Game Thread: Xavier v. St. John's (Janury 5, 2020) Big East Conference Game

[Muskie]

Xavier University Musketeers (11-3,0-1) vs. St. John's (11-3,0-1)
Sunday, January 5, 2020 at 4:30 p.m.
Cintas Center, Cincinnati

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



Television: Fox






Xavier Radio: Xavier Gameday App (available in your phone's app store) with play-by-play from XU Hall of Famer and former Musketeer standout Joe Sunderman ('79). Analysis will be provided by Xavier Hall of Famer and XU all-time leading scorer Byron Larkin ('88).










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

______
Most Recent Results:
Villanova Defeated Xavier (Link (https://goxavier.com/news/2019/12/30/general-mbb-v-nova.aspx))
Butler defeated St. John's (Link (https://redstormsports.com/news/2019/12/31/mens-basketball-comeback-effort-falls-short-against-no-11-10-butler-60-58.aspx))

Red Storm Media:
St. John's Athletics Homepage ( (https://gobearcats.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule)Link (https://villanova.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule)) (https://gobearcats.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule)
Red Storm on Twitter (Link (https://twitter.com/StJohnsBBall))

[GoMuskies]

This game is almost a must win. Starting out 0-2 in this league will be VERY difficult to overcome.

[bjf123]

This game is almost a must win. Starting out 0-2 in this league will be VERY difficult to overcome.

No almost. It is a must win.


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[Jesuit4Life]

Tipoff time update
https://twitter.com/slrussell/status/1213926503911546880

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[Jesuit4Life]

Let's Go X

[bjf123]

Tipoff time update
https://twitter.com/slrussell/status/1213926503911546880

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Saints / Vikings headed to OT. Geaux Saints!


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[Jesuit4Life]

Saints / Vikings headed to OT. Geaux Saints!


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkSticking with 4:42 start but on FS1
https://twitter.com/XavierGameday/status/1213931652675600385

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[GoMuskies]

Makes it difficult on those of us trying to record it and watch later. Oh, well.

[Jesuit4Life]

Makes it difficult on those of us trying to record it and watch later. Oh, well.Replay scheduled for midnight EST on FS1 from what I saw

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[GoMuskies]

Replay scheduled for midnight on FS1 from what I saw

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Thanks. But it's more like I'm out and wanted to catch up like an hour later. No worries, though, the restaurant I'm at has wifi, so I can watch on my phone!

[Jesuit4Life]

Oh, it's on FOX right now after all. And no problem, Go.

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[Xville]

Good to see naji and q still shooting bad shots. Glad Steele isnt worried about all the misses.

[GoMuskies]

As much as he can drive me crazy at times, not real sure what we'd do without Naji.

[GoMuskies]

Real ugly start.

[Xavgrad08]

Xavier not looking good early on. Why are we continuing to shoot threes?

[GoMuskies]

Carter isn't even close on wide open shots. And Moore looks lost. Those guys are not exactly Hankins and Welage.

[xudash]

Was Bryce Moore paid to throw the game?

[RoseyMuskie]

Switched to football for a bit. I’m not spending my free time watching guys brick open threes.

[xu82]

We should get half a point for getting some rim. In 6 minutes we have 4 points. This is making my Bills offense look explosive.

[KabeX]

Attack the freakin pressure!

[xu82]

I would press us too.

[GoMuskies]

Tandy's shot looks pure. Naji's...went in. I like that, too!

[whopper]

Disturbing start and low energy it seems. Damn

[KabeX]

Can't be passive against pressure. Should look at it as a golden opportunity for a slam dunk.

[GoMuskies]

What happened to Scruggs?

[SM#24]

It’s actually quite comical how we’re not even close on the 3 shots.

[GoMuskies]

Thank God for Naji.

[SM#24]

What happened to Scruggs?


2 fouls

[GoMuskies]

2 fouls

I mean his shot and general ability to play basketball.

[KabeX]

Ty is a rather strong man. Might want to take advantage of that.

[GoMuskies]

Jesus Naji.

[SM#24]

I mean his shot and general ability to play basketball.

Must be something in the water or food they’re giving them. It’s some sort of contagious disease.

[SM#24]

I think our TO count will be higher than our 3 pt shooting % (and it won’t be the first time this year).

[bjf123]

Jesus Naji.

He needs to stop playing hero ball. Sometimes other guys are open, but he’s not interested in looking for them.


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[profson]

Scruggs looked gassed when he sat. Naji looks gassed. Sf J will test our depth. Gassed players commit even more TOs. Knowing our history and St J’s prowess on forcing TOs, I hoped to be under 20. Well ...
Must dominate the paint.

[GoMuskies]

Carter may be good, but I've yet to see much evidence of it.

[RoseyMuskie]

What’s scary is that X could be the the worst team in the Big East. Now, they could also be one of the best, but the margin is razor thin this year.

[KabeX]

Keep freakin attacking the rim. And make some damn FTs please.

[GoMuskies]

James is being aggressive today. Not sure that's a great thing, but it beats having him be passive out there. He's trying to take advantage of his opportunity.

[SM#24]

8/11 on 2pt shots
3/12 on 3pt shots

[KabeX]

8/11 on 2pt shots
3/12 on 3pt shots
And 3 - 8 FTs

[xu82]

Jesus Naji.

This should be put on a timer to appear every 4 minutes or so.

[whopper]

if we are up at half with 13 turnovers and 3-8 foul shots it will me a miracle. Scruggs needs to stop up

[bjf123]

Now 4-11 from the charity stripe. And a stupid turnover / foul by Naji right before the half. Another episode of hero ball. He had no intention of passing the ball.


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[AviatorX]

This should be put on a timer to appear every 4 minutes or so.

This team would be so fucked without Naji, so I’m saving my frustration with him for questionable plays that are at least a 8 on the 10 point scale.

[xudash]

National TV, and this is the product that gets marched out there.

[GoMuskies]

National TV, and this is the product that gets marched out there.

Lol, yeah that was ugly as shit. Luckily 2 points shittier for them!

[xudash]

This team would be so fucked without Naji, so I’m saving my frustration with him for questionable plays that are at least a 8 on the 10 point scale.

Like the last play on offense of the half?

[xudash]

This team would be so fucked without Naji, so I’m saving my frustration with him for questionable plays that are at least a 8 on the 10 point scale.

Like the last play on offense of the half?

[X Factor]

I have NEVER seen a team hurt themselves as much as Xavier. It is just self inflicted wound after self inflicted wound.

I'd be happy if Carter and Moore didn't play again.

Can we please try and KyKy a few looks?

[xudash]

5 of the 13 TO’s belong to Naji.

[X Factor]

This team is incapable of playing smart basketball for more than a a single minute.

[AviatorX]

Like the last play on offense of the half?

Not really. He beat his man and just lost the ball. Bad play. Who do you want with the ball in their hands in a late clock situation? Not sure there's an argument for anyone else.

[whopper]

with Carter and Moore it reminds me of the saying "you bought a knife to a gun fight". As starters at a lesser level they used to kind of work their way into a game..no time for that here. If I were either esp Carter I would play like a kamakaze.. Scruggs is a mystery to me..after Wake Forest I would have thought he had NBA potential but recently so tentative..constantly trying to edge in for a better shot. James showed us something and had 4 rebounds. Foul shooting? Shocking. Turnovers? The last one where Tandy got stripped from behind was like a junior high..he is better than that.

[X Factor]

Not really. He beat his man and just lost the ball. Bad play. Who do you want with the ball in their hands in a late clock situation? Not sure there's an argument for anyone else.

How about put the ball in someone else's hands and run something to get Naji open?

[bjf123]

Like the last play on offense of the half?

Yep. He was in full on hero mode there. It was 1 on 5. The other 4 X players were irrelevant.


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[bjf123]

Not really. He beat his man and just lost the ball. Bad play. Who do you want with the ball in their hands in a late clock situation? Not sure there's an argument for anyone else.

Didn’t he get called for a foul on the play, too?


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[AviatorX]

How about put the ball in someone else's hands and run something to get Naji open?

What does "something" look like?

[AviatorX]

Didn’t he get called for a foul on the play, too?


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Yep. Like I said, bad play.

[Xville]

This is why people are ready to turn the page on this "core four" its ugly basketball. Naji is a net positive I think but it's extremely close...he does a ton of stupid shit every game

[xu82]

This team would be so fucked without Naji, so I’m saving my frustration with him for questionable plays that are at least a 8 on the 10 point scale.

We ABSOLUTELY need what he can bring on the positive side! It’s the lapses in judgment that drive us all crazy! (Or at LEAST me!)

[bjf123]

We ABSOLUTELY need what he can bring on the positive side! It’s the lapses in judgment that drive us all crazy! (Or at LEAST me!)

It drives us all crazy!


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[AviatorX]

This is why people are ready to turn the page on this "core four" its ugly basketball. Naji is a net positive I think but it's extremely close...he does a ton of stupid shit every game

I mean I can't tell anyone how to feel, but anyone with a brain would take Naji and Scruggs on next year's team.

[Xville]

I mean I can't tell anyone how to feel, but anyone with a brain would take Naji and Scruggs on next year's team.

I'd love for scruggs to stay probably naji too, but he drives me nuts a lot. Regardless it soesnt matter, they aren't coming back.

[xu82]

It drives us all crazy!


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And as I read these words.....ANOTHER Naji turnover.......

[Xville]

Hmmm tandy is by far our best shooter...maybe we should get him more shots per game? Just a crazy thought.

[XUBison]

This is why people are ready to turn the page on this "core four" its ugly basketball. Naji is a net positive I think but it's extremely close...he does a ton of stupid shit every game

I’m sorry, but right now this does not look like a well-coached team. There’s a lot of talent here, but the whole is certainly less than the sum of the parts. Fundamentals are the problem, and fundamentals are precisely what coaches can/should impact; shot selection, TOs, and FTs. Perhaps we simply have a group of players who are not coachable?

[xu82]

Kyky gives me hope!

[AviatorX]

KyKy's third triple came off a base line out of bounds set that was a go to in the Bluiett era. Great call by Trav.

[xu82]

I’m sorry, but right now this does not look like a well-coached team. There’s a lot of talent here, but the whole is certainly less than the sum of the parts. Fundamentals are the problem, and fundamentals are precisely what coaches can/should impact; shot selection, TOs, and FTs. Perhaps we simply have a group of players who are not coachable?

I wonder if the nice guy who recruited all this talent is not getting Head Coach respect from Q and Naji, and is looked at more as the nice recruiter guy. I hope to see it improve month by month, year by year.

[Xville]

KyKy's third triple came off a base line out of bounds set that was a go to in the Bluiett era. Great call by Trav.

Can you imagine what this kid is going to look like as an upper classmen?? Dripping with potential.

[RoseyMuskie]

Seeing KyKy’s quick release ->make provided some much needed enjoyment.

[KabeX]

I love good naji

[AviatorX]

Naji forgetting to freeze out Tandy. Even put his arm around him walking into that timeout.

[xu82]

Props for Naji getting the ball out to Kyky on the break! GOOD Naji there!!!!! Great even!

[whopper]

have not heard about "kills" today but man we could use one now. It seems to me we are giving ground in the paint to easily

[Muskie]

have not heard about "kills" today but man we could use one now. It seems to me we are giving ground in the paint to easily

We have 5 kills currently. With 1 stop of 3 to get the next one.


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[bjf123]

Props for Naji getting the ball out to Kyky on the break! GOOD Naji there!!!!! Great even!

Yep!


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[RoseyMuskie]

On the heels of Bishop transferring, really proud of James.

[SM#24]

On the heels of Bishop transferring, really proud of James.
++

[xudash]

Would you say smarter basketball in this half? Not brilliant, but smarter!

[KabeX]

Ditto. Also proud of only 3 TOs in the 2nd half.

[Muskie]

Up to 7 kills.


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[xudash]

Put this away! NOW!!!

[xu82]

On the heels of Bishop transferring, really proud of James.

Excellent point.

[mistabeecee41]

Just a slew of idiotic plays from our upperclassmen have let them right back into it. All started by Q picking up his dribble when doubled at the top of the key.

[xudash]

Bullshit call.

[xu82]

It’s FT making season!!!

[xudash]

Dumb

Ignorant.

Stupid Naji.

[X Factor]

Would you say smarter basketball in this half? Not brilliant, but smarter!

Yes, they played smarter in the 2nd half. Should be able to play that way most of the time with the experience on this team.

Would love to see more KyKy and Dontarius instead of Carter and Moore.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Good win, but still too many turnovers.

[GIMMFD]

Good win, but still too many turnovers.

Yup, St. John's confuses me, they beat WVU, Arizona but lost to Vermont and Arizona State, I don't really know what to make of them, but your right, the turnovers are bad. Naji having 8 of them is not good, I wish we valued the ball more but it seems like that's just never going to happen at this rate.

[XUBison]

Well, at least we won. I think that’s how I’ve felt after each win this season.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Xavier was +6 at Nova and was -8 today. Uncanny.

[XUGRAD80]

Some points Travis made in the after the game show...

They have never played or coached against a Mike Anderson coached team
It took them a half to adjust to just how tenacious the SJ players are
They talked at half about not playing so leisurely and valuing the ball
Was pleased with the drop in turnovers the 2nd half
They are going to be shooting a ton of free throws in practice over the next few days
Very pleased with how James played and hopes this is a turning point for him
Thought Q played a great floor game with 5 assists and only 1 TO
Tandy is a microwave and they have to use him more
SH will be a big challange

[XUGRAD80]

Good win, but still too many FIRST HALF turnovers.


Fixed it for you

[xu82]

Xavier was +6 at Nova and was -8 today. Uncanny.

Spooky stuff!

[GoMuskies]

It was ugly as shit outside of those four Tandy threes, but winning is fun. The next time Nova shoots like 112% from three against us, I'm going to try to remember today and all the wide open threes St. John's clanged. I'll try to remember these things even out.

Oh, who the fuck am I kidding. I'll freak out about it like I have every other time it happened!

[bleedXblue]

Naji is a walking TO. He dribbles himself into at least 2-3 every game.

[bjf123]

It was ugly as shit outside of those four Tandy threes, but winning is fun. The next time Nova shoots like 112% from three against us, I'm going to try to remember today and all the wide open threes St. John's clanged. I'll try to remember these things even out.

Oh, who the fuck am I kidding. I'll freak out about it like I have every other time it happened!

You won’t be alone in freaking out.


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[IM4X]

Yes, they played smarter in the 2nd half. Should be able to play that way most of the time with the experience on this team.

Would love to see more KyKy and Dontarius instead of Carter and Moore.

Yes - props to Steele for playing more Kyky and James.

Also, finally they get how finding Kyky and Scruggs in their sweet spots for 3s instead of allowing Q ((0-6) to continue to take them whenever and wherever significantly benefits the team.

Really- been saying it for a while now- but it’s not exactly rocket science to figure out: Kyky and Scruggs are the better 3 point shooting options and must get the most looks... and Steele needs to squash that crap that happened in the first half from Q.

I love Q, but... ugh.

[X Factor]

I'd be willing to bet a lot of money Xavier is the only team in the country to have a player with 8 turnovers in a game at least three times. Paul has done it twice, and Naji did it today.

[paulxu]

Somebody (anybody?) please tell Q to stop shooting the 3.

[bobbiemcgee]

Get KYKY 15-20 looks a game. Problem solved.

[hydmuskie]

The biggest revelation for me was the emergence of KyKy - if Steele can get him into the flow of the game - and he can deliver 10 - 15 pts a game - that will force teams to defend us differently. I realize that this is not all on Steele - Kyky has to get into game shape and be available to play 20 - 25 mins a game on a regular basis AND still have his legs under him.

That could really open things up for Scruggs and Naji - if you have kyky lurking at the 3 Pt line for set piece kickouts.

[xu82]

Somebody (anybody?) please tell Q to stop shooting the 3.

He has stopped taking my calls. Sad, I know.....

[GIMMFD]

The biggest revelation for me was the emergence of KyKy - if Steele can get him into the flow of the game - and he can deliver 10 - 15 pts a game - that will force teams to defend us differently. I realize that this is not all on Steele - Kyky has to get into game shape and be available to play 20 - 25 mins a game on a regular basis AND still have his legs under him.

That could really open things up for Scruggs and Naji - if you have kyky lurking at the 3 Pt line for set piece kickouts.

Have we ever had a Freshman come off the bench to average 12 points a game?? (Genuine question, not saying Kentucky Jelly can't do it) It's definitely looked like he's been getting into rhythm a little bit more with each passing game, I don't expect him to be shooting 80% from the 3 every game, but he is our most legitimate deep threat as of now, so if we're gonna take those 3s, I rather they go through him.

[usfldan]

I'd be willing to bet a lot of money Xavier is the only team in the country to have a player with 8 turnovers in a game at least three times. Paul has done it twice, and Naji did it today.


Scruggs has done it only once (Western Carolina). His next high is six against Florida. Marshall today marks Xavier's second game in which a player had at least eight turnovers.

Ten other teams have had at least two games in which a player had at least eight turnovers. The only ones in which it was two different players are Xavier, Tennessee, and Boston College.

Eastern Kentucky has the most with five, all by the same player (Jomaru Brown), Samford has three, all by the same player (Josh Sharkey), and the nine others are at two times.

Here is the list of all the games (except Marshall, whose game hasn't been entered yet). (https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/play-index/pgl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=game&year_min=2020&year_max=2020&game_type=A&is_range=N&pos_is_g=Y&pos_is_gf=Y&pos_is_f=Y&pos_is_fg=Y&pos_is_fc=Y&pos_is_c=Y&pos_is_cf=Y&c1stat=tov&c1comp=gt&c1val=8&order_by=pts) Click on the "Schl" header to sort by school.

One a side note, Xavier is 2-0 in such games. Now pay up.

[X Factor]

Scruggs has done it only once (Western Carolina). His next high is six against Florida. Marshall today marks Xavier's second game in which a player had at least eight turnovers.

Ten other teams have had at least two games in which a player had at least eight turnovers. The only ones in which it was two different players are Xavier, Tennessee, and Boston College.

Eastern Kentucky has the most with five, all by the same player (Jomaru Brown), Samford has three, all by the same player (Josh Sharkey), and the nine others are at two times.

Here is the list of all the games (except Marshall, whose game hasn't been entered yet). (https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/play-index/pgl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=game&year_min=2020&year_max=2020&game_type=A&is_range=N&pos_is_g=Y&pos_is_gf=Y&pos_is_f=Y&pos_is_fg=Y&pos_is_fc=Y&pos_is_c=Y&pos_is_cf=Y&c1stat=tov&c1comp=gt&c1val=8&order_by=pts) Click on the "Schl" header to sort by school.

One a side note, Xavier is 2-0 in such games. Now pay up.

Good info right there. I could've sworn Paul had 8 turnovers twice.

Mr. Stats Inc. over here...

[scoscox]

Have we ever had a Freshman come off the bench to average 12 points a game?? (Genuine question, not saying Kentucky Jelly can't do it) It's definitely looked like he's been getting into rhythm a little bit more with each passing game, I don't expect him to be shooting 80% from the 3 every game, but he is our most legitimate deep threat as of now, so if we're gonna take those 3s, I rather they go through him.

off the bench? no. byron averaged 17 a game as a freshman... so absurd (shooting 53% by the way, man is the goat)

other than that, some notable freshmen:
Trevon Bluiett: 11 ppg
David West: 11.7 ppg
Tyrone Hill: 8.8 ppg
Brian Grant: 11.6 ppg
Romain Sato: 10.7 ppg

lets just say that 10-15 ppg would be putting him in some elite company

[GoMuskies]

Brown, Lumpkin or Williams must have been in double digits, because there was no one else on that team.

[scoscox]

Brown, Lumpkin or Williams must have been in double digits, because there was no one else on that team.

All of them.
Brown- 12.5
Lumpkin- 11.2
Williams- 12.3

Good call. Heck of a class

[X-Fan]

Thanks. But it's more like I'm out and wanted to catch up like an hour later. No worries, though, the restaurant I'm at has wifi, so I can watch on my phone!

FYI...you can watch replays On Demand using the Fox Sports Go App (it launches in the Fox Sports App). I think they’re available pretty quickly after the game (just checked this AM and it’s there).

[Steve A]

off the bench? no. byron averaged 17 a game as a freshman... so absurd (shooting 53% by the way, man is the goat)

other than that, some notable freshmen:
Trevon Bluiett: 11 ppg
David West: 11.7 ppg
Tyrone Hill: 8.8 ppg
Brian Grant: 11.6 ppg
Romain Sato: 10.7 ppg

lets just say that 10-15 ppg would be putting him in some elite company

From the category of "there was no one else on the team," Semaj Christon averaged 15.2 as a freshman. He obviously wasn't coming off the bench to do so.

[bleedXblue]

The biggest revelation for me was the emergence of KyKy - if Steele can get him into the flow of the game - and he can deliver 10 - 15 pts a game - that will force teams to defend us differently. I realize that this is not all on Steele - Kyky has to get into game shape and be available to play 20 - 25 mins a game on a regular basis AND still have his legs under him.

That could really open things up for Scruggs and Naji - if you have kyky lurking at the 3 Pt line for set piece kickouts.

If we can get KyKy to average 10+ PPG the rest of the way, that would be huge of course. His teammates need to look for him more too. He was 4-4 from 3 PT range at one point in the 2nd half. Instead of continuing to go with the hot hand we had a couple of possessions in a row where he didn't even touch the ball once we got into our offense. That should NEVER happen. Also, look forward to seeing his game open up more as well. He has the quickness and speed to get to the rim as well......

[xukeith]

We are not the worst in BE play!

SJU, Villanova and DePaul are all worse through 2 games in BE play at shooting 3 pointers.
https://kenpom.com/conf.php?c=BE

[bleedXblue]

We are not the worst in BE play!

SJU, Villanova and DePaul are all worse through 2 games in BE play at shooting 3 pointers.
https://kenpom.com/conf.php?c=BE

This number is going to continue to get better with KyKy getting more minutes. Make no mistake that we aren't going to lead the league, but would expect north of 30%.....hopefully somewhere around 32-33% as a team gets you to at least respectability.

I see this as Q and Naji take fewer 3's and KyKy gets 4-5 a game. Addition by subtraction in a way. I have no doubt KyKy is going to shoot north of 35% for the year. Hopefully near 40%.

[American X]

Do you know how in cardiac surgery they use a mesh to reconstruct and hold together arteries? Do you think they could use that mesh to keep some of our guy's brains from falling out of their heads during games?

Otherwise, it was nice to win.

[X Factor]

off the bench? no. byron averaged 17 a game as a freshman... so absurd (shooting 53% by the way, man is the goat)

other than that, some notable freshmen:
Trevon Bluiett: 11 ppg
David West: 11.7 ppg
Tyrone Hill: 8.8 ppg
Brian Grant: 11.6 ppg
Romain Sato: 10.7 ppg

lets just say that 10-15 ppg would be putting him in some elite company

How dare you forget about Stan! He averaged 12.7 ppg as a freshman. Shot 47% from the field and 37% from three.

[scoscox]

How dare you forget about Stan! He averaged 12.7 ppg as a freshman. Shot 47% from the field and 37% from three.

I thought about including Stan actually. He was great his freshman year

[GoMuskies]

It's weird how some guys (like Stan) can "lose" their offensive game somewhere along the line. However, he obviously more than made up for it with the rest of his game.

That doesn't have anything to do with Xavier/St. John's, though.

[X Factor]

It's weird how some guys (like Stan) can "lose" their offensive game somewhere along the line. However, he obviously more than made up for it with the rest of his game.

That doesn't have anything to do with Xavier/St. John's, though.

I don't think Stan "lost" his offense as much as he deferred, and stepped up his defense.

He still made 39% of his threes, but he averaged a career low 7.4 FGA and 3.0 3PA per game. He also averaged a career high 3.8 assists per game.

[X-man]

Naji is a walking TO. He dribbles himself into at least 2-3 every game.

Naji takes too many chances, and sometimes makes poor decisions with the ball. Against a team like St John's, that's a recipe for TO's. But I love Naji's intensity and skill level. He is a MAN out on the floor, and is absolutely fearless. He makes rebounds in traffic, brings the ball up against the press, can drive it, and can (sometimes) really shoot it. I for one am always more comfortable with him on the floor than when he is sitting. And if he returns for his senior year, which IMHO will happen, he will not only be the team's leader but will end up in exalted company on Xavier's all-time player stat sheets.

[Cincypunk.org]

All of them.
Brown- 12.5
Lumpkin- 11.2
Williams- 12.3

Good call. Heck of a class


I think I recall seeing Darnell Williams drop 35 on Duquesne his freshman year... My mind is blurry though.

[GoMuskies]

All of them.
Brown- 12.5
Lumpkin- 11.2
Williams- 12.3

Good call. Heck of a class

I'm sure you know it, but Posey was in that class as well. He averaged about 60 ppg that year. Unfortunately, it was against schlubs like me in intramural games.

[drudy23]

Posey was a beast. Loved watching him at the head of the press.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

I for one am always more comfortable with him on the floor than when he is sitting. And if he returns for his senior year, which IMHO will happen, he will not only be the team's leader but will end up in exalted company on Xavier's all-time player stat sheets.[/QUOTE]

I don't know if anybody would disagree that, whatever mistakes he might make, we are better off with him. But, that's a bold, bold call about having him next year. And, I guess, you feel the same about Scruggs? That would sort of change next year's expectations for some of us, wouldn't it?

[X-man]

I for one am always more comfortable with him on the floor than when he is sitting. And if he returns for his senior year, which IMHO will happen, he will not only be the team's leader but will end up in exalted company on Xavier's all-time player stat sheets.

I don't know if anybody would disagree that, whatever mistakes he might make, we are better off with him. But, that's a bold, bold call about having him next year. And, I guess, you feel the same about Scruggs? That would sort of change next year's expectations for some of us, wouldn't it?[/QUOTE]

Unless things change dramatically, I don't see either of them as NBA draft targets...yet. Hence my cautious prediction. I believe both have the potential, but both need to more consistently play at a high level for that to happen. Of course one or both might choose Europe, or the D-league, but I think it is equally likely that they might make the calculation that their chances of getting to the league in 2021 are higher if they return than if they leave.

[Xville]

If their goal is to go to the league, it is best for them to leave this year. Paul needs to work on pg skills because that is his chance to make it in the league, and naji needs to work on decision making. They have the physical attributes that nba teams want, but they have to refine their skills. To me, it is much easier to do that outside of college. Just my humble opinion though.

[scoscox]

If their goal is to go to the league, it is best for them to leave this year. Paul needs to work on pg skills because that is his chance to make it in the league, and naji needs to work on decision making. They have the physical attributes that nba teams want, but they have to refine their skills. To me, it is much easier to do that outside of college. Just my humble opinion though.

Not sure I agree. An extra year in college can do a lot of good in preparing a guy for the league. Sometimes that experience helps you stick. Something to be said for not leaving before you’re ready although that seems to be an old fashioned notion these days

[bleedXblue]

If their goal is to go to the league, it is best for them to leave this year. Paul needs to work on pg skills because that is his chance to make it in the league, and naji needs to work on decision making. They have the physical attributes that nba teams want, but they have to refine their skills. To me, it is much easier to do that outside of college. Just my humble opinion though.

I'm not sure how you look at Paul Scruggs and see the physical attributes for the NBA? He's 6'3 and doesn't have great quickness and superior athleticism. He's not a great creator or ball handler? I think he's a nice college player with his best chance to make money in Europe. Naji is different although I could also say he doesn't have a great handle and isn't a good shooter. Can those things get better.......sure they can.

[Xavier]

Not sure I agree. An extra year in college can do a lot of good in preparing a guy for the league. Sometimes that experience helps you stick. Something to be said for not leaving before you’re ready although that seems to be an old fashioned notion these days

I think the only real benefit to staying in college (at this point for them) is if they had a phenomenal run in March. I think that is where you see some guys make a jump to the 2nd round vs not being drafted.

Still, they both tested the waters last year. I believe they can only do that twice- so I expect them to do that again this year and declare. Hope I am wrong.

[xcellentx]

If their goal is to go to the league, it is best for them to leave this year. Paul needs to work on pg skills because that is his chance to make it in the league, and naji needs to work on decision making. They have the physical attributes that nba teams want, but they have to refine their skills. To me, it is much easier to do that outside of college. Just my humble opinion though.

It is so hard to say, I think they could both be back or both could leave or one or the other leaves. If Paul wants to work on his PG skills though, I do think another year with him running the offense allows you to show that better than other skills you need to work on. Naji working on his shooting could be done anywhere.

[Xville]

I'm not sure how you look at Paul Scruggs and see the physical attributes for the NBA? He's 6'3 and doesn't have great quickness and superior athleticism. He's not a great creator or ball handler? I think he's a nice college player with his best chance to make money in Europe. Naji is different although I could also say he doesn't have a great handle and isn't a good shooter. Can those things get better.......sure they can.

Being 6'3, that is why I say Paul's best chance at the league is by pg...frankly 6'3 is too short for an off guard in the nba for the most part.

I think paul is athletic enough but the skills he needs to develop are at the pg spot, and that is why I believe going pro is better for him than staying another year in college.

[XUGRAD80]

With the new rules that allow them to work with an agent, I believe that it might well come down to what kind of bonuses and contracts the agents are able to negotiate for them. It’s hard to walk away from guaranteed money for most people. I find it hard to see where either player gets drafted, let alone goes high up. But there is still ample opportunities overseas and in the G-league. I’m not up on those enough to say what kind of guarantees there are for players in those leagues, guess it depends on their status and what the NBA people see in their future. At this point I’d say it’s 50-50 either way, but I’d bet that Scruggs stays and Naji goes if I was forced to make a prediction.

[xukeith]

Right now slim and none chances have gone out the window. Only slight chance is if both carry X to a VERY deep run in NCAA Tourney. Other than that it is g-league or Europe. Markus Howard and Myles Powell both stayed their senior year. We shall see. GO X!

[Xville]

Right now slim and none chances have gone out the window. Only slight chance is if both carry X to a VERY deep run in NCAA Tourney. Other than that it is g-league or Europe. Markus Howard and Myles Powell both stayed their senior year. We shall see. GO X!

Markus howard is 5'11 and that is his listed height. Hes probably more like 5'9.

There a ton of myles Powell's out there in college.

Paul scruggs is a very long 6'3, naji is above average athletically at the nba level.

Not saying either are getting drafted, they probably wont. But I cant see either staying another year, of course, I've been wrong before.

[X Factor]

Markus howard is 5'11 and that is his listed height. Hes probably more like 5'9.

There a ton of myles Powell's out there in college.

Paul scruggs is a very long 6'3, naji is above average athletically at the nba level.

Not saying either are getting drafted, they probably wont. But I cant see either staying another year, of course, I've been wrong before.

No way Howard is only 5'9. But anyway, he has excellent handles and full arsenal on the offensive end.

Naji is not above average athletically at the NBA level. He is a good athlete, but not above average at the next level.

Even if he could shoot, NBA teams might shy away from him because he turns it over way too much.

[AviatorX]

No way Howard is only 5'9. But anyway, he has excellent handles and full arsenal on the offensive end.

Naji is not above average athletically at the NBA level. He is a good athlete, but not above average at the next level.

Even if he could shoot, NBA teams might shy away from him because he turns it over way too much.

Discussing Naji and the NBA is a serious reach, but no chance in hell anyone would shy away based on turnover numbers in college.

[X Factor]

Discussing Naji and the NBA is a serious reach, but no chance in hell anyone would shy away based on turnover numbers in college.

Are you serious? NBA teams are just going to gloss over that as if it means nothing? We're not talking about a Zion Williamson here. We're talking about a fringe draft pick that if an NBA team is comparing a couple of guys to spend a draft pick on, they wouldn't look at who takes care of ball and doesn't turn it over over 20% of the time?

[AviatorX]

Are you serious? NBA teams are just going to gloss over that as if it means nothing? We're not talking about a Zion Williamson here. We're talking about a fringe draft pick that if an NBA team is comparing a couple of guys to spend a draft pick on, they wouldn't look at who takes care of ball and doesn't turn it over over 20% of the time?

I really don't think they'd care, because they'd watch film and say "wow, if this guy is on our team he sure as hell isn't going to be handling the ball this much." Unless you're a pure PG or absolute superstar, you're usually taking one to two dribbles max in the NBA. Imagine how that would clean up Naji's turnovers.

We're pretty down the rabbit hole, but that's my thought. I just don't know if Naji does one thing well enough (without being high usage) to be an NBA guy. He is a very, very good college player and will definitely make a lot of money playing ball.

[X Factor]

I really don't think they'd care, because they'd watch film and say "wow, if this guy is on our team he sure as hell isn't going to be handling the ball this much." Unless you're a pure PG or absolute superstar, you're usually taking one to two dribbles max in the NBA. Imagine how that would clean up Naji's turnovers.

We're pretty down the rabbit hole, but that's my thought.

Haha, I'm just trying to get to 5,000 posts. Rabbit holes help me get there.

[xu82]

Haha, I'm just trying to get to 5,000 posts. Rabbit holes help me get there.

I think you can, I think you can, I think you can!!!

[GoMuskies]

Haha, I'm just trying to get to 5,000 posts.

Rookie!

[Olsingledigit]

off the bench? no. byron averaged 17 a game as a freshman... so absurd (shooting 53% by the way, man is the goat)

other than that, some notable freshmen:
Trevon Bluiett: 11 ppg
David West: 11.7 ppg
Tyrone Hill: 8.8 ppg
Brian Grant: 11.6 ppg
Romain Sato: 10.7 ppg

lets just say that 10-15 ppg would be putting him in some elite company

Jamie Gladden?

[X Factor]

I think you can, I think you can, I think you can!!!

Thank you for the encouragement!

[X Factor]

Rookie!

I am in awe of your prolific and abundant number of posts you have and continue to write. It only took me 12 years to reach 5,000. My first of four daughters wasn't even 1 year old when I made my first post here. I was part of the mass exodus from Musketeer Madness.

[X-band '01]

I've spent more time here at XH now than Musketeer Madness and Snipe's old Roundtable combined. I am not a well man.

[xu82]

I've spent more time here at XH now than Musketeer Madness and Snipe's old Roundtable combined. I am not a well man.

Don’t be shy about therapy, it could help!

[scoscox]

Jamie Gladden?

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/jamie-gladden-1.html

[X Factor]

I've spent more time here at XH now than Musketeer Madness and Snipe's old Roundtable combined. I am not a well man.

No doubt. First discovered Snipe's Roundtable on the old Voy Forums back in 2000 and started posting there. Then I went to Musketeer Madness for a few years, and then came here. Good times!

[smileyy]

And the 1990 team page with his stats from that year:
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/xavier/1990.html