If...

[Muskie]

Coach Steele comes back. What changes do you want to see next year? Staffing? Different Offense? Different Rotations?

[markchal]

different athletic director

[GoMuskies]

different athletic director

Exactly what I came here to say.

[chico]

Exactly what I came here to say.

Same here.

[American X]

Press passes for XavierHoops.com moderators.

[drudy23]

Until you have 3-4 consistent shooters, his offensive philosophy won't work.

Square peg, round hole right now. The attributes of his players don't match the competencies needed to be successful in his offense. He's forcing his offensive philosophy. To me, that is THE MOST IMPORTANT reason why this team struggles. The talent is good enough.

[XUGRAD80]

IF he comes bsck, there will be NO changes. Him coming back would be an endorsement of what he has already been doing, and an acceptance of the results. Why would he make any changes?

[markchal]

Until you have 3-4 consistent shooters, his offensive philosophy won't work.

Square peg, round hole right now. The attributes of his players don't match the competencies needed to be successful in his offense. He's forcing his offensive philosophy. To me, that is THE MOST IMPORTANT reason why this team struggles. The talent is good enough.

I feel like this should be the most damning thing about him. We're 4 years in, yet we are in the bottom third of the country in shooting every single year. For all the talk about how he's a brilliant recruiter, he seems to love bringing in guys that don't fit at all in his system.

[GIMMFD]

I feel like this should be the most damning thing about him. We're 4 years in, yet we are in the bottom third of the country in shooting every single year. For all the talk about how he's a brilliant recruiter, he seems to love bringing in guys that don't fit at all in his system.

He does draw up really good inbounds plays though, that's like one thing he has going.

[xeus]

I’d like to see a Travis Steele PowerPoint presentation of the changes considered and those implemented following the three previous seasons, and evaluate from there. I am not sure if it is an inability to accurately evaluate which changes need to be made, or an inability to implement those changes.

[xukeith]

If he is the leader and he won't fire himself, he has to let Hayes and Jackson go to get a new staff vs the stale staff that is mediocre.

[drudy23]

I’d like to see a Travis Steele PowerPoint presentation of the changes considered and those implemented following the three previous seasons, and evaluate from there. I am not sure if it is an inability to accurately evaluate which changes need to be made, or an inability to implement those changes.

I honestly think it's ego and stubbornness. He sold his boss a philosophy that got him the job and he will be damned to prove that right.

There's no way he looks at this team and the way they play and shoot and thinks they can be successful with this offensive strategy. He has literally gone with the "hope to make shots" strategy with these teams, because there's ZERO reason to believe they'd become a decent outside shooting team. If we're being honest, it's rather mind boggling we continue to see the same thing 4 years later. It's unbelievable.

[nuts4xu]

Until you have 3-4 consistent shooters, his offensive philosophy won't work.

Square peg, round hole right now. The attributes of his players don't match the competencies needed to be successful in his offense. He's forcing his offensive philosophy. To me, that is THE MOST IMPORTANT reason why this team struggles. The talent is good enough.

Nail on the head. Travis appears determined to run the same offense and defensive principles for his entire career, regardless of the skillsets of the players on his team and regardless how unsuccessful it may be. He never changed his approach. Played little zone, never pressed, played certain guys who "practiced well" but played like shit in games...wash, rinse, repeat.

I do not believe they will fire Steele, nor do I expect anything but the attendence numbers to change next season. I also have zero faith Greg Christopher can orchestrate a successful coaching hire. He has never hired a head coach for any sport, in any program, he has ever worked. Why would he suddenly get things right this time?

My faith in the Xavier basketball program is at all time low. I am fearful this thing will get worse, possibly far worse...before it gets better.

[xukeith]

I sent XU president my thoughts on this mediocrity of 4 years. Donors and season ticketholders will not sell out any more with UC-X as exception while Steele is coach

[drudy23]

Also, with UC being away next year, do we even have any high profile non conference home games scheduled?

Steele back with no changes plus a bad non conference slate could be a double whammy.

[X-band '01]

Likely going to be a Big 12 opponent coming to Cintas next season.

[Xavier]

Really though if Steele is back they can’t really risk huge games at home. If the season starts and the play is similar (why wouldn’t it be?) coupled with a questionable loss….I don’t think Cintas will be kind. It will get ugly very fast. They can’t risk that, even though they need some big games to offset season ticket holders going down if they keep Steele. But if you thought the crowd was ugly this year, just wait.

What I want to see from Steele if he is back- he can’t do anyways. The personnel isn’t close to where it needs to be. We need to get way bigger. Tough minded. Hankins/Jones type lineup. It’s funny that’s his only coaching decision that has ever worked and he never tried to replicate it. (which if I remember he kind of got sucked into because of an injury or foul trouble. People called for it on the boards all year and he finally gave in).

[drudy23]

People called for it on the boards all year and he finally gave in).

And it worked.

And it hasn't been seen since.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

He did run Free and Nunge out to start games this season, he just didn’t actually employ them as a two big lineup.

[XUBison]

Can we circle back to that new AD thing? If not, I suppose I’ll settle on watching professional bowling instead.

[Xville]

New AD
New Recruiting Philosophy
New Offensive Philosophy
Culture Shift
Someone employed that knows how to manage a lineup in game
Get rid of the stupid Gold Jersey BS...of course guys need to practice but this mickey mouse crap needs to end.
Entire New Assistant Staff


Other than that, things are great.

[xu82]

Can we circle back to that new AD thing? If not, I suppose I’ll settle on watching professional bowling instead.

Have you watched much curling? Not terribly exciting, but at least I don’t get that sick feeling in my stomach.

I’ll expect more of the same, and continue to care less every year.

I don’t know the man, I’m sure he’s a good guy. He’s just not good at his job, and that’s what counts here.

[XUBison]

[QUOTE=Xavier;727637]Really though if Steele is back they can’t really risk huge games at home. If the season starts and the play is similar (why wouldn’t it be?) coupled with a questionable loss….I don’t think Cintas will be kind. It will get ugly very fast. They can’t risk that, even though they need some big games to offset season ticket holders going down if they keep Steele. But if you thought the crowd was ugly this year, just wait… QUOTE]

I don’t think this point can be overstated. I think it is the single biggest reason that they cannot bring Steele back. If they are concerned about disgracing the program and the University, then perhaps they should avoid the vitriol that will occur in Cintas for the entire season next year. It will be an absolute shit show.

[XUBison]

Have you watched much curling? Not terribly exciting, but at least I don’t get that sick feeling in my stomach.

I’ll expect more of the same, and continue to care less every year.

I don’t know the man, I’m sure he’s a good guy. He’s just not good at his job, and that’s what counts here.

Curling— now there’s a thought.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

IF he comes bsck, there will be NO changes. Him coming back would be an endorsement of what he has already been doing, and an acceptance of the results. Why would he make any changes?

This.

[MHettel]

I would like to see a Villanova diploma on my wall instead of XU. Then I can enjoy watching my favorite basketball team again.

another thing. Steele is a giant pussy during the press conferences. We get rolled at home, and he's smiling and acting like he's never been in front of a camera before. Fuck dude. No wonder the players dont seem to give a fuck about losing, you certainly dont seem to let it bother you.

Quit complimenting every fucking team and every fucking player before we play them and simply say that it's our objective to stomp them into submission.

AND STOP SAYING TREMENDOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[UCGRAD4X]

I would like to see a Villanova diploma on my wall instead of XU. Then I can enjoy watching my favorite basketball team again.

another thing. Steele is a giant pussy during the press conferences. We get rolled at home, and he's smiling and acting like he's never been in front of a camera before. Fuck dude. No wonder the players dont seem to give a fuck about losing, you certainly dont seem to let it bother you.

Quit complimenting every fucking team and every fucking player before we play them and simply say that it's our objective to stomp them into submission.

AND STOP SAYING TREMENDOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had a similar reaction. Get pissed off! Show some passion! Throw a chair!

ACT LIKE YOU REALLY CARE!

[xukeith]

I would like to see a Villanova diploma on my wall instead of XU. Then I can enjoy watching my favorite basketball team again.

another thing. Steele is a giant pussy during the press conferences. We get rolled at home, and he's smiling and acting like he's never been in front of a camera before. Fuck dude. No wonder the players dont seem to give a fuck about losing, you certainly dont seem to let it bother you.

Quit complimenting every fucking team and every fucking player before we play them and simply say that it's our objective to stomp them into submission.

AND STOP SAYING TREMENDOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will add that he should stop saying , "This is the best league in the nation. Anybody can beat anybody in this league."

That is FALSE. X cannot beat SJU, Villanova, Seton Hall, Etc.

[xuphan]

This might be a dumb question, but when should we expect a decision about Steele’s future?

[X-band '01]

Not while the season is ongoing.

[GIMMFD]

This might be a dumb question, but when should we expect a decision about Steele’s future?

At minimal until after Sunday, but I'd assume a few weeks to let the fire die down a little bit, if they announced he was returning right now I think there'd be a revolt.

[xukeith]

If I were in charge, Xavier Nation would know first thing Monday morning.

It will probably be after NCAA Championship.

[markchal]

Traditionally, isn't it before the championship? Seems like a lot of interviews happen during the FF weekend when a LOT of coaches are in the same city

[CP05XU08CU13]

Definitely cannot wait to start interviewing candidates with more and more openings coming available (see article link below). Obviously, Xavier will have to wait if they want a coach that makes a deep run into March at a mid-major or an assistant at a big program, but the search needs to be initiated and deliberate after Selection Sunday. If Xavier does not make the field, which seems like a long shot at this time, that should be the nail in the coffin for Steele. Four years of mediocrity is enough. That is a fair amount of time to show progress.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/college-basketball-coaching-changes-2022-tracker-rumors-coach-carousel-missouri-fires-cuonzo-martin/amp/

[Xville]

Why would they wait a couple of weeks? Firing should happen Monday or Tuesday. Need to let guys know the position is available. Missouri and Georgia have opened up in recent days… no reason to wait. Just my opinion but if x accepts a not invite we can expect another year of this crap

[Xville]

Rumor is that mcmahon is already looking at schools in Georgia for his kids. Things move fast. If it’s going to be done, needs to be done quickly.

[94GRAD]

Nail on the head. Travis appears determined to run the same offense and defensive principles for his entire career, regardless of the skillsets of the players on his team and regardless how unsuccessful it may be. He never changed his approach. Played little zone, never pressed, played certain guys who "practiced well" but played like shit in games...wash, rinse, repeat.

I do not believe they will fire Steele, nor do I expect anything but the attendance numbers to change next season. I also have zero faith Greg Christopher can orchestrate a successful coaching hire. He has never hired a head coach for any sport, in any program, he has ever worked. Why would he suddenly get things right this time?

My faith in the Xavier basketball program is at all time low. I am fearful this thing will get worse, possibly far worse...before it gets better.

You obviously aren't paying attenton to what Nate Lie, Brian Arlinghous, Doug Mathews, Brent Macdonald, Bily O'Connor, and Beanna Jenco have been doing!

[Xville]

Didn’t know where to put this but think it’s pretty cool: https://www.espnfrontrow.com/2022/03/journalism-showcase-sundays-sc-featured-showcases-the-chosen-ones-who-dethroned-king-james/?fbclid=IwAR09vWfkwkI_BR_O_KwF0-JtNtUIENJ4aS_tb0Lkj6wm4vZxVrTX_acU7HU

[XUGRAD80]

Didn’t know where to put this but think it’s pretty cool: https://www.espnfrontrow.com/2022/03/journalism-showcase-sundays-sc-featured-showcases-the-chosen-ones-who-dethroned-king-james/?fbclid=IwAR09vWfkwkI_BR_O_KwF0-JtNtUIENJ4aS_tb0Lkj6wm4vZxVrTX_acU7HU

My HS alma mater. Can't wait to see this! (I am NOT a LeBron fan at all.)

[joe titan]

My HS alma mater. Can't wait to see this! (I am NOT a LeBron fan at all.)

Not overshadowing the players at all but Bill Brewer deserves boatloads of credit.

[XUGRAD80]

Not overshadowing the players at all but Bill Brewer deserves boatloads of credit.


He sure does. He did a remarkable job.

[chico]

Been talking about this with some folks - is the decision to fire Steele soley Christopher's or does the Board primarily make the call? Been hearing it's mainly the Board's decision.

[Masterofreality]

Nail on the head. Travis appears determined to run the same offense and defensive principles for his entire career, regardless of the skillsets of the players on his team and regardless how unsuccessful it may be. He never changed his approach. Played little zone, never pressed, played certain guys who "practiced well" but played like shit in games...wash, rinse, repeat.

I do not believe they will fire Steele, nor do I expect anything but the attendence numbers to change next season. I also have zero faith Greg Christopher can orchestrate a successful coaching hire. He has never hired a head coach for any sport, in any program, he has ever worked. Why would he suddenly get things right this time?

My faith in the Xavier basketball program is at all time low. I am fearful this thing will get worse, possibly far worse...before it gets better.

Brother, you nailed everything 100%.
And I don’t think we’re renewing, after consultation with my partners, if Steele comes back.
A lost cause until someone grows some balls.
The Administration needs to make a decision.
A) Lose 3,000 season ticket holders and lose $2 million in ticket revenue PLUS ancillary income
VS:,
B) Pay a buyout of something and hire Sean Miller.

Seems like an easy choice to me, but not apparently to the Admins and Christopher.

[Xville]

Brother, you nailed everything 100%.
And I don’t think we’re renewing, after consultation with my partners, if Steele comes back.
A lost cause until someone grows some balls.
The Administration needs to make a decision.
A) Lose 3,000 season ticket holders and lose $2 million in ticket revenue PLUS ancillary income
VS:,
B) Pay a buyout of something and hire Sean Miller.

Seems like an easy choice to me, but not apparently to the Admins and Christopher.

What are you hearing rumor wise? Board struggling with what to do?

Really scary to me that they are going to possibly keep Steele

[bjf123]

Seems like an easy choice to me, but not apparently to the Admins and Christopher.

And you’re basing that on what? The fact that Travis hasn’t already been fired? Even if they’ve decided to let him go, they wouldn’t announce it before the NCAA and NIT fields are announced.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Masterofreality]

You obviously aren't paying attenton to what Nate Lie, Brian Arlinghous, Doug Mathews, Brent Macdonald, Bily O'Connor, and Beanna Jenco have been doing!

Remember Christopher got rid of the great Doug Steiner?
I love Brian Arlinghaus but he’s not even had a recruiting class yet that has played.
Remember that Christopher hired McCants? Yuck
Breanna is a star but an easy hire. Billy O’Connor was also an easy assistant to HC move up but the jury is still out.
Nate Lie? Definitely good.
Swimming guys are pretty good but MacDonald was a Bobinski hire after being in the program.
Matthews was an X tennis player and in the program as an Assistant when Bobinski was still here. He was obviously being groomed for the Tennis job for awhile so low credit to Christopher for sticking with him.

[xuphan]

And you’re basing that on what? The fact that Travis hasn’t already been fired? Even if they’ve decided to let him go, they wouldn’t announce it before the NCAA and NIT fields are announced.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Just my opinion, but I don’t think most people think Christopher/Admins will fire Steele this season. People expect Steele to be back next year with a vote of confidence from Christopher/Admins.

[JTG]

I would still want Steele gone, but wouldn't be so desperate for them to bounce him, if Miller wasn't sitting there ripe for the picking. It just seems like a no brainer and the chance of a lifetime to have someone of Miller's caliber available. Saw this morning Jeff Borzello of ESPN speculating Jordan @ Butler and Steele @ X possibly out and watch for Miller maybe in at X.

[xavbball]

I would still want Steele gone, but wouldn't be so desperate for them to bounce him, if Miller wasn't sitting there ripe for the picking. It just seems like a no brainer and the chance of a lifetime to have someone of Miller's caliber available. Saw this morning Jeff Borzello of ESPN speculating Jordan @ Butler and Steele @ X possibly out and watch for Miller maybe in at X.

It makes the most sense for both parties. It is a no brainer, and Christopher can be here for a long time if he ends up hiring Miller.

[bobbiemcgee]

Why would they wait a couple of weeks? Firing should happen Monday or Tuesday. Need to let guys know the position is available. Missouri and Georgia have opened up in recent days… no reason to wait. Just my opinion but if x accepts a not invite we can expect another year of this crap

Should be Sunday nite as the last team is announced.