Game Thread: Xavier v Seton Hall University (2/9/2022)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFFVS.https://bkstr.scene7.com/is/image/Bkstr/544-PLUSH-544-9-White?$HomePageRecs_ET$



THE MATCHUP

NO. 25/RV XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (16-6, 6-5 BIG EAST)
SETON HALL UNIVERSITY PIRATES (14-7, 5-6 BIG EAST)
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 9, 2022 AT 7 P.M. ET
PRUDENTIAL CENTER IN NEWARK, N.J.
TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 with play-by-play from Tim Brando and analysis from Bill Raftery.
Radio: 55KRC-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 (81), XM (81) and the SXM App. (81).
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com (http://Statbroadcast.com) and fan stats at GoXavier.com (http://GoXavier.com).

[Masterofreality]

We’d better freaking win.

[Xville]

I’ll be interested to see if Vegas has finally wised up.

[American X]

We’d better freaking win.

It is like spinning around a blindfolded, rum-soaked Snipe and telling him to throw a dart. It could land up anywhere.

[Xville]

Seeing x +3….not sure if completely accurate but if accurate, Vegas has finally adjusted.

[xuphan]

Seeing x +3….not sure if completely accurate but if accurate, Vegas has finally adjusted.

Big game tonight! Hopefully see a change in the starting lineup and a better attitude starting the game. Time to get back on track!

[Lloyd Braun]

Seeing x +3….not sure if completely accurate but if accurate, Vegas has finally adjusted.

I think this is equally reflective of seton hall who have also been terrible ATS the last 10 games. Close matchup, call it 3-4 points for home team.

[sgarcia]

Seeing x +3….not sure if completely accurate but if accurate, Vegas has finally adjusted.

I jumped on the Hall -3 because we've been awful ATS in conference. I'm also betting the Hall because if Bryce Aiken plays I don't think this game will be very close. I hope I lose money tonight and we all get to see a big road W.

[Xville]

Anything changed on the Aiken front? Last I saw there was no timetable——concussion protocol.

[sgarcia]

Anything changed on the Aiken front? Last I saw there was no timetable——concussion protocol.

I think he's close but unknown if he'll play tonight. I don't think they announce it until a couple of hours before tip.

[EastCoastXman]

No word on status of Aiken here in NJ. Willard always very quiet on status of players (as most coaches are). Agree that we have a difficult time with SH if Aiken plays. Only Dwon has a chance to stay in front of him on D. Aiken has had multiple concussions during playing career (1 at Harvard and now 2 at SH). Some speculate that he may shut down completely. He is real good friends with Kyrie Irving. If you see Kyrie in the front row tonight, then Aiken will be playing.

[Masterofreality]

No word on status of Aiken here in NJ. Willard always very quiet on status of players (as most coaches are). Agree that we have a difficult time with SH if Aiken plays. Only Dwon has a chance to stay in front of him on D. Aiken has had multiple concussions during playing career (1 at Harvard and now 2 at SH). Some speculate that he may shut down completely. He is real good friends with Kyrie Irving. If you see Kyrie in the front row tonight, then Aiken will be playing.

I know you are there tonight so bring it home ECXM!!!!
Then buy Arnie a consolation Beer. ;-)

[bourbonman]

Thinking about tuning in for the second half. Xavier has extreme problems marching up with anyone in the fist halves, but I love a great comeback.

[GIMMFD]

Please wash the taste of the last game out of my mouth X.

[drudy23]

Just freakin win

[xuphan]

Just freakin win

Big 3 by Nunge. Good start!

[XUOWNSUC]

#21 from Seton Hall makes Nunge look small.

[drudy23]

Nunge making his claim for most impactful X transfer ever

[Lloyd Braun]

Won the first war!!! Major progress.

[bjf123]

Maybe that goaltending call was a makeup for the one we didn’t get against DePaul.


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[xuphan]

Won the first war!!! Major progress.

Where is Odom?

[Xville]

Where is Odom?

Not enough practice points

[xudash]

That sequence that ended with Colby Jones driving for the under the basket layup looked pretty damn good to me.

[American X]

Jerome Hunter does not know what team he is playing for.

[xudash]

Hunter. My lord.

[xuphan]

Not enough practice points

Unbelievable

[Blue Blooded-05]

Just let it go hunter! Gave em 2

[xu82]

How is the Hunter love going?

[drudy23]

This lineup sucks

[xuphan]

This lineup sucks

Hunter over Odom? wow.

[xu82]

Give them 3-4 tries, and they will eventually score. Go figure!

[XUOWNSUC]

Why has Fremantle played the entire game so far?

[xuphan]

This lineup sucks

These analytics and practice points suck.

[drudy23]

Nunge needs to play 35 minutes per game, unless he’s in foul trouble.

[IM4X]

Same sh!t!!!!

Horrible lineup Steele.


Hunter makes so many stupid decisions and can’t make a damn layup.

Fremantle so freaking soft - refuses to take it to the rim for a dunk when he has wide open lane from 10 feet - instead takes the low percentage jumper - so typical of him. He can’t even bend to pick up a ball….bench his ass!

Why take out Nunge?!!!!!

Absolutely F’n clueless coach!!!!!

This is inexcusable!!!

[Xavier]

Nunge needs to play 35 minutes per game, unless he’s in foul trouble.

If he can, absolutely.

You almost feel for him he decided to come to Xavier. This is so freaking old

[xavbball]

Just imagine if Steele didn't have Nunge...

Freemantle is a defensive liability. He gets too many minutes.

[American X]

Scruggs is doing the aimless drives that Dee Davis used to do.

[HenryMuto]

Not feeling great about our chances tonight.

[xudash]

Johnson has zeroed out again.

[Lloyd Braun]

Can’t let them keep getting offensive chances. This is ridiculous. Charmin soft

[xuphan]

Not feeling great about our chances tonight.

I would have some sympathy for Steele if he would at least try something different.

[RoseyMuskie]

Nate Johnson has turned into Chuck Knoblauch.

[X Factor]

Nate Johnson has turned into Chuck Knoblauch.

Or Rick Ankiel

[IM4X]

Steele has this team really ready to play. Good job coach!!!

[XUOWNSUC]

Steele sucks.

[markchal]

someone tell him to write swagger on the board at halftime!

[whopper]

Lets hope. The body language is terrible now as well as the play but there is no confidence at all

[American X]

Play Odom and every big, like Nintendo Ice Hockey.

[markchal]

I can't remember a Xavier team ever looking so heartless. They are just pulling every loose board and offensive rebound away from us.

Xavier basketball is no longer fun to watch

[xudash]

Can’t let them keep getting offensive chances. This is ridiculous. Charmin soft

SOFT. Totally agree.

[xuphan]

Steele has this team really ready to play. Good job coach!!!

Can’t wait for the postgame interview. Even if we do comeback I hope someone ask him why on Earth he won’t take Nate out of the starting lineup. Or not put Odom who with Nunge has been the best players for X recently in the game until half way through the first half.

[xudash]

Now he decides to make his free throws. Unreal.

[IM4X]

What was that shot by Feee… ugh… pass it out dude

[XUOWNSUC]

Xavier basketball is no longer fun to watch

Yup. Get used to it - Steele isn’t going anywhere. Unfortunately.

[drudy23]

Every game feels exactly the same.

[xudash]

Fremantle - Great waste of a key late half possession.

Soft.

Brando commenting on X not having a true point guard.

Commenting on Paul and his TO’s (you have to live with them is the party line).

Line-up madness.

I’m on record: if Hunter is brought in during the second half of this game, and if he then screws up, I will be officially done with Travis Steele.

[American X]

Charmin soft

Charmin is sandpaper compared to Xavier.

[whopper]

What was that shot by Feee… ugh… pass it out dude Honestly him and Nate have forgotten how to play and it breaks my heart. Scruggs miss as end was similar to end of Providence game..good move but a little hard but that must be the norm. This is painful and I see that Scruggs now trusts no one else with the ball and who can blame him. Kunkel actually seems to be the only one playing better than I expected (I expected Nunge to be good but not this good and he is doing it all and seems a little disheartened.

[TheDanimal]

Lather, rinse, repeat.. if this team wasn't so easy to make money on, there would be no reason to watch...

[Xville]

Cha Ching! Steele has made me tons of money at least, but holy crap he sucks.

[markchal]

did Stanley pass away? can we please play him instead of hunter and freemantle? Those two are just getting clowned and are embarrassing

[kellernr]

Should be a 6pt game but freemantle and and Scruggs both miss wide open layups at the end of the half

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[IM4X]

We suck. We suck. We suck. Our guys are getting dumber - making poorer decisions every game. Looking at you Coach Steele.

Pretty sure the game would be closer had Sister Rose Ann Fleming stepped in to coach today.

[xu82]

WOW! I have so many other channels!

[American X]

Indispensable 19 minutes and 0/5 from Freemantle. He should probably start launching threes.

[xuphan]

did Stanley pass away? can we please play him instead of hunter and freemantle? Those two are just getting clowned and are embarrassing

Who is Stanley?

[kellernr]

Honestly him and Nate have forgotten how to play and it breaks my heart. Scruggs miss as end was similar to end of Providence game..good move but a little hard but that must be the norm. This is painful and I see that Scruggs now trusts no one else with the ball and who can blame him. Kunkel actually seems to be the only one playing better than I expected (I expected Nunge to be good but not this good and he is doing it all and seems a little disheartened.Nate should sit the rest of the game. If you take out the crieghton game he has under pts over the last 5 or 6 games.

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[ArizonaXUGrad]

I am reasserting my 9-11 Big East record assessment. We lose in the first round of that tourney and fail to make the ncaa. That would about seal Steele’s fate. Losing to DePaul at home makes this a must win. True to form, we don’t win must win games. Nor do we win games we are expected to lose.

[noteggs]

I know you are there tonight so bring it home ECXM!!!!
Then buy Arnie a consolation Beer. ;-)


Scruggs is doing the aimless drives that Dee Davis used to do.

Yes this is one of our bigger problems.

[xudash]

BTW, look into Paul‘s eyes. He looks defeated.

[drudy23]

Free just gets exposed in BE play. Not big enough to be a big and not skilled enough to be a wing.

[drudy23]

Nate should sit the rest of the game. If you take out the crieghton game he has under pts over the last 5 or 6 games.

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He’s not making shots but he’s also not getting shots. How many wide open 3s did SH have in the first half?

We NEVER get that for our shooters.

Our offense is pathetic.

[drudy23]

This team is just not built for the Big East. It’s just not.

[Masterofreality]

Regression game by game. Zero Progression.
The only guy who seems to know how to play, coincidentally, played for two years for a different coach.
You have to wonder how long it will be before he forgets his earlier lessons.
Meanwhile, Coach, the ball is still sticking because your guys do not know how and where to move to.
I can only conclude that Freemantle is now the poster child for 3 years in Steele's program. Erosion...year by year.
Opposition coaches know exactly how to play this team. Not good.

[Masterofreality]

He’s not making shots but he’s also not getting shots. How many wide open 3s did SH have in the first half?

We NEVER get that for our shooters.

Our offense is pathetic.


I've thought the exact same thing.

[Xville]

Free just gets exposed in BE play. Not big enough to be a big and not skilled enough to be a wing.

He’s not great but I think he would be a whole lot better in an offense that did stuff..ya know like screens, movement, pick and rolls etc. I know crazy stuff.

[IM4X]

Our offense, defense and coaching are all pathetic.

Fixed it for you.

[Masterofreality]

Indispensable 19 minutes and 0/5 from Freemantle. He should probably start launching threes.


Amazing that Teacher's Pet never leaves the floor.

Cesare Edwards couldn't do any less than Freemantle

[drudy23]

He’s not great but I think he would be a whole lot better in an offense that did stuff..ya know like screens, movement, pick and rolls etc. I know crazy stuff.

No argument here - probably more 5 out in the second half.

[noteggs]

I know you are there tonight so bring it home ECXM!!!!
Then buy Arnie a consolation Beer. ;-)


He’s not making shots but he’s also not getting shots. How many wide open 3s did SH have in the first half?

We NEVER get that for our shooters.



Our offense is pathetic.

Lack of ball movement will do that.

Also, not sure why MOR’s post keeps showing up on my replies. Maybe it’s called post bombing lol

[drudy23]

Seton Hall isn’t very good honestly

[xu82]

Lack of ball movement will do that.

Also, not sure why MOR’s post keeps showing up on my replies. Maybe it’s called post bombing lol

It’s Dark Magic. Be concerned! Be very concerned!!!

[xu82]

Seton Hall isn’t very good honestly


But so far….they are about 10 points better.

[Xville]

Good to see Steele bets on nunge to make 3s for any offense. Here comes the adjustment…Steele may wet his pants

[xudash]

So, will that same lineup take the floor out of this time out?

[Masterofreality]

Some attack from Colby helps. At least it gets the defense moving.
Nice if he could knock down a shot or two.

[xuphan]

Good to see Steele bets on nunge to make 3s for any offense. Here comes the adjustment…Steele may wet his pants

Where was this in the first half?

[American X]

Steele told Scruggs that he has to stay in New Jersey forever if he does not play better.

[Xville]

Hell of an effort from Scruggs there..that was great to see

[xu82]

We seem to do better when I don’t watch, and it’s certainly better for me! I’ll check back in in a bit.

[IM4X]

Ok!!!!

Scruggs looking like he is ready to step up and be the leader this team needs. Keep up the scrappy hustle Paul!!!

[xu82]

Steele told Scruggs that he has to stay in New Jersey forever if he does not play better.

That is cruel and unusual punishment!


But if it works…….

[Xville]

Why does Scruggs not play like this all the time?

[Lloyd Braun]

Why does Scruggs not play like this all the time?

He gets his swagger at halftime

[xu82]

NOT a good (or smart) look for Free there.

[Xville]

Free should be taken out of the game immediately… such a fake tough guy

[IM4X]

Bonehead move Feee… too much of the bad side of Jalen in him these days

[American X]

Freemantle is internet tough.

[xudash]

Way to kill the momentum and ramp up their energy.

[bjf123]

Free should be taken out of the game immediately… such a fake tough guy

Might not be up to him.


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[Xville]

Pretty amazing that Jackson didn’t absolutely club him.

[Xville]

Oh great another excuse for steele

[xu82]

Free should be taken out of the game immediately… such a fake tough guy

Well…..he’s out of the game alright.

[bjf123]

Incredibly stupid move there, Zack.


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[Blue Blooded-05]

Well that’s a great way to kill momentum

[IM4X]

This is the BE. Kind of a bogus Technical.

[Lloyd Braun]

Oh great another excuse for steele

I was impressed he covered his mouth to hide obscenities when talking to the ref. That’s a veteran move so the camera doesn’t record the “that’s fucking bullshit” lip read.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Wonder who we’ll find to replace Zach’s 2/8 shooting, 4 points and 1 rebound

[Lloyd Braun]

This is the BE. Kind of a bogus Technical.

Was thinking same thing. Also charmin soft. Call the double foul and move on. Verbal warning for being a bitch to both sides.

[xu82]

I was impressed he covered his mouth to hide obscenities when talking to the ref. That’s a veteran move so the camera doesn’t record the “that’s fucking bullshit” lip read.

Funny!


…and true.

[Strange Brew]

I was impressed he covered his mouth to hide obscenities when talking to the ref. That’s a veteran move so the camera doesn’t record the “that’s fucking bullshit” lip read.

The analytics told him you have a 50% chance of not irritating the ref further by covering your mouth….

[Xville]

I was impressed he covered his mouth to hide obscenities when talking to the ref. That’s a veteran move so the camera doesn’t record the “that’s fucking bullshit” lip read.

Ha good point!

[IM4X]

Love seeing our guys driving and creating contact. Could be huge down the stretch. We just need to dial down the fouling on our end.

[IM4X]

Was thinking same thing. Also charmin soft. Call the double foul and move on. Verbal warning for being a bitch to both sides.

Exactly. Especially knowing it means he is out of the game.

[Xville]

Love seeing our guys driving and creating contact. Could be huge down the stretch. We just need to dial down the fouling on our end.

Maybe false hope but I’m willing to hang onto anything positive at this point…. Maybe they don’t win this game, but maybe this wakes them the heck up the rest of the season and they have some pride.

[IM4X]

Time for Scruggs to be put back in.

[IM4X]

Why was Scruggs out for so long? Is he that spent?

[bjf123]

Well that’s a great way to kill momentum

Yep. Quickly down 10. Thanks Zack. [emoji2357]


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[drudy23]

Maybe false hope but I’m willing to hang onto anything positive at this point…. Maybe they don’t win this game, but maybe this wakes them the heck up the rest of the season and they have some pride.

Pride isn’t the problem.

[Blue Blooded-05]

This 10 point deficit feels like 110

[Xavier]

Why was Scruggs out for so long? Is he that spent?

He went to bench with a hurt knee.

Nunge is good at least

[MHettel]

Maybe false hope but I’m willing to hang onto anything positive at this point…. Maybe they don’t win this game, but maybe this wakes them the heck up the rest of the season and they have some pride.

Why didn’t last year wake them up?

[Xville]

Pride isn’t the problem.

Yeah.agreed . like I said I’m willing to hold onto anything at this point lol. Can x get a real coach now?

[bjf123]

And quickly bricks a FT and airballs a 3.


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[Xville]

Hmm Edwards plays a little d, yet can’t ever get on the floor. Interesting.

[Lloyd Braun]

Raf on Cesare: “I’m not sure how tall he is”

Lol!

[drudy23]

Hmm Edwards plays a little d, yet can’t ever get on the floor. Interesting.

Steele also said he’s the most physical guy on the team. Also interesting.

[xudash]

Raf on Cesare: “I’m not sure how tall he is”

Lol!

A painful game to watch as a Xavier fan, but I enjoy listening to these days. Raff and Tim Brando are a great crew.

[Lloyd Braun]

Steele also said he’s the most physical guy on the team. Also interesting.

Most interesting

[IM4X]

Maybe they don’t win this game, but maybe this wakes them the heck up the rest of the season and they have some pride.

Let’s not wait until tomorrow to fix what can be fixed today.

I think Scruggs looks like he’s locked in. Need him to be a very loud leader right now. Lead them and they will
follow Paul!

[Blue Blooded-05]

Raf on Cesare: “I’m not sure how tall he is”

Lol!

Guarantee Raf is planning a “Hail Cesare” or “et tu Brute” reference

[bjf123]

Nice give and go!


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[xudash]

Scrubs cannot possibly have that turnover at this point in the game. Just unreal.

[Xville]

Does Edwards not get enough practice points? No reason I see he shouldn’t be getting some minutes every game…talking like 6-7 nothing crazy.

[drudy23]

Does Edwards not get enough practice points? No reason I see he shouldn’t be getting some minutes every game…talking like 6-7 nothing crazy.

He’s behind the teachers pet - 2 of them

[xuphan]

Does Edwards not get enough practice points? No reason I see he shouldn’t be getting some minutes every game…talking like 6-7 nothing crazy.

Maybe instead of practice points it should be game points.

[Xville]

He’s behind the teachers pet

It makes me question Steele’s judgement even more. Will we ever see him again this season after this game?

[xudash]

Maybe Travis finally realizes that size actually matters.

[Xavier]

At least he is showing he should get some of Free minutes

[Xville]

Maybe instead of practice points it should be game points.

That’s crazy talk lol

[Lloyd Braun]

Edwards is not a flash in the pan. I wonder how many guys like Edwards are riding pine that can contribute? Stanley was once a very good D1 player… not asking for a 12 man rotation here but this is as equally frustrating as it is pleasing to see.

[drudy23]

Steele is scared to death to replace Hunter or Frees minutes. He won’t do it.

[Xville]

Maybe Travis finally realizes that size actually matters.

This is too easy…I’m gonna let this layup slide lol

[Blue Blooded-05]

JFC Scruggs

[Xavier]

Scruggs is always pulling dumb shit when it matters most

[American X]

Scruggs filled the half with points and assists, but his turnovers are brutal.

[xu82]

Steele is scared to death to replace Hunter or Frees minutes. He won’t do it.

Funny, I’m scared to death of Hunter and Free too!

[Xville]

Please let odom handle the ball from here out

[xu82]

It’s a helluva finish. We are here to be entertained.

[xuphan]

It’s a helluva finish. We are here to be entertained.

Same as the DePaul game.

[Xville]

Steele just stop you were gifted with bs in the first half that benefited you.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Wait... why wasn’t that an and-1?

[Xville]

Anyone but Scruggs handling the ball in crunch time…please

[Xville]

Wait... why wasn’t that an and-1?

Thinking the same I’m gonna look at it again maybe…could be the difference

[xudash]

Wait... why wasn’t that an and-1?

Same question.

[xudash]

Put HUNTER in for a three attempt.

[Xavier]

The ref called an and one it looked like a major continuation call to me.

[xuphan]

Anyone but Scruggs handling the ball in crunch time…please

Surprised Free isn’t in the game.

[IM4X]

Why Jones???? He is the 4th best 3point shooter on the court.

[TheDanimal]

Won't be the reason for the result, but nothing like an early shot from a bad shooter... not all open looks are good shots...

[Xville]

I don’t mind Colby shooting but I do have a problem with attempting a quick 3 at that point…

[Lloyd Braun]

Scruggs trying to miss a FT and subsequently making it is microcosm

[Xville]

Did Paul ever touch that? Didn’t look like it to me but that was interesting camera work

[XUBANDGRAD]

How do you get that call wrong? Clearly off 14

[American X]

Do these refs just like to hear the jams in the Seton Hall arena?

[Lloyd Braun]

This is like watching Travis coach against Travis. Finkle IS Einhorn. Einhorn IS Finkle!

[Xville]

How do you get that call wrong? Clearly off 14

How was Edwards sat the bench since..November?? Wonders never cease

[HenryMuto]

I thought that last shot was going in.

What a horrible night for me 2 crushing defeats

[IM4X]

Freemantle….rrrrrrrrr.

[drudy23]

I don’t want to hear a word about moral victories.

[Strange Brew]

Well, another Travis classic. Get down in the first half due to bad/stubborn personnel decisions. Adjust a bit, come back a bit and lose.

Wonder if Edwards gets more than two min in the next game?

[xukeith]

Why wasn't Jones shooting the and 1?

[paulxu]

Getting down 10 in the first half is not a good game plan.

[drudy23]

And here we sit back at .500 again with UConn on a days rest.

[GoMuskies]

I don’t want to hear a word about moral victories.

Tonight's result would have been okay if they had just beaten DePaul at home.

[XUBANDGRAD]

Cut fucking bait on Steele. It’s time. I do t care if we lose for another year. Something needs to change.

[xuphan]

Why Jones???? He is the 4th best 3point shooter on the court.


Getting down 10 in the first half is not a good game plan.

Wasn’t able to watch or listen to the game. What happened to Freemantle?

[markchal]

The fact that Edwards didnt get every minute of Big East play that Steele gave to Miles (granted not much) is just another thing to add to the list. One of those guys could be a role player here, the other is a never-ending project

[xu82]

I don’t want to hear a word about moral victories.

I have some stories about some immoral victories….make that events….while at Xavier.

[Masterofreality]

Welp. They fought back.
Cesare at least played. And played well. Where has he been? Practice points??
Freemantle and Jerome Hunter are abjectly dumb.
Steele having Colby Jones shoot a 3 when Scruggy should have just gone to the basket was ludicrous. Relying on a guy who shoots 30% from three and had only tried one all night in that situation was more than questionable.
Steele still cannot figure out how to win close games.
Feel sorry for Scruggs and Nunge. They left their hearts out there.

[markchal]

"We gotta find a way to be better in the first half"

"Tough league, you gotta have amnesia"

"I thought our guys played hard"

rinse and repeat

[IM4X]

Won't be the reason for the result, but nothing like an early shot from a bad shooter... not all open looks are good shots...

Ha… Try telling that to Travis.

[Xville]

I wonder what this teams record would be with a real coach.

[xavierj]

Cut fucking bait on Steele. It’s time. I do t care if we lose for another year. Something needs to change.

It won’t happen and actually next years class they will need to see through for a couple of years. I mean Ward is a 5 star now on Rivals and craft is up to 36th I believe. Similar to the class with Blueiett, JP and Sumner. Need to let that play out. Changes need to happen but if I am AD I am having a heart to heart with Travis about his approach.

https://xavier.rivals.com/commitments/basketball/2022

[drudy23]

Decisions matter - the head coach makes most of them.

[drudy23]

It won’t happen and actually next years class they will need to see through for a couple of years. I mean Ward is a 5 star now on Rivals and craft is up to 36th I believe. Similar to the class with Blueiett, JP and Sumner. Need to let that play out. Changes need to happen but if I am AD I am having a heart to heart with Travis about his approach.

“These guys can really shoot” - sound familiar?

[markchal]

It won’t happen and actually next years class they will need to see through for a couple of years. I mean Ward is a 5 star now on Rivals and craft is up to 36th I believe. Similar to the class with Blueiett, JP and Sumner. Need to let that play out. Changes need to happen but if I am AD I am having a heart to heart with Travis about his approach.

our AD sucks too, in case you haven't noticed.

Steele has had some great recruits...and he's done literally nothing with them. Why do we need to wait for him to give us the exact same thing with next year's incoming freshmen?

[Strange Brew]

"We gotta find a way to be better in the first half"

"Tough league, you gotta have amnesia"

"I thought our guys played hard"

rinse and repeat

“Did you know my FIL is on the BOT”?

[Lloyd Braun]

Not gonna lie that Scruggs 80 footer to win was really close and if it went in this thread would have been a real keeper.

[Strange Brew]

It won’t happen and actually next years class they will need to see through for a couple of years. I mean Ward is a 5 star now on Rivals and craft is up to 36th I believe. Similar to the class with Blueiett, JP and Sumner. Need to let that play out. Changes need to happen but if I am AD I am having a heart to heart with Travis about his approach.

https://xavier.rivals.com/commitments/basketball/2022

Miller could prob keep them around.

[xukeith]

Not gonna lie that Scruggs 80 footer to win was really close and if it went in this thread would have been a real keeper.

Ha!

[noteggs]

How was Edwards sat the bench since..November?? Wonders never cease

Sometimes they don’t play in a boot?

[IM4X]

Wasn’t able to watch or listen to the game. What happened to Freemantle?

Bonehead play. Fouled player then got a Technical for standing over a player. Can’t seem to control himself on the court the way Jalen couldn’t… ultimately hurting the team’s chance of winning.

[HenryMuto]

Could used that AND 1 point.

Also gave away points with the technical and the missed layup to end the half.

No idea how the game plays out if some of those things happened/didn't happen.

Tough brutal loss.

[JTG]

Well we found out Edwards needs to play and Freemantle is a f*cking clown. Watching him sitting on the bench yucking it up while his teammates were busting their asses made made me want to throw a brick at the tv. Steele needs to bench that idiot. If we can bottle that 2nd half we'll win a lot of games.Why can't Steele get that thru these guys heads. When they play focused they are a damn good team.

[xavierj]

our AD sucks too, in case you haven't noticed.

Steele has had some great recruits...and he's done literally nothing with them. Why do we need to wait for him to give us the exact same thing with next year's incoming freshmen?

He hasn’t had next year level recruits. Next years class will be the highest rated ever I believe. I also think Colby will be fine and Edwards showed some things tonight. He isn’t scared. I like the length coming in. Need to play those guys early and often next year. So starting over will still be a three or four year turn even if they can. I would rather give it a couple of years with guys coming in. Need to get Edwards to hit the weights hard. But either way Travis will be Xavier coach next year unless he resigns.

[XUBANDGRAD]

He hasn’t had next year level recruits. Next years class will be the highest rated ever I believe. I also think Colby will be fine and Edwards showed some things tonight. He isn’t scared. I like the length coming in. Need to play those guys early and often next year. So starting over will still be a three or four year turn even if they can. I would rather give it a couple of years with guys coming in. Need to get Edwards to hit the weights hard. But either way Travis will be Xavier coach next year unless he resigns.

I mean if you want to be makeshift bengals fans just say. There’s always next year guys!

[X Factor]

Sometimes they don’t play in a boot?

He's been out of the boot for a few weeks.

[xavierj]

Well we found out Edwards needs to play and Freemantle is a f*cking clown. Watching him sitting on the bench yucking it up while his teammates were busting their asses made made me want to throw a brick at the tv. Steele needs to bench that idiot. If we can bottle that 2nd half we'll win a lot of games.Why can't Steele get that thru these guys heads. When they play focused they are a damn good team.

Xavier was better before Free came back and were better tonight when he fouled out. Unless he makes shots he can’t really play. Play guys that can keep it together mentally and play hard.

[XUGRAD80]

Well that was certainly a better effort…….but how sad that the best thing that can be said is that they had improved effort?

[xavierj]

I mean if you want to be makeshift bengals fans just say. There’s always next year guys!

Not what I am saying at all. Really would rather those guys play for Xavier than Nova, Maryland, Louisville, North Carolina or Kansas.

[drudy23]

Being dead serious:

I think Steele would rather keep "my guys" happy then make a change for the betterment of the team. He's scared to death to bench Free or Hunter because he's afraid he will lose the team. The guys like him because he's not a hard ass with them. He probably needs to be a hard ass.

[Double Down]

X has 5 big men. Why didn’t Steele play all five to wear down their big men? On Scruggs last shot why weren’t all 4 remaining bigs in the game to rebound?

[OTRMUSKIE]

I mean if you want to be makeshift bengals fans just say. There’s always next year guys!

Get that shit out of here. That's a VD statement not X. Also, I would have Miller go around to the recruits and see if they think he is cool. Then when X hires him they can be like " oh hell yeah you're that cool dude"

Also did you see that stat they put up that said Steele has 13+ wins in his first 4 seasons . That's what our coaches use to avg in conference play.
And Freemantle needs to transfer. I don't want to ever criticize a college player but he has earned it. Just not a smart basketball player. Sit him and he can play as soon as he gets rid of that stupid ass facial hair or whatever he calls that.

[drudy23]

X has 5 big men. Why didn’t Steele play all five to wear down their big men? On Scruggs last shot why weren’t all 4 remaining bigs in the game to rebound?

LOL - he has a hard enough time playing 2 at once, much less 5 in one game.

If you haven't noticed, Steele is not a big guy guy.

[whopper]

I can't believe the decline in Nate Johnson productive as well as Zach from last year. Scruggs has had first Q, then Carter, now these guy seemingly forget how to play almost in the middle of a year leaving him on an island. Let's hope we can sneak into the "big dance" because maybe our teem is too sociable and bereft of individual talent to go through the Big East playing each team twice. Odom, Kunkel, Jones, now Edwards at least try to make things happen.Damn I hope something can light a fire under everyone. A couple of those Rhoden 3s were like what we saw from Nate earlier in the year with him moving to spot and hit with a pass. The most underratedly bad play tonight was Scruggs trying to pass to Colby with nothing there, Cale intercepted and went for a layup and made the road that much harder

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Well I have seen enough, like I posted earlier 9-11 in league play at best right now. We won’t win any games that are close that we shouldn’t win. He also won’t win one in the big East tourney. Settle in a 19-13 record another NIT. If he isn’t fired shame on Christopher.

[XUOWNSUC]

Well we found out Edwards needs to play and Freemantle is a f*cking clown. Watching him sitting on the bench yucking it up while his teammates were busting their asses made made me want to throw a brick at the tv. Steele needs to bench that idiot. If we can bottle that 2nd half we'll win a lot of games.Why can't Steele get that thru these guys heads. When they play focused they are a damn good team.

Yup. Can’t stand Fremantle. He’s the mentally weakest player I’ve ever seen at Xavier. His attitude sucks.

[drudy23]

I can't believe the decline in Nate Johnson productive as well as Zach from last year. Scruggs has had first Q, then Carter, now these guy seemingly forget how to play almost in the middle of a year leaving him on an island. Let's hope we can sneak into the "big dance" because maybe our teem is too sociable and bereft of individual talent to go through the Big East playing each team twice. Odom, Kunkel, Jones, now Edwards at least try to make things happen.Damn I hope something can light a fire under everyone. A couple of those Rhoden 3s were like what we saw from Nate earlier in the year with him moving to spot and hit with a pass

I don't blame Nate's struggles on Nate. I blame it on our system. We constantly see the opposing team's best shooters get looks. We never get Nate open looks. He's struggling because he is forcing shots to get himself going. If Steele could get him some open looks, it would be a different story. He's a great shooter but there's no way to expect him to make the shots he's taking consistently.

As for Freemantle, he's a complete misfit in a perimeter oriented offense. But to your point, he just hasn't played well.

Both Nate and Free would benefit greatly with more ball and people movement on the offensive end. It's just not what Steele does. He plants 4 guys at the 3 point line and let's guys create their own shots. It's simply not working.

[Masterofreality]

A simple question.
Do our Assistant Coaches screw up on the Scouting Report every game, because this is now a pattern continually every game that we’re terrible in the first half? EVERY GAME!
I’ve never seen a team so clueless and ill prepared coming out of the locker room.
Oh, and in the first half when Coach Pet Free was getting 19 non productive minutes and getting abused on defense and the backboard, where was Dionte Miles? Why do you continue to stay with a nothingburger who later became a stupidburger?

[IM4X]

We probably win today if Edwards played most of Freemantle’s minutes.

If I were the head coach of X, I’d have someone cut together the footage of every selfish, boneheaded “tough guy after the whistle’ play Zach did this season that resulted in a technical and every loose ball he did not bend to get and every 10 footer he took that clanged off the rim (when he had an open lane to the basket) in games when X lost and then add shots of his reactions on the bench showing looking proud of himself or unbothered by his actions and then I’d say, “This is why you are being benched for the first half of the next game… and when you do get in you had better show 100% effort and make decisions that are best for the team or you will come right back out of the game.

[IM4X]

I don't blame Nate's struggles on Nate. I blame it on our system. We constantly see the opposing team's best shooters get looks. We never get Nate open looks. He's struggling because he is forcing shots to get himself going. If Steele could get him some open looks, it would be a different story. He's a great shooter but there's no way to expect him to make the shots he's taking consistently.

As for Freemantle, he's a complete misfit in a perimeter oriented offense. But to your point, he just hasn't played well.

Both Nate and Free would benefit greatly with more ball and people movement on the offensive end. It's just not what Steele does. He plants 4 guys at the 3 point line and let's guys create their own shots. It's simply not working.

Yep.

[Masterofreality]

I don't blame Nate's struggles on Nate. I blame it on our system. We constantly see the opposing team's best shooters get looks. We never get Nate open looks. He's struggling because he is forcing shots to get himself going. If Steele could get him some open looks, it would be a different story. He's a great shooter but there's no way to expect him to make the shots he's taking consistently.

As for Freemantle, he's a complete misfit in a perimeter oriented offense. But to your point, he just hasn't played well.

Both Nate and Free would benefit greatly with more ball and people movement on the offensive end. It's just not what Steele does. He plants 4 guys at the 3 point line and let's guys create their own shots. It's simply not working.

100

[noteggs]

He's been out of the boot for a few weeks.

I know, but let’s throw him out after? Freshman have trouble adapting to begin with especially missing time?

[boozehound]

Yup. Can’t stand Fremantle. He’s the mentally weakest player I’ve ever seen at Xavier. His attitude sucks.

Total fake tough guy. It’s on Steele too, for not reining it in. He can set the standard as HC for what he is willing to tolerate.

[drudy23]

I know, but let’s throw him out after? Freshman have trouble adapting to begin with especially missing time?

Looked pretty adapted to me.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I have seen better ball movement and less ridiculous three point shots. But down low we still miss way too many easy shots and then we give up easy shots on the other end. It's just not working. If they do keep Steele and his 13+ wins a season he has to fire his coaching staff.

[Strange Brew]

Total fake tough guy. It’s on Steele too, for not reining it in. He can set the standard as HC for what he is willing to tolerate.

Steele is a total fake tough guy.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

There are coaches who are there just to recruit and maybe defend in practice. There are coaches who can get away with that, Self at KU has guys who aren’t there to game plan but that is Self. Steele isn’t good enough.

[drudy23]

Steele's teams are not Big East equipped. That's been purposeful on his part. He went all-in on a recruiting and offensive strategy that mimics Villanova's 4 out motion. The problem is, we don't have the shooters, the point guard, or the discipline to run it effectively. We also don't have the players that Villanova gets - different recruiting profiles.

[XUOWNSUC]

Total fake tough guy. It’s on Steele too, for not reining it in. He can set the standard as HC for what he is willing to tolerate.

Gotta love it when a guy who only has 4 points and 1 rebound while playing practically the whole game up to that point stands over an opposing player and talks trash. Then he clowns it up on the bench after fouling out.

Fremantle is such a turd.

[boozehound]

Steele is a total fake tough guy.

That’s probAbly why he like Freemantle so much, I guess.


Gotta love it when a guy who only has 4 points and 1 rebound while playing practically the whole game up to that point stands over an opposing player and talks trash. Then he clowns it up on the bench after fouling out.

Fremantle is such a turd.

Right? Zach was getting worked out there. I don’t understand how you could be taunting if you are turning in a performance like that.

This team clearly has no respect for Steele. They just do whatever the fuck they feel like.

[xudash]

we probably win today if edwards played most of freemantle’s minutes.

If i were the head coach of x, i’d have someone cut together the footage of every selfish, boneheaded “tough guy after the whistle’ play zach did this season that resulted in a technical and every loose ball he did not bend to get and every 10 footer he took that clanged off the rim (when he had an open lane to the basket) in games when x lost and then add shots of his reactions on the bench showing looking proud of himself or unbothered by his actions and then i’d say, “this is why you are being benched for the first half of the next game… and when you do get in you had better show 100% effort and make decisions that are best for the team or you will come right back out of the game.

yes!

[Lloyd Braun]

Iversion steps over a guy and he’s lauded. Free steps over a guy and he’s T’d up… can’t win these days

[xudash]

Steele's teams are not Big East equipped. That's been purposeful on his part. He went all-in on a recruiting and offensive strategy that mimics Villanova's 4 out motion. The problem is, we don't have the shooters, the point guard, or the discipline to run it effectively. We also don't have the players that Villanova gets - different recruiting profiles.

The sheer difference in size and strength with some of the opposing players shines through brightly.

Colby Jones is a keeper, but he "bounced off" a couple of their interior guys tonight while trying to play down low.

Cesare comes in and it begins to look a little difference, while actually becoming more effective.

- - - - - - - - -

Hunter. Freemantle. Johnson. Damn, what a shame.

[Lloyd Braun]

Are our Assistant’s Scouting reports trash because every game we get abused in the first half then have to adjust on the 2nd. Either the team isn’t following what is identified or there is nothing but garbage in the report. Amazing that this team is continually so underprepared.

Player development isn’t exactly a strongpoint either so there are some big questions to be asked in the off-season regardless.

[Xville]

Keeping a coach because of a recruiting class lol that’s effing hilarious. Marquette did that for 3-4 year….. f that. Get a real coach. J must be steeles fil

[sgarcia]

After getting destroyed on the glass last night I can't imagine what it's going to be like against Uconn and their giants tomorrow night.

[Xville]

Probably the most talented team in the big East against one of the best coaches in the league on a one game turnaround? What could go wrong? I guess we will see how tough our fake tough guy really is tomorrow…he should try that shit against sanogo and see what happens

[Xuperman]

After getting destroyed on the glass last night I can't imagine what it's going to be like against Uconn and their giants tomorrow night.

It was the offensive glass! 17 to 4!!! That's got to be the worst ratio this century.

[xavierj]

Keeping a coach because of a recruiting class lol that’s effing hilarious. Marquette did that for 3-4 year….. f that. Get a real coach. J must be steeles fil

I am not someone who thinks you should because of recruiting but Travis will not be fired after this year and I really want to see these guys come in. I think they can have a huge impact. I don’t think Xavier is attractive enough or pays enough to bring anyone in who can make a quick change. Probably better off to wait a couple of years and see if Travis figures it out. If not we may be screwed either way.

[Xville]

I am not someone who thinks you should because of recruiting but Travis will not be fired after this year and I really want to see these guys come in. I think they can have a huge impact. I don’t think Xavier is attractive enough or pays enough to bring anyone in who can make a quick change. Probably better off to wait a couple of years and see if Travis figures it out. If not we may be screwed either way.

I can respect that side but I completely disagree. Unless Steele changes everything about the players he recruits, plays and his offensive scheme, it won’t matter who is brought in. This kind of play doesn’t work in this conference. If we lose recruits, we lose recruits. We need a coach who understands what big East play actually is and recruit, develop and scheme around that.

Wojo brought in several 4 and 5 stars in his seven years and the results were 2 tournaments with 0 wins. I think Steele is more wojo or Willard for that matter than Hurley or wright (obviously with wright but you know what I’m saying)

[xuphan]

I am not someone who thinks you should because of recruiting but Travis will not be fired after this year and I really want to see these guys come in. I think they can have a huge impact. I don’t think Xavier is attractive enough or pays enough to bring anyone in who can make a quick change. Probably better off to wait a couple of years and see if Travis figures it out. If not we may be screwed either way.

I agree that I don’t see Steele getting fired no matter how the season turns out. However, I will be interested to see if he gets an extension this summer with his contract starting to wind down.

[bleedXblue]

You can thank our recruiting the last 3-4 years with how badly we're getting man handled on the boards. All the emphasis has been getting players who can shoot and we still cant shoot. I don't see any way out of this slump unless we start scoring the ball much, much better and limiting TO's to under 10 a game. Have to make teams earn their points for sure.

[Xville]

I agree that I don’t see Steele getting fired no matter how the season turns out. However, I will be interested to see if he gets an extension this summer with his contract starting to wind down.

If he doesn’t get one, he’s a lame duck…I think they either let him go or give him a year or two extension.

[xavierj]

He’s not great but I think he would be a whole lot better in an offense that did stuff..ya know like screens, movement, pick and rolls etc. I know crazy stuff.

Paul and Jack hooked up for like 5 pick and rolls last night. Maybe Zach isn’t capable. Hopefully Xavier gets a big athletic power forward that isn’t as soft as toilet paper in the off-season.

[Xuperman]

You can thank our recruiting the last 3-4 years with how badly we're getting man handled on the boards. All the emphasis has been getting players who can shoot and we still cant shoot. I don't see any way out of this slump unless we start scoring the ball much, much better and limiting TO's to under 10 a game. Have to make teams earn their points for sure.

The reality is....Currently, only Paul and Jack can be counted on for decent scoring numbers. In fact, they have been our only reliable 3 point shooters recently. I don't think Jones will give us any consistency from distance, so until Johnson and Kunkel can start providing that facet again, we are in a world of hurt down the stretch.

[xavierj]

I can respect that side but I completely disagree. Unless Steele changes everything about the players he recruits, plays and his offensive scheme, it won’t matter who is brought in. This kind of play doesn’t work in this conference. If we lose recruits, we lose recruits. We need a coach who understands what big East play actually is and recruit, develop and scheme around that.

Wojo brought in several 4 and 5 stars in his seven years and the results were 2 tournaments with 0 wins. I think Steele is more wojo or Willard for that matter than Hurley or wright (obviously with wright but you know what I’m saying)

I agree but the guys he is bringing in I think are different. The point guard is 6’5” and big and strong. Craft is good at all levels and Ward if he gets stronger may end up the best of them all. I actually think the guys they have coming in can be those NBA types that we are missing. Love Colby but he was not highly rated for a reason because he doesn’t have that alpha mentality. People talk about Travis recruits prior but Zach and Colby were not even top 100 rated players. In Travis first three recruiting classes he had two top 100 guys. Dwon and KyKy. This class he has three and two are top 50. It’s a different level of a class.

[boozehound]

I agree but the guys he is bringing in I think are different. The point guard is 6’5” and big and strong. Craft is good at all levels and Ward if he gets stronger may end up the best of them all. I actually think the guys they have coming in can be those NBA types that we are missing. Love Colby but he was not highly rated for a reason because he doesn’t have that alpha mentality. People talk about Travis recruits prior but Zach and Colby were not even top 100 rated players. In Travis first three recruiting classes he had two top 100 guys. Dwon and KyKy. This class he has three and two are top 50. It’s a different level of a class.

Dwon and KyKy are perhaps examples of how recruiting rankings don't necessarily translate to early production, or production at all. Much more so KyKy than Dwon, but still. I'm wary of playing the 'wait until the next class comes in' game with this staff.

[XUGRAD80]

Dwon and KyKy are perhaps examples of how recruiting rankings don't necessarily translate to early production, or production at all. Much more so KyKy than Dwon, but still. I'm wary of playing the 'wait until the next class comes in' game with this staff.

Bingo! Until players come in and develop you really don’t know what you’ve got. I’m excited about the potential that the recruits have, but I wouldn’t count on them to totally change the situation. It is the rare freshman that really comes in and dominates, most are just part time contributors at best. Even then, if they don’t continue to develop both physically and mentally they will fall behind the opposition that does. (See Freemantle). This staff has not shown to me that they can develop players.

As S. Paige said….”Even if you’re on the right track, if you stand still you’re going to get run over.”

[xavierj]

Dwon and KyKy are perhaps examples of how recruiting rankings don't necessarily translate to early production, or production at all. Much more so KyKy than Dwon, but still. I'm wary of playing the 'wait until the next class comes in' game with this staff.

Kyky was all freshman Big East. I think Johnson coming hurt him more than anything. And Dwon has been fine and is what we thought he was. He was never going to be an outside shooter but he shoots 60% from the floor. He should probably be starting at the the point and move Paul to the 2. Seems last 10 minutes last night when they made that move it worked much better.

[Xville]

Kyky was all freshman Big East. I think Johnson coming hurt him more than anything. And Dwon has been fine and is what we thought he was. He was never going to be an outside shooter but he shoots 60% from the floor. He should probably be starting at the the point and move Paul to the 2. Seems last 10 minutes last night when they made that move it worked much better.

Steele hurt kyky. Maybe kyky just loves Xavier and has some great friends there and wants a degree from there. Otherwise, I’ll never understand why he didn’t leave. Steele blamed it on his defense which is interesting since free never plays defense and plays 30 minutes a game. Different strokes for different folks apparently.

[Masterofreality]

Steele hurt kyky. Maybe kyky just loves Xavier and has some great friends there and wants a degree from there. Otherwise, I’ll never understand why he didn’t leave. Steele blamed it on his defense which is interesting since free never plays defense and plays 30 minutes a game. Different strokes for different folks apparently.

Our guards get blown by constantly on suarays to the paint.
How much worse can KyKy be?

[Masterofreality]

Dwon and KyKy are perhaps examples of how recruiting rankings don't necessarily translate to early production, or production at all. Much more so KyKy than Dwon, but still. I'm wary of playing the 'wait until the next class comes in' game with this staff.

But guys like Broering and Snow (up until he got a real job) will keep the message board account grift going forever.
I SEE STARS!!! Blahhhhhh!!

[Masterofreality]

If he doesn’t get one, he’s a lame duck…I think they either let him go or give him a year or two extension.

An publicized extension that can be bought out with zero dollars.

[Xavier]

I thought kyky didn’t leave because he didn’t have any real offers. I thought I remember seeing it was really only Western Kentucky and Vanderbilt. He sure wouldn’t help on defense but he had good flashes off getting his own shot off. Something we really need at times when Nunge isn’t carrying everything

[xavierj]

I thought kyky didn’t leave because he didn’t have any real offers. I thought I remember seeing it was really only Western Kentucky and Vanderbilt. He sure wouldn’t help on defense but he had good flashes off getting his own shot off. Something we really need at times when Nunge isn’t carrying everything

So the interesting thing with Kyky is that after this year he will still have three years if he wants it. Surely he fits the redshirt category this year or medical redshirt.

[Xville]

So the interesting thing with Kyky is that after this year he will still have three years if he wants it. Surely he fits the redshirt category this year or medical redshirt.

Hoping we have a new coach and he stays. I think with proper coaching, he could be a really good player

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Hoping we have a new coach and he stays. I think with proper coaching, he could be a really good player

I think Steele will be our coach next year, regardless of how we finish the regular season, the conference tournament and if we make the Dance or not. The forces that resulted in Steele's selection as coach were almost impossible for Christopher to resist----Steele's long tenure at X, his (presumed) success with a succession of responsibilities, our prior successful coaching hires from within the program, the overall support of his hiring within the fan base (including yours truly). Christopher would have been swimming against a strong current not to promote Steele. Those same forces, along with Steele's close connection to the board and an administrative bureaucracy that does not like "messiness" (firing him would be very messy) make it unlikely Steele will be let go until his firing is long overdue and obvious to all involved.

Unfortunately, Steele was promoted into a job for which he wasn't ready. It was a big job with historical success, lots of visibility and great pressure to succeed. He might have been fine and grown into the position, as many of us thought he would, at a smaller school without the expectations that exist here. He hasn't shown much growth. He has become indecisive and lost in his leadership. We on the board sense this. His players know this. Free is acting out of frustration. His immature behavior has become progressively worse because, I believe, Steele hasn't confronted him. I cannot think of another B.E. coach who would tolerate the stuff we have seen from Free this year, or, going back a couple of years, who would have put up with Q's nonsense. Steele is frozen. His "coach speak" using the same cliches over and over is more evidence. Some think Steele stubborn because he doesn't make changes. I say he says the same things over and refuses to make changes because he doesn't know what to do. He has lost confidence in himself and unable to make tough decisions in a profession that requires tough decisions.

I do not believe we will see this team "get right" this year. I'll bet Christopher knows this. As his boss who, I expect, interacts with him daily and observes how he interacts with his assistants and players, it has to be obvious that Steele has lost the team. If Christopher doesn't know this, he isn't very good because I think I see it with much less exposure to Steele. Nor do I think the influx of talent next year will, on its own, make a difference. Haven't we seen the very same behavior, heard the very same explanations and seen strikingly similar results every year for the last for years despite improved talent?

Further, I expect we will lose current players who will transfer out or like Nunge, simply graduate and move on with life.

He is not going to get fired. Christopher (whether or not he realizes it) is stuck with Steele. There is only one thing I can think of that might, at this point, help. It is time, as others have suggested, to hire a veteran, former head coach with a known and consistent track record, to act as a senior assistant and mentor Steele. I don't know if that will work but I see no path forward for our program (at least in the next couple of years) unless we get Steele help. It has to be someone who can handle Steele's fragility while still being strong enough to lead Steele to where he needs to be as a coach. Finding and hiring that person is a tall order. But, this program is in trouble and Steele needs help even if it is forced upon him.

In my working career I saw plenty of people promoted into jobs for which they were not ready. Many ultimately succeeded; some failed and some just existed, never truly excelling but hanging on with mediocre results. But the higher the expectations and pressure, the more likely was failure. That is where we are with Steele. I have no ill will toward him. He is a good guy, a decent person, and he doesn't deserve to fail the way he is failing. But, absent intervention, the water seems to be circling the drain.