Travis Discussion

[XUGRAD80]

It’s been said that when things get tough, you find out who your real friends (or fans) are. The kind of people (fans) that will stick with you when things are at it’s bleakest and the challenges are the hardest.

If some people (fans) want to turn away when the first real difficulties arise in the last 40 years come about, let them.

I happen to believe that sometimes you’re better off cutting you loses and moving on without the front runners that tuck their tails and run when the first signs of adversity rear their heads and they don’t like the way things are being done. Sure, it absolutely their decision what they want to do with their time and money, and if they want to support or not support you (the program). I just have a lot more respect for those people who support you (or the program) in the worst of times, the same way they do in the best of times.

[Masterofreality]

They lost 5 of their last 6 going into the tournament...


Don’t let facts get in the way.

They lost to 4 teams ranked in the Top 12 in the Country and beat the 13th ranked team on the road...in arguably the toughest league in America in that stretch. The only one of those ranked losses that was by more than 4 points was to Kansas by 7 in the B12 tournament. Yeah, FACTS!
They made the Tournament and won after losing to us. If you don’t think that is getting better I don’t know what to tell you.

Meanwhile Xavier lost 4 of 5 to garbage competition. That is not getting better.

[drudy23]

It’s been said that when things get tough, you find out who your real friends (or fans) are. The kind of people (fans) that will stick with you when things are at it’s bleakest and the challenges are the hardest.

If some people (fans) want to turn away when the first real difficulties arise in the last 40 years come about, let them.

I happen to believe that sometimes you’re better off cutting you loses and moving on without the front runners that tuck their tails and run when the first signs of adversity rear their heads and they don’t like the way things are being done. Sure, it absolutely their decision what they want to do with their time and money, and if they want to support or not support you (the program). I just have a lot more respect for those people who support you (or the program) in the worst of times, the same way they do in the best of times.

Most posters here are die hard fans. Even with the struggles, no one is cutting and running.

[Xville]

It’s been said that when things get tough, you find out who your real friends (or fans) are. The kind of people (fans) that will stick with you when things are at it’s bleakest and the challenges are the hardest.

If some people (fans) want to turn away when the first real difficulties arise in the last 40 years come about, let them.

I happen to believe that sometimes you’re better off cutting you loses and moving on without the front runners that tuck their tails and run when the first signs of adversity rear their heads and they don’t like the way things are being done. Sure, it absolutely their decision what they want to do with their time and money, and if they want to support or not support you (the program). I just have a lot more respect for those people who support you (or the program) in the worst of times, the same way they do in the best of times.

In fairyland, that’s all well and good. However, Xavier is in big time college basketball and they need the money and support. I’m not speaking to the posters here because I don’t think 99% are going anywhere because we are diehard fans, but I think x is heading down a very slippery slope from a program standpoint unless things turn around.

I tend to think ticketa will be just fine next year because like myself, most are starving for an in person experience, but if things go where they are trending, the following year could get very interesting and potentially dangerous

[JEHARDI]

Yes. His resume is really similar to Steele’s. Was that your point? What a moronic post.

His team took 31 3’s last night - 51% of their shots when nothing was falling. We have heard incessantly on this board that a good coach would not allow that to happen....
Even with a NC, Bennett cannot recruit guys that can play defense and score, how does that happen? I am sure some of the posters I mentioned know the answer why though because they seem to know the game better than those making a living in it.

[JEHARDI]

You’re a clown.

I recognize you are a little slow on the draw but I am just pointing out the absurdity of the fact that you seem to have an answer for everything based on what you watch on tv and read on a board....

[Masterofreality]

MOR saying they got better as season went along but they lost 5 of last 6. Those two don’t really go together.


They lost to 4 teams ranked in the Top 12 in the Country and beat the 13th ranked team on the road...in arguably the toughest league in America in that stretch. The only one of those ranked losses that was by more than 4 points was to Kansas by 7 in the B12 tournament. Yeah, FACTS!
They made the Tournament and won after losing to us. If you don’t think that is getting better I don’t know what to tell you.

Meanwhile Xavier lost 4 of 5 to garbage competition. That is not getting better.

Yeah. They kinda do.

[xavierj]

Yeah. They kinda do.

That’s what happens when you are not pulling in 5 stars and have 4 seniors 2 juniors and a sophomore in the top 7. Get older and stay older. It helps

[Xville]

I recognize you are a little slow on the draw but I am just pointing out the absurdity of the fact that you seem to have an answer for everything based on what you watch on tv and read on a board....

Gee thank you for your insight. I understood the absurdity of your post but thank you for doubling down.

[Xavier]

Yeah. They kinda do.

Hand up- I was wrong. They definitely seemed to get better, looking at scores and who they beat. Hard to believe X throttled them.

[Masterofreality]

Hand up- I was wrong. They definitely seemed to get better, looking at scores and who they beat. Hard to believe X throttled them.

Thank you sir! #Respect

[Strange Brew]

Thank you sir! #Respect

Try to be the King but the Ace is back! Sounds like they forgot about MFing M-O-R...:)

[paulxu]

For some perspective (maybe not helpful):
Wright in first 3 seasons at Nova 21-27
Steele's first 3 seasons 23-26

Hoping he has learned a lot and we'll see better days.

[AviatorX]

For some perspective (maybe not helpful):
Wright in first 3 seasons at Nova 21-27
Steele's first 3 seasons 23-26

Hoping he has learned a lot and we'll see better days.

This has been covered, but by this point Jay Wright had brought in multiple players who ended up as all Americans and first round draft picks. He also went to the Elite 8 and Final Four in years 4 and 5 and was successful prior to getting to Nova. So probably wishful thinking for that trajectory unless you’re really high on the current X roster.

[Xville]

His team took 31 3’s last night - 51% of their shots when nothing was falling. We have heard incessantly on this board that a good coach would not allow that to happen....
Even with a NC, Bennett cannot recruit guys that can play defense and score, how does that happen? I am sure some of the posters I mentioned know the answer why though because they seem to know the game better than those making a living in it.

Im sure you know all of this but For one, Virginia consistently has one of the best defenses every year, and the reason they don’t have high scoring outputs or consistent offense is because of their very deliberate pace that they play. His entire philosophy is built on an extremely slow pace, that is heavily reliant on efficiency which leaves little margin for error. I personally hate the way they play, and think it’s boring ass basketball, but can’t argue with a NC and just how efficient they were two years ago.

[paulxu]

This has been covered, but by this point Jay Wright had brought in multiple players who ended up as all Americans and first round draft picks. He also went to the Elite 8 and Final Four in years 4 and 5 and was successful prior to getting to Nova. So probably wishful thinking for that trajectory unless you’re really high on the current X roster.

Very true.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Made no difference. Krutwig would have shut him down anyway.

Just watch the beauty of how they play. That’s all I’m saying. No statistics, just watch.

Gotta say MOR, today was my first time watching Loyola and wow. Great defensively and tons of screens and movement offensively.

Porter Moser was an assistant at SLU under Majerus when I was in school there. He left the year before Majerus passed for Loyola or else he would probably be SLU's coach today.

[drudy23]

Gotta say MOR, today was my first time watching Loyola and wow. Great defensively and tons of screens and movement offensively.

Porter Moser was an assistant at SLU under Majerus when I was in school there. He left the year before Majerus passed for Loyola or else he would probably be SLU's coach today.

This isn't crazy talk - they can win the whole thing. Definitely Final Four material.

[Masterofreality]

@
Gotta say MOR, today was my first time watching Loyola and wow. Great defensively and tons of screens and movement offensively.

Porter Moser was an assistant at SLU under Majerus when I was in school there. He left the year before Majerus passed for Loyola or else he would probably be SLU's coach today.

Rick Majerus is always underrated by the general public, but not by Coaches.
An amazing X and O guy who also knew how to motivate his players- but he was tough as hell and took no iish. Some guys didn’t like it and left, but his teams played hard ala Bobby Knight. He took UTAH to the NCAA championship game, and Utah has done zero since. He learned under Al McGuire and is in the BBall HOF. Anybody who studied under him will know their stuff after being with him.

[XUBison]

It’s been said that when things get tough, you find out who your real friends (or fans) are. The kind of people (fans) that will stick with you when things are at it’s bleakest and the challenges are the hardest.

If some people (fans) want to turn away when the first real difficulties arise in the last 40 years come about, let them.

I happen to believe that sometimes you’re better off cutting you loses and moving on without the front runners that tuck their tails and run when the first signs of adversity rear their heads and they don’t like the way things are being done. Sure, it absolutely their decision what they want to do with their time and money, and if they want to support or not support you (the program). I just have a lot more respect for those people who support you (or the program) in the worst of times, the same way they do in the best of times.

Please, let’s not conflate fandom with character.

[XUBison]

His team took 31 3’s last night - 51% of their shots when nothing was falling. We have heard incessantly on this board that a good coach would not allow that to happen....
Even with a NC, Bennett cannot recruit guys that can play defense and score, how does that happen? I am sure some of the posters I mentioned know the answer why though because they seem to know the game better than those making a living in it.

I sometimes wonder if people here post this crap because they believe it, or because they’re simply looking for attention. Either way, it’s embarrassing .

[IM4X]

For some perspective (maybe not helpful):
Wright in first 3 seasons at Nova 21-27
Steele's first 3 seasons 23-26

Hoping he has learned a lot and we'll see better days.

Ysah-me too... but unfortunately the last three games of the season (especially the 2nd half of the last game of the season) does not appear to support that notion.

[D-West & PO-Z]

@

Rick Majerus is always underrated by the general public, but not by Coaches.
An amazing X and O guy who also knew how to motivate his players- but he was tough as hell and took no iish. Some guys didn’t like it and left, but his teams played hard ala Bobby Knight. He took UTAH to the NCAA championship game, and Utah has done zero since. He learned under Al McGuire and is in the BBall HOF. Anybody who studied under him will know their stuff after being with him.

Oh ya, Majerus is an all timer. Probably one of the most underrated coaches in history.

I have a couple very funny personal moments with Majerus during my time at SLU. He was awesome, a man of the people, the opposite of snobby, stuck up, or too good for you.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Oh ya, Majerus is an all timer. Probably one of the most underrated coaches in history.

I have a couple very funny personal moments with Majerus during my time at SLU. He was awesome, a man of the people, the opposite of snobby, stuck up, or too good for you.

To add to this, Majerus took over a total shit show of a program at SLU and in 5 years got them to a top 10 team exactly like he predicted he would. Unfortunately he had to step down at the beginning of that top 10 year and then passed.

[Mrs. Garrett]

Gotta say MOR, today was my first time watching Loyola and wow. Great defensively and tons of screens and movement offensively.

Porter Moser was an assistant at SLU under Majerus when I was in school there. He left the year before Majerus passed for Loyola or else he would probably be SLU's coach today.

Loyola gave Moser a little more time to get it going than a lot of programs would have and now they are reaping the benefits of that.

[GoMuskies]

They did, but Loyola was a complete dumpster fire when he arrived, too.

[Xavier]

Gotta say MOR, today was my first time watching Loyola and wow. Great defensively and tons of screens and movement offensively.



Yep. Hand up again- MOR was right about him. The defense was nasty, and the offense was solid enough. Makes a difference having a big that can distribute so well, but you can see a clear plan that the entire team bought into there. Add that to the list of things I was wrong about, MOR. That is a clearly well coached team, something we have not seen in awhile.

[bobbiemcgee]

RETURNEES
* Scruggs?
*Nate Johnson
*Adam Kunkel
*Ben Stanley
*Zach Freemantle
*Dwon Odom
*Colby Jones

IN
*Cesare Edwards
*Elijah Tucker

Somewhat optimistic about the returnees. Need some muscle down low obviously and much better Coaching FOR SURE. I know it was an awful season for Steele with all the layoffs but other teams seemed to fight thru it a lot better. People ask me what "what happened to Xavier?" (Blank stare)

[BandAid]

You forgot Miles in your “returnee” list. Unless you know something...

[D-West & PO-Z]

Hey maybe Matta would want to be a special assistant?? He had a deal with IU to be next head coach but apparently failed a physical.

https://indiana.rivals.com/news/sources-thad-matta-fails-physical-after-agreeing-to-deal-with-indiana

[xuphan]

Hey maybe Matta would want to be a special assistant?? He had a deal with IU to be next head coach but apparently failed a physical.

https://indiana.rivals.com/news/sources-thad-matta-fails-physical-after-agreeing-to-deal-with-indiana

I’ve never heard a coach not getting a job because they failed a physical. Learn something new everyday.

[bleedXblue]

Hey maybe Matta would want to be a special assistant?? He had a deal with IU to be next head coach but apparently failed a physical.

https://indiana.rivals.com/news/sources-thad-matta-fails-physical-after-agreeing-to-deal-with-indiana

Well that shouldn't have been a surprise for IU. What a cluster that program has become since Knight left

[boozehound]

Oh ya, Majerus is an all timer. Probably one of the most underrated coaches in history.

I have a couple very funny personal moments with Majerus during my time at SLU. He was awesome, a man of the people, the opposite of snobby, stuck up, or too good for you.

Plus he (allegedly) shit in a towel during a team meeting. That’s hardcore. #Respect.

In all seriousness, Majerus and Martelli were easily my two favorite opposing coaches from the A-10 days.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Plus he (allegedly) shit in a towel during a team meeting. That’s hardcore. #Respect.

In all seriousness, Majerus and Martelli were easily my two favorite opposing coaches from the A-10 days.

Have I have heard and read that story. Apparently he treated managers not well per rumors. That would really surprise me. Him shitting in a towel would not surprise me in the least.

[IM4X]

From the article about Matta not passing the physical:

“It is unclear what the next step for Matta, just 53 years old, will be who has cited back and leg/foot injuries as some of the main issues keeping him from the sidelines over the last few seasons.”

Sure seems like being a head coach still isn’t in the cards for him right now because of his health- so why not allow him to ease his way back into coaching in a way that allows him more flexibility and less pressure. Sure seems like a perfect fit for him. We are down a few assistants. It’s like he was destined to come back and help X again.

Been saying it for years. Reach out to the man who’s been to two final fours and who’s taken X to their first elite eight. Pay him what he wants to be a special assistant who can be a mentor to Steele and help him tweak the issues on the court and the issues he is having as a head coach - He can use his talents to help out the school that helped him become a household name and maybe build faith in other schools that he can be a head coach again. It sure seems like a no brainer and perfect timing.

[bleedXblue]

from the article about matta not passing the physical:

“it is unclear what the next step for matta, just 53 years old, will be who has cited back and leg/foot injuries as some of the main issues keeping him from the sidelines over the last few seasons.”

sure seems like being a head coach still isn’t in the cards for him right now because of his health- so why not allow him to ease his way back into coaching in a way that allows him more flexibility and less pressure. Sure seems like a perfect fit for him. We are down a few assistants. It’s like he was destined to come back and help x again.

Been saying it for years. Reach out to the man who’s been to two final fours and who’s taken x to their first elite eight. Pay him what he wants to be a special assistant who can be a mentor to steele and help him tweak the issues on the court and the issues he is having as a head coach - he can use his talents to help out the school that helped him become a household name and maybe build faith in other schools that he can be a head coach again. It sure seems like a no brainer and perfect timing.

lol

[murray87]

I'd say that Thad is a very old 53.

[JTG]

I'd love to have Matta on the staff,but for Steele that would be like inviting a fox into a hen house. Will we be surprised if he reaches out to Murray and Gaudio ? Recruiting season will be ramping up soon, he needs to find some guys to teach the players we have left while he's out on the road finding players.

[Blue Blooded-05]

From the article about Matta not passing the physical:

“It is unclear what the next step for Matta, just 53 years old, will be who has cited back and leg/foot injuries as some of the main issues keeping him from the sidelines over the last few seasons.”

Sure seems like being a head coach still isn’t in the cards for him right now because of his health- so why not allow him to ease his way back into coaching in a way that allows him more flexibility and less pressure. Sure seems like a perfect fit for him. We are down a few assistants. It’s like he was destined to come back and help X again.

Been saying it for years. Reach out to the man who’s been to two final fours and who’s taken X to their first elite eight. Pay him what he wants to be a special assistant who can be a mentor to Steele and help him tweak the issues on the court and the issues he is having as a head coach - He can use his talents to help out the school that helped him become a household name and maybe build faith in other schools that he can be a head coach again. It sure seems like a no brainer and perfect timing.

I love your optimism and hope this happens... but... I wouldn’t get your hopes up...

Other than the name Xavier, Thad has no familiarity with the university. Who is going to make this call? Fr Graham, Mike Bobinski, Dawn Rogers, Sean Miller, John Groce, Alan Major... all gone now. I think Mario was an undergrad student manager in 2004. Doubt that’ll tap into his sentimental.

Matta agreed to terms with IU, which is one of the biggest microscope positions on all of college basketball. He clearly thinks he can still be a big time head coach. Guys like Phil Martelli (Michigan) or Gene Keady (St. John’s) knew they were past their prime and just wanted to coach basketball without the b/s. If Matta thinks he can bring IU back from despair, I find it highly unlikely he would be willing to go back to a place where he used to be in charge and take orders from an unproven coach on a short leash.

Lastly, I just don’t think Matta ever gave Xavier a second thought after leaving. We were a jumping off point for him. His middle school girlfriend. Look back and appreciate what it was at the time if you want, but there is very little relevance to today.

[drudy23]

Wow, that sucks for Matta.

Agree that he could be great for X but who knows if he evens wants an Asst job - it's obvious he still wants to be a head coach with this news.

And if Trav isn't willing to hire people that may be smarter than him, he is destined to fail. It doesn't mean he's not in charge. I'd venture to guess Juwan Howard is ecstatic he has Martelli on the bench with him.

[boozehound]

Have I have heard and read that story. Apparently he treated managers not well per rumors. That would really surprise me. Him shitting in a towel would not surprise me in the least.

I think it was a rumor someone posted during the old A-10 board days. Can't really remember much more about it, though.

[boozehound]

Wow, that sucks for Matta.

Agree that he could be great for X but who knows if he evens wants an Asst job - it's obvious he still wants to be a head coach with this news.

And if Trav isn't willing to hire people that may be smarter than him, he is destined to fail. It doesn't mean he's not in charge. I'd venture to guess Juwan Howard is ecstatic he has Martelli on the bench with him.

It's a little different in that nobody is firing Howard to give the reins to Martelli. If Matta was on staff under Steele on the other hand...

[JTG]

This Matta IU story is all bullshit. If he had to take a physical to be a coach, there would be lawyers lined up from Bloomington to Indy to sue IU for ADA discrimination.

[IM4X]

I love your optimism and hope this happens... but... I wouldn’t get your hopes up...

Other than the name Xavier, Thad has no familiarity with the university. Who is going to make this call? Fr Graham, Mike Bobinski, Dawn Rogers, Sean Miller, John Groce, Alan Major... all gone now. I think Mario was an undergrad student manager in 2004. Doubt that’ll tap into his sentimental.

Matta agreed to terms with IU, which is one of the biggest microscope positions on all of college basketball. He clearly thinks he can still be a big time head coach. Guys like Phil Martelli (Michigan) or Gene Keady (St. John’s) knew they were past their prime and just wanted to coach basketball without the b/s. If Matta thinks he can bring IU back from despair, I find it highly unlikely he would be willing to go back to a place where he used to be in charge and take orders from an unproven coach on a short leash.

Lastly, I just don’t think Matta ever gave Xavier a second thought after leaving. We were a jumping off point for him. His middle school girlfriend. Look back and appreciate what it was at the time if you want, but there is very little relevance to today.

Very valid points about it being a different administration now than when he was HC coach at X. Also, I completely get how Thad wants to be a head coach - but clearly right now he is not able to get any school to buy into believing he is healthy enough to be “all in” as a HC (at least when it comes to the big boys where there will be a substantial amount amount of money involved). The thing is, if he could show that he can help a team get back on track next season- it may be enough to convince a Power 5 school that not only does he still have the winning touch but that he can also be a HC who just needs to get things done a little differently.

[94GRAD]

This Matta IU story is all bullshit. If he had to take a physical to be a coach, there would be lawyers lined up from Bloomington to Indy to sue IU for ADA discrimination.

I believe the story is false, but he left Ohio State because of health issues. I'm sure as hell the next head coaching job he gets(if he gets one) there will be a physical!!!

[boozehound]

I believe the story is false, but he left Ohio State because of health issues. I'm sure as hell the next head coaching job he gets(if he gets one) there will be a physical!!!

Yeah - I'm not really sure how that works, but I would imagine you could ask for a physical if you wanted to. NFL players have to pass a physical. No reason I can think of that you couldn't require it of a coach.

[IM4X]

Wow, that sucks for Matta.

Agree that he could be great for X but who knows if he evens wants an Asst job - it's obvious he still wants to be a head coach with this news.

And if Trav isn't willing to hire people that may be smarter than him, he is destined to fail. It doesn't mean he's not in charge. I'd venture to guess Juwan Howard is ecstatic he has Martelli on the bench with him.

Martelli is a pretty good example of how this could work - Matta and X could be an even better situation

A) Matta coached at X and already had success there
B) Matta has made it to two Final Fours
C) Matta is much younger than Martelli- assisting 1 year could help get him a HC gig next year

Also, maybe Xavier/Steele can set up a way to work around his leg and back issues.

Anyway- it just seems like it could be the right time and the right situation for both X/Steele and Matta

[D-West & PO-Z]

I believe the story is false, but he left Ohio State because of health issues. I'm sure as hell the next head coaching job he gets(if he gets one) there will be a physical!!!

100%. Even the writers who have refuted the original story said the physical part would have been something IU wanted but they deny IU offered him and that a physical ever took place.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It's a little different in that nobody is firing Howard to give the reins to Martelli. If Matta was on staff under Steele on the other hand...

Bingo. The moment Matta stepped on campus a very larger % of the fan base would want him to replace Steele as head coach. That is completely different than Martelli and Howard.

[bjf123]

I'd say that Thad is a very old 53.

I would have thought he was closer to 60.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GoMuskies]

Yeah - I'm not really sure how that works, but I would imagine you could ask for a physical if you wanted to. NFL players have to pass a physical. No reason I can think of that you couldn't require it of a coach.

Because there's no reasonable accommodation you can make for a physically infirm NFL football player. There are PLENTY of reasonable accommodations you can make for a basketball coach with health issues.

[SM#24]

Lastly, I just don’t think Matta ever gave Xavier a second thought after leaving. We were a jumping off point for him. His middle school girlfriend. Look back and appreciate what it was at the time if you want, but there is very little relevance to today.

Thad Matta loves Xavier and has nothing but good feelings about the place. He actually sent one of his daughters to X (maybe it was both).

[boozehound]

Because there's no reasonable accommodation you can make for a physically infirm NFL football player. There are PLENTY of reasonable accommodations you can make for a basketball coach with health issues.

I would think it would depend on what the health issues are right? For example, if a coach had a significant heart condition I would think it may not be a good idea for them to be coaching at all. Which seems a like a reasonable thing to screen for when entering into a contract worth $10's of millions of dollars.

If it's something like 'you have a foot injury and need a wheelchair', then I would agree that you can make reasonable accommodations.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Because there's no reasonable accommodation you can make for a physically infirm NFL football player. There are PLENTY of reasonable accommodations you can make for a basketball coach with health issues.

What accommodations can you make for Matta who could no longer participate in recruiting trips/visits?

[Blue Blooded-05]

Thad Matta loves Xavier and has nothing but good feelings about the place. He actually sent one of his daughters to X (maybe it was both).

Interesting. I did not know that. If true, I stand corrected.

[IM4X]

It's a little different in that nobody is firing Howard to give the reins to Martelli. If Matta was on staff under Steele on the other hand...

Hey - do we all want to get back to winning or not.

Anyway, there are other ways to keep that from becoming an issue. First things first. Coach could use his services. Make him his Assistant Head Coach and official Consigliere.

[SM#24]

Instead of being a formal assistant coach, Thad is brought into a new position of Senior Advisor (thus he doesn't recruit) and we pay him whatever it takes since the line of people willing to donate to fund that stretches for miles. I think this board alone would provide the funds.

[xudash]

Instead of being a formal assistant coach, Thad is brought into a new position of Senior Advisor (thus he doesn't recruit) and we pay him whatever it takes since the line of people willing to donate to fund that stretches for miles. I think this board alone would provide the funds.

It’s on the job training, so Travis can kick in, too.

[drudy23]

Instead of being a formal assistant coach, Thad is brought into a new position of Senior Advisor (thus he doesn't recruit) and we pay him whatever it takes since the line of people willing to donate to fund that stretches for miles. I think this board alone would provide the funds.

Agreed, if he chose X as an assistant, this would be the deal. He's not going to want to go out and recruit and that's fine.

[GoMuskies]

What accommodations can you make for Matta who could no longer participate in recruiting trips/visits?

Microsoft Teams just like the rest of us!

[boozehound]

Hey - do we all want to get back to winning or not.

Anyway, there are other ways to keep that from becoming an issue. First things first. Coach could use his services. Make him his Assistant Head Coach and official Consigliere.

I mean, I think we all think it would be great if Matta came back to Xavier as an assistant coach, but it seems like a pretty extreme pipe dream to me. Shit, if you are going to do that just hire him to be the head coach and have his assistants do all of the recruiting like (I think) Huggins has been doing for a while now. He can meet with a couple of recruits per year if he needs to close the deal and stay out of it otherwise.

[JEHARDI]

Thad Matta loves Xavier and has nothing but good feelings about the place. He actually sent one of his daughters to X (maybe it was both).

Thad lives in Indy, he has one daughter at Butler now. I ran into him at Hinkle a year ago February during the X game. Not sure where the other daughter went.

[bleedXblue]

Thad lives in Indy, he has one daughter at Butler now. I ran into him at Hinkle a year ago February during the X game. Not sure where the other daughter went.

Thad must have 10M in the bank. Why the hell would you live in Indy or anywhere in the midwest? Sort of kidding. Hoping he has a big old beach house somewhere in Florida.

[Xavier]

Thad coming back as a head coach seems like a complete pipe dream....but coming back as a special assistant for Travis? Even more unrealistic.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Thad coming back as a head coach seems like a complete pipe dream....but coming back as a special assistant for Travis? Even more unrealistic.

Yeah, I get the discussion and the idea that is being presented, but actually thinking it is realistic is the type of delusion that would cause other fanbases to be making fun of us on their boards. Think how one of us would see something ridiculous on UD Pride and bring it back here for us to make fun of them.

[XUGRAD80]

Yeah, I get the discussion and the idea that is being presented, but actually thinking it is realistic is the type of delusion that would cause other fanbases to be making fun of us on their boards. Think how one of us would see something ridiculous on UD Pride and bring it back here for us to make fun of them.

Does anyone really care what other fans think of us? Should we? There is not an instrument sensitive enough to measure the amount of care that I have for what the people at UD Pride, or any other board, think about discussions on this board. It would never even cross my mind to care. In fact, I didn’t even know that people from UD were technically sophisticated enough to even access a computer, let alone set up and run a message board. They must have hired someone to do it for them. :whistle:

[D-West & PO-Z]

Does anyone really care what other fans think of us? Should we? There is not an instrument sensitive enough to measure the amount of care that I have for what the people at UD Pride, or any other board, think about discussions on this board. It would never even cross my mind to care. In fact, I didn’t even know that people from UD were technically sophisticated enough to even access a computer, let alone set up and run a message board. They must have hired someone to do it for them. :whistle:

I am not saying I care nor do I think anyone else should. More so pointing out the ridiculousness in actually thinking Thad Matta would come back to be a "special assistant" to Travis Steele. It's ludicrous. Totally get the point in finding someone in a role like that but to think it would actually be Thad, to me is completely unrealistic.

[XUGRAD80]

I am not saying I care nor do I think anyone else should. More so pointing out the ridiculousness in actually thinking Thad Matta would come back to be a "special assistant" to Travis Steele. It's ludicrous. Totally get the point in finding someone in a role like that but to think it would actually be Thad, to me is completely unrealistic.

I get it, I was just poking a little fun at the idea that UD (or any other message board) matters in any way, shape, or form.

In regards to Matta. I thought he was a fool to take the OSU job when he did, but it worked out well for a few years there. I think he is an excellent coach though and would love to have him on the bench at X. However, I don’t think that will happen because I think that Matta only wants to be a Head Coach. I think that once you’re the head coach, and are a successful one, you are not going to be happy being the assistant. I expect Matta will be a head coach next year, but at a lower level school where the pressures and the travel aren’t so taxing. He’s only 53. Now, if he was 63 or 73, he might consider being a special assistant for a few years before he fully retires. But he’s been sitting around now for a few years and I’m sure he has the fire back and wants back in the game as the man in charge. I can’t see him taking an assistants job now.

[drudy23]

Did we land a big guy yet?

[IM4X]

I mean, I think we all think it would be great if Matta came back to Xavier as an assistant coach, but it seems like a pretty extreme pipe dream to me. Shit, if you are going to do that just hire him to be the head coach and have his assistants do all of the recruiting like (I think) Huggins has been doing for a while now. He can meet with a couple of recruits per year if he needs to close the deal and stay out of it otherwise.

Most things in life that are worth doing seem like a pipe dream.

Like the other basketball programs, I don’t see X would be okay with signing him to a multiyear head coach contract until they knew he was capable of doing the job for several years. This is a perfect way for Matta to show he can still do the things he will absolutely have to do as a HC: be at practices and sit on the bench during games. If he proves he can make it through the year, while helping X get back to the tournament, then schools will be more comfortable hiring him. If he can’t handle all of the practices or sit through all of the games, then at least he can still be a big help to Steele with strategy and lineups and other trouble areas and get paid for it.

If Steele reaches out to Matta and is able to get him to commit to some form of special assistant role, I see a Steele who could be on his way to being a better coach. Think of Travis as a young Jedi still in need of much knowledge and training. Well Thad Matta is that perfect older and wiser master Jedi coach to teach it to him... and help him get better at using the force to get to that elusive final four.

[xuphan]

Did we land a big guy yet?

We did not land Walker Kessler yet.

[bobbiemcgee]

Thad coming back as a head coach seems like a complete pipe dream....but coming back as a special assistant for Travis? Even more unrealistic.

Maybe Steele can come back as a special assistant to Matta, you know, somebody to push his wheelchair.

[XUBison]

Maybe Steele can come back as a special assistant to Matta, you know, somebody to push his wheelchair.

Won’t need him. Those things are motorized now.

[IM4X]

We did not land Walker Kessler yet.

Gonzaga was supposedly the favorite for where he’d land but they already have a big 7 foot Center coming in next year, don’t they? Do they really need two?

[murray87]

Gonzaga has it on auto-pilot for a continuous supply of big dudes. I guess success helps in that area.

[xavierj]

Gonzaga has it on auto-pilot for a continuous supply of big dudes. I guess success helps in that area.

Yes they are going to continue to be really good. They will most likely land the #1 and #6 players in the country for the 2021 class. Crazy.

[boozehound]

Most things in life that are worth doing seem like a pipe dream.

Like the other basketball programs, I don’t see X would be okay with signing him to a multiyear head coach contract until they knew he was capable of doing the job for several years. This is a perfect way for Matta to show he can still do the things he will absolutely have to do as a HC: be at practices and sit on the bench during games. If he proves he can make it through the year, while helping X get back to the tournament, then schools will be more comfortable hiring him. If he can’t handle all of the practices or sit through all of the games, then at least he can still be a big help to Steele with strategy and lineups and other trouble areas and get paid for it.

If Steele reaches out to Matta and is able to get him to commit to some form of special assistant role, I see a Steele who could be on his way to being a better coach. Think of Travis as a young Jedi still in need of much knowledge and training. Well Thad Matta is that perfect older and wiser master Jedi coach to teach it to him... and help him get better at using the force to get to that elusive final four.

Listen - I'm all for Travis Steele reaching out to Matta to come back as a special assistant. He can reach out to Sean Miller and Chris Mack too. Maybe they both want to come back and be on his staff? Go big or go home, right? I don't think anybody is arguing that this wouldn't be great for Xavier - just that it doesn't seem very likely.

Also - I don't agree that Xavier, or another similar caliber program, wouldn't sign Thad Matta to a multiyear deal without him 'proving himself'. As far as we know right now the whole 'he failed a physical' thing at IU is just a rumor, and they may likely still hire him. If Xavier was looking for a coach and could land Matta to multiyear deal, I think they would. They might not ink a 10 year megadeal, but I'll bet they'd give him 3 years.

[bleedXblue]

All this talk about Matta is laughable..........honestly please stop.

Travis is coming back next year. He will go out and grab some up and comers for his assistant roles. No way in hell he hires his replacement in the form of some proven head coach that can help him with the X's and O's.

Next year he has to show that his "system" is going to work and set us up for the future, or it isn't.

I would have been fine this year playing our youth and developing them for next year and the year after. I think it would have produced very similar results regardless. He went the other way and it backfired in a big way. I just don't see it next year unless we somehow pull in some stud transfers. You never know. The "shine" has been dulled a bit on the program and the word is likely out that Steele's seat is getting warm. Not a great place to recruit from.

[IM4X]

“Few” can do it better.

What’s even more impressive is that he’s doing it without being able to use “You’ll be playing in a top tier basketball conference” as a recruiting tool.

[Xavier]

Yes they are going to continue to be really good. They will most likely land the #1 and #6 players in the country for the 2021 class. Crazy.

I think it kind of makes sense, at least for the projected top picks in the NBA draft. As long as you are playing, you will look pretty good for Gonzaga. If you play at Kentucky you are more likely to be exposed. Just incredible what that program has done.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

No way in hell he hires his replacement in the form of some proven head coach

Interesting place to inject your passion and assuredness. I think you are more sure of that ("...no way in Hell...") than anyone around Victory Parkway.

[Xville]

I think it kind of makes sense, at least for the projected top picks in the NBA draft. As long as you are playing, you will look pretty good for Gonzaga. If you play at Kentucky you are more likely to be exposed. Just incredible what that program has done.

Do you mean not exposed because of the conference that the zags play in? If so, I agree this year but in most normal years, the zags play a pretty beefed up non-con so nba scouts have plenty of opportunity to judge during that time.

[JTG]

Question: comparing X and Gonzaga ? Should X have stayed in the MCC or A10 and won 25 to 30 games every season, like the Zags do in their crappy conference.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Question: comparing X and Gonzaga ? Should X have stayed in the MCC or A10 and won 25 to 30 games every season, like the Zags do in their crappy conference.

No. Doing that would not have made us Gonzaga. Mark Few not leaving is the biggest, among other reasons Gonzaga became Gonzaga.

Us staying in either of those conferences despite continuing to lose coaches would not have saved us.

I tend to think Miller would not have left if X was already in the Big East.

[Xville]

Question: comparing X and Gonzaga ? Should X have stayed in the MCC or A10 and won 25 to 30 games every season, like the Zags do in their crappy conference.

That’s an extremely loaded question with pros/cons on each side and the question I’d pose is to what end goal do you mean? Tourney success, financial, etc?

I’ll just say that gonzaga has geographical advantages that Xavier does not and the zags hit up the international market big time which helped them substantially. Gonzaga does not have the amount of programs to compete with out west that Xavier does just within a three hour radius

[Xavier]

Do you mean not exposed because of the conference that the zags play in? If so, I agree this year but in most normal years, the zags play a pretty beefed up non-con so nba scouts have plenty of opportunity to judge during that time.

Yeah definitely a good point about the non con, but I think scouts could overlook slight struggles in those games (Especially early) if they turn around and dominate the conference/make a run in the tournament.

I guess thinking about it- you get exposed regardless, scouts will figure it out either way. Maybe at least Few has a better system and roster construction for one or two guys to come in and fit right in while still being stars.

[Drew]

Gonzaga is the exception to the reality that conference affiliation matters. And even then, Gonzaga has only really been a true title contender these last five years. They deserve a ton of credit for what they're doing but I would not trade places with them long term.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

Question: comparing X and Gonzaga ? Should X have stayed in the MCC or A10 and won 25 to 30 games every season, like the Zags do in their crappy conference.

The interesting off-shoot to this question, in my mind, is this: What has improved the Brand (nationally) and Recruiting Awareness more, playing in the A10 but accompanying that with great non-conference schedules (and SUCCESS), or playing in the Big East. Worth noting as an asterisk to this, we had more success in the NCAA Tourney with the previous situation, that is inarguable, so that has to be factored in as well.

Has to be mentioned, the financial implications of being in the Big East vs the A10 are monumental for the Department and the Program, and that is obviously a MONSTER factor.

[GoMuskies]

Question: comparing X and Gonzaga ? Should X have stayed in the MCC or A10 and won 25 to 30 games every season, like the Zags do in their crappy conference.

Fuck no. There's a reason there's exactly one Gonzaga.

[XUGRAD80]

Thad Matta......As far as we know right now the whole 'he failed a physical' thing at IU is just a rumor, and they may likely still hire him.

It’s being reported as a fact by Rivals and others, not a rumor.

[GoMuskies]

Gonzaga is the exception to the reality that conference affiliation matters. And even then, Gonzaga has only really been a true title contender these last five years. They deserve a ton of credit for what they're doing but I would not trade places with them long term.

I mean, I'd trade places with them as long as Few will be there. They've been a better program than Xavier for 20 years. That's getting to be pretty long term.

[IM4X]

Listen - I'm all for Travis Steele reaching out to Matta to come back as a special assistant. He can reach out to Sean Miller and Chris Mack too. Maybe they both want to come back and be on his staff? Go big or go home, right? I don't think anybody is arguing that this wouldn't be great for Xavier - just that it doesn't seem very likely.

Also - I don't agree that Xavier, or another similar caliber program, wouldn't sign Thad Matta to a multiyear deal without him 'proving himself'. As far as we know right now the whole 'he failed a physical' thing at IU is just a rumor, and they may likely still hire him. If Xavier was looking for a coach and could land Matta to multiyear deal, I think they would. They might not ink a 10 year megadeal, but I'll bet they'd give him 3 years.

I suppose it is possible that some university might take a chance and offer a three year deal even with his health issues and after the IU situation. I should never say never. The Marquette job might even be a good fit. My point is, if I were Xavier’s AD I would be a very nervous and very hands on right now. There are schools with basketball programs perceived below X (like Georgia) who’ve fired their coach for being in Steele’s situation. Fox was fired after failing to lead Georgia to the NCAA tournament for a third consecutive season.

If I am Christopher, I would be thinking that getting into the tournament next season is a must. Period. I would not be simply accepting “I got this” from my head basketball coach knowing he’s said that to me three years now only to then say “We need to get better” at the tail end of each season. The team clearly needs a proven big man at Center who can defend and get rebounds. It also needs its coaches to develop players better and it needs its coaches to make some smarter decisions (strategy/lineups) during games. To that point, if there was a chance I could get my struggling HC some objective help from a great college basketball mind who might be free and willing to help next year, I would certainly push to make that happen.

And yes - this may all be something Matta is not interested in doing - but I certainly would not just assume it’s a pipe dream and not even try. If Matta passes on the idea, well at least you tried and you can move on to another way to try and help your HC be more successful next year.

[GoMuskies]

By the way, Xavier won 25 or more games in 9 of its 18 seasons in the A-10. Not exactly a given. Mack only did it in one of his 4 A-10 years (his first one).

[bleedXblue]

Interesting place to inject your passion and assuredness. I think you are more sure of that ("...no way in Hell...") than anyone around Victory Parkway.

Your suggesting that the decision on who Travis hires isn't 100% his.

Do tell what you know that the rest if us do not

[D-West & PO-Z]

Gonzaga is the exception to the reality that conference affiliation matters. And even then, Gonzaga has only really been a true title contender these last five years. They deserve a ton of credit for what they're doing but I would not trade places with them long term.

Yeah Gonzaga has taken a massive jump in the last 6 years. Before that, they had been to 2 sweet 16's in the previous 13 years.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I mean, I'd trade places with them as long as Few will be there. They've been a better program than Xavier for 20 years. That's getting to be pretty long term.

I would disagree with this. They have been a better program for the better part of the last decade but not the last 20 years.

Again the last 6 years have been as good as any team in the country, not named Villanova. But the previous 13 years was 2 sweet 16's.

[GoMuskies]

I would disagree with this. They have been a better program for the better part of the last decade but not the last 20 years.

Again the last 6 years have been as good as any team in the country, not named Villanova. But the previous 13 years was 2 sweet 16's.

Check out their seeding and the teams they beat in the non-conference. They lost some tough ones as a higher seed for a stretch, but they've been better than Xavier a long time. They won a game in every single one of the last 11 tournaments.

Hell, they went to three straight Sweet Sixteens at the turn of the century before Xavier had even made its second Sweet Sixteen appearance.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Check out their seeding and the teams they beat in the non-conference. They lost some tough ones as a higher seed for a stretch, but they've been better than Xavier a long time. They won a game in every single one of the last 11 tournaments.

There was a period of time where Gonzaga got a lot of hype but did terrible in the tournament, notably that 13 year stretch. I get the tourney is a crap shoot at times but a lot of a programs success or perceived success is tied to how they perform in the tournament.

In that 13 year stretch they were an average of a 6 seed and X was an average of a 7 seed. Gonzaga went to 2 sweet 16's and X went to 2 Elite 8's and 3 Sweet 16's.

Now Gonzaga did make it all 13 years in that stretch and we made it only 11 years, so they get some bonus points for that.

The last 6 years no doubt Gonzaga is light years ahead of X. Those previous 13 years though I would say are pretty even. And if you favor regular season results, slight edge to Gonzaga, if you favor NCAA tourney results, slight favor to X.

[GoMuskies]

But if you go three seasons deeper you get three more Gonzaga Sweet Sixteens (and another Elite Eight).

[D-West & PO-Z]

But if you go three seasons deeper you get three more Gonzaga Sweet Sixteens (and another Elite Eight).

True. I was just doing a 20 year period. Although I would list that as 2 sweet 16 and 1 elite 8.

If we did it the other way my previous Xavier stats would be 5 sweet 16's and 2 elite 8's.

[MHettel]

I’ll just say that gonzaga has geographical advantages that Xavier does not and the zags hit up the international market big time which helped them substantially. Gonzaga does not have the amount of programs to compete with out west that Xavier does just within a three hour radius

If there is anything that Gonzaga does NOT have, it's a geographical advantage. I've lived in Washington for the last 20 years, and I spent 2.5 years in Spokane. Spokane is a city of about 225K people. If you include Coeur d'Alene Idaho and the surround farm towns in a big radius, you can fin 500,000 people. A census study reported that Spokane was the 100th Largest city in the US.

What's worse is that Spokane is 280 miles from the closest city that is at least that size (Seattle). That's 5 hours away. Think about that. Start from Cincinnati and think about how many cities with 200,000 people that you could drive to within 5 hours.

There is NOTHING out there. Of course they don't have to compete against many teams, but there aren't that many people out there in the first place.
https://www.cloudynights.com/gallery/image/56792-night-us-map/

California is loaded, but there are about 24 NCAA D 1 teams tehre. The Pac 12 dominates the West Coast recruiting.

By the way, the Weather in Spokane SUCKS in the winter.

Spokane's location and weather works against them. It is not an advantage.

[Xville]

If there is anything that Gonzaga does NOT have, it's a geographical advantage. I've lived in Washington for the last 20 years, and I spent 2.5 years in Spokane. Spokane is a city of about 225K people. If you include Coeur d'Alene Idaho and the surround farm towns in a big radius, you can fin 500,000 people. A census study reported that Spokane was the 100th Largest city in the US.

What's worse is that Spokane is 280 miles from the closest city that is at least that size (Seattle). That's 5 hours away. Think about that. Start from Cincinnati and think about how many cities with 200,000 people that you could drive to within 5 hours.

There is NOTHING out there. Of course they don't have to compete against many teams, but there aren't that many people out there in the first place.
https://www.cloudynights.com/gallery/image/56792-night-us-map/

California is loaded, but there are about 24 NCAA D 1 teams tehre. The Pac 12 dominates the West Coast recruiting.

By the way, the Weather in Spokane SUCKS in the winter.

Spokane's location and weather works against them. It is not an advantage.

I wasn’t speaking to the weather or the city itself, I was speaking to the lack of competition for recruits. The only viable teams out there are Oregon, UCLA, Arizona, usc.. that’s really about it on a yearly basis.

[JTG]

I wasn’t speaking to the weather or the city itself, I was speaking to the lack of competition for recruits. The only viable teams out there are Oregon, UCLA, Arizona, usc.. that’s really about it on a yearly basis.

If you put X in the middle of a 280 mile radius, you have the BIG, Lou and ND of the ACC, UK and Tn of SEC, parts of the AAC, A10, MVC, MAC. and probably some others I'm forgetting. The Zags have the PAC10, and cows and horses, and that's it.

[boozehound]

If you put X in the middle of a 280 mile radius, you have the BIG, Lou and ND of the ACC, UK and Tn of SEC, parts of the AAC, A10, MVC, MAC. and probably some others I'm forgetting. The Zags have the PAC10, and cows and horses, and that's it.

But MHettel does have a point about the desirability of living in Spokane. Also - while it's true that there are no competing schools geographically close to Gonzaga, I don't think that they are getting the bulk of their recruits from the Washington/Idaho/Montana region.

I think their success in international recruiting as a big benefit for them. I'm not sure how much geographical advantage they are enjoying.

[MHettel]

I wasn’t speaking to the weather or the city itself, I was speaking to the lack of competition for recruits. The only viable teams out there are Oregon, UCLA, Arizona, usc.. that’s really about it on a yearly basis.

What I'm saying is that it's barren. Look at the link I provided.

Even if they were the only show in town, if there aren't any decent recruits it doesn't matter.

[BandAid]

Not to mention the Zags are also the west coast darling. Their games are regularly nationally televised to fill time slots

[paulxu]

Gonzaga stuff.
They do have 4 on the roster from overseas. But their scoring looks like this;

Kispert 19.2....Edmonds, WA
Timme 18.8....Richardson, TX
Suggs 14.1....St Paul,MN
Ayayi 11.9....Bordeaux, France
Nembhard 8.9....Aurora, ON
Watson 7.4....Spokane, WA

(you could make a case that recruiting in Texas is international recruiting.)

[OTRMUSKIE]

Gonzaga is the most overhyped team every year. Inflated pre-season ranking then cruise through their conference. Get a great seed. Win two games maybe 3 and done. Yes they made the final that one year but other that they are a faux major. Their OOC this year looks great on paper till you see it was ranked in the low 100’s. The thing the Zags have going for them is consistency. They are irrelevant as soon as Few leaves unless they can keep another coach around for 20 years.

[Xavier]

If they are overhyped then I’d kill to be overhyped.

[xu82]

Gonzaga is the most overhyped team every year. Inflated pre-season ranking then cruise through their conference. Get a great seed. Win two games maybe 3 and done. Yes they made the final that one year but other that they are a faux major. Their OOC this year looks great on paper till you see it was ranked in the low 100’s. The thing the Zags have going for them is consistency. They are irrelevant as soon as Few leaves unless they can keep another coach around for 20 years.

The most remarkable thing about Gonzaga is that.......Few doesn’t leave!

Maybe that changes, but he’s certainly had opportunities. Every time we had a good run we had to look over our shoulder and worry about who was coming to take our coach. I don’t think they have quite that anxiety level at Gonzaga. Good for them, I guess. I’m jealous.

[xu82]

If they are overhyped then I’d kill to be overhyped.


Amen!

[OTRMUSKIE]

I’m so sick of Gonzaga. They seem to always be national title contenders and every year they flame out. Yes I would love to have that problem at X. However, I still hate all the love they get. I hope Doug’s Dad destroys those overrated Zogs.

[IM4X]

Personally, I could never hate Gonzaga. The are a reminder to us all that the little guy can still find a way to the top doing things his own way. That you don’t have to be part of some large or exclusive establishment - just stay true to what makes you special, get really good at at it and good things can happen.

I mean I love that we are part of the Big East - it was my favorite big conference long before X joined- but I also respect the hell out of a small school like a Gonzaga who is completely happy playing the role of little David, knocking down giants their custom made sling shot.

They are X if we had one elite coach that never left together with the mindset that “We don’t need to change anything to continue to shine. We are happy being just being who we are.”

[OTRMUSKIE]

Take your talents to another team JC. X wasn’t a good fit for you. That could be on Steele but you should def go to a mid major and really have one more good year. College of Charleston would be a good fit. I’m sure Pat is looking for vets.

[GIMMFD]

Personally, I could never hate Gonzaga. The are a reminder to us all that the little guy can still find a way to the top doing things his own way. That you don’t have to be part of some large or exclusive establishment - just stay true to what makes you special, get really good at at it and good things can happen.

I mean I love that we are part of the Big East - it was my favorite big conference long before X joined- but I also respect the hell out of a small school like a Gonzaga who is completely happy playing the role of little David, knocking down giants their custom made sling shot.

They are X if we had one elite coach that never left together with the mindset that “We don’t need to change anything to continue to shine. We are happy being just being who we are.”

Yup, agreed, I think Gonzaga is proof that a program can be built up. Look at them now, getting 5 star recruits to Spokane. Cincinnati has appeal, and Xavier has tradition, I think the Gonzagas and Villanovas are good reminders of what can be accomplished. It also helps that Mark Few and Jay Wright are extremely likable people, and seem to do things the right way as well. Would love for X to have that type of leadership to get us to the next step, even though the chances are extremely slim.

[XUGRAD80]

If you look at Gonzaga and Villanova as the gold standards, the one thing they have in common is that they have a GREAT head coach. In fact, the same can be said for almost every successful program, business, community. Xavier has had some very good head coaches, but so far they have not had that GREAT one. For one thing, the very good ones have not stayed long enough to develop into greatness. Nor have any of them have left X and become GREAT at their next stop. It’s going to take finding that one that can be great, and then giving them all of the support (financially and otherwise) that it will take to get them to that level. But it starts with the head coach and finding one that has greatness inside of them. Lord only knows how you find that person though.

[Xavier]

Yup, agreed, I think Gonzaga is proof that a program can be built up. Look at them now, getting 5 star recruits to Spokane. Cincinnati has appeal, and Xavier has tradition, I think the Gonzagas and Villanovas are good reminders of what can be accomplished. It also helps that Mark Few and Jay Wright are extremely likable people, and seem to do things the right way as well. Would love for X to have that type of leadership to get us to the next step, even though the chances are extremely slim.

Not to completely derail the thread but there is about a 0% chance these programs do things the right way. The same could be said for the majority of schools who compete for a spot at the NCAA tournament, including Xavier.

[IM4X]

Yup, agreed, I think Gonzaga is proof that a program can be built up. Look at them now, getting 5 star recruits to Spokane. Cincinnati has appeal, and Xavier has tradition, I think the Gonzagas and Villanovas are good reminders of what can be accomplished. It also helps that Mark Few and Jay Wright are extremely likable people, and seem to do things the right way as well. Would love for X to have that type of leadership to get us to the next step, even though the chances are extremely slim.

I love that Wright and Few have climbed to the top while remaining humble, grateful and respectful. I’ve always believed the idea of coaches being CEOs was just a pile of BS. What I am realizing is that the truly great coaches (Like Few and Wright and Coach K) would make terrific CEOs. It’s the coach who feels the need to proclaim “I’m the CEO’s of the program” who I call BS on. That kind of coach gets so caught up in puffing himself up that he doesn’t put in the time to fully roll up his sleeves enough to make his team great.

[IM4X]

If you look at Gonzaga and Villanova as the gold standards, the one thing they have in common is that they have a GREAT, HUMBLE AND RESPECTFUL head coach WHO HAS WORKED VERY HARD TO CREATE THE PERFECT SITUATION WHERE THEY ARE ABLE TO DO THINGS THEIR WAY TO SLOWLY BUILD SOMETHING VERY SPECIAl WHICH THEY LOVE DOING AND WHERE THEY GET PLAYED PLENTY AND NEVER ALLOW THEMSELF TO BE STUPID ENOUGH TO SCREW IT ALL UP BY LEAVING THEIR PARADISE FOR A LITTLE MORE MONEY. Lord only knows how you find that person though.

Fixed it for you.

[XUGRAD80]

Fixed it for you.

Well SHOUT IT FROM THE MOUNTAINS! PREACH IT BROTHER!

Why you yelling at me? :medicated:

[IM4X]

Well SHOUT IT FROM THE MOUNTAINS! PREACH IT BROTHER!

Why you yelling at me? :medicated:

In case you’re hard of hearing of course.:lmao:



:read: okay maybe the ALL CAPS do look a little like I’m yelling.

[XUGRAD80]

In case you’re hard of hearing of course.:lmao:



:read: okay maybe the ALL CAPS do look a little like I’m yelling.


What did you say sonny? Speak up will ya? :rant:

[GIMMFD]

Not to completely derail the thread but there is about a 0% chance these programs do things the right way. The same could be said for the majority of schools who compete for a spot at the NCAA tournament, including Xavier.

I do agree with the fact that "everyone cheats," but I guess it's how much/how bad you're cheating, a couple hundred stipend for some new shoes or an XBOX or something of that nature is a bit different than $100k, granted that could be going on at those programs and they're just damn good at hiding it, so you aren't wrong.


I love that Wright and Few have climbed to the top while remaining humble, grateful and respectful. I’ve always believed the idea of coaches being CEOs was just a pile of BS. What I am realizing is that the truly great coaches (Like Few and Wright and Coach K) would make terrific CEOs. It’s the coach who feels the need to proclaim “I’m the CEO’s of the program” who I call BS on. That kind of coach gets so caught up in puffing himself up that he doesn’t put in the time to fully roll up his sleeves enough to make his team great.

Wright and Few have phenomenal personalities, and great minds for the game. They handle winning and losing with grace, can't think of anything wildly controversial either has said off the top of my head. So easy to root for those type of people. I definitely agree that being a leader is a natural thing, rather than something that is stated into existence, there's just different styles for different people. Some coaches are hardasses, and it resonates with certain types of players, while others are the more "nurturing" types for a lack of better terms. I don't necessarily think either style is better than the other, since it depends on the types of guys you're getting, who buy into your style and respond positively to it.

I think the coach should be a "CEO" but like you said, you don't have to keep saying it to make the point stick, it should come naturally. Respect is earned in all facets of life, and I do think it's easier to respect and work your ass off for a guy that's humble, takes responsibility, and is generally a good human. That's an interesting point I think, because it does seem that programs in the best positions have those type of leaders, no matter what their coaching style is. I mean, hell, Nick Saban is kind of an ass, but still seems to have that positive personality and keeps the interest of his guys first. You have to be special to get 4*/5* college football recruits to sit there and wait their turn to be starters by just putting their heads down and working hard. I'm just wondering how much "recruiting the type of guy you want" that responds to that style comes into play as well.

[UCGRAD4X]

I think the coach should be a "CEO" but like you said, you don't have to keep saying it to make the point stick, it should come naturally. Respect is earned in all facets of life, and I do think it's easier to respect and work your ass off fora guy that's humble, takes responsibility, and is generally a good human. That's an interesting point I think, because it does seem that programs in the best positions have those type of leaders, no matter what their coaching style is. I mean, hell, Nick Saban is kind of an ass, but still seems to have that positive personality and keeps the interest of his guys first. You have to be special to get 4*/5* college football recruits to sit there and wait their turn to be starters by just putting their heads down and working hard. I'm just wondering how much "recruiting the type of guy you want" that responds to that style comes into play as well.

We're screwed.

[IM4X]

Wright and Few have phenomenal personalities, and great minds for the game. They handle winning and losing with grace, can't think of anything wildly controversial either has said off the top of my head. So easy to root for those type of people. I definitely agree that being a leader is a natural thing, rather than something that is stated into existence, there's just different styles for different people. Some coaches are hardasses, and it resonates with certain types of players, while others are the more "nurturing" types for a lack of better terms. I don't necessarily think either style is better than the other, since it depends on the types of guys you're getting, who buy into your style and respond positively to it.

I think the coach should be a "CEO" but like you said, you don't have to keep saying it to make the point stick, it should come naturally. Respect is earned in all facets of life, and I do think it's easier to respect and work your ass off for a guy that's humble, takes responsibility, and is generally a good human. That's an interesting point I think, because it does seem that programs in the best positions have those type of leaders, no matter what their coaching style is. I mean, hell, Nick Saban is kind of an ass, but still seems to have that positive personality and keeps the interest of his guys first. You have to be special to get 4*/5* college football recruits to sit there and wait their turn to be starters by just putting their heads down and working hard. I'm just wondering how much "recruiting the type of guy you want" that responds to that style comes into play as well.

Beautifully said GIMMFD!

I will just add that one can be a nurturing type of coach and still get after a player with a little tough love if that is a more effective strategy for that individual.

Also, I will add that great coaches lay things out so clearly in process and expectation so players know exactly what they have to do or where they need to be and will find successes if they do those things. I just watched the Gonzaga/ Creighton game. Everything that team does is just beautiful- and you can just see how masterful Few is. How beautiful game plan and execution are. Just beautiful.

[xudash]

Beautiful said GIMMFD!

I will just add that one can be a nurturing type of coach and still get after a player with a little tough love if that is a more effective strategy for that individual.

Also, I will add that great coaches lay things out so clearly in process and expectation so players know exactly what they have to do or where they need to be and will find successes if they do those things. I just watched the Gonzaga/ Creighton game. Everything that team does is just beautiful- and you can just see how masterful Few is. How beautiful game plan and execution are. Just beautiful.

Excellent post. Please allow me to amplify your point.

It was stated during that game that Mark Few met with each of his players during the season to discuss the activation of one of the players. Obviously, the idea was to communicate that the playing time minute mix would shift based upon the availability of this player.

Both as a credit to the coach and to the player personnel, who put team first, they activated the player (cannot remember which one) and look where they are now. Essentially, the players said “sure coach, that could get us to a national championship“ - a well oiled machine.

[whopper]

nembard who killed us in 2019 when we played Florida. Speaking of Florida (State) MJ Walker is the only player left from our tragic loss of March 2018 which is still so raw it has hardly been discussed on this board.

[Xville]

nembard who killed us in 2019 when we played Florida. Speaking of Florida (State) MJ Walker is the only player left from our tragic loss of March 2018 which is still so raw it has hardly been discussed on this board.

2016 hurt me a lot more...probably because I was there and that drive back was effing miserable. Call me crazy and I’m sure plenty of you all will but I thought the 16 team was better than the 18 team.

[Xavier]

I thought the 16 team had a lot of ways to win, good size. Better overall defensively, etc. But the 18 team did beat the eventual national champs. I was watching some highlights of that game, the 18 team had so many weapons.

[Xville]

I thought the 16 team had a lot of ways to win, good size. Better overall defensively, etc. But the 18 team did beat the eventual national champs. I was watching some highlights of that game, the 18 team had so many weapons.

The 18 team lost to nova twice, the 16 team beat the champs. I just think the 16 team as you said was a lot more balanced on both sides of the ball. The 18 team had a ton of close calls against mediocre teams they never should have

[Xavier]

....well then that team was stacked. Haha

[Masterofreality]

2016 was horrible. Mack totally blew that game. Jalen was destroying and he never saw the ball in the last 5:30 after his steal & slam.
And Big Game James never saw the floor in the last 12 minutes. Should have never come down to the end.

[IM4X]

2016 was horrible. Mack totally blew that game. Jalen was destroying and he never saw the ball in the last 5:30 after his steal & slam.
And Big Game James never saw the floor in the last 12 minutes. Should have never come down to the end.

Don’t get me started. I remember all too well Mack not playing Farr and not getting Jalen the ball. It’s why I went ballistic when he had the audacity to say “You can’t get to a final Four at X with the recruits there”. Not true Mack- you had a final four caliber team twice and your poor coaching and misuse of lineups in the tournament was the reason they did not get there.

Meanwhile now at Louisville, the guy is still making excuses. He’s also being forced to dump assistants which lead to him losing recruits. Next year ought to be pretty interesting for him.

[whopper]

2016 was horrible. Mack totally blew that game. Jalen was destroying and he never saw the ball in the last 5:30 after his steal & slam.
And Big Game James never saw the floor in the last 12 minutes. Should have never come down to the end.
I defer to your X knowledge but I have a strange recollection. Jalen steal and slam was great up 9 ..Jiimmy Jackson said "you should go right back to Jalen" and I said (screamed) no that is exactly what not to do (as I thought his strength was accidental offense). We went to Jalen and Happ reached into to poke it away(probably foul) and Showalter went in one on three to hit layup(strange). Back to Jalen and he offensive fouled (in anger) and Happ actually hit 2 of 2(horrible foul shooter).. The 9 point lead with ball with down to 5 in 20 seconds and when I Koenig saw Miles switch from REmy his eyes lit up for the tying 3. Edmund probably did commit an offensive foul(dam schowalter) and Koenig playing with house money (knew they stole the tie) swished. At least that is how I saw it and did not sleep that night or 2018...literally went to work without sleeping.
Both teams were great and damn I hope we can play better next year. This year was largely mismanaged and we all know the tweaks that could have stole one more game at least.

[boozehound]

The 18 team lost to nova twice, the 16 team beat the champs. I just think the 16 team as you said was a lot more balanced on both sides of the ball. The 18 team had a ton of close calls against mediocre teams they never should have

That is how I remember it. I never really felt like the ‘18 team was a legit 1 seed. We lost 2x to Nova and finished at the top of the NCAA in the luck metric, basically meaning that we won a ton of close games.

The ‘16 team was just a total tournament meltdown. If the 2017 team hadn’t pulled an elite 8 out of their asses Mack’s final 3 seasons would have been a pretty disappointing stretch in terms of tournament success.

[IM4X]

Excellent post. Please allow me to amplify your point.

It was stated during that game that Mark Few met with each of his players during the season to discuss the activation of one of the players. Obviously, the idea was to communicate that the playing time minute mix would shift based upon the availability of this player.

Both as a credit to the coach and to the player personnel, who put team first, they activated the player (cannot remember which one) and look where they are now. Essentially, the players said “sure coach, that could get us to a national championship“ - a well oiled machine.

I can’t remember his name either. Few’s players have a reason to trust him and believe the team being a little better is more important than the few minutes of court time some of them may lose.

[Xville]

Don’t get me started. I remember all too well Mack not playing Farr and not getting Jalen the ball. It’s why I went ballistic when he had the audacity to say “You can’t get to a final Four at X with the recruits there”. Not true Mack- you had a final four caliber team twice and your poor coaching and misuse of lineups in the tournament was the reason they did not get there.

Meanwhile now at Louisville, the guy is still making excuses. He’s also being forced to dump assistants which lead to him losing recruits. Next year ought to be pretty interesting for him.

I hate Mack...didn’t like him when he was at x but your last remark about assistants is incorrect. Him and Murray have been butting heads for a while now, and gaudio just wanted to move on. I dunno anything for sure about The recruits but they were the lower ranked ones so they may have been told it would be a long road to playing.

[IM4X]

I hate Mack...didn’t like him when he was at x but your last remark about assistants is incorrect. Him and Murray have been butting heads for a while now, and gaudio just wanted to move on. I dunno anything for sure about The recruits but they were the lower ranked ones so they may have been told it would be a long road to playing.

Bonby Pettiford may be headed to Providence. I thought so read he was quite good but one that Murray reeled in.

[D-West & PO-Z]

The only good thing about the 2016 game was that I has just got back from Vegas the night before and I had a terrible case of the FLU so I had to peel myself out of bed to watch it. Luckily I barely remember it. It was the second time in 3 years I had gone to Vegas and came back with the flu. Just so happened 3 years after 2016 I was diagnosed with an immune deficiency, so I guess that makes sense now!

[D-West & PO-Z]

The recruits but they were the lower ranked ones so they may have been told it would be a long road to playing.

I heard this somewhere else but seems weird that they offered them then. It's not like they got there then didn't pan out. Did they all of a sudden get recruits they didn't expect to get?

[Xville]

Bonby Pettiford may be headed to Providence. I thought so read he was quite good but one that Murray reeled in.

They were actually gaudio’s guys but I agree pettiford may be good. Regardless, both programs are similarly not in a good place right now.

[IM4X]

They were actually gaudio’s guys but I agree pettiford may be good. Regardless, both programs are similarly not in a good place right now.

Yes, you are correct. I was mistaken.

[GIMMFD]

2016 was horrible. Mack totally blew that game. Jalen was destroying and he never saw the ball in the last 5:30 after his steal & slam.
And Big Game James never saw the floor in the last 12 minutes. Should have never come down to the end.

Both 2016 and 2018 were such a gut punch, I really miss having Tre and JP, Tre was the silent assassin type, while JP just got in your head and toyed with you, but they were just cut from a different cloth. If you guys watched the newest Last Chance U one of the guys said "there's a difference between a hooper, and a basketball player," and it felt like JP and Tre were "hoopers."

[IM4X]

Both 2016 and 2018 were such a gut punch, I really miss having Tre and JP, Tre was the silent assassin type, while JP just got in your head and toyed with you, but they were just cut from a different cloth. If you guys watched the newest Last Chance U one of the guys said "there's a difference between a hooper, and a basketball player," and it felt like JP and Tre were "hoopers."

Haven’t watched the show. Curious though to here which current X players you think would fit into the “hooper” group?”

[Masterofreality]

Shaka Smart in his introductory press conference today:

“ Shaka Smart: “I think the biggest thing with style of play is it’s gotta fit the guys on the team. Offensively, the biggest thing is speed up the floor and pace in the half-court. Defensively, I’ve always loved playing an aggressive brand of defense...

Hmmm. Style of play to fit the guys on the team.
Xavier, no Aircraft Carrier bigs but tons of guards and wings. But uptempo the game? Nah, let’s just grind a half court morass.

[Xville]

Shaka Smart in his introductory press conference today:

“ Shaka Smart: “I think the biggest thing with style of play is it’s gotta fit the guys on the team. Offensively, the biggest thing is speed up the floor and pace in the half-court. Defensively, I’ve always loved playing an aggressive brand of defense...

Hmmm. Style of play to fit the guys on the team.

Xavier, no Aircraft Carrier bigs but tons of guards and wings. But uptempo the game? Nah, let’s just grind a half court morass.

Another coach that at least sounds like he knows what he’s talking about.....probably another one that will run circles around our esteemed leader

[stammina0721]

Houston is gonna roll tonight. I wonder who would complain about a guy like Kelvin Sampson leading the program if it meant a final four

[xuphan]

Another coach that at least sounds like he knows what he’s talking about.....probably another one that will run circles around our esteemed leader

I talked to a few Xavier students at the bookstore last week about their thoughts on Steele. They love Steele and think he is a great young coach who needs more time for his players become upperclassmen. They also said he is the best recruiting Xavier has ever had and that we are getting some Diaper Dandy coming in from South Carolina who is suppose to be the next David West. Interesting to hear Xavier students talk about how much they like Steele after the last couple of seasons.

[Xville]

I talked to a few Xavier students at the bookstore last week about their thoughts on Steele. They love Steele and think he is a great young coach who needs more time for his players become upperclassmen. They also said he is the best recruiting Xavier has ever had and that we are getting some Diaper Dandy coming in from South Carolina who is suppose to be the next David West. Interesting to hear Xavier students talk about how much they like Steele after the last couple of seasons.

Did they also compare Steele to coach k or jay wright like some others on here have done?

[Masterofreality]

I talked to a few Xavier students at the bookstore last week about their thoughts on Steele. They love Steele and think he is a great young coach who needs more time for his players become upperclassmen. They also said he is the best recruiting Xavier has ever had and that we are getting some Diaper Dandy coming in from South Carolina who is suppose to be the next David West. Interesting to hear Xavier students talk about how much they like Steele after the last couple of seasons.

When I was a student we loved George Krajack too.
Mainly because he had “chalk talk” sessions with us, and had a hot wife who sat behind the bench at all the games.
Oh.......

[AviatorX]

Houston is gonna roll tonight. I wonder who would complain about a guy like Kelvin Sampson leading the program if it meant a final four

Anyone would take Kelvin Sampson. Even 99% of IU fans would have him back. He’s one of the best coaches out there, and at this point probably not even in the top 10 percentile of cheaters who have actually been caught.

[xuphan]

Did they also compare Steele to coach k or jay wright like some others on here have done?

People on here compare Steele to Coach K and Wright? These students just talked up how great a recruiter he is and the diaper dandy freshman we are getting from South Carolina. I haven’t seen much tape of Edwards but for them to compare him to D. West was interesting.

[Xville]

Anyone would take Kelvin Sampson. Even 99% of IU fans would have him back. He’s one of the best coaches out there, and at this point probably not even in the top 10 percentile of cheaters who have actually been caught.

Remind me...didn’t he just get in trouble for making phone calls and then lying about it? Wasn’t that it?

[Xville]

People on here compare Steele to Coach K and Wright? These students just talked up how great a recruiter he is and the diaper dandy freshman we are getting from South Carolina. I haven’t seen much tape of Edwards but for them to compare him to D. West was interesting.

Just that we should wait for Steele because duke and nova waited on their coaches respectively.

Comparing someone to one of the five best players to ever come out of x is insane, but they are 18-20 year olds with zero perspective

[JEHARDI]

I hate Mack...didn’t like him when he was at x but your last remark about assistants is incorrect. Him and Murray have been butting heads for a while now, and gaudio just wanted to move on. I dunno anything for sure about The recruits but they were the lower ranked ones so they may have been told it would be a long road to playing.

Dino was not yet ready to move on and was not happy about being let go.

[XUGRAD80]

Houston is gonna roll tonight. I wonder who would complain about a guy like Kelvin Sampson leading the program if it meant a final four

I don’t want anyone in charge that I wouldn’t be proud to say was the coach. That means no one that has been in trouble with the NCAA for recruiting violations. I won’t apologize for having principals either. Some things are just far more important IMO than winning, if you can’t win the right way.

[xuphan]

Just that we should wait for Steele because duke and nova waited on their coaches respectively.

Comparing someone to one of the five best players to ever come out of x is insane, but they are 18-20 year olds with zero perspective

Well, this will be SteeleÂ’s fourth year in charge of the program. He has a lot of work to do this spring putting the right pieces together to make this team a solid NCAA tournament team. He must get a big that can bang and compete against Big East caliber centers. Just not seen that type of player in the transfer portal linked with Xavier as of yet. I was certain we would have been linked with the UMass big who was all A-10 this year or Walker Kessler who Coach Hayes has ties with and who we have recruited in the pass. Instead we are linked with a third team all southern conference big.

[XUBison]

People on here compare Steele to Coach K and Wright? These students just talked up how great a recruiter he is and the diaper dandy freshman we are getting from South Carolina. I haven’t seen much tape of Edwards but for them to compare him to D. West was interesting.

I can’t believe I’m asking this,, but were they even alive when David West played at Xavier? Also, when I was on campus, I remember the rumor that the MMMBop Hanson brothers were going to attend Xavier. So there’s that.

[XUBison]

Remind me...didn’t he just get in trouble for making phone calls and then lying about it? Wasn’t that it?

I think they were text messages.

[GIMMFD]

Haven’t watched the show. Curious though to here which current X players you think would fit into the “hooper” group?”

Interesting question actually, I thought KyKy had it with his ability to just score from all areas of the court though he didn't get to showcase it much (let's not start that debate however), I think Freemantle has flashes of it at times. From what I got out of the statement from the guy, "hoopers" are basically that never back down, no moment is too big, plays with "swagger" type of guy. We've had so many throughout Xavier history, would still say the all-time one was Tu Holloway (especially after that Purdue game, etched in my memory forever), though this squad has a lot of young pieces that I'm not sure of yet.

[IM4X]

People on here compare Steele to Coach K and Wright? These students just talked up how great a recruiter he is and the diaper dandy freshman we are getting from South Carolina. I haven’t seen much tape of Edwards but for them to compare him to D. West was interesting.

One certainly does not want to minimize recruiting, but there are quite a few coaches who can recruit some good players. Recruiting the right balance of very good players and being able to coach them at a high level is another story.

[IM4X]

Interesting question actually, I thought KyKy had it with his ability to just score from all areas of the court though he didn't get to showcase it much (let's not start that debate however), I think Freemantle has flashes of it at times. From what I got out of the statement from the guy, "hoopers" are basically that never back down, no moment is too big, plays with "swagger" type of guy. We've had so many throughout Xavier history, would still say the all-time one was Tu Holloway (especially after that Purdue game, etched in my memory forever), though this squad has a lot of young pieces that I'm not sure of yet.

Funny, I was thinking about both Free from the current roster and Tu as “hoopers” too . I know what you mean about Kyky. I was looking at his Twitter videos not too long ago and I was feeling like we need to find a way to get that kid back on the tram.

I also feel like I saw a glimpse of a “hooper”’ in Odom in the last few games - especially the Butler game.

[MHettel]

Funny, I was thinking about both Free from the current roster and Tu as “hoopers” too . I know what you mean about Kyky. I was looking at his Twitter videos not too long ago and I was feeling like we need to find a way to get that kid back on the tram.

I also feel like I saw a glimpse of a “hooper”’ in Odom in the last few games - especially the Butler game.

Hooper = J.P. Macura

[UCGRAD4X]

Funny, I was thinking about both Free from the current roster and Tu as “hoopers” too . I know what you mean about Kyky. I was looking at his Twitter videos not too long ago and I was feeling like we need to find a way to get that kid back on the tram.

For a second I was expecting "plantation" - good on you.

[UCGRAD4X]

Hooper = J.P. Macura

If that is true - there are no other hoopers.

[GoMuskies]

If that is true - there are no other hoopers.

This post is definitely not on deam!

[GIMMFD]

Funny, I was thinking about both Free from the current roster and Tu as “hoopers” too . I know what you mean about Kyky. I was looking at his Twitter videos not too long ago and I was feeling like we need to find a way to get that kid back on the tram.

I also feel like I saw a glimpse of a “hooper”’ in Odom in the last few games - especially the Butler game.

Ooh, forgot about Odom, yeah definitely think he has flashes too, especially with more time Odom could definitely have a killer mentality. He really turned it on and made some great plays in that game.


Hooper = J.P. Macura

Yup, Tre too. Tre was just a little more silent assassin.

[IM4X]

For a second I was expecting "plantation" - good on you.

Even my thumbs aren’t that dumb.

Actually, I was going for “Train.” Big thumbs + autocorrect = “Tram”. Though, now that I think about it, “back on the tram” sounds kinda cool. Gonna have to trademark that one.

[IM4X]

Yup, Tre too. Tre was just a little more silent assassin.

Oh, he was silent alright in the second game of the tournament against FSU in 2018. Tre played more like a scared little boy who kept getting his lunch money taken away by the school bully and did nothing about it. I love Tre, but I was a little surprised that he didn’t show up with more fight. Maybe it all falls on Mack who looked like he showed up without a game plan.

JP, on the other hand, went out like a the bad ass MF he always plays like that game.

[whopper]

Oh, he was silent alright in the second game of the tournament against FSU in 2018. Tre played more like a scared little boy who kept getting his lunch money taken away by the school bully and did nothing about it. I love Tre, but I was a little surprised that he didn’t show up with more fight. Maybe it all falls on Mack who looked like he showed up without a game plan.

JP, on the other hand, went out like a the bad ass MF he always plays like that game.

People I would consider "hoopers" don't get a sniff in the stupid NBA...all physical metrics and combines. Sad and that did not used to be the case. Big East has hoopers, SEC has "metric" players.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Oh, he was silent alright in the second game of the tournament against FSU in 2018. Tre played more like a scared little boy who kept getting his lunch money taken away by the school bully and did nothing about it. I love Tre, but I was a little surprised that he didn’t show up with more fight. Maybe it all falls on Mack who looked like he showed up without a game plan.

JP, on the other hand, went out like a the bad ass MF he always plays like that game.

After the career he had, that's the takeaway you have of Tre? That's a shame.

[AviatorX]

After the career he had, that's the takeaway you have of Tre? That's a shame.

Seriously. Jesus, the guy dragged a brutal looking Xavier team to the Elite 8 literally one year before that and scored 2,000 points.

[Xavier]

Tre is one of the most successful players in Xavier history. Key part in the top two seeds (2/1) Xavier has ever had, an elite 8 trip, and a Big East championship.

[Xville]

Yep. Every player has a bad game now and then, even the best. FSU was also a bad matchup for Tre..they had a ton of length and he just didn’t have the quickness to get by people. Even still he is probably in the top ten of best Xavier players ever.

[Masterofreality]

Yep. Every player has a bad game now and then, even the best. FSU was also a bad matchup for Tre..they had a ton of length and he just didn’t have the quickness to get by people. Even still he is probably in the top ten of best Xavier players ever.

Didn’t Tre get hurt during that game (foot) or am I misremembering?
Wasn’t that why he wasn’t in to take the last shot rather than Kerem?

[Xville]

Didn’t Tre get hurt during that game (foot) or am I misremembering?
Wasn’t that why he wasn’t in to take the last shot rather than Kerem?

Hmm don’t remember that but I have blocked a lot of that game from my memory. I did take a look at the play by play...the last 5 minutes x had 6 turnovers and 4 points. Yikes

[BandDad]

Didn’t Tre get hurt during that game (foot) or am I misremembering?
Wasn’t that why he wasn’t in to take the last shot rather than Kerem?

I was there and he did get hurt. The floor was on top of the ice rink so the floor was very wet. Tre slipped a couple of times on the wet floor and one time clearly did something to his leg near the end of the first half. He barely participated in second half warmups and was clearly not the same in the second half. Oddly enough, there was not very much reported on that after the game though.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yep. Every player has a bad game now and then, even the best. FSU was also a bad matchup for Tre..they had a ton of length and he just didn’t have the quickness to get by people. Even still he is probably in the top ten of best Xavier players ever.

IMO he is easily in the top 5 of Xavier players ever and will be the next (and probably only current former player) to have his number retired.

[IM4X]

After the career he had, that's the takeaway you have of Tre? That's a shame.

Don’t go twisting my words. That is not at all my “Takeaway of Tre.” Tre was a phenomenal college players and key to so much of Xavier’s success. You apparently didn’t read the chain of posts prior to that post describing a “hooper” mentality.

My point was that Tre did not exactly play like a “hooper” in that FSU game like JP did. Maybe Tre was playing with a sore foot (I do recall Tre slipping a few times) but JP played every minute of that game like it was his last -like he wasn’t going to go out without giving every ounce of energy and bit of fight. JP was determined (almost possessed) to outplay and out-hustle anyone on the court to try and get a win in the game. Tre got into a funk (again maybe partly to do with a sore foot) and couldn’t seem to get out of it. Like I suggested in my previous post, I believe some of that falls on Chris “one foot out the door” Mack for not making sure his team was prepared well enough.

Tre’s legacy is certainly not determined by that last game

Tre will be remembered as one of the best ever at X- an elite, extremely likable player, a great ambassador who was a integral part of some of X’s best teams- someone who played with such heart and was a true competitor and someone whose deadly aim from 3 often carried his team to victories... but also someone who -not often but - every once-in-a-while could disappear for an entire half in games.

It’s just unfortunate that one of those games ended up being his last.

[Masterofreality]

With Paul Scruggs announcement this removes the last excuse for Steele.
There are none left. All “your guys” with experience. The league doesn’t look to be overly strong next year.
John Fanta threw the gauntlet down with his tweet:
“Xavier has missed the NCAA Tournament the last 3 years. They will not miss it next year.”

Dance or Die.

[XUGRAD80]

With Paul Scruggs announcement this removes the last excuse for Steele.
There are none left. All “your guys” with experience. John Fanta threw the gauntlet down with his tweet:
“Xavier has missed the NCAA Tournament the last 3 years. They will not miss it next year.”

Dance or Die.

Doesn’t change my opinion that they are a donut team. They need to fill that hole first.

[Masterofreality]

Doesn’t change my opinion that they are a donut team. They need to fill that hole first.

And that is directly on Steele too, right?

Dance or Die

[XUGRAD80]

And that is directly on Steele too, right?

Dance or Die

Heck yes it is! There is no “excuse”.

Just saying that with or without Scruggs coming back they still don’t have a complete roster. Scruggs doesn’t fill the hole. Maybe that’s why I’m not super excited by his return. I’m happy about it, but it doesn’t suddenly make me confident that they will be improved over the last 2 years.

[Xavier]

If I were looking at X from the outside and saw they were right on the bubble all season and returned it’s top 6 scorers- id say they should easily be in the tournament next year. I’m not sure that hole is that big, especially with Carter gone. Forces Travis hand a bit. Bring in a strong big, then this team has the pieces to be dangerous. Without it- still tournament team pretty easily.

Which is obviously why Steele has no excuses. I can’t wait to be in the Cintas center next season.

[xukeith]

Dino was not yet ready to move on and was not happy about being let go.

How do you know these details? Just curios as it is a messageboard. You know the situation ?

[Xville]

How do you know these details? Just curios as it is a messageboard. You know the situation ?

He doesn’t.

[JTG]

Might people be nervous to join Travis' staff, with him in a win or else year ? I'd like to have Dino's experience on the bench. And I'd like to have Murray, just to have Bill in the building.

[Masterofreality]

Might people be nervous to join Travis' staff, with him in a win or else year ? I'd like to have Dino's experience on the bench. And I'd like to have Murray, just to have Bill in the building.

Maybe he just goes with Dante and Jonas and he trusts himself for the right calls?
I’d want a coach like that. No excuses. Put it on the line.
#DanceOrDie

[IM4X]

If I were looking at X from the outside and saw they were right on the bubble all season and returned it’s top 6 scorers- id say they should easily be in the tournament next year. I’m not sure that hole is that big, especially with Carter gone. Forces Travis hand a bit. Bring in a strong big, then this team has the pieces to be dangerous. Without it- still tournament team pretty easily.

Which is obviously why Steele has no excuses. I can’t wait to be in the Cintas center next season.

Oh, but the hole is big. No question. having Scruggs and Nate and the other biggest scores back is huge.

Unfortunately, we can’t look at Jason like he is a little splinter that once removed makes the team perfectly fine again. He was more like the wrong piece that was inserted to plug a big hole in the boat where - after the installation - the water continues to come through quickly, eventually causing the boat to sink.

Finding that piece that fits properly will keep the water from gushing in and keep the boat from sinking once again next year.

[xuphan]

Oh, but the hole is big. No question. having Scruggs and Nate and the other biggest scores back is huge.

Unfortunately, we can’t look at Jason like he is a little splinter that once removed makes the team is perfectly fine again. He was more like the wrong piece that was inserted to plug a big hole in the boat where - after the installation - the water continues to come through quickly, eventually causing the boat to sink.

Finding that proper fitting piece will keep the water from gushing in and causing the ship to sink once again next year.

I like this analogy. Exactly what I thought about how Steele was using Carter during the second half of the season last year.

[XUGRAD80]

If I were looking at X from the outside and saw they were right on the bubble all season and returned it’s top 6 scorers- id say they should easily be in the tournament next year. I’m not sure that hole is that big, especially with Carter gone. Forces Travis hand a bit. Bring in a strong big, then this team has the pieces to be dangerous. Without it- still tournament team pretty easily.

Which is obviously why Steele has no excuses. I can’t wait to be in the Cintas center next season.

The team did not struggle because of the things that Carter DID, it struggled because he was asked to do things that he COULDN’T DO. If they still don’t have anyone to do the things he was asked to do, why would you think they aren’t going to struggle again? Unless they find someone that is capable of doing those things, nothing has changed. Just getting a year older doesn’t automatically make them better players, or mean they will be able to do things they couldn’t do this past year. They have holes in the roster that need to be filled, and they aren’t going to be filled by the same players that couldn’t fill them last year.

[UCGRAD4X]

The team did not struggle because of the things that Carter DID, it struggled because he was asked to do things that he COULDN’T DO. If they still don’t have anyone to do the things he was asked to do, why would you think they aren’t going to struggle again? Unless they find someone that is capable of doing those things, nothing has changed. Just getting a year older doesn’t automatically make them better players, or mean they will be able to do things they couldn’t do this past year. They have holes in the roster that need to be filled, and they aren’t going to be filled by the same players that couldn’t fill them last year.

Not only that, they have fewer of the players who couldn't fill them last year.

[Xavier]

I guess what I mean is not having Carter forces Steele to change his strategy a little bit. Carter was asked to do too much in order to fit the style Steele was going for. I think we saw some instances where the team looked like they had something when they went smaller. A lot of people on the board thought less minutes from Carter May be the difference in a win or two last year....which is the difference between making the tournament and missing it.

With no Carter, Travis will have to adjust his style a bit. Or find the player he wanted Carter to be. I’m Not blaming Carter I just think he was misused. He could’ve been very serviceable asset coming off the bench for 15 minutes a game.

[XUGRAD80]

Steel has not shown the ability or willingness to change his overall scheme by much, or to adapt his scheme to the players he has. I think he will just keep plugging players into positions with the hope that they will learn to do what it is he wants them to do.

[Masterofreality]

Steel has not shown the ability or willingness to change his overall scheme by much, or to adapt his scheme to the players he has. I think he will just keep plugging players into positions with the hope that they will learn to do what it is he wants them to do.

#Death

[xudash]

Most of you guys know basketball much better than I do, but it seems obvious even to the most casual observer that we need beef in the #5 position; we need a bona fide big guy. It’s the Big East for the love of God.

[Xville]

Would love Wahab...wonder where he is wanting to go?

Never mind just saw he is going to Maryland...weird choice. Honestly with his size and stats I’m surprised he didn’t get some blue blood looks

[JTG]

Would love Wahab...wonder where he is wanting to go?

Never mind just saw he is going to Maryland...weird choice. Honestly with his size and stats I’m surprised he didn’t get some blue blood looks

Maryland is basically right down the street from Gtown. Maybe he likes the area.

[MADXSTER]

Steel has not shown the ability or willingness to change his overall scheme by much, or to adapt his scheme to the players he has. I think he will just keep plugging players into positions with the hope that they will learn to do what it is he wants them to do.

Disagree with this. He wants to play fast but his first two years threw the ball away so he had to slow it down and play grind it out basketball. Last year with higher IQ players and better ball handlers he was able to play faster.

[Masterofreality]

Naji Marshall is proving himself to be a legit NBA player.
And Steele had a legit baller on the squad and futched it up.
#Indicted

[MADXSTER]

Naji Marshall is proving himself to be a legit NBA player.
And Steele had a legit baller on the squad and futched it up.
#Indicted

Disagree. Naji is a very good 1 on1 player which is what the NBA plays. If the NBA packed it in the paint like college did against Xavier you would see worse results. Xavier had no shooters to spread the floor in the first two years to let Naji do his thing.
#Pardoned

[Xavier]

Its also tough because you see a lot of guys take giant leaps when they get to an NBA team. They have much better individual coaching, much more practice time, etc. etc.....Hard to look at a guy in the NBA and wonder why he wasn't like that in college.

[GoMuskies]

Imagine how indicted Rick Pitino must be for Donovan Mitchell's jump from good college player to NBA superstar.

[Masterofreality]

Disagree. Naji is a very good 1 on1 player which is what the NBA plays. If the NBA packed it in the paint like college did against Xavier you would see worse results. Xavier had no shooters to spread the floor in the first two years to let Naji do his thing.
#Pardoned

That means he was #Convicted first?

[Drew]

I think Steele has a vision of Nova-like position-less basketball. He coaches his kids in practice and games to play like that. I wish he would adapt a bit more in-game when his plan isn't working, but I agree with his long-term vision.

[Xer4ever]

I think Steele has a vision of Nova-like position-less basketball. He coaches his kids in practice and games to play like that. I wish he would adapt a bit more in-game when his plan isn't working, but I agree with his long-term vision.

In fairness, do you see Jay W adapt? It’s very hard to not agree to the long term strategy based on Nova’s success. Question is what is “long term”? I think 2020 is the first time he recruited to that vision. How many more years will the administration and the fan base give him?

[bjf123]

In fairness, do you see Jay W adapt? It’s very hard to not agree to the long term strategy based on Nova’s success. Question is what is “long term”? I think 2020 is the first time he recruited to that vision. How many more years will the administration and the fan base give him?

The admin will give a couple of years. The fan base will give none.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[paulxu]

That means he was #Convicted first?

Not if his name is Bannon.

(OK, couldn't resist the teed up softball)

[Drew]

I think Steele has a vision of Nova-like position-less basketball. He coaches his kids in practice and games to play like that. I wish he would adapt a bit more in-game when his plan isn't working, but I agree with his long-term vision.

In fairness, do you see Jay W adapt? It’s very hard to not agree to the long term strategy based on Nova’s success. Question is what is “long term”? I think 2020 is the first time he recruited to that vision. How many more years will the administration and the fan base give him?

Don't get me wrong, I think Steele so far has been a failure. But I do think things were coming together this year before the COVID pause. I wouldn't begrudge Xavier for letting him go if he didn't make the tourney next year, but lets not act like that doesn't come with negatives. Instability is a program killer. My bet is that Xavier will make the tournament next year (possibly a good seed) and the Steele will be safe. After that we will see how things go but I think people are undervaluing Xavier at the moment. Steele is getting better as are the players.

[Masterofreality]

Not if his name is Bannon.

(OK, couldn't resist the teed up softball)

Do you mean Brannen?
What are you talking about?

[paulxu]

Steve Bannon got pardoned without being convicted.

[nuts4xu]

Steve Bannon got pardoned without being convicted.

If you have to explain it...

[Xavier]

Can anyone confirm the rumor of Jonas Hayes going to Tennessee? Seeing it on twitter right now

[IM4X]

Don’t see it. Who is saying it?

Are you sure it’s not this guy someone is mixing Jonah up with?

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.knoxnews.com/amp/7062311002

[ArizonaXUGrad]

That posted article still reads one opening at Tennessee so he could be gone. Of all the assistants, he is the one I wish would stay. That said, we have had too much failure for things to remain constant.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Can anyone confirm the rumor of Jonas Hayes going to Tennessee? Seeing it on twitter right now

Saw the same tweet. No idea if true.

[Xavier]

Veteran Coach who can help Travis with the X's and O's....Sean Miller anyone? : )

[Masterofreality]

Veteran Coach who can help Travis with the X's and O's....Sean Miller anyone? : )

Miller leaving Arizona. Not in a Lexus, not in a Buick, but in Book’s Escalade.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Veteran Coach who can help Travis with the X's and O's....Sean Miller anyone? : )

Coach in waiting if shit hits the fan next year???

[IM4X]

Veteran Coach who can help Travis with the X's and O's....Sean Miller anyone? : )

Well, we can forget about Matta being available to help out at X in some form of special assistant capacity like I had first suggested in post - a position that would allow Steele to benefit from all of Matta’s wisdom, experience and successful strategies and allow Matta to get back to coaching without him having to do any of the traveling to visit recruits that might be too difficult with his back/leg/foot issues.

Looks like that’s pretty much what he’s now going to be doing at Indiana. Hmmm.




Mike Woodson is leaving the NBA life after decades in the game to return home and coach the Hoosiers. Woodson agreed to a six-year contract, and in a particularly smart move, also will be linking up with former Ohio State coach Thad Matta. Matta will oversee operations for men's basketball in an advisory role.

[GoMuskies]

This discussion is starting to feel a lot different! We've got a shot to be something next year.

[XUBison]

This discussion is starting to feel a lot different! We've got a shot to be something next year.

Yep. No excuses next season.

[Xavier]

This discussion is starting to feel a lot different! We've got a shot to be something next year.

Yep. A lot of posters were pointing to all the people wanting to leave as yet another failing of Steele. With KyKy back, Scruggs/Johnson coming back, and picking up the Iowa transfer- you can throw that narrative out the window. I don’t anticipate those same posters giving Steele credit though.

Really only losing one rotational player who would’ve seen limited minutes again, getting rid of the one sore spot and adding the missing piece. It’s really been a heck of an off-season for Travis.

[Masterofreality]

Yep. A lot of posters were pointing to all the people wanting to leave as yet another failing of Steele. With KyKy back, Scruggs/Johnson coming back, and picking up the Iowa transfer- you can throw that narrative out the window. I don’t anticipate those same posters giving Steele credit though.

Really only losing one rotational player who would’ve seen limited minutes again, getting rid of the one sore spot and adding the missing piece. It’s really been a heck of an off-season for Travis.

I’ve said it all along. Steele has proven nothing. How quickly you want to forget Kamar Baldwin, DePaul when Steele had an NBA player on his roster and the Butler second half.
This is like winning an off season press conference. You get no W’s or NCAA bids for winning off seasons.
I’ve said all along. Steele has one more year. If he misuses the roster next year like he has the past 3 years, he’s gone no matter what happened today.
All you rose colored glasses guys could only rave about our incoming freshman classes before now. Bishop and Wilcher are gone and Carter was a waste.
I need to see tangible results and not half full projections.

It remains #DanceOrDie. Prove it.

[SM#24]

Well, we can forget about Matta being available to help out at X in some form of special assistant capacity like I had first suggested in post - a position that would allow Steele to benefit from all of Matta’s wisdom, experience and successful strategies and allow Matta to get back to coaching without him having to do any of the traveling to visit recruits that might be too difficult with his back/leg/foot issues.

Looks like that’s pretty much what he’s now going to be doing at Indiana. Hmmm.




Mike Woodson is leaving the NBA life after decades in the game to return home and coach the Hoosiers. Woodson agreed to a six-year contract, and in a particularly smart move, also will be linking up with former Ohio State coach Thad Matta. Matta will oversee operations for men's basketball in an advisory role.


I submitted post #248 in Wilcher Enters Transfer Portal thread as MOR’s resume for the same job with Travis.

[XUGRAD80]

I’ve said it all along. Steele has proven nothing. How quickly you want to forget Kamar Baldwin, DePaul when Steele had an NBA player on his roster and the Butler second half.
This is like winning an off season press conference. You get no W’s or NCAA bids for winning off seasons.
I’ve said all along. Steele has one more year. If he misuses the roster next year like he has the past 3 years, he’s gone no matter what happened today.
All you rose colored glasses guys could only rave about our incoming freshman classes before now. Bishop and Wilcher are gone and Carter was a waste.
I need to see tangible results and not half full projections.

It remains #DanceOrDie. Prove it.

And I’ve said all along that unless MOR is the AD at X, what he says doesn’t really matter. Steele will be gone when either he decides to leave or the AD, not MOR, fires him. Time to deflate the ego just a little bit Mr. MOR. Time to come back to reality.

HOWEVER....I’m not disagreeing with the premise of the comment that he hasn’t PROVEN anything yet and that this coming year the team really needs to make the tourney AND win some games there. It would certainly make MY winter more pleasant if that happens and make me happier too!

[xuphan]

This discussion is starting to feel a lot different! We've got a shot to be something next year.

I agree but it is still #danceordie.

[Masterofreality]

And I’ve said all along that unless MOR is the AD at X, what he says doesn’t really matter. Steele will be gone when either he decides to leave or the AD, not MOR, fires him. Time to deflate the ego just a little bit Mr. MOR. Time to come back to reality.

HOWEVER....I’m not disagreeing with the premise of the comment that he hasn’t PROVEN anything yet and that this coming year the team really needs to make the tourney AND win some games there. It would certainly make MY winter more pleasant if that happens and make me happier too!

Nothing that anybody says on this board really matters, does it? Last time I checked we are all entitled to an opinion.
If Steele misses the tournament again, the AD will be under incredible pressure for change. The money and season ticket sales will force that.
Only results matter. Nothing I have said has anything to do with “ego”. My “ego” has zero to do with this.
Stop screwing up, win games, stop finishing below .500 in the league, stop blowing winnable games and stop misusing a roster.
#DanceOrDie

[Xavier]

Of course it’s make the dance or he’s gone next year. But you did say it was a sinking ship with everyone leaving. All key pieces returning, Carter being replaced by the Iowa center- it’s been the furthest thing from a sinking ship. It’s been a home run off season so far. I’m sold the roster has all the pieces to be a damn good team. Protected seed type good.

Still, I’m more sold on the roster than the coach. Hope he can put it all together. I’m certainly more hopeful and optimistic going into the season than I was 3 weeks ago.

[Xville]

I’m glad to have kyky, Scruggs and Nate back but roster has not been the issue for the first three years of Steele’s tenure, it’s been the management of that roster and lineup, to go along with elementary schemes. We shall see if carter being replaced with nunge makes much of a difference.

[Xuperman]

This board is basically a 21st century "club" of serious Xavier BB fans. It can be very uncomfortable to interact with said "fans" by taping on a keyboard, so getting a true feeling of how we all feel about the status of our beloved Muskies is hard to gauge as such.

That said, there are some well documented posters here that have created the "fire him now" movement and many more just on the edge of joining, because evidently there is no confidence in our Athletic Department to iron out the wrinkles and get us fans the team we have always been proud of.

Steele is a well seasoned student of the game. Very young and inexperienced for the big chair but he will get us where we want to go. Why some here don't have that confidence in him is beyond me. Fortunately the people that matter AND his players do.

Let's Go X!!!

[Xville]

This board is basically a 21st century "club" of serious Xavier BB fans. It can be very uncomfortable to interact with said "fans" by taping on a keyboard, so getting a true feeling of how we all feel about the status of our beloved Muskies is hard to gauge as such.

That said, there are some well documented posters here that have created the "fire him now" movement and many more just on the edge of joining, because evidently there is no confidence in our Athletic Department to iron out the wrinkles and get us fans the team we have always been proud of.

Steele is a well seasoned student of the game. Very young and inexperienced for the big chair but he will get us where we want to go. Why some here don't have that confidence in him is beyond me. Fortunately the people that matter AND his players do.

Let's Go X!!!

Simple—-the results of the first three years.

Hopefully something changes in year 4. I’d absolutely love to be wrong about him.

[XUGRAD80]

Nothing that anybody says on this board really matters, does it? Last time I checked we are all entitled to an opinion.
If Steele misses the tournament again, the AD will be under incredible pressure for change. The money and season ticket sales will force that.
Only results matter. Nothing I have said has anything to do with “ego”. My “ego” has zero to do with this.
Stop screwing up, win games, stop finishing below .500 in the league, stop blowing winnable games and stop misusing a roster.
#DanceOrDie

I guess then that what you have been meaning to say is that “in my Opinion he Needs to be” gone.....not that it’s a sure thing. Which is how you present it.

So I will ask you......IF the AD will be under “incredible” pressure for change....who will that pressure come from? How will it be applied? And in addition, how can you be so sure that money and season ticket sales will force it? Do you have any actual data from the past to base that on? Or is that just a guess on your part?

It’s been since Tay Baker (40 years ago!) that Xavier initiated a changing of the head basketball coach. Every coach since then has left on their own terms for what they saw as a better job. So how can we really know just what the administration is thinking, or how they will react if X fails to make the tourney again? X also has a unblemished record of fan support, especially since the Cintas Center has been built. How can we really know that ticket sales will decrease, and/or that support in other money areas will decrease? Has that happened in the past when X has hit a bump in the road? I can’t remember X having gone down this road since the time of Tay Baker, so IMO this is all new ground with no precedent to base predictions on.

I’m not necessarily disagreeing with what NEEDS to happen. I’m only questioning if it WILL happen.

Because as you say...”Nothing anybody says on this board really matters, does it?”

[AviatorX]

MOR adding "he had an NBA player on the roster" to the mix of points against Travis because Naji Marshall has played 151 minutes for a team littered with injuries that is basically committing the rest of this season to be practice at game speed for Zion is outstanding commitment to his brand. I appreciate it. I'm sure MOR wasn't on the "rein Naji in" bandwagon when he was at X.

[BandAid]

MOR adding "he had an NBA player on the roster" to the mix of points against Travis because Naji Marshall has played 151 minutes for a team littered with injuries that is basically committing the rest of this season to be practice at game speed for Zion is outstanding commitment to his brand. I appreciate it. I'm sure MOR wasn't on the "rein Naji in" bandwagon when he was at X.

From a different perspective: Only 4,500ish people have ever played in the NBA throughout all of history, and I'm Naji Marshall. I am playing/have played in the NBA. I'm insanely proud of that. I am an NBA player, and nothing in my life can ever take that away from me.

[AviatorX]

From a different perspective: Only 4,500ish people have ever played in the NBA throughout all of history, and I'm Naji Marshall. I am playing/have played in the NBA. I'm insanely proud of that. I am an NBA player, and nothing in my life can ever take that away from me.

No doubt. I am totally behind Naji Marshall and have said here I won't be surprised if he carves out a decent NBA career. But it's not like he's some bonafide no doubt NBA guy Travis squandered while he was in college.

[bleedXblue]

I see some optimism around some of the recent news, but I'm not really overly bullish about next year. I expect to be a bubble team. Now, if we can add a really good and productive banger..........

[markchal]

Simple—-the results of the first three years.

Hopefully something changes in year 4. I’d absolutely love to be wrong about him.

Yeah, this is pretty obvious. It's exciting we have a lot of talent coming back, and if they get better (like they should) in the offseason, we could have a special team. But, there are still some big question marks surrounding Steele. He's missed the tournament three seasons in a row, something that hasn't happened here in decades. It's definitely a make or break year. Everyone is rooting for him to make it, but it's not a given, especially after the last few years (despite how many excuses certain posters want to wrap him in).

[paulxu]

Speaking of Naji, he started yesterday for the Pelicans. 23 minutes but only 1 pt. Still....
Meanwhile, one of the Mello guys was injured, so they decided to play Zion at the point. And won.

[Xavier]

Simple—-the results of the first three years.

Hopefully something changes in year 4. I’d absolutely love to be wrong about him.

Exactly. Saying “it’s beyond me why some don’t have confidence in him” after seeing the last three years is crazy. Even the most optimistic fans would have to look at the last three years and understand why a lot of fans are concerned.

[xavierj]

Exactly. Saying “it’s beyond me why some don’t have confidence in him” after seeing the last three years is crazy. Even the most optimistic fans would have to look at the last three years and understand why a lot of fans are concerned.

I understand the concern but also understand sometimes things are a process. Travis has to figure out what works and then once you figure it out you build and stay consistent. One of the things for Xavier to be good is get old and stay old. Next year the team is old so now have to win and not just make the tourney. Make a run and then build it better. Next year is a huge year for Travis and the program. Looks like the coaches and players are bought in. Now make it happen.

[UCGRAD4X]

There certainly have been some encouraging developments.

Scruggs coming back is huge.

If Johnson can grow into the consistent contributor from his better days and not his...other days...

Tandy back is positive, but only if he and/or Travis fix whatever was broken there. What a talent and tremendous potential.

Nunge is certainly a positive, perceptually if nothing else.

If Stanley gets healthy, Miles begins to display the promise and the newcomers become positive contributors on the court and behind the scenes...

Yes, these are all seem positive.

Not to be a Negative Nancy, but,

First: when things are as low as they were - no place but up.

Second: there are many ifs to even these positives. I would say Scruggs is the closest thing to a sure thing as far as positives go.

Third: What has Travis and co. done so far to indicate he is able to or willing to use these to affect positive change. He had all these things (except Nunge and newbies) last year and more...

The 'positive' may depend on your confidence level in Travis?

There is hope and light.

[Masterofreality]

No doubt. I am totally behind Naji Marshall and have said here I won't be surprised if he carves out a decent NBA career. But it's not like he's some bonafide no doubt NBA guy Travis squandered while he was in college.

Nah. Marshall merely singlehandedly saved 3 games last year and should have saved the 4th vs Butler until Steele’s awful endgame screwed it up. He bailed Steele out numerous times. Lots of coaches would know how to utilize those benefits.
It’s so hilarious how Aviator just comes on here to trash my opinions.
Get over your unheathy obsession and get professional help with your demons.

[MADXSTER]

MOR you are pretty much like Paul in the Political thread, It's the same crap over and over. You don't like Steele, we get it.

[Masterofreality]

MOR you are pretty much like Paul in the Political thread, It's the same crap over and over. You don't like Steele, we get it.

I don’t like LOSING. I also don’t like Xavier’s lifeblood being sucked out of it the last 3 years. Steele has a job that includes being criticized. He gets compensated handsomely for it. He should be able to take it.
Earn my respect for your coaching by your performance Travis, because you haven’t done it to date. I’m not the only one.

Next season it’s #DanceOrDie

[XUGRAD80]

I don’t like LOSING. I also don’t like Xavier’s lifeblood being sucked out of it the last 3 years. Steele has a job that includes being criticized. He gets compensated handsomely for it. He should be able to take it.
Earn my respect for your coaching by your performance Travis, because you haven’t done it to date. I’m not the only one.

Next season it’s #DanceOrDie

I don’t know anyone that LIKES losing, and I’m sure the coaches and players really don’t like it. After all, THEY are much more invested in this whole thing than any of us. For us, it’s entertainment. For the coaches it’s their livelihood and how they support their families. For the players it is probably the most important part of their present, and can have a huge impact on their future. For us, the coaches, players, and games that make up a basketball season are just ripples in a never ending stream. We talk about it here on message boards and watch the games. We don’t do any of the preparation, training, practice, film study, injury rehab, etc. that the people actually involved go through. For what they go through alone, irregardless of their successes, they should have earned some respect by now.

Lighten up Francis. It’s just a game for us.....for THEM it is their life. Hopefully you understand the difference.

[xuwin]

There certainly have been some encouraging developments.

Scruggs coming back is huge.

If Johnson can grow into the consistent contributor from his better days and not his...other days...

Tandy back is positive, but only if he and/or Travis fix whatever was broken there. What a talent and tremendous potential.

Nunge is certainly a positive, perceptually if nothing else.

If Stanley gets healthy, Miles begins to display the promise and the newcomers become positive contributors on the court and behind the scenes...

Yes, these are all seem positive.

Not to be a Negative Nancy, but,

First: when things are as low as they were - no place but up.

Second: there are many ifs to even these positives. I would say Scruggs is the closest thing to a sure thing as far as positives go.

Third: What has Travis and co. done so far to indicate he is able to or willing to use these to affect positive change. He had all these things (except Nunge and newbies) last year and more...

The 'positive' may depend on your confidence level in Travis?

There is hope and light.

I think a big key to their success is that Nunge must be a better all around contributor than Carter and he must fit the Xavier defense. Griffen and Stanley showed offensive skills but struggled with the Xavier defense.

[Masterofreality]

I don’t know anyone that LIKES losing, and I’m sure the coaches and players really don’t like it. After all, THEY are much more invested in this whole thing than any of us. For us, it’s entertainment. For the coaches it’s their livelihood and how they support their families. For the players it is probably the most important part of their present, and can have a huge impact on their future. For us, the coaches, players, and games that make up a basketball season are just ripples in a never ending stream. We talk about it here on message boards and watch the games. We don’t do any of the preparation, training, practice, film study, injury rehab, etc. that the people actually involved go through. For what they go through alone, irregardless of their successes, they should have earned some respect by now.

Lighten up Francis. It’s just a game for us.....for THEM it is their life. Hopefully you understand the difference.

Sorry, but it’s not just a game or entertainment for Xavier.
When Xavier was horrible in sports, back in my day, the school was in huge financial peril. Mulligan tried to move the programs to Division 3. Thankfully great minds like Dr. Bill Daily stopped that iish and started the moves that have made Xavier great today. And if you think that Xavier would what it would be now, or even in existence, without all of the men’s basketball success of the last 40 years, you are certifiably insane. This is much more than just entertainment to this school.
We cannot afford long term failure and for 3 years Travis Steele has failed. I hope to Gawd he turns it around but nothing in 3 years gives me confidence. We are not some big state school propped up by $1.5 billion in state funding (SucKS). I and many others are still on the financial train, but continued failure will dry that up.
No more excuses. There are none now. Git ‘er done.
#DanceOrDie

[Xavier]

I 100% understand the connection to schools growth to the success of the basketball program. It’s also the easiest way to feel connected to the school years after graduating. I would be surprised if the administration doesn’t see the same relevance. I also think they have more patience than us fans do, which is the only reason I could see Travis sticking around even if next year is another tournament miss. I hope I’m wrong and more importantly hope we don’t have to find out.

[MADXSTER]

Travis, IMO, has no reason to miss the tournament next year. Next year he will have a very old and experienced roster of his own players. These players are not low IQ players like the first two seasons(edit: The first two seasons were the lowest IQ players I've seen on a Xavier team in 35+ years). He will not be playing with covid conditions and hopefully he will not have two players fall with season ending injuries. Travis has had a couple of years in the big chair and has ow gone through those growing pains like most first time coaches. Like MOR says, there should be no excuses and this year will really define Travis as a coach.

Now this doesn't mean I'm ranking Xavier to win the BE but I do believe that they should be in contention until the very end.