Travis Steele Has Ruined Xavier Basketball

[markchal]

What an incomprehensible game, yet completely predictable at the same time.

It took four years to undo decades of program building, but I am completely shocked at how far this program has fallen. Four straight years of missing the tournament. A third straight season of choking down the stretch, losing to teams we have no business losing to.

Fire Steele, and fire Christopher too. It's the only way to salvage this disaster, because this roster with these coaches next year has literally no chance of making the tournament. Unless one of these incoming freshmen is an EXCELLENT Division I college basketball coach, Xavier basketball is in a complete free-fall

[drudy23]

This is a team with no vision and no identity and a culture that resembles nothing of which made it proud.

That's a testament to the leadership of the program. This program is flailing into being a non factor in the Big East and losing its national reputation.

How can you simply let that continue?

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

What an incomprehensible game, yet completely predictable at the same time.

It took four years to undo decades of program building, but I am completely shocked at how far this program has fallen. Four straight years of missing the tournament. A third straight season of choking down the stretch, losing to teams we have no business losing to.

Fire Steele, and fire Christopher too. It's the only way to salvage this disaster, because this roster with these coaches next year has literally no chance of making the tournament. Unless one of these incoming freshmen is an EXCELLENT Division I college basketball coach, Xavier basketball is in a complete free-fall

You could not have stated this any more clearly. Decades. Yes, Steele has undone decades of steady accomplishment by dozens of players and coaches, trainers, etc. He has, almost single-handedly, destroyed our legacy with assistance from weak leadership from our players. What complete incompetence!

[X-band '01]

All it took was a Butler student manager to completely send the program on a death spiral over the past 3 seasons.

[XUOWNSUC]

Fire Steele and Christopher.

Hire Mario and Miller.

Save the program!

[American X]

Goodbye Coach Hoodie...

[waggy]

All it took was a Butler student manager to completely send the program on a death spiral over the past 3 seasons.

Brandon Miller would have been better… at least he knew when to quit

[muskieindent]

Not sure why but i kept thinking this team would eventually step up in a big situation. Shame on me. Absolutely no reason to be excited about next year. First time I've ever felt that way.

[Double Down]

Was Tay Baker this bad?

[N67ER]

I was a season ticket holder in the Baker years and still am. He was really old school. Knew and understood basketball. Had very little talent to work with. Was not a good recruiter. Took over forr a truly terrible fraud of a coach, Campbell, who was 15-37 in two years. Xavier won 3 games under Campbell in his second year, losing to D2 teams. In final analysis, I think Baker was marginally better than Steele.

[D-West & PO-Z]

What an incomprehensible game, yet completely predictable at the same time.

It took four years to undo decades of program building, but I am completely shocked at how far this program has fallen. Four straight years of missing the tournament. A third straight season of choking down the stretch, losing to teams we have no business losing to.

Fire Steele, and fire Christopher too. It's the only way to salvage this disaster, because this roster with these coaches next year has literally no chance of making the tournament. Unless one of these incoming freshmen is an EXCELLENT Division I college basketball coach, Xavier basketball is in a complete free-fall

In the last month the Steele led Musketeers lost 4 times to St. Johns (twice), Butler, and DePaul. 2 of those losses at home. Win 1 and a bid is probably secured.

3 straight Feb/March collapses.

Different years. Different players. Same head coach. Same sorry results. Same old excuses.

In a vacuum, no one single game is all Steele's fault and players are owed some blame. But over the course of 4 years, last 3 especially, it all comes back to Steele just not getting the job done.

Go. Get. Sean. Miller. (Or someone else if he wont take it).

#SaveTheProgram

[XUGRAD80]

Was Tay Baker this bad?

MUCH worse in many ways, better in others. TB knew basketball, he knew X’s and O’s, but would really struggle with just about everything else.

[boozehound]

In the last month the Steele led Musketeers lost 4 times to St. Johns (twice), Butler, and DePaul. 2 of those losses at home. Win 1 and a bid is probably secured.

3 straight Feb/March collapses.

Different years. Different players. Same head coach. Same sorry results. Same old excuses.

In a vacuum, no one single game is all Steele's fault and players are owed some blame. But over the course of 4 years, last 3 especially, it all comes back to Steele just not getting the job done.

Go. Get. Sean. Miller. (Or someone else if he wont take it).

#SaveTheProgram

This really is an almost unfathomable collapse. It's more fathomable when viewed against some of Steele's other recent collapses, but still, it's an almost impossibly bad finish to the season.

I see nothing worth saving here. The fundamentals are absolutely terrible. Perimeter passing sucks, free throw shooting sucks, we can't shoot 3's, we miss a ton of layups, and we frequently have total defensive lapses. We can't sustain effort and intensity for 40 mins and we fold down the stretch when challenged. There is very, very little to build on next year, and many of our systemic flaws are usually coaching staff related.

[JTG]

Was Tay Baker this bad?

Worse. He didn't care. Just collecting a paycheck.

[Muskie]

Was Tay Baker this bad?

Travis remains one win behind Tay Baker on the all time win's list, FYI.

[SkyWalker]

Worse. He didn't care. Just collecting a paycheck.

I second this opinion!

[KabeX]

This really is an almost unfathomable collapse. It's more fathomable when viewed against some of Steele's other recent collapses, but still, it's an almost impossibly bad finish to the season.

I see nothing worth saving here. The fundamentals are absolutely terrible. Perimeter passing sucks, free throw shooting sucks, we can't shoot 3's, we miss a ton of layups, and we frequently have total defensive lapses. We can't sustain effort and intensity for 40 mins and we fold down the stretch when challenged. There is very, very little to build on next year, and many of our systemic flaws are usually coaching staff related.
This pretty much describes it to a T-ravesty.

[UCGRAD4X]

Travisty

#blowitup

[ArizonaXUGrad]

The whole staff needs to go, everyone who participated in the culture. If there are returning players who like the old system and culture let them transfer. It is time to literally blow it all up. It feels like they won 18 despite Steele.

[GoMuskies]

Let Dante go back to Air Force, Ohio or Robert Morris. Or one of those equally high profile places that wanted him before he spent the last 4 seasons on Xavier's bench.

[Masterofreality]

MUCH worse in many ways, better in others. TB knew basketball, he knew X’s and O’s, but would really struggle with just about everything else.

Baker hated to recruit. Would never leave Cincinnati and would rather play golf.

[bjf123]

Baker hated to recruit. Would never leave Cincinnati and would rather play golf.

He was a heck of a golfer.


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[HenryMuto]

Would be great if either Sean Miller or Chris Mack wanted to come back as everyone here would welcome either with open arms. I have no idea if either would come back but if they would that needs to happen. This team was so talented it is hard to believe they won't be in the tournament YET AGAIN.

3 inexplicable collapses 3 years in a row. Covid saved the team from being embarrsed how it bowed out in 2020 but to do it again in 2021 and 2020 is hard to grasp. All 3 years it was pretty much known just win the first round and your most likely in and you can't even do that.

To lose the way they did last night Scruggs fouling up 2 a 90% FT shooter at half court with 5 seconds left is something I can't fathom. Is that on the coach or that on Scruggs ? Either way that can't happen.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Would be great if either Sean Miller or Chris Mack wanted to come back as everyone here would welcome either with open arms. I have no idea if either would come back but if they would that needs to happen. This team was so talented it is hard to believe they won't be in the tournament YET AGAIN.

3 inexplicable collapses 3 years in a row. Covid saved the team from being embarrsed how it bowed out in 2020 but to do it again in 2021 and 2020 is hard to grasp. All 3 years it was pretty much known just win the first round and your most likely in and you can't even do that.

To lose the way they did last night Scruggs fouling up 2 a 90% FT shooter at half court with 5 seconds left is something I can't fathom. Is that on the coach or that on Scruggs ? Either way that can't happen.

Nope.

Most would welcome Miller (I certainly would). Doubt that many would embrace Mack. I would not.

Steele has turned this program into a mess so I hope the pressure builds to a level where the A.D. is forced to move on.

[blueblood]

Let Dante go back to Air Force, Ohio or Robert Morris. Or one of those equally high profile places that wanted him before he spent the last 4 seasons on Xavier's bench.

I wouldn't necessarily throw Dante under the bus. I don't know if he's good or bad, but I do know he was pretty much the only coach throughout the year who was putting hands on the players and giving them instruction (like all of our bench coaches used to do). I don't think I can remember seeing Jonas or Danny or Jordan do that a single time (I'm sure they did at some point but I don't remember seeing it at all and I'm there at every game). Dante was constantly grabbing players and getting up off the bench shouting instructions. Again, I don't know if he's good or bad, but he was 100% more engaged than the other bench coaches and frankly seemed more engaged than Steele did most of the year. Plenty of times looking over there you'd have thought Dante was our head coach instead of Steele. And if I didn't know better I certainly would have guessed that Dante was the associate head coach not Jonas.

[UCGRAD4X]

Dante Jackson; the next Head Coach of Xavier's MBB.

[xudash]

Was Tay Baker this bad?

You know Xavier finally encountered a major coaching problem with its basketball program when TB's name is brought up.

[GIMMFD]

Nope.

Most would welcome Miller (I certainly would). Doubt that many would embrace Mack. I would not.

Steele has turned this program into a mess so I hope the pressure builds to a level where the A.D. is forced to move on.

I'd be fine with Sean Miller, not so fine with Chris Mack, I agree with that. I wonder what Miller could do with the resources at his disposal now in the Big East. We definitely need to figure something out, I hope our AD is on top of the ball. They always say an AD has a list of guys every year just in case, so I hope Christopher was doing his homework.

[drudy23]

Watching these BET games, these teams are just on another physicality level. We don't bring it like this.

Also, the atmosphere in this tournament in the later rounds in phenomenal. It's a shame we don't get to experience it very often.

[X-band '01]

Watching these BET games, these teams are just on another physicality level. We don't bring it like this.

Also, the atmosphere in this tournament in the later rounds in phenomenal. It's a shame we don't get to experience it very often.

Xavier's first six appearances in the Big East Tournament went at least to the semifinals (championship appearance in 2015). And then the Travisty Regression kicked in.

[drudy23]

Xavier's first six appearances in the Big East Tournament went at least to the semifinals (championship appearance in 2015). And then the Travisty Regression kicked in.

Yes, was referring to the Coach Tin era.

[XUBison]

Let Dante go back to Air Force, Ohio or Robert Morris. Or one of those equally high profile places that wanted him before he spent the last 4 seasons on Xavier's bench.

Serious question— what is your thing with Dante? Wasn’t his reputation as a player that he was a really smart, well-liked, high energy guy? I mean, wasn’t he something like a 4.0 student? I have no opinion either way, but why is he a stretch as one of our assistants?

And I’m not saying his reputation as a player qualifies him, just that he seemed like the kind of player that could be a good fit in coaching.

[GoMuskies]

Other than having played at Xavier, what did he really have going for him that would have caused Steele to pick him as one of his assistants? He wasn't exactly plowing his way up the ladder as an assistant. If anything, he was going sideways before Steele hired him. Have you ever heard of anyone excited to hire him away from us? He's been on staff for four teams that have done basically nothing at Xavier. Maybe he's not really much of the problem. But I don't see anything that says he's really part of the solution, either.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'd be fine with Sean Miller, not so fine with Chris Mack, I agree with that. I wonder what Miller could do with the resources at his disposal now in the Big East. We definitely need to figure something out, I hope our AD is on top of the ball. They always say an AD has a list of guys every year just in case, so I hope Christopher was doing his homework.

I think Miller would crush it here. He is a much better fit on the east coast anyway. Not that he did bad at UA.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Xavier's first six appearances in the Big East Tournament went at least to the semifinals (championship appearance in 2015). And then the Travisty Regression kicked in.

Time to #StopTheTravisty #SaveTheProgram

[xuphan]

Time to #StopTheTravisty #SaveTheProgram

Still can’t believe the student section chanted “fire Steele”. How far has this program fallen?

[XUBison]

I think Miller would crush it here. He is a much better fit on the east coast anyway. Not that he did bad at UA.

This is so obvious, it hurts. My fear is that in five or 10 years, we will deeply regret not bringing Sean back. Meanwhile, many of the current powers that be will no longer even be affiliated with the school. #SaveTheProgram

[XUBison]

Still can’t believe the student section chanted “fire Steele”. How far has this program fallen?

They can’t bring him back, right? Imagine Cintas next year if they do. What an embarrassment that shit show would be.

[SM#24]

Other than having played at Xavier, what did he really have going for him that would have caused Steele to pick him as one of his assistants? He wasn't exactly plowing his way up the ladder as an assistant. If anything, he was going sideways before Steele hired him. Have you ever heard of anyone excited to hire him away from us? He's been on staff for four teams that have done basically nothing at Xavier. Maybe he's not really much of the problem. But I don't see anything that says he's really part of the solution, either.
I hear ya, a little bit. Not sure why he was one and done at three Asst. coaching stops (maybe head coach changed…too lazy to research). Of all the things wrong right now, I think Dante is the least of our problems. I could see a real possibility that Sean would want him to stay.

[IM4X]

Other than having played at Xavier, what did he really have going for him that would have caused Steele to pick him as one of his assistants? He wasn't exactly plowing his way up the ladder as an assistant. If anything, he was going sideways before Steele hired him. Have you ever heard of anyone excited to hire him away from us? He's been on staff for four teams that have done basically nothing at Xavier. Maybe he's not really much of the problem. But I don't see anything that says he's really part of the solution, either.

I’ll tell you how he can be a huge part of Xavier’s solution: Sean takes the X job, while retaining Dante (his former player) as an assistant who will help keep the players from the current roster and the committed recruits- all of whom he’s probably helped recruit and built a good relationship - stay committed to X.

Don’t you think a intelligent and loyal X guy like Dante would be pumped about sticking around and learning from a prove winner who has been to (and advanced in) many NCAA tournaments and even made it to the Elite Eight a number of times. I would imagine Dante would secretly be ecstatic with such a situation.

Dante gets that being an assistant to a talented coach like Miller will allow him to be a sponge, soaking up every bit of knowledge which will then one day likely help him get to that next step in his career. Heck, maybe he would learn so much from Sean that he could take over for Sean in 7- 10 years when Sean is ready retire… after having taken X to several Final Fours and a few National Championships.

So if X goes this proposed direction… we end up with most (if not all) players staying at X, a return to the standard of making and advancing in the NCAA tournament every year, ecstatic fans/donors who are back to giving their full support, an AD and administrative less stressed about their jobs or losing money for the school, a basketball program that’s on its way back to greatness and with a very real shot of getting that next 2% and putting a potential “next head coach” on place and ready to take over when this coach wants to retire.

It’s not just a win-win. It is a win- win- win- win- win-win!
:encore:

[bjf123]

While that all sounds great, I just don’t see Sean Miller returning to X. I’d love it, but just don’t see it happening.


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[boozehound]

While that all sounds great, I just don’t see Sean Miller returning to X. I’d love it, but just don’t see it happening.


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+1. Seems like a fantasy to me, too. I'd love to see it happen, but it's almost too good to be true.

[Xville]

Yeah it’s a pipe dream imo. The school is too holier than thou and pearl clutching to hire someone that may have had something to do with paying a player. Even though that stuff is basically legal now.

[American X]

I’ll tell you how he can be a huge part of Xavier’s solution: Sean takes the X job, while retaining Dante (his former player) as an assistant who will help keep the players from the current roster and the committed recruits- all of whom he’s probably helped recruit and built a good relationship - stay committed to X.

Don’t you think a intelligent and loyal X guy like Dante would be pumped about sticking around and learning from a prove winner who has been to (and advanced in) many NCAA tournaments and even made it to the Elite Eight a number of times. I would imagine Dante would secretly be ecstatic with such a situation.

Dante gets that being an assistant to a talented coach like Miller will allow him to be a sponge, soaking up every bit of knowledge which will then one day likely help him get to that next step in his career. Heck, maybe he would learn so much from Sean that he could take over for Sean in 7- 10 years when Sean is ready retire… after having taken X to several Final Fours and a few National Championships.

So if X goes this proposed direction… we end up with most (if not all) players staying at X, a return to the standard of making and advancing in the NCAA tournament every year, ecstatic fans/donors who are back to giving their full support, an AD and administrative less stressed about their jobs or losing money for the school, a basketball program that’s on its way back to greatness and with a very real shot of getting that next 2% and putting a potential “next head coach” on place and ready to take over when this coach wants to retire.

It’s not just a win-win. It is a win- win- win- win- win-win!
:encore:

I'm all in if you switch out Dante Jackson for Stanley Burrell.

[D-West & PO-Z]

While that all sounds great, I just don’t see Sean Miller returning to X. I’d love it, but just don’t see it happening.


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+1. Seems like a fantasy to me, too. I'd love to see it happen, but it's almost too good to be true.


Yeah it’s a pipe dream imo. The school is too holier than thou and pearl clutching to hire someone that may have had something to do with paying a player. Even though that stuff is basically legal now.

So are you all of the opinion that it would be Xavier who would not want the reunion, while Miller would be willing? Or Miller wouldn't but Xavier would? Or neither party has any interest?

[xukeith]

I’ll tell you how he can be a huge part of Xavier’s solution: Sean takes the X job, while retaining Dante (his former player) as an assistant who will help keep the players from the current roster and the committed recruits- all of whom he’s probably helped recruit and built a good relationship - stay committed to X.

Don’t you think a intelligent and loyal X guy like Dante would be pumped about sticking around and learning from a prove winner who has been to (and advanced in) many NCAA tournaments and even made it to the Elite Eight a number of times. I would imagine Dante would secretly be ecstatic with such a situation.

Dante gets that being an assistant to a talented coach like Miller will allow him to be a sponge, soaking up every bit of knowledge which will then one day likely help him get to that next step in his career. Heck, maybe he would learn so much from Sean that he could take over for Sean in 7- 10 years when Sean is ready retire… after having taken X to several Final Fours and a few National Championships.

So if X goes this proposed direction… we end up with most (if not all) players staying at X, a return to the standard of making and advancing in the NCAA tournament every year, ecstatic fans/donors who are back to giving their full support, an AD and administrative less stressed about their jobs or losing money for the school, a basketball program that’s on its way back to greatness and with a very real shot of getting that next 2% and putting a potential “next head coach” on place and ready to take over when this coach wants to retire.

It’s not just a win-win. It is a win- win- win- win- win-win!
:encore:

I would prefer Danny Peters sticking here as an assistant. He seems to help make Steele a better decision maker at least in games in non Conference.

[Cornbread1190]

Greg Christopher not feeling the pressure to make any changes. Expect: same ole same ole Travis Steele and those popcorn eating assistants back next season. The good news is that they’ll still mustard up a way to beat UC bearcats! Renew those tickets!!

[Xville]

Greg Christopher not feeling the pressure to make any changes. Expect: same ole same ole Travis Steele and those popcorn eating assistants back next season. The good news is that they’ll still mustard up a way to beat UC bearcats! Renew those tickets!!

Are you basing this on something, or just a feeling you have?

[bjf123]

So are you all of the opinion that it would be Xavier who would not want the reunion, while Miller would be willing? Or Miller wouldn't but Xavier would? Or neither party has any interest?

I don’t think either party is interested. Doesn’t mean they’re not thinking about it as a mental exercise.


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[Xville]

I don’t think either party is interested. Doesn’t mean they’re not thinking about it as a mental exercise.


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I think Miller is extremely interested based on what others on here have said. I think Miller is a non-starter for X based on what others here have said that have sources closer to the program.

[Mrs. Garrett]

I think Miller is extremely interested based on what others on here have said. I think Miller is a non-starter for X based on what others here have said that have sources closer to the program.

Can't Sean Miller be our Phil Martelli?

[atljar]

There were rumors before Steel hiring that Sean Miller was interested in being back, but didn't want to be part of an interview process. He just wanted the job offered. At that point in time, the stove was still burning hot with him.

[xuphan]

Lunardi still has X as a last 4 in team. Amazing considering our record in Feb/March and the teams we have lost to.

[Xavier]

I think Miller is extremely interested based on what others on here have said. I think Miller is a non-starter for X based on what others here have said that have sources closer to the program.

Yep. Now when I heard this- X was still in fine shape to make the tournament. Maybe (hopefully) the downward slide puts pressure on that at the time wasn’t there and X would reconsider. I think Sean would come back but have no source on that end. Basing that on what others here have said.

Honestly keeping Steele is arguably more risky than anything that could come down the line with Sean. As Bruce Weber said- all the schools involved with FBI probe are in the tournament this year.

[markchal]

Yep. Now when I heard this- X was still in fine shape to make the tournament. Maybe (hopefully) the downward slide puts pressure on that at the time wasn’t there and X would reconsider. I think Sean would come back but have no source on that end. Basing that on what others here have said.

Honestly keeping Steele is arguably more risky than anything that could come down the line with Sean. As Bruce Weber said- all the schools involved with FBI probe are in the tournament this year.

This next hire is so massive to the future of the program. You can survive one bad call, two is a different story. Bringing back Miller would be a big-time move for the future of Xavier basketball. Keeping Steele, or whiffing on the next hire, firmly puts us in the lower-tier of barely mediocre BE programs.

[American X]

I have worked through my stages of grief and am ready to accept Xavier not making the NCAA Tournament if it leads to a coaching change. My wiring just could not process not wanting Xavier to get a bid, no matter how desperate the chances. Plus, Xavier being out of it sucks the enjoyment out of the conference and big tournaments.

I surrender to letting that hope go and watching these other teams snatch up the bids. Four years of no tournament invitations and the same issues is a crystal clear impetus for change. A last-four-in offer provides the most tenuous tether to the status quo and avoiding the hard but correct choice.

Goodbye tournament hopes. We await your return in glory one day.

[xuphan]

I have worked through my stages of grief and am ready to accept Xavier not making the NCAA Tournament if it leads to a coaching change. My wiring just could not process not wanting Xavier to get a bid, no matter how desperate the chances. Plus, Xavier being out of it sucks the enjoyment out of the conference and big tournaments.

I surrender to letting that hope go and watching these other teams snatch up the bids. Four years of no tournament invitations and the same issues is a crystal clear impetus for change. A last-four-in offer provides the most tenuous tether to the status quo and avoiding the hard but correct choice.

Goodbye tournament hopes. We await your return in glory one day.

Watched the Villanova game last night. I think Steele is even trying to emulate Wrights sideline attire with his athleisure wear. Well, except for the hoodie.

[HAAS_U]

If Steele isn’t gone next week, it tells me that Xavier isn’t serious about being an elite program and is now fine with mediocrity. I’d like to see Christopher go too—simply for the fact he had a “nation-wide search” and ended up hiring Steele last go. I don’t know what to expect from our new University President.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

If Steele isn’t gone next week, it tells me that Xavier isn’t serious about being an elite program and is now fine with mediocrity. I’d like to see Christopher go too—simply for the fact he had a “nation-wide search” and ended up hiring Steele last go. I don’t know what to expect from our new University President.


This next hire is so massive to the future of the program. You can survive one bad call, two is a different story. Bringing back Miller would be a big-time move for the future of Xavier basketball. Keeping Steele, or whiffing on the next hire, firmly puts us in the lower-tier of barely mediocre BE programs.

I can't blame Christopher for hiring Steele. Steele was a very logical choice for reasons previously identified on this board. And, most of us on this board supported that decision. For those of us that believed Steele was a good choice, it is hypocritical to now say that Christopher should have known better. But, now that we know, without a doubt, that Steele was a bad choice, if Christopher cannot make a tough call and release him or if he succumbs to half measures like hiring a "Martelli", then absolutely, Christopher should go as well. This is the point in the story where Christopher earns his salary and, whether he realizes it or not, his future reputation.

Letting Steele go is recognition that the Head Basketball Coach at X is an important job. And it is recognition we didn't get it right four years ago. O.K. We got it wrong. That happens so let's own our decision and move forward. But the choice to replace Steele is a HUGE decision as noted above. Our program is in trouble. Steele put it where it is today. Hiring another Steele will kill it. The point where we are today is a potential watershed moment for Xavier basketball and for the university as a whole.

To me, it is a tough call to have to make but one that must clearly happen. I hope the administration has the balls to do it. Honestly, I am not certain the individuals involved will do what needs to be done. Nobody wants to say Steele failed. We all dance around it, offer up crappy fake solutions and think we can put off the inevitable. Weak leaders avoid tough decisions. It is as simple as that. Stay tuned.

[xuwillie]

If Steele isn’t gone next week, it tells me that Xavier isn’t serious about being an elite program and is now fine with mediocrity. I’d like to see Christopher go too—simply for the fact he had a “nation-wide search” and ended up hiring Steele last go. I don’t know what to expect from our new University President.

X screwed this up the first time around just to keep marshall and scruggs. Lets not do it again because possibly a couple freshman coming in might be decent

[xukeith]

I can't blame Christopher for hiring Steele. Steele was a very logical choice for reasons previously identified on this board. And, most of us on this board supported that decision. For those of us that believed Steele was a good choice, it is hypocritical to now say that Christopher should have known better. But, now that we know, without a doubt, that Steele was a bad choice, if Christopher cannot make a tough call and release him or if he succumbs to half measures like hiring a "Martelli", then absolutely, Christopher should go as well. This is the point in the story where Christopher earns his salary and, whether he realizes it or not, his future reputation.

Letting Steele go is recognition that the Head Basketball Coach at X is an important job. And it is recognition we didn't get it right four years ago. O.K. We got it wrong. That happens so let's own our decision and move forward. But the choice to replace Steele is a HUGE decision as noted above. Our program is in trouble. Steele put it where it is today. Hiring another Steele will kill it. The point where we are today is a potential watershed moment for Xavier basketball and for the university as a whole.

To me, it is a tough call to have to make but one that must clearly happen. I hope the administration has the balls to do it. Honestly, I am not certain the individuals involved will do what needs to be done. Nobody wants to say Steele failed. We all dance around it, offer up crappy fake solutions and think we can put off the inevitable. Weak leaders avoid tough decisions. It is as simple as that. Stay tuned.

100% true

[paulxu]

Yet Pitt is keeping Capel (who I think took over at the same time) and has not one winning season.

[Xville]

Yet Pitt is keeping Capel (who I think took over at the same time) and has not one winning season.

15 million dollar buy out is the reason.

[Murph85]

I have heard there was a blame game after loss. Z blaming PS after TS said nobody’s fault. Also sai Z F is definitely transferring.

Looks like Steele has lost the locker room.

[Masterofreality]

I have heard there was a blame game after loss. Z blaming PS after TS said nobody’s fault. Also sai Z F is definitely transferring.

Looks like Steele has lost the locker room.

Playing favorites doesn’t pay off??

And there were a LOT OF THINGS heard in New York. None of them good.

[markchal]

Also sai Z F is definitely transferring.



good riddance...I think we play a lot better with Nunge and four guards S/F. Losing a PF that can't play defense, can't shoot, and has progressively declined is not the worst outcome

[Murph85]

Not sure how team suits up again if they are lucky enough to sneak in.

Not the least bit sorry to see ZF go. When I saw him doing dance moves in the time out huddle to the music playing I wrote him off as a panzy. That and his obsessive complaining to the referees.

[Xville]

Not surprised in the least that he is leaving and good effing riddance. Shit attitude and thinks he is way better than he is.

[Murph85]

Playing favorites doesn’t pay off??

And there were a LOT OF THINGS heard in New York. None of them good.

Do share.

[Xavier]

It’s easy to say horrible attitude, and I agree. We don’t lose much at all with him leaving. But also think he has a ton of potential that the coaching staff couldn’t get. Really let him down I think. Not surprised and he isn’t wrong Paul lost the game for X

[markchal]

to be fair, Paul was one of our better players that game too...we aren't even in that situation without him and Nunge carrying us for most of the game

[Murph85]

It’s easy to say horrible attitude, and I agree. We don’t lose much at all with him leaving. But also think he has a ton of potential that the coaching staff couldn’t get. Really let him down I think. Not surprised and he isn’t wrong Paul lost the game for X

Of course he lost the game. Not sure how a 24 year old 5th year player can’t make one free throw and then be dumb enough to not know the score and foul.

[xukeith]

It was dumb of him BUT the coaches are at fault too for not reminding him of the score(or his 4 fouls) or actually telling him to slap the Butler guy.

Scruggs was a good guard. Very good. His length and drives were great. Shooting not the best but all round a 7.9/10 in my book.

[Murph85]

Had solid numbers career but disappeared for long periods and was not the go to guy. Going to have flashback memories of him driving the lane, spinning and getting stripped.

[Backyard Champ]

It was dumb of him BUT the coaches are at fault too for not reminding him of the score(or his 4 fouls) or actually telling him to slap the Butler guy.

Scruggs was a good guard. Very good. His length and drives were great. Shooting not the best but all round a 7.9/10 in my book.

7.9 is awful generous. Not a great shooter, low basketball IQ. Despite his length and strength, got burned consistently on defense.

[xukeith]

7.9 is awful generous. Not a great shooter, low basketball IQ. Despite his length and strength, got burned consistently on defense.

Who is your 9/10 ?

[JTG]

7.9 is awful generous. Not a great shooter, low basketball IQ. Despite his length and strength, got burned consistently on defense.

I think, once again this goes to coaching. These guys have all been allowed to freelance instead of being taught the proper way to play high major college basketball. It's like an AAU game, complete with bad defense, jacking 3's and no set offense. Steele has GOT to go.

[Xavier]

I actually think some of the Xavier fans play into Zach wanting to transfer. Tired of the moans when he lines up a 3, he was jawing with some after he made one. The program is broken right now when you see stuff like that. Fans are fed up and frustrated. The boos were loud last game I attended

[xuphan]

Playing favorites doesn’t pay off??

And there were a LOT OF THINGS heard in New York. None of them good.

Why post this unless you are going to say what those LOT OF THINGS were? Is it premium content from Musketeerscoop?

[Xville]

I actually think some of the Xavier fans play into Zach wanting to transfer. Tired of the moans when he lines up a 3, he was jawing with some after he made one. The program is broken right now when you see stuff like that. Fans are fed up and frustrated. The boos were loud last game I attended

Good. I’m glad that as fans we have some influence. I’m tired of his lack of intensity and effort from game to game, and the fact he can’t or doesn’t play a lick of defense. I’m also sick of his fake tough guy attitude.

[American X]

I’m also sick of his fake tough guy attitude.

It's a good thing the internet is holding him back or he would totally pummel you.

[markchal]

I actually think some of the Xavier fans play into Zach wanting to transfer.

I mean that is just next-level soft if it's true. It's not like he gets booed routinely, he draws some pretty big cheers. And he's been shooting terribly from 3 this season, so if fans don't want him to shoot a bunch of them...and that's why he transfer? Yikes

[Xville]

It's a good thing the internet is holding him back or he would totally pummel you.

With what? Guy hasn’t ever seen a weight room

[X-band '01]

To be fair, have any of our players seen a weight room since Matt Jennings was promoted?

[American X]

With what? Guy hasn’t ever seen a weight room

I would not worry. He could take a swing at you, but would miss.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

If that is true about the post game, at least someone is holding players accountable.

[xu82]

“Ruined” sounds so permanent. That is not the case. A better word is damaged.

It can be rebuilt and better than ever. I just don’t think Travis is the guy to do it. He was the natural hire and I get that. We have seen that it didn’t work out. It happens. Time to go in another, better, direction.

[xu82]

I have worked through my stages of grief and am ready to accept Xavier not making the NCAA Tournament if it leads to a coaching change. My wiring just could not process not wanting Xavier to get a bid, no matter how desperate the chances. Plus, Xavier being out of it sucks the enjoyment out of the conference and big tournaments.

I surrender to letting that hope go and watching these other teams snatch up the bids. Four years of no tournament invitations and the same issues is a crystal clear impetus for change. A last-four-in offer provides the most tenuous tether to the status quo and avoiding the hard but correct choice.

Goodbye tournament hopes. We await your return in glory one day.

I’m able to step back and look at the big picture. I’ll sacrifice being in this year if it is better for Xavier basketball and Xavier University in the long run. Make no mistake, the two are closely related.

[A Fan]

I think, once again this goes to coaching. These guys have all been allowed to freelance instead of being taught the proper way to play high major college basketball. It's like an AAU game, complete with bad defense, jacking 3's and no set offense. Steele has GOT to go.

Undoubtedly many of us have vacillated between the opinion ( a) our players ( physically and mentally ) are not Big East caliber players and b) they actually are and Steele is a poor coach. I thought of that while watching Purdue beat Michigan State today and looked up Purdue’s Coach Matt Painter’s bio. This struck me.

“ it’s the “underrated recruits” that have helped Purdue’s surge. The 2018 senior class had one top-100 recruit (Isaac Haas), but went down as one of the best classes in school history.

The 2018-19 season featured one player that was ranked in the top-100 (Nojel Eastern), but reached the Elite Eight and won the Big Ten Championship. Painter’s vision and construction of rosters is among the best in the country, signing players that fit the way he wants to play.”

So to those of you who put the last 4 years’ results on Steele….you may be right. Roster construction, development , discipline, and vision . It has not been present.

[xukeith]

Undoubtedly many of us have vacillated between the opinion ( a) our players ( physically and mentally ) are not Big East caliber players and b) they actually are and Steele is a poor coach. I thought of that while watching Purdue beat Michigan State today and looked up Purdue’s Coach Matt Painter’s bio. This struck me.

“ it’s the “underrated recruits” that have helped Purdue’s surge. The 2018 senior class had one top-100 recruit (Isaac Haas), but went down as one of the best classes in school history.

The 2018-19 season featured one player that was ranked in the top-100 (Nojel Eastern), but reached the Elite Eight and won the Big Ten Championship. Painter’s vision and construction of rosters is among the best in the country, signing players that fit the way he wants to play.”

So to those of you who put the last 4 years’ results on Steele….you may be right. Roster construction, development , discipline, and vision . It has not been present.

Steele probably has that one recruiting guy surfing the net for top videos of basketball players. "If I get top 100 guys, I will win the NIT"

[SemajParlor]

Zach actually made the what should've been game clinching 3 at the top of the key. At that point it was the biggest play of the season.

And then there were 4 or 5 biggest plays of the season in 2 minutes and we know the rest.

[IM4X]

To be fair, have any of our players seen a weight room since Matt Jennings was promoted?

Good observation. Maybe Odom and Johnson are permitted to eat protein and work out with weights. The rest I’m pretty sure are fed bird seed and only get to run on the treadmill.

Some of the guys are starting to look like emaciated marathon runners. Scruggs looks like he’s been fasting all year and is now down 25 pounds. I swear Free had more muscle two years ago than he does today. We keep hearing about Miles getting in the weight room to bulk up, but honestly I don’t think he’s been to the gym as much as he’s been on the court and I don’t think he’s added an ounce od muscle or fat in 3 years.

[Masterofreality]

Anybody else have the impression that Steele just scatterguns recruiting and offers EVERYBODY, then accepts anybody who says they’ll commit, regardless of position?
That’s why we have 45,675 “stretch 4’s” and one point guard with no beef.
We were told we had Bigfoot though. And we see him as often as the Yeti.

[IM4X]

Anybody else have the impression that Steele just scatterguns recruiting and offers EVERYBODY, then accepts anybody who says they’ll commit, regardless of position?
That’s why we have 45,675 “stretch 4’s” and one point guard with no beef.
We were told we had Bigfoot though. And we see him as often as the Yeti.

I’m not sure why you are so worried. Did you forget Steele assured us Miles had the highest upside of any big he’s coached?

Put that thought together with how well Dieonte’s development has progressed so far under Steele and Miles should be crushing it in 2 more years with a whopping 5 more pounds of body mass and 4 more minutes of playing time added.

[Xville]

Anybody else have the impression that Steele just scatterguns recruiting and offers EVERYBODY, then accepts anybody who says they’ll commit, regardless of position?
That’s why we have 45,675 “stretch 4’s” and one point guard with no beef.
We were told we had Bigfoot though. And we see him as often as the Yeti.

Yep been saying that since year two that is roster construction is terrible and that he really has no plan. Lineup and roster construction are his biggest faults imo.

#getarealcoach

[JTG]

Anybody else have the impression that Steele just scatterguns recruiting and offers EVERYBODY, then accepts anybody who says they’ll commit, regardless of position?
That’s why we have 45,675 “stretch 4’s” and one point guard with no beef.
We were told we had Bigfoot though. And we see him as often as the Yeti.

Bingo. It's what I've said also. He's built a house with 6 bathrooms, a garage, and nothing else. No one ever won a championship with nothing but 4s and a clumsy point guard.

[American X]

Anybody else have the impression that Steele just scatterguns recruiting and offers EVERYBODY, then accepts anybody who says they’ll commit, regardless of position?
That’s why we have 45,675 “stretch 4’s” and one point guard with no beef.
We were told we had Bigfoot though. And we see him as often as the Yeti.

Kind of like the Delta House admissions - "Yeah, we need the dues."

Guess that makes Jerome Hunter the Kent Dorfman of this squad.

[xavbball]

Selection Sunday used to be one of the best days of the year. We'd get to debate what seed we'd get and our potential matchups/region. It's now year four, and we will be watching again from the sidelines. I don't have a lot of faith in Christopher, but I sure hope he and the administration right the ship and offer Miller the job.

#savetheprogram
#startover

[Blue Blooded-05]

Selection Sunday used to be one of the best days of the year. We'd get to debate what seed we'd get and our potential matchups/region. It's now year four, and we will be watching again from the sidelines. I don't have a lot of faith in Christopher, but I sure hope he and the administration right the ship and offer Miller the job.

#savetheprogram
#startover

One of my favorite moments of the year was hearing Greg Gumbel say “The Musketeers of Xavier” during the selection show. Seems like a distant memory.

#savetheprogram
#millertime

[markchal]

It was always a question of who we would play, never IF we would get in. What a mess he's made of this once-proud program.

[xu82]

Kind of like the Delta House admissions - "Yeah, we need the dues."

Guess that makes Jerome Hunter the Kent Dorfman of this squad.

He’s a Legacy???

That explains it, I guess……

[Cornbread1190]

Steele legacy going to be left on the Dana Gardens menu. The Steele burger changing to the garbage burger.

[xukeith]

i think I wrote an email to Christopher and he didn't even care.

Maybe our last hope is sending the president a nice letter pleading our case.

Steele = loses and less money for X

Miller = more fans, more wins, and more money for X.

It is a simple decision.

[Masterofreality]

i think I wrote an email to Christopher and he didn't even care.

Maybe our last hope is sending the president a nice letter pleading our case.

Steele = loses and less money for X

Miller = more fans, more wins, and more money for X.

It is a simple decision.

Trust me. Christopher won’t answer.
Only to the Fat Cats. Period.

[xeus]

Trust me. Christopher won’t answer.
Only to the Fat Cats. Period.

Help us kmcrawford. You’re our only hope.

[bjf123]

Trust me. Christopher won’t answer.
Only to the Fat Cats. Period.

Other than saying thanks for writing, he shouldn’t answer. He can’t say that they’ve already decided to fire Travis, if that were the case, which is what you want to hear. It’s a personnel matter for the university and none of anyone else’s business, no matter how much we all want to know what’s going to happen.


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[SM#24]

Other than saying thanks for writing, he shouldn’t answer. He can’t say that they’ve already decided to fire Travis, if that were the case, which is what you want to hear. It’s a personnel matter for the university and none of anyone else’s business, no matter how much we all want to know what’s going to happen.

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Other than being the customer, who is always right

[Xville]

Other than saying thanks for writing, he shouldn’t answer. He can’t say that they’ve already decided to fire Travis, if that were the case, which is what you want to hear. It’s a personnel matter for the university and none of anyone else’s business, no matter how much we all want to know what’s going to happen.


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I agree but he didn’t even do that. I wrote him Thursday and I don’t expect a paragraph, but I do expect a thank you for writing, being an alum, and going to the games. For him to not even respond at all is pretty bs.

[xuphan]

I agree but he didn’t even do that. I wrote him Thursday and I don’t expect a paragraph, but I do expect a thank you for writing, being an alum, and going to the games. For him to not even respond at all is pretty bs.

Ditto! I emailed him after the home Seton Hall loss and never got a response either.

[UCGRAD4X]

Ditto! I emailed him after the home Seton Hall loss and never got a response either.

Hopefully it's because he is absolutely getting absolutely blown up with emails.

Could auto-respond at least.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Interesting comment from Gus Johnson calling the Nova - Creighton game and remarking about over-reliance on three-point shooting.

“Some of these shots these kids are taking are horrible,” he said. “Is this this analytics crap? This is ridiculous. Steph Curry is ruining the game of basketball. He’s a phenomenon and everyone thinks they can be Steph Curry and it just doesn’t make any sense.”

Sound familiar? No, he wasn't talking about X, ZFree or Hunter.

[drudy23]

Steph Curry isn't ruining basketball.

Coaches and players that think they can replicate a once-in-a-lifetime talent are ruining basketball. Especially Xavier basketball.

[SM#24]

Steph Curry isn't ruining basketball.

Coaches and players that think they can replicate a once-in-a-lifetime talent are ruining basketball. Especially Xavier basketball.
Agree, Steph Curry is not ruining basketball, Jay Wright is

[drudy23]

Agree, Steph Curry is not ruining basketball, Jay Wright is

Jay Wright isn't ruining anything. He could win games with 4 guys I think.

[xu82]

I can’t cheer against the young men in our program or wish anything bad upon them, but I don’t want to see any more this year. They don’t deserve that, they deserve better leadership. They deserve a chance to develop and thrive. Change has to be made for that to happen. I pray they get what they deserve and our program can be turned around.


.

[RoseyMuskie]

Trust me. Christopher won’t answer.
Only to the Fat Cats. Period.

My buddy tweeted at Christopher after the BET last year. Christopher replied with his phone number, thinking my friend wouldn’t have the stones to call. My friend did call and Christopher held Steele’s water. Blamed last year entirely on Covid.

I also recall some folks in the program thinking the team would’ve made it in 2020.

I share this, because I worry that excuses have clouded the program.

[SM#24]

Jay Wright isn't ruining anything. He could win games with 4 guys I think.
It was a joke since we have a coach that tries to emulate him.

[American X]

It is really weird on Selection Sunday to actively NOT want Xavier to make the NCAA Tournament.

[Masterofreality]

My buddy tweeted at Christopher after the BET last year. Christopher replied with his phone number, thinking my friend wouldn’t have the stones to call. My friend did call and Christopher held Steele’s water. Blamed last year entirely on Covid.

I also recall some folks in the program thinking the team would’ve made it in 2020.

I share this, because I worry that excuses have clouded the program.

In Steele’s first year, Christopher came and spoke at our Lew Hirt Society meeting and said, quote:
“I have never been more confident in the future of the Xavier Basketball program”.
Shortly after that he gave Steele a one year extension.
Christopher is 100% in the bucket with Steele. He ain’t changing until he is ordered to do so.

[UCGRAD4X]

My buddy tweeted at Christopher after the BET last year. Christopher replied with his phone number, thinking my friend wouldn’t have the stones to call. My friend did call and Christopher held Steele’s water. Blamed last year entirely on Covid.

I also recall some folks in the program thinking the team would’ve made it in 2020.
I share this, because I worry that excuses have clouded the program.

Because COVID only happened in Avondale.

[SM#24]

I have yet to hear a single valid excuse in defense of Travis for what has happened.
Mack left him with no one - bullshit
COVID - bullshit
get his own players in - bullshit
he just needs time - bullshit
Others I'm missing - bullshit

He was gifted a great program, in great shape, in a great conference.

[Xville]

In Steele’s first year, Christopher came and spoke at our Lew Hirt Society meeting and said, quote:
“I have never been more confident in the future of the Xavier Basketball program”.
Shortly after that he gave Steele a one year extension.
Christopher is 100% in the bucket with Steele. He ain’t changing until he is ordered to do so.

So I’ll be rooting for both Christopher and Steele to be shown the door.

Only losers give excuses, winners go home and fuck the prom queen

[XU 23]

It is really weird on Selection Sunday to actively NOT want Xavier to make the NCAA Tournament.

You and me both... I'm kind of thinking long term here.

[xavbball]

You and me both... I'm kind of thinking long term here.

Same. I have no problem missing the tournament this year if it means Steele goes, and we can get Miller.

[XU 23]

Or maybe we'll just get shellacked in a play in game. I'm not sure what would be worse for Steele. A national embarrassment or not even making the tourney at all...

[D-West & PO-Z]

Other than saying thanks for writing, he shouldn’t answer. He can’t say that they’ve already decided to fire Travis, if that were the case, which is what you want to hear. It’s a personnel matter for the university and none of anyone else’s business, no matter how much we all want to know what’s going to happen.


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If the email is respectful, he should absolutely respond. It will be a blanket response, something like "Thank you for your passionate support of Xavier basketball, we are committed to the success of the program."

But I think he should respond.

[D-West & PO-Z]

My buddy tweeted at Christopher after the BET last year. Christopher replied with his phone number, thinking my friend wouldn’t have the stones to call. My friend did call and Christopher held Steele’s water. Blamed last year entirely on Covid.

I also recall some folks in the program thinking the team would’ve made it in 2020.

I share this, because I worry that excuses have clouded the program.

This is why the WCPO article today calling out the excuses was so great.

[bjf123]

If the email is respectful, he should absolutely respond. It will be a blanket response, something like "Thank you for your passionate support of Xavier basketball, we are committed to the success of the program."

But I think he should respond.

Agreed, if the email is respectful.


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