So what BIG are we gettin’?

[IM4X]

This is simply too important not to have its own thread- A place exclusively for news about the bigs X is in on.

We need a BIG now! A good OL’ fashion SIX FOOT TEN TRUCK.

Someone who takes up space in the lane like Stainbrook... blocks shots like West... cleans the boards like Hill.

We need someone who ain’t afraid to throw it down even with someone in their face like Jalen or Jones. Someone who’s always in position for the easy dish and flush like Farr. Don’t care if he is as athletic as D Brown or as sturdy as O’Mara. Maybe it’s someone blossoming late like Love. It just doesn’t matter. The fact is -This team needs a solid big who can bang. The fans know and so does Steele (right coach?)

The only questions is... Who we gettin’?

[xuphan]

This is simply too important not to have its own thread- A place exclusively for news about the bigs X is in on.

We need a BIG now! A good OL’ fashion SIX FOOT TEN TRUCK.

Someone who takes up space in the lane like Stainbrook... blocks shots like West... cleans the boards like Hill.

We need someone who ain’t afraid to throw it down even with someone in their face like Jalen or Jones. Someone who’s always in position for the easy dish and flush like Farr. Don’t care if he is as athletic as D Brown or as sturdy as O’Mara. Maybe it’s someone blossoming late like Love. It just doesn’t matter. The fact is -This team needs a solid big who can bang. The fans know and so does Steele (right coach?)

The only questions is... Who we gettin’?

His name is Cesare Edwards.

[xukeith]

His name is Cesare Edwards.

Funny how UCLA, Alabama, Arkansas, Oregon, Florida, St, USC, Houston and Oregon St, made NCAA deep runs this year with ZERO lumberjacks 7 foot and 240 pounds.
The Big 10 might own them but it didn't help come tourney time.

[IM4X]

His name is Cesare Edwards.

I hope you are right and he fits into that role nicely. From the tapes I’ve watched, he looks more like a big kid more comfortable playing out on the perimeter. He does have a nice size to him, but I don’t recall seeing any film of him playing much defense in the paint or even playing near the basket. Do we know how many rebounds he averaged his senior year?

We really need him (or someone) to be more like James Farr was his senior year - not like James Was during his early X years. It would be great if the films of Edwards are not a complete representation of his game and he can be that guy in the paint we need.

[Xville]

Funny how UCLA, Alabama, Arkansas, Oregon, Florida, St, USC, Houston and Oregon St, made NCAA deep runs this year with ZERO lumberjacks 7 foot and 240 pounds.
The Big 10 might own them but it didn't help come tourney time.

USC had a 7’ lottery pick and a 6’11 pro along with being the second tallest team in the country . UCLA has a lottery pick, Oregon state actually did have a 7’0 lumberjack. Florida state is the tallest team in all of d 1 basketball. One of Arkansas’ best players is 6’10 245.

Not sure where you got your info. Now saying all that, there is a way around not having to have a 6’10 235+ guy and make the tourney and advance, but you better have some athletic freaks like Oregon, bama and houston have. So either x get a big guy or two or suddenly become athletic freaks...there is one on the roster right now—Odom that we have seen. Maybe one of the freshmen are.

[IM4X]

Funny how UCLA, Alabama, Arkansas, Oregon, Florida, St, USC, Houston and Oregon St, made NCAA deep runs this year with ZERO lumberjacks 7 foot and 240 pounds.
The Big 10 might own them but it didn't help come tourney time.

You make a good point that the player doesn’t have to be a load as long as he can play well in the paint. Hankins is a great example. If Edwards can play defense and block and make buckets and grab rebounds like Zach did, I think we will all be pleased as punch.

[xavierj]

I hope you are right and he fits into that role nicely. From the tapes I’ve watched, he looks more like a big kid more comfortable playing out on the perimeter. He does have a nice size to him, but I don’t recall seeing any film of him playing much defense in the paint or even playing near the basket. Do we know how many rebounds he averaged his senior year?

We really need him (or someone) to be more like James Farr was his senior year - not like James Was during his early X years. It would be great if the films of Edwards are not a complete representation of his game and he can be that guy in the paint we need.

I believe Edwards averaged over 12 rebounds a game.

[xavierj]

USC had a 7’ lottery pick and a 6’11 pro along with being the second tallest team in the country . UCLA has a lottery pick, Oregon state actually did have a 7’0 lumberjack. Florida state is the tallest team in all of d 1 basketball. One of Arkansas’ best players is 6’10 245.

Not sure where you got your info. Now saying all that, there is a way around not having to have a 6’10 235+ guy and make the tourney and advance, but you better have some athletic freaks like Oregon, bama and houston have. So either x get a big guy or two or suddenly become athletic freaks...there is one on the roster right now—Odom that we have seen. Maybe one of the freshmen are.

Jones is more athletic than you think. I expect a huge leap from him. He also shot 39% from three the last month of the season. That kid is going to be legit. If Zach adds 15 to 20lbs that would help too.

[Xville]

Jones is more athletic than you think. I expect a huge leap from him. He also shot 39% from three the last month of the season. That kid is going to be legit. If Zach adds 15 to 20lbs that would help too.

I agree jones is going to be legit. Zach isn’t going to add that kind of weight..his frame won’t allow it.

We will see about the freshmen...I’ll believe it when I see it.

[xuphan]

I agree jones is going to be legit. Zach isn’t going to add that kind of weight..his frame won’t allow it.

We will see about the freshmen...I’ll believe it when I see it.

I think it will take some time for Cesare Edwards to adjust to college life in the post. He might not be ready until next year to contribute significant minutes to this team. How would you feel if Steele gets another 6’7-6’8 power forward who is more of an outside shooter instead of getting a 6’9-6’11 center who does his damage in the post?

[xavierj]

I think it will take some time for Cesare Edwards to adjust to college life in the post. He might not be ready until next year to contribute significant minutes to this team. How would you feel if Steele gets another 6’7-6’8 power forward who is more of an outside shooter instead of getting a 6’9-6’11 center who does his damage in the post?

Doesn’t matter as long as that person can rebound and play defense. Don’t care how he scores, just need production and an inside stopper. Someone who is athletic and can alter shots would be great. Part of last years issues was lack of scoring the ball from the 4 spot and also no rim protection. You can be a shooter and still be a defensive guy as well. Don’t think we need to be upset if we get a guy who is a great rebounder but can also make shots.

[XUGRAD80]

When those outside shots aren’t falling (which seems to happen fairly regularly) there is a need for someone that you can throw the ball too down low, who can either score or get fouled. When those outside shots aren’t falling (see above) there is a need for someone that can get the offensive rebound and either pass or get a stick back. When the team isn’t scoring, there is a need for someone that can keep the other team from getting easy shots at the basket. There is a NEED for some type of frontline presence that is tough enough to compete with other frontlines. I don’t really care if that player is 6-6, 6-8, 6-10, 7-7 or whatever. You don’t win basketball games because your TALLER than the other team...you win games because you’re BETTER than the other team.

Final 4 teams? Final 4? Who said anything about final 4!? They just need to try winning a meaningful game late in the season!

[drudy23]

Funny how UCLA, Alabama, Arkansas, Oregon, Florida, St, USC, Houston and Oregon St, made NCAA deep runs this year with ZERO lumberjacks 7 foot and 240 pounds.
The Big 10 might own them but it didn't help come tourney time.

It's amazing how people still don't understand how this works.

The average recruiting class rank for these schools is probably top 15 with bona fide pros and athletic freaks. If we had 2 pros and a couple athletic freaks, we wouldn't be having this conversation in the first place.

[UCGRAD4X]

It's amazing how people still don't understand how this works.

The average recruiting class rank for these schools is probably top 15 with bona fide pros and athletic freaks. If we had 2 pros and a couple athletic freaks, we wouldn't be having this conversation in the first place.

Tru Dat

I guess the question should be, if the lumberjack 7 foot and 240 pounder is not what we are missing, what is it that these other teams have that Xavier doesn't which got them to a deep NCAAT run? [besides HC]

[XUGRAD80]

Tru Dat

I guess the question should be, if the lumberjack 7 foot and 240 pounder is not what we are missing, what is it that these other teams have that Xavier doesn't which got them to a deep NCAAT run? [besides HC]

The kid in the middle for Gonzaga played really well against UCLA. Wish X had someone with his low post moves. Didn’t really catch what his height and weight are, but he certainly scored and rebounded well in the paint.

[Mrs. Garrett]

Jones is more athletic than you think. I expect a huge leap from him. He also shot 39% from three the last month of the season. That kid is going to be legit. If Zach adds 15 to 20lbs that would help too.

i would prefer Zach work of his footwork and be able to close out on other 4's on the perimeter instead of always being a step late.

[xukeith]

Tru Dat

I guess the question should be, if the lumberjack 7 foot and 240 pounder is not what we are missing, what is it that these other teams have that Xavier doesn't which got them to a deep NCAAT run? [besides HC]

They have transfers that are dependable and at least 3 players on roster that were once 4 star (top 100) talent.

[xukeith]

The kid in the middle for Gonzaga played really well against UCLA. Wish X had someone with his low post moves. Didn’t really catch what his height and weight are, but he certainly scored and rebounded well in the paint.

Every team in the nation practically wants Gonzaga talent.

[XUGRAD80]

Every team in the nation practically wants Gonzaga talent.

Duh! :bash: LOL.

(Doesn’t hurt to have a hall of fame coach too!)

[Xer4ever]

Timme is a 6-10/235 All America future lottery pick. You’re right, I wish X had someone like him.

[nuts4xu]

This is simply too important not to have its own thread- A place exclusively for news about the bigs X is in on.

We need a BIG now! A good OL’ fashion SIX FOOT TEN TRUCK.

Someone who takes up space in the lane like Stainbrook... blocks shots like West... cleans the boards like Hill.



I don't think you will see Travis Steele recruit anyone that fits this description while he is the HC at Xavier. He is determined to play a 5 out offense like they run at Villanova. That offense doesn't use a Kenny Frease at center, they need a bunch of Josh Hart type players. This style of play is more conducive for long athletic players who can run the floor, and have some shooting range as opposed to 6'10" trucks.

Steele doesn't appear to want to diversify the roster, which in my opinion, would help when facing the lineups at Seton Hall and Georgetown. Successful coaches will typically play a style that best suits the skillsets of the players on the roster. I often feel like Steele is trying to cram a round peg into a square hole, and forcing his teams to play the way HE wants to play....and so far, this hasn't worked. I would like to see them grab a big from the portal, but my guess is it will be an experienced stretch 4.

[drudy23]

I don't think you will see Travis Steele recruit anyone that fits this description while he is the HC at Xavier. He is determined to play a 5 out offense like they run at Villanova. That offense doesn't use a Kenny Frease at center, they need a bunch of Josh Hart type players. This style of play is more conducive for long athletic players who can run the floor, and have some shooting range as opposed to 6'10" trucks.

Steele doesn't appear to want to diversify the roster, which in my opinion, would help when facing the lineups at Seton Hall and Georgetown. Successful coaches will typically play a style that best suits the skillsets of the players on the roster. I often feel like Steele is trying to cram a round peg into a square hole, and forcing his teams to play the way HE wants to play....and so far, this hasn't worked. I would like to see them grab a big from the portal, but my guess is it will be an experienced stretch 4.

Bingo - LOOOOVES the wanna-be stretch 4.

And I completely agree with the cramming analogy.

His sales-pitch to get the job was "we're going to do what Villanova does" - and he's gone all-in, and at this point, his ego won't let him tweak the path.

[xukeith]

I know many are focused on transfers and frosh recruits 2021. I am hoping for 2022 X gets a top 60 combo guard as Scruggs and Johnson are not coming back after next season. That frosh guard I am hoping can develop under Odom and Jones too.
Hoping for a 6'4- 6'6 multi talented guard in the mold of Scruggs or Bluiett.

[IM4X]

I don't think you will see Travis Steele recruit anyone that fits this description while he is the HC at Xavier. He is determined to play a 5 out offense like they run at Villanova. That offense doesn't use a Kenny Frease at center, they need a bunch of Josh Hart type players. This style of play is more conducive for long athletic players who can run the floor, and have some shooting range as opposed to 6'10" trucks.

Steele doesn't appear to want to diversify the roster, which in my opinion, would help when facing the lineups at Seton Hall and Georgetown. Successful coaches will typically play a style that best suits the skillsets of the players on the roster. I often feel like Steele is trying to cram a round peg into a square hole, and forcing his teams to play the way HE wants to play....and so far, this hasn't worked. I would like to see them grab a big from the portal, but my guess is it will be an experienced stretch 4.

For the love of God, I hope he doesn’t just grab another stretch 4. Isn’t that why we picked up Edwards?

A big lumbering Center like Kenny or even O’Mara may not be the right fit. An athletic big like Hankins or Tyrique, on the other hand, who has quick feet, lives in the paint, defends well, rebounds well and can run with the rest of the team would be ideal. Someone like Gonzaga’s Timme or UCLA’s Riley or even the two bigs who play for Baylor. I don’t recall seeing any of those bigs hanging out on the perimeter looking to outshoot the guards from three like our bigs seemed to want to do this year.

I am fine with Free taking a few threes a game but Steele doesn’t seem to get that when he is out there shooting he can’t be getting the rebound when he misses. Either Free is told to take only those kinds of shots when another big is on the court and hanging near the basket or when every guard and wing knows they need to crash the boards. If we are ending next season with our bigs trying to attempt more threes than guards again and no one is able to defend in the paint, well, that would be a very bad sign things have not changed in Steeleville.

It is entirely possible that Edward’s could end up being a really nice fit. I saw some good things in the videos I’ve watched of him. My concern is that I didn’t see him crash the boards or contest any shots in the paint much. Let’s hope the videos I viewed were not an accurate representation of his complete skill set and he in fact capable of playing some good defense and grabbing rebounds. That is what we most desperately need from a big.

[Xavier]

You don't need a great big offensively, just need a big that can grab rebounds and defend well. Look at Baylor (National Champs so I know its the best) they had two really strong centers- athletic and grab rebounds. Pick and roll stuff offensively, grab rebounds and disrupt on defense. That is what the Center position is and needs to be.

[xavierj]

You don't need a great big offensively, just need a big that can grab rebounds and defend well. Look at Baylor (National Champs so I know its the best) they had two really strong centers- athletic and grab rebounds. Pick and roll stuff offensively, grab rebounds and disrupt on defense. That is what the Center position is and needs to be.

I think that is why we got Miles. He is athletic and can guard multiple positions down low and block shots. Hopefully he is killing it in the weight room and stays healthy.

[xuwin]

For the love of God, I hope he doesn’t just grab another stretch 4. Isn’t that why we picked up Edwards?

A big lumbering Center like Kenny or even O’Mara may not be the right fit. An athletic big like Hankins or Tyrique, on the other hand, who has quick feet, lives in the paint, defends well, rebounds well and can run with the rest of the team would be ideal. Someone like Gonzaga’s Timme or UCLA’s Riley or even the two bigs who play for Baylor. I don’t recall seeing any of those bigs hanging out on the perimeter looking to outshoot the guards from three like our bigs seemed to want to do this year.

I am fine with Free taking a few threes a game but Steele doesn’t seem to get that when he is out there shooting he can’t be getting the rebound when he misses. Either Free is told to take only those kinds of shots when another big is on the court and hanging near the basket or when every guard and wing knows they need to crash the boards. If we are ending next season with our bigs trying to attempt more threes than guards again and no one is able to defend in the paint, well, that would be a very bad sign things have not changed in Steeleville.

It is entirely possible that Edward’s could end up being a really nice fit. I saw some good things in the videos I’ve watched of him. My concern is that I didn’t see him crash the boards or contest any shots in the paint much. Let’s hope the videos I viewed were not an accurate representation of his complete skill set and he in fact capable of playing some good defense and grabbing rebounds. That is what we most desperately need from a big.

Freemantle led the Big East Conference in rebounding as a sophomore at 8.9 rebounds a game. His rebounding or 3 or 4 three point attempts a game are not a problem. Xavier needs to get more rebounding support from their guards. I never see Xavier crash the boards on missed shots. It seems that their plan is to always head back on defense on missed threes. I don't see X's game plan resulting in many offensive rebounds.

[drudy23]

Stretch 4 U

We don't need more stretch 4s - it's pretty obvious what we need. I don't think Steele will diverge from his Villanova 2.0 plan.

[nuts4xu]

A big lumbering Center like Kenny or even O’Mara may not be the right fit.

In your first post on this thread, you wanted a "A good OL’ fashion SIX FOOT TEN TRUCK".

Now you think guys in that mold are not a good fit??? You sound a little confused...

I would like to have a Sean O'Mara on this roster to help when facing big front courts like we see in the Big East. But if Steele wants to play that 5 out offense, that system requires more of an athletic player at the 5. This would be a guy who can rebound, block shots, and run with the other 4 guys...like Zach Hankins. That is why we have Miles now and Cesar Edwards coming next season.

[IM4X]

Xavier needs to get more rebounding support from their guards. I never see Xavier crash the boards on missed shots. It seems that their plan is to always head back on defense on missed threes. I don't see X's game plan resulting in many offensive rebounds.

This was pretty much my point. Rarely did we see X guards (or bigs who were out on the perimeter) attacking the basket after a shot went up on offense. I would love to see a stat that shows how many offense rebounds X grabbed out of all the 3s Carter and Free took and missed. My guess is it is a very small number. Steele needs to make the point that just one more rebound a game could be the difference between winning and losing.

On a separate note, X is averaging 8 less FT attempts (15.9) a game than the last team under Mack (24.1). That is about 5 or six lost points right there. Steele needs to work on that as well.

[xubrew]

Before I opened this, I thought this thread was going to be about which Big Ten team we'd be facing in the Gavitt Games next year.

I have absolutely nothing else to add and no insight whatsoever into the actual topic. I just wanted to share that.

Carry on...

[OTRMUSKIE]

I’m sure there are some DIII players of the year or NAIA that Steele can go and grab.

[nuts4xu]

Steele needs to make the point that just one more rebound a game could be the difference between winning and losing.

On a separate note, X is averaging 8 less FT attempts (15.9) a game than the last team under Mack (24.1). That is about 5 or six lost points right there. Steele needs to work on that as well.

I will be sure to let him know next time I see him.

[bjf123]

On a separate note, X is averaging 8 less FT attempts (15.9) a game than the last team under Mack (24.1). That is about 5 or six lost points right there. Steele needs to work on that as well.

I think it was Sean Miller, maybe Mack, who said the goal was for X to make more FTs that the opponent attempted each game.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Backyard Champ]

I think it was Sean, and I absolutely loved that. We used to get to the line and hit at a pretty good percentage. At least it seemed that way

[Xavier]

I liked the idea, too. I do think it cost X an ncaa game, maybe against Marquette? Tu was still here and he kept attacking trying to get fouled and refs weren’t calling anything. Pretty foggy memory I just know I was frustrated that it seemed like Tu was driving to get fouled instead of to score and it was tough to watch

[xukeith]

Oh the good ol' days when Kenny Frease bricked free throws regularly.

[xuphan]

I’m sure there are some DIII players of the year or NAIA that Steele can go and grab.

There was some 6’11 NAIA from Kentucky Steele was after. Haven’t heard much about it lately though.

[IM4X]

In your first post on this thread, you wanted a "A good OL’ fashion SIX FOOT TEN TRUCK".

Now you think guys in that mold are not a good fit??? You sound a little confused...

I would like to have a Sean O'Mara on this roster to help when facing big front courts like we see in the Big East. But if Steele wants to play that 5 out offense, that system requires more of an athletic player at the 5. This would be a guy who can rebound, block shots, and run with the other 4 guys...like Zach Hankins. That is why we have Miles now and Cesar Edwards coming next season.

Nope, not confused. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to have an O’Mara type player on the team. My point is that if Steele is just adding one big (which is a good possibility) it would make sense that the player is both athletic and a proven stopper. We don’t have that right now. Free is decently athletic but not a stopper. If Miles was a really good stopper, he would have played more. (Of course maybe if he played more maybe he would be a really good stopper by now). That is why I brought up Hankins and Tyrique. It also why I brought up the type of bigs we’ve seen on Gonzaga and Baylor and UCLA. All of them are athletic, are able to defend pretty well, and are quick enough to run with the team. It would also solve the Georgetown/Seton Hall matchup problem (because they would be good stoppers).

As for Edwards-he may very well be a good fit (as I posted) but we just don’t know how good of a stopper he will be at the D1 level next year. Steele can not afford to assume he is capable and then get it wrong. He’s made that mistake already this past season. So if the best stopper available is a bit more like O’Mara than Hankins, I am good with it.

[IM4X]

Priority of skills (in order of importance) we need from a big

1. Being a strong defender in the paint
2. Being a “strong” scorer in the paint who dunks and finished layups.
2a.Being a good rebounder
3. Being a good shot blocker
4. Being a good passer
5. Being good at drawing contact when shooting
6. Being a good free throw shooter
7. Having a high motor -always hustling and able to run with guards.
8. Having good hands-able to catch and hold onto everything.
9. Having a soft touch
10.Being good at creating turnovers
11.Being a good shot creator
12.Being good at taking charges
13.Being able to hit 15 footers regularly
14.Having an effective crossover move
14.Having an effective spin move
15.Being able to press and trap well
16.Being a scrappy player who dives after balls on the floor
17.Being a good ball handler
18.Being good with the hook shot
19.Being good with alley-oops
20.Being good at inbounding the ball
-
-
-
-
187.Being good 3 point shooter

[paulxu]

I think LeBron is busy.

[IM4X]

I will be sure to let him know next time I see him.

Thanks! You’re the best.

[IM4X]

I think it was Sean Miller, maybe Mack, who said the goal was for X to make more FTs that the opponent attempted each game.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes. It was something Mack felt strongly about but then he likely got it from either Miller or Proser (not sure which). Makes sense- You end up winning a lot of games when you can do it.

[IM4X]

I think it was Sean, and I absolutely loved that. We used to get to the line and hit at a pretty good percentage. At least it seemed that way

It was a beautiful goal to aim for every game. X players shot 78% from the line (averaging 24.1 attempts) during Mack’s last year vs. 66% from the line (averaging 15.9 attempts) this past season under Steele. That is 12% more made shots per game and about 8 more shots taken. It actually translates to 18.7 FT shots made a game by Mack’s crew vs. 10.5 FT made a game by Steele’s crew. Or about 8 extra points a game just from fouls shots.

How many games would X have won this year just with those extra 8 points? I’ll tell you: 4 and one tie with UConn. X would have only had 3 losses this season which would have gotten them in the tournament with likely a 3 to 5 seed. That’s how important of a stat and practice that was for Mack (and Miller or whomever he learned the practice from).

[MHettel]

It was a beautiful goal to aim for every game. X players shot 78% from the line (averaging 24.1 attempts) during MackÂ’s last year vs. 66% from the line (averaging 15.9 attempts) this past season under Steele. That is 12% more made shots per game and about 8 more shots taken. It actually translates to 18.7 FT shots made a game by MackÂ’s crew vs. 10.5 FT made a game by SteeleÂ’s crew. Or about 8 extra points a game just from fouls shots.

How many games would X have won this year just with those extra 8 points? IÂ’ll tell you: 4 and one tie with UConn. X would have only had 3 losses this season which would have gotten them in the tournament with likely a 3 to 5 seed. ThatÂ’s how important of a stat and practice that was for Mack (and Miller or whomever he learned the practice from).

Just go to the main menu. Select customize. Then edit player. Then set all stats to 99.

Pass it on....

[xavierj]

There was some 6’11 NAIA from Kentucky Steele was after. Haven’t heard much about it lately though.

I believe that guy has his sights on going the NBA route.

[UCGRAD4X]

Priority of skills (in order of importance) we need from a big

1. Being a strong defender in the paint
2. Being a “strong” scorer in the paint who dunks and finished layups.
2a.Being a good rebounder
3. Being a good shot blocker
4. Being a good passer
5. Being good at drawing contact when shooting
6. Being a good free throw shooter
7. Having a high motor -constantly hustling and able to keep up with guards.
8. Having good hands-able to catch and hold onto everything.
9. Having a soft touch
10.Being good at creating turnovers
11.Being a good shot creator
12.Being good at taking charges
13.Being able to hit 15 footers regularly
14.Having an effective crossover move
14.Having an effective spin move
15.Being able to press and trap well
16.Being a scrappy player who dives after balls on the floor
17.Being a good ball handler
18.Being good with the hook shot
19.Being good with alley-oops
20.Being a good at inbounding then all
-
-
-
-
187.Being good 3 point shooter


Great post!

I would include 15b "Able to break a press or trap well."

Maybe higher. Big advantage with big man who can do this effectively.

[Xuperman]

Maybe Ben Johnson can do us a solid and nudge Liam Robbins in our direction....he just entered the portal.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It was a beautiful goal to aim for every game. X players shot 78% from the line (averaging 24.1 attempts) during Mack’s last year vs. 66% from the line (averaging 15.9 attempts) this past season under Steele. That is 12% more made shots per game and about 8 more shots taken. It actually translates to 18.7 FT shots made a game by Mack’s crew vs. 10.5 FT made a game by Steele’s crew. Or about 8 extra points a game just from fouls shots.

How many games would X have won this year just with those extra 8 points? I’ll tell you: 4 and one tie with UConn. X would have only had 3 losses this season which would have gotten them in the tournament with likely a 3 to 5 seed. That’s how important of a stat and practice that was for Mack (and Miller or whomever he learned the practice from).

Is it your assertion that Steele doesnt care about FT's?

Mack's second to last year 2016-2017 (our elite 8 run) X shot 68% from the FT line, worse than X this past year.

In 45% of Mack's seasons as coach X shot the same or worse as they did at the FT line this past year.

[MHettel]

Is it your assertion that Steele doesnt care about FT's?

Mack's second to last year 2016-2017 (our elite 8 run) X shot 68% from the FT line, worse than X this past year.

In 45% of Mack's seasons as coach X shot the same or worse as they did at the FT line this past year.

But they got to the line a lot more. So there is that.

And there is also the reality that getting to the line also means the opponent is more likely to be in foul trouble and has to go deeper into their bench.

I would argue that an "And 1" bucket is actually MORE valuable than a made 3 on offense. And I'm not talking about only when you MAKE the FT. I'm saying an "AND 1" where you just get the chance to take a FT is often more beneficial that a made 3. Odds are you make the FT about 2/3rds of the time, but you also rack up a foul on an opposing player, and add to the team fouls, which gets you to the aptly named "bonus" a little quicker. (this is a situation dependent comment, of course).

I pointed out this foul issue after 8 games this year. Its a 3 year trend headed in the wrong direction.

[BandDad]

This was pretty much my point. Rarely did we see X guards (or bigs who were out on the perimeter) attacking the basket after a shot went up on offense. I would love to see a stat that shows how many offense rebounds X grabbed out of all the 3s Carter and Free took and missed. My guess is it is a very small number. Steele needs to make the point that just one more rebound a game could be the difference between winning and losing.

On a separate note, X is averaging 8 less FT attempts (15.9) a game than the last team under Mack (24.1). That is about 5 or six lost points right there. Steele needs to work on that as well.

Just as an FYI, FT's per game across all of NCAA D-1 were down almost five per team this year compared to the last couple of years. There was a real emphasis to reduce the referees' impact on games. I think it also had the impact of speeding up games as well. As far as the make %, I don't think anyone can compare this year to any prior year when there were several long stretches were kids were not allowed out of their rooms and couldn't shoot at all, especially free throws, to stay in form. That being said, I don't understand why every college basketball player can't make 70%. I have two left feet and three left hands and I can make 70%.

[D-West & PO-Z]

But they got to the line a lot more. So there is that.

And there is also the reality that getting to the line also means the opponent is more likely to be in foul trouble and has to go deeper into their bench.

I would argue that an "And 1" bucket is actually MORE valuable than a made 3 on offense. And I'm not talking about only when you MAKE the FT. I'm saying an "AND 1" where you just get the chance to take a FT is often more beneficial that a made 3. Odds are you make the FT about 2/3rds of the time, but you also rack up a foul on an opposing player, and add to the team fouls, which gets you to the aptly named "bonus" a little quicker. (this is a situation dependent comment, of course).

I pointed out this foul issue after 8 games this year. Its a 3 year trend headed in the wrong direction.

Yeah I get that, getting to the line is huge. I didn't look at the numbers over Mack's tenure for that. Obviously comparing any year to 2018 will look bad given what we accomplished that year and the players we had.

I was responding more so to what I took as an assertion that Mack cares more about FT's and his teams were always so good at making them. In reality only a little over half of Mack's teams shot better than X did this past year.

[IM4X]

Just as an FYI, FT's per game across all of NCAA D-1 were down almost five per team this year compared to the last couple of years...

That being said, I don't understand why every college basketball player can't make 70%. I have two left feet and three left hands and I can make 70%.

I haven’t really looked at all the schools but I will take your word that FTA have been down a little by most teams this past season. Still, Xavier’s FTA per game were only down about 2 per game compare to the two previous years under Steele -not 5- which is still more than 6 FTA less than Mack’s team.

Add in the poorer foul shooting by Steele’s players and we are still talking about a 7 point difference between FTA made by Mack’s teams and Steele’s. That would still get them in the tourney with only 4 loses (even if nothing else was done belter by the team) .

[Lloyd Braun]

What about Jack Nunge (https://twitter.com/adamjbaum/status/1380537799259131904?s=21) from Iowa?

[XUBob]

Nunge just committed to X.

[Xville]

Sweet! Don’t know anything about his game but he’s a big guy, good ft numbers, increased rebounding numbers every year. If anything, he provides an option so I’ll take it!

[Lloyd Braun]

He’s a 22 year old grad transfer with what looks like 3 years eligibility?

[drudy23]

The kind of player this team needs. What's his story? We so many years left at 22? Injuries?

[chico]

Enquirer story on Nunge - looks like one year redshirt and one year injured.

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2021/04/09/xavier-mens-basketball-adds-big-man-iowa-transfer-jack-nunge/7150725002/

[Strange Brew]

Great get!

Get that knee healthy!

[MADXSTER]

Enquirer story on Nunge - looks like one year redshirt and one year injured.

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2021/04/09/xavier-mens-basketball-adds-big-man-iowa-transfer-jack-nunge/7150725002/

One year redshirt, One year injured which the NCAA allowed for a 6th year, and One year Covid.

[Xuperman]

This guy can put up some excellent numbers but there is a big time consistency issue....I'm thinking mostly health issue related.

Can anyone explain why he missed the entire post season this year? THAT info would give us a better idea of what to expect in the fall.

[Xville]

This guy can put up some excellent numbers but there is a big time consistency issue....I'm thinking mostly health issue related.

Can anyone explain why he missed the entire post season this year? THAT info would give us a better idea of what to expect in the fall.

Meniscus..it’s in the cincy article

[XUBison]

Wait, I thought Steele didn’t like big men?

[markchal]

This guy can put up some excellent numbers but there is a big time consistency issue....I'm thinking mostly health issue related.

Can anyone explain why he missed the entire post season this year? THAT info would give us a better idea of what to expect in the fall.

did you...read any of the articles about him?

[UCGRAD4X]

This is very good news. Put up decent numbers in a back-up role on a P5 team. I assume a similar role is in store for him. Would like to know about rim protection. Get healthy son and show us the way.

[Xuperman]

did you...read any of the articles about him?

No......very busy but thanks for your detailed input?

[94GRAD]

No......very busy but thanks for your detailed input?

How about you do your homework and stop asking for Cliff's Notes from your classmates?

[XUGRAD80]

With KyKy returning and Nunge coming in, they now have 12 players on the roster. I really can’t imagine them adding anyone else (not counting on having an AA fall into their laps).

4 bigs.....Nunge, Freemantle, Miles, Edwards

2 forwards....Stanley and Tucker

6 guards.....Scruggs, Johnson, Odom, Jones, Tandy, and Kunkel

Pretty solid group of players if everyone gets and stays healthy.

[muskiefan82]

I did really want Tre King.

[xavierj]

This is very good news. Put up decent numbers in a back-up role on a P5 team. I assume a similar role is in store for him. Would like to know about rim protection. Get healthy son and show us the way.

He started a ton of games his freshman and sophomore year before his injuries. I have heard he was also getting some NBA talk prior to injuries as well. If he is that good and fully healthy I would imagine he could start with Zach down low. I think it all depends on how healthy he can be.

[drudy23]

With KyKy returning and Nunge coming in, they now have 12 players on the roster. I really can’t imagine them adding anyone else (not counting on having an AA fall into their laps).

4 bigs.....Nunge, Freemantle, Miles, Edwards

2 forwards....Stanley and Tucker

6 guards.....Scruggs, Johnson, Odom, Jones, Tandy, and Kunkel

Pretty solid group of players if everyone gets and stays healthy.

No excuses next year. Tournament or bust.

[markchal]

He started a ton of games his freshman and sophomore year before his injuries. I have heard he was also getting some NBA talk prior to injuries as well. If he is that good and fully healthy I would imagine he could start with Zach down low. I think it all depends on how healthy he can be.

saw some Iowa chatter that he was really starting to play well before the last injury, and that if healthy he'll be one of the top bigs in the Big East. A lot of risk with the injury history, but in the portal, you can't really find someone better for how we play than someone with his size who is fairly mobile, a good shooter, and has a good reputation for defense.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Nunge is a great get, but he did shoot 30% from three so I hope Steele isn't going to float him out behind the arc.

[XUBison]

I’d love to see Miles in the rotation next season. We’d suddenly have some real length.

[paulxu]

I would guess Jones plays a lot at the 3 next year, but that's still 5 guards and we should be playing fast.
Maybe wear some people out with good rotation.

[Strange Brew]

Nunge is a great get, but he did shoot 30% from three so I hope Steele isn't going to float him out behind the arc.

Love to see a high/low game with he and Free with the wings crashing and guards slashing.

[IM4X]

Would like to know about rim protection.

Yes. Me too. It is nice that he can make some buckets. I’m a bit worried about him having the same injury twice (if I read the article correctly).

You are asking the right question though. What we need most is a big who can protect the rim. Hoping he can do it well.

[Xuperman]

How about you do your homework and stop asking for Cliff's Notes from your classmates?

Yeah, I usually provide the info but am on an extensive road trip. It was a fast moving situation and didn't know anything about Nudge.

[XUGRAD80]

Yeah, I usually provide the info but am on an extensive road trip. It was a fast moving situation and didn't know anything about Nudge.

Here’s the 24/7 story

https://247sports.com/college/xavier/Article/Xavier-Musketeers-Basketball-transfer-portal-commitment-Jack-Nunge-Iowa-forward-center-skilled-shooter-Big-East-Big-Ten-Travis-Steele-163906579/

[XUGRAD80]

The Banners on the Parkway story

https://www.bannersontheparkway.com/2021/4/9/22375817/xavier-adds-big-man-jack-nunge-basketball

[UCGRAD4X]

Wouldn't this be a welcome change...

"He rebounds well on both ends but is particularly good at crashing from the perimeter on the offensive end"

[JTG]

The best part is he weighs 245. Shouldn't get pushed around.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yes. Me too. It is nice that he can make some buckets. I’m a bit worried about him having the same injury twice (if I read the article correctly).

You are asking the right question though. What we need most is a big who can protect the rim. Hoping he can do it well.

He had 1 block per game but that was in only 15 mins per game.