Freemantle

[Final4]

Suspended indefinitely???

[drudy23]

Sean not messing around. The BS years are over.

[SkyWalker]

That's what I see.

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2022/09/27/xaviers-zach-freemantle-suspended-indefinitely/69522940007/

[noteggs]

Ugh

[GoMuskies]

Please cease and desist from being a moron Zach. Thanks.

[XUGRAD80]

Miller is setting the tone.

[Xville]

good! glad to see whatever bs is going with him won't fly. Guy's attitude sucked ass last year...im starting to wonder if he would be an addition by subtraction

[JTG]

What the hell did he do ?

[drudy23]

Jumped off one foot in rebounding drill.

[MHettel]

geez. What we NEEDED from Free was a bounce back year. What we DIDN'T need from him is drama before the season even starts.

I hope he gets his act together asap and plays with his head on straight.

"indefinitely" is never a good thing....

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I would love to hear what is going on, but the timing is about as good as can be. It’s still early and he has a lot time to fix the problem. I don’t read too much into the “indefinitely” language. That just means he hasn’t done what needs to be done to get back.

[xukeith]

It is an ideal time for a new coaching staff to set the tone. Hope this bears fruit.

[JTG]

geez. What we NEEDED from Free was a bounce back year. What we DIDN'T need from him is drama before the season even starts.

I hope he gets his act together asap and plays with his head on straight.

"indefinitely" is never a good thing....

Well, it can go two ways: one, he straightens up and becomes a force, or two, he says Eff It and transfers.

[Muskie in dayton]

Well, it can go two ways: one, he straightens up and becomes a force, or two, he says Eff It and transfers.
Either outcome is positive, since if the latter, he wasn’t buying in, and we really don’t need any more of that.

[xukeith]

I am not stressed about this too much. Ideally nobody gets in trouble but this happens everywhere and coaches go nuts/ put the fist down. Pains of dealing with young adult men..

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

I am not stressed about this too much. Ideally nobody gets in trouble but this happens everywhere and coaches go nuts/ put the fist down. Pains of dealing with young adult men..

Point taken but another view is that Free showed some immaturity last year. Granted, he was acting out against Steele and he seemed to get his act together for the NIT. Still, he's a senior----a guy we are looking to for leadership and on-court performance. I cringe when I watch a fourth-year guy act like a high schooler.

I'll take the glass half-full approach of JTG. Better now than later and hopefully, Free gets the message and grows up. Still, I'm disappointed because I am so looking forward to a major turn-around this season and I don't want anything interfering with team chemistry.

[Olsingledigit]

There were reports that he acted out at a pick up game this summer. I am not sure he has matured yet.

[murray87]

A big fork in the road early in his life. Hope for his sake he eats whatever humble pie he needs to and gets his act together. It will help him later in whatever he does post-college. I'd recommend an immediate meeting with Sister Rose.

[drudy23]

I thought this kid had leader written all over him after his freshman season. I'm thinking the Steele years screwed with him, in terms of his ability to be a leader (no one seemed to listen to anyone) and how he fit on the team. Always seemed to be a misfit in Steele's system and I think that's wore on him.

[bleedXblue]

Free is an immature punk. At least he has been. I'm sure of a couple things:

1. Miller has been observing things since he's been on campus and I'm sure has had some conversations with Zac
2. Miller has very likely communicated that Zac needs an attitude change and that hasn't happened to Miller's liking
3. Miller will take no BS and is setting the tone. I LOVE IT

[boozehound]

Free is an immature punk. At least he has been. I'm sure of a couple things:

1. Miller has been observing things since he's been on campus and I'm sure has had some conversations with Zac
2. Miller has very likely communicated that Zac needs an attitude change and that hasn't happened to Miller's liking
3. Miller will take no BS and is setting the tone. I LOVE IT

Yeah, I think this is a good early showing from Miller. Nobody gets to play by different rules, and nobody is bigger than the team. We figured there was a good chance we might not have Freemantle this year (due to transfer when Miller got hired) so we aren't really any worse off.

Zach needs to get it together.

[Smails]

Yeah, I think this is a good early showing from Miller. Nobody gets to play by different rules, and nobody is bigger than the team. We figured there was a good chance we might not have Freemantle this year (due to transfer when Miller got hired) so we aren't really any worse off.

Zach needs to get it together.

I think all of us have benefited from 'forced maturity' at some point in our lives. It doesn't always happen organically and usually takes someone to show what the pain of non-conformity looks like. I'm hoping this is the case with Zach and he comes out of this as more of a man. An uber-focused, disciplined Zach would be a real problem for this league.

[nuts4xu]

Free is an immature punk. At least he has been. I'm sure of a couple things:

1. Miller has been observing things since he's been on campus and I'm sure has had some conversations with Zac
2. Miller has very likely communicated that Zac needs an attitude change and that hasn't happened to Miller's liking
3. Miller will take no BS and is setting the tone. I LOVE IT

For much of the summer, Sean Miller has been praising Zach for his effort. I agree conversations have been had, and think this was Miller's first opportunity to "make his point", with a veteran player, who should be able to handle some tough love.

SM was forced into a similar situation during his first season as head coach, when he suspended Dedrick Finn. Chris Mack had to do the same thing with Mark Lyons at the beginning of his tenure.

This type of stuff is not new, and sets a tone for how the program will be run under Miller.

[Drew]

Mack seemed to actively encourage some of the more indignant players and Steele was just plain soft. Interesting to see what kind of personalities Miller will favor.

[GoMuskies]

Chris Mack had to do the same thing with Mark Lyons at the beginning of his tenure.


Chris Mack benched Jordan Crawford (at least didn't start him) in the Crosstown Shooutout. That was pretty ballsy. Worked out, but it could have certainly gone the other way.

Though, I just looked, and Crawford played 38 (out of 50) minutes in that game. So not exactly severe disclipline.

[xubrew]

This has all the earmarks of a premeditated suspension. I'm not saying that's what this is. I'm just saying that's what it might be. He didn't do this at Arizona every year, but he certainly did it more than once. Suspend a key player "indefinitely" right around the time practice starts. In every case that I can remember, said player was back before the first key game, and usually before the first official game. There is a good chance that this is all kind of planned.

A friend of mine is a high school teacher. He says he gives more detentions the first day of the year than he does for the rest of the year combined. It's by design. That MIGHT be what this is.

[Masterofreality]

For much of the summer, Sean Miller has been praising Zach for his effort. I agree conversations have been had, and think this was Miller's first opportunity to "make his point", with a veteran player, who should be able to handle some tough love.

SM was forced into a similar situation during his first season as head coach, when he suspended Dedrick Finn. Chris Mack had to do the same thing with Mark Lyons at the beginning of his tenure.

This type of stuff is not new, and sets a tone for how the program will be run under Miller.

Nuts with the 100% accurate take.
Prime Coaches take zero guff. Secondary coaches (I'll leave it to your imagination as to who) let players get away with trash.
Sean is Prime. That's why he's back.

[MHettel]

This has all the earmarks of a premeditated suspension. I'm not saying that's what this is. I'm just saying that's what it might be. He didn't do this at Arizona every year, but he certainly did it more than once. Suspend a key player "indefinitely" right around the time practice starts. In every case that I can remember, said player was back before the first key game, and usually before the first official game. There is a good chance that this is all kind of planned.

A friend of mine is a high school teacher. He says he gives more detentions the first day of the year than he does for the rest of the year combined. It's by design. That MIGHT be what this is.

This is insane. What a great way to establish credibility with you team by just indiscriminately making an example out of one player to set a tone of "fear" across the roster.

No Chance

(btw, I would NEVER refer to a HS teacher as a model for effective leadership).

[Xville]

This is insane. What a great way to establish credibility with you team by just indiscriminately making an example out of one player to set a tone of "fear" across the roster.

No Chance

(btw, I would NEVER refer to a HS teacher as a model for effective leadership).

I don't think it's to set a tone of "fear." I think it's to set a tone of "fall in line" or get out. If you have ever been part of a sports' team, you know how important it is that everyone understands expectations, and that everyone trusts in their teammates in critical situations to do their job, instead of flying solo. That's how winning is done.

[nuts4xu]

This is insane. What a great way to establish credibility with you team by just indiscriminately making an example out of one player to set a tone of "fear" across the roster.

Who said it was indiscriminately?

I would imagine Free gave him good reason. I would also imagine this would be the proverbial "honeymoon is over" moment for this squad. My hunch is things have been fairly cordial throughout the offseason (we've heard nothing but positivity coming from Miller and the program since he took over) and this was likely the first time SM had a legit reason to set the tone.

[xubrew]

This is insane. What a great way to establish credibility with you team by just indiscriminately making an example out of one player to set a tone of "fear" across the roster.

No Chance

(btw, I would NEVER refer to a HS teacher as a model for effective leadership).

It's certainly not the technique I would use, but it's also not that uncommon. It's also one of the oldest tricks in the book. It seems even crazier to do it at the NBA level, but I think read somewhere that Red Auerbach used to throw Bill Russell out of practice every year on the first day. Bobby Knight would also do it. But he was also insane, so that may actually further your point.

A LOT of coaches are far more harsh at the beginning of the year than they are later on. They may not go as far as suspending someone every year, but a lot of them will discipline players more harshly at the beginning of the year than they would for the same indiscretion later on in the year.

[94GRAD]

It's certainly not the technique I would use, but it's also not that uncommon. It's also one of the oldest tricks in the book. It seems even crazier to do it at the NBA level, but I think read somewhere that Red Auerbach used to throw Bill Russell out of practice every year on the first day. Bobby Knight would also do it. But he was also insane, so that may actually further your point.

A LOT of coaches are far more harsh at the beginning of the year than they are later on. They may not go as far as suspending someone every year, but a lot of them will discipline players more harshly at the beginning of the year than they would for the same indiscretion later on in the year.

Coaches have to break you down before they can build you up, right?

[xubrew]

Coaches have to break you down before they can build you up, right?

Norman Dale seemed to think so, and I guess it worked out for him. But, no, they don't have to. At least not in my opinion. A lot of coaches probably think that, but Brad Stevens never did things like that. Neither did Jay Wright, or Roy Williams, or Mike Krzyzewski, or a lot of others. Most of the coaches that are IMHO really good never seemed to result to such tactics.

But...to each their own. It APPEARS as though Miller has done this before.

I also need to clarify that I don't know if that's what's happening. I was just making the observation that this is not the first time he's suspended a key player around the start of practice.

[XUGRAD80]

We just don’t know why he was suspended and probably never will.

This does give several players an opportunity though and I hope that at least 2 of them take advantage of it. I also hope that Zach can get his act together and is soon back with the team. He is physically very gifted, but he has definitely been a bit of a head case and has shown a lack of maturity since his freshman year.

[UCGRAD4X]

It has actually been researched in education. Teachers who start off the year with laxed discipline and crack down later are seen as assholes. Teachers who put the hammer down early and then let up are more respected and seen as fair and reasonable. The latter get more out of the students in the long run.

[Roach]

It has actually been researched in education. Teachers who start off the year with laxed discipline and crack down later are seen as assholes. Teachers who put the hammer down early and then let up are more respected and seen as fair and reasonable. The latter get more out of the students in the long run.

At the outset, kids are also more inclined to test the waters to see what they can get away with. It doesn’t have to be, “I’m going to make an example of a kid to set the tone.” It could be, “I have standards, and I know they’ll be challenged early, and I will not hesitate to punish accordingly.”

This isn’t complicated, people.

[IM4X]

A big fork in the road early in his life. Hope for his sake he eats whatever humble pie he needs to and gets his act together. It will help him later in whatever he does post-college. I'd recommend an immediate meeting with Sister Rose.

Yes. Agree. I hope Zach does not squander such a huge opportunity this year. Miller has to make sure every player is focused and has bought into his way of doing things. No distractions this season from anyone which may derail this teamÂ’s chances of reaching its potential.

[MHettel]

Who said it was indiscriminately?

I would imagine Free gave him good reason. I would also imagine this would be the proverbial "honeymoon is over" moment for this squad. My hunch is things have been fairly cordial throughout the offseason (we've heard nothing but positivity coming from Miller and the program since he took over) and this was likely the first time SM had a legit reason to set the tone.

Well, when the description starts off with "premeditated suspension", then it's pretty obvious that the punishment was looking for a crime, and not vice versa....

If Free did something...and I wouldn't put it past him...then Miller should do whatever he feels is the best thing to correct the issue and improve the team in the process. I have NO problem with that, and if it helps set the expectation for the team, then great.

But deciding ahead of time (premeditated) to suspend a guy and then looking for a reason to do it is either a) a disgraceful, terrible tactic by Miller or b) not what happened at all and is just a bad read on the situation by XU Brew.

BTW, all of the examples of coaches that did stuff like this are freaking dinosaurs. The game changes and the players change, and the coaches change with it all. We wont see many Bobby Knights ever again, just ask that schlub from UC that got canned a couple years ago. Or Gregg Marshall. Or, Chris Mack even....

[Roach]

Well, when the description starts off with "premeditated suspension", then it's pretty obvious that the punishment was looking for a crime, and not vice versa....

If Free did something...and I wouldn't put it past him...then Miller should do whatever he feels is the best thing to correct the issue and improve the team in the process. I have NO problem with that, and if it helps set the expectation for the team, then great.

But deciding ahead of time (premeditated) to suspend a guy and then looking for a reason to do it is either a) a disgraceful, terrible tactic by Miller or b) not what happened at all and is just a bad read on the situation by XU Brew.

BTW, all of the examples of coaches that did stuff like this are freaking dinosaurs. The game changes and the players change, and the coaches change with it all. We wont see many Bobby Knights ever again, just ask that schlub from UC that got canned a couple years ago. Or Gregg Marshall. Or, Chris Mack even....

I agree. Near as I can tell, the only place the word “premeditated” has been used is in this thread. So, my suggestion to XUBrew? Stop projecting. Digging in his heels on language used in a forum, which may have no basis in reality, makes him come across as stubborn and argumentative.

[sirthought]

Team adversity can be a real distraction, especially if someone takes things too personally and reacts the wrong way. Let's hope it's a positive overall, which it could be.

Freemantle works hard to earn his spot back in the lineup. The others at his position see an opportunity to play more of a role and establish themselves. The best course would be to allow this to drag out a bit now that the decision has been made, so hopefully everyone improves.

[xubrew]

I agree. Near as I can tell, the only place the word “premeditated” has been used is in this thread. So, my suggestion to XUBrew? Stop projecting. Digging in his heels on language used in a forum, which may have no basis in reality, makes him come across as stubborn and argumentative.

Fair enough. There is certainly no place for people to make projections and speculations on a fan message board. I mean geez, I’d hate to imagine what this place would look like if people just started doing that. I’ll refrain from such things from now on.

[Roach]

Fair enough. There is certainly no place for people to make projections and speculations on a fan message board. I mean geez, I’d hate to imagine what this place would look like if people just started doing that. I’ll refrain from such things from now on.

Predictably absurd response. Prognosticating wins and losses, the direction of the program, recruiting, etc. is an altogether different thing than openly questioning a person’s character. The fact of the matter is that you are impugning Sean Miller’s integrity by speculating, without evidence, that his suspension of Fremantle is a ruse to coerce his team’s compliance with his standards. It’s ridiculous.

But I’m sure you’ll dig in your heels again, so go right ahead.

[xubrew]

Predictably absurd response. Prognosticating wins and losses, the direction of the program, recruiting, etc. is an altogether different thing than openly questioning a person’s character. The fact of the matter is that you are impugning Sean Miller’s integrity by speculating, without evidence, that his suspension of Fremantle is a ruse to coerce his team’s compliance with his standards. It’s ridiculous.

But I’m sure you’ll dig in your heels again, so go right ahead.

Okay, nowhere in this thread did I ever question Miller’s character or his integrity. Where the hell is that even coming from? I wasn’t being critical of anything or anyone. Not Miller and not Freemantle. All I said was that I thought it might be a tactic. If anything, I was trying to get people who were attacking Freemantle’s character, and intelligence, and maturity, and commitment earlier in the thread to not be so quick to judge him like that.

[Roach]

Okay, nowhere in this thread did I ever question Miller’s character or his integrity. Where the hell is that even coming from? I wasn’t being critical of anything or anyone. Not Miller and not Freemantle. All I said was that I thought it might be a tactic. If anything, I was trying to get people who were attacking Freemantle’s character, and intelligence, and maturity, and commitment earlier in the thread to not be so quick to judge him like that.

Openly speculating that Miller’s suspension of Fremantle was premeditated rather than fully sincere and/or legitimate is tantamount to questioning his integrity. If you can’t see that, I can’t help you.

[Xville]

Okay, nowhere in this thread did I ever question Miller’s character or his integrity. Where the hell is that even coming from? I wasn’t being critical of anything or anyone. Not Miller and not Freemantle. All I said was that I thought it might be a tactic. If anything, I was trying to get people who were attacking Freemantle’s character, and intelligence, and maturity, and commitment earlier in the thread to not be so quick to judge him like that.

Freemantle’s character has every right to be questioned. The guy’s attitude has sucked the last two years, he needs to grow up.

[xubrew]

Openly speculating that Miller’s suspension of Fremantle was premeditated rather than fully sincere and/or legitimate is tantamount to questioning his integrity. If you can’t see that, I can’t help you.

I’ve known coaches to do it before. I never thought of it as being a character flaw, and I wasn’t trying to imply that here. I don’t openly attack coaches very often, and I can’t recall ever attacking a current Xavier coach. I don’t even lash out against the former Xavier coaches that everyone loves to attack, which is why I’m not really sure where these kinds responses are coming from. And I NEVER attack or criticize players. On ANY college team. I don’t think I’ve ever posted something like what’s quoted below. I may feel that way sometimes, but I’m personally not going to post about it.


Freemantle’s character has every right to be questioned. The guy’s attitude has sucked the last two years, he needs to grow up.

[STL_XUfan]

I’ve known coaches to do it before. I never thought of it as being a character flaw, and I wasn’t trying to imply that here. I don’t openly attack coaches very often, and I can’t recall ever attacking a current Xavier coach. I don’t even lash out against the former Xavier coaches that everyone loves to attack, which is why I’m not really sure where these kinds responses are coming from. And I NEVER attack or criticize players. On ANY college team. I don’t think I’ve ever posted something like what’s quoted below. I may feel that way sometimes, but I’m personally not going to post about it.

I for one am shocked, shocked I say to find blind speculation going on within this message board.

https://c.tenor.com/N6rAH_DvvbIAAAAC/casablanca-your-winnings-sir.gif

[GoMuskies]

I for one am shocked, shocked I say to find blind speculation going on within this message board.

https://c.tenor.com/N6rAH_DvvbIAAAAC/casablanca-your-winnings-sir.gif

Next you'll tell me there's gambling going on at Nigel's house.

[xubrew]

I for one am shocked, shocked I say to find blind speculation going on within this message board.

https://c.tenor.com/N6rAH_DvvbIAAAAC/casablanca-your-winnings-sir.gif

Round up the usual suspects!!

[IM4X]

I thought this kid had leader written all over him after his freshman season. I'm thinking the Steele years screwed with him, in terms of his ability to be a leader (no one seemed to listen to anyone) and how he fit on the team. Always seemed to be a misfit in Steele's system and I think that's wore on him.

This is exactly how I feel. I am not giving up on Zach.

He has proven he can be a huge asset when put in a position where he is asked to use his greatest skills while keeping his greatest weaknesses from being exposed. He still can be a great leader. Unfortunately, he has had a head coach for 4 years who didn’t know how to best use his talents and therefor couldn’t get Zach to buy into his flawed approach.

I gotta believe that Miller is just going to be a much better coach, but one who will help Free get back on track by using him in ways that will help him shine and the team succeed.

[paulxu]

Next you'll tell me there's gambling going on at Nigel's house.

Nigel fell off the wagon?

[MHettel]

This is exactly how I feel. I am not giving up on Zach.

He has proven he can be a huge asset when put in a position where he is asked to use his greatest skills while keeping his greatest weaknesses from being exposed. He still can be a great leader. Unfortunately, he has had a head coach for 4 years who didn’t know how to best use his talents and therefor couldn’t get Zach to buy into his flawed approach.

I gotta believe that Miller is just going to be a much better coach, but one who will help Free get back on track by using him in ways that will help him shine and the team succeed.

Winning cures EVERYTHING. That crap system that Steel ran didnt work at the beginning, didnt work during the middle couple years, and didnt work at the end. Steele's commitment to something that didnt work eventually was his end.

I think a better system will improve Free's (and everyone's) numbers and will lead to more winning. It will be interesting to see how that translates to an improved team attitude.

[IM4X]

Winning cures EVERYTHING. That crap system that Steel ran didnt work at the beginning, didnt work during the middle couple years, and didnt work at the end. Steele's commitment to something that didnt work eventually was his end.

I think a better system will improve Free's (and everyone's) numbers and will lead to more winning. It will be interesting to see how that translates to an improved team attitude.

Agree. I am more concerned about some of the players coming off the bench who have yet to prove they are starting material in the BE. Can Miller help Miles, Hunter, Edwards and Tandy take their game to the next level?

Help Miles finally get stronger and become a scoring threat. Teach Hunter how to shoot a proper layup so it goes in almost all of the time and teach him to take fewer, smarter shots from three. Help Edwards with his footwork so he can get around defenders in the paint and throw down dunk instead of relying on lower percentage finesse shots (like hook shots and 10 footers) that result in fewer rebounds and putbacks.

[UCGRAD4X]

I'm just glad we have something basketball related to talk about.

[murray87]

Sean's motto: "Mess with the bull and you'll get the horns"

[XUGRAD80]

Over the years there have been several Xavier players that have been suspended at sometime during their career. Some have even been asked to leave. You know what? This happens at every school in the land. The fact that it’s a high profile player who was expected to be a senior leader is what makes this a bigger story than many others. We can speculate on why it has occurred, if it was something the kid did, or didn’t do. We can speculate on why the coach made the decision to suspend at this point. We can speculate on the character of those involved. It’s all open to speculation. But what I’m really interested in at this point is not WHY it happened, but instead I’m interested in WHAT happens now? Do they work their problems out and become a valuable partnership? Does this end up with the player leaving? Does this become a cancer that drags on all year? Does this give others the opportunity to move up and become more valuable members of the team? Do they take advantage of that opportunity? Does the team become a closer group, with everyone pulling in the same direction?

One thing I’ve found in my several decades of coaching is that a team is much more than any one player, no matter how talented they are. Everyone needs to be working together to get the best. And it’s the head coach that sets the tone and has to be the one in charge. He’s the one that leads. He’s the one that picks the direction and decides how best to get to the goal. No matter how talented one player may be, it can’t be the player making those decisions.

It did appear at times last year, from what I could see on the TV screen, that the coach and the player weren’t always on the same page and were not working together. There were just certain facial expressions, body positions, etc. that made it appear that there was some kind of rift between them, and even between some of the players at times. Hopefully this suspension is a step forward toward not allowing that to fester and become a cancer to this years team.

It does appear that the ball is in Zack’s court at this time and it’s up to him to do the things that the coaches want from him and get himself reinstated. Whatever those things are.

[drudy23]

It did appear at times last year, from what I could see on the TV screen, that the coach and the player weren’t always on the same page and were not working together.


Whatever gave you that impression (deep sarcasm)?

[bleedXblue]

Agree. I am more concerned about some of the players coming off the bench who have yet to prove they are starting material in the BE. Can Miller help Miles, Hunter, Edwards and Tandy take their game to the next level?

Help Miles finally get stronger and become a scoring threat. Teach Hunter how to shoot a proper layup so it goes in almost all of the time and teach him to take fewer, smarter shots from three. Help Edwards with his footwork so he can get around defenders in the paint and throw down dunk instead of relying on lower percentage finesse shots (like hook shots and 10 footers) that result in fewer rebounds and putbacks.

Welp, I sure hope you aren't counting on Miller to somehow add 25 lbs of muscle to Miles. LOL

The coach can help with scheme, lineups, decision making, culture, recruiting etc etc

Im not counting on Miller to make layups for the guys. That's grade school level expectation.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

One thing I’ve found in my several decades of coaching is that a team is much more than any one player, no matter how talented they are. Everyone needs to be working together to get the best. And it’s the head coach that sets the tone and has to be the one in charge. He’s the one that leads. He’s the one that picks the direction and decides how best to get to the goal. No matter how talented one player may be, it can’t be the player making those decisions.

It did appear at times last year, from what I could see on the TV screen, that the coach and the player weren’t always on the same page and were not working together. There were just certain facial expressions, body positions, etc. that made it appear that there was some kind of rift between them, and even between some of the players at times. Hopefully this suspension is a step forward toward not allowing that to fester and become a cancer to this years team.

It does appear that the ball is in Zack’s court at this time and it’s up to him to do the things that the coaches want from him and get himself reinstated. Whatever those things are.

Agree with this. One player can, in fact, be a cancer and I'm disappointed that Freemantle's behavior (whatever it was) put the coach and team in this position. I can't say I'm shocked but still, I assumed he had grown up a bit over the last year. Maybe not.

Now, I'm even very interested to see how much Edwards, Hunter and Miles have improved. They all have potential to contribute but, to a degree, all were disappointing last year. Of the three, I was most disappointed in Miles. He put on some needed muscle, but his defense was poor and often landed him in foul trouble quickly. I don't recall him logging many minutes once we moved into league play. Miles also showed little offensive capability and all, I think, we really require of him at the offensive end (besides hitting the boards) is to make layups and free throws. Hunter showed athleticism and talent but played to his weaknesses instead of his strengths and Edwards, who has some potential, was just young and a bit flat footed. I would recommend Edwards abandon the Gumby look and go with braids. If he looks bad, perhaps he'll play better. Finally, right now, we just don't know what we have in Tucker. If Free ends up off the team (not predicting that just acknowledging the possibility) these guys must step up because the Big East is very talented again this year. Can they; will they?

[boozehound]

I don't know that I think that Edwards really got enough time / leash to be disappointing. Young players have to play through some mistakes. I thought he contributed pretty well in limited minutes.

[XU Rocks!]

Obviously whatever it is, he is entitled to his privacy. But of course causes everyone to go to all these worst case scenario guesses. Everyone has already assume player and coach are not getting along. It could be as simple as he missed some classes or a session with Sister Fleming. And if so, I could see coach reaffirming that the student part of student-athlete means you don't get to blow off academic assignments.

[drudy23]

Agree with this. One player can, in fact, be a cancer and I'm disappointed that Freemantle's behavior (whatever it was) put the coach and team in this position. I can't say I'm shocked but still, I assumed he had grown up a bit over the last year. Maybe not.

Now, I'm even very interested to see how much Edwards, Hunter and Miles have improved. They all have potential to contribute but, to a degree, all were disappointing last year. Of the three, I was most disappointed in Miles. He put on some needed muscle, but his defense was poor and often landed him in foul trouble quickly. I don't recall him logging many minutes once we moved into league play. Miles also showed little offensive capability and all, I think, we really require of him at the offensive end (besides hitting the boards) is to make layups and free throws. Hunter showed athleticism and talent but played to his weaknesses instead of his strengths and Edwards, who has some potential, was just young and a bit flat footed. I would recommend Edwards abandon the Gumby look and go with braids. If he looks bad, perhaps he'll play better. Finally, right now, we just don't know what we have in Tucker. If Free ends up off the team (not predicting that just acknowledging the possibility) these guys must step up because the Big East is very talented again this year. Can they; will they?

Hunter and Miles are role players at best. Both could be great at focusing on lock down perimeter D (Hunter) and rim protection (Miles). Neither are going to be guys that should be counted to score consistently. I think Edwards could be a core guy as he develops, but time will tell.

[Murph85]

Obviously whatever it is, he is entitled to his privacy. But of course causes everyone to go to all these worst case scenario guesses. Everyone has already assume player and coach are not getting along. It could be as simple as he missed some classes or a session with Sister Fleming. And if so, I could see coach reaffirming that the student part of student-athlete means you don't get to blow off academic assignments.

It's lack of EFFORT.

[JTG]

It's lack of EFFORT.

I would think lack of effort would be more of a run the steps type punishment, not indefinite suspension.

[xukeith]

It's lack of EFFORT.

Here we go again with assumptions and guesses.
My odds are Freemantle missed classes, got in an argument with an RA, or sold some cash cards to Sr. Fleming. We will never know. Zach will be back. He is a very hard worker in offseason. He won't blow his chances.

[Xuperman]

Hunter and Miles are role players at best.

I couldn't disagree more about Hunter. In fact, I predicted earlier that he will be a starter. If the ZFree situation doesn't get resolved, I'm more confident he will.

Again, I am hoping Coach Miller will allow Jones to hone his skills in the backcourt more. I think the most effective BEast starting 5 is Boum, Jones, Hunter, Nunge and Free (Edwards?).

[MHettel]

I couldn't disagree more about Hunter. In fact, I predicted earlier that he will be a starter. If the ZFree situation doesn't get resolved, I'm more confident he will.

Again, I am hoping Coach Miller will allow Jones to hone his skills in the backcourt more. I think the most effective BEast starting 5 is Boum, Jones, Hunter, Nunge and Free (Edwards?).

Not enough shooting in that lineup. Hunter and Free are below average. Jones has not shown a willingness to shoot very often, although his stroke looked good at the end of the year. Nunge is a good shooter for a big, but I want him underneath as a scoring threat or OREB guy. I dont know much about Boum, aside from the fact that he lives at the FT line, which is GREAT, but probably indicates that he prefers to drive instead of Shoot. We need a guy that can HUNT for his shot. For sure Kunkle fits that description, and maybe Kam Craft as well.

If I were coach, Hunter would be my first guy off the bench for the 3/4 positions.

[drudy23]

I couldn't disagree more about Hunter. In fact, I predicted earlier that he will be a starter. If the ZFree situation doesn't get resolved, I'm more confident he will.

Again, I am hoping Coach Miller will allow Jones to hone his skills in the backcourt more. I think the most effective BEast starting 5 is Boum, Jones, Hunter, Nunge and Free (Edwards?).

You can start and still be a role player. My point being if we are dependent upon him for scoring, we're in trouble.

Starting is over-rated anyway. It doesn't mean much.

[drudy23]

If I were coach, Hunter would be my first guy off the bench for the 3/4 positions.

I can get on board with this assuming he's coming in to play lock down D, crash the boards, and score an occasional bucket at the rim. But if it means he's coming in to hunt his shot, he can stay seated.

[IM4X]

Welp, I sure hope you aren't counting on Miller to somehow add 25 lbs of muscle to Miles. LOL

I’d be happy with 10 additional pounds of fat. Anything give him a little more mass. Just double his pizza intake. Done.

[IM4X]

Im not counting on Miller to make layups for the guys.

Not in practice. Just during games. Don’t let’s be silly.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-4I0Q-roV-g&feature=emb_logo

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

I couldn't disagree more about Hunter. In fact, I predicted earlier that he will be a starter. If the ZFree situation doesn't get resolved, I'm more confident he will.

Again, I am hoping Coach Miller will allow Jones to hone his skills in the backcourt more. I think the most effective BEast starting 5 is Boum, Jones, Hunter, Nunge and Free (Edwards?).

Agree with this and I think Drudy may have to eat crow on Hunter. Hunter has athleticism and length and he has some skills this team will need. He is a decent defensive player. He handles the ball well enough for a frontcourt player and he makes free throws. What he didn't do well last year was shoot the ball----particularly outside the arc. Steele failed to coach Hunter to focus on his strengths and predictably Hunter seemed to lose confidence. Freemantle, Scruggs and others, at times, played with the same lack of confidence. It was Steele's coaching that contributed to the team's under-performance over the last four years and, outside of Nunge and Jones, individual play got worse as the season progressed.

There is, thankfully, a new sheriff in town and I expect Hunter to improve dramatically under Miller. Whether or not he starts, I think he'll get plenty of playing time. If Free takes a step backward or if he doesn't return to the roster, Hunter must improve dramatically for us to have a chance in the Big East.

[xukeith]

Agree with this and I think Drudy may have to eat crow on Hunter. Hunter has athleticism and length and he has some skills this team will need. He is a decent defensive player. He handles the ball well enough for a frontcourt player and he makes free throws. What he didn't do well last year was shoot the ball----particularly outside the arc. Steele failed to coach Hunter to focus on his strengths and predictably Hunter seemed to lose confidence. Freemantle, Scruggs and others, at times, played with the same lack of confidence. It was Steele's coaching that contributed to the team's under-performance over the last four years and, outside of Nunge and Jones, individual play got worse as the season progressed.

There is, thankfully, a new sheriff in town and I expect Hunter to improve dramatically under Miller. Whether or not he starts, I think he'll get plenty of playing time. If Free takes a step backward or if he doesn't return to the roster, Hunter must improve dramatically for us to have a chance in the Big East.

Million dollar question: Do we want Hunter to come back and play with 23-24 X men?

[xu82]

Million dollar question: Do we want Hunter to come back and play with 23-24 X men?

Is he eligible? Regardless, I think we need to see the 22-23 version before having a strong opinion. I think IF used properly he can be a valuable piece for us, but we need to see that first.

[UCGRAD4X]

Hunter definitely seems to have some skills. As usual, the Tin Man neither knew how to develop those and other skills nor use those skills. I think we can expect the new administration to reverse that trend. Hunter should be a good test case for Sean and Co.

[SC in DC]

I hope Hunter makes all-BE, but I think he is who he is. Not very high Bball IQ. Can he fill a limited role, sure, but if we are counting on him to succeed in the BE I think we are in trouble.

[IM4X]

Before we all start getting too high on Hunter “the savior” I think we might want to refresh some memories about his play and his statistics from last season. He wasn’t just a poor outside shooter last season, he missed multiple -ridiculously easy - open bunnies in games. It wasn’t just in one or two games either. It wasn’t just that Hunter missed a lot from three, he forced many unnecessary threes and made other mistakes which allowed opposing teams to go on big runs. He had a 32% field goal percentage last season and only made 21% form behind the arc. That’s just brutal. Ultimately, he became a serious net negative on the count in many regular season games which contributed to some losses. Supposedly, Sean’s brother had some issues with his play at Indiana too.

Can he play smarter and shoot better than he did last season? Well, he couldn’t do much worse. Wait, actually he regressed from the previous year at Indiana so it is possible.

I do think Sean may he able to help develop Hunter (and some of the other players who came off the bench last season) better than Steele ever could, but that does not guarantee any of them will be significantly better. We can hope. I don’t want to be a doubting Thomas, but until I actually see Hunter making easy layups in games and being smarter about his shot selection, I am going to hold off on believing he will dramatically improveme. He does have some athleticism and can run the floor well… but can he be a big help to his team? Can he be counted on to be a consistent net positive on the court this season? That remains to be seen.

[UCGRAD4X]

Before we all start getting too high on Hunter “the savior” I think we might want to refresh some memories about his play and his statistics from last season. He wasn’t just a poor outside shooter last season, he missed multiple -ridiculously easy - open bunnies in games. It wasn’t just in one or two games either. It wasn’t just that Hunter missed a lot from three, he forced many unnecessary threes and made other mistakes which allowed opposing teams to go on big runs. He had a 32% field goal percentage last season and only made 21% form behind the arc. That’s just brutal. Ultimately, he became a serious net negative on the count many regular season games which contributed to some losses. Supposedly, Sean’s brother had some issues with his play at Indian too.

Can he play smarter and shoot better than he did last season? Well, he couldn’t do much worse. Wait, actually he regressed from the previous year at Indian so it is possible.

I do think Sean may he able to help develop Hunter (and some of the other players who came off the bench last season) better than Steele ever could, but that does not guarantee any of them will be significantly better. We can hope. I don’t want to be a doubting Thomas, but until I actually see Hunter making easy layups in games and being smarter about his shot selection, I am going to hold off on believing he will dramatically improveme. He does have some athleticism and can run the floor well… but can he be a big help to his team? Can he be counted on to be a consistent net positive on the court this season? That remains to be seen.

I don't know that anyone said he would be a either savior or a sure thing. With Free out for, who knows how long, someone needs to step in/up. With some Miller time, we think Hunter might be able to provide some relief. How "dramatically" he improves is anybody's guess, but with the skills we all seem to recognize, improvement is (almost) a certainty. As you indicated, getting worse is unlikely.

It's all just expectoration on our part. It's what we do.

[XUGRAD80]

IM4X….don’t start being reasonable and thoughtful now, that’ll get people upset for sure. We are supposed to enter every season wearing our rose colored glasses and expecting every returning player to have made huge strides in the off-season, therefore insuring that X will be a top 10 team and a national championship contender in the upcoming season.

However, I think that your point is right on point and couldn’t agree more. I’ll believe it when I see it too. Personally I’m more excited about what the freshman and Brohm may bring than I am about any of the retuning backups. Don’t get me wrong, I hope that I’m wrong, but I’m not counting on any of them to have made any serious improvements over the summer, as we’ve heard it all before and it’s turned out to be nothing but hot air.

Meanwhile…it’s been a week and nothing but crickets on the status of Freemantle. I wonder where it stands?

[boozehound]

I don't know that anyone said he would be a either savior or a sure thing. With Free out for, who knows how long, someone needs to step in/up. With some Miller time, we think Hunter might be able to provide some relief. How "dramatically" he improves is anybody's guess, but with the skills we all seem to recognize, improvement is (almost) a certainty. As you indicated, getting worse is unlikely.

It's all just expectoration on our part. It's what we do.

I'm interested in seeing how some of the mediocre players improve (or don't improve) under Miller and his system. Hunter as much as anybody. I agree that it's unlikely he will be a star, but hopefully he can be a serviceable player who doesn't make us cringe every time he steps on the court.

[Xville]

Here is what I expect to see from Hunter: filling a role of rebounding, defense, discipline and team play.

If the above does not occur, then Miller will have him sit on the bench. I expect a disciplined team with clear expectations and consequences if those expectations are not met. Something that we didn't see much of the previous four years.

[IM4X]

I don't know that anyone said he would be a either savior or a sure thing. With Free out for, who knows how long, someone needs to step in/up. With some Miller time, we think Hunter might be able to provide some relief. How "dramatically" he improves is anybody's guess, but with the skills we all seem to recognize, improvement is (almost) a certainty. As you indicated, getting worse is unlikely.

It's all just expectoration on our part. It's what we do.

Yeah, I too remember getting so excited that Miles was going to show us a huge leap forward last season- after all the preseason Steele hype. That didn’t really turn out as I had hoped. I’m going to hope for the best this season, but at the same time, curb my enthusiasm going into this season in regards to the possible growth and improvement of players coming off the bench. If they are pleasant surprises this year (with Sean’s help), I will be ecstatic and very complimentary. If they do not improve much, I will not be setting myself up for disappoint once again.

I guess you can say that I am rooting for the bench players to be better - just not expecting it.

[UCGRAD4X]

Yeah, I too remember getting so excited that Miles was going to show us a huge leap forward last season- after all the preseason Steele hype. That didn’t really turn out as I had hoped. I’m going to hope for the best this season, but at the same time, curb my enthusiasm going into this season in regards to the possible growth and improvement of players coming off the bench. If they are pleasant surprises this year (with Sean’s help), I will be ecstatic and very complimentary. If they do not improve much, I will not be setting myself up for disappoint once again.

I guess you can say that I am rooting for the bench players to be better - just not expecting it.

You really don't expect players to improve under Miller? Maybe you think the Tin Man has screwed them up too much to undo. Ok.

[XUGRAD80]

How much a player improves in the off-season is probably more about the player than the coaches. Coaches have very limited time to work with them.

[xuphan]

How much a player improves in the off-season is probably more about the player than the coaches. Coaches have very limited time to work with them.

I believe each player meets with the coaches to develop a plan to address their weaknesses/what the coaches want them to work on in the off-season. Then the player is expected to work on them in the off-season. Maybe it is different but I believe that is what my D2 college basketball player explained to me back when he was playing.

[XUGRAD80]

I believe each player meets with the coaches to develop a plan to address their weaknesses/what the coaches want them to work on in the off-season. Then the player is expected to work on them in the off-season. Maybe it is different but I believe that is what my D2 college basketball player explained to me back when he was playing.

Yep, exactly. It’s up to the PLAYER to put in the work, coaches only get a couple of hours each week with them.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Yep, exactly. It’s up to the PLAYER to put in the work, coaches only get a couple of hours each week with them.

So, you seem to argue that a coach, any coach, is not relevant to whether (or not) a PLAYER improves. To wit, who coaches is unimportant to player development once that player is on the roster. And therefore, we should not expect any player to improve his performance this coming season compared to last year as a result of Sean Miller's hiring.

Do you really believe this?

[xukeith]

What is the over/under on number of games until Kunkel shoots 0-6 or 1-8 from 3?

[IM4X]

You really don't expect players to improve under Miller? Maybe you think the Tin Man has screwed them up too much to undo. Ok.

We really have no idea what the ceiling is for players like Hunter or Miles. We can only look at what we’ve seen thus far. I don’t recall seeing either Hunter or Miles having a game last season where they looked close to a BE starter. I do have faith that Miller can get more out of those two players, I just don’t know how much more. So, while I really hope to see big improvement, I’m not going to go so far as to say I expect it.

[Xville]

What is the over/under on number of games until Kunkel shoots 0-6 or 1-8 from 3?

My hope is that he learns to not force things when it’s not his night, and somehow figures out he’s not steph curry. He needs to stop swaying side to side on his shot, and finds rotation…. it’s why he is so streaky.

[XUGRAD80]

So, you seem to argue that a coach, any coach, is not relevant to whether (or not) a PLAYER improves. To wit, who coaches is unimportant to player development once that player is on the roster. And therefore, we should not expect any player to improve his performance this coming season compared to last year as a result of Sean Miller's hiring.

Do you really believe this?

Not at all. Coaching is very important. Analyzing weaknesses and designing programs to overcome those weaknesses is vitally important. But it’s the PLAYER that has to put in the work…..on their own. A coach can’t do it for them. Can Miller make a difference for some of these kids? Sure, but only if the kid buys in and does their part. I’d like to think that Miller and his staff will be an improvement over the last administration when it comes to analyzing, directing, and motivating, but that remains to be seen if it happens. I’ve seen and dealt with hundreds of kids over the last 50 years that didn’t want to put in the summer work and didn’t improve much. Just going out and playing pickup ball isn’t enough. They’ve got to be willing to do the drills. They got to be willing to put in the time in the weight room. And not just being there and going through the motions either! They have to WORK HARD at those drills and on those weights. They have OUTWORK the competition too, if they really want to be great. They can’t just do as much as their opponents are doing, they have to do more. Or they will never be good enough to beat the competition that they have been losing to. This is a team of players that have not been successful in the BE. If all they do is as much as the other teams are doing, how can they ever hope to beat teams they haven’t beat in the past? How can they hope to be better then them? It’s not just enough that they improve a little bit from last year. Not if the opponents have improved too. They have to improve a lot! They only way to do that is to outwork the opponents. And 90% of that is on the player. The best the coach can do is to put them into positions where they can be successful and to teach them how to be successful. It’s up to the players to execute the plan and to perform.

[bleedXblue]

We really have no idea what the ceiling is for players like Hunter or Miles. We can only look at what we’ve seen thus far. I don’t recall seeing either Hunter or Miles having a game last season where they looked close to a BE starter. I do have faith that Miller can get more out of those two players, I just don’t know how much more. So, while I really hope to see big improvement, I’m not going to go so far as to say I expect it.

They're both role players. I see more upside with Hunter if he can simply make better decisions with the ball. Rebounding and defense are what's needed from him more than anything. I don't think Miles has the athleticism needed and isn't a skilled enough scorer to play significant minutes. He would be better off at a D2 school if he wanted to play starter minutes.

[bigdiggins]

They're both role players. I see more upside with Hunter if he can simply make better decisions with the ball. Rebounding and defense are what's needed from him more than anything. I don't think Miles has the athleticism needed and isn't a skilled enough scorer to play significant minutes. He would be better off at a D2 school if he wanted to play starter minutes.

The fascination many have with Hunter suddenly becoming a rebounder...he had 5 Big East games last year in which he recorded zero rebounds! I guess its because he looks like he should be a good basketball player from his build and how he can move, but I just don't see this turnaround as remotely realistic.

[drudy23]

The fascination many have with Hunter suddenly becoming a rebounder...he had 5 Big East games last year in which he recorded zero rebounds! I guess its because he looks like he should be a good basketball player from his build and how he can move, but I just don't see this turnaround as remotely realistic.

It's hard to be a rebounder when you're planted at the 3 point line the whole game.

He needs to be a completely different player for this team.

[bleedXblue]

The fascination many have with Hunter suddenly becoming a rebounder...he had 5 Big East games last year in which he recorded zero rebounds! I guess its because he looks like he should be a good basketball player from his build and how he can move, but I just don't see this turnaround as remotely realistic.

agreed simply saying his value to the team is defense and rebounding if he can buy into that........

[xukeith]

agreed simply saying his value to the team is defense and rebounding IF he can buy into that........

Biggest "if" of the preseaon.

[cutterX]

Coach Miller needs to show Hunter some footage of James Farr's senior season. That dude completely changed his game from his previous seasons at X and was a huge part of the success that X team had that year.

[drudy23]

Coach Miller needs to show Hunter some footage of James Farr's senior season. That dude completely changed his game from his previous seasons at X and was a huge part of the success that X team had that year.

James also had a couple inches and about 50 pounds on him.

[JTG]

Not at all. Coaching is very important. Analyzing weaknesses and designing programs to overcome those weaknesses is vitally important. But it’s the PLAYER that has to put in the work…..on their own. A coach can’t do it for them. Can Miller make a difference for some of these kids? Sure, but only if the kid buys in and does their part. I’d like to think that Miller and his staff will be an improvement over the last administration when it comes to analyzing, directing, and motivating, but that remains to be seen if it happens. I’ve seen and dealt with hundreds of kids over the last 50 years that didn’t want to put in the summer work and didn’t improve much. Just going out and playing pickup ball isn’t enough. They’ve got to be willing to do the drills. They got to be willing to put in the time in the weight room. And not just being there and going through the motions either! They have to WORK HARD at those drills and on those weights. They have OUTWORK the competition too, if they really want to be great. They can’t just do as much as their opponents are doing, they have to do more. Or they will never be good enough to beat the competition that they have been losing to. This is a team of players that have not been successful in the BE. If all they do is as much as the other teams are doing, how can they ever hope to beat teams they haven’t beat in the past? How can they hope to be better then them? It’s not just enough that they improve a little bit from last year. Not if the opponents have improved too. They have to improve a lot! They only way to do that is to outwork the opponents. And 90% of that is on the player. The best the coach can do is to put them into positions where they can be successful and to teach them how to be successful. It’s up to the players to execute the plan and to perform.

I agree to a point, but how do you explain the NIT run? No one had time to lift weights or work on their game. It was 75% Hayes. Putting players in a position to succeed and know what buttons to press, and who to play are vital to winning.

[noteggs]

I could be wrong, but I see an off season vs in season discussion?

[whopper]

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2022/10/04/xaviers-zach-freemantle-rejoins-team-after-last-weeks-suspension/69540272007/

Could Miller make him into Tyler Hansborough type (less tough but better on offense).. Is that too much to ask?

[94GRAD]

Zach is back!

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2022/10/04/xaviers-zach-freemantle-rejoins-team-after-last-weeks-suspension/69540272007/

[MHettel]

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2022/10/04/xaviers-zach-freemantle-rejoins-team-after-last-weeks-suspension/69540272007/

Could Miller make him into Tyler Hansborough type (less tough but better on offense).. Is that too much to ask?

Yeah, that seems reasonable.

It's not like Hanborough was a 4 year starter that averaged 20.2 points for his career with 2872 career points on a UNC team that won the National Championship.

oh, wait. He actually did all of that.

[XUGRAD80]

I agree to a point, but how do you explain the NIT run? No one had time to lift weights or work on their game. It was 75% Hayes. Putting players in a position to succeed and know what buttons to press, and who to play are vital to winning.

Level of competition had something to do with it….NONE of those teams were NCAA tourney caliper teams. Better team chemistry, momentum, and possibly the loss of Scruggs all played into it. Giving certain players more freedom is also a possibility….Jones in particular comes to mind. The TEAM definitely played better as a group during the NIT than they did during much of the season. Have to credit the coaches for that.

But the discussion is not about how much better the team will play under a different head coach. The discussion is about how much better will certain players get during the off-season and who is primarily responsible for that, the coaches or the players.

[XUGRAD80]

Zach is back!

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2022/10/04/xaviers-zach-freemantle-rejoins-team-after-last-weeks-suspension/69540272007/

Great news! Let’s hope that he keeps his nose clean the rest of the year and that there are no further disruptions. I’ve thought since we saw him as a freshman that he has the potential to be a top quality player. I hope that he becomes a leader of the team and helps lead them back to a level of play that we can all enjoy and be proud of.

[profson]

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2022/10/04/xaviers-zach-freemantle-rejoins-team-after-last-weeks-suspension/69540272007/

Could Miller make him into Tyler Hansborough type (less tough but better on offense).. Is that too much to ask?

Other than being white and the same height there is nothing similar in their games so yes it is too much to ask.

[whopper]

if Zach had a normal junior year he could have been on track for maybe 1300 pts career. I am well aware of Hansborough's accomplishments but the same style of play could result in much increased productivity per min. I think players played 35 min plus in those days and now 25 is the norm even for many stars. I am looking at times esp as freshman and early soph Zach showed good (not great) hustle and had 30 agains UConn and Oklahoma. He has underachieved but i think he has some untapped talent.

[bigdiggins]

Coach Miller needs to show Hunter some footage of James Farr's senior season. That dude completely changed his game from his previous seasons at X and was a huge part of the success that X team had that year.

Farr's sophomore season he averaged over 4 rebounds in 12mpg, and Junior year he averaged over 5 rebounds in 15mpg. His senior year was outstanding, but he was already a good rebounder.

Hunter averaged 3 reounds in 20mpg at IU, and 2.8 in 15mpg last year. He can watch all the Farr tape he wants, the baseline rebounding ability is not there.

[xavierj]

if Zach had a normal junior year he could have been on track for maybe 1300 pts career. I am well aware of Hansborough's accomplishments but the same style of play could result in much increased productivity per min. I think players played 35 min plus in those days and now 25 is the norm even for many stars. I am looking at times esp as freshman and early soph Zach showed good (not great) hustle and had 30 agains UConn and Oklahoma. He has underachieved but i think he has some untapped talent.

I would imagine Zach gets to 1300 points. He only needs 408 points so 12 to 13 points a game would get him there. I can see that.

[whopper]

He has had some self imposed limitations and has at times been his own worst enemy. I also think the terrible drop off of Carter his soph year put too much too soon on him and it showed and maybe Steele could not have motivated as well as it could have been done. I am only worried about going forward. Hansborough averaged 18.9 pts and 7.9 reb in 30 min his senior year.. Could we get 14 and 6 in 26 minutes. I think so. The first 3 years are gone but this is the only year that counts. Time will tell and i am optimistic.

[IM4X]

They're both role players. I see more upside with Hunter if he can simply make better decisions with the ball. Rebounding and defense are what's needed from him more than anything. I don't think Miles has the athleticism needed and isn't a skilled enough scorer to play significant minutes. He would be better off at a D2 school if he wanted to play starter minutes.

I’m not sure how content Hunter would be with mostly being used as a defense and rebounding guy. Those two things do seem to be what the team could use most from him, though. We know Miles can jump high and run the court well, but throw a BE level 4 or 5 between him and the basket and he looks much less coordinated and athletic. Maybe he’s finally gained a bit more confidence and muscle under Miller. Maybe he’s become more instinctual and smooth? Maybe someone’s been helping him with his footwork. Can he at least reach a Jeff Robinson level -Someone who can prove to be a big contributor in games, even if not on a consistent basis? I guess it’s possible. In fact, I would be delighted. I’m just not betting the farm on it.

[cutterX]

James also had a couple inches and about 50 pounds on him.

True but I think we fans would a be a lot happier if he spent more time around the basket and less time around the 3 point line!

[cutterX]

Farr's sophomore season he averaged over 4 rebounds in 12mpg, and Junior year he averaged over 5 rebounds in 15mpg. His senior year was outstanding, but he was already a good rebounder.

Hunter averaged 3 reounds in 20mpg at IU, and 2.8 in 15mpg last year. He can watch all the Farr tape he wants, the baseline rebounding ability is not there.

Rebounding is more than just ability, it's about wanting it more than the other guy. He's plenty tall enough to average 4-5 rebounds a game but he's gotta want it. Effort has nothing to do with ability. Hopefully Sean can motivate his rebounding effort

[IM4X]

Zach is back!

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2022/10/04/xaviers-zach-freemantle-rejoins-team-after-last-weeks-suspension/69540272007/

Wonderful news indeed.

[whopper]

Zach had a decent freshman year..Naj, Tyrique, Carter and he was first off bench. His junior year was a waste due to injury and some attitude issues (and some poor play probably injury /timing related. However his soph year he averaged 16.1 p 8.9 reb. Hansborough soph year 18.4 r 7.9 reb. Both shot 52% from floor. I know Zach is NOT Hansborough but I would have him watch videos of the effort and motor of Hansborough and try to get him to emulate it. That is what i was saying. We were depleted that year and rode him too hard for sure and inflated his numbers a little but both played 31 MPG. We can only look forward to this year. Miller should be able to find him better looks and his physical health will be better(I hope).

[nuts4xu]

Zach is back!

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2022/10/04/xaviers-zach-freemantle-rejoins-team-after-last-weeks-suspension/69540272007/

I am sure he has learned a valuable lesson from this harsh punishment.

[noteggs]

I know people don’t really like the gold jersey stuff, but free earned it this week. Sounds like he got the message…for now.

[xu82]

I know people don’t really like the gold jersey stuff, but free earned it this week. Sounds like he got the message…for now.

Well, it is encouraging. Let us hope this is the “Miller Effect”, and it is long-lasting.

[bleedXblue]

I like it. Shows he cares and is trying to buy into the team and program.

[Backyard Champ]

I know people don’t really like the gold jersey stuff, but free earned it this week. Sounds like he got the message…for now.

I don’t hate the idea of the gold jersey. But I am kind of surprised Miller continued it. Unless of course most teams do this? I have no idea, but would think Miller would change it up a bit.

[sirthought]

How many different ways can you reward someone for showing the best effort in practice? It seems like most programs would do this.

[xukeith]

I believe UNC started the golden jersey or reward program. If it didn't work, then most schools wouldn't do it.

[paulxu]

I don’t hate the idea of the gold jersey. But I am kind of surprised Miller continued it. Unless of course most teams do this? I have no idea, but would think Miller would change it up a bit.

Purple jersey.