Game Thread: Xavier v Morgan State (11/7/2022)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFFVS.https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/662109657096409088/Cy9_RpMb_400x400.jpg




THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (0-0, 0-0 BIG EAST)
MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY BEARS (0-0, 0-0 MEAC)
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2022
7:30 P.M. AT CINTAS CENTER (10,224)

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 as part of BIG EAST OPENING NIGHT TIP-OFF with play by-play from Telly Hughes and analysis from Dickey Simpkins. Coverage of Xavier's game and all seven other BIG EAST games will be available in their entirety on the FOX Sports App and FOXSports.com.
Radio: 55KRC with play-by-play from Xavier Hall of Famer Joe Sunderman ('79) and analysis from XU all-time leading scorer and Hall of Famer Byron Larkin ('88).
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com (http://statbroadcast.com/) and fan stats at GoXavier.com (https://goxavier.com/).

[paulxu]

Get free tickets if you served:

https://goxavier.com/news/2022/11/3/tickets-xavier-athletics-honors-military-at-mondays-opening-night-mens-basketball-game.aspx

[paulxu]

Update TV/Radio information.

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Thanks, Paul.

Committing to synching Joe and Byron with the tube this year.

They’rrrrrrre Great!

[xukeith]

Hope I can watch the FS broadcast later in evening. Not sure if the app will have a stream recording of it. I know FS1 will be looping 8 different games which I really don't want to see.

[drudy23]

Thoughts on the night:

- will the intro video be cool?
- does Enter Sandman make a pre-tip return?
- fireworks?
- is there still discount concessions before a certain time?
- 25 point win

[paulxu]

That doesn't bode well for my pick the score.

[GoMuskies]

Not going to bet this game myself, but if forced I'd give the 22.5. Just too many points for this team to be giving anyone at this point.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Not going to bet this game myself, but if forced I'd give the 22.5. Just too many points for this team to be giving anyone at this point.

So you mean you'd take the 22.5?

I agree, need to see it to beieve it. I trust in Miller, but we still have major definciencies. Wouldn't bet this one but if forced would take the 23.5 points (line I am seeing).

[GoMuskies]

Yes, that's what I meant.

[xu82]

Is this going to be whip around coverage? Bummer if it is. It’s been a long wait, and I want to see OUR guys!

EDIT: I see full coverage on the Fox Sports app. I have enough apps. I’m trying to cut down on apps.


.

[X-band '01]

Yeah, there's going to be 4-hr whiparound coverage on FS1 for all the Big East games tonight. Fox Sports Go lets you watch each individual game in its entirety.

[KabeX]

Damn. Didn't realize how much I missed all my cyber X friends. Been a long off season. Lots of ups and downs. Let's hope we have more ups this season!

[xukeith]

Tip off announced on FS1 7:40pm. THE BE game times are staggered. Watch entire on FoxSports.com

[coasterville95]

Spoiler - they announced in duffs that KyKy Tandy’s will be starting. I’m so psyched and ready for this to start


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[KabeX]

And Byron just confirmed.


Spoiler - they announced in duffs that KyKy Tandy’s will be starting. I’m so psyched and ready for this to start


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[GIMMFD]

Looks like I'll get to watch the first half with the hour preview Fox Sports gives lol, may have to throw on a VPN or something for the second half, but hope it's comfortable, either way we're back!!

[bjf123]

KyKy Tandy starting tonight.


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[Xville]

KyKy Tandy starting tonight.


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Just shows again how effing stupid Steele is. So many guys wasted years on that idiot.

[sirthought]

Wow the Bears are really intense on D.

Good contest so far.

That block was something.

[RoseyMuskie]

Offense looks a lot crisper except for the turnovers. I’ll cut X slack as they get acclimated to Miller’s system.

[GIMMFD]

Offense looks a lot crisper except for the turnovers. I’ll cut X slack as they get acclimated to Miller’s system.

That and Morgan State is really intense defensively, I'll give them credit for that much. You're correct though, looks like there's actually a plan on offense for once. Even with all of the turnovers this is much more palatable to watch.

[noteggs]

You can see the potential in Des, but looks a little freshmanish tonight.

[Xville]

One thing we have to get used to again is getting better throughout the season, not worse. This game will probably be the worst they look all year.

[Xville]

This team is way too quick for nunge

[Xville]

The ball movement and defense… it’s a night and day difference from previous years, and getting to the line by initiating contact. This is what basketball should look like!

[noteggs]

Hunter is playing his role well

[GIMMFD]

The ball movement and defense… it’s a night and day difference from previous years, and getting to the line by initiating contact. This is what basketball should look like!

Absolutely, loved seeing the bench show support for Colby on some ball stops when Morgan State was driving. Smart to take advantage of the Morgan State foul situation, and actually hitting majority of them for once haha.

[KabeX]

Another positive - I haven't complained about the FT shooting ... yet

[sirthought]

I can handle watching this on the app without all the commercials!!!!!

[sirthought]

These Bears are really physical. I'm surprised at the lack of calls of some of the body checks happening.

[KabeX]

Agree but I can't get it synced with B & J. Dicky S might be a nice guy but it's like fingernails on a chalkboard


I can handle watching this on the app without all the commercials!!!!!

[RoseyMuskie]

The other item which has been encouraging is seeing no ill advised shots. No Hunter and Freemantle quick threes. And Hunter is playing in a defined role (d and rebound).

[KabeX]

GREAT hustle by KyKy

[Xville]

Tandy with some great d and kunkel with the reverse. Oh man let’s just skip right to march lol

[GIMMFD]

So Boum's going to be pretty fun to have on this roster

[sirthought]

Two straight three pointers. I like it.

[sirthought]

It's so nice to see one of these transfers that's known for hitting 3s to actually be hitting 3s.

[Xville]

No 3 pt attempts from hunter, free or nunge! Another great indicator of success

[Xville]

Wow, this Boum guy is pretty legit lol.

[bjf123]

Did they say on TV why that wasn’t goaltending?


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[noteggs]

This small ball lineup looks pretty good!

[GIMMFD]

No 3 pt attempts from hunter, free or nunge! Another great indicator of success

Haha Nunge decided to take that one, but I can't blame him too much for that attempt. Absolutely beautiful end to the half after a bit of a rough start at first, god it's so nice to genuinely enjoy watching Xavier play again.

[MHettel]

1st half observations...

1. Way more focus on getting to the rim. My #1 gripe the past few years. Free Throws win games.
2. Boum looks like Kemba Walker. Literally, and figuratively. DANGEROUS offensive weapon.
3. Hunter looks good. Far fewer bad plays that always seemed to negate his good ones.
4. Like the small lineup with Colby at the 4. Boum, Tandy and Kunkle as guards in that lineup wil be hard to stop, as they can all get their own shot.
5. Like the size of Claude

Hopefully we get to see some Edwards, Tucker and Miles later on to see how they look

[KabeX]

Only thing to even mildly complain about is the 13 TOs. And most of those were in the first 10 min. I think this was a good 1st game, especially with the newcomers.

[Blue Blooded-05]

One of the hallmarks of Millerball is making more free throws than the other team attempts.

At the half were 21-24. They’re 2-3.

Solid 31-5 run to finish the half isn’t bad either.

[KabeX]

The other BIG thing for me as others have mentioned is SHOT SELECTION. And who is taking those shots. Big difference so far.

[sirthought]

Yeah, I'm not unhappy with the turnovers as much with how hard that Morgan St team was playing. I think they finally lost some wind at the end because they were dashing in every passing lane possible for a while there. You can't keep that up forever.

Boum scoring 18 points in one half is something to get excited about.
52% team shooting at the half is something to get excited about.

13 turnovers, not so much, but I'm sure it'll be good fuel for practice moving forward.

[Xville]

So refreshing to watch well coached Xavier basketball again. I almost forgot what it looked like. Now we all won’t go into each game with a developing ulcer. Yeah they are going to lose some games this season, but every game won’t be a “wtf was that, and wtf are they teaching in practice” and questioning why some guys are playing, others aren’t.

[Xville]

Meanwhile Evansville is beating aluminum by 11, . 5 minutes into the game after missing 6 threes already

[Blue Blooded-05]

So refreshing to watch well coached Xavier basketball again. I almost forgot what it looked like. Now we all won’t go into each game with a developing ulcer. Yeah they are going to lose some games this season, but every game won’t be a “wtf was that, and wtf are they teaching in practice” and questioning why some guys are playing, others aren’t.

I hate to admit all the times over the past few years when I thought “we played great that first half. I wonder how we’re going to blow it in the 2nd...”

[noteggs]

Did they say on TV why that wasn’t goaltending?


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No they thought it was goaltending as well.

[KabeX]

I think we're gonna hear a lot of "Boum Boums" this season.

[X Factor]

Souley's playing some really nice defense tonight as well.

[xu82]

I gave up and recorded the whip around coverage. I can skim thru and see our guys in no time. I wouldn’t be so cavalier, but I’ll be able to see about 30 Xavier games this year. I remember when I could go a whole season and only get a couple games on TV living out of town.

These are good times!

[sirthought]

Bench guys in with lots of time left. That's great to see.

I really like the Morgan State offense with all the backdoor cuts. That's just fun to watch.

[GIMMFD]

I think we're gonna hear a lot of "Boum Boums" this season.

Yeah this commentary makes me want to jab my eyeball out with a fork.

[KabeX]

Miles almost making me start complaining about FTs again. C'mon man!

[xukeith]

This Hunter is so much improved and centered. Tandy looks good playing defense. Craft and Claude had some flashes. X does need either Edwards or Miles to step up and contribute because Freemantle and Nunge will be tired day in and day out during BE play.

[RoseyMuskie]

The Nunge to Freemantle post feeds are a great way to manufacture cleared out paint touches.

[sirthought]

We have an Edwards sighting!

(He fouls on the first trip.)

[X Factor]

Hunter with 11 points and 9 rebounds...very quiet game where he made an impact.

[sirthought]

Kam Kraft is still looking a bit deer in the headlights, but he's gotten five rebounds, which is pretty decent at his spot.

[noteggs]

Feels like I’m in section 300 (yes I know) during these timeouts

[KabeX]

I think Kraft will be fine but yeah first game jitters. I got a little bored and tuned into OU vs. Belmont (my son is considering Belmont). Wow, what a finish. Should be top 10 (prob #1) on Sport center tonight. Thank God college hoops is back.

[xukeith]

BE teams will dare X to shoot 3's. Kunkel, Boum, Tandy, Craft, and Claude hopefully can make defenses pay.

[GIMMFD]

Not too much to complain about here, some turnovers issues but I attribute that to first game jitters and Morgan State's intensity on defense. Great ball movement on offense, watching Nunge and Freemantle just share between themselves, Colby getting to the rim at will, Boum in everything he did was an absolute joy. Not to mention the defense looked great at times. Freshmen had some growing pains, but that's to be expected. Happy with everything, and really happy to see Miller on the sidelines again. Thank you Xavier Administration!

[bjf123]

No they thought it was goaltending as well.

One of the refs went over it the TV announcers and said something. Was hoping that explained it.


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[xudash]

A highlight missed dunk!

[KabeX]

Vegas is nervous

[xukeith]

Now 5 turnovers for Claude. Best thing about frosh. they will be sophomores.

[KabeX]

What the hell is going on in Omaha?

[noteggs]

One of the refs went over it the TV announcers and said something. Was hoping that explained it.


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Don’t think we did? Of course it was Dickey after all

[xu82]

Hunter with 11 points and 9 rebounds...very quiet game where he made an impact.

Nice stat line!

I saw him take one shot. He was touching the rim at the time. I approve.

[X-band '01]

As Sean Miller said postgame, this was a preview in some ways of St. John's frenetic style that Morgan State played tonight. X was real sloppy in the first 8 minutes before finally settling down. The "2nd quarter" was an utter beatdown and the rest of the game was more pedestrian.

For one night at least, it was nice to see why Souley Boom was a prolific scorer at UTEP last season.

[X-band '01]

Meanwhile Evansville is beating aluminum by 11, . 5 minutes into the game after missing 6 threes already

Well, we got 3 "we gotta do better" lines out of the Tin Man postgame after Miami lost to Evansville. Yeet.

[drudy23]

Hunter with 11 points and 9 rebounds...very quiet game where he made an impact.

Not quiet at all - loud and clear how much he can impact this team in this role. He played a great game.

Also had 2 blocks, 2 assists and 0 turnovers.

[X Factor]

Well, we got 3 "we gotta do better" lines out of the Tin Man postgame after Miami lost to Evansville. Yeet.

"We gotta run our system" "We can't change who we are" "We have to play better in our pack line defense"

More by the book canned answers.

[drudy23]

"We gotta run our system" "We can't change who we are" "We have to play better in our pack line defense"

More by the book canned answers.

I'm sorry I know I should move on, but damn he stole 4 years of Xavier basketball. He's not good.

There's not alot of times where the fans were dead right and the coach was dead wrong - and it was true in numerous things over his tenure.

[D-West & PO-Z]

The other item which has been encouraging is seeing no ill advised shots. No Hunter and Freemantle quick threes. And Hunter is playing in a defined role (d and rebound).

What a difference coaching makes, right?

Guys have defined roles and expectations.

How good is Hunter when he is rebounding, defending, and playing around the basket, as opposed to chucking threes?

[X-band '01]

There was one moment in the first half when Freemantle also must have felt a death stare from Miller when he was about to jack up another 3 in the first half that was taken for granted in the last 4 years.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yeah Free at least looked to think about taking 2 different threes, both open btw, that he was either faking, or decided to not take.

0 threes attempted from Free and Hunter. That is clearly a directive from Miller and, unlike the last 4 years, the guys are listening and/or taking a disciplined approach.

[paulxu]

I see that Edwards at least got a couple of minutes in the game.

[XUGRAD80]

Yeah Free at least looked to think about taking 2 different threes, both open btw, that he was either faking, or decided to not take.

0 threes attempted from Free and Hunter. That is clearly a directive from Miller and, unlike the last 4 years, the guys are listening and/or taking a disciplined approach.

I would guess that the suspension that Free served let everyone know that there’s a true sheriff in town now. No question who’s in charge anymore.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Absolutely.

Did you see how fast Claude came out after just going in the game and then having 2 straight turnovers?

I also don't think it can be expressed enough how different of a player Jerome Hunter was last night. Night and day.

It's impossible to know if Hunter played how he played last year because that was the direction or if it was a lack of direction and his natural instinct was to make an impact by chucking. Either way Miller has clearly done wonders for Hunter.

[Cincypunk.org]

Are Tandy and Fremantle really seniors? Or can they come back next year because of Covid? I have lost track at this point.

Also, is Elijah Tucker a sophomore or freshman? I thought he had a medical redshirt next year?

What happened to Daniel Ramsey? Crap, I’m out of the loop… Steele made me go from die hard Cavier fan to no longer caring.

Thank god Miller is back!!!!!!!!

[Xavier]

Our front court will be a 3 man rotation of Nunge/Freemantle/Hunter. Felt like guys were playing within their role more. Hunter is a great example, sign me up for that all year.

[nuts4xu]

I'm sorry I know I should move on, but damn he stole 4 years of Xavier basketball. He's not good.

There's not alot of times where the fans were dead right and the coach was dead wrong - and it was true in numerous things over his tenure.

The last 4 years have been like an out of body experience. The brand of basketball we witnessed last night was so familiar, and much more what we are used to seeing. There was a moment before Halftime, when Sean Miller called a timeout, gathered his team, called a play, the play was executed, and resulted in a dunk by Nunge.

I am sure Steele likely had some set plays work, but watching that play was a breath of fresh air. I felt like I was watching someone solve the rubik's cube for the first time. Miller made it look so easy. He saw something, communicated it, and BAM! we attacked and scored.

[nuts4xu]

Are Tandy and Fremantle really seniors? Or can they come back next year because of Covid? I have lost track at this point.

Also, is Elijah Tucker a sophomore or freshman? I thought he had a medical redshirt next year?

What happened to Daniel Ramsey? Crap, I’m out of the loop… Steele made me go from die hard Cavier fan to no longer caring.

Thank god Miller is back!!!!!!!!

I am pretty sure Tandy and Freemantle can both come back next year for their Covid year (someone will correct me if I am wrong).

Tucker is listed as a sophomore but I am pretty sure he was granted a red-shirt year last season, and has 4 years of eligibility left.

Daniel Ramsey is at Tennessee Tech.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Daniel Ramsey is at Tennessee Tech.

Played Tennessee last night.

Ramsey started

16 mins 0-3 FG, 1-2 FT, 1 point, 3 rebs, 1 assist, 2 fouls, no other stats

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Our front court will be a 3 man rotation of Nunge/Freemantle/Hunter. Felt like guys were playing within their role more. Hunter is a great example, sign me up for that all year.

First of all, kudos to Hunter and Tandy. Different players, last night, than we saw last year. I had trouble locating Tandy from upper section of 105 just becasue he's lost so much weight.

But, not so fast on the frontcourt three-man rotation. While I agree Free, Nunge and Hunter are our top three, I recorded the FS1 B.E. opener show last night. I saw some very large humans playing for our rivals. Depaul has a guy who looks like he stepped out of a science fiction movie----just huge. Our opponents are going to attack Free and Nunge and playing them so many minutes will make them even more vulnerable. We need a guy who can protect the rim without fouling, rebound and, when given the opportunity, make lay-ups and convert free throws.

Who is that guy? Well, so far, it isn't Miles or Edwards. But, of the two, Miles has the physical prowess and there are, at least, ten minutes of playing time per game (or more) for the taking------if he takes it. It is still early but, so far, Miles hasn't stepped up. In his fourth year, I expect him to be ready, but it doesn't appear that he has earned the minutes. Somebody needs to grab the opportunity.

Miller is a good enough coach that I would not bet against him making a three-man frontcourt rotation work, it is far from ideal

[MHettel]

First of all, kudos to Hunter and Tandy. Different players, last night, than we saw last year. I had trouble locating Tandy from upper section of 105 just becasue he's lost so much weight.

But, not so fast on the frontcourt three-man rotation. While I agree Free, Nunge and Hunter are our top three, I recorded the FS1 B.E. opener show last night. I saw some very large humans playing for our rivals. Depaul has a guy who looks like he stepped out of a science fiction movie----just huge. Our opponents are going to attack Free and Nunge and playing them so many minutes will make them even more vulnerable. We need a guy who can protect the rim without fouling, rebound and, when given the opportunity, make lay-ups and convert free throws.

Who is that guy? Well, so far, it isn't Miles or Edwards. But, of the two, Miles has the physical prowess and there are, at least, ten minutes of playing time per game (or more) for the taking------if he takes it. It is still early but, so far, Miles hasn't stepped up. In his fourth year, I expect him to be ready, but it doesn't appear that he has earned the minutes. Somebody needs to grab the opportunity.

Miller is a good enough coach that I would not bet against him making a three-man frontcourt rotation work, it is far from ideal

I feel bad for Miles, but he's just not anywhere near ready to play at this level. He literally has one thing going for him, and it's size. He started with the length, and has even put on a bit of muscle. But he's slow, not particularly athletic and just has zero skill. No post moves at all, and the free throw bricks made my eyes bleed.

I dont see Miles getting any regular minutes this year. I think he will get some spot duty when we are facing a big frontcourt and our bigs have some foul trouble or situations like that. I feel bad for Miles, but he maybe should have transferred like 2 years ago...

Switching gears a little bit, I was excited to see Tucker out there in what I think was his first game action. I know he came in young as a freshman and redshirted last year, but I would have thought that a full year practicing with the squad would have had him fairly prepared to contribute if called upon this year. I just didnt see anything out of him....aside from the highlight reel missed dunk. Also, for some season I though Tucker was a long, 6-7 type of guy and he just didnt appear that way at all. He seemed more like a thick 6-6 body type, which seems undersized in the Big East unless you have crazy athleticism or just an all around skill set (Colby Jones for instance).

I dont think Edwards lack of minutes means much right now. He's just the #4 big man in a 3 man rotation, and he's playing behind guys that have 10+ years of experience between them. I think we will see him get a few minutes here and there and maybe some extended opportunities when the situation makes sense. He's got to be ready to step in and play next year since I dont see any other bigs on the roster that might be able to.

[noteggs]

I would guess that the suspension that Free served let everyone know that there’s a true sheriff in town now. No question who’s in charge anymore.

Did you notice he didn’t complain on fouls against him. Looked like he started once thought about but just decided to play on. Maturity and coaching are a wonderful thing!

[Masterofreality]

Not gonna add much here, but a few points that others have probably made:

-We are back to making more free throws than our opponents shoot. That's winning basketball.
-Props to Jerome Hunter, and amazing what a real coach can do. In the postgame, Joe asked Sean about how well Jerome played. Sean's answer was that, "To be a really good player, sometimes you just need to stop doing the things you don't do well and focus on the things you do well". That speaks volumes.
-KyKy has been resurrected. Buried for whatever reason (injury last year, partially) but buried by the former guy. Rather than sulking, the kid re-energized and recommitted himself. He's gonna be an asset. And doesn't he still have TWO years left??

Those three points tell all you need to know about the difference between the former guy and the star we have back in the seat. Defined roles, discipline, organization and an emphasis on players vs statistics. Does anybody know who has the practice gold jersey now? The last four years that's all you were inundated with, along with "stops and kills". Glad that trash is out the door.

Encouraging first game, but we'll need more from Edwards and Miles or Free and Jack are gonna be exhausted by March.

[drudy23]

Not gonna add much here, but a few points that others have probably made:

-We are back to making more free throws than our opponents shoot. That's winning basketball.
-Props to Jerome Hunter, and amazing what a real coach can do. In the postgame, Joe asked Sean about how well Jerome played. Sean's answer was that, "To be a really good player, sometimes you just need to stop doing the things you don't do well and focus on the things you do well". That speaks volumes.
-KyKy has been resurrected. Buried for whatever reason (injury last year, partially) but buried by the former guy. Rather than sulking, the kid re-energized and recommitted himself. He's gonna be an asset. And doesn't he still have TWO years left??

Those three points tell all you need to know about the difference between the former guy and the star we have back in the seat. Defined roles, discipline, organization and an emphasis on players vs statistics. Does anybody know who has the practice gold jersey now? The last four years that's all you were inundated with, along with "stops and kills". Glad that trash is out the door.

Encouraging first game, but we'll need more from Edwards and Miles or Free and Jack are gonna be exhausted by March.

I will also add that even though Miller wasn't our coach last year, you can tell he paid a bunch of attention. There are subtle cues in the way he talks to the press that he knows he has to re-build some guys up, and that the former coach ruined some players. He is very in-tune with how to re-build some of those guys. Having him sit out and be able to watch Xavier last year no doubt helped him know where he needed to focus when he got the job.

I often wonder if he was thinking "what in the world are we doing with these guys" when he watched Free, Hunter, KyKy and Colby play last year.

[nuts4xu]

Encouraging first game, but we'll need more from Edwards and Miles or Free and Jack are gonna be exhausted by March.

I hear Edwards is having a tough time learning the new system. Hopefully, it will start to click for the kid and Miller can start to trust him.

[Masterofreality]

I hear Edwards is having a tough time learning the new system. Hopefully, it will start to click for the kid and Miller can start to trust him.

Interesting. Let's revisit after Christmas.

[Masterofreality]

I will also add that even though Miller wasn't our coach last year, you can tell he paid a bunch of attention. There are subtle cues in the way he talks to the press that he knows he has to re-build some guys up, and that the former coach ruined some players. He is very in-tune with how to re-build some of those guys. Having him sit out and be able to watch Xavier last year no doubt helped him know where he needed to focus when he got the job.

I often wonder if he was thinking "what in the world are we doing with these guys" when he watched Free, Hunter, KyKy and Colby play last year.

And how valuable was that intimate week Sean spent here before the UConn game, arguably our best Big East game of the year?

[xukeith]

FWIW Odom had 16 points last night, 4 assists. He attempted one 3 pointer.

[X-band '01]

Not gonna add much here, but a few points that others have probably made:

-We are back to making more free throws than our opponents shoot. That's winning basketball.
-Props to Jerome Hunter, and amazing what a real coach can do. In the postgame, Joe asked Sean about how well Jerome played. Sean's answer was that, "To be a really good player, sometimes you just need to stop doing the things you don't do well and focus on the things you do well". That speaks volumes.
-KyKy has been resurrected. Buried for whatever reason (injury last year, partially) but buried by the former guy. Rather than sulking, the kid re-energized and recommitted himself. He's gonna be an asset. And doesn't he still have TWO years left??

Those three points tell all you need to know about the difference between the former guy and the star we have back in the seat. Defined roles, discipline, organization and an emphasis on players vs statistics. Does anybody know who has the practice gold jersey now? The last four years that's all you were inundated with, along with "stops and kills". Glad that trash is out the door.

Encouraging first game, but we'll need more from Edwards and Miles or Free and Jack are gonna be exhausted by March.

Guess what, if you're a Marquette fan you can still get your fix on the stops/kills counter!

[X-band '01]

And no, I didn't listen to that game long enough to hear if all 50 Miami fans were barking at the 2nd stop or not.

[Xavier]

FWIW Odom had 16 points last night, 4 assists. He attempted one 3 pointer.

I hope he has a good year. But I think if him being gone it gives more time to Tandy, I am for it.

[X-band '01]

During the exhibition we saw more of Desmond Claude than Tandy, but last night was evidence that Tandy was ready when his number was called.

[paulxu]

I'm holding off on Tandy for a while.
27 minutes and 1-5 isn't that impressive.
Couldn't see the game, so am assuming he did really well on D.

[chico]

Nothing to add really except it was damn good to see Xavier basketball once again after a 4 year hiatus. It's amazing what a competent coach can do.

And if nobody else mentioned it, was a nice touch to see a priest at the end of the bench.

[nuts4xu]

And if nobody else mentioned it, was a nice touch to see a priest at the end of the bench.

I noticed this, any idea who that priest is? OR if he will be on the bench all season?

[xukeith]

Nothing to add really except it was damn good to see Xavier basketball once again after a 4 year hiatus. It's amazing what a competent coach can do.

And if nobody else mentioned it, was a nice touch to see a priest at the end of the bench.

Agree.

[Xavgrad08]

I will also add that even though Miller wasn't our coach last year, you can tell he paid a bunch of attention. There are subtle cues in the way he talks to the press that he knows he has to re-build some guys up, and that the former coach ruined some players. He is very in-tune with how to re-build some of those guys. Having him sit out and be able to watch Xavier last year no doubt helped him know where he needed to focus when he got the job.

I often wonder if he was thinking "what in the world are we doing with these guys" when he watched Free, Hunter, KyKy and Colby play last year.

Agreed, Sean definitely watched X last year. How about this quote from Sean about Hunter. " Hunter off the bench just really played within himself," said Miller. "He had 11 points, nine rebounds, five offensive rebounds and that's really what we want from Jerome. We want him to come in and do some of that dirty work, keep the energy up. He's experienced. He's a great athlete. And he's had a really good summer. It was good to see him play well tonight."

The key words in that quote are played within himself. Last year Hunter chucked a lot of Three's and Steele allowed it. Last night neither Hunter or Freemantle took a three. Sean's teams at X and Zona were very disciplined.

[xu82]

I wonder how closely Steele follows what’s happening. He could learn to be a better coach by following along and being self aware. Never too late to learn.

[Masterofreality]

Guess what, if you're a Marquette fan you can still get your fix on the stops/kills counter!

Puke Emoji

[xu82]

I noticed this, any idea who that priest is? OR if he will be on the bench all season?


Was it a priest? Or a Pope?

[American X]

Jerome Hunter Forever! I am glad that I have never said a bad word about him.

I liked the 'Miller Time' chant from the student section.

[Xville]

I have given Hunter a ton of grief over the last couple of years, and now I realize it was simply coaching. The guy looked like an animal out there, and did all the little things....so glad for both he and KyKy to finally receive some real coaching.

[Xuperman]

I could be his biggest supporter here and still say a starting 5 of Boum, Jones, Hunter, Free, Nunge would kick ass. Unfortunately, Coach doesn't see it that way, but hasn't Jones proved to be our best facilitator?

[drudy23]

Steele just wanted to be buds, man. Miller just wants to win.

[Xville]

I could be his biggest supporter here and still say a starting 5 of Boum, Jones, Hunter, Free, Nunge would kick ass. Unfortunately, Coach doesn't see it that way, but hasn't Jones proved to be our best facilitator?

I think it is more about the depth of the roster as to why that starting 5 will never be. Said another way, there are quite a few pieces in the back court, but not much depth at forward. Unless Edwards or Miles suddenly step up and are capable of grabbing 10-15 minutes a game, I think the starting 5 is pretty set with

Boum
Tandy/Claude/Kunkel
Jones
Free
Nunge

[drudy23]

I think it is more about the depth of the roster as to why that starting 5 will never be. Said another way, there are quite a few pieces in the back court, but not much depth at forward. Unless Edwards or Miles suddenly step up and are capable of grabbing 10-15 minutes a game, I think the starting 5 is pretty set with

Boum
Tandy/Claude/Kunkel
Jones
Free
Nunge

And Claude kind of pissed down his leg in game 1.

[Xuperman]

It certainly looks that way 'ville, and it's going to be very effective, because Hunter logging major minutes off the bench is a fantastic option. At some point we will see my 5 on the floor together on rare occasions......getting Jack, Zach and Colby some rest will kinda be the main function for Hunter.

[noteggs]

And Claude kind of pissed down his leg in game 1.

Yes he did.

Not too surprising because this was his first collegiate game and add on a press he’s never seen in practice. Yes we practice press, but different when it’s other teams signature especially game time. Good precursor for SJ.

[GIMMFD]

Yes he did.

Not too surprising because this was his first collegiate game and add on a press he’s never seen in practice. Yes we practice press, but different when it’s other teams signature especially game time. Good precursor for SJ.

Yup, even good for the future for the NCAA Tournament, or if Huggins decides to throw out some Press Virginia this year (no idea, I barely even know the roster for WVU this year and didn't watch WVU's first game since it was on during the X game), I'm interested to see how many minutes Kunk's going to get once he's fully healed up, doubt we see as much as Claude as we did in the first game, but always like when the bench gets a chance to get reps in. It's so nice being excited about watching a team you KNOW is going to improve as the season goes along.