Who do you want coaching x next year?

[Xville]

I don’t give a shit as long as it’s not Steele.

[xuwillie]

Miller Please. And I think someone like that would be able to keep the current commits

[boozehound]

I’d like to have Miller back as long as the NCAA stuff is resolved.

[Xavier]

They have to get gauging Sean’s interest. Bring him back.

[SM#24]

Tony Stubblefield

[XUOWNSUC]

Steele sucks. Like him as a person, hate him as Xavier’s Head Coach. Bring Miller back please!

[OTRMUSKIE]

I fire Steele now, save the season. I def go get Miller. I would even take his brother who I think is a fantastic coach.

[Muskie in dayton]

I’d like to have Miller back as long as the NCAA stuff is resolved.
Have some principles, Buick. We can do better.

[xavbball]

Bring back Miller.

[xuphan]

The season isn’t over yet and Steele and co have plenty of opportunities to pad their resume. This defeat is disappointing but we gotta keep supporting this team. We might be more of a bubble team but there is no way this team isn’t making the NCAA tournament. All for one! All in on Steele!

[xudash]

Sean Miller. Now.

[XUBob]

While I don’t think the University will make a change but if they did I’d take Miller back.

[Masterofreality]

If Sean Miller is clear of any NCAA stuff, give me Sean.
If not, go for Archie. Immediately

[Xavier]

Archie is horrible too. But if he wants to be Sean’s assistant sure. Didn’t he get fired from Indiana?

[Masterofreality]

Archie is horrible too. But if he wants to be Sean’s assistant sure. Didn’t he get fired from Indiana?

Archie turned VD into an actual program rescuing it from the Midgets malfeasance. Steele and the Midget are exactly alike..
Run it back.

[OTRMUSKIE]

The season isn’t over yet and Steele and co have plenty of opportunities to pad their resume. This defeat is disappointing but we gotta keep supporting this team. We might be more of a bubble team but there is no way this team isn’t making the NCAA tournament. All for one! All in on Steele!

No the season is over. Same ole crap game after game. Tank for Miller !!! Last thing we need is for this team to make the dance and prolong this awful coaching staff. Just lose out so we can get Miller here. I'll take Archie Miller too. Winning at Indiana is hard now. He won at VD, that makes you the greatest coach in the history of sports.

[Xavier]

Archie turned VD into an actual program rescuing it from the Midgets malfeasance. Steele and the Midget are exactly alike..
Run it back.

I definitely agree he reminds me of UC mick. Really Tough because I like steel as a person… Just not the head coach at Xavier. I suppose I could give Archie a shot, he did do decent at Dayton.

[IM4X]

Have some principles, Buick. We can do better.

I’m with you. Move forward not back.

Plus, I don’t want someone who cheated to get better parts for his Lexus and still couldn’t get a top 4 finish.

[OTRMUSKIE]

No I don't think we can do better. Unless we want to be a stepping stone still. Miller I would think would stay till fired or retired. There is always Pat Kelsey

[xukeith]

I'd jump through fire for Miller. Keep Archie away.

[xuphan]

No the season is over. Same ole crap game after game. Tank for Miller !!! Last thing we need is for this team to make the dance and prolong this awful coaching staff. Just lose out so we can get Miller here. I'll take Archie Miller too. Winning at Indiana is hard now. He won at VD, that makes you the greatest coach in the history of sports.

What sort of fan of the program hopes Xavier loses to get the coach fired? You want Sean Miller who left this program and trashed this program to recruits who also was under criminal investigation and broke NCAA rules? Archie who coached at UD and underperformed at Indiana is a better option than Steele? Come on man. Let the season play out first and support this team and the coach!

[xukeith]

I support X if they hire Miller or Wash. St coach Kyle Smith.

Both know and love coaching. It is in their blood and they have had success in NCAA.

I am officially off the Steele team.

[X Factor]

What sort of fan of the program hopes Xavier loses to get the coach fired? You want Sean Miller who left this program and trashed this program to recruits who also was under criminal investigation and broke NCAA rules? Archie who coached at UD and underperformed at Indiana is a better option than Steele? Come on man. Let the season play out first and support this team and the coach!

Steele said he would be the coach to get Xavier the last 2% it needed as a program. Honestly, does anyone think we're getting closer?

DePaul was easily the more athletic team today!!

Did you know DePaul dressed only 7 scholarship players today?

Xavier no longer has a homecourt advantage. X plays no better at home than they do on the road.

[OTRMUSKIE]

What sort of fan of the program hopes Xavier loses to get the coach fired? You want Sean Miller who left this program and trashed this program to recruits who also was under criminal investigation and broke NCAA rules? Archie who coached at UD and underperformed at Indiana is a better option than Steele? Come on man. Let the season play out first and support this team and the coach!

Correct! I am thinking about the future. 3.5 years same crap. Anybody who thinks otherwise is not a fan. It's over and time to move on. If he turns it around and they make sweet 16 I'll eat crow but it would take an incredible turnaround.

[Masterofreality]

What sort of fan of the program hopes Xavier loses to get the coach fired? You want Sean Miller who left this program and trashed this program to recruits who also was under criminal investigation and broke NCAA rules? Archie who coached at UD and underperformed at Indiana is a better option than Steele? Come on man. Let the season play out first and support this team and the coach!

If Steele takes this team to Seton Hall Wednesday and wins, I promise I will come on here and give Steele his due. And the same with UConn.
Lord help us all if he doesn't. The board meltdown I predicted after the UConn game on the Roller Coaster thread may come a game earlier.
Interesting time to be pleading for fans to support this coach when his team is clearly declining and just lost an important game at home to a 1-9 league team missing it's top 3 players.
Come on man. Not the time.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Wow I didn't realize were going to lose 3 in a row. Yes it would take back to back victories to give me a glimpse of hope. Odds have to 7689:1

[xuphan]

[QUOTE=X Factor;721079]Steele said he would be the coach to get Xavier the last 2% it needed as a program. Honestly, does anyone think we're getting closer?

DePaul was easily the more athletic team today!!

Did you know DePaul dressed only 7 scholarship players today?

Xavier no longer has a homecourt advantage. X plays no better at home than they do on the road.

I am as frustrated as you are but the season isn’t over yet. Let’s see how this team responds. If the season ends without an NCAA tournament appearance then I will be right with you. One game does not make or break a season at this point. Plus, there is no way Christopher fires Steele. Unless 94Grad or XVILLE pay the buyout clause in his contract.

[UCGRAD4X]

There is absolutely no excuse for losing this game. This is not the Xavier program I have been supporting and rooting for my whole life. If this were an anomaly in an otherwise well played season, I have no problem. This is the culmination of ineptitude, pure and simple, consistent and ongoing. This has to end and the sooner the better.

[xuphan]

To everyone who wants Steele out. Many posters want Steele to be removed and I respect their opinion. I would ask that they not only show their displeasure for Steele on here but to also make a difference and email Christopher himself. Here is his email: athleticdirector@xavier.edu. If you truly want him out, I expect you to let Christopher know.

[Masterofreality]

To everyone who wants Steele out. Many posters want Steele to be removed and I respect their opinion. I would ask that they not only show their displeasure for Steele on here but to also make a difference and email Christopher himself. Here is his email: athleticdirector@xavier.edu. If you truly want him out, I expect you to let Christopher know.

Oh, he’ll get more than an email from me. There will be a personal talk. I’ll have plenty of chances.

[XUGRAD80]

Matt McMahon……Murray State

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_McMahon_(basketball)

[D-West & PO-Z]

I would be thrilled with Sean Miller. Imagine the press conference. It would be awesome. "Coming Home" playing in the background of the video montage.

[slysyl]

Matt McMahon reads like a winner. File his name for the future, and the price is right.

[IM4X]

I would be thrilled with Sean Miller. Imagine the press conference. It would be awesome. "Coming Home" playing in the background of the video montage.

or one where “Welcome Back” (the theme song from Welcome Back Kotter) is playing with a few change last in the lyrics.

Welcome back
Your dreams of a shiny new Lexus were your ticket out
Welcome back
A place you could get to a Final Four. There was no doubt.

Well, the names have all changed at X
Since you hung around
Those dreams you had rearranged
And now you’re back in Muskietown.

Who'd have thought you’d leave us
(Who'd have thought you’d leave us)
Now your back cause there’s no Lexus.
(Back cause there’s no Lexus)

Yeah, we tease him for his crime
And 'causs he’s sweatin’ all the time
Welcome back

Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back
Welcome back, welcome back

Welcome back
We always could… spot a friend
Welcome back
Or was all that crying back when you left us… just pretend.

Yes the Big East scene
is an upgraded from the Atlantic 10
Guess somethin' inside you was saying
“At least I’m good enough to get X in the dance again.”

Who'd have thought you’d do it
(Who'd have thought you’d do it)
Come back to the old Buick?
(Come Back to theold Buick?)

Yeah, you thought at UA you could do so much more
But even buying elite recruits couldn’t help you get to that elusive Final Four.
Welcome back

Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back
Welcome back, welcome back

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xZzEzDkeHzI

[bleedXblue]

Honestly I want it to be Travis Steele. I think he's a guy that if he can figure it out, would coach here for a long time. Something we seem to not be able to achieve with our head coaches when they have success. A couple of conditions.

1. He has to make the NCAA tourney
2. He must next year overhaul his assistants (tough business but he must get experience and tactical help)
3. He must demand more of his players around better decision making and fundamentals. He's too tolerant. He needs to usher guys to the bench until they understand they wont play regardless of who they are.

[UCGRAD4X]

Honestly I want it to be Travis Steele. I think he's a guy that if he can figure it out, would coach here for a long time. Something we seem to not be able to achieve with our head coaches when they have success. A couple of conditions.

1. He has to make the NCAA tourney
2. He must next year overhaul his assistants (tough business but he must get experience and tactical help)
3. He must demand more of his players around better decision making and fundamentals. He's too tolerant. He needs to usher guys to the bench until they understand they wont play regardless of who they are.

Was sure CM was that guy too. The one that wouldn't leave.

[sgarcia]

Honestly I want it to be Travis Steele. I think he's a guy that if he can figure it out, would coach here for a long time. Something we seem to not be able to achieve with our head coaches when they have success. A couple of conditions.

1. He has to make the NCAA tourney
2. He must next year overhaul his assistants (tough business but he must get experience and tactical help)
3. He must demand more of his players around better decision making and fundamentals. He's too tolerant. He needs to usher guys to the bench until they understand they wont play regardless of who they are.

To point 1, making the tourney has to happen this year. I think a lot of people on this board stated this before the season. To point 2, that should've already happened. To point 3, what more do you want him to demand from the 8 guys he plays? Maybe draw up some better plays instead of the same 3 we constantly see. He can't even get Nate Johnson an open look. And even if Steele was "the guy" and Xavier had some good seasons under him with 1 or 2 tourney runs, he'd be gone just like Matta, Miller and Mack before him. There are no long term guys at this school. We've just been fortunate to have a bunch of excellent coaches over the past 30 years. Unfortunately, that seems to have stopped under this coach until proven otherwise with a good end to the season with couple of postseason victories.

[SkyWalker]

I'm pretty much on the Sean Miller bandwagon. I do wonder if the Pitt job may open. I honestly expect Steele to return and if so, I will not be renewing season tickets after 26 years. i'm tired of watching the same thing every game.

[UCGRAD4X]

I'm pretty much on the Sean Miller bandwagon. I do wonder if the Pitt job may open. I honestly expect Steele to return and if so, I will not be renewing season tickets after 26 years. i'm tired of watching the same thing every game.

I'm sure you can get Groundhog Day from your streaming service in the comfort of your own home.

[X-band '01]

Well, they can't renew because they're pooling their money to buy out Travis Steele's contract at the end of the season.

What do you think they'll collect at the end of the year - $500?

[nuts4xu]

It would be best for this program if Steele figured things out, and became a quality X and O guy down the stretch this season. How nice would it be to see the proverbial light bulb turn on for the guy. I thought he did a tremendous job last week getting this team to come back on the road and beat Creighton. It was one of the first times I can recall being satisfied with his coaching performance. He deployed the make shots offense, the team rallied, and the rest is history.

Flushing Steele and his recruiting class next season will most likely set this program back. If things don’t miraculously turn around this year, the way it did for Sean Miller with Johnny Wolf as his PG, Xavier is going to have to go in a different direction. That is reality.

Xavier doesn’t have a coach in waiting on the bench right now. It will be a huge gamble to go out and find a new Head Coach. We are currently at a crossroads in this program. They gotta find a way to get Nate Johnson making shots. They can’t continue to come out flat at the start of games. Someone besides Paul Scruggs has to have the ball with the game on the line. Doing the same things over and over and expecting different results is the definition of insanity.

The insanity has to end…and we have about 6 weeks to figure out how to end it. If Steele can’t figure it out, it is up to Greg Christopher to chart a different course.

[Masterofreality]

Yup. Nuts with Truth

[UCGRAD4X]

Not sure we want a coach in waiting off the bench if there were one. Time to break the mold. It broke.

[Xville]

Yep x has been inbreeding long enough…time to switch up the monarch

[markchal]

Flushing Steele and his recruiting class next season will most likely set this program back. If things don’t miraculously turn around this year, the way it did for Sean Miller with Johnny Wolf as his PG, Xavier is going to have to go in a different direction. That is reality.



I was worried about losing a great recruiting class too, but then I remembered Steele has done literally nothing with some of our program's highest ever recruits, so what does it matter?

[xuwillie]

I was worried about losing a great recruiting class too, but then I remembered Steele has done literally nothing with some of our program's highest ever recruits, so what does it matter?

This is the biggest issue I have with Steele, he continues to play under performing upperclassmen. Freshman play all over the country, if steele is such a good recruiter why can't our younger guys play?

[xuphan]

It would be best for this program if Steele figured things out, and became a quality X and O guy down the stretch this season. How nice would it be to see the proverbial light bulb turn on for the guy. I thought he did a tremendous job last week getting this team to come back on the road and beat Creighton. It was one of the first times I can recall being satisfied with his coaching performance. He deployed the make shots offense, the team rallied, and the rest is history.

Flushing Steele and his recruiting class next season will most likely set this program back. If things don’t miraculously turn around this year, the way it did for Sean Miller with Johnny Wolf as his PG, Xavier is going to have to go in a different direction. That is reality.

Xavier doesn’t have a coach in waiting on the bench right now. It will be a huge gamble to go out and find a new Head Coach. We are currently at a crossroads in this program. They gotta find a way to get Nate Johnson making shots. They can’t continue to come out flat at the start of games. Someone besides Paul Scruggs has to have the ball with the game on the line. Doing the same things over and over and expecting different results is the definition of insanity.

The insanity has to end…and we have about 6 weeks to figure out how to end it. If Steele can’t figure it out, it is up to Greg Christopher to chart a different course.

This seems to contradict itself. You saying flushing Steele and the recruiting class would set the program back but at the end you say it’s up to Christopher to chart a different course if Steele doesn’t finish strong? Not sure I understand what you are trying to get at.

[XUGRAD80]

It shouldn’t be assumed that a change in the HC will automatically mean losing the recruits.

[SM#24]

Losing the recruiting class is a minor-to-medium concern, especially these days. Shaka Smart & TJ Otzelberger (and others) have shown that.

[Xville]

I’d hope that in evaluating the coaching staff, the recruits coming in are way down the list. Scruggs was a top 40 pick.. does he play like one? I could care less who is coming in at this point when the staff has clearly drmonstrated they can’t develop anyone

[xuphan]

I’d hope that in evaluating the coaching staff, the recruits coming in are way down the list. Scruggs was a top 40 pick.. does he play like one? I could care less who is coming in at this point when the staff has clearly drmonstrated they can’t develop anyone

I would agree with this. If we can get an established coach we might be able to keep one or two recruits. That coach may also bring his own players with him as well.

[xudash]

Honestly I want it to be Travis Steele. I think he's a guy that if he can figure it out, would coach here for a long time. Something we seem to not be able to achieve with our head coaches when they have success. A couple of conditions.

1. He has to make the NCAA tourney
2. He must next year overhaul his assistants (tough business but he must get experience and tactical help)
3. He must demand more of his players around better decision making and fundamentals. He's too tolerant. He needs to usher guys to the bench until they understand they wont play regardless of who they are.

I truly believe this as well. I truly believe that he would stay with Xavier for a very long time if he proves to be successful.

I cannot keep from thinking about Coach K and Jay Wright, and the fact that it took both of them time to find their footing. Imagine had either been fired too quickly.

We are in the terrible position of not knowing whether Steele can turn it around or not.

[Masterofreality]

I truly believe this as well. I truly believe that he would stay with Xavier for a very long time if he proves to be successful.

I cannot keep from thinking about Coach K and Jay Wright, and the fact that it took both of them time to find their footing. Imagine had either been fired too quickly.

We are in the terrible position of not knowing whether Steele can turn it around or not.

Both those guys had Head Coaching experience before their stops.
K at Army. Jay at Hofstra.
Totally different from a rookie.

[xudash]

To point 1, making the tourney has to happen this year. I think a lot of people on this board stated this before the season. To point 2, that should've already happened. To point 3, what more do you want him to demand from the 8 guys he plays? Maybe draw up some better plays instead of the same 3 we constantly see. He can't even get Nate Johnson an open look. And even if Steele was "the guy" and Xavier had some good seasons under him with 1 or 2 tourney runs, he'd be gone just like Matta, Miller and Mack before him. There are no long term guys at this school. We've just been fortunate to have a bunch of excellent coaches over the past 30 years. Unfortunately, that seems to have stopped under this coach until proven otherwise with a good end to the season with couple of postseason victories.

Matter and Miller coached in the Atlantic 10. Xavier was missing the one, very integral program key piece (conference affiliation) when both of those gentlemen were coaching on Victory Parkway. Mack transitioned to the Big East, but his issue, in part, was a wife who wanted to go home, and an ego on his part that desired more money and a bigger job.

Travis has a wife from Cincinnati who is tied to Xavier money. These guys can clearly see how life has worked out for Jay and for Mark Few, and they also see how life has worked out for coaches who have made the jump “up” only to find themselves out of work a short time later.

I truly believe Travis will stay at Xavier if he can get out of his own way and achieve success at the level he needs to achieve it there.

[kxblue]

Coach K turned it around in year 4 and then had a decade of amazing success. We are likely going to be much worse next year than this year.

We keep hearing Steele is a great recruiter but our best players are transfers. Our freshman coming in playing great and barely make any progress.

What have you seen in Steele that gives you confidence? I hope he turns it around but the same problematic trends manifest in different players every year. That’s not a sign of a guy close to figuring it out

[SM#24]

I agree that Travis would stay here for the long haul, something I think we've all wanted but he has to be able to do the job and clearly he is not capable, so time to move on.

[xudash]

Coach K turned it around in year 4 and then had a decade of amazing success. We are likely going to be much worse next year than this year.

We keep hearing Steele is a great recruiter but our best players are transfers. Our freshman coming in playing great and barely make any progress.

What have you seen in Steele that gives you confidence? I hope he turns it around but the same problematic trends manifest in different players every year. That’s not a sign of a guy close to figuring it out

I don’t see anything that gives me confidence in him at this point.

MOR, it doesn’t matter whether they came in as head coaches with some experience or if we are facing our situation with Travis coming in as the first assistant. What matters is whether or not you believe he could stay with us for a while if he proves to be successful. I believe he would stay with us for a long time.

The problem now is he is not demonstrating the ability to be a keeper.

[bleedXblue]

To point 1, making the tourney has to happen this year. I think a lot of people on this board stated this before the season. To point 2, that should've already happened. To point 3, what more do you want him to demand from the 8 guys he plays? Maybe draw up some better plays instead of the same 3 we constantly see. He can't even get Nate Johnson an open look. And even if Steele was "the guy" and Xavier had some good seasons under him with 1 or 2 tourney runs, he'd be gone just like Matta, Miller and Mack before him. There are no long term guys at this school. We've just been fortunate to have a bunch of excellent coaches over the past 30 years. Unfortunately, that seems to have stopped under this coach until proven otherwise with a good end to the season with couple of postseason victories.

I don't think we've seen Steele sit guys and demand better with the exception of a few times that I can recall. And I'm talking about decision making, effort and basic fundamentals. All things that are totally within a players control. Not making the shot or not executing are different IMHO. I'd like to see Steele be more demanding and holding guys accountable. If it means getting down to your walk on's, then so be it. His previous attempts at righting the ship the last 3 1/2 years have NOT worked.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I was worried about losing a great recruiting class too, but then I remembered Steele has done literally nothing with some of our program's highest ever recruits, so what does it matter?

Yeah if Steele flames out this year and isn't the guy, then we can't worry about recruiting class. If he can't make the tournament with this team (I think he will) then who gives a shit about the recruits if he can't coach

[D-West & PO-Z]

I don't think we've seen Steele sit guys and demand better with the exception of a few times that I can recall. And I'm talking about decision making, effort and basic fundamentals. All things that are totally within a players control. Not making the shot or not executing are different IMHO. I'd like to see Steele be more demanding and holding guys accountable. If it means getting down to your walk on's, then so be it. His previous attempts at righting the ship the last 3 1/2 years have NOT worked.

He did do it with Nate Johnson yesterday. He came out after a terrible missed 3 and then stepping on the sideline out of bounds line the next possession. Never came back in the game.

[GoMuskies]

Matt McMahon reads like a winner. File his name for the future, and the price is right.

I like McMahon, but I don't want one of the top qualifications for any candidate for the Xavier job to be " price is right". You've got to pay to play.

[GoMuskies]

The situation is a mess, but I'm going to wait until the end of the season to really worry about who will be the coach next year. If we make the Tournament, there's no doubt it will be Steele. And we're still in pretty good shape in that regard. That very well may change in the next couple of weeks, but we'll see how it goes. not optimistic, but that's why they play the games.

[Xville]

I see maybe 3 more wins in the schedule. Maybe we can play butler in msg to end the season again.

[nuts4xu]

This seems to contradict itself. You saying flushing Steele and the recruiting class would set the program back but at the end you say it’s up to Christopher to chart a different course if Steele doesn’t finish strong? Not sure I understand what you are trying to get at.

If it doesn’t work out with Travis Steele, they will have to chart a different course. This will likely set the program back.

[xuphan]

If it doesn’t work out with Travis Steele, they will have to chart a different course. This will likely set the program back.

It depends on who they would bring in if Christopher decides to part ways with Steele. Depending on the coach, they could get Xavier back in the NCAA tournament next year. The transfer portal has had a major impact on how teams are built. We may lose one or two recruits from this years class and a couple of players may transfer as well, but the transfer portal can help us fill in gaps that are in the team. If Steele is let go.

[xu82]

The situation is a mess, but I'm going to wait until the end of the season to really worry about who will be the coach next year. If we make the Tournament, there's no doubt it will be Steele. And we're still in pretty good shape in that regard. That very well may change in the next couple of weeks, but we'll see how it goes. not optimistic, but that's why they play the games.

This is worth repeating.

[Double Down]

I hope Travis is back next year. If he’s not, that means we didn’t make the Tournament. To bring in someone new means transfer of current players plus loss of incoming recruits. Am I happy? No but let’s face it, things could be much worse. Turn it around coach!

[D-West & PO-Z]

I hope Travis is back next year. If he’s not, that means we didn’t make the Tournament. To bring in someone new means transfer of current players plus loss of incoming recruits. Am I happy? No but let’s face it, things could be much worse. Turn it around coach!

I hope Steele figures it out too, however, keeping a "bad" coach out of fear of losing players or recruits is never the answer. Too shortsighted.

[UCGRAD4X]

If it doesn’t work out with Travis Steele, they will have to chart a different course. This will likely set the program back.

Set back?

Sometimes you gotta take one step back before you take two steps forward.

[XUGRAD80]

I hope Travis is back next year. If he’s not, that means we didn’t make the Tournament. To bring in someone new means transfer of current players plus loss of incoming recruits. Am I happy? No but let’s face it, things could be much worse. Turn it around coach!

There are going to be transfers out no matter if Steele is here or not. As far as the recruits go, there is no guarantee that any will change their minds if Steele isn’t here. It would be up to the new coach to convince them to stay. In any case, it’s important to take the long view and not hang onto the Manager just because some workers might be upset if he leaves. In the long run a better Manager might mean better employees too, and a much more productive business. I would hope that the players are wanting to win more than anything else. If they have a head coach that puts them in a better position to do that, they are hopefully going to be happy.

[EastCoastXman]

There should have been a lineup change a long time ago. Dwon should be the PG. He should be running the point with Paul at the 2. Not sure if Steele is staying with Paul at point because that would be his projected position at the next level. But he does not have the handle to play PG at the next level. Time to do what is best for this team and not 1 player. Dwon has that PG mentality of running offense for everyone. And the kid can guard! He slashes as good as Paul and has disapline not to jack a 3 when open. Players need to know there is a reason why you are open with the ball at the 3 point line (Zach)! Bring Kunkel and Nate off the bench and see who has the hot hand. It's time to give Dwon the reins to this team and let him play 25-30 minutes a game.

[Masterofreality]

There should have been a lineup change a long time ago. Dwon should be the PG. He should be running the point with Paul at the 2. Not sure if Steele is staying with Paul at point because that would be his projected position at the next level. But he does not have the handle to play PG at the next level. Time to do what is best for this team and not 1 player. Dwon has that PG mentality of running offense for everyone. And the kid can guard! He slashes as good as Paul and has disapline not to jack a 3 when open. Players need to know there is a reason why you are open with the ball at the 3 point line (Zach)! Bring Kunkel and Nate off the bench and see who has the hot hand. It's time to give Dwon the reins to this team and let him play 25-30 minutes a game.

Yup to all of this.

[xuwillie]

Yup to all of this.

I agree Odom should be PG and am frustrated he isn't. Can you imagine how he probably feels. Earlier in the year I would have said no way would I put scruggs at the 2, he is more of a 3 that should be taking Jones minutes when he's not playing well and backing up at the 1. But after watching Johnson this past month Scruggs actually might be a better 2 option right now.

[XUGRAD80]

It would not shock me at all if Odom starting at PG is what we see this week.

[Drew]

I don't know if Steele is the guy or not, I do know that recruiting classes should not be a reason you don't fire someone. Wojo got 3 more years than he should've at Marquette because of his recruiting classes. Year 1 with Shaka and its already night and day.

[JTG]

It would not shock me at all if Odom starting at PG is what we see this week.

It would stun me, but I'd be thrilled. Paul at the 2 and Kunkel spelling Odom, and Nate spelling Paul. It may unleash more scoring from Paul. Hell , with Odom at point everyone's numbers might go up. Paul shouldnt mind, he'd be playing as much but freer to find his shot.

[MHettel]

It would not shock me at all if Odom starting at PG is what we see this week.

Odom played 28 minutes Saturday, and Johnson played 10. Our other starters all played at least 33 minutes.

We lost to a bad team that was missing it's best players.

Do we really think that if Odom plays the FIRST minute of a game then we would be better somehow?

[xuwillie]

Odom played 28 minutes Saturday, and Johnson played 10. Our other starters all played at least 33 minutes.

We lost to a bad team that was missing it's best players.

Do we really think that if Odom plays the FIRST minute of a game then we would be better somehow?


And thats on Steele. Who know's where we would be if Odom where getting most of the pg minutes. Steele decided to run Scruggs out there again hoping for different results.

[boozehound]

I hope Steele figures it out too, however, keeping a "bad" coach out of fear of losing players or recruits is never the answer. Too shortsighted.

What will be really interesting is actually (I think) the most likely scenario: We find a way to limp into the tournament with a double digit seed and lose our first game. Does that earn Steele an extension? For how long? He made the tournament, which we keep saying was the bar, but will anyone really feel good about another year with this staff at the helm?

Regarding personnel I also agree that I think it would benefit the team if Dwon played 30min at the point here on out. Let him know that he is the PG and let him develop a bit. Play Scruggs at the 2. Paul doesn't have a very good handle, nor does he move well with the ball. He can drive the rim, but can't create any type of midrange or perimeter shot off the dribble, but is a serviceable spot-up shooter. Getting the ball out of his hands more will focus on allowing him to get open to drive the rim and/or make a perimeter shot. He just isn't fluid with the ball. Do whatever the hell you want with Kunkel and Johnson and go with the hot hand there. Colby plays almost all the minutes at the 3 and some at the 4. Free and Nunge both play 30+.

Beyond that, I think shot selection and ball security is where we really have been falling apart. We take a lot of bad shots, and we throw a lot of bad passes. Our ball movement is rarely fluid. Guys catch the ball on the perimeter and wait for the defender to come up to them and pressure the ball before looking for the next pass, then we throw a kind of lazy pass. Rinse. Repeat.

Some of those things are players, but a lot of it has to be coaching at this point. It's been going on for a long time now.

[Xville]

I like dwon at the 1 but I don’t know if it matters much with the “scheme” x uses. That lineup leaves one less person who can make an outside shot on the floor.

[XmAn06]

Xavier no longer has a homecourt advantage. X plays no better at home than they do on the road.

I was certain I wasn't the only one who noticed this...

I've been to a handful of games this year (Central Michigan, Shootout, Providence, DePaul) and outside of the Crosstown Shootout, I couldn't help but notice that the student section seems less rowdy and enthusiastic than I remember it being when I was there (or in years past for that matter). At the risk of sounding like an old man and accusing the current student section of "not getting it," it sometimes feels like they wait for something good to happen rather than cheering throughout the game to try and help the team and in the process - be an annoyance or thorn in the side of the opponent.

I can remember plenty of games (as a student and in recent years as an alum) where it would be hard to hear casual conversations going on around you - now I feel like I can hear the opposing team's shoes squeaking on the floor, them calling out screens, and even setting up their offense even from up in the 200's. I get that the fans/student section and the product on the floor are sort of a mutual relationship (if the team plays poorly, what is there to cheer about?) - but on more than one occassion, it's looked to me like a lot of the student section is more concerned with getting on camera or hanging out on their phones while the game goes on in the background (look up from the phone if there's an exciting play - but then focus returns to the phone a minute or two later).

I can remember (in the not-to-distant past) the Cintas Center being ranked in the top 25 "toughest places to play" for college basketball. I wonder if they update that list every year. I'd be shocked if it was still a tough place to play according to any list like that.

Maybe I'm wrong and the games I've been to (Shootout excluded) haven't been exciting enough to give them anything to cheer about. Just wanted to share/rant on this since the lack of homecourt advantage was pointed out and I completely agree.

[MHettel]

What will be really interesting is actually (I think) the most likely scenario: We find a way to limp into the tournament with a double digit seed and lose our first game. Does that earn Steele an extension? For how long? He made the tournament, which we keep saying was the bar, but will anyone really feel good about another year with this staff at the helm?



Kevin Willard is in his 12 year at Seton Hall. His first 5 seasons he went 82-80 Overall, 30-60 in the BE, and made 1 NIT. THEY KEPT HIM.

Since then, he has gone 154-76 Overall, 69-51 in the BE and made the NCAA Tournament 4 straight times and would have made it in 2020. They did not make it in 2021 and are not on track to make it this year.

Seton Hall has ONE NCAA Win with Willard as the Coach.

Now, in the years leading up to hiring Willard, SHU had gone 146-128 under Bobby Gonzalez and Louis Orr. They had 2 NCAA Appearances between 2000 -2010.

Looking Back, do you think Seton Hall is glad to have given Willard that 6th year that has led to extended stretch of one and done in the NCAA?

Ed Cooley is in his 11th year as Providence Coach. His Overall Record is 213-137, and 102-90 in BE Play. He made the NCAA Tournament in his 3rd year, and had 5 consecutive appearances in which he won ONE game. They have not made the Tournament since 2018, but probably would have made it in 2020. (19-12 overall, 4th in the BE). Providence is on track to make the NCAA this year.

The 10 years prior to Cooley were coached by Keno Davis (3 years), and Tim Welch (7 yrs, - 10 years total). They had 1 NCAA Appearance.

Cooley came in and accomplished more within a couple years than had been accomplished in the prior 10. He has generally kept the Friars competitive, notwithstanding the lack of NCAA success. It doesnt appear that Cooley has ever been on the "hot seat" nor does it seem likely that it is forthcoming.

In my mind, Seton Hall and Providence are pretty equal in many respects. They are average. I dont see either team growing beyond average with their current coach. This is the exact scenario that I desperately hope XU can avoid.

Average and complacent.

Travis Steele took over a team that had just been a 1 seed and was 2 years removed from an Elite 8 and prior to that a 2 seed. We had made 16 of 18 previous NCAA Tournaments. We had 22 NCAA Wins in 18 years. We sent 22 teams HOME for good. And, he has driven it into the ground. 0-3 for NCAA appearances and needs to dig out of a self dug hole to make it this year.

Steele better win BIG this year (Sweet 16 or better), or we should just cut bait and got to the next guy.

[Xville]

I completely disagree with the student section. I have been to two games this year so far , with two more to go and I don’t ever remember the student section being as rowdy as they were at the beginning of the game than they have been this year. It’s not their fault the team isn’t fun to watch and it’s not their fault the rest of the crowd sits on their hands all game long.

I blame it mostly on the product that is on the court, for the most part it’s just bad basketball and I wanted to gauge my eyes out watching it on Saturday.

[XmAn06]

I blame it mostly on the product that is on the court, for the most part it’s just bad basketball and I wanted to gauge my eyes out watching it on Saturday.

That's something we can both agree on then. Even my 9 year old had his head in his hands for most of the game and kept asking "what are they doing?!"

[D-West & PO-Z]

I like dwon at the 1 but I don’t know if it matters much with the “scheme” x uses. That lineup leaves one less person who can make an outside shot on the floor.

Yeah, while Johnson is not playing well at the moment, with the offense we run, taking our best shooter from outside off the floor doesnt seem like the best option. Probably needs to be game by game with Nate depending on if he has it that game or not.

[Xville]

Yeah, while Johnson is not playing well at the moment, with the offense we run, taking our best shooter from outside off the floor doesnt seem like the best option. Probably needs to be game by game with Nate depending on if he has it that game or not.

Maybe go small with dwon at 1, Scruggs at 2, Nate at 3, Colby at 4 and nunge at the 5. Colby rebounds and defends better than free does anyways.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I was certain I wasn't the only one who noticed this...

I've been to a handful of games this year (Central Michigan, Shootout, Providence, DePaul) and outside of the Crosstown Shootout, I couldn't help but notice that the student section seems less rowdy and enthusiastic than I remember it being when I was there (or in years past for that matter). At the risk of sounding like an old man and accusing the current student section of "not getting it," it sometimes feels like they wait for something good to happen rather than cheering throughout the game to try and help the team and in the process - be an annoyance or thorn in the side of the opponent.

I can remember plenty of games (as a student and in recent years as an alum) where it would be hard to hear casual conversations going on around you - now I feel like I can hear the opposing team's shoes squeaking on the floor, them calling out screens, and even setting up their offense even from up in the 200's. I get that the fans/student section and the product on the floor are sort of a mutual relationship (if the team plays poorly, what is there to cheer about?) - but on more than one occassion, it's looked to me like a lot of the student section is more concerned with getting on camera or hanging out on their phones while the game goes on in the background (look up from the phone if there's an exciting play - but then focus returns to the phone a minute or two later).

I can remember (in the not-to-distant past) the Cintas Center being ranked in the top 25 "toughest places to play" for college basketball. I wonder if they update that list every year. I'd be shocked if it was still a tough place to play according to any list like that.

Maybe I'm wrong and the games I've been to (Shootout excluded) haven't been exciting enough to give them anything to cheer about. Just wanted to share/rant on this since the lack of homecourt advantage was pointed out and I completely agree.

My question is, when the hell did people stop standing at the start of the second half? Last couple games I was like the only person in my section in 105 standing to start the 2nd half. Looking around I'd say maybe 15% of people were standing.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Maybe go small with dwon at 1, Scruggs at 2, Nate at 3, Colby at 4 and nunge at the 5. Colby rebounds and defends better than free does anyways.

Wouldn't hate it.

[OTRMUSKIE]

My question is, when the hell did people stop standing at the start of the second half? Last couple games I was like the only person in my section in 105 standing to start the 2nd half. Looking around I'd say maybe 15% of people were standing.

I stopped that stupid tradition 20 years ago. First half is fine but that's enough. Maybe we can come up with a new tradition. How about we all yell "YOU SUCK STEELE" until they make a basket.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I stopped that stupid tradition 20 years ago. First half is fine but that's enough. Maybe we can come up with a new tradition. How about we all yell "YOU SUCK STEELE" until they make a basket.

Love standing.
t
Heck though, I am someone who would stand the entire game if I could. I'll never understand the reluctance or unwillingness of fans to get off their ass and cheer when the moment calls for it.

[blueblood]

My question is, when the hell did people stop standing at the start of the second half? Last couple games I was like the only person in my section in 105 standing to start the 2nd half. Looking around I'd say maybe 15% of people were standing.

Serious answer: That's been phasing out for the last 20 years. I stand for the first half, not for the second half, it just isn't the tradition any longer. Times have changed since the Gardens.

Less serious answer: Last couple games maybe everyone is still just tired from standing so long in the first half waiting for the team to make a shot. Thank goodness we don't have to stand until they reach 10 points . . .

[EastCoastXman]

Agree completely that Willard & Cooley have produced average teams at best and their NCAA records are terrible. Can't beleive that Cooley was almost the Michigan coach and that both he and Willard are both mentioned for the Maryland job. X needs to do better. We need to find that Diamond in the Rough from the mid major ranks like Alabama did with Oats. And what are the possibilities that Jonas Hayes will be on the move to UGA?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Serious answer: That's been phasing out for the last 20 years. I stand for the first half, not for the second half, it just isn't the tradition any longer. Times have changed since the Gardens.

Less serious answer: Last couple games maybe everyone is still just tired from standing so long in the first half waiting for the team to make a shot. Thank goodness we don't have to stand until they reach 10 points . . .

That is interesting you think its been phased out over 20 years. That is not my experience at all, this is very new in my experience, which is why I have never commented on it before this year.

I don't disagree the quality of the teams has something to do with it though.

[drudy23]

I've been going to games for 35 years and I've never seen the start of second half stand as a consistent one. And I'm OK with it.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I feel like I am in the twilight zone. However, maybe this can be section dependent and I never paid attention to other sections.

[drudy23]

Some people still do it in the second half (20% is probably a good estimate), but everyone does it at the start.

[bjf123]

My question is, when the hell did people stop standing at the start of the second half? Last couple games I was like the only person in my section in 105 standing to start the 2nd half. Looking around I'd say maybe 15% of people were standing.

I’ve wondered the same thing. Having said that, I’m also in 105 and I stopped standing this year when it seems that very few are standing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[blueblood]

That is interesting you think its been phased out over 20 years. That is not my experience at all, this is very new in my experience, which is why I have never commented on it before this year.

I don't disagree the quality of the teams has something to do with it though.

I've been to almost every home game for the last 35 years or so . . . just my observation.

Everyone stood at the Gardens in the 2nd half . . . can't remember exactly when but I'll bet I stopped standing for the 2nd half at Cintas about 5-10 years ago. And that was because at some point there's not much reason to do it if very few around you are joining in. At this point so few do it would just be rude for me to stand in front of a lot of people who clearly would rather sit. I'm down pretty close to the court FWIW. Probably a larger percentage of older people down where I'm at. Doesn't matter to me either way, although I like the 1st half "stand until they score" tradition.

But since we're discussing this critical topic, do you remember at the Gardens when the cheerleaders actually lead cheers? (Lets Go X! Blue! White! Blue! White!) No time for that now I guess with contests and commercials and flex/dance cams. Different era . . . just like when people stood to start the 2nd half. lol

[X Matters]

Not Standing at the beginning of the second half? Glad we finally discovered what's wrong with the team.

[Xville]

If anyone wants to watch entertaining basketball and what it should look like as opposed to what we watch twice a week….Marquette @ uconn tonight.

[noteggs]

Agree, it’s always entertaining to see UCONN shit their pants and lose two straight games especially at home to Creighton. Not to mention getting manhandled by Nova who was without one of their best players in Moore (some would say best). Think UCONN is becoming my least favorite team in BE. Except Hurley being a Bengals fan gives them a little bump.

[Xville]

I’m probably in the minority but I like UConn and I like Hurley..yeah he’s “animated” on the sidelines, but he can coach. The only program in the big East I don’t like is butler…and maybe DePaul just because they remind me of every crappy a 10 team x had to play every year.

[xuphan]

I’m probably in the minority but I like UConn and I like Hurley..yeah he’s “animated” on the sidelines, but he can coach. The only program in the big East I don’t like is butler…and maybe DePaul just because they remind me of every crappy a 10 team x had to play every year.

Curious as to how you would rank each of the coaches in the Big East.

[Xville]

Curious as to how you would rank each of the coaches in the Big East.

I don’t think I can really go 1-11 but happy to put them in groups.

First group: Wright—-duh


Second group: smart, Hurley

Third: McDermott, Cooley, Willard

Fourth: Anderson, Steele, Jordan

Last and tbd (DePaul) : Ewing stubblefield


Could maybe move Anderson up one and Jordan down one and leave Steele where he is

[D-West & PO-Z]

Curious as to how you would rank each of the coaches in the Big East.

1. Wright


2. McDermott
3. Smart
4. Hurley
5. Cooley
6. Willard
7. Anderson
8. Steele
9. Stubblefield
10. Jordan
11. Ewing

I could buy interchanging anyone 2-6.

The BE is full of coaches that have flamed out with good teams in the tourney. McDermott, Willard, and Cooley have all had early exits with some really good teams.

[xuphan]

1. Wright


2. McDermott
3. Smart
4. Hurley
5. Cooley
6. Willard
7. Anderson
8. Steele
9. Stubblefield
10. Jordan
11. Ewing

I could buy interchanging anyone 2-6.

The BE is full of coaches that have flamed out with good teams in the tourney. McDermott, Willard, and Cooley have all had early exits with some really good teams.

I agree with most of this. There are some that could go either way. I would switch Steele and Stubblefield and Jordan and Ewing.

[Irishjohn68]

Mack

[JTG]

My son, who is pretty hooked in at Butler,told me today Jordan will be getting the ax at the end of the season.

[Xville]

My son, who is pretty hooked in at Butler,told me today Jordan will be getting the ax at the end of the season.

They probably wonder how he is only 4-5 against Steele.