Game Thread: Xavier v Iowa State University (11/24/2021)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFFVS. https://www.trademark.iastate.edu/sites/default/files/imported//marks/mascot/Cy.jpg


THE MATCHUP

NO. 25 XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (4-0) VS.
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY CYCLONES (4-0)
NIT SEASON TIP-OFF 7:00 PM
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 24, 2021
AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN, N.Y.

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: ESPNU with play by-play from Rich Hollenberg and analysis from Fran Fraschilla.
Radio: 55KRC with play-by-play from Xavier Hall of Famer Joe Sunderman ('79) and analysis from Xavier all-time leading scorer and Hall of Famer Byron Larkin ('88). Xavier broadcast is also available on Sirius XM channel 381 and SXM App. 971.
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com and fan stats at GoXavier.com.

[American X]

Is Iowa State any good? Should Xavier win by 40 or just 20?

If their nickname is the Cyclones, why is their mascot a mutant cardinal / Foghorn Leghorn on steroids?

[Xville]

Is Iowa State any good? Should Xavier win by 40 or just 20?

If their nickname is the Cyclones, why is their mascot a mutant cardinal / Foghorn Leghorn on steroids?

Well, they are coming off a 2-22 season and predicted to finish last in the big 12. Outside of that, I know nothing about them.

[drudy23]

Well, they are coming off a 2-22 season and predicted to finish last in the big 12. Outside of that, I know nothing about them.

They were really 2-22 last year? How is that even possible with a bunch of Big 12 non conference buy games? Or did they play nothing but conference games because of covid?

[Xville]

They were really 2-22 last year? How is that even possible with a bunch of Big 12 non conference buy games? Or did they play nothing but conference games because of covid?

Yeah pretty crazy..0-18 In conference. Not sure who they played ooc

I did a little more digging and found that they did have a top 50 guy come in this year, along with 5 transfers so I assume it’s a much different team. I’ll be interested to see what the line will be.

[XU 23]

2-22 jeez... they definitely don't miss Hoiberg

[GIMMFD]

Yeah pretty crazy..0-18 In conference. Not sure who they played ooc

I did a little more digging and found that they did have a top 50 guy come in this year, along with 5 transfers so I assume it’s a much different team. I’ll be interested to see what the line will be.

Yeah, they were pretty dreadful last year, post Tyrese Haliburton year, and they lost a lot, figured they were gonna regress, but man they regressed big time. They're 111th in KenPom, but they have some talent, one of the guys that returned Izaiah Brockington is a 6'5 or so guard I think who's a senior, and he's probably their best player. Not much of an outside threat but is aggressive in looking for shots. The top 50 guy is the other guard Tyrese Hunter, who gets a bunch of steals and does a bit of everything, hopefully Scruggs, Odom, etc. are up for the task!

[American X]

I will be looking to see if Xavier continues the excellent ball sharing as during Norfolk State or reverts to out-of-rhythm long jumpers early in the shot clock. All the shots on Sunday looked in rhythm and none from 28 feet. Also want to see Miles & Stanley to show progress on the inside.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

If you want reasons for optimism: they are really loose with the ball, they shoot it poorly from the perimeter, and they don't get to the FT line.

If you want to spend all day being nervous: they defend the arc really well, and typically when Xavier is shooting it poorly from the perimeter, the rest of our game is a bit of a slog. They also defend the ball really well, and we are susceptible to turning it over against good ball pressure, so allow that to distract you for the next 11 hours while you're pretending to work on the day before Thanksgiving.

[Xville]

X-8…seems about right. A line won’t be touching.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

X-8…seems about right. A line won’t be touching.

Feels like a lot to me, and if I was FORCED to make a wager I'd take ISU and the points, but like you, I'll keep my money, sit back, and just enjoy the game!

[profson]

I will be looking to see if Xavier continues the excellent ball sharing as during Norfolk State or reverts to out-of-rhythm long jumpers early in the shot clock. All the shots on Sunday looked in rhythm and none from 28 feet. Also want to see Miles & Stanley to show progress on the inside.

You may want to revisit some of Kunkel's shots. The reason they did not register negatively is that this time they went in!

[UCGRAD4X]

You may want to revisit some of Kunkel's shots. The reason they did not register negatively is that this time they went in!

Isn't that the truth!

I also like the making the "extra pass" comments. Why is the last pass the 'extra' one and not the one before it? If a shot does not go in, should the shooter have made another 'extra' pass, rather than shoot from the 'extra' pass he received? So it's only an extra pass if it results in a made basket. Otherwise it is selfish, ball hogging, showboating, hero-ball, "not a good shot selection" and show a general lack of basketball IQ.

[drudy23]

Isn't that the truth!

I also like the making the "extra pass" comments. Why is the last pass the 'extra' one and not the one before it? If a shot does not go in, should the shooter have made another 'extra' pass, rather than shoot from the 'extra' pass he received? So it's only an extra pass if it results in a made basket. Otherwise it is selfish, ball hogging, showboating, hero-ball, "not a good shot selection" and show a general lack of basketball IQ.

The "extra pass" signifies giving up a good shot for a better one (that can mean a better overall shot or a pass to a better shooter, or both). Has no bearing if the ball goes in or not. So yes, "extra pass" makes perfect sense.

[Smooth]

If you want reasons for optimism: they are really loose with the ball, they shoot it poorly from the perimeter, and they don't get to the FT line.

If you want to spend all day being nervous: they defend the arc really well, and typically when Xavier is shooting it poorly from the perimeter, the rest of our game is a bit of a slog. They also defend the ball really well, and we are susceptible to turning it over against good ball pressure, so allow that to distract you for the next 11 hours while you're pretending to work on the day before Thanksgiving.

I did not. And quit looking at me when I'm working.

[XUBob]

No Kunkle tonight, sick per a release by Adam Baum.

[GIMMFD]

No Kunkle tonight, sick per a release by Adam Baum.

No bueno, especially after he caught fire last game, I hope somebody can hit some shots tonight.

[bobbiemcgee]

Xavier starters vs. Iowa State:

Paul Scruggs
Nate Johnson
Colby Jones
Jerome Hunter
Dieonte Miles

[bjf123]

Well that’s a shitty start!


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[Xville]

Interesting start

[noteggs]

Hmmm

[Xville]

5 turnovers in 5 minutes….back to Niagara game

[GIMMFD]

Dear god we may have 40 turnovers this game at this rate.

[noteggs]

Offense looks horrible

[KabeX]

Wow. Couldn't have asked for a worse start.

[Xville]

Might be time for Jerome hunter to ride a lot of pine

[bjf123]

Trauma to the groin?


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[KabeX]

Trauma to the groin?


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You talking about Paul or our start?

[bjf123]

You talking about Paul or our start?

Yes.


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[KabeX]

Yes.


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That's what I thought. Here's to some quick "healing".

[GIMMFD]

Colby Jones gives me warm fuzzy feelings.

[RoseyMuskie]

ISU’s length really bothering X.

Time for Stanley to shine after the horrendous Hunter start.

[Xville]

Ok we have seemed to settle in…

[noteggs]

Giving up a LOT of inside points

[RoseyMuskie]

Giving up a LOT of inside points

Well my hope for Stanley was short lived. He (understandably) still looks slow laterally.

[GIMMFD]

I'd be okay with Nunge playing as many minutes as possible.

[KabeX]

Hunter does not appear to be the most intelligent player on the floor

[RoseyMuskie]

Super impressive sequence by Jones. Rebound. Drive and score. Pushes Miles into defensive position and gets turnover.

[GIMMFD]

I'd be okay with Nunge playing as many minutes as possible.

Every minute this poor hurt animal could play, I reiterate this point.

[KabeX]

Don't know about you guys but I'm a little JACKED for JACK

[Lloyd Braun]

If Hunter never shoots a 3 again I’m ok with that

[xudash]

Absolutely. But I sure as hell would love to see HUNTER stop attempting three point shots.

[bjf123]

After that start, I’ll take a lead at halftime.


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[KabeX]

Not sure how we are up at the half. Well maybe it's the cheese - Colby Jack.

[GIMMFD]

If Iowa State was better at offense they'd be scary with that length, we are very lucky to be up at the half. Think after we settled down the offense looked pretty good.

[SM#24]

If Hunter never shoots a 3 again I’m ok with that
Whoever thinks it’s OK for Hunter to shoot 3s are without debate, the stupidest, most idiotic people in the entirety of the world. It is beyond painful to watch. Yet our coach allows it to happen, which puts him in the aforementioned category.

[kxblue]

Whoever thinks it’s OK for Hunter to shoot 3s are without debate, the stupidest, most idiotic people in the entirety of the world. It is beyond painful to watch. Yet our coach allows it to happen, which puts him in the aforementioned category.

I’m assuming Miles was in foul trouble which is why Hunter stayed in the game the last 10mins? But yeah the last 2 3s by Hunter and Odom are tough to swallow. I’d rather have Johnson put something up double teamed.

Jones IQ is amazing on the court, great to watch. Rarely forces anything.

[Xville]

Jerome hunter ffs

[bjf123]

2-14 from 3. STOP SHOOTING IT!


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[KabeX]

14% from 3. Might want to try something different.

[noteggs]

Deja vu

[Xville]

Jerome hunter is starting to become the Jason Carter of last year. Need free back asap

[xavierj]

Wow what an embarrassing start to the 2nd half. Not good.

[KabeX]

Guess the Hoosiers knew something

[KabeX]

Why is Hunter still in the game?

[Blue Blooded-05]

We were ranked 277th in the nation in 3 point shooting coming into this game and somehow that ranking will likely go down

[kxblue]

Why is Hunter still in the game?

Some people play for Steele and some people don’t I guess?? Hunter could prob be a great defensive asset, but our coaching staff refuses to limit his shot selection (or shots)

Plenty of time in this game, unfortunately the last 3 seasons have the same textbook of decent Non-conf with no progress and end the season where we started. Really hope someone figures this out but I remember we used to talk about national championships. Now I just want to see some plan of how to get better

[Xville]

So so bad. Looks like the previous 3 years again. Jerome hunter is awful, and for some reason kyky still can’t see the floor even though we need shooters badly this game.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

they defend the arc really well, and typically when Xavier is shooting it poorly from the perimeter, the rest of our game is a bit of a slog. They also defend the ball really well, and we are susceptible to turning it over against good ball pressure.

So these two issues....

[KabeX]

We're not winning this game and we're very likely not winning Friday. Gotta start wondering about the coach.

[bjf123]

Guess we’ll see the “Fire Steele” talk start again tonight.


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[X Factor]

Hunter is awful!

[bjf123]

STOP SHOOTING 3s!!!!!


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[xavierj]

Guess we’ll see the “Fire Steele” talk start again tonight.


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To be honest might as well. It’s one thing to be down a couple of guys but to play we zero fire is a coaching issue.

[drudy23]

Why is he in the game?

Another deer in headlights look from Steele where he can’t stop the bleeding.

[X Factor]

Who told Hunter he was allowed to shoot threes? Dude throws up nothing but bricks.

[whopper]

we are getting bullied by Brockington now.he is creating space. If not for Nunge can you imagine what the score would be. I still have hope as brockington can't stay this hot.

[Xville]

Get hunter out of the damn game Steele. How many threes do you need to watch him brick tonight.

[noteggs]

Don’t want to start a bashing Steele at all. Wonder if Kyky might be a good option with Kunk out.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Who told Hunter he was allowed to shoot threes? Dude throws up nothing but bricks.

I hate cliches and try to avoid using them, ever. I'll make an exception now. Jerome Hunter has the one of the lowest basketball I.Q.s I have seen. He just doesn't seem to understand how he is hurting this team with his turnovers and shot selection.

Still, can't blame tonight's awful performance on him alone. X has been totally outplayed tonight.

[SM#24]

Who told Hunter he was allowed to shoot threes? Dude throws up nothing but bricks.

Coach Steele. Fraschilla is right, Hunter is miscast. He’s not a shooter. I like his D, rebounding, energy. But our coach telling him to shoot 3s is idiotic.
This game is what the Travis Steelke era has been all about. He is going to die on the 3 point hill.

[kxblue]

Is Miles hurt? Why can’t he replace Hunter?

[Xville]

Thank goodness for nunge. Maybe he can will this team to victory because Steele, Paul and Jerome have let their team down tonight

[KabeX]

I'm sorry, someone get Hunter an Uber back to Bloomington.

[xudash]

Carter Award is buttoned up. Hunter HAS TO KNOW he can’t attempt another one. Just unreal.

[bjf123]

Get hunter out of the damn game Steele. How many threes do you need to watch him brick tonight.

^^^THIS!!!!^^^ The guy is 0-6 from 3!!!!!


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[X Factor]

Where is Paul and Nate? These guys have 25 years combined college years!! They need to step up.

[Xville]

Gee it’s almost like the other team has realized they don’t need to guard hunter on the three point line…weird. I wonder if Steele has figured out why

[KabeX]

^^^THIS!!!!^^^ The guy is 0-6 from 3!!!!!


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Don't forget the 3 TOs (and they were really bad).

[X Factor]

Did Carter give Hunter all of his material he had on Steele on his way out?

[Blue Blooded-05]

Get hunter out of the damn game Steele. How many threes do you need to watch him brick tonight.

Are we counting air balls too?

[X Factor]

Steele's teams have always been low IQ

[bjf123]

Good lord this is embarrassing.


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[GoMuskies]

Fuck

[X Factor]

Great game Paul

[KabeX]

Outplayed. Outchoached. Outta Here.

[Xville]

One step forward, two steps back. Why kyky cannot get in this game is beyond me.

[Xville]

11 turnovers between Paul and Nate. How can you be a fifth year senior and ever have that many tos in a game. They should be embarrassed

[Lloyd Braun]

At least Nunge showed up. Going forward it’s going to be hard not starting him. Hunter was hot garbage from perimeter, but really good rebounding on interior. Have to reign him in…

Defense was atrocious all around.

[KabeX]

Appreciate Fran's comments but my gawd we suck.

[GoMuskies]

What shitty team is Memphis going to beat? Got to start thinking of Friday.

[Lloyd Braun]

Iowa state will shoot 15% from 3 against the next team. Book it…

[X Factor]

Iowa state will shoot 15% from 3 against the next team. Book it…

So will we

[KabeX]

What shitty team is Memphis going to beat? Got to start thinking of Friday.

We're not winning Friday either.

[bjf123]

I’m done.


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[Xville]

I hope this is just one of those games where everything goes wrong, and is not indicative of what big East play will look like again

[drudy23]

I hope this is just one of those games where everything goes wrong, and is not indicative of what big East play will look like again

Cmon you know better than that.

This was Trav being Trav - any wait for the mean mug post game and outing his players for their toughness. Book it.

[whopper]

game over.. This one on one by Brockington is actually unstoppable tonight but our ball handling, shot selection and even shot making (Scruggs? and Hunter especially) are terrible. Defense not good but Brockington is making his own plays and bullying us.

[Lloyd Braun]

It’s almost as if they play him to be right handed.

[XUBison]

…Hunter was hot garbage from perimeter, but really good rebounding on interior…

From the looks of it, he came to X because he was told he can shoot as many 3s as he Can imagine.

[Xville]

Cmon you know better than that.

This was Trav being Trav

It is very much same ole same ole…hunter playing the part of Carter, Steele mad that his bf can’t play so he doesn’t play kyky even though we need shooters. Paul disappearing even as a n 8th year senior.

[X Factor]

Iowa State went 2-22 last year and is nothing but a bunch of transfers and freshman. Embarrassing.

[Xavgrad08]

Ugly game for Xavier who didn’t do a lot right tonight. Nunge was the only bright spot. Friday will be a big game.

[Xavier]

Man. Scruggs was Awful tonight. Classic steele team comes out with zero energy. I have come to expect this from Scruggs but Johnson was careless too. And hunter must have been promised a certain amount of minutes before committing.

Having said that Nunge and Free together can be fun

[Olsingledigit]

Thorough ass whuppin

[XUOWNSUC]

Hunter is 0 for 6 today and 2 for 20 from 3 this year.

Why can’t Tandy get in? It can’t get worse.

Travis Blows.

[paulxu]

Hunter should never shoot another 3.
Scruggs couldn't have had an off night at a worst time. Doubt he's ever missed so many.

[KabeX]

We'll see. But I don't think we win this game with Free. I've been patient but really, really questioning the head coach.

[XUBison]

Man. Scruggs was Awful tonight. Classic steele team comes out with zero energy. I have come to expect this from Scruggs but Johnson was careless too. And hunter must have been promised a certain amount of minutes before committing.

Having said that Nunge and Free together can be fun

Based on this coach’s history, they’ll probably never see the court together.

[KabeX]

Just awful.

[Blue Blooded-05]

I long for the days of Steele’s first year when we shot 33% from 3.

[Lloyd Braun]

We'll see. But I don't think we win this game with Free. I've been patient but really, really questioning the head coach.

Free doesn’t make the perimeter defense any better. It was garbage. Soft and running under screens (poor scheme) hoping they would miss. Didn’t adjust from there.

[XUOWNSUC]

My biggest worry is that Travis gets to the NCAA tournament and loses in the first round and then Xavier promptly extends him for 5 more years.

[RoseyMuskie]

I ask this in all sincerity. Why does this team have such shooting issues?

-Roster construction?
-Lack of proper play calling?
-Mental issue under Steele?

My personal opinion is that there are a lot of average shooters (in a vacuum), but teams can guard harder and the average guys turn into below average. Which is roster construction.

[KabeX]

Free doesn’t make the perimeter defense any better. It was garbage. Soft and running under screens (poor scheme) hoping they would miss. Didn’t adjust from there.

!00% Accurate.

[Xavier]

My biggest worry is that Travis gets to the NCAA tournament and loses in the first round and then Xavier promptly extends him for 5 more years.

I think that will depend on circumstance, but sneaking in and losing bad would still result in firing….especially if Sean let it known he’d be back

[KabeX]

My biggest worry is that Travis gets to the NCAA tournament and loses in the first round and then Xavier promptly extends him for 5 more years.

Yeah, my son and I were just discussing this. IF (ahem. .. when) the underachieve again, is that enough???

[xavbball]

Hunter is 0 for 6 today and 2 for 20 from 3 this year.

Why can’t Tandy get in? It can’t get worse.

Travis Blows.

Yep. Same thing year after year. Instead of Carter, his new "guy" is Hunter. Steele doesn't have a clue what he's doing.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

After things were looking up..................

Tonight, was just awful. I cannot explain the lack of energy, poor defense, terrible shooting, terrible shot selection. What a downer.

[whopper]

Scruggs will never have another game like that..it must be killing him as Brockington was essentially his opposite number. Without Nunge this may have been the worst game I have seen Xavier play in quite a while and turnovers were awful. I liked Odom at point as I hate it when Scruggs gets the ball so far from basket. Still an awful game and I thought we were down 6 with about 10 min to go with some momentum then nothing but Brockington

[XUBison]

We'll see. But I don't think we win this game with Free. I've been patient but really, really questioning the head coach.

Can’t imagine Free would have done more than Nunge, and Nunge probably wouldn’t have played much if Free were available. I’m right there with you… the sum is often less than the whole of the parts.

[RoseyMuskie]

My biggest worry is that Travis gets to the NCAA tournament and loses in the first round and then Xavier promptly extends him for 5 more years.

This just made my night worse (because I think you’re right).

[drudy23]

Or the fact that Coach Aluminum won’t play Free and Nunge at the same time when Free returns.

Even though it’s exactly what this team needs.

[XUBison]

My biggest worry is that Travis gets to the NCAA tournament and loses in the first round and then Xavier promptly extends him for 5 more years.

My biggest worry is that we suck and don’t make the tournament, and Travis gets a 5-year extension.

[XU 23]

Sean Miller is available

[XUBison]

Sean Miller is available

I would give my left pinky for this. Seriously, I’ll chop it right off.

[SM#24]

Wasn’t Otzelberger one of the coaches we interviewed during the after Mack search ?
One team was well prepared, well coached and motivated tonight. The other chucked 3s.

[Xville]

I’m very over Scruggs just completely disappearing for games every year. As a fifth year senior that kind of crap should not happen.

[Xavier]

I’m very over Scruggs just completely disappearing for games every year. As a fifth year senior that kind of crap should not happen.

It’s so tough. He has the ability to be the leader, he has shown it. And the fans want it so bad for him (I know I do) but too many disappearing acts. Frustrating, I do think we are at our best when he is playing well and leading.

[XUBison]

I’m very over Scruggs just completely disappearing for games every year. As a fifth year senior that kind of crap should not happen.

Yep. As happy as I was for him in the OSU game…

[paulxu]

Sorry, I missed this somewhere.
Was Kunkel sick, injured, or what?

[SkyWalker]

Sorry, I missed this somewhere.
Was Kunkel sick, injured, or what?

He stayed back at the hotel - sick.

[xu82]

I set the game to record so we could meet friends for dinner who are in town for Thanksgiving. I consider that two hours of my life saved.

[X Factor]

I set the game to record so we could meet friends for dinner who are in town for Thanksgiving. I consider that two hours of my life saved.

Yep, you'll be much happier having not watched that atrocity.

[SM#24]

I set the game to record so we could meet friends for dinner who are in town for Thanksgiving. I consider that two hours of my life saved.

I don’t know, this seemed historically bad tonight.

[paulxu]

He stayed back at the hotel - sick.

Thanks!

[drudy23]

Something had to be wrong with Scruggs tonight, right? Right?

Anyone listen to the postgame? Was it Mick Cronin mean mugging and tough talk and "we're not going to go anywhere with these guys not playing tough"?

Or did he send an assistant?

[Xavier]

Meh. I think he should publicly call out Scruggs. Something needs to change for him- challenge him, who knows.

*not saying steele isn’t to blame, he sure as hell is

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

I’m very over Scruggs just completely disappearing for games every year. As a fifth year senior that kind of crap should not happen.

He didn't disappear. He just really really sucked.

[XUGRAD80]

Scruggs was shown in a closeup near the end of the game, when he was sitting on the bench. He definitely looked like he wasn’t feeling well to me. Considering what he is capable of and how badly he played, I wonder if he is also sick but tried to tough it out?

Hunter….PLEASE stop shooting 3’s !!!! You can’t make them!

[whopper]

we were bad on offense except for Nunge. On defense we were killed by a one on one player making and taking his own shots. We should have played him to drive left and dare him to go right but we probably thought he would get cold but of course he did not and the dead ball 3 proved it was his night.Also at leas 2 cross court picks for layups. Scruggs is going to have to make quicker decisions as no one is going to let him easily get to his spot which of course means we need Nate and others to hit shots off double and hard to imagine Jerome H doing it(he is not bad at other aspects but they ALL need a tighter handle). Worst play of night was that seeming dead ball that was last basket of 8-0 run to start second half..Odom and Scruggs seemed to thing ball not in play. Even when Paul is off I hope for a better floor game and a little better contest of Brockington(or other big east 2 guards). Almost wonder if Paul is mentally fatigued after 5 years..he has been a key so long he actually put us ahead against FSU by 2 pos with a minute to go in 2018! Most other 5th yr players (Gillespie, etc) were role players their first year or two.

[XUBison]

Scruggs was shown in a closeup near the end of the game, when he was sitting on the bench. He definitely looked like he wasn’t feeling well to me. Considering what he is capable of and how badly he played, I wonder if he is also sick but tried to tough it out?

Hunter….PLEASE stop shooting 3’s !!!! You can’t make them!

I’m sure he felt like dog crap after that performance. Look, he does this all the time— great one game, bleh the next. It is what he is, and we all know this. We keep waiting for him to become the alpha, and he just isn’t. He’s a terrific talent with some sort of basketball personality disorder.

As for Hunter, I sure wish we had ISU’s Hunter tonight instead. I joked about this earlier, but doesn’t it seem apparent he came to X because he was told he could shoot as many 3s as he wants? Sometimes Steele strikes me as that sort of used car salesman.

[American X]

Waiting for the Steele defenders excusing this loss because Freemantle and Kunkel were out.

At .195 FG%, Jerome Hunter is below the Mendoza Line. Let that sink in.

But don't worry Xavier fans, because MCL does not flinch at going 3-21 from three.

[paulxu]

Waiting for the Steele defenders excusing this loss because Freemantle and Kunkel were out.

I won't use that to defend the coach.
But I sure am looking forward to having them back in the lineup.
I think we'll be better for it.

[whopper]

I will say if Scruggs has a below average game (instead of 1-14 say 5-14 and 2-5 from 3) and 2 FT(instead of 0) and Brockington does not have a career (12-19 and 4-5 from 3 ) like 10-19 2-5 from 3 we actually win the game. To have those 2 events happen in the same game is an unfortunate coincidence. He got no FT and deserved 2 or 4 and if that happens they play him less close and maybe basket opens up. Lets hope this an is anamoly. Hunter needs to play with Nate and Kunkel to have a 3 point target so he can drive and dish. Nate was OK, Dwon good, Nunge great, Deointe OK but you can't have that type of disparity at one position

[drudy23]

This team is obviously more efficient with Nunge in the game. We he gets touches, good things happen. His presence allows our best players to do their thing.

When he's not in the game, it's the same ole same ole. Jacking 3s, defenses dictating our offense, and the wrong guys taking the wrong shots.

For the love of God, when Free comes back, play these two together - ALOT! And please don't plant Free on the 3 point line for the majority of the game.

Steele continues to want this team to be a perimeter first team, when it's obvious our best basketball is played inside out. He can't help himself - the second we get into trouble, it's lineups and decisions that fall back to trying to be Villanova.

We have 2 7-footers - why can't they play at the same time?

[JTG]

What's with X and Holiday Tournaments ? How many times have we come out looking like a 3rd grade CYO team, no matter who the coach ? They said on tv that Nunge has 2 more seasons left, if so, that's something to look forward to. How can we be totally locked in, even Steele, for OSU, and look totally clueless 7 days later ? The OSU game proved they are capable, it's up to the whole team to play that way every game. I'm old, I want them to succeed this year, not fire Steele and start over. But if that's what it takes, I'll deal with it. BTW, could someone sprain a couple of Hunter's fingers so that he can't shoot ? And Miles has 5 fouls to give , so how about a couple of opponents driving the lane get clotheslined. As I remember that's what Nova did to Sumner.

[drudy23]

Hunter has legit turned into a Jason Carter clone. Hunter is a better player, but his impact is currently exactly the same.

If you continue to plant Hunter on the perimeter in a 4 or 5 out concept, your offensive efficiency is screwed. We don't have the personnel for defenses to care.

This is apparently extremely obvious to our opponent's coach - why isn't it obvious to Steele? 3rd on the team in FG attempts, 20 3-point FG attempts - what are we doing!!!!!!! It's like we lifted Carter and just replaced him with Carter!!

For the love of God, he's shooting 10% from 3 - 10%!!!!

[whopper]

Hunter has legit turned into a Jason Carter clone. Hunter is a better player, but his impact is currently exactly the same.

If you continue to plant Hunter on the perimeter in a 4 or 5 out concept, your offensive efficiency is screwed. We don't have the personnel for defenses to care.

This is apparently extremely obvious to our opponent's coach - why isn't it obvious to Steele? 3rd on the team in FG attempts, 20 3-point FG attempts - what are we doing!!!!!!! It's like we lifted Carter and just replaced him with Carter!!

For the love of God, he's shooting 10% from 3 - 10%!!!!
and the 3pt of Hunter have been largely uncontested.not end of shot clock heaves. There is a school of thought that says it is good to get them up, no turnover and chance of offensive rebound, but not at this percentage. He is not being played there like they would not guard Tyrique there.

[markchal]

Johnson and Kunkel have missed some open 3s, but they typically are good shots and look very close to going in at least. Hunter fires at will and you rarely even have hope of it going in. It's not like he's just a hair off, guy is clanging them hard. He does not look much like a shooter. Although I do think he's still a better fit in our lineup than JC, just stop chucking so much.

[Xavier]

With his length and athleticism he should really be attacking the boards- that’s going to be important for this team. And yes, I agree with everyone- Free and Nunge together could be great/ a better version of Hankins and Jones…and that was when Steele was at his best.

[drudy23]

I actually thought the problem with Carter was that he was mis-cast. Same is true for Hunter.

Both could have been fantastic 8 and 6 guys to help this team win. Both are big bodies that can rebound and ocassionally score in the post.

But both are set up to fail being predominantly perimeter oriented offensive players. It's not the right spot for either of them.

Aluminum has basically just lifted out Carter and replaced him with Hunter in the EXACT same role.

[paulxu]

I would like to see a lineup of Free, Nunge, Jones, Kunkel and Scruggs....just to see how it might work.

[bjf123]

I would like to see a lineup of Free, Nunge, Jones, Kunkel and Scruggs....just to see how it might work.

I like it!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[IM4X]

This team is obviously more efficient with Nunge in the game. We he gets touches, good things happen. His presence allows our best players to do their thing.

When he's not in the game, it's the same ole same ole. Jacking 3s, defenses dictating our offense, and the wrong guys taking the wrong shots.

For the love of God, when Free comes back, play these two together - ALOT! And please don't plant Free on the 3 point line for the majority of the game.

Steele continues to want this team to be a perimeter first team, when it's obvious our best basketball is played inside out. He can't help himself - the second we get into trouble, it's lineups and decisions that fall back to trying to be Villanova.

We have 2 7-footers - why can't they play at the same time?


It is very clear

Missed the game due to holiday travel, but I can only imagine based on what you said and the box score I saw and by looking through the play by play on ESPNÂ’s site how much I would agree with you. Scruggs and Hunter appear to have played about as bad as they humanly could have in a game. Scruggs missed numerous shots including layups and Hunter chucked up and missed every three he took for the third straight game. He shot 0-12 from behind the arc over those last three games and 10% 2-20 on the season. It is ridiculous that Travis just keeps giving the kid the green light to launch more clunkers. This is clearly bit the best way for Hunter to be a helpful contributor to the team. Why the hell is he taking 6 three pointers in a game. This is becoming Goodin (in his last year) all over again. Stop taking the damn shot which is objectively crippling the team and stick to those things that you are doing that are actually helping the team.


AgainÂ… A guy who shoots 10% from 3 just attempted 6 of them in this last game. You think that is wise Coach?

[noteggs]

Just a observation and not a slam on Steele. Why didn’t Kyky play the role of Kunkel since he was out? Love Odom’s game, but 30 minutes seems a bit much when we are struggling to shoot? Sorry if this was already brought up in other threads.

On the other hand, glad he didn’t because we can’t blame him on why the other guards torched us. This Kyky thing is definitely a head scratcher…

[IM4X]

Hunter has legit turned into a Jason Carter clone. Hunter is a better player, but his impact is currently exactly the same.

If you continue to plant Hunter on the perimeter in a 4 or 5 out concept, your offensive efficiency is screwed. We don't have the personnel for defenses to care.

This is apparently extremely obvious to our opponent's coach - why isn't it obvious to Steele? 3rd on the team in FG attempts, 20 3-point FG attempts - what are we doing!!!!!!! It's like we lifted Carter and just replaced him with Carter!!

For the love of God, he's shooting 10% from 3 - 10%!!!!

Did not realize you had already posted Hunter’s abysmal 3 point shooting stats in this earlier post of yours until after I posted my reply to your later post. The only players on X who should be given the green light to shoot 6 threes in a game are Nate, Kunkel and Kyky and maybe Scruggs- and even then only when they are making shots. How is it somehow okay to Steele that Hunter kept shooting 3s after missing several (and after missing all three attempts the previous game and all three attempts the game before that game is absurd.

[JAPER]

Scruggs got nailed in the balls early in the game..(as well as aforementioned ill appearance).... hard to have a great performance when you're not 100% and much of the offence goes through his hands.

Hoping Paul is feeling better for tonight....

Go X.

[UCGRAD4X]

Scruggs got nailed in the balls early in the game..(as well as aforementioned ill appearance).... hard to have a great performance when you're not 100% and much of the offence goes through his hands.

Hoping Paul is feeling better for tonight....

Go X.

No question. The follow-up question should be, "Why was he in there if he couldn't perform?"

[whopper]

he played sub par but with 7 assists and 2 turnovers (and at least 1 was in first minute) he was a force. Watching the youbute 8 min summary many of Nates shots (and Nunges tying 3) were on assists from Scruggs has he was met by a defender far away from hoop after a pick. I do believe he will have to pull up from 15 or so rather than take it into the teeth of defense as he is not getting the call. In fact winning without a huge game from paul and without Zach should give us hope i believe. We shall see

[xukeith]

We all know Johnson is clearly the best shooter on the team. Why do we want to see "a lineup of Free, Nunge, Jones, Kunkel and Scruggs.."

I don't see it at all. More Nate = more wins. Less Nate = bad.

[paulxu]

Since that was my suggestion, I'll chime in to say I would interchange Kunkel and Johnson, and Odom and Scruggs.
Gives us great flexibility.
I'm particularly looking forward to a back court of Nunge, a healthy Free and Jones.

[IM4X]

We all know Johnson is clearly the best shooter on the team.

More Nate = more wins. Less Nate = bad.

Agree 100%!

And he doesn’t just shoot threes.

He attacks the rim and finishes + he draws fouls + he actually makes most of his free throws + he is solid with defense. There is no reason I can think of him not being a permanent starter. He played 40 minutes. I am even okay with him playing close to that many minutes if it means 30 points every times.



Nate + Nunge + Scruggs + Colby + Freemantle is my first five- no question. They have all earned it (Freemantle is a given).

[paulxu]

No wonder he scored 30. He was out there for 9 minutes with no one guarding him :dunno:

[IM4X]

No wonder he scored 30. He was out there for 9 minutes with no one guarding him :dunno:

Ha.Thanks. Fixed it. Couldn’t figure out what you were talking about until I looked back at my post and noticed my flat thumbs pressed the 9 instead of the 0.