Xavier Basketball 2020-21

[paulxu]

Somehow all the threads have turned into Covid threads.

[Lloyd Braun]

Somehow all the threads have turned into Covid threads.

The Naji NBA thread is still covid-free.

[XUGRAD80]

I also find it hilarious that people don't realize people can do everything right and still get this. It boggles the mind.

They are just looking for someone to blame....after all, it’s got to be SOMEBODIES fault, doesn’t it?

[MHettel]

Why throw them all under the bus? By not accusing a particular person, you accuse them all. By not saying what constitutes “risky behavior”, you leave all behavior to be judged as such. Just being a college student, or working on a college campus, is more risk than the majority of the population sees on a regular basis. My grandkids, just by attending in-person class, are more at risk than I am. Yet I wouldn’t call that “risky behavior”, or accuse them of such when their teacher contacts COVID and the school is shut down(which has happened).

Are you interacting with your grandkids to the same extent that you would if we weren't in this situation? That would be risky. I'm guessing not.

I keep hearing excuses that essentially amount to "kids will be kids." And I don't accept that. The players and staff can stay isolated. They may not want to, but they can.

We've had 3 separate incidents now.

Just keep doing what we've been doing? If that's the attitude, then just shut it down and focus on next year.

Its going to take discipline. It might be hard. That's kind of part of the definition of discipline.

[Perma Fro]

College basketball related...Leonard Hamilton owning the coach from the red school in Kentucky once again, 78-65. Thanks Coach Hamilton.

[Xville]

College basketball related...Leonard Hamilton owning the coach from the red school in Kentucky once again, 78-65. Thanks Coach Hamilton.

Real shame they have lost two in a row.

[Xville]

Are you interacting with your grandkids to the same extent that you would if we weren't in this situation? That would be risky. I'm guessing not.

I keep hearing excuses that essentially amount to "kids will be kids." And I don't accept that. The players and staff can stay isolated. They may not want to, but they can.

We've had 3 separate incidents now.

Just keep doing what we've been doing? If that's the attitude, then just shut it down and focus on next year.

Its going to take discipline. It might be hard. That's kind of part of the definition of discipline.

Ah good ole Covid shaming. Do you know all these guys personally and know what they are doing on a daily basis? They could be doing everything “right” and taking precautions and shit happens. I mean they are traveling to games, interacting with the general student population.in classes etc.

[D-West & PO-Z]

College basketball related...Leonard Hamilton owning the coach from the red school in Kentucky once again, 78-65. Thanks Coach Hamilton.

Hate to see it......

[UCGRAD4X]

College basketball related...Leonard Hamilton owning the coach from the red school in Kentucky once again, 78-65. Thanks Coach Hamilton.

Heartbreaking.....

...at least they are playing!

Would rather see them play and lose than not see them play at all? As heartbreaking as that would be.

[XUGRAD80]

Are you interacting with your grandkids to the same extent that you would if we weren't in this situation? That would be risky. I'm guessing not.

I keep hearing excuses that essentially amount to "kids will be kids." And I don't accept that. The players and staff can stay isolated. They may not want to, but they can.

We've had 3 separate incidents now.

Just keep doing what we've been doing? If that's the attitude, then just shut it down and focus on next year.

Its going to take discipline. It might be hard. That's kind of part of the definition of discipline.

First off...my interaction with my grandkids or anyone else is none of anyone else’s business. Let’s keep it that way.

Secondly...why is so important to have Xavier basketball that you’re willing to have players lose their freedom to be regular college students and are willing to isolate staff from their families? Maybe you don’t realize that right now the whole team (players, staff, coaches) are all in isolation? For the 3rd time this season, they are stuck in their dorms or apartments 24/7. It’s bad enough that they are doing it for 10-14 days. I wouldn’t wish that upon anyone, and I certainly wouldn’t wish it upon anyone for MONTHS at a time. I would certainly not be in favor of forcing that upon the Xavier players and staff. It goes beyond basketball, you’re advocating that they become virtual prisoners in order to have what appears to be a “normal” season for the fans. That seems pretty selfish to me.

[bjf123]

I keep hearing excuses that essentially amount to "kids will be kids." And I don't accept that. The players and staff can stay isolated. They may not want to, but they can.

Of course, they can. The question is do they? I certainly hope so, but let’s say I’m not 100% sure they do.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Xville]

First off...my interaction with my grandkids or anyone else is none of anyone elseÂ’s business. LetÂ’s keep it that way.

Secondly...why is so important to have Xavier basketball that you’re willing to have players lose their freedom to be regular college students and are willing to isolate staff from their families? Maybe you don’t realize that right now the whole team (players, staff, coaches) are all in isolation? For the 3rd time this season, they are stuck in their dorms or apartments 24/7. It’s bad enough that they are doing it for 10-14 days. I wouldn’t wish that upon anyone, and I certainly wouldn’t wish it upon anyone for MONTHS at a time. I would certainly not be in favor of forcing that upon the Xavier players and staff. It goes beyond basketball, you’re advocating that they become virtual prisoners in order to have what appears to be a “normal” season for the fans. That seems pretty selfish to me.

Agreed with all. Speaking from personal experience, quarantine is a horrible experience (at least it was for me as I'm an extrovert and staying at home too much makes me nuts.) By the 7th or 8th day I was coming out of my skin....can't imagine what a 18-22 year old kid is feeling doing this for the third time.

[markchal]

If this is how it's gonna go the rest of the season, Scruggs should've gone pro. Probably would've been better for him to be earning $ and possibly in a two-way like Naji.

Maybe would've been better to have the young guys take the reins, get what experience they can in this lost year, and be in better shape for next season.

As an X fan, I'm glad he stayed (and I'm SURE Trav is), because I'm still holding hope this will be our last shutdown, but it's probably pretty naive to think we will have a normal NCAA tournament.

[xavierj]

Are you interacting with your grandkids to the same extent that you would if we weren't in this situation? That would be risky. I'm guessing not.

I keep hearing excuses that essentially amount to "kids will be kids." And I don't accept that. The players and staff can stay isolated. They may not want to, but they can.

We've had 3 separate incidents now.

Just keep doing what we've been doing? If that's the attitude, then just shut it down and focus on next year.

Its going to take discipline. It might be hard. That's kind of part of the definition of discipline.

How do you know they are not taking extreme precautions? People get Covid. Some people who are super precautious get it and others have been carefree the entire time and have not got it. Trust me college athletic programs are being far more careful then 99% of the general population. No matter what you do at some point you are going to get it. It happens in the nba, the nfl, mlb and college sports.

[Xavier]

If it was at all possible he would have gotten a two way contract he would have gone. I think he needed to stay and show what he can really bring.

As for the covid situation, I don't think the expectation is that the team stays completely isolated. I would say the expectation would be the team follows all protocols (social distancing, wearing a mask, etc.). While I am sure most college students are not doing that, especially maintaining social distancing, I think it is a fair expectation that the team should be. I also know that even if they do everything they are supposed to- they can still catch it.

And yes it is ok for the team to be treated differently than other college students, 99% of the time the differential treatment benefits them.

[Xville]

I just looked at Villanova's schedule...they haven't played since Dec. 23rd....4 weeks? holy crap.

[Xville]

If it was at all possible he would have gotten a two way contract he would have gone. I think he needed to stay and show what he can really bring.

As for the covid situation, I don't think the expectation is that the team stays completely isolated. I would say the expectation would be the team follows all protocols (social distancing, wearing a mask, etc.). While I am sure most college students are not doing that, especially maintaining social distancing, I think it is a fair expectation that the team should be. I also know that even if they do everything they are supposed to- they can still catch it.

And yes it is ok for the team to be treated differently than other college students, 99% of the time the differential treatment benefits them.


Curious to know what you mean by this? How so as it relates to Covid?

[Xavier]

Curious to know what you mean by this? How so as it relates to Covid?

Simply expecting more out of them in terms of following guidelines. Other students are likely out partying and not really following them- and the expectation should be the team is. I think they have a responsibility to be more diligent than other students right now.

[Xville]

Simply expecting more out of them in terms of following guidelines. Other students are likely out partying and not really following them- and the expectation should be the team is. I think they have a responsibility to be more diligent than other students right now.

Gotcha, thanks! Agreed.

[XUGRAD80]

Simply expecting more out of them in terms of following guidelines. Other students are likely out partying and not really following them- and the expectation should be the team is. I think they have a responsibility to be more diligent than other students right now.

The demands upon the players time is such that they are already having less opportunities to party and interact with other students in a casual setting. Beyond their classes and mandatory study periods, they are also having upwards of 20 hours per week involved with practice and other team functions. That 20 hours goes up significantly when they are traveling or have a game, as the travel time is not included in that 20 hours, and all game day activities only count for 3 hours against that total. I’m not saying that they don’t have any social life at all, but I am saying that they have far less time to participate in social activities than many other students. The in-season time demands of a college athlete are equal to having a full-time job, in addition to taking a full load of classes. They are also going to have much more in the way of supervision than the typical college student.

[XU 87]

C'mon folks, are you really criticizing a bunch of college kids for not quarantining well enough, and this criticism is without any specific evidence of what they are doing "wrong"?

[drudy23]

C'mon folks, are you really criticizing a bunch of college kids for not quarantining well enough, and this criticism is without any specific evidence of what they are doing "wrong"?

The "something always has to be someone's fault" crowd.

They make great bosses too - not.

[MHettel]

First off...my interaction with my grandkids or anyone else is none of anyone else’s business. Let’s keep it that way.

.

You brought up the grandkids, buster.

Whats up with the SEVERE overreaction? You been cooped up?

[XUGRAD80]

You brought up the grandkids, buster.

Whats up with the SEVERE overreaction? You been cooped up?

SEVERE? Buster? LOL :sign-wtf: Wow, is there really a reason to get personal?

[Xville]

just realized that X's next scheduled opponent, Georgetown, is having covid issues as well.....ugh. Hopefully a week will be enough time to get thru all this.

[bobbiemcgee]

Too bad no Uconn tmrw. They didn't look good against SJU with no bouknight.

[Lloyd Braun]

just realized that X's next scheduled opponent, Georgetown, is having covid issues as well.....ugh. Hopefully a week will be enough time to get thru all this.

Game has been postponed

[XUGRAD80]

Can we just postpone the season for everyone by 2 weeks and see if we can get everyone healthy before starting up again? UGH!

[Xville]

Game has been postponed

geezus fuck. Is that because of X or Georgetown....or both?

Nevermind answered my own question...G-town as of now

[murray87]

Georgetown per the local report

[paulxu]

When does our season start?

[smileyy]

When does our season start?

March? :D

(Assuming they get enough games in)

[Masterofreality]

Can we just postpone the season for everyone by 2 weeks and see if we can get everyone healthy before starting up again? UGH!

No. Fox would never allow it. #Programming

[Xuperman]

NCAA bound and determined to complete the tournament.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ncaa-tournament-q-a-dan-gavitt-discusses-plans-and-protocols-for-upcoming-march-madness/

[bleedXblue]

I don't know how "legitimate" this tourney can be? You can't delay games and extend this thing out for 2-3 months. What happens if a team cant play b/c of Covid. A forfeit I suppose? Just a mess. The normal excitement and drama simply just wont be there.We are only 6-8 weeks away from this thing starting. There is little to no chance that that positive cases drop dramatically between now and then.

[XUGRAD80]

NCAA bound and determined to complete the tournament.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ncaa-tournament-q-a-dan-gavitt-discusses-plans-and-protocols-for-upcoming-march-madness/

Most of the answers come down to “we don’t know yet”. Totally understandable. While I admire the optimism, I doubt the NCAA’s ability to pull it off.

[Xavier]

I don't know how "legitimate" this tourney can be? You can't delay games and extend this thing out for 2-3 months. What happens if a team cant play b/c of Covid. A forfeit I suppose? Just a mess. The normal excitement and drama simply just wont be there.We are only 6-8 weeks away from this thing starting. There is little to no chance that that positive cases drop dramatically between now and then.

It is a crazy season and the tournament won't be any different. They may require teams do a 14 day quarantine before the tournament....but it still may not work.

And I will let you know how legitimate the tournament is after I see how Xavier does. : )

[GoMuskies]

Gonzaga is going to end up undefeated national champs, and no one will treat them like 1976 Indiana.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It is a crazy season and the tournament won't be any different. They may require teams do a 14 day quarantine before the tournament....but it still may not work.

And I will let you know how legitimate the tournament is after I see how Xavier does. : )

If they required that then that would mean no conference tournaments. Which might be not such bad idea, no conf tourneys. Gavitt did say 7 days of testing is required leading up to coming to Indy.

[XUBison]

I don’t know... Ohio St. got into the CFP after playing like three games against The Little Sisters of the Poor. Despite that, and even if covid took away some of the usual luster, the playoffs were still fun to watch. I mean, OSU fans were excited to be there, and they certainly weren’t apologizing to anyone, nor should they have. And nobody’s going to look back and say Alabama didn’t deserve the NC.

The tourney will be weird, but I guess I don’t care, so long as it happens and concludes with an actual championship game. It also may be wise to play the conference tournaments, as they would enable schools/coaches to keep their players isolated for an extended period leading up to the tourney.

[GoMuskies]

Is the Big East really going to have the BET in a completely empty MSG this year?!? That will be strange.

[RetireFiftyTu]

Is the Big East really going to have the BET in a completely empty MSG this year?!? That will be strange.

Good article from Matt Norlander of CBS Sports looking at the conference tournament dilemma.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/more-than-one-out-of-every-four-coaches-surveyed-say-conference-tournaments-should-not-be-held-this-season/

[XU '11]

I don't know how "legitimate" this tourney can be? You can't delay games and extend this thing out for 2-3 months. What happens if a team cant play b/c of Covid. A forfeit I suppose? Just a mess. The normal excitement and drama simply just wont be there.We are only 6-8 weeks away from this thing starting. There is little to no chance that that positive cases drop dramatically between now and then.

Cases are currently dropping pretty rapidly (https://twitter.com/COVID19Tracking/status/1352043774571016193/photo/1). And with them putting all 68 teams in one location with no travel, no classes to go to, no girlfriends, etc., it'll actually be a pretty controlled environment. When that was the case, things like the NBA & NHL bubble, MLB playoffs, etc, seemed to go off without much issue.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Cases are currently dropping pretty rapidly (https://twitter.com/COVID19Tracking/status/1352043774571016193/photo/1). And with them putting all 68 teams in one location with no travel, no classes to go to, no girlfriends, etc., it'll actually be a pretty controlled environment. When that was the case, things like the NBA & NHL bubble, MLB playoffs, etc, seemed to go off without much issue.

Difference with NBA bubbles is literally everyone who was in the NBA bubble that any NBA player interacted with was tested. That wont be the case most likely in Indy. Also coming into the bubble they all had to be tested then still isolate for some number of days before being allowed to be let go within the bubble.

[XU '11]

Difference with NBA bubbles is literally everyone who was in the NBA bubble that any NBA player interacted with was tested. That wont be the case most likely in Indy. Also coming into the bubble they all had to be tested then still isolate for some number of days before being allowed to be let go within the bubble.

Really? I assume they would be. The current NCAA recommendation is testing 3 times a week for everybody inside 'Tier 1'. That includes all coaches, trainers, support staff, etc. I wouldn't be surprised to see daily testing once the tournament starts, plus the requirement that they test daily starting 10 days in advance of the first games.

The bubble might not be as tight as the NBA's, but I bet those players and coaches go from their hotel room to the gym plus maybe a private conference room for study hall and team meetings. And nothing else.

[IM4X]

What happens if a team cant play b/c of Covid. A forfeit I suppose? Just a mess. The normal excitement and drama simply just wont be there.We are only 6-8 weeks away from this thing starting. There is little to no chance that that positive cases drop dramatically between now and then.

Good point!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Really? I assume they would be. The current NCAA recommendation is testing 3 times a week for everybody inside 'Tier 1'. That includes all coaches, trainers, support staff, etc. I wouldn't be surprised to see daily testing once the tournament starts, plus the requirement that they test daily starting 10 days in advance of the first games.

The bubble might not be as tight as the NBA's, but I bet those players and coaches go from their hotel room to the gym plus maybe a private conference room for study hall and team meetings. And nothing else.

They will be tested, I think every day for 7 days leading to tourney is the requirement.

But what I am saying is in the NBA bubble all players and teams played at one bubble location and lived in that same location. Any and every person they came in contact with was tested and admitted to the bubble under strict guidelines.

The tourney is in "Indy" but really is spread out within 2 hours being there are games in Bloomington, West Lafayette, and actual Indy. That is very spread out. They will be at multiple hotels at multiple locations. It is 68 teams. I am also pretty sure there with be hotel staff etc that are vetted/tested to the extent of the NBA bubble. There may even be other hotel guests unrelated, probably will be.

I think its best case scenario and hopefully goes well, but I dont think it is even remotely comparable to the NBA bubble.

[Masterofreality]

Am I just missing it, or has The Big East and Val Ackerman been strangely silent and uncommunicative during this season?
We usually see a lot of Val around, and I think she's a fantastic Commish, but this silence is so weird.

[paulxu]

This whole year has been weird.

[markchal]

Yeah, definitely bizarre. The Big East really blew the scheduling thing with this...there is likely no chance we play our full slate of conference games, we probably lose out on 5-6 at least. I wonder if all the missed games will affect the FS1 money.

[JTG]

The teams in Indy are going to be housed in 2 large hotels. One team and staff on each floor. Only 12 of the 67 games will be at IU and Purdue. They each get 2 first four games and 4 first round games. The bulk of the games will be in Indy at 4 venues which are within a 6 mile radius of one another. Should be pretty well contained.

[noteggs]

According to Adam Baum, X and UCONN were trying to find a date to play next because of the Butler pause. However, he just reported Butler had a false positive and Butler and UCONN are back on schedule and so is our game on Friday with Butler.

[JTG]

Too bad we can't play UCONN this week as they will be in the neighborhood, so to speak.

[paulxu]

Nice article in our local paper about the success off the Winthrop team this year under Kelsey.
A couple of mentions of Skip Prosser and his effect on Kelsey's life.

[whopper]

you can see the effect of this lull on the chat room. One post yesterday during the height of the college hoop season? No thoughts of the increased use of Bryan Griffin? No speculation on Tandy's role. No Carter bashing?(I am not a basher but realize his and everyone's limitations. No speculation on Stanley next year?I pray that we can finish and at least make the dance so that college hoops will become a topic of conversation again,

[paulxu]

I suspect that happens when it's 19 days between games during the season.
Would think we've never had quite so long a break between games.
Am anxious for Xavier basketball to return, and sure hope the season recovers.

[Xville]

This forum needs a game badly. Please let’s get to Friday without a positive test.

[IM4X]

you can see the effect of this lull on the chat room. One post yesterday during the height of the college hoop season? No thoughts of the increased use of Bryan Griffin? No speculation on Tandy's role. No Carter bashing?(I am not a basher but realize his and everyone's limitations. No speculation on Stanley next year?I pray that we can finish and at least make the dance so that college hoops will become a topic of conversation again,

Ha. How Funny - I came here today just to relay a similar thought -how everyone is posting so little lately and how it was starting to feel like it does when we are between seasons with not much to talk about.

Last I read the players were stuck quarantined in their rooms with exercise bikes to keep them in shape. You just have to wonder how missing so much gym time without competing against one another and getting up shots is going to hurt them when they play a team that has not had to quarantine quite as long. This is all just so strange.

[markchal]

I saw the women's team is in yet another pause...don't they use a lot of the same facilities?

[waggy]

Losing Stanley is a big deal. Sorry for the guy.

I think Kyky simply wasn't available last game. He was in the 2nd row with Miles.

[xukeith]

Losing Stanley is a big deal. Sorry for the guy.

I think Kyky simply wasn't available last game. He was in the 2nd row with Miles.
I know it was reported that Miles was recovering from an injury as he needed rest. Wonder if Kyky was sick too or just sent a message to get in shape.

[noteggs]

This forum needs a game badly. Please let’s get to Friday without a positive test.

Yes it will be nice to read and post on something other then covid, politics, lawn mowers. Not that I have anything wrong with lawn mowers.

[noteggs]

Random thought...

Why do they use the word “on pause” when describing covid within the program? Pause seems voluntary to me which obviously it’s not. Question; “Heard you’re playing Xavier this week?” His answer; “no they are on pause.”

Like I said random thought.

[xukeith]

Random thought...

Why do they use the word “on pause” when describing covid within the program? Pause seems voluntary to me which obviously it’s not. Question; “Heard you’re playing Xavier this week?” His answer; “no they are on pause.”

Like I said random thought.

I have the same feeling towards , " Be safe!"

[EastCoastXman]

As of today, 6 Big East teams have completed 9 or more games with only 1-2 games to make-up. Note that some make-up already rescheduled for February. That is pretty good in COVID World

Creighton 10 played, 1 make-up @ GTown
Seton Hall 9 played, 2 make-up vs XU, @ Butler
Providence 9 played, 1 make-up vs Gtown
Marquette 9 played, 2 make-up @Nova, vs Gtown
Butler 9 played, 1 make-up vs SH
St John 9 played, 1 make-up vs Depaul

Uconn 7 played, 2 make-up Vs Nove (1/28), vs XU
Depaul 6 played, 5 make-up vs Nova, @XU, @St J, vs Gtown, @ Gtown
Gtown 6 played, 6 make-up vs Creighton, @ XU, @ Prov, @Marq, @Depaul, vs Depaul
Nova 5 played, 4 make-up @Uconn (1/28), @XU, vs Marq, @ Depaul
Xavier 5 played, 4 make-up vs Nova, @SH, @Uconn, vs Gtown (Providence & Depaul already rescheduled)

So looking at our schedule, let get these games in
Nova - Play this game on 2/5. Both teams play on 2/3 and we play Nova on 2/7
Seton Hall - Play this game on 2/9. We are in Philly on 2/7. Drive up the NJ Turnpike and play SH.
UConn - Play this game on 2/18. We both play on 2/16. X is at St John so easy drive to Storrs.
Gtown - Play this game on 3/4. We play at Gtown on the 4th so just do a return game

Get these games on the schedule. Who knows how many more stops we will have before end of conference schedule. Depaul and Gtown biggest make-up schedules and they will not be a factor. so lets try and get the top of the conference to complete their schedules.

[muskiefan82]

Random thought...

Why do they use the word “on pause” when describing covid within the program?

Because On Deam has already been taken

[94GRAD]

Because On Deam has already been taken

Public Reps because The Man is keeping me down!

[Masterofreality]

As of today, 6 Big East teams have completed 9 or more games with only 1-2 games to make-up. Note that some make-up already rescheduled for February. That is pretty good in COVID World

Creighton 10 played, 1 make-up @ GTown
Seton Hall 9 played, 2 make-up vs XU, @ Butler
Providence 9 played, 1 make-up vs Gtown
Marquette 9 played, 2 make-up @Nova, vs Gtown
Butler 9 played, 1 make-up vs SH
St John 9 played, 1 make-up vs Depaul

Uconn 7 played, 2 make-up Vs Nove (1/28), vs XU
Depaul 6 played, 5 make-up vs Nova, @XU, @St J, vs Gtown, @ Gtown
Gtown 6 played, 6 make-up vs Creighton, @ XU, @ Prov, @Marq, @Depaul, vs Depaul
Nova 5 played, 4 make-up @Uconn (1/28), @XU, vs Marq, @ Depaul
Xavier 5 played, 4 make-up vs Nova, @SH, @Uconn, vs Gtown (Providence & Depaul already rescheduled)

So looking at our schedule, let get these games in
Nova - Play this game on 2/5. Both teams play on 2/3 and we play Nova on 2/7
Seton Hall - Play this game on 2/9. We are in Philly on 2/7. Drive up the NJ Turnpike and play SH.
UConn - Play this game on 2/18. We both play on 2/16. X is at St John so easy drive to Storrs.
Gtown - Play this game on 3/4. We play at Gtown on the 4th so just do a return game

Get these games on the schedule. Who knows how many more stops we will have before end of conference schedule. Depaul and Gtown biggest make-up schedules and they will not be a factor. so lets try and get the top of the conference to complete their schedules.

Nice analysis MC!!!
Let's do it!!

[Xville]

3 more days until a game.... fingers toes and testicles crossed that we make it.

[Xuperman]

Nice to see the Sooners beat a very, very good WVU squad. That bodes well down the line. So far, our resume is really respectable.

And again with the Big Dub over Texas.......Our Sooners win is looking very nice!

[surfxu]

Not sure how many listen to the Xavier coach's show on 55 WKRC on Monday nights at 7pm (sometimes they actually have the podcast available on their web site so you can listen to it the next day or whenever), but some good info there. X resumed practice on Saturday. It was a terrible practice, totally disjointed and a ton of mistakes offensively and defensively. Sunday's practice was much better and expects the improvements to continue as the week goes on. Miles is practicing. Had a bad hip injury that occurred in a practice a couple of weeks ago. Travis said Miles had his best practice in a X uniform on Sunday. He may see some minutes, game changer around the rim and a shot swatter like no one else on this team. Just needs more strength to hold his ground and finish through contact. KyKy update from Dante on last week's show, great kid, love what he can do, best pure shooter on the team. Role is different this year, not just a spot up shooter role, needs to also be a facilitator. That means working the ball around, taking care of the ball and defending. He's been a little banged up, better now, but when he's in he has to let the game come to him. The ball is going to find the best shooter eventually, but taking a 3 point shot 5 seconds into the shot clock is usually not the best shot for Xavier. He's working hard but had been "fighting the system" a bit. Confident they can get him there, and we need him and have his best interest at heart.
Schedule wise... Mario was on the last half of the show and said he's not sure how they are going to get all the games in, most likely some will be left off. Seemed to indicate that out of the 4 missed games that 2 have been "rescheduled" although didn't indicate what those were at this point (I don't think). Also indicated that they got very late notice from the Big East that X could have scheduled a non-conference game this past Tuesday (yesterday) in lieu of the G-town cancellation. Sounded like options were somewhat limited as far as a major conference opponent on such short notice. If X had gotten the go-ahead very close to the beginning of the "pause" date then it would have been a lot more likely to have happened (squeezing in a ACC, SEC, Big 10 type team). Absolutely no benefit to playing a mid-low major at this point in the eyes of the selection committee (they were told) like a NKU, Miami, OU, Wright State.

[surfxu]

Mario said that a bubble is most likely off the table at this point. The most likely scenario (other than what's on the schedule as we see it now) would be a "pod" system where teams that need to catch up multiple games are all in one location for a week or so. He gave an example of Georgetown, Villanova, X and DePaul all playing each other in Chicago or something.

[Xavier]

I saw UCONN has to reschedule their next two games because a game official at their last game had covid. The last team they played was Butler....hope the game is still on for Friday.

[Lloyd Braun]

I saw UCONN has to reschedule their next two games because a game official at their last game had covid. The last team they played was Butler....hope the game is still on for Friday.

Hard to imagine the ref only had contact with UConn and not Butler.

[paulxu]

Hard to imagine the ref only had contact with UConn and not Butler.

If the game was at Butler, I can imagine that.

[nuts4xu]

Which ref was it?

[boozehound]

Surf - Thanks for posting the recap. Some interesting tidbits in there RE: Kyky. Hope all is well, brother.

[nuts4xu]

Which ref was it?

One of these bastards....

Pat Driscoll, Tony Chiazza, Tommy Morrissey

[JTG]

If the game was at Butler, I can imagine that.

Every game @ Butler is 8 against 5 in favor of the home team. Especially during Steven's tenure they always got away with bumping, grabbing and flopping at unprecedented levels.

[JTG]

3 more days until a game.... fingers toes and testicles crossed that we make it.

Testicular torsion can lead to a trip to the ER. Just an FYI.

[Xuperman]

Mario said that a bubble is most likely off the table at this point. The most likely scenario (other than what's on the schedule as we see it now) would be a "pod" system where teams that need to catch up multiple games are all in one location for a week or so. He gave an example of Georgetown, Villanova, X and DePaul all playing each other in Chicago or something.

I should have read this thread first and posted my comments here.


Other conferences have moved opponents due to COVID. At this point it would make sense to match opponents not in the COVID protocol to get some games in. These layoffs are getting ridiculous.

Val Ackerman just got extended, and she needs to start getting creative asap....not much time left. I'm thinking, find a few suitable neutral sites and schedule 4 healthy teams for a weekend to play 3 games in 3 days. At the very minimum we need to start seeing some back to back games ala MVC.

[Strange Brew]

Testicular torsion

Ugh, twining the bits sounds somewhat better. TT is painful to even read....

[noteggs]

Good news.................so far

https://twitter.com/adamjbaum/status/1354562142998061059?s=10

[noteggs]

Like most everyone, don’t like the huge layoff. 19 days away from BE competition is going to be tuff regardless who we play. Even though Villanova won there first few games, they struggled.

[UCGRAD4X]

Saturday at 5:30

[GoMuskies]

Saturday at 5:30

Probably. Maybe.

[HenryMuto]

Will Xavier ever play another game ?

[UCGRAD4X]

Probably. Maybe.

"This time, I'm being honest with you!"

- big fat balding guy with a stubby cigar in his mouth and his pants half zipped

[bjf123]

"This time, I'm being honest with you!"

- big fat balding guy with a stubby cigar in his mouth and his pants half zipped

Public reps for the Gary Burbank reference!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[UCGRAD4X]

Public reps for the Gary Burbank reference!

The likes of which we will never ever see again.

(not the reference but the absolute genius that was Gary Burbank)

[Xville]

Oklahoma beats another top ten team. Man that win just gets better and better.

[HenryMuto]

Oklahoma beats another top ten team. Man that win just gets better and better.

I was just going to post this same thing.

[Lloyd Braun]

Another positive test wtf

https://twitter.com/xaviermbb/status/1356349055144656896?s=21

[drudy23]

Another positive test wtf

https://twitter.com/xaviermbb/status/1356349055144656896?s=21

It's time for a team COVID party - for the love of God. This is pointless.

[noteggs]

Ugh!!!

[XUGRAD80]

For those people that aren’t twats and don’t tweet....
Check out this article from Cincinnati.com:

Xavier vs. DePaul postponed due to positive COVID-19 test within Xavier's program

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2021/02/01/xavier-vs-depaul-postponed-musketeers-facing-more-covid-issues/4337448001/

[markchal]

How are we so bad at this? Most teams in the league have already played at least 8, and most have played 11 or even 12 league games. We're at 6 and will be stuck at 6 for another week or two.

What are their athletic departments doing that we aren't doing?

[Muskeagle]

How are we so bad at this? Most teams in the league have already played at least 8, and most have played 11 or even 12 league games. We're at 6 and will be stuck at 6 for another week or two.

What are their athletic departments doing that we aren't doing?

To be fair, we had some bad luck in losing some games that were the result of the opponents' pauses.

[drudy23]

Is this another guaranteed 10-14 days?

[Lloyd Braun]

Is this another guaranteed 10-14 days?

Probably not. Sunday at earliest may be a go if everyone tests negative.

[94GRAD]

Is this another guaranteed 10-14 days?

The way it's being worded, probably not. It's most likely a staff member testing positive. They are planning on playing Nova Sunday as of now.

[GoMuskies]

Another positive test wtf

https://twitter.com/xaviermbb/status/1356349055144656896?s=21

I think Hinkle Fieldhouse has Covid. So we're not really to blame.

[Xville]

Ok seriously... this is probably one of the worst handlings of COVID within a basketball program I have seen this year. I can understand 1-2 shut downs but this is now 4. That’s really absurd.

[XU_Lou]

Ok seriously... this is probably one of the worst handlings of COVID within a basketball program I have seen this year. I can understand 1-2 shut downs but this is now 4. That’s really absurd.

Good grief! It's an invisible virus - only arrogant human beings think they can control a virus that has entered into the general public. Sports leagues across the country have the most stringent safety protocols - and yet players in all leagues are still getting it. This is just further proof that lockdowns and masks don't work.

You got Covid - are you absurd for allowing yourself to get it?

[Xville]

Good grief! It's an invisible virus - only arrogant human beings think they can control a virus that has entered into the general public. Sports leagues across the country have the most stringent protocols - and yet players in all leagues are still getting it. This is just further proof that lockdowns and masks don't work.

You got Covid - are you absurd for allowing yourself to get it?

Name for me another major basketball team that has had 4 shutdowns. I’ll hang up and listen.

[Xavier]

Definitely frustrating. Don’t have to look far to see UC has played less games than X.

[AviatorX]

Ok seriously... this is probably one of the worst handlings of COVID within a basketball program I have seen this year. I can understand 1-2 shut downs but this is now 4. That’s really absurd.

How are they handling it poorly? Or did you mean to say this is one of the worst handlings of not getting COVID?

[Xuperman]

St. Louis has played 1 A-10 conference game.....ONE.

Meanwhile, URI has played 11 in the A-10.

[xavierj]

Ok seriously... this is probably one of the worst handlings of COVID within a basketball program I have seen this year. I can understand 1-2 shut downs but this is now 4. That’s really absurd.

I don’t know but it sucks. I know it’s hard to control but Xavier has definitely had its fair share. Currently have played the same amount of conference games as Villanova, but Everyone else in the league has played at at least 8 conference games and 6 teams have played at least 11. Only positive is that I would rather this pop in January and February and not March. Teams that pop in March will pretty much be done.

[Xavier]

The NCAA has to be preparing for something to happen in March. Maybe they aren’t as strict with contract tracing or something? You can’t hold up the whole tournament but at the same time you can’t expect the tournament to run Covid free. Will be interesting.

[noteggs]

I don’t know but it sucks. I know it’s hard to control but Xavier has definitely had its fair share. Currently have played the same amount of conference games as Villanova, but Everyone else in the league has played at at least 8 conference games and 6 teams have played at least 11. Only positive is that I would rather this pop in January and February and not March. Teams that pop in March will pretty much be done.

Definitely a cup half full. I like it!

[Muskie in dayton]

Definitely frustrating. Don’t have to look far to see UC has played less games than X.
It’s very easy to explain. Both schools are in Hamilton Co. Hamilton Co. is running PCR tests at 40 Ct.

[Xville]

The NCAA has to be preparing for something to happen in March. Maybe they aren’t as strict with contract tracing or something? You can’t hold up the whole tournament but at the same time you can’t expect the tournament to run Covid free. Will be interesting.

The only way they can make this happen or at least mitigate it as much as possible is to do a true bubble. I haven't read everything in detail, but i thought i saw all teams will be in a couple of hotels, and everyone will be coming in 2 weeks before?? I guess if there is no one else there at the hotel besides workers, that's about as good as they can do to mitigate the risk.

[drudy23]

The only way they can make this happen or at least mitigate it as much as possible is to do a true bubble. I haven't read everything in detail, but i thought i saw all teams will be in a couple of hotels, and everyone will be coming in 2 weeks before?? I guess if there is no one else there at the hotel besides workers, that's about as good as they can do to mitigate the risk.

As long as they test right before and don't allow anyone into Indy that has tested positive, then I think it can be managed with a semi-bubble. I'm guessing there will be pretty strict rules for the players and staff. And if they do allow them to leave, will coaching staff even take that risk of traveling back home and back again? Probably a bigger deal for those that would need air travel to get to/from Indy.

Big question - do they allow them to leave if they make it past the first weekend? I'd imagine everyone would have to stay in Indy for the duration if they continue to win?

I can also see the cancellation of the conference tournaments. Hell, they might need that week just to finish the season anyway at this rate. Kind of pointless for everyone to go to NYC and MSG with no fans - seems like a risk not worth taking if you're primed to make the field.

[XU_Lou]

It’s very easy to explain. Both schools are in Hamilton Co. Hamilton Co. is running PCR tests at 40 Ct.

Great point!!

[markchal]

I can also see the cancellation of the conference tournaments. Hell, they might need that week just to finish the season anyway at this rate.

They might see the tournament as more important...they've already said we won't be making up all the games we've lost, so the tournament might be a higher priority for the league. At this rate, I'd be thrilled for us to get to 12 conference games.

[Lloyd Braun]

Nova game postponed (https://twitter.com/xaviermbb/status/1356701487989096448?s=21)

Wonder if there was another positive test

[Xavier]

Was hopeful for that game. Looks like another long layoff, next game scheduled is the 11th I think. Xavier will be like an 8 seed with no clue what to expect from them. What a year. Selection committee will have a hell of a time this year.

[Xville]

I don’t envy the tournament selection committee this year.

X has 8 games left, I’ll be surprised if they play half of them at this point. Hindsight is 20/20 and who knows if it came from there since butler hasnt come down with a case as far as I know, but it seemed risky to play that game.

[novachap]

just sucks, was hoping for this game. So few scheduled games left for both of us, it is tough on everyone

[paulxu]

I don't like that it's Xavier's positive covid tests causing these delays. What a CF of a season.

[XU_Lou]

I don't like that it's Xavier's positive covid tests causing these delays. What a CF of a season.

Good grief, everyone needs to take a deep breath. X has played 13 games so far. In the top 25 right now there are 3 teams that have played 13 games or less - one team has played only 9.

5 teams have played 14 games
1 - 15
6 - 16
4 - 17
4 - 18

At this point we're really not an outlier. I would imagine the teams ahead of us will have their setbacks in the coming weeks as well.

[Xville]

Glad to have played the games that x has at this point. It was smart of them to do what they did in the non con to schedule so many games so close together to get some in. I’m sure the team has done as much as they can to mitigate this, and number of games is not an outlier, but 4 shutdowns is.

[Xavier]

I think I’m more disappointed in the Big East action (or rather, inaction) has been. I think being more creative with scheduling could’ve helped- back to back games like some smaller conferences, mini pods where four teams get together and play 3 games in a week. At the end of the day it’s not a big deal and the Big East was likely hampered with TV issues/NCAA issues. After all they do have to put on the show that they are “student athletes” first and foremost.

[Lloyd Braun]

Just to play devils advocate here- One could argue OOC schedule had more weight this year, in which the Big East may not be in a hurry to have teams lose games that could be damaging. Not saying they would purposefully avoid scheduling games, but not be scrambling to absolutely get a game in that may not be a net plus for the league come tournament time. So far DePaul has been the only team hurt that I can see due to lack of OOC games.

[beatuc]

Good grief, everyone needs to take a deep breath. X has played 13 games so far. In the top 25 right now there are 3 teams that have played 13 games or less - one team has played only 9.

5 teams have played 14 games
1 - 15
6 - 16
4 - 17
4 - 18

At this point we're really not an outlier. I would imagine the teams ahead of us will have their setbacks in the coming weeks as well.

X also played their first 6 games in like 12 days. Since early December they have only played 7 and we will almost be to March by the time they play again IF there are no new positives within Xavier or their opponents. I also read that the Big East Tourney has about a 30% chance of being played, and there io chance of the games that have been missed to be made up. So going into March Madness X will have played at maximum 6 games in 65 days and that seems unlikely with X's policy towards Covid.

I can't say whether the admin is being too strict at this point, but this has to be taking a mental toll on the players. As fans we are frustrated, but the players have to be devastated. For the sake of mental health just shut the damn thing down.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

I heard that both upcoming games vs DePaul and Nova have been postponed due to Covid-19 issues at X.

[Xavier]

X also played their first 6 games in like 12 days. Since early December they have only played 7 and we will almost be to March by the time they play again IF there are no new positives within Xavier or their opponents

What? I bet they get back on schedule for the 2/11 game against DePaul. If the rest remaining games in February get played (not counting on that) X will have 6 games in February.

[JTG]

Big East had no trouble matching Nova and Gtown this weekend.

[EastCoastXman]

Too little too late by the Commissioner. So now with Nova/Gtown game moved from 2/17 to 2/7, maybe we can play Nova on 2/18. The first scheduled game was at X so maybe nova should come to Cintas. League needs to figure out how to make sure that every team plays each other at least once. X is going to be lucky to play 14-15 league games unless they go into some year end pod.

[Lloyd Braun]

Big East had no trouble matching Nova and Gtown this weekend.

To further piggy back off my previous post I think this is a pretty low risk game to get Nova’s game count and record up. I think you’ll see this with UConn as well if they continue to miss games. Not that Georgetown is an automatic win for everyone. But it is for nova.

[EastCoastXman]

The League did not want to give up that 3 PM Sunday slot pre Super Bowl on Fox. Especially with Nova as the game. They will now hype as the Old Big East Rivalry game. Good exposure for the league no matter who plays as long as Villanova is on.

[JTG]

Maybe the BE will try to do all the make ups as top5s vs bottom 6s to try and insure 4-5 bids. I doubt there will be a BE tourney. I heard the NCAA is planning for all teams to head to Indy the Monday of the start of tournament week to have them sequestered as soon as possible.

[MHettel]

Glad to have played the games that x has at this point. It was smart of them to do what they did in the non con to schedule so many games so close together to get some in. I’m sure the team has done as much as they can to mitigate this, and number of games is not an outlier, but 4 shutdowns is.

I'm not. they need to tighten up. period

[XU 87]

I'm not. they need to tighten up. period

Can you give some insight as to what the team specifically needs to do better to prevent COVID? Some explanation of what the team is currently and specifically doing would be helpful.

[HenryMuto]

Xavier isn't going to get in all their conf games their year are they ?

[XUGRAD80]

Xavier isn't going to get in all their conf games their year are they ?

I don’t see any way that it would be possible for that to happen.

[xavierj]

I'm not. they need to tighten up. period

I would say since only two players have gotten the virus since October, maybe they are too tight. Would have been better if the entire team just got it in November.

[AviatorX]

I would say since only two players have gotten the virus since October, maybe they are too tight. Would have been better if the entire team just got it in November.

Exactly. To the extent folks want to assign credit/blame for programs avoiding/contracting a highly contagious virus (a fool's errand IMO), the situation X is in is because they did such a "good job" avoiding COVID all offseason.

[XUGRAD80]

Article in today’s paper pointed out that unlike schools where 6-7 players all got COVID at once, Xavier has had a situation where it’s been only 1-2 people at a time. Currently all the players but 2 (who had previously had COVID ) are quarantined. Also it pointed out that when comparing BE schools to schools from other leagues it’s NOT Apples to Apples. Each conference has their own rules in regards to what the teams must do. Oklahoma has 2 players come down with COVID and still kept playing with all the other players, because the B12 allowed it. BE schools can’t do that per conference rules.

Check out this article from Cincinnati.com:

Paused, part 3: COVID-19 has left the Xavier Musketeers between a rock and a hard place

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2021/02/03/paused-part-3-covid-has-left-xavier-between-rock-and-hard-place/4370764001/

[Xavier]

Put me in the camp of not criticizing the players here. This is one of the hardest seasons they will be apart of, I’m sure every time they find out they have to pause it is deflating. I’m sure guys like Paul sometimes think “I came back for this?” (Granted I’m sure he is thrilled he came back overall, his legacy has the chance to be with some all time greats if they make a deep run).

But the point remains, these guys are going on though a lot. I’m sure it’s been tough. Then they come on the message board and see clowns saying they aren’t doing enough. Come on.

[Xville]

Article in today’s paper pointed out that unlike schools where 6-7 players all got COVID at once, Xavier has had a situation where it’s been only 1-2 people at a time. Currently all the players but 2 (who had previously had COVID ) are quarantined. Also it pointed out that when comparing BE schools to schools from other leagues it’s NOT Apples to Apples. Each conference has their own rules in regards to what the teams must do. Oklahoma has 2 players come down with COVID and still kept playing with all the other players, because the B12 allowed it. BE schools can’t do that per conference rules.

Check out this article from Cincinnati.com:

Paused, part 3: COVID-19 has left the Xavier Musketeers between a rock and a hard place

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2021/02/03/paused-part-3-covid-has-left-xavier-between-rock-and-hard-place/4370764001/

Didn’t realize conferences had different rules like that. Interesting... I think the big 12 way makes a lot more sense but that’s just me. I know different sports but that’s what NCAAF did (unless they were under a certain limit of players avail) and it seemed to “work.”

[XUGRAD80]

Yeah, until I read this article I wasn’t aware of the different approaches either.

[whopper]

St Johns over VILLANOVA at St Johns, Georgetown over Creighton at Creighton. There are going to be no gimmies if we ever play again.

[beatuc]

Didn’t realize conferences had different rules like that. Interesting... I think the big 12 way makes a lot more sense but that’s just me. I know different sports but that’s what NCAAF did (unless they were under a certain limit of players avail) and it seemed to “work.”

Which is why Xavier should shut it down. On Musketeer Report they said Xavier wouldn't have missed any games due to their own issues if they were in the BIG 12,ACC, or SEC. The protocols aren't going away and Xavier's are setup to keep shutting things down. The ppd games are highly unlikely to get rescheduled also which has been reported. X can't possibly think this is good for the player's mental health. This won't be the last shut down with the protocols in place due to positives and contact tracing.

[Xville]

Which is why Xavier should shut it down. On Musketeer Report they said Xavier wouldn't have missed any games due to their own issues if they were in the BIG 12,ACC, or SEC. The protocols aren't going away and Xavier's are setup to keep shutting things down. The ppd games are highly unlikely to get rescheduled also which has been reported. X can't possibly think this is good for the player's mental health. This won't be the last shut down with the protocols in place due to positives and contact tracing.

Have you asked what the players want? They are the only ones that really matter. As a fan I'm annoyed, but I really doubt the players would want to shut it down. I really doubt someone like Scruggs, whose last year it is, would be like nah i don't wanna play in the tourney let's just quit.

[beatuc]

Have you asked what the players want? They are the only ones that really matter. As a fan I'm annoyed, but I really doubt the players would want to shut it down. I really doubt someone like Scruggs, whose last year it is, would be like nah i don't wanna play in the tourney let's just quit.

I haven't but Scruggs probably came back to play in the NCAA but that seems like a pipe dream right now. I also don't know anyone that would want to not be allowed to even go the gym now for the 4th time. This is also realistically isn't the last time Xavier will do this under the current protocols. The only school who maybe has tougher protocols is UCONN. At some point it's going to get to a boiling point with how restrictive they are.

I blame the administration because this probably isn't what the players signed up for. If this were any school in the BIG 12, SEC, or ACC then they would have played last night and this Sunday. And as of right now to public knowledge there has only been one player test positive. So you can argue me all you want but the shutdowns seem excessive this year for 1 positive test.

[Xville]

I haven't but Scruggs probably came back to play in the NCAA but that seems like a pipe dream right now. I also don't know anyone that would want to not be allowed to even go the gym now for the 4th time. This is also realistically isn't the last time Xavier will do this under the current protocols. The only school who maybe has tougher protocols is UCONN. At some point it's going to get to a boiling point with how restrictive they are.

I blame the administration because this probably isn't what the players signed up for. If this were any school in the BIG 12, SEC, or ACC then they would have played last night and this Sunday. And as of right now to public knowledge there has only been one player test positive. So you can argue me all you want but the shutdowns seem excessive this year for 1 positive test.

Oh I agree they are excessive. I think it’s ridiculous for one player to test positive and shutdown. I’m just saying i don’t think shutting the season down is the answer.

[XUGRAD80]

I haven't but Scruggs probably came back to play in the NCAA but that seems like a pipe dream right now. I also don't know anyone that would want to not be allowed to even go the gym now for the 4th time. This is also realistically isn't the last time Xavier will do this under the current protocols. The only school who maybe has tougher protocols is UCONN. At some point it's going to get to a boiling point with how restrictive they are.

I blame the administration because this probably isn't what the players signed up for. If this were any school in the BIG 12, SEC, or ACC then they would have played last night and this Sunday. And as of right now to public knowledge there has only been one player test positive. So you can argue me all you want but the shutdowns seem excessive this year for 1 positive test.

There have been at least 3 players that have tested positive. 2 were earlier and thus are not under quarantine now, the other is a current player and is part of the reason for the shut down.....per reports in the newspaper. Have no names.

It certainly would not surprise me if there both players that just want to shut it down for the year and those that want to keep going. These kids aren’t robots and are going to have their own opinions on what to do. However, if I’m the coaching staff I’m not letting them make the decision for the Team. I’m telling them what we are doing. They all know that they can make that decision for themselves, and will lose no eligibility. But I’m not letting individual players make that decision for the team. That’s a decision that the conference, or the school administration has to make, and that the coach has to enforce. It makes sense for the administration to take the players opinions into account when making the decisions, but it is ultimately the decision of the administration.

[Muskie in dayton]

There have been at least 3 players that have tested positive. 2 were earlier and thus are not under quarantine now, the other is a current player and is part of the reason for the shut down.....per reports in the newspaper. Have no names.

It certainly would not surprise me if there both players that just want to shut it down for the year and those that want to keep going. These kids aren’t robots and are going to have their own opinions on what to do. However, if I’m the coaching staff I’m not letting them make the decision for the Team. I’m telling them what we are doing. They all know that they can make that decision for themselves, and will lose no eligibility. But I’m not letting individual players make that decision for the team. That’s a decision that the conference, or the school administration has to make, and that the coach has to enforce. It makes sense for the administration to take the players opinions into account when making the decisions, but it is ultimately the decision of the administration.
I would be shocked beyond belief if even one player wanted to shut the season down. That's not the mentality of a competitor.

[XUGRAD80]

I would be shocked beyond belief if even one player wanted to shut the season down. That's not the mentality of a competitor.

Yet we know that there were kids that decided before the season began to not even suit up, and that there have been players that have decided part way through the season to sit out the remainder of it. There have even been pros that have walked away from the money and sat out the season. This hasn’t happened just in basketball either, but in virtually every sport. Nor are these all people that have had had to go through a quarantine period, let alone several of them. So I guess, go ahead and be shocked. But it wouldn’t be surprising to me at all if the thought hadn’t gone through many minds somewhere along the way.

I will say that as the scheduled end of the season draws nearer and nearer, it would surprise me at THIS point if many wanted to end it now. BUT, if there was a serious push to extend the season another month or two, I think there would be some fairly widespread pushback on the part of many players and coaches.

A normal season is a long enough grind that many players find it hard to get through it in a good year. I’m sure it’s much worse this year.

[Drew]

The obvious negative is loss of time in practice and in games. A silver lining might be an extraordinary appreciation for the remaining season and a healthy squad come March.

[GIMMFD]

The obvious negative is loss of time in practice and in games. A silver lining might be an extraordinary appreciation for the remaining season and a healthy squad come March.

Definitely a double-edged sword, great to have our legs under us, though we have a pretty deep roster, so fresh legs may not be as important as it would be in a case where our team was only 7 deep, the negative is the obvious pointed above. As long as we can stay away from shutting it down again, get a run of a few games in towards the end, I still think we have a chance to peak towards March. Seems Steele's teams have gotten better towards the end, but damn we really need to play some games for that to happen!

[HenryMuto]

I am not sure how we can have conf tournaments and an NCAA tournament when so many teams have been shut down for 2-4 weeks at a time.

They need to move to what the NFL was doing you play on and remove guys who test positive and close contacts have to test negative for 5 straight days to come back.

[fellahmuskie]

With cases going down rapidly, I feel cautiously optimistic about March.

[Xavier]

Cross DePaul game off the list.

[Lamont Sanford]

Cross DePaul game off the list.

That was almost a guaranteed W too.

FML.

[GoMuskies]

Three games in the first month and a half of 2021 is something. One game in a full month. Has anyone else going to THIS extreme with their Covid cancellations?

[Xavier]

Is it a Xavier thing or a Big East protocol? I know other conferences have it a bit easier, didn't realize it is different from team to team though.

Certainly stinks.

[Lloyd Braun]

Is it a Xavier thing or a Big East protocol? I know other conferences have it a bit easier, didn't realize it is different from team to team though.

Certainly stinks.

It’s a DePaul thing. Exposure or positive test. They also were just at Hinkle on Saturday.

Xavier looking out of conference for an opponent. Major conference possibilities: Pitt, Illinois
Other possibilities: Miami (OH), Toledo, another team that has yet to be aware they will lose a game this week

[JTG]

It’s a DePaul thing. Exposure or positive test. They also were just at Hinkle on Saturday.

Xavier looking out of conference for an opponent. Major conference possibilities: Pitt, Illinois
Other possibilities: Miami (OH), Toledo, another team that has yet to be aware they will lose a game this week

That makes 4 teams in a row that have tested positive after playing Butler. Something isn't right about that.

[Xavier]

It’s a DePaul thing. Exposure or positive test. They also were just at Hinkle on Saturday.

Xavier looking out of conference for an opponent. Major conference possibilities: Pitt, Illinois
Other possibilities: Miami (OH), Toledo, another team that has yet to be aware they will lose a game this week

Nice, would be good to land Illinois if that game against Michigan is canceled. Top 15 team? sign me up.

[GoMuskies]

Get Scotty Davenport and Bellarmine up to Cintas. They're actually a pretty good team in the A-Sun.

[Xuperman]

I am not following the conversation here. Why look for a non conference game when Seton Hall has a fairly large window.....available for a Wed, Thurs or Fri game.

[paulxu]

When does the season start?

[AviatorX]

Get Scotty Davenport and Bellarmine up to Cintas. They're actually a pretty good team in the A-Sun.

169 in the NET as of today, though. I doubt X is in a hurry to add a Q4 game. It's a (very weird) fine line to balance right now. Xavier doesn't exactly have an amazing resume, but I doubt they're going to rush to play a legitimately very good team (Illinois) on short prep and coming immediately off of a shutdown and get their doors blown off either. Almost feels like the best approach from a resume standpoint is to hold firm and play the already scheduled slate to the extent possible.

[Xuperman]

So can someone confirm? Was X cleared to play DePaul on Thursday BUT DU postponed due to their university C19 protocols?

If so, can ANYONE here explain why the BE doesn't immediately schedule X at SHU for Thursday? The Hall's next game isn't until Sunday!
What the hell am I missing here?

[Xavier]

One of my buddies said that DePaul was looking for a replacement game, too. So I assume their is some misinformation out there.

[Olsingledigit]

One of my buddies said that DePaul was looking for a replacement game, too. So I assume their is some misinformation out there.

My understanding is that the problem is (once again) on our end and not DePaul's

[Lloyd Braun]

So DePaul thinks we are dirty?

[94GRAD]

So DePaul thinks we are dirty?

DePaul will not play a team unless they've been in quarantine for 10 days, Xavier is allowed to play after a 7-day quarantine. Thus the reason both teams are looking for a game

[XUGRAD80]

My understanding is that the problem is (once again) on our end and not DePaul's

Since X is actively searching for a replacement OOC opportunity on either Wednesday or Thursday, I don’t think it’s a Xavier problem. From what I’ve read they are expected to be cleared to Wednesday, if they can find someone to play.

[AviatorX]

Since X is actively searching for a replacement OOC opportunity on either Wednesday or Thursday, I don’t think it’s a Xavier problem. From what I’ve read they are expected to be cleared to Wednesday, if they can find someone to play.

Sounds like Xavier is clear of Xavier's protocols on Wednesday, but not DePaul's protocols until Saturday. So not really on anyone's end. Just is.

[GoMuskies]

This might be the most 2021 situation ever.

[xukeith]

true or false? X protocols are what they are because X is in the state of Ohio.

[Lloyd Braun]

DePaul will not play a team unless they've been in quarantine for 10 days, Xavier is allowed to play after a 7-day quarantine. Thus the reason both teams are looking for a game

So they think we might be dirty

[GIMMFD]

DePaul will not play a team unless they've been in quarantine for 10 days, Xavier is allowed to play after a 7-day quarantine. Thus the reason both teams are looking for a game

Saw someone float on Twitter to play Gonzaga since their opponent cancelled Saturday, and I think that'd be fun, they're miles better than us, but losing to them doesn't really hurt the resume, they're obviously up to talent level of the Big East, and to benefit them, we'd be a better test than a lot of the teams they play. Mark Few isn't afraid to schedule a game on the fly, look at the WVU situation earlier in the season.

[Lloyd Braun]

Didn’t DePaul know about their policy a week ago? Why now that the game is 3 days away?

[xukeith]

Saw someone float on Twitter to play Gonzaga since their opponent cancelled Saturday, and I think that'd be fun, they're miles better than us, but losing to them doesn't really hurt the resume, they're obviously up to talent level of the Big East, and to benefit them, we'd be a better test than a lot of the teams they play. Mark Few isn't afraid to schedule a game on the fly, look at the WVU situation earlier in the season.

Just heard Travis on radio. He said, X is looking for a short bus or short plane trip. Nothing crosscountry due to a quick turnaround to play 2-3 days later.

I wonder if Few would like to play X at Cintas?

[JEHARDI]

Chicago has a 10 day quarantine, Cincinnati 7 days. DePaul did not feel comfortable playing the game under 10 days. Crazy!

[paulxu]

Short bus trip? Please no Fayers. Maybe OSU or somebody.

[GIMMFD]

Just heard Travis on radio. He said, X is looking for a short bus or short plane trip. Nothing crosscountry due to a quick turnaround to play 2-3 days later.

I wonder if Few would like to play X at Cintas?

I wouldn't be surprised honestly, Few doesn't seem like the type to balk at games, I mean Gonzaga's played at Cintas recently anyways, though seems like we're probably going to get an underwhelming match-up. Wonder if Steele would consider Louisville, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio State, etc. or if he's thinking more Northern Kentucky, Dayton, Ohio, etc.


Chicago has a 10 day quarantine, Cincinnati 7 days. DePaul did not feel comfortable playing the game under 10 days. Crazy!

*Looks at DePaul's record*... I'd probably try to play as little games as possible as well lmfao

[drudy23]

I wouldn't be surprised honestly, Few doesn't seem like the type to balk at games, I mean Gonzaga's played at Cintas recently anyways, though seems like we're probably going to get an underwhelming match-up. Wonder if Steele would consider Louisville, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio State, etc. or if he's thinking more Northern Kentucky, Dayton, Ohio, etc.



*Looks at DePaul's record*... I'd probably try to play as little games as possible as well lmfao

Gonzaga has played at Cintas recently?

EDIT - I just looked it up, they were here in 2011 - I have zero recollection of this game.

[GoMuskies]

Gonzaga has played at Cintas recently?

EDIT - I just looked it up, they were here in 2011 - I have zero recollection of this game.

They kicked our asses. Not quite as badly as they kicked our asses in Spokane, and not in the same universe as the ass kicking they put on us in San Jose, but it was an ass kicking nonetheless.

[Xuperman]

Now it seems like I am in bizarre world. WTF is going on here? PLAY SHU ASAP!

[Strange Brew]

They kicked our asses. Not quite as badly as they kicked our asses in Spokane, and not in the same universe as the ass kicking they put on us in San Jose, but it was an ass kicking nonetheless.

Yeah, they are Xavier’s Los Locos...

[UCGRAD4X]

Maybe they would consider playing a pick-up game made up of board members!

I'm afraid I would need to opt out for....because....

....honestly, I can't dribble without looking at the ball.

[anxiously awaiting your snide comments]

[markchal]

Didn’t DePaul know about their policy a week ago? Why now that the game is 3 days away?

Yeah, this is the most puzzling part to me. Shouldn't this game have been called awhile ago? We could've had more time to work something out.

[UCGRAD4X]

Yeah, this is the most puzzling part to me. Shouldn't this game have been called awhile ago? We could've had more time to work something out.

Right! It's not as if they didn't know. I teams are unclear of what the parameters are and CVID protocols, their name might as well be DePaul.

[XUGRAD80]

Jay Biles (who I think is pretty much a real di**head ACC homer) just put out his top 68 schools.

He has Xavier at #26 and says that Scruggs is “the most underrated player in the country”.

Hmmm......maybe he’s smarter than I thought?

Nah...he’s just gone crazy because of how much his dookies and tarhicks suck this year.

[xukeith]

Gonzaga has played at Cintas recently?

EDIT - I just looked it up, they were here in 2011 - I have zero recollection of this game.

Never played X @Cintas but maybe Gonzaga played at Cintas while X was somewhere else. I doubt it.

[GoMuskies]

Never played X @Cintas but maybe Gonzaga played at Cintas while X was somewhere else. I doubt it.

Gonzaga smoked us in Cintas in 2011.

[AviatorX]

Gonzaga smoked us in Cintas in 2011.

NYE game. I believe this was Dez Wells triumphant return from his 6 game suspension after the UC fight. I guess it's not surprising why so many have blocked this out.

[xukeith]

Ah yes! 0-4 vs Zags. They did play at Cintas after all.

https://goxavier.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history/gonzaga-university/123

[xukeith]

Looking over teh 2006 game, I forgot Johnny Wolf started for X with Cage, Doellman, and Burrell

[Xville]

Gawd that 2017 tourney game was such a disappointment basically from the jump. Didn’t think we had much of a chance even at that time, but they were definitely our daddy that day.

The 2011 game I was there in person...seeing the rosters of both those teams now, x really should have won that game, but that teams fight was broken by our lame president and his reflection session bullshit.

[GIMMFD]

Gawd that 2017 tourney game was such a disappointment basically from the jump. Didn’t think we had much of a chance even at that time, but they were definitely our daddy that day.

The 2011 game I was there in person...seeing the rosters of both those teams now, x really should have won that game, but that teams fight was broken by our lame president and his reflection session bullshit.

I only remembered that game because I was watching it at a NYE party and didn't want to be bothered, we definitely had the talent to win that game, but just came up short. Agreed about 2017 though, just didn't feel good about that one or that match-up even remotely, but 2017's March Madness run was a lot of fun, especially beating Arizona right before.

[murray87]

I guess we haven't scheduled anything yet??? The guys must be going stir crazy

[GoMuskies]

When Malcolm Bernard stole pass on the first possession and went in for the slam to make it 2-0, I booked my Final Four trip!

[JTG]

I guess we haven't scheduled anything yet??? The guys must be going stir crazy

UCONN Sat on Big Fox @ noon, per Andy Mac.

[whopper]

as a UConn alumni but Xavier dad of 2(ex) I am all for Xavier. I got out in 1977 long before they got good (but UConn was pretty good then) and will be hoping and praying to shut up the UConn loudmouths

[xukeith]

X resumes practice Wednesday. Game Saturday at 12 vs UConn. Battle for similar recruits.

[Xville]

And bouknight healthy just in time....damn

[Drew]

And bouknight healthy just in time....damn


Source?

[mid major]

I read Bouknight was scratched from the PC game today.

[Xville]

Source?

Well three days ago in a ct paper it said he was on the verge of returning so I just figured we would be the lucky team that gets to play uconn with him first.

[markchal]

I don't care if we play the Globetrotters as long as we get to play another effin game at this point

[94GRAD]

I don't care if we play the Globetrotters as long as we get to play another effin game at this point

I'd prefer the Washington Generals

[BandDad]

I'd prefer the Washington Generals

They had to change their name to the Washington Basketball Team!

[GoMuskies]

I thought they changed their name to DePaul.

[noteggs]

Any game thread for tomorrow? We are still on for noon right? Lol

[mid major]

Well three days ago in a ct paper it said he was on the verge of returning so I just figured we would be the lucky team that gets to play uconn with him first.

The only source I have is the Boneyard but it appears he's no where close to returning. Akok is also out so they need to win a few games to show the committee some life.

[Xville]

The only source I have is the Boneyard but it appears he's no where close to returning. Akok is also out so they need to win a few games to show the committee some life.

Yeah just read that the early return they were thinking might happen, isn’t going too. So in other words, no excuses not to completely dominate tomorrow

[waggy]

UConn needs this game badly. X should expect a fight tomorrow. They still have a pretty good frontcourt, and if their guards start hitting shots...

[xu82]

Any game thread for tomorrow? We are still on for noon right? Lol

In an abundance of caution, I heard they moved the game back to 4:00pm. That should make it safe.

Full disclosure: That may have been a rumor I started.

[AviatorX]

Yeah just read that the early return they were thinking might happen, isn’t going too. So in other words, no excuses not to completely dominate tomorrow

One would hope, but unless I missed it we also don’t know if X will be at full strength tomorrow, do we? Not to mention the last time Xavier played I think Semaj Christon was in the starting lineup.

[mid major]

One would hope, but unless I missed it we also don’t know if X will be at full strength tomorrow, do we? Not to mention the last time Xavier played I think Semaj Christon was in the starting lineup.

That's Semaj Christon? All along I thought it was Tyson Brit.

[paulxu]

As we wandered through this strange season, with postponements and re-scheduling, how is it that we are wrapping up without having played Nova.
Would seem that somehow they could have managed to get one game in there somewhere.

[noteggs]

Yeah weird indeed and wanted to see at least one Nova game. Didn’t play first place or last place teams at all. Played the 2nd best and arguably the 2nd worst team in Butler twice. With this said, can’t say we got lucky or unlucky on the caliber of teams we played this year due to covid issues. As Jerry Seinfeld would say, we’re even Steven.

[muskiefan82]

Yeah weird indeed and wanted to see at least one Nova game. Didn’t play first place or last place teams at all. Played the 2nd best and arguably the 2nd worst team in Butler twice. With this said, can’t say we got lucky or unlucky on the caliber of teams we played this year due to covid issues. As Jerry Seinfeld would say, we’re even Steven.

I did not think about DePaul. No DePaul or Villanova. Crazy year.

[bobbiemcgee]

https://collegehoopstoday.com/index.php/rothstein-files/matchups-set-for-2021-big-east-big-12-battle/

Not official