Xavier v. Oakland (Xavier Invitational 2020)

[paulxu]

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS7HIvbb_s3A06k0gS4UBnCievgFI6hd Z3zYQ&usqp=CAU VS. https://goldengrizzlies.com/images/logos/site/site.png

XAVIER INVITATIONAL
Xavier University Musketeers (0-0, 0-0 BIG EAST)
Oakland University Golden Grizzlies (0-0, 0-0 Horizon League)
Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020 at 12 p.m. ET
Cintas Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Television: FS1 with play-by-play from Vince Welch and analysis from Nick Bahe.
Radio: 700 WLW-AM with play-by-play from XU Hall of Famer and former Musketeer standout Joe Sunderman ('79). Analysis will be provided by Xavier Hall of Famer and XU all-time leading scorer Byron Larkin ('88). XU radio broadcast is also available on XM channel 380 and Internet 970.
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com and fan stats at GoXavier.com.

[GoMuskies]

Everyone knows that all the big time games take place on Wednesday at noon!

[noteggs]

This thread is a site for sore eyes...

[Xville]

Guesses as to starting lineup?

Tandy
Scruggs
Jones
Free
Miles

Not sure of Jones and miles but assume the other three are correct.

Now that I think about it I guess it will be carter instead of mies

[paulxu]

I guess that's Colby, not Tyrique :)

[cutterX]

Based on absolutely nothing other than what I've read I think the starting 5 will be Tandy, Scruggs, Johnson, Carter and Freemantle

[xufan02]

I'm going with KyKy, Scruggs, Colby, Carter, and Freemantle. First subs off the bench are Johnson, Odom, and Griffin.

[bobbiemcgee]

I like Colby 1st off the bench, start some experience in Johnson, also good defender. But, oh man, it will be great to see what these guys can do from 3 pt. land this year.



Jon Rothstein
@JonRothstein
·
Nov 23
Xavier freshman Colby Jones (foot) will play in Wednesday's opener against Oakland, per Travis Steele. Should have a major impact this season for the Musketeers.

[murray87]

Anyone here going to the game?

[94GRAD]

Anyone here going to the game?

I was told with four teams being there with support staff and player's families, no tickets were being sold to X fans.

[bobbiemcgee]

https://twitter.com/CoachSteeleXU

[xu82]

Everyone knows that all the big time games take place on Wednesday at noon!

I heard a rumor that the NFL is looking to move the Super Bowl to that time slot.




Or............maybe I started that rumor. But you heard it here first! (And last.)

[bobbiemcgee]

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2020/11/24/xavier-invitational-musketeers-set-host-oakland-bradley-toledo/6398288002/

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

https://twitter.com/CoachSteeleXU

I don't understand the tweet. What is a "gold jersey" and why is relevant that Colby Jones is "capturing" it for the first time?

[xukeith]

I don't understand the tweet. What is a "gold jersey" and why is relevant that Colby Jones is "capturing" it for the first time?

Gold jersey is rewarded to the player who get the most accumulated points for many factors measured on some point system in practice. I am pretty sure no frosh has ever won it until this week. That is a major accomplishment. We shall see if it transfers to playing time performance.
I saw today Steele said that they monitor every players fg %, assist/turnover ratio and through 34 practices Jones has an assist to ratio of 4-1. Odom has a assist/to ratio of 2.5-1, and CJ has a 2-1 assist / to ratio. All 3 frosh are going to play a lot as long as they stay smart.

[Olsingledigit]

Gold jersey is rewarded to the player who get the most accumulated points for many factors measured on some point system in practice. I am pretty sure no frosh has ever won it until this week. That is a major accomplishment. We shall see if it transfers to playing time performance.
I saw today Steele said that they monitor every players fg %, assist/turnover ratio and through 34 practices Jones has an assist to ratio of 4-1. Odom has a assist/to ratio of 2.5-1, and CJ has a 2-1 assist / to ratio. All 3 frosh are going to play a lot as long as they stay smart.

Could be wrong but I thought Zach won it at least once last year.

[TUclutch]

Gold jersey is rewarded to the player who get the most accumulated points for many factors measured on some point system in practice. I am pretty sure no frosh has ever won it until this week. That is a major accomplishment. We shall see if it transfers to playing time performance.
I saw today Steele said that they monitor every players fg %, assist/turnover ratio and through 34 practices Jones has an assist to ratio of 4-1. Odom has a assist/to ratio of 2.5-1, and CJ has a 2-1 assist / to ratio. All 3 frosh are going to play a lot as long as they stay smart.
This is 100% false

[GIMMFD]

Could be wrong but I thought Zach won it at least once last year.

Yup, Freemantle won it last year, definitely not the only Freshman either... this started in Miller's tenure, went into Mack's, and now Steele's as well. Holloway is the all time leader with 18, Travis Taylor/JP Macura are tied for second with 16, Love 13, Reynolds 12 round out the top 5, Stainbrook/Blueitt with 11, and Semaj with 10 as the only ones to reach it double digits. The criteria is the following:

Practice stats are called the Xavier Way. Players’ names are charted in 14 categories with point assignments, so if a player makes a two-point basket in practice, for example, he is awarded two points for that bucket. Three points for a three. There are negative point assignments too, like minus-one for a foul.

A graphic with running tallies is displayed on a flat-screen TV at every practice. The categories are:

Twos (+2 points)
Threes (+3)
Defensive rebound (+1)
Offensive rebound (+2)
Assist (+2)
Block steal (+1)
Charge (+2)
Draw foul (+1)
Team win (+1)
Turnover (-2)
Foul (-1)
Free-throw win (+1)
Deflection (+1)
Blow-by (-2)
A free-throw win is awarded to the team – Blue or White – that shoots better that day at practice. A blow-by happens when a player beats his defender cleanly off the dribble; the negative points are charged to the player guarding the ball. The formula counts team wins for competitive segments, like 4-on-4 drills, thus making the gold jersey acquisition more than just an individual endeavor.

[GoMuskies]

I see the line down to 18 at my book with the missing Xavier players. O/u 138.5.

Also, Greg Kampe is low key one of my favorite college basketball coaches. He's been there forever.

[Xville]

so, do we know who the players are, or will we not know until noon?

[Lamont Sanford]

Hearing it's Jones, Wilcher and a walk-on.

[GoMuskies]

Line down to 16.5

[bleedXblue]

Hearing it's Jones, Wilcher and a walk-on.

well shit I guess it could be worse.........

[Xuperman]

Yup, Freemantle won it last year, definitely not the only Freshman either... this started in Miller's tenure, went into Mack's, and now Steele's as well. Holloway is the all time leader with 18, Travis Taylor/JP Macura are tied for second with 16, Love 13, Reynolds 12 round out the top 5, Stainbrook/Blueitt with 11, and Semaj with 10 as the only ones to reach it double digits.

You didn't mention Scruggy.....he's the all time leader with 20 gold jerseys.

[paulxu]

8 months later...it's less than 2 hours till tip-off. :shield:

[GoMuskies]

Over/under has jumped back up to 141. So there should be some points scored today, particularly by the Muskies.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Finally its game day!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Hearing it's Jones, Wilcher and a walk-on.

As long as its not Scruggs and or Freemantle I think we dodged a bullet.

Hate for it to be anyone but would be better if a combo of freshman and/or walk on's.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I was told with four teams being there with support staff and player's families, no tickets were being sold to X fans.

We were emailed about the opportunity to buy tickets for Thursday's game. We are not though.

[Xuperman]

Hearing it's Jones, Wilcher and a walk-on.

Man, I hope that is not the case with the concentration of games to start the season. If they have to be quarantined for 2 weeks, we would be without our young wings for the Shootout and possibly the Sooner game.

[GoMuskies]

Spread down to 14.5. Over/under 142

[KabeX]

Good almost afternoon ladies and gents. The answer to the question is an unqualified yes. The question is "is it too early to start drinkin?". In this, ahem, unusual year I'm thankful to the almighty that XAVIER BASKETBALL is back! At least for now. And hopefully for a while. But maybe not for long. Who knows? I'll take what I can get. Now let's get it on!

Happy Thanksgiving.

[GoMuskies]

Are you at work? If the answer is no, drinking is 100% okay for this game. If you are at work, it's a little trickier. Maybe only 95% okay to drink.

[KabeX]

Are you at work? If the answer is no, drinking is 100% okay for this game. If you are at work, it's a little trickier. Maybe only 95% okay to drink.

Thanks GO. I probably should have qualified that. For the record, I am not at work.

[paulxu]

Lets go Muskies !

[xu82]

It’s not just a 2020 thing, I think, but.......for a guy who has paid pretty close attention to Xavier basketball for a long time, I don’t think I’ve ever felt more out of touch with our program. Part of that may be all the transfers in and out. Part may be that watching last year was somewhat painful at times. Maybe I’m just getting old....

I can’t wait to see our guys out on the floor and “get to know” our team again.

[X Factor]

Bryan Griffin has LONG arms!

[GoMuskies]

Bryan Griffin has LONG arms!

I guess this goes to XU82's point, but I don't remember ever hearing this kid's name before today. LOL

[X Factor]

Excellent start...Odom is so athletic.

Nice to see some three pointers actually go through the net.

[Muskie]

It’s early. But the shooting appears to be better.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[GoMuskies]

19-0 runs are good.

[RoseyMuskie]

Good to be posting again!

Great start.

Quick thoughts
-Griffin is bit quicker than expected
-Really like Johnson’s lift and form on his shot
-competition plays a role, but this is definitely less painful on the eyes

[KabeX]

Well I'm kinda liking getting to know these guys. Guessing we'll have to wait a bit to get to know Wilcher & Jones.

[GoMuskies]

It’s early.

It may be early, but I'm ALREADY convinced we'd win the Horizon League!

[GoMuskies]

Remember Brian Gregory? His South Florida Bulls trail something called Florida College 46-40 at halftime.

[KabeX]

Well the said it was going to rain today. And it certainly is. What a refreshing change.

[xudash]

This looks different. I see basketballs flowing through the net.

[GoMuskies]

34-2 runs are really nice.

[bjf123]

Holy shit! It’s raining threes. I don’t think we’ll finish towards the bottoms of 3 point percent this year.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[drudy23]

Now this....is what I'm talking about.

I already like this team exponentially more than last years.

[KabeX]

7 made 3s in 12 min. Looks like another Big East team of years past.

[BMoreX]

This game. Is ova.

[paulxu]

I may have over estimated Oakland's ability to score.

[GoMuskies]

So....looking ahead. I don't know much about Bradley and Toledo, but I suspect we'll be fine. I know we're not losing an OVC team. So it will be awfully interesting in a week and a half when Xavier gets on the floor against the first legitimate opponent in UC.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

The 3pt shots and FTs are going to be much better this year. It was so frustrating to watch last year.

[KabeX]

OK I'll get it started ... How about D.F.O.?

[Xville]

Wow...spacing, moving the ball, good shooting. This is the xavier team I recognize. Tandy, free, odom and miles are cornerstone studs

[KabeX]

Now don't waste em boys!

[muskiefan82]

OMG. I remember teams that could shoot! This is so refreshing.

[paulxu]

That's a strange set up for the bench where the players sit.

[xu82]

This looks different. I see basketballs flowing through the net.

It’s making me almost dizzy!

This has reminded me of when I used to enjoy watching Xavier basketball, unlike last year.

[xu82]

I’m happy for Paul Scruggs. He deserves something better than last year!

[X Factor]

Moving without the ball!

[paulxu]

Have we ever held a team to 12 points in one half?

[GreatWhiteNorth]

KyKy can shot! The score is just ridiculous.

[X Factor]

Freemantle with 9 and 9 at the half.

[KabeX]

On pace to win by 82 and the under still looking good.

[noteggs]

Oakland was shooting like us last year.

[Xuperman]

Wow, Scruggs gets a basket and dime late to shed a very good ghost imitation. :eek:

[KabeX]

16 freakin assists in 1 half! Sick.

[X Factor]

1-3 from the FT line! I'm done...

Just kidding!!!!

[drudy23]

Did Casey Jacobson sleep through the first half? It's obvious this team is WAAAAAAAAAY different than last year.

And he said we can ease Dwon in slowly? Dude, he just started in his first collegiate game.

Was that taped before the game even started?

[KabeX]

Ah crap Jim - Don't compare us to Futler!

[xu82]

Oakland was shooting like us last year.

OUCH! I feel for their fans. I know how painful that is!

THIS IS FUN AGAIN!

[Xuperman]

Scruggs can not disappear like this at any point going forward. He has to consistently play at an All BE level to get where we want to go...regardless of how well the rest of the roster plays.

[noteggs]

Did Casey Jacobson sleep through the first half? It's obvious this team is WAAAAAAAAAY different than last year.

And he said we can ease Dwon in slowly? Dude, he just started in his first collegiate game.

Was that taped before the game even started?

Thought same until I noticed that was the preview show

[X-band '01]

So....looking ahead. I don't know much about Bradley and Toledo, but I suspect we'll be fine. I know we're not losing an OVC team. So it will be awfully interesting in a week and a half when Xavier gets on the floor against the first legitimate opponent in UC.

Bradley has actually been to the NCAA Tournament more recently than Xavier. There is that.

Now back to the ass-kicking in progress.

[Xuperman]

Griffin looks like he can play.

[Xuperman]

Now Scruggs is doing his best to impersonate Q....yikes!
:bash:

[drudy23]

Scruggs can not disappear like this at any point going forward. He has to consistently play at an All BE level to get where we want to go...regardless of how well the rest of the roster plays.

Much less pressure to be this with a real supporting cast, which is fine.

He can always step up to be the "guy" in important situations. It will actually be a detriment if he tries to do too much.

[bjf123]

How they play the second half will be telling. Do they take their foot off the gas and get sloppy or keep playing with intensity?


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[GoMuskies]

Would be nice to have some of the other guys for depth. With three games in three days, it sucks that a lot of these guys are going to pile up minutes. Hopefully the walk-ons can play a few second half minutes with the 40+ point lead.

[STL_XUfan]

I see the line down to 18 at my book with the missing Xavier players. O/u 138.5.

Also, Greg Kampe is low key one of my favorite college basketball coaches. He's been there forever.

If we put up 100 and the over doesn’t hit....

[xudash]

In the words of the immortal Paul Newman (Butch Cassidy): “who are those guys!“

[muskiefan82]

I like that Scruggs missed 2 3's and then just started distributing the ball to get back in the game productively. THAT is WAY different than last year for ANY player.

[stammina0721]

Really have not been able to keep up much in the off-season. Where did we get Griffin from?

[Xuperman]

really have not been able to keep up much in the off-season. Where did we get griffin from?

D2

[xudash]

Miles is the real deal.

[X Factor]

Miles showing out!!

[GoMuskies]

Yeah, Miles looks fantastic.

[Xuperman]

Much less pressure to be this with a real supporting cast, which is fine.

He can always step up to be the "guy" in important situations. It will actually be a detriment if he tries to do too much.

Couldn't disagree more.....a lot of us were expecting a Kamar Baldwin or a TSA kinda year.

[noteggs]

What in the world, we have 4 4/5 players playing on the court at the same time!

[GoMuskies]

If that Miles 3 had gone down...

[drudy23]

Couldn't disagree more.....a lot of us were expecting a Kamar Baldwin or a TSA kinda year.

Not necessary with this kind of depth. I'd like to see him be the "guy" when it's crunch time, but I'd much rather have a ton of weapons than a guy that averages 25.

I don't think many agree with you.

[GoMuskies]

I think we've now covered the over at all numbers it was offered at.

[KabeX]

Ugh. 50% from the line. C'mon guys. I guess I can live with this time.

[GoMuskies]

Ugh. 50% from the line. C'mon guys. I guess I can live with this time.

Dammit Miles! Perhaps there should be SOME concern that we only got to the line 4 times, but I'm choosing to not worry about anything that occurred in a 52 point win!

[JTG]

Really have not been able to keep up much in the off-season. Where did we get Griffin from?

Family Guy

[stammina0721]

Dammit Miles! Perhaps there should be SOME concern that we only got to the line 4 times, but I'm choosing to not worry about anything that occurred in a 52 point win!

That's what happens when you shoot over 30 3's though.

On a side note does anyone know if basketball is doing what football did and is not counting this as a year of eligibility?

[whopper]

Nate Johnson and Bryan Griffin impressed me in that there is no need for anybody to pace themselves or worry about fouls. Last year if Tyrique, Naj, or Scruggs had 2 quick fouls it was danger time (not Q sad to day). Oakland can't be that bad so a nice tune up. I thought Carter did a lot of "little things" and walled up a few times on defense on fast breaks. KyKy and Odom very impressive, Miles reminds me a little of Patton from Creigton, and Freemantle got some shots in the gap that I wonder(a little) if they will be there in Big East but played well. Active hands, good body language so far so good

[bjf123]

Ugh. 50% from the line. C'mon guys.

Fire Travis! [emoji41]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bleedXblue]

Couldn't disagree more.....a lot of us were expecting a Kamar Baldwin or a TSA kinda year.

I disagree. I do not expect 16-18 PPG this year from Scruggs. I hope he leads, plays smarter, cuts down and TO's and lets things happen for him. When he forces the issue, he struggles.

[xufan02]

Scruggs didn't shoot it well today, but finished with 7 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 10 assists, and just 2 turnovers. I'll take that any day on a off shooting game.

[xukeith]

Johnson’s performance today is a breath of fresh air given X history with transfer guards. Castlin and Moore were less than assertive. Maybe Johnson has a chance to be best transfer guard ever.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Much less pressure to be this with a real supporting cast, which is fine.

He can always step up to be the "guy" in important situations. It will actually be a detriment if he tries to do too much.

Me? I couldn't not agree more. For starters, Scruggs is not effective when he presses. We saw that last year. Yes, we need him to play better and most importantly, to not disappear like he did occasionally last year. But today was the first game. With the obvious quality of the supporting cast, there will be plenty of opportunities for Scruggs to continue. Not once today did I find myself thinking, "Gee I miss Naji and Q". Not once.

Baldwin is a great player for Butler. Maybe Scruggs develops into that type of player for X. But, it is a powerful statement about this team that we can withstand it if Scruggs just has a really good senior year. Naji tried to be a Baldwin clone last year and, as good an athlete as he is, the results were decidedly mixed.

Now, if we can just avoid COVID and serious injury.

[drudy23]

I can see how people were coming into the season thinking this about Scruggs, but it wouldn't have been the recipe for success. It would have been more of the same.

But after today, I'm much more enthusiastic about this TEAM. It's much better for the TEAM if Scruggs and Carter don't feel like they have to carry a load they're not capable of carrying. Both can now relax a bit more and focus on what they do best, especially Carter. Honestly, we don't need Carter to score all that much. Grab 7 rebounds a game.

Paul - be a leader, make good decisions, make your team better, holds the young guys accountable, be available and ready in crucial game situations.

There's going to be games where he gets his, but it's not necessary for success.

[Musketeer15]

Tomorrow will be a true test

[bobbiemcgee]

34 assists!! Amazing!

[Muskeagle]

I like Scruggs a lot. 10 assists and 2 turnovers....fantastic. Not to mention the 2 turnovers were in the first 3 minutes of the game. I didn't think he disappeared at all. Thought it was good senior leadership. I'd be very happy if Paul Scruggs' senior year was more like Stanley Burrell's Sr. year. Hard nosed. Great defense. Big shots. But totally a flow guy that sacrificed numbers for the betterment of the team.

[IM4X]

Looking pretty-pretty good!

Yes, it’s just the first game but - at least for me- two huge questions were answered.

1) Can Miles and other bigs (not named Freemantle) step up and play at a high level in the paint this year?
2) Will Freemantle be able to take his very good first year to the next level?

Add to that great ball movement and balance with inside and outside scoring ability, the ability to play fast and in control and we look like we have the makings of a dangerous team.

Johnson is the real deal - just as advertised by Steele.

And it looks like this team is having as much fun playing as we fans are watching.

Bravo Travis!!! You finally may have YOUR team: players with complimentary skills and all completely bought in to what you are saying.

[xukeith]

Johnson’s performance today is a breath of fresh air given X history with transfer guards. Castlin and Moore were less than assertive. Maybe Johnson has a chance to be best transfer guard ever.

silly me I forgot about transfers Lavender and Crawford.

[Muskeagle]

silly me I forgot about transfers Lavender and Crawford.

A bit older....but still fantastic, Stan Kimbrough.

[GoMuskies]

Jeff Massey, too

[xukeith]

Yes Stan Kimbrough was the all everything guard. Points, steals and true grit. He scored a ridiculous 2000+ for his career.

[GIMMFD]

Didn't get a chance to watch because I was at the hospital, but the box score looks phenomenal. Johnson going 5-9 from deep is a welcomed sight for sure, as well as Tandy lighting it up from the bench, Freemantle pouring in 21, I'd assume we looked pretty damn good even with a shortened bench. Excited to see them play tomorrow!

[XU_Lou]

Interesting thread: https://twitter.com/OaklandMBB/status/1331670635697811460

[UCGRAD4X]

Didn't get a chance to watch because I was at the hospital, but the box score looks phenomenal. Johnson going 5-9 from deep is a welcomed sight for sure, as well as Tandy lighting it up from the bench, Freemantle pouring in 21, I'd assume we looked pretty damn good even with a shortened bench. Excited to see them play tomorrow!

Is that a new rule this year? H-ow many points do you get for making it from that far?

I guess it's a social distance thing.

[XUGRAD80]

The ball movement was great, very little dribbling around, or going one on one/two at the end of a time clock. Defense was lax at time and they gave up 15 OFFENSIVE rebounds, but those things are correctable. I liked what I saw, but I’m not ready to say just how good they will be until they play some better competition.

[Xuperman]

The ball movement was great, very little dribbling around, or going one on one/two at the end of a time clock. Defense was lax at time and they gave up 15 OFFENSIVE rebounds, but those things are correctable. I liked what I saw, but I’m not ready to say just how good they will be until they play some better competition.

You won't have to wait long....the MVC champion Bradley Braves are a good gauge on where we're at.
Showdown an noon manyana.

[94GRAD]

You won't have to wait long....the MVC champion Bradley Braves are a good gauge on where we're at.
Showdown an noon manyana.

Not sure how good Bradley is, they only beat Toledo 61-59 on a last-second shot.

[xudash]

Is this true - from that tweet: “Xavier has now made more threes this game than any game in the last two seasons.”? Damn.

EDIT: Never mind. Not surprising.

[bobbiemcgee]

Now i can't wait to see Colby Cheese and Wilcher. Damn virus!

[stammina0721]

A bit older....but still fantastic, Stan Kimbrough.

Unquestionably the best transfer is Tu Holloway.

[TUclutch]

Yup, Freemantle won it last year, definitely not the only Freshman either... this started in Miller's tenure, went into Mack's, and now Steele's as well. Holloway is the all time leader with 18, Travis Taylor/JP Macura are tied for second with 16, Love 13, Reynolds 12 round out the top 5, Stainbrook/Blueitt with 11, and Semaj with 10 as the only ones to reach it double digits. The criteria is the following:

Practice stats are called the Xavier Way. Players’ names are charted in 14 categories with point assignments, so if a player makes a two-point basket in practice, for example, he is awarded two points for that bucket. Three points for a three. There are negative point assignments too, like minus-one for a foul.

A graphic with running tallies is displayed on a flat-screen TV at every practice. The categories are:

Twos (+2 points)
Threes (+3)
Defensive rebound (+1)
Offensive rebound (+2)
Assist (+2)
Block steal (+1)
Charge (+2)
Draw foul (+1)
Team win (+1)
Turnover (-2)
Foul (-1)
Free-throw win (+1)
Deflection (+1)
Blow-by (-2)
A free-throw win is awarded to the team – Blue or White – that shoots better that day at practice. A blow-by happens when a player beats his defender cleanly off the dribble; the negative points are charged to the player guarding the ball. The formula counts team wins for competitive segments, like 4-on-4 drills, thus making the gold jersey acquisition more than just an individual endeavor.

Actually Scruggs is the all time time leader

[TUclutch]

Now Scruggs is doing his best to impersonate Q....yikes!
:bash:

Would you STFU?

[Xavier]

Love the ball movement. Team just was easier to watch than last couple years. It was against a zone defense, Hope we see good ball movement against man to man

[Xuperman]

Would you STFU?

A BIG F'ng NO...AND WHY?.... If Mr. Scruggs does not emerge as a consistent game changer and ALPHA dog in league play, we will not get where we want to be. The rest of the roster is impressive but Paul's play is paramount to any Championship aspersions.

Yes....Championship. ��

[Xavier]

I guess I’ll agree with the others. In a game where Xavier wins by 50 you are mad Scruggs wasn’t like Marshal (ball stopper) was last year.....seems odd. He is the leader and will take over when needed, it wasn’t needed today.

[XUGRAD80]

Not sure how good Bradley is, they only beat Toledo 61-59 on a last-second shot.


Coming into this week I was under the impression that Toledo would be the best team X would play. So tomorrow will probably be a good gauge of just what this team is capable of.

[xu82]

I guess I’ll agree with the others. In a game where Xavier wins by 50 you are mad Scruggs wasn’t like Marshal (ball stopper) was last year.....seems odd. He is the leader and will take over when needed, it wasn’t needed today.

Sometimes a “leader” is just that by example and attitude. Strong D, steady influence. It does NOT mean you have to shoot and score more. Fewer turnovers, more assists and shutdown D are also the qualities of a leader. Ask Stanley Burrell. He made a living playing this game.

[XUGRAD80]

A BIG F'ng NO...AND WHY?.... If Mr. Scruggs does not emerge as a consistent game changer and ALPHA dog in league play, we will not get where we want to be. The rest of the roster is impressive but Paul's play is paramount to any Championship aspersions.

Yes....Championship. ��

I don’t think that it is going to be necessary for Scruggs to be the high scorer night after night. While he can get hot on some nights, he has not shown that he can be consistent. However, I believe that this team has many more players capable of scoring in double figures, than the last two teams had. X is not going to have to rely on Scruggs getting his points in order for the TEAM to score points. His assist to turnover rate may turn out to much more important than his scoring, when it comes to how well the team offense runs.

[xu82]

I don’t think that it is going to be necessary for Scruggs to be the high scorer night after night. While he can get hot on some nights, he has not shown that he can be consistent. However, I believe that this team has many more players capable of scoring in double figures, than the last two teams had. X is not going to have to rely on Scruggs getting his points in order for the TEAM to score points. His assist to turnover rate may turn out to much more important than his scoring, when it comes to how well the team offense runs.

THIS is exactly the way I see it. I don’t want him being the next Naji or Q jacking up shots. I wish both of those guys all the best, but I saw a different and better style of basketball today. I’m NOT getting carried away after one game against Oakland, but it looked and felt different than anything I saw last year. In a very good way! The ball moved, the “shooters” made shots, we valued the ball more......... a much more enjoyable experience.

[Dblue]

THIS is exactly the way I see it. I don’t want him being the next Naji or Q jacking up shots. I wish both of those guys all the best, but I saw a different and better style of basketball today. I’m NOT getting carried away after one game against Oakland, but it looked and felt different than anything I saw last year. In a very good way! The ball moved, the “shooters” made shots, we valued the ball more......... a much more enjoyable experience.

Agreed! I am actually more encouraged by how he handled the game. His shot wasn't falling early on, so instead of forcing the issue and wasting possessions shooting through it, he found the open teammate. In my mind, as long as the leader impacts the game while the teammates are getting points, there is very little to be concerned with in a game never really in jeopardy (I'd say 10 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 steals is a decent impact).

[Xville]

Next someone is going to be bitching that we didnt attempt enough free throws. Geezus, they won by 50...save the handwringing for another time.

[X-band '01]

I'm just happy to read handwringing again (for a little while).

[bobbiemcgee]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1p9LfIVcBJY

press conf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozeSzqlu3Wk

highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqV6HHpF4oA

Nate and Zach

[Final4]

Obviously a very small sample size. Having said that, we played 8 yesterday and every single player deserved the minutes they got. What if Stanley and Kunkel were eligible and Jones and CJ were available. How in the world do you manage those minutes? Great problem to have.