Game Thread: Xavier v St John's University (2/16/2022)

[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/065-PLUSH-65-8-Red?$HomePageRecs_ET$


CINCINNATI --- The Xavier University Musketeers, 17-7 overall and 7-6 in the BIG EAST Conference, host the St. John's University Red Storm, 13-11 overall and 5-8 in the BIG EAST, on Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. at Cintas Center. Both teams are coming off home contests vs. Connecticut. XU defeated UConn 74-68 on Friday, while St. John's fell 63-60 on Sunday.

Xavier leads the series 14-4, including wins in 12 of the last 13 meetings. Xavier hosted St. John's in XU's first-ever BIG EAST game, defeating SJU 70-60 on Dec. 31, 2013.

THE MATCHUP

RV/RV XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (17-7, 7-6 BIG EAST)
ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY RED STORM (13-11, 5-8 BIG EAST)
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16, 2022 AT 6:30 P.M. ET
CINTAS CENTER (10,224) IN CINCINNATI, OHIO

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: CBS Sports Network with play-by-play from Jason Horowitz and analysis from Avery Johnson. The sideline reporter is AJ Ross.
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 (137), XM (202) and the SXM App. (965).

Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com (http://statbroadcast.com/) and fan stats at GoXavier.com. (https://goxavier.com/)

[xuphan]

https://c.tenor.com/8cu6fepeufkaaaac/xavier-musketeers-musketeers.gifvs.https://bkstr.scene7.com/is/image/bkstr/065-plush-65-8-red?$homepagerecs_et$


waiting for godot ?

live stats: Media stats at statbroadcast.com (http://statbroadcast.com/) and fan stats at goxavier.com. (https://goxavier.com/)

fs1?

[X-band '01]

CBS Sports Network (no MOR, not the CCCP/Kremlin channel)

[paulxu]

I was waiting for XU Sports to post the information that I load into the thread below the mascots.

[xuphan]

I was waiting for XU Sports to post the information that I load into the thread below the mascots.

Thx PaulXU!

[xukeith]

I am having 2nd thoughts about this game. Looking over SJU's away games, there really have been no blow outs. It looks like they fight hard and make it very close.
SJU beat Seton Hall away, they might beat X away.

[drudy23]

If Steele wants to start a pattern of making strides toward the end of the season vs what we've seen the past 3 years, this is where it starts. Perfect opportunity against a team you should beat at home to do just that. At some point, you have to get out of the roller coaster ride and start to put some wins together as the season closes.

Perfect opportunity with the last 3 home games.

[xuphan]

If Steele wants to start a pattern of making strides toward the end of the season vs what we've seen the past 3 years, this is where it starts. Perfect opportunity against a team you should beat at home to do just that. At some point, you have to get out of the roller coaster ride and start to put some wins together as the season closes.

Perfect opportunity with the last 3 homes games.

Totally agree!

[N67ER]

Has there been any word about Nate's condition?

[Masterofreality]

CBS Sports Network (no MOR, not the CCCP/Kremlin channel)

CBSSNCCCPCHINA NETWORK.

A network powered by mice in a treadmill and lousy cable clearance.
Thank Gawd I have Direct TV.

[Masterofreality]

Has there been any word about Nate's condition?

At Shootaround. “Allegedly” playing. Knee a bit sore but no structural damage.
Kunk or Dwon “probably” gonna start.

[GIMMFD]

I am having 2nd thoughts about this game. Looking over SJU's away games, there really have been no blow outs. It looks like they fight hard and make it very close.
SJU beat Seton Hall away, they might beat X away.

I know I'm not touching X -8 on the spread with a 10 foot pole, I don't see we in the hell we cover, I just hope we win.

[noteggs]

At Shootaround. “Allegedly” playing. Knee a bit sore but no structural damage.
Kunk or Dwon “probably” gonna start.

Don’t see Nate in layup lines

[KabeX]

Not playing

[GoMuskies]

We like to be shitty at the start of games.

[drudy23]

Shocking start.

[xu82]

We like to be shitty at the start of games.

We excel at being shitty early.

Time to turn it around! Go Kunkel!

[drudy23]

Biggest Jekyl and Hyde team in the country.

[KabeX]

Here comes the dumb stuff again.

[KabeX]

Defense absolutely atrocious tonight

[drudy23]

It doesn't feel like we're the better team.

At least not yet. We will look like the 90 Bulls coming out of halftime.

[xu82]

It doesn't feel like we're the better team.

At least not yet. We will look like the 90 Bulls coming out of halftime.

Yeah, those guys must be really old by now!

[X-band '01]

Problem is, they're playing more like Dickey Simpkins and Jason Caffey right about now.

[xuphan]

How are we playing so far? Haven’t been able to watch it up until now.

[KabeX]

How are we playing so far? Haven’t been able to watch it up until now.
I would say "not up to our potential". Lots of turnovers (mostly via SJ steals). Many SJ dunks. I think you get the picture. BUT only down 4

[drudy23]

Guess Cesare had no practice points this week.

[xuphan]

Guess Cesare had no practice points this week.

I don’t get why Edwards can’t get a series of minutes to see if he can impact the game a different way for this team.

[Xville]

I guess x forgot how to play defense. A miracle being only down 3, which I think is a good sign for the 2nd half..that’s about as well as St. John’s can play…I hope!

[TheDanimal]

The Travis Steele gravy train first half free money failstravaganza is at it again...

[drudy23]

I don’t get why Edwards can’t get a series of minutes to see if he can impact the game a different way for this team.

Well that did happen and he did impact the game.

Guess he’d rather give up 5 dunks.

[XUGRAD80]

Xavier left their defense somewhere. Hope they can find it during halftime.

[MHettel]

I think St Johns should change their team name from the “Red Storm” to “The Fucking Foul Machine that will Foul you multiple times per possession, but the refs won’t call it Storm”

So fucking annoying. Why don’t the refs call the fucking constant hands? The karate chop on Nunge under the bucket? The chest bump on Kunkle.

It’s fucking 5 on 8

[whopper]

that is their strategy. It is like years ago being in the park or Y waiting for next with 10 teams behind you..that is the mentality

[Xville]

X always seems to just let St. John’s dictate the tempo in these games. Slow the game down, make them play half court a little bit, and it’s a guaranteed win.

[xuphan]

No Nate Johnson? He hurt?

[KabeX]

No Nate Johnson? He hurt?
Sore knee

[xuphan]

Where would we be without Jack Nunge. Such a joy to watch. Hope he stays next year.

[drudy23]

At least there's lots of dunks.

[xudash]

Take it inside. That is enough with a three ball attempts.

[KabeX]

Seems like I'm in a perpetual state of head shake.

[Xville]

So this sucks

[HenryMuto]

Why do we struggle so much at home against teams we should beat ?

[xu82]

ATTACK and make FT’s.

[Strange Brew]

Why do we struggle so much at home against teams we should beat ?

No cup snake?

[xu82]

Colby was falling sideways taking that last 3. Horrible attempt.

[KabeX]

I just don't get this team. At all.

[drudy23]

If Steele wants to start a pattern of making strides toward the end of the season vs what we've seen the past 3 years, this is where it starts. Perfect opportunity against a team you should beat at home to do just that. At some point, you have to get out of the roller coaster ride and start to put some wins together as the season closes.

Perfect opportunity with the last 3 home games.

So much for this.

[drudy23]

I ask this with complete seriousness (which is scary):

Are we better than St Johns or DePaul?

[XUGRAD80]

Game over. They started well defensively but have lost it now. Can’t make a jump shot to save their lives either.

[Xville]

Unless things change in the next 5:20 it’s back to worrying about the bubble. Yay.

[Strange Brew]

The performance in conference the last for 4 years under Steele has dampened my passion for XU basketball. Just painful and predictable at this point.

[XUGRAD80]

I ask this with complete seriousness (which is scary):

Are we better than St Johns or DePaul?

No. Their athleticism is much better than Xavier’s too.

[KabeX]

I ask this with complete seriousness (which is scary):

Are we better than St Johns or DePaul?
I was asking the same question. And I don't think I like the answer.

[drudy23]

F this man - more boos - what has this program become?

[KabeX]

Getting blown out by freaking SJ at home. How low can you go Travis?

[xu82]

Who wants to talk about masks and vaccines? Maybe a little politics?

[Xville]

Scruggs is a really horrible decision maker.

[SM#24]

Why do we struggle so much at home against teams we should beat ?
Poor coaching

[OTRMUSKIE]

Fire Steele right now. I mean what do you have to lose.

[whopper]

Colby Jones will not shoot! So many issues tonight and nothing to do with Nate Johnson. That pass from Jack to Zach was so soft. Damn and St Johns playing so free. I dont know what to say

[SM#24]

I just don't get this team. At all.
It’s poor coaching.

[XUBANDGRAD]

F this man - more boos - what has this program become?

The boos are completely warranted.

[drudy23]

Apathy is worse than anger.

I've heard many many fans say they're losing interest and have accepted a new reality. Not good.

[SM#24]

I ask this with complete seriousness (which is scary):

Are we better than St Johns or DePaul?
No, their coach vs. our coach is a larger gap than our players vs. theirs.

[TheDanimal]

Just getting comprehensively beaten by a lower tier conference opponent at home... ho hum... another day in Steele world..

[drudy23]

The boos are completely warranted.

I wasn't angry they were booing.

We are two likely road losses away from the bubble. It's unacceptable (the bubble that is, not the booing).

[XUBANDGRAD]

Apathy is worse than anger.

I've heard many many fans say they're losing interest and have accepted a new reality. Not good.

Just look at the damn Facebook group. So many people are okay with this

[kellernr]

The boos are completely warranted.Steele has turned the Cintas Center into an easy win for opponents now.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

[Strange Brew]

Miller's available tomorrow. Just a phone call away...

[KabeX]

We're gonna lose by 20+. This is a freakin NIT team.

[Xuperman]

When you drop CINTAS GAMES vs DePaul and SJU, all the fire Steele crowd is extremely justified. The Dark Side is now in full control.

[Lloyd Braun]

Just getting comprehensively beaten by a lower tier conference opponent at home... ho hum... another day in Steele world..

Perhaps X is lower tier too. Perhaps…

[whopper]

this is scary and we did not really show much fight.surprised at the effort

[drudy23]

We are a fish out of water in this conference. It just ain't working with this philosophy.

We are finesse in a junk yard dawg world.

[KabeX]

It's mid Feb and we have zero reason to be confident. I mean nothing. This team could legitimately lose every remaining game INCLUDING G-town

[A Fan]

Perhaps X is lower tier too. Perhaps…

Can anybody explain why Kunkel is still on the court?

[Xville]

Another quad 3 loss… that should help the resume. 5 games left..wonder which Xavier team will show up to those? Can’t lose another home game and have to win 1 of the away games.

Pretty sick of watching Steele coached teams

[xuphan]

Unless things change in the next 5:20 it’s back to worrying about the bubble. Yay.

This game won’t put us on the bubble. It will hurt our seeding though.

[HenryMuto]

Two bad home losses now this year that is going to hurt the seed come March

[KabeX]

Two bad home losses now this year that is going to hurt the seed come March
Not worried about that at all. Worried about even getting in.

[xuphan]

Can anybody explain why Kunkel is still on the court?

Free Cesare!

[drudy23]

This game won’t put us on the bubble. It will hurt our seeding though.

What about after our likely 2 road losses coming up at Marquette and UConn?

Puts us 2 games below .500 in conference. It's unacceptable.

It's pretty obvious this team is very average and that our concern about not making the tournament, yet again, is a very real possibility.

[Strange Brew]

Free Cesare!

Free the program of this coach!

[LOLmickcronin]

When you drop CINTAS GAMES vs DePaul and SJU, all the fire Steele crowd is extremely justified. The Dark Side is now in full control.

I’m officially in that group as of today for that reason. Losing to the bottom of the league at home is inexcusable especially when it’s not like you done need to be stacking wins at this point. Other teams get better throughout the season steeles get worse. Steele recruits highly ranked recruits with good measurables who aren’t really basketball players. And that don’t compliment each other at all. So even his best trait is worthless. Even if it sets the program back a few years we need to end the Steele purgatory after this year.

[KabeX]

This game won’t put us on the bubble. It will hurt our seeding though.
No but the next 4 - 5 Ls will. Who sees a W in the remaining schedule except for GT?

[IM4X]

No NCAA tournament appearances for three years.
Losing to St John’s and DePaul at home

This is definitely not Xavier basketball meeting expectations. Come on Steele.

[xukeith]

Xavier Basketball- Its fantastic! Aren't we glad we play in BE?

[xumadman]

The sky is falling. That was the worst loss so far. Completely unjustified. No heart. With a Jack Nunge, freemantle, and a 5th year Paul Scruggs and you lose to arguably the worst team in the league by double digits on your home court. Laughable.

[KabeX]

No NCAA tournament appearances for three years.
Losing to St John’s and DePaul at home

This is definitely not Xavier basketball meeting expectations. Come on Steele.

Perennial Underachievement. Perpetual Frustration.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Went up 57-56 with 11:52 left followed by SJU going on a 30-16 run to win comfortably.

[Xville]

Not worried about that at all. Worried about even getting in.

Yep exactly. Can’t lose this game when you got aways games against UConn and providence next . Back to Steele mediocre .500 conference basketball.. yay

[xuphan]

The sky is falling. That was the worst loss so far. Completely unjustified. No heart. With a Jack Nunge, freemantle, and a 5th year Paul Scruggs and you lose to arguably the worst team in the league by double digits on your home court. Laughable.

Georgetown?

[KabeX]

Georgetown?
... is not a guaranteed W. No game is for this team.

[drudy23]

Seriously, we play Providence and UConn the next 2 games.

We will likely be 17-10. That ain't comfortable.

No way we are a lock if that happens. Squarely on the bubble AND in the bottom 4th of the league if that happens.

There is no way another collapse can give him any guarantees as coach. It can't happen.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Season is over, last thing we need is for this team to sneak in the dance and Tbey bring Steele back. He has to be fired. I hope he goes to another school and wins 10 titles. He just isn't doing it here. He suX. Bengals and now this BS. The Reds are going to blow too. I dream of the days of Skip And up until Steele, he was the worse coach Xavier had in my 46 years on this earth.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I posted before, 9-11 conference record and a first round loss of the tourney. They are NIT bound at 19-13, convince me I am wrong. This is the last three years, rinse and repeat.

[xuphan]

Any who listened to this on radio, what do Joe and Byron say about this team? Do they seem frustrated when they call the game when we are struggling at all? I can’t imagine Byron being to thrilled about how this team is playing.

[Masterofreality]

Steele has now been out coached by Mike Anderson and Tony Stubblefield at Cintas Center, despite Steele having superior talent.
Looking like 7-9 going into Seton Hall at home and we hurtin folks.

[Xville]

Last thing I’ll say about what we just witnessed: I’m really fucking sick of watching Steele coached Xavier teams, and I’m tired of hearing excuses for him and the performance of this program for the last almost four years now.

[drudy23]

Byron will never say it on air, but you can hear it in his voice.

I'd love to know his real thoughts on the trajectory of this program. I don't know the guy, but I am can almost guarantee he doesn't recognize this program.

[OTRMUSKIE]

If they go to the NIT, it better be with Sean Miller bc I want Steele to have his bags packed as soon as they lose the first game of the BEAST. I tell you what, it's nice not having any emotion after losses. So for that, I thank you Steele.

[XU 23]

I'd rather have Ewing as our coach than Steele. It's that bad.


Obviously I'm joking, but wow do we suck.

[XUGRAD80]

This game won’t put us on the bubble. It will hurt our seeding though.

No, but a few more games like this and a 1st round loss in the conf. tourney sure will…..and right now I’d say that is more likely than not.

[KabeX]

If the rest of the season plays out how it looks to me then we really at a crossroads. No check that. We're stuck on the freakin tracks with a big ole locomotive bearing down on us. Christopher is gonna have to make a decision. This can't continue.

[xuphan]

No, but a few more games like this and a 1st round loss in the conf. tourney sure will…..and right now I’d say that is more likely than not.

I hear you but it is so hard to tell with this team. We played great against UCONN and we lay an egg against St Johns. This team is so hot and cold that I could see them sneak out a win against UCONN or providence. I could also see them lose these two games as well. So hard to tell which Xavier team will show up in the second half.

[XUGRAD80]

Any who listened to this on radio, what do Joe and Byron say about this team? Do they seem frustrated when they call the game when we are struggling at all? I can’t imagine Byron being to thrilled about how this team is playing.

He is continually harping on their lack of emotion and fire, along with their inability to score from the outside. Neither Byron or Joe sound like they like what they are seeing in any way.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I still think they win 2 more, but that coupled with a loss to a bottom team in New York will do it. No way we keep a coach doing that three years running. Especially if it’s to DePaul or Butler again, with the way those two teams are playing we lose that game.

[Masterofreality]

Get ready for board meltdown in a week. On the cusp of 7-9 and declining due to other teams scouting us and us not developing and improving. Same stuff different year.
Travis Steele has now been out coached and has lost IN CINTAS CENTER to Mike Anderson and Tony Stubblefield who have severely lower talent levels.
Our lack of shooting is a direct result of our simplistic scheme, lack of movement and zero effort to change up tempo. Steele is who he is and not getting better. His team is again getting worse the longer the season goes.
Disgusting.

[xuphan]

Thanks!

[XUOWNSUC]

Travis now 30 - 33 in Big East play. Please get rid of him Xavier!

[OTRMUSKIE]

We love you coach Miller and on behalf of 79% of the fan base I just want to say thank you for everything you have done. I can't wait to pick
you up in a 2023 Buick. Have you seen them lately? They are so much better then when you left. So, in honor of our love for you I have put my favorite pictures of you as coach of Xavier. Brings us back to the promise land!!!

He is so handsome here
https://goxavier.com/images/2005/7/26/205667.jpeg?width=300

Here he is thinking about his 2008 Buick
https://www.bostonherald.com/wp-content/uploads/migration/2009/03/26/34216a4e6b_miller_03262009.jpg

Here is his 2008 Buick Lucerne looking super clean
https://hips.hearstapps.com/autoweek/assets/s3fs-public/70705004.jpg

[Masterofreality]

Postgame:
“We lost our rhythm” “As soon as they went zone, that’s what took us out of our rhythm.”
Hmmmmm. You are supposed to have a team drilled to handle a zone, right Coach?
Joe and Byron are not going to ask tough question, so you aren’t gonna get anything else from that trash.
After this weekend, the Travis Steele Show should be really fun next Monday.

[xuphan]

Byron will never say it on air, but you can hear it in his voice.

I'd love to know his real thoughts on the trajectory of this program. I don't know the guy, but I am can almost guarantee he doesn't recognize this program.


Travis now 30 - 33 in Big East play. Please get rid of him Xavier!


Postgame:
“We lost our rhythm” “As soon as they went zone, that’s what took us out of our rhythm.”
Hmmmmm. You are supposed to have a team drilled to handle a zone, right Coach?
Joe and Byron are not going to ask tough question, so you aren’t gonna get anything else from that trash.
After this weekend, the Travis Steele Show should be really fun next Monday.

Does anyone ask Steele any tough questions?

[drudy23]

Postgame:
“We lost our rhythm” “As soon as they went zone, that’s what took us out of our rhythm.”
Hmmmmm. You are supposed to have a team drilled to handle a zone, right Coach?
Joe and Byron are not going to ask tough question, so you aren’t gonna get anything else from that trash.
After this weekend, the Travis Steele Show should be really fun next Monday.

I'll save you the torture:

"We just gotta figure it out man"
"We cant get pushed around man"

MEAN MUG

"You cant do that in this league man"
"Shots will fall man"
"Oh yeah, we cant get pushed around man"

MEAN MUG PART 2

"Cesare has been unbelievable in practice man"

FUCK THIS!!!

[KabeX]

https://www.caranddriver.com/buick/encore

This is the all new Buick ENCORE. It's small but perhaps the most appropriate model for our former and next coach.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Yea we ask them all the time he just doesn't answer them

[OTRMUSKIE]

https://www.caranddriver.com/buick/encore

This is the all new Buick ENCORE. It's small but perhaps the most appropriate model for our former and next coach.

It's not as good as his 2008 Buick Lucerne but we have taken a few Lumps the last few years so I think an encore is prob about what we can give him.

[XUGRAD80]

I don’t care one bit what he says in the answer to any question. I only care about how this team plays.

[whopper]

I think everyone has to look in the mirror and make some changes. Both Colby and Paul dribble under the basket like Steve Nash but the results are not there, nothing happens and if it does it is usually bad. We cant be scared of getting our shots blocked anymore..if we get close and dont shoot the other team wins. Zach has got to try to root out some offensive rebounds (so does Jack). Posting up means you are always getting boxed out. That has to change. We have not been coming up with more than 25% of 50/50 balls. Cesare has to get minutes maybe in place of Huner? I have no answers but am hopeful for the next week. why i dont know

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Get ready for board meltdown in a week. On the cusp of 7-9 and declining due to other teams scouting us and us not developing and improving. Same stuff different year.
Travis Steele has now been out coached and has lost IN CINTAS CENTER to Mike Anderson and Tony Stubblefield who have severely lower talent levels.
Our lack of shooting is a direct result of our simplistic scheme, lack of movement and zero effort to change up tempo. Steele is who he is and not getting better. His team is again getting worse the longer the season goes.
Disgusting.

I could just say "I agree" and push submit.

But, then I would not get to vent. What has happened to this team? We had such pride in this program over so many years. Now it has become really hard to watch a game from start to finish. Under Steele we now have established a culture of fading once conference play starts. We lose to teams we should beat while becoming Nova's Bitch. What's not to like?


It doesn't feel good to call for an individual's firing but Steele isn't getting better. X isn't getting better. X must take action.

Honestly, I would take Mike Anderson or Tony Stubblefield over Travis right now with zero hesitation.

[sgarcia]

If this team continues to play poorly for the rest of the season then I'll take my chances with someone else at the helm next year. Hopefully the higher ups see it the same way.

[LOLmickcronin]

I think everyone has to look in the mirror and make some changes. Both Colby and Paul dribble under the basket like Steve Nash but the results are not there, nothing happens and if it does it is usually bad. We cant be scared of getting our shots blocked anymore..if we get close and dont shoot the other team wins. Zach has got to try to root out some offensive rebounds (so does Jack). Posting up means you are always getting boxed out. That has to change. We have not been coming up with more than 25% of 50/50 balls. Cesare has to get minutes maybe in place of Huner? I have no answers but am hopeful for the next week. why i dont know

Dead on about paul and Colby. Love paul but both these guys are so similar. Good measurables but have no secondary basketball moves. They take it to the basket but can only finish if they’re on someone smaller and less athletic. Then they get stuck there and have no up and under or ball fake skills or any other move. Then they (especially Colby) just stop the ball for 2-3 seconds bc they don’t have good court vision either and the ball dies. Or they just turn it over.

[OTRMUSKIE]

If this team continues to play poorly for the rest of the season then I'll take my chances with someone else at the helm next year. Hopefully the higher ups see it the same way.

This team has player poorly for 4 years now. It's not getting any better. It's over and now we are going to have to prolong the season with a stupid NIT bid. I'm not sure I have ever missed an X game on purpose but I'm missing that one.

[KabeX]

It's not as good as his 2008 Buick Lucerne but we have taken a few Lumps the last few years so I think an encore is prob about what we can give him.
An Encore for an Encore

[SkyWalker]

Look on the bright side,,,This may be next years team without Paul and Nate of course.

[Masterofreality]

Any who listened to this on radio, what do Joe and Byron say about this team? Do they seem frustrated when they call the game when we are struggling at all? I can’t imagine Byron being to thrilled about how this team is playing.

Their main comment during the game was that “Paul Scruggs and Xavier as a whole look Tired”.
Wow. This team hasn’t played for 4 days to today. And they’re tired?

I agree with that. Either This team isn’t well conditioned or Steele is running them too hard in late season practices. Could the fact that Matt Jennings isn’t directly working with these guys make a difference?

Also Byron noted “a lack of confidence” when on offense.
Maaayyybeee it’s because there is a lack of drilling of an organized scheme on O where guys are confident on where they should be and what they should be doing? The continued standing around and lack of quick movement with purpose is striking to me.

They won’t overly criticize tho. They like their jobs.

[Masterofreality]

Look on the bright side,,,This may be next years team without Paul and Nate of course.

Jack Nunge is in grad school. He might say enough of this iish after one year.

[SkyWalker]

Jack Nunge is in grad school. He might say enough of this iish after one year.

So may some others.

[xumadman]

Travis Steele has had 3 years of "gotta find 5 guys who are going to defend." That is the bottom line. We have yet to improve throughout a season with his leadership. I think this team has top 3 big east talent and are playing nowhere near their ability late in the season. I'm sad for our program.

[sgarcia]

This team has player poorly for 4 years now. It's not getting any better. It's over and now we are going to have to prolong the season with a stupid NIT bid. I'm not sure I have ever missed an X game on purpose but I'm missing that one.

A lot of us know this. We know Steele's BE record. We know his record in non buy games. The big wigs need to put their big boy pants on make the move if it ends poorly next month.

[Masterofreality]

Cesare has to get minutes maybe in place of Huner? I have no answers but am hopeful for the next week. why i dont know

We got very little from Free tonight and zero out of Hunter. We got drilled.
Cesare has played 1 freaking minute in the last two games and zero tonight. Dude may be getting the idea, like past others have, that Steele doesn’t trust him. That is not a good recipe going forward.
What the hell do you have to lose by playing him? If you won’t trust him at this point in the year with even a few minutes, then why recruit him?

[xumadman]

"Got to find 5 guys to defend" in FEB = I have failed as a coach.

[bjf123]

Apathy is worse than anger.

I've heard many many fans say they're losing interest and have accepted a new reality. Not good.

Yep. I’m rapidly approaching the attitude I had with the Bengals when I dropped my season tickets 5 or 6 years ago after more than 30 years. It got to where I expected to see a loss every game and no longer cared. At this point, I might drop my X tickets and go back to the Bengals. It’s about the same cost.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Backyard Champ]

We got very little from Free tonight and zero out of Hunter. We got drilled.
Cesare has played 1 freaking minute in the last two games and zero tonight. Dude may be getting the idea, like past others have, that Steele doesn’t trust him. That is not a good recipe going forward.
What the hell do you have to lose by playing him? If you won’t trust him at this point in the year with even a few minutes, then why recruit him?

“We got little out of Free”

10 points 4 rebounds 4 assists. You think bringing in Edwards over that production changes the outcome? Lol get out of here. Our bigs were not the problem tonight.

Our guards got bullied defensively all game. None of them could find something offensively. I just don’t understand what people think Edwards would have brought that we didn’t have already

[OTRMUSKIE]

I was told Sean Miller was in the stands Vs UCONN, is that true?

[Masterofreality]

“We got little out of Free”

10 points 4 rebounds 4 assists. You think bringing in Edwards over that production changes the outcome? Lol get out of here. Our bigs were not the problem tonight.

Our guards got bullied defensively all game. None of them could find something offensively. I just don’t understand what people think Edwards would have brought that we didn’t have already

Dude, Freemantle’s defense and effort was pathetic. We got out rebounded by 5 by a smaller team. That’s lousy effort. He didn’t get a single 50/50 ball. And he got his 10 and 4 in THIRTY FIVE MINUTES. His guy Coburn scored 13 in only 15 minutes. Zach was a net minus. Edwards could have taken a few of those and maybe defended better.
What about Hunter’s minutes? I wasn’t saying you give Edwards 20 minutes, but how about 5 in the first half and 5 second to see if he gave anything? Couldn’t have been worse.

[boozehound]

Man did our guards get bitch slapped tonight. I agree that the bigs played fairly well, minus Nunge’s FT and 3pt shooting. Very little guard production. When you give up 80+ at home, the real problem is usually defense.

[Backyard Champ]

Dude, his defense and effort was pathetic. He didn’t get a single 50/50 ball.
What about Hunter’s minutes? I wasn’t saying you give Edwards 20 minutes, but how about 5 in the first half and 5 second?

Okay dude. You think Edwards would have been a better fit tonight than Freemantle. Our bigs had nothing to do with that loss. The guards played horribly. Edwards is not a fix for bad guard play. Hunter can move quicker defensively than Edwards. And can somewhat shoot and also drive. Edwards is a weaker freemantle offensively.

I don’t hate Edwards and think he has potential. But the posters think that he should have played tonight and would have proved the difference maker are just insane.

Seriously what does 5 minutes of Edwards a half change, when our bigs weren’t the issue?

[EastCoastXman]

There was a time after we joined the league that we were clearly the second best team in the league behind Nova. That has vanished under Steele. And no team fears there trip to Cintas.

[X Factor]

Four years and Steele STILL doesn't have a team who can shoot!!

DePaul and St. John's were both way more athletic than Xavier.

Cesare scores 8 points in 10 minutes, and then doesn't see the court in the next two games. PRACTICE POINTS!!!

I don't care how good of a recruiter Steele is, he is going to turn them into terrible shooters because his offense sucks.

Way to lose to DePaul and St. John's on your home court Steele. When are you going to own up to these terrible losses?

[UCGRAD4X]

Okay dude. You think Edwards would have been a better fit tonight than Freemantle. Our bigs had nothing to do with that loss. The guards played horribly. Edwards is not a fix for bad guard play. Hunter can move quicker defensively than Edwards. And can somewhat shoot and also drive. Edwards is a weaker freemantle offensively.

I don’t hate Edwards and think he has potential. But the posters think that he should have played tonight and would have proved the difference maker are just insane.

Seriously what does 5 minutes of Edwards a half change, when our bigs weren’t the issue?

What could it hurt?

[Masterofreality]

Okay dude. You think Edwards would have been a better fit tonight than Freemantle. Our bigs had nothing to do with that loss. The guards played horribly. Edwards is not a fix for bad guard play. Hunter can move quicker defensively than Edwards. And can somewhat shoot and also drive. Edwards is a weaker freemantle offensively.

I don’t hate Edwards and think he has potential. But the posters think that he should have played tonight and would have proved the difference maker are just insane.

Seriously what does 5 minutes of Edwards a half change, when our bigs weren’t the issue?

Ok. Who was guarding Aaron Wheeler? FREEMANTLE when Wheeler was in. Wheeler outscored Freemantle 11-10 in only 25 minutes. Why not try some Cesare defense on him? Give the kid a chance when your other guys are negatives.
I guess you’re going to blame GUARD Colby Jones? Course that is Steele’s decision to try to have him guard Champagnie. That worked out well. Maybe having a bigger and more athletic kid on Champagnie may have helped?
We’ll never know.

[Backyard Champ]

What could it hurt?

I just don’t know what bringing in a freshman big does to change the game. Think he outperforms Free’s 10-4-4?

*Our guards are blowing the game, our bigs are playing fine*

Some Xavier fans: “let’s bring in our soft freshman big to see if it can change the game”

[Backyard Champ]

Ok. Who was guarding Aaron Wheeler? FREEMANTLE when Wheeler was in. Wheeler outscored Freemantle 11-10 in only 25 minutes. Why not try some Cesare defense on him? Give the kid a chance when your other guys are negatives.
I guess you’re going to blame GUARD Colby Jones? Course that is Steele’s decision to try to have him guard Champagnie. That worked out well. Maybe having a bigger and more athletic kid on Champagnie may have helped?
We’ll never know.

Yeah agree Colby played a horrible game defensively. Had some bad turnovers that led to easy buckets too. Not sure why the focus is on bringing in Edwards.

And I don’t put Cesare On him because he’s slow defensively- even slower than Free. I suppose the only argument would be that Cesare isn’t afraid to foul like Fremantle is. I actually like bringing in Cesare to throw some fouls around.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Once again why is Steele consider a great recruiter? Who has he recruiter that has been great or even really good?

[X Factor]

Just read 21 out of St. John's 37 baskets were layups or dunks!

Steele: "We gotta be better, man."

[markchal]

I get that we got lucky with our hot streak of hires but damn.

Travis Steele has ruined Xavier basketball.

I have zero faith in Christopher making the proper hire to fix it, either (please call Miller)

[TUclutch]

I get that we got lucky with our hot streak of hires but damn.

Travis Steele has ruined Xavier basketball.

I have zero faith in Christopher making the proper hire to fix it, either (please call Miller)

Give me Mack over Miller every day.

[markchal]

Give me Mack over Miller every day.

I disagree but would absolutely take Mack back in a second over the mediocre program Steele turned us into

[IM4X]

I hear you but it is so hard to tell with this team. We played great against UCONN and we lay an egg against St Johns. This team is so hot and cold that I could see them sneak out a win against UCONN or providence. I could also see them lose these two games as well. So hard to tell which Xavier team will show up in the second half.

Yep. Think we’ve see 1 game in the past 10 where X played two halves of good basketball. I just don’t get it and unfortunately it seems apparent neither does Travis.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Steele has had four seasons. Zero ncaa tourneys, one good Big East tourney run with no result. He get to finish this season out but we already know the result. Four dry years equals a coaching search. Anything else is a failure for Christopher. The team isn’t prepared, in game changes are largely poor. They do make good half time adjustment but so does everyone else.

9-11, this team wins two games if they can play Georgetown twice.

[Masterofreality]

More postgame Steele:

“ Xavier's inability to handle adversity late in the game was glaring.
"I didn't think we handled adversity well enough tonight," said Steele. "And I thought that was honestly the determining factor in the game." ”

One more strike against this system. A bunch of Milquetoasts when the going gets tough.
Nice guy Steele ain’t cutting it.

[IM4X]

Give me Mack over Miller every day.

No Mack. No way. No thank you! Next idea.

[Masterofreality]

Yeah agree Colby played a horrible game defensively. Had some bad turnovers that led to easy buckets too. Not sure why the focus is on bringing in Edwards.

And I don’t put Cesare On him because he’s slow defensively- even slower than Free. I suppose the only argument would be that Cesare isn’t afraid to foul like Fremantle is. I actually like bringing in Cesare to throw some fouls around.

Cesare is 6:9. Colby is 6:5. Champagnie is 6:8. Free never guarded Champagnie because Steele knew he’d get abused.
Colby would have been more effective on Coburn. So how much more damage could have been done with a few minutes from Cesare?

[IM4X]

I disagree but would absolutely take Mack back in a second over the mediocre program Steele turned us into

Again… No to Mack. No way. No how. Next idea.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Hell no on Mack!!!! He ditched us for his dream job. He is a POS. Since Miller was in the stands last Friday with former players do you think they made sure not to acknowledge he was there because they knew the crowd would explode and they didn't want to hurt Steeles feelings? Man the more I think about it, we need to tank, which shouldn't be hard, all they have to do is keep playing the same way. Man next year is going to be so exciting!! Im pumped up!!

[XUBison]

…DePaul and St. John's were both way more athletic than Xavier…

This ^^^^^^

We look like a mid-major against BE teams. This didn’t used to be the case. I remember when we went to Mich and whooped the Wolverines. I think it was Andy Katz who was stunned at how big and physical we were, and how badly we beat them down.

I also remember seeing Doelman on a close -up shot while shooting free throws at the beginning of his soph or junior year, and he looked like the thing that ate Justin Doelman.

We tried to keep up with SJU’s athletic ability and physicality tonight, and they ultimately wore us down to a nub. Ugh.

What the hell happened? Why is Free a b1+ch instead of a damn bully? Are we afraid some muscles will interfere with our pretty jumpers? What the hell is this?

[GoMuskies]

We're not very good.

[IM4X]

We were atrocious on defense from start to finish. Despite Steele’s ability to fix this glaring issue, X was still in the game. Then for some idiotic reason the offensive strategy changed to trying to one of jack up 3s in the second half… I am assuming Mr “Eventually they will fall” Steele gave them the green light to do so and the result (not surprisingly) was shooting 1 of 12 and effectively removing any chance X had to win the game.

They looked tired and out of position on defense all night.

I will say that this X team is not as bad a team as they looked tonight. It was poor strategy, bad decisions, poor defense and effort and just playing without any sense of a killer instinct hurt this tram tonight. They can still turn this around and be good, but it says quite a lot about Steele that the defense and decision making became even worse late in the game.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Like it or not, it is on the staff to come up with a plan and convince the players to execute that plan. If that fails, it’s on the staff that either plan failed or they failed to put the right players on the court to have it executed.

I would burn it down after this season and begin again. I have never been a fan of hiring retreads. Regardless, Steele isn’t moving forward and it doesn’t pass the eye test of moving forward anytime soon. Things have regressed so if you think it’s Miller or Mack again fine, but we need something new. Unfortunately if you want to keep a recruit or two, a Miller type hire might be necessary. It would show them we mean business about winning.

On Miller, it would be a Sampson kind of redemption. I doubt anyone at Houston cares about his crap at Indiana.

[xuphan]

"Got to find 5 guys to defend" in FEB = I have failed as a coach.

Yet I bet we see the same 5 guys start unless Nate is healthy and the same rotation. Edwards must get abused by Free in practice not to get a sniff of the court.

[Xville]

Free can’t or refuses to play defense. He’s a net negative every single game unless he scores 30. To some on here, do you think the game is played on only one side of the court? Apparently Steele think so, because that’s the only logistical reason for free continuing to start and play as much as he does.

Real interesting that kyky couldn’t see the court last year because of his d according to this crap coach yet free gets to do whatever the hell he wants and never gets pulled.

If I’m certain members of this roster, I’m putting out feelers for next year before this coach ruins my career.

[hoopster68]

In attendance last night to see players consistently out of position, rarely get 50/50 balls, terrible interior passing & getting beat down the court time after time. No leadership on or off the court. Time for a coaching change; may lose recruits but this is a result of a three + year bad experiment.

[whopper]

we have road games at Providence, UConn, St Johns and of course MUST win one and preferably 2. I know that seems ridiculous after last night but i must remain hopeful. We had BETTER be the hungrier team and back to the drawing board this year. No need to knock individual players because they KNOW if they played poorly and there should be no better motivator. Damn and actually the worst loss was Providence as we had a 2 pt lead and forced Durham into a miss with a bail out where he hit both. Last night was not a game when you can point to any turning point..a routine loss.

[Masterofreality]

What does it say when your best win in the last month came after Sean Miller addressed the team and was in the house???
Some guy demands attention, and some guy doesn’t anymore?

[boozehound]

We're not very good.

Pretty much sums it up. The fact that I'm not even really mad, or surprised, at a home loss against St. John's tells me how far this program has fallen under Travis Steele.

[Blue Blooded-05]

What does it say when your best win in the last month came after Sean Miller addressed the team and was in the house???
Some guy demands attention, and some guy doesn’t anymore?

Wait... So I have seen/heard a few comments about Miller being in the house the other night but this is the first I have heard about him addressing the team. Why would Steele allow him to address the team?

What’s the full story?

[Masterofreality]

No less than Sean Miller is backing up what I’ve said about this team being Milquetoasts.
A team is a reflection of their coach and Nice Guy, Player Friend Travis Steele isn’t getting it done.
He’s lousy at tough love. You can’t preach toughness in a press conference.
This clip is revealing:

https://twitter.com/paulfritschner/status/1494175637392830465?s=21

[xuphan]

No less than Sean Miller is backing up what I’ve said about this team being Milquetoasts.
A team is a reflection of their coach and Nice Guy, Player Friend Travis Steele isn’t getting it done.
He’s lousy at tough love. You can’t preach toughness in a press conference.
This clip is revealing:

https://twitter.com/paulfritschner/status/1494175637392830465?s=21

100% agree. I still think Steele should have brought in a former head coach onto his coaching staff to help him work through game management. The assistants he has now seem like yes men which hasn’t helped him as a coach.

[Final4]

No less than Sean Miller is backing up what I’ve said about this team being Milquetoasts.
A team is a reflection of their coach and Nice Guy, Player Friend Travis Steele isn’t getting it done.
He’s lousy at tough love. You can’t preach toughness in a press conference.
This clip is revealing:

https://twitter.com/paulfritschner/status/1494175637392830465?s=21

WE GET IT…….you don’t like Steele. How many times are you going to say the same thing over and over again? Do you think your opinion matters? Do you think if you keep repeating the same thing it may somehow become reality? If we lose every remaining game for the balance of this year do you think Travis will be fired? That’s a YES or NO question.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Wow, he is almost campaigning for the job at this point. It was a very fair assessment. These end of season collapses are either failure of coaching adjustments or a failure of the player leaders to get the team up for games. In our case I think it’s both.

[Xville]

WE GET IT…….you don’t like Steele. How many times are you going to say the same thing over and over again? Do you think your opinion matters? Do you think if you keep repeating the same thing it may somehow become reality? If we lose every remaining game for the balance of this year do you think Travis will be fired? That’s a YES or NO question.

Do you think Sean millers opinion matters, ya know someone who has been successful and know what it takes? I sure think millers opinion matters.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

WE GET IT…….you don’t like Steele. How many times are you going to say the same thing over and over again? Do you think your opinion matters? Do you think if you keep repeating the same thing it may somehow become reality? If we lose every remaining game for the balance of this year do you think Travis will be fired? That’s a YES or NO question.

I say yes on that. Go 0-6 and 0-1 in the BE tourney should do it. If it doesn’t, Steele will lose recruits for sure. No player want to consistently miss the tourney.

[Masterofreality]

WE GET IT…….you don’t like Steele. How many times are you going to say the same thing over and over again? Do you think your opinion matters? Do you think if you keep repeating the same thing it may somehow become reality? If we lose every remaining game for the balance of this year do you think Travis will be fired? That’s a YES or NO question.

No. Because this administration won’t do it. Unless there is a mass exodus of donations and STH’s (which is possible) And I can’t be critical?
I guess you like substandard performances like losing to DePaul and St. John’s while playing soft?? I’m sure you enjoy the Coachspeak cliches after every loss. How many years of missing an NCAA is enough for you Mr. Snark? 4,5,6,8? Rinse repeat
Listen to the clip. I merely reposted it.

I still say #DanceOrDepart but Christopher and admins won’t do it. Christopher stuck with bad women’s coaches for too long cause he hates to be wrong. When donors and STH’s depart, he’ll be forced to move.

[American X]

For all the great things Jack Nunge does, he misses a lot of point blank shots and get blocked more than any seven-footer I have seen. He could use some of the girth that Matt Stainbrook dropped, along with his toughness.

As for our guards, what's this ole shit? They look like revolving doors.

If it did not feel like a prison beating for a Xavier fans, the passing, fluidity and fast-break scoring of St. John's would have been pleasant basketball to watch. Put a five on them to win the Big East Tournament.

[bleedXblue]

Well, what we feared is unfolding.

Bobinski left and he was really the glue that held this program together. He had the Midas touch with coaching decisions. A new guy comes in and hires the wrong guy and now (from what I am hearing) wont want to part ways with him after 4 years of mediocre performance.

You can clearly see the trajectory of this program.

I cant stomach the style of play and recruiting gaps that Steele has installed.

He veered too far from what worked for 25+ years.

[GoMuskies]

Fogelson did a helluva job with his basketball hires as well.

[sgarcia]

Since Steele started as HC, Xavier has the 6th best record in BE play at 30-33 (I am not counting Uconn since they just joined). That is 6th out of 10 teams. They've finished T-3, T-6, 7th and currently 6th trending down. We've beat out Butler, St. John's, Georgetown (who at least won a BE tournament) and Depaul. Not what we've come to expect from this program.

[drudy23]

Well, what we feared is unfolding.

Bobinski left and he was really the glue that held this program together. He had the Midas touch with coaching decisions. A new guy comes in and hires the wrong guy and now (from what I am hearing) wont want to part ways with him after 4 years of mediocre performance.

You can clearly see the trajectory of this program.

I cant stomach the style of play and recruiting gaps that Steele has installed.

He veered too far from what worked for 25+ years.

I really liked Bobinski. Where is he now? Is he having success?

My biggest fear is a loss of identity - and I think it's happening with trying to too drastically change what's worked for 40 years.

[IM4X]

We looked lethargic and slow. We couldn’t stay with any of their players on defense. I mean, I don’t think one X player even tried to step in front of a single pass by a St John’s player in the lane. They just watched as it go into the other St John’s player’s hands and then into the basket. It didn’t help that X once again went back to settling for 3s too often in the second half when the team looked spent and when they know that’s not been their strength lately, instead of attacking the rim.

Again, as bad as X was, there was a bit of a turning point. It was when they went from mostly just playing terrible defense in the game to adding incredibly stupid decision making on offense. We got punked at home. Steele did not look upset enough in the post press conference. “We gotta play better defense” is not what you like to hear from your coach at this point in the season. Adjustments should have been made.

They stretched us out on defense and then either blew right by our players or made easy passes to open players in the paint for quick baskets. Players were too slow to react/switch on defense and we were way too slow to defend against the 3. I don’t really know anything X did well on defense or anything significant Steele did to try to improve things. All I know is that as bad as the defense was, it was still a winnable game- until X decided to give it away with horrible decision after decision on offense.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

WE GET IT…….you don’t like Steele. How many times are you going to say the same thing over and over again? Do you think your opinion matters? Do you think if you keep repeating the same thing it may somehow become reality? If we lose every remaining game for the balance of this year do you think Travis will be fired? That’s a YES or NO question.

This board is about expressing opinion, whatever that opinion might be. I am interested in reading whatever people feel compelled to express, MOR included. I don't always agree with his or other opinions expressed on this board but I'm appreciative of different perspectives. If you go back say four years and follow his posts, MOR has correctly called the situation more accurately than most. If he says something which is complete nonsense, I'm positive others will express a contrary opinion. That is the purpose of this board and exactly what makes it compelling.

I believe Steele will be our coach next year regardless of what occurs with this team in the remainder of this season. Firing a coach is a big deal especially when the person terminating his employment is the one that hired him; when we have a new President coming on board and we have not previously fired a coach; when our financial situation has likely been weakened by the two-year pandemic and when the coach's F.I.L. is a board member. Our AD will do everything he can to give Steele more rope even if most of us see the situation as it now exists in a clear-eyed manner.

[drudy23]

This board is about expressing opinion, whatever that opinion might be. I am interested in reading whatever people feel compelled to express, MOR included. I don't always agree with his or other opinions expressed on this board but I'm appreciative of different perspectives. If you go back say four years and follow his posts, MOR has correctly called the situation more accurately than most. If he says something which is complete nonsense, I'm positive others will express a contrary opinion. That is the purpose of this board and exactly what makes it compelling.

I believe Steele will be our coach next year regardless of what occurs with this team in the remainder of this season. Firing a coach is a big deal especially when the person terminating his employment is the one that hired him; when we have a new President coming on board and we have not previously fired a coach; when our financial situation has likely been weakened by the two-year pandemic and when the coach's F.I.L. is a board member. Our AD will do everything he can to give Steele more rope even if most of us see the situation as it now exists in a clear-eyed manner.

And waiting it out hoping it gets better is probably also a mistake without the demand for some changes of the coach and his staff.

[Xville]

I hope if steele is here next year, that people speak with their wallet.

[GoMuskies]

I really liked Bobinski. Where is he now? Is he having success?

My biggest fear is a loss of identity - and I think it's happening with trying to too drastically change what's worked for 40 years.

Bobinkski is AD at Purdue. They are the 5th ranked basketball team.

[drudy23]

Bobinkski is AD at Purdue. They are the 5th ranked basketball team.

Not surprised - they have elevated to become a perennial top 10 team and annual contender in Big 10.

Didn't Bobinski changed jobs here, and it went south, and then he went back to being AD and we jumped back up to expectations?

[IM4X]

No less than Sean Miller is backing up what I’ve said about this team being Milquetoasts.
A team is a reflection of their coach and Nice Guy, Player Friend Travis Steele isn’t getting it done.
He’s lousy at tough love. You can’t preach toughness in a press conference.
This clip is revealing:

https://twitter.com/paulfritschner/status/1494175637392830465?s=21


Wow. Thanks for sharing. Yes he looked about as disturbed as we fans were with the lack of toughness. It did seem a bit like he was auditioning for the job.

Now Archie, on the other hand, looked like he could care less. With that emotionless face and all the colorful reflections bouncing off of it, I’m pretty sure he was watching the Olympics.

[Final4]

No. Because this administration won’t do it. Unless there is a mass exodus of donations and STH’s (which is possible) And I can’t be critical?
I guess you like substandard performances like losing to DePaul and St. John’s while playing soft?? I’m sure you enjoy the Coachspeak cliches after every loss. How many years of missing an NCAA is enough for you Mr. Snark? 4,5,6,8? Rinse repeat
Listen to the clip. I merely reposted it.

I still say #DanceOrDepart but Christopher and admins won’t do it. Christopher stuck with bad women’s coaches for too long cause he hates to be wrong. When donors and STH’s depart, he’ll be forced to move.

I was curious if you had the awareness to recognize that Travis is not going to be fired this year and you acknowledged that to be the case. What I think of Travis really doesn’t matter so I won’t bore you with my opinion. Your constant complaining, dance or die hashtag BS, arrogance, and obsession with always being right is insufferable.

[GoMuskies]

It's kind of hilarious that those two were head coaches at Arizona and Indiana last year, and now they're sitting in their living rooms talking to Jeff Goodman and his audience of hundreds.

[X Factor]

I was curious if you had the awareness to recognize that Travis is not going to be fired this year and you acknowledged that to be the case. What I think of Travis really doesn’t matter so I won’t bore you with my opinion. Your constant complaining, dance or die hashtag BS, arrogance, and obsession with always being right is insufferable.

Final4 - we will NEVER get to a Final 4 with Steele at the helm. The last 2% that Steele harped on when he got hired is miles away.

He's recruited a bunch of players that can't shoot. We're less athletic than DePaul and St. John's.

His offensive system doesn't work due to lack of ball movement, movement without the ball, etc.

Do you really think next year will be any better?

[drudy23]

He's recruited a bunch of players that can't shoot.

In a perimeter based, shooting offense.

????

[IM4X]

This clip is revealing:

https://twitter.com/paulfritschner/status/1494175637392830465?s=21

Seems like a huge opportunity for Christopher to offer Miller a job similar to what Indiana offered Matta (something I thought X should have offered Matta before Indiana actually did it). A new, specially position created in the athletic department that pays Miller enough where he is willing to help the current head coach in areas he is failing. A title that doesn’t make him seem like he’s just an assistant. It would mean having a talented former head coach on staff who could help the current head coach try to “course correct” the ship or at least be in place to take the helm should the decision be made to throw the person current leader of the crew overboard.

[GoMuskies]

Seems like a huge opportunity for Christopher to offer Miller a job similar to what Indiana offered Matta

OR, he could offer Miller a job similar to what Indiana offered Mike Woodson.

[UCGRAD4X]

Final4 - we will NEVER get to a Final 4 with Steele at the helm. The last 2% that Steele harped on when he got hired is miles away.

He's recruited a bunch of players that can't shoot. We're less athletic than DePaul and St. John's.

His offensive system doesn't work due to lack of ball movement, movement without the ball, etc.

Do you really think next year will be any better? in

I have zero expectations next year will be any different.

[X-band '01]

Well, what we feared is unfolding.

Bobinski left and he was really the glue that held this program together. He had the Midas touch with coaching decisions. A new guy comes in and hires the wrong guy and now (from what I am hearing) wont want to part ways with him after 4 years of mediocre performance.

You can clearly see the trajectory of this program.

I cant stomach the style of play and recruiting gaps that Steele has installed.

He veered too far from what worked for 25+ years.

He also thought hiring Josh Pastner was a good idea when he was the Georgia Tech AD. This board wouldn't exist anymore if Pastner ever found his way to Victory Parkway.

[Xavier]

That clip makes me want Miller back even more. He gets it. I guarantee Travis gets it too- and has the exact same thoughts. And I’d guarantee he has tried getting the message across. But whatever he has tried doesn’t work. It’s his job to get them to buy in and reach the guys.

[drudy23]

That clip makes me want Miller back even more. He gets it. I guarantee Travis gets it too- and has the exact same thoughts.

Does he?

IMO, he has pushed toughness and grit aside and has gone with finesse more often than not.

Coach has to figure this out. Does "getting the message across" work when nothing really changes? Getting the message across is usually done with actions, not words.

[Xville]

Travis may say he gets it, but he doesn’t get it. You can tell by the recruits he goes after, gets, and the way he handles and prepares his team.

[Xavier]

In terms of the guys have to play hard from the tip- crash boards, etc I think he gets it. Mental toughness. I mean- everyone can see it. I hope Steele can too.

You can have a finesse team that is still tough minded. The continued horrible turnovers, weak defense and overall lack of intensity is the toughness I’m referring to. Not necessarily pound the ball and paint. Regardless Xavier is lacking both physical and mental toughness.

We have the depth to punish guys for making mental errors. I don’t know that we’ve seen that at all, though.

[Xville]

In terms of the guys have to play hard from the tip- crash boards, etc I think he gets it. Mental toughness. I mean- everyone can see it.

You can have a finesse team that is still tough minded. The continued horrible turnovers, weak defense and overall lack of intensity is the toughness I’m referring to. Not necessarily pound the ball and paint. Regardless Xavier is lacking both physical and mental toughness.

We have the depth to punish guys for making mental errors. I don’t know that we’ve seen that at all, though.

Yeah understand what you are saying, and that’s why I still say Steele doesn’t get it. He says he does, but he doesn’t. It is why I said part of it is how he handles and prepares the team. I thought a light when on for uconn, but that was a mirage.

He either doesn’t prepare his team for “battle,” or his guys don’t listen. Either way it is a coaching issue at the end of the day. Even if you do play tough, like Edwards did a few games ago, it isn’t rewarded so why try. What is continually rewarded is playing no defense, making mental mistakes, and looking disinterested. That’s what would be going thru my mind if I was a member of this roster.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Not surprised - they have elevated to become a perennial top 10 team and annual contender in Big 10.

Didn't Bobinski changed jobs here, and it went south, and then he went back to being AD and we jumped back up to expectations?

Yes. Mike Bobinski was at Xavier from 1998-2013, but Dawn Rogers was AD from 2004-2006. She’s actually the one that technically hired Miller to replace Matta, although I am sure Bobo had plenty of input in the matter.

According to rumors, things did indeed go (*clears throat uncomfortably*) “south” during Dawn’s tenure as AD, leading to her resignation in 2006 and Bobo pivoting back.

[T-Time]

Please, please hire Sean Miller. He is the one to save this sinking ship! Why would he be at the game against UCONN if somehting wasn't brewing? Sean has unfinished business on Victory Parkway. Christopher, make the move ASAP!

[Xville]

Please, please hire Sean Miller. He is the one to save this sinking ship! Why would he be at the game against UCONN if somehting wasn't brewing? Sean has unfinished business on Victory Parkway. Christopher, make the move ASAP!

I think he was just there to help a friend out. I wish it was more than that, but I don’t think he would be someone to completely screw over a friend like that. Mack did so I guess it’s possible.

[IM4X]

OR, he could offer Miller a job similar to what Indiana offered Mike Woodson.

Yes, he could do that too… As long Sean agrees to hold his press conference at a Buick dealership where, before he is given the keys to a new Buick, he is asked to sign his name next to the X. He then signs his name next to the X and is handed a key fob attached to an “X” key chain and then proceeds to walk to a shiny, new, dark, blue Enclave parked next to him. When he gets to the car, he opens the door and -just before getting in- turns to the camera saying, “I’m taking this beautiful Buick all the way to the Final Four.”

He then gets in and starts the car. The camera cuts to a CU of the the car’s license plate which reads “X 4 Life.” Then the car speeds off into the distance.


If Steele does not work out, I’d be happy to help them put the whole thing together.

[noteggs]

First game I left early since I was there in late 80’s. That’s all I got to say…

[ArizonaXUGrad]

First game I left early since I was there in late 80’s. That’s all I got to say…
This is why a smart AD make a change now. You can’t let the program sink anymore or the rebuild will be longer.

Mack had a tough year 4, but he had early success to show he could do it. Steele has none of that goodwill to fall back on.

[Masterofreality]

I was curious if you had the awareness to recognize that Travis is not going to be fired this year and you acknowledged that to be the case. What I think of Travis really doesn’t matter so I won’t bore you with my opinion. Your constant complaining, dance or die hashtag BS, arrogance, and obsession with always being right is insufferable.

Respectfully, you're an idiot.
We are further away from your moniker on here than we have been for a decade.
Hashtag #EnjoyIt

[Xville]

One bright spot to me…I watched Steele’s presser today, and he at least sounds pissed off. That’s a good start.

One thing I seriously question: “ we lost because we didn’t execute our system.” Huh? What is your system? Do you know your system? Do your players? I wish someone had the balls to ask him what exactly his system is lol

[Masterofreality]

One bright spot to me…I watched Steele’s presser today, and he at least sounds pissed off. That’s a good start.

One thing I seriously question: “ we lost because we didn’t execute our system.” Huh? What is your system? Do you know your system? Do your players? I wish someone had the balls to ask him what exactly his system is lol

“Allegedly” Steele’s System is “Getting a Good Shot for Xavier”. Huh?
This guy is a real wordsmith.

[drudy23]

We've seen the system - the system doesn't work all that well.

He has shown no propensity to try something different. Just as "he doesn't care what other people think", he's going to run this program into the ground trying to prove his system can work.

[American X]

This system is as mythical as Freemantle's three-point shot.

[Final4]

Respectfully, you're an idiot.
We are further away from your moniker on here than we have been for a decade.
Hashtag #EnjoyIt


And you are a buttface. Is that how it goes? It’s been many years since I was on a playground.

Hashtag #sophomoric

[Masterofreality]

And you are a buttface. Is that how it goes? It’s been many years since I was on a playground.

Hashtag #sophomoric

Hahahahaha! What a Cretinesque response. Not calling you a Cretin, mind you…
You have 162 posts on this website. None of which provide any useful information, interesting opinion or commentary.
The only posts you seem to be motivated to make are bashing one poster.
When you decide to start sharing interesting content then the opinion may change but until then, the statement remains.

[Final4]

Hahahahaha! What a Cretinesque response. Not calling you a Cretin, mind you…
You have 162 posts on this website. None of which provide any useful information, interesting opinion or commentary.
The only posts you seem to be motivated to make are bashing one poster.
When you decide to start sharing interesting content then the opinion may change but until then, the statement remains.

So the number of posts a person has on a little, random message board is some sort of badge of honor in your mind. You see value in that? It’s important to you? That’s buffoonery………not that I’m calling you a buffoon.

[GoMuskies]

So the number of posts a person has on a little, random message board is some sort of badge of honor in your mind.

Wait, it's not?

[bleedXblue]

Wait, it's not?

LOL well played

[Masterofreality]

So the number of posts a person has on a little, random message board is some sort of badge of honor in your mind. You see value in that? It’s important to you? That’s buffoonery………not that I’m calling you a buffoon.

When you contribute zero to knowledge or discussion in any posts and merely show up to troll, yes. That is kinda important in indicating relevance as a poster. That would be you and that is an indication of Buffoonery.
Not that I’m calling you a buffoon.

[Strange Brew]

Wait, it's not?

Of course it is Go. If you get it, you get it.9

[IM4X]

While there is no denying our defense “stunk it up” against St John’s, I’m starting to think our guys simply match up better against Seton Hall, UConn and even Providence. At least I hope to hell that’s the case.

Dare I say that we might be wrong in our assessment that this St John’s team X just played on Wednesday was mediocre. It’s starting to look like they are in “beast mode” now, peaking at the perfect time. They do have some really talented player and they are quick… and starting to click.

What if they turn out to be like the X team with Chalmers/Sato that was pretty pedestrian until the A-10 Tourney when they woke the F up and dismantled the #1 team in the country (St Joe’s) who hasn’t lost a game… got the automatic bid to the NCAA… then one by one, started annihilating very good, much higher seeded teams until finally losing a close game in the Elite 8. What if this Johnnies team, is becoming that X team? At least Everyone can not feel as bad feel about that loss and our players can just say “We got beat by a team that hit their peak before us and and get back to work.

[hoopster68]

While there is no denying our defense “stunk it up” against St John’s, I’m starting to think our guys simply match up better against Seton Hall, UConn and even Providence. At least I hope to hell that’s the case.

Dare I say that we might be wrong in our assessment that this St John’s team X just played on Wednesday was mediocre. It’s starting to look like they are in “beast mode” now, peaking at the perfect time. They do have some really talented player and they are quick… and starting to click.

What if they turn out to be like the X team with Chalmers/Sato that was pretty pedestrian until the A-10 Tourney when they woke the F up and dismantled the #1 team in the country (St Joe’s) who hasn’t lost a game… got the automatic bid to the NCAA… then one by one, started annihilating very good, much higher seeded teams until finally losing a close game in the Elite 8. What if this Johnnies team, is becoming that X team? At least Everyone can not feel as bad feel about that loss and our players can just say “We got beat by a team that hit their peak before us and and get back to work.

IM4X: Unfortunately, this same team was beaten by DePaul a few days before. The "February Fade" under Coach Steele is real.

[Xville]

While there is no denying our defense “stunk it up” against St John’s, I’m starting to think our guys simply match up better against Seton Hall, UConn and even Providence. At least I hope to hell that’s the case.

Dare I say that we might be wrong in our assessment that this St John’s team X just played on Wednesday was mediocre. It’s starting to look like they are in “beast mode” now, peaking at the perfect time. They do have some really talented player and they are quick… and starting to click.

What if they turn out to be like the X team with Chalmers/Sato that was pretty pedestrian until the A-10 Tourney when they woke the F up and dismantled the #1 team in the country (St Joe’s) who hasn’t lost a game… got the automatic bid to the NCAA… then one by one, started annihilating very good, much higher seeded teams until finally losing a close game in the Elite 8. What if this Johnnies team, is becoming that X team? At least Everyone can not feel as bad feel about that loss and our players can just say “We got beat by a team that hit their peak before us and and get back to work.

I hope you are right and St. John’s is just peaking and that game will be an outlier for x down the stretch. We should know over the next few days.