Georgetown Game Thread

[GoMuskies]

We turn this shit around tonight!

[noteggs]

Free starting for Q. Different position tho

[GoMuskies]

Three point shooting on schedule.

[Smooth]

Carter chewing up the little guys guarding him.

[GoMuskies]

Nice start...didn't need the Naji hero-ball charge, though.

[noteggs]

Shocker O’Connell calling change on Naji!

[AviatorX]

I'd be intrigued to see some time with Carter at the 4 and Freemantle at the 5. They're both better passers than Tyrique.

[xu82]

Free starting for Q. Different position tho

But the message is sent to one and all. Wonder how Naji feels about that? Accountability is a big deal.

[xuwillie]

Could care less what Naji thinks. That last play is exemplifies his play. Why rush that when big guys dominating?

[Xville]

Paul should have been the 1 the last two years...way too long to make the change but glad it has finally happened.

[GoMuskies]

Now we're having fun. Keep it rolling!

[SM#24]

Shit call on Naji for #2

[Lloyd Braun]

Get rid of charges forever and I would be happy

[Smooth]

Shit call on Naji for #2

Someone should beat that ref with a chair.

[GoMuskies]

Paul is doing some shot hunting. Don't like the shots he picked, but good to see him being assertive on the offensive end.

[Xville]

Still no q that is very telling.

[noteggs]

Aggressive play is there tonight. Running to the ball on rebounds.

[SM#24]

Where’s Silvio when you need him.

[AviatorX]

Horrendous charge call on Naji there for #2. I'd bring him back at the under 8 though. Put the onus on the refs to call #3.

[SM#24]

1-5 from 3 and some not good looks.

[Xville]

So refreshing of a game so far....not perfect but so much improvement.

[GoMuskies]

Awesome...until the last two possessions. Wow, bad. Defense is killing it, though.

Finish them.

[drudy23]

So refreshing of a game so far....not perfect but so much improvement.

Amazing what movement, picks, and energy can do.

In saying that, this game is far from over.

[AviatorX]

Not super high octane by any stretch, but this is a good look at what this offense can look like if they can spread the defense a little bit. Unfortunately, Georgetown is allowing themselves to get spread out as opposed to packing it in and making X beat them, so not sure any competent team would let that happen.

[GoMuskies]

"Bryce, Bryce, Bryce, no more stupid fucking shots, ok?"

[SM#24]

"Bryce, Bryce, Bryce, no more stupid fucking shots, ok?"
Bryce Moore incorrectly thinks he’s a scorer

[Xville]

Still no q...very telling.

[Nigel Tufnel]

My buddy at the game texted me that word going around the Cintas is that Q is injured. Not sure of the veracity.

[GoMuskies]

Our offense is just so painfully bad.

[AviatorX]

Hard to find a complaint so far other than this team still can't shoot, but that's not a surprise.

Steele even used a TO to draw up a set for a Scruggs 3.

[AviatorX]

Listening to Thom call these games is absolutely painful. Bring back Dickey Simpkins.

[GoMuskies]

How is it not Mack's fault he left the cupboard bare?

[Lloyd Braun]

My buddy at the game texted me that word going around the Cintas is that Q is injured. Not sure of the veracity.

Has a knee brace... more to come out this week but I heard he “tweaked” it at practice.

[GoMuskies]

I like KyKy for 3!

[GoMuskies]

My buddy at the game texted me that word going around the Cintas is that Q is injured. Not sure of the veracity.

So far...not missed.

[AviatorX]

How is it not Mack's fault he left the cupboard bare?

Thom also acting like Georgetown cutting a 15 point lead to potentially 10 at the half is akin to Northern Iowa's comeback against A&M in the NCAA's a few years back.

[Xville]

Has a knee brace... more to come out this week but I heard he “tweaked” it at practice.

Whatever...I'll be fine with hik never seeing the floor again. We will soon be what 4 or 5-0 without him in the lineup last two years? That should say something.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

That gives the coach an excuse for not putting Q in the game. It works out o.k.

[xu82]

My buddy at the game texted me that word going around the Cintas is that Q is injured. Not sure of the veracity.

A nice way to save face.....while making a point.

Seriously.

[AviatorX]

If Patrick Ewing doesn't play mostly zone in the second half...there just aren't words.

My money is on Yurtseven picking up his 3rd on an unnecessary hard hedge in the first two minutes.

[xu82]

So far...not missed.

Addition by subtraction.

[jhelmes37]

I sincerely hope the “injury” is a way for Q to not look like he’s benched.

Because I am finally firmly in the “never play him again” camp, sadly.

I don’t want his “injury” to heal this year...

So much more energy and enthusiasm, which Q never, ever seems to have.

[GoMuskies]

Too harsh to hope he doesn’t come back. I’m hoping seeing the team play well without him is motivating and he comes back with his hair on fire.

[kellernr]

I like what I saw out of the starters. Scruggs looking good running point.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[xu82]

Yep, I’m hoping some time watching can be a wake up call for him. We will need his help along the way.

[GoMuskies]

Shot selection is a fucking joke.

[Masterofreality]

Quick halftime thoughts:

-Steele finally acting like a HC sitting Q. (Hope the locker room doesn’t revolt)
-Bench staff actually recognized a mismatch for Carter.
-What?? A pick & roll!!!!
- Offense doesn’t get stuck with Paul & KyKy in there.
- Free adds a lot of juice.
- Naji needs to stop playing hero ball.
- Jones playing like a Senior.
Now. Put 2 halves together.

[noteggs]

Yea, Naji is pressing a bit much

[Xville]

My gawd tandy is going to be insanely good.

[AviatorX]

Real Holloway vibes from KyKy.

Moore would be very clearly behind Q for minutes in my book. I think anyone disagreeing with that just hates Q.

[Xville]

Real Holloway vibes from KyKy.

Moore would be very clearly behind Q for minutes in my book. I think anyone disagreeing with that just hates Q.

Yeah even I'll agree with that...moore is pretty much completely useless

[SM#24]

4-15 and 1-7 from 3 this half.

[GoMuskies]

Moore must guard. Otherwise...I got nothing.

[GoMuskies]

Almost hate it when Naji makes threes like that one. Lol. just encourages him!

[SM#24]

Almost hate it when Naji makes threes like that one. Lol. just encourages him!

My thoughts exactly.

[SM#24]

Need to work Carter down low more.

[noteggs]

Guess Naji gots to be Naji sometime

[GoMuskies]

Tandy is our savior.

[xu82]

PLEASE keep making FT’s down the line here.

[xu82]

This Kyky kid might be OK.

[Lloyd Braun]

The BREAKING NEWS on the bottom of the screen is annoyingly insignificant. When it’s really important breaking news we will have been conditioned to ignore it ...

[Lloyd Braun]

BREAKING NEWS: Kyky is good.

[SM#24]

Tough night for Scruggs shooting...2-15/1-6

[SM#24]

Not to go all Dayton fan, but half our fouls have been bullshit.

[GoMuskies]

Shaky fucking finish.

[xu82]

Just FINISH!

[SM#24]

BREAKING NEWS: basketball replay sucks

[xu82]

Does anyone else want to punch McClung in the face? He’s their JP.

[GoMuskies]

Did Naji just catch a tipped ball standing out of bounds?

[Xville]

Feels so good to get a win... feels like it has been months.

[GoMuskies]

Well, a step in the right direction. But still a lot of ugly.

[SM#24]

That’s what I saw. (In response to catching a tipped ball OOB).

[X-band '01]

Okay, that's a start. Now time for a serving of roadkill on Sunday.

[GoMuskies]

One tough road kill on Sunday from getting back on the right side of the Bubble.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

A much needed win! The offence was still weak. Tandy replacing Q made the difference and secure the victory.

[Masterofreality]

Well, a step in the right direction. But still a lot of ugly.

My biggest second half issue. Carter had a mismatch all damn game, but he barely saw the ball. Making shots covers a multitude of sins & thank Gawd for
ElectriKyKy and Naji hitting his. Carter played a helluva game on the glass and tho Paul had a tough game, I like him out there with Tandy.

[Masterofreality]

Does anyone else want to punch McClung in the face? He’s their JP.

Yup. This for the next 3 years. Knew it was coming last year

[OTRMUSKIE]

Kentucky Jelly starting to earn his nickname. Other then that, same ole crap. Can’t shoot, not discipline on shot selection, naji playing street ball at times. I feel so bad for Q, I hope he can play again and turn things around. You don’t have to shoot just set up the players for good shots. I just don’t see how this team can go 8-6 rest of way to get a PIG. 9-5 would prob be enough to not be PIG. Saturday will be telling as to how we will finish down the stretch. I hope I’m wrong but this game tonight wasn’t any indication of this team turning it around.

[XUBison]

Kentucky Jelly starting to earn his nickname. Other then that, same ole crap. Can’t shoot, not discipline on shot selection, naji playing street ball at times. I feel so bad for Q, I hope he can play again and turn things around. You don’t have to shoot just set up the players for good shots. I just don’t see how this team can go 8-6 rest of way to get a PIG. 9-5 would prob be enough to not be PIG. Saturday will be telling as to how we will finish down the stretch. I hope I’m wrong but this game tonight wasn’t any indication of this team turning it around.

well, it’s a better indicator of a turnaround than if they had lost.

[Xville]

Kentucky Jelly starting to earn his nickname. Other then that, same ole crap. Can’t shoot, not discipline on shot selection, naji playing street ball at times. I feel so bad for Q, I hope he can play again and turn things around. You don’t have to shoot just set up the players for good shots. I just don’t see how this team can go 8-6 rest of way to get a PIG. 9-5 would prob be enough to not be PIG. Saturday will be telling as to how we will finish down the stretch. I hope I’m wrong but this game tonight wasn’t any indication of this team turning it around.

Man way to take a 9pt win and take a dump on it. Not a perfect game by any means, but I disagree that it was the same ole crap. Lots to get better at, but maybe this builds some confidence. Think 7-5 is very possible which I believe gets them in the tourney which is all I want.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Kentucky Jelly starting to earn his nickname. Other then that, same ole crap. Can’t shoot, not discipline on shot selection, naji playing street ball at times. I feel so bad for Q, I hope he can play again and turn things around. You don’t have to shoot just set up the players for good shots. I just don’t see how this team can go 8-6 rest of way to get a PIG. 9-5 would prob be enough to not be PIG. Saturday will be telling as to how we will finish down the stretch. I hope I’m wrong but this game tonight wasn’t any indication of this team turning it around.

Were you at the game? This team came out with way more energy. The crowd had more energy. I saw a different team out there tonight.

I can't argue that the weaknesses, we have seen so far this year, went away. This is still not a great shooting team and missed free throws down the stretch helped make for the finish shaky. But our guys hustled. They didn't (always) settle for the three and played solid defense. Honestly, I saw enough of a difference in the play of this team that I'd have been positive even if they had lost. Q shouldn't bear the blame for the disappointment this season but as others have noted, tonight his absence from the lineup was a positive. Others stepped up with more energy and better teamwork. I still think we will need Q but probably not as a starter and, I hope to see a different attitude from him if and when he does play again.

Is this the team we thought they were before the season started? No. that team probably never existed outside of our collective hopes. But, it was a better team tonight than we have seen for awhile. I hope they keep it up.

[Masterofreality]

Whether this is a cover excuse or not, but Steele just said that the reason Q didn’t play was because he “Tweaked his knee” in pregame.
Uhhh, OK?? Welp....

[SM#24]

Much improved D & rebounding. 25 three attempts still too many for my liking, especially with several bad selections. Tandy a big plus to the offense but I sure hope he learns how to guard someone. Paul will shoot better. All in all, a good night.

[SM#24]

Whether this is a cover excuse or not, but Steele just said that the reason Q didn’t play was because he “Tweaked his knee” in pregame.
Uhhh, OK?? Welp....
Another conspiracy ?

[X-band '01]

Whether this is a cover excuse or not, but Steele just said that the reason Q didn’t play was because he “Tweaked his knee” in pregame.
Uhhh, OK?? Welp....

So, is that the Xavier Way or the Butler Way?

[OTRMUSKIE]

I watch the game and other then defense it was the same
Ole crap. 25 3’s for a team who can’t shoot 3’s is insane. When we focused on shooting 2’s we were so much better. Cut down the 3’s to 12 attempts and you will be much more effective. But for anybody to say they say a major difference tonight then you’re wearing blue lenses.

[GoMuskies]

I thought the effort was consistently there, which is an improvement. Unfortunately, the team's shortcomings didn't just magically disappear.

[Lloyd Braun]

Whether this is a cover excuse or not, but Steele just said that the reason Q didn’t play was because he “Tweaked his knee” in pregame.
Uhhh, OK?? Welp....

For the record I had this quote at 7:16pm in this thread... I should have put “BREAKING NEWS” in front of it. Damn. Further proof the coaching staff reads the board during the game for advice.

[scoscox]

Does anyone else want to punch McClung in the face? He’s their JP.

does this need to be said about every white player? it couldn't be more annoying

[JTG]

Much improved D & rebounding. 25 three attempts still too many for my liking, especially with several bad selections. Tandy a big plus to the offense but I sure hope he learns how to guard someone. Paul will shoot better. All in all, a good night.

Damn, tough crowd. KyKy can shoot, if Travis has to hide him on defense, sobeit. I know it's early but tonite may have been the first episode of "A Star is Born". Maybe Q could play the role of stopper on D, and Tandy is scorer on Offense.

[scoscox]

Tough night for Scruggs shooting...2-15/1-6

to have paul play this badly and still win comfortably is very good. he just couldn't get anything to fall tonight, but he played well i thought other than that. 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 blocks, and stayed out of foul trouble. he couldn't even hit layups there at the end. if he plays a little better it's a blowout.

the story is obviously kyky though. 7-13, 4-8 from 3, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 to, 18 pts. monster game

and it's not being talked about much on here, but the defense was much improved. held georgetown to their lowest total all season. their next lowest game was 60 @ providence when they didn't have mcclung. impressive effort from the guys on that end.

[xu82]

does this need to be said about every white player? it couldn't be more annoying

What the hell does THAT mean? Were you not watching the game? You don’t know me. You going THERE could not be more annoying.

[scoscox]

What the hell does THAT mean? Were you not watching the game? You don’t know me. You going THERE could not be more annoying.

i've never heard anyone say it about a player who wasn't white in my life. not a reflection on you. i'm sure you really do want to punch mcclung. i just get tired of people saying this about every decent white player

[XBR1]

i've never heard anyone say it about a player who wasn't white in my life. not a reflection on you. i'm sure you really do want to punch mcclung. i just get tired of people saying this about every decent white player

I wanted to punch Art Long in the face.

[scoscox]

I wanted to punch Art Long in the face.

well punching things in the face was just part of art's nature

[xu82]

i've never heard anyone say it about a player who wasn't white in my life. not a reflection on you. i'm sure you really do want to punch mcclung. i just get tired of people saying this about every decent white player

His ability to score in multiple ways, including from behind the arc, plus his fiery attitude. The play late in the game where he got the tie up (and I think possession) in the corner was classic JP. I felt like he might be the guy to get them back in it, and that scared me. He was their spark plug player, just like JP was. You making it a race thing is what bothers me.

Look, I’m an old white guy like many of the people here. BUT, my wife’s family had a cross burned in their front yard in rural SC. Weather permitting, I’m at a park playing tennis about 5 days/week. On average 2-3 dozen people will come through daily....and I’m usually the only white guy all day.

It’s not about skin color to me, I see a similarity in their games. For some weak reason, you felt a need to go to try to make it racial. Maybe that is telling in some way?

[N67ER]

I watch the game and other then defense it was the same
Ole crap. 25 3’s for a team who can’t shoot 3’s is insane. When we focused on shooting 2’s we were so much better. Cut down the 3’s to 12 attempts and you will be much more effective. But for anybody to say they say a major difference tonight then you’re wearing blue lenses.

I guess I was wearing blue lenses. I was at the game and what I saw was a markedly more energetic offense, including a number of times that they made the one extra pass to get a really open shot. The pick’n rolls were much quicker tonight, and I think that makes a huge difference in generating better openings. Shooting still not great, but results were better. If only we could shoot free throws . . . . . . !

[bleedXblue]

I like the rebounding more than anything that this lineup brought. Some better ball movement at times. Having KyKy out there with his range is huge.

Still a good win considering Scruggs and Moore gave us next to nothing.

One of these games we will put it all together.

Not buying Q tweaking his knee. This was a game was to see what this team can do without him on the floor. I love the kid, but for crying out loud he is a momentum killer with his brick laying.

[IM4X]

A big step in the right direction Mr. Steele and team!

Glad to see Travis backed up his talk about making some changes in the lineup.

I really liked the starting 5 tonight a lot!

Kyky took a huge step forward with his confidence in BE play and will be so crucial moving forward.

Great to see everyone hustling their tails off.

Impressed with how our guys aggressively went after rebounds - especially Freemantle and Carter.

Jones played well and showed some senior leadership tonight.

Naji played hard and looked really tough most of the game, but still had his share of bad decisions.

Scruggs didn’t have his best shooting game, but looked solid running the point and passing.

While Moore continued to struggle on offense, he at least contributed some solid minutes on defense.

How wonderfully convenient that the same game Steele “tweaked” the lineup, a former starter “tweaked” his knee.

Heck, I think Steele ought to throw it out there that Moore “tweaked” his shooting hand just before the start of BE play - and it still has not quite healed yet.

Still plenty of sloppy play to clean up, but at least Steele called a few good time outs and they never allowed it to get too dangerously close.

[scoscox]

His ability to score in multiple ways, including from behind the arc, plus his fiery attitude. The play late in the game where he got the tie up (and I think possession) in the corner was classic JP. I felt like he might be the guy to get them back in it, and that scared me. He was their spark plug player, just like JP was. You making it a race thing is what bothers me.

Look, I’m an old white guy like many of the people here. BUT, my wife’s family had a cross burned in their front yard in rural SC. Weather permitting, I’m at a park playing tennis about 5 days/week. On average 2-3 dozen people will come through daily....and I’m usually the only white guy all day.

It’s not about skin color to me, I see a similarity in their games. For some weak reason, you felt a need to go to try to make it racial. Maybe that is telling in some way?

comparing him to JP is fine. probably not a bad comparison, although i think mcclung is better personally. not sure why that means you want to punch him in the face. i'm not going to psychoanalyze it or really delve into racial aspects, i just get tired of people inevitably saying it about every decent white player like i said. so sue me. if you're really adamant about defending your right to want to punch college players in the face, go ahead.

[scoscox]

I like the rebounding more than anything that this lineup brought. Some better ball movement at times. Having KyKy out there with his range is huge.

Still a good win considering Scruggs and Moore gave us next to nothing.

One of these games we will put it all together.

Not buying Q tweaking his knee. This was a game was to see what this team can do without him on the floor. I love the kid, but for crying out loud he is a momentum killer with his brick laying.

kyky moves the ball around quicker as well. it helps our ball movement

[xu82]

comparing him to JP is fine. probably not a bad comparison, although i think mcclung is better personally. not sure why that means you want to punch him in the face. i'm not going to psychoanalyze it or really delve into racial aspects, i just get tired of people inevitably saying it about every decent white player like i said. so sue me. if you're really adamant about defending your right to want to punch college players in the face, go ahead.

Obviously, nobody was going to get punched in the face. You chose to pretend to take that literally when it was clearly not the case, for some reason. JP was a fiery guy we loved when he was on our team, and we all said “I’d hate that guy if he was playing against us instead of for us.” More than any other guy on the team. More than Trevon, because he was just that kind of guy. I think that’s a fairly simple point to see. I’ll leave it at that.

[GoMuskies]

Xavier's defense inched back up a bit to #30 in KenPom. The ragged offensive performance against a terrible defense dropped our offense down to #116.

[scoscox]

Obviously, nobody was going to get punched in the face. You chose to pretend to take that literally when it was clearly not the case, for some reason. JP was a fiery guy we loved when he was on our team, and we all said “I’d hate that guy if he was playing against us instead of for us.” More than any other guy on the team. More than Trevon, because he was just that kind of guy. I think that’s a fairly simple point to see. I’ll leave it at that.

i didn't take it literally at all. not sure where you're getting that. i'm glad you're letting it go. it's really not that serious. i wasn't impugning your character. it's just a trend in basketball commentary that i could do without

[scoscox]

Xavier's defense inched back up a bit to #30 in KenPom. The ragged offensive performance against a terrible defense dropped our offense down to #116.

one of our better 3 point shooting nights (at 32% though that's not saying a lot) and turnover nights (only 10). 15 assists on 25 fgs is pretty solid. pretty bad from the field and the line though. if scruggs had his usual game, it'd have been a lot better

[xu82]

i didn't take it literally at all. not sure where you're getting that. i'm glad you're letting it go. it's really not that serious. i wasn't impugning your character. it's just a trend in basketball commentary that i could do without

Maybe if you don’t bring it up, it will be less of a thing.

Now, let’s hope tonight’s play is a sign of better things ahead!

[GIMMFD]

We needed that win bad, and I'm glad we got it. That's the only analysis I really have, other than Tandy having himself a game. Hopefully he gains some confidence, and we come out and play tough against Creighton, some positives from this performance as well, but damn we needed that one bad.

[mid major]

i didn't take it literally at all. not sure where you're getting that. i'm glad you're letting it go. it's really not that serious. i wasn't impugning your character. it's just a trend in basketball commentary that i could do without

I think this would've gone unnoticed had someone said that they wanted to punch a Deutero Malay player as opposed to a Caucasian player.

[scoscox]

Maybe if you don’t bring it up, it will be less of a thing.

Now, let’s hope tonight’s play is a sign of better things ahead!

it has no effect, alas

[XUGRAD80]

one of our better 3 point shooting nights (at 32% though that's not saying a lot) and turnover nights (only 10). 15 assists on 25 fgs is pretty solid. pretty bad from the field and the line though. if scruggs had his usual game, it'd have been a lot better

Looking at the box score for games this year, Scruggs has many more games where he didn’t shoot the 3 well, than games where he did. Very inconsistent, feast or famine type 3 point shooter. Usually pretty good from 2, but not last night. Otherwise an OK game..5 assists, 3 blocks, only 1 turnover.

[Xville]

Looking at the box score for games this year, Scruggs has many more games where he didn’t shoot the 3 well, than games where he did. Very inconsistent, feast or famine type 3 point shooter. Usually pretty good from 2, but not last night. Otherwise an OK game..5 assists, 3 blocks, only 1 turnover.

Hes had like 6 games (one of them being last night) where he hasnt shot at least 30% behind the arc. I'd say anything above thirty is just fine. Is he a cold blooded marksman? No, but think he is the second best shooter from deep the team has.

[Xavier]

I am in the camp that we saw positive signs from the game. They were playing with a lot more energy, I thought I saw more movement than normal on offense. I didn't see as many boneheaded turnovers. I really hope Moore starts making some shots.

[GoMuskies]

I really hope Moore starts making some shots.

Or stops shooting. I like your answer better, but I'm afraid mine might be more realistic at this point. It's been over a month since he last hit a shot.

[xcellentx]

Or stops shooting. I like your answer better, but I'm afraid mine might be more realistic at this point. It's been over a month since he last hit a shot.

I would like to see him try more inside the arc. He seems to just be forcing threes at this point and it doesn't seem to be helping him.

[xcellentx]

As much as offense has been an issue for this team, we will win games when we play lock down D and rebound the ball. There was an intensity that you saw in this game that just wasn't there the past couple of games.

I know some people get annoyed with Steele harping on how we need to play defense, but we are much more likely to score 65pts than we are to score 75pts, so we have to keep it up on the defensive end.

And it was refreshing to see them battling for rebounds. We need to win the rebounding battle to win games. +8 today. We were -17, -4, and -8 in the last three losses.

[Xville]

Yeah I get annoyed with Steele harping on defense, but really he is right. The way this team is going to win games is defensive effort and rebounding. They can get better on the offensive side in terms of shot selection and decision making, but otherwise they are just limited in ability on that side of the ball. It at least looked better last night, minus the few times naji did his wtf shots.

[bleedXblue]

Yeah I get annoyed with Steele harping on defense, but really he is right. The way this team is going to win games is defensive effort and rebounding. They can get better on the offensive side in terms of shot selection and decision making, but otherwise they are just limited in ability on that side of the ball. It at least looked better last night, minus the few times naji did his wtf shots.

Exactly. The sooner they all buy into this the better we will be. My hope is that the offense will start to really come around in Feb and March when it really matters.

For now, defense and rebounding will keep them in games and competitive.

[XUGRAD80]

Hes had like 6 games (one of them being last night) where he hasnt shot at least 30% behind the arc. I'd say anything above thirty is just fine. Is he a cold blooded marksman? No, but think he is the second best shooter from deep the team has.

Let me first say that I think that Scruggs may well be the best all around player on the team. I hope that Steele keeps him at point and that he either has a great rest of the season or comes back next year and really becomes a point guard....hopefully both! I also agree that he is the 2nd best outside shooter on the team.

But really, that’s not saying much is it? The team is woefully lacking in consistent outside threats. Not counting games where he has shot only 1-2 three pointers, he has far more games where he has gone 1-6, 0-5, 1-4, etc than he has had shooting 3-3 or even 2-4. Fortunately when he does shoot his 3-pointers he usually does it when Xavier has someone in rebounding position and not when he is 1 on 3 (I’m looking at you Naji). Last night he hit his 1st and then missed 6 straight. I’d like to see him be a little smarter is all. When he’s not feeling it and has missed a few in a row, stop shooting them! Drive more, seek out contact, get to the foul line. Drive and dish, post you man up more. Muse your strength and long arms. But, if you’re feeling it, keep shooting it...within the offense...when you’re open. I’m OK with that.

[XUGRAD80]

Yeah I get annoyed with Steele harping on defense, but really he is right. The way this team is going to win games is defensive effort and rebounding. They can get better on the offensive side in terms of shot selection and decision making, but otherwise they are just limited in ability on that side of the ball. It at least looked better last night, minus the few times naji did his wtf shots.

Agreed.

[bleedXblue]

Let me first say that I think that Scruggs may well be the best all around player on the team. I hope that Steele keeps him at point and that he either has a great rest of the season or comes back next year and really becomes a point guard....hopefully both! I also agree that he is the 2nd best outside shooter on the team.

But really, that’s not saying much is it? The team is woefully lacking in consistent outside threats. Not counting games where he has shot only 1-2 three pointers, he has far more games where he has gone 1-6, 0-5, 1-4, etc than he has had shooting 3-3 or even 2-4. Fortunately when he does shoot his 3-pointers he usually does it when Xavier has someone in rebounding position and not when he is 1 on 3 (I’m looking at you Naji). Last night he hit his 1st and then missed 6 straight. I’d like to see him be a little smarter is all. When he’s not feeling it and has missed a few in a row, stop shooting them! Drive more, seek out contact, get to the foul line. Drive and dish, post you man up more. Muse your strength and long arms. But, if you’re feeling it, keep shooting it...within the offense...when you’re open. I’m OK with that.

Scruggs is NOT your prototypical PG. He just isn't. He also isn't a pure SG either. He is a classic combo guard. Trust me, I want him on my team for sure.

There is no way Steele is giving him the keys next year and committing to him he's the PG and the job is his. Odom is too good and you don't get a Top 50 guy without telling him he's gonna play and have an opportunity to earn big minutes right away.

[AviatorX]

Scruggs is NOT your prototypical PG. He just isn't. He also isn't a pure SG either. He is a classic combo guard. Trust me, I want him on my team for sure.

There is no way Steele is giving him the keys next year and committing to him he's the PG and the job is his. Odom is too good and you don't get a Top 50 guy without telling him he's gonna play and have an opportunity to earn big minutes right away.

I think everyone can agree that if some combo of Scruggs, Odom and Tandy is playing the majority of the back court minutes next season, that will work just fine.

[GoMuskies]

I think everyone can agree that if some combo of Scruggs, Odom and Tandy is playing the majority of the back court minutes next season, that will work just fine.

I'm making some assumptions on Odom at this point, of course, but if I learn that those 3 will average a combined 110 minutes a game next year, I'd be pretty pleased (not least because that means Scruggs is on the team!).

[XUGRAD80]

Odom might be the next great PG to play in college, he MIGHT be. But we don’t know that, and in any event it it extremely rare for any HS point to come to college and be put right into that position day 1. My opinion is that KyKy is better suited to playing off the ball and that Scruggs would be the person to be handling the point...at least in the beginning of the season. He can handle it and his experience value can’t be overstated. Otherwise we will have a new RS freshman center....Miles, a 2nd year guard....Tandy, 1 experienced forward...Carter, 1 inexperienced Forward...Ramsey or ?, and a freshman PG. if Scruggs is still here I let him start at PG and let Odom get his feet under him by playing backup for awhile. But hey, that’s a long time from now and I’m more concerned with THIS year at this point. Next year will take care of itself when the time comes.


Edit:

Holy Snitz did I have a senior moment! I forgot all about Freemantle when looking at next year’s lineup. Doh!

Center...Miles
Forward...Freemantle
forward...Carter
Guard...Tandy
Guard...Odom

Reserves...Ramsey, James, 2-3 freshman, grad transfers

Ok I feel a little better about next year now. I’ll feel A LOT better if Scruggs and Marshall come back!

[bjf123]

One thing that surprised me last night was the absence of Dontarius. I’d love to know how he is in practice, since we never know if we’ll see him in a game.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SemajParlor]

Seeing people have made comparisons of KyKy - Holloway. But KyKy's shooting form reminds me more of Jordan Crawford. Notice that slight tick right before the shot where he catches and starts his motion right below his mid section . It's unique, but immediately flashed back to JC.

[Masterofreality]

One thing that surprised me last night was the absence of Dontarius. I’d love to know how he is in practice, since we never know if we’ll see him in a game.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Carter had it going. At least the staff adjusted to that.

[Masterofreality]

Yeah I get annoyed with Steele harping on defense, but really he is right. The way this team is going to win games is defensive effort and rebounding. They can get better on the offensive side in terms of shot selection and decision making, but otherwise they are just limited in ability on that side of the ball. It at least looked better last night, minus the few times naji did his wtf shots.

IF the staff has the right people on the floor to counter the opposition's weapons. That hasn't always been the case. Not always on the players.

[IM4X]

I would like to see him try more inside the arc. He seems to just be forcing threes at this point and it doesn't seem to be helping him.

agree.

[IM4X]

There is no way Steele is giving him the keys next year and committing to him he's the PG and the job is his. Odom is too good and you don't get a Top 50 guy without telling him he's gonna play and have an opportunity to earn big minutes right away.

Don’t forget Scruggs was a top 50 PG too.

https://247sports.com/Season/2017-Basketball/CompositeRecruitRankings/?InstitutionGroup=HighSchool

I don’t care who starts at PG next year. I do agree Odom will be seeing time there even if he doesn’t start. Regardless who starts at PG, I just hope to see Scruggs in an X uniform next year (and Naji). We will badly need senior leadership next year.

[scoscox]

Odom can’t shoot which isn’t ideal, but seems like he makes up for it.

As for the kyky, holloway comparison I think it’s not totally off base. Kyky is much more of a shooter though. Tu was a solid shooter but made his living at the line. Kyky looks capable of doing that as well down the line. His ft shooting has been the weakest point of his game so far but that should change

[IM4X]

Odom can’t shoot which isn’t ideal, but seems like he makes up for it.

As for the kyky, holloway comparison I think it’s not totally off base. Kyky is much more of a shooter though. Tu was a solid shooter but made his living at the line. Kyky looks capable of doing that as well down the line. His ft shooting has been the weakest point of his game so far but that should change

Yes, it does appear he is starting to become more comfortable driving. When he starts doing it a little more often in games and gets to the line a 5 more times, the comparison will be hard to ignore.

[bleedXblue]

Odom can’t shoot which isn’t ideal, but seems like he makes up for it.

As for the kyky, holloway comparison I think it’s not totally off base. Kyky is much more of a shooter though. Tu was a solid shooter but made his living at the line. Kyky looks capable of doing that as well down the line. His ft shooting has been the weakest point of his game so far but that should change

I wouldn't write off his shooting just yet. The kid isn't even on campus. Yes, his strengths look to be ball handling, speed, athleticism and leadership.

[GIMMFD]

Don’t forget Scruggs was a top 50 PG too.

https://247sports.com/Season/2017-Basketball/CompositeRecruitRankings/?InstitutionGroup=HighSchool

I don’t care who starts at PG next year. I do agree Odom will be seeing time there even if he doesn’t start. Regardless who starts at PG, I just hope to see Scruggs in an X uniform next year (and Naji). We will badly need senior leadership next year.

Yeah, I'm more so with you on hoping Naji and Scruggs come back. They haven't really shown anything to improve their stock from last season, I hope they come back for their Senior years just because it would make next year's team much better. Odom is going to be good, but the transition is always tough to tell, for a freshman PG to be awesome his first year, he has to be like a 5* top 10 recruit, and though Odom is very damn good, I think he'll still have some growing pains, like we see out of Kyky. Kyky is going to be damn good though when it's all said and done, so that's really a pretty good development arc to follow haha.

[IM4X]

Yeah, I'm more so with you on hoping Naji and Scruggs come back. They haven't really shown anything to improve their stock from last season, I hope they come back for their Senior years just because it would make next year's team much better. Odom is going to be good, but the transition is always tough to tell, for a freshman PG to be awesome his first year, he has to be like a 5* top 10 recruit, and though Odom is very damn good, I think he'll still have some growing pains, like we see out of Kyky. Kyky is going to be damn good though when it's all said and done, so that's really a pretty good development arc to follow haha.


Yes. even if Odom is rolling from day 1, it would be ideal to have Scruggs (and Naji) come back so he and the other freshmen can learn the Xavier way from two senior leaders.

Adding Odom, Wilcher, and (Colby) Jones to Scruggs. Naji ans Tandy feels would pretty good. Dare I say we need the juniors to stay to help make sure the team does not struggle even more next year and lose the perception (previous teams and coaches have worked so hard to earn) as one of the upper tier teams in the BE... who is expected to make the tournament.

[GIMMFD]

Yes. even if Odom is rolling from day 1, it would be ideal to have Scruggs (and Naji) come back so he and the other freshmen can learn the Xavier way from two senior leaders.

Adding Odom, Wilcher, and (Colby) Jones to Scruggs. Naji ans Tandy feels would pretty good. Dare I say we need the juniors to stay to help make sure the team does not struggle even more next year and lose the perception (previous teams and coaches have worked so hard to earn) as one of the upper tier teams in the BE... who is expected to make the tournament.

I think Naji and Scruggs would benefit a lot from the roster construction next year since it seems by all means Wilcher and Jones can knock it down from deep, even if they played sparingly and added that threat it would open up the court a lot, not to mention Tandy is supposed to be a pretty good shooter too. Getting those two back seems like a long shot, but if they did choose that route, I'd feel a lot more comfortable with our roster next year, because without them we are going to be really damn young.

[IM4X]

I think Naji and Scruggs would benefit a lot from the roster construction next year since it seems by all means Wilcher and Jones can knock it down from deep, even if they played sparingly and added that threat it would open up the court a lot, not to mention Tandy is supposed to be a pretty good shooter too. Getting those two back seems like a long shot, but if they did choose that route, I'd feel a lot more comfortable with our roster next year, because without them we are going to be really damn young.

Yes. We are hearing all this recent talk about “The Xavier way” (i.e X players who play well in practice get the minutes in the game) but to me the real meaning of “The Xavier way” is to always have some upperclassmen who were important contributors on an X team that achieved major success: whether that team won a regular season conference title or made it to an elite 8 or sweet sixteen or even got past the first round of the tournament.

For me, I will become concerned (and maybe even a bit bummed) if we have a team where no one on the roster has experienced that special end of season/ post season feeling.

Naji and Scruggs have vowed to take X to a final 4. I am happy to keep them to that promise (or at least make the tournament and go on a little run) so that they can feel special and so that the young guys can be part of something special too and understand what will be expected of them once they become the upperclassmen on the X roster.

God I hope we never, ever lose that magical feeling. Let’s go Tyrique and Naji and Paul... and let’s get going Q. We need you guys to turn it up - You guys can still turn this season into something f’n special.

Let’s go X!!!

[UCGRAD4X]

God I hope we never, ever lose that magical feeling. Let’s go Tyrique and Naji and Paul... and let’s get going Q. We need you guys to turn it up - You guys can still turn this season into something f’n special.

Let’s go X!!!



Magic feeling or whatever...I second that emotion.

I will root for Xavier always to win no matter what [which is why I have two firsts a second and a third in the pick-the-score - but am nowhere in the top 50].

But, for some reason there is not the angst of last year but still the niggling feeling that they will pull it together.

For whatever reason, I am not as sure that this team will do that. There's no tingle up and down my leg.

I hope like hell they do turn it around. I could really use the tingle.

Let's see what tomorrow brings.

[Final4]

Naji and Scruggs have vowed to take X to a final 4.
[/B]

With all due respect brother I think you've been drinking too much of the blue cool aid. Naji and Paul were major participants on a team last year that missed the dance. They are major participants on a team this year with what appears to be a similar trajectory. I'm not sure we should want either back next year. Let's move on with guys we hope can bring back a winning mentality.