Xavier 2021-2022 Pre-Season Thread

[Muskie]

The Travis "discussion" had run many laps. Time for a new season.

[xukeith]

Way too early but Sports Illustrated ranked X as 25th in their way too early bball poll.

[noteggs]

I’m really getting excited about the addition of Jack Nunge. Obviously injuries are a concern, but what a hole filled. Frequently used player from a P5 school, who happened to play behind the POY.

Edit: didn’t realize he was rated a 4 star by 247 and 3 star nationally.

[IM4X]

I’m really getting excited about the addition of Jack Nunge. Obviously injuries are a concern, but what a hole filled. Frequently used player from a P5 school, who happened to play behind the POY.

Nunge indeed looks like a great fit for what we need, especially if his meniscus is completely healed and can stay that way all next season. I do worry a bit about taking the chance that he might have a third incident with the knee and not be able to finish the season. It’s why I hope either Miles is progressing or or Edwards is ready to bang a bit right out of the gate. I don’t want Nunge to put more wear and tear on that knee right away than necessary.

[noteggs]

Looks like we’ll be in the NIT preseason tournament.

https://twitter.com/jonrothstein/status/1381705753203982341?s=10

[D-West & PO-Z]

Looks like we’ll be in the NIT preseason tournament.

https://twitter.com/jonrothstein/status/1381705753203982341?s=10

Sounds good......as long as we aren't playing in the postseason NIT!

[Xville]

Looks like we’ll be in the NIT preseason tournament.

https://twitter.com/jonrothstein/status/1381705753203982341?s=10

That’s a meh kind of field. X should win that with the roster they have. We’ll see

[noteggs]

Sounds good......as long as we aren't playing in the postseason NIT!

Thought the same and even was going to post. Trying to stay positive as long as I can lol.

[GIMMFD]

That’s a meh kind of field. X should win that with the roster they have. We’ll see

Virginia Tech should be very solid again though, believe almost everyone on that squad is coming back Aluma, Radford, Alleyne, they were pretty solid this year, and Mike Young is a pretty good coach. Really liked their ball movement at times this season, though I do agree that it's a meh overall field. Not sure what Memphis will be bringing in, but Penny Hardaway hasn't really screamed "great coach" so far.

[SM#24]

Sounds good......as long as we aren't playing in the postseason NIT!

Read the first reply.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Read the first reply.

Not sure which reply you are talking about.

[paulxu]

Virginia Tech should be very solid again though, believe almost everyone on that squad is coming back Aluma, Radford, Alleyne, they were pretty solid this year, and Mike Young is a pretty good coach. Really liked their ball movement at times this season, though I do agree that it's a meh overall field. Not sure what Memphis will be bringing in, but Penny Hardaway hasn't really screamed "great coach" so far.

I sure hope we beat VTech if we play them. I don't want to run into Mike if he visits here again otherwise.

[muskiefan82]

Not sure which reply you are talking about.

In the Twitter feed

[atljar]

Collin Gillespie is returning to Villanova, per his Twitter page. - Jon Rothstein
Looks like next year is going to be a very interesting dynamic of 5th year + players. Should make the quality of competition go up a fair amount. I would also assume this holds true for the next 4 years as many players will take the free year given to them

[D-West & PO-Z]

Read the first reply.


In the Twitter feed

This is the first reply to the tweet I see. So I am still confused.


"The NIT? Like that tournament VA Tech would’ve played in this year if they didn’t cancel all their games against the top teams in the ACC?"

[muskiefan82]

then I am betting he meant the Tweet that said all the teams in the preseason NIT belong there because they are all NIT quality teams (or something to that effect)

[SC in DC]

Somebody likes V-tech:
10. Virginia Tech Hokies

COVID-19 impacted the Hokies' finish to the season more than most power conference teams, as they missed 17 days in February, then played two games, then missed the rest of the regular season before suiting up again in the ACC and NCAA tournaments. Prior to the pauses, Mike Young's team was 13-4 with wins over Virginia and Villanova. And most of the key players from that group should be back for another year in Blacksburg. All-ACC big man Keve Aluma is the go-to-guy down low, and Young will once again surround him with Tyrece Radford, Nahiem Alleyne, Hunter Cattoor and Justyn Mutts. At point guard, Wofford transfer Storm Murphy will get the keys. Murphy played for Young at Wofford and was a first-team All-SoCon pick this past season before deciding to reunite with Young at Tech. He's a completely different player than outgoing point guard Wabissa Bede, but he'll add improved shooting. I'm high on this team.

[bobbiemcgee]

OT
Jimmy Binnie named his kid Jimmy Binnie:

https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/where-are-they-now-former-flyer-follows-program-from-afar-in-colorado/P6EZIOFDC5FNDB5QC2IQIV2CPE/

[Muskie91]

OT
Jimmy Binnie named his kid Jimmy Binnie:

https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/where-are-they-now-former-flyer-follows-program-from-afar-in-colorado/P6EZIOFDC5FNDB5QC2IQIV2CPE/

“ replacement of underground utilities, sewer systems...”

That’s pure gold from a UDump grad:rolleyes:

[muskiefan82]

OT
Jimmy Binnie named his kid Jimmy Binnie:

https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/where-are-they-now-former-flyer-follows-program-from-afar-in-colorado/P6EZIOFDC5FNDB5QC2IQIV2CPE/

Married with two kids. One more and you can use them for maneuverability tests

[profson]

That’s a meh kind of field. X should win that with the roster they have. We’ll see

Don’t know how we can look down at this field as going in we will probably be rated third of the four

[xukeith]

I am ranking what I believe is the current X roster according to importance to X's winning next year.

10 Kunkel
9 Miles
8Tandy
7 Stanley
6 Nunge
5 Jones
4 Odom
3 Johnson
2 Scruggs
1 Freemantle

[bleedXblue]

I am ranking what I believe is the current X roster according to importance to X's winning next year.

10 Kunkel
9 Miles
8Tandy
7 Stanley
6 Nunge
5 Jones
4 Odom
3 Johnson
2 Scruggs
1 Freemantle

You can rank them how you like.....

We need an additional big man banger to help for sure....and I am optimistic that we will get one. The Nunge pick up was solid, but we need more post presence.

Otherwise we look A LOT like last year.

Now, Edwards can help but he's frosh. Tucker looks like he needs to add to his frame quite a bit. Could be a redshirt guy?

[JTG]

You can rank them how you like.....

We need an additional big man banger to help for sure....and I am optimistic that we will get one. The Nunge pick up was solid, but we need more post presence.

Otherwise we look A LOT like last year.

Now, Edwards can help but he's frosh. Tucker looks like he needs to add to his frame quite a bit. Could be a redshirt guy?

Joey Brunk is leaving IU. He's had some injuries, sat out all last season, but when healthy he's a pretty decent post player. He's another one of those guys where it was between us and Butler, he chose Butler because at the time his Dad was terminally ill. Staying in Indy meant he could spend more time with his family. He's a big body, not some 6'11" 210 pounder.

[bleedXblue]

Joey Brunk is leaving IU. He's had some injuries, sat out all last season, but when healthy he's a pretty decent post player. He's another one of those guys where it was between us and Butler, he chose Butler because at the time his Dad was terminally ill. Staying in Indy meant he could spend more time with his family. He's a big body, not some 6'11" 210 pounder.

Pass would rather develop Miles and others...unless we can get a real difference maker

[bobbiemcgee]

Joey Brunk is leaving IU. He's had some injuries, sat out all last season, but when healthy he's a pretty decent post player. He's another one of those guys where it was between us and Butler, he chose Butler because at the time his Dad was terminally ill. Staying in Indy meant he could spend more time with his family. He's a big body, not some 6'11" 210 pounder.

Wow. Six seasons in College. He already has a Master's Degree, maybe he'll stick around for a Phd.

[xukeith]

You can rank them how you like.....

We need an additional big man banger to help for sure....and I am optimistic that we will get one. The Nunge pick up was solid, but we need more post presence.

Otherwise we look A LOT like last year.

Now, Edwards can help but he's frosh. Tucker looks like he needs to add to his frame quite a bit. Could be a redshirt guy?

I bet X is done with transfers with 12 roster spots taken.
Post has 3-4 possible answers.

Stainbrook's cousin won't be coming anytime soon

[paulxu]

7 Seed.

https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/page/bracketology/ncaa-bracketology-projecting-2022-march-madness-men-field

[SM#24]

This is the first reply to the tweet I see. So I am still confused.


"The NIT? Like that tournament VA Tech would’ve played in this year if they didn’t cancel all their games against the top teams in the ACC?"

When I call it up, the first reply says "Makes sense because they all belong in the NIT"

[XU_Lou]

I hope you guys got a chance to read the Banners "Season In Review" article. This passage bears repeating:

"Xavier came back after another Covid break 20 days later and beat Butler. It was not a thing of beauty, but the Musketeers were at their high water mark. Immediately after that game, Xavier went on another Covid break. It was another 14 days before they would play again. In a 41 day stretch, the team was together a grand total of eight times. The cohesion and flow that had brought success early in the season were lost. It was at this point that the Musketeers season was derailed. Even the best of teams, and Xavier had looked like that at points, would struggle with never seeing each other."

These facts cannot be ignored when assessing the season. I have no idea how the number of missed practices compares with other schools, but I do know that XU played the 2nd lowest number of games in the BE - and were well below the median/average. You should also note that XU knocked out a huge chunk of games very early in the season, thus highlighting the impact in the lack of games (and practices) down the stretch:

DePaul 19
Xavier 21
UConn 23
Butler 25
Villanova 25
Providence 26
G-town 26
Marquette 27
Seton Hall 27
St. John's 27
Creighton 31

https://www.bannersontheparkway.com/2021/4/27/22404588/2020-21-season-in-review-a-pandemic-an-injury-and-a-reckoning

I also thought this comment by kyzrex on MM regarding the article was also worth repeating over here:

"My friend, if you think that the only reason X has not seen the success that you seemingly think they should have seen these last few years is because of the head coach, then your insight into the program is very very limited. There are many more problems than that, and in many ways run much deeper than just one man. No matter what position that one man may have. I thought the BOTP article touched on many things, including the limitations to practice time that Carter endured, that went far beyond what any single person could control. I might also point out that the article points out that the limited playing time that KyKy had was not unjustly decided upon, but was in many ways based upon IN-GAME production and play. He’s simply not that good of a player. Carter may have gotten much more playing time (at a different position than KyKy) than KyKy, even if he wasn’t practicing, but in reality that had no effect on why KyKy was or wasn’t playing. In KyKy’s case there were many other options to go to. In Carter’s there were very few or no other options. Injuries and other problems took away the front court depth and quite simply (based on information presented in the article) Carter HAD to play as there was no one else available much of the time."

http://www.musketeermadness.com/board/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=21852&sid=63f19966a47b8c038227a46d337eadc1

As a side note, personally, I feel very badly for Jason Carter and all the arrows he took from fans on this board and on social media. The guy gave us his best, and that's about as much as you can ask from anyone who commits to our program.

[Xville]

Yeah we should ignore the fact that griffin, Ramsey and miles were on the roster and could play...at the very least griffin could so that lame ass excuse by some guy who wants to blow rainbows up Steele’s butt is crap. Let’s also ignore the other two seasons where Coach nit mismanaged a roster and a lineup. I don’t blame carter for really anything, he is what he is talent wise, I blame Steele for his complete insistence on playing him 30 minutes a game when there were other options even though banners just completely ignores that fact.

[XU_Lou]

Congrats on another hateful temper-tantrum. What else can we expect?

[Xville]

Congrats on another hateful temper-tantrum. What else can we expect?

Nothing about my post was hateful, cupcake. Coach NIT has mismanaged rosters for three years now----Fact. He played Carter for far too much beyond his abilities----FACT. There were other options---especially Griffin or going to a four guard lineup which Steele was too stubborn to do most of the time----Fact. Results have been NIT....That's not hurtful, it's fact.

I hope that Steele grows tremendously this year, its better for the overall program that he does, instead of having to start all over again with a new coach. I'm tired of all the excuse making.

[XU_Lou]

Nothing about my post was hateful, cupcake. Coach NIT has mismanaged rosters for three years now----Fact. He played Carter for far too much beyond his abilities----FACT. There were other options---especially Griffin or going to a four guard lineup which Steele was too stubborn to do most of the time----Fact. Results have been NIT....That's not hurtful, it's fact.

I hope that Steele grows tremendously this year, its better for the overall program that he does, instead of having to start all over again with a new coach. I'm tired of all the excuse making.

In other words, your tired of reality....

[markchal]

-FACT. There were other options---especially Griffin or going to a four guard lineup which Steele was too stubborn to do most of the time--

lol you make four guards our primary lineup then you might as well make it five because Free would foul out before halftime

[Xville]

lol you make four guards our primary lineup then you might as well make it five because Free would foul out before halftime

A tired lame excuse. Other teams have enacted this philosophy just fine.

[Xuperman]

XVILLE has continued to recycle his same tired narrative for over 2 months now. Obviously he is beating a dead horse, but at this point, that horse has been stomped into dust...all while shamefully hedging with the ol' "I hope I'm wrong".

I will continue with my overwhelmingly positive outlook.

Things are now clearly in focus, roster wise. There are a few question marks but only at the end of the bench (i.e Miles & 2 frosh). Nunge and Stanley being ready to go could be in that ? category, but all indications are both will be ready. These 2 guys will be vastly important in correcting a good portion of last years problems.

That said, X returns 2 ALL BE guys, an ALL BE frosh, and a bona fide Senior sniper. Odom has arrived and ready to become a traditional full time PG. If that is the case and Nunge can provide starter minutes/production, Coach Steele will have effective flexibility with the remaining proven pieces.

Let's say opening game starters are Scruggs, Odom, Jones, Free, Nunge. The bench will be crazy good. Johnson, Tandy, Kunk, Stanley provide a plethora of extremely impressive offense options, maybe not so much defensively, but not chopped liver either. Johnson can shadow with the best, Kunk just flatout gives 110% and Stanley provides much needed MUSCLE and rebounding. Get some promised rim protection out of Miles and now you are 10 deep. Freshman stuff is all gravy!.

[XU_Lou]

XVILLE has continued to recycle his same tired narrative for over 2 months now. Obviously he is beating a dead horse, but at this point, that horse has been stomped into dust...all while shamefully hedging with the ol' "I hope I'm wrong".

I will continue with my overwhelmingly positive outlook.

Things are now clearly in focus, roster wise. There are a few question marks but only at the end of the bench (i.e Miles & 2 frosh). Nunge and Stanley being ready to go could be in that ? category, but all indications are both will be ready. These 2 guys will be vastly important in correcting a good portion of last years problems.

That said, X returns 2 ALL BE guys, an ALL BE frosh, and a bona fide Senior sniper. Odom has arrived and ready to become a traditional full time PG. If that is the case and Nunge can provide starter minutes/production, Coach Steele will have effective flexibility with the remaining proven pieces.

Let's say opening game starters are Scruggs, Odom, Jones, Free, Nunge. The bench will be crazy good. Johnson, Tandy, Kunk, Stanley provide a plethora of extremely impressive offense options, maybe not so much defensively, but not chopped liver either. Johnson can shadow with the best, Kunk just flatout gives 110% and Stanley provides much needed MUSCLE and rebounding. Get some promised rim protection out of Miles and now you are 10 deep. Freshman stuff is all gravy!.

IMHO, if the team stays healthy, I think we have a Sweet 16 caliber team next season....

[Xuperman]

IMHO, if the team stays healthy, I think we have a Sweet 16 caliber team next season....

Oh yeah, with no major injury issues that should be expected. Here's the thing, I would much prefer X to start making serious/consistent runs at a BEast regular season Championship. That clout not only assures a annual trip to the NCAAs, it spends so nicely on the recruiting trail/portal.

Man, IF Stanley AND Nunge can go injury free for the entire schedule....Team 100 will clean some clocks!!!

[Xuperman]

AI had the glorious unexpected day off, so got a cold adult beverage, and want to make an all too early BEast prediction.

1- VU.....I look really smart don't I? :sick:

2- XU. Too deep across the board with some serious experience.

3- Uuugh BUTLER...careful to not step in too much Bulldog crap as the season progresses. Thay are flat out loaded with tough/proven BEast talent.

4- PC....The owners of the worst mascot in the history of sports. :whistle:(Got one?..It would be a really entertaining thread) :whack:

5- The DARK HORSE...MARQUETTE. BUT DJ GONE? Only
iF Dawson Garcia can be rostered in the fall, However, Justin Lewis reminds me of young Michael Jordan...no kidding.:popcorn:

6- Take your pick. Mine is Seton Hall because of their size/physically....exceptional Coach IMO...much like YTG.

[xukeith]

AI had the glorious unexpected day off, so got a cold adult beverage, and want to make an all too early BEast prediction.

1- VU.....I look really smart don't I? :sick:

2- XU. Too deep across the board with some serious experience.

3- Uuugh BUTLER...careful to not step in too much Bulldog crap as the season progresses. Thay are flat out loaded with tough/proven BEast talent.

4- PC....The owners of the worst mascot in the history of sports. :whistle:(Got one?..It would be a really entertaining thread) :whack:

5- The DARK HORSE...MARQUETTE. BUT DJ GONE? Only
iF Dawson Garcia can be rostered in the fall, However, Justin Lewis reminds me of young Michael Jordan...no kidding.:popcorn:

6- Take your pick. Mine is Seton Hall because of their size/physically....exceptional Coach IMO...much like YTG.

One thing is 100% clear. You have been drinking too much.

[Xuperman]

One thing is 100% clear. You have been drinking too much.

Possibilities Keith...possibilities. The Lewis v MJ comparison is purely speculation on my part. Same type guys physically early. Lewis is very impressive.

However, can you post where I am so off base in my predictions? Do you not think Team 100 can not win the BEast Championship?

[XU_Lou]

Possibilities Keith...possibilities.

However, can you post where I am so off base in my predictions? Do you not think Team 100 can not win the BEast Championship?

If Nunge is as good as advertised, and can stay on the court, then why not? Don't know what Villanova has coming back, but I think we will definitely compete if we stay healthy.

[smileyy]

And Harold Miner and Vince Carter and Andrew Wiggins are all the next Jordan.

[MHettel]

Things are now clearly in focus, roster wise. There are a few question marks but only at the end of the bench (i.e Miles & 2 frosh). Nunge and Stanley being ready to go could be in that ? category, but all indications are both will be ready. These 2 guys will be vastly important in correcting a good portion of last years problems.

That said, X returns 2 ALL BE guys, an ALL BE frosh, and a bona fide Senior sniper. Odom has arrived and ready to become a traditional full time PG. If that is the case and Nunge can provide starter minutes/production, Coach Steele will have effective flexibility with the remaining proven pieces.

Let's say opening game starters are Scruggs, Odom, Jones, Free, Nunge. The bench will be crazy good. Johnson, Tandy, Kunk, Stanley provide a plethora of extremely impressive offense options, maybe not so much defensively, but not chopped liver either. Johnson can shadow with the best, Kunk just flatout gives 110% and Stanley provides much needed MUSCLE and rebounding. Get some promised rim protection out of Miles and now you are 10 deep. Freshman stuff is all gravy!.

i see the upside. I pretty much always see the upside before every year. This team has a huge upside....if it plays out the way we expect:

- Scruggs Leads
- Everyone develops
- Utilize the depth
- defense is effective
- offense hums

2 issues that concern me for next year:

- History of injury: Nunge, Stanley and Johnson have all missed long stretches to serious injuries. I dont know what the actual stats reveal, but reinjury is a concern, and poor recoveries are as well. If all 3 of these guys are 100% good, 100% of the time.....then YES, we are danger deep for the NCAA. But, if we get less than 100/ 100, it will impact the team directly. This group is 2/3rd of our frontcourt. Frontcourt Health is crucial.

- Minutes and Rotation: This is- and will always be- a coaching item. Only the coach can decide how the roster is managed. So what i need to see is a plan to utilize this roster to maximize the skills & abilities, and to MANAGE the roster so we dont get swirled down the transfer drain every year. This is a NEW ERA starting now, on roster management. If we (Travis), can run a deep roster where everyone has a meaningful role that wants players to stay...then that's a win. The "paper depth" is a strength. Dont leave your strength on the bench!

As an aside, I'd like to think the best use of this group would be to go small and fast, and split minutes pretty equally across 9 or 10 guys. Win games by having more stamina (collectively).

[xukeith]

If Nunge is as good as advertised, and can stay on the court, then why not? Don't know what Villanova has coming back, but I think we will definitely compete if we stay healthy.

What advertisements come with Nunge? Strong and healthy?

[MADXSTER]

2 issues that concern me for next year:

- History of injury: Nunge, Stanley and Johnson have all missed long stretches to serious injuries. I dont know what the actual stats reveal, but reinjury is a concern, and poor recoveries are as well. If all 3 of these guys are 100% good, 100% of the time.....then YES, we are danger deep for the NCAA. But, if we get less than 100/ 100, it will impact the team directly. This group is 2/3rd of our frontcourt. Frontcourt Health is crucial.



Good food for thought. When Xavier has done well in season and made a run in the tourney, have they always been at full strength or did they ever have any major injuries to overcome? How does this compare with most teams in the tourney?

[MHettel]

Good food for thought. When Xavier has done well in season and made a run in the tourney, have they always been at full strength or did they ever have any major injuries to overcome? How does this compare with most teams in the tourney?

Elite 8 run with Goodin starting as a Freshman after Sumner went down after 21 games. I think we lost 6 in a row right when Sumner got hurt and totally stumbled into the Tourney. Then Bernard had his moment....

[whopper]

Elite 8 run with Goodin starting as a Freshman after Sumner went down after 21 games. I think we lost 6 in a row right when Sumner got hurt and totally stumbled into the Tourney. Then Bernard had his moment....

Goodin became basically a placeholder at guard, great ball security (with his size) but initiated little. JP became the de facto creator and if you look at videos especially his drive and dish to Tyrique and O'Mara took off. Trevon took more shots as no Edmund to bail everyone out and Kaiser did the same. It was addition by subtraction BUT against the athletic Gonzaga guards and FSU guards it would have been nice to have a defensive stud and skilled slasher like Edmund. Mal had his day against Arizona no doubt and Kaiser against FSU(I remember against FSU when Kaiser hit I though "good 10 point lead with 5 to go" and someone corrected me to say "no 20 point lead" ..Kaiser hit 3 3s in a minute it seems. Would love to see this happen again.

[xukeith]

Goodin became basically a placeholder at guard, great ball security (with his size) but initiated little. JP became the de facto creator and if you look at videos especially his drive and dish to Tyrique and O'Mara took off. Trevon took more shots as no Edmund to bail everyone out and Kaiser did the same. It was addition by subtraction BUT against the athletic Gonzaga guards and FSU guards it would have been nice to have a defensive stud and skilled slasher like Edmund. Mal had his day against Arizona no doubt and Kaiser against FSU(I remember against FSU when Kaiser hit I though "good 10 point lead with 5 to go" and someone corrected me to say "no 20 point lead" ..Kaiser hit 3 3s in a minute it seems. Would love to see this happen again.

Looking back at different players on that 2017 team, I completely forgot how much Bernard helped X with points, rebounds and intangibles.
He did a lot.
Both he and Nate Johnson add scoring and at least 39% from 3 and both originally from Miami, FL.

[XUGRAD80]

Guess I’m just not as optimistic as others. In my mind I see 2 returning players coming off of leg injuries, the loss of one starter and one backup who both played quite a few minutes. I see a transfer big coming in that was a backup player in the Big 10 and is coming off of 2 knee surgeries. I see two unknown freshman coming in who were not highly ranked (top 50 type) players. I’m sure that everyone is counting on the returning players being better next year than they were last year, but overall that hasn’t been the norm over the past few years. Sure Free has improved freshman to sophomore year, but how many other players can we say that about? I’ve always been a fan of teams that get better from the beginning of the season to the end. Of teams that are those that become “hard to beat” when tourney time comes around. I haven’t seen that happen under Steele’s leadership. Maybe he can make it happen next year, but I have my doubts. I just don’t see where there has been enough improvement in the off-season to say that X will be a better team next year, than they were this past year or the year before. Nor do I think that it is all about who the head coach is. I just don’t see the roster having the talent and size needed to compete at the highest level.

Now I HOPE that the players and coaches prove me wrong. I HOPE that the players coming back are all vastly improved and stay healthy the whole year. I HOPE that the new players coming in are all very solid contributors and even become stars. I HOPE the coaching staff learns how to use the full roster and how to make good in game adjustments so that they don’t lose 20 point 2nd half leads.

But until at least some of that happens I’ll remain fairly pessimistic about Xavier’s chances of making the tourney next year, let alone competing for a league championship or sweet 16.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

The team was rolling until they got hit with Covid. Then they got exposed when Steele just could not abandon playing Carter. I am absolutely concerned about the bigs situation next year. That said, I think last season's Freemantle/Carter/Griffin just is not as good as Freemantle/Nunge/Stanley. Throw in the possibility that we get something from Miles/Edwards and it's an upgrade that teams won't be able to exploit.

Scruggs/Johnson won't improve much and they don't have to, but Odom/Tandy/Jones should and that will help. I am not seeing an elite level season, but they are definitely a tourney team and should win a game or two.

[xuwin]

Xavier will not have any trouble putting a good offense on the floor. Their biggest challenge will be putting a good defensive team on the floor that can also play offense.

[noteggs]

The team was rolling until they got hit with Covid. Then they got exposed when Steele just could not abandon playing Carter. I am absolutely concerned about the bigs situation next year. That said, I think last season's Freemantle/Carter/Griffin just is not as good as Freemantle/Nunge/Stanley. Throw in the possibility that we get something from Miles/Edwards and it's an upgrade that teams won't be able to exploit.

Scruggs/Johnson won't improve much and they don't have to, but Odom/Tandy/Jones should and that will help. I am not seeing an elite level season, but they are definitely a tourney team and should win a game or two.

I think you’re pretty much spot on here. My biggest concerns with the bigs are injury related. Know Stanley wasn’t asked to play much defense at Hampton, but hopefully a whole year at X will help.

I’m really intrigued by Tucker. His recruiting rankings got much better this year (106 in Rivals) and heard he had an impressive senior year.

BTW, nice to have you posting on here again.

[bobbiemcgee]

Xavier will not have any trouble putting a good offense on the floor.

Not so sure given our dismal performances the last two years. Way too many bricks. Still need some shooters and closers (i.e. shot makers). I'll believe it when I see it.

[JTG]

Can we keep this thread rolling? I was hoping once Trump was gone, and Covid was mostly conquered, that the Politics and Covid thread would die off. I'm most interested in who Steele will hire. An old head, or just another recruiter. That, and if anyone else will be recruited.

[Xville]

Tre Mitchell would be a nice pickup...i know thats not happening, but interesting he hasn't committed somewhere yet. Wonder if he is thinking NBA or Europe instead

[xukeith]

I love Scruggs but based on this past senior year, I don't think he has that killer mentality. Often he would have 8-10 points and lead the team in assists. X didn't look polished nor smooth as Scruggs often would throw a 3 attempt or drive and spin turnaround.

Scruggs is good but not great. Johnson same although his 7 3pt game was much appreciated . Is that right that he injured his shin at Grambling as a junior?

[XUGRAD80]

The team was rolling until they got hit with Covid. Then they got exposed when Steele just could not abandon playing Carter. I am absolutely concerned about the bigs situation next year. That said, I think last season's Freemantle/Carter/Griffin just is not as good as Freemantle/Nunge/Stanley. Throw in the possibility that we get something from Miles/Edwards and it's an upgrade that teams won't be able to exploit.

Scruggs/Johnson won't improve much and they don't have to, but Odom/Tandy/Jones should and that will help. I am not seeing an elite level season, but they are definitely a tourney team and should win a game or two.

Don’t be fooled by their record OOC and through Jan. The only impressive (at the time) win they had was over an Oklahoma squad that really stumbled toward the end of the season. The barely beat Bradly, EKU, Toledo, Providence, and Marq. Their other wins were big over Oakland and TN Tech, and by less than 10 over UC .SJU, and Creighton. None of those teams turned out to be really elite teams. A couple of decent wins, but otherwise more impressive on paper than they really were IMO. Tourney teams don’t struggle to beat teams like EKU, Bradly, and Toledo on their home floor. Maybe one of them in an off-night, but not all 3.

Wining 2 tourney games would put them in the sweet 16….that’s pretty elite IMO. Xavier’s only don’t that a handful of times in the last 40 years, and none in the last 5. Expecting them to do so next year is only setting yourself up for disappointment.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I don't disagree with that. They did have several new players who were asked to step in and contribute right away. It is difficult to gel right away.

Johnson also went down with injury so who knows how long it was bothering him. He was shooting 45% from three and he was not quite as bad defensively as advertised. We were also 1-5 without him down the stretch. We lost quite a bit of games where we got zero offense from Carter or at least minimal like a bucket or two and in those games I would watch opponents exploit his terrible defense.

Nunge is a legit big, plays defense, and can shoot a bit. He has never averaged longer than 17mpg and he will play 25+ here, can he last.

We have just one new player who Steele is going to ask to contribute everyone else has been here or is a freshman. Most freshmen have up and down years.

[xu82]

Xavier was generally good to terrific while my Buffalo Bills SUCKED! It appears I’m not allowed to have too many good things in my life at the same time. Fingers crossed for a surge in the right direction!

[bobbiemcgee]

Transfer portal over 1,500. Wow.

[xu82]

Transfer portal over 1,500. Wow.

It will be like pickup games at the YMCA. Programs with rosters will become more important......

[Strange Brew]

It will be like pickup games at the YMCA.

In that case does Philmore have eligibility left?

[GIMMFD]

I don't disagree with that. They did have several new players who were asked to step in and contribute right away. It is difficult to gel right away.

Johnson also went down with injury so who knows how long it was bothering him. He was shooting 45% from three and he was not quite as bad defensively as advertised. We were also 1-5 without him down the stretch. We lost quite a bit of games where we got zero offense from Carter or at least minimal like a bucket or two and in those games I would watch opponents exploit his terrible defense.

Nunge is a legit big, plays defense, and can shoot a bit. He has never averaged longer than 17mpg and he will play 25+ here, can he last.

We have just one new player who Steele is going to ask to contribute everyone else has been here or is a freshman. Most freshmen have up and down years.

Yeah, I think a lot of next season kind of hinges on Nunge and if he can get heathy. He has the toolset of a guy we desperately need, but injuries have not been kind to him. You hope that everyone takes a step forward, but with Tandy this year, I guess it kind of shows anything can happen (granted a lot of that was him not getting minutes).. I have faith that we're going to be pretty solid next year, I think we have good pieces returning, missing Johnson was huge down the stretch with Kunk not being able to hit anything towards the end of the season, if Nate can continue shooting at a high clip, we at least have one very legitimate threat from deep which opens things up on offense.

[Xville]

AI had the glorious unexpected day off, so got a cold adult beverage, and want to make an all too early BEast prediction.

1- VU.....I look really smart don't I? :sick:

2- XU. Too deep across the board with some serious experience.

3- Uuugh BUTLER...careful to not step in too much Bulldog crap as the season progresses. Thay are flat out loaded with tough/proven BEast talent.

4- PC....The owners of the worst mascot in the history of sports. :whistle:(Got one?..It would be a really entertaining thread) :whack:

5- The DARK HORSE...MARQUETTE. BUT DJ GONE? Only
iF Dawson Garcia can be rostered in the fall, However, Justin Lewis reminds me of young Michael Jordan...no kidding.:popcorn:

6- Take your pick. Mine is Seton Hall because of their size/physically....exceptional Coach IMO...much like YTG.

So UConn returns everyone except bouknight, brings in the #1 class in the big east and you don’t think they are going to be in the top half of the league but yet x will be second? I’ll have some of what you’re having.

[hoopster68]

IMHO X needs to be above .500 in the Big East this coming year. No excuses. If we cannot achieve that goal + make the tournament, it will be another "lost" season. At some point, someone needs to be held accountable for "lost" seasons, or X will become just another middling team in men's b-ball. I doubt very few on this board look forward to such a position. I'm still optimistic that with returning talent, good chemistry in the locker room, few major injuries, and in-game adjustments by the coaching staff, X can return to success.

[XUGRAD80]

Hopeful that they “can”, is different than hopeful that they “will”. I am also hopeful that all of those things “can” happen, but I’m not very hopeful that they “will”. We have been hopeful those things would happen for 3 years now. Maybe if they hadn’t had the stoppages, and if they roster had stayed healthy, we would have seen a different story last year. But we will never know. Other than exchanging Nunge for Whilcher and Griffin, what has really changed from last year? That “might” be a big difference, but as of now there is no guarantee that he will make a huge difference. I think that X will need one of the three new players to be a major factor next year, or we will just see little or no improvement. I’ve no hope at all that the coaching will change or improve.

[Masterofreality]

Hopeful that they “can”, is different than hopeful that they “will”. I am also hopeful that all of those things “can” happen, but I’m not very hopeful that they “will”. We have been hopeful those things would happen for 3 years now. Maybe if they hadn’t had the stoppages, and if they roster had stayed healthy, we would have seen a different story last year. But we will never know. Other than exchanging Nunge for Whilcher and Griffin, what has really changed from last year? That “might” be a big difference, but as of now there is no guarantee that he will make a huge difference. I think that X will need one of the three new players to be a major factor next year, or we will just see little or no improvement. I’ve no hope at all that the coaching will change or improve.

#DanceOrDie

[XUGRAD80]

#DanceOrDie

not very original. :bash:

[MADXSTER]

#DanceOrDie

Sounds good to me

[Masterofreality]

not very original. :bash:

I invented it. #Truth

[XUGRAD80]

I invented it. #Truth

Yes and you have repeated so often that it’s no longer new, or funny. It’s just annoying.

Dance or “die”? Just what do you mean by “die”? Is that a threat? It could almost be considered intimidation or threatening. Who or what is going to die? The coach? The players? Your fandom? Random people? Your hopes and dreams? Your childhood? Your fantasy world?

What I’d like to see “die” is your use of hashtags, your vile angst against a young coach, and your seriousness about all this. It’s a game. It’s entertainment. It’s NOT life or death, so please don’t make it out to be.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Yes and you have repeated so often that it’s no longer new, or funny. It’s just annoying.

Dance or “die”? Just what do you mean by “die”? Is that a threat? It could almost be considered intimidation or threatening. Who or what is going to die? The coach? The players? Your fandom? Random people? Your hopes and dreams? Your childhood? Your fantasy world?

What I’d like to see “die” is your use of hashtags, your vile angst against a young coach, and your seriousness about all this. It’s a game. It’s entertainment. It’s NOT life or death, so please don’t make it out to be.

It is also highly competitive among participating schools. It raises the profile of the university. So yes, it is just a game but it carries quite a bit of meaning above that. He also gets paid quite a bit to produce results that have not materialized over three years. He gets his fourth year, but Dance or Die is harsh then it should Dance or get Fired.

[muskiefan82]

#Achieve or Leave?

[bobbiemcgee]

#Rebound or see 'ya around...

[XUGRAD80]

#Achieve or Leave?

:perfect10:

Or

Dance or Depart

[xucub]

Tourney or Journey

[Masterofreality]

BTW anybody taking me saying “Die” literally must have thought that Zip Em Up was Gangster code for literal murder of basketball players.
Yeesh....

[SM#24]

Yes and you have repeated so often that it’s no longer new, or funny. It’s just annoying.

Dance or “die”? Just what do you mean by “die”? Is that a threat? It could almost be considered intimidation or threatening. Who or what is going to die? The coach? The players? Your fandom? Random people? Your hopes and dreams? Your childhood? Your fantasy world?

What I’d like to see “die” is your use of hashtags, your vile angst against a young coach, and your seriousness about all this. It’s a game. It’s entertainment. It’s NOT life or death, so please don’t make it out to be.
You must have been sitting on the Manute Bol of horses when you wrote this.