Game Thread: Xavier v. Villanova (December 30, 2019) Big East Conference Game

[GoMuskies]

Totally agree. You’ll be happy to know Xavier’s adjusted defensive efficiency (which accounts for schedule strength) is 19th in the nation.

That's good. 19th is not elite.

[Go Go Golston]

Are you watching the game? Nova gets their layups off of movement and scheme. We're one on one.
The difference is stunning.

See, one on one off of a ball screen offense is a bail out as a coach. It takes precision and something more sophisticated to teach effective pick & rolls and to create back doors. When was the last time we've seen a Xavier team run a slip screen or P & R? Like, errrrrr, NEVER?

This is the best post I've ever seen on this board. This says it all about the current state of Xavier basketball. There is nothing else to say.

[AviatorX]

That's good. 19th is not elite.

Jesus Christ. Tough crowd.

Under Steele’s watch, Xavier’s defensive efficiency has improved about 100 spots over the course of less than one season. That work for everyone?

[GoMuskies]

I'm not sure what you're upset about. Do you look at 5 seeds in the NCAA Tournament and think those teams are elite? 19 is good. Very good even perhaps. But elite is silly. And obviously not enough to overcome the subpar offense against good teams on a regular basis.

[JTG]

That game should be the toughest conference game x has this year, just like most years and the team only lost by 6. I know, no moral victories, but just saying based on that, this team should be 500 or better in conference and get back to the tourney.

The talent is there to make a deep run but I dont think it will happen. Dont think a light switch is going to come on for naji and q in terms of better decision making.

Especially if they are going to continue to treat KyKy like a red headed stepchild when he's wide open on the arc.

[xukeith]

Man oh man. Reading this thread is funny. So many negatives haters. If X makes the layups in first half, their defense carries them to the finish line. X will finish at least 11-7. Remember where you felt optimistic about X again.

[xukeith]

Jesus Christ. Tough crowd.

Under Steele’s watch, Xavier’s defensive efficiency has improved about 100 spots over the course of less than one season. That work for everyone?

Defense wins longer weekends in March

[xukeith]

Remember Q before tonight was the best 3 point shooter. Lead the Big East in 2 point fg% and easily win this game. Villa couldn’t stop Jones or Scruggs. No more than 4 three point attempts for Marshall please

[IM4X]

Good point. We are better this year defensively. I was more referring to the offensive side of the ball where we look like a 3rd grade team running the weave at the top of the key every other possession. Its hard to watch

this.

Steele has made some big strides on defense (though they looked slow to react against Nova today) but the he really needs to take a few notes from Jay about how an offense is supposed to work.

[IM4X]

Don't want to hear anymore post-game threats from Steele.

Make the changes that need to be made.

I’ll second that.

[XU_Lou]

God some of you are insufferable after loses.. looking forward to these players (especially Naji) leaving? You all have no idea how bad our record would be without him.
No matter what, it’s Villanova on the road and it was the closest it’s ever been. FAR better than the beloved 2016 and 2018 teams performed. So much season left

Totally agree - some of the people on this board need to get some perspective. Not only was it the closest we've ever played Nova at Nova - currently ranked #10, and who just beat #1 Kansas - but we won the last ~25 minutes of the game. Relax, a season is a lifetime. I see progress. Yes, some guys take steps backwards, but overall I believe the team is moving forward. Hell. most of you guys were consigning a loss before anyone stepped on the court.

[scoscox]

this.

Steele has made some big strides on defense (though they looked slow to react against Nova today) but the he really needs to take a few notes from Jay about how an offense is supposed to work.

Our offense is fine. we missed tons of bunnies. the offense put them in great spots to score and they didn't finish. we're one of the worst three point shooting teams in the entire country, but we're so good inside the arc that we're still 61st in offensive efficiency. This is is the same guy that designed two of the best offenses in program history.

[scoscox]

Totally agree - some of the people on this board need to get some perspective. Not only was it the closest we've ever played Nova at Nova - currently ranked #10, and who just beat #1 Kansas - but we won the last ~25 minutes of the game. Relax, a season is a lifetime. I see progress. Yes, some guys take steps backwards, but overall I believe the team is moving forward. Hell. most of you guys were consigning a loss before anyone stepped on the court.

i can't for the life of me understand the amount of pessimism

[IM4X]

If Jay Wright is the coach of Xavier, would we still be seeing this type of selfish, independent play? We all know the answer to that.

I think there are still some respect issues with a coach in his first head coaching gig.

At some point, you have to make some tough decisions that you think will benefit the team.

I do agree with this notion, but I also believe it is more than simply players not doing what the coach says. Jay is simply a much more better coach than Steele at this point - especially on offense. It was painfully obvious today.

I still really like Steele (and think he will get much better), but this game showed me both the players and coaches still have serious room for improvement.
Nothing wrong with him stealing about from
an elite coach.

[XU88]

For everyone complaining about Travis Steele and comparing him to Jay Wright, here is what Wright did at the beginning of his 26 year head coaching career:
Hofstra season 1 10-18, season 2 9-18, season 3 12-15. His head coaching start at Villanova: season 1 19-13 (NIT), season 2 15-16 (NIT) season 3 18-17 (NIT).

So I think we might want to give Travis Steele more leeway in the middle of just his second season as a head coach.

[IM4X]

Our offense is fine. we missed tons of bunnies. the offense put them in great spots to score and they didn't finish. we're one of the worst three point shooting teams in the entire country, but we're so good inside the arc that we're still 61st in offensive efficiency. This is is the same guy that designed two of the best offenses in program history.

I wish I could feel as confident as you. We have been good inside against weak opponents and have struggled against better opponents.
Also, both those previous good offenses Steel designed had several good 3 point shooters on the team. I urge you to rewatch the game and see if you still think Steele’s offense is designed better than Nova’s offense. Not even close.

[scoscox]

I do agree with this notion, but I also believe it is more than simply players not doing what the coach says. Jay is simply a much more better coach than Steele at this point - especially on offense. It was painfully obvious today.

I still really like Steele (and think he will get much better), but this game showed me both the players and coaches still have serious room for improvement.
Nothing wrong with him stealing about from
an elite coach.

you guys are killing me. jay wright has been a head coach for 20+ years. Steele is in year 2 and took wright to the wire on the road with a team that made 1 three pointer all game. try for some perspective

[GoMuskies]

We didn't take them to the wire. Nova was never in peril. No reason to be upset about this one. Disappointed but not upset. But if you're really satisfied by that game then we really are their Dayton.

[IM4X]

For everyone complaining about Travis Steele and comparing him to Jay Wright, here is what Wright did at the beginning of his 26 year head coaching career:
Hofstra season 1 10-18, season 2 9-18, season 3 12-15. His head coaching start at Villanova: season 1 19-13 (NIT), season 2 15-16 (NIT) season 3 18-17 (NIT).

So I think we might want to give Travis Steele more leeway in the middle of just his second season as a head coach.

I think Steele has what it takes to be a great coach one day- but Like you pointed out with Jay, it takes time (even for really smart coaches) to figure out how to put it all together. I think we’d just like him to get there sooner than later.

[scoscox]

I wish I could feel as confident as you. We have been good inside against weak opponents and have struggled against better opponents.
Also, both those previous good offenses Steel designed had several good 3 point shooters on the team. I urge you to rewatch the game and see if you still think Steele’s offense is designed better than Nova’s offense. Not even close.

where did i say that? you're comparing him to one of the best offensive coaches in cbb history. you're gonna be disappointed if that's the standard especially in his 2nd year.

as you said those teams had good shooters. we don't have any. QUENTIN GOODIN is the best shooter on the team right now. what do you guys expect?

[scoscox]

We didn't take them to the wire. Nova was never in peril. No reason to be upset about this one. Disappointed but not upset. But if you're really satisfied by that game then we really are their Dayton.

down 4 with 30 seconds left. pretty close. i'm not satisfied at all, but i also don't think the sky is falling because we lost a close game @ villanova in december

[IM4X]

you guys are killing me. jay wright has been a head coach for 20+ years. Steele is in year 2 and took wright to the wire on the road with a team that made 1 three pointer all game. try for some perspective

Let me be clear- I am a big Travis fan. Personally, I believe Jay is one of the best (if not the best) coach in college basketball today- so I get what you are saying... but I am going to be tough on Steele because I have a feeling he too could be an elite coach and so I expect more form him because of it. He says all of the right things (IMO)... I guess that makes me a little impatient in waiting for him to do all of the right things.

[smileyy]

Mack would have lost by 20. And been down by 30.

[scoscox]

Let me be clear- I am a big Travis dan. Personally, I believe Jay is one of the best (if not the best) coach in college basketball today- so I get what you are saying... but I am going to be tough on Steele because I have a feeling he too could be an elite coach and so I expect more form him because of it. He says all of the right things (IMO)... I guess that makes me a little impatient in waiting for him to do all of the right things.

i get it

[scoscox]

Mack would have lost by 20. And been down by 30.

100%

[usfldan]

I really want to know the last team in D1 that didn't make a three

Stetson about a week ago:
(https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/play-index/tgl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=game&year_min=2020&comp_schl_rk=eq&val_schl_rk=ANY&comp_opp_rk=eq&val_opp_rk=ANY&game_type=A&is_range=N&c1stat=fg3&c1comp=eq&c1val=0&order_by=pts)


Date Schl Opp Result 3P 3PA
12/22/2019 Stetson FIU L 67-83 0 17
12/20/2019 South Dakota Northern Colo. L 68-87 0 8
11/28/2019 Davidson Marquette L 63-73 0 15
11/22/2019 Washington Montana W 73-56 0 11
11/20/2019 UC-Davis Sacramento St. L 51-61 0 5
11/19/2019 Southern Miss Iowa State L 45-73 0 16
11/15/2019 Lipscomb Duquesne L 36-58 0 18
11/13/2019 Southern Utah BYU L 63-68 0 12

[Lloyd Braun]

I think the Nova games are the only ones I am ok with moral victories. Baby steps are ok for now to me. They were 7-25 on 3 pointers which was far below their typical % against us, which I don’t have to even look up because I know for a fact it is over 90% as I don’t recall them ever missing any against us.

[X-band '01]

With this group, there can't be any moral victories. They actually played well enough from the standpoint of shot selection - for the most part, they didn't take too many bad shots (last minute notwithstanding). But you can't give Nova second and third chances on a night where they were not shooting at their usual peak against Xavier.

It's a missed opportunity - nothing more. 17 more battles to go.

[XUGRAD80]

IMO you can’t really blame Steele for not having a great offense when he just doesn’t have the players he needs. He is just starting to get the players he needs. Go back and look at the recruiting classes prior to this freshman class and tell me just who in that group was recruited as a shooter and worked out? Keep in mind that two of ‘Novas best players...Bey and Swider....were heavily recruited by X. If X had landed even one of them, would they be a different team right now? Instead, X ended up with Ridder, Hayden, Kennedy, and James. Only James is still on the team, and he isn’t hardly sniffing the floor. None of those players were a top level recruit either. X had offers out to a lot of top level shooters, but didn’t land any. Nova did. End of story.

The players X has are giving it their all. They are playing HARD. They aren’t quitting and they battle all the way to the end. But X swung and missed on some players more than just one year, and it’s showing up right now in the lack of good 3 point shooters that X has. So far he has only had one year of his own recruiting under his belt, and it was a top 25 class. His next class is another top 25 class....and by all accounts has some really good shooters in it. The offense right now is dictated by the talents of the players running it. He has a bunch of drivers, not shooters, so he runs an offense that gives them the chance to drive and use their strengths.....physicality and one on one ability. Basketball purists hate it, but it’s what his current players are best at. He could run an offense that is all about getting his players open 3-pt.jump shots, but his players would just miss them! They aren’t good 3-pt shooters, they just aren’t. And that’s not going to change between now and March. Accept it an move on.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

[drudy23]

I don't take this thread as panicking. I think most people see some obvious changes that could be made, and they're not happening.

Most obvious is 1. playing Freemantle alot more and 2. stop enabling bad/stupid decisions from the same players that keep making the same type of dumb decisions. Over and over and over again. And again.

#2 will prevent this team from reaching its potential, and it's fixable. The shooting probably isn't fixable.

[Xville]

IMO you can’t really blame Steele for not having a great offense when he just doesn’t have the players he needs. He is just starting to get the players he needs. Go back and look at the recruiting classes prior to this freshman class and tell me just who in that group was recruited as a shooter and worked out? Keep in mind that two of ‘Novas best players...Bey and Swider....were heavily recruited by X. If X had landed even one of them, would they be a different team right now? Instead, X ended up with Ridder, Hayden, Kennedy, and James. Only James is still on the team, and he isn’t hardly sniffing the floor. None of those players were a top level recruit either. X had offers out to a lot of top level shooters, but didn’t land any. Nova did. End of story.

The players X has are giving it their all. They are playing HARD. They aren’t quitting and they battle all the way to the end. But X swung and missed on some players more than just one year, and it’s showing up right now in the lack of good 3 point shooters that X has. So far he has only had one year of his own recruiting under his belt, and it was a top 25 class. His next class is another top 25 class....and by all accounts has some really good shooters in it. The offense right now is dictated by the talents of the players running it. He has a bunch of drivers, not shooters, so he runs an offense that gives them the chance to drive and use their strengths.....physicality and one on one ability. Basketball purists hate it, but it’s what his current players are best at. He could run an offense that is all about getting his players open 3-pt.jump shots, but his players would just miss them! They aren’t good 3-pt shooters, they just aren’t. And that’s not going to change between now and March. Accept it an move on.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Agree with most of this. The only thing I would say though is that tandy and Scruggs are good shooters, the problem is that naji (while extremely talented) thinks he is lebron and is selfish with the ball, and both he and q have a shared basketball IQ of a 2nd grader.

There is a need to schematically get tandy and scruggs some outside shots. However, I think naji and q are selfish and have their heads so far up their ass that the offense isnt going to change. I'd rather have tandy shoot 20 times a game vs naji.

[AviatorX]

Agree with most of this. The only thing I would say though is that tandy and Scruggs are good shooters, the problem is that naji (while extremely talented) thinks he is lebron and is selfish with the ball, and both he and q have a shared basketball IQ of a 2nd grader.

There is a need to schematically get tandy and scruggs some outside shots. However, I think naji and q are selfish and have their heads so far up their ass that the offense isnt going to change. I'd rather have tandy shoot 20 times a game vs naji.

Cmon, this is pretty harsh, especially the next morning.

I’d argue that the frustration with Naji (and I guess were lumping Q in with this now) is precisely because the basketball IQ and floor vision IS there and manifests itself with such awesome peaks only to immediately be followed by real head scratchers. The lack of consistency is what drives people crazy. I don’t think either are selfish players. I do think Naji is the only guy willing to be really assertive on a team lacking offensive skill, and the results of him filling that vacuum are mixed to say the least.

[GoMuskies]

I don't know that I'd call Marshall selfish. He just has a self-image that doesn't really match his actual abilities. You want a guy to have confidence, but on the other hand it's detrimental when a guy has confidence to do things he's actually bad at.

[Xville]

Cmon, this is pretty harsh, especially the next morning.

I’d argue that the frustration with Naji (and I guess were lumping Q in with this now) is precisely because the basketball IQ and floor vision IS there and manifests itself with such awesome peaks only to immediately be followed by real head scratchers. The lack of consistency is what drives people crazy. I don’t think either are selfish players. I do think Naji is the only guy willing to be really assertive on a team lacking offensive skill, and the results of him filling that vacuum are mixed to say the least.

You dont see it as selfish when the teams best shooter by far is wide freaking open on the wing and naji chooses to ignore him and pulls up from 30 ft like hes lebron? Yeah I know he won us a couple of games doing that, but doesnt mean he should be doing it every time the game is close. Naji is extremely talented but yes I think he is very selfish with the ball.

Calling q selfish is probably a bit harsh by me, I'll say he just doesnt have a very good basketball IQ.

The thing that frustrates me more than anything with these two is that they make the same mistakes over and over and over. We all make mistakes, we are human, but to make the same ones over and over displays an extremely low basketball IQ and it is frustrating as hell to watch.

I really dont know how Steele hasnt blown a gasket by now, I just think a lot of coaches wouldnt put up with this stuff but maybe that's due to his inexperience as the head guy not knowing how to corral it.

[drudy23]

Also, what Naji doesn't seem to understand is that creating shots for Scruggs and KyKy will open up his game. So not only does he force so many bad shots, he also prohibits the defense from expanding their reach to open up the floor to do what he does best.

Those dumb-ass threes and drives into 3 guys are playing into exactly what the opponents want him to do.

I do think he might be freezing out KyKy, but the rest is just a lack of basketball acumen. Superior athleticism, below average hoops IQ.

[XUGRAD80]

Me thinks that one is focusing to much on ONE play...

Naji is averaging 3.3 assists per game this year, averaged 3.4 per game last year, and had 3 assists in last nights game. The point guard, Goodin, is averaging 3.8 assists per game but had only 1 last night.

Are you also going to complain that prior to that one play he had gone on a personal 10 point run and almost singlehandedly brought X back from a double digit deficit?

[drudy23]

Me thinks that one is focusing to much on ONE play...

Naji is averaging 3.3 assists per game this year, averaged 3.4 per game last year, and had 3 assists in last nights game. The point guard, Goodin, is averaging 3.8 assists per game but had only 1 last night.

Are you also going to complain that prior to that one play he had gone on a personal 10 point run and almost singlehandedly brought X back from a double digit deficit?

That's fine, but you also have to count the empty possessions from stupid shots, stupid turnovers, and stupid decisions.

As someone said earlier, what he does bad pretty much evens out what he does well. It's simply a matter of him playing smarter.

When Q and Naj play smart, this team is pretty good. Probably not second weekend good (buy maybe), but pretty good.

[XUGRAD80]

I think that everyone understands that neither Naji or anyone on the team is PERFECT and that they ALL can play better and smarter at times. But I also think that some people only see the problems and mistakes and act like that’s all there is. The focus on one problem and that’s all they see.

Naji, selfish? C’mon people. He’s averaging 3.3 assists per game with a high of 7 in one game. He is 2nd on the team behind Goodin’s 3.8. (Goodin is also called selfish by a poster. The top two assist leaders are selfish? Wow, just Wow.)

Does he take some shots he shouldn’t at times? Sure he does, practically every player does. Jones tried to put in a monster dunk last night and clanked it off the rim, when he could have just made an easy layup...selfish or stupid? I’m sure that the films will show where every player could have made a smarter play or shouldn’t have taken a shot they did, missed an open player, failed to block out properly, or didn’t make a defensive switch they should have. Does that make them selfish, stupid, untalented, or just human?

Some people here will only accept perfection from the players and coaches and act like spoiled children when they don’t get it. Stop your whining, bitching, and moaning over every little thing. Try to keep things a little bit in perspective. These are GAMES. PLAYED by KIDS. Why let if frustrate you? YOU choose to be frustrated or not. There is NOTHING you can do to change how they play...nothing. No amount of complaining is going to change that either.

[drudy23]

I think that everyone understands that neither Naji or anyone on the team is PERFECT and that they ALL can play better and smarter at times. But I also think that some people only see the problems and mistakes and act like that’s all there is. The focus on one problem and that’s all they see.

Naji, selfish? C’mon people. He’s averaging 3.3 assists per game with a high of 7 in one game. He is 2nd on the team behind Goodin’s 3.8. (Goodin is also called selfish by a poster. The top two assist leaders are selfish? Wow, just Wow.)

Does he take some shots he shouldn’t at times? Sure he does, practically every player does. Jones tried to put in a monster dunk last night and clanked it off the rim, when he could have just made an easy layup...selfish or stupid? I’m sure that the films will show where every player could have made a smarter play or shouldn’t have taken a shot they did, missed an open player, failed to block out properly, or didn’t make a defensive switch they should have. Does that make them selfish, stupid, untalented, or just human?

Some people here will only accept perfection from the players and coaches and act like spoiled children when they don’t get it. Stop your whining, bitching, and moaning over every little thing. Try to keep things a little bit in perspective.

This wouldn't be a consistent theme if it wasn't happening pretty much every game, minus the final 10 games from last year, for 2 years.

This style of independent, and yes, selfish play, is the biggest detriment to this team's success. Steele has alluded to it, and anyone watching can see it.

Outside of that, most people are very realistic about what this team is.

[XUGRAD80]

This wouldn't be a consistent theme if it wasn't happening pretty much every game, minus the final 10 games from last year, for 2 yeaars.

This style of independent, and yes, selfish play, is the biggest detriment to this team's success. Steele has alluded to it, and anyone watching can see it.

Outside of that, most people are very realistic about what this team is.

Despite all of you rage....your still just a rat in a cage.

What exactly are you, or anyone else, expecting to accomplish with all of your complaining? All of your name calling?

Children....please!

Give it a break

[UCGRAD4X]

I don't think anybody is looking for perfection. If they are that is just foolishness.

I think what I am frustrated with is the lack of improvement, the 'doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results' kind of play.
That's not just foolish it's the definition of insanity.

We all seem to be complaining about the same thing after every game, even wins.

Seeing this team making better decisions, on the floor and from the bench, would be encouraging.

[drudy23]

Despite all of you rage....your still just a rat in a cage.

What exactly are you, or anyone else, expecting to accomplish with all of your complaining? All of your name calling?

Children....please!

Give it a break

I'm not complaining. Just laying it out there. I also haven't called anyone any names.

We can either talk about what's really happening, or crap sunshine. I prefer to talk about what's actually happening.

[UCGRAD4X]

With this group, there can't be any moral victories. They actually played well enough from the standpoint of shot selection - for the most part, they didn't take too many bad shots (last minute notwithstanding). But you can't give Nova second and third chances on a night where they were not shooting at their usual peak against Xavier.

It's a missed opportunity - nothing more. 17 more battles to go.

Yes, a missed opportunity for sure. That makes it even more frustrating. With some smarter play, not to mention a little luck, we win this game. We can't afford NOT to cash in on these opportunities. If the goal is to overtake Nova as the king of this conference, we need to beat them. This one slipped through our fingers. Think what a statement a win on the road against Nova would be, and we let it get away by not playing smart basketball (again!).

[XUGRAD80]

I'm not complaining. Just laying it out there. I also haven't called anyone any names.

We can either talk about what's really happening, or crap sunshine. I prefer to talk about what's actually happening.

Alright....talk about what’s really happening then.

Why did they lose last night? Was it because of selfishness on the part of players? Bad game coaching? Or something else?

[AviatorX]

You dont see it as selfish when the teams best shooter by far is wide freaking open on the wing and naji chooses to ignore him and pulls up from 30 ft like hes lebron? Yeah I know he won us a couple of games doing that, but doesnt mean he should be doing it every time the game is close. Naji is extremely talented but yes I think he is very selfish with the ball.

Calling q selfish is probably a bit harsh by me, I'll say he just doesnt have a very good basketball IQ.

The thing that frustrates me more than anything with these two is that they make the same mistakes over and over and over. We all make mistakes, we are human, but to make the same ones over and over displays an extremely low basketball IQ and it is frustrating as hell to watch.

I really dont know how Steele hasnt blown a gasket by now, I just think a lot of coaches wouldnt put up with this stuff but maybe that's due to his inexperience as the head guy not knowing how to corral it.

The step back from the top of the key Naji dribbled into with about 2 minutes left (where KyKy was open) was one of the worst shots an X player has taken in recent memory (well, maybe outside of Naji's 50 footer with 5 seconds left in OT against UConn, lol). 100% a selfish play, but that doesn't mean I'd call Naji a selfish player. The deep three he took from a few steps across halfcourt was pretty clearly called from the bench. As you note, it was the same "Kris Jenkins" set they ran (with success) against Mizzou and UConn. So whatever you think of that shot, that's 100% coaching.

On Steele, here's my guess (and nothing more than a guess) - could he reign in the offense and micro-manage it a bit more to squeeze some extra efficiency? Absolutely, and I'm sure it's tempting. That said, I think he believes this team is only going to peak with "great Naji" - he's not playing to lose by 5 instead of 15 in the tournament. Whether you can get great Naji in a system that's more reigned in? Good question. Seems to me like Steele doesn't think so, and that's his gamble. If it doesn't work out this season to the tune of at least one tournament win, people are going to be pretty damn frustrated (rightfully so). For what it's worth, during Xavier's mini run last season, Naji was extremely high usage and was letting it fly from deep - he took 48 threes in 5 games.

For what it's worth, I think they've done a much better job getting Naji going downhill off dribble handoffs the past few games, which is something that really sparked Naji during last year's run, IMO.

[bleedXblue]

I'm not complaining. Just laying it out there. I also haven't called anyone any names.

We can either talk about what's really happening, or crap sunshine. I prefer to talk about what's actually happening.

This is precisely what most of us are saying. Improvement from a very VETERAN team with talent. We aren't talking about last year or a very young and inexperienced team. I don't think wanting that is asking for much. Being frustrated with the same issues that have been happening for the better part of a year is very reasonable.

[XUGRAD80]

I don't think anybody is looking for perfection. If they are that is just foolishness.

I think what I am frustrated with is the lack of improvement, the 'doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results' kind of play.
That's not just foolish it's the definition of insanity.

We all seem to be complaining about the same thing after every game, even wins.

Seeing this team making better decisions, on the floor and from the bench, would be encouraging.

And I would say that expecting it to change anytime soon is foolish. Sometimes accepting what cannot or will not be changed is the reasonable approach.

[AviatorX]

Also, what Naji doesn't seem to understand is that creating shots for Scruggs and KyKy will open up his game. So not only does he force so many bad shots, he also prohibits the defense from expanding their reach to open up the floor to do what he does best.

Those dumb-ass threes and drives into 3 guys are playing into exactly what the opponents want him to do.

I do think he might be freezing out KyKy, but the rest is just a lack of basketball acumen. Superior athleticism, below average hoops IQ.

Freezing out KyKY? The guy has a usage rate that's basically the same as Scruggs.

By the way, I'm on board with more time for KyKy, but he isn't exactly pouring in buckets - he's 3/12 from 2 and 6/21 from 3. He has to make more shots.

[drudy23]

And I would say that expecting it to change anytime soon is foolish. Sometimes accepting what cannot or will not be changed is the reasonable approach.

So there can't be an expectation of the players to play smarter and get better? Huh?

And for what it's worth, even the announcers commented at least 3 times on ill advised shots by Naji, including the final one. Rafferty alluded to it multiple times saying something to the effect of "you just can't keep taking those kind of shots" or something like that.

[drudy23]

Freezing out KyKY? The guy has a usage rate that's basically the same as Scruggs.

By the way, I'm on board with more time for KyKy, but he isn't exactly pouring in buckets - he's 3/12 from 2 and 6/21 from 3. He has to make more shots.

Just something I've noticed. He seems to be ignored when open. Could be nothing.

I would also say that KyKy takes some dumb shots too. We just all have expected them to go in. If he can get some rhythm jumpers, they'll go in.

[GoMuskies]

Hey, 6 for 21 on 3s is practically Brad Redford-esque on this squad!

[bleedXblue]

KyKy needs more minutes. We must have some shooters on the floor........and run plays to get them shots. Scruggs and KyKy should have the green light always. Q and Naji should be situational at best.

[AviatorX]

KyKy needs more minutes. We must have some shooters on the floor........and run plays to get them shots. Scruggs and KyKy should have the green light always. Q and Naji should be situational at best.

Q has the highest percentage on the team!

[Xville]

And I would say that expecting it to change anytime soon is foolish. Sometimes accepting what cannot or will not be changed is the reasonable approach.

Um what? It is a job of the coach and players to change the things that are having a negative impact on their game. That is why people watch film, practice etc.

Also, getting on your high horse about how people should fan is just odd.

[AviatorX]

Um what? It is a job of the coach and players to change the things that are having a negative impact on their game. That is why people watch film, practice etc.

Also, getting on your high horse about how people should fan is just odd.

1000%. If I thought there was no chance this team would look better 6 weeks from now, I'd want Steele fired today.

[XUGRAD80]

So there can't be an expectation of the players to play smarter? Huh?

And for what it's worth, even the announcers commented at least 3 times on ill advised shots by Naji, including the final one. Rafferty alluded to it multiple times saying something to the effect of "you just can't keep taking those kind of shots" or something like that.

expectations should be based on reality, and reality should be based history and facts.....there is nothing to base those expectations on. Only hope.

I have hopes that the team will start playing smarter, start making better plays, and shoot better in the future. However, those are just hopes. Therefore I won’t waste time and effort worrying about what I don’t really expect to change. I certainly won’t become frustrated over something that most probably won’t change, and what I absolutely can’t change. I’d rather concentrate on some facts. Fact is the team lost because they allowed to many offensive rebounds, missed to many easy shots, and turned the ball over forcing passes into the post. They didn’t lose because Marshall took a bad shot and dint pass the ball to KyKy.

I hope that all of the people that are frustrated can gain some perspective, but I don’t expect it.

[drudy23]

expectations should be based on reality, and reality should be based history and facts.....there is nothing to base those expectations on. Only hope.

I have hopes that the team will start playing smarter, start making better plays, and shoot better in the future. However, those are just hopes. Therefore I won’t waste time and effort worrying about what I don’t really expect to change. I certainly won’t become frustrated over something that most probably won’t change, and what I absolutely can’t change. I’d rather concentrate on some facts. Fact is the team lost because they allowed to many offensive rebounds, missed to many easy shots, and turned the ball over forcing passes into the post. They didn’t lose because Marshall took a bad shot and dint pass the ball to KyKy.

I hope that all of the people that are frustrated can gain some perspective, but I don’t expect it.

So the coach just hopes his team will get better? That's how this works?

And NO ONE said they lost because Naji didn't pass the ball to KyKy. It's simply an example of what's wrong with this team, and what has been wrong with this team.

As I said, most people (including the coach) on here are right on with their perspective of what ails this team. The question is, what will the coach do about it?

I guess he just hopes.

[AviatorX]

expectations should be based on reality, and reality should be based history and facts.....there is nothing to base those expectations on. Only hope.

I have hopes that the team will start playing smarter, start making better plays, and shoot better in the future. However, those are just hopes. Therefore I won’t waste time and effort worrying about what I don’t really expect to change. I certainly won’t become frustrated over something that most probably won’t change, and what I absolutely can’t change. I’d rather concentrate on some facts. Fact is the team lost because they allowed to many offensive rebounds, missed to many easy shots, and turned the ball over forcing passes into the post. They didn’t lose because Marshall took a bad shot and dint pass the ball to KyKy.

I hope that all of the people that are frustrated can gain some perspective, but I don’t expect it.

I don't know, I somewhat see where you're coming from, but I think you're arguing against a bit of a strawman. I don't think anyone is isolating the stupid plays from last night and saying "that's why X lost." The frustration is that this team makes a ton of fixable mistakes. If Steele can't get a group this talented and experienced to limit that kind of stuff, this team is going to underachieve and everyone will be pissed. Xavier is a good team, but no one around here is satisfied with good when this team 100% has the parts to be near the top of the league. They need to get it together.

Let's put it this way - if Xavier gets a 7 seed and loses in the second round in a close game because shots don't go down (but boneheaded mistakes are limited and the team doesn't beat itself), no one is going to be off the rails pissed. If they lose in March because they're down 2 late and Naji fires a bullet pass 30 feet over Tyrique's head for the team's 18th turnover, the board will meltdown.

[AviatorX]

Can we please get rid of these grey uniforms by the way? Those are terrible.

[JTG]

I wish I could feel as confident as you I urge you to rewatch the game and see if you still think Steele’s offense is designed better than Nova’s offense. Not even close.
Nova has at least 2 deadly 3 pt threats, we have none. Repeat, none. Partially because Naji and Q refuse to pass to wide open Tandy. 3 pt shooters make any offense, look brilliant. And lack of shooters makes the best plan look fruitless. Steele could stand to ease up on recruiting super athletes, and go for some dead eye shooters.

[UCGRAD4X]

Nova has at least 2 deadly 3 pt threats, we have none. Repeat, none. Partially because Naji and Q refuse to pass to wide open Tandy. 3 pt shooters make any offense, look brilliant. And lack of shooters makes the best plan look fruitless. Steele could stand to ease up on recruiting super athletes, and go for some dead eye shooters.

...and I guess it's too much to ask for both...

[American X]

It was encouraging that Steele had a sound-enough game plan and it did not involve missing 20 threes.

It was not encouraging when Naji's brain fell out of this head onto the court. Did it make back onto the plane to Cincinnati?

Hope Naji's nose is better - pretty much a metaphor for the game:

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.giphy.com%2Fmedia%2FWVMKi8N suyLQs%2Fgiphy.gif&f=1&nofb=1

[XUGRAD80]

Nova has at least 2 deadly 3 pt threats, we have none. Repeat, none. Partially because Naji and Q refuse to pass to wide open Tandy. 3 pt shooters make any offense, look brilliant. And lack of shooters makes the best plan look fruitless. Steele could stand to ease up on recruiting super athletes, and go for some dead eye shooters..

By all accounts he has. The core 4 are Mack’s recruits that actually stayed. There were several recruits...and some known to be great shooters....that either got away or came and left.

[xudash]

Hello Gents.

A few thoughts, some of which have been shared here, but what the hell, I'm still relaxed from my trip:

1. It finally wasn't a blowout. Moral victories are worthless, but at least they played hard to the end and it was close and even winnable up to the point of some bad shot selections.

2. i believe I heard the announcer say that Nova has only lost 4 conference games at home (I'm assuming the Pavilion only in this case) since the reboot of the Big East.

3. I see overall progress being made. I also see moments of bad decisions. Steele obviously is working and will continue to work on the bad decisions thing.

Steele, in his first year with a patchwork roster, managed to turn them around late and almost make the NCAAT. I have every reason to believe that these guys will fully turn the corner again, albeit in much better shape than where they stood this time last year. That is predicated on Naji and Q finally accepting that "Hero Ball" is not the answer to chalking up wins in difficult games.

We lost last night AT VILLANOVA. It's the Big East. It's going to be a bloodbath this year in conference. We must protect W's at the Cintas Center. We're going to have to find a way to play a complete 40 minutes of intelligent basketball to pull out those home wins and to grab - hopefully - a few road wins somewhere along the way.

We are playing in the first or second toughest conference in the country. The talent is there. The coaching is there. The talent must commit to the coach's plan and to playing intelligently for all 40 minutes. The HERO BALL bullshit must be flushed down the toilet now.

[Juice]

.

By all accounts he has. The core 4 are Mack’s recruits that actually stayed. There were several recruits...and some known to be great shooters....that either got away or came and left.

Some of which are on Villanova's roster - Swider, Bey, Samuels

[XUGRAD80]

Some of which are on Villanova's roster - Swider, Bey, Samuels


Yep...wasn’t going to go there, but it’s true. We need to give Steele a chance to get HIS guys in here and time to learn to play as HE wants them to before we judge how good a recruiter and coach Steele is or isn’t.

[jhelmes37]

He hasn't had the job but one and half seasons. I get that. But, I'm starting to have some doubts as to whether (or not) Steele can coach. Same issues, same type of play, same problems over and over. Why do these guys have trouble showing up for a game like tonight? This was not the Nova powerhouse of years past. Yes, its Nova and its Nova at home. They play consistently well in this game. We play consistently bad.

Back off the ledge.

Mack-led, high seeded teams have gotten boat raced at Villanova.

It’s one game.

Steele just did as well as any X Coach has EVER done at Villanova.

Chill, homie.

[jhelmes37]

God some of you are insufferable after loses.. looking forward to these players (especially Naji) leaving? You all have no idea how bad our record would be without him.
No matter what, it’s Villanova on the road and it was the closest it’s ever been. FAR better than the beloved 2016 and 2018 teams performed. So much season left

Thank God someone still has some common sense.

[JTG]

Thank God someone still has some common sense.

Common sense is over rated. We're fans, we're suppossed to come unhinged after a loss, and predict a championship after a win. It's what we do.

[GIMMFD]

Back off the ledge.

Mack-led, high seeded teams have gotten boat raced at Villanova.

It’s one game.

Steele just did as well as any X Coach has EVER done at Villanova.

Chill, homie.

Not to mention Steele clipped Villanova last year too, it feels like he keeps us way more competitive than Mack did against them, losing at the Pavilion is nothing to scoff at, Nova is incredibly tough there, and that's a tough place to play. As for the recruiting dead-eye shooters, isn't Wilcher supposed to be kind of a three point specialist? This team isn't as fluid as we'd like no, and obviously we want to strive to be the best in the conference, but it's going to take time. This is a program with 2 National Championships in like the last 3-4 years, even in a down year so to speak for Nova, Jay Wright knows how to win.

[xu82]

Sometimes it feels like Q and Naji refuse to be “Coached” by a guy they think of as The Recruiter. Maybe it just feels that way to me, but.....

I won’t panic over any one game, especially a fairly close loss AT Villanova.

[XUGRAD80]

The coaches have changed, but for the most part the X players have not. They are pretty much the same players and have the same skill set that they had 2-3 years ago....with a few notable players missing. They are playing MUCH better defense than they were under the past administration, but offensively have not improved or changed very much at all. To my eyes there is absolutely no reason to expect that at this point in their careers that any of that is going to change and improve. I think that Steele sees the same thing and is trying to work with it the best that he can. I understand people being disappointed by this, I don’t see why people are frustrated. Sometimes you’ve just to accept that things are what they are and figure out a way to work around what you cannot change. No sense in developing an offense that relies on 3 point shooters if you don’t have them. Nova has them. X does not. I don’t blame Steele for that, I blame several years of either not recruiting shooters, or recruiting them and letting them leave.

Freemantle has a little bit more offensive skill than Jones, and when he is in there the ball moves differently. KyKy offers a little bit more in the way of shooting. But both players have to show that they can be consistent finishers against better competition. If they do, I expect them to play even more. I think that a lot of us would like to see more of a Freemantle and less of Carter. Find some way to get a Freemantle and Jones on the floor together.

Neither Moore or Carter have proven to be the consistent offensive threats that we all hoped that they would be, especially Carter. Imagine if he could average 8-10 points and 1-2 3 pointers a game...about 1/2 what he averaged last year at OU. The offense would be much better if that happened. I can see why people are disappointed in what Carter and Moore have done so far. Word from Steele is that Moore has been battling injury the whole year and just couldn’t go full speed against Nova. I don’t know why Carter is nowhere near the player he was last year.

Yet the team is 11-3 at the end of 2019. I really have no idea what 2020 will bring. So much depends on what the newcomers are able to do. I see more of the same from the core 4, but I hope that the newcomers rediscover their old games and/or show what they are thought to be capable of. If the newcomers give the offense the boost that it needs, they will be a hard team to beat. But if they don’t, they will struggle against the better teams and I see a mid-pack finish.

[AviatorX]

The coaches have changed, but for the most part the X players have not. They are pretty much the same players and have the same skill set that they had 2-3 years ago....with a few notable players missing. They are playing MUCH better defense than they were under the past administration, but offensively have not improved or changed very much at all. To my eyes there is absolutely no reason to expect that at this point in their careers that any of that is going to change and improve. I think that Steele sees the same thing and is trying to work with it the best that he can. I understand people being disappointed by this, I don’t see why people are frustrated. Sometimes you’ve just to accept that things are what they are and figure out a way to work around what you cannot change. No sense in developing an offense that relies on 3 point shooters if you don’t have them. Nova has them. X does not. I don’t blame Steele for that, I blame several years of either not recruiting shooters, or recruiting them and letting them leave.

Freemantle has a little bit more offensive skill than Jones, and when he is in there the ball moves differently. KyKy offers a little bit more in the way of shooting. But both players have to show that they can be consistent finishers against better competition. If they do, I expect them to play even more. I think that a lot of us would like to see more of a Freemantle and less of Carter. Find some way to get a Freemantle and Jones on the floor together.

Neither Moore or Carter have proven to be the consistent offensive threats that we all hoped that they would be, especially Carter. Imagine if he could average 8-10 points and 1-2 3 pointers a game...about 1/2 what he averaged last year at OU. The offense would be much better if that happened. I can see why people are disappointed in what Carter and Moore have done so far. Word from Steele is that Moore has been battling injury the whole year and just couldn’t go full speed against Nova. I don’t know why Carter is nowhere near the player he was last year.

Yet the team is 11-3 at the end of 2019. I really have no idea what 2020 will bring. So much depends on what the newcomers are able to do. I see more of the same from the core 4, but I hope that the newcomers rediscover their old games and/or show what they are thought to be capable of. If the newcomers give the offense the boost that it needs, they will be a hard team to beat. But if they don’t, they will struggle against the better teams and I see a mid-pack finish.

No one disagrees with you on this. The point you’re missing (not sure if intentionally so at this point) is that the lack of offensive skill isn’t what everyone is frustrated with. People are frustrated because despite the fact that this team doesn’t have a lot of pure scoring or offensive ability, they still don’t value possessions at all. That’s what needs to be improved and it has nothing to do with skill, shooting etc.

The way this team guards, it can be a very very good team if 4-5 more possessions a game lead to high percentage looks or getting to the FT line as opposed to throwing the ball into the third row or jacking up a long step back two.

[XUGRAD80]

the lack of offensive skill isn’t what everyone is frustrated with. People are frustrated because despite the fact that this team doesn’t have a lot of pure scoring or offensive ability, they still don’t value possessions at all.
.


My belief is that it is senseless to feel frustrated over something that is very unlikely to change.....dissatisfaction and disappointment, yes. But frustration over something that we should expect? No.

[Juice]

The coaches have changed, but for the most part the X players have not. They are pretty much the same players and have the same skill set that they had 2-3 years ago....with a few notable players missing. They are playing MUCH better defense than they were under the past administration, but offensively have not improved or changed very much at all. To my eyes there is absolutely no reason to expect that at this point in their careers that any of that is going to change and improve. I think that Steele sees the same thing and is trying to work with it the best that he can. I understand people being disappointed by this, I don’t see why people are frustrated. Sometimes you’ve just to accept that things are what they are and figure out a way to work around what you cannot change. No sense in developing an offense that relies on 3 point shooters if you don’t have them. Nova has them. X does not. I don’t blame Steele for that, I blame several years of either not recruiting shooters, or recruiting them and letting them leave.

Freemantle has a little bit more offensive skill than Jones, and when he is in there the ball moves differently. KyKy offers a little bit more in the way of shooting. But both players have to show that they can be consistent finishers against better competition. If they do, I expect them to play even more. I think that a lot of us would like to see more of a Freemantle and less of Carter. Find some way to get a Freemantle and Jones on the floor together.

Neither Moore or Carter have proven to be the consistent offensive threats that we all hoped that they would be, especially Carter. Imagine if he could average 8-10 points and 1-2 3 pointers a game...about 1/2 what he averaged last year at OU. The offense would be much better if that happened. I can see why people are disappointed in what Carter and Moore have done so far. Word from Steele is that Moore has been battling injury the whole year and just couldn’t go full speed against Nova. I don’t know why Carter is nowhere near the player he was last year.

Yet the team is 11-3 at the end of 2019. I really have no idea what 2020 will bring. So much depends on what the newcomers are able to do. I see more of the same from the core 4, but I hope that the newcomers rediscover their old games and/or show what they are thought to be capable of. If the newcomers give the offense the boost that it needs, they will be a hard team to beat. But if they don’t, they will struggle against the better teams and I see a mid-pack finish.

Because last year at OU 25% of the possessions went through him and he took 26% of the shots. 14.9% of the possessions now go through him and he take's 13.6% of the shots. That's a huge adjustment. Also, his three point shot could be suffering because they moved the line back. He didn't even average 1 three a game last year. He hit 23 in 30 games.

[bleedXblue]

Because last year at OU 25% of the possessions went through him and he took 26% of the shots. 14.9% of the possessions now go through him and he take's 13.6% of the shots. That's a huge adjustment. Also, his three point shot could be suffering because they moved the line back. He didn't even average 1 three a game last year. He hit 23 in 30 games.

Exactly and add to that he's playing on a team with high expectations.......and against better competition. I think a very fair expectation is 8-10 PPG an 5 RPG.

It does bother me that he played 17 minutes in the first half against Nova and took not one shot. He has to be more aggressive and assertive.

It also bothers me that since we seem to have very little cohesiveness on the offensive end, that unless you are Paul and Naji and create your own shot, we seem to have almost no game plan around getting guys the right shots on the floor where they can excel.

[xukeith]

There are some good post feeds to Jones and Freemantle. Ball movement is better. X could be amazingly awesome if Every ball handler drives below the free throw line to either pull up/shoot or dish to closer interior or drive to the hoop for a layup. Never shoot more than 13 three pointers. Kyky, Moore, and Carter look very unsure/not confident offensively. Hope Moore gets healthy.

Best thing about these Dec./ January days are increased hours of practice and learning offense better for the rest of the season.

[Muskie in dayton]

My belief is that it is senseless to feel frustrated over something that is very unlikely to change.....dissatisfaction and disappointment, yes. But frustration over something that we should expect? No.

Wrong. Anything other than frustration is complacency. Complacency is acceptance. We should NOT accept selfish and stupid play.

More importantly, acceptance is enabling, and Steele should not be enabling selfish and stupid play. It can EASILY be changed.

[DexterBailey84]

and then March comes around and we're playing in the Sweet 16 because our core 4 carried us there.

I'm sorry but you people need to settle down and have a little faith. It's still so so early. They absolutely will figure it out.

[Muskie in dayton]

and then March comes around and we're playing in the Sweet 16 because our core 4 carried us there.

I'm sorry but you people need to settle down and have a little faith. It's still so so early. They absolutely will figure it out.

Ahh I feel much better knowing they’ll figure it out. What did I miss to make you so sure? I’ve been watching these same guys with the same poor decision making and selfish play for 2 years now with little change and more regression than progress. Please let me know what I’ve missed to make you so confident. “Us people” would love to know. Because we worry if it doesn’t happen soon, the only Sweet 6 we’ll have a chance at is the NIT Sweet 16.

[XUGRAD80]

Wrong. Anything other than frustration is complacency. Complacency is acceptance. We should NOT accept selfish and stupid play.

More importantly, acceptance is enabling, and Steele should not be enabling selfish and stupid play. It can EASILY be changed.


Tell me just WTF WE can do about it...WE can’t do anything about it. And since WE can’t do anything about it, it’s is senseless for US to feel frustrated. I swear some people act like what WE say on a message board actually has a bearing on what the PLAYERS and COACHES do. You’re living in a fantasy world if you think what goes on here has any bearing on what happens in their world. Nothing could be further from the truth or from reality.

I’m waiting for the day Coach Steele says that he sat Naji down because he read on a message board that he was a selfish player. I’m waiting for the day that a player says that he stopped shooting because he read that it was upsetting people on a message board. Can’t wait for the next time that Steele asks one of the poster here to put on a clinic for his players or consults one of us about what kind of defense to run. This is sarcasm by the way.

[Muskie in dayton]

Tell me just WTF WE can do about it...WE canÂ’t do anything about it. And since WE canÂ’t do anything about it, itÂ’s is senseless for US to feel frustrated. I swear some people act like what WE say on a message board actually has a bearing on what the PLAYERS and COACHES do. YouÂ’re living in a fantasy world if you think what goes on here has any bearing on what happens in their world. Nothing could be further from the truth or from reality.

IÂ’m waiting for the day Coach Steele says that he sat Naji down because he read on a message board that he was a selfish player. IÂ’m waiting for the day that a player says that he stopped shooting because he read that it was upsetting people on a message board. CanÂ’t wait for the next time that Steele asks one of the poster here to put on a clinic for his players or consults one of us about what kind of defense to run. This is sarcasm by the way.

WE sure TF can influence what happens. WE are the customers and should not accept just OK as good enough. You really donÂ’t think the administration gauges the temperature of the fans by checking social media (amongst other means)? As a season ticket holder and donor, I say they better listen to their customers. So as customers we better vocalize when we donÂ’t accept the quality of the product.

Look, X lost what was a winnable game that would have greatly helped the post season resume. X didnÂ’t lose because Nova shot lights out or because they are more talented. They didnÂ’t lose because of a bad shooting night or because of foul trouble. I can accept all of those things. The fact is we lost because players horrifically refuse to play smart, unselfish team basketball. This team is way underachieving their talent. It is excruciating to watch and I cannot accept that. You can just accept it if you want - thatÂ’s fine. But stop putting down those of us wonÂ’t accept it.

[scoscox]

They didn’t lose because of a bad shooting night...

Au contraire, mon ami

although your point about playing smarter is well taken. i'm of the opinion they will figure it out

[XUGRAD80]

Yeah I can hear the AD now....”Coach you better sit those players down and have a talk with them. There’s a Muskie fan in Dayton at Xavier Hoops pissed off with the product you’re putting on the floor and says he won’t take it anymore.”

Or better yet, I can hear the administration saying.....” Why are we paying someone a million dollars a year to Coach the BB team? I’m sure we can get someone to do it cheaper because all they have to do is read the message boards and do what they say to do.”

I don’t really care if you’re Mr. Cintas and are bankrolling the team. Any coach that makes decisions based on what he reads on a message board is a fool and any Administration that try’s to make him do things because of what a few posters are posting is beyond weak.

Now...if you want to say that “If I was coaching this team I would be frustrated by the plays that some of these players make, and I would make some changes.” Fine. I have no problem with that and I certainly wouldn’t criticize someone for saying it. In fact, I would most likely agree. But that’s not what I’m reading. I’m reading that posters are actually feeling frustration themselves, even though they can’t do anything to change it and can only complain about it. I’m reading that some people actually think that if they complain often enough and loud enough that changes will be made. And IMO that’s foolish thinking based on fantasy and a distorted view of reality.

[xu82]

WE sure TF can influence what happens. WE are the customers and should not accept just OK as good enough. You really donÂ’t think the administration gauges the temperature of the fans by checking social media (amongst other means)? As a season ticket holder and donor, I say they better listen to their customers. So as customers we better vocalize when we donÂ’t accept the quality of the product.

Look, X lost what was a winnable game that would have greatly helped the post season resume. X didnÂ’t lose because Nova shot lights out or because they are more talented. They didnÂ’t lose because of a bad shooting night or because of foul trouble. I can accept all of those things. The fact is we lost because players horrifically refuse to play smart, unselfish team basketball. This team is way underachieving their talent. It is excruciating to watch and I cannot accept that. You can just accept it if you want - thatÂ’s fine. But stop putting down those of us wonÂ’t accept it.

I’M MAD AS HELL AND I’M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANY MORE!!!

There, that should fix it. Undefeated!

[Muskie in dayton]

We’ll have to agree to disagree ‘80. I’ll just do it without ridiculous hyperbole and degrading comments.

But tell me, are you OK with the team play right now?

Do you think if it doesn’t change, X will be in the NCAA tournament?

[scoscox]

We’ll have to agree to disagree ‘80. I’ll just do it without ridiculous hyperbole and degrading comments.

But tell me, are you OK with the team play right now?

Do you think if it doesn’t change, X will be in the NCAA tournament?

as of this moment, we'd be in pretty comfortably. thinking you're overestimating the direness of the situation. a 6 point loss @ villanova in a game where we didn't play that well, is not reason for this level of consternation

[GoMuskies]

We wouldn't be in comfortably now. Our NET is bad, and we haven't beaten a soul. But we've got plenty of great opportunities ahead of us.

[scoscox]

We wouldn't be in comfortably now. Our NET is bad, and we haven't beaten a soul. But we've got plenty of great opportunities ahead of us.

Our NET is 47. We’d be fine.

[GoMuskies]

A 47 NET is bad.

[stammina0721]

Sports is not worth getting frustrated over. Newsflash... Xavier is not going to win the 2019-2020 national championship. So with that said don't waste your time being upset and frustrated about a team that doesn't give two rats ass what you think ( all teams at all levels by the way). Watch and have fun. If you are not having fun then don't watch and don't donate. Like others said, question calls, substitutions, playing time, strategy or anything else but don't ever take it personal.

[Xavier]

Tell me just WTF WE can do about it...WE can’t do anything about it. And since WE can’t do anything about it, it’s is senseless for US to feel frustrated. I swear some people act like what WE say on a message board actually has a bearing on what the PLAYERS and COACHES do. You’re living in a fantasy world if you think what goes on here has any bearing on what happens in their world. Nothing could be further from the truth or from reality.



I assume key players of the team do look at the message boards and obviously social media. I absolutely think negative (or positive) comments has bearing on them.

[IM4X]

I don't think anybody is looking for perfection. If they are that is just foolishness.

I think what I am frustrated with is the lack of improvement, the 'doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results' kind of play.
That's not just foolish it's the definition of insanity.

We all seem to be complaining about the same thing after every game, even wins.

Seeing this team making better decisions, on the floor and from the bench, would be encouraging.

Yup.

[Muskie]

I assume key players of the team do look at the message boards and obviously social media. I absolutely think negative (or positive) comments has bearing on them.

I am told that players routinely check social media (notably twitter) and message boards during meals and other downtime.

[IM4X]

It also bothers me that since we seem to have very little cohesiveness on the offensive end, that unless you are Paul and Naji and create your own shot, we seem to have almost no game plan around getting guys the right shots on the floor where they can excel.

yup.

[XUGRAD80]

We’ll have to agree to disagree ‘80. I’ll just do it without ridiculous hyperbole and degrading comments.

But tell me, are you OK with the team play right now?

Do you think if it doesn’t change, X will be in the NCAA tournament?

A...I’m never completely OK with how any team plays and always think that improvement is possible. But I also don’t expect or demand perfection and don’t get bent out of shape when it doesn’t occur. I accept that they are going to make mistakes and not always play as well as they can. I try not to overestimate the talent level of the X players, and try to be realistic. Seniors very rarely change their games much during their senior years. They are what they are at that point, for the most part.

I also don’t act like the opposition is perfect either (note what Marquette did at Creighton last night). So, yes I do think that X will make the NCAA tourney, but I certainly don’t think that it is a lock at this point.

But...and here’s a big BUT....if they play hard and give their best effort in every game and fail to do so, I’ll be disappointed, but it won’t be the end of the world for me. I don’t live and die based on this team making the tourney and/or advancing. I don’t judge the success or failure of the team, or the season, on wins, loses, and championships won. This program is already at a level that as an undergrad I could have never have dreamed it would attain. I didn’t grow up with the team being even at a mid-major level, let alone a major player and NC challenger. I only ask that the players play hard, give it their best effort out on the court, and never shy away from a challenge. If they do that, I’ll take the wins and loses as they come and continue to look forward to the next game. It’s not my job to coach the team or to motivate them. I’ll leave that to the people hired to do so. Sports fandom is about having fun. If it’s not fun, and it’s just frustrating, why continue to watch?

[Muskie]

A...I’m never completely OK with how any team plays and always think that improvement is possible. But I also don’t expect or demand perfection and don’t get bent out of shape when it doesn’t occur. I accept that they are going to make mistakes and not always play as well as they can. I try not to overestimate the talent level of the X players, and try to be realistic. Seniors very rarely change their games much during their senior years. They are what they are at that point, for the most part.

I also don’t act like the opposition is perfect either (note what Marquette did at Creighton last night). So, yes I do think that X will make the NCAA tourney, but I certainly don’t think that it is a lock at this point.

But...and here’s a big BUT....if they play hard and give their best effort in every game and fail to do so, I’ll be disappointed, but it won’t be the end of the world for me. I don’t live and die based on this team making the tourney and/or advancing. I don’t judge the success or failure of the team, or the season, on wins, loses, and championships won. This program is already at a level that as an undergrad I could have never have dreamed it would attain. I didn’t grow up with the team being even at a mid-major level, let alone a major player and NC challenger. I only ask that the players play hard, give it their best effort out on the court, and never shy away from a challenge. If they do that, I’ll take the wins and loses as they come and continue to look forward to the next game. It’s not my job to coach the team or to motivate them. I’ll leave that to the people hired to do so. Sports fandom is about having fun. If it’s not fun, and it’s just frustrating, why continue to watch?

I think you've identified something we've talked about before. When I was at X, we did not make the tournament every year. We did not contend for Conference Championships every year, and we didn't win pre-season tournaments or place particularly well. More recent graduates have witnessed an elevated level from the program including the careers of 2 of our top 3 players in program history. 20 plus wins seasons and Tourney runs have become the norm and the expectation amongst that group of fans.

[GoMuskies]

I think you've identified something we've talked about before. When I was at X, we did not make the tournament every year. We did not contend for Conference Championships every year, and we didn't win pre-season tournaments or place particularly well.

Yea, and a lot of us were pretty pleased when Skip took that track record to Wake Forest.

And by the way, Xavier won 20+ games every year you were at Xavier unless I have your age wrong (possible you were a freshman for Prosser's second year?).

[Xville]

Ya know what's really ridiculous. Fans telling other fans how they should fan or feel in an extremely condescending way.

[IM4X]

Nova has at least 2 deadly 3 pt threats, we have none. Repeat, none. Partially because Naji and Q refuse to pass to wide open Tandy. 3 pt shooters make any offense, look brilliant. And lack of shooters makes the best plan look fruitless. Steele could stand to ease up on recruiting super athletes, and go for some dead eye shooters.

Agree more needs to be done to set Kyky up for better looks from 3.

Nova's offense moves better, cuts better, picks better, anticipates better. They all look like they are on the same page and know what their next move is. One step ahead in thinking than their opponent. X players look like they aren't sure what to do at times on offense- something never witnessed with Nova's offense. That has to change.

Steele deserves props for a much improved defense ( though they had some struggles anticipating and keeping in front of players early on).

Three point shooting is something that can not just be ignored by Steele. I don"t want to hear a coach say, "I'm not worried about 3s." Not when your team goes 1-11). He has players on the team who have proven they can shoot above or close to 40% from 3 for long stretches at some point in their career (Tandy, Scruggs, Moore). He needs to make it priority to find ways to get these guys more good looks.

[GoMuskies]

Ya know what's really ridiculous. Fans telling other fans how they should fan or feel in an extremely condescending way.

Yes, those sorts can fuck right off.

[bleedXblue]

Agree more needs to be done to set Kyky up for better looks from 3.

Nova's offense moves better, cuts better, picks better, anticipates better. They all look like they are on the same page and know what their next move is. One step ahead in thinking than their opponent. X players look like they aren't sure what to do at times on offense- something never witnessed with Nova's offense. That has to change.

Steele deserves props for a much improved defense ( though they had some struggles anticipating and keeping in front of players early on).

Three point shooting is something that can not just be ignored by Steele. I don"t want to hear a coach say, "I'm not worried about 3s." Not when your team goes 1-11). He has players on the team who have proven they can shoot above or close to 40% from 3 for long stretches at some point in their career (Tandy, Scruggs, Moore). He needs to make it priority to find ways to get these guys more good looks.

IMHO, I think Steele needs assistant coaching help with this that he does now have right now...........and I have seen the argument made that Steele designed and ran some of Mack's prior teams and they were great. Its one thing to have great shooters like Tre and JP, b/c they can make an offense look very good. I'm talking about recruiting players that fit a system you want to install and run. I know Steele is still trying to get "his" players into the program and this will take another year or two.

[IM4X]

There is a need to schematically get tandy and scruggs some outside shots.

yup.

[drudy23]

Nova's offense moves better, cuts better, picks better, anticipates better. They all look like they are on the same page and know what their next move is. One step ahead in thinking than their opponent. X players look like they aren't sure what to do at times on offense- something never witnessed with Nova's offense. That has to change.



Even the novice fan can notice this just by watching. I can understand this with a bunch of young guys, but there's no way it should still look like this with several upperclassmen. Problem is, we've never seen an efficient offense under Steele. It's the main issue with this team. I'm not saying fixing it makes us national title contenders. But improving in this area makes this team dangerous.

Keeping it the same is (very) ugly on the eyes and a very dangerous path to take. I won't be surprised if this team falls on hard times in the Big East if they continue to play this disjointed style of offense.

[IM4X]

IMHO, I think Steele needs assistant coaching help with this that he does now have right now...........and I have seen the argument made that Steele designed and ran some of Mack's prior teams and they were great. Its one thing to have great shooters like Tre and JP, b/c they can make an offense look very good. I'm talking about recruiting players that fit a system you want to install and run. I know Steele is still trying to get "his" players into the program and this will take another year or two.


Yes, it is easier to design an effective offense when you have 3 or more really good shooters you can count on. This team certainly does not have the same level of shooters it had a few years ago, but it does have a few who should be a bigger factor in games than they currently are.

How does a player like Scruggs- who was lighting it up for a good part of last year - become worse at shooting threes? Where was he shooting from last year when he was shooting over 40%? How were his teammates getting him good looks during that stretch? Maybe the players from a few years ago were a little more disciplined.

The offense needs to be less predictable and lethargic at times... and it needs to get Kyky Tandy and Scruggs more open looks from the spots on the floor they shoot best.

[IM4X]

I can understand this with a bunch of young guys, but there's no way it should still look like this with several upperclassmen. It's the main issue with this team. I'm not saying fixing it makes us national title contenders. But improving in this area makes this team dangerous.

I won't be surprised if this team falls on hard times in the Big East if they continue to play this disjointed style of offense.

I too can see hard times coming if they don't get smarter on offense.

If I were Steele, I would consider stealing from Nova. Scruggs = Gillespie

[Muskie]

Xavier
Yea, and a lot of us were pretty pleased when Skip took that track record to Wake Forest.

And by the way, Xavier won 20+ games every year you were at Xavier unless I have your age wrong (possible you were a freshman for Prosser's second year?).

X won twenty games all four years I was there. Made the NCAA twice (Freshman and Sophomore years).

[XUGRAD80]

An article on Banners on the Parkway makes an excellent case for X shooting LESS three pointers, not more. Worth a read.

[drudy23]

An article on Banners on the Parkway makes an excellent case for X shooting LESS three pointers, not more. Worth a read.

The wrong guys are shooting the majority of the 3's. That's not awesome.

Almost half of Q's shots are 3s. Also not awesome.

It's not the volume, it's the people shooting them.

[XUGRAD80]

Current season statistics...3 point shot % made

Goodin....34%
Scruggs...33%
Moore.....33%
Marshall..25%

So yeah, I would agree with everyone that Marshall needs to take less 3 point shots.

But if nobody is hitting more than 1/3rd of those shots.....I’m not sure I would like to see ANYONE shooting them anymore than they absolutely have to.

Right now, X has several “streak shooters”. When they get hot, they can hit several shots in a row, but their lack of consistency means that you never know when they are going to get hot. It’s hard to game plan for that.

[Xavier]

We certainly won't mistake this team for a bunch of sharp shooters. They don't have to make a lot of 3's to win, but 4-6 a game would make this team much better in all areas.

Nova just had like 4 perfectly timed 3's drop. Just when we cut the lead to 4, to 6, to whatever- they would always seem to hit a 3.

[GIMMFD]

We certainly won't mistake this team for a bunch of sharp shooters. They don't have to make a lot of 3's to win, but 4-6 a game would make this team much better in all areas.

Nova just had like 4 perfectly timed 3's drop. Just when we cut the lead to 4, to 6, to whatever- they would always seem to hit a 3.

It honestly almost always feels like that against Nova, that they never seem to lose control of the game against us, it's been a pretty big monkey since we've joined the Big East, but let's face it, Nova is the class of the conference. Even if we can hit 30% from the 3 point line (which is still not good), it'd do wonders for us.

[drudy23]

Current season statistics...3 point shot % made

Goodin....34%
Scruggs...33%
Moore.....33%
Marshall..25%

So yeah, I would agree with everyone that Marshall needs to take less 3 point shots.

But if nobody is hitting more than 1/3rd of those shots.....I’m not sure I would like to see ANYONE shooting them anymore than they absolutely have to.

Right now, X has several “streak shooters”. When they get hot, they can hit several shots in a row, but their lack of consistency means that you never know when they are going to get hot. It’s hard to game plan for that.

It's no coincidence that Carter and Goodin are the ones shooting the wide open ones.

If we could get those looks for Scruggs and KyKy (through sets or transition), those two will knock down open looks at 40%+. Naji is a victim of his poor shot selection. Goodin is the benefactor of being wide open ALOT.

Any other pure shooting guard would be lighting up the scoreboard with the shots Goodin gets.

[XUGRAD80]

The team is currently averaging 6.1 3 pointers MADE per game.

But they are TAKING 21 per day to get there.

On the other hand, they are shooting 51.8% on 2-point shots.

If they take the same # of shots per game, but decease the % of 3-pointers taken, increase the % of 2-pointers taken, and keep the made % the same...they will average more points per game then they currently are.

[IM4X]

From Adam Baum:

Steele was asked about Xavier going 1-for-11 from 3.

"I don't care about our 3-point shooting. Absolutely none. That didn't cost us the game at all. Finishing around the rim cost us the game. Second-chance points cost us the game."

--------------

Not a good answer from a coach who typically has had a lot of good post game press conference answers this year.

Yes, Travis the other things you've mentioned are important, but had your team shot 4-11 from 3 it also would have won you the game. 3 for 11 might have too... as an even closer game may have played out differently. If you continue to be adamant about 3 point shooting not being important then it won't be taken seriously by your players and you are going to have bigger problems down the road.

Every part of the game is important coach. Especially finding a way to get better at what you struggle most to do well. Set up Kyky and Scruggs and Moore for more open looks and you will see improvement at the 3. You must care about it as much as anything else, or teams will continue to take advantage of that weakness.

[drudy23]

The team is currently averaging 6.1 3 pointers MADE per game.

But they are TAKING 21 per day to get there.

On the other hand, they are shooting 51.8% on 2-point shots.

If they take the same # of shots per game, but decease the % of 3-pointers taken, increase the % of 2-pointers taken, and keep the made % the same...they will average more points per game then they currently are.

True - but you can also say that if the better shooters are taking a higher proportion of the 3's, more 3's will be made which will provide an even bigger jump in scoring.

You showing that Q is a better shooter based on percentages doesn't mean he's our best shooter. He's just getting the best looks because he's always open on the perimeter.

You're taking these stats at face value. It doesn't tell the whole story.

[drudy23]

From Adam Baum:

Steele was asked about Xavier going 1-for-11 from 3.

"I don't care about our 3-point shooting. Absolutely none. That didn't cost us the game at all. Finishing around the rim cost us the game. Second-chance points cost us the game."

--------------

Not a good answer from a coach who typically has had a lot of good post game press conference answers this year.

Yes, Travis the other things you've mentioned are important, but had your team shot 4-11 from 3 it also would have won you the game. 3 for 11 might have too... as an even closer game may have played out differently. If you continue to be adamant about 3 point shooting not being important then it won't be taken seriously by your players and you are going to have bigger problems down the road.

Every part of the game is important coach. Especially finding a way to get better at what you struggle most to do well. Set up Kyky and Scruggs and Moore for more open looks and you will see improvement at the 3. You must care about it as much as anything else, or teams will continue to take advantage of that weakness.

Yes, yes, yes. However, this is more about personnel moves than "trying harder to get better at shooting".

Most people have no issue with Q taking open shots. Everyone should take open and makeable shots. However, if the alternative to Q is a better shooter, then those people should be getting those shots.

So to me, his argument is flawed. Yes he should shoot them. But he also shouldn't be the one shooting them.

Naji has a different problem. He shoots dumb ones. Naj can make good shots. Goodin just isn't a good shooter.

[Xville]

From Adam Baum:

Steele was asked about Xavier going 1-for-11 from 3.

"I don't care about our 3-point shooting. Absolutely none. That didn't cost us the game at all. Finishing around the rim cost us the game. Second-chance points cost us the game."

--------------

Not a good answer from a coach who typically has had a lot of good post game press conference answers this year.

Yes, Travis the other things you've mentioned are important, but had your team shot 4-11 from 3 it also would have won you the game. 3 for 11 might have too... as an even closer game may have played out differently. If you continue to be adamant about 3 point shooting not being important then it won't be taken seriously by your players and you are going to have bigger problems down the road.

Every part of the game is important coach. Especially finding a way to get better at what you struggle most to do well. Set up Kyky and Scruggs and Moore for more open looks and you will see improvement at the 3. You must care about it as much as anything else, or teams will continue to take advantage of that weakness.

Steeles response pisses me off. How you can completely dismiss something that is an issue with this team is mind boggling to me. Yes missing layups was a problem in the first half, but outside shooting and who is taking them and when is a constant issue that most of us see but Steele refuses to acknowledge it.

[drudy23]

Steeles response pisses me off. How you can completely dismiss something that is an issue with this team is mind boggling to me. Yes missing layups was a problem in the first half, but outside shooting and who is taking them and when is a constant issue that most of us see but Steele refuses to acknowledge it.

Honestly, I think it's his method of protecting Q.

All coaches would say their players have the green light to shoot good shots. He's inferring that "eventually they'll fall" as a way to not have to deal with the tough decision on what he may have to do with Q. He's the head dog now - can't be afraid to hurt feelings if it means the better performance. You have assistants to build them back up.

Reminds me of Cronin with the way he would blame everything on defense in a 54-52 loss.

[XUGRAD80]

If we could get those looks for Scruggs and KyKy (through sets or transition), those two will knock down open looks at 40%+.



Wishful thinking at best. Scruggs was at 37.5% last year BEFORE they moved the line back. He was at 30% the year before that. Tandy is shooting at less than 30% so far, but I admit that it’s too early to see what he can do. He’s never played where the line was where it is now, nor has he had to shoot over players that are as tall as his defenders are now or could jump the way the opposition can. I’m not saying that he CAN’T shoot at a high level, only that until he does, you can’t count on him doing it consistently.

Moving the line back has led to a 2% drop in 3-point shots made across the whole NCAA. Doesn’t sound like much, but it averages out to 4 less made 3 point shots per game. X shot .331 last year and is shooting .294 this year, so they have dropped just a little more than the national average. But when you realize that 3 point shooting % made has dropped across the NCAA, I don’t see any reason to believe that Scruggs would improve his by 2-3% or that Tandy would hit his at 8 points higher than the national average of 32%.

[AviatorX]

Honestly, I think it's his method of protecting Q.

All coaches would say their players have the green light to shoot good shots. He's inferring that "eventually they'll fall" as a way to not have to deal with the tough decision on what he may have to do with Q. He's the head dog now - can't be afraid to hurt feelings if it means the better performance. You have assistants to build them back up.

Reminds me of Cronin with the way he would blame everything on defense in a 54-52 loss.

Protecting Q from what? There is no version of this team where Q doesn't play significant minutes. Any other idea is ridiculous.

What's the alternative at PG - turn the keys over to KyKy? That would be insane. That's the kind of change you make when you're 11-13 like last season, not 11-3 with the whole conference slate ahead (where X will be favored in the majority of games they play). Plus there's no reasonable way anyone can believe KyKy at PG will improve this team's decision making and shot selection (which everyone agrees are the major issues)...I mean come on.

The way this fanbase moves the goal posts on Goodin is hilarious. Now when he has been a bit more selective and is actually leading the team in 3 point percentage, it's because the stats don't tell the whole story.

PS: KyKy has taken a TON of shots and Scruggs is neck and neck with Naji for most 3 point attempts. Running actions for Bryce Moore is a non-starter. He was a low usage player on bad Western Michigan teams and that's not his role. There's literally no reason to think that's a good idea.

[drudy23]

Wishful thinking at best. Scruggs was at 37.5% last year BEFORE they moved the line back. He was at 30% the year before that. Tandy is shooting at less than 30% so far, but I admit that it’s too early to see what he can do. He’s never played where the line was where it is now, nor has he had to shoot over players that are as tall as his defenders are now or could jump the way the opposition can. I’m not saying that he CAN’T shoot at a high level, only that until he does, you can’t count on him doing it consistently.

Moving the line back has led to a 2% drop in 3-point shots made across the whole NCAA. Doesn’t sound like much, but it averages out to 4 less made 3 point shots per game. X shot .331 last year and is shooting .294 this year, so they have dropped just a little more than the national average.

They are also shooting that percentage playing with a team that is terrible at offensive efficiency. Villanova is that much better at shooting not because they are so much better shooters, but because they also execute to perfection. Great execution absolutely leads to higher shooting percentages. This team, outside of 2 weeks last year, is horrible at executing half court offense.

A guy like Drew Lavender or Matt Stainbrook would significantly help our shooting statistics.

[drudy23]

Protecting Q from what? There is no version of this team where Q doesn't play significant minutes. Any other idea is ridiculous.

What's the alternative at PG - turn the keys over to KyKy? That would be insane. That's the kind of change you make when you're 11-13 like last season, not 11-3 with the whole conference slate ahead (where X will be favored in the majority of games they play).

Protecting him from having to make the decision to limit his role. Of course Q isn't going to just disappear. This team needs him. Who ever said he would replace him? That's insane.

But him being out there limits our offensive efficiency because we make it easier for the opponent to defend us. Playing better shooters more often opens up the offense to not be suffocated constantly.

[XUGRAD80]

A guy like Drew Lavender or Matt Stainbrook would significantly help our shooting statistics.

Time to admit that the team has some holes.....

[drudy23]

Time to admit that the team has some holes.....

Agreed...that's my whole point.

This isn't a testament on Q as a player. He has many great attributes. We've seen them. I think his coach is using him wrong. Change it up and put him in a position to be as successful as possible.

He's being forced into situations where his worst attribute has to be used too often. That's on the coach. Are they just going to continue to play the whole season with Q and Carter being wide open all year and everyone else struggling to breathe?

The same with Naji's horrible shot selection and decision making. Are we just going to let that go too and hope he starts making them?

[drudy23]

Playing Hankins and Ty last year at the same time was a huge turning point for them. The defense had to worry about two quality post players and it opened up the offense tremendously. That space allowed better execution, that better execution finally turned that team into a unit.

Freemantle isn't Hankins at this point, but it would help offensive flow. Freemantle is ready. He's going to make some freshman mistakes, but he's hungry, plays hard all the time, and can give you some buckets in the post.

Once that happens, shooters can relax. Things get easier for them. It's the recipe for this team.

[AviatorX]

Agreed...that's my whole point.

This isn't a testament on Q as a player. He has many great attributes. We've seen them. I think his coach is using him wrong. Change it up and put him in a position to be as successful as possible.

He's being forced into situations where his worst attribute has to be used too often. That's on the coach. Are they just going to continue to play the whole season with Q and Carter being wide open all year and everyone else struggling to breathe?

The same with Naji's horrible shot selection and decision making. Are we just going to let that go too and hope he starts making them?

I think what you're saying makes a lot of sense now that I see where you're coming from. I guess the question is how do you use Q going forward?

[drudy23]

I think what you're saying makes a lot of sense now that I see where you're coming from. I guess the question is how do you use Q going forward?

For one, him and Carter can't be on the floor at the same time for extended minutes. Two, you have to surround him with multiple shooters. Yes, KyKy, Q, and Scruggs can play at the same time, just like Ty and Free can play at the same time.

This is more a personnel issue than a talent issue. Q can play.

[AviatorX]

For one, him and Carter can't be on the floor at the same time for extended minutes. Two, you have to surround him with multiple shooters. Yes, KyKy, Q, and Scruggs can play at the same time, just like Ty and Free can play at the same time.

This is more a personnel issue than a talent issue. Q can play.

Got it. I think it's a really good take. I know Steele wants Naji at the 3, but I wouldn't mind some looks with Q, KyKY, Scruggs, Naji and Tyrique/Free. Obviously shooting still at a premium.

[xuwillie]

I'd like to see more scruggs, kyky, marshall, free and jones. Scuggs needs more shots.

[Muskie]

Playing Hankins and Ty last year at the same time was a huge turning point for them. The defense had to worry about two quality post players and it opened up the offense tremendously. That space allowed better execution, that better execution finally turned that team into a unit.

Freemantle isn't Hankins at this point, but it would help offensive flow. Freemantle is ready. He's going to make some freshman mistakes, but he's hungry, plays hard all the time, and can give you some buckets in the post.

Once that happens, shooters can relax. Things get easier for them. It's the recipe for this team.

I worry about foul trouble and no established depth... but I suppose it worked last year.

[AviatorX]

I worry about foul trouble and no established depth... but I suppose it worked last year.

It's also worth considering impact on team defense (especially switching screens). Last year, that was out the window but with this team's strength so clearly being on the defensive end, have to be careful not to chase slightly more efficient offense at the defense's expense.

[IM4X]

Yes, yes, yes. However, this is more about personnel moves than "trying harder to get better at shooting".

Most people have no issue with Q taking open shots. Everyone should take open and makeable shots. However, if the alternative to Q is a better shooter, then those people should be getting those shots.

So to me, his argument is flawed. Yes he should shoot them. But he also shouldn't be the one shooting them.

Naji has a different problem. He shoots dumb ones. Naj can make good shots. Goodin just isn't a good shooter.


Q seems to shoot better from certain spots on the floor. I'd like to see him stick to those spots when he shoots the 3. Naji, as you pointed out, could be shooting at a higher percentage if he could just get it to sink in what a dumb shots is (which I'd imagine happens partly as a result of him feeling no one else is stepping up). There almost always seems to be that point in the game (not all games though) where he goes from looking super human to looking super destructive. Just pump the brakes and pass Naji.

It seems like the bigger issue is game plan. We know Tre and JP were the go-to guys fro 3s because they shot them best. Kyky, Scruggs and Moore need to be made the go-to guys of this team. I'm thinking that a guy who's almost never shot much above 30% from 3 probably shouldn't be taking the most each game, especially when none of them are dropping (Naji was 0-5).

[Final4]

Sometimes it feels like Q and Naji refuse to be “Coached” by a guy they think of as The Recruiter. Maybe it just feels that way to me, but.....

I won’t panic over any one game, especially a fairly close loss AT Villanova.


Nine out of ten BE head coaches share something in common.