Lebanese wing Youssef Khayat

[IM4X]

He has narrowed his recruiting down to X and 3 other schools.

Anyone have any inside scoop as to X’s chances of landing him? It appears he was a wing who has grown into what looks to be an athletic big. Supposedly he can do it all, including handling the ball pretty well. He would be a great fit. We could really benefit from another big.

https://247sports.com/Article/Basketball-recruiting-Youssef-Khayat-Depaul-Michigan-Xavier-Wake-Forest-188995173/

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zDlmeyTLPf8

[JTG]

Seems to be a 2 horse race between X and Michigan. Xavier having a chance pretty much solely due to Millers success with foreign players.

[xuphan]

He has narrowed his recruiting down to X and 3 other schools.

Anyone have any inside scoop as to X’s chances of landing him? It appears he was a wing who has grown into what looks to be an athletic big. Supposedly he can do it all, including handling the ball pretty well. He would be a great fit. We could really benefit from another big.

https://247sports.com/Article/Basketball-recruiting-Youssef-Khayat-Depaul-Michigan-Xavier-Wake-Forest-188995173/

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zDlmeyTLPf8

What recruiting class would he be in? 2023?

[GoMuskies]

What recruiting class would he be in? 2023?

2022

[Xuperman]

Highlight vids are just that....highlights, but that kid is very impressive. The commentary on the video is very informative as well.

He's already 19 and has "played vs men" for some time now. Part of the Championship Lebanon National Team. That has to be a huge plus in making the jump to High D1 here. Smooth looking jumper and a nice 3 percentage, all from International distance. VERY aggresive attacking the rim and that handle in transition is just "WoW"! According to the commentary he is highly committed to Defense, which is a must to play for Miller. The quickness he displays, coupled with that 7'0" wingspan spells nightmare for the opposition.

It is mentioned he is a 2022 recruit, so I guess he could be rostered for this season. Man, if he can be anything close to the production displayed on this video, our frontcourt depth will be rock solid!

Reel him in Coach!!!

[paulxu]

I don't favor all the "I've cut my schools to 4" hype...it would however be nice to steal one from Michigan.

Edit: although, maybe that's the way kids get the NIL $ offers to come...which are now legit.

[xu82]

What an exciting find by our coach. I don’t get TOO excited until we know it’s a certainty, but it’s nice to have a good shot at a terrific young player with so much potential. I don’t know much about NIL, but my wife is Lebanese so you can put me down for kibbeh, tabouleh and some grape leaves!

[MHettel]

Yes, please.

His game reminds me alot of Jason Carter.

[xukeith]

Yes, please.

His game reminds me alot of Jason Carter.

oh boy. Here we go....
Well Carter didn't make many mistakes defensively. Offensively, he struggled. He played a ton too.

[noteggs]

Looks like a great find. Assume expectations for him would be different from other incoming Freshman based off his experience.

If he were to choose X, wouldn’t that give us 13 scholarship players? That could be a very congested roster. Guess there’s always the injury factor. Oh well, confident Sean will figure it out.

[JTG]

Yes, please.

His game reminds me alot of Jason Carter.

That's not even funny.

[JTG]

What an exciting find by our coach. I don’t get TOO excited until we know it’s a certainty, but it’s nice to have a good shot at a terrific young player with so much potential. I don’t know much about NIL, but my wife is Lebanese so you can put me down for kibbeh, tabouleh and some grape leaves!

My Grandmother was from Lebanon and Grandfather from Ireland. What a mixture, anyway Im all for this kid. Translation Joe Khayat.

[paulxu]

I need a refresher course from you guys.
He is (was) on a professional team in Europe (Limoges CSP).
Has it always been OK to go from being paid in Europe to college ball in the US?

[xu82]

My Grandmother was from Lebanon and Grandfather from Ireland. What a mixture, anyway Im all for this kid. Translation Joe Khayat.

My wife is 100% Lebanese with her mother not moving to the states permanently (after going to Vanderbilt) until after she was married. I’m like 98% Irish. The good news? The kids could go out in the sun without blistering! :-)

This is exactly the kind of exciting prospect I was hoping Coach Miller would uncover. A guy who isn’t even on the typical radar for most teams, but with all kinds of potential and upside. And he kowns how to develop them. Fingers crossed!


.

[joe titan]

I need a refresher course from you guys.
He is (was) on a professional team in Europe (Limoges CSP).
Has it always been OK to go from being paid in Europe to college ball in the US?

I believe he was not paid so that his amateur status remains intact.

[paulxu]

I believe he was not paid so that his amateur status remains intact.

Thanks!

[IM4X]

What recruiting class would he be in? 2023?
They are certainly talking about him like he would be added to this upcoming season’s roster. I no other insight other than what I have read in the few recent articles and video link I’ve included. Looks to be aggressive. Also had a quick first step and moves well with the ball once he gets going.

He looks like he wants to have the ball in his hand and he knows how to finish. We need a third big who is determined to score in the paint.

Jack was very good last year at finishing or at least getting to the line.
Zach got better at it late in the season as he got healthier and became much more focused.

Other than those two- X bigs struggled miserably to make easy bunnies.

This looks like a truly versatile guy who Miler can put in a game and not worry he’ll be the weak link on the court, missing easy bunnies and open jumpers. He looks like th kind of player who is capable of delivering whether he is asked to be a wing or a big or whether he is asked to drive or shoot or simply make a layup. Let’s get him locked up. He looks to be a very good, complimentary player for this team.

[MHettel]

We have lacked the “traditional” Big East type of Big since Tyrique left. I don’t see this guy as a big in that sense. Nunge and Fred will be our options up front with Edwards and maybe miles.

This guy, Khaaat seems like the epitome of a Euro stretch 4. Some guard skills and a deep shooter. Not a banger.

Easy call here if we can nab him. I see a guy that thinks 1 year of college will get him noticed (and it will). He is starter level and his decision is about the best fit to showcase his game. If Miller can close this guy and give him a vision of minutes and a deep team, we could get this guy.

Like the possibility. Not sure how minutes shake out, cause this clogs up the wing in a huge way. We most need a top line ballhandler

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

We have lacked the “traditional” Big East type of Big since Tyrique left. I don’t see this guy as a big in that sense. Nunge and Fred will be our options up front with Edwards and maybe miles.

This guy, Khaaat seems like the epitome of a Euro stretch 4. Some guard skills and a deep shooter. Not a banger.

Easy call here if we can nab him. I see a guy that thinks 1 year of college will get him noticed (and it will). He is starter level and his decision is about the best fit to showcase his game. If Miller can close this guy and give him a vision of minutes and a deep team, we could get this guy.

Like the possibility. Not sure how minutes shake out, cause this clogs up the wing in a huge way. We most need a top line ballhandler

If his intention is "one and done", I pass. We can make use of transfers, like Bohm, to fill a hole. But, adding a first-year player without experience in our college game, adds little value. His skills seem to be a fit but we have players on the roster with, it appears, somewhat comparable skills. I get the idea of a grad transfer under specific circumstances but not a player under the circumstances you identify. We want guys that can help us win not guys solely auditioning for the next level. All that said, if Miller wants him, then I support.

[JTG]

If his intention is "one and done", I pass. We can make use of transfers, like Bohm, to fill a hole. But, adding a first-year player without experience in our college game, adds little value. His skills seem to be a fit but we have players on the roster with, it appears, somewhat comparable skills. I get the idea of a grad transfer under specific circumstances but not a player under the circumstances you identify. We want guys that can help us win not guys solely auditioning for the next level. All that said, if Miller wants him, then I support.

From a recruiting strategy standpoint, if he's successful and goes to the NBA, that adds cache` to our international recruiting. Plus he's been playing with pros so he probably knows his way around a basketball court regardless of the level. And as they always say you can't "coach' 6'11".

[Final4]

Would love to land him but I think he’ll end up at Michigan. Reading some Michigan specific recruiting articles it sounds like they have more minutes immediately available for him than what he may find at X. Hope I’m wrong as I really like what I see on tape.

[xudash]

Any updates on this kid?

[xuphan]

Any updates on this kid?

He just released a Top 4 this week. He is a big Michigan lean with Xavier in second place as of right now in his recruitment. Would be a good fit for the program if we can land him and keep him from going pro for a couple of seasons.

[xavbball]

Any updates on this kid?

Will announce tomorrow at 2. https://twitter.com/TheFieldOf68/status/1540746624380592128?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcam p%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

[xudash]

It seems as though keeping our hopes low would be a good idea. We’ll see.

[paulxu]

If it's down to NIL $....we are SOL.

[noteggs]

If it's down to NIL $....we are SOL.

Agree if it does, but not sure NIL is big deal for International players. Thinking history getting them to NBA is more attractive (for now) and Sean has a pretty good record.

[Muskie in dayton]

If it's down to NIL $....we are SOL.
I'm thinking he could be an excellent spokesman for XH. Crowd funding anyone?

[GIMMFD]

I'm thinking he could be an excellent spokesman for XH. Crowd funding anyone?

I got about $12 and a few Blue Moons in my fridge, think that'll sell him?

[xeus]

I bet Youssef could help sell some cars for Joseph Chevrolet.

[Drew]

If it's down to NIL $....we are SOL.

Something tells me Sean will find a way to navigate the NIL era...

[paulxu]

We need to get Dana's involved in all this.

[paulxu]

I believe he was not paid so that his amateur status remains intact.

This is why I was confused. It just sounds like he was paid:


"I worked out with Limoges' U18 team, and they liked me so they offered me a contract," he remembered.

In August 2018, he and his mother left Lebanon for southwest-central France to start his career with Limoges.

[94GRAD]

Link if you want to watch the announcement live

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8van9TSWNL0

[paulxu]

Going to Michigan.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Boo

[xukeith]

The X brand needs some polishing with Miller and staff.

4 years of Steele has damaged the brand.

Maybe in 2 years, Miller and staff can start gaining superior talent

[MHettel]

Have fun with Juwan Howard.

Patrick Ewing 2.0

[drudy23]

Something tells me Sean will find a way to navigate the NIL era...

I would imagine there is someone on staff or in the athletic department that is spearheading this right? It's almost like another sponsorship/development person that raises money?

[JTG]

The X brand needs some polishing with Miller and staff.

4 years of Steele has damaged the brand.

Maybe in 2 years, Miller and staff can start gaining superior talent

This ! Steele didn't just lose, he also screwed up our image. This time next year recruits will be calling us.

[GIMMFD]

Have fun with Juwan Howard.

Patrick Ewing 2.0

I don't think that's true, Juwan Howard at least has had Michigan in an Elite 8 and Sweet 16 in 2 out of 3 years, while the 3rd was COVID cancelled. Patrick Ewing hasn't done anything notable for Georgetown, they've actually regressed. Sure Michigan was coming off a National Championship appearance when Howard took over and was in a better place, but it's not always sustainable. You could also argue that Michigan wasn't supposed to make the tournament this year, but they did and had a couple really good competitive games. I think he's a much better coach than Ewing personally.

But yeah, I'm bummed about this news too. Unfortunate.

[MHettel]

I don't think that's true, Juwan Howard at least has had Michigan in an Elite 8 and Sweet 16 in 2 out of 3 years, while the 3rd was COVID cancelled. Patrick Ewing hasn't done anything notable for Georgetown, they've actually regressed. Sure Michigan was coming off a National Championship appearance when Howard took over and was in a better place, but it's not always sustainable. You could also argue that Michigan wasn't supposed to make the tournament this year, but they did and had a couple really good competitive games. I think he's a much better coach than Ewing personally.

But yeah, I'm bummed about this news too. Unfortunate.

Well, I don't believe either Howard or Ewing is able to achieve at a level that is equal to the talent on the team.

Howard walked into a cant lose situation, and has guys like Martelli to lean on. Howard brings recruiting cache to the team. Very little else in my opinion.

Ewing didnt walk into HALF of the situation that Howard did. His talent has been good at times, but he's botched it terribly. He's also presided over alot of turnmoil roster turnover.

I dont see either of these guys winning anything, and eventually they will be canned. Its honestly unfathomable that GTown lost like 20+ in a row last year.

Howard getting into fisticuffs with the UW coach....I would say that 50% of the other coaches in D1 dont survive that. Howard got off easy ....for reasons that I cant quite understand.

[xu82]

Certainly disappointing, but I wish the young man all the best. I wonder how much the lack of clarity surrounding Miller’s expected suspension played a role in the decision. He will continue finding great prospects and he’ll start winning more and more of these recruiting battles once he’s settled in.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Contrary to losing this young man because of damage inflicted by Steele, we had a legitimate shot (it seems) at landing him because of Miller and his staff. Michigan, under Howard, is simply a superior program----right now. The effect of NIL is unknown but is probably safe to assume the NIL opportunities at UM are more attractive than X.

What we can take away from the first few months after his return is that Miller will be able to recruit effectively here. We do need to return to an upward trajectory that existed in the years just prior to Steele before Mack hightailed it south to Louisville. I am positive and enthusiastic about our program even without this recruit or some of the others we haven't recently successfully reeled in.

The shelves aren't exactly empty. We have a very solid core returning. The freshman and Soulley shore up an already decent backcourt and I'm very interested to see what effect Miller has on the guys who disappointed (or at least, failed to shine under Steele). Perhaps I'm to be disappointed but I think we will get much more out of Hunter, Tandy, Edwards, Miles and Tucker than Steele ever could have realized. It just seems like there is a bunch of talent on this roster---enough that I wasn't all that enthusiastic about adding Youssef to the mix. I think the guys here can get it done under leadership that was clearly lacking under Steele.

This coming season is going to a big year in establishing that X is back. We seem to have the horsepower and if Miller gets us to prove our case on the court, recruiting next year will be much more bountiful than under Steele.

[XUGRAD80]

Certainly disappointing, but I wish the young man all the best. I wonder how much the lack of clarity surrounding Miller’s expected suspension played a role in the decision. He will continue finding great prospects and he’ll start winning more and more of these recruiting battles once he’s settled in.

I don’t expect any suspension to last more than 4-6 non-conference games, if that. I doubt that would play into anyones decision to accept a scholarship very much.

[xuphan]

Contrary to losing this young man because of damage inflicted by Steele, we had a legitimate shot (it seems) at landing him because of Miller and his staff. Michigan, under Howard, is simply a superior program----right now. The effect of NIL is unknown but is probably safe to assume the NIL opportunities at UM are more attractive than X.

What we can take away from the first few months after his return is that Miller will be able to recruit effectively here. We do need to return to an upward trajectory that existed in the years just prior to Steele before Mack hightailed it south to Louisville. I am positive and enthusiastic about our program even without this recruit or some of the others we haven't recently successfully reeled in.

The shelves aren't exactly empty. We have a very solid core returning. The freshman and Soulley shore up an already decent backcourt and I'm very interested to see what effect Miller has on the guys who disappointed (or at least, failed to shine under Steele). Perhaps I'm to be disappointed but I think we will get much more out of Hunter, Tandy, Edwards, Miles and Tucker than Steele ever could have realized. It just seems like there is a bunch of talent on this roster---enough that I wasn't all that enthusiastic about adding Youssef to the mix. I think the guys here can get it done under leadership that was clearly lacking under Steele.

This coming season is going to a big year in establishing that X is back. We seem to have the horsepower and if Miller gets us to prove our case on the court, recruiting next year will be much more bountiful than under Steele.

What did Steele have to do with this kid picking Michigan instead of us? I was disappointed like everyone else with how Steele coached during his tenure here at X but Steele had nothing to do with whether this kid picked us or Michigan.

[Xville]

What did Steele have to do with this kid picking Michigan instead of us? I was disappointed like everyone else with how Steele coached during his tenure here at X but Steele had nothing to do with whether this kid picked us or Michigan.

He has quite a bit to do with it. He’s the reason why x’s brand today is where it is. He took a program that always makes the tourney, and second weekends to a program that hasn’t seen the tournament in 4 years. Steele temporarily destroyed the program.

[noteggs]

If Sean can’t recruit because of the last 4 years, then we are in bigger trouble than I thought. Based off his success here and AZ should be enough to attract strong talent.

So what, we lost an international recruit to Michigan. Seems like they have a decent school and a good history with international players. Heck at least we were in his top two.

[GIMMFD]

Well, I don't believe either Howard or Ewing is able to achieve at a level that is equal to the talent on the team.

Howard walked into a cant lose situation, and has guys like Martelli to lean on. Howard brings recruiting cache to the team. Very little else in my opinion.

Ewing didnt walk into HALF of the situation that Howard did. His talent has been good at times, but he's botched it terribly. He's also presided over alot of turnmoil roster turnover.

I dont see either of these guys winning anything, and eventually they will be canned. Its honestly unfathomable that GTown lost like 20+ in a row last year.

Howard getting into fisticuffs with the UW coach....I would say that 50% of the other coaches in D1 dont survive that. Howard got off easy ....for reasons that I cant quite understand.

That's a fair assessment, Ewing walked into a shit show, but he hasn't navigated it well at all. I'm also shocked Ewing wasn't fired at the end of this year, and I do agree with the most other coaches getting fired thing. Though for Howard, isn't having good assistants a good thing? Like if you know you have some deficits, why not bring in someone like Martinelli to help patch that area up. It's a good CEO move, almost treating it like a business. I guess it also depends on how well talent gets developed at Michigan and how they do in the NBA, but obviously Howard has a much higher chance to succeed.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I don’t expect any suspension to last more than 4-6 non-conference games, if that. I doubt that would play into anyones decision to accept a scholarship very much.

4-6 games would be great, probably best case scenario.

https://tucson.com/sports/arizonawildcats/basketball/expert-suspension-likely-to-follow-sean-miller-to-xavier-if-ncaa-charge-against-him-holds/article_f2fe54f4-a888-11ec-b225-3b2af3c04dbf.html

This article from March said one "expert" expected it to be 9-15.

[GoMuskies]

I'm so sad our program is in such ruins that we couldn't get this recruit I'd never heard of until last week to pick us over Michigan.

[xuphan]

He has quite a bit to do with it. He’s the reason why x’s brand today is where it is. He took a program that always makes the tourney, and second weekends to a program that hasn’t seen the tournament in 4 years. Steele temporarily destroyed the program.

So why was Steele able to get Top 100 recruits if he left our program in ruins? His last class here he had 3 top 100 recruits. Steele didn’t ruin this program. He ruined his value as a coach.

[XU_Lou]

So why was Steele able to get Top 100 recruits if he left our program in ruins? His last class here he had 3 top 100 recruits. Steele didn’t ruin this program [with his recruits]. He ruined his value [it] as a coach.

Exactly.... [fixed it for you]

[xudash]

So why was Steele able to get Top 100 recruits if he left our program in ruins? His last class here he had 3 top 100 recruits. Steele didn’t ruin this program. He ruined his value as a coach.

If you truly and literally wanted to "ruin" Xavier's basketball program, you probably could achieve that by doing two things:

[1] Higher Fordham's administration to lead the university (i.e. higher people who do not recognize the value of the program); and

[2] Literally demolish the Cintas Center and return whatever is left of Xavier Basketball to Schmidt Memorial Fieldhouse.

IMHO, that is what it would mean and take to RUIN Xavier's basketball program.

The irony here is that we're building a multi-million dollar practice facility on the back of the Cintas Center now and, though it isn't worth what it used to be worth, hanging an NIT Championship banner at the start of the upcoming season.

The stature of Xavier's basketball program is more than fine.

[Xville]

So why was Steele able to get Top 100 recruits if he left our program in ruins? His last class here he had 3 top 100 recruits. Steele didn’t ruin this program. He ruined his value as a coach.

My point is that recruits see a school that has not made a tourney in 4 years vs one that has done quite well in the tourney the last few years.

[xudash]

My point is that recruits see a school that has not made a tourney in 4 years vs one that has done quite well in the tourney the last few years.

That's a valid point, ville, but, while you see that as having a more draconian effect on Xavier's program, some of us are looking at it as a bump in the road. In fact, every program goes through cycles at some point. I believe we just hit our bad cycle. And it was a "bad cycle" made up of NCAAT near misses and one COVID miss.

Not making the tournament for a sustained period of time would make it hard for any program to bounce back, but, at least in my opinion, 4 years is not a real problem. Xavier is too well known nationally now anyway, and its exposure from its Big East membership is, frankly, strategic.

The program is well managed and it does things the right way. I see us managing NIL effectively enough moving forward, and I see us getting fully back on track with Sean.

Would have loved to have out recruited Michigan for this kid, but there are other fishies in the sea, and we'll catch our share of good ones moving forward.

[paulxu]

[1] Higher Fordham's administration to lead the university.

Dash...spell check is not your friend :)

Meanwhile, these conversations remind me of Brad Redford whippings.

[Xville]

That's a valid point, ville, but, while you see that as having a more draconian effect on Xavier's program, some of us are looking at it as a bump in the road. In fact, every program goes through cycles at some point. I believe we just hit our bad cycle. And it was a "bad cycle" made up of NCAAT near misses and one COVID miss.

Not making the tournament for a sustained period of time would make it hard for any program to bounce back, but, at least in my opinion, 4 years is not a real problem. Xavier is too well known nationally now anyway, and its exposure from its Big East membership is, frankly, strategic.

The program is well managed and it does things the right way. I see us managing NIL effectively enough moving forward, and I see us getting fully back on track with Sean.

Would have loved to have out recruited Michigan for this kid, but there are other fishies in the sea, and we'll catch our share of good ones moving forward.

Agree with all of this, and why I said “temporarily.” I think it will take one season or maybe two to get the swagger back, and fully believe Sean will do it.

[xuphan]

My point is that recruits see a school that has not made a tourney in 4 years vs one that has done quite well in the tourney the last few years.

We never would have made this kids Top 4 if Steele had “ruined the program” like you said. We made his Top 4 because of Sean Miller. Not because of the state of Xavier Basketball and Travis Steele. Almost all of these recruits come either for the coach or NIL deals. Not because of the state of the program.

[xu82]

Agree with all of this, and why I said “temporarily.” I think it will take one season or maybe two to get the swagger back, and fully believe Sean will do it.

I think the pushback surrounds the use of the word “ruin” which connotes something permanent. “Temporarily” is not quite adequate to overcome that gut reaction. But now we are splitting hairs.

Our recruiting was not the problem, as that was/is Travis’ strength. Developing players and getting results is where he fell short. Our program was not permanently harmed, but we were in a valley. A change was needed and hopefully we reach a nice peak coming up ahead. I won’t get too upset about missing a late find. In fact, I’m encouraged that we found this guy and came in top 4 (probably #2) and I look forward to winning some of these recruiting battles in the near future.

[Strange Brew]

I'm so sad our program is in such ruins that we couldn't get this recruit I'd never heard of until last week to pick us over Michigan.

This is the best take in the thread..:)

[webxu]

We never would have made this kids Top 4 if Steele had “ruined the program” like you said. We made his Top 4 because of Sean Miller. Not because of the state of Xavier Basketball and Travis Steele. Almost all of these recruits come either for the coach or NIL deals. Not because of the state of the program.

To be fair Depaul made his final 4 also..

[MHettel]

UPDATE!

Due played 9 games and about 54 total minutes. Averaged 1.3 pts, .7 rebs, and .2 assts. Oh, and shot 33%

Sometime you win when you lose!