2023 College Basketball Transfer Portal

[D-West & PO-Z]

I am guessing this had been discussed, but Seton hall was targeting Ousmane too, and their fans are in disrepair right now. Like meltdown mode. They are not excited about the direction of the program.

[webxu]

I like that he has improved his FT shooting drastically in his 3 years.

[xukeith]

I read all three (past week through today) transfers all shoot a lot of free-throws. Get fouled often.
Miller obviously wants a lot more ft shooters

[xu82]

Don’t know much about this guy but from what has been said and looking at clips, he looks big, physical and gets his points at the rim. I like it! Love that miller is building out the roster with more physicality and guys who have seen the weight room. Since Steele, I feel that our roster has been finesse guys who didn’t mind getting pushed around and getting bitch slapped, love the change!

Miller said we were too soft, so he went about fixing it. Nothing is perfect, but I trust him to get the guys he wants to work with.

WELCOME!

[xu82]

I am guessing this had been discussed, but Seton hall was targeting Ousmane too, and their fans are in disrepair right now. Like meltdown mode. They are not excited about the direction of the program.

I was quite familiar with that feeling not too long ago. This is a breath of fresh air!

[Xuperman]

Anyone know any details on the Ousmane season ending injury? He only played 13 minutes in the first NIT game before the injury. They went on to win the tournament without him.

[Xavier]

I am guessing this had been discussed, but Seton hall was targeting Ousmane too, and their fans are in disrepair right now. Like meltdown mode. They are not excited about the direction of the program.

They had what was wildly regarded as a solid hire. And with all the other prominent hires since- it looks like an uphill battle for SH. Tough circumstances, thank God everything fell in line for X to get Sean back.

[XUGRAD80]

NC State basketball transfer Jack Clark sets Arkansas, Clemson, Villanova, Xavier decision…….6’8” 200 lbs forward. More of rebounder than a scorer from what the article says. Not a good 3 point shooter but has the body to play the power forward position. Sounds like more of a Hunter type player.

Find out tomorrow.

Clemson. Oh well. You win some You lose some

[noteggs]

Anyone know any details on the Ousmane season ending injury? He only played 13 minutes in the first NIT game before the injury. They went on to win the tournament without him.

I think it was reported as personal reasons

[xukeith]

X needs this guy to play center.

[noteggs]

Highlights of Ousmane

https://youtu.be/suaNq3vjzCA

[Masterofreality]

I am guessing this had been discussed, but Seton hall was targeting Ousmane too, and their fans are in disrepair right now. Like meltdown mode. They are not excited about the direction of the program.

Pirate fan is in total meltdown mode. All over both Holloway and AD Brian Felt. Their NIL preparation is poor and Holloway is unimpressive.
Butler also lost another player to the portal today.
The bottom of the Big East of Seton Hall, Butler and DePaul has issues. Butler has guys leaving with zero coming in. DePaul has little coming in. The Hall has issues. Still not sure about Neptune at Nova, or English at Providence. Xavier, St.John’s, UConn, Creighton, Marquette, and Georgetown have primo coaches now. Clear separation

[Xville]

Pirate fan is in total meltdown mode. All over both Holloway and AD Brian Felt. Their NIL preparation is poor and Holloway is unimpressive.
Butler also lost another player to the portal today.
The bottom of the Big East of Seton Hall, Butler and DePaul has issues. Butler has guys leaving with zero coming in. DePaul has little coming in. The Hall has issues. Still not sure about Neptune at Nova, or English at Providence. Xavier, St.John’s, UConn, Creighton, Marquette, and Georgetown have primo coaches now. Clear separation

Zero coming in? I hate butler and their fans but do you even try to be honest anymore? They have a top 100 guard coming in and three transfers. One is a 7 footer that is from bucknell and averaged about the same stats as ousmane, another is telfort who averaged 16 at northeastern and is a 6’7 wing that is highly thought of. Geezus, at least try.

[XUBison]

Zero coming in? I hate butler and their fans but do you even try to be honest anymore? They have a top 100 guard coming in and three transfers. One is a 7 footer that is from bucknell and averaged about the same stats as ousmane, another is telfort who averaged 16 at northeastern and is a 6’7 wing that is highly thought of. Geezus, at least try.

He is our resident blowhard. Most boards have guys who are much worse— cut him some slack.

[bleedXblue]

Zero coming in? I hate butler and their fans but do you even try to be honest anymore? They have a top 100 guard coming in and three transfers. One is a 7 footer that is from bucknell and averaged about the same stats as ousmane, another is telfort who averaged 16 at northeastern and is a 6’7 wing that is highly thought of. Geezus, at least try.

LOL, they have the MSU kid Peirre Brooks coming in as well

[X-band '01]

Wasn't Lukosius in the transfer portal initially last year?

[drudy23]

Don’t know much about this guy but from what has been said and looking at clips, he looks big, physical and gets his points at the rim. I like it! Love that miller is building out the roster with more physicality and guys who have seen the weight room. Since Steele, I feel that our roster has been finesse guys who didn’t mind getting pushed around and getting bitch slapped, love the change!

That's because Steele was a finesse guy who got pushed around. Roster construction was not his strong suit.

Miller don't play that game.

I want to send a shout out to the posters in this forum. We were all completely right about what type of players this program needed for success. Thankfully it's finally happening again.

Do we still have Steele if Miller didn't enter the picture?

[bleedXblue]

That's because Steele was a finesse guy who got pushed around. Roster construction was not his strong suit.

Miller don't play that game.

I want to send a shout out to the posters in this forum. We were all completely right about what type of players this program needed for success. Thankfully it's finally happening again.

Do we still have Steele if Miller didn't enter the picture?

NO we would have moved onto someone else.......a Kelsey or some other good coach. But no one even close to Millers capabilities

[xu82]

NO we would have moved onto someone else.......a Kelsey or some other good coach. But no one even close to Millers capabilities

Amen!

[Masterofreality]

LOL, they have the MSU kid Peirre Brooks coming in as well

You mean 3.6 ppg 1.7 rpg Pierre Brooks????? The guy who averaged under a point a game as a Frosh? A guy who’s played in over 55 D1 games with those averages? Shoots 33% from the field?
A guy who couldn’t flourish under Izzo is gonna work under Matta?
Talk about an LOL!!!!
Do better.
Wow!

[Masterofreality]

Wasn't Lukosius in the transfer portal initially last year?

And he is again.

[Masterofreality]

He is our resident blowhard. Most boards have guys who are much worse— cut him some slack.

Uh, huh. And to the idiot above who I wouldn’t even see what he said unless someone quotes it.
Bucknell went 12-2O with a zero roster. Northeastern went 10-20. Nothing of those records in barely D1 Conferences. Oh WOW! Guys were studs in the sewer with nothing around him and probably had useage rates of 1089675% to get numbers. Haha. Not impressed.
At least our guys came from programs with winning records and an NIT winner.
If Sean Miller picked up those guys rather than Matta, this entire board would be on fire—- to burn it down.
We’ll beat Butler’s ass up and down and twice in MSG.
Some of you guys are amazingly ludicrous.

[xukeith]

If every coach in BE would be a top tier coach, just by law of numbers, some teams will finish 10th and 11th . Separation when all coaches are solid? No impossible for all to be good.

[Xville]

Uh, huh. And to the idiot above who I wouldn’t even see what he said unless someone quotes it.
Bucknell went 12-2O with a zero roster. Northeastern went 10-20. Nothing of those records in barely D1 Conferences. Oh WOW! Guys were studs in the sewer with nothing around him and probably had useage rates of 1089675% to get numbers. Haha. Not impressed.
At least our guys came from programs with winning records and an NIT winner.
If Sean Miller picked up those guys rather than Matta, this entire board would be on fire—- to burn it down.
We’ll beat Butler’s ass up and down and twice in MSG.
Some of you guys are amazingly ludicrous.

Tell us all about that amazing rice basketball tradition and the wku team and how great their team was this year as if that matters. This is why you are a complete blowhard. You can’t just admit you were wrong but instead start making things up as if they are important. I’m sure x will beat butler twice, but th at doesn’t pertain to what you said which was that “ butler has zero coming in.” You are full of shit and most on here know it

[Xavier]

Do we still have Steele if Miller didn't enter the picture?

No. They had to fire Steele in order to get their shot at Sean. Even after they did Sean had meetings with SC. Granted I’m sure X knew they were the favorite. But still it wasn’t a sure fire thing.


Also, albeit a very small shot, X still has a chance at Ingram. Kansas is the favorite and unc in mix but X isn’t out of the picture yet

[paulxu]

Have we ever had someone enter the portal, and return to X?
Guess I always wanted Edwards to develop and contribute more, and had hoped this year he would get the chance.
He bulked up some in his time at X, but never seemed to click for Miller.

[atljar]

Have we ever had someone enter the portal, and return to X?
Guess I always wanted Edwards to develop and contribute more, and had hoped this year he would get the chance.
He bulked up some in his time at X, but never seemed to click for Miller.

KyKy entered and returned last year. My understanding of the situation though is that once you enter, your scholarship is no longer guaranteed and the coach/university has no obligation to accept you back

[paulxu]

Man, how quickly I forgot last year. This will be a long off-season.

[bleedXblue]

You mean 3.6 ppg 1.7 rpg Pierre Brooks????? The guy who averaged under a point a game as a Frosh? A guy who’s played in over 55 D1 games with those averages? Shoots 33% from the field?
A guy who couldn’t flourish under Izzo is gonna work under Matta?
Talk about an LOL!!!!
Do better.
Wow!

Man you are impossible and why most of what you say is complete bs.

You literally said said Butler had no one coming in.....

We recruited Brooks.

https://247sports.com/Article/Basketball-recruiting-Pierre-Brooks-Michigan-State-Michigan-Xavier-decision-commitment-top-100-146280042/

Maybe MSU wasnt a great fit. Time will tell.

[Masterofreality]

Man you are impossible and why most of what you say is complete bs.

You literally said said Butler had no one coming in.....

We recruited Brooks.

https://247sports.com/Article/Basketball-recruiting-Pierre-Brooks-Michigan-State-Michigan-Xavier-decision-commitment-top-100-146280042/

Maybe MSU wasnt a great fit. Time will tell.

Travis Steele recruited Brooks. We’ve seen how that has worked out with freshman?
Bleed, I respect you and not getting in a battle with you but Brooks is not the guy the recruiting services said he was. 3.6 ppg in 55 College games says that. If Xavier went after him in the portal with those numbers people would be melting down here. High School numbers and recruiting services mean nothing. Tom Izzo didn’t want him after 2 years. That should tell you something.
Butler is going to suck. They lost their best players -one of the Lukosius most probably- and are replacing them with guys from low conferences from badly losing teams that had inflated stats cause they had no one else around them.
People on here defending Butler is incredible. I’ll be laughing my ass off next year when they, DePaul and Seton Hall are battling to stay out of the cellar.

[Final4]

There are people on this board that personally know this buffoon, MOR, correct? Why doesn’t someone who knows him, tackle him, and tell him it may be in his best interest to stop posting for a while. His obsession with being THE superfan, to be recognized as a MAJOR donor and someone so close to the program he’s afforded inside information, is driving him to post things that make him look foolish.

[Xville]

Now he tries to skew it to people on here “defending butler.” The linguistic gymnastics this joke of a poster goes thru to not admit he was wrong is outstanding. No one is defending butler, we are simply pointing out that as always you post incorrect info as evidenced by a simple Google search.

[XUBison]

There are people on this board that personally know this buffoon, MOR, correct? Why doesn’t someone who knows him, tackle him, and tell him it may be in his best interest to stop posting for a while. His obsession with being THE superfan, to be recognized as a MAJOR donor and someone so close to the program he’s afforded inside information, is driving him to post things that make him look foolish.

In this case, “Insider” = groupie/hanger-on. Nothing more.

[Xavier]

He did give me info throughout the Steele/Miller transition that was 6-12 hours ahead of what I was seeing on boards. And some info on Steele last ditch effort to stay that I didn’t see for a couple weeks after.

I do agree he is over the top. And he rubs me the wrong way too. But he did have some sort of source during the transition that was right, at least.

[Masterofreality]

He did give me info throughout the Steele/Miller transition that was 6-12 hours ahead of what I was seeing on boards. And some info on Steele last ditch effort to stay that I didn’t see for a couple weeks after.

I do agree he is over the top. And he rubs me the wrong way too. But he did have some sort of source during the transition that was right, at least.

Hahaha! Thanks Xavier.
I’m like JP Macura on here. My brand is to rub people the wrong way. It’s fine if some thin minds don’t get it. The ones who count do.
Mods are free to ban me at any time. Trolls will be trolls.
GO X!!

[Uncle Joe]

Wow, the piling-on over this Butler deal reminds me of an old biblical story:

While Jesus was wondering thru the desert one day he came across a mob that was about to stone a sinner. Jesus interrupted, and exclaimed, "he that is without sin among you, let him be first to cast a stone!" All of a sudden, out of the crowd, a stone flew thru the air and struck the sinner in the head and immediately killed him. Jesus looked around, and said, "oh c'mon mom, why must you always embarrass me!"

[Final4]

He did give me info throughout the Steele/Miller transition that was 6-12 hours ahead of what I was seeing on boards. And some info on Steele last ditch effort to stay that I didn’t see for a couple weeks after.

I do agree he is over the top. And he rubs me the wrong way too. But he did have some sort of source during the transition that was right, at least.


That's not my recollection AT ALL. I recall the day Steele was fired MOR was doing his typical "my sources say he's staying, my sources say he's leaving", alternating between the two every few hours. When most everyone around town (who were interested in the proceedings) knew that Steele had been fired MOR was still waffling on this board.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

On this board, I love a person with opinions. Any person but particularly a poster with strong opinions. I may or may not agree with MOR but this board is far better with him than without him. He is just one of many on here who help make this an interesting place. Keep posting MOR. Always want to know your thoughts.

[bobbiemcgee]

Hahaha! Thanks Xavier.
I’m like JP Macura on here. My brand is to rub people the wrong way. It’s fine if some thin minds don’t get it. The ones who count do.
Mods are free to ban me at any time. Trolls will be trolls.
GO X!!

MOR like Dedrick Finn.

[Masterofreality]

Guard Max Shulga from Utah State on campus for a visit today.

[xukeith]

Can Max Shulga play some 3? He is a good offensive weapon.

[GoMuskies]

Not done, eh? We have 2 spots left assuming Free stays?

[muskiefan82]

Guard Max Shulga from Utah State on campus for a visit today.

That's Mountain West Conference. I guess CUSA was getting perturbed. LOL. Good size for a guard. International player as well.

[noteggs]

That's Mountain West Conference. I guess CUSA was getting perturbed. LOL. Good size for a guard. International player as well.

Maybe they ran out of good players to steal?

[GoMuskies]

Maybe they ran out of good players to steal?

FAU appreciates our efforts to make their 2024 easier but certainly disputes that C-USA is out of talented players!

Hell, nevermind, I didn't realize they were moving to the AAC. Looking forward to seeing them play in Wichita next year!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Guard Max Shulga from Utah State on campus for a visit today.

Interesting. What it seems that we really need is a wing with some versatility. However, Miller loves his guards, and it seems pretty obvious he's going to be playing about 3 of them together at all times.

This guy shot 45% from 3 two years ago and 36.4% last year. That'll do!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Not done, eh? We have 2 spots left assuming Free stays?

I thought only 1.

[Masterofreality]

MOR like Dedrick Finn.

Yes. I don’t tolerate dogs, but make huge 3 pointers. And loves X

[muskiefan82]

Interesting. What it seems that we really need is a wing with some versatility. However, Miller loves his guards, and it seems pretty obvious he's going to be playing about 3 of them together at all times.

This guy shot 45% from 3 two years ago and 36.4% last year. That'll do!

He is 6'4' which is good size for a guard

[Masterofreality]

He is 6'4' which is good size for a guard

Played for a winner. A 26-9 team that made the NCAA. Love guys with size & experience.
This seems t close the book on Shedrick, unless the enigma that is Free has been sending vibes.

[bobbiemcgee]

He could get drafted by Ukraine.

[xu82]

He could get drafted by Ukraine.

That’s not the kind of draft our guys are looking for.

[X-band '01]

Dammit I can't rep 82 for that one.

[Masterofreality]

Dammit I can't rep 82 for that one.

Got him for ya! ;-)

[Three Point Pete]

X needs this guy to play center.Good call Keith.
Abou we are rooting for you.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230419/925cbf7f71fa88cc413450bf86392af5.jpg

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

[MHettel]

the kid from Utah St pretty much put up Kunkel numbers from last year. I'd take him.

We'd be very deep. Depth was out issue last year, and cost us some games when Free went down and possibly a better seed.

[Xville]

I don’t know how you keep everyone happy if we were to add yet another guard, but I guess with the freshmen you just say these guys will only be here a year.

[paulxu]

I'll take rosters for $600 Alex.

A wing with some versatility.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

the kid from Utah St pretty much put up Kunkel numbers from last year. I'd take him.

We'd be very deep. Depth was out issue last year, and cost us some games when Free went down and possibly a better seed.

I don't get this. We already are very deep. We've got at least six guys capable of playing the "1", "2" and "3" positions. We've got Free, Hunter and Swain who can play the "4" position and we've got three guys who can play the "5". There isn't much of a need for more players outside of covering the possibility of multiple injuries. And, if Free decides not to return, this particular individual doesn't help us plug that hole.

While playing time is earned and I'm sure we won't guarantee that to any player, adding more players than we can use, doesn't seem to be a sound strategy for future recruiting.

[Xavier]

I don’t know, I think it all gives so much more flexibility. Better defensive line ups when needed etc.

But more so, you never really know who will hit coming from lower league. Boum was obviously a success and I trust Miller but I don’t really anticipate all the transfers to always work out. Load up and see what shakes out, I don’t really mind that. Plus it doesn’t seem to me like we have a clear cut SF. I expect a lot of three guard line ups.

Future recruiting won’t be affected one bit depending on success. I keep thinking how important that comeback win in round one was to this portal recruiting.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I don’t know how you keep everyone happy if we were to add yet another guard, but I guess with the freshmen you just say these guys will only be here a year.

Its a concern, but a small one imo. Stock pile as much talent as you can, and let the chips fall where they may.

Olivari only has one year, but McKnight I am almost positive has 2 years remaining if he wants to use 2. Same with Shulga from Utah State.

Ousmane (not a guard, I know) also has 2 years remaining.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I don't get this. We already are very deep. We've got at least six guys capable of playing the "1", "2" and "3" positions. We've got Free, Hunter and Swain who can play the "4" position and we've got three guys who can play the "5". There isn't much of a need for more players outside of covering the possibility of multiple injuries. And, if Free decides not to return, this particular individual doesn't help us plug that hole.

While playing time is earned and I'm sure we won't guarantee that to any player, adding more players than we can use, doesn't seem to be a sound strategy for future recruiting.

What 3 guys can play the 5?

I don't know how any Xavier fan can feel confident on any freshmen coming into the program being immediate contributors. I mean I guess that hopefully changes under Miller but we don't have a great track record of immediate contributors right out of high school lately. I think the hope is one guy is ready to significantly contribute right away.

People were probably talking about Kam Craft and how much he was going to contribute next year, at this time last year. We had major depth issues and he couldn't get on the floor (even before injury).

There is just such an adjustment for those guys that if you can bring in proven college commodities, you have to do it.

Miller knows what he's doing. He knows what he has and what he doesnt, and what he wants.

And I am sure he doesn't want another season that has great potential, get derailed by injury and depth issues.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Future recruiting won’t be affected one bit depending on success. I keep thinking how important that comeback win in round one was to this portal recruiting.

Yeah, agree with that. It was big. For Miller to be able to show his track record at X the first time, then his success at Arizona, and then to say hey, this program (with all their past success) missed 4 straight tourneys, I came back and instantly got them back in the sweet 16, is a powerful message to be able to tell recruits.

[sirthought]

Get the roster depth as loaded as you can!

Better practice competition leads to earning more floor time that is truly deserved.

And these transfers have played on squads that aren't so loaded. They know that one or two key injuries can really slow everyone down. Might as well get enough players to keep forward momentum.

But the entire makeup is going to be so different this season. It's good coach is trying to up the competition. These guys haven't played in the Big East yet. There will be a notable difference for them over the long haul.

The returning players have a good advantage. Craft and Claude will make a jump, as long as they are healthy over the summer. Hunter and Freemantle will be looking to solidify and even out their play. I don't know if it's so important that the transfers start as much as we have strong options on the bench.

[IM4X]

This guy shot 45% from 3 two years ago and 36.4% last year. That'll do!

Yes… We defiantly could use another sharp shooter. That’ll do indeed.

[MHettel]

I do feel like you can get in a vicious cycle where young guys don’t develop because we keep bringing in older free agents to take all the minutes. Rince and repeat forever. How do you break that cycle?

I also have little concern about proven transfers being able to contribute at this level. XU has had probably 20 transfer players in the last 15 years. Pretty much every last one of them did exactly what they did at their old school. I’ve observed that there is a much lower degree of uncertainty with transfers.

I think a key is just playing a longer rotation. There isn’t any need to run a guy for 35-36 minutes a game. Boum wore down a little towards the end. Jack wore down during games. If you can let your freshmen develop and also fill foster holes with transfers it can work.

Final thought. The 5th year Covid rule will end after next season. That will slow things down a little. There is currently a big glut of older guys with eligibility. For every guy that plays a 5th year, it means a would be freshman wasn’t able to play. So in theory, the “worst” potential D1 guys over the last 3 years never even got to D1 at all. That will unwind next year.

[xavierj]

Its a concern, but a small one imo. Stock pile as much talent as you can, and let the chips fall where they may.

Olivari only has one year, but McKnight I am almost positive has 2 years remaining if he wants to use 2. Same with Shulga from Utah State.

Ousmane (not a guard, I know) also has 2 years remaining.

I think Sean is making sure to protect the unknown. Next years roster will have 4 freshman and two guys that we don’t know if they will be healthy, Craft and Freemantle. That’s half of the roster. The best players will play the most, regardless of who they are.

[XUGRAD80]

I’ve no doubt that if X last year had a larger backup roster with players of a higher quality and more potential for improvement, that Miller would have played them a lot more. Unfortunately, the people that are all transferring out were not high quality players and likely never will be. There are (hopefully) going to be more Colby Jones type players at X in the near future, and less players that just can’t cut it at the BE/national contender level of competition. If X becomes a place where early entry players are common, there will be no need to worry much about younger players transferring out because of seeing no future here. X will never be a KY like school with tons of one and done players. But I don’t see it becoming a place where players stay 3 years without playing and then become starters as seniors, either. X is going to bring in freshman that play right away and it is going to bring in freshman that need a year of growth and improvement before playing as regulars. I don’t see X continuing to lose 50-75% of its roster every year either. This year is unique for sure.

[Masterofreality]

Final thought. The 5th year Covid rule will end after next season. That will slow things down a little. There is currently a big glut of older guys with eligibility. For every guy that plays a 5th year, it means a would be freshman wasn’t able to play. So in theory, the “worst” potential D1 guys over the last 3 years never even got to D1 at all. That will unwind next year.

Hett hits the target here. This Covid year has really bastardized recruiting, but it sure seems to have helped the little guys be more competitive for *reasons. I also think it means that more potential freshmen will wait a year and go to prep school for a year thereby making them more college ready. I doubt you’ll see too many 17 year olds on rosters until the Covid year stuff ends.
I for one will be glad when it expires.

[muskiefan82]

Was Xavier ever interested in Nkamhoua from Tennessee? He seems like the right fit for this team next year.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Final thought. The 5th year Covid rule will end after next season. That will slow things down a little. There is currently a big glut of older guys with eligibility. For every guy that plays a 5th year, it means a would be freshman wasn’t able to play. So in theory, the “worst” potential D1 guys over the last 3 years never even got to D1 at all. That will unwind next year.

The 5th year covid exception does not end after next season.

The season in questions that did not count was the 2020-2021 season.

Under normal circustances a guy who was a freshman that year would be eligibile to play:

2020-2021
2021-2022
2022-2023
2023-2024 (last year)

Since 2020-2021 did not count against eligibility, anyone who was a freshman that season can return for the 2024-2025 season.

So we have this coming season and the season after still where there will be extra players in the portal/college basketball in general.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I also have little concern about proven transfers being able to contribute at this level. XU has had probably 20 transfer players in the last 15 years. Pretty much every last one of them did exactly what they did at their old school. I’ve observed that there is a much lower degree of uncertainty with transfers.



I am a little confused here about this part. Did you mean high school recruits? If so, I totally agree.

This year 3 of our 4 transfers have multiple years remaining. I feel like that is a real sweet spot if you can get those types of proven transfers. Guys like Nunge. I think that takes the sting out of it for the people who don't like this new way of college basketball with guys coming and going, and not seeing 4 year players develop over time, and feeling connections to them.

Get some Nunge types, and add a Boum type in too, and hit on at least some fo your freshman class, and you are cooking.

I trust Miller to navigate this landscape in the best way he sees for Xavier and Xavier's success and ultimate goals of getting to a Final 4 and winning a championship.

I sure as shit won't care how many years the guys were at X on the 1st team that gets us there! Just get us there Miller!

[muskiefan82]

I am a little confused here about this part. Did you mean high school recruits? If so, I totally agree.

This year 3 of our 4 transfers have multiple years remaining. I feel like that is a real sweet spot if you can get those types of proven transfers. Guys like Nunge. I think that takes the sting out of it for the people who don't like this new way of college basketball with guys coming and going, and not seeing 4 year players develop over time, and feeling connections to them.

Get some Nunge types, and add a Boum type in too, and hit on at least some fo your freshman class, and you are cooking.

I trust Miller to navigate this landscape in the best way he sees for Xavier and Xavier's success and ultimate goals of getting to a Final 4 and winning a championship.

I sure as shit won't care how many years the guys were at X on the 1st team that gets us there! Just get us there Miller!

Agreed. I want to enjoy two additional things about where this program is now. Imagine if this were 1982 and the transfer portal existed the way it does now. Xavier would likely not be able to find diamonds in the rough and develop them for 4 years and become what we experience today. It is BECAUSE of the vision 45ish years ago and Xavier's ability to take every advantage during those years that X is now in a position to use the portal for an advantage. I just want to thank Dr. Bill Daily (and many others) for their work so long ago that made this program a beneficiary of the new situation instead of a provider to the bigger programs. And second, because of that work, X moved up and on to bigger and better affiliations and success to the point that one of the best basketball minds RETURNED to X because it's the high end of college basketball in EVERY SINGLE WAY.

I said two, but honestly after watching the highlight videos of our newest transfers from the CUSA, the Cintas Center and all of us who fill it every year is so beyond what you see at these other places. So much fun to have been a part of this since my first bench seat at Schmidt. The journey has been so much fun and it feels like it is only going to get better from here. Go X!

[Masterofreality]

Dieonte Miles lands at Morehead State!
Good luck Kid. Kill it there!!

[xu82]

Yep, wish him all the best!

[IM4X]

Absolutely. Happy for Dieonte!

I’m a little surprised Travis didn’t try to scoop him up. Or did he?

[muskiefan82]

Who wouldn't want to go to a university named Morehead? Except maybe if you are going to Ball State. Maybe.

[atljar]

Who wouldn't want to go to a university named Morehead? Except maybe if you are going to Ball State. Maybe.

Virginia? Oral Roberts? Chattahoochee Valley?

(Is the off-season over yet???!!!)

[Masterofreality]

Cesare Edwards to Missouri State.
Good luck Cesare! Rule while you are there!!

[Xville]

Cj fredrick just entered the portal again. I wonder if there is any interest on either side. The guy doesn’t seem to be able to stay healthy

[D-West & PO-Z]

Cj fredrick just entered the portal again. I wonder if there is any interest on either side. The guy doesn’t seem to be able to stay healthy

He would have to sit a year? Or did he graduate is would be able to play right away as a grad transfer?

[Xville]

He would have to sit a year? Or did he graduate is would be able to play right away as a grad transfer?

My understanding is he has graduated. He’s never really interested me, I think he’s basically kunkel with even less athleticism but I know x was interested in him the last time—-albeit that was steele

[Masterofreality]

Graham Ike & Ryan Nembhard to Gonzaga.
How do they keep getting these guys????

[Xville]

Nembhard and Ike both committed to gonzaga today. My disdain for that school grows larger every day. Seriously, fuck them

[xuphan]

Nembhard and Ike both committed to gonzaga today. My disdain for that school grows larger every day. Seriously, fuck them

Disdain or jealousy?

[GoMuskies]

Yeah, fuck Gonzaga for.....being good and an attractive destination for players. Assholes!

[Xville]

Mostly disdain. They are duke to me without the titles. They always have some douchey white guy with a punchable face—-it’s been timme the last few years.

[Three Point Pete]

Graham Ike & Ryan Nembhard to Gonzaga.
How do they keep getting these guys????Well, these guys, in particular, are not a surprise. Ryan is following in brother Andrew's footsteps, and Graham is a Washington guy, who is an upgrade over Efton Reid to replace Timme.

IMO, you can just give Ryan the WCC poy [emoji146] next year.

I am wondering what will happen to Nolan Hickman, Zags current PG with 28 mins. per game?

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

[xavierj]

Well, these guys, in particular, are not a surprise. Ryan is following in brother Andrew's footsteps, and Graham is a Washington guy, who is an upgrade over Efton Reid to replace Timme.

IMO, you can just give Ryan the WCC poy [emoji146] next year.

I am wondering what will happen to Nolan Hickman, Zags current PG with 28 mins. per game?

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

Ike played high school in Colorado and college at Wyoming.

[XUBison]

Mostly disdain. They are duke to me without the titles. They always have some douchey white guy with a punchable face—-it’s been timme the last few years.

Yep. Once Adam Morrison was sobbing on the court while the game was still being played, that did it for me.

[IM4X]

Yeah, fuck Gonzaga for.....being good and an attractive destination for players. Assholes!
Yeah… and for having an extremely nice, classy, well respected, elite level coach who chose to stick around and be a lifer in a town he loves, loyal to the university that gave him his big opportunity to be a head coach and committed to turning that small, mid major program from a rather unremarkable conference into a national powerhouse… instead of selfishly bolting for one of the much larger, “whatever it takes to win” universities willing to offer him stacks of money to leave.

[X-band '01]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xCXYcnhSj4

[Xville]

Yep. Once Adam Morrison was sobbing on the court while the game was still being played, that did it for me.

Yep. I honestly think it’s really weird that there are some in here that are fans of theirs. They are basically a mix of duke and butler with more douchey white guys and more prolonged success.

[noteggs]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xCXYcnhSj4

That was freaking hilarious!

Thanks for sharing!

[JTG]

Yep. I honestly think it’s really weird that there are some in here that are fans of theirs. They are basically a mix of duke and butler with more douchey white guys and more prolonged success.

That's the best description I have ever heard for Gonzaga, a mixture of Duke & Butler with douchey white guys.

[paulxu]

Great clip.
The eat a bag of dicks comment should bring Nuts around.

[Masterofreality]

That's the best description I have ever heard for Gonzaga, a mixture of Duke & Butler with douchey white guys.

Who unfortunately beats us every time we play them :-(

[Xavier]

I don’t hate Gonzaga at all. There was certainly a time when X and Gonzaga were similar paths. They’ve obviously surpassed us at this point. Still, I just can’t imagine being a season ticket holder for them. They play big schools but never at home and for the bulk of the season. The majority of games you attend/ they just blow teams out. Do I enjoy a relaxing game where X rolls a bad team? Sure. But seeing it every game would get boring. Big time games at home are hard to beat. The environment is great.

[XUBison]

Yeah… and for having an extremely nice, classy, well respected, elite level coach who chose to stick around and be a lifer in a town he loves, loyal to the university that gave him his big opportunity to be a head coach and committed to turning that small, mid major program from a rather unremarkable conference into a national powerhouse… instead of selfishly bolting for one of the much larger, “whatever it takes to win” universities willing to offer him stacks of money to leave.

Whoever said fandom is supposed to follow substance? :) I mean, haven’t you ever liked a random team because they had cool uniforms, or hated one because they didn’t?

Gonzaga isn’t the Little Engine that Could anymore. Their own fans can love them for all the reasons you described. I don’t even disagree, but I don’t have to cheer for them because of it. They have earned everything that comes with being a powerhouse. I love when opposing fans hate X, because it means we are relevant beyond a cute story. I want them to join the Big East, and I want to beat the tar out of them!

[IM4X]

Whoever said fandom is supposed to follow substance? :) I mean, haven’t you ever liked a random team because they had cool uniforms, or hated one because they didn’t?

Gonzaga isn’t the Little Engine that Could anymore. Their own fans can love them for all the reasons you described. I don’t even disagree, but I don’t have to cheer for them because of it. They have earned everything that comes with being a powerhouse. I love when opposing fans hate X, because it means we are relevant beyond a cute story. I want them to join the Big East, and I want to beat the tar out of them!


If we are talking about the kind of hatred a fan might have for say a rivalry team (like how we feel about UC -particularly under Huggins and Cronin), then I absolutely get it. I just feel it is important to give respect and admiration where it is due. I am seeing the word “Disdain” being posted about Gonzaga. The problem for me is that the definition for disdain is the feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one’s consideration or respect. I have great respect for Few and Gonzaga.

As you pointed out, Gonzaga (much like Xavier), was the Little Engine that Could. They steadily climbed the long, steep hill and made it to the top with their same trusted and loyal engineer (they just added more horsepower along the way in the form of better players). It’s hard not to have great respect for that school and Mark for staying on their track together and getting to where they now are- just like it is hard not to have great respect for X and the path they took to get where they currently are.

It’s not like Gonzaga’s is even a team I particularly care to watch. My point is that even if you don’t like their uniforms or their style of play (or even a particular player on their team) that is different from having respect and admiration for what they’ve accomplished and how they did it. I feel similar about Jay Wright’s Nova team. I loved it when X beat them (I wish it would have been much more often), but I respect the hell out of him for proving a coach can remain loyal to a school, stay a classy person- keep his integrity intact- and still become an elite level coach that wins championships.

I agree that it would be awesome for the Zags to join the BE and even becoming a rival. I’d love to see X get to play them (and beat them) twice a year. I loved to root against them in such a situation. I will always respect them.

I feel extremely fortunate to call X my alma mater - an amazing school with its own incredible story. I prefer the part of our story where our team/program l continually shined and outgrew conference after conference until we landed at top tier conference (my favorite), playing against Catholic universities with such rich basketball traditions. Obviously, like you, I much prefer the teams in our conference we get to play against. I love that we went from being talked about by a few as that little “eggs-zavier of Ohio” school to being talked about by more as “Xavier” to now having so many recognize our school just by one letter, “X.”

Finally, it is easier to give respect to a school like Gonzaga knowing it would be impossible for them or any other university to ever simplify their brand to something as cool and powerful as “X.”

[hoopster68]

IM4X: Great observation about the men's b-ball program, and more broadly, about our alma mater: very, very few institutions, musicians, artists, athletes, or others can be known by one letter. X achieved it!

[JTG]

Whoever said fandom is supposed to follow substance? :) I mean, haven’t you ever liked a random team because they had cool uniforms, or hated one because they didn’t?
!
No, I got a Xavier education where I was taught to think critically, not think out of my ass to follow a team because of cool uniforms. That being said F*ck the Zags.

[Masterofreality]

No, I got a Xavier education where I was taught to think critically, not think out of my ass to follow a team because of cool uniforms. That being said F*ck the Zags.

There are no cooler uniforms on the planet than XU’s Blue Runningmans if that is a criteria. ;-)

[X-band '01]

Now if we can just buy the blue Runningman jerseys in the store for 2023-24...

[XUBison]

No, I got a Xavier education where I was taught to think critically, not think out of my ass to follow a team because of cool uniforms. That being said F*ck the Zags.

You developed your team loyalties as an adult? I’m talking about when I was like 9, dorkball. Good thing you eventually learned critical thinking at X though, because yes, f*ck the zags.

[XUBison]

There are no cooler uniforms on the planet than XU’s Blue Runningmans if that is a criteria. ;-)

No truer words… I’m sorry for ever tossing an unflattering word your direction.

[XUGRAD80]

Whoever said fandom is supposed to follow substance? :) I mean, haven’t you ever liked a random team because they had cool uniforms, or hated one because they didn’t?



Never, no.

As a kid….I was a dodger fan because my knothole team was call the dodger. I liked Notre Dame football because their highlights were on TV every Sunday after church and I didn’t know any other college FB teams. When we moved to Cincinnati, I became a Reds and Royals fan. When the Bengals came to town, I became a Bengal fan. I rooted for Ohio State because I lived in Ohio. All of this as a kid. I’ve remained a Reds and Bengals fan, but discarded the Royals when they left town. I’m a Xavier and UC fan because they are hometown teams and because I attended both schools, along with many family members and friends. Like most Cincinnati people, I’ll remain a fan of my HS for life. But uniforms or colors? Never, no. I’ve got to have some kind of personal connection beyond that to become a fan of any team, let alone stay one.

Gonzaga…..respect for what Few has built, but I also think that they are often overrated in the polls.

[Masterofreality]

No truer words… I’m sorry for ever tossing an unflattering word your direction.

No worries, my Brother. My skin is thick! ;-)

[X-band '01]

Oh, we've found a few thin spots...

[Masterofreality]

Oh, we've found a few thin spots...

Only when outside stupidity reigns..

[Masterofreality]

Kalen Shedrick not visiting as originally planned. Almost certain Dookie.
Apparently Sean is done going after Bigs which almost certainly means that Free is back.
Biggest question is the foot reportedly.
Get better Free!!

[xavierj]

Kalen Shedrick not visiting as originally planned. Almost certain Dookie.
Apparently Sean is done going after Bigs which almost certainly means that Free is back.
Biggest question is the foot reportedly.
Get better Free!!

We will see if they are done. I still think they could add a PF if it makes sense and wouldn’t be surprised if that PF is from Europe.

[JTG]

Does that mean Shulga is a go ?

[Masterofreality]

Does that mean Shulga is a go ?

Nope

[Masterofreality]

We will see if they are done. I still think they could add a PF if it makes sense and wouldn’t be surprised if that PF is from Europe.

Always subject to change! :-)

[XUGRAD80]

…….
Apparently Sean is done going after Bigs which almost certainly means that Free is back.
Biggest question is the foot reportedly.
Get better Free!!

If so, I wonder if they will bring him back slowly and possibly even wait until the BE season starts to play him? I’d sure rather have him for the conference games and post season, rather than any OCC games. It wouldn’t surprise me if they did this, and it also wouldn’t surprise me if they still add another big who had a couple of years of eligibility left.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Free has been recovering and resting for a long time. He should be ready to play when the season starts in Nov. If he is still not healthy enough to play, his injury must be really, really serious.

[xavierj]

Free has been recovering and resting for a long time. He should be ready to play when the season starts in Nov. If he is still not healthy enough to play, his injury must be really, really serious.

He should be fully ready by mid summer. My son went through the same surgery and it took him about 4 months and now he is as good as ever.

[XUGRAD80]

He should be fully ready by mid summer. My son went through the same surgery and it took him about 4 months and now he is as good as ever.

Yeah but it’s the 2nd time for him and the 1st time it went bad before the season was over. Perhaps they brought him back to soon? I hope he is ready to go at season open, but if there is any doubt about him being able to complete the season without a re-injury it might be worth keeping him out of games for a little longer. That’s all I’m saying.

[drudy23]

They didn't bring him back too soon. He was the best version of himself he's been at X before the injury.

Probably just prone to injury there based on his body and the movements of his position. Hopefully it's fixed for good because if he can be the same player he was this past season, that's plenty good. Hopefully, he takes another step forward because if he does that, he could be first team all-conference and AA consideration.

[xavierj]

Yeah but it’s the 2nd time for him and the 1st time it went bad before the season was over. Perhaps they brought him back to soon? I hope he is ready to go at season open, but if there is any doubt about him being able to complete the season without a re-injury it might be worth keeping him out of games for a little longer. That’s all I’m saying.

So the first time he had surgery he was back in less than 6 weeks. That was 14 months before he had a setback. 6 weeks is really fast for that type of injury. From what I understand is the screw moved, which is why he needed surgery again. Typically the recovery is 3 to 4 months so no reason to hold hold him out of games 8 months after he had the issue fixed. My guess is that he will be doing all activities mid summer and participate fully come fall as long as everything heals as normal.

[Masterofreality]

Kalen Shedrick not visiting as originally planned. Almost certain Dookie.
Apparently Sean is done going after Bigs which almost certainly means that Free is back.
Biggest question is the foot reportedly.
Get better Free!!

Looks like Missouri outbid Dook.

[Masterofreality]

Does that mean Shulga is a go ?

Shulga to VCU. Huh.

[Xville]

Per usual, Mor is wrong. What else is new

[xu82]

Shulga to VCU. Huh.

Some people are just fond of Commonwealths? All I got.


Other than…….

[xu82]

Per usual, Mor is wrong. What else is new

Can we please make this less of a thing? For all of the others here.

[D-West & PO-Z]

They didn't bring him back too soon. He was the best version of himself he's been at X before the injury.

Probably just prone to injury there based on his body and the movements of his position. Hopefully it's fixed for good because if he can be the same player he was this past season, that's plenty good. Hopefully, he takes another step forward because if he does that, he could be first team all-conference and AA consideration.

Yeah once you are healed, you are healed. There is no benefit to more rest at that point, other than to say if you aren't playing then you have zero chance of injury, but that goes for any and every player.

[Masterofreality]

Can we please make this less of a thing? For all of the others here.

I mean, all I did was post that he was visiting and never said he was coming or assumed he was coming?
(Shoulder Shrug)

[Masterofreality]

Does that mean Shulga is a go ?


Nope

I mean. (Double shoulder shrug)

[Xville]

Can we please make this less of a thing? For all of the others here.

Sure, tell Mor to stop posting bs daily and it won’t “ be a thing.” First he said oh sheldrick is going to duke, then it’s Missouri outbid duke. No, neither happened and Missouri would never outbid duke. sheldrick chose Texas. Mor throws shut up against the wall acting like he’s some important insider on all things, when he’s consistently wrong about 99 percent of the time.

[xavierj]

Shulga to VCU. Huh.

He followed his coach. He will start and play 30 plus minutes at VCU. He wasn’t going to start or get those minutes at Xavier. Pretty simple to understand.

[Masterofreality]

Does that mean Shulga is a go ?


He followed his coach. He will start and play 30 plus minutes at VCU. He wasn’t going to start or get those minutes at Xavier. Pretty simple to understand.

Ah. Excellent point. Props.

[IM4X]

Hopefully it's fixed for good because if he can be the same player he was this past season, that's plenty good. Hopefully, he takes another step forward because if he does that, he could be first team all-conference and AA consideration.

Yes. Agree about Zach. He was looking pretty special just before his injury and I too think he could see him being an AA consideration if he comes back playing like that or somehow even better.

[Masterofreality]

As to Shedrick.
I posted this morning that Shedrick wasn’t coming to visit Xavier. My sources are at Xavier and not Texas, Missouri or Duke’s camp. Or in Shedricks’.
If it’s not Xavier, I’m going off of what outside writers say like everybody else does on here. Whatever.
I based my earlier estimation on what folks were speculating and there was good reason to think Duke, as per the SI article below, or the below quote tweet stating how close it was between Texas & Mizzou. Who cares? He’s not at Xavier.
Let’s see if and how that last roster spot is filled.

Tweet from @Dave_Matter
“ On @TheFieldof68 live feed, Shedrick says Mizzou & Texas were "neck and neck." Says UT has a significant history with bigs getting them to the next level. Says there was a better opportunity there as a big to show what he can do.”

Missouri fans are pissed. NIL?

As to Duke:

https://www.si.com/college/duke/basketball/duke-basketball-program-misses-big-transfer-4-23

Go X!

[UCGRAD4X]

https://www.si.com/college/duke/basketball/duke-basketball-program-misses-big-transfer-4-23

Go X!

Interesting that dook and the gnome are the only 2 not to lose a player to the portal.

[xukeith]

If you are transferring and you see X's lineup, new frosh, and 4 transfers, where do you think you can make an impact with minutes > 20 minutes a game?
Backcourt does not have anymore opportunities for pt. Centers and power forwards now look stable. If X is trying to add a small forward, wouldn't Des, Hunter, and Swain get 1st dibs?

Keep the last scholarship available for some last minute superstar or aim to grab a MAC/Sunbelt transfer who would love to ride the bench and maybe get 10 minutes of pt.

[Masterofreality]

Interesting that dook and the gnome are the only 2 not to lose a player to the portal.

How much NIL money can Texas throw at these guys?
Missouri fans are livid that Shedrick wound up going to Texas and they are all accusing Texas of just throwing the bank at him at the last minute.
This stuff is going to set off Nuclear War between the Big Schools now and may finally convince the University Presidents to get this thing under control.
What a cluster…

[MHettel]

How much NIL money can Texas throw at these guys?
Missouri fans are livid that Shedrick wound up going to Texas and they are all accusing Texas of just throwing the bank at him at the last minute.
This stuff is going to set off Nuclear War between the Big Schools now and may finally convince the University Presidents to get this thing under control.
What a cluster…

No way! Who coulda predicted that?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Fans of one school are mad a recruit (or transfer) went to another school instead of theirs and are throwing around unfounded accusations? That is so 2010....and 2000.....and 1990....and 1980.......

[Masterofreality]

No way! Who coulda predicted that?

In Texas’ case just change one letter in NIL to an O.

[Xville]

I think it’s hilarious some of you believe this is something new. The head in the sand approach is either hysterical or sad depending on how you look at it.

I guess you believe only adidas was doing some of the stuff the fbi caught on the tapes. Btw one of those tapes was talking about nassir little and discussed Arizona offering 150k and that Miami and larannaga needed to buck up. Any idea where little ended up? Unc… I bet he went there for free.

And yes he was a top five recruit, but to think things just didn’t happen outside of that level is funny

[Xavier]

Agreed. Even MAC level guys were getting paid IMO. The only difference is if a top 5 recruit was getting offered 150K then- it’s gotta be 500K now. Though maybe the big money is for one and done guys then bigger transfers. Honestly I think NIL will even playing field out more than ever.

[JTG]

Agreed. Even MAC level guys were getting paid IMO. The only difference is if a top 5 recruit was getting offered 150K then- it’s gotta be 500K now. Though maybe the big money is for one and done guys then bigger transfers. Honestly I think NIL will even playing field out more than ever.

And you probably think Santa & the Easter Bunny are real.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Agreed. Even MAC level guys were getting paid IMO. The only difference is if a top 5 recruit was getting offered 150K then- it’s gotta be 500K now. Though maybe the big money is for one and done guys then bigger transfers. Honestly I think NIL will even playing field out more than ever.

Oh yeah. Sure it will...........................

[D-West & PO-Z]

Oh yeah. Sure it will...........................

2 years in and 3 teams in this years final 4 were there for the very first time. It certainly hasn't yet headed in the doomsday direction some like to go on and on about.

[sirthought]

CJ Fredrick transfers to UC. Too much competition for him at X.

[MHettel]

I think it’s hilarious some of you believe this is something new. The head in the sand approach is either hysterical or sad depending on how you look at it.

I guess you believe only adidas was doing some of the stuff the fbi caught on the tapes. Btw one of those tapes was talking about nassir little and discussed Arizona offering 150k and that Miami and larannaga needed to buck up. Any idea where little ended up? Unc… I bet he went there for free.

And yes he was a top five recruit, but to think things just didn’t happen outside of that level is funny

yeah, you keep saying this, and yet over the last 25 years we've so few cases of this where there is actual evidence. I think what is REALLY outrageous is that in order to keep all this illegal recruiting under wraps, that means these 18-21 year old kids need to keep their mouths shut. I for one wouldnt want to participate in something illegal and then rely on a college basketball or football player to not spill the beans.

[MHettel]

2 years in and 3 teams in this years final 4 were there for the very first time. It certainly hasn't yet headed in the doomsday direction some like to go on and on about.

BUILT USING THE PORTAL. Every time you bring this up, you actually make my argument stronger. These teams cracked the code first. think the infield shift in baseball. A couple teams did it first, it was successful then everyone followed. We are just entering the part of the change curve where we will be seeing a bunch of other teams adopt this strategy.

[GoMuskies]

CJ Fredrick transfers to UC. Too much competition for him at X.

Why was he so sought after? Looking at his stats, he was kind of bad for a very average Kentucky team.

[Masterofreality]

CJ Fredrick transfers to UC. Too much competition for him at X.

Meh. Transferred to Secondary Miller. Hope he’s prepared to get rolled in Cintas next year.

And this is his second transfer. Does he have to sit out a year??

[XUGRAD80]

2 years in and 3 teams in this years final 4 were there for the very first time. It certainly hasn't yet headed in the doomsday direction some like to go on and on about.

Since the NIL just went into effect, along with the now standard transfer rules, isn’t it a little to early to judge what the end result will be? This is very much still evolving. Those schools may have taken advantage of the transfer rule, but that was really pre-NIL. How the two things combined will affect the balance of power in college BB is still to be seen.

[Masterofreality]

From the Xavier Managers Twitter Account:

Zach Freemantle tells @XavierManagers that he will be returning to Xavier for his 5th year.

#LetsGoX

[xavierj]

Meh. Transferred to Secondary Miller. Hope he’s prepared to get rolled in Cintas next year.

And this is his second transfer. Does he have to sit out a year??

No he is going into his 6th year in college.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Good for you, Zach. Let’s GO X!

[xavierj]

From the Xavier Managers Twitter Account:

Zach Freemantle tells @XavierManagers that he will be returning to Xavier for his 5th year.

#LetsGoX

That’s hilarious he had the managers put that out. Rothstein is probably pissed

[Masterofreality]

No he is going into his 6th year in college.

So Grad Transfer?

[Masterofreality]

That’s hilarious he had the managers put that out. Rothstein is probably pissed

Actually IT IS a great troll!! :-)

I’ll bet Broering is pissed too!!

[xavierj]

So Grad Transfer?

Yes

[xu82]

No he is going into his 6th year in college.

My parents were afraid I would take that route. Too much Dana’s for me. :-)

[bjf123]

My parents were afraid I would take that route. Too much Dana’s for me. :-)

But your parents were probably footing the bill for you! Mine were for me, but it was a much smaller bill back then.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Masterofreality]

Rothstein just reported it with a pic of the Managers Twitter announcement. :-)

This really is hilarious! "Significant Big East News” (via some faceless manager minion) LOL.

[bjf123]

Rothstein just reported it with a pic of the Managers Twitter announcement. :-)

This really is hilarious! "Significant Big East News” (via some faceless manager minion) LOL.

Sean just retweeted the managers’ tweet.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[noteggs]

Sean just retweeted the managers’ tweet.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This is so AWESOME on so many levels! Only Zach!

[Masterofreality]

Sean just retweeted the managers’ tweet.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

With the “Frosty the Snowman” Icons.
Superb

[Masterofreality]

So we’re done going after Bigs. Gotta believe we’re looking for a small forward 3 or bigger 2 to fill out the roster.

[xavierj]

So we’re done going after Bigs. Gotta believe we’re looking for a small forward 3 or bigger 2 to fill out the roster.

From Australia.

https://mobile.twitter.com/336Edits/status/1650536090208464896

https://mobile.twitter.com/TP4PT/status/1644771072829423616

[Masterofreality]

From Australia.

https://mobile.twitter.com/336Edits/status/1650536090208464896

https://mobile.twitter.com/TP4PT/status/1644771072829423616

Somebody fill me in on this. Guys we have now who can play the 3: Claude? Craft? Ducharme? Swain?

[D-West & PO-Z]

BUILT USING THE PORTAL. Every time you bring this up, you actually make my argument stronger. These teams cracked the code first. think the infield shift in baseball. A couple teams did it first, it was successful then everyone followed. We are just entering the part of the change curve where we will be seeing a bunch of other teams adopt this strategy.

FAU didn't use the portal. Nor did UConn. And by your logic with the complete uter doomsday that you claim NIL is, we should see FAU raided by higher major teams throwing big money at their players. But....their players are not leaving.

Also, good, that is great, the more teams that "crack the code" the more teams in contention for final 4's. Another scenario where more teams now have an opportunity. The exact opposite of what you have predicted.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Since the NIL just went into effect, along with the now standard transfer rules, isn’t it a little to early to judge what the end result will be? This is very much still evolving. Those schools may have taken advantage of the transfer rule, but that was really pre-NIL. How the two things combined will affect the balance of power in college BB is still to be seen.

It wasn't pre NIL. Both have been going 2 years now.

But yes, I don't think 2 years in tells the whole story. However 2 years in certainly dispels the early cries of college basketball being ruined forever as soon as NIL happens.

[MHettel]

FAU didn't use the portal. Nor did UConn. And by your logic with the complete uter doomsday that you claim NIL is, we should see FAU raided by higher major teams throwing big money at their players. But....their players are not leaving.

Also, good, that is great, the more teams that "crack the code" the more teams in contention for final 4's. Another scenario where more teams now have an opportunity. The exact opposite of what you have predicted.

Yeah, no. Once the blueprint is out there, we will see the big boys follow it. then the little guys that used it as an advantage go back to being the little guys.

[xavierj]

Somebody fill me in on this. Guys we have now who can play the 3: Claude? Craft? Ducharme? Swain?

Not sure offensively it really matters what position they play but defensively Claude and Hunter can guard a wing
Player. Not sure yet on Craft or the incoming freshman. I can see Sean starting McKnight, Olivari and Des.

[XUGRAD80]

It wasn't pre NIL. Both have been going 2 years now.

But yes, I don't think 2 years in tells the whole story. However 2 years in certainly dispels the early cries of college basketball being ruined forever as soon as NIL happens.

It’s really taken until this off-season that the NIL deal has become well organized and widespread. In fact, school supported NIL programs are still in their infancy in most places across the country. Donors are just now being solicited in large numbers by most schools (including X) through organized programs.

I haven’t heard anyone crying that college sports would be ruined “ as soon as”, but I have heard many people express concern over what the LONG TERM results would be. I share that concern for the LONG TERM future of college sports. It’s not fear, or the thought of it being ruined. It’s more that we just don’t know what what is going to happen and it POSSIBLY COULD have unintended consequences, and not necessarily in a good way. We just don’t know yet what the future holds.

[Xavier]

Oh yeah. Sure it will...........................

Let me clarify. Among the top 30-40 schools it will even the playing field more. But the separation between bigger schools and mid-majors will probably grow a little. In the past you’d be able to look and have a good idea of 5-10 teams that could win it all before the year. NIL/Transfer portal has expanded that number quite a bit. Was UConn even ranked to start the year? Hell, 3/4 final four teams weren’t even ranked to start the year.

[xavierj]

Let me clarify. Among the top 30-40 schools it will even the playing field more. But the separation between bigger schools and mid-majors will probably grow a little. In the past you’d be able to look and have a good idea of 5-10 teams that could win it all before the year. NIL/Transfer portal has expanded that number quite a bit. Was UConn even ranked to start the year? Hell, 3/4 final four teams weren’t even ranked to start the year.

The other thing is the talent gap has closed. So many kids play year round and there are so many good players out there. Many fall through the cracks.

[Xville]

yeah, you keep saying this, and yet over the last 25 years we've so few cases of this where there is actual evidence. I think what is REALLY outrageous is that in order to keep all this illegal recruiting under wraps, that means these 18-21 year old kids need to keep their mouths shut. I for one wouldnt want to participate in something illegal and then rely on a college basketball or football player to not spill the beans.

So the fbi case which was built against mainly one sports agency in which they found about twenty plus programs wasn’t enough for you to believe that this was widespread before nil? You think they were the only agency funneling money to players and their families and that nike and others weren’t funneling money? I mean these are such big time basketball programs like creighton and Tcu . Do you think all the smoke around the ucla program of the 60s and 70s are just hogwash? What about Miami football team over decades? Think they were the only ones cheating their asses off? What about usc of the 2000s? What about unlv with tark? What about all the programs that were on probation for literally paying players? St. John’s when Jarvis was coach, Ohio state with Jim o brien, cal with umass, usc with Mayo, cal with Memphis, Michigan with fab five. These are just ones off the top of my head. Come on man

[MHettel]

So the fbi case which was built against mainly one sports agency in which they found about twenty plus programs wasn’t enough for you to believe that this was widespread before nil? You think they were the only agency funneling money to players and their families and that nike and others weren’t funneling money? I mean these are such big time basketball programs like creighton and Tcu . Do you think all the smoke around the ucla program of the 60s and 70s are just hogwash? What about Miami football team over decades? Think they were the only ones cheating their asses off? What about usc of the 2000s? What about unlv with tark? What about all the programs that were on probation for literally paying players? St. John’s when Jarvis was coach, Ohio state with Jim o brien, cal with umass, usc with Mayo, cal with Memphis, Michigan with fab five. These are just ones off the top of my head. Come on man

Wow. Going back to the 1960s to make your point. I guess you think you win the discussion. And so do I.

[XUGRAD80]

The other thing is the talent gap has closed. So many kids play year round and there are so many good players out there. Many fall through the cracks.

And the low major and mid-major schools that are making a bigger commitment to scouting and finding players are the ones that are going to benefit from this. While the high major schools concentrate on the 5 and high 4 star players that are getting all the press and attention from the recruiting sites, successful lower level schools will concentrate on finding those hidden gems and on bringing in some castaways from the higher level schools to produce competitive teams. As you say, the talent pool seems just be getting larger and larger.

[Xville]

Wow. Going back to the 1960s to make your point. I guess you think you win the discussion. And so do I.

My point was that this has been going on for a very long time. What seems more plausible.. programs just stopped cheating, or there was so much of it that the ncaa just gave up, didn’t care because they knew what was about to happen, or programs got even better at it?

The fbi case was all in the last decade. I guess you missed that part.


This is now the third offseason with nil and I don’t see what you seem to think is going to happen. You’re implying that a few programs are going to build some kind of super teams from the transfer portal and nil, and the rest are going to be fighting for scraps. Where is it, because I don’t see it. Xavier doesn’t have a huge base with unlimited nil and they did pretty well this offseason.

[muskiefan82]

Wow. Going back to the 1960s to make your point. I guess you think you win the discussion. And so do I.


My point was that this has been going on for a very long time. What seems more plausible.. programs just stopped cheating, or there was so much of it that the ncaa just gave up, didn’t care because they knew what was about to happen, or programs got even better at it?

The fbi case was all in the last decade. I guess you missed that part.


This is now the third offseason with nil and I don’t see what you seem to think is going to happen. You’re implying that a few programs are going to build some kind of super teams from the transfer portal and nil, and the rest are going to be fighting for scraps. Where is it, because I don’t see it. Xavier doesn’t have a huge base with unlimited nil and they did pretty well this offseason.

I think you missed the "and so do I" part where he agreed you made your point. Maybe....

[MHettel]

I think you missed the "and so do I" part where he agreed you made your point. Maybe....

Or maybe not

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yeah, no. Once the blueprint is out there, we will see the big boys follow it. then the little guys that used it as an advantage go back to being the little guys.

So exactly the same as college basketball has always been?

[MHettel]

So exactly the same as college basketball has always been?

These are really my favorite kind of discussions. You could spend all day debating the NBA GOAT, but you can’t really “win” the discussion.

But we will really get to observe this game for the next few years. And I contend that the competitive landscape will change. Not just WHO competes, but HOW they compete.

And it’s cause and effect. The HOW is what will determine the WHO. And right now, certain teams have evolved HOW they compete and have become a WHO. As more teams jump into this approach, those with the most re$ources will rise to the top.

I don’t understand how this is not plain and obvious. This is like Economics 101.

We’ve ALREADY seen evidence of both.

[MHettel]

And the low major and mid-major schools that are making a bigger commitment to scouting and finding players are the ones that are going to benefit from this. While the high major schools concentrate on the 5 and high 4 star players that are getting all the press and attention from the recruiting sites, successful lower level schools will concentrate on finding those hidden gems and on bringing in some castaways from the higher level schools to produce competitive teams. As you say, the talent pool seems just be getting larger and larger.

I agree with this. But I think you overlook the key aspect that the studs that are “found” at the mid-major level will chase the money and transfer to the big boys. Why would they NOT transfer. Bigger school (I’m BBall reputation), better competition, more exposure and potentially more money that they may ever make in a year over their entire career ( some NILs are reported in the 300K plus range, which is like the top 1%).

[D-West & PO-Z]

These are really my favorite kind of discussions. You could spend all day debating the NBA GOAT, but you can’t really “win” the discussion.

But we will really get to observe this game for the next few years. And I contend that the competitive landscape will change. Not just WHO competes, but HOW they compete.

And it’s cause and effect. The HOW is what will determine the WHO. And right now, certain teams have evolved HOW they compete and have become a WHO. As more teams jump into this approach, those with the most re$ources will rise to the top.

I don’t understand how this is not plain and obvious. This is like Economics 101.

We’ve ALREADY seen evidence of both.

What I don't understand is how you seem to not understand those with the most resources were ALREADY at the top.

You claim college basketball will be ruined forever moving forward but the reasons you give are based on things that are already truths.

You said it yourself the "little guys will go BACK to being the little guys". So again, exactly how college sports have always been.

I just don't get what major difference you are seeing, other than players now have money in their pocket and more leeway to get out of one situation into another. If that is what you don't like, then I get it, makes sense, I am sure college sports are ruined for you.

But to argue they will be ruined because of those with the most resources will rise to the top, makes absolutely zero sense to me. Welcome to the last 40 years of college athletics.

[94GRAD]

I agree with this. But I think you overlook the key aspect that the studs that are “found” at the mid-major level will chase the money and transfer to the big boys. Why would they NOT transfer. Bigger school (I’m BBall reputation), better competition, more exposure and potentially more money that they may ever make in a year over their entire career ( some NILs are reported in the 300K plus range, which is like the top 1%).

Why wouldn't they transfer for a better opportunity and more money? People do that in the real world every day.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I agree with this. But I think you overlook the key aspect that the studs that are “found” at the mid-major level will chase the money and transfer to the big boys. Why would they NOT transfer. Bigger school (I’m BBall reputation), better competition, more exposure and potentially more money that they may ever make in a year over their entire career ( some NILs are reported in the 300K plus range, which is like the top 1%).

Ask the FAU guys why they aren't leaving. I don't think a single one has entered the portal and I don't believe a single big contributor exhausted their eligibility.

Not if they did it would be some indictment on them, but they have chosen not to, and according to you that scenario would never happen, yet it is.

[xubrew]

Agreed. Even MAC level guys were getting paid IMO. The only difference is if a top 5 recruit was getting offered 150K then- it’s gotta be 500K now. Though maybe the big money is for one and done guys then bigger transfers. Honestly I think NIL will even playing field out more than ever.

I don't think too many MAC level players were getting paid while being recruited to MAC level schools. I do think MAC level players were/are routinely approached by agencies AFTER they were at mid and low level D1 schools. More than 50% of D1 players go on to play professionally somewhere in the world. While most of these guys aren't making NBA money, 15% of a $70,000 adds up. That's what the agents are after. The apparel companies were after the agencies to gain access to the big stars they represent, and that's where a lot of the money and impermissible gifts came from.

Yes, I agree. This was WAAAAY more prevalent than what most people ever realized. It was against NCAA rules, but as far as it being illegal...most of it really wasn't. And it was done in a way that was complicated to track and enforce. Does an agent who has clients that largely go on to play overseas really give a shit about NCAA rules?? That's a rhetorical question. They do not.

[BandAid]

I’m not as in-the-know as many of you. (I pretty much get my college basketball news exclusively from this board.) But I am curious to how, over time, programs decide to allocate the NIL money. (Yes, I realize that programs technically aren’t in charge of the NIL *wink wink*.) I’ve heard various huge figures for transfers, but I rarely hear figures for retaining players. Yet, I imagine that it is ultimately better for a program to retain and develop the players it recruits (if they are D1 capable players) than it is to always re-shuffle the deck. As such, I imagine it would behoove programs to actually pay their upperclassmen to ensure continuity of team and system more than splurging on multiple transfers every year.

[xavierj]

And the low major and mid-major schools that are making a bigger commitment to scouting and finding players are the ones that are going to benefit from this. While the high major schools concentrate on the 5 and high 4 star players that are getting all the press and attention from the recruiting sites, successful lower level schools will concentrate on finding those hidden gems and on bringing in some castaways from the higher level schools to produce competitive teams. As you say, the talent pool seems just be getting larger and larger.

I think this is exactly what Sean is doing. He is not one to get caught up in the highest rated recruits, he is looking for guys that he thinks fit his style. So he will recruit high rated players but he will also recruit lanterns that are not ranked. He has offered several guys that are not highly ranked the last few days and I trust his judgement. I am sure many of the guys he has offered will also end up much higher ranked than they are now. Looks like he is looking for guys that are long, athletic and can shoot. Sounds like a good combination.

[Masterofreality]

Meanwhile Xavier seems to be in on an Australian kid from Campbell who is in the portal per a North Carolina based recruiting account.
Time to get this thread back on track:

336 Edits Twitter page:
Campbell transfer Anthony Dell'Orso tells 336Edits he’s heard from these schools the most since entering the portal:

Vanderbilt
Xavier
Wake Forest

Dell’Orso averaged 12.5 points and 5.8 rebounds this season. Anthony is also setting up a visit to Wake Forest.“

Oh, sorry XavierJ. You had that yesterday

[XUGRAD80]

Well it’s not as if there is only a finite number of really good college recruits. The pool is replenished every year. Some years are better than others, but that’s how it’s always been. A school loses a player to another school, and they replace them with a new player. What’s the difference between losing a player via graduation or via transfer? In either case it’s up to the coaching staff to find a replacement. Either via a freshman recruit or a transfer. I’ve no problem with the transfer portal. What I do have a CONCERN about is the current unlimited no controls NIL program. It can be either a blessing or a curse, depending on which end of the spectrum you’re on. I’d LIKE to see it become a good thing for EVERYONE involved, but currently it’s not set up to be that.

[Masterofreality]

I just really want a quality replacement for Colby Jones.
That guy did so much!! Gonna be tough to replicate that 3.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I just really want a quality replacement for Colby Jones.
That guy did so much!! Gonna be tough to replicate that 3.

Yeah for sure will be our toughest lost player to replicate. The 3 spot is where the most opportunity seems to be though for someone to step up and grab control of some solid mins there.

I think we know the following guys are going to be key contributors:

McKnight
Olivari
Claude
Freemantle
Ousmane
Hunter

There is an opportunity for proabably anywhere from 2-3 more guys to really step up and find solid rotational mins from this list:

Craft
Duncomb
Green
Swain
Ducharme
Nzeh
Another possible transfer*

I don't see Miller going more than 9 deep. I think 8 deep is more likely when it comes to getting into conference play. But it would be great for multiple guys to step up and force him to go deeper. I am positive he'd rather go 9-10 deep than the 6 deep he had last year.

Miller went mostly 8 deep, sometimes 9 deep in his previous stint at X. I don't think at AZ he was known to go particularly deep into his bench but not exactly sure of how many. I think it safe to say 8 guys will for sure see a decent number of mins and Miller would probably be happy if a 9th guy stepped up to contribute as well. Not sure he will consistently make it to 10 deep when psuh comes to shove.

So we seem like we know 6 who will contribute and we need possibly 3 more from a group of 6 or 7 to step up.

[Masterofreality]

In going back and watching lots of Sean’s former games here, he always made an effort to get some guys minutes in the first half a bit before or after the under 8 minute time out. Some of that was to get young guys experience and some was to save wear for the second half. We may see 9 deep when you consider that.
The early lineups will be interesting and I’m sure that the staff hopes that one of these youngsters grabs the brass ring of opportunity and runs with it.

[IM4X]

From Australia.

https://mobile.twitter.com/336Edits/status/1650536090208464896

https://mobile.twitter.com/TP4PT/status/1644771072829423616


Thanks for sharing. Looks pretty solid, just wish his 3 point shooting % was a little higher.

I said it before and I’ll say it again: We could use another proven threat from 3. All 4 players who shot at least 100 threes this past season made 37.8% of them or better. No question that was key to a lot of X’s victories. No question Sean’s system was instrumental in helping those players get better shots and thus boost their percentages from the previous season. Maybe Sean feels the 3 point shooting % of this kid from Australia will also balloon in Sean’s pass- friendly offensive system as well.

[MHettel]

Thanks for sharing. Looks pretty solid, just wish his 3 point shooting % was a little higher.

I said it before and I’ll say it again: We could use another proven threat from 3. All 4 players who shot at least 100 threes this past season made 37.8% of them or better. No question that was key to a lot of X’s victories. No question Sean’s system was instrumental in helping those players get better shots and thus boost their percentages from the previous season. Maybe Sean feels the 3 point shooting % of this kid from Australia will also balloon in Sean’s pass- friendly offensive system as well.

The chicken or the egg? Did Sean’s system generate the near 40% 3 pt shooting, or did the shooting prove the system?

This isn’t Steele. As the skills change, so will the system. Get 8-9 good rotation players a figure out how to use them.

Coaching

[xavierj]

The chicken or the egg? Did Sean’s system generate the near 40% 3 pt shooting, or did the shooting prove the system?

This isn’t Steele. As the skills change, so will the system. Get 8-9 good rotation players a figure out how to use them.

Coaching

Agree. Sean’s teams always shoot the 3 ball well. Usually high 30’s through this career, including his first time at Xavier. With that said I don’t expect the team next year to Jack a ton of three’s just like last year, but they will take high % shots.

[xavierj]

Thanks for sharing. Looks pretty solid, just wish his 3 point shooting % was a little higher.

I said it before and I’ll say it again: We could use another proven threat from 3. All 4 players who shot at least 100 threes this past season made 37.8% of them or better. No question that was key to a lot of X’s victories. No question Sean’s system was instrumental in helping those players get better shots and thus boost their percentages from the previous season. Maybe Sean feels the 3 point shooting % of this kid from Australia will also balloon in Sean’s pass- friendly offensive system as well.

I don’t know how hard Xavier is recruiting him but The last 12 games of the year he shot 18-45 from 3 for 40%. He also shot 83% from the line on the year, 88-106. By all accounts he is a shooter and he is 6’6”.

[IM4X]

I don’t know how hard Xavier is recruiting him but The last 12 games of the year he shot 18-45 from 3 for 40%. He also shot 83% from the line on the year, 88-106. By all accounts he is a shooter and he is 6’6”.

Ok. That new info makes him even more intriguing. So if he is able to shoot 40% from 3 under another coach - can we then assume he'd be good for about 44% in Miller's system (based on how dramatically improved Nunge, Jones and Kunkel were from 3 this past season under Sean)?

That seems reasonable to me. Let's reel him in.

[UCGRAD4X]

Ok. That new info makes him even more intriguing. So if he is able to shoot 40% from 3 under another coach - can we then assume he'd be good for about 44% in Miller's system (based on how dramatically improved Nunge, Jones and Kunkel were from 3 this past season under Sean)?

That seems reasonable to me. Let's reel him in.

I'll pitch in 5 bucks for his NIL.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Can anyone remind me when the portal wraps up? Like when does someone have to be on a new team by to play next year? I am pretty sure there is a date, I just forget when it is.

[noteggs]

Can anyone remind me when the portal wraps up? Like when does someone have to be on a new team by to play next year? I am pretty sure there is a date, I just forget when it is.

Think deadline to enter is May 11. Not sure there is a deadline to make their decision (if that’s what you’re asking)?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Think deadline to enter is May 11. Not sure there is a deadline to make their decision (if that’s what you’re asking)?

Yeah that is what I was asking, but didn't know the deadline to enter either. Thanks. I feel like there was also a deadline to make a decision but maybe that is just being enrolled by the time school starts? Not sure.

[xubrew]

Yeah that is what I was asking, but didn't know the deadline to enter either. Thanks. I feel like there was also a deadline to make a decision but maybe that is just being enrolled by the time school starts? Not sure.

It opens the day after the regular season ends (IE the day after Selection Sunday) and closes sixty days later. Once you're in, you're in. There is no deadline to make a decision. All the portal really is, in its simplest form, is blanket permission to contact. You don't even need to be in the portal to transfer. It's just that if you're not in there, you have to complete the Year In Residency (sit out a year).

[D-West & PO-Z]

It opens the day after the regular season ends (IE the day after Selection Sunday) and closes sixty days later. Once you're in, you're in. There is no deadline to make a decision. All the portal really is, in its simplest form, is blanket permission to contact. You don't even need to be in the portal to transfer. It's just that if you're not in there, you have to complete the Year In Residency (sit out a year).

Ok, so it's not always open like some people complain about then? So if after it closes in 60 days from Selection Sunday, someone enters after that point, then they have to sit the next year?

And if you are in it before that time, but not with a team and enrolled at a school before their classes start, I would imagine your ineligible for that 1st semester. Would that be correct?

[noteggs]

I don’t know how hard Xavier is recruiting him but The last 12 games of the year he shot 18-45 from 3 for 40%. He also shot 83% from the line on the year, 88-106. By all accounts he is a shooter and he is 6’6”.

Late in the season success makes since he was a freshman last year.

[xubrew]

Ok, so it's not always open like some people complain about then? So if after it closes in 60 days from Selection Sunday, someone enters after that point, then they have to sit the next year?

And if you are in it before that time, but not with a team and enrolled at a school before their classes start, I would imagine your ineligible for that 1st semester. Would that be correct?

Not unless you are graduating at the end of the academic year. Then you can go in at any time, but otherwise you can only go in during that 60 day window. That's how it is for all sports. This past year there was a winter window just for basketball after the fall semester ended, but I'm betting that goes away after the summer meetings this year.

And yes, if you transfer without going into the portal, you would have to sit out the next year. You would also need to get permission to contact. It would work just the way it used to outside of the sixty day window.

[paulxu]

This guy sounds like the Swiss Army Knife we've been looking for.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/36313765/2023-no-2-recruit-ron-holland-decommits-texas

[xudash]

This guy sounds like the Swiss Army Knife we've been looking for.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/36313765/2023-no-2-recruit-ron-holland-decommits-texas

BTW, absolutely YES to Dana’s one of these days.

But did you see the next article in that link?

Butler transfer Simas Lukosius has committed to Cincinnati, giving coach Wes Miller one of the best available wing scorers in the portal as the Bearcats head into the Big 12.

[JTG]

This guy sounds like the Swiss Army Knife we've been looking for.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/36313765/2023-no-2-recruit-ron-holland-decommits-texas

His other choice when he chose Texas was UCLA. It would be nice for Sean to get him, and beat out Cronin.

[paulxu]

I would guess that this guy is looking for serious NIL$. So I was being just a little facetious.

[Masterofreality]

BTW, absolutely YES to Dana’s one of these days.

But did you see the next article in that link?

Butler transfer Simas Lukosius has committed to Cincinnati, giving coach Wes Miller one of the best available wing scorers in the portal as the Bearcats head into the Big 12.

Lukosius doesn’t play a lick of defense. Sean wouldn’t stand for him

[X-band '01]

At least one UC player (for the 2nd year in a row) can claim they beat Xavier. Too bad they had to go elsewhere to make that happen.

[XUGRAD80]

I dislike him even more now…..wasn’t sure that was possible.

[xavierj]

BTW, absolutely YES to Dana’s one of these days.

But did you see the next article in that link?

Butler transfer Simas Lukosius has committed to Cincinnati, giving coach Wes Miller one of the best available wing scorers in the portal as the Bearcats head into the Big 12.

He has not shot it well away from Butler at all, less than 30% both years at butler and his 2 point FG% isn’t much better. I don’t think Xavier even reached out to him but could be wrong. He would probably be like 7th man at Xavier had they been interested. Not sure he can make much of a difference for UC next year. They lost Dejulius and Nolley and replaced with Fredrick and Lukosius. Not sure that is an upgrade.

[Xville]

Lukosius doesn’t play a lick of defense. Sean wouldn’t stand for him

Lol. He has boum and Kunkel last year, who are both worse defenders. You love just making shit up.

[xuwillie]

Lol. He has boum and Kunkel last year, who are both worse defenders. You love just making shit up.

To be fair he had no choice with kunkel and also knew he needed SG help (bout). I wouldn't expect him to take too many players who don't play defense in the future

[XU_Lou]

MOR - I'm not sure what Lukosius has to do with Boum or Kunkel in your original comments, but I for one appreciate your insights - especially since you don't feel the need to invoke racist remarks in your critiques of our players.

[Masterofreality]

MOR - I'm not sure what Lukosius has to do with Boum or Kunkel in your original comments, but I for one appreciate your insights - especially since you don't feel the need to invoke racist remarks in your critiques of our players.

I’m not sure that desperately needing a combo guard and only having like 2 months to find one LAST year (plus inheriting a guy on your roster) has anything at all to do with ANYTHING that Sean wants to do THIS year and going forward?

[waggy]

We rarely take butler retreads.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

IÂ’m not sure that desperately needing a combo guard and only having like 2 months to find one LAST year (plus inheriting a guy on your roster) has anything at all to do with ANYTHING that Sean wants to do THIS year and going forward?

That's an interesting reminder. This year is the first year when Miller is not constrained by the two factors you mentioned; time and current roster. I wonder how he views this roster post transfer portal. Did he get the players he really wanted? Does he believe we have the capacity needed to compete at the highest level of the B.E.?

My two biggest questions are the quality of our BIGS, especially if Free is not able to return to last year's form and whether or not we have enough three-point shooting capacity. My read on the new P.G. from WKU (which came from info. on this board) is that he isn't particularly strong from outside the arc. Des and Hunter will need to improve dramatically over the summer and if they don't, we are left with Olivari and Craft with possibly Green added to the mix. One thing I loved about Kunkel is that he had the brass balls to take that shot no matter what point we were in the game. If he was open, it was going up. Hope we can replace both his talent and his spirit.

I have a lot of confidence in Miller to meld these players into a team but I'm not confident we have the roster we need to achieve B.E, championship or Final Four status and after all, that's what we all expect from Miller at some point. Not disappointed in the roster but I just don't know.

Interested in how others view the roster.

[XUGRAD80]

Many recruiting sites have said that Hunter is the BEST shooter in the country in his class. I have hopes that he lives up to that and is able to get his shot off against taller players. Something that he has going for him is that he doesn’t completely rely on his outside shot to score, he is also able to drive the ball to the basket. I do expect Claude to be much improved as a scorer too.

[noteggs]

Many recruiting sites have said that Hunter is the BEST shooter in the country in his class. I have hopes that he lives up to that and is able to get his shot off against taller players. Something that he has going for him is that he doesn’t completely rely on his outside shot to score, he is also able to drive the ball to the basket. I do expect Claude to be much improved as a scorer too.

Typo? Hunter best shooter? Assuming you mean Trey Green. For all the other stuff, heard the same.

[IM4X]

Typo? Hunter best shooter? Assuming you mean Trey Green. For all the other stuff, heard the same.

My eyebrows raised a bit too. Gotta imagine you are right about him being mistaken as Green was indeed talked about as being the best shooter in his class.

[Xavier]

I think Miller offense is going to be consistently low in 3 point attempts (but high in %made). Honestly think of Texas guards actually- X guards will excel at killing you in that mid range game. Offense built around attacking the hoop at all times while rotating and screening to look for lanes. Eventually it opens clean looks from 3 but not the emphasis.

All that to say, shooting isn’t a huge concern. And I think the transfer era will hurt all time legacies, because I legit think Green could have been on Holloway level for X. Have high hopes for him but do think you lose some ceiling by not starting early and taking the lumps that could come from it.

[XUBison]

That's an interesting reminder. This year is the first year when Miller is not constrained by the two factors you mentioned; time and current roster. I wonder how he views this roster post transfer portal. Did he get the players he really wanted? Does he believe we have the capacity needed to compete at the highest level of the B.E.?

My two biggest questions are the quality of our BIGS, especially if Free is not able to return to last year's form and whether or not we have enough three-point shooting capacity. My read on the new P.G. from WKU (which came from info. on this board) is that he isn't particularly strong from outside the arc. Des and Hunter will need to improve dramatically over the summer and if they don't, we are left with Olivari and Craft with possibly Green added to the mix. One thing I loved about Kunkel is that he had the brass balls to take that shot no matter what point we were in the game. If he was open, it was going up. Hope we can replace both his talent and his spirit.

I have a lot of confidence in Miller to meld these players into a team but I'm not confident we have the roster we need to achieve B.E, championship or Final Four status and after all, that's what we all expect from Miller at some point. Not disappointed in the roster but I just don't know.

Interested in how others view the roster.

I am right there with you. Not that I’m not excited about the new guys— I am. This is my perspective, however— Imagine last February if we were suddenly told X had traded Nunge, Jones, Kunkel, and Boum for the four guys we just landed in the portal? This board would have gone mental. We are talking about three all-BE caliber players, one of whom may be a first-rounder this year. And Kunkel? Say what you like, but the guy competed at a high level for three years in the BE. We might have been toast against Texas, but we would have been burnt toast without him.

I realize a systematic shift may be occurring, especially towards the defensive end. Maybe that nuance will pay Dividends in the near term. Of course we all trust Sean, and Boum was proof of that. It’s hard to imagine the new guys match the productivity of the old guys though— seems like an unreasonable expectation.

[xavierj]

That's an interesting reminder. This year is the first year when Miller is not constrained by the two factors you mentioned; time and current roster. I wonder how he views this roster post transfer portal. Did he get the players he really wanted? Does he believe we have the capacity needed to compete at the highest level of the B.E.?

My two biggest questions are the quality of our BIGS, especially if Free is not able to return to last year's form and whether or not we have enough three-point shooting capacity. My read on the new P.G. from WKU (which came from info. on this board) is that he isn't particularly strong from outside the arc. Des and Hunter will need to improve dramatically over the summer and if they don't, we are left with Olivari and Craft with possibly Green added to the mix. One thing I loved about Kunkel is that he had the brass balls to take that shot no matter what point we were in the game. If he was open, it was going up. Hope we can replace both his talent and his spirit.

I have a lot of confidence in Miller to meld these players into a team but I'm not confident we have the roster we need to achieve B.E, championship or Final Four status and after all, that's what we all expect from Miller at some point. Not disappointed in the roster but I just don't know.

Interested in how others view the roster.

I think Sean got players he knew fit the style he wanted to play. They are all decent to good defenders and the guards he brought in can and will score. He has a plan. Could it backfire? Sure but I think he is confident in what he is bringing in. He would have continued to wait if he didn’t believe in the guys he brought in. The portal is still open. I think McKnight is exactly the tough hard nosed PG Sean likes and Oliveri is a scorer and he showed that against Texas this last year. Then you bring back Big East starter level players in Claude, Hunter and Freemantle and a potential first team Big East player in Zach. The staff right or wrong also believes Des is a future pro. I Would be shocked if this team isn’t a top 20 team, with the talent coming in and what is coming back, along with who is coaching them.

[xavierj]

I am right there with you. Not that I’m not excited about the new guys— I am. This is my perspective, however— Imagine last February if we were suddenly told X had traded Nunge, Jones, Kunkel, and Boum for the four guys we just landed in the portal? This board would have gone mental. We are talking about three all-BE caliber players, one of whom may be a first-rounder this year. And Kunkel? Say what you like, but the guy competed at a high level for three years in the BE. We might have been toast against Texas, but we would have been burnt toast without him.

I realize a systematic shift may be occurring, especially towards the defensive end. Maybe that nuance will pay Dividends in the near term. Of course we all trust Sean, and Boum was proof of that. It’s hard to imagine the new guys match the productivity of the old guys though— seems like an unreasonable expectation.

I don’t think anyone expected Boum to be what he was this last year, that was a pleasant surprise. Before the season started many thought he would be coming off the bench behind Des. Then you can see the jumps Kunkel, Jack and Colby made and you can attribute that to coaching. So do I think the offense will be as efficient as last year?, probably not but they still won’t struggle to score and the defense should be much better by default. One thing for sure is that they won’t have to rely solely on 6 guys. The depth and talent level will be much deeper.

[XUBison]

I don’t think anyone expected Boum to be what he was this last year, that was a pleasant surprise. Before the season started many thought he would be coming off the bench behind Des. Then you can see the jumps Kunkel, Jack and Colby made and you can attribute that to coaching. So do I think the offense will be as efficient as last year?, probably not but they still won’t struggle to score and the defense should be much better by default. One thing for sure is that they won’t have to rely solely on 6 guys. The depth and talent level will be much deeper.

Yep, that was my point about Boum. As for depth, we’ll see. I don’t think anyone thought we’d get so little from our bench when last season started. I also am not at all sold on our inside depth next year. I like your assessment better than mine though.

[MHettel]

I don’t think anyone expected Boum to be what he was this last year, that was a pleasant surprise. Before the season started many thought he would be coming off the bench behind Des. Then you can see the jumps Kunkel, Jack and Colby made and you can attribute that to coaching. So do I think the offense will be as efficient as last year?, probably not but they still won’t struggle to score and the defense should be much better by default. One thing for sure is that they won’t have to rely solely on 6 guys. The depth and talent level will be much deeper.

I, for one, expected exactly what we got from Boum. I’m sure my posts from his commitment showed my excitement about his game. He was a guy that shot from deep and got to the line. He did it for 4 years and there was no reason to think he wouldn’t do it for us.

I see the new backcourt as equal or better than Boum and Kunkel. Oliveri is a very similar player to Boum, and McKnight is more of a PG than either Boum or Kunk. Deep shooting may suffer a bit for the new guys, but I expect the backcourt D to make up the difference.

[xavierj]

I, for one, expected exactly what we got from Boum. I’m sure my posts from his commitment showed my excitement about his game. He was a guy that shot from deep and got to the line. He did it for 4 years and there was no reason to think he wouldn’t do it for us.

I see the new backcourt as equal or better than Boum and Kunkel. Oliveri is a very similar player to Boum, and McKnight is more of a PG than either Boum or Kunk. Deep shooting may suffer a bit for the new guys, but I expect the backcourt D to make up the difference.

Quincy Olivari is around 80% from the line and has a higher 3% over 4 years than Boum did prior to coming to Xavier. Dayvion McKnight has done well against high major talent, shot 84% from the line and 46% from the floor during his time at WKU. That is good for a point guard, he can finish. Boum was around 40% for his career prior to X and Kunkel finished around 42% for his career. McKnight isn’t considered a good three point shooter but I bet he will be accurate by being very selective with his 3’s under Sean. As you stated, the defense will be improved but the offense should also be fine.

[XUGRAD80]

Yes….brain fart…definitely meant GREEN

[XUGRAD80]

IF Freemantle can do what he was doing last year before he got hurt and give the team 15 points a game, Hunter can give them 10, and they can get another 10 from a combination of the centers, X should be OK in the front court scoring wise. I’m not worried about X being able to score enough points to win. I do think that they have a chance to be a better defensive team, starting with guards that will hopefully do a better job of preventing penetration by the opposing teams guards. If X can just do that, I like their chances of being able to score enough to win games. They won’t have to score 80+ points on a regular basis to win games.

[Masterofreality]

I, for one, expected exactly what we got from Boum. I’m sure my posts from his commitment showed my excitement about his game. He was a guy that shot from deep and got to the line. He did it for 4 years and there was no reason to think he wouldn’t do it for us.

I see the new backcourt as equal or better than Boum and Kunkel. Oliveri is a very similar player to Boum, and McKnight is more of a PG than either Boum or Kunk. Deep shooting may suffer a bit for the new guys, but I expect the backcourt D to make up the difference.


Quincy Olivari is around 80% from the line and has a higher 3% over 4 years than Boum did prior to coming to Xavier. Dayvion McKnight has done well against high major talent, shot 84% from the line and 46% from the floor during his time at WKU. That is good for a point guard, he can finish. Boum was around 40% for his career prior to X and Kunkel finished around 42% for his career. McKnight isn’t considered a good three point shooter but I bet he will be accurate by being very selective with his 3’s under Sean. As you stated, the defense will be improved but the offense should also be fine.

This is Sean’s thing. And we saw a return of that strategy last year.
“Make more free throws than your opponent attempts”

Sean wants guards who force the action to the rim and can finish/draw fouls then make the frees rather than just jacking up from deep. This is who he got.
We all have to totally eliminate the mindset we were indoctrinated with for four ineffective years. You can score 3 points in a posession different ways and many times more efficiently.
While it’s great to have guys who can make 45-50% from deep, the other way is consistently more reliable.
I’m with Sean.

[Final4]

This is Sean’s thing. And we saw a return of that strategy last year.
“Make more free throws than your opponent attempts”

Sean wants guards who force the action to the rim and can finish/draw fouls then make the frees rather than just jacking up from deep. This is who he got.
We all have to totally eliminate the mindset we were indoctrinated with for four ineffective years. You can score 3 points in a posession different ways and many times more efficiently.
While it’s great to have guys who can make 45-50% from deep, the other way is consistently more reliable.
I’m with Sean.

Hey Naismith they're not playing on peach baskets anymore. You may want to read a few articles on "analytics and shot selection" which may help you better understand today's game.

[xavierj]

Hey Naismith they're not playing on peach baskets anymore. You may want to read a few articles on "analytics and shot selection" which may help you better understand today's game.

It seemed to work for Xavier last year. They will not be a team that jacks up a ton of three’s. It’s about style and pace. Force the action and take whatever great looks you get. Sean learned a lot about the best offensive system for todays game the year he was off.

[GoMuskies]

Hey Naismith they're not playing on peach baskets anymore. You may want to read a few articles on "analytics and shot selection" which may help you better understand today's game.

This sounds like a philosophy that is a decade old at this point. We're on to the next evolution.

[Xville]

This sounds like a philosophy that is a decade old at this point. We're on to the next evolution.

Yep… everyone thought they were going to be the next warriors and then people finally started to realize that not everyone is steph curry… well most people, except for Steele.

Anyways, there is certainly an evolution going on.

[smileyy]

If I have a guy who can shoot 45-50% from deep he better be shooting at least 10 a game. Even if he "only" shoots 40% on pull-up 3s (a more difficult shot than catch-and-shoot) I want him taking 20 a game.

[Final4]

This sounds like a philosophy that is a decade old at this point. We're on to the next evolution.

"next evolution"......and what would that be exactly?

[XUGRAD80]

If I have a guy who can shoot 45-50% from deep he better be shooting at least 10 a game. Even if he "only" shoots 40% on pull-up 3s (a more difficult shot than catch-and-shoot) I want him taking 20 a game.

Would you then be happy with someone that scores 15 points a game and commits 5 turnovers, or 24 points a game, but also commits 12 turnovers? Especially if those turnovers often turn into fast breaks for the other team? Often a quick pull up 3 that is missed turns into just that...a turnover leading to a fast break. It's certainly entertaining BB to watch, but it isn't often winning BB, especially come tournament time.

Winning BB, and especially championship winning BB, usually relies on a mixture of being able to take and make some outside shots, combined with the ability to score off the drive and also inside by a team's interior players. Then one must combine the offensive abilities of a team with its defensive capabilities.

This isn't rocket science by any means. I think most everyone will agree that a team needs more than just great outside shooters to be successful. "Today's game" or not, somethings just don't change. The objective is to score one more point than your opponent. it's not to just make one more long shot, or to make one more free throw, or to block one more shot. All of those little things add up to the one thing that really matters....scoring that 1 additional point at the end of the game. Ball control that eliminates turnovers that lead to easy baskets, making free throws, controlling the glass, playing defense, making a high % of your shots, playing as a TEAM are just as important now as they ever were.

[Three Point Pete]

If I have a guy who can shoot 45-50% from deep he better be shooting at least 10 a game. Even if he "only" shoots 40% on pull-up 3s (a more difficult shot than catch-and-shoot) I want him taking 20 a game.I'm with you smileyy, and apparently, Coach Malone agrees too!

Denver's Jamal Murray was 0 for 9 last night from behind the arc in Game 2 playoff vs. Phoenix. Some pundit asked him if that was a concern. Coach said he would accept that, but not if he went 0 for 2 from deep!

Murray's line in playoffs FG% 49.5 - 3% 43.1 with avg. Points about 19. The shooters have to shoot! Interesting side note: Suns tried to shut down Murray, and weren't able to double Jokic, so he went 17/30 FG and 39 Points.

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

[XUBison]

Grant Nelson from NDSU just entered the portal. Think Nunge, but more athletic. He also has his name in the draft. I would love him, but I don’t have any indication we’re in the mix. Hope we at least take a peek.

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/grant-nelson-transfer-ndsu-nba-draft-return/akqea99sxhgbawvogy0lowxd

[xukeith]

Odds point to Creighton picking Nelson up.

[Smails]

Hey Naismith they're not playing on peach baskets anymore. You may want to read a few articles on "analytics and shot selection" which may help you better understand today's game.

Care to offer up any real analysis as to why shooting more FT's than your opponents attempt is not a winning strategy? Do you have any of these articles to link, or is your post just a continuation of the massive hard-on you have for everything MOR posts?

[Final4]

Care to offer up any real analysis as to why shooting more FT's than your opponents attempt is not a winning strategy? Do you have any of these articles to link, or is your post just a continuation of the massive hard-on you have for everything MOR posts?

Well it was pretty much a continuation of the massive hard-on I have for everything MOR posts. I think the guy is a condescending, pretentious dick and, while I'm not on here very often, when I am, I like to poke fun at him. With that said, to answer your question and a few others with differing views this was my only point.

The calculus hasn’t changed. Recognizing which shots, adjusted for percentage made, yield the most points is a valuable metric that will never go away. Uncontested layups/dunks top the list followed by corner 3’s (obviously an NBA lean to the data but still relatable). Contested shots inside the arc and even at the rim are well down the list.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Odds point to Creighton picking Nelson up.

Did Kalkbrenner declare for the draft?

[Xville]

Did Kalkbrenner declare for the draft?

Yes but maintained eligibility for now. Maybe he is hearing good things. I think with a bit of bulk he has the potential to have a nice career at the next level. Not a starter, it rotational player for 6-8 years. Size and just enough athleticism

[noteggs]

Yes but maintained eligibility for now. Maybe he is hearing good things. I think with a bit of bulk he has the potential to have a nice career at the next level. Not a starter, it rotational player for 6-8 years. Size and just enough athleticism

FWIW. Latest projections has Kalk going late in the second round.

[murray87]

Maybe this is already posted here but 4mill?? Wow:

https://throughthephog.com/2023/04/22/hunter-dickinson-kansas-basketball-transfer-portal/