Jerome Hunter is Xavier’s Best Sixth Man Since….

[Masterofreality]

I say James Posey.

Have at it!

[GoMuskies]

...Jordan Crawford came off the bench against UC

[D-West & PO-Z]

Some of these guys I have a hard time remembering if they were 6th man or not but initial thoughts if they were, some good ones:

James Farr
Malcolm Bernard
JP (for a time)
CJ Anderson

[mid major]

I say James Posey.

Have at it!

It's going to be hard to beat James Posey.

[xavierj]

Agree with Posey. Crazy what Jerome has done. He Was the whipping boy last year for the fans and now the fan favorite. Guy was crying during a game earlier in the year out of frustration. Really happy for the turnaround for him. He will Keep getting better and wouldn’t be surprised to see him come back next year and be a bigger focus on offense. He is for the first time probably really enjoying his college playing experience and seeing what he really can be.

[boozehound]

Some of these guys I have a hard time remembering if they were 6th man or not but initial thoughts if they were, some good ones:

James Farr
Malcolm Bernard
JP (for a time)
CJ Anderson

I don't recall Malcolm Bernard giving us much until the NCAA tournament run. The other 3 are legit, although all 3 ended up starting eventually (I think) which lends to a debate around what the definition of '6th man' is.

It's been absolutely incredible to watch Jerome Hunter's progression this season. He has completely transformed his game from last year and it's obvious that the kid busts his ass. It's great to see that translate into him playing lots of productive minutes and having fun doing it. Hopefully we continue to see more and more of Hunter as the season goes on.

[muskiefan82]

That huge MAN-Rebound and stick back against UConn epitomizes the player he is this year. I love what he brings every game. Kudos to HIM for being coachable and bringing the fire every night

[Blue Blooded-05]

BJ Raymond in 2008. Averaged 10 points and 3 rebounds off the bench. Shot over 40% from three.

His three vs West Virginia is one of my favorite Muskie moments from one of my all-time favorite Muskies.

"DO IT BJ!!!"

[xavierj]

I don't recall Malcolm Bernard giving us much until the NCAA tournament run. The other 3 are legit, although all 3 ended up starting eventually (I think) which lends to a debate around what the definition of '6th man' is.

It's been absolutely incredible to watch Jerome Hunter's progression this season. He has completely transformed his game from last year and it's obvious that the kid busts his ass. It's great to see that translate into him playing lots of productive minutes and having fun doing it. Hopefully we continue to see more and more of Hunter as the season goes on.

True on Malcolm. In 9 games prior to Feb 26th of that year he scored 36 points, in the last 10 including the ncaa tourney he scored 95. Probably most remembered for his 15 point performance in the win over Arizona. He only averaged 6 points a game for the year.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I don't recall Malcolm Bernard giving us much until the NCAA tournament run. The other 3 are legit, although all 3 ended up starting eventually (I think) which lends to a debate around what the definition of '6th man' is.

It's been absolutely incredible to watch Jerome Hunter's progression this season. He has completely transformed his game from last year and it's obvious that the kid busts his ass. It's great to see that translate into him playing lots of productive minutes and having fun doing it. Hopefully we continue to see more and more of Hunter as the season goes on.


True on Malcolm. In 9 games prior to Feb 26th of that year he scored 36 points, in the last 10 including the ncaa tourney he scored 95. Probably most remembered for his 15 point performance in the win over Arizona. He only averaged 6 points a game for the year.

Good call. I much remember him for his end of season play and his speech to the team.

[Masterofreality]

Agree with Posey. Crazy what Jerome has done. He Was the whipping boy last year for the fans and now the fan favorite. Guy was crying during a game earlier in the year out of frustration. Really happy for the turnaround for him. He will Keep getting better and wouldn’t be surprised to see him come back next year and be a bigger focus on offense. He is for the first time probably really enjoying his college playing experience and seeing what he really can be.

I really think that Jerome is having so much fun and showing so much upside from Sean’s coaching that he will come back next year.
Another year of improvement like this one plus the obvious love for this Coach can really boost his stock, plus I can see him and Colby both wanting to lead next year’s young team.
One can hope, can’t one?

[Masterofreality]

BJ Raymond in 2008. Averaged 10 points and 3 rebounds off the bench. Shot over 40% from three.

His three vs West Virginia is one of my favorite Muskie moments from one of my all-time favorite Muskies.

"DO IT BJ!!!"

BJ was a 6th man in 07-08, but started all 35 games in 08-09.
That could be Jerome’s legacy too!

[murray87]

Guys like Jerome Hunter and his progression this season is one of the things that makes college basketball great. Keep working Jerome!

[Roach]

This is probably going to be an unpopular take, but I always viewed Posey's reputation as a "super 6th man" skeptically. My sense was that he was only a 6th man because keeping him on the bench at the start of games was part and parcel of Skip instilling discipline in him. Under most any other coach, then or now, Posey would have been a starter from day 1. A few things to note -

- James Posey was a top 100 recruit out of Twinsburg High School, the highest rated recruit in the same class as Lenny Brown, Gary Lumpkin, and Darnell Williams (sigh, Darnell, what could have been :sad:).

- He was a prop-48 who needed a fair amount of structure and guidance in his first year to make him eligible as a sophomore.

- When ruminating on Posey's athletic, academic, and personal development during his senior year, Skip mentioned that at the outset of his redshirt year, his lackadaisical effort and attitude initially had Skip thinking he might never see the floor.

In short, I think Posey was only ever a 6th man because Skip was practicing tough love. I think very, very few college coaches nowadays would adopt such an approach for a player of Posey's talent, which is a clear reflection of the type of man we all know Skip was. It also clearly worked wonders with James Posey, the legacy of which can still be seen today. Since his retirement, he's had a lengthy coaching career himself as an assistant in the NBA, paying it forward. Also, not sure how many of you are aware, but his son, Jace, is a 4-star guard at Strake Jesuit in Houston, and recently committed to TCU. James is also a family man, a husband and clearly a very proud father, frequently bragging about Jace and his other kids on his podcast and on Instagram. I like to think that Skip is looking down on them with a fiercely proud smile on his face.

[GoMuskies]

In short, I think Posey was only ever a 6th man because Skip was practicing tough love.

I think Posey was a 6th man because Lumpkin, Brown, Williams and Johnson had already cemented their spots as starters, and Prosser wasn't going to sit any of those guys for Posey. If Posey had been academically eligible, he may have jumped ahead of Darnell in the order, but why give Posey Darnell's spot when Darnelll was, himself, fantastic?

[Roach]

If Posey had been academically eligible, he may have jumped ahead of Darnell in the order, but why give Posey Darnell's spot when Darnelll was, himself, fantastic?

I don't think there's a snowball's chance in hell that Posey would have ever started over pre-injury Darnell. Rather, I think they'd have both been starters, with TJ coming off the bench when a more physical presence was needed inside. No, Posey wasn't a center, but he rebounded incredibly well and was excellent around the basket.

Tangentially, I still hate thinking about what could have been in the 98-99 season had Darnell not blown out his knee the previous summer. It would have been a special year. I think he also would have had a lengthy professional career. Such a shame.

[cutterX]

Some good replies but the list starts and ends with James Posey. Regardless of why he was coming off the bench he just was and damn it worked!

[Masterofreality]

This is probably going to be an unpopular take, but I always viewed Posey's reputation as a "super 6th man" skeptically. My sense was that he was only a 6th man because keeping him on the bench at the start of games was part and parcel of Skip instilling discipline in him. Under most any other coach, then or now, Posey would have been a starter from day 1. A few things to note -

- James Posey was a top 100 recruit out of Twinsburg High School, the highest rated recruit in the same class as Lenny Brown, Gary Lumpkin, and Darnell Williams (sigh, Darnell, what could have been :sad:).

- He was a prop-48 who needed a fair amount of structure and guidance in his first year to make him eligible as a sophomore.

- When ruminating on Posey's athletic, academic, and personal development during his senior year, Skip mentioned that at the outset of his redshirt year, his lackadaisical effort and attitude initially had Skip thinking he might never see the floor.

In short, I think Posey was only ever a 6th man because Skip was practicing tough love. I think very, very few college coaches nowadays would adopt such an approach for a player of Posey's talent, which is a clear reflection of the type of man we all know Skip was. It also clearly worked wonders with James Posey, the legacy of which can still be seen today. Since his retirement, he's had a lengthy coaching career himself as an assistant in the NBA, paying it forward. Also, not sure how many of you are aware, but his son, Jace, is a 4-star guard at Strake Jesuit in Houston, and recently committed to TCU. James is also a family man, a husband and clearly a very proud father, frequently bragging about Jace and his other kids on his podcast and on Instagram. I like to think that Skip is looking down on them with a fiercely proud smile on his face.

This is an excellent take and report! Good job Roach!!

[Masterofreality]

I don't think there's a snowball's chance in hell that Posey would have ever started over pre-injury Darnell. Rather, I think they'd have both been starters, with TJ coming off the bench when a more physical presence was needed inside. No, Posey wasn't a center, but he rebounded incredibly well and was excellent around the basket.

Tangentially, I still hate thinking about what could have been in the 98-99 season had Darnell not blown out his knee the previous summer. It would have been a special year. I think he also would have had a lengthy professional career. Such a shame.

James had the longest arms I’ve ever seen for a “6:8” Guy.
One reason why he was at the point of the press, an excellent defender and rebounded as well.
He played so much bigger than 6:8 but had the athleticism of a smaller guy. What a God Given package!

[X-band '01]

I really think that Jerome is having so much fun and showing so much upside from Sean’s coaching that he will come back next year.
Another year of improvement like this one plus the obvious love for this Coach can really boost his stock, plus I can see him and Colby both wanting to lead next year’s young team.
One can hope, can’t one?

That's assuming that Colby Jones does come back for a curtain call next year. But Sean would be as dialed in as anyone to let Colby know what else he would need to improve on before moving to the next level.

[MauriceX]

I know he started a fair number of games (16 of 37 his senior year), but I compare Jerome to Josh Duncan. Both big men that Sean could turn to off the bench that would give great interior offense and some grit at both ends.

Duncan's senior year: 12.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.3 APG
Jerome's last 9 games: 9.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.3 APG

[Roach]

This is probably going to be an unpopular take, but I always viewed Posey's reputation as a "super 6th man" skeptically. My sense was that he was only a 6th man because keeping him on the bench at the start of games was part and parcel of Skip instilling discipline in him. Under most any other coach, then or now, Posey would have been a starter from day 1. A few things to note -

- James Posey was a top 100 recruit out of Twinsburg High School, the highest rated recruit in the same class as Lenny Brown, Gary Lumpkin, and Darnell Williams (sigh, Darnell, what could have been :sad:).

- He was a prop-48 who needed a fair amount of structure and guidance in his first year to make him eligible as a sophomore.

- When ruminating on Posey's athletic, academic, and personal development during his senior year, Skip mentioned that at the outset of his redshirt year, his lackadaisical effort and attitude initially had Skip thinking he might never see the floor.

In short, I think Posey was only ever a 6th man because Skip was practicing tough love. I think very, very few college coaches nowadays would adopt such an approach for a player of Posey's talent, which is a clear reflection of the type of man we all know Skip was. It also clearly worked wonders with James Posey, the legacy of which can still be seen today. Since his retirement, he's had a lengthy coaching career himself as an assistant in the NBA, paying it forward. Also, not sure how many of you are aware, but his son, Jace, is a 4-star guard at Strake Jesuit in Houston, and recently committed to TCU. James is also a family man, a husband and clearly a very proud father, frequently bragging about Jace and his other kids on his podcast and on Instagram. I like to think that Skip is looking down on them with a fiercely proud smile on his face.

This all raises an important question - Why isn't #41 hanging from the Cintas rafters yet?

[Masterofreality]

I know he started a fair number of games (16 of 37 his senior year), but I compare Jerome to Josh Duncan. Both big men that Sean could turn to off the bench that would give great interior offense and some grit at both ends.

Duncan's senior year: 12.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.3 APG
Jerome's last 9 games: 9.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.3 APG

Except that Josh can REALLY shoot it from outside and he wasn’t as much of an inside guy as I recall.
Maybe Jerome can still develop that outside shot, but we saw what happens when he had free range out there before.

[joe titan]

This is probably going to be an unpopular take, but I always viewed Posey's reputation as a "super 6th man" skeptically. My sense was that he was only a 6th man because keeping him on the bench at the start of games was part and parcel of Skip instilling discipline in him. Under most any other coach, then or now, Posey would have been a starter from day 1. A few things to note -

- James Posey was a top 100 recruit out of Twinsburg High School, the highest rated recruit in the same class as Lenny Brown, Gary Lumpkin, and Darnell Williams (sigh, Darnell, what could have been :sad:).

- He was a prop-48 who needed a fair amount of structure and guidance in his first year to make him eligible as a sophomore.

- When ruminating on Posey's athletic, academic, and personal development during his senior year, Skip mentioned that at the outset of his redshirt year, his lackadaisical effort and attitude initially had Skip thinking he might never see the floor.

In short, I think Posey was only ever a 6th man because Skip was practicing tough love. I think very, very few college coaches nowadays would adopt such an approach for a player of Posey's talent, which is a clear reflection of the type of man we all know Skip was. It also clearly worked wonders with James Posey, the legacy of which can still be seen today. Since his retirement, he's had a lengthy coaching career himself as an assistant in the NBA, paying it forward. Also, not sure how many of you are aware, but his son, Jace, is a 4-star guard at Strake Jesuit in Houston, and recently committed to TCU. James is also a family man, a husband and clearly a very proud father, frequently bragging about Jace and his other kids on his podcast and on Instagram. I like to think that Skip is looking down on them with a fiercely proud smile on his face.

Not really IMO; Posey did not start b/c he essentially played same spot as Darnell. As you state those guys came in together and instantly started while Posey sat out; Skip knew he could not break up the team chemistry by having Posey vs Darnell compete for starting role. Interestingly still Skip had all 6 in final huddles etc before game time.

[joe titan]

Aaron Williams pre-dates Posey but was 6th man in underclass years; Jason Love came off the bench for awhile too.

[kane79]

james posey was #1 6th man, no doubt. but this says he's the best 6th man since...... and we've had a few since posey. 1 i will mention is Josh Duncan. moving him to the bench motivated him and he became a force. He and Posey are only XU players to win 6th man of the year honors in teh A-10