2023-2024 Starting Lineup

[D-West & PO-Z]

Ok, so I know this post is a tad premature with some transfer decisions still up in the air, but assuming Miller gets one of the impact transfer centers he is coveting, what do you see the starting lineup as next year? (I am also assuming Freemantle is staying).

My thoughts:

PG: Dayvion McKnight
SG: Quincy Olivari
SF: Des Claude
PF: Zach Freemantle
C: Transfer

Bench:
Hunter
A wing transfer?
Craft
Freshmen (I don't pretend to be able to predict who will be ready, and don't follow recruiting closely enough)


What say you?

[xavierj]

Ok, so I know this post is a tad premature with some transfer decisions still up in the air, but assuming Miller gets one of the impact transfer centers he is coveting, what do you see the starting lineup as next year? (I am also assuming Freemantle is staying).

My thoughts:

PG: Dayvion McKnight
SG: Quincy Olivari
SF: Des Claude
PF: Zach Freemantle
C: Transfer

Bench:
Hunter
A wing transfer?
Craft
Freshmen (I don't pretend to be able to predict who will be ready, and don't follow recruiting closely enough)

What say you?

I think that is probably true as far as the starting lineup. As for the freshman I think Trey Green will play a lot from what I can tell. He will be the backup PG and other than McKnight will be the only true PG on the roster and Miller wants to play 2 PG’s. Des will also play some PG as well and he will be versatile to be able to play multiple positions. I don’t expect Sean to play more than 8 guys a lot of minutes once conference play starts but think they will be deeper for sure. I also expect them to add another SF/PF type player on top of a center through the portal or maybe a euro player.

[XUBison]

I think that is probably true as far as the starting lineup. As for the freshman I think Trey Green will play a lot from what I can tell. He will be the backup PG and other than McKnight will be the only true PG on the roster and Miller wants to play 2 PG’s. Des will also play some PG as well and he will be versatile to be able to play multiple positions. I don’t expect Sean to play more than 8 guys a lot of minutes once conference play starts but think they will be deeper for sure. I also expect them to add another SF/PF type player on top of a center through the portal or maybe a euro player.

Who was espousing the notion of Des as a surefire PG first round draft pick after next season? If there was any merit at all to that, I can’t imagine he’s happy moving to the Wing next season.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Who was espousing the notion of Des as a surefire PG first round draft pick after next season? If there was any merit at all to that, I can’t imagine he’s happy moving to the Wing next season.

Yeah, that was nonsense.

I could envision a scenario where Des isn't thrilled with 2 big time guard transfers coming in, but he also has 3 years of eligibility left to always move back. Olivari specifically mentioned Des as someone he spent a lot of time with a gelled with. So Des obviously is not showing any signs of displeasure.

[xavierj]

Yeah, that was nonsense.

I could envision a scenario where Des isn't thrilled with 2 big time guard transfers coming in, but he also has 3 years of eligibility left to always move back. Olivari specifically mentioned Des as someone he spent a lot of time with a gelled with. So Des obviously is not showing any signs of displeasure.

Did someone say he was switching positions? I can see him out there with two other guards but he has never been listed as anything but a PG in high school and now college.

[xukeith]

If Dez can stay out of foul trouble and at least score 6 points a game, his length for defense and control of the ball in transition are needed. His experience will be difficult for the frosh to replace.
I agree with above Green comments.
Hope X gets one of these 3 post players. We need one. I do also think the IU transfer will be needed off the bench at times. I do not know where minutes will be for Ducharme, Swain and Nzeh.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Did someone say he was switching positions? I can see him out there with two other guards but he has never been listed as anything but a PG in high school and now college.

Yeah, I didn't mean officially move. I just know McKnight is more strictly PG and Olivari more SG, and Des has the most height so I'd imagine he would be guarding more the 3 spot defensively. Offensively I think any of the 3 could handle the ball and bring it up, but when McKnight is in the game I see the offense running through him likely.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Big update! We got our anchor in the middle on D.

PG: Dayvion McKnight
SG: Quincy Olivari
SF: Des Claude
PF: Zach Freemantle
C: Abou Ousmane

Bench:
Hunter
A wing transfer?
Craft
Freshmen
IU transfer

[Xville]

So, maybe a scoring wing if miller can grab one, otherwise x may be all set? Unless free goes, then need one more big

[D-West & PO-Z]

So, maybe a scoring wing if miller can grab one, otherwise x may be all set? Unless free goes, then need one more big

Yeah. Think that is spot on.

Would love to get a scoring wing who can shoot.

[UCGRAD4X]

I'm not sure I don't want Hunter in the starting lineup. Maybe even over Zach. He certainly has earned o big spot somewhere. It might be one of those - it doesn't matter who "starts" the minutes between the 4/5s are going to be pretty evenly split, with one other getting @ 10 min. The one who earns more will get more. Not bad place to be.

[xukeith]

Barring injuries, X has 6 solid post players. Maybe 1 can hit threes.
X also has 6 solid guards.
Get the Harrison Ingram kid from Stanford and we are ready to compete for a top 4 BE spot.

[IM4X]

I'm not sure I don't want Hunter in the starting lineup. Maybe even over Zach. He certainly has earned o big spot somewhere. It might be one of those - it doesn't matter who "starts" the minutes between the 4/5s are going to be pretty evenly split, with one other getting @ 10 min. The one who earns more will get more. Not bad place to be.

Yeah. It’s hard for me not to include players who had significant minutes on a Sweet 16 team (i.e. Free, Hunter and Claude) in a “who should start” list without feeling like I am disrespecting them. IMO, they have earned the right to be thought of as starters at this point. Maybe that could change, if a player comes in looking like an All- BE level player.

Like you mentioned, we will probably see much more time being slpit, more subbing due to more depth and less of a drop off in the level of talent coming off the bench. I could also see different starters for different games, depending on the matchup.

I would imagine X lands at least one more solid player through the transfer portal. Still, as much as I am excited about all of the transfers and recruits (and I truly am excited), I also realizing none of them will be proven commodities at the Big East level. I look forward to seeing them all bring their best and push each other in an attempt to earn significant playing time.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I certainly mean Hunter no disrespect and I certainly think he will play a major role and major minutes. I just think if Freemantle comes back, and at the level he was last year, he will certainly need to be starting, and the addition of Osumane is perfectly paired with Freemantle from a defensive perspective.

I also think it is unlikley that McKnight or Olivari don't start and have already heard Olivari discuss in an interview Miller referencing them playing Boum in the CUSA and how he envisions he can come and perform similarly to Boum (paraphrasing). I am not saying Miller made any promises but I am sure he painted a vision for how these guys can come in and help shape the team and they are both all conference big time scorers who had some great options.

We will absolutely be deeper than last year and guys are going to be subbing in and out more frequently I imagine. I think Hunter thriving in a 6th man role this past year makes it easier for him to thrive in that this year as well. That isn't something all guys can adjust to.

In Miller I trust to find the right lineups and roles for this team!

[MHettel]

Barring injuries, X has 6 solid post players. Maybe 1 can hit threes.
X also has 6 solid guards.
Get the Harrison Ingram kid from Stanford and we are ready to compete for a top 4 BE spot.

I’m having trouble identifying the 6 post guys. Hunter, free (maybe), IU guy and north Texas guy makes 4. Who are the other 2?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Barring injuries, X has 6 solid post players. Maybe 1 can hit threes.
X also has 6 solid guards.
Get the Harrison Ingram kid from Stanford and we are ready to compete for a top 4 BE spot.

Trying to figure out where you are getting 6 solid post players from?

[D-West & PO-Z]

I’m having trouble identifying the 6 post guys. Hunter, free (maybe), IU guy and north Texas guy makes 4. Who are the other 2?

Ha, didn't see you post, but I agree.

I count 3. Then some unknowns....Duncomb and Nzeh.

[IM4X]

I’m having trouble identifying the 6 post guys. Hunter, free (maybe), IU guy and north Texas guy makes 4. Who are the other 2?

Guessing he is including Nzeh and Swain.

That would make the total post players Freemantle, Hunter, Duncomb, Nzeh, Ousmane (North Texas transfer), plus Swain (mentioned as a guard on some sites but will likely be playing more at the 3 and the 4 for X). That makes six.

[MHettel]

Guessing he is including Nzeh and Swain.

That would make the total post players Freemantle, Hunter, Duncomb, Nzeh, Ousmane (North Texas transfer), plus Swain (mentioned as a guard on some sites but will likely be playing more at the 3 and the 4 for X). That makes six.

A 3 that might play a little 4 is not a post player. I’m not trying to be right here, but we’ve got 3 post guys right now. Hunter is a hybrid. Who knows about the freshmen.

But it’s not 6

[xukeith]

Nzeh, Hunter, Freemantle, IU guy, North Texas guy, Swain

[XUGRAD80]

In today’s world of “positionless” basketball, it really doesn’t matter all that much what a player is designated as. They are going to move and rotate all over the court. They are being asked to guard many different people and to have the abilities to dribble, pass, and shoot from almost everywhere. Traditional “post” players are hard to come by and rarely seen anymore at most schools. However, the BE seems to have more of those types of players than most other leagues. I’m happy that X has at least one of them, might just have two others that can can contribute, and could possibly bring in another. But I would not call either Free or Hunter, and most certainly not Swain, a “post” player. Being tall doesn’t make you a “post” player in my mind.

But as long as they can play and contribute……does it really matter what you CALL them? It really only matter what they can do, right?

[xavierj]

Nzeh, Hunter, Freemantle, IU guy, North Texas guy, Swain

This is true but swain is skilled so he can also play the wing at times. So wings and guards will be McKnight, Claude, Olivari, Ducharme, Craft and Green and maybe Swain.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It really only matter what they can do, right?

I agree, but you said 3 things: dribble, pass, shoot.

None of our 3 (the 3 known reliable) post guys can do all 3 of those things.

You also said guard many different people, guessing you mean positions.

I think Zach has improved but he can really only effectively guard the 4. He can do some at the 5 sure but not long stretches against the best the BE has there.

I think Hunter can guard 3 positions, but better guarding the 3/4.

No idea on Ousmane other than he is reportedly a really solid defender, so I assume he can guard the 4/5 both well.

Anything we get from any other post player should be a bonus in my eyes with no proven commodity. This is why I also think Hunter comes off the bench. I don't think having all 3 of the known post guys play significant time together is best for the flow of the offense or for the rotation.

Obviously that can change if Hunter finds his shot and/or one of the other post guys proves reliable for 10mins a game etc.

[IM4X]

A 3 that might play a little 4 is not a post player. I’m not trying to be right here, but we’ve got 3 post guys right now. Hunter is a hybrid. Who knows about the freshmen.

But it’s not 6

I was simply adding up the players who could play (and who have played) the 4 or 5 to get to the six post players he had said X would have. How BE ready each of the six will be is certainly debatable. Nzeh is definitely a post player. Swain can play the 2 thru 4 - that’s how versatile the kid is. I do agree that both Hunter and Swain are more hybrid type players, but that doesn’t mean they can’t play the post position.

Maybe the real issue you had was reading “we have 6 post players” but knowing we really may not have 6 “BE ready” post players. If that is the case, then I would agree that we may find X only has three BE ready post players for next season (not sure how ready the IU kid is or the two freshmen). Additionally, not one of the new players will be as skilled or as prolific a scorer this season as Nunge was this past season. So while we’re likely going to have better depth at the position, we are not necessarily going to see more scoring

[XUGRAD80]

I agree, but you said 3 things: dribble, pass, shoot.

None of our 3 (the 3 known reliable) post guys can do all 3 of those things.

You also said guard many different people, guessing you mean positions.

I think Zach has improved but he can really only effectively guard the 4. He can do some at the 5 sure but not long stretches against the best the BE has there.

I think Hunter can guard 3 positions, but better guarding the 3/4.

No idea on Ousmane other than he is reportedly a really solid defender, so I assume he can guard the 4/5 both well.

Anything we get from any other post player should be a bonus in my eyes with no proven commodity. This is why I also think Hunter comes off the bench. I don't think having all 3 of the known post guys play significant time together is best for the flow of the offense or for the rotation.

Obviously that can change if Hunter finds his shot and/or one of the other post guys proves reliable for 10mins a game etc.

I agree with what you’re saying. X doesn’t have someone in the front court that can do it all. All of them have limitations and all of them have some special talent. It will up to the coaching staff to put them into situations where they can use their talents and not have their deficiencies exposed.

The Hunter/Freemantle question is a total unknown at this point. If Free comes back he starts, and Hunter rotates in for him or the center. If Free doesn’t come back or does and isn’t ready to play, Hunter starts and someone else takes his position as the first front court player off the bench. If there is someone else that is equal to Hunter in talent, then it may be a 4-man rotation, and X may go with 3 bigs from time to time.

X is very well stocked at guard/wing now. I see Claude and the 2 transfers as starters, with Swain and Hunter coming off the bench as the first two subs.

But really at this point I can’t really say I’m confident in much of this. We really don’t know much about 75% of the roster. How will the transfers adapt to Miller’s system? Are any of the freshman really ready for BE level competition? Is Free coming back? Will X bring anyone else in (the Virginia big visits this weekend)? Who will be healthy to start the season, and who won’t?

I just like that unlike the last 5 seasons, X looks to be really legitimately deep in talent and not just bodies. Lots of options.

[MHettel]

I was simply adding up the players who could play (and who have played) the 4 or 5 to get to the six post players he had said X would have. How BE ready each of the six will be is certainly debatable. Nzeh is definitely a post player. Swain can play the 2 thru 4 - that’s how versatile the kid is. I do agree that both Hunter and Swain are more hybrid type players, but that doesn’t mean they can’t play the post position.

Maybe the real issue you had was reading “we have 6 post players” but knowing we really may not have 6 “BE ready” post players. If that is the case, then I would agree that we may find X only has three BE ready post players for next season (not sure how ready the IU kid is or the two freshmen). Additionally, not one of the new players will be as skilled or as prolific a scorer this season as Nunge was this past season. So while we’re likely going to have better depth at the position, we are not necessarily going to see more scoring

I think it's the word "post player" that I'm struggling with.

Positions can be described any number of ways. Centers, Forwards, Guards. Small Forwards, Power Forwards. Shooting Guards, Point Guards. Swing Players. Bigs.

But you can't use these descriptions all together to describe a team because some categories overlap with others.

Post Players, to me, mean guys that are willing and able to post up. It's a description of their offensive game. Get position down low with their back to the basket and receive an entry pass. Then try to score or pass out of the post in the event of tough defense or a double team. I would say MOST centers and Many Power Forwards fall into this category, but not all. And some SF would as well. Very rarely do you get a big guard that is so effective that they back down into the post to go to work (Scruggs, actually was good at this).

Anyway I'm counting Free as a post player (a VERY good one). Hunter definitely showed that he could do it as well, especially in Free's absence. I assume the new North Texas guys is a post player, given that he took zero 3's, shot 48% and scored 11 a game. The IU guy seems huge and would be a natural fit in the post.


Swain seems more like a 3 that could play a little 4 but as a slasher. NZeh is an unknown to me, but I'll just assume he can play the post. I think I'd say we have 4 post players.

If you said we had 6 "Bigs", then I'd probably go with 5 (Swain is a tweener....hey ANOTHER label).

Although this is a REALLY difficult exercise because we are going to put a team out there next year and I've really only actually seen 3 of the guys play....

[muskiefan82]

You forgot Point Forward MHETTEL. LOL

[nuts4xu]

If Free comes back he starts, and Hunter rotates in for him or the center. .

At this point, I would assume Freemantle is coming back. He isn't going announce his intentions, and he is still recovering from his foot surgery. He doesn't have many options. The deadline for putting your name in the portal is in early May, and I have to imaging the coaching staff would have pushed him to decide by now if he was going to play professionally. It would come as a huge surprise if Freemantle isn't back next season.

When he had his foot surgery last time, the procedure took place in the fall, and he was ready to play in early December. I expect him to be fully healthy by the time practice starts up this year.

[nuts4xu]

Big update! We got our anchor in the middle on D.

PG: Dayvion McKnight
SG: Quincy Olivari
SF: Des Claude
PF: Hunter
C: Freemantle

Bench:
Abou Ousmane
Trey Green
Reid Ducharme
Kachi Nzeh
Dailyn Swain
Kam Craft
Logan Duncomb

This is the lineup I think will start. I filled in the names of the 12 players we have committed to next year. I am thrilled with the depth, but realize Miller will use an 8 man rotation for most of the season. This roster is much better constructed than last season. We have one more scholarship open and it will likely be used.

[paulxu]

I see all those positions listed for a basketball team on the court.
But one is clearly missing.
Do we have a Swiss Army Knife coming in from the portal?

[xukeith]

I agree

[IM4X]

We do seem to have have “more” capable BE level players on this new roster, but I am not convinced the team is better at the top 7 spots than they were this past season (when Free was healthy).

Last season X had

- better three point shooting (we had 4 players shooting 37% or above from 3)
- a center who was a scoring threat from inside, midrange and from the 3.
- a bunch of guys who had played together the previous
- players who had additional confidence since they won an NIT championship together the previous year.

If this coming season’s team expects to go further, it will mean their 8-11 players will have to be strong enough to make up for some of the first seven players who may not be quite as productive as last season’s first 7. Plus, some of the new guys will have to prove they can play very good defense.

First Seven Comparison (not in any particular order)

22-23 SEASON 23-24 SEASON
Boum* Olivari /McKnight/Green
Kunkel McKnight / Olivari/Green
Jones* Swain/ Craft/ Ducharme
Nunge* Ousmane /Nezh / Duncomb
Free. Free
Hunter Hunter
Claude Claude

* would clearly start over this year’s option

[D-West & PO-Z]

We do seem to have have “more” capable BE level players on this new roster, but I am not convinced the team is better at the top 7 spots than they were this past season (when Free was healthy).

Last season X had

- better three point shooting (we had 4 players shooting 37% or above from 3)
- a center who was a scoring threat from inside, midrange and from the 3.
- a bunch of guys who had played together the previous
- players who had additional confidence since they won an NIT championship together the previous year.

If this coming season’s team expects to go further, it will mean their 8-11 players will have to be strong enough to make up for some of the first seven players who may not be quite as productive as last season’s first 7. Plus, some of the new guys will have to prove they can play very good defense.

First Seven Comparison (not in any particular order)

22-23 SEASON 23-24 SEASON
Boum* Olivari /McKnight/Green
Kunkel McKnight / Olivari/Green
Jones* Swain/ Craft/ Ducharme
Nunge* Ousmane /Nezh / Duncomb
Free. Free
Hunter Hunter
Claude Claude

* would clearly start over this year’s option

The problem is we don't know yet about the transfers. No one thought in getting Boum we were getting a 1st team All Big East caliber PG. We had no idea. Olivari or McKnight could be that, we just don't know.

One thing I do *think* I know, which you didn't address because it is hard to account for when looking at stats, is that I think we are going to be lightyears better defensively. If that comes to fruition it is going to be big, because as awesome as it was to watch us on offense last year, it was equally as bad to watch us on defense. You never know with the step up in competition but I think we got transfers who are better regarded defensively.

[IM4X]

I think it's the word "post player" that I'm struggling with.

Positions can be described any number of ways. Centers, Forwards, Guards. Small Forwards, Power Forwards. Shooting Guards, Point Guards. Swing Players. Bigs.

But you can't use these descriptions all together to describe a team because some categories overlap with others.

Post Players, to me, mean guys that are willing and able to post up. It's a description of their offensive game. Get position down low with their back to the basket and receive an entry pass. Then try to score or pass out of the post in the event of tough defense or a double team. I would say MOST centers and Many Power Forwards fall into this category, but not all. And some SF would as well. Very rarely do you get a big guard that is so effective that they back down into the post to go to work (Scruggs, actually was good at this).

Anyway I'm counting Free as a post player (a VERY good one). Hunter definitely showed that he could do it as well, especially in Free's absence. I assume the new North Texas guys is a post player, given that he took zero 3's, shot 48% and scored 11 a game. The IU guy seems huge and would be a natural fit in the post.


Swain seems more like a 3 that could play a little 4 but as a slasher. NZeh is an unknown to me, but I'll just assume he can play the post. I think I'd say we have 4 post players.

If you said we had 6 "Bigs", then I'd probably go with 5 (Swain is a tweener....hey ANOTHER label).

Although this is a REALLY difficult exercise because we are going to put a team out there next year and I've really only actually seen 3 of the guys play....


Yeah, I think the important thing is knowing we have enough players who can defend well against Big East leaves 4 and 5s and who can score in the paint against those same BE 4 and 5s. We were very thin with those type of players last year… and like you mentioned, we haven’t seen enough of the guys play (at least not at the BE level) to know just yet how much that’ll change for this year coming season.

[MHettel]

I think the upgrade defensively will more than account for the likely downtick in offensive efficiency.

Kunkel and Boum and Free were below average defensively. Hunter and Jones were good. I think Nunge was pretty average for a guy his size.

You can hide one poor defender. Maybe even 2. But not 3.

The North Texas guy is a defense first player (so I've heard) and he can REALLY help Free. The guards, even if they are average, will be an upgrade defensively. They both seem "stout" compared to Boum and Kunkel.

There is no obvious answer to replace Jones in my opinion. I dont think Hunter can start alongside Free and the North texas guy unless we give Free the full green light to shoot as much as Nunge did. Swain seems like a stud, but he's really young and ...well its the Big East.

Maybe one more portal guy? A versatile 3? Or possibly a Euro guy that can step right in?

[IM4X]

The problem is we don't know yet about the transfers. No one thought in getting Boum we were getting a 1st team All Big East caliber PG. We had no idea. Olivari or McKnight could be that, we just don't know.

One thing I do *think* I know, which you didn't address because it is hard to account for when looking at stats, is that I think we are going to be lightyears better defensively. If that comes to fruition it is going to be big, because as awesome as it was to watch us on offense last year, it was equally as bad to watch us on defense. You never know with the step up in competition but I think we got transfers who are better regarded defensively.

I hope you are right about being lightyears ahead defensively. I did mention that part of making up for what could be a potentially less productive “first 7 players” is that “some of the new guys will have to prove they can play very good defense.” You are right, though, that we can’t account for whether that will be the case or not.

True- We don’t know yet about the transfers. I would say it is not likely that we will see any of them do what Souley did at X, but you never know. Olivari may be able to become a 40% shooter in Miller’s offense system and McKnight may prove to be a guard who plays at an elite level in the paint. One (or even both) may even be a slightly better defender than Boum. I would be surprised if either of them matches all of the skills that Souley offers. I could be wrong though.

[Muskie91]

The problem is we don't know yet about the transfers. No one thought in getting Boum we were getting a 1st team All Big East caliber PG. We had no idea. Olivari or McKnight could be that, we just don't know.

One thing I do *think* I know, which you didn't address because it is hard to account for when looking at stats, is that I think we are going to be lightyears better defensively. If that comes to fruition it is going to be big, because as awesome as it was to watch us on offense last year, it was equally as bad to watch us on defense. You never know with the step up in competition but I think we got transfers who are better regarded defensively.

How about a top 25 offense and defense. Now you’re talking final 4!

[noteggs]

The problem is we don't know yet about the transfers. No one thought in getting Boum we were getting a 1st team All Big East caliber PG. We had no idea. Olivari or McKnight could be that, we just don't know.

One thing I do *think* I know, which you didn't address because it is hard to account for when looking at stats, is that I think we are going to be lightyears better defensively. If that comes to fruition it is going to be big, because as awesome as it was to watch us on offense last year, it was equally as bad to watch us on defense. You never know with the step up in competition but I think we got transfers who are better regarded defensively.

Agree with this.

Also going into last season who would have thought

- we would lead the country in assists per game
- are 3% efficiency would be so good. Think Torvick had us number 4 in the country.

I certainly didn’t.

Man, thank God for Sean Miller!

[D-West & PO-Z]

How about a top 25 offense and defense. Now you’re talking final 4!

That is certainly the formula!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Maybe one more portal guy? A versatile 3? Or possibly a Euro guy that can step right in?

I think it would be awesome if we could get a college proven wing here in our last spot. Would be a dream portal season for Miller if he was able to secure that.

Are we in on any wings that would fit the description?

[D-West & PO-Z]

One (or even both) may even be a slightly better defender than Boum.

I hope both of them are more than a little better defensively, but I don't know for sure.

I also agree it will be hard for either of them to replicate what Boum did offensively for X, but I will be happy to see it if they do!

[XU_Lou]

Per Rothstein:

Xavier's Zach Freemantle (foot) has been cleared for non-contact work and is on track to be fully cleared for all basketball related activities at some point in July, per Sean Miller. Averaged 15.2 PPG and 8.1 RPG last season prior to injury.

[noteggs]

I think Des will be in the starting lineup. Don’t know about competition from this summer league, but looks like he is poised to take the sophomore jump.

https://twitter.com/jakespegal270/status/1673294680878989314?s=42&t=U5TyKr_wshJKowj_nNzfHg

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

I think Des will be in the starting lineup. Don’t know about competition from this summer league, but looks like he is poised to take the sophomore jump.

https://twitter.com/jakespegal270/status/1673294680878989314?s=42&t=U5TyKr_wshJKowj_nNzfHg

Much better range than we saw last year. But he didn't just develop that shot in the last couple of months so with the added confidence of a returning veteran and a bigger role in the offense, we should see a huge step forward from Dez.

We seem to have solid, solid backcourt depth. I don't know what we have up front, particularly if Free doesn't return to form or if he is re-injured. That, to me, is an obvious Achilles heel.

[94GRAD]

Much better range than we saw last year. But he didn't just develop that shot in the last couple of months so with the added confidence of a returning veteran and a bigger role in the offense, we should see a huge step forward from Dez.

We seem to have solid, solid backcourt depth. I don't know what we have up front, particularly if Free doesn't return to form or if he is re-injured. That, to me, is an obvious Achilles heel.

I thought it was his ankle? :lmao:

[UCGRAD4X]

All I got to see was the highlights from the Bahama games which only showed the offense makes. It looked like they have a little more outside shooting than I expected. Of course, I didn't get to see all of the misses. I'm curious how the defense was and how what you saw affects your thought on who the starting five will be and who will be in for major minutes off the bench. Obviously a lot depends on Free and Hunter's availability.

[sirthought]

I honestly think it's too soon to say. We just haven't seen enough of the new guys playing together with the team. I'm guessing Claude will start.

Freemantle if he's healthy. Craft and Hunter are question marks but wouldn't surprise me just because they have experience in the system.

[XUMIOH12]

McKnight/Olivari/Claude will start. Healthy Freemantle and Hunter would seemingly be the other 2 starters (could still see a healthy Hunter as 6th man though too). No Hunter, but healthy Freemantle then I see Ousmane/Freemantle as the starting frontcourt.

[xavierj]

McKnight/Olivari/Claude will start. Healthy Freemantle and Hunter would seemingly be the other 2 starters (could still see a healthy Hunter as 6th man though too). No Hunter, but healthy Freemantle then I see Ousmane/Freemantle as the starting frontcourt.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Nzeh start. He was the best big man in the Bahamas and it wasn’t that close. Double double in the last game (10 and 15) and he can shoot and guard the 3 to the 5. He is going to be the next Xavier great big man. Grabs every rebound and rebounds out of his area. He is Sean’s guy as Sean was the one who found him. I think it’s also possible Lazar starts if he is as good as scouts are saying.

[IM4X]

This team certainly appears to be one that’ll have a much deeper bench than last year. It’s not far fetched to think any of the scholarship players on this roster could potentially play significant minutes this coming season. That certainly couldn’t have been said about last season’s roster. Still, the level of competition X faced in the Bahamas was no where near what it will be in the Big East.

More quality players could mean Sean will givie more significant minutes to the 3rd and 4th and 5th player off the bench. Last year, all 5 starters averaged over 28 minutes a game (Boum averaged over 35). I wouldn’t be surprised if only 1 starter this season averaged more than 28 minutes a game.

If all players are healthy at the start of the season, I can’t imagine the starting five to be anything other than Free, McNight, Olivari, Claude and Hunter with the next 5 off the bench all potentially getting significant minutes.

[D-West & PO-Z]

This team certainly appears to be one that’ll have a much deeper bench than last year. It’s not far fetched to think any of the scholarship players on this roster could potentially play significant minutes this coming season. That certainly couldn’t have been said about last season’s roster. Still, the level of competition X faced in the Bahamas was no where near what it will be in the Big East.

More quality players could mean Sean will givie more significant minutes to the 3rd and 4th and 5th player off the bench. Last year, all 5 starters averaged over 28 minutes a game (Boum averaged over 35). I wouldn’t be surprised if only 1 starter this season averaged more than 28 minutes a game.

If all players are healthy at the start of the season, I can’t imagine the starting five to be anything other than Free, McNight, Olivari, Claude and Hunter with the next 5 off the bench all potentially getting significant minutes.

Yes much deeper.

As far as starting lineup, I can't see Free and Hunter being effective on the floor together for long stretches defensively. I could be wrong, but I think this team will be much better if Free can play the 4 and not have to defend the likes of Donovan Clingan.

Obviously Hunter and Free will be out there together for times, but if we could have another 5 step up, slide Free to the 4, and have Hunter as 6th man off the bench, I think that is best case scenario.

[XUMIOH12]

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Nzeh start. He was the best big man in the Bahamas and it wasn’t that close. Double double in the last game (10 and 15) and he can shoot and guard the 3 to the 5. He is going to be the next Xavier great big man. Grabs every rebound and rebounds out of his area. He is Sean’s guy as Sean was the one who found him. I think it’s also possible Lazar starts if he is as good as scouts are saying.

I like Nzeh, but I would be surprised to see Nzeh start at the beginning of the season unless there are injuries. He needs to get stronger, I don't see him holding his own defensively in the paint against actual teams yet. He was very active and seems to have good rebounding ability, but you absolutely can't take anything from that second game in the bahamas lol (don't forget the 2 points in 24 minutes in the first game against a somewhat more realistic opponent). Not sold on his shooting ability quite yet either. He made 1 15 footer and the other he attempted was an absolute brick.

I am not hating on him, I think he can contribute some this year, just don't see him being a starting quality player right now. Like him far more than Duncomb right now, he looked bad! Assuming that Djokovic will be ahead of Nzeh. Lots of wildcards on this team though in the frontcourt so who knows.

[XUMIOH12]

Yes much deeper.

As far as starting lineup, I can't see Free and Hunter being effective on the floor together for long stretches defensively. I could be wrong, but I think this team will be much better if Free can play the 4 and not have to defend the likes of Donovan Clingan.

Obviously Hunter and Free will be out there together for times, but if we could have another 5 step up, slide Free to the 4, and have Hunter as 6th man off the bench, I think that is best case scenario.

Agree on the Hunter/Freemantle combo. Can really only work defensively if the other team does not have a legit big.

Nice to have a handful of options in the frontcourt but going to be interesting to see how it shakes out. I'm sure Miller will figure out the best combos.

[UCGRAD4X]

I agree that Nzeh will need to bulk up. The biggest difference in BE from, esp. non - P5 conferences - is the physical nature of the players in the front court. Speed and general athletic ability all around, but if you can't score, defend and rebound near the basket, your team needs to be able to shoot lights out from the arc. If teams don't need to defend near the basket as much, that makes this also more unlikely. That has been a major issue with Xavier in the recent past is no bulk and/or p**sies at the 4/5.

[xavierj]

I like Nzeh, but I would be surprised to see Nzeh start at the beginning of the season unless there are injuries. He needs to get stronger, I don't see him holding his own defensively in the paint against actual teams yet. He was very active and seems to have good rebounding ability, but you absolutely can't take anything from that second game in the bahamas lol (don't forget the 2 points in 24 minutes in the first game against a somewhat more realistic opponent). Not sold on his shooting ability quite yet either. He made 1 15 footer and the other he attempted was an absolute brick.

I am not hating on him, I think he can contribute some this year, just don't see him being a starting quality player right now. Like him far more than Duncomb right now, he looked bad! Assuming that Djokovic will be ahead of Nzeh. Lots of wildcards on this team though in the frontcourt so who knows.

I agree on Nzeh but he showed a ton of promise. Went 7-9 from the floor in 2 games and had 21 rebounds and went 3-3 from the line. I think the more concerning thing was a 4th player brought in to play the 5 went 5-13 from the field against really weak competition. For this year the 5 spot is a major concern. Will be interesting to see if Sean elects to play more small ball. They can create matchup problems going small as the big centers in the Big East will struggle to defend Xavier. So for example if Lazar is as good as some think, he would create real problems with some 7 foot center having to guard him away from the basket. He can pick and pop and also he has a great first step to take someone off the dribble. I trust Sean will have a plan and Xavier will be a good team. They will be much deeper so they can play a lot of different types of lineups.

[IM4X]

I can't see Free and Hunter being effective on the floor together for long stretches defensively. I could be wrong, but I think this team will be much better if Free can play the 4 and not have to defend the likes of Donovan Clingan.

Obviously the Hunter and Free will be out there together for times, but if we could have another 5 step up, slide Free to the 4, and have Hunter as 6th man off the bench, I think that is best case scenario.

We desperately need to see improvement in the paint on defense. Free has continued to struggle in that area. Hunter was improved last season. Let’s hope some of these new bigs are able to defend well and even block some shots. Crossing my fingers Zach has worked on and improved that part of his game at least a bit. We already know how good he can be on the offensive end.

[XUGRAD80]

We desperately need to see improvement in the paint on defense. Free has continued to struggle in that area. Hunter was improved last season. Let’s hope some of these new bigs are able to defend well and even block some shots. Crossing my fingers Zach has worked on and improved that part of his game at least a bit. We already know how good he can be on the offensive end.

I don’t know how much work he has been able to put in this summer, what with him having to stay off his foot for so long. But I certainly agree that is an area that he needs to improve upon.

[IM4X]

I don’t know how much work he has been able to put in this summer, what with him having to stay off his foot for so long. But I certainly agree that is an area that he needs to improve upon.

I’m sure Zach is being extra careful with his foot, but it’s hard to believe he’s not working on his game in some sort of capacity. He’s probably not banging around in the paint with other bigs, but it’s reasonable to think he been able to work a bit on defensive drills without any contact or jumping.

[xukeith]

Free improved this past season with Miller.
He wasn't 1st BE team all defense but he wasn't horrible vs prior seasons..

[MHettel]

Free improved this past season with Miller.
He wasn't 1st BE team all defense but he wasn't horrible vs prior seasons..

Maybe I was watching games from prior seasons last year.

Teams went right at Zach. He couldn’t hold position, and posed no threat to defend the post move or block a shot. Foul trouble on him would only further reinforce the opposing strategy to take advantage of him on D, or get him out of the game. I firmly believe Ousmann was added as an interior help guy so we can limit how much Free is exploited in D.

On offense, in the interior, free is as good a scorer as we’ve had since Mr.West. He’s efficient and proficient. I see Ousmann and free spending ALOT of time together on the floor.

[MADXSTER]

Maybe I was watching games from prior seasons last year.

Teams went right at Zach. He couldn’t hold position, and posed no threat to defend the post move or block a shot. Foul trouble on him would only further reinforce the opposing strategy to take advantage of him on D, or get him out of the game. I firmly believe Ousmann was added as an interior help guy so we can limit how much Free is exploited in D.

On offense, in the interior, free is as good a scorer as we’ve had since Mr.West. He’s efficient and proficient. I see Ousmann and free spending ALOT of time together on the floor.

Agree with this ^

[OTRMUSKIE]

Take this with a grain of salt and I have no idea where he read it , maybe the pay site? Anyway he said free might be out till January and Hunter could be done for good. Just the messenger here

[sirthought]

Take this with a grain of salt and I have no idea where he read it , maybe the pay site? Anyway he said free might be out till January and Hunter could be done for good. Just the messenger here

Seems like if you have access to the pay site it would easy enough to check there for your source before you discuss here.

It would be a shame to lose these guys.

[Xville]

Take this with a grain of salt and I have no idea where he read it , maybe the pay site? Anyway he said free might be out till January and Hunter could be done for good. Just the messenger here

Although speculation at this point, I’d not be surprised by either of theee. when they took the trip and free was not available I honestly wrote him off to ever play for x again. Not saying he wouldn’t come back but I’d just take it as a bonus if he did. Just too much smoke, especially with the late frontcourt additions to not think things were up.

[xavierj]

Although speculation at this point, I’d not be surprised by either of theee. when they took the trip and free was not available I honestly wrote him off to ever play for x again. Not saying he wouldn’t come back but I’d just take it as a bonus if he did. Just too much smoke, especially with the late frontcourt additions to not think things were up.

He was never going to play in the Bahamas. Sean said back after the season that they were targeting the end of August to get him back practicing with the team. He is recovering from surgery. Have no idea if he injured it again but we will see.

[Xville]

He was never going to play in the Bahamas. Sean said back after the season that they were targeting the end of August to get him back practicing with the team. He is recovering from surgery. Have no idea if he injured it again but we will see.

Not saying miller is a liar or anything but there was a lot of nonsense last year back and forth about when free was going to step back on the court. The timing kept changing and then we hear is cleared, but then he needed surgery again. Just saying I’ll believe it when I see it. Big men and feet, back or knee injuries don’t mix.

[xavierj]

Not saying miller is a liar or anything but there was a lot of nonsense last year back and forth about when free was going to step back on the court. The timing kept changing and then we hear is cleared, but then he needed surgery again. Just saying I’ll believe it when I see it. Big men and feet, back or knee injuries don’t mix.

Let’s use some common sense. Zach returned with the idea he would be 100% this coming season. He didn’t return and he isn’t still at Xavier because he wanted to go to grad school… if he didn’t think he would be able to play, he would be long gone.

[MHettel]

Crazy to think that we will maybe play our first 10+ games next year with just one guy that is a contributing returner.

This roster turnover era will emphasize coaching and system and many team will be facing more extreme turnover

[Xville]

Let’s use some common sense. Zach returned with the idea he would be 100% this coming season. He didn’t return and he isn’t still at Xavier because he wanted to go to grad school… if he didn’t think he would be able to play, he would be long gone.

Thats a fair take, there is just a lot of smoke and I don’t trust Zach’s foot

[UCGRAD4X]

Let’s use some common sense. Zach returned with the idea he would be 100% this coming season. He didn’t return and he isn’t still at Xavier because he wanted to go to grad school… if he didn’t think he would be able to play, he would be long gone.

Look at it a different way. Where would he go if he couldn't play? If he there is an outlook that he may...eventually, stay at X, get the room and board, good health care and strength training etc. see what happens. Make some NIL in the meantime.

Maybe...

I think Hunter's situation, unfortunately, seems a little more clear cut. New big men. Over the scholly limit. Something's gotta give.

[X-band '01]

Crazy to think that we will maybe play our first 10+ games next year with just one guy that is a contributing returner.

This roster turnover era will emphasize coaching and system and many team will be facing more extreme turnover

Likewise, I think Georgetown is poised for at least a modest turnaround this year. They will not be in the basement again with Ed Cooley running the show.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Take this with a grain of salt and I have no idea where he read it , maybe the pay site? Anyway he said free might be out till January and Hunter could be done for good. Just the messenger here

Who is he?

[xavierj]

Thats a fair take, there is just a lot of smoke and I don’t trust Zach’s foot

I agree with you but I think he believes he can play at some point but people who continue to break the same bone in the foot never truly get back to 100%. My son broke his foot in football 4 times and then had surgery his junior year of college and then broke it again with the pin in it and called it quits. He still has pain a year after the 2nd surgery. The same injury has ended some professional sports careers as well. It’s a delicate area that does not get a ton of blood flow which can make it hard to fully heal. I hope for Zach he can at least come back and play at some point this year.

[MHettel]

I agree with you but I think he believes he can play at some point but people who continue to break the same bone in the foot never truly get back to 100%. My son broke his foot in football 4 times and then had surgery his junior year of college and then broke it again with the pin in it and called it quits. He still has pain a year after the 2nd surgery. The same injury has ended some professional sports careers as well. It’s a delicate area that does not get a ton of blood flow which can make it hard to fully heal. I hope for Zach he can at least come back and play at some point this year.

Ronnie Lott wouldn't let that stop him. C'mon Zach. Man Up!

[Xavier]

I honestly never expected hunter to play for X again. I think his role will be filled fine though. (Wish it was by Hunter still, love him and hope he can get better). Freemantle is tough, but something seems pretty off. Wasn’t there like a noon game last year and there was a report he was going to be available? And like 2 days later was out rest of year. Then he was rumored to be looking to transfer this off-season. Rumors around him never seem to be on point. Which is a good thing here because my gut says he might not play at all this year.

[bleedXblue]

I'm optimistic Zac will be ready to go. I'm sure Miller will try to use him a little less this year and limit practice time too.

I'm also bullish on Hunter and his utilization will be similar. We have more depth this year and that should help.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'm optimistic Zac will be ready to go. I'm sure Miller will try to use him a little less this year and limit practice time too.

I'm also bullish on Hunter and his utilization will be similar. We have more depth this year and that should help.

Just blind optimism? Or a reason for your optimism surrounding their health?

[xukeith]

Likewise, I think Georgetown is poised for at least a modest turnaround this year. They will not be in the basement again with Ed Cooley running the show.

Is a modest turnaround for Hoyas 10 total wins? 5-6 wins in BE play?

[bleedXblue]

Just blind optimism? Or a reason for your optimism surrounding their health?

Blind optimism vs skeptical negative conjecture

Take your pick

[D-West & PO-Z]

Blind optimism vs skeptical negative conjecture

Take your pick

I like it

[Cincypunk.org]

With all the recent moves what are we thinking this year’s starting lineup and bench will look like?


PG: McKnight (SR)
SG: Olivari (SR)
SF: Claude (SO)
PF: Gytis Nemeiska (FR)
C: Ousmane (SR)

Bench:
C: Duncombe (JR)
PG: Green (FR)
SF: Craft (SO)
SF: Ducharme (FR)
SF: Swain (FR)
PF: Nzeh (FR)
PF: Lazar Djokivic (FR)
PF: Sasa Ciani (FR)

I am so lost with so many new players, especially the influx of foreign ones.

Who has the most promise as a freshman right away? Long term?

What does it look like the foreign players will contribute? All the highlight videos make them look extremely skilled… but they are highlight videos.

[xukeith]

With all the recent moves what are we thinking this year’s starting lineup and bench will look like?


PG: McKnight (SR)
SG: Olivari (SR)
SF: Claude (SO)
PF: Gytis Nemeiska (FR)
C: Ousmane (SR)

Bench:
C: Duncombe (JR)
PG: Green (FR)
SF: Craft (SO)
SF: Ducharme (FR)
SF: Swain (FR)
PF: Nzeh (FR)
PF: Lazar Djokivic (FR)
PF: Sasa Ciani (FR)

I am so lost with so many new players, especially the influx of foreign ones.

Who has the most promise as a freshman right away? Long term?

What does it look like the foreign players will contribute? All the highlight videos make them look extremely skilled… but they are highlight videos.

I think Lazar has a tone of hype with early analysis of his tourney play in Europe.
Biggest surprise is Nzeh. Big men usually don't show so much comfort in their own skin as their bodies are not fully formed.
Nzeh was least ranked per 247 recruiting but early talk has him playing well and creating a buzz.
Green is best ranked recruit and he looks like a small pg who can shoot it very well. If Miller picks a guy to run the team, he likely should be very good.

[muskiefan82]

The bench is SO YOUNG

[XUGRAD80]

The TEAM is SO YOUNG

Fixed it for ya

[MHettel]

One of the euro dudes is like 20.

[posaune]

Gytis is a SR, not a FR.

[xavierj]

The bench will be young but the starting lineup has played in over 420 college games. Oliveri going into his 5th year, McKnight, Gytis, and Ousmane going into year 4 and Claude year 2.

[MHettel]

would be ideal if the younger guys all get a little shot to play this year and we can anchor this roster a little more. I think ideally we'd get in a rhythm where 6-7 guys return each year. Maybe it was inevitable that we needed a year like this becasue Steele kept striking out with the incoming freshmen and then relying on short term transfers to fill BIG holes.

But Green and Nzeh already have shown they can play at this level. Swain is an apparent freak and maybe will develop more like DBrown. Durcharme and Craft seem a little redundant, but hopefully one of them sticks as a deadly shooter at SF.

Also hoping that the foreign guys stay "loyal" if they are productive. would hate to lose those guys in the portal chasing money, but I get the hunch they may not be "wired" the same way as some domestic kids may be.

could be interesting this year. I feel like we could be anywhere from right around .500 in BE play to top 2.

[sirthought]

I'm not saying they can't, but I don't think anyone on this board has seen that Green and Nzeh can play at this level until we actually hit Big East play. We've all seen players that look great early and then hit a wall once the competition notches up. This season is totally up in the air right now. Probably one of Sean Miller's bigger challenges.

Claude and Craft, whether starting or off the bench, have become the most important members as far as leadership and guidance into league play. I know everyone has questions about Craft, understandably. I think the skill is there, but perhaps the confidence amongst the D1 level of physicality was not. He's going to adjust and work into it. Claude is somewhat the opposite, as his confidence and courage seemed higher than his ability at times. Just have to be patient with both and allow them to develop.

The transfers are really in a unique spot, as you often have to work your way into a system. These guys are going to be the core and it's now or never.

I'm so glad they got an early start. Even with the very late additions, all the others who went though the drills and learning what they did can help the newest guys along.

[xu82]

We need some kind of on-line Cram Class to figure out who all these guys are, and how they will fit together!

[MHettel]

I'm not saying they can't, but I don't think anyone on this board has seen that Green and Nzeh can play at this level until we actually hit Big East play. We've all seen players that look great early and then hit a wall once the competition notches up. This season is totally up in the air right now. Probably one of Sean Miller's bigger challenges.

Claude and Craft, whether starting or off the bench, have become the most important members as far as leadership and guidance into league play. I know everyone has questions about Craft, understandably. I think the skill is there, but perhaps the confidence amongst the D1 level of physicality was not. He's going to adjust and work into it. Claude is somewhat the opposite, as his confidence and courage seemed higher than his ability at times. Just have to be patient with both and allow them to develop.

The transfers are really in a unique spot, as you often have to work your way into a system. These guys are going to be the core and it's now or never.

I'm so glad they got an early start. Even with the very late additions, all the others who went though the drills and learning what they did can help the newest guys along.

As far as Green and Nzeh, yeah the competition in those exhibitions games was not great, but ALL of our players played against that competition, and these 2 guys stood out either with a specific skill (Green shooting), or just in general (Nzeh tenacity, mobility, etc).

So vs our other players, these guys looked good. I'm hangin my hat on that

[UCGRAD4X]

As far as Green and Nzeh, yeah the competition in those exhibitions games was not great, but ALL of our players played against that competition, and these 2 guys stood out either with a specific skill (Green shooting), or just in general (Nzeh tenacity, mobility, etc).

So vs our other players, these guys looked good. I'm hangin my hat on that

I hope you are right. I just remember how good Deionte Miles looked in Spain.

This is going to be the biggest test of Miller's career. Pulling off a top 2/3 in Big East and a final at MSG will merit coach of the year.

edit: I should add that the Miles experience took place under the previous administration. Enough said.

[IM4X]

Swain is an apparent freak and maybe will develop more like DBrown.

I feel like we could be anywhere from right around .500 in BE play to top 2.

I agree. I made the comparison to DBrown too as soon I saw a few of his videos from HS.

He hasnÂ’t shown a whole lot yet in the few games heÂ’s played with his X teammates, but I think he will start to turn it on a bit this season. He sure seems to have the biggest upside: He is so long and athletic and he has a nice stroke along with a great handle for a guy his size. I would not be surprised at all to see him get drafted like Brown.

I also agree with tour assessment of the team potential this season. There is just no way to really know how they will measure up to other BE teams.

[zippin']

Really hoping all these Euros makes a big difference on this team. They have been playing professionally which will maybe give them a leg up on other BE players.

[muskiefan82]

Looks like Duncomb is out this year too

https://247sports.com/college/xavier/Article/logan-duncomb-leaves-xavier-health-medical-indiana-transfer-217483771/

[MHettel]

Looks like Duncomb is out this year too

https://247sports.com/college/xavier/Article/logan-duncomb-leaves-xavier-health-medical-indiana-transfer-217483771/

Jeez. I thought he might contribute. He had health issues that limited his availability at IU. If healthy, he could’ve lived up to his top 100 recruit ranking.

But not anymore. Just done with basketball? Health reasons? No idea what that means at this point.

Crazy that we are at the point where we have 2 returning players. Even crazier that we now have a guy that transferred in and quit before he ever played.

Trying hard not to speak my mind on this

[UCGRAD4X]

Looks like Duncomb is out this year too

https://247sports.com/college/xavier/Article/logan-duncomb-leaves-xavier-health-medical-indiana-transfer-217483771/

Damn! That's the only name I could actually pronounce!

[Xville]

Without any inside info, just reading between the lines. My guess is it is mental rather than physical health.

Fwiw he never should have been a top 100 recruit. He wasn’t much in high school other than being tall.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Without any inside info, just reading between the lines. My guess is it is mental rather than physical health.

Fwiw he never should have been a top 100 recruit. He wasn’t much in high school other than being tall.

Are you sure? Isn't he the one who had multiple sinus surgeries and issues while at IU that kept him out?

Multiple sinus infections can be because a number of other serious health issues. I am an example of that. Sinus infections (among other infections) followed by unsuccessful sinus surgery led me to an immunologist and a diagnosis of a rare immune deficiency.

So who knows.

[MHettel]

Are you sure? Isn't he the one who had multiple sinus surgeries and issues while at IU that kept him out?

Multiple sinus infections can be because a number of other serious health issues. I am an example of that. Sinus infections (among other infections) followed by unsuccessful sinus surgery led me to an immunologist and a diagnosis of a rare immune deficiency.

So who knows.

Yeah, i dont know.

But you even called your situation rare.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yeah, i dont know.

But you even called your situation rare.

He doesnt have to have a rare immune deficiency to need to step away from basketball. I wouldn't wish terrible sinus issues on anyone. It can be debilitating.

I'm not even sure that is what is going on, just remembered hearing about that happening at IU when I read about him transferring to X.

[Xville]

Are you sure? Isn't he the one who had multiple sinus surgeries and issues while at IU that kept him out?

Multiple sinus infections can be because a number of other serious health issues. I am an example of that. Sinus infections (among other infections) followed by unsuccessful sinus surgery led me to an immunologist and a diagnosis of a rare immune deficiency.

So who knows.

Yeah I really have zero idea but the way it was worded, just makes me think it’s mental health. Felt like if it was physical, he’d just come out and say what it is. However, with mental there is still a stigma and so he’s being vague. I could be way off, but that’s what my instinct tells me

[MHettel]

Yeah I really have zero idea but the way it was worded, just makes me think it’s mental health. Felt like if it was physical, he’d just come out and say what it is. However, with mental there is still a stigma and so he’s being vague. I could be way off, but that’s what my instinct tells me

yup. same

[XUGRAD80]

Or it could be that he is just tired of playing competitive BB and has realized that he will never play at a higher level or ever see much playing time and just feels that it isn’t worth it anymore. It happens more often than you might think.

[MHettel]

Or it could be that he is just tired of playing competitive BB and has realized that he will never play at a higher level or ever see much playing time and just feels that it isn’t worth it anymore. It happens more often than you might think.

Got it. And agree.

But that's a health issue?

You are kinda making my point.

[webxu]

Does it really matter why? Its his choice and i wish the kid success wherever/whatever he does.

[XUGRAD80]

Got it. And agree.

But that's a health issue?

You are kinda making my point.

Could be that he is just tired of playing and SAYS it’s a health issue so that he doesn’t have to deal with people who just can’t understand. Desiring to “retire” from playing is not a mental issue, but some people would try to make it one.

[XUGRAD80]

Does it really matter why? Its his choice and i wish the kid success wherever/whatever he does.

Agreed. The only thing I don’t care for is people casting accusations that have no basis in fact but can sully the reputations of someone they don’t even know. It DOESN’T really matter why. No matter what the reason we should accept his decision, respect his decision, and support his decision….without speculating on the truth or falseness of his statement about it.

[Xville]

Agreed. The only thing I don’t care for is people casting accusations that have no basis in fact but can sully the reputations of someone they don’t even know. It DOESN’T really matter why. No matter what the reason we should accept his decision, respect his decision, and support his decision….without speculating on the truth or falseness of his statement about it.

“Sully the reputations” being a bit dramatic are we and making my point about mental health stigma. Yeah it doesn’t matter, but this is a message board and people are free to speculate on things.

[XUGRAD80]

“Sully the reputations” being a bit dramatic are we and making my point about mental health stigma. Yeah it doesn’t matter, but this is a message board and people are free to speculate on things.

Speculations posted to boards like this is how rumors get started. There are some things that I don’t think that we should be speculating upon. You should ask yourself a few questions before posting such speculations next time…
Is it true?
Is it necessary?

We all love Xavier BB here. Nobody will contest that. But sometimes it’s forgotten that these are human beings too. There are some areas that should be off-limits and a players (or coaches) personal life is one of those things, IMO. You don’t know that your “speculation” has any basis in fact, and posting such speculation about a player serves no purpose that I can see. So why do it? Free’s foot and Hunter’s condition are common knowledge that the University has issued statements about. Logan’s HEALTH concerns are public knowledge. There is a stigma to MENTAL health problems, like it or not. So why go down that road? That should be HIS call and nobody else’s.

Just because you can doesn’t mean that you should.

[Xville]

Speculations posted to boards like this is how rumors get started. There are some things that I don’t think that we should be speculating upon. You should ask yourself a few questions before posting such speculations next time…
Is it true?
Is it necessary?

We all love Xavier BB here. Nobody will contest that. But sometimes it’s forgotten that these are human beings too. There are some areas that should be off-limits and a players (or coaches) personal life is one of those things, IMO. You don’t know that your “speculation” has any basis in fact, and posting such speculation about a player serves no purpose that I can see. So why do it? Free’s foot and Hunter’s condition are common knowledge that the University has issued statements about. Logan’s HEALTH concerns are public knowledge. There is a stigma to MENTAL health problems, like it or not. So why go down that road? That should be HIS call and nobody else’s.

Just because you can doesn’t mean that you should.

Nothing posted on a message board is necessary and speculating has zero to do with truth. Take your self righteousness somewhere else.

[XU_Lou]

Speculations posted to boards like this is how rumors get started. There are some things that I don’t think that we should be speculating upon. You should ask yourself a few questions before posting such speculations next time…
Is it true?
Is it necessary?

We all love Xavier BB here. Nobody will contest that. But sometimes it’s forgotten that these are human beings too. There are some areas that should be off-limits and a players (or coaches) personal life is one of those things, IMO. You don’t know that your “speculation” has any basis in fact, and posting such speculation about a player serves no purpose that I can see. So why do it? Free’s foot and Hunter’s condition are common knowledge that the University has issued statements about. Logan’s HEALTH concerns are public knowledge. There is a stigma to MENTAL health problems, like it or not. So why go down that road? That should be HIS call and nobody else’s.

Just because you can doesn’t mean that you should.

Exactly. These comment are grossly inappropriate.

[XUGRAD80]

Nothing posted on a message board is necessary and speculating has zero to do with truth. Take your self righteousness somewhere else.

“ not only don’t he get it, he don’t get, that he don’t get it.”

[Xville]

“ not only don’t he get it, he don’t get, that he don’t get it.”

Well the good thing is that you have looney tune lou on your side. So there’s that. Just because I don’t agree with your opinion doesn’t mean “ I don’t get it.” I just find it to be baloney. Division 1 athletes who are getting paid, again spare me the self righteousness of what you deem appropriate or not. You have quite a long history on here of telling people how you think they should fan.

[XUGRAD80]

Well the good thing is that you have looney tune lou on your side. So there’s that. Just because I don’t agree with your opinion doesn’t mean “ I don’t get it.” I just find it to be baloney. Division 1 athletes who are getting paid, again spare me the self righteousness of what you deem appropriate or not. You have quite a long history on here of telling people how you think they should fan.

You’re such a class act.

[MHettel]

Agreed. The only thing I don’t care for is people casting accusations that have no basis in fact but can sully the reputations of someone they don’t even know. It DOESN’T really matter why. No matter what the reason we should accept his decision, respect his decision, and support his decision….without speculating on the truth or falseness of his statement about it.

My response is NOT specific to Duncolmb….

My issue is that an actual “physical issue” can’t really be “faked”. You can’t fake an ACL tear. Or a heart issue. Or a disease that has been diagnosed. These types of things are diagnosed.

And ALOT of mental illness is also diagnosable. A qualified physician can make a determination that someone has an ACTUAL mental illness.

But what we see I’m todays day and age is people diluting ACTUAL mental illness by claiming it’s for my “health” to make a decision.

Maybe a kid doesn’t see a lot of playing time ahead of him. Maybe he doesn’t like early morning practices. Maybe he doesn’t get along with his teammates. And for those reasons, that kid may just decide that he doesn’t want to play any more so he quits. Just say “I quit because I wanted to”. Why would that decision have to be couched as a “health” issue??

It just dilutes real mental illness.

Again, NOT applying this to Duncolmb. But this kind of thing DOES happened.

[XUBison]

Well the good thing is that you have looney tune lou on your side. So there’s that. Just because I don’t agree with your opinion doesn’t mean “ I don’t get it.” I just find it to be baloney. Division 1 athletes who are getting paid, again spare me the self righteousness of what you deem appropriate or not. You have quite a long history on here of telling people how you think they should fan.

I don’t care to speculate on this particular circumstance, because I have no basis nor motivation to do so. I do agree, however, with the point that they are being paid. These guys are pros now, and they are going to get everything that comes with that. Not only that, but their incomes are subsidized directly by fans, rather than other pro athletes whose incomes are derived as a byproduct of a service consumed. Ever been on a pro fan board? The expectation of performance is absolute, and decorum is not at a premium.

[xu82]

Well the good thing is that you have looney tune lou on your side. So there’s that. Just because I don’t agree with your opinion doesn’t mean “ I don’t get it.” I just find it to be baloney. Division 1 athletes who are getting paid, again spare me the self righteousness of what you deem appropriate or not. You have quite a long history on here of telling people how you think they should fan.

I'm with XUGRAD and, God forbid, Lou on this one. They may or may not be getting paid, but some speculation is out of bounds.

Are you still having troubles with your counselor assigned by the employer sponsored EAP? You are getting paid I assume, and your posting often suggests unstableness. We want to know how that is going for you.

Getting paid does not make you unaware of the decency you lack.

[Xville]

I'm with XUGRAD and, God forbid, Lou on this one. They may or may not be getting paid, but some speculation is out of bounds.

Are you still having troubles with your counselor assigned by the employer sponsored EAP? You are getting paid I assume, and your posting often suggests unstableness. We want to know how that is going for you.

Getting paid does not make you unaware of the decency you lack.

Ok boomer. Decency and a ridiculous second paragraph in the same post. Spare me your sanctimonious crap

This is a message board, 99% of it is speculation.

[paulxu]

We need to get the season underway.

[profson]

Ok boomer. Decency and a ridiculous second paragraph in the same post. Spare me your sanctimonious crap

This is a message board, 99% of it is speculation.

There is speculation and irresponsible speculation. Speculation a while back that Zach’s delay in returning may signal a relapse was at least related to a known double injury/surgery. This one is irresponsible as it is based on nothing except possibly the use of the word “health” and raises a sensitive topic that even if true the player himself did not wish to mention. And these types of posts do get picked up and spread as if a solid basis exists for the speculation. There is a huge gap between decency and sanctimony.

[xu82]

Ok boomer. Decency and a ridiculous second paragraph in the same post. Spare me your sanctimonious crap

This is a message board, 99% of it is speculation.

Clowns love to label people.

EDIT: The political labels like Boomers, Dems, Libs, etc. A clown is generic and can be on both sides of the spectrum. We have it all here.

.

[xu82]

There is speculation and irresponsible speculation. Speculation a while back that Zach’s delay in returning may signal a relapse was at least related to a known double injury/surgery. This one is irresponsible as it is based on nothing except possibly the use of the word “health” and raises a sensitive topic that even if true the player himself did not wish to mention. And these types of posts do get picked up and spread as if a solid basis exists for the speculation. There is a huge gap between decency and sanctimony.

I’ll repeat this, because I can.

[Xville]

Clowns love to label people.

Oh the irony.

[XUGRAD80]

again spare me the self righteousness of what you deem appropriate or not.

Then please spare ME from telling you me what I can and cannot post. if you don't like my posts, then put me on ignore. It won't bother me in the least. I could care less what your opinion of me is. You don't know me and probably never will. Nor will I ever probably meet you. Fine by me.

You make a great show out of making wild speculative accusations, and then object when others call you out on it and say that they have no basis in fact. You defend it with the OPINION that "99% of the board is speculation", which in itself is pure speculation and not supported by any fact. You lash out with names and labels aimed at those that do. You accuse me of being self-righteous. You call someone else a "boomer", (I am one too as I was born in 1956. I'm not ashamed of it.) as an insult. That's behavior I would expect from a child, not a grown man.


When it all comes down to it there is something to remember.....there are a billion Chinese people that don't even know that you, me, anyone else on this board, or even this board itself, exists. My advice is for you to stop taking yourself, and your opinions, so seriously. Don't get so defensive when someone disagrees with you. We are all just a poppyseed on the bagel of life.

But no matter. You'll do what you want to do. I don't really care. I've wasted more than enough time on this.

[Xville]

Then please spare ME from telling you me what I can and cannot post. if you don't like my posts, then put me on ignore. It won't bother me in the least. I could care less what your opinion of me is. You don't know me and probably never will. Nor will I ever probably meet you. Fine by me.

You make a great show out of making wild speculative accusations, and then object when others call you out on it and say that they have no basis in fact. You defend it with the OPINION that "99% of the board is speculation", which in itself is pure speculation and not supported by any fact. You lash out with names and labels aimed at those that do. You accuse me of being self-righteous. You call someone else a "boomer", (I am one too as I was born in 1956. I'm not ashamed of it.) as an insult. That's behavior I would expect from a child, not a grown man.


When it all comes down to it there is something to remember.....there are a billion Chinese people that don't even know that you, me, anyone else on this board, or even this board itself, exists. My advice is for you to stop taking yourself, and your opinions, so seriously. Don't get so defensive when someone disagrees with you. We are all just a poppyseed on the bagel of life.

But no matter. You'll do what you want to do. I don't really care. I've wasted more than enough time on this.


“ I don’t care” after writing a novel. Stop kidding yourself.

I never said what you can or cannot post, you’re the king of telling others what they should or should not do, so look yourself in the mirror.

Your panties got all in a wad because I made a speculative post that it could be mental health, which you took as some huge kind of deal because you’re a boomer, a generation that ignored it for decades and made it taboo. You said “sully the reputation.” Does having a mental health issue (if that would be the case) sully his reputation? I guess in boomer world it would. You made the mountain out of a mole hill.

[XU_Lou]

You make a great show out of making wild speculative accusations, and then object when others call you out on it and say that they have no basis in fact. You defend it with the OPINION that "99% of the board is speculation", which in itself is pure speculation and not supported by any fact. You lash out with names and labels aimed at those that do. You accuse me of being self-righteous. You call someone else a "boomer", (I am one too as I was born in 1956. I'm not ashamed of it.) as an insult. That's behavior I would expect from a child, not a grown man.


Spot on

[profson]

“ I don’t care” after writing a novel. Stop kidding yourself.

I never said what you can or cannot post, you’re the king of telling others what they should or should not do, so look yourself in the mirror.

Your panties got all in a wad because I made a speculative post that it could be mental health, which you took as some huge kind of deal because you’re a boomer, a generation that ignored it for decades and made it taboo. You said “sully the reputation.” Does having a mental health issue (if that would be the case) sully his reputation? I guess in boomer world it would. You made the mountain out of a mole hill.

Do you even think about what you are saying? So "boomers" made mental health taboo. I suppose the Roman era, the middle ages and any time up to the mid 20th century was better until those damned boomers showed up. Burning at the stake or hiding afflicted family members was clearly better. I must have missed what the boomers did which was WORSE than what preceded them.

You could not be more wrong in your history:

"The community mental health movement began in the United States in 1963, when President John Kennedy signed the Community Mental Health Act and community mental health centers arose in towns and cities throughout the country" This was when the earliest boomers were 18 years old."

Geraldo Rivera's famous Creedmore expose was in 1972, when the last boomers were only 8 years old.

Of course de-institutionalism caused its own issues that we are struggling with today, but the point here is that it is profoundly wrong to attack "boomers" for their attitudes on mental health. On the contrary they were in the vanguard in recognizing and try to ameliorate the situation (albeit with mixed results).

Today's advances are on the shoulder of efforts 30-60 years ago.

[Xville]

Do you even think about what you are saying? So "boomers" made mental health taboo. I suppose the Roman era, the middle ages and any time up to the mid 20th century was better until those damned boomers showed up. Burning at the stake or hiding afflicted family members was clearly better. I must have missed what the boomers did which was WORSE than what preceded them.

You could not be more wrong in your history:

"The community mental health movement began in the United States in 1963, when President John Kennedy signed the Community Mental Health Act and community mental health centers arose in towns and cities throughout the country" This was when the earliest boomers were 18 years old."

Geraldo Rivera's famous Creedmore expose was in 1972, when the last boomers were only 8 years old.

Of course de-institutionalism caused its own issues that we are struggling with today, but the point here is that it is profoundly wrong to attack "boomers" for their attitudes on mental health. On the contrary they were in the vanguard in recognizing and try to ameliorate the situation (albeit with mixed results).

Today's advances are on the shoulder of efforts 30-60 years ago.

30-60 years ago? Then riddle me this Batman. Why is there still a stigma and why would it “ sully someone’s reputation.” Try again. No one talked about mental health when I was growing up and that was in the 80s and 90s so spare me that nonsense.

[xukeith]

You guys need to post this crap somewhere else. Get a room.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

You guys need to post this crap somewhere else. Get a room.

Thank you for getting this thread back on point.

I am apprehensive about this coming season and would appreciate contrary thinking if available. The loss of seasoned leadership in Hunter and Free looms large to me. I'm unable to easily identify our "go to" guys in tough situations. I don't have a feel for how well all these new players will work together. Last year saw great teamwork but what will we see this year? What happens if we get off to a rocky start? How talented, relative to the rest of the Big East (with possible exception of Butler) is this team? I mean, really, how good are we? This board (including me) has historically over-rated the contribution first year recruits will make. I can make a case only two freshman are ready to contribute---Green and Nzeh and not sure how much they can add.

Yes, we have some upper-class talent that transferred in but just how good is it?

Miller has demonstrated his ability to get a team to play together but just not sure the level of talent he has to work with. Not saying our talent is bad but are we any better than middle of pack in B.E. this year?

[MHettel]

Thank you for getting this thread back on point.

I am apprehensive about this coming season and would appreciate contrary thinking if available. The loss of seasoned leadership in Hunter and Free looms large to me. I'm unable to easily identify our "go to" guys in tough situations. I don't have a feel for how well all these new players will work together. Last year saw great teamwork but what will we see this year? What happens if we get off to a rocky start? How talented, relative to the rest of the Big East (with possible exception of Butler) is this team? I mean, really, how good are we? This board (including me) has historically over-rated the contribution first year recruits will make. I can make a case only two freshman are ready to contribute---Green and Nzeh and not sure how much they can add.

Yes, we have some upper-class talent that transferred in but just how good is it?

Miller has demonstrated his ability to get a team to play together but just not sure the level of talent he has to work with. Not saying our talent is bad but are we any better than middle of pack in B.E. this year?

Last years team looking almost nothing like the prior year, with a largely overlapping roster. We led the country in assists and our 3 point shooting was disciplined.

The difference? Sean Miller.

I like the backcourt transfers and think a defense first center (can never remember his name) is going to really help and plug a hole we’ve had since Tyrique left. Think this will be underrated.

We’ve all been waiting for us to tap the Euro pipeline, and miller goes ahead and lands THREE of them. The Euro style is more ball movement friendly, and generally those dudes can shoot.

Miller has already had Euro success and I don’t think he just grabbed 3 warm bodies.

I saw flashes of Claude last year with his ability to slash, and think he could emerge as an All-BE caliber player.

Contributions from the freshmen is gravy to me.

A see a similar offense as last year, and an improved defense.

[X-band '01]

Abil (sp?) Ousmane is going to be the center - he was a North Texas transfer. Looking at the backcourt, Dayvion McKnight (Western KY) will be the top defender and Quincy Olivari (Rice) will try to fill the same role that Souley Boum did last year.

One of the freshmen (Nzei) did have a bit of a breakout performance during the Bahamas trip; hoping that will be a positive sign. Question now will be what kind of chemistry this group will provide.

[XUGRAD80]

I’m not sure that who starts is going to be as important as who plays the most minutes. I’m not to worried about how well the team will score, but I am worried about how well they will defend and how good a job they will do avoiding silly fouls. However, I do feel that while this might not be a team with super top end talent, it will be a team with very good depth. I also think that while the backcourt seems to be fairly well set, the starting lineup for the frontline will be fairly fluid.

[xukeith]

I read somewhere Miller was quoted in a preseason magazine saying he wants this X team to be extremely fast.
Last year's squad had a solid tempo and seemed to trade baskets often.
X looks to have maybe 1 starter (Olivari) to be a serious 3 point threat.
Claude isn't the best shooter but if he can come close to Colby Jones, I will be happy.
Frosh Trey Green seems to be instant offense, best shooter on the team after Olivari.
Craft knows the system despite his limited pt injury.

Unknowns: The 3 East Europeans. The senior may start at power forward.
The two hyped frosh (Lazar) will play off bench .
It will be very very unique seeing what seems like 11 new guys carving out roles and Miller getting peak March play.

BE will be top league with all the talent and experience.
Pitino will help recruiting for all BE teams.

It is exciting but early odds have X with 10-12 BE wins.

[UCGRAD4X]

I’m not sure that who starts is going to be as important as who plays the most minutes. I’m not to worried about how well the team will score, but I am worried about how well they will defend and how good a job they will do avoiding silly fouls. However, I do feel that while this might not be a team with super top end talent, it will be a team with very good depth. I also think that while the backcourt seems to be fairly well set, the starting lineup for the frontline will be fairly fluid.

Makes sense. I think when we say "start" we are going on the assumption that the starters play the most minutes.

Sales for game day programs should increase. "Can't tell the players without a program!"

[D-West & PO-Z]

Hope the team gels. Think Miller will get them too. He clearly has known for some time Freemantle would be a wild card (in terms of being available) and Hunter as soon as he had his cardiac issue, night not play. I agree in not thinking he just went for 3 warm bodies.

Claude I think will be an All BE caliber player this year. I think we are going to see a huge jump and given the circumstances of the roster, even as a soph, he is now the team leader.

[Final4]

You guys need to post this crap somewhere else. Get a room.

Well if they choose to move this discussion elsewhere I hope I can still find it. Watching Xville squirm is like watching a chimpanzee play with it's own feces.

[Xville]

Well if they choose to move this discussion elsewhere I hope I can still find it. Watching Xville squirm is like watching a chimpanzee play with it's own feces.

Yeah, What would this board do without your great contributions such as whining about Greg Christopher being a meanie butt.

Anyways, the team will be fine. The backcourt is going to be more athletic and frankly much better than it was last year especially on the defensive end. Boum and kunkel were good on the offensive side but traffic cones on d. Look for that to be much improved. I think Claude can fill jones’ role.

The frontcourt may be a bit of a work in progress—-who knows what the European contingent will bring. Everyone looks like an all American in highlight reels but again I think defensively x will be much improved. Free was another traffic cone out there, and I don’t think it will take much to match hunter and Nunge on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively may be a bit of an issue, but I think there is enough scoring 1-3 to make up for it.

[webxu]

I noticed on the roster that Quincy is wearing #8, and Lazar #17. Is this a new rule that college is allowing any # now, like the NBA? I dont ever recall seeing a player in college wear above 5 as the secondary #. Doenst matter just curious as I must have missed that change.

[MHettel]

I noticed on the roster that Quincy is wearing #8, and Lazar #17. Is this a new rule that college is allowing any # now, like the NBA? I dont ever recall seeing a player in college wear above 5 as the secondary #. Doenst matter just curious as I must have missed that change.

yeah you couldn't have either number above 5. Apparently this rule existed so the refs could signal to the scorekeeper the jersey number of who committed a fould by using their fingers. useless fact

not sure if it changed, but the logic for teh rule in the first place makes sense....

[GoMuskies]

Des will start
Probably McKnight
Beyond that, no clue

[bleedXblue]

Des
McKnight
Olivari

After that, who knows.....Osumane? He has the experience.

Nzeh or Ciani is my best guess for the 5th starter.

[GoMuskies]

Seems like all the reports I've seen (which is like 2, by the way) have been negative on Olivari. Possible Green starts instead?

[xukeith]

Seems like all the reports I've seen (which is like 2, by the way) have been negative on Olivari. Possible Green starts instead?

Green's play might force Miller to play him a lot more than said Olivari. Who knows?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Seems like all the reports I've seen (which is like 2, by the way) have been negative on Olivari. Possible Green starts instead?

That wouldn't bode well for our season if Olivari is a bust. I think he was supposed to be our main outside shooter and a big scorer, right?

[X-band '01]

I noticed on the roster that Quincy is wearing #8, and Lazar #17. Is this a new rule that college is allowing any # now, like the NBA? I dont ever recall seeing a player in college wear above 5 as the secondary #. Doenst matter just curious as I must have missed that change.

It's a new rule for this season, but there was a time way back when you could still have uniforms with digits 6-9 (i.e. George Mikan wearing #99 at DePaul). Suspect programs like Duke and North Carolina who have a lot of retired jerseys lobbied for this rule change. Both 0 and 00 can also be worn.


That wouldn't bode well for our season if Olivari is a bust. I think he was supposed to be our main outside shooter and a big scorer, right?

It would hurt in the short term, but if Trey Green is able to develop, it would have a better long-term upside for Xavier if he sticks around.

[XfansinKy]

PG-McKnight
SG-Olivari
SF-Claude
PF-Lazer
C-Ousmane

[UCGRAD4X]

PG-McKnight
SG-Olivari
SF-Claude
PF-Lazer
C-Ousmane

This would be ideal, in the sense that they are most of the names I am likely be able to pronounce....sober.

[xavierj]

Seems like all the reports I've seen (which is like 2, by the way) have been negative on Olivari. Possible Green starts instead?

Olivari will be fine. He has scored a ton of points in his career and is experienced. 38% career from 3 and had 28 against Texas and averaged 25 in two games against Florida Atlantic. Green will be a great change of pace guy off the bench.

[XfansinKy]

Olivari will be fine. He has scored a ton of points in his career and is experienced. 38% career from 3 and had 28 against Texas and averaged 25 in two games against Florida Atlantic. Green will be a great change of pace guy off the bench.
I won’t be shocked if Olivari doesn’t take and make better shots than Boum did, and doesn’t fade down the stretch like Boum either, because he has stronger legs. Quincy can shoot. Props to Boum for carrying X a few games early on though.

[D-West & PO-Z]

With all the recent moves what are we thinking this year’s starting lineup and bench will look like?


PG: McKnight (SR)
SG: Olivari (SR)
SF: Claude (SO)
PF: Gytis Nemeiska (FR)
C: Ousmane (SR)


Looking back on this thread. You nailed it.

[drudy23]

I think Green needs more minutes. Yes, he can shoot, that's obvious, but his presence alone demands attention on the perimeter. If he's not taking shots, him being on the floor opens up the post a bit and it makes it easier on everyone to score.

That being said, offense really isn't our glaring issue.

[xavierj]

I think Green needs more minutes. Yes, he can shoot, that's obvious, but his presence alone demands attention on the perimeter. If he's not taking shots, him being on the floor opens up the post a bit and it makes it easier on everyone to score.

That being said, offense really isn't our glaring issue.

Yes I really like Trey but Dayvion has been really good taking care of the ball and putting pressure on the ball on the defensive end. He doesn’t give guards much room to work. He has a 5 to 1 turnover ration and had 16 assists the last two game. Sean isn’t taking that out of the game. Xavier needs help inside, the guards are good.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yeah we have no steady low post offensive threat. A guy we can throw it down to in the post when we really need a bucket. We are missing Freemantle and even Hunter big time in that area.

[drudy23]

We miss Freemantle's post scoring tremendously. For all of his defensive struggles, he typically scored more than he gave up (most of the time). The inside/outside threat of him and Nunge were hard to guard for opposing bigs.

We need Lazar to be that guy. Or Gytis - those two have the most upside of our bigs in terms of offensive production. Gytis has been pretty good so far and I like his versatility in the paint and on the perimeter.

[bleedXblue]

Yeah we have no steady low post offensive threat. A guy we can throw it down to in the post when we really need a bucket. We are missing Freemantle and even Hunter big time in that area.

Last night was the first night I thought the same exact thing......really missing Free and really missing Hunters versatility

[DexterBailey84]

Man, so it turns out that returning just a single player from the previous years roster might take some time to come together, huh?

Who woulda thunk it ��*♂️

[American X]

We obviously miss Hunter and Freemantle, but are we also missing Cesare Edwards and Kam Craft? Could those guys have been solid, experienced rotational players? At least we would be playing guys who have been in the program for a while instead of putting cardboard cutouts on the floor.

[D-West & PO-Z]

We obviously miss Hunter and Freemantle, but are we also missing Cesare Edwards and Kam Craft? Could those guys have been solid, experienced rotational players? At least we would be playing guys who have been in the program for a while instead of putting cardboard cutouts on the floor.

Kam is on the team he just apparently was set so far back by medical issues he cant crack the rotation (or wasn't going to) and so he just is looking to redshirt.

I think at this point any big body might have helped but I don't thin Edwards would make some monumental difference.

We are obviously missing Free and Hunter, as you said, and they would have made a huge difference.

[X-band '01]

The same Cesare Edwards that's averaging 5.7 points a game and 4 rebounds a game for Missouri State? In only 17 minutes per game?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yeah, I mean if there is one thing throughout the history of my time as a Xavier basketball fan that has worked out for X it is that the transfers they lose aren't going to bigger or similar type programs and being uber successful and a lot of times aren't even successful at lower tier programs. Not that I root for that, I just mean it to say they aren't developing guys who leave on to bigger and better things.

I remember being disappointed when CJ Wilcher left for Nebraska. 8 games into the season this year he is averaging 6 pts, 1.5 rebs, 1 asst, and shooting 30% from three in 17 mins a game.

[American X]

Quincy Olivari becomes a Crosstown Shootout legend, Dayvion McKnight was an absolute floor general, and Abou Ousmane delivers a double-double. I, for one, am glad that I have never said an unkind word about our transfers.