Tbt 2023

[D-West & PO-Z]

Brackets revealed today.

Xavier is a 2 seed in the "Xavier Bracket" and plays Georgia Kingz Friday 7/21 at 8:00pm.

The Georgia Kingz most recognizable player is 43 year old (!) Jamario Moon a former NBA player.

The UC team plays the game before X at 6:00pm and they would play each other the next round if both win.

Can't wait to see the former X guys back in the building. We got some more low post players this year which was much needed, including Jimmy Farr!

[X-band '01]

Remy Abell also joining Zip Em Up this year - think he was on Sideline Cancer in the past.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Remy Abell also joining Zip Em Up this year - think he was on Sideline Cancer in the past.

Yes, I had floor seats last year and told Remy (as he was getting ready to inbound the ball) he was on the wrong squad. He looked at me unamused, but he must have agreed!

[XUBison]

Ugh… We are to that Point of the year when TBT is the only topic going on the board. #doldrums

[Xville]

Just saw that Scruggs has signed on. So glad to see for several reasons. 1.) glad he is healthy 2.) feel like he could use some redemption after having to be coached by Steele for so long.

Strikes me as someone who with some proper coaching, could have went to the league, he just never developed like we thought he would.


Hope he gets a gigantic ovation in a couple of weeks

[STL_XUfan]

If you have never been before, this tournament is a lot of fun. It is one giant nostalgia trip.

[GoMuskies]

I think TBT is kind of dumb, but it beats the hell out of having no Xavier-adjacent basketball.

[D-West & PO-Z]

If you have never been before, this tournament is a lot of fun. It is one giant nostalgia trip.

It is awesome. Yeah the nostalgia is off the charts. Zip Em Up only has one player on the team who didn't play at X which is great for the X fans, especially since its played at Cintas. Most teams have more of a mix. Goes to show how tight knit the former X guys are.

JP and Tre are probably my favorite X duo and to see them out there together again playing in Cintas is awesome.

[drudy23]

I told myself if they end up playing the UC game, how can I not go?

[drudy23]

2.) feel like he could use some redemption after having to be coached by Steele for so long.


LOL

Steele was so so bad. Historically bad for Xavier standards.

The Forgotten Years

[muskiefan82]

LOL

Steele was so so bad. Historically bad for Xavier standards.

The Forgotten Years

I think I will call them the "NEVER FORGET THIS HAPPENED" era so we don't let it go for 4 years again

[MHettel]

I really like the TBT. Let me clarify. i really like watching the ZipEmUp team in the TBT. i dotn think I watched a minute of any other game.

Its pretty obvious that conditioning and depth is the key to winning. last years team looked absolutely amazing in the first game, then they played the next day and looked like a bunch of geriatrics.

Gotta have 9 guys that can play back to back days. Even if you have less talent, you can win with in-shape depth in the TBT.

[Muskie]

I will watch a game if i catch it on and I happen to remember some of the guys playing. I find the tournament interesting. But it's not something I plan my day around.

[bobbiemcgee]

Book Richardson asst.?

[drudy23]

Book Richardson asst.?

Anything flys for the TBT.

[xeus]

Whose stupid idea was it to add Book Richardson as an assistant coach?

[Xville]

I understand the guy did his time and everything but yikes that’s a really bad look

[D-West & PO-Z]

There is a 0% chance Miller didn't give this the ok.

Cintas has been a solid regional site for TBT and Zip Em Up benefits a lot from getting to play at the Cintas. If they went rogue on this, Xavier would not cooperate in the future with hosting TBT.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I also have no issue with it. Glad for Book. With some of the scum in college basketball, Book shouldn't be blackballed.

[atljar]

Lyons and Book were super tight if I remember correctly. Maybe some of that connection

[UCGRAD4X]

Bad look. Certainly reasonable for Book to be involved in some college basketball activities. I don't begrudge in coaching opportunities. Don't care. Just not Xavier or Arizona.

[SM#24]

Lyons and Book were super tight if I remember correctly. Maybe some of that connection

If the players and Sean are cool with it, so am I. Small potatoes anyway.

[Masterofreality]

Book served his time.
TBT has zero to do with current college players.
Let him do a gig, Man. Everybody deserves a job.

[xuwillie]

Bad look. Certainly reasonable for Book to be involved in some college basketball activities. I don't begrudge in coaching opportunities. Don't care. Just not Xavier or Arizona.

Is it really that bad of look now all these players are getting paid? Pitino is a bad look and he’s a head coach in the big east

[Xville]

As I said before, no problem with book working again. He did his time, and though I think he’s dirty, he should be allowed to coach basketball again.

With that said, it’s still imo a really bad look for him to be coaching a Xavier affiliated team whether it’s current college guys or not. It strikes me as pretty tone deaf tbh. You are talking about a guy who went to jail, and was a former Xavier asst coach. I’ll leave it at that but I mean come on.

[drudy23]

There is a 0% chance Miller didn't give this the ok.

Cintas has been a solid regional site for TBT and Zip Em Up benefits a lot from getting to play at the Cintas. If they went rogue on this, Xavier would not cooperate in the future with hosting TBT.

Agree - I'm guessing the admin had to be ok with this as well.

You can tell Coach Miller has a much more open approach this time around. He said part of this journey would be to put the past behind and use the opportunity to be better in alot of areas. I can tell a difference with how he interacts with fans, the media, his education colleagues, and on Twitter. He seems to be doing exactly what he said he would do - perhaps part of that is also righting past wrongs with Book and being open to second chances.

Miller seems to be appreciating his second chance.

[GoMuskies]

As I said before, no problem with book working again. He did his time, and though I think he’s dirty, he should be allowed to coach basketball again.

With that said, it’s still imo a really bad look for him to be coaching a Xavier affiliated team whether it’s current college guys or not. It strikes me as pretty tone deaf tbh. You are talking about a guy who went to jail, and was a former Xavier asst coach. I’ll leave it at that but I mean come on.

OK, but tone deaf speaking to whom?

[Xville]

Is it really that bad of look now all these players are getting paid? Pitino is a bad look and he’s a head coach in the big east

1. Pitino never went to jail nor ever proven to exchange money.
2. What if pitino was now coaching the Louisville tbt team? I’d find it to be a pretty bad look. I don’t think pitino coaching in the big East is.

Not directed to you, but I bet MOR would have plenty to say if pitino was back coaching the Louisville tbt team, but because it’s book and Xavier all is well.

[D-West & PO-Z]

1. Pitino never went to jail nor ever proven to exchange money.
2. What if pitino was now coaching the Louisville tbt team? I’d find it to be a pretty bad look. I don’t think pitino coaching in the big East is.

Not directed to you, but I bet MOR would have plenty to say if pitino was back coaching the Louisville tbt team, but because it’s book and Xavier all is well.

Book never got in trouble while at Xavier nor got Xavier in any kind of trouble. Coaching the Arizona TBT playing home games at the McKale Center, I would agree bad look. Only reason this would be a bad look for X is if Miller was pissed off about it. From what I have seen suggested, not only did Miller ok it, but may have been the catalyst behind it even.

[TUclutch]

I think TBT is kind of dumb, but it beats the hell out of having no Xavier-adjacent basketball.

What's possibly dumb about it? It has turned into something amazing. High quality basketball. Unique rules to lead to better end game basketball. The chance to watch alumni from different eras play together.

[TUclutch]

I will watch a game if i catch it on and I happen to remember some of the guys playing. I find the tournament interesting. But it's not something I plan my day around.

One thing I saw on another board that Ill share here as well. I don't understand how we can't sell this out like Wichita state does for their alumni. Don't understand how a Xavier fan who spends money to be season ticket holders year after year doesn't die to go watch some of our best and favorite alumni play in Cintas again. Baffling to me. Gives me goosebumps seeing these guys back in the 'tas. BJ Raymonds 3 brought the house down last summer. Just sucked it was only 1000-1500ish people and not 10k. We need much better turnout and support from Xavier fans this weekend. Last summers numbers were pretty embarrassing to be honest

[D-West & PO-Z]

One thing I saw on another board that Ill share here as well. I don't understand how we can't sell this out like Wichita state does for their alumni. Don't understand how a Xavier fan who spends money to be season ticket holders year after year doesn't die to go watch some of our best and favorite alumni play in Cintas again. Baffling to me. Gives me goosebumps seeing these guys back in the 'tas. BJ Raymonds 3 brought the house down last summer. Just sucked it was only 1000-1500ish people and not 10k. We need much better turnout and support from Xavier fans this weekend. Last summers numbers were pretty embarrassing to be honest

I agree that it is awesome, and I love it. I had floor seats last year, it was amazing and have them again this year. I think your assessment of the atmosphere is a little harsh though. It was the 1st year at the Cintas and I am not positive how well marketed it was. I think it will be better this year but it is also summer and competing with more things than regular season Xavier basketball competes with. The Reds are home Friday and Sat night which surely will take some people away. Regardless I think the fans in attendance were great and loud and the atmosphere was not embarrassing.

It was good enough the TBT returned. But I agree that anyone who is a big X fan who doesn't come watch is missing out. Very cool to get to see JP and Tre play on the same team as Semaj and Lyons.

[TUclutch]

I agree that it is awesome, and I love it. I had floor seats last year, it was amazing and have them again this year. I think your assessment of the atmosphere is a little harsh though. It was the 1st year at the Cintas and I am not positive how well marketed it was. I think it will be better this year but it is also summer and competing with more things than regular season Xavier basketball competes with. The Reds are home Friday and Sat night which surely will take some people away. Regardless I think the fans in attendance were great and loud and the atmosphere was not embarrassing.

It was good enough the TBT returned. But I agree that anyone who is a big X fan who doesn't come watch is missing out. Very cool to get to see JP and Tre play on the same team as Semaj and Lyons.
I want to be clear, I did not say or think the environment was embarrassing. I was embarrassed by the numbers. The crowd was loud and in it. I know many Xavier fans who think the premise is "dumb" and just can't fathom that opinion

[D-West & PO-Z]

I want to be clear, I did not say or think the environment was embarrassing. I was embarrassed by the numbers. The crowd was loud and in it. I know many Xavier fans who think the premise is "dumb" and just can't fathom that opinion

Got it. Will be interesting to see how the numbers improve (if at all) in year 2. The Reds being in town and good again will hamper it some probably but we shall see. Hope to get the place rocking.

And I agree, I don't get how nay X fan would not be interested in watching these guys play again as a team.

[GoMuskies]

I think they whole of the TBT is kind of dumb. Less dumb than soccer, a hot dog eating contest or LIV golf, but nothing to get too excited about either. If it's going to exist, I enjoy having a Xavier (and a Wichita State) team to follow if I happen to have nothing else going on at the time the games are going on. I'm just not going to actually care whether they win or not. I mean, it would be cool if they won it all (they won't), but I wouldn't spend money going to see it or take the time to drive to an arena to watch it. I might bet on it, I guess (neeed to check BetMGM on that point).

But obviously if other people are into it, great.

[MHettel]

I just like seeing how much the old guys have left in the tank and who is still in shape.

Semaj looks like he could play pro still. BJ….not so much. But that 3 ball last year brought the house down.

I like it.

It’s like a shot of whiskey on a Tuesday as you wait for the weekend

[Muskie]

I was initially turned off by the ticket prices, if I'm being honest. Otherwise, I would have considered it. It's also during the summmer when I have other commitments and vacations planned.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I forget, anyone remember if parking is free for TBT?

Actually, I think I am remembering there being a fee but anyone can pay the fee and park. That right?

Thanks.

[drudy23]

I just like seeing how much the old guys have left in the tank and who is still in shape.

Semaj looks like he could play pro still. BJ….not so much. But that 3 ball last year brought the house down.

I like it.

It’s like a shot of whiskey on a Tuesday as you wait for the weekend

Trevon was not in shape last year. I thought Robinson and Kaiser looked great.

BJ is kinda like the mascot at this point. Do it BJ!

[GoMuskies]

Semaj doesn't just LOOK like he could still play pro ball. He's still playing pro ball. He averaged 16 points per game in the Italian league that finished up May 30th.

I didn't realize JP and Semaj were actually teammates this year until just now.

[TUclutch]

Semaj doesn't just LOOK like he could still play pro ball. He's still playing pro ball. He averaged 16 points per game in the Italian league that finished up May 30th.

I didn't realize JP and Semaj were actually teammates this year until just now.

Pretty positive everyone on ZipEmUp was signed somewhere here or overseas this year

[Masterofreality]

JP opted out of his Derthrona deal for next year. Hasn’t signed anywhere else yet.
I wonder if he still wants to play with a wife & kid?

[WCWIII]

JP opted out of his Derthrona deal for next year. Hasn’t signed anywhere else yet.
I wonder if he still wants to play with a wife & kid?

I'll ask him what his plans are on Friday. Looking forward to the TBT again this year. ZipEmUp!

[Muskeagle]

So the game appears to be on ESPN +....which I don't have. Do + events end up on the ESPN rewatch site after the fact? Meaning, will I be able to watch it later, without eSPN+?

[atljar]

So the game appears to be on ESPN +....which I don't have. Do + events end up on the ESPN rewatch site after the fact? Meaning, will I be able to watch it later, without eSPN+?

Its 8 or 9 bucks for the month. Cancel anytime. If we win tonight, tomorrows game versus UC will also be on ESPN+. I signed up and will cancel after the weekend.

[Muskeagle]

Its 8 or 9 bucks for the month. Cancel anytime. If we win tonight, tomorrows game versus UC will also be on ESPN+. I signed up and will cancel after the weekend.

Saw that option. Which is no big deal. I can do that. I just wasn't sure if the replays from + went into the general replay set. May be able to go, but trying to work that out.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Saw that option. Which is no big deal. I can do that. I just wasn't sure if the replays from + went into the general replay set. May be able to go, but trying to work that out.

I don't think they do.

[xukeith]

Any updates?

[XUGRAD80]

Any updates?

X wins.

[atljar]

What an ugly game. Zero defense played until the very end. Lots of guys playing hero street ball. Jp looks in awful shape. Zero hustle. I could forget that one

[bobbiemcgee]

84-78

[fellahmuskie]

Got tickets three rows behind what I assume will be the UC bench. Can't wait!

[STL_XUfan]

What an ugly game. Zero defense played until the very end. Lots of guys playing hero street ball. Jp looks in awful shape. Zero hustle. I could forget that one
Sir, this is a tbt game. What did you think you were going to see?

[D-West & PO-Z]

What an ugly game. Zero defense played until the very end. Lots of guys playing hero street ball. Jp looks in awful shape. Zero hustle. I could forget that one

But what an awesome comeback! The Cintas was rocking!!

The fans completely influenced that game and a major call at the end. No one will ever convince me otherwise.

The crowd was going nuts after a couple straight baskets down low and X was back on D. A guy in the post for other team got bumped with the ball in a double team and fell. The ref waited building the anticipation and called a travel instead of a foul. The place erupted. That ref totally made a homer call, it was great!

[xukeith]

i was very fortunate to watch the 3rd and 4th quarter. It was ugly but very entertaining.

[SteveSpivery]

What an ugly game. Zero defense played until the very end. Lots of guys playing hero street ball. Jp looks in awful shape. Zero hustle. I could forget that one


Sir, this is a tbt game. What did you think you were going to see?

I agree with Altjar Yes, it is just the tbt, but I thought these guys were supposed to have competitive drive. I remember reading that these guys hated to lose no matter what the completion was. Bluett and Macura looked like they did not care. Bluett looked in awful shape too. In the first half he was hot and should be in when he is hot, but in the second half he was cold and did not matter much. Keep in mind this is how I have seen them play in this tournament and has nothing to do with how they played at X. Compared to the completion Lyons is a one out of ten but seems to think he is a nine. He should only be in when someone needs a rest. On the other hand Kanter, Christon and Johnson looked very good and were entertaining. Scruggs and Westherspoon looked good, but did not play enough for me to have a strong opinion. I'd like to see Kanter, Christon, Johnson, Scruggs and Westherspoon start tonight.

I have bought all session tickets the past two years. Although the last ten minutes of the game was very exciting, the first three quarters was enough that I will not by all session tickets anymore.

[drudy23]

The chances of a fight tonight are 78.9%.

[paulxu]

If Huggy shows up, I hope somebody throws a rubber penis at him.

[D-West & PO-Z]

That sucked. But at least it was exciting.

See you in December at the Cintas Bearkittens.

[SteveSpivery]

That sucked. But at least it was exciting.

See you in December at the Cintas Bearkittens.

Yeah, it really looked bad in the beginning, but at least they came back and made it close.

Semaj and Karem definitely played the best. Remy and Nate played well too despite Nate's negative number in the box score. Weatherspoon helped out. I would have liked to see Paul given more of an opportunity.

[Drew]

Need to ditch Lyons for next year, also Scruggs was key at the end of game 1, should've been more prominent game 2.

[D-West & PO-Z]

There was a Pacers scout at the game last night. Can't imagine he was too impressed by anything or anyone he saw.

[sirthought]

Scruggs had zero defense.

They just didn't look very organized and Evans and Cumberland can be good shooters.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Scruggs had zero defense.

They just didn't look very organized and Evans and Cumberland can be good shooters.

Someone told me it was Scruggs first instance of organized basketball since his knee injury at Cintas in NIT. Not surprised he looked a little rusty if true.

But yeah, defense was not great by most. Johnson probably played best D when it was really needed.

[drudy23]

Zip Em Up might need a new team strategy or may be time to fold. They took a step back this year.

Seems to be more of a carnival than a true attempt to win. I've heard this is the last year for many fans. The prices aren't worth the product.

[bleedXblue]

this was great during COVID but no more I dont see it lasting much longer

[D-West & PO-Z]

Gotta take it for what it is as fans. A chance to see former players back at Cintas playing again. Some former teammates playing together and some guys from different years playing together. That is a cool experience.

The Xavier team is also pretty unique in that every player (except 1) played at X. Many of the teams are not affiliated with a specific school and have players from all over and even the ones who are usually have a greater mix. Like the year the Syracuse team won, the player who was the MVP was a former Boston College player.

It's always more fun to watch them win, but I still had a blast getting to watch them twice. Can't get as frustrated watching this as you do watching actual Xavier basketball. These guys come together days before their first game.

I thought Kaiser Gates was supposed to play, he would have been a good addition.

You have to have good shooters who can create their own shot too, X has some good shooters but not who create their own shot. That is why Cumberland and Evans were the 2 best guys on the floor the other night.

[D-West & PO-Z]

this was great during COVID but no more I dont see it lasting much longer

See what lasting? The TBT or the ZipEmUp team?

The TBT started in 2014, way before Covid. It seems to be doing alright to have lasted a decade.

[nuts4xu]

This year's ZEU team had a lot more talent than last year.

Last year they had BJ Raymond (I love BJ but he wasn't in any shape to play) and CJ Anderson on their roster, with no one to back up the post.

Farr and Taylor didn't play much, but at least they were options to spell Kanter so he could get a break.

JP looked good until his back locked up.

I bought 2 tickets for $40 total, and sat 5 rows off the floor in the end zone. They sold beer and I thought it was a fun time.

If you watch pro basketball of any kind, you will see a different brand of basketball than we are used to watching. Guys who play in this tournament are not NBA athletes. These guys are grown men, who can run in spurts, but you won't see many play full-go for the full 36 minutes (they play 4 quarters- 9 minutes each). It resembles a very competitive summer league game.

The team assembles a few days before the tournament and will always look a little disorganized. But there are worse ways to spend the evening than drinking cold Miller Lite tall boys (they don't sell Miller Lite at Xavier games) and watching some hoops.

[drudy23]

On paper, these teams look good. In reality, guys just aren't in peak playing shape, and it shows.

With the amount of talent they've had, you have to admit their performances have been pretty underwhelming. I initially thought they'd have some chances to make a run when they put this idea together, and they haven't even been close.

[webxu]

JP getting hurt, and Kaiser backing out certainly had an effect on the results. I had some UC fans over and watched the game on my patio enjoyed it for what it was.