10 Observations: Niagara

[MHettel]

1. Still too many 3 attempts. We either need to make more, or take less. We wont many win BE games if half our attempts are from 3, and we shoot in the low 30's.

2. Scruggs looked good. Not eye-popping numbers, but he takes what is there. Saw glimpses of the "takeover" mentality. give me more!

3. Kunkle gained 20 pounds and still looks like my little brother in 8th grade. Mustache and all.

4. Hunter is much longer than I expected. I know Defense is not his calling card, but his offense was bad tonight. Like the rebounding. Would like to see him commit to defense and be a "stopper" that plays 18 minutes or so.

5. Nunge reminds me of Hankins. Looking to help at the rim. Wasnt very effective, but you can see his tendency to provide a last line of defense at the rim. Looked healthy and could be effective.

6. Not enough Free Throws. Still. It's a 3 attempt, or a dump inside. I'd like to see attacks to the rim, with the intent to find contact. Not sure who that guy is.

7. Defense was solid. I like the intensity level. Hope we use the depth to keep pressure for 40 minutes. I would turn it up from here...

8. Miles looks like he has potential. I want rebounds, blocks and fouls from him, especially in limited minutes. Let them know you are there.

9. Where the hell was Stanley? Did I miss something?

10. Paging Nate Johnson?

I'll take the W, but this performance doesn't win many games in the BE or the Big Dance.

[xukeith]

1. Still too many 3 attempts. We either need to make more, or take less. We wont many win BE games if half our attempts are from 3, and we shoot in the low 30's.

2. Scruggs looked good. Not eye-popping numbers, but he takes what is there. Saw glimpses of the "takeover" mentality. give me more!

3. Kunkle gained 20 pounds and still looks like my little brother in 8th grade. Mustache and all.

4. Hunter is much longer than I expected. I know Defense is not his calling card, but his offense was bad tonight. Like the rebounding. Would like to see him commit to defense and be a "stopper" that plays 18 minutes or so.

5. Nunge reminds me of Hankins. Looking to help at the rim. Wasnt very effective, but you can see his tendency to provide a last line of defense at the rim. Looked healthy and could be effective.

6. Not enough Free Throws. Still. It's a 3 attempt, or a dump inside. I'd like to see attacks to the rim, with the intent to find contact. Not sure who that guy is.

7. Defense was solid. I like the intensity level. Hope we use the depth to keep pressure for 40 minutes. I would turn it up from here...

8. Miles looks like he has potential. I want rebounds, blocks and fouls from him, especially in limited minutes. Let them know you are there.

9. Where the hell was Stanley? Did I miss something?

10. Paging Nate Johnson?

I'll take the W, but this performance doesn't win many games in the BE or the Big Dance.

Good points.
Weakness this early is post production without Freemantle. Glad rebounds were gathered but Nunge, Miles and Hunter need more easy baskets.
Defensive intensity saved the game.
Ohio State needed a miracle to beat Akron tonight. It happens.
Kunkel wasn’t hot but he did make some good plays.
Jones and Scruggs are the consistent pieces on this team. Hope X plays better Friday.
Hope Stanley can help out too.

[whopper]

we did not help at all on Citron and really not on Hammond until the very end.. Citron made 5 dribbles to get those baskets. Missing foul shots was a killer..the Niagra guy (Roberts) hit 3 of 3 on Odom's foul like it was nothing..we have nobody like that. Nunge and Miles don't have a low post game it seems... Stanley must be hurt because there were some husky Niagra guys that did to us what I (think) he could do to them.

[OTRMUSKIE]

This team is awful. Same team same crap same coach. There is nothing good to take away from this game. Miles def looked pretty good so there is that I guess. Meanwhile, Nova wins by 40, UC with a new coach wins by 20. But Xavier wins by 3 with everybody back and a 4th year coach. So frustrating but a win is a win but damn!

[boozehound]

Not a lot to get excited about after this one (other than basketball being back). I agree with most of the assessment. It's obviously early in the season with no Freemantle and some new faces, but two things jumped out at me:

1. Too much 3 point shooting. It seems like the entire team has the green light to shoot a 3 pointer whenever the hell they feel like it. Hunter chucking up a 3 early in the shot clock in the second half is an example of that. I don't care if he can shoot the 3, it was way too early in the shot clock and he was like 1-6 from the field at that point.

2. Crappy Free Throw shooting. Still. How can we be so consistently poor at this?

These are two themes that have doomed several of Travis's teams, and it's concerning to see them this early in the season.

[xudash]

Not a lot to get excited about after this one (other than basketball being back). I agree with most of the assessment. It's obviously early in the season with no Freemantle and some new faces, but two things jumped out at me:

1. Too much 3 point shooting. It seems like the entire team has the green light to shoot a 3 pointer whenever the hell they feel like it. Hunter chucking up a 3 early in the shot clock in the second half is an example of that. I don't care if he can shoot the 3, it was way too early in the shot clock and he was like 1-6 from the field at that point.

2. Crappy Free Throw shooting. Still. How can we be so consistently poor at this?

These are two themes that have doomed several of Travis's teams, and it's concerning to see them this early in the season.

A perfect example of an important point. I thought that, too, and thought it right away. Then Kunkel bricks one after he made a nice drive otherwise.

Frankly, I don't know what to think yet, other than the fact that the Niagara kids appeared to be well coached.

[SemajParlor]

Not going to look too much into this one because it's game 1. Just feels like we should be more excited to be there? Felt sleepy and uninspired.

[UCGRAD4X]

I was struck by one major aspect.

SAME OLD SHIT!

Coach commented after the game about too many 3s and no inside game.

NO F'in SH*T.

We've been seeing this crap for three years and it never changes. Who the hell is in charge here?

[bleedXblue]

1. Our best player and leading scorer from last year is out
2. A ton of new guys getting significant minutes
3. Strange that Stanley didnt play?
4. KyKy was out too
5. Odom needs to play more....and be an aggressive play maker. Especially when Nate Johnson can't make a shot. 29 minutes for Nate? Come on
6. Gonna be painful inside until Zach returns.
7. Hunter has to be more efficient. 1-8 shooting? He's not known as a great shooter. Liked his 9 rebounds
8. Nice game from Miles. A great start. Gotta be stronger with the ball though. Needs to be more nasty
9. Their style of play didn't help tonight. Wont see much slow down zone this year. Tough for game 1
10. See point 1 again......

[boozehound]

Travis’s comments post game often sound like he is just another fan observing the play. He sees the same things we all see, he just doesn’t have a solution. The problem is that he need to have a solution. That’s why he gets millions of dollars a year to be the head coach.

[xuwillie]

1. Our best player and leading scorer from last year is out
2. A ton of new guys getting significant minutes
3. Strange that Stanley didnt play?
4. KyKy was out too
5. Odom needs to play more....and be an aggressive play maker. Especially when Nate Johnson can't make a shot. 29 minutes for Nate? Come on
6. Gonna be painful inside until Zach returns.
7. Hunter has to be more efficient. 1-8 shooting? He's not known as a great shooter. Liked his 9 rebounds
8. Nice game from Miles. A great start. Gotta be stronger with the ball though. Needs to be more nasty
9. Their style of play didn't help tonight. Wont see much slow down zone this year. Tough for game 1
10. See point 1 again......

1 and 1a. Steele still can’t coach worth a sh**

[drudy23]

1. I saw alot of familiar things
2. I feel a sense of ease when Jones or Scruggs has the ball in their hands
3. Our post presence is concerning - Free will help, assuming he's not standing on the 3 point line
4. I don't want to rail on Nunge too much because you can tell he's still getting his feet under him, but he can't catch and was pushed around all night. He played alot of minutes. Oh yeah, he has stone hands.
5. Kunkel and Nate didn't get many good looks, especially Nate
6. Odom made another bonehead play at the end of the game by fouling a 3 point shooter - another example of how he needs to work on his basketball IQ. Didn't seem to have much of an impact.
7. Miles showed some promise in the second half - still needs to be more explosive around the rim. He should be posterizing people with his length
8. Agree on the scoreboard - fantastic HD quality, but not a fan of how they display the score
9. Niagara wasn't all that bad - they took away our transition game completely and they stayed within striking distance the whole game - I agree they had a good plan and were well coached
10. I hope Hunter isn't the second coming of out of control Naji - he needs to reign it in and calm down. I'm guessing he's really fun to watch in a fast-paced, open court game

[XUBob]

Was at the game tonight. A lackluster performance to say the least. My biggest worry is that I saw a lot of the same, same old. Too many quick threes, too few drives and paint touches. Hoping things change but not sure they will. I thought X played 30 minutes of really good defense, but then it disappeared. Let’s see what Friday brings.

[xudash]

Here is my fundamental and overwhelming problem: Niagara slowly turned the momentum and ended up taking it to us in our building.

I don’t accept that it just worked out that way. I believe it was our coaches job to find away to shut them down, protect a small double-digit lead, and slowly expand that to the end of the game.

It became in doubt at under three minutes. That simply isn’t excusable. The credit belongs to Niagara.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

1. I saw alot of familiar things
2. I feel a sense of ease when Jones or Scruggs has the ball in their hands
3. Our post presence is concerning - Free will help, assuming he's not standing on the 3 point line
4. I don't want to rail on Nunge too much because you can tell he's still getting his feet under him, but he can't catch and was pushed around all night. He played alot of minutes. Oh yeah, he has stone hands.
5. Kunkel and Nate didn't get many good looks, especially Nate
6. Odom made another bonehead play at the end of the game by fouling a 3 point shooter - another example of how he needs to work on his basketball IQ. Didn't seem to have much of an impact.
7. Miles showed some promise in the second half - still needs to be more explosive around the rim. He should be posterizing people with his length
8. Agree on the scoreboard - fantastic HD quality, but not a fan of how they display the score
9. Niagara wasn't all that bad - they took away our transition game completely and they stayed within striking distance the whole game - I agree they had a good plan and were well coached
10. I hope Hunter isn't the second coming of out of control Naji - he needs to reign it in and calm down. I'm guessing he's really fun to watch in a fast-paced, open court game


Agree with above but would add that there was almost no attempt to take advantage of our inside size in first half. Little effort to find Nunge in the post (yes, he needs to catch the ball) and didn't occur until second half. With a veteran team, I expect players on the court to make the adjustments themselves during the game. Instead, we kept taking the three even as Niagara pushed us out further. One final point, mentioned by other posters, and it was surprising to me. Outside of the student section, there was not enough energy on the court or in the stands. I took for granted that last night's game would be an overly enthusiastic return, by the players and fans, to hoops at Cintas. But, I didn't feel it. Very surprised at that.

We now have a baseline performance and it isn't what many of us expected. I'm looking forward to Friday to see how we respond. Hoping to see the boys pass the heck out of the ball for fewer threes and better looks inside. Completely agree that Hunter needs to let the game come to him. Still too many unforced errors but I still believe we have the talent to push the ball on offense and the size to perform far better on offensive board. I think this team is a better free throw shooting team than we saw last night-----hope I'm not wrong.

[markchal]

A LOT of sluggish openings across college hoops last night. Not excusing our effort, because we have more than enough talent to smash a team like that, but I think our guys played a little tight. It is our first home game with full capacity in two years. I think it's also pretty clear that this team will not be good until Freemantle comes back. I hope we avoid any bad losses (UC), but would be floored if we pull out any surprising non-con wins. Just clearly handicapped with literally no inside presence (which also hurts us on offensive rebounds).

Gotta give props to the student section. Even though the team didn't play with much energy, the student-section had more fire than I've seen for a long time.

[markchal]

Also, even though the performance was poor, it felt GREAT to be back at the Cintas watching Xavier basketball.

[murray87]

Maybe hitting those first two 3 pointers so easily at the start lulled them into that offensive mindset the rest of the game? Hello coach, please draw up some plays that at least look into the paint! Pass it in, pass it out the way we used to utilize our big men even if they weren't DFW, Stainbrook or Tyrique.

[JTG]

First time I've seen Nunge ( is it really pronounced None-gee ?). Thought he would be wider and more skilled. Going inside out will need to happen. I see at least 3 Ls by Thanksgiving. Hope I'm wrong, and that last night was an aberration. Going to the game Friday, hoping for a much more aesthetic result.

[Masterofreality]

9. Niagara wasn't all that bad - they took away our transition game completely and they stayed within striking distance the whole game - I agree they had a good plan and were well coached
10. I hope Hunter isn't the second coming of out of control Naji - he needs to reign it in and calm down. I'm guessing he's really fun to watch in a fast-paced, open court game

Niagara outscored Xavier in the 2nd half. They made adjustments, we did not. Familiar?
Hunter acts like a selfish ball player. First impression, not a fan.
Stanley was injured. Another mysterious “ailment” unexplained

[Xville]

Niagara outscored Xavier in the 2nd half. They made adjustments, we did not. Familiar?
Hunter acts like a selfish ball player. First impression, not a fan.
Stanley was injured. Another mysterious “ailment” unexplained

Reinjured or just still not healthy from last year?

Thought the beginning of the second half was great in terms of intentionally getting the ball inside. Then, once it started to work, Niagara made adjustments, and x went back to the three well .

I agree on hunter..this game and the exhibition he’s been selfish and seems to think he is way better than he actually is.

[drudy23]

Niagara outscored Xavier in the 2nd half. They made adjustments, we did not. Familiar?
Hunter acts like a selfish ball player. First impression, not a fan.
Stanley was injured. Another mysterious “ailment” unexplained

I'm not ready to give up on Hunter just yet - you can see flashes of a very good player.

I would say "he needs to let the game come to him" - but I'm not sure there is a plan on offense. Our offense seems like "be an athlete and make a play" - or shoot a 3 - so in an offense like that, not sure he's going to get better.

Another thing I notice - when Villanova got Gillespie, I thought, there's no way they are turning this kid into another Archidiacano - and sure as sh*t, that's exactly what he developed into. A true floor leader who controls the tempo, makes great decisions with the ball, and hits open shots. This team really doesn't have a point guard like that. Odom, I guess, has to be that guy - but he's not that guy. Scruggs and Colby don't really fit that role as this team needs them to score. I think this also hampers our offensive (pun intended) execution.

[Masterofreality]

Production is a result of a solid plan. Wright has one. Steele?
Gillespie and Arch were the result of a solid system of Jay Wright. How many times do I have to rail about the lack of an accountable system here?
Players change but the same problems exist.

[XUBob]

I think my only option is to support this group throughout the season, but as MOR had stated it’s Dance or Die time. Not trying to be negative just realistic. I hope Steele has us all eating crow in March. Go X!

[MHettel]

I think my only option is to support this group throughout the season, but as MOR had stated it’s Dance or Die time. Not trying to be negative just realistic. I hope Steele has us all earring crow in March. Go X!

I'm right there with you. I thought last year could possibly have been the end for Steele, but the circumstances were enough for me to understand why he was allowed to come back.

So that's all just water under the bridge. I'd like nothing more than to have a successful season where we beat some quality opponents, get and stay in the top 25, and make some noise in the dance.

Rooting for Travis to get fired is essentially essentially rooting against the team. It's not gonna happen unless we lose....so I guess I dont want it to happen.

With that said, as we get deeper into the season, I may see things that indicate that it just may NEVER come together under Travis. But until then.....Go Muskies and Go Travis!

[bobbiemcgee]

I hate to say it but Steele's coaching reminded me too much of the Butler game. Another two minutes on the clock and we suffer another embarrassing loss. Hope he gets it together or loooonnngg season.

ARGGH!

[Xville]

I'm right there with you. I thought last year could possibly have been the end for Steele, but the circumstances were enough for me to understand why he was allowed to come back.

So that's all just water under the bridge. I'd like nothing more than to have a successful season where we beat some quality opponents, get and stay in the top 25, and make some noise in the dance.

Rooting for Travis to get fired is essentially essentially rooting against the team. It's not gonna happen unless we lose....so I guess I dont want it to happen.

With that said, as we get deeper into the season, I may see things that indicate that it just may NEVER come together under Travis. But until then.....Go Muskies and Go Travis!

I’m with ya. Go muskies and go Travis! Nothing more I want to do than eat some crow about the coach. Can’t believe how much I personally used to take for granted making the ncaa tournament.

[noteggs]

My observations

1) the Fox sports app sucked for me. Temporarily kicked me out halfway through the game. Was able reset by providing the appropriate credentials. Kicked me out permanently with about 7 minutes to play.
2) Byron and Joe are still a fun listen
3) why play any of the Marquette game at all with this wrap around on FS1 when they had it exclusively on FS2
4) Fox please don’t do this again
5) oh yeah the actual game…next.

[IM4X]

I'm not sure there is a plan on offense. Our offense seems like "be an athlete and make a play" - or shoot a 3 - so in an offense like that, not sure he's going to get better.

Another thing I notice - when Villanova got Gillespie, I thought, there's no way they are turning this kid into another Archidiacano - and sure as sh*t, that's exactly what he developed into. A true floor leader who controls the tempo, makes great decisions with the ball, and hits open shots. This team really doesn't have a point guard like that. Odom, I guess, has to be that guy - but he's not that guy. Scruggs and Colby don't really fit that role as this team needs them to score. I think this also hampers our offensive (pun intended) execution.

Yes. Good points.

We don’t seem to have a dominant player inside (especially without Free), so the plan is to pass it around until someone just shoots the 3. Miles is playing hard but he clearly needs to add another 25 pounds and more muscle to his frame. Is he even going to the gym. He still looks very thin and struggles to out tough anyone defending him under the basket. Nunge is getting pushed around too. We have two featherweight bigs and we badly need more muscle and toughness. If our bigs can’t dominate in the paint against Niagara, can you imagine how bad it could get when we get to BE play. I guess it’s good to get those two some more playing time, but we can’t get Freemantle back soon enough.

I agree about Scruggs needing to be able to score and more running the offense. Odom needs to be running the offense. I would like to see Kyky get some time at the 1 too. The team looks like a bunch of players who have fallen in love with the 3. Hell, Kunkel took a quick 3 from what looked likely 10 feet behind the line. what is going on? The actions on the court reflect the direction or lack of direction by the coach.

[boozehound]

Production is a result of a solid plan. Wright has one. Steele?
Gillespie and Arch were the result of a solid system of Jay Wright. How many times do I have to rail about the lack of an accountable system here?
Players change but the same problems exist.

I definitely agree that we don't have much of a system by which players improve, particularly at the PG position. When is the last time we had a good 'floor general' PG? It's been a loooonnnngg time. Even some of our better teams under Mack often relied on guys playing out of position to cover the point.

Good programs always seem to have a PG. We just throw as many wings and stretch forwards out there as we can, and let them hoop it up.

[xudash]

Reinjured or just still not healthy from last year?

Thought the beginning of the second half was great in terms of intentionally getting the ball inside. Then, once it started to work, Niagara made adjustments, and x went back to the three well .

I agree on hunter..this game and the exhibition he’s been selfish and seems to think he is way better than he actually is.

Serious question: Once Niagara made their adjustments, what should have Steele done to counteract them? What would have been the proper "chess move" to counteract what Paulus put in place at that point? Did he simply have them pack the paint, if you will?

One other observation: when we were on "defense", there appeared to be way too many times a couple of their more athletic players were able to drive into the lane with relative ease for a layup. Odom got burned on that at least once.

[IM4X]

My observations

1) the Fox sports app sucked for me. Temporarily kicked me out halfway through the game. Was able reset by providing the appropriate credentials. Kicked me out permanently with about 7 minutes to play.
2) Byron and Joe are still a fun listen
3) why play any of the Marquette game at all with this wrap around on FS1 when they had it exclusively on FS2
4) Fox please don’t do this again
5) oh yeah the actual game…next.

Yes - that was one really bad idea. Who wants to watch two minutes of one game and 5 minutes of another and 7 minutes of another. We all just want to watch one game.

And yes… I too was thinking the same thing last night about the brilliance of playing the Marquette game on both FS1 and FS2. “We are now going to turn to the start of the Marquette game which you can watch in its entirety on FS2” Then why turn to that game on FS1. Just brilliant. Is a Marquette alum running Fox Sports?

[Xville]

Serious question: Once Niagara made their adjustments, what should have Steele done to counteract them? What would have been the proper "chess move" to counteract what Paulus put in place at that point? Did he simply have them pack the paint, if you will?

One other observation: when we were on "defense", there appeared to be way too many times a couple of their more athletic players were able to drive into the lane with relative ease for a layup. Odom got burned on that at least once.


Don’t know. I don’t get paid millions of dollars to figure that out. Steele does though.

[IM4X]

Production is a result of a solid plan. Wright has one. Steele?
Gillespie and Arch were the result of a solid system of Jay Wright. How many times do I have to rail about the lack of an accountable system here?
Players change but the same problems exist.

Agree.

I do think the team will look a bit different when we get Freemantle back. He seems to be the only big physical enough to to dominate in the paint and be a real scoring threat. Still, your point remains valid. Also, you almost never hear Wright say, I am still trying to figure out which 5 of my guys play best together. He pretty much has that figured out by the start of the season.

[Xavier]

Honestly I think some of the problem getting the ball to the post was our guards. They seem to give up at first defense, Kunkel had a couple good attempts- and we had a few that got stolen with bad passes. But I feel like you see our big go and try to get position, and within 4 seconds of not getting it he runs and starts setting screens. Can’t give up that quickly and the guards have to really make an attempt. Also, maybe only Freemantle had the post moves necessary. Nunge I hope will be better and just had some nerves.

[XUMIOH12]

the negatives seen yesterday were the same ones i noticed during the exhibition. Usually i'd just say its only the first game so no big deal. the problem for me is that it is the exact same negative issues as the last 3 seasons without any new positives to look forward to.

[xudash]

CINCINNATI.COM has a good article up titled: Analysis: The good and the bad from Xavier basketball's season-opening win over Niagara

Definitely worth a read.

A few excerpts:

The in-game adjustments have to drastically improve. Head coach Travis Steele said they were hammering the same point home in team huddles during timeouts about one specific adjustment related to Niagara slipping ball screens, and Steele said his team never made the correction. That can't become a theme this season.

It was a running theme all last season – getting pushed around in the paint. Xavier and Niagara were dead even in points in the paint (26-26) but Niagara scored 20 of those paint points in the second half, and the Musketeers didn't inspire much confidence with their physicality.

Xavier ended up with a rebounding edge (39-31) but they shouldn't be getting pushed around under the basket. The Musketeers need to own the paint.

Momentum's a tricky thing. Good teams know how to find it and great teams know how to manufacture it and run with it. Xavier has to be able to pull away from teams with a lead. They can't spend all season waging back-and-forth battles.

[Lloyd Braun]

Toughness factor is sorely missing. Who’s our toughest player?

[XUBison]

Toughness factor is sorely missing. Who’s our toughest player?

Interesting point, and I really don’t know. It’s sort of like this roster is a complete overreaction to what Steele had his first two years.

[drudy23]

We just throw as many wings and stretch forwards out there as we can, and let them hoop it up.

This is why I don't believe Steele when he says he wants to get the ball inside more.

Literally, the first 3 offensive plays when Nunge entered the game, he set a high screen and flared to the 3 point line. I just shook my head. We went out and got a 7 footer to play pick and pop. Yes, he made one of those 3's, but before he even remotely entered the post, he was hovering around the 3 point line for multiple possessions.

That's purposeful. I don't care what anyone says - it's obvious to me that he is absolutely in love with the stretch big man that can/will shoot, and post presence be damned.

He doesn't recruit the able bodied Big East big man that all successful Big East teams rely on for spacing, rim protection, and occasional post buckets to keep defenses honest. He never has.

He is in love with Villanova's style - but we don't have their wing talent and he's not GQJ. I'm convinced he got this job with the promise to be like them and damnit, he's going to do whatever it takes to prove us all wrong.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

This is why I don't believe Steele when he says he wants to get the ball inside more.

Literally, the first 3 offensive plays when Nunge entered the game, he set a high screen and flared to the 3 point line. I just shook my head. We went out and got a 7 footer to play pick and pop. Yes, he made one of those 3's, but before he even remotely entered the post, he was hovering around the 3 point line for multiple possessions.

That's purposeful. I don't care what anyone says - it's obvious to me that he is absolutely in love with the stretch big man that can/will shoot, and post presence be damned.

He doesn't recruit the able bodied Big East big man that all successful Big East teams rely on for spacing, rim protection, and occasional post buckets to keep defenses honest. He never has.

He is in love with Villanova's style - but we don't have their wing talent and he's not GQJ. I'm convinced he got this job with the promise to be like them and damnit, he's going to do whatever it takes to prove us all wrong.

I taped the Big East preview show while at last night's game. We should be very afraid of UCONN which absolutely destroyed Central Connecticut in their opener. Central Conn. is clearly no powerhouse but neither, did I think, is Niagara. Sonogo is a beast---the prototypical B.E. "5" to which you refer. I see no one on our roster who can handle him. He can take Miles into the paint and bench press the young man one hundred times.

I am less confident about this season today than I was at 7:29 PM last night. Just one game but I want to see what our plan is on Friday. A replay of last night (in terms of style of play) will confirm, to me, that you are correct----purposeful reliance on three-point shooting. I don't believe that is a winning recipe.

[Xville]

Agree on all aspects regarding UConn. Just as I said when they entered the league, great to have them but they are going to be a pain in our ass. Hurley can coach and recruit…would love to have a coach like him.

[xuwin]

I thought Scruggs, Jones and Miles played well. It took Miles a while to get started after he got in early foul trouble but I was very impressed with his 2nd half. I was most disappointed with the play of Odom and Nunge. Odom contributed nothing and Nunge was pushed around the whole game by much smaller bigs. I was expecting Nunge to provide much needed muscle inside and he was owned by their big men. It may be another long season if Freemantle doesn't come back healthy.

[XUBison]

I thought Scruggs, Jones and Miles played well. It took Miles a while to get started after he got in early foul trouble but I was very impressed with his 2nd half. I was most disappointed with the play of Odom and Nunge. Odom contributed nothing and Nunge was pushed around the whole game by much smaller bigs. I was expecting Nunge to provide much needed muscle inside and he was owned by their big men. It may be another long season if Freemantle doesn't come back healthy.

I’m not sure what to think about Odom. I know people are really high on him, and I’m happy to ride that bandwagon. He’s obviously a great athlete, but I’m not so sure he’s a very good basketball player. Some here predicted he would be an opening night starter, and he clearly was not— he was irrelevant at best. Meanwhile, Jones looks like a star in the making.

As for Nunge, someone else here alluded to this already, but I still can’t get over the fact his name is pronounced Nunjy, and not Nunj. Who knew?

[drudy23]

I’m not sure what to think about Odom. I know people are really high on him, and I’m happy to ride that bandwagon. He’s obviously a great athlete, but I’m not so sure he’s a very good basketball player. Some here predicted he would be an opening night starter, and he clearly was not— he was irrelevant at best. Meanwhile, Jones looks like a star in the making.

As for Nunge, someone else here alluded to this already, but I still can’t get over the fact his name is pronounced Nunjy, and not Nunj. Who knew?

Odom is a matchup play - up-tempo, pressing, against man to man - his athleticism is an obvious advantage.

In a slow down game, where teams are playing zone and slowing tempo, what's his role? Tandy can shoot teams out of a zone, and Kunkel doesn't have the athleticism, but the IQ to execute against a zone.

I would also never have Odom in late-game situations in close games. He makes alot of questionable decisions in those circumstances.

Odom, Kunkel and Tandy are SUPER important to this team - the coach just has to get them into positions for better success. Odom should never be on the floor when a team is playing zone - he literally won't be guarded, as we saw last night on his airball.

[GIMMFD]

Great conversations going on in this thread, but adding a point about Nate Johnson: he seems relatively boom to bust to me, when he's on, he's on fire, and when he's off he's ice cold, seems like every game is either 50-60% from behind the arc on the "good" days, and like 10-20% on the bad games. The thing is he has more good games than bad games generally, so I'm not terribly worried about Nate Johnson because he had a couple of these last season too. I do agree though that days he's off, he should not be playing 30 minutes, especially with the guard depth we have... but I assume Coach Steele's logic is Nate's athletic ability to help out on the defensive end opposed to seeing if someone else like Tandy can get hot, where he's not as good defensively (and obviously was out with an illness last night)

[drudy23]

Great conversations going on in this thread, but adding a point about Nate Johnson: he seems relatively boom to bust to me, when he's on, he's on fire, and when he's off he's ice cold, seems like every game is either 50-60% from behind the arc on the "good" days, and like 10-20% on the bad games. The thing is he has more good games than bad games generally, so I'm not terribly worried about Nate Johnson because he had a couple of these last season too. I do agree though that days he's off, he should not be playing 30 minutes, especially with the guard depth we have... but I assume Coach Steele's logic is Nate's athletic ability to help out on the defensive end opposed to seeing if someone else like Tandy can get hot, where he's not as good defensively (and obviously was out with an illness last night)

He's also going to be a focus of opposing defenses knowing he can light it up if he gets good looks.

Another part of the problem of a stagnant offense - you can't get good looks for your best shooters.

[bleedXblue]

Odom is a matchup play - up-tempo, pressing, against man to man - his athleticism is an obvious advantage.

In a slow down game, where teams are playing zone and slowing tempo, what's his role? Tandy can shoot teams out of a zone, and Kunkel doesn't have the athleticism, but the IQ to execute against a zone.

I would also never have Odom in late-game situations in close games. He makes alot of questionable decisions in those circumstances.

Odom, Kunkel and Tandy are SUPER important to this team - the coach just has to get them into positions for better success. Odom should never be on the floor when a team is playing zone - he literally won't be guarded, as we saw last night on his airball.

I see Odom as a guy that can get into seams and create better shots for guys when the D has to collapse. Again utilization of a player and his strengths aren't being exploited.

[drudy23]

I see Odom as a guy that can get into seams and create better shots for guys when the D has to collapse. Again utilization of a player and his strengths aren't being exploited.

Agree - but that’s really, really hard to do against a zone off the dribble when you can’t shoot.

That’s why KyKy and Kunkel are best answers against a zone. Both are capable shooters, which is an obvious plus in making shots, but it also assures defenses have to guard them, which allows the gaps to develop. Every defender is going to give Dwon 5 feet of space when he has the ball on the perimeter.

[XUGRAD80]

Agree - but that’s really, really hard to do against a zone off the dribble when you can’t shoot.

That’s why KyKy and Kunkel are best answers against a zone. Both are capable shooters, which is an obvious plus in making shots, but it also assures defenses have to guard them, which allows the gaps to develop. Every defender is going to give Dwon 5 feet of space when he has the ball on the perimeter.

Which makes it that kuch harder to drive and actually be a threat to score or make an assist. The defense basically is baiting someone to drive into the teeth of the zone, where their shot gets blocked or their pass gets stolen. Thus the increasing popularity of a floater shot from 10 ft or so. But besides Scruggs, who on the Xavier squad has that shot?

As I’ve said before (and been attacked as being “negative”), this roster has a lot of holes in it, including a big hole in the middle. I watched Seton Hall last night. Their inside game will destroy the X defense and X will really struggle to score against them in any way other than by being hot from outside the arc. Steels emphasis on getting guards/shooters and lack of ability to recruit a real inside presence is going to continue to haunt this team. Even with Freemantle, there is no real balance to this team. It’s too reliant on shooters offensively and doesn’t have the players that can either score or defend in the paint.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Agree - but thatÂ’s really, really hard to do against a zone off the dribble when you canÂ’t shoot.

ThatÂ’s why KyKy and Kunkel are best answers against a zone. Both are capable shooters, which is an obvious plus in making shots, but it also assures defenses have to guard them, which allows the gaps to develop. Every defender is going to give Dwon 5 feet of space when he has the ball on the perimeter.

Drudy - I think you're too tough on Odom. He's not a terrible shooter. He is a terrible spot up shooter, particularly from beyond the arc. He is very good off the dribble and has an important role to play even against a zone. He can split a zone, take the shot from the high post or paint or dish. That is his game and he's good at it. He is a liability if we need to count on him in the way we rely on Nate Johnson. As for his decision making, I disagree with you on that as well. He has made some bad calls as have his teammates but I don't see anything he did as egregious. He showed last year that he can win games for us. I'm sure that hasn't changed. He displays a warrior mentality that I love and which this team badly needs.

We are passing judgement after one game on some of these players after one game. Let's give them a few more opportunities. As far as Nate goes, we need to get him into the game early and look for him. I think one of our goals in the first few minutes of every game should be to look for Scruggs and Johnson. They seem to need to have the ball early in the game to become involved. Not so with Jones. He does enough things well that he will have plenty of opportunities to score---from his defense, rebounding, or work at the offensive end. Many of our players (in fact, many players in general) need to see the ball on offense to become fully engaged at both ends. We should make sure that our best players and scorers get the ball early in the game. Then, players need to understand, with clarity, what role they must play for this team to succeed. Weds, night, it seems, everyone had the green light. That seems counterproductive and the team looked rushed and confused on the court.

Our strategy for individual players should be to put them into situations where they can use their strengths. The opposing team will want to push them into situations that are relative weaknesses for them. So, ball discipline is important. I like parts of Hunter's game---his defense, rebounding + free throw shooting. But, we should not have him standing in the corner, on offense, waiting for the ball to swing around so he can launch a three. Same argument with Nunge. He's 6'11". I'm glad he can shoot the three but we need him in the paint. Kunkel is a capable spot up shooter (I think). Odom is not. Tandy has some of both and we need his skills.

We displayed a stand around offense the other night. That is a fairly easy offense to defend. Our coach should address that tomorrow night. I hope he does.

[Xville]

Which makes it that kuch harder to drive and actually be a threat to score or make an assist. The defense basically is baiting someone to drive into the teeth of the zone, where their shot gets blocked or their pass gets stolen. Thus the increasing popularity of a floater shot from 10 ft or so. But besides Scruggs, who on the Xavier squad has that shot?

As I’ve said before (and been attacked as being “negative”), this roster has a lot of holes in it, including a big hole in the middle. I watched Seton Hall last night. Their inside game will destroy the X defense and X will really struggle to score against them in any way other than by being hot from outside the arc. Steels emphasis on getting guards/shooters and lack of ability to recruit a real inside presence is going to continue to haunt this team. Even with Freemantle, there is no real balance to this team. It’s too reliant on shooters offensively and doesn’t have the players that can either score or defend in the paint.

I agree with a lot of this and it is an indictment on Steele. I know Nunge is still battling health issues, but he looks like what I would expect out of someone coming from the Iowa frontcourt and that’s not a positive one. We need bangers, Steele said as much but this is the guy we got? Steele says a lot of the right things, and then we see what’s on the court.

I think miles still has potential, but it is frustrating that this is his third year and he still looks pretty damn skinny and he still doesn’t seem to have any post moves.there were also several times that he made very fundamental mistakes, like his spacing, and his base. Again, that is an indictment on coaching.

[markchal]

We are passing judgement after one game on some of these players after one game. Let's give them a few more opportunities.




I feel this. Odom was a terrific player for us as a freshman last year, he was terrific in the exhibition, I still think he'll have a good year and a great career here. Nunge I still have high expectations for, and am willing to give him a pass while he's getting back in shape. It's also the first time the team played in front of a packed Cintas in a real game for two years, so they seemed a little tight in that regard.

The Freemantle injury sucks, because I do think it really limits what we can do. I'll reserve most of my judgement until December when we're at full strength. That being said, we have enough talent (IMO) to beat the teams we should, so if we start dropping games to sub-100 teams on our home floor, that would change a lot.

I think we'll see a much better overall effort Friday.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

My biggest takeaway from this thread is that the majority of you appear to be Xavier basketball fans (obviously), but not really college hoops' fans. Iowa was the most fun team in America to watch last year, but clearly many of you didn't watch them once because you didn't know how to pronounce Jack's name, nor did you know what to expect from his game. He is a finesse, pick and pop, big man. That isn't going to change.

Love Baum's comments about Xavier's lack of physicality, but yet all people tell me is how great Matt Jennings is. Pffft. Chris Rounds > Matt Jennings and it isn't even close.

Same stuff, same terrible shot selection, same low basketball IQ, same lack of inside out / paint touch basketball, same defensive softness. Heck, we have the same players as last year, by and large, why expect different results?

Uber disappointing, and while it is "only one game", there was a lot of systemic issues on Tuesday night that had nothing to do with a bad shooting night, or "just an off night".

Hope Greg and Dr. H are patient people, and I can't wait to see what the Buckeyes do with Niagra on Friday. Give me the Buckeyes -20 or so. Another bad sign.

[drudy23]

My biggest takeaway from this thread is that the majority of you appear to be Xavier basketball fans (obviously), but not really college hoops' fans. Iowa was the most fun team in America to watch last year, but clearly many of you didn't watch them once because you didn't know how to pronounce Jack's name, nor did you know what to expect from his game. He is a finesse, pick and pop, big man. That isn't going to change.



If that's the case, then we're in trouble.

Like I've said for his entire tenure as HC - Steele cannot get out of his own way when it comes to stretch big men. He's in love with them to a fault, and he's going to go down with the ship because of it.

We're going to rely on our success from 3 point land, and we're not a very good 3 point shooting team - awesome.

[drudy23]

Drudy - I think you're too tough on Odom. He's not a terrible shooter. He is a terrible spot up shooter, particularly from beyond the arc. He is very good off the dribble and has an important role to play even against a zone. He can split a zone, take the shot from the high post or paint or dish. That is his game and he's good at it. He is a liability if we need to count on him in the way we rely on Nate Johnson. As for his decision making, I disagree with you on that as well. He has made some bad calls as have his teammates but I don't see anything he did as egregious. He showed last year that he can win games for us. I'm sure that hasn't changed. He displays a warrior mentality that I love and which this team badly needs.

We are passing judgement after one game on some of these players after one game. Let's give them a few more opportunities. As far as Nate goes, we need to get him into the game early and look for him. I think one of our goals in the first few minutes of every game should be to look for Scruggs and Johnson. They seem to need to have the ball early in the game to become involved. Not so with Jones. He does enough things well that he will have plenty of opportunities to score---from his defense, rebounding, or work at the offensive end. Many of our players (in fact, many players in general) need to see the ball on offense to become fully engaged at both ends. We should make sure that our best players and scorers get the ball early in the game. Then, players need to understand, with clarity, what role they must play for this team to succeed. Weds, night, it seems, everyone had the green light. That seems counterproductive and the team looked rushed and confused on the court.

Our strategy for individual players should be to put them into situations where they can use their strengths. The opposing team will want to push them into situations that are relative weaknesses for them. So, ball discipline is important. I like parts of Hunter's game---his defense, rebounding + free throw shooting. But, we should not have him standing in the corner, on offense, waiting for the ball to swing around so he can launch a three. Same argument with Nunge. He's 6'11". I'm glad he can shoot the three but we need him in the paint. Kunkel is a capable spot up shooter (I think). Odom is not. Tandy has some of both and we need his skills.

We displayed a stand around offense the other night. That is a fairly easy offense to defend. Our coach should address that tomorrow night. I hope he does.

As I've said, he's very important to this team, and his strengths and upside is obvious. He's amazing 1:1 and in the open court.

But when you're THAT deficient from the perimeter, teams don't have to guard you. It's great he can get to the rim with his explosion, but that's almost impossible to do if teams are sagging off of you or packing in with a zone.

In slow-down games like the one we just played, I'd opt for KyKy or Kunkel in those slow-paced, methodical games. That's all I'm saying.

[xavierj]

My biggest takeaway from this thread is that the majority of you appear to be Xavier basketball fans (obviously), but not really college hoops' fans. Iowa was the most fun team in America to watch last year, but clearly many of you didn't watch them once because you didn't know how to pronounce Jack's name, nor did you know what to expect from his game. He is a finesse, pick and pop, big man. That isn't going to change.

Love Baum's comments about Xavier's lack of physicality, but yet all people tell me is how great Matt Jennings is. Pffft. Chris Rounds > Matt Jennings and it isn't even close.

Same stuff, same terrible shot selection, same low basketball IQ, same lack of inside out / paint touch basketball, same defensive softness. Heck, we have the same players as last year, by and large, why expect different results?

Uber disappointing, and while it is "only one game", there was a lot of systemic issues on Tuesday night that had nothing to do with a bad shooting night, or "just an off night".

Hope Greg and Dr. H are patient people, and I can't wait to see what the Buckeyes do with Niagra on Friday. Give me the Buckeyes -20 or so. Another bad sign.

Matt Jennings is no longer Xavier’s strength coach but other than that you have some good points that most of us see. Xavier has some talent but also a ton of role players and lack those guys that get pissed and nasty and take over like we have seen in the past. I don’t know if Xavier has anyone on the team with that personality. Maybe the two guys that are coming in next year will bring that toughness, refuse to lose attitude.

I think Xavier is a much better shooting team then we saw Tuesday but still way too many threes. Need to attack the basket and at times kick it out for open looks. If not they will continue to shoot poorly because they are not creating good open looks. Good open looks will lead to a higher percentage from 3. Hope to see a different team tomorrow.

[drudy23]

I just looked up Nunje's stats at Iowa:

Career 43.5% from the field (on 310 attempts)
51.6% from 2 (192 attempts)
30.5% from 3 (on 118 attempts)
38% of his shots are 3's

Comparison from last year's percentage of shot attempts from 3 point land:
Freemantle - 30%
Scruggs - 36.5%
Carter - 38.6%

It seems BigMoeMusketeer is right - Steele has one-upped us and moved to the STRETCH 5. This should tell you all you need to know about what he thinks of the importance of the paint in Big East play. He shoots a higher percentage of his shots from 3 than Scruggs and Fremantle, and is right there with Carter - and he shoots the 3 with 30% (in)accuracy - so he will fit right in.

[murray87]

When was that home game versus Oklahoma where X absolutely dismantled them? 2 years ago? Anyway, that was a thing of beauty containing all the things we're calling for. The team and the coaching staff all need to watch that tape and see how it can be.

[gladdenguy]

First post in awhile.

Can this be Travis Steele’s last year coaching the team we love?
I really don’t like watching games these last 4 years.
He has to go.

Jack up 3s, no sets, one on one basketball.

I agree that Travis can’t get out of his own way. Time to go.
After this team does not make the tourney I hope Xavier administration thinks the same.

[drudy23]

When was that home game versus Oklahoma where X absolutely dismantled them? 2 years ago? Anyway, that was a thing of beauty containing all the things we're calling for. The team and the coaching staff all need to watch that tape and see how it can be.

It was a thing of beauty, but every team is going to have a couple games where everything goes right. That was more about that than something specific they did to shoot better.

As bad of a shooting team we are, we are likely to have 1-2 of those game this year over the course of the season.

[D-West & PO-Z]

When was that home game versus Oklahoma where X absolutely dismantled them? 2 years ago? Anyway, that was a thing of beauty containing all the things we're calling for. The team and the coaching staff all need to watch that tape and see how it can be.

Last year

[XUMIOH12]

Same stuff, same terrible shot selection, same low basketball IQ, same lack of inside out / paint touch basketball, same defensive softness. Heck, we have the same players as last year, by and large, why expect different results?

Uber disappointing, and while it is "only one game", there was a lot of systemic issues on Tuesday night that had nothing to do with a bad shooting night, or "just an off night".

Hope Greg and Dr. H are patient people, and I can't wait to see what the Buckeyes do with Niagra on Friday. Give me the Buckeyes -20 or so. Another bad sign.

This, in bold, has been my thought the whole offseason. Same coaching staff with essentially the exact same group of players, why should i expect anything except mediocrity this season. I just hope they can sneak in to the tournament.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

Matt Jennings is no longer Xavier’s strength coach.

I'm well aware of Matt's "promotion", but his finger prints are all over the (lack of) development of this team. Hope the next few years are better, but this team's lack of physicality is overwhelming.

[drudy23]

I'm well aware of Matt's "promotion", but his finger prints are all over the (lack of) development of this team. Hope the next few years are better, but this team's lack of physicality is overwhelming.

I don't know that this is so much the strength conditioning staff's "fault" as it is that we really don't recruit these big banging bodies to begin with. We don't have the true bigs like Jalen Reynolds, and James Farr, and Tyrique - all 3 of these guys have the body type to build out a huge Big East body - they were physical specimens (and I'd love to have any of them on this team).

Not sure these long wings that have historically played on the perimeter (and not in the post) have the body types to do that (or doubtful the staff even wants them that big).

[BigMoeMusketeer]

I don't know that this is so much the strength conditioning staff's "fault" as it is that we really don't recruit these big banging bodies to begin with. We don't have the true bigs like Jalen Reynolds, and James Farr, and Tyrique - all 3 of these guys have the body type to build out a huge Big East body - they were physical specimens (and I'd love to have any of them on this team).

Not sure these long wings that have historically played on the perimeter (and not in the post) have the body types to do that (or doubtful the staff even wants them that big).

Even Derrick Brown and Justin Doellman, two dudes who came in built like what it appears Travis prefers from his "big" players, looked WAY different when they left.

Side-note: talking to a hard-core Xavier fan today at lunch, he said, and I quote, "the Ohio State game is big, we have to prove we can play with Top 25 teams...."

How freaking sad. We have gone from being in the Top 25 being a given, to "prove we can play with Top 25" teams. This guy isn't a savant, but he is a season ticket holder and a big fan, and that is the current mindset. How. Freaking. Sad.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

I don't know that this is so much the strength conditioning staff's "fault" as it is that we really don't recruit these big banging bodies to begin with. We don't have the true bigs like Jalen Reynolds, and James Farr, and Tyrique - all 3 of these guys have the body type to build out a huge Big East body - they were physical specimens (and I'd love to have any of them on this team).

Not sure these long wings that have historically played on the perimeter (and not in the post) have the body types to do that (or doubtful the staff even wants them that big).

Tried to give you reputation points, but it appears I like your posts too often! :drinks2:

[D-West & PO-Z]

This, in bold, has been my thought the whole offseason. Same coaching staff with essentially the exact same group of players, why should i expect anything except mediocrity this season. I just hope they can sneak in to the tournament.

Well I think its is beyone reasonable to expect players to improve from one year to another, right? Freshman to sophomore year jumps and sophomore to junior, especially.

Now that doesn't mean the team will all of sudden shoot lights out, or that non shooters turn into shooters. However, anyone not expect Colby Jones to be significantly improved this year? Heck many on here think he will be our best player.

We need to obviously see coaching improvement too. We shall see.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'm well aware of Matt's "promotion", but his finger prints are all over the (lack of) development of this team. Hope the next few years are better, but this team's lack of physicality is overwhelming.

Jennings goes back 12 years right? To 2009? What has changed in that time? The head coach. I think it is much more about the type of players being recruited than the strength coach who was in charge when guys like Farr, Reynolds, Jones, etc were here.

I have no dog in defending Matt Jennings, or his strength program, it just doesnt seem to make logical sense that the issue is him when he has been here for so long during times we had monsters in the paint.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

Jennings goes back 12 years right? To 2009? What has changed in that time? The head coach. I think it is much more about the type of players being recruited than the strength coach who was in charge when guys like Farr, Reynolds, Jones, etc were here.

I have no dog in defending Matt Jennings, or his strength program, it just doesnt seem to make logical sense that the issue is him when he has been here for so long during times we had monsters in the pain.

Fair point about the coaching change, for sure, I may be giving Jennings too much blame for a lack of development (all around, not just adding bulk) during this most recent "era" of Xavier basketball. There is enough of that to go around to several of those in charge, I'm sure.

[kxblue]

I think the same players, same results argument is a little hollow. Steele's choices for who plays and where they play leave a lot of question marks.

Kunkel shot 27% from 3 last year, 27% from 3 his freshman year. At this point his sophmore year is looking like a flash in the pan. We bought the highs and KyKy is probably a much better shooting option. Kyky shot 36% from 3 both seasons.

Why does Kunkel play 2x as much as Tandy? Neither has amazing defense. They have similiar ast/to ratios. One has way more potential and is younger and doesnt get to play. Now maybe that changes this year, who knows.

If you want Kunkel to play as much as he does, he needs to drive and dish way more than he shoots 3s. Hes actually one of the better options for getting into the lane. But Steele lets him just jack up 3s.

A lineup of Scruggs (Odom), Johnson (Tandy), Jones (Kunkel), Hunter/Miles, and Freemantle would be pretty legit assuming they actual adopt the roles rather than just floating along the perimeter.

Johnson was 1 for 4 from 3, thats the same as Hunter. Kunkel was 0-3. Personally id rather have Johnson take 3x as many 3s this season as the other 2 combined. Hes shot over 40% each of the last 2 seasons.

Steel doesnt put the players in a position to succeed. The pieces are there, but we let anyone and everyone just jack up shots.

If Steele coached David West, how many 3s would he have shot per game?

[xukeith]

No, fans properly were seriously contemplating NOT giving Sean Miller and Thad Matt a third season at X because of not so fabulous performances on the court.
Mack didn't perform wonders as a coach until significant better recruits transferred or signed on as frosh for X.

This current team lacks the all BE conference Freemantle. This season will be different than the past 3.
The talent is there. Better than previous years.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

This season will be different than the past 3.

Hope you're right!!

*don't think you are*

[whopper]

I must be crazy as I saw Stanley effectively score and rebound against Creigton and Seton Hall last year..double figures twice when Carter was fading and thought he would take his minutes maybe 20. Gets hurt and he plays as much as Ramsey and less that James. I know it is a numbers game but I hope he is almost recovered and stays ready. He looked capable of getting some points and offensive Reb, trailing break et and had 40 against Howard(A D1 who has made the dance recently ) Not a great game Monday of course but better foul shooting and 2 banked 3s by Niagara missing makes it a 13 point game. I hope

[noteggs]

From Steele’s presser today. Update on injuries and comments on our 2 2022 recruits who have signed their NLI this week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIFD0pVZcG4

[Xville]

From Steele’s presser today. Update on injuries and comments on our 2 2022 recruits who have signed their NLI this week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIFD0pVZcG4

Hopefully we match their physicality. Looking back at the 2nd half, I am encouraged by miles…he just needs to understand how to use his length more and gain confidence. He could be that inside force if he wants it bad enough.

[XUGRAD80]

From Steele’s presser today. Update on injuries and comments on our 2 2022 recruits who have signed their NLI this week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIFD0pVZcG4


Deflections!!?? Are you kidding me? Holy S***! He’s turning into Mickey C 2.0 in front of our very eyes. :sign-wtf:

[Xville]

Deflections!!?? Are you kidding me? Holy S***! He’s turning into Mickey C 2.0 in front of our very eyes. :sign-wtf:

That is one of the biggest things that pitino tracks. Regardless of his immoral character, he is one of the best college coaches ever.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Deflections!!?? Are you kidding me? Holy S***! He’s turning into Mickey C 2.0 in front of our very eyes. :sign-wtf:

I cannot criticize a coach for trying to gain performance insights via tracking and measurement of various factors. Many people on this board have read "Moneyball". I had no idea, until I read the book, that On Base Percentage could be so important in overall offensive performance in baseball. Who is to say that deflections or some other measure cannot be an important metric for overall defensive performance in basketball? I give Steele credit for trying.

[XUGRAD80]

I’m sorry, I sometime forget that so many of the people on this board don’t live in the Cincinnati area and aren’t that familiar with the ex-UC coach, Mick Cronin. For those that don’t know….deflections was something that Mick (a disciple of Pitino) would talk about after every game and in every press conference he ever held. It became a running joke, like…”Well UC didn’t really lose that game, ask Mick. They got more deflections than the other team, they just didn’t score as many points!”

This is the 1st time I have ever heard Steele mention them.

[xukeith]

Deflections!!?? Are you kidding me? Holy S***! He’s turning into Mickey C 2.0 in front of our very eyes. :sign-wtf:

As much as I dislike UC and anything to do with them, I have to give Cronin props as a coach whose teams knew defense and hard hustle plays. It wasn't a fluke he went to Final 4 nor is getting top level recruits.

[drudy23]

As much as I dislike UC and anything to do with them, I have to give Cronin props as a coach whose teams knew defense and hard hustle plays. It wasn't a fluke he went to Final 4 nor is getting top level recruits.

Blasphemy - he's still an angry little gnome.

I've come to respect Huggins - will never get there with Mick.

[American X]

Deflections!!?? Are you kidding me? Holy S***! He’s turning into Mickey C 2.0 in front of our very eyes. :sign-wtf:


I’m sorry, I sometime forget that so many of the people on this board don’t live in the Cincinnati area and aren’t that familiar with the ex-UC coach, Mick Cronin. For those that don’t know….deflections was something that Mick (a disciple of Pitino) would talk about after every game and in every press conference he ever held. It became a running joke, like…”Well UC didn’t really lose that game, ask Mick. They got more deflections than the other team, they just didn’t score as many points!”

This is the 1st time I have ever heard Steele mention them.


As much as I dislike UC and anything to do with them, I have to give Cronin props as a coach whose teams knew defense and hard hustle plays. It wasn't a fluke he went to Final 4 nor is getting top level recruits.


Blasphemy - he's still an angry little gnome.

I've come to respect Huggins - will never get there with Mick.


You just noticed that Steele is "turning into Mickey C 2.0"? He has sounded like Mick Cronin Lite since day one.


And Mick Cronin is still a goatfucker.

[Masterofreality]

You just noticed that Steele is "turning into Mickey C 2.0"? He has sounded like Mick Cronin Lite since day one.


And Mick Cronin is still a goatfucker.

Public props since the Jack Booted Thugs on here are holding me down

[MHettel]

Halfway through the season, and the first 10 things I noticed this year are still what I'm seeing game after game....

[drudy23]

Alot of truth in this thread.

Not much has changed.