Kunk

[whopper]

when we got him Jan 2000(same day as ben stanley) i thought we got a frail 3 pointer who would be an improvement, maybe a new Welage. What we got(esp as Scruggs went down)is a solid , creative ball handler, an excellent 3 pt shooter, a suprisingly mid range shooter and driver, an instinctive aggressive rebounder, and ball theif, a defender (who can be overmatched) who tries and a real leader. Hail to Kunk, without him we would not be in this position. A GREAT PICKUP

[Masterofreality]

On Sean Miller’s show last night, Sean said that Kunk walked up to him at practice yesterday and told him
“I’ve given up fouling for Lent” :-))
Joe chimed in: “Let’s see what the refs think about that!!” LOL.

[Xavier]

Jesus, I thought this was some sort of breaking injury news. He is a really good 5th option when free is healthy. That’s not a dig at him I just think when teams forget about him he makes a big 3 or good drive. Though at times when things get tight he seems like the only one not afraid of the moment

[whopper]

On Sean Miller’s show last night, Sean said that Kunk walked up to him at practice yesterday and told him
“I’ve given up fouling for Lent” :-))
Joe chimed in: “Let’s see what the refs think about that!!” LOL.

makes me like him even more.. a sense of humor. Forgot to mention will give up his body fearlessly and a leader

[xukeith]

I am a Kunkel believer. I was not a fan of his ultra streaky shooting in prior years. His defense, hustle, and clutch shooting is much more improved this year.

[xeus]

AK’s success this year is yet another byproduct of Sean Miller’s excellence.

[JEHARDI]

I like him but he is awful defensively, he cannot keep anyone in front of him. He can be crafty with a ball swipe but that is about it defensively. That said, he has proven he can score in a lot of different ways.

[Strange Brew]

I sardonically referred to him as baby white chocolate earlier in the season to an older audience and was shocked that not only did they not know whom J Willy was but they also did not know he played with Moss in HS.

That said and apologies for the run on sentence, Kunks has grown into a great Musketeer. What I love is how hard he plays.

You can’t hate on a brother for being his size. But you know he’ll throw what he’s got in front of a freight train and I like that about him.

[American X]

the great thing about kunkle is making both 3s and twos and not running sentences on, being smart with the ball while understanding how use a keyboard, can be a coach someday at grammar, also defends well against butchering language, calls home to his mom too, glad Kunkal plays XAVIER

[xuwillie]

I like him but he is awful defensively, he cannot keep anyone in front of him. He can be crafty with a ball swipe but that is about it defensively. That said, he has proven he can score in a lot of different ways.

I’m afraid this will be the downfall in march once you start playing good guard dominant teams. Kunkel can’t guard anyone.

[Xuperman]

I’m afraid this will be the downfall in march once you start playing good guard dominant teams. Kunkel can’t guard anyone.

This is an annoying narrative. Is there some sort of statistical metric that supports this? Otherwise it's just an opinion. His positives far outweigh any perceived defense liability.

The one that takes the cake for me is, "Kunkel can't play at this level".

[JTG]

I’m afraid this will be the downfall in march once you start playing good guard dominant teams. Kunkel can’t guard anyone.

I'm surprised we're not 0-30 with Kunkel. A good coach (Miller), hides his team's weaknesses, as best he can, and tries to limit the opponent's best option.
I'll take Kunkel's toughness and grit any day.

[Xville]

This is an annoying narrative. Is there some sort of statistical metric that supports this? Otherwise it's just an opinion. His positives far outweigh any perceived defense liability.

The one that takes the cake for me is, "Kunkel can't play at this level".

I mean you could watch the game without your kunkel love affair glasses. That’s be a good start. If you need stats though, here you go:

https://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/adam-kunkel-player-stats?category=advanced&seasonType=reg


Over 100 means that person is pretty shitty defensively. With that said, he’s very good offensively and his net rating shows his offense makes up for it.

It wouldn’t be as big of a problem if we had any kind of shot blocking or great defensive presence in the front court but x doesn’t

To be fair, boum’s is equally shitty but his offense eclipses kunkel by a wide margin at 123

[xuwillie]

This is an annoying narrative. Is there some sort of statistical metric that supports this? Otherwise it's just an opinion. His positives far outweigh any perceived defense liability.

The one that takes the cake for me is, "Kunkel can't play at this level".

Rewatch the seton hall game or most games for that matter. He couldn’t keep his guy in front of him at all. Even Donny Marshall finally said something. I’d say his positives even out his negatives not outweigh them

[MHettel]

I mean you could watch the game without your kunkel love affair glasses. That’s be a good start. If you need stats though, here you go:

https://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/adam-kunkel-player-stats?category=advanced&seasonType=reg


Over 100 means that person is pretty shitty defensively. With that said, he’s very good offensively and his net rating shows his offense makes up for it.

It wouldn’t be as big of a problem if we had any kind of shot blocking or great defensive presence in the front court but x doesn’t

To be fair, boum’s is equally shitty but his offense eclipses kunkel by a wide margin at 123

I'm a BIG stats guy and love analytics.....that I can understand. Individual defensive metrics for a team sport are voodoo. There are WAY too many things outside of the performance of the player in question that go into the metric.

I bet if we looked at Kunkels defensive rating on a game by game basis, we might find that he's suddenly better recently. So, do we attribute that to Kunkel getting better suddenly, or maybe the absense of Freemantle had more to do with it? I think I know my answer because I watch the game...

I think Kunkel is a good player and has earned his role. After the Jason Carter fiasco from 4 years ago, I think alot of people just assumed Kunkel was getting a "free ride" from Steele much like Carter did. And that has painted many opinions, but I suggest that people just evaluate what they see with their eyes. this offense is incredibly effective and he's a key part of it. the ball moves and finds shots. Its very balanced and efficient.

I view Kunkel as a "shot getter" which means he can get his own shot off as needed. Boum obviously does the same thing. Its very hard to defend 2 guys that can create their own shot. Last year we sorely lacked that skill from our primary ball handler (Scruggs drove alot as opposed to getting a jumper and he very rarely got foulded), and of course we saw a lot of standing around. Johnson was a very good catch and shoot guy. That left AK as the only dude that could just get his own shot and it's much easier to defend when there is only one of those guys and the lack of ball movement limits defensive rotations which means the defenders stay on their guy much closer without the ball.

Back to defense, I think he's Ok. Not great, but he does have a nose for loose balls. He is targeted often and needs help to defend some bigger, stronger more athletic guys.

All told, his offensive contributions more than offset his average defense.

[paulxu]

I think we've had this sort of conversation about Brad Redford.

[JTG]

I think we've had this sort of conversation about Brad Redford.

Cmon, Redford was a statue. Kunkel can and does drive some. And he gets his share of rebounds.

[musketeertruths]

I'm a BIG stats guy and love analytics.....that I can understand. Individual defensive metrics for a team sport are voodoo. There are WAY too many things outside of the performance of the player in question that go into the metric.

I bet if we looked at Kunkels defensive rating on a game by game basis, we might find that he's suddenly better recently. So, do we attribute that to Kunkel getting better suddenly, or maybe the absense of Freemantle had more to do with it? I think I know my answer because I watch the game...

I think Kunkel is a good player and has earned his role. After the Jason Carter fiasco from 4 years ago, I think alot of people just assumed Kunkel was getting a "free ride" from Steele much like Carter did. And that has painted many opinions, but I suggest that people just evaluate what they see with their eyes. this offense is incredibly effective and he's a key part of it. the ball moves and finds shots. Its very balanced and efficient.

I view Kunkel as a "shot getter" which means he can get his own shot off as needed. Boum obviously does the same thing. Its very hard to defend 2 guys that can create their own shot. Last year we sorely lacked that skill from our primary ball handler (Scruggs drove alot as opposed to getting a jumper and he very rarely got foulded), and of course we saw a lot of standing around. Johnson was a very good catch and shoot guy. That left AK as the only dude that could just get his own shot and it's much easier to defend when there is only one of those guys and the lack of ball movement limits defensive rotations which means the defenders stay on their guy much closer without the ball.

Back to defense, I think he's Ok. Not great, but he does have a nose for loose balls. He is targeted often and needs help to defend some bigger, stronger more athletic guys.

All told, his offensive contributions more than offset his average defense.

His offense is more consistent than last year. He drives the ball well. His defense is, well, challenging. He simply can't recover from a screen action. This not only gives up points but, in many instances, creates a foul for the teammate who has to switch on to his guy. My rule of thumb is that if he scores more than 10-12 points, he covers his defensive struggles. He played really well defensively in the first half against Marquette, but has gotten into foul trouble (top 6 in BE in fouls per game) quite often recently. But he's a glue guy and you need to take that into account as well.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

His offense is more consistent than last year. He drives the ball well. His defense is, well, challenging. He simply can't recover from a screen action. This not only gives up points but, in many instances, creates a foul for the teammate who has to switch on to his guy. My rule of thumb is that if he scores more than 10-12 points, he covers his defensive struggles. He played really well defensively in the first half against Marquette, but has gotten into foul trouble (top 6 in BE in fouls per game) quite often recently. But he's a glue guy and you need to take that into account as well.

That's now two descriptive characterizations for which I propose emergency prohibition, on this board, for the remainder of 2023........."Swiss Army Knife" and "Glue Guy".

[xukeith]

I was not in Kunkel's cheerleading camp last year. I was annoyed by his streakiness. This season he is better as he is more selective with his shots and Miller has him playing a lot harder. He is not the best defender but we have seen a lot worse.

He "looks" better than last year. He does rebound well for our X guards.

[XUGRAD80]

Yes, Kunk is not a perfect player. But that can be said for every player out there. ALL of them have some flaws in their game. But X doesn’t win last night without Kunk. Yes, he got picked a few times, and he didn’t shoot the 3 very well overall. But he did score 18 points. He did battle for rebounds. He did fight through numerous screens and took a real beating while doing so. I’ll tell you one more thing, and it’s probably the most important thing about him…he cares. You can fault some of his abilities, but you can never doubt his desire and his effort. The kid was basically in tears last night when going through the senior night ceremony. It was out there for everyone in attendance to see just how much he loves this team and his time at X. I’d go to battle in the BE with a team of Kunkel’s and I’d like my chances. You can’t teach what a kid like that carries inside of them.

[UCGRAD4X]

Yes, Kunk is not a perfect player. But that can be said for every player out there. ALL of them have some flaws in their game. But X doesn’t win last night without Kunk. Yes, he got picked a few times, and he didn’t shoot the 3 very well overall. But he did score 18 points. He did battle for rebounds. He did fight through numerous screens and took a real beating while doing so. I’ll tell you one more thing, and it’s probably the most important thing about him…he cares. You can fault some of his abilities, but you can never doubt his desire and his effort. The kid was basically in tears last night when going through the senior night ceremony. It was out there for everyone in attendance to see just how much he loves this team and his time at X. I’d go to battle in the BE with a team of Kunkel’s and I’d like my chances. You can’t teach what a kid like that carries inside of them.

well said

[Masterofreality]

Yes, Kunk is not a perfect player. But that can be said for every player out there. ALL of them have some flaws in their game. But X doesn’t win last night without Kunk. Yes, he got picked a few times, and he didn’t shoot the 3 very well overall. But he did score 18 points. He did battle for rebounds. He did fight through numerous screens and took a real beating while doing so. I’ll tell you one more thing, and it’s probably the most important thing about him…he cares. You can fault some of his abilities, but you can never doubt his desire and his effort. The kid was basically in tears last night when going through the senior night ceremony. It was out there for everyone in attendance to see just how much he loves this team and his time at X. I’d go to battle in the BE with a team of Kunkel’s and I’d like my chances. You can’t teach what a kid like that carries inside of them.

One Hundred!!! Great post.

[paulxu]

I hope he's this year's Malcolm Bernard.

[noteggs]

Yes, Kunk is not a perfect player. But that can be said for every player out there. ALL of them have some flaws in their game. But X doesn’t win last night without Kunk. Yes, he got picked a few times, and he didn’t shoot the 3 very well overall. But he did score 18 points. He did battle for rebounds. He did fight through numerous screens and took a real beating while doing so. I’ll tell you one more thing, and it’s probably the most important thing about him…he cares. You can fault some of his abilities, but you can never doubt his desire and his effort. The kid was basically in tears last night when going through the senior night ceremony. It was out there for everyone in attendance to see just how much he loves this team and his time at X. I’d go to battle in the BE with a team of Kunkel’s and I’d like my chances. You can’t teach what a kid like that carries inside of them.

Indeed fantastic post! At the game and he was in tears. I was the one basically in tears lol. When a kid like that can move our emotions, that shows a major respect for the kid.

[nickgyp]

Indeed fantastic post! At the game and he was in tears. I was the one basically in tears lol. When a kid like that can move our emotions, that shows a major respect for the kid.

The real question is whether Xavier is a better team with Kunkel? The answer is yes. Kunkel’s tears last night were genuine; the post game embrace with Boum and Nunge was very poignant. Thank you, guys!

[UCGRAD4X]

The real question is whether Xavier is a better team with Kunkel? The answer is yes. Kunkel’s tears last night were genuine; the post game embrace with Boum and Nunge was very poignant. Thank you, guys!

That was cool. I hope someone got a shot of that somehwere.

[XUGRAD80]

That was cool. I hope someone got a shot of that somehwere.

https://twitter.com/xaviermbb/status/1632217660737073152?s=12

[paulxu]

He's not human !

:neo::sword:

[American X]

Adam Kunkel went out like a G. He should hold his head high. I wish he could play for Xavier forever. What a great Musketeer!

[paulxu]

Definition of heart.

Thanks Kunk for the great year.

[JTG]

He left it all on the floor every night.

[Xville]

Played a great game last night and left it out on the floor, can’t ask for anything more than that. I wonder if he will try to play overseas or be a coach.

[Xuperman]

He's been coaching during time outs all year. If he wants to coach he will have no problem finding a job. Miller loves the guy. Too bad he couldn't play at this level, right Caveat?

[UCGRAD4X]

Did not like the intentional foul but understand the frustration of getting your ass kicked and the rest of your team playing like pussies.

Somebody needed to hammer back a little bit.

(The smile afterwards was a bad look though).

It will be interesting to see where he goes from here. Definitely have some basketball left.

[X-band '01]

Looking forward to seeing Kunkel as a future assistant coach. We saw a glimpse of his "coach on the court" earlier in the season.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Did not like the intentional foul but understand the frustration of getting your ass kicked and the rest of your team playing like pussies.

Somebody needed to hammer back a little bit.

(The smile afterwards was a bad look though).

It will be interesting to see where he goes from here. Definitely have some basketball left.

C'mon, unclutch the pearls. It was a tiny push in the back while also swatting at the arm/ball. The guy didn't even fall down, lmao.

[XUGRAD80]

I suspect that he either plays overseas for a few years and then becomes an assistant coach somewhere, or he moves right into coaching next year. I think he’ll be a good one too.

Kunk…..thanks for your efforts and all that you have accomplished. You’re a great representative for X and I wish you great fortune and success in whatever you choose to do.

[Masterofreality]

Nothing but high kudos to Kunk. He was the one guy unafraid of the moment and played spectacularly last night.
He tried to lead that team, but others didn’t cooperate.
I hope he gets a pro contract somewhere and, like BJ Raymond, comes back to X in a coaching capacity.
Thanks for the great years Kunk! Good luck with whatever comes your way!

[X-band '01]

A cameo with Zip 'Em Up would also be welcome.

[paulxu]

His season and college career are on the line. It's the biggest game of his career.
National stage, Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament.

He ties his high score for the year at 21.
What's more, he shoots 80% from the floor....and 83% from 3.

I don't think they purposefully didn't get him the ball more, but the whole game when others' shots were not falling, I'm yelling at the TV to run some screens to free him up and let him shoot.

But what an effort he gave us. Truly defined what kind of heart we want in all our players.

[Masterofreality]

A cameo with Zip 'Em Up would also be welcome.

Absolutely!!
Him & JP on the court together would be amazing!

[xavbball]

His season and college career are on the line. It's the biggest game of his career.
National stage, Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament.

He ties his high score for the year at 21.
What's more, he shoots 80% from the floor....and 83% from 3.

I don't think they purposefully didn't get him the ball more, but the whole game when others' shots were not falling, I'm yelling at the TV to run some screens to free him up and let him shoot.

But what an effort he gave us. Truly defined what kind of heart we want in all our players.

100%. You could tell he was one of the few who didn't want to go home.

[IM4X]

Loved how Kunkel showed up- ready to play: He didn’t get rattled. He never settled for bad shots that weren’t part of his game. He just played fearlessly and he was relentless- which built his confidence and helped him make his shots. He gave everything he had.

If only the same were true about the other X players last night, we might have had a chance to move on. His incredible play should leave him holding his head high and leave a bad taste in mouth of his teammates who another year of eligibility.

[D-West & PO-Z]

A cameo with Zip 'Em Up would also be welcome.

Yep, wouldn't mind that a bit. Nunge as well. That team needs more frontcourt help!

[MADXSTER]

The last X player that I remember everyone clamoring about that he would be a good coach someday is the one and only Dante Jackson.