Notes from the Coaches show

[XUGRAD80]

The 24/7 wrap up of Coach Steele’s first radio show of the year


https://247sports.com/college/xavier/Article/Xavier-Musketeers-Basketball-Travis-Steele-Radio-Show-Recap-55KRC-Dilly-Cafe-174364809/

[Xville]

Maybe it’s because I’m so scarred from the last three years but none of that have me warm fuzzies about this season.

[xukeith]

Maybe it’s because I’m so scarred from the last three years but none of that have me warm fuzzies about this season.
It was a good show. Lots of KyKy chatter. Lots of Freemantle analysis and thoughts.
Praise for Miles and Edwards.
Jones got some kudos.
Stanley is about 94-96% with no brace .

[UCGRAD4X]

So, I wonder what corner Free had turned this summer.

I also wonder if CoJo not shooting 3s in HS actually helps him with the new 3p line. He didn't get into a habit that he then had to break when it was moved back. Just a thought. Always looking on the bright side. Well, mostly.

[bleedXblue]

It was a good show. Lots of KyKy chatter. Lots of Freemantle analysis and thoughts.
Praise for Miles and Edwards.
Jones got some kudos.
Stanley is about 94-96% with no brace .

KyKy was just that...chatter.

Until he plays good "D' that kid wont see the floor a whole lot

[noteggs]

Good wrap up from GRAD80. Interview not on X app yet but found it on iHeart. Thought he was pretty candid about the players.

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/75-xavier-basketball-show-28238441/episode/11-1-21---the-travis-steele-show-88726091?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false

[JTG]

KyKy was just that...chatter.

Until he plays good "D' that kid wont see the floor a whole lot

Because Bluiett was such a great defender, Not !! It is just bizarre the relationship between Tandy and Steele. Give the guy an honest shot to prove himself. Not 2 minutes and yank him, or he has to have a great practice week bullshit. Some guys just do better when the bright lights go on. Put him on the floor with good defenders around him and see what happens. If it doesn't work , then ok, he just doesn't fit, and that's the end of it. Until then, I will be of the opinion that he's not been given a fair shake.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Because Bluiett was such a great defender, Not !! It is just bizarre the relationship between Tandy and Steele. Give the guy an honest shot to prove himself. Not 2 minutes and yank him, or he has to have a great practice week bullshit. Some guys just do better when the bright lights go on. Put him on the floor with good defenders around him and see what happens. If it doesn't work , then ok, he just doesn't fit, and that's the end of it. Until then, I will be of the opinion that he's not been given a fair shake.

C'mon, you cant compare Kyky to Tre.

Kyky deserved a longer leash last year probably but he wasnt only a defensive liability but one on offense as well when he wasn't hitting his shot. He seemed to turn it over a lot too.

I hope he can crack the rotation this year but I was surprised he came back. Maybe he will take it up a notch and make some big strides?

[Strange Brew]

Because Bluiett was such a great defender, Not !! It is just bizarre the relationship between Tandy and Steele. Give the guy an honest shot to prove himself. Not 2 minutes and yank him, or he has to have a great practice week bullshit. Some guys just do better when the bright lights go on. Put him on the floor with good defenders around him and see what happens. If it doesn't work , then ok, he just doesn't fit, and that's the end of it. Until then, I will be of the opinion that he's not been given a fair shake.

Agree. Can’t remember the game but Tandy came in for a short stint and lit it up for 8-10pts only to be pulled and benched.

[xukeith]

Agree. Can’t remember the game but Tandy came in for a short stint and lit it up for 8-10pts only to be pulled and benched.

Year will be a success or failure and Kyky is not a big factor.

He hunts too much and turns ball over too much.
Stick with the taller guards and a pg in Odom.

[Xville]

Where does this turn the ball over too much come from? First year he turned it over on avg once a game. Last year in 14 minutes he averaged .8 a game.

It’s baloney and not rooted in fact, kind of like how I feel Steele talks about his defense. He’s not any worse than most of the guards on this team.

[XU_Lou]

Did not know this: "Steele said KyKy Tandy was playing with a stress fracture last season. That caused him to miss the whole summer after he had surgery and was in a walking boot."

https://twitter.com/musketeerreport/status/1455319046719746058

Also this: "Steele said KyKy Tandy didn't travel to the scrimmage at Vanderbilt because he was sick. He added that he's been scoring well in practice but still needs to improve on defense."

https://twitter.com/musketeerreport/status/1455318209004019716

[drudy23]

Where does this turn the ball over too much come from? First year he turned it over on avg once a game. Last year in 14 minutes he averaged .8 a game.

It’s baloney and not rooted in fact, kind of like how I feel Steele talks about his defense. He’s not any worse than most of the guards on this team.

Completely agree. It's a convenient excuse that doesn't seem to be based in reality. For some reason, he doesn't like KyKy's game or see his potential to help this team in certain situations. It isn't with defense.

Freemantle was honestly our worst defender last year. Didn't seem to impact his PT at all.

Brad Redford couldn't guard me - he was on the team to make shots. Period.

[whopper]

I sometimes forget about Odom and Jones are 2 of our 5 best all around players. Actually without Zach we still have a number of versatile players..even Nate and Paul have played the 3 at times. The practices must be crazy intense. I am optimistic on Stanley and would love to see him have a Kanter like input..nobody suspected until a few games that he was arguably one of the best offensive 5's in the country and a bucket getter. Everybody has to stay positive..there may be days that Kyky has it and Kunkel doesn't or Hunter has it and Miles doesn't but we need to negotiate between a fixed lineup and minutes and the guts to insert a different player in for one of our starters. That is a coaching gift and not many have it.

[xukeith]

I sometimes forget about Odom and Jones are 2 of our 5 best all around players. Actually without Zach we still have a number of versatile players..even Nate and Paul have played the 3 at times. The practices must be crazy intense. I am optimistic on Stanley and would love to see him have a Kanter like input..nobody suspected until a few games that he was arguably one of the best offensive 5's in the country and a bucket getter. Everybody has to stay positive..there may be days that Kyky has it and Kunkel doesn't or Hunter has it and Miles doesn't but we need to negotiate between a fixed lineup and minutes and the guts to insert a different player in for one of our starters. That is a coaching gift and not many have it.

Agree. Odds are on Miles' side for starting against Ferris St. Nunge will play about 10 minutes and needs to be in game shape by next week.
I imagine guarding Stanley will be a challenge as he is rock solid. Maybe he, like Kanter, will be instant offense.

I am excited.

[IM4X]

I too believed Kyky deserved more playing time, particularly after Johnson was lost for the season. Yes, Kyky was a bit of a liability at times on defense, but he seemed to be getting better. He initially forced quick, bad shots, but that seemed to be because he was worried he wasn’t going to be in long. When Steele finally gave him some significant minutes in a game, he settled down and took better shots (and looked very good). With his speed, I would love to Kyky be a little more aggressive… a little scrappier on defense.

Kyky is nimble. Kyky is quick.
Kyky needs to make “stealing the ball” his new shtick.

[IM4X]

Does anyone else think it is odd how many injuries we’ve seen with this team? I don’t know if it has anything to do with their training or if it is just bad luck, but quite a few players have been (or will be) lost for a significant part of the season because of injures.

Johnson
Stanley
Tandy
Miles
Freemantle

(Probably missing someone)

Plus, we have a transfer in Nunge who is still trying to recover from last year’s injury.

Feels like we are becoming X-ray U.

[bleedXblue]

I too believed Kyky deserved more playing time, particularly after Johnson was lost for the season. Yes, Kyky was a bit of a liability at times on defense, but he seemed to be getting better. He initially forced quick, bad shots, but that seemed to be because he was worried he wasn’t going to be in long. When Steele finally gave him some significant minutes in a game, he settled down and took better shots (and looked very good). With his speed, I would love to Kyky be a little more aggressive… a little scrappier on defense.

Kyky is nimble. Kyky is quick.
Kyky needs to make “stealing the ball” his new shtick.

KyKy has 3 guys ahead of him that are going to get a ton of minutes.

If he wants a significant role on this team, he's going to have to beat out Kunkel too.

You do that by playing your ass off in practice and taking advantage of the few situations your going to get early on in the season.

I don't think he's ever won a gold jersey. Not that I am a huge advocate for the concept. But to me, when and if we see he win one of these maybe he's finally turned the corner and has come to the realization that he's got to play at a higher level in order to be successful at X.

[markchal]

Kunkel reportedly has been fantastic in practice and we could use his shooting and the way he plays in rhythm with the offense (not a lot of 1v5 in his game). That being said, I hope Tandy contributes too. It's a favorite topic to debate on this board, but the reality is we're discussing our 7th or 8th option, and the Tandy v. Kunkel battle will not be a deciding factor on how this year goes, especially if Johnson stays healthy.

[bleedXblue]

Kunkel reportedly has been fantastic in practice and we could use his shooting and the way he plays in rhythm with the offense (not a lot of 1v5 in his game). That being said, I hope Tandy contributes too. It's a favorite topic to debate on this board, but the reality is we're discussing our 7th or 8th option, and the Tandy v. Kunkel battle will not be a deciding factor on how this year goes, especially if Johnson stays healthy.

agreed he's a great bench guy who can get hot in games where we may need him

[drudy23]

Is Kunkel's defense really all that great?

I have a feeling Steele is priming us for Kunkel being a starter lol

[bleedXblue]

Is Kunkel's defense really all that great?

I have a feeling Steele is priming us for Kunkel being a starter lol

Ahead of Johnson? Not possibly ahead of Jones?

If he does, I will have lost the last remaining amount of hope for Steele

[Xuperman]

Does anyone else think it is odd how many injuries we’ve seen with this team? I don’t know if it has anything to do with their training or if it is just bad luck, but quite a few players have been (or will be) lost for a significant part of the season because of injures.

Johnson
Stanley
Tandy
Miles
Freemantle

(Probably missing someone)

Plus, we have a transfer in Nunge who is still trying to recover from last year’s injury.

Feels like we are becoming X-ray U.

Hunter's redshirt season was due to some sort of leg injury.....multiple surgeries reported.

All these guys are prime candidates for what I like to call "The Big East ALL SCAR Team"!

[nuts4xu]

I was at practice on Monday, and Kunkel looked every bit the leader as Scruggs or Johnson. This is a veteran laden team which should be it's strength. I was impressed with how well Stanley and Nunge were moving, coming off the injuries. I really like Jerome Hunter and what he brings to this team. He is a tall, lanky, athletic dude who shoot 3's and drive the basket.

Miles was held out of practice but was on the sidelines. KyKy was sick and not there. Freemantle was working on his rehab exercises and taking laps on his crutches around the arena. He even took part in sprints on his crutches.

That is your full report.

[Xuperman]

I am convinced that Tandy injured his foot trying to pull off that high flying Slam during the Madness Dunk Contest as a freshman. Tried it several times because his reputation proceeded him and the crowd challenged him to pull it off, which he never did.

[drudy23]

Ahead of Johnson? Not possibly ahead of Jones?

If he does, I will have lost the last remaining amount of hope for Steele

I was kind of kidding - but he does love him some Kunkel. More weapons equals more open looks for Kunkel - if he can hit them at 40%, then yes, keep him in there. But he has to shoot better than last year.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Where does this turn the ball over too much come from? First year he turned it over on avg once a game. Last year in 14 minutes he averaged .8 a game.

It’s baloney and not rooted in fact, kind of like how I feel Steele talks about his defense. He’s not any worse than most of the guards on this team.

He is a guard with a career 1 to 1 Assist to turnover ratio.

And if it was turnovers coupled with doing other things well, like defense, or passing to set teammates up, then you can live with that. But he doesnt so the turnovers he does have get magnified.

[drudy23]

He is a guard with a career 1 to 1 Assist to turnover ratio.

And if it was turnovers coupled with doing other things well, like defense, or passing to set teammates up, then you can live with that. But he doesnt so the turnovers he does have get magnified.

He also averaged 7 points in an average of 14 minutes of game time, by far the best scoring ratio on the team. That is his "doing other things well" - he's a scorer. No other player on the team is held to the same defensive standard as him. Kunkel's stats are comparable to KyKy's (and worse in some areas) and let's not make believe Kunkel is the greatest defender in the world.

[D-West & PO-Z]

He also averaged 7 points in an average of 14 minutes of game time, by far the best scoring ratio on the team. That is his "doing other things well" - he's a scorer. No other player on the team is held to the same defensive standard as him. Kunkel's stats are comparable to KyKy's (and worse in some areas) and let's not make believe Kunkel is the greatest defender in the world.

Kunkle does so much more offensively to make others better than KyKy, it isnt even close.

That pass at the end of the Marquette game that Kunkel made to Scruggs that led to Scruggs pass to Jones for the win, was incredible. KyKy could only make that play in his dreams.

I'm not sure why some people think there is some big conspiracy against KyKy? Should he maybe have gotten some more opportunities last year when we struggled offensively, sure. But some act like hes this huge difference maker that Steele hates and isnt playing, purposefully holding Xavier (and thus himself) back.

He had 5 double digit scoring games last year against:
Oakland
Toledo
EKU
Tenn Tech
Georgetown

He got 23 mins or more in all those games, but it was against some of our worst competition. There is no denying he has the ability to light it up but against out better competition he hasnt.

He got double digit mins against:

UC
Oklahoma
Marquette
Seton Hall
Creighton

In those games he was:
7/21 from the field
5/13 from 3
Had 1 assist
Had 5 turnovers
Had 0 FT attempts
Had 0 steals

Not exactly a difference maker there.

I would love to see Kyky get some run, make a positive impact and force Steele to find him mins this year. Can never have enough shooters.

[drudy23]

Kunkle does so much more offensively to make others better than KyKy, it isnt even close.

That pass at the end of the Marquette game that Kunkel made to Scruggs that led to Scruggs pass to Jones for the win, was incredible. KyKy could only make that play in his dreams.

I'm not sure why some people think there is some big conspiracy against KyKy? Should he maybe have gotten some more opportunities last year when we struggled offensively, sure. But some act like hes this huge difference maker that Steele hates and isnt playing, purposefully holding Xavier (and thus himself) back.

He had 5 double digit scoring games last year against:
Oakland
Toledo
EKU
Tenn Tech
Georgetown

He got 23 mins or more in all those games, but it was against some of our worst competition. There is no denying he has the ability to light it up but against out better competition he hasnt.

He got double digit mins against:

UC
Oklahoma
Marquette
Seton Hall
Creighton

In those games he was:
7/21 from the field
5/13 from 3
Had 1 assist
Had 5 turnovers
Had 0 FT attempts
Had 0 steals

Not exactly a difference maker there.

I would love to see Kyky get some run, make a positive impact and force Steele to find him mins this year. Can never have enough shooters.

You could make the same argument for Kunkel. I would venture to guess that most of our players have worse stats against our better competition last year - because we didn't win many of those games against good teams.

When you say you're not sure about the big conspiracy against KyKy - I'm not sure why people think Kunkel is THAT much better. Based on what?

They're different players. It seems KyKy's strengths get more overlooked and his deficiencies are more talked about. I'm not sure why.

[Xville]

Kunkle does so much more offensively to make others better than KyKy, it isnt even close.

That pass at the end of the Marquette game that Kunkel made to Scruggs that led to Scruggs pass to Jones for the win, was incredible. KyKy could only make that play in his dreams.

I'm not sure why some people think there is some big conspiracy against KyKy? Should he maybe have gotten some more opportunities last year when we struggled offensively, sure. But some act like hes this huge difference maker that Steele hates and isnt playing, purposefully holding Xavier (and thus himself) back.

He had 5 double digit scoring games last year against:
Oakland
Toledo
EKU
Tenn Tech
Georgetown

He got 23 mins or more in all those games, but it was against some of our worst competition. There is no denying he has the ability to light it up but against out better competition he hasnt.

He got double digit mins against:

UC
Oklahoma
Marquette
Seton Hall
Creighton

In those games he was:
7/21 from the field
5/13 from 3
Had 1 assist
Had 5 turnovers
Had 0 FT attempts
Had 0 steals

Not exactly a difference maker there.

I would love to see Kyky get some run, make a positive impact and force Steele to find him mins this year. Can never have enough shooters.


I still believe he is the best pure scorer on the team, if he isn’t than who is? I don’t get the love affair Steele and some on here have for Kunkel..he’s been a crap shooter for 2 out of the three years he’s played, he’s mediocre defensively and is very limited athletically at this level. He makes passes every once in a while, great.

Kyky was having a great start to the season albeit against inferior comp while getting 20 plus minutes a game, then the great white hope becomes eligible for the uc game and kyky’s minutes get absolutely slashed. The only game he got significant time after that was Georgetown which again he lit it up.

[drudy23]

I still believe he is the best pure scorer on the team, if he isn’t than who is? I don’t get the love affair Steele and some on here have for Kunkel..he’s been a crap shooter for 2 out of the three years he’s played, he’s mediocre defensively and is very limited athletically at this level. He makes passes every once in a while, great.

Kyky was having a great start to the season albeit against inferior comp while getting 20 plus minutes a game, then the great white hope becomes eligible for the uc game and kyky’s minutes get absolutely slashed. The only game he got significant time after that was Georgetown which again he lit it up.

Honestly, we saw the love affair with Carter based on....not much.

There is evidence of the coach simply sticking with a guy for "intangible" reasons that don't really elevate the team. I think Kunkel is a much bigger contributor than Carter, but let's just stop with the idea that Kunkel is light years ahead of KyKy. It's more based in opinion than objective reality.

[bobbiemcgee]

Steele's coaches shows remind me of the old beach boys song:

Wouldn't it be nice if we were older?
Then we wouldn't have to wait so long
And wouldn't it be nice to live together
In the kind of world where we belong?

Get some fuckin' results, Coach!!!

[bleedXblue]

Steele's coaches shows remind me of the old beach boys song:

Wouldn't it be nice if we were older?
Then we wouldn't have to wait so long
And wouldn't it be nice to live together
In the kind of world where we belong?

Get some fuckin' results, Coach!!!

Was SHOCKED to hear him say that the team was "gassed" during the scrimmage. UMM what?

They've being going at it since August. WTF has the coaching staff been doing? The season starts in a week.

Just more head scratching for me.....

Just win more and get to dance this year......

[Final4]

Was SHOCKED to hear him say that the team was "gassed" during the scrimmage. UMM what?

They've being going at it since August. WTF has the coaching staff been doing? The season starts in a week.

Just more head scratching for me.....

Just win more and get to dance this year......

I could very well be completely wrong here but I often get the impression that Travis is less than forthright in his interviews. I’m not suggesting that he is intentionally dishonest or deceitful. But rather he is so uncomfortable that it’s difficult to be thoughtful and sincere and it turns into nothing but coach speak, a series of one-liners and maybe a bit of hyperbole. To say the team was “gassed” maybe sounded like the “right” thing to say at that moment even though it wasn’t necessarily true.

[Xuperman]

There is evidence of the coach simply sticking with a guy for "intangible" reasons that don't really elevate the team. I think Kunkel is a much bigger contributor than Carter, but let's just stop with the idea that Kunkel is light years ahead of KyKy. It's more based in opinion than objective reality.

The objective reality is that Kunk plays with the highest level of heart/hustle/passion on this roster (Odom close 2nd IMO). I would like to hear someone challenge that reality, but I don't think there is much to counter what we saw last season.

Is it just an old school thing? Or is max effort simply overshadowed by the sexy stuff?

[Xuperman]

I also believe that kunkel is at the top for team 100 in so called "BBALL IQ"....... Zach, Colby, Dwon certainly in the mix.

[xukeith]

I also believe that kunkel is at the top for team 100 in so called "BBALL IQ"....... Zach, Colby, Dwon certainly in the mix.

If Kunkel has the highest ball IQ , why did he launch so many missing 3's last season? Were those truly the best shot?

I hope he is a play maker, but we shall see. Maybe he is very streaky

[boozehound]

You could make the same argument for Kunkel. I would venture to guess that most of our players have worse stats against our better competition last year - because we didn't win many of those games against good teams.

When you say you're not sure about the big conspiracy against KyKy - I'm not sure why people think Kunkel is THAT much better. Based on what?

They're different players. It seems KyKy's strengths get more overlooked and his deficiencies are more talked about. I'm not sure why.

Not saying there isn't something to it, but it seems hard for me to understand why KyKy would come back if the coach so clearly had it out for him? We assumed he was all but gone last year. It's hard to believe there wasn't any interest out there for him. If there wasn't much interest on the transfer market for KyKy that might validate some of Steele's decision to play him less.

He also could have a shit attitude so he isn't getting the playing time. Who knows. I don't really trust Steele at this point so it could be anything, I guess I'm just still surprised Tandy returned. Pleasantly surprised, but surprised. He must have either seen a path to playing time, or he didn't have a lot of options.

[MHettel]

Not saying there isn't something to it, but it seems hard for me to understand why KyKy would come back if the coach so clearly had it out for him? We assumed he was all but gone last year. It's hard to believe there wasn't any interest out there for him. If there wasn't much interest on the transfer market for KyKy that might validate some of Steele's decision to play him less.

He also could have a shit attitude so he isn't getting the playing time. Who knows. I don't really trust Steele at this point so it could be anything, I guess I'm just still surprised Tandy returned. Pleasantly surprised, but surprised. He must have either seen a path to playing time, or he didn't have a lot of options.

The Tandy saga has been a real headscratcher.

In a sense, he DID transfer. To Xavier. He was gone and had to convince the coach to take him back. If Travis thought he would never contribute he could have said "no thanks." If Travis thought he had a bad attitude he could have said "No Thanks." If the defense was never going to be acceptable, he could have said.....

Travis taking him back was in a sense accepting him as a transfer. If there were "better" transfers available, would Travis had gone with them instead?

The idea that he took him back at LEAST signals that any issues that may have been present last year were correctable, right?

[Xavier]

The Tandy saga has been a real headscratcher.

In a sense, he DID transfer. To Xavier. He was gone and had to convince the coach to take him back. If Travis thought he would never contribute he could have said "no thanks." If Travis thought he had a bad attitude he could have said "No Thanks." If the defense was never going to be acceptable, he could have said.....

Travis taking him back was in a sense accepting him as a transfer. If there were "better" transfers available, would Travis had gone with them instead?

With the transfer rule likely to be permanent I’m not sure that’s the standard you want to set. Travis probably let him explore his options and KyKy didn’t see anything better. He is a flawed player but his strength wasn’t used IMO. I think he bring instant offense but doesn’t contribute much else. With a team that often struggled scoring, he was a perfect spark that didn’t get used.

[drudy23]

The objective reality is that Kunk plays with the highest level of heart/hustle/passion on this roster (Odom close 2nd IMO).

I mean - he plays hard, but most/all of them play hard. Does he play harder than Scruggs? Johnson? Colby?

What does he do that others don't? I don't get it when people say things like this.

I see a streaky shooter and competent but not great offensive player who's average on defense and has a decent feel for the game, but is undersized and shoots alot of bad shots. He's a productive role player that can get better in that role.

Does he talk good smack or something? Someone please give me some earth shattering evidence to elevate him to the status some seem to give him?

[drudy23]

I also believe that kunkel is at the top for team 100 in so called "BBALL IQ"....... Zach, Colby, Dwon certainly in the mix.

Huh?

Did you watch the same games I did? I will admit Kunkel is a heady player. But to put Free and Dwon in that category is head scratching. Colby I agree is also a heady player.

Especially Freemantle - at times last year, he looked completely lost on the defensive end. Completely. And Dwon made several suspect decisions at end of games last year.

[boozehound]

The Tandy saga has been a real headscratcher.

In a sense, he DID transfer. To Xavier. He was gone and had to convince the coach to take him back. If Travis thought he would never contribute he could have said "no thanks." If Travis thought he had a bad attitude he could have said "No Thanks." If the defense was never going to be acceptable, he could have said.....

Travis taking him back was in a sense accepting him as a transfer. If there were "better" transfers available, would Travis had gone with them instead?

The idea that he took him back at LEAST signals that any issues that may have been present last year were correctable, right?

I mean, I think so? I agree that this is one of the stranger circumstances I have seen. If I recall Tandy basically announced his intent to transfer, but then never left. Presumably because his options weren't quite what he thought they were, but who knows.

[D-West & PO-Z]

With the transfer rule likely to be permanent I’m not sure that’s the standard you want to set.

Yeah I tend to agree with this.

[XUGRAD80]

I mean, I think so? I agree that this is one of the stranger circumstances I have seen. If I recall Tandy basically announced his intent to transfer, but then never left. Presumably because his options weren't quite what he thought they were, but who knows.

In his radio show Steele said that Tandy put his name in the portal because of “outside influences” and that it was never KyKy’s idea. After talking with him and thinking about it, Steele decided to welcome him back. He must see some value in him, I would think.

[IM4X]

Hunter's redshirt season was due to some sort of leg injury.....multiple surgeries reported.

All these guys are prime candidates for what I like to call "The Big East ALL SCAR Team"!

I’m Okay with scars. I’ve got plenty myself. We just can’t afford any more broken bones or torn tendons with this team moving froward.

[Xavier]

I see a streaky shooter and competent but not great offensive player who's average on defense and has a decent feel for the game, but is undersized and shoots alot of bad shots. He's a productive role player that can get better in that role.



Sounds a lot like KyKy. Both productive roll players that X needs to be slightly better at there role. If the overall success of the season lies with either of them X is in a lot of trouble. Just bizarre how much they are talked about relative to their importance to the team.

[IM4X]

KyKy has 3 guys ahead of him that are going to get a ton of minutes.

If he wants a significant role on this team, he's going to have to beat out Kunkel too.

You do that by playing your ass off in practice and taking advantage of the few situations your going to get early on in the season.

I don't think he's ever won a gold jersey. Not that I am a huge advocate for the concept. But to me, when and if we see he win one of these maybe he's finally turned the corner and has come to the realization that he's got to play at a higher level in order to be successful at X.

Agree with everything you’ve posted.

He needs to clearly be the better option to get more playing time. I will say that I remember at least a few times last season (after Nate was out the season) where Tandy stayed on the bench while other players were either in foul trouble or not playing well. I believe Tandy deserved more minutes in some of those games and not just 2-4 minutes. When Steele gave Kyky a little more time in the GT game, Kyky became hot and closed a huge gap in the score. X still lost but one has to wonder what might have been had he been given more minutes earlier in the game.

I’d be interested to see Kyky in situations where we press. I think that’s where he could go from a liability to an asset on defense.

[bobbiemcgee]

Team being "gassed" after 28 practices and a scrimmage doesn't give me warm fuzzies. Should be in great shape by now.

[drudy23]

What this all comes down to is that Travis is going to have to prove it. I think everyone will take much of what he says with a grain of salt until the results prove otherwise.

[xukeith]

The season comes down to interior post production, overall defense and consistent scoring options .

[XUGRAD80]

What this all comes down to is that Travis is going to have to prove it. I think everyone will take much of what he says with a grain of salt until the results prove otherwise.

Exactly

[Xuperman]

Huh?

Did you watch the same games I did? I will admit Kunkel is a heady player. But to put Free and Dwon in that category is head scratching. Colby I agree is also a heady player.

Especially Freemantle - at times last year, he looked completely lost on the defensive end. Completely. And Dwon made several suspect decisions at end of games last year.

Obviously we all are watching the same games.....fact is that people tend to view them through a different lense.

Basketball IQ, IMO, translates into a natural feel for the game for a kid very early on. One that is eager to be coached, but surprise when the player is ahead of the curve from the jump. Zach, Dwon, Colby are text book examples..... my opinion regarding Adam Kunkel is that he has/had that "it" since arriving on Victory Parkway. He has bought into his physical definacies, and quickly worked to address them. There is a look in the eye with Kunkel that channels William Wallace/Tu Holloway. Just my opinion....but bottle what he has, mix it with the team water, and maybe we get where we want to go.

Does this answer your concerns about the observations some here have?

[drudy23]

Obviously we all are watching the same games.....fact is that people tend to view them through a different lense.

Basketball IQ, IMO, translates into a natural feel for the game for a kid very early on. One that is eager to be coached, but surprise when the player is ahead of the curve from the jump. Zach, Dwon, Colby are text book examples..... my opinion regarding Adam Kunkel is that he has/had that "it" since arriving on Victory Parkway. He has bought into his physical definacies, and quickly worked to address them. There is a look in the eye with Kunkel that channels William Wallace/Tu Holloway. Just my opinion....but bottle what he has, mix it with the team water, and maybe we get where we want to go.

Does this answer your concerns about the observations some here have?

Jesus Christ. Now we're putting Kunkel in Tu Holloway territory. Blasphemy.

[markchal]

I do think Kunkel gets his shots within the flow of the offense too. Granted, he needs to make more of them this year, but he still moves the ball effectively. Tandy does a lot of 1-on-5, including some pretty low-percentage long 2s. I think part of it might be because he didn't get a lot of PT, and maybe felt pressure to score ASAP once he was in.

[Xville]

Now we are comparing one of the best Xavier players ever to Kunkel ffs.

[JTG]

I will be interested to see how Kunkel's musculature translates on the floor. Will he become a force on both ends of the floor, or will he be a"Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane" type of guy ?

[XUBison]

I think Xup tries to wish things into existence— type it into the universe, and it shall be so.

[XUBison]

I will be interested to see how Kunkel's musculature translates on the floor. Will he become a force on both ends of the floor, or will he be a"Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane" type of guy ?

This is funny. Awkward, but funny.

[nuts4xu]

I will be interested to see how Kunkel's musculature translates on the floor. Will he become a force on both ends of the floor, or will he be a"Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane" type of guy ?

Not sure how the musculature translates, but I am sure the tattoos on his legs will up his street cred. Looks like the type of gangsta (not thug) we have all come to know and love in this program.

[Xuperman]

Jesus Christ. Now we're putting Kunkel in Tu Holloway territory?

Absolutely yes. Between the ears and the heart, yes.

Is he limited athletically?....Sure. But like I said, people observe the subtle nuances of the game differently. The kid plays with the undeniable passion and hustle that deserves "zip em up" cred. Plus....name me one guy that looks like he's having more fun!

https://youtu.be/n3fD5IVfq7U

[Xavier]

I can’t tell if you’re being serious. I’ll give you benefit of the doubt and say you aren’t. If you are, just save yourself and say it’s sarcastic.

[Xuperman]

No save needed here. I am confident that by the time he gets honored on Senior night, there will be no room on the bandwagon. From a competitiveness and effort standpoint.....what are you not seeing?

[drudy23]

No save needed here. I am confident that by the time he gets honored on Senior night, there will be no room on the bandwagon. From a competitiveness and effort standpoint.....what are you not seeing?

Do I think he plays hard? Yes.

Is it substantially different than how hard everyone plays? Not really.

I’m not against him playing, especially when he’s making shots, I’m just not sure why he gets all the hyperbole for himself. You act like he’s going to be BE POY one day.

And stop with the Tu comparisons, that just makes you look senile.

[UCGRAD4X]

Not sure how the musculature translates, but I am sure the tattoos on his legs will up his street cred. Looks like the type of gangsta (not thug) we have all come to know and love in this program.

Won't musculating on a regular basis make you go blind. That's what my mom told me.

[Xuperman]

I don’t get the love affair Steele and some on here have for Kunkel..he’s been a crap shooter for 2 out of the three years he’s played, he’s mediocre defensively and is very limited athletically at this level. He makes passes every once in a while, great.

0-5 on points made here....sound familiar? He will force people here to get on board going forward. Will take my additional comments to the Kunk'd thread.

[Xville]

0-5 on points made here....sound familiar? He will force people here to get on board going forward. Will take my additional comments to the Kunk'd thread.

Shouldn’t you be on bearkittenpaws or whatever the hell their board is? Kunkel was good last night, you sure showed me. He’s a good reserve player who may struggle this year against the big East just like he did last year. Where were you the last two games where he was pretty bad? Such a tough guy coming on here calling a Xavier fan out after one good game. Get a life. You should be aware that your bear kitties are garbage. Your love affair with him and your obsession with me is starting to get in the restraining order realm

[Xuperman]

Because you are the King Hedge man on this board...."may struggle?". That's typical. Your in game comments are insufferable. Your bandwagon style is like the men trying to get on a lifeboat in Titanic. You have the talent to be more abrasive than Battery acid. I don't see how you don't get blasted by more here. "Get a life?" What a joke. You average 1000 post per year. I'm at 300.

A guarentee that you won't acknowledge this and let it be the last word.

[Xville]

Because you are the King Hedge man on this board...."may struggle?". That's typical. Your in game comments are insufferable. Your bandwagon style is like the guys trying to get on a lifeboat in Titanic. You have the talent to be more abrasive than Battery acid. I don't see how you don't get blasted by more here. A guarentee that you won't acknowledge this and let it be the last word.

I don’t get blasted by more heee, because most on here know the game of basketball and agree with me. It’s clear you don’t. Go root for your bear kitten love

[XU_Lou]

Because you are the King Hedge man on this board...."may struggle?". That's typical. Your in game comments are insufferable. Your bandwagon style is like the men trying to get on a lifeboat in Titanic. You have the talent to be more abrasive than Battery acid. I don't see how you don't get blasted by more here. A guarentee that you won't acknowledge this and let it be the last word.

You are 100% correct on every bit of this....

[Xville]

You are 100% correct on every bit of this....

You should be proud xuperman now you have the conspiracy freak who has been banned on this board on your side. Great company to keep!

Way to pollute the board after a great game. You all should be proud

[XU_Lou]

You should be proud xuperman now you have the conspiracy freak who has been banned on this board on your side. Great company to keep!

Way to pollute the board after a great game. You all should be proud

Instead of shooting your mouth off, perhaps you should try improving your analytical skills....

[Xuperman]

You should be proud xuperman now you have the conspiracy freak who has been banned on this board on your side. Great company to keep!

Way to pollute the board after a great game. You all should be proud

Your style sucks. Be better....but you won't. What Lou does on the politics thread has absolutely nothing to do with Xavier Basketball. He seems to be an ardent supporter of the team like most here. Last word?

[Xville]

It’s also hilarious mr tough guy xuperman that about two posts up from mine you call Kunkel limited athletically, but then when I say it, you say I’m wrong.hmm that’s a mystery.

[Xville]

Your style sucks. Be better....but you won't. What Lou does on the politics thread has absolutely nothing to do with Xavier Basketball. He seems to be a ardent supporter of the team like most here.

You should probably reevaluate your view on someone who supports the program and the school financially, is an alum, hates everything uc and was at the game last night, and will be at 4-5 more this season while living an hour and a half away. Kiss my ass

[XU_Lou]

You should probably reevaluate your view on someone who supports the program and the school financially, is an alum, hates everything uc and was at the game last night, and will be at 4-5 more this season while living an hour and a half away. Kiss my ass

Do you sit in the baby seat on the way up to Cincy?

[Xuperman]

Do you sit in the baby seat on the way up to Cincy?

You funny Lou.

[xu82]

HEY! WE WON!!! Anybody remember the basketball game last night! It was a LOT of FUN!


Let’s keep that other crap contained in the “other thread”. Please? It would be a terrible waste to poison the entire board.

[Masterofreality]

Ok. I’m putting on my Tin Foil Hat.
Firmly in place.
Last night before the Coach’s Show I had a question prepared to call in and ask Steele. It was about the useage of the combo of Free and Hunter from 6:26 in the first half vs UConn to 1:57 when Steele finally called a time out after being boatraced from down 5 to down 18. Sanogo had never left the floor and there was a chance to put Nunge back in the game after 7-8 minutes of real time rest at the under 4 timeout at 3:56. Steele didn’t. The rest is history.
BUTTTTTT. Unlike previous Steele shows from Dilly Bistro when fans could call in (under more pleasant results circumstances) there was no call in number given out by Joe anywhere in the show. When I tried to call in on the previous show’s call in number of (513) 749-5500, a guy at WKRC answered and said they were taking no calls at this show. They only called on one audience member, a guy I know, who made a couple of points that made Steele uncomfortable and made him admit and say “Yeah, we gotta do better on that”. They then called on no other audience for questions. Hmmmmmm.
Soooooo, Steele, as he said in his press conference the other day that “He doesn’t care what other people think”.
Well Coach, you had better start caring and be able to stand up to tough questions, or your “approval ratings” will go the way of Joe Biden’s.
Avoiding the scrutiny is not “Building Toughness” in your team. If you can’t stand the heat, how can we expect your team to?

Tin Foil hat now removed.

[SemajParlor]

And here we go.

https://twitter.com/benstanley23/status/1496209255480926209?s=20&t=8zwLGN81zLYC7hKPKckFYg

[GoMuskies]

Speaking of injured players, is Tandy still hurt? It became clear last season/offseason that he wasn't in the plans, so he's probably not worth talking about anyway, but given our abysmal shooting I was wondering if he was even nominally available if Steele happened to remember his name.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Speaking of injured players, is Tandy still hurt? It became clear last season/offseason that he wasn't in the plans, so he's probably not worth talking about anyway, but given our abysmal shooting I was wondering if he was even nominally available if Steele happened to remember his name.

I believe he is out for the year.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Someone on twitter was recapping the call in show and said Steele said he wants the team to be taking more 3 point shots. Did he really say that??

[GoMuskies]

I believe he is out for the year.

I fired up the Google machine, and that's right. Somehow missed this at the time.

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2021/12/17/xaviers-kyky-tandy/8943457002/

[SemajParlor]

The Stanley response tweet today to Steele saying he hasn't been playing because he's last in "Xavier Way" points up to this point in the season was liked by Colby, Kunkel, and Nate.

Probably nothing. Everything is totally fine and normal in the locker room.

[drudy23]

This isn't reassuring.

I think the players know they are underachieving, and it's because of decisions out of their control.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I had a tweet basically criticizing the practice points system and I got a notification on my phone it was liked by Kunkel. He quickly unliked it. At the time I wasn't thinking he agreed but maybe actually didn't agree and accidentally liked it and so unliked it. Now I am wondering if he really does like my tweet but just thought better of liking it. Hmmmm.....

[drudy23]

I don't think anyone has an issue with tracking practice points. I'm sure it's a great tool to help guys develop and see their progress. And I'm guessing some game decisions can come from it too.

But to use it universally to establish game minute is kinda dumb, if that's actually what they do. Obviously, you can't completely suck or dog it in practice and expect to play. But it's not a black and white assessment - plenty of grey area that the coaches need to massage to determine the right lineups.

[Masterofreality]

Someone on twitter was recapping the call in show and said Steele said he wants the team to be taking more 3 point shots. Did he really say that??

Yes. But if they are “not rushed” and “good” three point shots.
I suppose when you are all in on that offensive philosophy, and in a pre-season practice I attended, they sure shot a lot of threes, you’re gonna stubbornly stay with it.

[Masterofreality]

I don't think anyone has an issue with tracking practice points. I'm sure it's a great tool to help guys develop and see their progress. And I'm guessing some game decisions can come from it too.

But to use it universally to establish game minute is kinda dumb, if that's actually what they do. Obviously, you can't completely suck or dog it in practice and expect to play. But it's not a black and white assessment - plenty of grey area that the coaches need to massage to determine the right lineups.

Jason Carter had tons of practice points. See where that got us?

[drudy23]

He cannot stand that this team is not fulfilling his vision. He has blinders on.

Take a step back, take a look in the mirror, and have an honest conversation with yourself about if you're trying to force a square peg into a round hole.

[drudy23]

Jason Carter had tons of practice points. See where that got us?

Exactly - something he should be learning from and adjusting.

[Xville]

The Stanley response tweet today to Steele saying he hasn't been playing because he's last in "Xavier Way" points up to this point in the season was liked by Colby, Kunkel, and Nate.

Probably nothing. Everything is totally fine and normal in the locker room.

So, are some players starting to realize Steele doesn’t have a clue either

[Masterofreality]

The Stanley response tweet today to Steele saying he hasn't been playing because he's last in "Xavier Way" points up to this point in the season was liked by Colby, Kunkel, and Nate.

Probably nothing. Everything is totally fine and normal in the locker room.

It was my buddy who was in the audience who was the only one who was able to ask questions last night that asked Steele about Ben Stanley winning the Gold Jersey in practice and then got zero minutes in games. That’s when Steele said that Stanley was “last in practice points for the year”.
Yeah, I guess if you’re knee doesn’t feel right and you don’t practice then you don’t get points?
A very bad slam at Stanley if you ask me.

[xuphan]

The Stanley response tweet today to Steele saying he hasn't been playing because he's last in "Xavier Way" points up to this point in the season was liked by Colby, Kunkel, and Nate.

Probably nothing. Everything is totally fine and normal in the locker room.

The whole practice thing with Steele is so mind boggling. Players have to earn practice points to earn playing time. The whole gold Jersey thing. Travis tweeted out the Ben won the gold Jersey in practice but yet is rewarded with zero playing time. Like is all of this practice points/gold Jersey just some prop to keep the fans and players engaged in the program? I just don’t understand the point of it to be honest.

[drudy23]

Plus doesn't the overall talent of your team also have something to do with your success in practice?

Does David West dominating Anthony Myles in practice mean Anthony Myles isn't a good player that doesn't deserve minutes? No.

Of course Jason Carter looked good on those teams - look at the bigs he was competing against in practice. Doesn't mean he could guard Nate Watson or score on Sanogo consistently.

[SemajParlor]

That’s when Steele said that Stanley was “last in practice points for the year”.
Yeah, I guess if you’re knee doesn’t feel right and you don’t practice then you don’t get points?
A very bad slam at Stanley if you ask me.


I don't know Steele personally at all / never said a word to him. But I bet you he wish he could have that one back. Didn't come across as a good look to be publicly criticizing a kid's practice performance less than a year after an ACL tear.

[SemajParlor]

And by the way, it's an interesting question. Given the production we have seen from the 4 position the last 2 years, is it crazy to wonder if Cesare or Stanley would provide us a spark or some additional toughness? The theme the last few years seems to be if it's broken, don't try and fix it.

[drudy23]

And by the way, it's an interesting question. Given the production we have seen from the 4 position the last 2 years, is it crazy to wonder if Cesare or Stanley would provide us a spark or some additional toughness? The theme the last few years seems to be if it's broken, don't try and fix it.

And to add to that, Steele has been quoted as saying Edwards is one of the toughest players on the team.

His reality never aligns with his quotes. Never.

Eventually your players see through it.

[JTG]

It was my buddy who was in the audience who was the only one who was able to ask questions last night that asked Steele about Ben Stanley winning the Gold Jersey in practice and then got zero minutes in games. That’s when Steele said that Stanley was “last in practice points for the year”.
Yeah, I guess if you’re knee doesn’t feel right and you don’t practice then you don’t get points?
A very bad slam at Stanley if you ask me.

They need a moment like the scene in Rudy where the guys come into Steele' office and throw their jerseys on his desk and say "Stanley can have my place, Coach". People saying it appears Steele is unaffected, or there is no heat on him may be wrong. Saying what he did is a kneejerk reaction that he's hearing the whispers, and this could blow up in his face. These guys seem to get along well, and if they feel one of them is getting screwed they might revolt.

[Xville]

They need a moment like the scene in Rudy where the guys come into Steele' office and throw their jerseys on his desk and say "Stanley can have my place, Coach". People saying it appears Steele is unaffected, or there is no heat on him may be wrong. Saying what he did is a kneejerk reaction that he's hearing the whispers, and this could blow up in his face. These guys seem to get along well, and if they feel one of them is getting screwed they might revolt.

The players revolting is finally what got mack fired at Louisville. That’s probably what it would take at x it sounds like.

[Masterofreality]

Someone on twitter was recapping the call in show and said Steele said he wants the team to be taking more 3 point shots. Did he really say that??

Exact quote:
Joe Sunderman: in terms of the balance of shots on the floor from the shot chart in terms of where the shots come from, are you satisfied with that?
Steele: Yeah, I’d like to take a few more threes, not a ton, but I think guys are passing up shots when they should shoot the ball with confidence.
Byron: Why is that? Confidence?
Steele: Yeah. Confidence. Just gotta knock ‘em down.

[drudy23]

Exact quote:
Joe Sunderman: in terms of the balance of shots on the floor from the shot chart in terms of where the shots come from, are you satisfied with that?
Steele: Yeah, I’d like to take a few more threes, not a ton, but I think guys are passing up shots when they should shoot the ball with confidence.
Byron: Why is that? Confidence?
Steele: Yeah. Confidence. Just gotta knock ‘em down.

LOL I think Byron was asking "why do they lack confidence"

I doubt Steele had an answer for it anyway. Besides the same ole "just gotta knock 'em down"

Colby does need to shoot more.

[JTG]

The players revolting is finally what got mack fired at Louisville. That’s probably what it would take at x it sounds like.

Hey, I'm all for it....Sean pack your bags bud, and head for Victory Pkwy.

[MHettel]

Whatever Tweet was linked above has been removed. Can someone paraphrase it?

[GoMuskies]

Whatever Tweet was linked above has been removed. Can someone paraphrase it?

Basically, Stanley was saying that it takes a long time to come back from an ACL injury, and he came back after 10 months. Maybe he should have waited longer, but SOMEONE thought it was a good idea for him to practice.

[Xavier]

Just saw that tweet….I mean it was odd how quickly he threw Stanley under the bus for “Xavier Points” (what the hell?)

I’m ok challenging players, even to the media, but why throw the guy coming off an ACL injury who rides the bench under the bus. Starter you want to challenge? Go for it. Bench guy busting his ass in practice to ride the bench after a long recovery from ACL injury? Sheesh

[Xville]

It’s obvious that Steele has his favorites and he won’t deviate from that no matter what. Different rules for different players.

[whopper]

Just saw that tweet….I mean it was odd how quickly he threw Stanley under the bus for “Xavier Points” (what the hell?)

I’m ok challenging players, even to the media, but why throw the guy coming off an ACL injury who rides the bench under the bus. Starter you want to challenge? Go for it. Bench guy busting his ass in practice to ride the bench after a long recovery from ACL injury? Sheesh

I really feel for Stanley..he was not supposed to play last year..then was allowed..had a couple of double figure games and i thought he was going to take 20 min a game from Carter then got hurt on a nothing play at St Johns..did not seem like anything. I wish him the best and i would love to see it at Xavier next year but wherever is the best choice for him. Seems like a great attitude and his 40 pt game v Howard is intriguing and i thought could translate into a good 6th man role

[SemajParlor]

Ben also seems to be really well liked by his teammates. I'm rooting for him.

[American X]

So, to Travis Steele, the reality of Freemantle shooting 14.7% from three is better than the potential of Ben Stanley actually scoring and rebounding.

[murray87]

I've been away from the board a couple days and now reading this latest line of bullcrap from Steele is too much! This practice points and gold jersey stuff is something for a CYO team playing at the local Y. Dude is so far over his head in this job that I'm almost embarrassed for him.

[Muskie]

Exact quote:
Joe Sunderman: in terms of the balance of shots on the floor from the shot chart in terms of where the shots come from, are you satisfied with that?
Steele: Yeah, I’d like to take a few more threes, not a ton, but I think guys are passing up shots when they should shoot the ball with confidence.
Byron: Why is that? Confidence?
Steele: Yeah. Confidence. Just gotta knock ‘em down.

Did he actually advocate taking more 3 point shots? Taking more shots we don't hit a good percentage of the time seems odd.

[Muskie]

Grabbed these from a poster on FB:

Team 3pt Shooting

Miller .380
Gillen .366
Matta .366
Mack .355
Prosser .339
Steele .325

Average 3's Made per game

Miller 7.3
Steele 7
Matta 6.8
Mack 6.2
Prosser 6.1
Gillen 4.2

Average 3Pt Att per game

Steele 21.6
Miller 19.2
Matta 18.6
Prosser 18.0
Mack 17.5
Gillen 11.3

___
It seems like the last thing we should be doing is shooting more threes.

[Backyard Champ]

Did he actually advocate taking more 3 point shots? Taking more shots we don't hit a good percentage of the time seems odd.

I’ll get killed for saying this: but I agree with his overall point. Players can’t pass up good looks. It’s frustrating watching players pass up a good look, only to have the shot clock wind down and we force an ugly shot up. Hard to get the players to play with confidence, but when they are, they aren’t passing up open looks, which often results in a better offense. It’s why after a few consecutive shots start falling, the team seems to play better. Because they all get that momentum and then aren’t passing up wide open looks.

And quite honestly, we aren’t going to win many games making less than 5 3’s.

[SemajParlor]

I’ll get killed for saying this: but I agree with his overall point. Players can’t pass up good looks. It’s frustrating watching players pass up a good look, only to have the shot clock wind down and we force an ugly shot up. Hard to get the players to play with confidence, but when they are, they aren’t passing up open looks, which often results in a better offense. It’s why after a few consecutive shots start falling, the team seems to play better. Because they all get that momentum and then aren’t passing up wide open looks.

And quite honestly, we aren’t going to win many games making less than 5 3’s.

Haha, I actually agree with this too. I didn't hate his quote. It's the wrong players shooting at the wrong times that's killing us a lot. Freemantle is open on a pick and pop every time we want it for a reason.

[Muskie]

I am ok with the correct players taking more 3 point shots. But there seems to be no realization when someone is having a bad night, and no xconsequence for anyone if they continued to take bad shots.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Basically, Stanley was saying that it takes a long time to come back from an ACL injury, and he came back after 10 months. Maybe he should have waited longer, but SOMEONE thought it was a good idea for him to practice.

The timing of the tweet and the careful identification of "someone" very clearly was a response to Steele. That is reinforced by the quick support from his teammates and the quick deletion of the tweet. I know nothing of what this team's dynamic is or the relationship between coach and players. But, reading the tea leaves from afar, even with less than perfect information, Steele seems to have a problem in the locker room. Being head coach (CEO per Christopher) of a major collegiate sports program is, at its core, about being a good leader. Not diminishing all the basketball related knowledge required in this job. There's a lot of that needed, for certain.

Leadership often comes down to creating a vision, translating it from the abstract into concrete action and communicating all of that to players, fans, administrators, etc. Steele fails in his communication. His repeated word salads when asked reasonable questions, his hyperbole about various players (Miles....future B.E. Defensive POY) and other subjects, his preferential treatment of some players vs. others, etc. all point to a guy who isn't a good leader. Players know this. I have to believe A.D. Christopher sees that as well-----that is pure speculation on my part. I do not have a clue what the relationship is between Steele and Christopher. But, a boss at the level of A.D. should have a pretty good handle about whether (or not) the CEO of his most important athletic product has control of his responsibilities.

Players and a coach on opposite sides doesn't, by itself, explain our poor results. Teams can win in spite of that dynamic. Nevertheless, losing a team (as it appears Steele has done) is another hurdle to overcome at this point in the season.

As much as I believe Steele is mismatched to succeed as our coach, I believe he will keep his job. X simply lacks the financial wherewithal to cut him a check for two years' worth of salary (approx. $3.0 MM) and then go out and hire a replacement for at least that amount. I just don't see that occurring.

[Masterofreality]

I am ok with the correct players taking more 3 point shots. But there seems to be no realization when someone is having a bad night, and no xconsequence for anyone if they continued to take bad shots.

Other than the guards, Jack Nunge has taken 71 3 pointers in 666 minutes hitting 35.2%
Jerome Hunter has taken 58 3’s in 443 minutes hitting 24.1% of them
Zach Freemantle has taken 34 in 555 minutes hitting 14.7% of them.
Johnson Kunk & Paul are shooting 39%, 36% and 33% respectively. Even Dwon, in limited attempts is shooting 33%.

The fact that one of Steele’s main offense actions is to “flip the floor” pulling his bigs out and posting his guards low is garbage strategy to me and is the cause of the above. Plus is kills our offensive rebounding.
Hunter and Free have zero business jacking up 3’s. Plays right into the oppositions hands and causes empty possessions for Xavier.
Yet Steele won’t change.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I was just saying to myself the last few games that this team is so much better now that they arnt jacking up so many 3's . They are driving to the basket more. We still keep losing so I guess go back to shooting 3's

[xavbball]

I’ll get killed for saying this: but I agree with his overall point. Players can’t pass up good looks. It’s frustrating watching players pass up a good look, only to have the shot clock wind down and we force an ugly shot up. Hard to get the players to play with confidence, but when they are, they aren’t passing up open looks, which often results in a better offense. It’s why after a few consecutive shots start falling, the team seems to play better. Because they all get that momentum and then aren’t passing up wide open looks.

And quite honestly, we aren’t going to win many games making less than 5 3’s.

There is a reason why certain players get "good looks". The opposing defense does not close on them. Why would a team play us and not want to give Freemantle and Hunter all the good looks they wanted? If they shoot, it's basically an empty possession.

[Masterofreality]

There is a reason why certain players get "good looks". The opposing defense does not close on them. Why would a team play us and not want to give Freemantle and Hunter all the good looks they wanted? If they shoot, it's basically an empty possession.

But Steele "Has all the confidence in the world in Zach" (Direct Quote)
Coaches Pet IMHO

[xuwillie]

But Steele "Has all the confidence in the world in Zach" (Direct Quote)
Coaches Pet IMHO

Steele is a big fan of below average power forwards

[GoMuskies]

Zach was 25-78 on 3s last year, and while that's certainly not a great percentage, he's at least demonstrated that he CAN be a non-terrible perimeter shooter. It's unfortunate that he's be SO BAD this year, but I don't know that it's a good idea for him to just continue shooting through it.

If he IS going to keep shooting, a little late season regression to the mean sure would be nice.

[Masterofreality]

Zach was 25-78 on 3s last year, and while that's certainly not a great percentage, he's at least demonstrated that he CAN be a non-terrible perimeter shooter. It's unfortunate that he's be SO BAD this year, but I don't know that it's a good idea for him to just continue shooting through it.

If he IS going to keep shooting, a little late season regression to the mean sure would be nice.

Maybe having a tender foot throws his shot off????

[drudy23]

There is a reason why certain players get "good looks". The opposing defense does not close on them. Why would a team play us and not want to give Freemantle and Hunter all the good looks they wanted? If they shoot, it's basically an empty possession.

You're exactly right.

And the inverse - they are preventing good looks for our best shooters because they can. When Dwon, Hunter and Freemantle are on the floor together, it's literally impossible to get your good shooters a good look.

[Backyard Champ]

You're exactly right.

And the inverse - they are preventing good looks for our best shooters because they can. When Dwon, Hunter and Freemantle are on the floor together, it's literally impossible to get your good shooters a good look.

I agree with this too. For someone who wants us to shoot more 3’s, he seems to have awful 3 shooting line ups when we need them the most late in games when we need a run.

[SemajParlor]

Is Ryan Welage still available?

[UCGRAD4X]

You're exactly right.

And the inverse - they are preventing good looks for our best shooters because they can. When Dwon, Hunter and Freemantle are on the floor together, it's literally impossible to get your good shooters a good look.

Right. The three point shooters that we might have on the floor, which pretty much narrows it down, they can double on or play close to since they are sagging off the three you mentioned.

But Travis wants them to shoot more threes.

[MHettel]

You're exactly right.

And the inverse - they are preventing good looks for our best shooters because they can. When Dwon, Hunter and Freemantle are on the floor together, it's literally impossible to get your good shooters a good look.

This kind of reminds me of an ah-ha moment I had years ago regarding outfielders that always have a high number of outfield assists. Those are the guys that the opponent is willing to run on. The BEST arms in the outfield almost never get a chance to show it off.

[drudy23]

This kind of reminds me of an ah-ha moment I had years ago regarding outfielders that always have a high number of outfield assists. Those are the guys that the opponent is willing to run on. The BEST arms in the outfield almost never get a chance to show it off.

Same with lockdown corners in the NFL - unless your name is Deion Sanders, that dude picked everything.

[SM#24]

CBSSN on pre-game show commenting about X’s poor 3-point shooting. But sure, let’s shoot more.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I’ll get killed for saying this: but I agree with his overall point. Players can’t pass up good looks. It’s frustrating watching players pass up a good look, only to have the shot clock wind down and we force an ugly shot up. Hard to get the players to play with confidence, but when they are, they aren’t passing up open looks, which often results in a better offense. It’s why after a few consecutive shots start falling, the team seems to play better. Because they all get that momentum and then aren’t passing up wide open looks.

And quite honestly, we aren’t going to win many games making less than 5 3’s.

Can you provide an example of who it is on our team that is passing these shots up and should be taking more? I can't think of one guy who is shy to shoot 3's except Odom (for good reason) and Colby (who I think can get better but isn't shooting well from 3). Everyone else does not seem to pass up any open looks to me.

[Strange Brew]

This kind of reminds me of an ah-ha moment I had years ago regarding outfielders that always have a high number of outfield assists. Those are the guys that the opponent is willing to run on. The BEST arms in the outfield almost never get a chance to show it off.

Was going to post something snarky ( :) ) about "The Hawk" but his assist to innings played ratio proves your point. YOU DON'T take extra bases when Dawson has the ball...

[drudy23]

Can you provide an example of who it is on our team that is passing these shots up and should be taking more? I can't think of one guy who is shy to shoot 3's except Odom (for good reason) and Colby (who I think can get better but isn't shooting well from 3). Everyone else does not seem to pass up any open looks to me.

I thought the team did a good job of not taking a bunch of 3's last night, especially in gut check and important situations. They got to the rim and took good shots. That's seems to be a better formula for this team - we just don't shoot the 3 well.

A few well-timed 3's are much better than shooting alot of them for this team.

[Final4]

I thought the team did a good job of not taking a bunch of 3's last night, especially in gut check and important situations. They got to the rim and took good shots. That's seems to be a better formula for this team - we just don't shoot the 3 well.

A few well-timed 3's are much better than shooting alot of them for this team.

Lot of folks want to rag on Travis for his comments regarding 3-point attempts. A few complained about last nights shot selection. Kunk shot 40% on 3’s……..I want him to shoot more. Paul shot 50% last night…….same I want him to shoot more. Nunge was 0 for 4. That’s an anomaly in my opinion and I want him to continue to shoot 3’s. Colby missed the only one he took…….he needs to shoot more. The outlier I believe is/was Hunter. He attempted two and missed both. He shouldn’t be shooting at all.