Game Thread: Xavier v Marquette University (1/23/2022)

[paulxu]

https://live.staticflickr.com/4074/4819000479_2020c62eb9_n.jpg VS.https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/xeEAAMXQya1Q8vgG/s-l500.jpg

THE MATCHUP

NO. 20/20 XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (14-3, 4-2 BIG EAST)
MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY GOLDEN EAGLES (13-6, 5-3 BIG EAST)
SUNDAY, JAN. 23, 2022 AT 2 P.M. ET (1 P.M. CT)
FISERV FORUM (17,341) IN MILWAUKEE, WIS.

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 with pbp from Matt Schumacker and analysis from Nick Bahe.
Radio: 700 WLW-AM with play-by-play from Xavier Hall of Famer Joe Sunderman ('79) and analysis from XU all-time leading scorer and Hall of Famer Byron Larkin ('88). XU broadcast is also on Sirius (83), XM (83) and the SXM App. (83).
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com (http://statbroadcast.com) and fan stats at GoXavier.com. (http://goxavier.com)

[UCGRAD4X]

I think this might be the most difficult game left on the schedule. If we can take this....

[xuphan]

I think this might be the most difficult game left on the schedule. If we can take this....

I agree. Hopefully Nunge starts!

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think this might be the most difficult game left on the schedule. If we can take this....

Gonna be a tough one but tougher than @Providence and @UConn? I'm not sure about that.

[Xville]

Gonna be a tough one but tougher than @Providence and @UConn? I'm not sure about that.

Agreed nor seton hall. If anything, x matched up better against Marquette than those three other teams. Don’t expect x to win at Marquette but in my opinion this is far from the toughest game remaining on the schedule

[xukeith]

Agreed nor seton hall. If anything, x matched up better against Marquette than those three other teams. Don’t expect x to win at Marquette but in my opinion this is far from the toughest game remaining on the schedule

Agreed. At Creighton and at UConn seem on paper more difficult.

[whopper]

watching G-Town v Villanova (close but over) and St Johns Seton Hall there will be no tough outs. Incredibly tough mentality of all the teams. Heck Butler was up by 6 at half against UConn.. You cant look past the next play these days

[GIMMFD]

Line is -1.5 X as of now, man it's tough to win on the road in the Big East, I hope the boys get it done.

[American X]

We are totally going to win. If Xavier barely lost at home to Villanova and Marquette won at Villanova, that means...........................ah shit, we're screwed.

[Xuperman]

I agree. Hopefully Nunge starts!

That will fire up the board early....one way or another.

[Xuperman]

Talk about a new coach utilizing the Portal.....Smart starts 4 transfers! That's an instant team built around an NBA level super soph Justin Lewis.

Morsell and Kolek are found gold IMO. Bookend guards with perfectly diverse skill sets....just plug and play. Kolek didn't blink with the jump in competition. Already an elite facilitator and sneaky good defender/scorer. Morsell....WOW! Grabbing the B10 DPOY will tend to ease a lot of growing pains in your new job! AND then, he just happens to take his scoring to the next level....yikes!

Obviously MU has jelled and is on a fast upward trajectory. I don't see any real match up advantages. We can't exploit their depth because they can go 10 deep. I'm thinking Scruggs will see a steady dose of Morsell on both ends.....push. They have a chance to limit Nunge offensively with Kuath. I'm pretty sure they will try to create situations in the man that leaves Free guarding Lewis.... probably more yikes! Hopefully they are off shooting 3's and we can beat them with our zone.

We CAN/SHOULD out rebound them.....gotta win the second chance points war. We CAN/SHOULD end up with a decent attempt advantage from the line, but can we MAKE THEM?

[xukeith]

Talk about a new coach utilizing the Portal.....Smart starts 4 transfers! That's an instant team built around an NBA level super soph Justin Lewis.

Morsell and Kolek are found gold IMO. Bookend guards with perfectly diverse skill sets....just plug and play. Kolek didn't blink with the jump in competition. Already an elite facilitator and sneaky good defender/scorer. Morsell....WOW! Grabbing the B10 DPOY will tend to ease a lot of growing pains in your new job! AND then, he just happens to take his scoring to the next level....yikes!

Obviously MU has jelled and is on a fast upward trajectory. I don't see any real match up advantages. We can't exploit their depth because they can go 10 deep. I'm thinking Scruggs will see a steady dose of Morsell on both ends.....push. They have a chance to limit Nunge offensively with Kuath. I'm pretty sure they will try to create situations in the man that leaves Free guarding Lewis.... probably more yikes! Hopefully they are off shooting 3's and we can beat them with our zone.

We CAN/SHOULD out rebound them.....gotta win the second chance points war. We CAN/SHOULD end up with a decent attempt advantage from the line, but can we MAKE THEM?
agree.

This will be a difficult game for our X men. X has to win big on the boards to have a chance to make it close.
Limit turnovers to under 10, and hold Marquette to less than 7 made threes today.

[American X]

After the listless performance at DePaul and in this era of zilch transitive property, I can see the Xavier team that boatraced Villanova in the first half at the Pavilion come out this afternoon (and hopefully for two full halves).

But I promise you this, win or lose I will drink beer. Snow, beer, Xavier basketball, playoff football & meatballs, locked & loaded.

[Xavier]

I have no idea how X is favored, three of last 5 games Marquette has beat SH, Providence and Nova. This would be a very good win.

[drudy23]

Woj isn't around as our 6th guy anymore.

Just win - by 1 or 49 - just win.

[X-band '01]

You realize that Woj won 7 of his last 10 against Xavier, don't you? If you take out the 2017-18 season where X swept Marquette, they've really had Xavier's number of late.

[drudy23]

You realize that Woj won 7 of his last 10 against Xavier, don't you? If you take out the 2017-18 season where X swept Marquette, they've really had Xavier's number of late.

He still sucks.

[HenryMuto]

I am shocked Xavier is still favored by 2. I thought for sure heavy money would come in on Marquette and make them the favorite. I really don't understand how a team that just beat Nova on the road and is on a winning streak is the underdog today at home vs Xavier. I would have thought Marquette would been at least a 2 point favorite. I would be shocked if Xavier actually wins the game today.

[SC in DC]

Because X is awesome!

[X-band '01]

He still sucks.

I'm not disputing that - his problem was that he sucked against the remainder of the Big East and squandered a once-in-a-generation talent like Markus Howard.

[xu82]

I don’t know if it’s the toughest game, but it IS the next game. That makes it the most important game right now.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

I'm not disputing that - his problem was that he sucked against the remainder of the Big East and squandered a once-in-a-generation talent like Markus Howard.

In my opinion, Woz squandered that talent by making Howard, not just the first option but in some sense, the only offensive option. In the process, a balanced, talented team came apart.

I have a bad feeling about this game. Marquette, at home and riding a very solid win streak, against X, talented but hugely inconsistent and with lackluster and unconfident play from our senior guards. I fear a possible rout. Hope I'm wrong.

[KabeX]

Not feeling real confident about this one. Let's get it anyway.

[Masterofreality]

I just wanna crush Shaka.
Ever since his VCU thugs cheap shotted Dee Davis at Cintas in a game we would’ve won.

[Smooth]

We Dem!

[paulxu]

Let go you Mucking Fuskies!!!!:logo:

[xuphan]

Not feeling real confident about this one. Let's get it anyway.

We need to get off to a good start! Start Nunge!

[Masterofreality]

Of course no Nunge starting

[American X]

Throwing the ball into the sideline and a Hunter bricked jumper. Checking the boxes. Just keep chucking threes and everything will be alright.

[Masterofreality]

But at least he’s in quick

[drudy23]

Shocking we have a crappy offensive start again. The offense runs exponentially better with Nunge in the game.

[drudy23]

Dumb shots on our end almost always end up as good shots on their end.

[xuphan]

Shocking we have a crappy offensive start again. The offense runs exponentially better with Nunge in the game.

Wonder what the analytics say?

[IM4X]

Prefer to see Freemantle taking closer shots where he can get the rebound if he misses.

[GIMMFD]

Pretty little spin and finish by Free there, hopefully that builds on some confidence.

[American X]

It's nice that they went all the way to Milwaukee to find a playground. More early threes off of the dribble. They will go eventually. Keep lifting.

[paulxu]

We are so sloppy some times with TO's.
Also...Nunge at this point in his career should be able to pass out of a double team.
And people should move more to help him when that happens...which it is guaranteed to happen a lot.

[American X]

Also...Nunge at this point in his career should be able to pass out of a double team.
And people should move more to help him when that happens...which it is guaranteed to happen a lot.

Especially with Odom in the game. Good gawd, move around to make yourself open. Grade school stuff.

[paulxu]

Good ball movement for the Kunkel 3.

[paulxu]

Yikes. 2 Odom misplays.

Come on Muskies!

[IM4X]

Time to put Nunge back in.

[IM4X]

Hunter miss layups. Ugh.

[IM4X]

What the hell is Hunter doing. Shooting bad threes and missing layups. I’ve Seen enough. Time to sit back down, young man - you still aren’t getting it.

[KabeX]

Nice patient 3 there from Hunter. Ugh.

[Xville]

Other than consistenly playing Jason Carter, playing freemantle and hunter together is the dumbest thing Steele has done in his tenure.

[IM4X]

Horrible lineup now

[American X]

I wonder if Hunter gets confused what team he is playing for. Could Ben Stanley really be any worse?

[xuphan]

Horrible lineup now

Not according to the analytics we are using.

[GoMuskies]

This team is very frustrating to watch a lot of the time.

[Strange Brew]

Not according to the analytics we are using.

Nerd. :)

[GIMMFD]

Our offense is so damn painful to watch at times.

[profson]

It is becoming clear that the rotational issues relate to Hunter. Comes in: loses weak rebound off FT, then misses bunny off good drive, then bricks improvident 3

[KabeX]

Not according to the analytics we are using.
Horrible analytics then

[X Factor]

Hunter should not play, period.

[IM4X]

I wonder if Hunter gets confused what team he is playing for. Could Ben Stanley really be any worse?

I get that Hunter is quicker which is good for defense, but he is a HUGE liability again today on offense with his poor shot selection and inability to make easy bunnies.

[xuphan]

Horrible analytics then

Amen brother!

[IM4X]

I don’t like this 5 either. Miles gives us zero offense inside . We need another big in there who can score. WE NEED POINTS.

[XUBob]

Wish this group could make a layup.

[xuphan]

I don’t like this 5 either. Miles gives us zero offense inside . We need another big in there who can score. WE NEED POINTS.

Take care of the damn ball. This team is as sloppy as a Skyline chili dog.

[IM4X]

Stay inside Nunge. You are the only big on the floor.

[GoMuskies]

Why are we hot garbage?

[KabeX]

Let's continue to brick up those 3s

[drudy23]

I like Dwon, but we’re playing 4 on 5 when he’s in the game. They have zero care that’s he on the floor and just double Nate, Colby or the paint.

Impossible to get into an offensive rhythm like that.

[Strange Brew]

Stay inside Nunge. You are the only big on the floor.

Well, another crap start.

[IM4X]

100% blame this separation in the score on Steele’s atrocious lineups and players taking quick 3s. Just terrible.

[American X]

WE NEED POINTS.

We do? Why? Should we tell them?

[GIMMFD]

If we could hit shots and not have stupid turnovers, that'd be nice. Not like Marquette is shooting lights out or playing amazing, we're just playing much much worse.

[xudash]

Nate has lost his touch temporarily.

3 shots missed at the rim.

[X Factor]

Maybe tell your 5th year senior NOT to completely fall asleep on the perimeter and allow an easy back door cut.

Odom is not a PG, change my mind. What does he do well that a good PG should do?

Where is Kunkel?

[xuphan]

100% blame this separation in the score on Steele’s atrocious lineups and players taking quick 3s. Just terrible.

It’s not Steele’s fault they aren’t making the shots. He’s not the one shooting them.

[drudy23]

Kunkel has earned the right to get more minutes.

[IM4X]

We do? Why? Should we tell them?

Can’s expect to score more by taking two scorers off the court ans replace them with two that can’t - which is what Steele did a little while ago before Marquette went on a run.

[X-band '01]

That could have been a lot worse.

[GoMuskies]

Good last two minutes. About the only good minutes of the half.

[KabeX]

Kunkel has earned the right to get more minutes.
Indeed. Multiple times over.

[Xville]

Steele holds this team back…change my mind

[GIMMFD]

Kunkel has earned the right to get more minutes.

Yup, he's really impressed me with his play over the past few games, he also just looks like he's full of confidence right now too. If nobody else wants to score, play the man.

[TheDanimal]

Found something that appears to be working.. Can't wait to see the same old starting lineup again here in a few minutes.

[xuphan]

Kunkel has earned the right to get more minutes.

The analytics might back this up.

[IM4X]

It’s not Steele’s fault they aren’t making the shots. He’s not the one shooting them.

Not for those the quick 3s but absolutely for putting Hunter and Miles out there together when we needed points - They are complete liabilities on offense and it showed- Marquette started pulling away with those two in.

[xuphan]

Steele holds this team back…change my mind

No he doesn’t. He used analytics to put the team in the best position to win.

[KabeX]

The analytics might back this up.
Awesome analytics then.

[X Factor]

If Hunter starts the 2nd half, I'm gonna lose it.

[xuphan]

If Hunter starts the 2nd half, I'm gonna lose it.

I don’t see how hunter doesn’t start the second half based on the past with Steele. Guess we should find out shortly.

[American X]

We could run our "offense" or let Kunkel shoot everything. I prefer the latter. Roll the dice.

That could have been a lot worse. Games are 40 minutes. The game is there for the taking if Xavier stays disciplined. Big IF.

[MauriceX]

There were a few different times there where I didn't feel like Scruggs was going 100%. Kinda looked like he might be sick or just exhausted. I'm glad he got some time on the bench there. The last few minutes there was a different level of intensity from the whole team, and I think him coming out was a big part of that.

I was also happy to see Miles see the floor for a few minutes there. I like the change in look, but agree playing him with Hunter probably isn't a great move at this point.

[IM4X]

We do? Why? Should we tell them?

Let’s start by keeping players on the floor who Steele knows can actually score -when X is behind- and keep those on the bench who Steele (and we all) know consistently struggle to get the ball in the hoop.

[bleedXblue]

I love the posters who say the players need to make shots. We've been watching this offensive "system" for 4 years and it doesn't create a lot of good open looks. It's usually someone making a nice individual play to score a bucket. We don't screen well and we certainly don't go inside out and/or move off the ball well. Back door cut.....nah, we dont do that either.

[drudy23]

I love the posters who say the players need to make shots. We've been watching this offensive "system" for 4 years and it doesn't create a lot of good open looks. It's usually someone making a nice individual play to score a bucket. We don't screen well and we certainly don't go inside out and/or move off the ball well. Back door cut.....nah, we dont do that either.

Exactly.

[KabeX]

More of that.

[X Factor]

Get outta here Steele starting Hunter in the 2nd half! BS!

[xudash]

How about if one of you bitch about HUNTER now.

[American X]

Never stop hooping, Jerome Hunter.

[KabeX]

We are so much better when we shoot more dunk shots.

[Xville]

Good play coming out of half… back in it

[GIMMFD]

Love the energy coming out of the half, more of that please.

[X Factor]

How about if one of you bitch about HUNTER now.

Because of one dunk? A really good one though.

[X Factor]

Yes, keep up this intensity and X can win this game.

[IM4X]

I think Hunter solved his problem on offense. Forget those difficult, open layups. Just dunk it.

[KabeX]

If the half time message was "let's take it to the rack more guys", then I approve of that message.

[KabeX]

Free back to being offensive defensively.

[Xville]

Offense is so much better when they can run and push the pace

[KabeX]

Hunter strikes again.

[xudash]

Hunter strikes again.

Yep. I stand corrected. At least temporarily.

[American X]

I eagerly await my copy of the Jerome Hunter Drive & Layup instructional video.

[GoMuskies]

At least we had a nice run before we started sucking again.

[GIMMFD]

We're getting a little momentum, and then Marquette answers, but god this has been a much better half (considering we scored 2/3rds of the amount of points we had in the 1st half in 4 minutes...)

[KabeX]

Now win the damn 2nd war!

[American X]

Nice first war and attacking the basket, but let's get back to chucking early threes.

[GoMuskies]

Playing much tougher.

[IM4X]

Jones is the best on the court for us so far. All effort- all the time.

[xu82]

I eagerly await my copy of the Jerome Hunter Drive & Layup instructional video.

Is this a “Do’s and Dont’s” type of instructional video?

[xu82]

I swear we do better when I flip over to football and I’m not watching X. I just may be the key to this game!

[IM4X]

Jones with another big play. This time creating a turnover. Love that kid.

[Xville]

Colby is the man

[KabeX]

Well so much for the 2nd war. On to the 3rd. Better win this one.

[X-band '01]

This was good until Morsell started taking over.

[GoMuskies]

I swear we do better when I flip over to football and I’m not watching X. I just may be the key to this game!

And you keep going back to the game. Your selfishness is costing us!!!

[xudash]

Jones is the best on the court for us so far. All effort- all the time.

100%. So true.

[GIMMFD]

Jones with another big play. This time creating a turnover. Love that kid.

He's so smooth with his game, don't mind the threes we're taking, they're relatively open, but think we're in the danger zone here with Marquette gaining a lot of momentum back.

[American X]

Marquette did some getting points things. Fine. Is Xavier going to stick with what is working or panic?

[X Factor]

Why does Scruggs always lose his man on the perimeter? Scruggs always ends up under the basket and has to scramble to recover?

[xu82]

And you keep going back to the game. Your selfishness is costing us!!!

I SWEAR! I’m watching FOOTBALL!

[GoMuskies]

Marquette did some getting points things. Fine. Is Xavier going to stick with what is working or panic?

Panic. Of course Hunter drains a 3.

[xu82]

Rams up 10-0.

[American X]

The Jerome Hunter Three Point Marksman instructional video is even better.

[Strange Brew]

The Jerome Hunter Three Point Marksman instructional video is even better.

Never doubted him.

[GoMuskies]

Oh, we suck again.

[KabeX]

Back to our turnover ways. Sigb.

[xudash]

Scruggs AND Freemantle are ASLEEP!

[kellernr]

Scruggs ourt there throwing the game away again

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[IM4X]

We’re missing a little firepower. Ready for Nunge and Nate.

[GIMMFD]

We’re missing a little firepower. Ready for Nunge and Nate.

Would love Nate to get going after being MIA the past few games, he's had a couple looks I thought he could knock down, but alas, nothing.

[xudash]

I count 5 baskets missed at the rim.

And Fremantle should not be shooting threes at this point.

[GoMuskies]

We are not very good.

[IM4X]

We are losing every battle in the paint on defense. That can’t happen any more. Our fellas need to be MUCH scrappier.

[Strange Brew]

Putting the ball in the basket has been a challenge today.

[GoMuskies]

Venetian sports book gave up on Xavier and switched to Michigan/Indiana.

[XU 23]

Our offense is not consistent enough to be contenders in this league.

[Strange Brew]

Venetian sports book gave up on Xavier and switched to Michigan/Indiana.

Wish I was at the Venetian again right now.

[KabeX]

We are not very good.
At layups.

[American X]

Freemantle needs to retire his three point shot.

Let Kunkel fire away this last war. You're either first or last.

[IM4X]

If I were Coach Steele in this timeout. “Do you want it more or do they want it more. Right now they want it more. Show me that you want it more.”

[xuphan]

We are not very good.

Keep the faith. Game ain’t over yet.

[xudash]

Terrible shot selection by Paul.

[American X]

5th year Senior Scruggs absolutely wastes huge possession with crappy shot.

[xuphan]

Terrible shot selection by Paul.

Ugh, needed that 3 Nate

[xuphan]

If I were Coach Steele in this timeout. “Do you want it more or do they want it more. Right now they want it more. Show me that you want it more.”

Big timeout for X. Need a good possession here.

[xudash]

If I were Coach Steele in this timeout. “Do you want it more or do they want it more. Right now they want it more. Show me that you want it more.”

+1

[KabeX]

5th year Senior Scruggs absolutely wastes huge possession with crappy shot.
Exactly. At this point you cannot waste possessions. Need to score every time down. That starts with good decisions/shot selection.

[American X]

Put in Hunter. He actually hit a three today. (shit you thought you would never type)

[KabeX]

3 straight wasted possessions in crunch time. And that'll do it.

[xuphan]

3 straight wasted possessions in crunch time. And that'll do it.

The seniors are letting this team down. Come on guys. It’s your turn to shine.

[xudash]

I’d say Marquette wants it more.

[GoMuskies]

Have I mentioned that we're low key kinda bad.

[xuphan]

Have I mentioned that we're low key kinda bad.

What does that mean? We are ranked 20th in the nation? How are we bad?

[Strange Brew]

Have I mentioned that we're low key kinda bad.

Of course, another Steele season where we meltdown in Conference play.

[X Factor]

Paul is so out of control. Bailed out by the foul.

[paulxu]

This is a game that the Muskies could have won. Very depressing.

[KabeX]

Why you're not fouling down 8 with under a minute is beyond me. Esp. w. 2 to give. DUMB

[bjf123]

You know it’s not your day when they throw it up from 30 feet to avoid the shot clock violation and it’s nothing but net.


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[drudy23]

The constant and consistent track toward .500 in conference play.

This team is simply not built for the Big East conference.

[GoMuskies]

What does that mean? We are ranked 20th in the nation? How are we bad?

We're not actually the 20th best team.

[Xville]

Of course, another Steele season where we meltdown in Conference play.

Yeah who is shocked? No one. Didn’t expect x to win. Steele is an average coach..anyone with real objective knowledge is aware and this is a .500 team in conference. It’s good we should be in the tourney, but I just don’t know if Steele is ever going to get x to where we want them to go.

[markchal]

Until (if?) Freemantle can find find the "attitude and effort" needed to be what he was supposed to contribute, this is just a middle of the pack team. So disappointing to see Johnson just be a complete non-factor on offense lately. I hate to blame the break, but this team definitely doesn't look the same since the layoff.

Providence, Marquette, Nova and UConn are all a step above the rest right now. We're in that next batch with Creighton and Seton Hall. Hopefully we can end up around 5th, and get a 7-9 seed, but it is definitely time to recalibrate our expectations for the rest of the season.

[XUBANDGRAD]

Exactly. At this point you cannot waste possessions. Need to score every time down. That starts with good decisions/shot selection.


Yeah who is shocked? No one. Didn’t expect x to win. Steele is an average coach..anyone with real objective knowledge is aware and this is a .500 team in conference. It’s good we should be in the tourney, but I just don’t know if Steele is ever going to get x to where we want them to go.

Of course Steele fucking sucks, we’ve said it for 3 years now. These sunshine and roses types need to shut the hell up.

[xuphan]

Why you're not fouling down 8 with under a minute is beyond me. Esp. w. 2 to give. DUMB


We're not actually the 20th best team.

Not anymore but we don’t have any bad losses. Iowa State, Villanova 2x, and Marquette away are not bad losses. Get behind Steele and the team. Just an off night for them.

[X Factor]

What does that mean? We are ranked 20th in the nation? How are we bad?

When's the last time we actually played a good game?

When was the last time our offense didn't disappear for long stretches of a game?

3 of our 4 conference wins are Butler, DePaul, and Creighton

[Strange Brew]

Yeah who is shocked? No one. Didn’t expect x to win. Steele is an average coach..anyone with real objective knowledge is aware and this is a .500 team in conference. It’s good we should be in the tourney, but I just don’t know if Steele is ever going to get x to where we want them to go.

Could be close on a bid. Steel’s teams have lost down the stretch regularly.

[TheDanimal]

Double digit turnovers, ~25% from 3, bad shot selection and poor execution when it matters most - another Steele special...

[IM4X]

We are clearly the softer team. Their plays wanted it more. Too many questionable lineups for us. Marquette had much better movement on offense and made much better decisions. They were much better defending on defense. Not sure what was going on on offense. Fremantle disappeared. Scruggs took some bad shots. Didn’t work it in to Nunge enough. Marquette is a good team, but X was just a mess.

[markchal]

Freemantle just sucks right now. I can't believe it, but Hunter deserved more time than him today. And wtf is happening with Nate? How does such an experienced guy just disappear for stretches of games?

[American X]

Zero expectation of winning, but a victory was right there for the taking with just marginally fewer mistakes and better execution.

Hat tip to Marquette. They are a worthy adversary.

[bleedXblue]

Good team with some good pieces. The coaching though is what we've seen for 3 years now and it simply is not good enough for this league.

[KabeX]

Adding to our layup % there at the end. Not sure it can go any lower. Big time urination down their collective leg. Disappointing - especially our heralded seniors. Steele better get them refocused. Either that or sit their asses down which we all know will never happen.

[Xville]

Add Shaka to the list of big East coaches that are better than Steele

[xuphan]

Until (if?) Freemantle can find find the "attitude and effort" needed to be what he was supposed to contribute, this is just a middle of the pack team. So disappointing to see Johnson just be a complete non-factor on offense lately. I hate to blame the break, but this team definitely doesn't look the same since the layoff.

Providence, Marquette, Nova and UConn are all a step above the rest right now. We're in that next batch with Creighton and Seton Hall. Hopefully we can end up around 5th, and get a 7-9 seed, but it is definitely time to recalibrate our expectations for the rest of the season.

I do not agree as of right now. The team is/was ranked 20th in the nation. We are 14-4 with losses to Iowa State, Nova twice, and Marquette away. I don’t see a bad loss there. Are we playing the type of basketball we would like to see them play? No but I would rather be playing this type of basketball now than in March. It is time for some of you to get behind Steele and the team.

[OTRMUSKIE]

If we're an avg team then Steele is COY. Can't blame Steele on this one. Once again so many points missed around the basket, Scruggs dribbles way too much and Kunkle doesn't play enough. Marquette is on fire but by no means are they world beaters. This was a game X should have won but just can't find the basket. Also that place seemed dead! Are they doing games from their basements and you can't appreciate the atmosphere? Figured that place would be rocking.

[XUOWNSUC]

Steele is 27-29 in the Big East. ‘Nuff said.

[xu82]

Keep the faith. Game ain’t over yet.

How about NOW?

Winning on the road in the BE is not an easy thing to do. A season is a lifetime…..and all that other crap.

[XUBob]

I’ve had issues with Travis but what is he going to do. He is getting nothing from Nate the last four games, Odom is an offensive cipher. Scruggs up and down. Soft big men, how many chippies has X missed over the last few games. The softness of this team is my biggest complaint and I put that on Steele. X used to play with a chip on his shoulder haven’t seen that with this regime. We all say well don’t play this guy, bench that guy for making mistakes, well who do you play. Can’t play five for fourty minutes. I trust Nunge, Colby and Kunkle now but that’s about it. Sadly it’s not three man basketball.

[IM4X]

Zero expectation of winning, but a victory was right there for the taking with just marginally fewer mistakes and better execution.

Hat tip to Marquette. They are a worthy adversary.

Marquette is legit and you are right that a loss isn’t awful, but my goodness did we look like a pile of crap at time and down the stretch. That team didn’t just play harder than X, they did almost everything better- and they are not superior players- that is about proper preparation. X should be able win even if they are struggling from - gotta defend better and be scrappier with loose balls in the paint on defense and we do have to have more plays for the big fellas in the paint on offense.

[xu82]

If we're an avg team then Steele is COY. Can't blame Steele on this one. Once again so many points missed around the basket, Scruggs dribbles way too much and Kunkle doesn't play enough. Marquette is on fire but by no means are they world beaters. This was a game X should have won but just can't find the basket. Also that place seemed dead! Are they doing games from their basements and you can't appreciate the atmosphere? Figured that place would be rocking.

I know someone who was there and texted “Irritatingly noisy as hell.” Maybe the broadcast didn’t fully pick it up. I was surprised by how many Quad 1 wins Marquette has. I didn’t realize they had that many good wins.

[Xville]

I’ve had issues with Travis but what is he going to do. He is getting nothing from Nate the last four games, Odom is an offensive cipher. Scruggs up and down. Soft big men, how many chippies has X missed over the last few games. The softness of this team is my biggest complaint and I put that on Steele. X used to play with a chip on his shoulder haven’t seen that with this regime. We all say well don’t play this guy, bench that guy for making mistakes, well who do you play. Can’t play five for fourty minutes. I trust Nunge, Colby and Kunkle now but that’s about it. Sadly it’s not three man basketball.

He recruited these players. It’s been four years.

[xuphan]

He recruited these players. It’s been four years.

The season ain’t over and we don’t have a bad loss on our resume. Let Steele and the boys watch tape and look over the analytics. I am sure they will get this thing turned around here soon.

[markchal]

If we're an avg team then Steele is COY. Can't blame Steele on this one. Once again so many points missed around the basket, Scruggs dribbles way too much and Kunkle doesn't play enough. Marquette is on fire but by no means are they world beaters. This was a game X should have won but just can't find the basket. Also that place seemed dead! Are they doing games from their basements and you can't appreciate the atmosphere? Figured that place would be rocking.

"Can't blame Steele" and "Kunkel doesn't play enough" kinda contradict each other a bit

[whopper]

we missed a lot of chippies in Cintas against Marquette but shot a ton of foul shots. That is the fact of home court advantage in the Big East. We did not hit a high percentage of FT regardless. Nate must work on his pull up game like Kunkel and the skip pass to Nate in corner that missed told me it was over

[Xville]

The season ain’t over and we don’t have a bad loss on our resume. Let Steele and the boys watch tape and look over the analytics. I am sure they will get this thing turned around here soon.

Serious question…what do you expect to turn around? You think suddenly this front court is going to get tough, Paul is going to become a consistent alpha dog, and x is going to start winning against good teams on the road in conference? Sorry but I just don’t see that happening and think there is little evidence a light is suddenly going to turn on

I’ll take a .500 conference record and a tournament invite and that’s what I think this team is..which I’ll take. I just don’t see Steele ever taking the next step based on his recruiting philosophy and “offensive system.”

[Masterofreality]

Marquette made their 3’s.
Scruggy played like trash
Freemantle is a traffic cone on defense.
We missed too many shots.
That’s my game analysis.
Gotta win the next 4.

[xuphan]

Serious question…what do you expect to turn around? You think suddenly this front court is going to get tough, Paul is going to become a consistent alpha dog, and x is going to start winning against good teams on the road in conference? Sorry but I just don’t see that happening and think there is little evidence a light is suddenly going to turn on

I’ll take a .500 conference record and a tournament invite and that’s what I think this team is..which I’ll take. I just don’t see Steele ever taking the next step based on his recruiting philosophy and “offensive system.”

I expect the players to start making more of their layups, 3 point shots, and free throws. I think we are in a bad stretch right now and have to play through it. I expect this team to turn it around. The is a good team when it’s clicking and a poor team when it is not. Just have to get it clicking again.

[bleedXblue]

I see the same crap this year as we've seen the last 3.

1. Poor offensive execution
2. Playing some guys way more minutes than they should be getting
3. Letting certain players take shots they have no business taking
4. Not getting certain players the shots we need in crucial situations
5. A bend but don't break defensive scheme that doesn't create turnovers and easy baskets nearly as much as we need it to

Other than that, Im good.

I see another close to .500 conference record and the need to go on a deep tourney run to secure a comfortable bid. Otherwise it will be more nail biting on Sunday

[Xville]

I expect the players to start making more of their layups, 3 point shots, and free throws. I think we are in a bad stretch right now and have to play through it. I expect this team to turn it around. The is a good team when it’s clicking and a poor team when it is not. Just have to get it clicking again.

So there and a half years of evidence is not enough to make a determination that this is what a Steele teams looks like? Inconsistent, soft and looks great when they make threes but otherwise meh

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

The season ain’t over and we don’t have a bad loss on our resume. Let Steele and the boys watch tape and look over the analytics. I am sure they will get this thing turned around here soon.

At the beginning of this season just a couple of months ago, "avoiding a bad loss" wasn't part of the conversation. We all expected more from this team than we have, so far, witnessed. Some things keep popping up. Like inconsistent guard play when at the beginning of the season, we couldn't wait to see returning seniors, Scruggs and Nate, tear up the league. Free was first team, pre-season, all B.E. We were going to kick some butt! Remember that? Instead, like in past years, our mid-season poor play has come back. I hope it doesn't turn into a free fall but I just don't know what to expect from this team.

Disappointing, to say the least.

[xuphan]

I see the same crap this year as we've seen the last 3.

1. Poor offensive execution
2. Playing some guys way more minutes than they should be getting
3. Letting certain players take shots they have no business taking
4. Not getting certain players the shots we need in crucial situations
5. A bend but don't break defensive scheme that doesn't create turnovers and easy baskets nearly as much as we need it to

Other than that, Im good.

I see another close to .500 conference record and the need to go on a deep tourney run to secure a comfortable bid. Otherwise it will be more nail biting on Sunday

How many years does Steele have left on his contract? Is this off-season a contract year for him?

[boozehound]

The season ain’t over and we don’t have a bad loss on our resume. Let Steele and the boys watch tape and look over the analytics. I am sure they will get this thing turned around here soon.

Is this sarcasm, or are you being serious? I thought he was going to ‘look at the analytics’ after the last game? This looked like the same lineups making the same mistakes we have seen for a while now.

[KabeX]

How many years does Steele have left on his contract? Is this off-season a contract year for him?
'23-24 I think. They usually extend and avoid the "contract" year with head coaches as it adds uncertainty to recruits. Usually but not always.

[SM#24]

This team is very frustrating to watch a lot of the time.

Over the past 40+ years, I have invested a lot of time (and some money) in this team and except for a few isolated instances, it has been time well spent. I can’t say that for the past 3 1/2 years. I’ve been nothing but frustrated, even when we’ve been winning, as we’ve always looked to me like a team that is underachieving and not being all they can be.

[xuphan]

Is this sarcasm, or are you being serious? I thought he was going to ‘look at the analytics’ after the last game? This looked like the same lineups making the same mistakes we have seen for a while now.

That’s what Steele said to the papers. I expected to see Nunge start with Hunter coming off the bench. Unfortunately, Steele said the analytics didn’t show a need for a change in the starting lineup. I guess to answer your question, it’s a little bit of both. After almost 4 years in charge I would expect the “analytics” to be doing more help than harm. For all this analytics talk, not much has changed from year 1 to this year. At the same time, his players are letting him down with TOs, missed layups, missed 3s and poor foul shooting. Not sure what Travis can do. He can’t shoot the shots for them.

[drudy23]

Steele is 27-29 in the Big East. ‘Nuff said.

This is very telling.

Since we joined the Big East, our non-conference schedule hasn't been as good (not saying that's good or bad, as most big conference schools don't need a super tough non-conference schedule). This has caused us to over-hype our teams coming out of non-conference play.

All of Steele's seasons have seen a somewhat drastic or very drastic sentiment of "what the hell happened to us" - the reality is that his teams aren't built to be Big East ready. The reality is that we hope to hang on just enough in conference to punch a ticket. The problem is, The Beast is a very tough conference where you can't do that. It's a top 3 conference in the country.

We need a re-evaluation of how these teams are put together, a new offensive philosophy and a re-emphasis on Xavier's identity as a program. Otherwise, we will continue to trend around the middle of the Big East.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

This is very telling.

Since we joined the Big East, our non-conference schedule hasn't been as good (not saying that's good or bad, as most big conference schools don't need a super tough non-conference schedule). This has caused us to over-hype our teams coming out of non-conference play.

All of Steele's seasons have seen a somewhat drastic or very drastic sentiment of "what the hell happened to us" - the reality is that his teams aren't built to be Big East ready. The reality is that we hope to hang on just enough in conference to punch a ticket. The problem is, The Beast is a very tough conference where you can't do that. It's a top 3 conference in the country.

We need a re-evaluation of how these teams are put together, a new offensive philosophy and a re-emphasis on Xavier's identity as a program.

Amen to that Brother!

[xuphan]

This is very telling.

Since we joined the Big East, our non-conference schedule hasn't been as good (not saying that's good or bad, as most big conference schools don't need a super tough non-conference schedule). This has caused us to over-hype our teams coming out of non-conference play.

All of Steele's seasons have seen a somewhat drastic or very drastic sentiment of "what the hell happened to us" - the reality is that his teams aren't built to be Big East ready. The reality is that we hope to hang on just enough in conference to punch a ticket. The problem is, The Beast is a very tough conference where you can't do that. It's a top 3 conference in the country.

We need a re-evaluation of how these teams are put together, a new offensive philosophy and a re-emphasis on Xavier's identity as a program. Otherwise, we will continue to trend around the middle.



So a new coach then?

[drudy23]

[/B]

So a new coach then?

If he's not willing and is too stubborn to admit his way is producing underachievement, then yes. I don't know there's another solution if he continues to double down on things that simply are keeping his teams very average.

As I've said a million times, I'm convinced he painted a picture of what we "should" be to get this job - pulled out the new stretch offense philosophy as his main selling point, and he's willing to go down with the ship to prove it right.

[xuphan]

If he's not willing and is too stubborn to admit his way is producing underachievement, then yes. I don't know there's another solution if he continues to double down on things that simply are keeping his teams very average.

Steele hasn’t changed in almost 4 years and I don’t see him changing anytime soon. The proof is in his recruiting and how his team plays. We can bash Steele all we want but he is going to get an extension this off-season whether we like it or not. He will sneak into the NCAA tournament this season which will be seen as an improvement which will cause him to get an extension. We are stuck with Steele whether you like it or not. Might as well get behind him and the team.

[drudy23]

Steele hasn’t changed in almost 4 years and I don’t see him changing anytime soon. The proof is in his recruiting and how his team plays. We can bash Steele all we want but he is going to get an extension this off-season whether we like it or not. He will sneak into the NCAA tournament this season which will be seen as an improvement which will cause him to get an extension. We are stuck with Steele whether you like it or not. Might as well get behind him and the team.

You're probably right, but I think that's a mistake.

I am behind the team - always have been, always will.

But something is amiss.

[IM4X]

I see the same crap this year as we've seen the last 3.

1. Poor offensive execution
2. Playing some guys way more minutes than they should be getting
3. Letting certain players take shots they have no business taking
4. Not getting certain players the shots we need in crucial situations
5. A bend but don't break defensive scheme that doesn't create turnovers and easy baskets nearly as much as we need it to

Other than that, Im good.

I see another close to .500 conference record and the need to go on a deep tourney run to secure a comfortable bid. Otherwise it will be more nail biting on Sunday

Yep. It’s Groundhogs Day alright. Bill Murray finally figured out what he needed to do to get a different result. Will Steele?

[whopper]

Thank God we won the home game against Marquette..they have improved since then to be sure.

[Xville]

Steele hasn’t changed in almost 4 years and I don’t see him changing anytime soon. The proof is in his recruiting and how his team plays. We can bash Steele all we want but he is going to get an extension this off-season whether we like it or not. He will sneak into the NCAA tournament this season which will be seen as an improvement which will cause him to get an extension. We are stuck with Steele whether you like it or not. Might as well get behind him and the team.

This to me is the worst case scenario and yeah I think this is exactly what’s going to happen. I love x, and love basketball but Steele has slowly zapped my enthusiasm for Xavier basketball. I don’t agree with his philosophy…I think it would be fine in the A10, but this is grown up basketball.

I have tickets for three more home games this year and though I’m excited to go to the games, my enthusiasm is certainly not what it was a few years ago.

I hope I’m absolutely wrong and in two years steele will be taking the team to a final four, but I don’t see it, unless he suddenly changes in the players he is getting. Recruiting class looks great on paper next year but without an improvement in the frontcourt, it’s going to look the exact same year after year

[XUOWNSUC]

This to me is the worst case scenario and yeah I think this is exactly what’s going to happen. I love x, and love basketball but Steele has slowly zapped my enthusiasm for Xavier basketball. I don’t agree with his philosophy…I think it would be fine in the A10, but this is grown up basketball.

I have tickets for three more home games this year and though I’m excited to go to the games, my enthusiasm is certainly not what it was a few years ago.

I hope I’m absolutely wrong and in two years steele will be taking the team to a final four, but I don’t see it, unless he suddenly changes in the players he is getting. Recruiting class looks great on paper next year but without an improvement in the frontcourt, it’s going to look the exact same year after year

I feel the exact same way. I have zero belief that Travis can take Xavier to a Final Four - that belief has zapped my enthusiasm as well.

I hope I’m wrong but I doubt it.

[bleedXblue]

This is very telling.

Since we joined the Big East, our non-conference schedule hasn't been as good (not saying that's good or bad, as most big conference schools don't need a super tough non-conference schedule). This has caused us to over-hype our teams coming out of non-conference play.

All of Steele's seasons have seen a somewhat drastic or very drastic sentiment of "what the hell happened to us" - the reality is that his teams aren't built to be Big East ready. The reality is that we hope to hang on just enough in conference to punch a ticket. The problem is, The Beast is a very tough conference where you can't do that. It's a top 3 conference in the country.

We need a re-evaluation of how these teams are put together, a new offensive philosophy and a re-emphasis on Xavier's identity as a program. Otherwise, we will continue to trend around the middle of the Big East.

I don't care how good our recruiting class is next year, if you cant coach them it doesn't really matter

[X Factor]

Steele is our Brian Gregory. His UD teams always did well OOC, but always ended up around .500 in conference play.

[xudash]

Steele is our Brian Gregory. His UD teams always did well OOC, but always ended up around .500 in conference play.

The board just achieved full meltdown mode with that reference to Brian Gregory and VD.

[Strange Brew]

The board just achieved full meltdown mode with that reference to Brian Gregory and VD.

Not sure if it’s a meltdown or boredom/frustration with the coach. X’s brand was always a scrappy, underdog with a cinder block on its shoulder. That’s not Steele.

[xuphan]

The board just achieved full meltdown mode with that reference to Brian Gregory and VD.

This board is in meltdown mode. Anytime one of our coaches is compared to Brian Gregory, we are in meltdown mode.

[HenryMuto]

Played pretty well until the final few minutes. I thought when they broke out early in the 2nd half they had a shot to win this thing but just couldn't pull it out.

[Xuperman]

I feel the exact same way. I have zero belief that Travis can take Xavier to a Final Four - that belief has zapped my enthusiasm as well.

I hope I’m wrong but I doubt it.

Welcome to the "hedge" Brotherhood!
:hypnotized:

A loss on the road V a smoking hot adversary is just that....NOTHING MORE.

X has to have short term memory, 'cause there is more than enough opportunity to generate some moxie!
:homer:

[drudy23]

We're still on track for a tournament bid, so today's loss doesn't upset me too much.

But I really don't want to be sitting at .500 in the Big East going into the BE tourney and having to win a game.

Check out our final 5 BE road games - Being completely realistic, 0-5 is a real possibility. 9-11 is also a real possibility overall, and that puts us right where we've been the past 3 years.

Best scenario - 13-7 - 4-6 NCAA seed
Likely - 10-10 - 8-11 NCAA seed, danger zone if we lose to the wrong teams
Worst - 8-12 - out

Wednesday is a HUGE game - have to hold serve at home, but Providence is very good.

[Masterofreality]

#DanceOrDie

[Xville]

Lose to providence at home, and that makes things real interesting in terms of getting to .500 by the end of conference season. I think they will get it done, but going to be a tight one.

[Strange Brew]

#DanceOrDie

Yup.

[Xuperman]

Lose to providence at home, and that makes things real interesting in terms of getting to .500 by the end of conference season. I think they will get it done, but going to be a tight one.

Cintas will come through.

[X Factor]

From the Enquirer:

"Xavier led Marquette 53-48 with 14:05 left in the game and the Golden Eagles outscored the Musketeers 27-11 over the rest of the game to win it, 75-64."

That's some stellar offense.

[UCGRAD4X]

It is starting to sound less meltdown and more apathy - which is worse. At least with anger or frustration there is some passion. Apathy is something that is difficult to come back from.

We may indeed just need to ride out the Steele era and hope for the best but expect more of the same. Just remember, coaches come and go, players come and go, AD even presidents eventually leave. We are the constant. We keep the passion alive.

[hoopster68]

It is starting to sound less meltdown and more apathy - which is worse. At least with anger or frustration there is some passion. Apathy is something that is difficult to come back from.

We may indeed just need to ride out the Steele era and hope for the best but expect more of the same. Just remember, coaches come and go, players come and go, AD even presidents eventually leave. We are the constant. We keep the passion alive.

4X: "More apathy" may be the two most important words written on this board in many a moon. Unfortunately, I see the same thing. Players are going through the motions while the opposition is competing, having fun, encouraging the crowd (at home), digging for 50-50 balls, and playing with passion. Under Coach Steele XU has gone from "the little engine that could" to a worn-out, in need of a paint job caboose in terms of player development & hustle.

[XUGRAD80]

I don’t think that it’s apathy as much as just an excepting of reality. It would not surprise me if I was to find out that 90% of the board became fans while X was in the MCC and A-10. Two leagues that Xavier dominated for the most part during their time in them. The BE is a whole different breed of cat though. EVERY program in the BE wants to win, not just some of them. EVERY school has a past history of success, including national championships for many of them. There are no cupcakes and there are no easy wins, especially on the road. This has been hard for some people to grasp and/or accept. Those that have realized this understand that it was going to be very difficult for X to go on the road and beat both DePaul and Marquette in the same week. They aren’t surprised by a 1-1 record. Nor do they think that it’s the end of the world. They can look around the world of college basketball and see that in virtually any of the top 6 conferences, it is tough to win road games against anybody, by any one. The BE is no exception. There are still several games left in the season so this season can play out many different ways. Just have to put this game behind them and prepare to defend the home court against Providence.

[Xville]

I don’t think that it’s apathy as much as just an excepting of reality. It would not surprise me if I was to find out that 90% of the board became fans while X was in the MCC and A-10. Two leagues that Xavier dominated for the most part during their time in them. The BE is a whole different breed of cat though. EVERY program in the BE wants to win, not just some of them. EVERY school has a past history of success, including national championships for many of them. There are no cupcakes and there are no easy wins, especially on the road. This has been hard for some people to grasp and/or accept. Those that have realized this understand that it was going to be very difficult for X to go on the road and beat both DePaul and Marquette in the same week. They aren’t surprised by a 1-1 record. Nor do they think that it’s the end of the world. They can look around the world of college basketball and see that in virtually any of the top 6 conferences, it is tough to win road games against anybody, by any one. The BE is no exception. There are still several games left in the season so this season can play out many different ways. Just have to put this game behind them and prepare to defend the home court against Providence.

I’m accepting of the fact that this is what a Steele team is going to look like, I’m not accepting of the fact this this should be the reality for Xavier basketball. Yes this is a big boy conference, and x needs a big boy coach. Even in a top 6 conference, there are still the haves and the have nots that for a majority of the time make the tourney, get to the second weekend and get to final fours.

[xuphan]

It is starting to sound less meltdown and more apathy - which is worse. At least with anger or frustration there is some passion. Apathy is something that is difficult to come back from.

We may indeed just need to ride out the Steele era and hope for the best but expect more of the same. Just remember, coaches come and go, players come and go, AD even presidents eventually leave. We are the constant. We keep the passion alive.

So what does Steele have to do to fix the frustration some of you have with him? Knowing of course that his offense and defensive philosophy is not going to change and his players are going to play freestyle type of basketball with consistent TOs, rotation issues, high volume 3 point shots, and the bigs shooting 3s as well. Just win more games? Recruit at a higher level so the talent outweighs weaknesses in his coaching? Win a NCAA tournament game? Or is it to late for some of you and he needs to be let go in the off-season? After reading the comments yesterday, just curious as to where some of you stand.

[XUGRAD80]

I’m accepting of the fact that this is what a Steele team is going to look like, I’m not accepting of the fact this this should be the reality for Xavier basketball. Yes this is a big boy conference, and x needs a big boy coach. Even in a top 6 conference, there are still the haves and the have nots that for a majority of the time make the tourney, get to the second weekend and get to final fours.

How many of them “haves” are small, private universities? You don’t see Northwestern dominating, do you? How about Vanderbilt? Duke does, but certainly not Wake Forest. Besides Duke or ‘Nova, what small private university in a top 6 conference dominates? Look, I liked it more when X was the Big Dog of the conference they played in. Sure, it was more fun. But the reality is that X isn’t a big state school. It doesn’t have the built in advantages that some other schools might have. Time to face reality. Xavier is a fine program. They have nothing to be ashamed of. But there is a reason that X is a mid pack BE school, and most often will be that. They could certainly go back to being an A10 school and dominate. But as long as they are in the BE they are not going to dominate. They are going to take some lumps along the way. Live with it.

[Xville]

How many of them “haves” are small, private universities? You don’t see Northwestern dominating, do you? How about Vanderbilt? Duke does, but certainly not Wake Forest. Besides Duke or ‘Nova, what small private university in a top 6 conference dominates? Look, I liked it more when X was the Big Dog of the conference they played in. Sure, it was more fun. But the reality is that X isn’t a big state school. It doesn’t have the built in advantages that some other schools might have. Time to face reality. Xavier is a fine program. They have nothing to be ashamed of. But there is a reason that X is a mid pack BE school, and most often will be that. They could certainly go back to being an A10 school and dominate. But as long as they are in the BE they are not going to dominate. They are going to take some lumps along the way. Live with it.

We will just have to agree to disagree then because I don’t agree with anything that you just said. It sounds extremely defeatist and accepting of mediocrity. I don’t think the previous administrations would accept it either. Maybe this one does, which is a whole different conversation.

Why can’t x be nova or duke? X isn’t competing with big state schools in this conference outside of UConn, the rest are pretty much what Xavier is, and Xavier has had more success in the recent past than most of them, the most actually outside of nova before Steele took over. X should be taking the next step, not falling back to .500 on a consistent basis just because they aren’t in the a10 anymore

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

I don’t think that it’s apathy as much as just an excepting of reality. It would not surprise me if I was to find out that 90% of the board became fans while X was in the MCC and A-10. Two leagues that Xavier dominated for the most part during their time in them. The BE is a whole different breed of cat though. EVERY program in the BE wants to win, not just some of them. EVERY school has a past history of success, including national championships for many of them. There are no cupcakes and there are no easy wins, especially on the road. This has been hard for some people to grasp and/or accept. Those that have realized this understand that it was going to be very difficult for X to go on the road and beat both DePaul and Marquette in the same week. They aren’t surprised by a 1-1 record. Nor do they think that it’s the end of the world. They can look around the world of college basketball and see that in virtually any of the top 6 conferences, it is tough to win road games against anybody, by any one. The BE is no exception. There are still several games left in the season so this season can play out many different ways. Just have to put this game behind them and prepare to defend the home court against Providence.

C'mon really? Is that a serious comment about posters expressing disappointment with our play and coaching? We just don't realize we are no longer in the MCC? I understand you have a long history with X and you are a true fan. That also applies to many, probably most, posters on this site, whether (or not) they agree with you. I love that X is a member of a historic, power, basketball focused conference. Being a member of the B.E. brings with it a realistic expectation that no team will likely dominate the conference with the possible exception of Villanova. That doesn't excuse the type of play we have seen from this team over the last four years. That doesn't mean we are not capable of the level of play necessary to compete AT THE UPPER TIER of this conference. We haven't been there for four years. Some on this board blame Steele. Some (like me, at the moment) are in the camp of giving him more time. Most of us agree we should be doing better. Not dominating but doing better. It seems to me, we have a problem showing up in big games, especially on the road. Yes, that partly reflects the competitiveness of this conference. But in a year when we (and the pundits) thought we had assembled a talented group of individuals, yesterday was a disappointment. It is one game and we have a half season remaining to prove our competitiveness in B.E. play. As one poster noted, as of today we have beaten Butler, DePaul, Creighton and Marquette (at home). Not terrible but not great either. We need to do better. Some teams in this league show up to play way more consistently than do we. That's a fact.

In no way does my view of X today have anything to do with our record in conferences to which we belonged ten years ago. That's just silly.

[X Factor]

You forgot Gonzaga. I know they're in a suck conference, but they would be competing for BE titles every year.

It wasn't too long ago, you could make an argument Xavier had a better program.

[Masterofreality]

We will just have to agree to disagree then because I don’t agree with anything that you just said. It sounds extremely defeatist and accepting of mediocrity. I don’t think the previous administrations would accept it either. Maybe this one does, which is a whole different conversation.

Why can’t x be nova or duke? X isn’t competing with big state schools in this conference outside of UConn, the rest are pretty much what Xavier is, and Xavier has had more success in the recent past than most of them, the most actually outside of nova before Steele took over. X should be taking the next step, not falling back to .500 on a consistent basis just because they aren’t in the a10 anymore

Yup. “The size of school” argument has nothing to do with it. With Cintas Center Xavier has a facility advantage over many BIG schools and PLAYS BIG. But the point is that it only takes 10 guys and one really good coach at a school to make them elite. 11 people out of 5,000 or so. Gonzaga has proven that.
The Coach- one guy- and how he runs things, makes the difference.

[drudy23]

Has the university minimized the support they have given the basketball program? I didn't think so.

What are we even talking about?

I sure hope the administration doesn't have the same "well, this is probably as good as it gets" attitude.

[Xuperman]

I don’t think that it’s apathy as much as just an excepting of reality. It would not surprise me if I was to find out that 90% of the board became fans while X was in the MCC and A-10. Two leagues that Xavier dominated for the most part during their time in them.

That definitely IS the reality and that is precisely why there are some here with little or no patience regarding Coach Steele. Look, he has us currently ranked with a strong NET.....X is in a good place. However, February is on the horizon. You gotta be playing your best ball when it matters. That to me is where the line must be drawn. If Coach Steele can not finish strong, with this group, his Feb/March reputation will be solidly in place.

[drudy23]

That definitely IS the reality and that is precisely why there are some here with little or no patience regarding Coach Steele. Look, he has us currently ranked with a strong NET.....X is in a good place. However, February is on the horizon. You gotta be playing your best ball when it matters. That to me is where the line must be drawn. If Coach Steele can not finish strong with this group, his Feb/March reputation will be solidly in place.

It's year 4!

People aren't convinced because for the past 3 years, this is where the wheels have started to fall off. We're not there yet this season, but some warning signs are peaking through. Things don't get easier.

People aren't acting this way just because they're negative - there's a track record.

[Xuperman]

It's year 4!

People aren't convinced because for the past 3 years, this is where the wheels have started to fall off. We're not there yet this season, but some warnings signs are peaking through. Things don't get easier.

People aren't acting this way just because they're negative - there's a track record.

I think I just said that.

[xavierj]

We're still on track for a tournament bid, so today's loss doesn't upset me too much.

But I really don't want to be sitting at .500 in the Big East going into the BE tourney and having to win a game.

Check out our final 5 BE road games - Being completely realistic, 0-5 is a real possibility. 9-11 is also a real possibility overall, and that puts us right where we've been the past 3 years.

Best scenario - 13-7 - 4-6 NCAA seed
Likely - 10-10 - 8-11 NCAA seed, danger zone if we lose to the wrong teams
Worst - 8-12 - out

Wednesday is a HUGE game - have to hold serve at home, but Providence is very good.

Agree with this. The next 7, 5 at home and at Creighton and Seton Hall, are games that a team that wants to go places needs to find a way to win at least 5 of those games. 6-1 would have them playing for a high seed the rest of the way, 5-2 would keep them very comfortable, , 4-3 not a total disaster, 3-4 and Xavier will be in trouble.

[drudy23]

I think I just said that.

I don't think you did - because it's year 4, most people think his Feb/Mar reputation is already in place, and he has to prove otherwise. Not the other way around.

[Masterofreality]

One last lineup comment that further lessens confidence:
Nate played 31 minutes and goes 2/11 for 5. Kunk plays 20 and goes 4/9 and 12. Need to cut player’s unproductive minutes.
Why was Nate still in there when Kunk was playing great? How can a Head Coach or an assistant not see that? Same with Free getting used on D. Hunter was actually more valuable yesterday than Free on both ends of the floor.
Stubbornness

[Xuperman]

I don't think you did - because it's year 4, most people think his Feb/Mar reputation is already in place, and he has to prove otherwise. Not the other way around.

There were the obvious extenuating circumstances.....but yeah, I'm agreeing with you. A little "good" Nate would go a long way in avoiding any further conversation on the subject.

[xuphan]

One last lineup comment that further lessens confidence:
Nate played 31 minutes and goes 2/11 for 5. Kunk plays 20 and goes 4/9 and 12. Need to cut player’s unproductive minutes.
Why was Nate still in there when Kunk was playing great? How can a Head Coach or an assistant not see that? Same with Free getting used on D. Hunter was actually more valuable yesterday than Free on both ends of the floor.
Stubbornness

I agree with this. Maybe this is where the analytics come in. Players earn practice points which Travis puts into his computer to determine how many minutes each player gets. So, maybe Hunter and Kunk didn’t earn as many practice points as Free and Nate leading to them getting more minutes in the game. Not that I agree but maybe that is how Steele is justifying this.

[Xuperman]

One last lineup comment that further lessens confidence:
Nate played 31 minutes and goes 2/11 for 5. Kunk plays 20 and goes 4/9 and 12. Need to cut player’s unproductive minutes.
Why was Nate still in there when Kunk was playing great? How can a Head Coach or an assistant not see that? Same with Free getting used on D. Hunter was actually more valuable yesterday than Free on both ends of the floor.
Stubbornness

No doubt.

AND, what is up with Odom? Guy is 2-9 for 7 pts in the last 5 games. He looks rattled.

[xavierj]

One last lineup comment that further lessens confidence:
Nate played 31 minutes and goes 2/11 for 5. Kunk plays 20 and goes 4/9 and 12. Need to cut player’s unproductive minutes.
Why was Nate still in there when Kunk was playing great? How can a Head Coach or an assistant not see that? Same with Free getting used on D. Hunter was actually more valuable yesterday than Free on both ends of the floor.
Stubbornness

I agree. I don’t know that it’s stubbornness but I think they are just extremely loyal to some of the guys. Paul and Nate came back for year 5 and I guess Travis is going be let it all ride on them playing 30 plus minutes regardless of how they are playing. Probably hoping they snap out of it. I hope they do because if not this season will crash and burn. But right now if you want to win you are starting and playing Kunkel and Nunge a lot. And one other thing. How come Edwards never gets a chance when the other bigs are giving up points left and right and missing layups? Let guys play and develop when other guys are struggling.

[drudy23]

Again, Nate's struggles are a by-product of being an integral part of the opponent's gameplan. He doesn't get the looks Kunkel gets for a reason.

Same with Odom - there is no coach with any degree of competence that's going to let him get into the lane. They make him a perimeter player and he's basically rendered useless out there.

Our one dimensional guys are easy to guard (Nate and Dwon, and frankly, Freemantle right now). Guys that can do multiple things (Scruggs, Nunge, Colby, Kunkel) are simply much harder to gameplan against.

[xuwillie]

Again, Nate's struggles are a by-product of being an integral part of the opponent's gameplan. He doesn't get the looks Kunkel gets for a reason.

Same with Odom - there is no coach with any degree of competence that's going to let him get into the lane. They make him a perimeter player and he's basically rendered useless out there.

Our one dimensional guys are easy to guard (Nate and Dwon, and frankly, Freemantle right now). Guys that can do multiple things (Scruggs, Nunge, Colby, Kunkel) are simply much harder to gameplan against.


Scruggs to me is pretty easy to guard. Just let him try to do too much and he'll eventually take a bad shot or turn the ball over. Not having a true point guard has killed this team the past 3 years and I put that on Steele.

[drudy23]

Scruggs to me is pretty easy to guard. Just let him try to do too much and he'll eventually take a bad shot or turn the ball over. Not having a true point guard has killed this team the past 3 years and I put that on Steele.

I don't disagree.

We've had a stagnant offense, minus a handful of games, during Steele's career.

[XUGRAD80]

I have NOT been, nor am currently, in the school of “it’s not the coaches fault”. Nor am I in the school of it’s ONLY the coaches fault. I do not agree with his substitution patterns at all. I see way to much one on one basketball on offense and the lack of help defense on the other end. I see players taking poor shots and making bad passes. How much of that is coaching? How much of it is poor player development? How much of it is poor player skills? I can’t say, nor can anyone else that isn’t observing the coaches, players, and preparations on a daily basis.

Nor am I totally satisfied with where the team lies right now. But HISTORICALLY it’s right about where it’s been the vast majority of time since it went into the BE. So I’ll stick with my statement that this is what we should expect…..for now. Go back and look at my predictions and statements prior to the season. I said that there were a lot of questions about this team. Some have been answered. Nunge is certainly all that we could have expected and more. Scruggs is overall the back of his bubblegum card. He is what he is. Freemantle was certainly a question mark, and still is. Jones has been consistent. Miles, Odom, Stanley, etc haven’t answered the bell on a consistent basis. Kunkle has been pretty good most of the time. I think he deserves more playing time. I expected this team to win 1/2 their conference games on the road and to win 7-8 out of 10 at home. They are right on schedule to do that. I do think that they CAN play better than they have. But I’m not convinced that this coach is the one that can get them there.

I do think that they are recruiting as good as can possibly be expected currently. However, I would like to see them land some bigs that are not projects and can contribute right away. But I’m realistic enough to understand that is a tall order (no pun intended). I read the recruiting sites and I see the names of the schools that the top 50 players are mentioning that they are considering. It’s the same old, same old….NC, KY, Duke, Kansas, Oklahoma, Gonzaga, Nova, Gtown, UConn, etc. It’s not X consistently. Maybe once in a while, but not very often.

Until X is consistently in on top 50 players, and actually landing a few in the top 25, they are going to remain a mid-pack team in a top 3 conference. They will more often than not (last 3 years excepted) go to the NCAA tourney, they will make it to the 2nd weekend fairly often, and they might catch lighting in a bottle and reach the F4. It’s not a bad place to be. That’s not accepting mediocrity, because being a top 5 program in the BE is not mediocre.

[drudy23]

The problem isn't roster talent, the problem is roster construction and player utilization. The skills have to fit the vision. They don't.

[Masterofreality]

I agree with this. Maybe this is where the analytics come in. Players earn practice points which Travis puts into his computer to determine how many minutes each player gets. So, maybe Hunter and Kunk didn’t earn as many practice points as Free and Nate leading to them getting more minutes in the game. Not that I agree but maybe that is how Steele is justifying this.

Oh Gawd!! Not f-Ing “Practice Points” again. Look where that’s gotten us over the last 3 years.
In my uneducated opinion, Practice Points don’t mean iish when you are playing a GAME in Milwaukee in January. It’s even a DIFFERENT DAY, and I’ve never seen those SOB’s show up on a scoreboard.
Steele and his Xavier Way points. Jeezuz!!!!!

[XUGRAD80]

The problem isn't roster talent, the problem is roster construction and player utilization. The skills have to fit the vision. They don't.

construction.....to many wings

talent.....wings that can't make shots consistently from the outside

player utilization......playing lineups that have serious deficiencies because of who is on the floor at the same time.


I'll never understand why Steele insists on subbing like it's a hockey line change. But I'll also contend that X DOES HAVE a roster talent problem. You've got bigs that aren't big, just tall. You've got a point guard that can't shot and can only drive. You've got wings that can't make 3 pointers consistently, and you've got bigs that can't defend. There are too many holes in the roster, and what is there is too much alike.

[drudy23]

Right - we're running a perimeter oriented motion based offense that relies on ball movement, good shooting and a viable post presence for spacing and keeping an opponent honest.

We aren't patient enough to get good ball movement (shoot a ton of quick shots), we don't have many consistent 3 point shooters, and if Nunge isn't in the game, our post presence isn't a big enough threat to beat good teams. The previous 2 years, the post was even more lacking.

Why would we run this offense with these factors?