, that was a little troubling to me. no one ever stays late to shoot? kind of explains the shooting

Could just have easily been a newer manager that just figured the players would crash right after arriving home on a redeye.

[paulxu]

Redford, however, said he was banned from using the Frankenmuth School District gyms during the summer before his junior year of high school.

"I used to wedge doors open at the middle school and the high school so I could get back in and play," Redford said. "I just wanted to shoot some more, but they would kick me out.

"The people in charge didn't like that too much, but I just wanted a place to practice. I was actually banned from the gym for a while.

"I just always had a hard time finding a gym to play at. There was never any place I could get in for sure. Finding an open gym was a challenge."

[XUGRAD80]

shannon tweeted a quote from a manager about marshall and carter staying late in cintas to get shots up and how the manager had never seen that before. honestly, that was a little troubling to me. no one ever stays late to shoot? kind of explains the shooting

You must not of read my post or listened to Larkin in the pregame show yesterday.....

Marshall and Carter got back to campus at 3:30 in the MORNING from the Charleston trip and went to get shots up instead of going to bed. Any surprise the manager had never seen that before?

[xufan02]

You can practice FT all you want...these guys have been playing basketball and shooting FT's for the last 10+ years. It's a damn FT, what the hell is Steele supposed to do? This is one instance where it is all on the players themselves to improve IMHO. Getting to the rim and drawing fouls, obviously a different issue. Also, new flash, this team isn't going to start miraculously shooting it well. Just isn't the strength of this team. Hopefully it improves some.......but it is Steele's job to run an offense that gets guys the ball in the right spots. Naji off the ball is critical in order to get him shots in and around the basket. Jones has to be better around the rim and in particular passing out of double teams and protecting the ball much better in the post. Way too many TO's. I love Scruggs game and how he's evolving. Q, I'm not really sure about right now. He's a major wild card. KyKy better embrace playing better D. He looked sort of half interested in playing on that side of the ball. First game, so I let it go......for now.

Correct.

[Xville]

Geezus I'm all for bitching when things arent going right but the team is 7-1 and at worst will have 2 losses in non-con and will probably end up with 24 or 25 wins if not more by the end of the be tournament . I mean holy shit, this team is a hundred times better on defense, depth is now not an issue, and the shooting will get better as the season progresses. Plus, steele has been killing it in recruiting.

I mean free throws? We talkin' bout free throws?? You are desperately just trying to find something to bitch about, which I mean ita a free country, but damn you must be a great effing time at parties.

[Xuperman]

Geezus I'm all for bitching when things arent going right but the team is 7-1 and at worst will have 2 losses in non-con and will probably end up with 24 or 25 wins if not more by the end of the be tournament . I mean holy shit, this team is a hundred times better on defense, depth is now not an issue, and the shooting will get better as the season progresses. Plus, steele has been killing it in recruiting.

I mean free throws? We talkin' bout free throws?? You are desperately just trying to find something to bitch about, which I mean ita a free country, but damn you must be a great effing time at parties.

LOL, you do nothing but piss and moan constantly in game threads!! I could not be within swinging distance watching a game with you.��

[Xville]

LOL, you do nothing but piss and moan constantly in game threads!! I could not be within swinging distance watching a game with you.��

Well, at least you got the attention you so desperately craved with this thread. Hope you feel better soon.

[Xuperman]

You can practice FT all you want...these guys have been playing basketball and shooting FT's for the last 10+ years. It's a damn FT, what the hell is Steele supposed to do? This is one instance where it is all on the players themselves to improve IMHO. Getting to the rim and drawing fouls, obviously a different issue.

Pretty much a blanket statement that applies to all poor shooting teams from the line but I'm sure you'll never hear Coach Steele say it's not on him. But you're right, the % is what it is. Creating an more aggressive mindset that yields more attempts is certainly something that he can control and is entirely the question I tried to raise. Why the knives are out for asking is a bit confusing.

[Xuperman]

Well, at least you got the attention you so desperately craved with this thread. Hope you feel better soon.

Attention? That is downright twisted. If a guy can't raise a legit question and get legit feedback, what the hell are we all doing here?

[Muskie]

Pretty much a blanket statement that applies to all poor shooting teams from the line but I'm sure you'll never hear Coach Steele say it's not on him. But you're right, the % is what it is. Creating an more aggressive mindset that yields more attempts is certainly something that he can control and is entirely the question I tried to raise. Why the knives are out for asking is a bit confusing.

Is it your belief that more free throw attempts in game will somehow raise the FT percentage? I understand your concerns about the FT percentage, but I’m not seeing the connection to your solution unless it’s what I described above.


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[Muskeagle]

Is it fair to question a trend? Sure. It is a valid point brought up here, that Steele's teams haven't been great shooters....or haven't gotten to the line enough...or don't this or that. I mean, afterall it is what a message board is all about. What I have trouble with is people who assume they have they answers to the problem. It's not like it's a surprise that this team doesn't shoot particularly well. We all knew that was not an area of strength coming in. I'd think a good coach is one who deals with issues that a team has and creates an attitude, game plan, and style of play that gives the players he has the best chance of winning. At the end of last year (even with improvement throughout the year) the team ranked 102 in Defense according to KEN POM. This year they are #16. The offense is slightly improved at 56 to 48. So yeah, the free throws, the 3 pt shooting, the turnovers are all concerning. BUT the coaching seems to me, to be pretty good. He has brought guys who play hard and get after it on D. There is more depth. Shooters seem to be on the way (Moore? Tandy? Odom? Wilcher?) But for now, Steele is taking what he has and putting them into position to win. 7-1 and a three pointer away from a 17 pt. comeback and potential win. We may not be comfortable with the way it looks, but I think Steele is doing a helluva job.

[Xuperman]

Is it your belief that more free throw attempts in game will somehow raise the FT percentage?

Of course not, but obviously it will lead to more points even if the percentage doesn't improve....more points is the desired outcome.

But seriously, who here would not like to see more attacking the paint to draw the maximum amount of shooting fouls. Should 15 or so points from the line be an unreasonable expectation for this team?

[Muskie]

Of course not, but obviously it will lead to more points even if the percentage doesn't improve....more points is the desired outcome.

But seriously, who here would not like to see more attacking the paint to draw the maximum amount of shooting fouls. Should 15 or so points from the line be an unreasonable expectation for this team?

Id like to see more high percentage shots in general and less bad shots being taken. Maybe we are saying the same thing.


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[xufan2020]

This fanbase's obsession with free throws is so annoying. The teams either makes them or they don't.
Steele practices free throws just like the previous Xavier coaches.. we're 7-1, the defense is elite and the offense is going to get better.

[IM4X]

I suspect we just have a crop of guys that for whatever reason aren’t good free throw shooters. Some people just shoot them well.


There is always a reason.

There is a reason some players keep taking bad shots.

There is a reason some players continue to make stupid passes.

There is a reason some players make less free throws than they ought to.

it is up to the coach to figure it out and fix it.

Sometimes coaches need to step in and help show their players how to do things the right way instead of just telling them again and again that they are doing specific things the wrong way.

“These were bad shot you took here and here in these games and this is why... and these are good shots taken in this game and these are the reasons why.”

“This is a good pass... and this is a bad pass.”

“These are the reasons you are missing a bunch more of your free throws than you should be and these are a few simple changes that should help you make more of them.”

Either Steele and his staff are not doing enough to fix these specific trouble areas or some of these players are just not willing to listen and work at it hard enough to get better.

Note: The free throw shooting isn’t quite as bad as it seems. Only Q, Bishop and Jones are struggling.... and Jones is not expected to shoot much better from the line than he currently is (59%).

[XMuskieFTW]

It's significantly harder to draw fouls in the paint when all 5 defenders are already sagging into the paint because we cannot shoot from 3. When you have shooters, the floor opens up and it's easier to drive and draw fouls.

We can't shoot, thus the fouls we can draw in the paint are less.

[XUGRAD80]

Is it a surprise to anyone that the player with the most free throws attempted is Jones* (45) and he is shooting them at a .578 clip.

The next closest player is Marshall (33) and he is shooting at a .758 percentage.

Some other stats
Freemantle (21) and .810
Carter (19) and .947
Bishop (14) and .308
Scruggs (10) and .800
Goodin (9) and .444
Moore (6) and .857

*Jones went 7 for 15 against UConn, but still finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds in that win.

I don’t think that missing free throws is a team wide problem. It’s more a problem with just a couple of players.

One other thing...X is shooting FTs at a lower % than the opposition, BUT they have still MADE more than the opposition overall.

[nuts4xu]

Some other stats
Freemantle (21) and .810
Carter (19) and .947
Bishop (14) and .308
Scruggs (10) and .800
Goodin (9) and .444
Moore (6) and .857

I don’t think that missing free throws is a team wide problem. It’s more a problem with just a couple of players.



This is the point I was just getting ready to make. Take out the makes/misses from Tyrique and Dahmir and this team is shooting 75% from the line....even with Quentin shooting 4-9 from the line. It is such a small sample size for team FT shooting. This is not a bad free throw shooting team, but we have a couple players that need to shoot better.

With as much as Tyrique is getting to the line, he needs to shoot a better %, or he will be hacked all season long.

[xuwin]

X has attempted 165 free throws this year. The other team- 137.

As for making them, I wonder if they are practicing free throws enough, or maybe they need better free throw drills. Either that, or this team simply doesn't shoot very well.

I will say- Bishop is a head scratcher so far- he's 4-13 from the free throw line. He's also 4-24 from the field.

6 players have been to the line more than our point guard. He has been to the line 9 times and made 4. I think that is a problem. Our other starters and Freemantle have been fine at the line except Jones who is below his numbers last year. Bishop is a mystery to me too. So far he does everything well but shoot. How did he shoot in high school?

[xuwin]

I would love to see data on how our players shot free throws in high school. Is that information available?

[xuwin]

Is it a surprise to anyone that the player with the most free throws attempted is Jones* (45) and he is shooting them at a .578 clip.

The next closest player is Marshall (33) and he is shooting at a .758 percentage.

Some other stats
Freemantle (21) and .810
Carter (19) and .947
Bishop (14) and .308
Scruggs (10) and .800
Goodin (9) and .444
Moore (6) and .857

*Jones went 7 for 15 against UConn, but still finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds in that win.

I don’t think that missing free throws is a team wide problem. It’s more a problem with just a couple of players.

One other thing...X is shooting FTs at a lower % than the opposition, BUT they have still MADE more than the opposition overall.

It's unusual that with Goodin's strength and athleticism and ability to penetrate he doesn't have a knack for drawing fouls.

[xuwin]

Is it a surprise to anyone that the player with the most free throws attempted is Jones* (45) and he is shooting them at a .578 clip.

The next closest player is Marshall (33) and he is shooting at a .758 percentage.

Some other stats
Freemantle (21) and .810
Carter (19) and .947
Bishop (14) and .308
Scruggs (10) and .800
Goodin (9) and .444
Moore (6) and .857

*Jones went 7 for 15 against UConn, but still finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds in that win.

I don’t think that missing free throws is a team wide problem. It’s more a problem with just a couple of players.

One other thing...X is shooting FTs at a lower % than the opposition, BUT they have still MADE more than the opposition overall.

It's unusual that with Goodin's strength and athleticism and ability to penetrate he doesn't have a knack for drawing fouls.

[Muskie]

I think that's why people are so against him taking 3's,when he could drive the basket.

[scoscox]

Is it fair to question a trend? Sure. It is a valid point brought up here, that Steele's teams haven't been great shooters....or haven't gotten to the line enough...or don't this or that. I mean, afterall it is what a message board is all about. What I have trouble with is people who assume they have they answers to the problem. It's not like it's a surprise that this team doesn't shoot particularly well. We all knew that was not an area of strength coming in. I'd think a good coach is one who deals with issues that a team has and creates an attitude, game plan, and style of play that gives the players he has the best chance of winning. At the end of last year (even with improvement throughout the year) the team ranked 102 in Defense according to KEN POM. This year they are #16. The offense is slightly improved at 56 to 48. So yeah, the free throws, the 3 pt shooting, the turnovers are all concerning. BUT the coaching seems to me, to be pretty good. He has brought guys who play hard and get after it on D. There is more depth. Shooters seem to be on the way (Moore? Tandy? Odom? Wilcher?) But for now, Steele is taking what he has and putting them into position to win. 7-1 and a three pointer away from a 17 pt. comeback and potential win. We may not be comfortable with the way it looks, but I think Steele is doing a helluva job.

Odoms not a shooter. That’s the weakest part of his game. Wilcher is a sniper and I think jones is pretty competent as well

[scoscox]

There is always a reason.

There is a reason some players keep taking bad shots.

There is a reason some players continue to make stupid passes.

There is a reason some players make less free throws than they ought to.

it is up to the coach to figure it out and fix it.

Sometimes coaches need to step in and help show their players how to do things the right way instead of just telling them again and again that they are doing specific things the wrong way.

“These were bad shot you took here and here in these games and this is why... and these are good shots taken in this game and these are the reasons why.”

“This is a good pass... and this is a bad pass.”

“These are the reasons you are missing a bunch more of your free throws than you should be and these are a few simple changes that should help you make more of them.”

Either Steele and his staff are not doing enough to fix these specific trouble areas or some of these players are just not willing to listen and work at it hard enough to get better.

Note: The free throw shooting isn’t quite as bad as it seems. Only Q, Bishop and Jones are struggling.... and Jones is not expected to shoot much better from the line than he currently is (59%).

Not that the coaches are blameless but they really haven’t had much choice until this point. Our guys would take bad shots and travis would tell them they needed to take better shots (he atleast talks about it after almost every game) but none of them had a viable backup so what could he really do. This year that’s not the case, so if it continues I think the criticism is valid.

Your last point is very true. Besides bishop, q, and tyrique were actually shooting very well from the line. Even naji is at 75%.

[IM4X]

Not that the coaches are blameless but they really haven’t had much choice until this point. Our guys would take bad shots and travis would tell them they needed to take better shots (he atleast talks about it after almost every game) but none of them had a viable backup so what could he really do. This year that’s not the case, so if it continues I think the criticism is valid.

Your last point is very true. Besides bishop, OH q, and tyrique were actually shooting very well from the line. Even naji is at 75%.

No question Steele and staff are dialed in to the few glaring problem areas of the team and making it clear (at least to us fans) what those areas are.

What we have yet to see though, is a team actually confirming those are indeed problem areas or for that matter, a team who collectively looks dialed in to improving those problem areas. Heck, Naji was playing down some of these obvious and consistent problem areas (3s, turnovers, etc). It has been a little off putting, especially since the biggest culprits are juniors and seniors.

This is especially frustrating because We are talking about a team who could beat with anyone, if they could just take the few issues that ha e plagued them more seriously this season. Just admit it is a problem and then work like a dog on ways to fix it.

[XU 87]

There is a reason some players make less free throws than they ought to.

it is up to the coach to figure it out and fix it.

Sometimes coaches need to step in and help show their players how to do things the right way instead of just telling them again and again that they are doing specific things the wrong way.

““These are the reasons you are missing a bunch more of your free throws than you should be and these are a few simple changes that should help you make more of them.”



I realize your post addressed other areas, but as it relates to shooting free throws, if only it were that simple.

[XU 87]

Not that the coaches are blameless but they really haven’t had much choice until this point. Our guys would take bad shots and travis would tell them they needed to take better shots (he atleast talks about it after almost every game) but none of them had a viable backup so what could he really do. This year that’s not the case, so if it continues I think the criticism is valid.



One of the assistants was interviewed after the last game, and I think he said something to the effect of, "If a player doesn't want to do it the right way, we have plenty of people on the bench who can take his minutes"

I don't think they could say that to players last year. "Naji, you're going to be losing minutes to Welage" doesn't seem to be a serious threat.

[scoscox]

No question Steele and staff are dialed in to the few glaring problem areas of the team and making it clear (at least to us fans) what those areas are.

What we have yet to see though, is a team actually confirming those are indeed problem areas or for that matter, a team who collectively looks dialed in to improving those problem areas. Heck, Naji was playing down some of these obvious and consistent problem areas (3s, turnovers, etc). It has been a little off putting, especially since the biggest culprits are juniors and seniors.

This is especially frustrating because We are talking about a team who could beat with anyone, if they could just take the few issues that ha e plagued them more seriously this season. Just admit it is a problem and then work like a dog on ways to fix it.

when has naji directly played down those concerns? i don't remember that. i can remember a few of the players occasionally talking about making better decisions

[noteggs]

One of the assistants was interviewed after the last game, and I think he said something to the effect of, "If a player doesn't want to do it the right way, we have plenty of people on the bench who can take his minutes"

I don't think they could say that to players last year. "Naji, you're going to be losing minutes to Welage" doesn't seem to be a serious threat.

Interesting...

[Xuperman]

It's unusual that with Goodin's strength and athleticism and ability to penetrate he doesn't have a knack for drawing fouls.

It is unusual, and a big part of the concern but consider Paul Scruggs. He has been very aggressive in the paint, yet only 10 FTAs? It’s almost like he instinctively avoids contact. I view him as a similar type player (decades apart of course) as BLark but nearly the exact opposite in approach. The guy is shooting at an 80% clip from the line...give em’ a chance for some contact. Start drawing some “and ones”, lots of twos and get an extra 5-6 from the stripe. That is a totally coachable skill.

Certainly a reasonable point of discussion but deemed negative for even bringing it up....Got negs from 2 very sensitive members.
:read:

[bleedXblue]

It is unusual, and a big part of the concern but consider Paul Scruggs. He has been very aggressive in the paint, yet only 10 FTAs? It’s almost like he instinctively avoids contact. I view him as a similar type player (decades apart of course) as BLark but nearly the exact opposite in approach. The guy is shooting at an 80% clip from the line...give em’ a chance for some contact. Start drawing some “and ones”, lots of twos and get an extra 5-6 from the stripe. That is a totally coachable skill.

Certainly a reasonable point of discussion but deemed negative for even bringing it up....Got negs from 2 very sensitive members.
:read:

You may be a little sensitive yourself........geesh.

Also, Scruggs has been great this year. A little sloppy with the ball at times. He gets into the paint better than any other player not named Tyrique Jones and has been very effective. Criticizing him for not drawing contact is absurd.

[UCGRAD4X]

I'm sure the coaches are aware of the issues that have been mentioned and with greater depth, perspective and awareness than expressed here.

Either they will take measures to get the players up to the expected standards, and if they do not, two scenarios will be apparent.

Players who aren't performing / conforming will have less playing time.

Schemes and strategies will be changed to mitigate these deficiencies and get the best people in the best place to make the team as successful as possible (as per note above).

When it comes right down to it, the coaches can do so much, Bottom line (no pun intended) the players have to put in the work, succumb to the practice regimen, changing schemes and implement them in games.

The players have to perform.

I would not characterize it as disturbing at this point. I am certainly concerned but I also have faith in Travis and Co. If there is not improvement, incrementally up to league play - then disturbing might be appropriate. If it continues far into BE play, disturbing would be putting it mildly.

[WCWIII]

A "slaughter" is when a player makes his 2nd FT in a row. Let's "Moo!" (especially because it sounds like "boo") every time after the first one goes in. Teams win 99 44/100's of the time when they get 20 slaughters in a game.

Steele is doing great and has 100% my support especially this time of the season and during shootout week - despite the overly provocative thread title (hence, the deserved push back). Also, good job by others pointing out FT's, if a serious problem, are mostly due to just a couple of guys (hence, undermining the thread's premise). On topic, early season, Jones has struggled a bit both around the rim and with FTs. On FTs, he is using some of the same techniques (pausing and focusing) that brought him up to the mid-60%'s last year. Every indication is that he continues to work hard in practice; and we all wish him to see the fruits on the court. I predict they'll start falling.

[nuts4xu]

It is unusual, and a big part of the concern but consider Paul Scruggs. He has been very aggressive in the paint, yet only 10 FTAs? It’s almost like he instinctively avoids contact. I view him as a similar type player (decades apart of course) as BLark but nearly the exact opposite in approach. The guy is shooting at an 80% clip from the line...give em’ a chance for some contact. Start drawing some “and ones”, lots of twos and get an extra 5-6 from the stripe. That is a totally coachable skill.

Certainly a reasonable point of discussion but deemed negative for even bringing it up....Got negs from 2 very sensitive members.
:read:

Feel free to bring it up, it is what message boards are all about.

You say "The guy is shooting at an 80% clip from the line..." which is true. Lately it seems our offense is working better. They still have far too many turnovers and ill advised shots, but the point Scruggs should drive the lane is valid. Even though, "the 80% clip from the line" is on 10 free throws, he has averaged 75% FT thus far in his collegiate career.

I think it is too early in the season, and far too early in Travis Steele's tenure to say poor FT shooting is a "trend". If you want to point to one of the greatest factors in the poor team FT shooting numbers, look no further than Tyrique Jones. He is a career 57.3% FT shooter, and drags down the team #'s and %'s and he shoots more FT's than any other player in our lineup.

[xufan2020]

It is unusual, and a big part of the concern but consider Paul Scruggs. He has been very aggressive in the paint, yet only 10 FTAs? It’s almost like he instinctively avoids contact. I view him as a similar type player (decades apart of course) as BLark but nearly the exact opposite in approach. The guy is shooting at an 80% clip from the line...give em’ a chance for some contact. Start drawing some “and ones”, lots of twos and get an extra 5-6 from the stripe. That is a totally coachable skill.

Certainly a reasonable point of discussion but deemed negative for even bringing it up....Got negs from 2 very sensitive members.
:read:
Ironic you declare those who down voted your nonsense post on an internet forum sensitive members.

[Michigan Muskie]

It is unusual, and a big part of the concern but consider Paul Scruggs. He has been very aggressive in the paint, yet only 10 FTAs? It’s almost like he instinctively avoids contact. I view him as a similar type player (decades apart of course) as BLark but nearly the exact opposite in approach. The guy is shooting at an 80% clip from the line...give em’ a chance for some contact. Start drawing some “and ones”, lots of twos and get an extra 5-6 from the stripe. That is a totally coachable skill.
:read:

My take on this: It appears to me that Scruggs has figured out that he can drive the ball into the paint and score with hesitation moves and/or short fade-away jumpers. Both of those skills don't tend to draw fouls (especially the fade-away shots), but he has been quite effective in scoring inside. So personally, I'd rather he continue to hit these high percentage shots rather than drive into traffic and hope to get fouled. It's obviously something he's worked on and it's paying off.

[xeus]

I think it has more to do with the free throw drills Steele is running in practice. He has to change that.

I agree. After all, he's a relatively new head coach and probably just isn't sure how to coach free throws.

I took the initiative to do some research for him, and found some great free throw drills by googling "free throw drills."

I'll email him the following information, and hopefully this team can get back on track:

https://www.coachesclipboard.net/FreeThrowDrills.html

https://www.basketballforcoaches.com/free-throw-drills/

https://winninghoops.com/article/don-meyers-shooting-games/

[XUGRAD80]

I’m sure that the head coach of the Xavier Musketeers, who has over a decade of college coaching experience, is grateful that he receives such great support and information from a forum moderator. Armed with such information, I’m sure that he will be able to turn these players into Rick Mount within the week.

[xeus]

I’m sure that the head coach of the Xavier Musketeers, who has over a decade of college coaching experience, is grateful that he receives such great support and information from a forum moderator. Armed with such information, I’m sure that he will be able to turn these players into Rick Mount within the week.


That's my hope. All for One, and One for All.

[xcellentx]

Certainly a reasonable point of discussion but deemed negative for even bringing it up....Got negs from 2 very sensitive members.
:read:

There are a few reasons you are receiving pushback on this. First, you are making this a trend under Steele 8 games into his second season with the same 4 players getting the most minutes each year. As most have pointed out, this is more of a Jones issue than anything else. Just for reference, we have 5 guys shooting over 75%. They avg is brought down mostly by Jones, Q, and Bishop, as well as 2 for 8 from guys who are playing less than 8min a game.

The 66.7% is very similar to 68.9 for Mack's second to last year, showing that it just isn't something that is a monolith that never changes.

Also, suggesting that not getting to the line is detrimental to our offense after out best offensive outing of the year is maybe not the best timing.

Would I like to see more FTs and a better FT%? Sure. But this can't be chalked up as so.e sort of issue with Steele.

[Xuperman]

These fan boards are weird places. I’m fairly new to them by comparison and not really skilled at articulating on a keyboard....I’m more of an old school, argue sports over a cold one, guy. Now, I’ve gotten battered pretty good on this one but I’m glutton for punishment, and I have the time, so here goes.

My thread title and premise have not been well received. I seemed to have used some hot button words that trigger harsh response, like “disturbing” and “trend”. Apparently they have an emotional impact when presented in text but they certainly apply. If this exact topic was brought up in a verbal discussion, one would expect mostly agreement among fellow X fans and proceed to ponder the reasons. But here, it seems to be viewed as a ridiculous topic...very peculiar.

I never intended for this to be about the FT PERCENTAGE. We all know it’s bad and we did finish at the bottom last year in conference. I simply wanted some feedback on the recent decrease in ATTEMPTS. I started the thread because I was perusing some stats and noticed a considerable drop off in that category, having 1 1/4 season worth of data in the books. When comparing CS to CM, Mack’s high mark was 832 and was consistently in the high 700’s. Steele’s first team charted 608 and is kinda on that pace thru 8 this year. That jumped out to me considering Steele cut his teeth in Mack’s system, so the word “trend” came to mind and 832 vs 608 could be considered “disturbing”.....that’s A LOT of points left at the stripe. Now I realize CM had Trevon, who was a master at getting to the line, but it’s not like he was an overly gifted athlete....he just seemed to invite contact. One would think that Paul and Naj are perfectly suited to get Trevon type numbers IF the conscious effort was made to do so through coaching. Seems to be a reasonable expectation considering X has generally excelled in this area and it wins games when the numbers are significantly higher than the opposition.

With that said, this is a discussion board. If wanting/expecting our guys to get to the line more and hoping it’s addressed ASAP is deemed crazy talk, I’m at a loss. We’re talking about one element (although an important one) in a TEAM dynamic of which Coach Steele holds the reigns, so I can’t see how it’s not an appropriate area to critique without being tagged stupid negative. The REAL nut jobs here are the members that brutally attack INDIVIDUAL PLAYERS and rant excessively negative in game threads. The internet is a weird place.

[X-man]

These fan boards are weird places. I’m fairly new to them by comparison and not really skilled at articulating on a keyboard....I’m more of an old school, argue sports over a cold one, guy. Now, I’ve gotten battered pretty good on this one but I’m glutton for punishment, and I have the time, so here goes.

My thread title and premise have not been well received. I seemed to have used some hot button words that trigger harsh response, like “disturbing” and “trend”. Apparently they have an emotional impact when presented in text but they certainly apply. If this exact topic was brought up in a verbal discussion, one would expect mostly agreement among fellow X fans and proceed to ponder the reasons. But here, it seems to be viewed as a ridiculous topic...very peculiar.

I never intended for this to be about the FT PERCENTAGE. We all know it’s bad and we did finish at the bottom last year in conference. I simply wanted some feedback on the recent decrease in ATTEMPTS. I started the thread because I was perusing some stats and noticed a considerable drop off in that category, having 1 1/4 season worth of data in the books. When comparing CS to CM, Mack’s high mark was 832 and was consistently in the high 700’s. Steele’s first team charted 608 and is kinda on that pace thru 8 this year. That jumped out to me considering Steele cut his teeth in Mack’s system, so the word “trend” came to mind and 832 vs 608 could be considered “disturbing”.....that’s A LOT of points left at the stripe. Now I realize CM had Trevon, who was a master at getting to the line, but it’s not like he was an overly gifted athlete....he just seemed to invite contact. One would think that Paul and Naj are perfectly suited to get Trevon type numbers IF the conscious effort was made to do so through coaching. Seems to be a reasonable expectation considering X has generally excelled in this area and it wins games when the numbers are significantly higher than the opposition.

With that said, this is a discussion board. If wanting/expecting our guys to get to the line more and hoping it’s addressed ASAP is deemed crazy talk, I’m at a loss. We’re talking about one element (although an important one) in a TEAM dynamic of which Coach Steele holds the reigns, so I can’t see how it’s not an appropriate area to critique without being tagged stupid negative. The REAL nut jobs here are the members that brutally attack INDIVIDUAL PLAYERS and rant excessively negative in game threads. The internet is a weird place.

You got "battered pretty good" on the HLOH board as well. In that case, it was for going after Nova by claiming it is over-rated this year. Perhaps you might rethink how you come across on these boards considering how other users react. You might, for example, put your thoughts in better context. Regarding the XU "FT problem", why not also allow for the possibility that Mack had players like (as you pint out in your last post) Trevon who got fouled a lot because of his style rather than coaching. And with Nova, why not allow the possibility that they may well still be top dog even with young players because frankly, they have done it before. Your position may still be valid. However at least allowing the possibility that it might not should get you more slack from other fans posting on these boards.

[GIMMFD]

This has been an absolute rollercoaster worth reading all 8 pages for, holy shit.

[94GRAD]

This has been an absolute rollercoaster worth reading all 8 pages for, holy shit.

8 pages? You need to change your post per page in your settings!

[GIMMFD]

8 pages? You need to change your post per page in your settings!

Haha, that seems like too much effort, I wanted to comment on the manager saying it was the first time he saw guys putting up shots late at night with the fact that I used to dick around in Cintas with Dez and Dee Davis at like 2am quite often, but I saw that it was like 5 pages back and topic of convo changed :(

[Caf]

I never intended for this to be about the FT PERCENTAGE. We all know it’s bad and we did finish at the bottom last year in conference. I simply wanted some feedback on the recent decrease in ATTEMPTS.

You sure? Just say you've overestimated the problem and move on.


Free throw shooting has been abysmal so far under Steele.

I don't think anyone has ever complained about free throw SHOOTING in regard to the number of ATTEMPTS.


We hardly got to the line anyway, which is equally disturbing.


We just are not getting to the line nearly enough, and obviously, not making enough when we do

I think your point works better as a critique of the three point shooting. Focus more on attacking the interior and FT attempts will rise. As for percentage, maybe underhand will work.

[XUGRAD80]

I am specifically referring to our past tradition of making more than the opponent attempts and we are not close enough to 137 made. Just wondering why results under Steele are somewhat detached from previous norms. I have no doubt that the % will improve but consistently getting to the line more is a separate concern that coach needs to address.

Only ONE year in the past 5+ has it been the case where X MADE more FTs than the opposition ATTEMPTED. That was the 2017-2018 season, Mack’s last season where the team went 29-6 and lost in the 2nd round of the NCAA tourney.

2014-15. X made 566. Opp took 678. X shot at .730. (23-14)

2015-16. X made 626. Opp took 675. X shot at .730. (28-6)

2016-17. X made 607. Opp took 716. X shot at .688. (24-14)

2017-18. X made 657. Opp took 562. X shot at .779. (29-6)

2018-19. X made 437. Opp took 519. X shot at .679. (19-16)

2019-now X made 110. Opp took 137. X shoot at .667. (7-1)


What past tradition?

The only real past tradition is that X MAKES more free throws than the opposition does. Something that happened last year and has happened so far this year.

[paulxu]

I used to dick around in Cintas with Dez and Dee Davis at like 2am quite often,

Might have chosen a different portal in the way back machine...

[IM4X]

I realize your post addressed other areas, but as it relates to shooting free throws, if only it were that simple.

While free throw shooting would be a little harder to fix, the good news seems to be that their shooting from the line is not as bad collectively as it seems... aside from Q and Bishop... and I’d imagine even their numbers have to go up at some point. The other stuff is very fixable.

[IM4X]

when has naji directly played down those concerns? i don't remember that. i can remember a few of the players occasionally talking about making better decisions

Post game interviews. When someone from the press asked Naji what he thought about the teams continued poor shooting from 3 (about 4 games into the season), Naji said it was not an issue and that it was only a matter of time before those same shots would start falling. Meanwhile, Steele told the media a different story... that his players needed to be much better with their shot selection from 3.

The conflicting comments and continued bad shots the following game by Naji and several others lead me to wonder whether Steele was simply not getting through to his players, or if Naji and some of his teammates bought in that it was a real issue that needed fixed and were just playing it down to the media.

[scoscox]

Post game interviews. When someone from the press asked Naji what he thought about the teams continued poor shooting from 3 (about 4 games into the season), Naji said it was not an issue and that it was only a matter of time before those same shots would start falling. Meanwhile, Steele told the media a different story... that his players needed to be much better with their shot selection from 3.

The conflicting comments and continued bad shots the following game by Naji and several others lead me to wonder whether Steele was simply not getting through to his players, or if Naji and some of his teammates bought in that it was a real issue that needed fixed and were just playing it down to the media.

ah yes, i thought you were referring to the turnovers. yes, i remember that. in his defense, steele has repeatedly said he doesn't care about missed shots. i don't mind that comment. we were shooting like 25% at the time and there was no way that could continue. we've been solidly in the 30's since he said that.

missed shots are different from shot selection though

[nuts4xu]

These fan boards are weird places. I’m fairly new to them by comparison and not really skilled at articulating on a keyboard...

Welcome to the internet. The World Wide Web missed you the past 25 years, glad you are starting to catch on to how it works!

When crafting your next thread, remember your own statement “I’m...not really skilled at articulating on a keyboard”.

Your thread attracted a lot of eyes and responses, maybe being bad at the internet is your niche. Hope it catches on...

[Lloyd Braun]

It appears I may be in the minority here but I believe you can coach improved free throw shooting. Ultimately it is up to the players to put the work in for muscle memory but coaching does affect free throw shooting. I am sure our guys shoot a lot of free throws, but could it be worked on with more detail? Possibly. Watching some of our guys with poor FT % is painful at times as their form is inconsistent -from knee bending to release point. Obviously having good shooters helps with FT % but guys who aren’t good shooters can still be good at the FT line.

Having a thread dedicated to this is a tad overkill, but we are only two Naji 3s away from a “Fire Steele!” Thread.

[muskiefan82]

we are only two Naji 3s away from a “Fire Steele!” Thread.

Ha! This is, unfortunately, so very true.

[IM4X]

ah yes, i thought you were referring to the turnovers. yes, i remember that. in his defense, steele has repeatedly said he doesn't care about missed shots. i don't mind that comment. we were shooting like 25% at the time and there was no way that could continue. we've been solidly in the 30's since he said that.

missed shots are different from shot selection though

One can lead to the other. Can it not?

Bad shot selection (e.g. shots from 30+ feet away, rushed shots where the lower body is not squared with the basket) will more likely result in a higher percentage of missed shots.

It does appear though that better 3 point shooters on the team are starting to take more of the 3s. Let’s hope that trend continue.

[XU 87]

I agree. After all, he's a relatively new head coach and probably just isn't sure how to coach free throws.

I took the initiative to do some research for him, and found some great free throw drills by googling "free throw drills."

I'll email him the following information, and hopefully this team can get back on track:

https://www.coachesclipboard.net/FreeThrowDrills.html

https://www.basketballforcoaches.com/free-throw-drills/

https://winninghoops.com/article/don-meyers-shooting-games/

I expect to see the team to shoot 80% from the line tonight. If not, I would send these drills to him again. He needs to listen.

[stammina0721]

I'm just responding to the thread creator. Three words...
Chill freaking pill!

[xeus]

I expect to see the team to shoot 80% from the line tonight. If not, I would send these drills to him again. He needs to listen.


No kidding. In my next email I will cc: Greg Christopher and Fr. Graham.

[94GRAD]

No kidding. In my next email I will cc: Greg Christopher and Fr. Graham.

If you want stuff accomplished, let Mario know! He gets shit done.

[noteggs]

No kidding. In my next email I will cc: Greg Christopher and Fr. Graham.

That should keep the coach accountable

[American X]

Just rant on Twitter that bad free throw shooting affects climate change. That usually fixes everything.

[Masterofreality]

Just rant on Twitter that bad free throw shooting affects climate change. That usually fixes everything.

It sure as hell makes my temperature rise!!!!

[waggy]

Or Muskie freethrow shooting is the solution to climate change.

[XUGRAD80]

Tonight’s game serves as a perfect example of why statistics can lie......Jones and Marshall were both 6-10 in Free throws, rest of the team is 6-7 and Xavier shoots 27 free throws, makes 18. Green Bay takes 20 free throws, but only makes 12. Net....plus 6 points for X. X does NOT make more FT’s than the opposition takes, but gets more points out of it.

But the real reasons the stats lie.....the ref’s decided at half time that they didn’t earn their money in the 1st half and decided they had to call a foul on every play in the 2nd half.

[X-band '01]

Couldn't exactly call many fouls while Green Bay was on offense because they were jacking up shots 5-10 seconds into the shot clock every possession. Paul Westhead would have loved the GB effort.

[Xuperman]

WoW, The 12/20 Coach Steele presser was interesting....when asked about his ALL DECADE TEAM, he included NO CURRENT X players....that's a door that swings BOTH WAYS!!!

[Muskie]

Who was Steele’s all decade team?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Xville]

I mean would you put any current players on it? I could name about ten players off the top of.my head I'd want before anyone on this team.

Well, maybe not 10 but....

Semaj
Tu
Tre
Sumner
Jp
Big men I'll take mr uber, farr and kanter

[scoscox]

Call me crazy but I might take hankins

[GIMMFD]

Who was Steele’s all decade team?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Probably guys that can hit free throws.

[UCGRAD4X]

WoW, The 12/20 Coach Steele presser was interesting....when asked about his ALL DECADE TEAM, he included NO CURRENT X players....that's a door that swings BOTH WAYS!!!

Are you saying the players would not pick Travis as coach of their all decade team?

I'm just trying to recall what the other choices would be.



Call me crazy but I might take hankins

You're crazy. But probably not for that particular reason...necessarily.

[Xuperman]

This is disturbing.

https://bigeastconf_ftp.sidearmsports.com/custompages/sports/m-baskbl/2019-2020/CONFONLY.HTM

[nuts4xu]

This is disturbing.

https://bigeastconf_ftp.sidearmsports.com/custompages/sports/m-baskbl/2019-2020/CONFONLY.HTM

Might be the most disturbing thing I've seen in my entire life....

[drudy23]

This is disturbing.

https://bigeastconf_ftp.sidearmsports.com/custompages/sports/m-baskbl/2019-2020/CONFONLY.HTM

Ugh - this points to "we suck". Even worse than we already knew.

Also, what kind of anomaly has us 2nd in assists? Almost seems impossible because nothing ever goes in.

[BandDad]

Ugh - this points to "we suck". Even worse than we already knew.

Also, what kind of anomaly has us 2nd in assists? Almost seems impossible because nothing ever goes in.

I think they may be giving us assists on turnovers to the other team.

On a serious note, that's the main thing I saw in those stats. As a former basketball statistician, I can tell you there is a lot of subjectivity when determining an assist. Therefore, some teams pile up more assists and other teams don't. Kind of like errors vs. hits in baseball.

The other thing that jumped out on me on the stats is we aren't pressuring the ball anywhere near enough. Being dead last in steals and being a poor shooting team is a bad combination. Ramp up the pressure.

[Xuperman]

And to address my personal pet peeve that started this thread, FOUR teams have MADE MORE FTs then we have attempted! DEPAUL is in that group....ponder on that for a minute.

For a group of highly experienced players, that is inexcusable....all on Coach for not insisting they play to contact. So un-X like.

[SM#24]

Have to be impressed with our offensive rebounding...of course it just leads to more missed shots.
Our shooting % would be better much if we stopped getting O rebounds.

[goldiewilson]

Free throw shooting cost X that game. How does a team shoot THAT bad?

[Masterofreality]

Free throw shooting cost X that game. How does a team shoot THAT bad?

I'm sure the Xavier Way Practice Points teaches them!!!! Just like it teaches them attention to detail!!!!!!!

[IM4X]

And to address my personal pet peeve that started this thread, FOUR teams have MADE MORE FTs then we have attempted! DEPAUL is in that group....ponder on that for a minute.

For a group of highly experienced players, that is inexcusable....all on Coach for not insisting they play to contact. So un-X like.

Yes. Absolutely 100% unacceptable. Almost as unacceptable as how poorly the team shoots from the line.

Must have been even more painful when Steele first realized his assistants could recruit but not coach a lick.

[kellernr]

Yes. Absolutely 100% unacceptable. Almost as unacceptable as how poorly the team shoots from the line.

Must have been even more painful when Steele first realized his assistants could recruit but not coach a lick.It's not just the assistants that cant coach. Steele looks lost as hell out there most of the time. Guy can recruit but he shouldn't be in charge of a D1 team.

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[bleedXblue]

Not sure what else has been said........too lazy this AM.......All I know is this team hasn't improved in any facet this year outside of the occasional game where we defend well.

That is coaching...........

[xubrew]

I haven't read any of this thread or any of the other thread. However, I do think that things could be worse....

https://youtu.be/9AFf0ysgNiM?t=12

[bjf123]

I haven't read any of this thread or any of the other thread. However, I do think that things could be worse....

https://youtu.be/9AFf0ysgNiM?t=12

Public reps. That’s my all time favorite movie.


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[xudash]

I haven't read any of this thread or any of the other thread. However, I do think that things could be worse....

https://youtu.be/9AFf0ysgNiM?t=12

The thought of Peter Boyle laying in bed in a silk robe, reading the WSJ when Madeline Kahn then comes out of the bathroom still cracks me up.

[Xuperman]

It recently came to my attention that we have a fellow poster here that is just crazy about this thread (you know who you are). Here's a tasty tidbit just for you.

X has only made more FTs than the opposition TWICE in BE play...DePaul being the 2nd. FOUR TIMES in 10 games the opponent made more than X attempted. Now let that sink in for a minute, when considering the last 40 years have been basically the opposite.

Obviously, I am a strong proponent of playing to contact and making hay from the line (of course a respectable % is neccessary). Let's hope that Tuesday night is what we can expect going forward and things get back to familiar territory.

[xu koop scoop]

It recently came to my attention that we have a fellow poster here that is just crazy about this thread (you know who you are). Here's a tasty tidbit just for you.

X has only made more FTs than the opposition TWICE in BE play...DePaul being the 2nd. FOUR TIMES in 10 games the opponent made more than X attempted. Now let that sink in for a minute, when considering the last 40 years have been basically the opposite.

Obviously, I am a strong proponent of playing to contact and making hay from the line (of course a respectable % is neccessary). Let's hope that Tuesday night is what we can expect going forward and things get back to familiar territory.

I think one reason we aren't gettting to the FT Line enough is that we need to drive more into the paint and we don't have enough good dribblers that can avoid turnovers on the way into the lane. We can also pass into the lane - but we also don't have enough good passers to avoid some of the turnovers. Lastly, we miss a lot of FTs - which is also a TO when we miss both. But it is February and the Chemisty can still come together.

[Lloyd Braun]

Summary of this thread: we need better dribblers to get to the lane, better passers to avoid turnovers, and better shooters to make those free throws.

[UCGRAD4X]

Summary of this thread: we need better dribblers to get to the lane, better passers to avoid turnovers, and better shooters to make those free throws.

passing
dribbling
shooting

I wonder why Steel doesn't cover this stuff in practice more.

[xukeith]

One reason is at the end of games, teams have been beating us so why foul to stop the clock. Same with DePaul. I only imagine Hoyas are close too. Look at only the wins and you will see it is not as bad discrepancy as the losses in BE games.

[xukeith]

Looked up every game in non conference.
X made more free throws than opposition on 10 / 13 games or X was 2-3 free throws short compared to 3 opponents. .

[waggy]

When you play in the MCC and A10 you can bully people. Not as easy in the BE.

[Xuperman]

Some of the stuff covered in this thread has improved this year. More FTA at a decent %....TO's down also.

However, the one trend that is the most disturbing and most likely will not improve.....playing your best ball down the stretch. If it turns out like it looks, the "Fire Steele" crowd doesn't need more justification than that.

[Masterofreality]

Hmmmm.
I’ve only got 2 benign posts on this whole thread.
Guess I’d better step my game up to be the incessant basher that *some* think I am!! ;-)

(Maybe I just wait for more info before “bashing”?)

[UCGRAD4X]

Good teams get better going into the end of year tournaments.

Nuf said

[Xville]

Kind of funny looking at this thread. Mr Pollyanna is complaining, and I’m actually defending the team in one post. Never dismissing Steele at any point in this thread. There was a time where I actually defended Steele, I guess it takes me a few years of mediocrity to bash him, contrary to what some on here believe.

[IM4X]

Looked up every game in non conference.
X made more free throws than opposition on 10 / 13 games or X was 2-3 free throws short compared to 3 opponents. .

I’m too lazy to look up the stats, but I feel like I remember X get to the line like 8-10 more time than their opponents when Tre, JP and Myles Davis were on the roster. I remember looking at the box score after some victories and thinking, “Damn, we won that game simply because we got to the line way more than the other team did.”

If this X team can play more like they did against UConn, they could be in virtually every game. They got to the line a bit more than their opponent. They had less bad shooters launch 3s. They made fewer bad passes which then didn’t become extra turnovers. They pressed a bit more throughout the game, making is it harder for the other team to get comfortable on offense. They also hustled their ass off on defense for 40 minutes.

It would seem like a rather simple thing for this X team to repeat, but apparently it is not.

[UCGRAD4X]

The standard for a long time was to make more FFs than the other team attempts.

That requires two things:
1. Get to the line.
2. Make the shots.