2023 Staff and Roster?

[MHettel]

I realize there are still games in front of us. But I'm wondering about how this team may look next year.

We know at least ONE change has occurred, and I'm interested in what else changes between now and tip off next November.

Assistant Coaches:
Jackson, Peters, Hayes. Another one that I may not recall?

Eligible Returning Players:
Free, Nunge, Colby, Odom, Kunkle, Miles, Stanley, Tandy, Edwards, Tucker

Incoming Players;
Kraft, Ward, Claude

Just at a VERY High Level, how different will this list look in Fall 2022?



As far as assistants go, they would seem to be MOST important if you want program continuity. I'm not sure thats what Miller wants or needs. Second reason is to maintain recruits.

Of the current returning players, I think a couple (3?) guys may just see the writing on the wall and will depart. I think there are 3-4 guys that could stay and play, potentially with a lot of new faces around them. There are a few (3?) guys that dont have much transfer flexibility and may just stay here to remain eligible. But I see a scenario where there are maybe 5 returning guys next year. And I feel like it may be mutual...

Recruits....I dont know. If Miller likes a guy and may have to keep an assistant on board to secure him, then that could make sense. Maybe we lose these 3 guys and upgrade? That may be hard to do. Or, Miller just uses the portal to bring in ready, proven, mature talent NOW. Who knows.


Just wondering about how unfamiliar this team lay look next year. Speculation?

[BandAid]

I expect a high amount of turnover - both players and coaches. I suspect all of the recruits are gone. I hope Dwon, Colby, and Nunge in particular stick around. I somewhat expect Dante to stay, but who knows?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Great discussion.

One of the recruits (think maybe Kraft) already was released from his NLI. Now he has said X is still in consideration but we will see how that goes.

I'd imagine Miller has at least some of his own assistants he would want to bring along, however it is different because he is currently coaching with a full staff right now. Plus he has connections to at least Peters and Jackson already.

I am kind of curious what Miller thinks of KyKy. Can he get more out of him? Does Miller like him? Has he not seen enough to tell? KyKy just kind of remains a guy who seems like he could be an untapped potential and clearly didn't gel with Steele.

Whoever we lose or keep is not going to keep me up at night, because having Miller is just so huge and I have complete and total faith in his ability to right the ship. The transfer portal being what it is is big too. Maybe some AZ guys interested, or guys Miller recruited to AZ who went elsewhere who are looking for a change?

Good things ahead.

[Xville]

My assumption is that there will be plenty gone because they won’t want to work the way that miller will work and demand of them. There is quite a bit of dead weight on this roster that have skated by because they were steeles guys.

There is good and bad turnover and I think the roster is about to see a lot of the latter

[GoMuskies]

I'd be surprised if any of the coaches are still here. No idea on players and recruits. Some will obviously go elsewhere, but hopefully some of the key guys will stay. Agree that this could be a bit of a reset for Tandy. Perhaps he can develop into a role player now.

[IM4X]

I guess my take is a bit more optimistic.

There is always a chance Hayes gets a big offer and leaves, but I also would not be surprised if Miller and X held on to all of the assistants. Might have even been a topic discussed with Christopher when he was closing the deal. Maybe Sean was like, “I really like the recruits committed and I am happy to keep any assistant who wants to stay as part of my team.”

It just feels very possibly discussed so pieces can stay in place that seem to be working. Rick Broering made the point on a recent podcast that it is an interesting situation, since Miller didn’t have a staff.

On that same podcast Boering also said “There will be transfers.” (but said he wouldn’t go into more details about it).

Personally, I believe a good number of players decide to stay together at X with Sean after this run in the NIT.

If they keep most of the staff in place, they can keep all or possibly two current commits.

[GoMuskies]

I'm generally being optimistic when I say I expect the coaches to be gone. If Miller likes them, great, but I assume he has his own guys. Head coaches need to build their own staffs.

[Xavgrad08]

Peters was an assistant under Sean at Arizona for three years so I am guessing he will stay. I could see Sean keeping Dante as an assistant, or moving him to non coaching roll if Sean has Someone else in mind. I think Hayes will be gone. I have no clue which players will stay.

[SemajParlor]

Not like I'm some big insider or anything, but have heard a few names pretty consistently that are leaving. I'd expect a few transfer outs. Hope we can keep at least one of our recruits. Either way, I'm excited and energized to see how we reshape some things.

[bleedXblue]

I expect maybe 1 of the assistants to stay. I expect 1-2 of the incoming recruits to stick to their commitment and I expect at least 2-3 transfers. Some may be asked to simply not return. Kind of like "you don't fit the mold of what I am trying to do". Please find a new home. Harsh, but the truth.

I think Colby, Dwon, Nunge and Edwards would be my core 4. Wouldn't mind seeing Kunkel come back. I think he can fill a role.

[UCGRAD4X]

I would be shocked if Christopher made any demands of Miller re: staff or players. If you don't trust your HC to make those decisions, why hire him. Besides, Miller's play with Carolina gave him too much leverage.

I am also not worried about too much turnover. If this team could not compete this year (or before), why would we want it to look much the same? It's a bit of a stretch to think Miller could make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

Established 'culture' is a big consideration. Players and staff who have become accustomed to the culture of the recent past may be in for: #cultureshock!

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Great discussion.

Whoever we lose or keep is not going to keep me up at night, because having Miller is just so huge and I have complete and total faith in his ability to right the ship. The transfer portal being what it is is big too. Maybe some AZ guys interested, or guys Miller recruited to AZ who went elsewhere who are looking for a change?

Good things ahead.

Agree with this. Don't know what to expect transfer wise. I would think, given Miller's history and the newfound enthusiasm for the program from the fan base, existing players and recruits would want to stay. That's total speculation but just thinking about it from fan's point of view. Seems like above posts assume Free is gone? Why would Stanley want to return? Also, appears Edwards isn't happy and we haven't seen Miles in forever.

Others may disagree but I'd start roster construction with Odom. I acknowledge the obvious weakness but I love his presence. He is a warrior on a team that needs that mentality. Doesn't back down. Not afraid of the moment. To me, you build next year's team around him.

It is nice to be enthusiastic again about X. Whatever happens in the off-season, I'm with D. West. I'll put my faith in Miller to construct a team from existing players or, if need be, from transfers.

[UCGRAD4X]

Agreed. It is nice to have these decisions in the hands of somebody in whom we can trust.

What a difference from questioning every move from Christopher and the Tin Man.

[JTG]

I expect maybe 1 of the assistants to stay. I expect 1-2 of the incoming recruits to stick to their commitment and I expect at least 2-3 transfers. Some may be asked to simply not return. Kind of like "you don't fit the mold of what I am trying to do". Please find a new home. Harsh, but the truth.

I think Colby, Dwon, Nunge and Edwards would be my core 4. Wouldn't mind seeing Kunkel come back. I think he can fill a role.

I think Kunkel has the scrappiness that Miller likes, so I see him returning. Agree with the other 4. Maybe KyKy too. Just like Miller needs to feel these guys out, they need to feel him out. I'm guessing he's out visiting the signees right now.

[bleedXblue]

I think Kunkel has the scrappiness that Miller likes, so I see him returning. Agree with the other 4. Maybe KyKy too. Just like Miller needs to feel these guys out, they need to feel him out. I'm guessing he's out visiting the signees right now.

KyKy is simply too complacent and timid of a player for me. Maybe Miller can coach him up, but I just don't see it.

We need aggressive, hard nosed and talented players. I think he has talent......not sure about the other qualities.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Miller is most likely looking for PG to bring in.

[markchal]

I think next year might be a little rough. We're gonna lose some key players, and our incredible recruiting class. That sort of thing happens with a coaching change. Long-term, I have no concerns whatsoever about Miller's recruiting and the health of the program.

No matter what our roster looks like in October, I feel pretty confident our team will progress and be markedly better by March. That has not been the case for us lately

[D-West & PO-Z]

Miller is most likely looking for PG to bring in.

I think Miller may end up loving Dwon. Thing with Dwon is that you have to surround him with consistent 3 point shooters. If Dwon was on a team with Tre. Kaiser, and JP, oh boy. Now I know that isn't easy to replicate but I would guess Miller is going to be searching out some prove 3 point shooters from the portal.

Now if Miller has a PG from somewhere in his back pocket, then yeah, but I like what Odom can bring on both ends, and I think Miller would be the perfet coach for him. Again, just needs shooters around him.

[drudy23]

Interesting in his Youtube video someone posted from a few weeks ago, Sean talked about his desire to have a two point guard system - kind of one to be a traditional point guard and the other to be more of a scoring point guard. Not surprising with his history of being a point guard.

Not sure I completely understand the concept, but this team certainly needs a true point guard.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Interesting in his Youtube video someone posted from a few weeks ago, Sean talked about his desire to have a two point guard system - kind of one to be a traditional point guard and the other to be more of a scoring point guard. Not surprising with his history of being a point guard.

Not sure I completely understand the concept, but this team certainly needs a true point guard.

I mean isnt this just basically a SG who can also play PG if needed?

[XUGRAD80]

Don’t know why some people are convinced that the recruits X has will all automatically go somewhere else. It is SOP for recruits to open up their recruiting when the coach they originally committed to leave and a new coach comes in. Happens everywhere all of the time. Nothing to be concerned about there.

But most players don’t commit just because of who the coach is. They might love a coach, but there’s a reason that they are shown the whole campus and have a chance to meet the assistant coaches and players. They are choosing a total package. It’s up to the new coach to re-recruit those kids, but I kinda feel that there is a built in advantage in most cases over other schools that might reach out to those same kids. Sean Miller has a lot of cred and I feel that he will be able to keep at least 2/3 of the recruits, and maybe all 3, especially if he retains some of the current staff. But if he doesn’t, I still wouldn’t worry.

There is a lot of coaching changes happening right now at high level schools. There are going to be a lot of kids reopening their recruitments because of those changes. It’s quite possible that some of our players may transfer out and be replaced by additional new recruits. I think that he will also be able to land at least one HIGH Level transfer. Kids know who he is and where he can lead them to. The fact that he has a SIX YEAR contract tells them that he should be at X for their whole college career too. That’s huge for a lot of kids.

With the kids that X will have coming back and the kids that Miller will bring in over the next couple of months, along with better coaching and a better system, I’d expect X to be better NEXT year, not just sometime in the future.

[drudy23]

I mean isnt this just basically a SG who can also play PG if needed?

That's what I thought too - not sure I completely understood what he meant.

[MHettel]

I think the 2 PG comment meant he wanted a situation like Tu and Lyons.

Tu is a pure PG, and Lyons could fill in when needed. But both guys could protect the ball and had good enough handles to break down an opponent and get the defense scrambling a little bit.

Compare that to what we had this year. Scruggs is probably best suited as the “other” point guard as opposed to the lead. So, he’s the SG in a Miller system. And Johnson? Good shooter and solid defender, but he just doesn’t have the PG skill set.

I think Millers 2 PG system will require that BOTH of them can shoot from deep. I can’t fathom trying to run any offense with a Guard that can hit from 3.

Thinking Dwon might not be the best fit. Or if he stays, we may not see Sean force his system with the wrong personnel (novel idea).

[IM4X]

I think Miller may end up loving Dwon. Thing with Dwon is that you have to surround him with consistent 3 point shooters. If Dwon was on a team with Tre. Kaiser, and JP, oh boy. Now I know that isn't easy to replicate but I would guess Miller is going to be searching out some prove 3 point shooters from the portal.

Now if Miller has a PG from somewhere in his back pocket, then yeah, but I like what Odom can bring on both ends, and I think Miller would be the perfet coach for him. Again, just needs shooters around him.

I’m pretty sure securing Craft and Ward might solve much of that problem. From what I understand and see on tape, they both appear to be very good 3 point shooters.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I’m pretty sure securing Craft and Ward might solve much of that problem. From what I understand and see on tape, they are both appear to be very good 3 point shooters.

I hope we do, however, I am always leery of putting too much stock into what freshman will be able to contribute. I get they are both highly rated recruits but we have had others highly rated who did not contribute much as freshman.

[IM4X]

Not like I'm some big insider or anything, but have heard a few names pretty consistently that are leaving. I'd expect a few transfer outs. Hope we can keep at least one of our recruits. Either way, I'm excited and energized to see how we reshape some things.

You heard from sources who have connections or reliable information about the players and/or coaches or heard from fans who are purely speculating based on a hunch.

If it’s the former- do tell.

[IM4X]

I hope we do, however, I am always leery of putting too much stock into what freshman will be able to contribute. I get they are both highly rated recruits but we have had others highly rated who did not contribute much as freshman.

Under Miller?

[Masterofreality]

Interesting to me that Jonas didn’t start Freemantle in the second half yesterday and kept him out for awhile limiting him to only 17 minutes. That tells me that, other than Steele who saw him as his pet, Free wasn’t well thought of by the rest of the staff. I’d say he’s gone. Sean won’t put up with his fake tough guy antics and stupidity. We played better early in the year when we were UnFree. That showed again yesterday.
I see no way also that The Jerome Hunter Experience continues.
Kunk is just the kind of guy that Sean will like. I say he, Colby, Nunge and Dwon are back for sure. Prolly Cesare, but he needs development.
I could see Sean keeping the entire staff, unless Jonas wants to bolt. Unlike Steele, he doesn’t need Einstein level assistants but guys who are on top of the game and can remind/suggest things. I believe Travis was such a Steelehead (pun intended) that he just forcibly and stubbornly went forward with whatever the hell was in his stat/analytic brain no matter what his Assistants suggested. Part of his downfall.

[SM#24]

Interesting in his Youtube video someone posted from a few weeks ago, Sean talked about his desire to have a two point guard system - kind of one to be a traditional point guard and the other to be more of a scoring point guard. Not surprising with his history of being a point guard.

Not sure I completely understand the concept, but this team certainly needs a true point guard.

Define. I would consider Dwon a true point guard. We do need a backup for him. You all realize he has the second highest offensive efficiency rating on the team behind Nunge (and slightly ahead of Colby). We seemed to be a lot better offensively in the second half when he played and Scruggs didn't (btw, Scruggs offensive efficiency rating is 7th amongst our top eight; only ahead of Hunter and considerably behind the top 6). I would love it if Dwon was a good 3 point shooter but I think we over-estimate that deficiency (or under-estimate everything else he does).

[MHettel]

I'm wondering about Stanley. I think he's got one more year of eligibility. He already transferred once, without having to sit out. But I think the players only get one "free" transfer.

So it would seem that Stanley either stays and plays for XU, or he's done completely. Not sure where he stands with the staff. He seems like a good dude. Although his skillset seemed like he was overmatched at the BE level. I think he used his size and strength at Hampton to push around the lower level talent.

If there is a spot on the roster, I'd like to seem him back

[SM#24]

With respect to Jonas, he will have (or maybe already does have) offers from SEC schools for his current role. Wonder if he will pursue any of the mid-major HC jobs that are opening. I liked what I saw of our team yesterday.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'm wondering about Stanley. I think he's got one more year of eligibility. He already transferred once, without having to sit out. But I think the players only get one "free" transfer.

So it would seem that Stanley either stays and plays for XU, or he's done completely. Not sure where he stands with the staff. He seems like a good dude. Although his skillset seemed like he was overmatched at the BE level. I think he used his size and strength at Hampton to push around the lower level talent.

If there is a spot on the roster, I'd like to seem him back

I don't think he has used his "free" transfer. He was initially denied a waiver and was sitting out the 1st year he was at X. It was only then after the NCAA have everyone a free year due to COVID that he was then allowed to play. I think he could transfer just fine without having to sit. Kunkel got a waiver but I think he could also transfer without sitting. They both transferred before that new rule change.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Interesting to me that Jonas didn’t start Freemantle in the second half yesterday and kept him out for awhile limiting him to only 17 minutes. That tells me that, other than Steele who saw him as his pet, Free wasn’t well thought of by the rest of the staff. I’d say he’s gone. Sean won’t put up with his fake tough guy antics and stupidity. We played better early in the year when we were UnFree. That showed again yesterday.
I see no way also that The Jerome Hunter Experience continues.
Kunk is just the kind of guy that Sean will like. I say he, Colby, Nunge and Dwon are back for sure. Prolly Cesare, but he needs development.
I could see Sean keeping the entire staff, unless Jonas wants to bolt. Unlike Steele, he doesn’t need Einstein level assistants but guys who are on top of the game and can remind/suggest things. I believe Travis was such a Steelehead (pun intended) that he just forcibly and stubbornly went forward with whatever the hell was in his stat/analytic brain no matter what his Assistants suggested. Part of his downfall.

Interesting take on Free. In retrospect, looks like Steele gave him too much rope and lacking maturity, Free spun a little out of control. If Jonas was reinforcing his message with second half partial benching, kudos to him. Free seems like his own worst enemy. Didn't see his antics adopted by other players. So, if needed, hope Miller has a "come to Jesus" discussion with him as soon as season ends. And if Free moves on, I'm fine with that. No player is irreplaceable---especially one that is self centered and immature.

Mike Woodson had one of those discussions with Hunter right after he took the I.U. job and Hunter ended up here. Hunter will have to sit out a year, I think, if he moves on. Hunter has potential if he sticks to those things he does well----he's a decent ball handler, good free throw shooter, O.K. defensively. But he's not an offensive wunderkind and he needs to understand that.

Odom is a warrior. We absolutely need that.

[Xavier]

I don’t expect much to stay. And I’m not sure why So many want them too, especially our assistants. Aren’t assistants the key pieces to player development? Which we have seen none over last four years. Sean will build next year with transfers, maybe 2-3 rotational guys stick around. (Nunge/Odom/Kunkel?)

[IM4X]

I know Free got off to a late rough start this season with his ankle and became a frustrating distraction at times. I do think a big part of that is on Steele for letting him just do whatever and not feeling him in. Free has changed his ways more recently and with Miller, his ceiling os much higher and his attitude will be better. I don’t know what the situation as it stands now but I hope Miller talks to him and he stays on the team.

[drudy23]

Define. I would consider Dwon a true point guard. We do need a backup for him. You all realize he has the second highest offensive efficiency rating on the team behind Nunge (and slightly ahead of Colby). We seemed to be a lot better offensively in the second half when he played and Scruggs didn't (btw, Scruggs offensive efficiency rating is 7th amongst our top eight; only ahead of Hunter and considerably behind the top 6). I would love it if Dwon was a good 3 point shooter but I think we over-estimate that deficiency (or under-estimate everything else he does).

When I think of a true point guard, I think of Gillespie. I know he's developed into a conference POY, but when he was developing, his focus was taking care of the ball, setting up others for success, being a leader on the floor, running the show and making open shots when he got them.

He obviously does everything now, but his true point guard pedigree remains. Dwon typically looks to get downhill first, and all of the other things I mentioned above second. To me, a point guard has to be a point guard first - everything else after that is just gravy.

That's why Gillespie is so good. He's an awesome floor general in a true point guard sense, but really doesn't have holes after that. He can slash, he can finish, he can shoot, he can defend, he dictates tempo and he's the smartest player on the floor. But all of those things never take precedent over being a winning type of player, who largely makes the right decision for his team because the decisions are mostly in his hands as he's owning the ball most of the time.

Dwon's good attributes are obvious, but I don't necessarily think he's a great decision maker. He's obviously not a good shooter. This team really didn't have a player that made great decisions with the ball.

[xukeith]

I’m pretty sure securing Craft and Ward might solve much of that problem. From what I understand and see on tape, they both appear to be very good 3 point shooters.

I do not think Ward's specialty is 3 point shooting. He is long and athletic and can shoot some but he is not a Bluiett, Macura, or Kaiser Gates like player who specializes in shooting 3's,

No , Craft is a very good shooting guard. He is ranked as the #6 shooting guard in the nation.


I hope Ward and Craft commit again to Xavier. They look extremely valuable.
Maybe Ward uses his length like Naji Marshall for supreme defense.

[xukeith]

Jordan Brooks and Hayes have the strong connection with Ward

[boozehound]

When I think of a true point guard, I think of Gillespie. I know he's developed into a conference POY, but when he was developing, his focus was taking care of the ball, setting up others for success, being a leader on the floor, running the show and making open shots when he got them.

He obviously does everything now, but his true point guard pedigree remains. Dwon typically looks to get downhill first, and all of the other things I mentioned above second. To me, a point guard has to be a point guard first - everything else after that is just gravy.

That's why Gillespie is so good. He's an awesome floor general in a true point guard sense, but really doesn't have holes after that. He can slash, he can finish, he can shoot, he can defend, he dictates tempo and he's the smartest player on the floor. But all of those things never take precedent over being a winning type of player, who largely makes the right decision for his team because the decisions are mostly in his hands as he's owning the ball most of the time.

Dwon's good attributes are obvious, but I don't necessarily think he's a great decision maker. He's obviously not a good shooter. This team really didn't have a player that made great decisions with the ball.

I'd be interested to see how much Dwon could develop with better coaching. Steele's teams specialized in poor decision making from nearly every position, and guys were rarely in position to take a feed and convert it to a basket. Honestly I don't think Mack or Steele knew how to coach a PG, but Miller certainly does. I'm hopeful that Dwon might really flourish under better coaching.

[drudy23]

I'd be interested to see how much Dwon could develop with better coaching. Steele's teams specialized in poor decision making from nearly every position, and guys were rarely in position to take a feed and convert it to a basket. Honestly I don't think Mack or Steele knew how to coach a PG, but Miller certainly does. I'm hopeful that Dwon might really flourish under better coaching.

Agreed - I definitely think Dwon has a place. You can't coach his athleticism and his heart. I bet Miller is salivating to turn him into a great point guard.

The question is - can he develop him how he wants to with that jump shot. Because that lack of jump shot can trump your ability to impact the game in other ways. If Dwon can develop any consistency in his three point game, he'd be deadly. He'd be so hard to guard.

[SM#24]

When I think of a true point guard, I think of Gillespie. I know he's developed into a conference POY, but when he was developing, his focus was taking care of the ball, setting up others for success, being a leader on the floor, running the show and making open shots when he got them.

He obviously does everything now, but his true point guard pedigree remains. Dwon typically looks to get downhill first, and all of the other things I mentioned above second. To me, a point guard has to be a point guard first - everything else after that is just gravy.

That's why Gillespie is so good. He's an awesome floor general in a true point guard sense, but really doesn't have holes after that. He can slash, he can finish, he can shoot, he can defend, he dictates tempo and he's the smartest player on the floor. But all of those things never take precedent over being a winning type of player, who largely makes the right decision for his team because the decisions are mostly in his hands as he's owning the ball most of the time.

Dwon's good attributes are obvious, but I don't necessarily think he's a great decision maker. He's obviously not a good shooter. This team really didn't have a player that made great decisions with the ball.
Dwon is not a good 3-point shooter. He is a good shooter though. Torvik breaks down FG shooting into 4 categories...dunks, close 2s, far 2s, 3s. Dwon has the highest % in close 2s and far 2s (and 5/5 on dunks). He has the overall highest FG% on the team, and he's our best FT shooter. He can shoot, just from 15 ft in.
I think a lot of Dwon's decision making in many ways is a function of our no motion offense. He played 27 minutes yesterday and only took 5 shots (4 makes). Right now, our offense is a bunch of guys standing at the three point line and beyond. He needs to get downhill to create offense with dribble penetration, otherwise, we're passing the ball around 30 ft from the basket for 20 seconds.
I'm very excited to see what he can do with Sean. The skills are there (outside of 3s). Plus, he's our best defender, so 1/2 the time he is on the court, he's our best player guarding a key position (PG).

[boozehound]

I don’t expect much to stay. And I’m not sure why So many want them too, especially our assistants. Aren’t assistants the key pieces to player development? Which we have seen none over last four years. Sean will build next year with transfers, maybe 2-3 rotational guys stick around. (Nunge/Odom/Kunkel?)

The assistant coaching hires will be interesting. Typically when you hire a coach externally they have a group of assistants that they bring with them, but that's not necessarily the case with Miller due to him sitting out a year. I'm also not sure how the NCAA allegations play into Sean's thoughts on re-hiring old assistants. Obviously Book Richardson is out.

I wouldn't mind seeing Hayes stick around for another year before leaving for (hopefully) a HC job somewhere. He seems pretty competent and would ease in the transition a bit. He would also likely get an opportunity to fill in for Miller if he serves a suspension which could help showcase his talent. Beyond him I don't really care, but I do agree that keeping the assistant coaches intact would be a rare and kind of strange situation.

[drudy23]

Dwon is not a good 3-point shooter. He is a good shooter though. Torvik breaks down FG shooting into 4 categories...dunks, close 2s, far 2s, 3s. Dwon has the highest % in close 2s and far 2s (and 5/5 on dunks). He has the overall highest FG% on the team, and he's our best FT shooter. He can shoot, just from 15 ft in.
I think a lot of Dwon's decision making in many ways is a function of our no motion offense. He played 27 minutes yesterday and only took 5 shots (4 makes). Right now, our offense is a bunch of guys standing at the three point line and beyond. He needs to get downhill to create offense with dribble penetration, otherwise, we're passing the ball around 30 ft from the basket for 20 seconds.
I'm very excited to see what he can do with Sean. The skills are there (outside of 3s). Plus, he's our best defender, so 1/2 the time he is on the court, he's our best player guarding a key position (PG).

No debate from me - I bet Miller can't wait to coach him.

[SM#24]

He's someone that will take to coaching. I always try to study the players off the court (time-outs, etc.), one thing I've noticed about him is he is a leader and I believe the others respond to him.

[Xuperman]

Dante has to be nearly 100% to remain on Miller's staff. He was a Miller recruit, correct?

[xuphan]

Dante has to be nearly 100% to remain on Miller's staff. He was a Miller recruit, correct?

I would say more like 50/50. Yes, he has played under coach Miller but he is also part of the last regime who continued to struggle with the same issues year after year. I would rather Miller get the assistants he wants and less about keeping coaches around to keep players/recruits. Same goes for Peters. I trust Miller to make the right decisions regarding his coaches.

[drudy23]

I would say more like 50/50. Yes, he has played under coach Miller but he is also part of the last regime who continued to struggle with the same issues year after year. I would rather Miller get the assistants he wants and less about keeping coaches around to keep players/recruits. Same goes for Peters. I trust Miller to make the right decisions regarding his coaches.

I thought I saw something that Peters has already agreed to stay on with Miller. I may be dreaming that.

[paulxu]

If Miller needs an assistant, Mack isn't doing anything.

[muskiefan82]

I thought I saw something that Peters has already agreed to stay on with Miller. I may be dreaming that.

Peters was on Sean's staff at UofA from 2010 - 2014 and again from 2018 until he came here so that makes sense

[xukeith]

If Miller needs an assistant, Mack isn't doing anything.

Oh boy. When will he learn the value of recruiting?

[Masterofreality]

Dwon is not a good 3-point shooter. He is a good shooter though. Torvik breaks down FG shooting into 4 categories...dunks, close 2s, far 2s, 3s. Dwon has the highest % in close 2s and far 2s (and 5/5 on dunks). He has the overall highest FG% on the team, and he's our best FT shooter. He can shoot, just from 15 ft in.
I think a lot of Dwon's decision making in many ways is a function of our no motion offense. He played 27 minutes yesterday and only took 5 shots (4 makes). Right now, our offense is a bunch of guys standing at the three point line and beyond. He needs to get downhill to create offense with dribble penetration, otherwise, we're passing the ball around 30 ft from the basket for 20 seconds.
I'm very excited to see what he can do with Sean. The skills are there (outside of 3s). Plus, he's our best defender, so 1/2 the time he is on the court, he's our best player guarding a key position (PG).

100%

[xuphan]

If Miller needs an assistant, Mack isn't doing anything.

Can you imagine Miller’s staff being Mack, Matta, Steele?

[IM4X]

Dwon is not a good 3-point shooter. He is a good shooter though. Torvik breaks down FG shooting into 4 categories...dunks, close 2s, far 2s, 3s. Dwon has the highest % in close 2s and far 2s (and 5/5 on dunks). He has the overall highest FG% on the team, and he's our best FT shooter. He can shoot, just from 15 ft in.
I think a lot of Dwon's decision making in many ways is a function of our no motion offense. He played 27 minutes yesterday and only took 5 shots (4 makes). Right now, our offense is a bunch of guys standing at the three point line and beyond. He needs to get downhill to create offense with dribble penetration, otherwise, we're passing the ball around 30 ft from the basket for 20 seconds.
I'm very excited to see what he can do with Sean. The skills are there (outside of 3s). Plus, he's our best defender, so 1/2 the time he is on the court, he's our best player guarding a key position (PG).

Great post!

I love to see posts like this that counter some opinions that Odom is not a true point guard or a good shooter. I have made a similar point about him being a good shooter outside of 3s and being a good defender with some proof to back it up, but yours is even better because you’ve really dug up even more supporting proof. Odom is a confident beast who can do so much and is just going to get better. He needs to remain at X!

[94GRAD]

Can you imagine Miller’s staff being Mack, Matta, Steele?

The odds of this happening is the same as you becoming a Supporting Member.

[X-band '01]

Interesting to me that Jonas didn’t start Freemantle in the second half yesterday and kept him out for awhile limiting him to only 17 minutes. That tells me that, other than Steele who saw him as his pet, Free wasn’t well thought of by the rest of the staff. I’d say he’s gone. Sean won’t put up with his fake tough guy antics and stupidity. We played better early in the year when we were UnFree. That showed again yesterday.
I see no way also that The Jerome Hunter Experience continues.
Kunk is just the kind of guy that Sean will like. I say he, Colby, Nunge and Dwon are back for sure. Prolly Cesare, but he needs development.
I could see Sean keeping the entire staff, unless Jonas wants to bolt. Unlike Steele, he doesn’t need Einstein level assistants but guys who are on top of the game and can remind/suggest things. I believe Travis was such a Steelehead (pun intended) that he just forcibly and stubbornly went forward with whatever the hell was in his stat/analytic brain no matter what his Assistants suggested. Part of his downfall.

Actually he didn't start either half yesterday - something about missed practice was mentioned on the radio during the postgame. That's definitely going to put him in the doghouse with Steele gone.

[IM4X]

When I think of a true point guard, I think of Gillespie. I know he's developed into a conference POY, but when he was developing, his focus was taking care of the ball, setting up others for success, being a leader on the floor, running the show and making open shots when he got them.

He obviously does everything now, but his true point guard pedigree remains. Dwon typically looks to get downhill first, and all of the other things I mentioned above second. To me, a point guard has to be a point guard first - everything else after that is just gravy.

That's why Gillespie is so good. He's an awesome floor general in a true point guard sense, but really doesn't have holes after that. He can slash, he can finish, he can shoot, he can defend, he dictates tempo and he's the smartest player on the floor. But all of those things never take precedent over being a winning type of player, who largely makes the right decision for his team because the decisions are mostly in his hands as he's owning the ball most of the time.

Dwon's good attributes are obvious, but I don't necessarily think he's a great decision maker. He's obviously not a good shooter. This team really didn't have a player that made great decisions with the ball.


If he stays with X, you will seem him do even more. I do think his contribution is huge to the team and I think he will become a bette ans better passer under a coach who was a amassing passer when he played PG for Pitt. I am excited to see how Sean takes him to the next level.

The other thing that drives me nuts is that people act like he canÂ’t shoot threes. He hasnÂ’t taken many but he is the 4 best shooter three (33.3). If he kept shooting and stayed steady at that percentage, it would still be respectable. Kunkel is only shooting 1% better from 3. Hunter and free have taken way more and they are shooting in the low 20% range. Image if Dwon shot 4 times as many from three (averaging that same 33.3%) and Hunter and Free collectively took 1/4 as many shot from behind the arc. We probably win a few more games and are in the NCAA tournament.

I have great confidence in Odom taking over full time and I expect him to be encouraged to shoot more often from 3. Sean can work with Odom on everything like mechanics to decision making (being a great PG himself in college) in ways Steele never could.

[IM4X]

Can you imagine Miller’s staff being Mack, Matta, Steele?

That would be pretty special indeed. I would absolutely love Matta getting involved with his former assistant. Those two together can win us a NC for sure.

[SemajParlor]

Actually he didn't start either half yesterday - something about missed practice was mentioned on the radio during the postgame. That's definitely going to put him in the doghouse with Steele gone.

From what I understand he missed a mandatory practice. One one hand, that explains why he didn't start. On the other hand, that may give an indication of how the roster may shake out.

[UCGRAD4X]

If he stays with X, you will seem him do even more. I do think his contribution is huge to the team and I think he will become a bette ans better passer under a coach who was a amassing passer when he played PG for Pitt. I am excited to see how Steele takes him to the next level.

The other thing that drives me nuts is that people act like he canÂ’t shoot threes. He hasnÂ’t taken many but he is the 4 best shooter three (33.3). If he kept shooting and stayed steady at that percentage, it would still be respectable. Kunkel is only shooting 1% better from 3. Hunter and free have taken way more and they are shooting in the low 20% range. Image if Dwon shot 4 times as many from three (averaging that same 33.3%) and Hunter and Free collectively took 1/4 as many shot from behind the arc. We probably win a few more games and are in the NCAA tournament.

I have great confidence in Odom taking over full time and I expect him to be encouraged to shoot more often from 3. Sean can work with Odom on everything like mechanics to decision making (being a great PG himself in college) in ways Steele never could.

Good point. Not being able to shoot threes has not stopped players from trying. At the very least, O gets credit for not trying to chuck it up over and over. Good decision making I would say.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I am excited to see how Steele takes him to the next level.



I think we saw enough of that already!

[IM4X]

I think we saw enough of that already!

Did I really type “Steele?” I need some coffee.


I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts.

[Masterofreality]

Actually he didn't start either half yesterday - something about missed practice was mentioned on the radio during the postgame. That's definitely going to put him in the doghouse with Steele gone.

Correct!!
I missed the first 6 minutes of the game yesterday because of Channel confusion?
I guess they had a Formula 1 thing going on and I didn’t realize that the game started on ESPN 2.
But yeah. Doghouse for sure.

[Masterofreality]

Great post!

I love to see posts like this that counter some opinions that Odom is not a true point guard or a good shooter. I have made a similar point about him being a good shooter outside of 3s and being a good defender with some proof to back it up, but yours is even better because you’ve really dug up even more supporting proof. Odom is a confident beast who can do so much and is just going to get better. He needs to remain at X!

I think with proper development Dwon could be another Tu. Tu always could shoot FT’s and close in but it wasn’t until his last 2 years that he could do special stuff like the Purdue game.

[paulxu]

I wish I had "copy and paste" when I had to write on the blackboard for the nuns.

[X Factor]

I think with proper development Dwon could be another Tu. Tu always could shoot FT’s and close in but it wasn’t until his last 2 years that he could do special stuff like the Purdue game.

I like Dwon MOR, but he won't ever come close to Tu. He was always a capable shooter, around 34-35% from three for his career. But, he just had that clutchness that can't be taught.

[Masterofreality]

I like Dwon MOR, but he won't ever come close to Tu. He was always a capable shooter, around 34-35% from three for his career. But, he just had that clutchness that can't be taught.

Ok. I’ll grant you that. Tu was basically 32% from 3 his first 2 years and basically 35% his last 2.

[xu82]

Did I really type “Steele?” I need some coffee.


I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts. I will not type “Steele” when I mean “Sean” in future posts.

That a good start, but I think you owe us some more, and a few Hail Mary’s and a couple Our Fathers!

I have no idea who leaves or who stays, but one thing I know for sure is this is the first time in quite a while that I have hope for the future of Xavier basketball. HOPE is a very powerful thing!

[IM4X]

I think with proper development Dwon could be another Tu. Tu always could shoot FT’s and close in but it wasn’t until his last 2 years that he could do special stuff like the Purdue game.

Right you are. Tu was a dedicated and determined machine.

I heard and even read stories where X coaches have talked about him being in the gym first and leaving last - Supposedly no one spent more time in the gym than he did.

I think Dwon already has a bit of Tu in him. I am not sure he is putting in the same kind of hours in the gym that Tu did? If he going is going to be putting in the extra hours at the gym and he is now going to have a really good coach who was also a very good PG in college helping him with his game, we are going to see a very good PG become even more complete and better at each skill.

[boozehound]

I really hope Dwon stays. I think he could really develop into something special with the right coaching. He isn't going to turn into a 3pt threat, but if he can orchestrate the offense well and get to the line consistently (something Holloway was phenomenal at) he can easily average double figures and be a top-half of the league PG.

[MHettel]

The other thing that drives me nuts is that people act like he canÂ’t shoot threes. He hasnÂ’t taken many but he is the 4 best shooter three (33.3). If he kept shooting and stayed steady at that percentage, it would still be respectable. Kunkel is only shooting 1% better from 3. Hunter and free have taken way more and they are shooting in the low 20% range. Image if Dwon shot 4 times as many from three (averaging that same 33.3%) and Hunter and Free collectively took 1/4 as many shot from behind the arc. We probably win a few more games and are in the NCAA tournament.



I like Odom alot, and would start with that. I like thats he's very good at a few things, and that he doesnt seem to expose the areas that he's not as skilled. I'd rather have him NOT TAKE 3s, than miss a bunch. We have enough guys that miss plenty of threes.

I do, however, disagree with this take on Odom's shooting.

He took 6 3Pt Attempts this year and made 2. He took a 3 every 110 minutes of playing time. there is no way you can draw any conclusions about his shooting based on that. If he took one more and he made it, he'd be at 42.8%. If he missed it, he'd be at 28.6%. There simply arent enough data points to conclude much about his shooting. Last year he went 2-13.

Add this to the simple fact that he PASSED UP wide open shots, and that should tell you every thing you need to know.

Odom is not currently a good 3PT shooter. The ones he made were wide open catch-and-shoot situations. Kunkel may not have shot much better, but he can get his own shot off the dribble and has alot less daylight between him and the defender.

Cant compare those 2. i see Odom putting up Hunter type numbers (14-66, 21%) if he were to shoot more often

[UCGRAD4X]

I like Odom alot, and would start with that. I like thats he's very good at a few things, and that he doesnt seem to expose the areas that he's not as skilled. I'd rather have him NOT TAKE 3s, than miss a bunch. We have enough guys that miss plenty of threes.

I do, however, disagree with this take on Odom's shooting.

He took 6 3Pt Attempts this year and made 2. He took a 3 every 110 minutes of playing time. there is no way you can draw any conclusions about his shooting based on that. If he took one more and he made it, he'd be at 42.8%. If he missed it, he'd be at 28.6%. There simply arent enough data points to conclude much about his shooting. Last year he went 2-13.

Add this to the simple fact that he PASSED UP wide open shots, and that should tell you every thing you need to know.

Odom is not currently a good 3PT shooter. The ones he made were wide open catch-and-shoot situations. Kunkel may not have shot much better, but he can get his own shot off the dribble and has alot less daylight between him and the defender.

Cant compare those 2. i see Odom putting up Hunter type numbers (14-66, 21%) if he were to shoot more often

Didn't he make one that was actually supposed to be a pass?

[xu82]

Didn't he make one that was actually supposed to be a pass?

Well, when you throw it up in the air……it has to come down somewhere!

[MHettel]

Didn't he make one that was actually supposed to be a pass?

That’s right!

[xeus]

I’d love for our current recruiting class to stay, but honestly, if they don’t appreciate the massive upgrade to the Xavier program that Sean Miller represents, and they want to go elsewhere, I wish them all the best.

[xuphan]

I’d love for our current recruiting class to stay, but honestly, if they don’t appreciate the massive upgrade to the Xavier program that Sean Miller represents, and they want to go elsewhere, I wish them all the best.

Do we know when the official press conference to introduce Sean as head coach is expected to take place?

[xu82]

I’d love for our current recruiting class to stay, but honestly, if they don’t appreciate the massive upgrade to the Xavier program that Sean Miller represents, and they want to go elsewhere, I wish them all the best.

Seriously, if they liked Xavier with Steele at the helm, they should LOVE Xavier with Miller in charge.

I mean, it’s like upgrading for a Buick to……oh, never mind. It’s a serious upgrade. :-)

[SM#24]

If he stays with X, you will seem him do even more. I do think his contribution is huge to the team and I think he will become a bette ans better passer under a coach who was a amassing passer when he played PG for Pitt. I am excited to see how Sean takes him to the next level.

The other thing that drives me nuts is that people act like he canÂ’t shoot threes. He hasnÂ’t taken many but he is the 4 best shooter three (33.3). If he kept shooting and stayed steady at that percentage, it would still be respectable. Kunkel is only shooting 1% better from 3. Hunter and free have taken way more and they are shooting in the low 20% range. Image if Dwon shot 4 times as many from three (averaging that same 33.3%) and Hunter and Free collectively took 1/4 as many shot from behind the arc. We probably win a few more games and are in the NCAA tournament.

I have great confidence in Odom taking over full time and I expect him to be encouraged to shoot more often from 3. Sean can work with Odom on everything like mechanics to decision making (being a great PG himself in college) in ways Steele never could.
I'm sure you all by now realize I would adopt Dwon if I could. But he is not a good 3 point shooter. Yes, he is 33% which is 4th best on the team behind Nate, Nunge, Kunkel, but he's 2/6 and one was a pass that accidently went in, so he's really 1/5 or 20%. The key with him is no matter how wide open, he's only taken 6 as opposed to some other nameless 20% 3 pt shooters.

[SM#24]

Can you imagine Miller’s staff being Mack, Matta, Steele?

"Well you see, we're getting the band back together."
"We're on a mission from God."

[xukeith]

Some players can really dislike a coach who doesn't give him playing time.

I heard Miller repeat the idea of having no more than 7 or 8 deep bench.

This wasn't about X this year but it was a general comment on efficiency and a 7/8 man rotation.

[IM4X]

That a good start, but I think you owes use some more, and a few Hail Mary’s and a couple Our Fathers!

I have no idea who leaves or who stays, but one thing I know for sure is this is the first time in quite a while that I have hope for the future of Xavier basketball. HOPE is a very powerful thing!

“Hope” is the exact perfect word.

It really is the one thing it feels we lost: hope for X players getting better by the end of the season. Hope of an X team making the NCAA tournament. Hope that their is a coach in place who might understand that if you want a different result next year he might actually have to change his approach- not just a few individuals on how roster.

[noteggs]

I’d love for our current recruiting class to stay, but honestly, if they don’t appreciate the massive upgrade to the Xavier program that Sean Miller represents, and they want to go elsewhere, I wish them all the best.

I was so worried about losing the recruits if we lost Steele. However after reading this post, that’s a great point which I never thought of. Unfortunately I’m probably more like the young recruits and didn’t see the forest thing…

[SM#24]

Some 3 point math. I don't believe our current roster is as bad at 3 point shooting as I/we would like to think.
We are currently as a team at 31.90% and 264th in the nation.
50th in the nation (out of 350) is at 36.29%. Only 12 of the top 50 are Power 6 schools.
X averages 21 3 point attempts per game. So, the differential between 50th and 264th on 21 shots is slightly less than 1 make per game.
But I think our issue is more shot selection. With the same number of makes, and three less shots, our % is in the top 50.
I'm pretty sure we take more than 3 bad 3 pt shots per game, whether overly defended, rushed or just the wrong person shooting them.
That said, our makes are 2 less per game than the #50 team in the nation in made 3 point shots (only 7 of the top 50 in makes are Power 6 teams and none in the top 21).

[X Factor]

Some 3 point math. I don't believe our current roster is as bad at 3 point shooting as I/we would like to think.
We are currently as a team at 31.90% and 264th in the nation.
50th in the nation (out of 350) is at 36.29%. Only 12 of the top 50 are Power 6 schools.
X averages 21 3 point attempts per game. So, the differential between 50th and 264th on 21 shots is slightly less than 1 make per game.
But I think our issue is more shot selection. With the same number of makes, and three less shots, our % is in the top 50.
I'm pretty sure we take more than 3 bad 3 pt shots per game, whether overly defended, rushed or just the wrong person shooting them.
That said, our makes are 2 less per game than the #50 team in the nation in made 3 point shots (only 7 of the top 50 in makes are Power 6 teams and none in the top 21).

It's bad, and it's been bad for the past four years.

I looked at all of the teams who have made the Final Four in the past 6-7 years, and they all, with two exceptions, are usually good at shooting the three as a team.

Xavier's problem is our good shooters go through horrendous slumps during the season, and we only two guys that are average from three and one guy above average. Jack is at 36% but only attempts 2.7 threes per game. Kunkel is at 34% on 4.6 attempts, and Nate is 38% on 5.8 attempts. Other than that, no one else is really a threat.



I really hope Sean finds a PG who can shoot.

[IM4X]

I like Odom alot, and would start with that. I like thats he's very good at a few things, and that he doesnt seem to expose the areas that he's not as skilled. I'd rather have him NOT TAKE 3s, than miss a bunch. We have enough guys that miss plenty of threes.

I do, however, disagree with this take on Odom's shooting.

He took 6 3Pt Attempts this year and made 2. He took a 3 every 110 minutes of playing time. there is no way you can draw any conclusions about his shooting based on that. If he took one more and he made it, he'd be at 42.8%. If he missed it, he'd be at 28.6%. There simply arent enough data points to conclude much about his shooting. Last year he went 2-13.

Add this to the simple fact that he PASSED UP wide open shots, and that should tell you every thing you need to know.

Odom is not currently a good 3PT shooter. The ones he made were wide open catch-and-shoot situations. Kunkel may not have shot much better, but he can get his own shot off the dribble and has alot less daylight between him and the defender.

Cant compare those 2. i see Odom putting up Hunter type numbers (14-66, 21%) if he were to shoot more often

The fact that Odom took less 3 tells me that Odom is thinking about the team and contributing to what he feels he does best- It tells me he believes others may be better shooters from three and he is consciously aware he might hurt the team if he did not shoot at least at his 33.3% average. Imagine if Hunter and Free thought that way and didn’t Chuck up so many bricks - imagine if Steele had said - “Shit Odom, Keep shooting 3s - at least you are making 1/3 of them - that’s better than everyone but 3 of your teammates.”

Further… How does it make any sense that you can conclude that Odom would shoot worse than he has - that he’s more like Hunter’s percentage (21%) - yet it is unreasonable to think he could continue to shoot at 33.3% if he shot more? Your opinion isn’t even based on any sample size of how he is shooting for the year. So to me it is more reasonable to believe that 33.3% or even better is definitely in the realm of possibility. Let’s give the kid the benefit of the doubt and not turn an negative opinion about a players potential that is stated without evidence to back it up into a reasonable conclusion.

I believe 100% he is capable of shooting many more 3s and still average around 33.3% next season with more gym time and the help of Sean.

You believe he won’t shoot better than Hunters 21% from 3 with more reps.

I hope he sticks around- and then we will likely see what he is capable of from3. I just really think he has it in him to be a reliable enough shooter from behind the arc to force defenses to guard him out there too… that would be huge in helping spread defenses more and I can almost guarantee that is in Miller’s plans, if Odom stays.

[X-band '01]

Just for shits and giggles, I had to look deep to find the last time Odom attempted, much less made a 3-point shot. He was 1-1 in the first Villanova game.

For better or worse, that's a helluva New Year's Resolution that other players should have adopted much more often.

[IM4X]

I'm sure you all by now realize I would adopt Dwon if I could. But he is not a good 3 point shooter. Yes, he is 33% which is 4th best on the team behind Nate, Nunge, Kunkel, but he's 2/6 and one was a pass that accidently went in, so he's really 1/5 or 20%. The key with him is no matter how wide open, he's only taken 6 as opposed to some other nameless 20% 3 pt shooters.

Don’t expect him to become Nate or Tre or Jp or Tu, but we don’t need him to be. Just good enough and shoot enough to keep defenders honest. I do think with more gym time and Miller as his coach (a former very good D1 PG) he will get better and be more confident from deep. I honestly think he could make about a third of his attempts. It got better later in his X career (as MOR reminded us). I honestly believe Odom can be a respectable 3 point shooter.

As for judging a players potential- I will give you one I was way off on. Do you remember how Farr played his freshman year. I remember thinking, “Well there goes a wasted scholarship. He grew so much and had to learn to be a banger inside. His footworks was atrocious. He could barely do anything. Fast forward to his senior year - holy shit was he a different player- same could be said about a dozen other X players. I am telling you, I think Odom has the drive (like Tu and Farr) to be a more complete player.

[X Factor]

The fact that Odom took less 3 tells me that Odom is thinking about the team and contributing to what he feels he does best- It tells me he believes others may be better shooters from three and he is consciously aware he might hurt the team if he did not shoot at least at his 33.3% average. Imagine if Hunter and Free thought that way and didn’t Chuck up so many bricks - imagine if Steele had said - “Shit Odom, Keep shooting 3s - at least you are making 1/3 of them - that’s better than everyone but 3 of your teammates.”

Further… How does it make any sense that you can conclude that Odom would shoot worse than he has - that he’s more like Hunter’s percentage (21%) - yet it is unreasonable to think he could continue to shoot at 33.3% if he shot more? Your opinion isn’t even based on any sample size of how he is shooting for the year. So to me it is more reasonable to believe that 33.3% or even better is definitely in the realm of possibility. Let’s give the kid the benefit of the doubt and not turn an negative opinion about a players potential that is stated without evidence to back it up into a reasonable conclusion.

I believe 100% he is capable of shooting many more 3s and still average around 33.3% next season with more gym time and the help of Sean.

You believe he won’t shoot better than Hunters 21% from 3 with more reps.

I hope he sticks around- and then we will likely see what he is capable of from3. I just really think he has it in him to be a reliable enough shooter from behind the arc to force defenses to guard him out there too… that would be huge in helping spread defenses more and I can almost guarantee that is in Miller’s plans, if Odom stays.

Wishful thinking IM4X. That's just not Dwon's game. Aaron Thompson (Butler), another PG who doesn't shoot threes, finished his career at BU with 21 made threes (23%).

Dwon has made 4 threes in two years (one was a pass that went in).

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Some 3 point math. I don't believe our current roster is as bad at 3 point shooting as I/we would like to think.
We are currently as a team at 31.90% and 264th in the nation.
50th in the nation (out of 350) is at 36.29%. Only 12 of the top 50 are Power 6 schools.
X averages 21 3 point attempts per game. So, the differential between 50th and 264th on 21 shots is slightly less than 1 make per game.
But I think our issue is more shot selection. With the same number of makes, and three less shots, our % is in the top 50.
I'm pretty sure we take more than 3 bad 3 pt shots per game, whether overly defended, rushed or just the wrong person shooting them.
That said, our makes are 2 less per game than the #50 team in the nation in made 3 point shots (only 7 of the top 50 in makes are Power 6 teams and none in the top 21).

I saw a bunch of three-point shots this year that were bad shots; early in the clock, not in rhythm, etc. The three point shots I saw yesterday against Fla were, on the whole, better looks. Seems like we still missed a bunch. Haven't compared how we shot yesterday vs. season but just seemed like we were moving the ball better and getting better looks.

[SemajParlor]

Just for shits and giggles, I had to look deep to find the last time Odom attempted, much less made a 3-point shot. He was 1-1 in the first Villanova game.

For better or worse, that's a helluva New Year's Resolution that other players should have adopted much more often.

And he actually meant to pass it lol.

[whopper]

Just for shits and giggles, I had to look deep to find the last time Odom attempted, much less made a 3-point shot. He was 1-1 in the first Villanova game.

For better or worse, that's a helluva New Year's Resolution that other players should have adopted much more often. that was actually an alley oop attempt to Fremantle that went in

[IM4X]

Wishful thinking IM4X.

That’s what people said about Sean Miller becoming our next coach.

Sometimes you’ve just got to believe X factor… Dreams really do come true!

[RoseyMuskie]

Dwon is not a good 3-point shooter. He is a good shooter though. Torvik breaks down FG shooting into 4 categories...dunks, close 2s, far 2s, 3s. Dwon has the highest % in close 2s and far 2s (and 5/5 on dunks). He has the overall highest FG% on the team, and he's our best FT shooter. He can shoot, just from 15 ft in.
I think a lot of Dwon's decision making in many ways is a function of our no motion offense. He played 27 minutes yesterday and only took 5 shots (4 makes). Right now, our offense is a bunch of guys standing at the three point line and beyond. He needs to get downhill to create offense with dribble penetration, otherwise, we're passing the ball around 30 ft from the basket for 20 seconds.
I'm very excited to see what he can do with Sean. The skills are there (outside of 3s). Plus, he's our best defender, so 1/2 the time he is on the court, he's our best player guarding a key position (PG).

Great post. I just finished watching Miller’s interview with KenPom and they discussed the value of efficient two point shooting in tournament play. The benefit is that it’s less prone to a significant variation in a one game setting.

I think Dwon exemplifies the type of two point shooter Miller wants.

[MHettel]

The fact that Odom took less 3 tells me that Odom is thinking about the team and contributing to what he feels he does best- It tells me he believes others may be better shooters from three and he is consciously aware he might hurt the team if he did not shoot at least at his 33.3% average. Imagine if Hunter and Free thought that way and didn’t Chuck up so many bricks - imagine if Steele had said - “Shit Odom, Keep shooting 3s - at least you are making 1/3 of them - that’s better than everyone but 3 of your teammates.”

Further… How does it make any sense that you can conclude that Odom would shoot worse than he has - that he’s more like Hunter’s percentage (21%) - yet it is unreasonable to think he could continue to shoot at 33.3% if he shot more? Your opinion isn’t even based on any sample size of how he is shooting for the year. So to me it is more reasonable to believe that 33.3% or even better is definitely in the realm of possibility. Let’s give the kid the benefit of the doubt and not turn an negative opinion about a players potential that is stated without evidence to back it up into a reasonable conclusion.

I believe 100% he is capable of shooting many more 3s and still average around 33.3% next season with more gym time and the help of Sean.

You believe he won’t shoot better than Hunters 21% from 3 with more reps.

I hope he sticks around- and then we will likely see what he is capable of from3. I just really think he has it in him to be a reliable enough shooter from behind the arc to force defenses to guard him out there too… that would be huge in helping spread defenses more and I can almost guarantee that is in Miller’s plans, if Odom stays.

I'm not intending to comment about Odom and have it be perceived as a personal attack on him. It seems like I've triggered a defensive response from you. Again not my intention.

I'm just calling what I see. On a team that seems to have an unlimited green light, there is one guy (Odom) who seems to pass up every wide open three thats available to him. Teams GIVE him the open 3. I'm really glad that he doesnt take those and lay a bunch of bricks.

I'm not saying that Odom can NEVER develop a solid outside shot. I'm just saying we havent seen any evidence of it yet. Maybe he will. I hope he does. But I also hope that if he's not confident in his shot that he continues to defer to his teammates and let them take the deep attempts.

Aside from making three's, there is also the element of forcing the opponent to respect the 3 point line and not sag off of ball handler. As good as he is as a driver, its always going to be a little more difficult if his guy can play off of him a little.

For context, Odom played about 10% of all the available minutes this year. He took less that 1% of the 3 PT Attempts.

Odom played 658 minutes. Edwards played 75. They both took 6 3's. Stanley played 57 minutes and also took 6 3's.

Either he's the ONLY guy on the team without a green light from the coach, OR he's got a green light but isn't confident enough in his own shot to let them fly.

[IM4X]

I'm not intending to comment about Odom and have it be perceived as a personal attack on him. It seems like I've triggered a defensive response from you. Again not my intention.

I'm just calling what I see. On a team that seems to have an unlimited green light, there is one guy (Odom) who seems to pass up every wide open three thats available to him. Teams GIVE him the open 3. I'm really glad that he doesnt take those and lay a bunch of bricks.

I'm not saying that Odom can NEVER develop a solid outside shot. I'm just saying we havent seen any evidence of it yet. Maybe he will. I hope he does. But I also hope that if he's not confident in his shot that he continues to defer to his teammates and let them take the deep attempts.

Aside from making three's, there is also the element of forcing the opponent to respect the 3 point line and not sag off of ball handler. As good as he is as a driver, its always going to be a little more difficult if his guy can play off of him a little.

For context, Odom played about 10% of all the available minutes this year. He took less that 1% of the 3 PT Attempts.

Odom played 658 minutes. Edwards played 75. They both took 6 3's. Stanley played 57 minutes and also took 6 3's.

Either he's the ONLY guy on the team without a green light from the coach, OR he's got a green light but isn't confident enough in his own shot to let them fly.

It’s all good MHettel. I did not mean to come across as defensive- just as a defender of an X player who I felt X fans were selling short. I feel like it is a bit unfair to him and premature of any of us to judge what his ceiling is from 3. I may be wrong, but I am not going to not refuse Dwon a chance to prove to us he can develop that part of his game with more time and Miller’s help.

Again, I don’t expect him to become a top 2 or 3 option, just possibly someone who (with the right work ethic and new teacher) opponents won’t be able to completely ignore from deep.

Stanley and Edwards (and even Free and Hunter) took more shots per minute on the court then Dwon. I call that being mindful of what he knows he does well and holding back from being reckless - doing what might hurt the team. You can’t ding him for that. You can question those other guys for their decision to shoot though. In fact, I am quite certain that you wished Hunter (21.3%) or Edward’s (16.7%) or Stanley (16.7%) never took a 3 this year, because the decision to do so hurt the team.

There is almost zero chance Odom would have shot worse than any of them, if he took those 3s instead. If Steele had encouraged Odom to take a few more 3s and told those guys to take less, we might even have been better off… and it might have given Dwon a little more confidence.

The point is that none us knows what Odom’s true upside potential is from 3. Tu certainly got better. Others have as well. Under Miller, I do have a bit more faith Dwon could be asked to shoot more 3s and continue shoot them at a respectable % that would help the team by making defenders guard him near the arc - which would spread things out more and even open things up more inside. Maybe this is wishful thinking. Xavier teams have for decades (minus the past few seasons) done things no one believed they could do. I’ve got to believe we’re back on track to doing just that.

[xukeith]

I'm not intending to comment about Odom and have it be perceived as a personal attack on him. It seems like I've triggered a defensive response from you. Again not my intention.

I'm just calling what I see. On a team that seems to have an unlimited green light, there is one guy (Odom) who seems to pass up every wide open three thats available to him. Teams GIVE him the open 3. I'm really glad that he doesnt take those and lay a bunch of bricks.

I'm not saying that Odom can NEVER develop a solid outside shot. I'm just saying we havent seen any evidence of it yet. Maybe he will. I hope he does. But I also hope that if he's not confident in his shot that he continues to defer to his teammates and let them take the deep attempts.

Aside from making three's, there is also the element of forcing the opponent to respect the 3 point line and not sag off of ball handler. As good as he is as a driver, its always going to be a little more difficult if his guy can play off of him a little.

For context, Odom played about 10% of all the available minutes this year. He took less that 1% of the 3 PT Attempts.

Odom played 658 minutes. Edwards played 75. They both took 6 3's. Stanley played 57 minutes and also took 6 3's.

Either he's the ONLY guy on the team without a green light from the coach, OR he's got a green light but isn't confident enough in his own shot to let them fly.

I think Odom is a strong pass first point guard. He is very quick and extremely good in teh paint and on defense. Hie likely will never be a good 3 point shooter. I don't believe an athlete can go from below average to good from 3 in 1 year. Dee Davis is not a fair comparison. Davis could shoot from 3. Odom cannot. He knows his strengths and weaknesses. Kudos to him.

[Xuperman]

Wishful thinking IM4X. That's just not Dwon's game. Aaron Thompson (Butler), another PG who doesn't shoot threes, finished his career at BU with 21 made threes (23%).

Dwon has made 4 threes in two years (one was a pass that went in).

I tend to agree with IM4X. Although Odom has never been interested in taking many 3's, his HS track record certainly shows his % is more than good enough to keep teams honest defensively.

https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/dwon-odom/JQ4UY6-AEeaAdqA2nzwY6g/basketball/stats.htm

Just a sophomore. His game should get a lot more complete with more confidence and experience.

[SM#24]

The difference between Tu and Dwon with respect to 3s and ability to improve is that Tu always had decent form. Dwon’s form breaks down once he gets outside 15 ft. He has a larger hurdle to leap.

[IM4X]

The difference between Tu and Dwon with respect to 3s and ability to improve is that Tu always had decent form. Dwon’s form breaks down once he gets outside 15 ft. He has a larger hurdle to leap.

Good thing Dwon is a better leaper than Tu was.

[UCGRAD4X]

When I think of Miller as a potential point guard whisperer, I think of developing presence as a court general, set-up, passer, distributor, press breaker, defender and over-all ball handler. I'm just not sure where 3 pt. shooter falls on the list. I'm sure it is on the list and it would be great if O could develop a respectable outside shot. It would help all the other aspects, so maybe it would be more of a priority with Miller than I imagine. What the hell do I know?

No one can say it isn't possible. From what little I know about the game, it seems unlikely...not the same thing as impossible.

That is one of the exciting things about the hire; under the Tin Man, it was almost assured that no development would take place.

The hope of the possible is back!

In Miller we trust.

[KabeX]

Right you are. Tu was a dedicated and determined machine - WITH STEEL BALLS
I'm sure you meant to include the bolded part.

[IM4X]

I tend to agree with IM4X. Although Odom has never been interested in taking many 3's, his HS track record certainly shows his % is more than good enough to keep teams honest defensively.

https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/dwon-odom/JQ4UY6-AEeaAdqA2nzwY6g/basketball/stats.htm

Just a sophomore. His game should get a lot more complete with more confidence and experience.

Thanks for sharing the link to Dwon’s HS stats Xuperman. Hope it helps remind X fans that Dwon not only shot 34% from 3 during high school but he had a significant number of attempts. If he were to shoot even 30% from 3 next year, it would already be a lot better than what several on his teammates have shot this year (several shot it more times than he’d likely have to shoot it to cause defenses too pay attention).

It seems reasonable to believe Dwon would not shoot any worse than Hunter has been shooting this year from three and could even shoot quite a bit better. Still, if Dwon prefers to continue to wait until he gets the ball a few steps closer to the basket to shoot the ball (for a higher percentage shot), I will appreciate that calculated decision too.

[IM4X]

I'm sure you meant to include the bolded part.

Yes. One hasn’t completely described Tu if they haven’t mentioned his Steel Balls.

[MHettel]

Thanks for sharing the link to Dwon’s HS stats Xuperman. Hope it helps remind X fans that Dwon not only shot 34% from 3 during high school but he had a significant number of attempts. If he were to shoot even 30% from 3 next year, it would already be a lot better than what several on his teammates have shot this year (several shot it more times than he’d likely have to shoot it to cause defenses too pay attention).

It seems reasonable to believe Dwon would not shoot any worse than Hunter has been shooting this year from three and could even shoot quite a bit better. Still, if Dwon prefers to continue to wait until he gets the ball a few steps closer to the basket to shoot the ball (for a higher percentage shot), I will appreciate that calculated decision too.

Well, Hunter's shooting was pretty horrid this year. I looked at his stats and he's taken over 50% of his attempts from 3 in his career. He shot 37.4% from deep last year. Likely Steele saw him as....and sold him on....being a stretch forward.

I would not want Odom launching 3's if he's sub 30%. If he can get to the low 30s then I'd like to see him take just enough where they dont leave him wide open out there. I dont think thats too much to ask. But that low 30's range also means no crazy deep attempts with a hand in his face.

Somewhere there is the right balance.

[IM4X]

Well, Hunter's shooting was pretty horrid this year. I looked at his stats and he's taken over 50% of his attempts from 3 in his career. He shot 37.4% from deep last year. Likely Steele saw him as....and sold him on....being a stretch forward.

I would not want Odom launching 3's if he's sub 30%. If he can get to the low 30s then I'd like to see him take just enough where they dont leave him wide open out there. I dont think thats too much to ask. But that low 30's range also means no crazy deep attempts with a hand in his face.

Somewhere there is the right balance.


Agree.

No one wants a point guard shooting tons of 3s, if that PG is only making as many as Goodin did his senior year. That was part of the problem with Steele’s system. He had players feeling they could shoot the 3 ball even if they were not that good at shooting from behind the arc.

I think one of the beautiful things about Odom is that he knows better than to force 3s like some other teammates did this year (Free, Hunter, even Kunkel at times). Also, I highly doubt Miller is going to be the type of coach who believes every open 3 is a good 3, allowing everyone on the team to jack up 3s at will. He is likely to be better about explaining and enforcing what a good three attempt is and who should be shooting it. Anyway… It would be huge for the team and for Odom if he was able to shoot a little more from three and make it 30+% of the time.

[UCGRAD4X]

That is encouraging. With the right tutelage, Odom should be able to regain his outside shot. What I am wondering, is why he lost it. Did early misses make him lose his confidence? The weird thing was is how completely awful his form was.

Miller can fix it.

I'm not sure the Tin Man even tried. It was not in his nature.

[xukeith]

That is encouraging. With the right tutelage, Odom should be able to regain his outside shot. What I am wondering, is why he lost it. Did early misses make him lose his confidence? The weird thing was is how completely awful his form was.

Miller can fix it.

I'm not sure the Tin Man even tried. It was not in his nature.

I don't think he has had an outside shot since he has been at X.

[UCGRAD4X]

I don't think he has had an outside shot since he has been at X.

He seemed to have had one in HS.

[Xavgrad08]

Saw on Twitter that today was Ryan Reynolds last day at Arizona Athletics. He is a Xavier Grad and has been at Arizona the last 13 years. Guessing he is coming home? Obviously would be in a non coaching role.

https://arizonawildcats.com/staff-directory/ryan-reynolds/276

[XUBison]

Saw on Twitter that today was Ryan Reynolds last day at Arizona Athletics. He is a Xavier Grad and has been at Arizona the last 13 years. Guessing he is coming home? Obviously would be in a non coaching role.

https://arizonawildcats.com/staff-directory/ryan-reynolds/276

Wait! First Sean Miller, now Deadpool?

[American X]

Wait! First Sean Miller, now Deadpool?

https://media1.giphy.com/media/l0MYDGA3Du1hBR4xG/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47wp9x7viuou0z5u493b3w51av8t1h g2jmbl9j0r7i&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g

[XUGRAD80]

While discussing the ability of any player to shoot 3 pointers in HS v shooting them well in college, I think it’s important to remember that the defensive abilities of average college players is usually far above the abilities of average HS players. From what I’ve seen, it’s far easier to get an open shot against most high schools than it is against most high schools, especially when comparing HS to the BE. In addition, with someone like Odom being one of the shorter players in college, you’ve got to ask how often in HS he faced players 4-6 inches taller that were guarding him in HS v College?

[xavierj]

While discussing the ability of any player to shoot 3 pointers in HS v shooting them well in college, I think it’s important to remember that the defensive abilities of average college players is usually far above the abilities of average HS players. From what I’ve seen, it’s far easier to get an open shot against most high schools than it is against most high schools, especially when comparing HS to the BE. In addition, with someone like Odom being one of the shorter players in college, you’ve got to ask how often in HS he faced players 4-6 inches taller that were guarding him in HS v College?

To answer your question about Odom going against taller players, I am sure it happened all the time. He played AAU at the highest level.

[xavierj]

That is encouraging. With the right tutelage, Odom should be able to regain his outside shot. What I am wondering, is why he lost it. Did early misses make him lose his confidence? The weird thing was is how completely awful his form was.

Miller can fix it.

I'm not sure the Tin Man even tried. It was not in his nature.

His form is painful and takes to long to setup. He does have a nice pull up jumper off the dribble so wonder if he shot threes off the dribble he would be more successful?

[UCGRAD4X]

How does that affect his shooting when nobody is within 5 feet of him?

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

While discussing the ability of any player to shoot 3 pointers in HS v shooting them well in college, I think it’s important to remember that the defensive abilities of average college players is usually far above the abilities of average HS players. From what I’ve seen, it’s far easier to get an open shot against most high schools than it is against most high schools, especially when comparing HS to the BE. In addition, with someone like Odom being one of the shorter players in college, you’ve got to ask how often in HS he faced players 4-6 inches taller that were guarding him in HS v College?

I'm fine with Odom's current three point shooting. Every player, even the best, have weak parts of their game. Odom did a marvelous job creating his own shot against a very athletic (and taller for him) A+M team. I love his game. I love his leadership. I love his competitiveness. I hope he stays. We didn't have much of an inside-out game this year although we had the ingredients for one. Odom gives us that. His three point shooting is an obvious weakness as it was for others on this team. The difference was that Odom recognized his weakness and went with his strengths. He is also a little small to guard taller players but he uses his athleticism to minimize the damage.

There are players on this team who likely will leave---first among them is Free. If we hold on to Odom, Nunge and Colby I can live with others moving on. We may not be that lucky but if Odom goes, I'll have a sick feeling in my stomach. Dude can play.

[paulxu]

This year's NCAA Senior Class award (that David West won in 2004) was awarded to Jacob Gilyard of Richmond.
He is "listed" at 5'9".
Odom will probably be OK. He's "listed" at 6'2".

[XUGRAD80]

To answer your question about Odom going against taller players, I am sure it happened all the time. He played AAU at the highest level.

While that’s true that he did play AAU ball, we were talking about his HS %. Lord only knows if he a) took a lot of 3 point shots in AAU ball, and b) what % he shot in AAU ball. We do know that he didn’t take a lot of them playing college ball, and that his form shooting them is terrible. But he does have a pretty good % in college shooting 2 point shots and is very effective with them. Unlike some of the other X players he seems to understand what the strengths of his game are and plays to them.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Anyone have an inclination of Miller's plans for the strength & conditioning coach? Didn't he take ours when he left for AZ?

I feel like this is an area that needs improvement starting today

[Masterofreality]

Anyone have an inclination of Miller's plans for the strength & conditioning coach? Didn't he take ours when he left for AZ?

I feel like this is an area that needs improvement starting today

Matt Jennings is overseeing that area as a VP, but I have to believe that he and Sean, who worked together for years, are gonna have a conversation about Chase Campbell. Maybe it was more mental softness than physical, and to Campbell’s credit, our guards didn’t wear down despite playing insane minutes in 2 NIT games, but the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man presence of our bigs in the Big East schedule was obvious to behold.

[Xavgrad08]

Matt Jennings is overseeing that area as a VP, but I have to believe that he and Sean, who worked together for years, are gonna have a conversation about Chase Campbell. Maybe it was more mental softness than physical, and to Campbell’s credit, our guards didn’t wear down despite playing insane minutes in 2 NIT games, but the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man presence of our bigs in the Big East schedule was obvious to behold.

I don't think Sean and Matt Jennings have ever worked with each other. Jennings was brought in by Chris Mack before Mack's first year as head coach. The strength coach during Sean's tenure at Xavier was Chris Round's. He followed Sean to Arizona and is still at Arizona now under Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd.

[Masterofreality]

Desmond Claude!

STAYING!!

[noteggs]

Desmond Claude!

STAYING!!

Awesome news!!! Now go get Ward!

[xukeith]

Great recovery. Miller time!

[xuphan]

https://mobile.twitter.com/DesmondClaude/status/1510746718354219013

[xu82]

Desmond Claude!

STAYING!!

Awesome news!!!

In Sean I trust!

Welcome back into the fold, sir!

[xukeith]

Is Hercy Miller going to transfer?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Saw on Twitter that today was Ryan Reynolds last day at Arizona Athletics. He is a Xavier Grad and has been at Arizona the last 13 years. Guessing he is coming home? Obviously would be in a non coaching role.

https://arizonawildcats.com/staff-directory/ryan-reynolds/276

I had heard he would be coming with Sean. He had a role at AX very similar to Mario's though right? Wonder how that works?

[IM4X]

Good to have you back in the fold Desmond!

[XUGRAD80]

Being reported on Twitter that Hayes is finalizing the deal to become next HC at Georgia State. I wish him all the luck and good fortune in the world and hope that he doesn’t take any of the Xavier players or recruits with him.

[xavierj]

Being reported on Twitter that Hayes is finalizing the deal to become next HC at Georgia State. I wish him all the luck and good fortune in the world and hope that he doesn’t take any of the Xavier players or recruits with him.

Lol. I am sure all of Xavier’s players and recruits are dying to play at Georgia State…might be a landing spot for Odom though.

[xu82]

Lol. I am sure all of Xavier’s players and recruits are dying to play at Georgia State…might be a landing spot for Odom though.

Georgia State is very close to Grady Hospital, which is where you want to go if you get shot. Excellent trauma center! Unfortunately, you are more likely to need their care in that part of town.

[GoMuskies]

I could see any of Dwon, Edwards, Hunter, Miles and Tucker going there. Or Tandy. Forgot about him. Maybe even Stanley if he wants to play another year.

[paulxu]

I don't have any good idea about Edwards.
But...he seems to have done OK with the few minutes he was allowed.
Would hope he stays and gets more minutes to see if he can handle the BE.

[UCGRAD4X]

I don't have any good idea about Edwards.
But...he seems to have done OK with the few minutes he was allowed.
Would hope he stays and gets more minutes to see if he can handle the BE.

From my nosebleed seats and with my aging eyes, Edwards is one player I can yell for sure when he is in the game.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

Matt Jennings is overseeing that area as a VP, but I have to believe that he and Sean, who worked together for years

Not only did Matt and Sean not work together, two more different human beings you could not find. Theirs will be an interesting relationship to watch unfold.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Has there been anymore chatter about Miller's staff? Jonas is obviously gone. How about Jackson and Peters? Even if both stay there is a big spot to fill. I would imagine neither Peters or Jackson would be ready to be that #1 assistant yet. Very curious to see who Miller brings in and if it is only 1 person or if one or both of Peters and Jackson are out too and he needs to bring in multiple guys?

[drudy23]

Not only did Matt and Sean not work together, two more different human beings you could not find. Theirs will be an interesting relationship to watch unfold.

Please elaborate.

[xukeith]

Has there been anymore chatter about Miller's staff? Jonas is obviously gone. How about Jackson and Peters? Even if both stay there is a big spot to fill. I would imagine neither Peters or Jackson would be ready to be that #1 assistant yet. Very curious to see who Miller brings in and if it is only 1 person or if one or both of Peters and Jackson are out too and he needs to bring in multiple guys?

X needs the next Associate Coach to be an excellent big man coach, recruiter and experienced coach who knows goo dout of bound plays.

Steele did great with out of bound plays.

[muskiefan82]

Steele did great with out of bound plays.

Please tell me this is in sarcasm font

[94GRAD]

X needs the next Associate Coach to be an excellent big man coach, recruiter and experienced coach who knows goo dout of bound plays.

Steele did great with out of bound plays.


Please tell me this is in sarcasm font

If you don't think this is true, I'm not sure what you've been watching.

[Masterofreality]

Not only did Matt and Sean not work together, two more different human beings you could not find. Theirs will be an interesting relationship to watch unfold.

Matt Jennings has been at Xavier since 2007, concurrent with Sean’s first tenure.
WTF are you talking about? Those guys like Jason Love, Josh Duncan and Kenny Frease didn’t get bulked on their own.

[Final4]

Matt Jennings has been at Xavier since 2007, concurrent with Sean’s first tenure.
WTF are you talking about? Those guys like Jason Love, Josh Duncan and Kenny Frease didn’t get bulked on their own.

Matt was still at High Point in 2009. But I guess it's only about an 8 hour drive from High Point to Cincy so he could have pulling double duty. WTF are you talking about?

[94GRAD]

Matt Jennings has been at Xavier since 2007, concurrent with Sean’s first tenure.
WTF are you talking about? Those guys like Jason Love, Josh Duncan and Kenny Frease didn’t get bulked on their own.


Matt was still at High Point in 2009. But I guess it's only about an 8 hour drive from High Point to Cincy so he could have pulling double duty. WTF are you talking about?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-jennings-6b318a213

[Masterofreality]

Matt was still at High Point in 2009. But I guess it's only about an 8 hour drive from High Point to Cincy so he could have pulling double duty. WTF are you talking about?

I stand corrected.
Glad I’m providing a service to Final4 to wake him up from his nap only when I post.
Congrats on your win!

[BigMoeMusketeer]

Matt Jennings has been at Xavier since 2007, concurrent with Sean’s first tenure.
WTF are you talking about? Those guys like Jason Love, Josh Duncan and Kenny Frease didn’t get bulked on their own.

Wow, at least you were wrong with a ton of gusto and faux aggressiveness.

[XU-PA]

Dante is in !!!
https://www.facebook.com/278243796009646/posts/1303153343518681/

[GoMuskies]

Congrats to Dante.

[Masterofreality]

Congrats to Dante.

The players LOVE him. No surprise. Danny Peters is oooout.

[IM4X]

2023 Roster and Players

(as of Apil 7th at 5:30 pm)

COACHES

Miller
Dante…….. check
(Asst. 2)….
(Asst 3)…..



RETURNING PLAYERS

Jones…….. check recommitted yesterday)
Tandy…….. check (recommitted yesterday)
Nunge……. check (recommitted today)
Free………..
Adam………
Hunter…….
Edwards….
Miles……….
Tucker……..

RECRUITS RECOMMITTED

Craft………. check
Claude……. check
Ward……….

OPENINGS FOR TRANSFERS/RECRUITS

1+ (Depending on the decision of the remaining undecided players and Ward)

[Xuperman]

Dante is in !!!
https://www.facebook.com/278243796009646/posts/1303153343518681/

I guess you can assume that Dante is the point man in off season recruiting responsibilities, now that Jonas is gone.

He had a close relationship early with Paul McMillan......hopefully it is ongoing.

[xavierj]

I guess you can assume that Dante is the point man in off season recruiting responsibilities, now that Jonas is gone.

He had a close relationship early with Paul McMillan......hopefully it is ongoing.

Xavier is not recruiting Paul. To be honest I am not sure anyone is recruiting him. He is low major at best. Maybe he could be a walk on.

[Xuperman]

2023 Roster and Players

(as of Apil 7th at 5:30 pm)

COACHES

Miller
Dante…….. check
(Asst. 2)….
(Asst 3)…..



RETURNING PLAYERS

Jones…….. check recommitted yesterday)
Tandy…….. check (recommitted yesterday)
Nunge……. check (recommitted today)
Free………..
Adam………
Hunter…….
Edwards….
Miles……….
Tucker……..

RECRUITS RECOMMITTED

Craft………. check
Claude……. check
Ward……….

OPENINGS FOR TRANSFERS/RECRUITS

1+ (Depending on the decision of the remaining undecided players and Ward)

If Coach Miller doesn't find a way to add some legit physicality/muscle thru the portal, the BEast will continue to present problems. Some additional roster adjustments are inevitable.

[Xuperman]

Xavier is not recruiting Paul. To be honest I am not sure anyone is recruiting him. He is low major at best. Maybe he could be a walk on.

This is not going to age well.

[xavierj]

This is not going to age well.

How so? UC and Dayton both passed. Not sure how and why you think he is Big East level talent. Heard maybe a team in the Horizon league.

[drudy23]

He has offers from UD, Ole Miss, Purdue, Kansas State, Penn St, X and Louisville.

That's a pretty good list.

[GoMuskies]

But does he REALLY have those offers? I don't know anything about the kid, but sometimes those offer sheets don't quite teall the whole story. They're not always commitable offers. Could certainly be a backup plan if other kids go elsewhere.

[X-man]

He has offers from UD, Ole Miss, Purdue, Kansas State, Penn St, X and Louisville.

That's a pretty good list.

I don't believe that list at all, given his relatively pedestrian 3-star ranking.

[drudy23]

I don't believe that list at all, given his relatively pedestrian 3-star ranking.

Pretty easy info to find out. Just look up Paul McMillan offers on Google.

Did you think I just made it up?

[drudy23]

But does he REALLY have those offers? I don't know anything about the kid, but sometimes those offer sheets don't quite teall the whole story. They're not always commitable offers. Could certainly be a backup plan if other kids go elsewhere.

I have no idea - but if they offered, it's an offer.

[drudy23]

According to this, he's got a bunch more good offers in addition to the ones I listed and is a 4 star, not a 3 star. I guess they made this up too. He also has rankings as high as 57 in the country.

This seems kind of personal for X-Man.

No clue where he ends up, nor do I care, but he seems to be pretty well thought of. Did he get worse his Senior year of high school?

https://verbalcommits.com/players/paul-mcmillan-iv

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

According to this, he's got a bunch more good offers in addition to the ones I listed and is a 4 star, not a 3 star. I guess they made this up too. He also has rankings as high as 57 in the country.

This seems kind of personal for X-Man.

https://verbalcommits.com/players/paul-mcmillan-iv

Thanks for following up Drudy. Opinion is one thing about which we all may differ. Those who post information they represent as factual have a responsibility to confirm, to the extent possible, the veracity of the "facts" being posted. It is O.K. to make an honest mistake but for those who want to be taken seriously on this board, don't confuse opinion and facts.

[Xville]

I don’t live in the area and know nothing about the kid, but Looking on 24/7 and it seems that he hasn’t been offered by anyone in quite a long time, most of those offers were made in 20. I will say that it looks like he was once thought of as a top 60 recruit, and has slipped out of the top 100. Reading between the lines, I think he is more mac than big East, from the information that is in public view

[drudy23]

His dad has always been pretty crazy, maybe that's why.

I'm pretty sure he had a great high school season this year. No clue about what he does in AAU, where most offers come from.

He did move to Arizona for a prep team and then came back - I don't know, maybe he's not as good as people thought. I was just posting the facts.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I don't believe that list at all, given his relatively pedestrian 3-star ranking.

I don't follow recruiting at all really but if he really is a 3 star, what would be surprising about offers from these schools? Maybe Louisville or Purdue, but lets not pretend like the other schools only get 4 stars or higher (including X). 3 stars is probably the average or better than UD, Penn State, Kansas St, etc get.

Maybe I am way off base on star rankings though......

[X-man]

According to this, he's got a bunch more good offers in addition to the ones I listed and is a 4 star, not a 3 star. I guess they made this up too. He also has rankings as high as 57 in the country.

This seems kind of personal for X-Man.

No clue where he ends up, nor do I care, but he seems to be pretty well thought of. Did he get worse his Senior year of high school?

https://verbalcommits.com/players/paul-mcmillan-iv
Not personal at all. Don't know much about him, and never seen him. But the latest Rivals update had him #116 (just inside the 4-star margin), and holding seven offers.

Link: https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2022/paul-mcmillan-260081#school-interests.

And the 247 composite has him ranked #138, and a 3-star.

Link: https://247sports.com/Season/2022-Basketball/CompositeRecruitRankings/?InstitutionGroup=HighSchool

[X-man]

Thanks for following up Drudy. Opinion is one thing about which we all may differ. Those who post information they represent as factual have a responsibility to confirm, to the extent possible, the veracity of the "facts" being posted. It is O.K. to make an honest mistake but for those who want to be taken seriously on this board, don't confuse opinion and facts.

If you were referring to me, see my post above, with links to Rivals and 247.

[GoMuskies]

I have no idea - but if they offered, it's an offer.

I don't think it's qute true that an offer is an offer. I don't think they're all the same. Plus, they could easily have been rescinded.

Again, I don't know anything about the kid and don't really care that much if Xavier is no longer involved.

[Final4]

I think a major consideration with Paul was/is the fact that he “matured” very early. As a freshman he looked like a senior. As a sophomore he looked like a senior. As a junior……..well, you get the drift. Early on he was viewed as a phenom but I think his development slowed and consequently his stock has fallen.

[GIMMFD]

I don’t live in the area and know nothing about the kid, but Looking on 24/7 and it seems that he hasn’t been offered by anyone in quite a long time, most of those offers were made in 20. I will say that it looks like he was once thought of as a top 60 recruit, and has slipped out of the top 100. Reading between the lines, I think he is more mac than big East, from the information that is in public view

Has to be a reason why Dayton is the only team that's warm in interest slot right?? But yeah, that's what I'm looking at too, trending downward a lot, I know nothing about him either but I always look to 247 first since they do composite ratings.


I don't think it's qute true that an offer is an offer. I don't think they're all the same. Plus, they could easily have been rescinded.

Again, I don't know anything about the kid and don't really care that much if Xavier is no longer involved.

This is pretty important to keep in mind (probably more rampant in football, but I'm sure in basketball too) that all offers aren't committable offers, and usually depends on roster shake ups at schools and what not. A lot of kids like tweeting out that they have offers, so in football, it seems like non-committable offers are way more prevalent since you are signing 20 some kids, opposed to a basketball recruiting class, but I'm sure there's still levels of non-committable offers for shooty hoops.

[drudy23]

I think a major consideration with Paul was/is the fact that he “matured” very early. As a freshman he looked like a senior. As a sophomore he looked like a senior. As a junior……..well, you get the drift. Early on he was viewed as a phenom but I think his development slowed and consequently his stock has fallen.

Possible - I don't think he's grown much either since the early days of high school.

Were probably hoping he would end up 6"4'

[xavierj]

Possible - I don't think he's grown much either since the early days of high school.

Were probably hoping he would end up 6"4'

Before last summer he had offers from Xavier, Louisville and UC, although I heard Wes Miller was not interested after seeing him play. Xavier and Louisville would not have accepted a commitment from him. It’s nothing personal and I heard he is a good kid and a good student. He just isn’t high major at this point. I saw him play last summer against Sean Jones, who Xavier was heavily involved with, and it wasn’t pretty. Have also seen him play against local high school competition and he just isn’t someone a big east team would take. Maybe he proves everyone wrong, but I don’t see it.

[Masterofreality]

Kunk is back but a veteran transfer PG is the highest priority right now.
X involved with many

[xukeith]

Kunk is back but a veteran transfer PG is the highest priority right now.
X involved with many

Of the many X is interested in, who are your top 3 pgs?

[XU_Lou]

Does anyone know anything about this? Someone on MM alluded to this today, and then just saw this Tweet:

"One tweet look back: Elijah Tucker (4 years of eligibility left)

Tucker took a redshirt year after a scary medical illness over the summer that required brain surgery. No clue if he recovered enough to be capable of playing CBB. Hope he is and hope it’s at X but who knows."

https://twitter.com/RetireFiftyTu/status/1510266413096837126

[xavierj]

Does anyone know anything about this? Someone on MM alluded to this today, and then just saw this Tweet:

"One tweet look back: Elijah Tucker (4 years of eligibility left)

Tucker took a redshirt year after a scary medical illness over the summer that required brain surgery. No clue if he recovered enough to be capable of playing CBB. Hope he is and hope it’s at X but who knows."

https://twitter.com/RetireFiftyTu/status/1510266413096837126

Yes he had some illness last summer that required some kind procedure on his brain I believe. Was in the hospital a long time and missed most of the summer. Sounds pretty scary. He posted about it on his Instagram awhile back.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbF6qN-O6BH/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

[Xuperman]

Before last summer he had offers from Xavier, Louisville and UC, although I heard Wes Miller was not interested after seeing him play. Xavier and Louisville would not have accepted a commitment from him. It’s nothing personal and I heard he is a good kid and a good student. He just isn’t high major at this point. I saw him play last summer against Sean Jones, who Xavier was heavily involved with, and it wasn’t pretty. Have also seen him play against local high school competition and he just isn’t someone a big east team would take. Maybe he proves everyone wrong, but I don’t see it.

If you saw him play, it must be a game where he didn't score 30+......which is pretty common with this kid (683 points as a senior). 17 & 19 was his 2 low scoring games ALL season. Had 2 40+ games. 43% from 3....66% from 2. 5+ assists pg. More steals than turnovers. Completely dominated all competition in front of him. DII OHIO POY.

So who did you see him play against? Who told you Wes Miller wasn't interesed after seeing him play? Must have been that off night when he only scored 17. Can you clear the air of this BS odor plz?

The reason he came back from the AZ prep school was because he was mislead about their academic standards. Guy maintained a 4.0 his entire HS career I believe. I don't know where "his dad is a little crazy", but from what I've read and what he has accomplished, everything points to a solid upbringing.

Who knows if Coach Miller is even considering another 2022, but if he really desires shooting PGs, Paul certainly fits the bill and will star wherever he lands.

Stats courtesy of MaxPreps.

[XU_Lou]

Yes he had some illness last summer that required some kind procedure on his brain I believe. Was in the hospital a long time and missed most of the summer. Sounds pretty scary. He posted about it on his Instagram awhile back.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbF6qN-O6BH/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Thanks! Unfortunately I don't have an Instagram account, so I couldn't read the whole post. Tweets by Steele in the fall seemed to indicate that he would overcome the illness, but have read two posts recently indicating that he may never play BB ever again. Does anyone know what the illness was? Do you, or anyone know if he's been practicing at all? Has he been on the sidelines?

[xukeith]

Thanks! Unfortunately I don't have an Instagram account, so I couldn't read the whole post. Tweets by Steele in the fall seemed to indicate that he would overcome the illness, but have read two posts recently indicating that he may never play BB ever again. Does anyone know what the illness was? Do you, or anyone know if he's been practicing at all? Has he been on the sidelines?

He had some infection spread to his brain. He came back to X and practiced with team. He is an enthusiastic bench guy.
Good baller too.

[xavierj]

If you saw him play, it must be a game where he didn't score 30+......which is pretty common with this kid (683 points as a senior). 17 & 19 was his 2 low scoring games ALL season. Had 2 40+ games. 43% from 3....66% from 2. 5+ assists pg. More steals than turnovers. Completely dominated all competition in front of him. DII OHIO POY.

So who did you see him play against? Who told you Wes Miller wasn't interesed after seeing him play? Must have been that off night when he only scored 17. Can you clear the air of this BS odor plz?

The reason he came back from the AZ prep school was because he was mislead about their academic standards. Guy maintained a 4.0 his entire HS career I believe. I don't know where "his dad is a little crazy", but from what I've read and what he has accomplished, everything points to a solid upbringing.

Who knows if Coach Miller is even considering another 2022, but if he really desires shooting PGs, Paul certainly fits the bill and will star wherever he lands.

Stats courtesy of MaxPreps.

Yes the games I saw he didn’t crack 10 in AAU. He won’t be playing at Xavier or anyone else they have on the schedule. He wants to go to UC, they need a PG, they won’t take him. Xavier also could use another PG and they are not recruiting him. That says a lot. You may want to let the two Miller’s in Cincinnati know that they have a star PG that plays in Cincinnati that needs a home…

[xuwillie]

Kunk is back but a veteran transfer PG is the highest priority right now.
X involved with many

And a true Big East power forward.

[Masterofreality]

And a true Big East power forward.

Which means that somebody on the current roster gotta go to make the 13 scholly limit

[GIMMFD]

Thanks! Unfortunately I don't have an Instagram account, so I couldn't read the whole post. Tweets by Steele in the fall seemed to indicate that he would overcome the illness, but have read two posts recently indicating that he may never play BB ever again. Does anyone know what the illness was? Do you, or anyone know if he's been practicing at all? Has he been on the sidelines?

I have zero idea what the illness was, but going off his post he said an infection that was in the lungs that spread to the brain, which is interesting (in a bad way). I'd put nocardiosis on my differential diagnoses, which causes lung problems and can spread to the brain leading to an abscess, but that's usually associated with patients that are immunocompromised, I'd say well over half. The surgery part also changes things, as nocardiosis typically responds well to some antibiotic therapy. I think some Strep, Fusobacterium, and Actinomyces species can lead to a brain abscess from a lung infection too. My theory is that he just had some absolutely terrible luck, especially in requiring surgery (so probably picked up some antibiotic resistant infection). Poor kid, truly hope he's doing better and can continue to play basketball. Couldn't imagine going to college and then having to come home and spend majority of the time in the hospital immediately.

[XU_Lou]

I have zero idea what the illness was, but going off his post he said an infection that was in the lungs that spread to the brain, which is interesting (in a bad way). I'd put nocardiosis on my differential diagnoses, which causes lung problems and can spread to the brain leading to an abscess, but that's usually associated with patients that are immunocompromised, I'd say well over half. The surgery part also changes things, as nocardiosis typically responds well to some antibiotic therapy. I think some Strep, Fusobacterium, and Actinomyces species can lead to a brain abscess from a lung infection too. My theory is that he just had some absolutely terrible luck, especially in requiring surgery (so probably picked up some antibiotic resistant infection). Poor kid, truly hope he's doing better and can continue to play basketball. Couldn't imagine going to college and then having to come home and spend majority of the time in the hospital immediately.

Thanks. If your diagnosis is correct, are there any long-term consequences - i.e., career ending?

[XUGRAD80]

https://twitter.com/adamjbaum/status/1512840969472954369?s=21&t=Q0dIuHGWklngAkqz5l_D4g

Add Miles and Tucker to the list…..now up to 8

[IM4X]

I have zero idea what the illness was, but going off his post he said an infection that was in the lungs that spread to the brain, which is interesting (in a bad way). I'd put nocardiosis on my differential diagnoses, which causes lung problems and can spread to the brain leading to an abscess, but that's usually associated with patients that are immunocompromised, I'd say well over half. The surgery part also changes things, as nocardiosis typically responds well to some antibiotic therapy. I think some Strep, Fusobacterium, and Actinomyces species can lead to a brain abscess from a lung infection too. My theory is that he just had some absolutely terrible luck, especially in requiring surgery (so probably picked up some antibiotic resistant infection). Poor kid, truly hope he's doing better and can continue to play basketball. Couldn't imagine going to college and then having to come home and spend majority of the time in the hospital immediately.

That is really unfortunate. What a tough situation. I was rooting for him to be in a X uniform playing before all of this happened and now I am rooting even harder for that to happen this season. I hope he gets to play next season and gets a stand ovation when he is first put into the game.

[IM4X]

https://twitter.com/adamjbaum/status/1512840969472954369?s=21&t=Q0dIuHGWklngAkqz5l_D4g

Add Miles and Tucker to the list…..now up to 8

Great news!

Welcome back Dieonte and Elijah!

[GIMMFD]

Thanks. If your diagnosis is correct, are there any long-term consequences - i.e., career ending?

Tough to tell spitballing without being able to see exactly what it was, where it was, etc. but I'll try: let's say it is a bacterial brain abscess, they typically try to do an aspiration since it reduces possibilities of neurological symptoms later down the line, especially depending on where it is (ie speech function, etc.), not too much data on the study on outcomes post-aspiration but one study showed that there might be more need for prolonged antibiotic therapy and prolonged recovery time opposed to an excision; which excision is performed if is a fungal abscess (they wall off well), or if multiple abscesses are present, or after aspiration if there's not clinical improvement in a week or so, increased diameter of abscess, etc. etc. If he had multiple abscesses and required excision, these patients are more likely to require a second procedure to cure it. Basically a lot of bad shit can happen when you play around in the brain and that's why neurosurgeons are unbelievably badass, wish I had a little more information to narrow some things down, but excisions are pretty rare for the most part, so I'm gonna assume it was an aspiration. Don't know where it is to say if it'll affect his ability to play, if it was in the areas that control motor function then it is a possibility however.


That is really unfortunate. What a tough situation. I was rooting for him to be in a X uniform playing before all of this happened and now I am rooting even harder for that to happen this season. I hope he gets to play next season and gets a stand ovation when he is first put into the game.

Yeah, absolutely unfair, I couldn't imagine going through that, I mean that is frightening stuff for me who knows what's going on at a certain level, someone with no idea that is told "hey we're gonna have to do surgery on your brain"?? Terrifying. I truly do hope he's playing, and everyone at Cintas gives him that standing ovation too, if anything it shows some resiliency, and I respect the hell out of anybody that's resilient.

[XU_Lou]

Tough to tell spitballing without being able to see exactly what it was, where it was, etc. but I'll try: let's say it is a bacterial brain abscess, they typically try to do an aspiration since it reduces possibilities of neurological symptoms later down the line, especially depending on where it is (ie speech function, etc.), not too much data on the study on outcomes post-aspiration but one study showed that there might be more need for prolonged antibiotic therapy and prolonged recovery time opposed to an excision; which excision is performed if is a fungal abscess (they wall off well), or if multiple abscesses are present, or after aspiration if there's not clinical improvement in a week or so, increased diameter of abscess, etc. etc. If he had multiple abscesses and required excision, these patients are more likely to require a second procedure to cure it. Basically a lot of bad shit can happen when you play around in the brain and that's why neurosurgeons are unbelievably badass, wish I had a little more information to narrow some things down, but excisions are pretty rare for the most part, so I'm gonna assume it was an aspiration. Don't know where it is to say if it'll affect his ability to play, if it was in the areas that control motor function then it is a possibility however.


GIMMFD - thanks for the reply. In between this conversation, Tucker has announced that he's coming back. That is certainly a good sign for him and XU. Will definitely be rooting for him!

[GIMMFD]

GIMMFD - thanks for the reply. In between this conversation, Tucker has announced that he's coming back. That is certainly a good sign for him and XU. Will definitely be rooting for him!

Yup, great news to see he'll be back, and hopefully healthy and can make an impact! Roster is turning out nicely, can't see how anybody wouldn't be excited to play for Miller. Interested into seeing what we can add portal wise.

[Xavier]

If this is in the thread already my mistake- outside of Dante has there been any official word on the rest of the staff? I’m surprised it hasn’t been put together yet.

[XU-PA]

If this is in the thread already my mistake- outside of Dante has there been any official word on the rest of the staff? I’m surprised it hasn’t been put together yet.

Nothing yet.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

I keep her rumblings about James Whitford joining Sean's staff, that will be interesting to keep an eye on.

[sirthought]

If this is in the thread already my mistake- outside of Dante has there been any official word on the rest of the staff? I’m surprised it hasn’t been put together yet.

One thing that occurred to me is a work-around NCAA rules about contacting players during non-recruiting times. If Sean talks with a guy who isn't currently coaching and says he's going to offer him the job... until that guy is hired, he's free to reach out to whichever player he wants, because he's not really a coach yet.

So if Sean has an assistant lined up in verbal agreement, they might hold off on the announcement in order to have some flexibility with speaking with players.

For all we know, behind the scenes Sean may have known Jonas was gone for sure and was conferring with people to replace him even before his own press conference. Sean publicly states that Jonas can stay if he wants, but he knows he won't. Still, it sounds good to the fanbase and players. Meanwhile someone else is out in the world whispering to guys they should play for Miller.

Supposedly in the year Huggins was out between UC and KState, he and guys he knew would be his assistants were out at a ton of high school players' towns talking to them about playing for Huggins no matter where he landed.

[IM4X]

Anyone hearing anything about Free? Hoping we see “Zach… is… back” tweeted today.

[UCGRAD4X]

One thing that occurred to me is a work-around NCAA rules about contacting players during non-recruiting times. If Sean talks with a guy who isn't currently coaching and says he's going to offer him the job... until that guy is hired, he's free to reach out to whichever player he wants, because he's not really a coach yet.

So if Sean has an assistant lined up in verbal agreement, they might hold off on the announcement in order to have some flexibility with speaking with players.

For all we know, behind the scenes Sean may have known Jonas was gone for sure and was conferring with people to replace him even before his own press conference. Sean publicly states that Jonas can stay if he wants, but he knows he won't. Still, it sounds good to the fanbase and players. Meanwhile someone else is out in the world whispering to guys they should play for Miller.

Supposedly in the year Huggins was out between UC and KState, he and guys he knew would be his assistants were out at a ton of high school players' towns talking to them about playing for Huggins no matter where he landed.

Not sure where this fits 'technically' - but I would think Miller would want to stay away from even the appearance or fringes of impropriety, especially since there has been no decision yet about possible sanctions.

[xukeith]

One thing that occurred to me is a work-around NCAA rules about contacting players during non-recruiting times. If Sean talks with a guy who isn't currently coaching and says he's going to offer him the job... until that guy is hired, he's free to reach out to whichever player he wants, because he's not really a coach yet.

So if Sean has an assistant lined up in verbal agreement, they might hold off on the announcement in order to have some flexibility with speaking with players.

For all we know, behind the scenes Sean may have known Jonas was gone for sure and was conferring with people to replace him even before his own press conference. Sean publicly states that Jonas can stay if he wants, but he knows he won't. Still, it sounds good to the fanbase and players. Meanwhile someone else is out in the world whispering to guys they should play for Miller.

Supposedly in the year Huggins was out between UC and KState, he and guys he knew would be his assistants were out at a ton of high school players' towns talking to them about playing for Huggins no matter where he landed.

To some degree this might happen but as you explain it , it sounds very shady and unethical. There are clauses in agreements maybe spelling out the do's and don'ts in contacting recruits.

[MHettel]

One thing that occurred to me is a work-around NCAA rules about contacting players during non-recruiting times. If Sean talks with a guy who isn't currently coaching and says he's going to offer him the job... until that guy is hired, he's free to reach out to whichever player he wants, because he's not really a coach yet.

So if Sean has an assistant lined up in verbal agreement, they might hold off on the announcement in order to have some flexibility with speaking with players.

For all we know, behind the scenes Sean may have known Jonas was gone for sure and was conferring with people to replace him even before his own press conference. Sean publicly states that Jonas can stay if he wants, but he knows he won't. Still, it sounds good to the fanbase and players. Meanwhile someone else is out in the world whispering to guys they should play for Miller.

Supposedly in the year Huggins was out between UC and KState, he and guys he knew would be his assistants were out at a ton of high school players' towns talking to them about playing for Huggins no matter where he landed.

In theory, yes. but....

the assistant coach much be currently unemployed. Not just not employed by XU, but completely unemployed. It would seem unlikely that Miller is going to hire a guy that isnt currently working.

and, yeah, the appearance of impropriety by Miller right now could be aggravating his ongoing NCAA issue.

Seems like moderate to high risk, with low to moderate payoff.

I'm betting against it.

[xavierj]

In theory, yes. but....

the assistant coach much be currently unemployed. Not just not employed by XU, but completely unemployed. It would seem unlikely that Miller is going to hire a guy that isnt currently working.

and, yeah, the appearance of impropriety by Miller right now could be aggravating his ongoing NCAA issue.

Seems like moderate to high risk, with low to moderate payoff.

I'm betting against it.

I think it’s probably about a 99% chance that one of the new assistants that is coming, is currently unemployed. Has not been unemployed for long but unemployed non the less.

[sirthought]

The school / NCAA can not question who's talked with whom if said individual is not a coach at the time of the conversation.

Once you are hired you just say I'm following the rules from this point forward.

Look at all the candidates Miller or Christopher might choose as an associate head coach or whatever that title is. I bet most of the people on the available list are former head coaches at lower level programs who have great experience for the role but it didn't work out at the school they were at. Or even top assistants who were fired when their head coach was let go. All of those types would have this opportunity.

I'm just pointing out that that could be a reason we aren't hearing announcements. Miller and the program obviously aren't going to draw attention to any such behavior.

[XU-PA]

Anyone hearing anything about Free? Hoping we see “Zach… is… back” tweeted today.

Radio silence.
Is no news, good news?

[xukeith]

Radio silence.
Is no news, good news?

Not sure if this is true but rumors are Zack is still going to Cintas everyday to work on his game.

[Xavgrad08]

Per Jeff Goodman Sean Miller has hired Stanford associate head coach Adam Cohen and will make him Associate head coach at Xavier. Has reputation as a very good recruiter.

https://gostanford.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/adam-cohen/3837

[XU Rocks!]

Xavier head coach Sean Miller has hired Stanford associate head coach Adam Cohen and will make him associate head coach with the Musketeers, source told @Stadium

[xuphan]

Xavier head coach Sean Miller has hired Stanford associate head coach Adam Cohen and will make him associate head coach with the Musketeers, source told
@Stadium

Looks like a solid hire. Wonder if we will recruit more on the west coast.

[MHettel]

The school / NCAA can not question who's talked with whom if said individual is not a coach at the time of the conversation.

Once you are hired you just say I'm following the rules from this point forward.

Look at all the candidates Miller or Christopher might choose as an associate head coach or whatever that title is. I bet most of the people on the available list are former head coaches at lower level programs who have great experience for the role but it didn't work out at the school they were at. Or even top assistants who were fired when their head coach was let go. All of those types would have this opportunity.

I'm just pointing out that that could be a reason we aren't hearing announcements. Miller and the program obviously aren't going to draw attention to any such behavior.

I understand that scenario. But what I'm hearing you say is that there is an "agreement" that someone is going to be added to our staff, but since there isn't an ACTUAL agreement (yet), that they can operate outside of the NCAA recruiting rules. I think this is reckless and dangerous and what the heck could the guy say to a recruit anyway? Hey, I dont work for anyone, but if I did would you be willing to play for a school like Xavier?

After Miller getting a second chance given his NCAA issues, if i were Christopher and Miller said he wanted to hire a guy but wanted to wait so he could dodge NCAA rules I think I'd have a real big knot in my belly.

I think it is a completely plausible scenario (in theory it could happen), with just an incredibly low likelihood.

[IM4X]

Radio silence.
Is no news, good news?

I guess he doesn’t need to make a public announcement. Maybe he told Sean already and that is good enough. Personally, if I were Zach, I might just tell the coach I’m staying and not make a big deal about it. While I believe the vast majority of fans want him back, there are those who have continued to be hard on Zach even after he seemed to be more focused and started playing well again. Why risk having one of those fans say something unkind, after you announce you are coming back.

I just hope he sticks around. I believe we will see Zach playing at a high level all season with Sean as his coach. He has the skills and now he has a coach who can get everyone on the team consistently prepared and playing well together.

[XU-PA]

I guess he doesn’t need to make a public announcement. Maybe he told Sean already and that is good enough. Personally, if I were Zach, I might just tell the coach I’m staying and not make a big deal about it. While I believe the vast majority of fans want him back, there are those who have continued to be hard on Zach even after he seemed to be more focused and started playing well again. Why risk having one of those fans say something unkind, after you announce you are coming back.

I just hope he sticks around. I believe we will see Zach playing at a high level all season with Sean as his coach. He has the skills and now he has a coach who can get everyone on the team consistently prepared and playing well together.
I'm a Zach fan too. Must be the highest-rated recruit to have his own booing section at Cintas. That group was ridiculous, and made a point to try to get into his head. That's just dickish, no reason, no excuse for that.
If ever someone wanted to bolt because of his own teams fans, he would have a reason.
2 steps inside the arc, his shot is sonar directed to the hoop, and the guy wants the ball, wants the responsibility.
If you have a big guy, with his drive, his ability, and knowledge of the game, you don't let him go without a fight.

[xu82]

I'm a Zach fan too. Must be the highest-rated recruit to have his own booing section at Cintas. That group was ridiculous, and made a point to try to get into his head. That's just dickish, no reason, no excuse for that.
If ever someone wanted to bolt because of his own teams fans, he would have a reason.
2 steps inside the arc, his shot is sonar directed to the hoop, and the guy wants the ball, wants the responsibility.
If you have a big guy, with his drive, his ability, and knowledge of the game, you don't let him go without a fight.

To boo your own guys shows an amazing lack of class and it embarrasses me as a Xavier fan if that was happening.

I obviously hope Zach returns. He’s got so much skill and promise, and it would be a shame if we don’t get to see what Sean and the new staff can get out of this young man.

[LOLmickcronin]

To boo your own guys shows an amazing lack of class and it embarrasses me as a Xavier fan if that was happening.

I obviously hope Zach returns. He’s got so much skill and promise, and it would be a shame if we don’t get to see what Sean and the new staff can get out of this young man.

The biggest thing with Zach to me is people seem to forget he was coming off that foot injury. Foot/ankle injuries are HUGE deals to big men. It can derail an entire career even. But in most cases missing 6 weeks like that with a fracture is huge considering these are giant humans we are talking about whose entire game is predicated on foot work and mobility.

He never complained about it nor was it brought up as a reason for his ongoing struggles. And while I am sure he had other stuff going on as well I think coming in healthy this season could make a bigger difference than people think.

[xu82]

Xavier head coach Sean Miller has hired Stanford associate head coach Adam Cohen and will make him associate head coach with the Musketeers, source told @Stadium

I’m guessing Coach Cohen was eager to be aligned with a school with first rate academics! How much easier will recruiting be now? Wise choice!

[IM4X]

I'm a Zach fan too. Must be the highest-rated recruit to have his own booing section at Cintas. That group was ridiculous, and made a point to try to get into his head. That's just dickish, no reason, no excuse for that.
If ever someone wanted to bolt because of his own teams fans, he would have a reason.
2 steps inside the arc, his shot is sonar directed to the hoop, and the guy wants the ball, wants the responsibility.
If you have a big guy, with his drive, his ability, and knowledge of the game, you don't let him go without a fight.

Yes. Zach has shown he can be pretty special when he is focused and clicking. He’s got a pretty high ceiling. Miller can help him play even more physical in the paint and help him with shot selection.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

I'm a Zach fan too. Must be the highest-rated recruit to have his own booing section at Cintas. That group was ridiculous, and made a point to try to get into his head. That's just dickish, no reason, no excuse for that.
If ever someone wanted to bolt because of his own teams fans, he would have a reason.
2 steps inside the arc, his shot is sonar directed to the hoop, and the guy wants the ball, wants the responsibility.
If you have a big guy, with his drive, his ability, and knowledge of the game, you don't let him go without a fight.

Zach played well in the NIT; seems like some tough love from Jonas got him back in the groove. I like his upside and hope he stays and becomes the player and leader on this team he has the potential to become. The booing at Cintas, directed at the home team, the last few games of the year was a phenomenon I do not recall ever experiencing. It was horrible and I don't expect to hear it again anytime soon.

Still, Free contributed to the situation. He was undisciplined on the court and in the time-out huddles. He incurred a couple of costly technical fouls and he got into back and forth with some fans and engaged in too much trash talking on the court. None of those should ever have occurred and Zach bears some responsibility for what happened. His antics were there for all to see. If he is going to stay (which I hope he does) he needs to mature.

[XUBison]

Zach played well in the NIT; seems like some tough love from Jonas got him back in the groove. I like his upside and hope he stays and becomes the player and leader on this team he has the potential to become. The booing at Cintas, directed at the home team, the last few games of the year was a phenomenon I do not recall ever experiencing. It was horrible and I don't expect to hear it again anytime soon.

Still, Free contributed to the situation. He was undisciplined on the court and in the time-out huddles. He incurred a couple of costly technical fouls and he got into back and forth with some fans and engaged in too much trash talking on the court. None of those should ever have occurred and Zach bears some responsibility for what happened. His antics were there for all to see. If he is going to stay (which I hope he does) he needs to mature.

Perfectly said. It’s interesting we haven’t heard from him. I suspect he’s staying and that we will soon— I think you’d want your name in as early as possible. FWIW, I read on Holy Land that players must enter the portal before May 1 if they do not want to have to sit out for a year if they transfer.

[XUGRAD80]

Check out this article from Cincinnati.com:

Sean Miller adds San Jose State's David Miller to Xavier's coaching staff

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2022/04/12/sean-miller-adds-third-xu-assistant-san-jose-states-david-miller/7286901001/

Then there is this too….

https://twitter.com/adamjbaum/status/1513861489559588868?s=21&t=EJJFGZDJOllh92KuLtUQ_w


Looks like the staff is complete?

[Xavgrad08]

Per Goodman David Miller has strong international recruiting ties. I don’t believe any of the new assistants were in charge of coaching big men? I think this is a very good staff from a recruiting perspective.

[xavierj]

Check out this article from Cincinnati.com:

Sean Miller adds San Jose State's David Miller to Xavier's coaching staff

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2022/04/12/sean-miller-adds-third-xu-assistant-san-jose-states-david-miller/7286901001/

Then there is this too….

https://twitter.com/adamjbaum/status/1513861489559588868?s=21&t=EJJFGZDJOllh92KuLtUQ_w


Looks like the staff is complete?

Maybe Miller can bring Omari moore with him… 6’6” wing who shot 43% from three last year for San Jose St. testing the NBA draft but will
Come back I would imagine. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him hit the portal.

[muskiefan82]

Mario still with X?

[GoMuskies]

Mario still with X?

Ryan Reynolds is the new DOBO, so it would seem not. At least not with the basketball program.

[xavierj]

Ryan Reynolds is the new DOBO, so it would seem not. At least not with the basketball program.

Mario was not the DOBO, he still has the same position with Xavier. Reynolds is replacing Chase Vaudrin. Mario is the associate AD of administration and basketball operations or something like that.

[GoMuskies]

Ah, what is Mario then?

Associate AD, huh. Didn't know he got that promotion a few years ago.

[Masterofreality]

Ryan Reynolds is the new DOBO, so it would seem not. At least not with the basketball program.

Mario has moved up. He’s an Assistant Athletic Director and reports to Greg C.
Sean would never dump Mario anyway. He’s an institution and Chief schedule maker.

[muskiefan82]

Mario has moved up. He’s an Assistant Athletic Director and reports to Greg C.
Sean would never dump Mario anyway. He’s an institution and Chief schedule maker.

Excellent. I was hoping he was still with us

[xukeith]

Sean Miller adds San Jose State assistant coach David Miller to his staff at Xavier.

Very strong international connections and experience.

[xukeith]

Not sure if he has experience coaching big men

[IM4X]

Sean Miller adds San Jose State assistant coach David Miller to his staff at Xavier.

Very strong international connections and experience.

So Sean’s hired his nephew?

Seriously though, it looks like he worked under Sean at Arizona and even possibly helped bring in some of Arizona’s current players before leaving for San Jose State.

[xukeith]

So Sean’s hired his nephew?

Seriously though, it looks like he worked under Sean at Arizona and even possibly helped bring in some of Arizona’s current players before leaving for San Jose State.

What I don't understand is how can he have 1 year of experience and have international connections?

[X Factor]

What I don't understand is how can he have 1 year of experience and have international connections?

He was in a recruiting position before, he just couldn't recruit on the road due to NCAA rules. His Dad is also a former NBA assistant coach.

It's not like he's just an international recruiter and that's all he's going to focus on.

[Xavgrad08]

Miller has hired Andy Kettler as strength coach. He was the strength coach at Louisville under Mack. Prior to that he was at West Virginia under Huggins. Sounds like he has a good reputation in the industry. He is graduate of St. Xavier high school.

[GoMuskies]

He is graduate of St. Xavier high school.

Real St. X or Cincy St. X?

[Xavgrad08]

Real St. X or Cincy St. X?

Cincinnati St X. https://gocards.com/staff-directory/andy-kettler/1500

[xeus]

Real St. X or Cincy St. X?

Child please.

[xu82]

Miller has hired Andy Kettler as strength coach. He was the strength coach at Louisville under Mack. Prior to that he was at West Virginia under Huggins. Sounds like he has a good reputation in the industry. He is graduate of St. Xavier high school.

This is a lot more important than many people realize. Our team often feels like Big East Lite.

[basket]

Am I to understand things correctly, but do most, if not all of Coach Millers new hires have ties only or mainly to the "West Coast"? If so is this a problem for type of recruits Xavier normally goes after? Is it going to be a problem when a coach from Xavier, who is from Caly walks into a home of a kid from Philly? I am sorry I see THAT as a HUGE red flag!!

[XUGRAD80]

Am I to understand things correctly, but do most, if not all of Coach Millers new hires have ties only or mainly to the "West Coast"? If so is this a problem for type of recruits Xavier normally goes after? Is it going to be a problem when a coach from Xavier, who is from Caly walks into a home of a kid from Philly? I am sorry I see THAT as a HUGE red flag!!

But….Sean is himself from Pittsburg, and Jackson is from Ohio, and the team plays in the Big EAST. I really don’t care where the players come from, as long as he gets good players to come. Nor do I think that the players really care where the coaches came from in the past, they are going to be recruiting them to play in Cincinnati at a school that plays a schedule that leans heavily towards the eastern US.

[xavierj]

Am I to understand things correctly, but do most, if not all of Coach Millers new hires have ties only or mainly to the "West Coast"? If so is this a problem for type of recruits Xavier normally goes after? Is it going to be a problem when a coach from Xavier, who is from Caly walks into a home of a kid from Philly? I am sorry I see THAT as a HUGE red flag!!

No it’s a good thing. Be able to pull some kids from other areas. The Midwest, East and south is so saturated with big programs, the west not so much. Miller also spent time at Alabama, and Cohen is from Buffalo and coached for a bit at Harvard and Vandy, so I am sure he also has ties out this way. He brought a couple of 5 stars to Stanford from Texas. Also I think we will start to see some international talent come in, which is also good. Expect Xavier’s recruiting to go up a notch.

[muskiefan82]

I've been hoping for that "Forever" coach for decades. It never occurred to me that it might end up being a former coach who returns knowing how special a place Xavier is...

Man, this is going to be a fun ride. Still can't believe how excited I am right now given how I felt a month ago...

[xukeith]

Am I to understand things correctly, but do most, if not all of Coach Millers new hires have ties only or mainly to the "West Coast"? If so is this a problem for type of recruits Xavier normally goes after? Is it going to be a problem when a coach from Xavier, who is from Caly walks into a home of a kid from Philly? I am sorry I see THAT as a HUGE red flag!!

Cali -boy Derek Strong came to X.

[Masterofreality]

Miller has hired Andy Kettler as strength coach. He was the strength coach at Louisville under Mack. Prior to that he was at West Virginia under Huggins. Sounds like he has a good reputation in the industry. He is graduate of St. Xavier high school.

There was speculation this season on this site that Chase Campbell wasn’t getting it done.
This proves it.
Goodbye Milquetoasts.

[XU-PA]

There was speculation this season on this site that Chase Campbell wasn’t getting it done.
This proves it.
Goodbye Milquetoasts.

Don't know the man, but he had a very hard act to follow. Matt Jennings is a mountain of a man, he challenged each player to turn his body into the best it could possibly be. When you saw raw skinny freshman turn into chiseled powerful sophomores it waa his doing. Think Stain went from his physique at WMU to what he was here all on his own? Nope, he took Matt's guidance to heart. Matt was also very big on nutrition, not just pushing players in the weight room, but in the dining hall also!
Players seemed to like Chase, but he had very very big shoes to fill.
Hope the new guy puts us back on track.

[noteggs]

Ok reality just set in. Seeing Sean on the court coaching!

https://twitter.com/xaviermbb/status/1514377333460844549?s=10&t=hyZ9xclC3E6pVy-0RS5H3A

[IM4X]

Ok reality just set in. Seeing Sean on the court coaching!

https://twitter.com/xaviermbb/status/1514377333460844549?s=10&t=hyZ9xclC3E6pVy-0RS5H3A

Okay that photo makes it about 10% more of a reality me, but it still feels a bit like a dream we’re all going to wake up from. I think I’m still going to need to wait to see Sean standing in front of the X bench, coaching his first game. Then and only then, it will be 100% real.

Also, I am curious if anyone has seen any additional photos or heard who else was in that practice beyond the few players who’ve already committed that we saw in the recent Twitter photos. Was Free there. How about Edward’s or Hunter? Inquiring minds want to know. Some one just spill the beans if they know and tell us whether those three are committed to team 101 or moving on. We were seeing a steady flow of commits and then it stopped.

[xavierj]

Okay that photo makes it about 10% more of a reality me, but it still feels a bit like a dream we’re all going to wake up from. I think I’m still going to need to wait to see Sean standing in front of the X bench, coaching his first game. Then and only then, it will be 100% real.

Also, I am curious if anyone has seen any additional photos or heard who else was in that practice beyond the few players who’ve already committed that we saw in the recent Twitter photos. Was Free there. How about Edward’s or Hunter? Inquiring minds want to know. Some one just spill the beans if they know and tell us whether those three are committed to team 101 or moving on. We were seeing a steady flow of commits and then it stopped.

I have seen Edwards, Hunter and Stanley. Have not seen Zach but heard he was at workouts last week.

[XU-PA]

Okay that photo makes it about 10% more of a reality me, but it still feels a bit like a dream we’re all going to wake up from. I think I’m still going to need to wait to see Sean standing in front of the X bench, coaching his first game. Then and only then, it will be 100% real.

Also, I am curious if anyone has seen any additional photos or heard who else was in that practice beyond the few players who’ve already committed that we saw in the recent Twitter photos. Was Free there. How about Edward’s or Hunter? Inquiring minds want to know. Some one just spill the beans if they know and tell us whether those three are committed to team 101 or moving on. We were seeing a steady flow of commits and then it stopped.

https://twitter.com/XavierMBB/status/1514378416056852491?t=aMyn4z9myhIyC9GZlxBWMw&s=19

[JTG]

I recognize 3 of the 4 in the picture. Who is top left, Tucker?

[noteggs]

I recognize 3 of the 4 in the picture. Who is top left, Tucker?

Yes

[D-West & PO-Z]

Real St. X or Cincy St. X?

Couple grammar mistakes in this sentence.

You accidentally spelled "is" or. Your sentence should also end in a period, not a question mark.

"Real St. X is Cincy St. X."

[D-West & PO-Z]

Okay that photo makes it about 10% more of a reality me, but it still feels a bit like a dream we’re all going to wake up from. I think I’m still going to need to wait to see Sean standing in front of the X bench, coaching his first game. Then and only then, it will be 100% real.

Also, I am curious if anyone has seen any additional photos or heard who else was in that practice beyond the few players who’ve already committed that we saw in the recent Twitter photos. Was Free there. How about Edward’s or Hunter? Inquiring minds want to know. Some one just spill the beans if they know and tell us whether those three are committed to team 101 or moving on. We were seeing a steady flow of commits and then it stopped.

Ha, I am with you. And it might feel like a dream still for several games into the season depending on the timing of any punishment that may come down on Miller.

[xu82]

Ha, I am with you. And it might feel like a dream still for several games into the season depending on the timing of any punishment that may come down on Miller.

Is there some kind of valid reason that they can’t wrap that up and announce what punishment, if any, Miller will be facing. It seems like it’s been plenty of time.

[IM4X]

I have seen Edwards, Hunter and Stanley. Have not seen Zach but heard he was at workouts last week.

Thanks for the info. Sounds like a promising sign those guys may all be sticking around.

[IM4X]

https://twitter.com/XavierMBB/status/1514378416056852491?t=aMyn4z9myhIyC9GZlxBWMw&s=19

Yes. Those are the photos I was mentioning I saw: None of which were of Free, Edward’s, Hunter or Stanley (unless the back of the head is Stanley or Hunter).