Our NCAA Hopes

[IM4X]

Ladies and gentlemen… I give you Paul Simon


https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=iUODdPpnxcA

[xubrew]

Disagree! Some of the sites still have tickets available! They just need to buy tickets if they want to go...

[muskieindent]

I'd like to think that we won't get fooled again but I think we will.Meet the new Travis,same as the old one

[boozehound]

Next year the shooting will be much improved :rolleyes:

[UCGRAD4X]

Next year the shooting will be much improved :rolleyes:

Are you saying, as far as their execution is concerned....

[CinciReds11]

Are you saying, as far as their execution is concerned....

If we stick to our system

[Get Real]

Are you saying, as far as their execution is concerned....

I'm all for it.

[IM4X]

Next year the shooting will be much improved :rolleyes:

Absolutely, don’t forget, “eventually those shots will fall.” I mean they haven’t for 4 years now, but all that proves is that next year has to be the year. Right? Maybe the problem is that Miles hasn’t been in there shooting quick 3s too.

[boozehound]

Absolutely, don’t forget, “eventually those shots will fall.” I mean they haven’t for 4 years now, but all that proves is that next year has to be the year. Right? Maybe the problem is that Miles hasn’t been in there shooting quick 3s too.

Bam! 60% 3 point shooting on the season next year. That's probably about what it would take to get Steele's 4 year average into a decent place.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

ESPN has us among the last 4. We aren’t making it guys. Brace yourselves.

[drudy23]

ESPN has us among the last 4. We aren’t making it guys. Brace yourselves.

It depends - if there are a bunch of bid stealers, it's not looking good.

But if we win our next two, and there's a low number of bid steals, I think we have better than a 50% shot.

18 wins out, 19 wins sweating next Sunday but on the smiling side, 20 wins lock

19-20 wins with the amount of quad 1 wins should be enough, barring craziness in conference tournaments.

[Xuperman]

ESPN has us among the last 4. We aren’t making it guys. Brace yourselves.

Definitely hanging by a thread. If we can't beat GU at home and BU on a neutral MSG, discussion over....steaming pile of cow dung.

[xuphan]

Definitely hanging by a thread. If we can't beat GU at home and BU on a neutral MSG, discussion over....steaming pile of cow dung.

Has Christopher come out and given Steele any vote of confidence? Heck, even the AD at Georgetown gave Ewing his support.

[Xuperman]

Has Christopher come out and given Steele any vote of confidence? Heck, even the AD at Georgetown gave Ewing his support.

Their situation is night and day from ours. GU was picked last and a total rebuild is obvious. X was picked #3 and had TWO preseason BE 1st teamers. None of that has become anything close to reality...... A steaming pile of cow dung.

[XUBison]

Has Christopher come out and given Steele any vote of confidence? Heck, even the AD at Georgetown gave Ewing his support.

No need to offer a vote of confidence for someone whose contract you are going to extend soon.

[XUBison]

Their situation is night and day from ours. GU was picked last and a total rebuild is obvious. X was picked #3 and had TWO preseason BE 1st teamers. None of that has become anything close to reality...... A steaming pile of cow dung.

I have to admit, the fact you have given up is— well, it’s depressing me.

[XUBob]

I know this sounds crazy but, if X beats Georgetown and wins a game in the Big East tournament they will be in. Hell a Georgetown win might be enough to get them a play in game. The bubble is weak an X has 6 quad one wins. Depends on how much the eye test counts with the committee, lately the eye test doesn’t seem to hold a ton of water.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Well going to play in the PIG Vs Memphis or Loyola in front of 13k VD fans should be a lot of fun.

[UCGRAD4X]

Has Christopher come out and given Steele any vote of confidence? Heck, even the AD at Georgetown gave Ewing his support.

Some might see the old "Vote of Confidence" as the kiss of death and rather welcome news.

[xuphan]

I know this sounds crazy but, if X beats Georgetown and wins a game in the Big East tournament they will be in. Hell a Georgetown win might be enough to get them a play in game. The bubble is weak an X has 6 quad one wins. Depends on how much the eye test counts with the committee, lately the eye test doesn’t seem to hold a ton of water.

I don’t think a home win against Georgetown will be worth anything to help our stock. Could be wrong though.

[KabeX]

Gotta win it though and gotta beat Futler. Good showing against Providence and I think we're in. Anything less and ...

[Xuperman]

I have to admit, the fact you have given up is— well, it’s depressing me.

A "steaming pile of cow dung" is my attempt to accurately visualize the last 30 days.....but I have not given up.

BTW- Jim Carrey movie line in Liar, Liar.

[XUBison]

A "steaming pile of cow dung" is my attempt to accurately visualize the last 30 days.....but I have not given up.

BTW- Jim Carrey movie line in Liar, Liar.

Well, I’m sorry you’ve been reduced to clinging to cow dung, but at least it’s something. You’re clinging for all of us now.

[Cornbread1190]

Has Christopher come out and given Steele any vote of confidence? Heck, even the AD at Georgetown gave Ewing his support.

I have a vote of no confidence in Christopher!

[mid major]

Hoyas-73
Muskies-70

[HenryMuto]

DeJaVu folks. I can't believe we are in the exact same situation for the 3rd year in a row and the last 2 years have not gone well in this situation.

Lost the 1st round BE game the last 2 years and will be in a must win game again against a Butler team that has some fight as they proved nearly beating Xavier at Xavier the last time.

Xavier was sitting as a 6 seed just like 2-3 weeks ago................

Must beat G'Town must beat Butler. (or DePaul if they upset UCONN today).

Then a 3rd shot at Providence when you had them beat nearly twice and for sure should beat them at their place.

[Xavier]

Still thin X wins two games and is in fine. I’d bet on that. Sorta a lose lose situation almost.

[xavierj]

I have a vote of no confidence in Christopher!

Most likely he probably feels he doesn’t need to and Travis knows he will be back regardless of what happens. That’s the way I see it. Might not be the right move, but it will be the move they do. Probably add an extra year to his contract to not kill recruiting next year.

[xukeith]

Most likely he probably feels he doesn’t need to and Travis knows he will be back regardless of what happens. That’s the way I see it. Might not be the right move, but it will be the move they do. Probably add an extra year to his contract to not kill recruiting next year.

Ok but are we to imagine AD Christopher has not sat down with Travis and had a "performance improvement plan"? X basketball brings in the money and is the reason X is in the BE.
Another poor, below average year is cementing the AD's legacy. Worse attendance and not so excited sponsors. Money talks and he has to know X basketball is losing energy, losing support.

[xavbball]

Most likely he probably feels he doesn’t need to and Travis knows he will be back regardless of what happens. That’s the way I see it. Might not be the right move, but it will be the move they do. Probably add an extra year to his contract to not kill recruiting next year.

I hope this doesn’t happen. We are worried about paying a 2-year buyout so we extend a mediocre coach for another season to see if he turns things around? If he doesn’t, it’s back to where we are today with another 2-year buyout. I don’t get it. In four seasons of Steele, there has been no season with 20 or more wins, no seasons above .500 in league play, and a total collapse in February. We’re about to finish 8th place in a year we were picked to finish 3rd. What am I missing here? What progress has Steele shown that makes him deserve a one-year extension? Time to move on and if Christopher wants to maintain the status quo, then it’s time for him to go as well.

[JTG]

Most likely he probably feels he doesn’t need to and Travis knows he will be back regardless of what happens. That’s the way I see it. Might not be the right move, but it will be the move they do. Probably add an extra year to his contract to not kill recruiting next year.

If they add an extra year everyone should burn their season tickets. That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Sign up for an extra year of this shitshow.

[UCGRAD4X]

they might negotiate an extra year for a reduced buyout

[slysyl]

How about negotiating an extra year for no buyout.

[xudash]

Serious question: does Xavier even need to “negotiate“ with Travis Steele?

He is a wounded duck at this point. Dictate terms that are favorable to Xavier and that make him earn the job back on a long-term basis. He was the one who was promising the final 2%.

[OTRMUSKIE]

If they make the dance I'm okay with giving him an extra year with no buyout. But he has to fire his entire coaching staff and the Miller brothers must be added in their place. He then must give up head coaching duties and take over basketball operations.

[XUBison]

Serious question: does Xavier even need to “negotiate“ with Travis Steele?

No.

[KabeX]

No.
The potentially more important question is does Xavier need to negotiate with Greg Christopher? Dr. Hanycz, we place our faith in you.

[XUBison]

Most likely he probably feels he doesn’t need to and Travis knows he will be back regardless of what happens. That’s the way I see it. Might not be the right move, but it will be the move they do. Probably add an extra year to his contract to not kill recruiting next year.

I suspect this is right. I fear I may have a hard time staying engaged if this is what happens. It would make a mockery of the program, proving we are not serious about competing at the highest level. Maybe our decades-long success has been a product of smoke and mirrors, but I have a hard time accepting that.

[XUBison]

The potentially more important question is does Xavier need to negotiate with Greg Christopher? Dr. Hanycz, we place our faith in you.

Absolutely not.

[Xuperman]

they might negotiate an extra year for a reduced buyout

He would have to listen. Any coaching job after Xavier for Steele would probably be fairly insignificant.

[Xuperman]

Well folks, we have a pulse. The 2 things on Saturday that could have done damage to our precarious postion, didn't happen. Morehead gave their best bid thief effort but no dice. Also BYU is now NIT bound. Had they managed to beat San Francisco and make the WCC finals, they probably pass a 19 win Xavier that hobbled down the stretch.

But, there is plenty of high anxiety to come. There are a few mid major bids that can be stolen, but the big problem is these large "P5" tournaments. Multiple teams sitting just outside the bubble are poised to move up if they can go on a run.

Both Indiana and Florida pass a 19 win Xavier, if they make their Championship game. It would add several additional wins to their record and at least one big time resume enhancer. What if Oregon beats a Arizona or UCLA and has a good showing in the finals? Not good for a 19 win X. The ACC is down, but if say, VTech manages to get to the Championship.... trouble for the same reason

I dread having to sit through a sweaty Selection Sunday with a 19 win Xavier. Unfortunately it looks inevitable.

[IM4X]

One win… no guarantee but we should be in.

Win two… nothing more we have to do.

lose to Butler in this next one… any NCAA tournament hopes are gone.

[Xville]

X wins one, and they are a lock. I know lunardi isn’t great when it comes to seeding past the 1 and 2 seeds, but he’s extremely accurate between it comes to teams getting in. X isn’t even last 4 in at this point. They may even sneak in if they lose Wednesday.

One other thing I’ll say. If you are a power 6 team, you should make the tourney almost every year if you give a crap about basketball. The majority of bids go to these 6 conferences. In fact about 34 or so of them will go to them this year… that’s 34 out of 77.. about 45%. It’s a joke x hasn’t made it in three years

One year here and there completely acceptable. Even two maybe once every 15-20 years..

[chico]

This is feeling eerily familiar. Beat Butler in the Big East to make the NCAA.

[Masterofreality]

Not worried about Va Tech. We beat them.
Cheer for Loyola (who is in at 25 NET and in) vs 82 NET Drake today.

[GIMMFD]

I can't believe we're on the goddamn bubble again, this feels like a fever dream...

[JTG]

You all realize getting in means more Steele, probably lots more Steele. Surely pounding hapless Georgetown hasn't totally changed everyone's mind. Is a 40 minute stay at the Big Dance worth 3 or 4 more years of being a Big East punching bag ?

[UCGRAD4X]

I did not realize how truly bad Georgetown is until watching them in person last night. There is no outstanding credit in defeating them. In fact, I do not think we did a great deal in the second half against the crap show that is Hoya basketball to instill much more confidence in this team.

This game barely moved the needle. But at least the needle was not a lethal injection.

[Xavier]

You all realize getting in means more Steele, probably lots more Steele. Surely pounding hapless Georgetown hasn't totally changed everyone's mind. Is a 40 minute stay at the Big Dance worth 3 or 4 more years of being a Big East punching bag ?

Well, it depends. I saw on twitter that X has a 22% chance of reaching the big East finals. Frankly it’s the best draw they could have asked for. If X makes a run and wins the big East tournament- or wins two games in each big East and NCAA tournament- It shows some sort of pulse for Steele.

X was in a serious tailspin, very difficult to bounce out of that. Beating Georgetown doesn’t- but a good run in March can. Granted you don’t want to be Oregon State (how the hell did that happen?)

[OTRMUSKIE]

X could have laid down and Tbey didn't. Yes Hoya is awful, historically awful and we prob should have won by 50. But it's about momentum and confidence. Hopefully that gives the bois both. If you give less minutes to free and Scruggs this team
Actually is pretty goood. And is it really worth Nunge shooting 3's? Yes he make one every once in awhile but the times he misses could
Have been used for a better shot opportunity by someone who should be shooting 3's. Per palm x is in at 10. Yes I still want to make the dance bc anything is possible

[XUOWNSUC]

If you give less minutes to free and Scruggs this team Actually is pretty goood.

Yep. Don't know why Travis can't see this.

[KabeX]

X could have laid down and Tbey didn't. Yes Hoya is awful, historically awful and we prob should have won by 50. But it's about momentum and confidence. Hopefully that gives the bois both. If you give less minutes to free and Scruggs this team
Actually is pretty goood. And is it really worth Nunge shooting 3's? Yes he make one every once in awhile but the times he misses could
Have been used for a better shot opportunity by someone who should be shooting 3's. Per palm x is in at 10. Yes I still want to make the dance bc anything is possible
Yep. I'm with all of you on Travis. I just can't get behind wanting X to fail to make the dance for a 4th consecutive year. That does a lot of damage to the brand as well. Don't get me wrong, I'll happily sell my Acura to Sean at a discount to come back (yeah it's not a Lexus but it's also not 2009). In the immortal words of David Robert Jones (aka David Bowie) - "Let's Dance!"

[JTG]

Yep. Don't know why Travis can't see this.

If I were Steele, I'd approach it this way : Ok Paul, you've had your senior nite, now it's win or go home, I'm playing the guys who give me the best chance to win. And Free, you get until the first tv timeout. You bust your ass on both ends of the floor, you're still going to sit some, but if I see you loafing, you're done. And, Hunter...Just go to the end of the bench and shut up.

[X-band '01]

The game at UConn was the only example I could think of was where Jerome Hunter never got back on the floor in the 2nd half. Xavier played well for most of the 2nd half but eventually ran out of gas with Johnson not able to go and Edwards...

[OTRMUSKIE]

Not going to happen because Steele knows best and we be too stupid. Odom, Colby, johnson, kunk, Nunge. That's your best 5, so play them or lose you job. Up to you.

[bleedXblue]

The GT game has done nothing to change my mind about the program and coaching staff. We have seen this many, may times the last 4 years.

Now, go on a 5-6 game win streak from here on out..........maybe. The chances of that happening is extremely low.

I still think we need a change at the top regardless.

[hoopster68]

Is it a coincidence that Procter & Gamble, extraordinary maker of bubbles (Ivory soap, Tide & many more) is also the home to XU, the "Steele bubble team"?

[Xuperman]

Not going to happen because Steele knows best and we be too stupid. Odom, Colby, johnson, kunk, Nunge. That's your best 5, so play them or lose you job. Up to you.

Too stupid? Don't speak for all of us.

So your personally saying, if Steele started and played those 5 the majority of minutes, he would have had your backing?

[Xville]

Too stupid? Don't speak for all of us.

So your personally saying, if Steele started and played those 5 the majority of minutes, he would have had your backing?

I believe it has been pretty clear now for ten or so games, that lineup is the best x has, switch out Edwards and kunkel if you want to go big and that is who should be getting the majority of the minutes. Free has been atrocious this year and Scruggs plays like is high 50% of the time. I know Scruggs is going to play, but if that’s going to happen, no reason he should have the ball in his hands brining the ball up the court. It should be dwon the majority of the time as he’s the only true pg x has, and then jones or kunkel can help out in spots.

This has been my main issue with Steele for years now. His lineup management is absolutely atrocious. He’s a paint by numbers coach the majority of the time, who refuses to adjust playing time and lineups based on the flow of the game and how guys are performing within the game.

Happened with q, happened with Carter, and now no matter what free and Scruggs are inserted into the starting lineup due to being his guys and practice points.

My hope is that in nyc and god willing the tourney, the switch suddenly turns on for free and Scruggs because Steele is going to love and die with them no matter what.

[xuwillie]

Too stupid? Don't speak for all of us.

So your personally saying, if Steele started and played those 5 the majority of minutes, he would have had your backing?

Not my backing but the team would have been a lot better.. You can't have a coach that plays favorites, never ends well

[D-West & PO-Z]

You all realize getting in means more Steele, probably lots more Steele. Surely pounding hapless Georgetown hasn't totally changed everyone's mind. Is a 40 minute stay at the Big Dance worth 3 or 4 more years of being a Big East punching bag ?

If I really thought they would fire Steele if they didn't make it, I might agree with you. But I don't think they would let go of Steele even then.

Plus, I always want X in the dance for a number of reasons.

[xukeith]

The soft bigotry of low expectations. How many swings and misses does a coach and AD get?

[xukeith]

The GT game has done nothing to change my mind about the program and coaching staff. We have seen this many, may times the last 4 years.

Now, go on a 5-6 game win streak from here on out..........maybe. The chances of that happening is extremely low.

I still think we need a change at the top regardless.

agree 100%

[Masterofreality]

If I really thought they would fire Steele if they didn't make it, I might agree with you. But I don't think they would let go of Steele even then.

Plus, I always want X in the dance for a number of reasons.

This is now the case. We’re stuck. Can only hope for a run of hot shooting.

[drudy23]

Butler is 13-18 - Wednesday is a must win game with everything on the line.

No excuses. This is the year of no excuses, and it's been disappointing. Making the tournament will salvage some of that - but a loss on Weds and fans have a right to be furious with this season.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I'm still furious with a win. Even if they make the dance I'm furious. But things can be forgiven with a deep run.

[IM4X]

Butler is 13-18 - Wednesday is a must win game with everything on the line.

No excuses. This is the year of no excuses, and it's been disappointing. Making the tournament will salvage some of that - but a loss on Weds and fans have a right to be furious with this season.

Personally, I hate that we are even talking about needing a win in the first round. If we don’t win against this Butler team, we absolutely do not deserve to dance. Period. The players, coaches and even the fans ought to be expecting X to win the whole damn thing. That needs to be the F’n attitude. Steels wants respect… go win the damn BE tournament Championship and emphatically stamp your own automatic ticket to the dance.

Can anyone imagine Jay Wright or Nova fans being like, “We just need at least one win in this tournament.” Hell no. They always go into the BE tournament expecting to win the whole damn thing - They would consider anything less a disappointment. That has to be the attitude and expectation for X. This is the way!

[bleedXblue]

I've talked to A LOT of Xavier fans the last 2-3 weeks. Not a one has advocated to keep Steele. Many will be cancelling tickets for next year if a change isn't made. I'm on the fence personally. I want to support the team and program through thick and thin. Very hard to go to games now watch the quality of the product and not be really discouraged.

[GIMMFD]

Personally, I hate that we are even talking about needing a win in the first round. If we don’t win against this Butler team, we absolutely do not deserve to dance. Period. The players, coaches and even the fans ought to be expecting X to win the whole damn thing. That needs to be the F’n attitude. Steels wants respect… go win the damn BE tournament Championship and emphatically stamp your own automatic ticket to the dance.

Can anyone imagine Jay Wright or Nova fans being like, “We just need at least one win in this tournament.” Hell no. They always go into the BE tournament expecting to win the whole damn thing - They would consider anything less a disappointment. That has to be the attitude and expectation for X. This is the way!

I'm with ya on that's how we should feel, but the performance of this team over the past few years is not exactly confidence inspiring. Sure when we had Trevon and JP, I fully expected us to go through a tear in the Big East Tournament and win it, these days I'm just in the "please don't lose" camp.

[xuphan]

I've talked to A LOT of Xavier fans the last 2-3 weeks. Not a one has advocated to keep Steele. Many will be cancelling tickets for next year if a change isn't made. I'm on the fence personally. I want to support the team and program through thick and thin. Very hard to go to games now watch the quality of the product and not be really discouraged.

Sounds like the Cintas may have a few more empty seats next year.

[xudash]

Personally, I hate that we are even talking about needing a win in the first round. If we don’t win against this Butler team, we absolutely do not deserve to dance. Period. The players, coaches and even the fans ought to be expecting X to win the whole damn thing. That needs to be the F’n attitude. Steels wants respect… go win the damn BE tournament Championship and emphatically stamp your own automatic ticket to the dance.

Can anyone imagine Jay Wright or Nova fans being like, “We just need at least one win in this tournament.” Hell no. They always go into the BE tournament expecting to win the whole damn thing - They would consider anything less a disappointment. That has to be the attitude and expectation for X. This is the way!

Totally agree with you. It's a matter of setting high expectations for what should be a high-performing program. So, you're expected to come in 3rd in the BE standings at year-end. Did you do that or not? Not only is the answer "NO" in this case, but it is a damning NO backed up by 5 straight losses.

GIMMFD makes a fair point as well. It's been "Pavlovian Conditioning" for a fanbase: get into February with this Travis-led basketball program and expect nothing but indigestion. It got to the point where I was watching game flow to witness and pinpoint the collapse of concentration and effort - moments where going back and forth gave way to a 5, 7 10-point+ run to gap the game wide open, with a lot of that occurring before the end of the first half!

Think of all this in terms of a plotted line, measuring the beta (volatility) between expected versus actual win/loss outcomes. Our plot line looks like one of the roller coasters at Cedar Point.

IMHO, he has to tighten it up if he survives this season. Frankly, if we go on a nice run in NYC during the BET and then if we go on a nice run in the NCAAT, it will not be enough for me with this guy, because I don't appreciate having to live through the angst of a February swoon year in and year out, which has become his defining trademark.

[IM4X]

I'm with ya on that's how we should feel, but the performance of this team over the past few years is not exactly confidence inspiring. Sure when we had Trevon and JP, I fully expected us to go through a tear in the Big East Tournament and win it, these days I'm just in the "please don't lose" camp.

I guess that’s my point. I mean. We used to be King of the MCC. Then King of the A-10. Then we made a run at being the King of the Big East and even though we never really held that title (other than the one BE regular season championship), it just felt like we were meant to be one of the top dogs in the conference. It felt like we were destined to be the program everyone expected would challenge Nova or any other team for the BE title and I imagined we would be winning at least a few BE tournaments every decade.

There is no reason we can’t be that team I just mentioned above. In order to that the X coach must consistently be a high level recruiter (Travis is doing pretty well in that area) and he will need to be pretty darn good with all the other important coaching skills (so far Steele has been average for the most part).

[hoopster68]

From a #1 seed to playing on Wed in the BET. . .this is the Steele Legacy. How can anyone continue to support a coach who is clearly out of his league? We've had a four year "job training" program for Coach Steele. It is time to cut bait, admit a bad hire & move on.

[IM4X]

I did not realize how truly bad Georgetown is until watching them in person last night. There is no outstanding credit in defeating them.

God bless them for being such a horrible team. The perfect final regular season opponent to help X stay alive for an at-large bid and the perfect opponent to help our 3 point shooters gain some confidence while giving the rest of team a feeling that they might be pretty good (regardless of how accurate that feeling is). Now we need to beat one more really bad team and then hopefully these guys become so ridiculously high on themselves that they steamroll through everyone in the BE tournament.

[IM4X]

Totally agree with you. It's a matter of setting high expectations for what should be a high-performing program. So, you're expected to come in 3rd in the BE standings at year-end. Did you do that or not? Not only is the answer "NO" in this case, but it is a damning NO backed up by 5 straight losses.

GIMMFD makes a fair point as well. It's been "Pavlovian Conditioning" for a fanbase: get into February with this Travis-led basketball program and expect nothing but indigestion. It got to the point where I was watching game flow to witness and pinpoint the collapse of concentration and effort - moments where going back and forth gave way to a 5, 7 10-point+ run to gap the game wide open, with a lot of that occurring before the end of the first half!

Think of all this in terms of a plotted line, measuring the beta (volatility) between expected versus actual win/loss outcomes. Our plot line looks like one of the roller coasters at Cedar Point.

IMHO, he has to tighten it up if he survives this season. Frankly, if we go on a nice run in NYC during the BET and then if we go on a nice run in the NCAAT, it will not be enough for me with this guy, because I don't appreciate having to live through the angst of a February swoon year in and year out, which has become his defining trademark.

What do you do with a coach who admits things need to get better but refuses to admit his approach is flawed? I don’t think any of us expected Travis to win the BE in his first year but most of us expected to see him grow into a better decision maker by now. We expected noticeable improvement in players from one season to the next. We expected Steel would have a good team by his fourth season that could challenge for a BE title. A team that would be a high seed in the NCAA Tournament by now and go on to win at least a few games.

So here’s my thinking: To me, X getting into the tournament and winning a few games this season is crucial. The tradition of having players on the team who have experienced being in the team must continue. It is so important. If Steele can accomplish that goal, we can at least feel he has made progress and had X headed in the right direction. In fact, I think most fans would admit they’d be okay with Steele getting a little more time if he can get in the tournament and win. Plus, we have three very promising commitments for next year. I’d like to get those players officially on the roster before we decide to cut bait.

Now if Steele can not reach that goal of getting in the tournament and winning, something has to change and clear, higher expectations have to be laid out for next year.

[UCGRAD4X]

Totally agree with you. It's a matter of setting high expectations for what should be a high-performing program. So, you're expected to come in 3rd in the BE standings at year-end. Did you do that or not? Not only is the answer "NO" in this case, but it is a damning NO backed up by 5 straight losses.

GIMMFD makes a fair point as well. It's been "Pavlovian Conditioning" for a fanbase: get into February with this Travis-led basketball program and expect nothing but indigestion. It got to the point where I was watching game flow to witness and pinpoint the collapse of concentration and effort - moments where going back and forth gave way to a 5, 7 10-point+ run to gap the game wide open, with a lot of that occurring before the end of the first half!

Think of all this in terms of a plotted line, measuring the beta (volatility) between expected versus actual win/loss outcomes. Our plot line looks like one of the roller coasters at Cedar Point.

IMHO, he has to tighten it up if he survives this season. Frankly, if we go on a nice run in NYC during the BET and then if we go on a nice run in the NCAAT, it will not be enough for me with this guy, because I don't appreciate having to live through the angst of a February swoon year in and year out, which has become his defining trademark.

One difference for me, if we do make some serious noise in the post season, is that the angst of the regular season will be reduced if there is some evidence that "as long as we make the post season, that's where it counts."

The flip side of that is in "IF" we make the post season.

Extrapolating from the available data points since this administration was installed does not trend in that directions.

[Xuperman]

From a joke maker over on HLOH.


I am actually hoping for a situation where Dayton grabs the last at-large spot and hosts Xavier for the PIG.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O3ZOKDmorj0

Have at it.

[SkyWalker]

From a joke maker over on HLOH.



https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O3ZOKDmorj0

Have at it.

Looking at last four ins and first four outs across the internet, i had realized that this is a slight possibility. Dreadful!

[sgarcia]

We don't stand a chance in a PIG. It's basically a road game and I would expect it to go as well as the NC St PIG.

[JTG]

We don't stand a chance in a PIG. It's basically a road game and I would expect it to go as well as the NC St PIG.

Not just a road game, an extremely hostile road game. Whoever we would play would have a home game.

[Xville]

I want no part of the pig for reasons mentioned and certainly don’t want to play dayton. I know that for some reason people like to rag on the a10 here for some odd reason but take the blinders off, and one can summarize that Dayton is a young but very talented team. They start 3 freshmen and a sophtop and their top scorer is a top 50 6’10 guy. They beat Kansas for a reason.. they also lost to ole miss and lasalle for a reason in that they are young, but I’d still like to avoid them, especially in a pig at their place.

[JTG]

Just saw Andy Katz latest bracket. X is nowhere to be found. Not even pig. Although, he's been down on X all year. Even in Dec we were not in his top 36.

[IM4X]

Just saw Andy Katz latest bracket. X is nowhere to be found. Not even pig. Although, he's been down on X all year. Even in Dec we were not in his top 36.

If X wants to get into the dance, they should act like they need to win the BE tournament. If they have that mindset, they will subconsciously be playing at a higher level. If they get past Providence (which we know is a team X matches up well against), then they can feel safe about getting into the dance. For them to even buy into the notion that they are getting in with one win is stupid. What’s the point of being a “barely good enough team” that makes it into the tournament. Show you can play your best damn basketball now or you deserve to not get an invite.

[xukeith]

If X wants to get into the dance, they should act like they need to win the BE tournament. If they have that mindset, they will subconsciously be playing at a higher level. If they get past Providence (which we know is a team X matches up well against), then they can feel safe about getting into the dance. For them to even buy into the notion that they are getting in with one win is stupid. What’s the point of being a “barely good enough team” that makes it into the tournament. Show you can play your best damn basketball now or you deserve to not get an invite.

As long as Odom, Johnson, Jones, Nunge and Kunkel/Scruggs get the most playing time, I will be happy.

[IM4X]

As long as Odom, Johnson, Jones, Nunge and Kunkel/Scruggs get the most playing time, I will be happy.

They’ve definitely been our most reliable players. It’s on Steele to make sure the players who are playing best (the hot hands and the ones hustling the most) stay in the game To that point, I have no problem with a “top of his game” Zack playing. If he can somehow tap into the version of himself who showed up in a few games this season looking more like a All-Conference player- you known the Free who stayed near the basket… grabbed rebounds… opted for layups over mid range jump shots abs 3s… played tough defense… stole passes and played with tons of confidence instead of cockiness - I’d be good with him getting lots of minutes. In fact. I really think this team needs him to be that player for X to make a run in the tournament
or in the NCAA tournament (should we get in).

If our two bigs start the game by launching 3 pointers (like they once did not too long ago) then we’ll know Travis still isn’t getting it. If the bigs are moving and scoring a lot in the paint and everyone on the team is hustling and making smart decisions, then we’ll know Steele is growing and connecting a little better with his players.

[UCGRAD4X]

If someone is satisfied with just beating Butler, that means they are ok with losing the next game - whoever it is. I can't go there.

[Xuperman]

That Holy Land thread got interesting.





I am actually hoping for a situation where Dayton grabs the last at-large spot and hosts Xavier for the PIG. You know the committee wants that matchup.

Thanks a lot, you tyrannical sadist.

If that should happen, and UD wins, our board would break the Internet.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O3ZOKDmorj0

How often do you get the chance to sweep OSU, Cinci, and Dayton? Travis Steele becomes instant folk hero.

That "folk hero" spot is already taken.....BOB STAAK!

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/xavier/1984-schedule.html

I was there. Worked maintenance for the Cincinnati Gardens in the 80's. We were the higher seed in the NIT and OSU had to come south. Probably the biggest win in the silver era for Xavier!

https://www.fox19.com/story/6240060/remember-when-xavier-vs-ohio-state-1984-nit/


Also beat Marquette and Nebraska that year. Fleming and Lee were a Dynamic Duo! Those were my Schuster's days.....good times!!

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/xavier/1984.html

[Xavier]

I think just beating butler gives X about a 75% of getting in. However in order to completely avoid the Play in Game- they have to beat Providence.

[GoMuskies]

South Dakota State winning last night was good.

[muskiefan82]

South Dakota State winning last night was good.

NKU choking was sad.

[STL_XUfan]

Here are the resumes of the teams on Lunardi's bubble:



Team
Net
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Ken Pom


Wake Forest
39
1-4
4-3
8-1
10-0
33


Creighton
66
5-5
4-4
6-1
5-0
69


Memphis
35
4-3
3-4
7-2
5-0
27


Michigan
31
5-9
3-3
6-1
3-0
30


Xavier
36
5-9
4-2
5-1
4-0
51


Wyoming
48
4-4
5-1
5-2
9-0
56


Rutgers
76
6-5
3-4
4-2
5-1
73


SMU
49
2-2
3-3
9-1
8-1
57

[STL_XUfan]

Here are the resumes of the teams on Lunardi's bubble:



Team
Net
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Ken Pom


Wake Forest
39
1-4
4-3
8-1
10-0
33


Creighton
66
5-5
4-4
6-1
5-0
69


Memphis
35
4-3
3-4
7-2
5-0
27


Michigan
31
5-9
3-3
6-1
3-0
30


Xavier
36
5-9
4-2
5-1
4-0
51


Wyoming
48
4-4
5-1
5-2
9-0
56


Rutgers
76
6-5
3-4
4-2
5-1
73


SMU
49
2-2
3-3
9-1
8-1
57




Much like the AP top 25, I think bracketologists set their bracket in mid-January and just move people up and down based the most recent win/loss. Hopefully the committee looks at the overall resume rather than recent performance.

[American X]

I do not see anything bubble about Creighton. Their Net and KenPom rankings make no sense. Just compare Wake Forest. You would think based on the Quads breakdown that Creighton is far better, but somehow Wake has much higher rankings.

Xavier's resume looks one of the best three or four of that group, so why not.

[xukeith]

No Dayton on the bubble?

[xukeith]

Only looking at Quad breakdowns, would you say Michigan and X have very similar cases?
Wake Forest probably is inflated in opinion polls because they play ACC teams.

[Murph85]

No Dayton on the bubble?

They have about 4 bad quad 4 losses in the early part of the year.

[xukeith]

NCAA selection committee used to say the reward teams with good non conference SOSs. Is that still true?

[STL_XUfan]

No Dayton on the bubble?

They are listed among the 8 teams on the wrong side of the bubble. I was more curious of where we fell in terms of the teams that are "in" to see how close we are to the cut line. We obviously want to avoid a potential Q3 loss today, but based on these teams it seems like our numbers put us closer to the top of the list than the cut line. However, that assumes that the committee looks at the whole resume and doesn't let the recent run of play impact their decision (which they got rid of as a metric years ago).

[xukeith]

They are listed among the 8 teams on the wrong side of the bubble. I was more curious of where we fell in terms of the teams that are "in" to see how close we are to the cut line. We obviously want to avoid a potential Q3 loss today, but based on these teams it seems like our numbers put us closer to the top of the list than the cut line. However, that assumes that the committee looks at the whole resume and doesn't let the recent run of play impact their decision (which they got rid of as a metric years ago).

http://bracketmatrix.com/

Bracket Matrix has what looks like 40 brackets with X as the first 12 seed.

[xukeith]

I don't get why Wake Forest, Miami, and Notre Dame all have less Q1 wins, and poorer SOS but since they are in top half of ACC in a down year they likely will be seeded higher(better) than a beat up X squad.

[Xavier]

Bracketville guy on Twitter said a win today would not put X into the comfortable category. Need to beat Providence in order to feel comfortable and not sweat on selection Sunday

[xukeith]

They’ve definitely been our most reliable players. It’s on Steele to make sure the players who are playing best (the hot hands and the ones hustling the most) stay in the game To that point, I have no problem with a “top of his game” Zack playing. If he can somehow tap into the version of himself who showed up in a few games this season looking more like a All-Conference player- you known the Free who stayed near the basket… grabbed rebounds… opted for layups over mid range jump shots abs 3s… played tough defense… stole passes and played with tons of confidence instead of cockiness - I’d be good with him getting lots of minutes. In fact. I really think this team needs him to be that player for X to make a run in the tournament
or in the NCAA tournament (should we get in).

If our two bigs start the game by launching 3 pointers (like they once did not too long ago) then weÂ’ll know Travis still isnÂ’t getting it. If the bigs are moving and scoring a lot in the paint and everyone on the team is hustling and making smart decisions, then weÂ’ll know Steele is growing and connecting a little better with his players.

We can pretty much guarantee Nunge will be launching about 3-4 threes. Zach maybe 2 (I hope zero).
There have been a few times Zach NODEEMantle has played well. He is very good offensively sometimes.

[JTG]

Come 6:30 this evening, are we getting ready for Providence, or calling Sean Miller ? Or are we calling Miller at halftime ? Very nervous, very very nervous, don't like trying to beat a team 3 times. Heck, with these guys beating a team once is a chore.

[noteggs]

http://bracketmatrix.com/

Bracket Matrix has what looks like 40 brackets with X as the first 12 seed.

Surprised there are only 3 sites have us out at this point. Jerry Palm (which is included in this matrix) has us as a 10 seed playing Iowa. Now that would be a fun matchup for Nunge.

[XUMIOH12]

Come 6:30 this evening, are we getting ready for Providence, or calling Sean Miller ? Or are we calling Miller at halftime ? Very nervous, very very nervous, don't like trying to beat a team 3 times. Heck, with these guys beating a team once is a chore.

depending on the year, teams who are 2-0 against an opponent win 66%-75% of the time on the third matchup.
Xavier plays bad basketball but can be good, Butler is just bad. A loss would be a massive failure, obviously.

[OTRMUSKIE]

88% chance to win. If Butler has anything to play for it's the fact that if they win they knock us out of the dance. Hopefully their goal is to hit the books and graduate

[STL_XUfan]

88% chance to win. If Butler has anything to play for it's the fact that if they win they knock us out of the dance. Hopefully their goal is to hit the books and graduate

That and Val Ackerman threatening their lives if they don't play along with the Big East bid collusion.

[Xuperman]

Obviously, playing in the PIG is not anything teams in the P6 aspire to do....especially for X because of the venue. However, there is a silver lining....win 2 straight and you likely get the 4 seed for a chance at the 2nd weekend. I love the 5-12 seed in general for that reason. Worked for the YTG.

BTW, can anyone post info on how UDump got that long term PIG deal? The central location nationally makes sense, but Cintas a far more upscale/fan friendly venue than the Dump.....not close.

[GoMuskies]

Dayton fans will attend it. That's why it's there.

Wake down 22-13 early against BC. Could provide some help to our cause.

[SemajParlor]

Let's go Eagles!

[paulxu]

UD fans go because, well, Dayton.
But the PIG should be a neutral site.

[markchal]

we've gotten a bunch of help, I think a win today and we're at least PIG.

Biggest question is if we come out uptight, or play loose and confident

[GoMuskies]

Wake is starting to pull away from BC. I think we'll have to at least beat Butler to get/stay ahead of Wake if they go ahead and win.

[GoMuskies]

Now tied at 66 with under 4 to go. Wake could choke this away and get us a rung higher on the Bubble totem pole.

[paulxu]

Now tied at 66 with under 4 to go. Wake could choke this away and get us a rung higher on the Bubble totem pole.

They did in OT.

[xukeith]

Looks like Wake Forest's bubble has popped. Losing to Stanford at the horn.

[Xville]

Wrong thread :)

[GoMuskies]

Dead

[Xuperman]

Dead

I am. I am checking out guys. College sports are so insignificant it is no longer funny. We are on the verge of a global catastrophe. Hug your love ones.

Xup. Out.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Hire Sean Miller.

Bring our NCAA hopes back.

#SaveTheProgram

[XUBison]

Hire Sean Miller.

Bring our NCAA hopes back.

#SaveTheProgram

Can we talk this into existence? If so— Miller Miller Miller Miller Miller Miller Miller Miller Miller…

[IM4X]

Hire Sean Miller.

Bring our NCAA hopes back.

#SaveTheProgram

I’m not sure there is any other way to resuscitate this program at this point.

“Dr. Miller! Paging Dr. Miller! You are need at the XU… STAT!

[paulxu]

Strangely, Joey Brackets has us as one of the last 4 in.

[Backyard Champ]

Strangely, Joey Brackets has us as one of the last 4 in.

I think it’s because a lot of bubble teams around us play today. Once a few of those teams win, we should be out.

Having said that- if they all lose- we still would likely be in. Not that we deserve it.

[Xville]

I don’t want any excuse for Steele to still be here next year. No thanks.

[boozehound]

It would be tough to get excited about watching this shitburger of a basketball team play in the NCAA tournament. I have never felt that way before. Even the 2016-2017 team felt like they had potential, and won 2 games in the BE tournament. They also had an excuse with the Sumner injury. These guys just don't feel like they have a run in them (or even a single win).

[muskieindent]

It would be tough to get excited about watching this shitburger of a basketball team play in the NCAA tournament. I have never felt that way before. Even the 2016-2017 team felt like they had potential, and won 2 games in the BE tournament. They also had an excuse with the Sumner injury. These guys just don't feel like they have a run in them (or even a single win).

And Bluiett was dealing with an ankle injury for a while.Once he got healthy things turned around.That team had talent and more importantly some toughness.This team is greatly lacking in that last department and that's a reflection of the coach.

[UCGRAD4X]

It would be tough to get excited about watching this shitburger of a basketball team play in the NCAA tournament. I have never felt that way before. Even the 2016-2017 team felt like they had potential, and won 2 games in the BE tournament. They also had an excuse with the Sumner injury. These guys just don't feel like they have a run in them (or even a single win).

It's starting to feel like a single win would feel like a run.

[SemajParlor]

And we also had Trevon Blueitt and JP Macura, which helps the eye test.

[American X]

Strangely, Joey Brackets has us as one of the last 4 in.

That is more unbelievable than the collapse. I will grasp onto a glimmer of hope. Glancing at the schedule, we need an immense serving of help:

Indiana lose to Michigan
Florida lose to Texas A&M
Wyoming lose to UNLV
Oklahoma lose to Baylor
Virginia Tech lose to Notre Dame
Virginia lose to North Carolina

Iowa State beating Texas Tech would not hurt either. Ohio State & UC also in action.

It would take more homework to figure out how the Big East teams winning or losing affects the quad records.

[SemajParlor]

Strangely, Joey Brackets has us as one of the last 4 in.

Going to be pretty awkward once we all realize we have about a coin flip chance of making the NCAAT

[GoMuskies]

Indiana is currently doing their part.

I want us in just because it would be so hilarious. Also, becase it would mean Xavier is in the NCAA Tournament. But mostly the humor.

[SemajParlor]

All this is doing is making me more frustrated.

Depaul at home. SJ at home. Providence up 3 with 2:40 left before a leak and Triple OT. Butler up 6 with :50 seconds left.

Literally win one of these games and they are comfortably in.

[GoMuskies]

So does the team practice this weekend just in case? Awkward.

[paulxu]

1 FT wins the Butler game. If they practice, I hope they practice FT's.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Indiana winning knocks Michigan out. So no harm done there. Michigan wins it knocks IU out. These teams are playing for the last spot I would think. A lot of what ifs today and rest of week. Def need VD to lose

[Xville]

Indiana winning knocks Michigan out. So no harm done there. Michigan wins it knocks IU out. These teams are playing for the last spot I would think. A lot of what ifs today and rest of week. Def need VD to lose

Michigan is in anyways. They were a projected 10 and this isn't really going to drop them much. Hopefully this just put the nail in the coffin. It would be absolutely embarassing for this X team to get an invite. they don't deserve it.

[American X]

Michigan does its best Xavier imitation blowing the lead and Indiana suddenly plays like its 1976, maybe taking Xavier's spot. Juwan Howard should have punched somebody.

[HenryMuto]

Would rather had Indiana lose to make sure they were out but maybe just maybe this knocks both out but they both might be in now.

This will be a tough cutline to figure out maybe 1 of the hardest years ever to know the last 4 in and last 4 out.

[KabeX]

And despite Futler being up 1 with 1:20 to go, PU will find a way to dispose of them. That's what good .. check that .. at least decent teams do.

[drudy23]

Do we have any "allies" on the Committee that can just say "last 10 games are meaningless now" for the next 3 days?

[KabeX]

T A&M trying to do their best Xavier impression

[markchal]

god providence was such a winnable game for us...what a historically bad loss butler was

[KabeX]

And despite Futler being up 1 with 1:20 to go, PU will find a way to dispose of them. That's what good .. check that .. at least decent teams do.
Right on cue.

[X-band '01]

Michigan should only be allowed to go to the NCAAs on the condition that Phil Martelli is their interim coach.

[D-West & PO-Z]

That is more unbelievable than the collapse. I will grasp onto a glimmer of hope. Glancing at the schedule, we need an immense serving of help:

Indiana lose to Michigan
Florida lose to Texas A&M
Wyoming lose to UNLV
Oklahoma lose to Baylor
Virginia Tech lose to Notre Dame
Virginia lose to North Carolina

Iowa State beating Texas Tech would not hurt either. Ohio State & UC also in action.

It would take more homework to figure out how the Big East teams winning or losing affects the quad records.

Edit: NVM, I had no idea IU came back to win.

[SemajParlor]

So uh, as unbelievable as they may seem.. I think there's a solid chance we may get in lol

[markchal]

most of the teams around us are just starting conf tourney...plenty more time to get key wins. Not the case for us!

[JTG]

Do we have any "allies" on the Committee that can just say "last 10 games are meaningless now" for the next 3 days?

Last 10 is no longer a criteria of the committee.

[STL_XUfan]

Last 10 is no longer a criteria of the committee.
Yes, officially. Still humans in the room.

[drudy23]

Last 10 is no longer a criteria of the committee.

Yes, I know - that's why you need a friend in the room reminding everyone it's not a criteria since our last 10 was garbage.

[X-band '01]

That friend for Xavier is Barry Collier. Take from that what you will.

[HenryMuto]

Indiana winning not ideal.

[GoMuskies]

I'm cheering for Stanford to win the Pac-12 Tournament. Just because.

[xukeith]

What teams are in the hunt for those final 4 Play in games?

We have Michigan, Wake Forest, Xavier , Rutgers, SMU, Notre Dame, Wyoming and VCU as candidates for UD Arena First 4 games

Resumes:
X : 9-11 Q1/2 record and 2 Quad 3 losses. SOS 10. (5-0 Q4 record.
WF 5-7 Q1/2 record 2 Q3 losses. SOS 162 (9-0 Q4 record)
Michigan 8-13 Q1/2 record 1 Q3 loss SOS 3 (3 -0 Q4 record)
Rutgers 9-9 Q1/2 record 2 Q losses (5-1 Q 4 rec.)
SMU 6-5 Q1/2 record 1 Q3 loss SOS 116 (7-1 Q4 record)
ND 4-8 Q1/2 record 1 Q3 loss SOS 102 (6 Q4 wins)
Wyom. 10-5 Q1/2 record 2 Q3 losses SOS 86 (10 wins vs Q4)
VCU 6-7 Q1/Q2 record 1 Q3 loss SOS14 (7 Q4 wins)

[HenryMuto]

Too bad Virginia Tech hit that 3 at the buzzer over Clemson because now they are a threat leading Notre Dame 37-24. Need Tech to lose.

[HenryMuto]

What teams are in the hunt for those final 4 Play in games?

We have Michigan, Wake Forest, Xavier , Rutgers, SMU, Notre Dame, Wyoming and VCU as candidates for UD Arena First 4 games

Resumes:
X : 9-11 Q1/2 record and 2 Quad 3 losses. SOS 10. (5-0 Q4 record.
WF 5-7 Q1/2 record 2 Q3 losses. SOS 162 (9-0 Q4 record)
Michigan 8-13 Q1/2 record 1 Q3 loss SOS 3 (3 -0 Q4 record)
Rutgers 9-9 Q1/2 record 2 Q losses (5-1 Q 4 rec.)
SMU 6-5 Q1/2 record 1 Q3 loss SOS 116 (7-1 Q4 record)
ND 4-8 Q1/2 record 1 Q3 loss SOS 102 (6 Q4 wins)
Wyom. 10-5 Q1/2 record 2 Q3 losses SOS 86 (10 wins vs Q4)
VCU 6-7 Q1/Q2 record 1 Q3 loss SOS14 (7 Q4 wins)

I think Notre Dame is a lock even with a loss today.
I think Wyoming locked up their bid with a win today.

[Xavier]

I don’t think ND is a lock. Only 4 wins against Q1/2 teams. Depends what committee likes I guess, in past it was more who you beat. I think they are absolutely a play in game team at best

[OTRMUSKIE]

ND is the #2 seed in the ACC Tbey are a lock. X is down to one last team and that's SMU. SMU needs to
Lose , then the low mid majors like Dayton and have to lose too. Cant have any bid stealers. If SMU wins one game then IU takes X spot. Wyoming winning killed us. It's not happening it's over. All X had to do was win 1 extra game out of the last 10 and they couldn't. I blame it on the Bengals. They took all the magic and left the rest of the city with none.

[Xavier]

The top bracketologist said ND was no where near a lock going into the game tonight

[xu82]

Am I awful if I just want it to end?

[Xville]

Am I awful if I just want it to end?

Nope. I don’t want Steele anywhere near this program coaching another game. I’m sure he’s a nice guy, but he’s embarrassing the program, plain and simple. Last thing I want is to sneak into the tourney and go to Dayton to get x’s asses handed to them. Screw that.. decline the nit , fire Steele and get a real coach

[OTRMUSKIE]

I just want to watch X play more and talk shit about Steele. One more game one more game one more game.

[paulxu]

Mike Young at VT is winning with 2 guys (Murphy and Aluma) that he brought with him from Wofford.

It helps that Mike also knows how to coach.

[GoMuskies]

Oklahoma over Baylor can't be good for Xavier.

[Xavier]

Well Lunardi update as of 5 min ago still has X as last four in. Along with Wake and Indiana and Wyoming. ND and Michigan as last four byes. I think Michigan will be ok but the record is tough, ND and X are a toss up against each other.

But man if they make it and it saves Steele give me the alternative. But if he wasn’t getting fired regardless I’ll obviously take the tournament birth

[xukeith]

Mike Young at VT is winning with 2 guys (Murphy and Aluma) that he brought with him from Wofford.

It helps that Mike also knows how to coach.

Maybe Young is open to come to X if Miller doesn't jump at the opportunity.
Start a new poll:
Yes or No.
Have you sent the AD and/or X President a message of your disdain regarding X losing more and more?

[HenryMuto]

Virginia Tech is now in the mix they should lost to Clemson damn it.

[xukeith]

What is Steele's buyout? $3 million?

[Lloyd Braun]

Who are these bracketologists that project Xavier as last four in? Wtf are they smoking? It is not happening, and even considering it as a possibility is insanity. This year is a good year to argue for going back to 64

[xudash]

What is Steele's buyout? $3 million?

That strikes me as being too high.

[GIMMFD]

ND is the #2 seed in the ACC Tbey are a lock. X is down to one last team and that's SMU. SMU needs to
Lose , then the low mid majors like Dayton and have to lose too. Cant have any bid stealers. If SMU wins one game then IU takes X spot. Wyoming winning killed us. It's not happening it's over. All X had to do was win 1 extra game out of the last 10 and they couldn't. I blame it on the Bengals. They took all the magic and left the rest of the city with none.

Yup, ultimately we controlled our own fate and shit the bed against a 13-18 team, sure they played Providence close, but Providence has escaped some close calls all season long. Just didn't get it done when it mattered, another year same story. Hate that we're sitting here hoping and praying on the result of other teams to just get into the big dance, weren't we one of 8 teams that had made the Sweet 16 4 out of 6 years less than a decade ago?? Rough.

[GoMuskies]

Ohio State is still a 6 seed? Thought they might be hanging around the Bubble with their late season collapse.

[paulxu]

The fact that we have a thread titled "Our NCAA Hopes" is just, well....wrong.

[GIMMFD]

Per Eamonn Brennan of The Athletic on Xavier's chances (if this isn't allowed I'll edit it mods to sum up):

Xavier (18-13, 8-11; NET: 40, SOS: 33): The Musketeers have done their absolute damnedest to burn their NCAA Tournament hopes to the ground. It has been a long, difficult, arduous process; it was always going to take a lot of doing. But they might have just about managed it Wednesday night. Wednesday night, of course, was when Xavier suffered a Big East tournament loss on a neutral floor to Butler — NET: 128 — a close game which the Musketeers nonetheless led late, and should have finished, if not for some missed free throws up four with less than a minute left and then (after, to be fair, his own heroics seemed to win the game in the first place) Paul Scruggs’s senseless foul with his team up two and Butler in the bonus. It was Scruggs’ fifth foul. Butler freshman Simas Lukosius, having the game of his life, naturally hit both and pushed the game to overtime, at which point the Scruggs-less Musketeers collapsed altogether.

It was a terrible loss, but if Xavier ends up not getting in the tournament — and we still think they probably will — then one game at the Big East tournament won’t be the primary culprit. No, if Xavier doesn’t get in, it will be because the Musketeers torched a high-level 14-3 start that had them ranked in the top 20s in the NET and other metrics, because they lost 10 of their last 14 games, including five in a row in the second half of February. We spent an entire introduction to this column last week explaining how, if you take the recency bias out of it and just look at XU’s team sheet, it still looks like a tournament resume relative to some of the bubble, and that’s probably still true: five Quadrant 1 wins (particularly wins over UConn and Ohio State) is still pretty decent, relatively speaking, and if the committee prioritizes the “who did you beat” argument, and it often does, XU will be well-served. But adding another bad loss in Quadrant 3 puts Xavier in a spot where it looks similar enough to one of those aforementioned longtime bubble teams that the distinction is pretty meaningless. This feels like a coin flip, contingent on what else happens this weekend. And if the Musketeers don’t get in, they will have no one to blame but themselves.

[paulxu]

And if the Musketeers don’t get in, they will have no one to blame but themselves.

Thanks caller.

[xukeith]

updated bracketology of a ton of brackets still has X as in the last 4 as a 12 seed.

I give X a 20% chance of getting in as a last 4

http://bracketmatrix.com/

[xukeith]

It is coming down to the wire and Wake Forest, SMU, VCU, BYU, Oklahoma, Rutgers, Indiana, and Xavier are the candidates for Play in game in Dayton.

[xukeith]

Who are these bracketologists that project Xavier as last four in? Wtf are they smoking? It is not happening, and even considering it as a possibility is insanity. This year is a good year to argue for going back to 64

In theory, the committee does not look at recent games to help/hurt a team's chances. They say, "who did you beat"?
XU's Q1 wins help their standing compared to other teams looking to get a play in game.

I bet if X gets a play in spot, the announcers and general public will scream, "That team sucks! Look at their last 8 games!"

[GoMuskies]

I bet if X gets a play in spot, the announcers and general public will scream, "That team sucks! Look at their last 8 games!"

They won't be wrong.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yeah I mean as far as the committee is concerned all of losses could have been at the beginning of the year or spread out throughout the year evenly.

However, the human element has to be considered, and being and official metric or not, if two teams are close, I imagine they would give an edge to a team who wasn't in the middle of an epic late season collapse.

[markchal]

just excruciating to watch our tourney hopes agonizingly slip away, like the last minute of the Butler game spread out over several days.

[XUBison]

They may not take the last 10 into consideration anymore, but what about the eye test? How in the world would we pass that?

[D-West & PO-Z]

They may not take the last 10 into consideration anymore, but what about the eye test? How in the world would we pass that?

Again, not supposed to be a metric used. But again, dealing with humans, so I imagine it comes into some effect.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I can't believe we might still make the dance . SMU and VD lose today that will be huge. VD prob has to win their tournament. I think X is going to freaking make it. Unbelievable.

[drudy23]

I can't believe we might still make the dance . SMU and VD lose today that will be huge. VD prob has to win their tournament. I think X is going to freaking make it. Unbelievable.

Well if they don't, it gives us all the chance to re-complain on Sunday after the Selection Show. So we got that going for us.

[bjf123]

I can't believe we might still make the dance . SMU and VD lose today that will be huge. VD prob has to win their tournament. I think X is going to freaking make it. Unbelievable.

That’s some seriously righteous shit you’re smoking! [emoji16]


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[markchal]

It's extremely unlikely we will get in...we'd need a lot of things to go our way, which is the opposite of how the Steele era has unfolded

[HenryMuto]

Too many other teams are playing their way in. Texas A&M up 37-21 at half on Auburn win that probably punches their ticket.

X had their chance and blew it once again. I want them to be in but hard to see it with how everyone else is playing and we have not even had a bid thief as of yet just other teams wanting to play their way in unlike X.

[paulxu]

It's like Auburn is taking one for the (SEC) team.

[drudy23]

Yeah these teams look hungry - that's what it takes.

[Xville]

X isn’t making it, and doesn’t deserve to make it even with how bad the bubble is when there are 68 teams.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Not making it, that said Indiana is winning against Illinois and A&M against Auburn. This is what decent coaching looks like. Woodson and Williams have their respective teams ready to go.

[Xavier]

Watching other programs always reminds me how soft X is. Mentally and physically. And how flat they were for last 2 months.

[drudy23]

Watching other programs always reminds me how soft X is. Mentally and physically. And how flat they were for last 2 months.

We all heard Steele say that revenge was on their mind when they got another shot at Butler?

Did anyone think X was a team that had blood in their eyes? I sure didn't. It sure didn't seem or look like they had revenge on their minds.

Great coaches can pull out that hunger at the right time. Things like that aren't indicative through words, you can SEE it. I saw hunger when they played UC and OSU and Providence - that's been about it.

[profson]

Well if they don't, it gives us all the chance to re-complain on Sunday after the Selection Show. So we got that going for us.

Frankly (not that this will happen given recent games) if we are the first team out I don't think I could muster up the energy to be upset over who just got in.

[HenryMuto]

Indiana just beat Illinois they punched their ticket.

A&M thumping Auburn by 15 with 8 minutes left I think they are getting in.

X was hanging on but now going to fall off.

[KabeX]

And IU pulls it out. A&M pounding Auburn. If there was anyone left who thought we had a snowball's chance that ought to take care of that. On the plus side, no reason GC has to wait to make the announcement ... right?

[OTRMUSKIE]

No, SMU is out last chance. SMU loses we are still alive. Those 5 quad 1 wins or 6 or whatever we have our still keeping us alive. But we are a cracked ice for sure.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

IU and A&M just bounced us. 4 straight year and no ncaa and don’t let Steele make you think that 2020 team was in after that Leitao led DePaul loss. We were out there also. Steele should be the next out.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Texas am was already in. SMU , Rutgers now seal our fate.

[OTRMUSKIE]

This morning Xavier, Rutgers, SMU and AM were on the 11&12 seed.

[markchal]

we were the second to last team in, with Indiana last. A&M was among the first 4 (or 8 depending on whoy ou listen to) out. Indiana jumps us with the win, and AM takes that last slot over us now.

Officially toast.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Pretty sure Xavier gets in no matter what. Bc they shouldn't even be in consideration and yet there they are. Steele has dirt on someone. Sure would like to bury his career

[OTRMUSKIE]

I'm not saying X gets in, but if you look at palm, am was already in. So then winning did nothing. SMU and Rutgers lose, x will still be in per palm.

[HenryMuto]

My Kentucky fan in me is happy A&M won over Auburn since we are trying to get a #1 seed.

My Xavier fan in me is not happy about the A&M win.

Either way I hate the Indiana win

[HenryMuto]

I'm not saying X gets in, but if you look at palm, am was already in. So then winning did nothing. SMU and Rutgers lose, x will still be in per palm.

Considering Palm is currently ranked 100th out of the 135 on bracket matrix pardon me for being a little skeptical of what he says will happen.

[GoMuskies]

Rutgers racing out to the 13-5 lead on Iowa is pretty on brand for this season.

[GoMuskies]

Rutgers goes down, but not a bad loss. SLU beating Bona is probably somewhat good, but probably doesn't matter much. Someone is getting in from the A-10, but probably not two teams. Davidson winning the Tournament is probably for the best. VCU and/or Dayton losing tonight would be nice.

[X-band '01]

Rutgers is going to be a fascinating case. They have a shit ton of Q1 wins (including at Wisconsin and at Indiana), but their metrics would be historically abysmal for an at-large case. Their NET, RPI and SOS would have 99.9% of teams dead on arrival.

[xukeith]

With Indiana's win, that probably grabbed a spot away from X, Wake Forest or SMU. Indiana is in now.

[HenryMuto]

X should beat Providence at least once if not twice this year. Creighton dismantling Providence.

[HenryMuto]

With Indiana's win, that probably grabbed a spot away from X, Wake Forest or SMU. Indiana is in now.

Agree. I think X should be ahead of Wake Forest so let us hope SMU loses either tonight or vs Memphis because I think Memphis is in.

Really need Virginia Tech to go down tonight.

This feels like hoping against hope that X will make it but that is all we can do right now.

[CP05XU08CU13]

The way Creighton is playing should be enough evidence for Christopher and the administration to fire Steele. Creighton has nowhere near the talent or history that Xavier has, yet the program is over performing again this year. That is 100% coaching. Omaha is hard sell for a lot of athletes, but McDermott continues to win. This is coming from an Omaha native that went to Creighton Prep and Creighton for grad school. Time to move on from Steele.

[xudash]

The way Creighton is playing should be enough evidence for Christopher and the administration to fire Steele. Creighton has nowhere near the talent or history that Xavier has, yet the program is over performing again this year. That is 100% coaching. Omaha is hard sell for a lot of athletes, but McDermott continues to win. This is coming from an Omaha native that went to Creighton Prep and Creighton for grad school. Time to move on from Steele.

Public ramps to go along with the other

Gus Johnson even mentioned how McDermott puts players in position to win and how he plays the right personnel.

[OTRMUSKIE]

VD is def going to have to win their tournament. They will be good next year but the A-10 is ranked 10th this year. Those 3 awful loses will kill then. I think VCU beats them easily. Need Oklahoma to lose now. Just too many for x to make it. But hey top seed in the kNIT!!! How about that!

[whopper]

Public ramps to go along with the other

Gus Johnson even mentioned how McDermott puts players in position to win and how he plays the right personnel.

I think Creigton losing Nemhard really helped them. He had the ball all the time and was too small, very skilled but easy to wear down which is why we killed then in second half. Now Alexander is bigger and stronger and others handle the ball more so more balance. Hawkins was a great pick up..i cant believe his positivity as i thought when he was shut out v Villanova he would shrink, O'Connell as well..a bigger stronger Kunkel. Kaluma has turned into the Big East ROY after injuries and Kalkbrenner dunks as high a percentage of shots as any college player i have ever seen. A surprise to me but Nemhard going down actually helped

[xudash]

I think Creigton losing Nemhard really helped them. He had the ball all the time and was too small, very skilled but easy to wear down which is why we killed then in second half. Now Alexander is bigger and stronger and others handle the ball more so more balance. Hawkins was a great pick up..i cant believe his positivity as i thought when he was shut out v Villanova he would shrink, O'Connell as well..a bigger stronger Kunkel. Kaluma has turned into the Big East ROY after injuries and Kalkbrenner dunks as high a percentage of shots as any college player i have ever seen. A surprise to me but Nemhard going down actually helped

Good observations.

I really like Kunkel and his passion and attitude towards the game, but your point about Kunkel versus O'Connell reflects the difference between Duke versus Belmont, I guess.

[HenryMuto]

Virginia Tech had to hit a 3 at the buzzer to beat Clemson by 1 in their first game and is going to take that all the way to the ACC final and probably knock X out of the tournament unreal.

[xu82]

Do we even WANT Xavier in the tournament for this year? I mean, of course I do, but I’m not sure I do. Yes, confusing, I know. I want what is best long term for Xavier basketball and the brand. What is that?

[xu82]

Just watched Nova beat UConn in the BE championship game. I had forgotten watching college basketball could be so much fun!

If I’m a UConn fan, I’m not ashamed. Good finish and quality basketball. Congrats to both teams.

.

[bjf123]

Just watched Nova beat UConn in the BE championship game. I had forgotten watching college basketball could be so much fun!

Isn’t that game tomorrow night?


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[xukeith]

I’m envious of Creighton. Back to back BE final appearances.
Multiple wins in BE and NCAA appearances.
Coach McDerm. Takes a very young team and they kick ass.
They are the easy pick to win BE next year. Can you imagine being a Creighton fan?

[paulxu]

Really need Virginia Tech to go down tonight.

That's not happening.


I think VCU beats them easily.

Nor that.

[xu82]

Isn’t that game tomorrow night?


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Honestly, IDK. I just saw the end of a great game with quality basketball. I’ve pretty much ignored it since X bowed out, so early again. As I will moving forward if we continue on our current path. And I’m a resident optimist.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I can promise you VCU is def not beating VD. VD needed VCU but now they are def going to need to win the a10

[CP05XU08CU13]

I have nothing but respect for Creighton as an Omaha native. I think the fan base here was cautiously optimistic about the move to the Big East from the Missouri Valley, but Creighton has shown they can hold their own and recruit players that can compete in the league. Xavier used to be in a similar boat before Steele took over. Xavier has dropped to a lower tier Big East team during his tenure, which is very unfortunate.

[Xavier]

I’d be miserable as a creighton fan. Well, I wouldn’t be miserable, but it’s the same thing as Mick and UC. Make the tournament but never a threat….and the years they are- they choke early. Outside of the ncaa tournament though, yeah. They are fun to watch, tough- can compete. Not why it doesn’t translate at all to match success.

[OTRMUSKIE]

We are still in!! Lunardi has us as last team in now!

[XUBison]

I’d be miserable as a creighton fan. Well, I wouldn’t be miserable, but it’s the same thing as Mick and UC. Make the tournament but never a threat….and the years they are- they choke early. Outside of the ncaa tournament though, yeah. They are fun to watch, tough- can compete. Not why it doesn’t translate at all to match success.

They went to the Sweet-16 last year.

[bjf123]

We are still in!! Lunardi has us as last team in now!

He must be high or drunk.


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[xukeith]

We X fans now deserve tons of pain.
Watch UD win the A10 tourney.

[OTRMUSKIE]

VD almost lost to UMESS and Richmond is on fire right now. But yes I think it comes to down to VD and X for last spot. Although want to root against vtech and AM and Indians just to be safe even though Tbey are in. I can't believe we are still in consideration:

[Xville]

VD almost lost to UMESS and Richmond is on fire right now. But yes I think it comes to down to VD and X for last spot. Although want to root against vtech and AM and Indians just to be safe even though Tbey are in. I can't believe we are still in consideration:

I think you and lunardi are high if you believe x is still in the hunt. I know the bubble is bad like every year but x isn’t making it

[OTRMUSKIE]

I can't believe we may still make the dance. But if we have any chance this is what has to happen.

VD must lose
Davidson must win A-10
Texas AM needs to lose
Virginia Tech needs to lose
SMU needs to lose although not sure they are a factor anymore.

If those things happen, we will at least be able to watch the selection show with anticipation.

[Backyard Champ]

I think you and lunardi are high if you believe x is still in the hunt. I know the bubble is bad like every year but x isn’t making it

Nearly every bracket has them last team in or first team out right now. So it’s not as crazy as you’d think. Most teams around us have less than 3 quad1 wins. We have 5

[HenryMuto]

Xaiver is done. Too many teams played their way ahead of Xavier and they might not make it either.

Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, Dayton. Some of those might not make it but I think enough do to knock out Xavier.

JUST BEAT BUTLER AND THEN YOU ARE LIKEY IN and I think they had a great shot to beat Providence and remove all dought.

ITS OVER

[xavbball]

Xaiver is done. Too many teams played their way ahead of Xavier and they might not make it either.

Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, Dayton. Some of those might not make it but I think enough do to knock out Xavier.

JUST BEAT BUTLER AND THEN YOU ARE LIKEY IN and I think they had a great shot to beat Providence and remove all dought.

ITS OVER

This. Folks, the season ended on Wednesday. It's probably a good thing since the administration can do the right thing and let Steele go. I know we all love Xavier basketball and love to be in the tournament, but it's not happening.

[xukeith]

This. Folks, the season ended on Wednesday. It's probably a good thing since the administration can do the right thing and let Steele go. I know we all love Xavier basketball and love to be in the tournament, but it's not happening.

I think the more we feel Steele should be let go, the AD and President will dig their heels in and try and keep him.

Their argument probably is 4 years is not enough time for this smart man to learn about coaching.

[paulxu]

It seems like that major conference teams who are definitely in (like Arkansas or Iowa) don't play as hard as they could against bubble teams like A&M.

Just an impression.

[American X]

We are still in!! Lunardi has us as last team in now!

Just stop it, Joe Lunardi.

https://c.tenor.com/s1ZOWFSCRVcAAAAC/moses-the10commandments.gif

[HenryMuto]

Going into today this is how I see it.

8 spots open + the A-10 auto bid (9 teams left to make the bracket) with 15 teams in the mix (assuming no one outside this list wins any multi league auto bid)

In no particular order the 15 teams for 9 spots (root for Davidson!)

Notre Dame (Worse resume then I first though without the Kentucky win they would be out for sure they might sneak in though)
Virginia Tech (Might be in with a loss today X beat them earlier this year)
Wake Forest (I think they should be out they did next to nothing)
Oklahoma (1 point just 1 point might keep them out 18-15 that is a lot of losses no clue if NCAA puts them in based on Baylor win)
Davidson (Please win the auto bid since I think they are likely in even with a loss in championship game)
Dayton (Root for Richmond today then Davidson tomorrow)
Xavier
Memphis (I think they are more in than SMU so root for Memphis today)
SMU
Rutgers (6 quad 1 wins but some really ugly losses and will the NCAA take a team at NET 78 ?)
Indiana (I think they are in win or lose now)
Michigan (I think only 4 teams have made the tournament at 3 games or less above .500 in a non covid year but they might be in)
Texas A&M (Really tough call they are playing out of their minds they were no where close before beating Auburn)
Wyoming (I think they are probably in)
BYU (I think they are probably out)

[OTRMUSKIE]

Can x still get in with a Texas Am win?

[xuphan]

Looks like Texas A&M are in now.

[xavierj]

Can x still get in with a Texas Am win?

Yes kind of. Need Davidson to win A10, SMU and Virginia tech to lose. Still probably won’t make it but that keeps a little hope alive.

[markchal]

wishful thinking, but I'm seeing some pretty wide-ranging opinions on the last 5-8 teams in. Some safely have like Wyoming, ND and Rutgers in, and I feel like they should be in PIG territory at best. Rutgers has a NET in like the 70s, ND beat Kentucky but their resume outside of that isn't great, and Wyoming is in Wyoming.

Meanwhile, we have a program that is 1-0 against Top 20 teams when our future coach addresses our players, and that HAS to count for something

[HenryMuto]

NCAA chair came on and said they have 6 spots left but didn't say out of how many teams in the running for the final 6 spots and said they will select the final 6 teams with contingency plans in case teams on their out win their league championship.

I think of my "9 spots" left the 3 teams they may have locked already in are Davidson and Indiana. The other 1 might be Michigan or Wyoming or maybe Memphis. Hard to know but they have 3 teams locked up that I don't yet. Strongly think Davidson and Indiana are probably 2 of them.

[HenryMuto]

This guy still has Xavier in

https://www.ballysports.com/national/news/brad-evans-big-board-ncaa-men-basketball

This is how he ranks the teams I listed above

38 Davidson
39 Memphis
41 Wyoming
43 Indiana
44 Michigan
45 Xavier
46 Texas A&M
47 Virginia Tech
48 Rutgers
--------------------------
First 4 out
------------------------
1 Notre Dame
2 SMU
3 Oklahoma
4 Wake Forest

He updated after A&M's win

[Masterofreality]

Dudes.
We didn’t win the game we had to win. That was our play-in game, and we blew it.
I hope we turn down the NIT. I think the players would

[markchal]

I think we are VERY much in contention. Our resume has in that first 4 out at first glance, but when you actually look at full season resumes, we do have a shot.

The thing that helps separate us is we have way more practice points than the other teams around us