Game Thread: Xavier v Robert Morris (11/6/2023)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFFVS.https://ih1.redbubble.net/image.2308839957.1003/st,small,507x507-pad,600x600,f8f8f8.jpg

CINCINNATI --- The Xavier University Musketeers host the Robert Morris University Colonials for Opening Night on Monday at 8 p.m. at Cintas Center. Xavier has won 33 straight regular season openers, including the last 23 at Cintas Center.

Xavier has 10 newcomers on the 2023-24 roster, including six freshmen and four transfers. Xavier has only two returning scholarship letterwinners on the active roster. Sophomore Desmond Claude, a member of the 2022-23 BIG EAST All-Freshman Team, is XU's top returnee. XU finished 27-10 last season and made it to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16.

Head coach Sean Miller, 147-57 heading into his seventh season as the Xavier head coach, is just one win shy of tying the late Skip Prosser for third place on Xavier's all-time wins list. Prosser won 148 games in seven years from 1994-01.

THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (0-0, 0-0 BIG EAST)
ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY COLONIALS (0-0, 0-0 HORIZON)
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2023 AT 8:00 P.M. ET
AT CINTAS CENTER IN CINCINNATI, OHIO
TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 "BIG EAST Tipoff" whip around coverage with play by-play from Connor Onion and analysis from LaVall Jordan. The complete coverage is available on the FOX Sports app.
Xavier Radio: 55KRC with play-by-play from Xavier Hall of Famer Joe Sunderman ('79) and analysis from XU all-time leading scorer and Hall of Famer Byron Larkin ('88). XU broadcast is also on the Varsity Network and on the SXM App.

Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com (http://Statbroadcast.com) and fan stats at GoXavier.com (http://GoXavier.com).

[paulxu]

Play ball !

[Xville]

Line: X -19.5 . That’s a big number for game 1

[noteggs]

Especially with 10 new players!

[xu82]

Especially with 10 new players!

…and half of their names look like some kind of a Scrabble challenge!

This would be like betting on preseason football, it seems. I have zero idea what to expect, other than Sean will make them better over the course of the season. It wasn’t too long ago we couldn’t say that.

[paulxu]

Updated original post with GoXavier info on game.

[bobbiemcgee]

Thx for doing this every year Paul. We know it takes time and research.

[drudy23]

Another year where X cooks the over most games? Looking that way.

[xukeith]

Robert Morris Performance Insights
Robert Morris was 235th in the nation last season with 69.3 points per game. At the other end, it ranked 77th with 66.8 points allowed per contest.
The Colonials ranked 126th in the country with 32.5 boards per game. Meanwhile, they ranked 106th with 30.1 rebounds allowed per contest.
Robert Morris ranked 117th in the country with 13.8 dimes per contest.
The Colonials averaged 12.6 turnovers per game (258th-ranked in college basketball) this season, while forcing 12.6 turnovers per contest (121st-ranked).
The Colonials sank 7.1 three-pointers per game (210th-ranked in college basketball). They sported a 33.4% shooting percentage (221st-ranked) from three-point land.
Robert Morris ranked 64th in college basketball with 6.3 three-pointers allowed per game. Meanwhile, it ranked 282nd with a 35.4% shooting percentage allowed from downtown.
Robert Morris took 63.1% two-pointers and 36.9% three-pointers last season. Of the team's baskets, 72.2% were two-pointers and 27.8% were three-pointers.

[xukeith]

X favored by 19 this morning.
O/U : 145

[xukeith]

X favored by 17.5 this morning.
O/U : 145

updated

[Olsingledigit]

updated

Good thing the game is tomorrow. We might be dogs by the end of the week.

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Updated original post with GoXavier info on game.

Thanks for this all season long, Paul!

You’re my guy!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Line: X -19.5 . That’s a big number for game 1

Down to 16.5

[Xville]

Went with the over. Feel better about that than the line with it being game 1 with the emphasis on offense miller has. Heck we don’t even know the full starting lineup let alone what it’s going to look like lol

[D-West & PO-Z]

There no individual player point totals. I wonder if that is because it is game 1? There is for some games, like I saw KU game had that.

[xukeith]

Not sure if this is true or not but word on the street is Lazar has a finger injury. Might be out tonight.

[GIMMFD]

I tend to stay away from the first couple games betting wise, until I can get a feel, so just watching this one out of pure excitement in seeing some of the new guys and what we look like this year. How do we only watch the X game again? You have to download Fox Sports or something right?

[Snipe]

Go Muskies!

[GIMMFD]

There's something strange about knowing absolutely nobody on the floor other than Claude, not gonna lie.

[Xville]

Can’t get on the app with YouTube tv account for some reason. The whip around coverage is probably the dumbest thing fox does. No one cares about the other teams that aren’t their team playing shitty teams. Maybe if the schedule was good, it’d be cool. However as it is, it’s really stupid

[GIMMFD]

Can’t get on the app with YouTube tv account for some reason. The whip around coverage is probably the dumbest thing fox does. No one cares about the other teams that aren’t their team playing shitty teams. Maybe if the schedule was good, it’d be cool. However as it is, it’s really stupid

I'm on foxsports.com, and just watch through my laptop using YouTube TV as a sign in, it's working fine for me on that, mainly to have football on as well, don't know how viable that is for ya.

[Xville]

I'm on foxsports.com, and just watch through my laptop using YouTube TV as a sign in, it's working fine for me on that, mainly to have football on as well, don't know how viable that is for ya.

Got it to work. Thanks! I still think the whip around coverage is dumb lol

[GIMMFD]

Got it to work. Thanks! I still think the whip around coverage is dumb lol

100% agree, I couldn't deal with that crap, so I found a viable option lol.

[Xville]

Wow swain looks really really long. Once he fills into his body a bit, watch out!

[xukeith]

I have youTube TV BUT when I login on FoxSports It says my tv package does not support X RM game...

[Blue Blooded-05]

The one guy made a nice move on the nice feed from the other guy

[noteggs]

Wow swain looks really really long. Once he fills into his body a bit, watch out!

A lot taller than I thought. Very young as well

[paulxu]

Hope these “guys” pick it up.
Let’s go Muskies !

[noteggs]

I have youTube TV BUT when I login on FoxSports It says my tv package does not support X RM game...

Try to scan QR code and follow prompts

[Xville]

How many years is nemitska or however you spell it here for?

[Xville]

My gawd how good is claude

[Blue Blooded-05]

I like not being nervous every time Claude has the ball in his hands. My man is poised for a huge leap this year

[Xville]

Ok I know it’s Robert morris but I think this team is going to be really damn good. They look clunky and they are still easily handling this team.

[noteggs]

How many years is nemitska or however you spell it here for?

One maybe 2 if he gets a covid year. X is currently working on it.

[GIMMFD]

I like not being nervous every time Claude has the ball in his hands. My man is poised for a huge leap this year

We're gonna need Claude to be really good this year, can definitely see what Coach Miller meant by him taking a huge leap, he looks much smoother... I'm also liking how explosive Olivari is, may need to learn how to control it/reel it in a little, but he definitely seems like he could be a "microwave" and score in bunches.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Nemeiska with 9 rebounds in the first half

[xavierj]

Sucks Lazar is hurt. Have heard he has been the 2nd best player on the team in practice. First half was sloppy but think it’s going to be a fun year. They play hard that’s for sure.

[Xville]

Sucks Lazar is hurt. Have heard he has been the 2nd best player on the team in practice. First half was sloppy but think it’s going to be a fun year. They play hard that’s for sure.

How injured is he? We talking a game or two or several weeks?

[Blue Blooded-05]

Those of us watching the live feed get to see Xavier’s “nationally ranked” dance team!

[JTG]

Lovin' me some Nemo. Looks like he's 15, but plays like a man.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

How many years is nemitska or however you spell it here for?

Officially just this year. Broadcaster on Fox said X has requested a second year of eligibility but no ruling yet. He looks pretty good, doesn't he?

[Xavgrad08]

Sucks Lazar is hurt. Have heard he has been the 2nd best player on the team in practice. First half was sloppy but think it’s going to be a fun year. They play hard that’s for sure.

Hope Lazar’s injury does not keep him out for an extended period. Heard his upside is huge.

[GIMMFD]

Sucks Lazar is hurt. Have heard he has been the 2nd best player on the team in practice. First half was sloppy but think it’s going to be a fun year. They play hard that’s for sure.

Definitely play hard, I think they'll be enjoyable to watch, especially with the minimum expectations I have for the season, kind of refreshing tbh. Think there's definitely some pieces though.

[xukeith]

Will Green and Olivari lead X in 3 point shots/makes?

[noteggs]

It appears Gytis has a knack to rebound on both sides. Not saying he’s Zach, but a decent replacement.

[Xville]

Claude cramping or did he land awkwardly on that layup? Weird them working the gun so thought maybe a cramp

[xukeith]

ESPN has Nemeiksa and Nemeika both playing one starting

[xu82]

This taste of March Madness is nothing less than brilliant. Obvious, but brilliant.

[GIMMFD]

At least with this weird no commercial broadcast I get to listen to Coach Miller in the huddle, that's pretty fun.

[bjf123]

Claude cramping or did he land awkwardly on that layup? Weird them working the gun so thought maybe a cramp

Think he landed weird and got an opponent’s knee into his thigh.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Xville]

There are a lot of really good pieces here. McKnight and olivari are going to be great March guards, I like the euros and Claude is a stud. Finally, Swain is going to be an absolute beast in a year or two.

Is craft injured or is he just out of the rotation?

[Blue Blooded-05]

Olivari’s three ball had snow on it when it came down

[bjf123]

Olivari’s three ball had snow on it when it came down

Reminds me of the threes from Dee Davis.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GoMuskies]

Is craft injured or is he just out of the rotation?

If he's healthy, it's a terrible sign as a sophomore to not be able to get on the floor against Robert Morris.

[XUBison]

Claude definitely lived up to the hype. Looked like a pro tonight.

[xukeith]

Miller in postgame thought Claude should have had 30.
When X was not turning the ball over, X shot 58%.
Ciani played during a sequence when X was playing their best.
X will be a very different team with Lazar being 100% healthy, starting or coming off the bench.

[GoMuskies]

One week from tonight X will be playing Purdue. That's either exciting or terrifying.

[Xville]

Claude definitely lived up to the hype. Looked like a pro tonight.

Yep. A more athletic Colby jones. I’ll be surprised if he’s here next year.

[XUBison]

One week from tonight X will be playing Purdue. That's either exciting or terrifying.

Well, my stomach dropped when I read this post. I’m going with excitifying.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Wow swain looks really really long. Once he fills into his body a bit, watch out!

I thought the exact same thing. What is he 6-7? No idea but he looks the part!

[D-West & PO-Z]

How many years is nemitska or however you spell it here for?

I think 1 but he's applying for another.

I was impressed.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Those of us watching the live feed get to see Xavier’s “nationally ranked” dance team!

Longest running national ranking of any program at Xavier!

[D-West & PO-Z]

One week from tonight X will be playing Purdue. That's either exciting or terrifying.

Both!

[D-West & PO-Z]

How injured is he? We talking a game or two or several weeks?


Sucks Lazar is hurt. Have heard he has been the 2nd best player on the team in practice. First half was sloppy but think it’s going to be a fun year. They play hard that’s for sure.

Not sure we got an answer on this. Anyone know?

[kane79]

Not sure we got an answer on this. Anyone know?

andy mack before the game was saying they dont want to throw him out there against purdue or anything for his first action, but they are hopeing maybe in vegas
(this was the pregame sshow in Duffs)

[UCGRAD4X]

Well, my stomach dropped when I read this post. I’m going with excitifying.

My stomach has been falling for years. Dunlops disease.

Miller said on the postgame, Des was cramping up. Said Claude needs to learn get a better idea of how his body is going to adjust to the heavy load.

[American X]

Desmond Claude turned into an All Big East player, which is nice. But not sure about 37 minutes every game for an entire season.

All the starters played at least 26 minutes and only 8 bench points. For all those new names, how much depth is there?

Why couldn't Kam Craft and Reid Ducharme get out of warmups? Do they both have injuries?

[Xville]

Desmond Claude turned into an All Big East player, which is nice. But not sure about 37 minutes every game for an entire season.

All the starters played at least 26 minutes and only 8 bench points. For all those new names, how much depth is there?

Why couldn't Kam Craft and Reid Ducharme get out of warmups? Do they both have injuries?

Once lazar is healthy, it looks like a 9 man rotation which is probably about right. Who those 7-9 guys are I guess can fluctuate throughout the year. As they always say, only one ball.

[MHettel]

General observations

1. Backcourt size is a plus. Boum and kunkle were slight and the new guys will be improved defenders and can take it to the rack with physicality

2. Front court is going to be a huge issue. Ousmane isn’t a BIG big, and he seems like he has average athleticism. You need one or the other at this level to hold your own. A lot of BE teams have BIG athletes up front. Ciani has the size, but I didn’t see the movement, feel, or agility I was hoping for. Maybe he’s a guy that can defend a backdown / post move situation, but I don’t see him helping others with rim protection. Nzeh looks to have a good mix or size and athleticism, but looks more like a 4 than a 5. Will his offensive game translate to a modern day 4? He looks like he’s got a lot to learn. #1 concern is whether we have a BE Caliber front court.

3. Gytis. So far so good. Would liked to have seen him take a few shots from deep. It’s necessary that we have at least one big that can shoot. He was hustling and quick off the floor to grab rebounds. Promising.

4. Lack of 3 pt shooting. I’m not missing the Travis Steele regime when 40% of our attempts were 3s and the opposition seemed to just let poor shooter get open. But, we need to have 3 guys at all times that can hit the 3 and command respect. Defenses will collapse around Des and Quincy. Maybe Gytis is that guy and just didn’t see his shot last night so he didn’t force it? Maybe Lazar? Where was Craft and Ducharme?

5. I like the aggressiveness and success of taking the ball to the rim. Score or get fouled, and do it OFTEN. Claude is our best finisher off the dribble since….Tu? Maybe Nani? He’s really good. Olivari seems to draw a lot of contact. McKnight was less effective, but you can see that he’s willing and able.

6. Swain is DBrown. It’s gonna take a year.

7. Way too sloppy with the passes. Much of it was fundamental stuff. Low passes to big guys on the block. Guys not looking. Just carelessness. We can get away with it against these early opponents, but we will pay for it against the BE.

8. Claude is exactly what I expected. He flashed it last year, and could have done more of it. But he was a freshman playing with dudes that had about 20+ years of experience so he deferred. He won’t be deferring this year. And he will need to be ready for 34+ minutes a game.

9. Hard to project after just one game. Need a dominating win against Jax, and must address some of my concerns. Purdue will tell us a lot…..

[xukeith]

General observations

1. Backcourt size is a plus. Boum and kunkle were slight and the new guys will be improved defenders and can take it to the rack with physicality

2. Front court is going to be a huge issue. Ousmane isn’t a BIG big, and he seems like he has average athleticism. You need one or the other at this level to hold your own. A lot of BE teams have BIG athletes up front. Ciani has the size, but I didn’t see the movement, feel, or agility I was hoping for. Maybe he’s a guy that can defend a backdown / post move situation, but I don’t see him helping others with rim protection. Nzeh looks to have a good mix or size and athleticism, but looks more like a 4 than a 5. Will his offensive game translate to a modern day 4? He looks like he’s got a lot to learn. #1 concern is whether we have a BE Caliber front court.

3. Gytis. So far so good. Would liked to have seen him take a few shots from deep. It’s necessary that we have at least one big that can shoot. He was hustling and quick off the floor to grab rebounds. Promising.

4. Lack of 3 pt shooting. I’m not missing the Travis Steele regime when 40% of our attempts were 3s and the opposition seemed to just let poor shooter get open. But, we need to have 3 guys at all times that can hit the 3 and command respect. Defenses will collapse around Des and Quincy. Maybe Gytis is that guy and just didn’t see his shot last night so he didn’t force it? Maybe Lazar? Where was Craft and Ducharme?

5. I like the aggressiveness and success of taking the ball to the rim. Score or get fouled, and do it OFTEN. Claude is our best finisher off the dribble since….Tu? Maybe Nani? He’s really good. Olivari seems to draw a lot of contact. McKnight was less effective, but you can see that he’s willing and able.

6. Swain is DBrown. It’s gonna take a year.

7. Way too sloppy with the passes. Much of it was fundamental stuff. Low passes to big guys on the block. Guys not looking. Just carelessness. We can get away with it against these early opponents, but we will pay for it against the BE.

8. Claude is exactly what I expected. He flashed it last year, and could have done more of it. But he was a freshman playing with dudes that had about 20+ years of experience so he deferred. He won’t be deferring this year. And he will need to be ready for 34+ minutes a game.

9. Hard to project after just one game. Need a dominating win against Jax, and must address some of my concerns. Purdue will tell us a lot…..

Good observations.
Some parts were promising. I too wonder who steps up when Claude and Olivari either have off nights or can any of the 5/6 other players getting 20-30 moniutes , can they be relied on to score at least 12-14 points?

[bleedXblue]

Desmond Claude turned into an All Big East player, which is nice. But not sure about 37 minutes every game for an entire season.

All the starters played at least 26 minutes and only 8 bench points. For all those new names, how much depth is there?

Why couldn't Kam Craft and Reid Ducharme get out of warmups? Do they both have injuries?

1. I don't think Kam playing is a good sign at all for him. He is way down on the depth chart. When he has played (last year and in the scrimmage) he looks a little lost at times and if I had to guess, he hasn't picked up the offensive plays and defensive schemes well enough.

2. Reid- no idea yet. Could be the same thing.

[Three Point Pete]

If he's healthy, it's a terrible sign as a sophomore to not be able to get on the floor against Robert Morris.KD injury takes time, because it is more of a mental test of one's ability to tolerate pain.
I had a similar situation and pain was a factor.

I think that another week or so will clarify Kam's situation. He has shown flashes of being a good shooter, and hopefully will be contributing soon. Best wishes for a timely recovery!

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

[MHettel]

KD injury takes time, because it is more of a mental test of one's ability to tolerate pain.
I had a similar situation and pain was a factor.

I think that another week or so will clarify Kam's situation. He has shown flashes of being a good shooter, and hopefully will be contributing soon. Best wishes for a timely recovery!

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

KD injury?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Desmond Claude turned into an All Big East player, which is nice. But not sure about 37 minutes every game for an entire season.

All the starters played at least 26 minutes and only 8 bench points. For all those new names, how much depth is there?

Why couldn't Kam Craft and Reid Ducharme get out of warmups? Do they both have injuries?

I think Des is going to have to play 35+ almost nightly. He is by far our best player and it isn't even close.

I think not having Lazar def hurts. He will start I would think when healthy.

I think its safe to say when Lazar is back we will probably be about 9 deep on a consistent basis. 8 will see the majority of the mins but I think 9 should probably play.

Claude
Quincy
McKnight
Gytis
Ousmane
Ciani
Green
Swain
Lazar

I think those 9 will get consistent mins. I wonder if Ciani will see less though as we get into the heart of things.

[D-West & PO-Z]

2. Front court is going to be a huge issue. Ousmane isn’t a BIG big, and he seems like he has average athleticism. You need one or the other at this level to hold your own. A lot of BE teams have BIG athletes up front. Ciani has the size, but I didn’t see the movement, feel, or agility I was hoping for. Maybe he’s a guy that can defend a backdown / post move situation, but I don’t see him helping others with rim protection. Nzeh looks to have a good mix or size and athleticism, but looks more like a 4 than a 5. Will his offensive game translate to a modern day 4? He looks like he’s got a lot to learn. #1 concern is whether we have a BE Caliber front court.



From what I understand Lazar should be our best big. I think when he is back healthy he helps address this concern.

[D-West & PO-Z]

How injured is he? We talking a game or two or several weeks?


Sucks Lazar is hurt. Have heard he has been the 2nd best player on the team in practice. First half was sloppy but think it’s going to be a fun year. They play hard that’s for sure.


KD injury takes time, because it is more of a mental test of one's ability to tolerate pain.
I had a similar situation and pain was a factor.

I think that another week or so will clarify Kam's situation. He has shown flashes of being a good shooter, and hopefully will be contributing soon. Best wishes for a timely recovery!

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

Did he play in the musketeer madness thing? He was the high scorer?

I have no insight other than guessing but it seems to be an ability thing as opposed to an injury thing with him right now.

[noteggs]

KD injury?

Kneecap displacement

[xu82]

Kneecap displacement

I’ll never forget the first time I saw one of THOSE in person! Yikes!

[XUGRAD80]

I don’t think that any of these games, including the Purdue game, will tell us much, other than showing us how far this team has to go. All we will see at this point is how much potential the players have. We won’t see how far they will actually go towards realizing their potential. Only time will tell us that. Just need to be patent and let the process play itself out. Patience is going to be the key this year.

[MHettel]

I don’t think that any of these games, including the Purdue game, will tell us much, other than showing us how far this team has to go.

But I think this IS EXACTLY what i want to know. Its not telling me much, it's telling me EVERYTHING. If we limp past Jax and get destroyed by Purdue, then I wont take much consolation in whatever "potential" I see if we cant put it together. That means this team has "a long way to go", and turning potential into performance is a tall order given our schedule and conference strength.

alternatively, if we coast by Jax and keep it competitive vs Purdue then I may conclude we dont really have that "far to go", in which case a little familiarity and tuning could allow us to turn the corner quickly and have a tournament worthy team.

This season will be unforgiving, right out of the gate. I think the Conference has 3 top 10 teams PLUS Nova in the top 20. We have non-con games against top 10 Purdue & Houston. And either top 25 SDSU or St.Marys.

This season is NOT about potential. Its about being competitive right now.

[xu82]

But I think this IS EXACTLY what i want to know. Its not telling me much, it's telling me EVERYTHING. If we limp past Jax and get destroyed by Purdue, then I wont take much consolation in whatever "potential" I see if we cant put it together. That means this team has "a long way to go", and turning potential into performance is a tall order given our schedule and conference strength.

alternatively, if we coast by Jax and keep it competitive vs Purdue then I may conclude we dont really have that "far to go", in which case a little familiarity and tuning could allow us to turn the corner quickly and have a tournament worthy team.

This season will be unforgiving, right out of the gate. I think the Conference has 3 top 10 teams PLUS Nova in the top 20. We have non-con games against top 10 Purdue & Houston. And either top 25 SDSU or St.Marys.

This season is NOT about potential. Its about being competitive right now.

I would say this season is about being much better in March than we were a week into November.

[MHettel]

I would say this season is about being much better in March than we were a week into November.

I think what people are really saying is that they have low expectations.

We wont make it to march if we need a month to find ourselves.

[XUGRAD80]

Considering that almost every player (save one) on the current roster could potentially return next year and possibly even the next 2-3 years, this season is almost 100% about improving and not about immediate results. The team could struggle against Jax and get blown out by Purdue and neither would tell me what the team will be like come February and March, let alone next year or the year after. Conversely, they blow out Jax and even find a way to beat Purdue, that’s no guarantee that they will have a great season. I trust Miller and figure that he has a plan. I’m going to let that plan play out and just enjoy watching the team grow and improve over the course of the season. I’m not going to worry so much about wins and loses at this point. But if someone wants to live and die based on how each game plays out, go right ahead. It’s their choice. It’s just not mine.

[X-band '01]

They'll beat Jacksonville. No suspense there.

They'll lose at Purdue. No suspense there.

Washington on a neutral court may be more telling - this is a team meandering around the middle of the Pac-12 that might be more of a barometer for this team.

[MHettel]

Considering that almost every player (save one) on the current roster could potentially return next year and possibly even the next 2-3 years, this season is almost 100% about improving and not about immediate results. The team could struggle against Jax and get blown out by Purdue and neither would tell me what the team will be like come February and March, let alone next year or the year after. Conversely, they blow out Jax and even find a way to beat Purdue, that’s no guarantee that they will have a great season. I trust Miller and figure that he has a plan. I’m going to let that plan play out and just enjoy watching the team grow and improve over the course of the season. I’m not going to worry so much about wins and loses at this point. But if someone wants to live and die based on how each game plays out, go right ahead. It’s their choice. It’s just not mine.

Im not interested in 2-3 years from now. I doubt Sean Miller is either. In fact I bet Sean is thinking about Jax, and march is a lifetime away for him.

We have one returning player this year, and my money says he wont be back next year. 3 of our 5 starters that transferred in will be done after this year. One of our transfers will need a waiver to be here next year. What could we possibly learn this year that would even be relevant 2-3 years from now? we're gonna just take a mulligan this year to see if Trey Green and Swain are any good? Maybe we should tank and improve our draft position.

We dont have spring training.

We have a gauntlet schedule, and while not mathmatically, we could practically be on the wrong side of the bubble by the time BE play begins. If we drop games to Purdue, UW, SDSU or SMU, Houston and Cincy, we could enter BE play with a 6-5 record with wins against Robert Morris, Jax, Bryant, Oakland, Delaware & Winthrop.

That would mean we are OUT of the tourney and need to play ourselves back into the discussion by finishing top 4 in the BE. a .500 record in the Big East with a lousy non-con performance aint gonna cut it.

Go ask Miller is he agrees that "this season is almost 100% about improving and not about immediate results." In fact, ask ANY coach. Anyone that agrees with that will likely be looking for his next gig come march.

game on, folks.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

But I think this IS EXACTLY what i want to know. Its not telling me much, it's telling me EVERYTHING. If we limp past Jax and get destroyed by Purdue, then I wont take much consolation in whatever "potential" I see if we cant put it together. That means this team has "a long way to go", and turning potential into performance is a tall order given our schedule and conference strength.

alternatively, if we coast by Jax and keep it competitive vs Purdue then I may conclude we dont really have that "far to go", in which case a little familiarity and tuning could allow us to turn the corner quickly and have a tournament worthy team.

This season will be unforgiving, right out of the gate. I think the Conference has 3 top 10 teams PLUS Nova in the top 20. We have non-con games against top 10 Purdue & Houston. And either top 25 SDSU or St.Marys.

This season is NOT about potential. Its about being competitive right now.

Think you're 180 degrees wrong here. A team this young, this unproven is always, always about potential. The key metric, for me, is how we play in March vs. November. Lots of rookie mistakes last night---plenty to go around. Green for example, considered by many to be our highest potential freshman made three really dumb plays----fouling the three ball followed by two very poor passes into the post. He will come around.

As an aside, loved the way Miller handled it. In a week when we saw the passing of Bob Knight, Miller removed Green from the game but never berated or humiliated him. And he put Green back into the game after a few minutes on the bench to think about his mistakes. We will see much more of that in the next few months.

The Big East is brutal this year (and most years). While this group does have potential, they are not the Fab Five. This year you will need some patience.

[XUGRAD80]

Have you listened to any of the Miller podcasts or any of his preseason press conferences/interviews? In every one of them he talks about how this will be a season where his goal is to make sure that this is a team that is much better at the end of the season, that he thinks that by then it will be a team that nobody wants to play. In none of them does he talk about getting out to a fast start or even competing for a BE title. He talks about nothing else but this team getting better day by day and how he thinks that some of his players are GOING TO BE very special players at X…..in the future, as they develop.

If X had Free and Hunter playing a full strength it would be different. But with 10 new players and 6 of them freshman (as he has pointed out time and time again) we need to be realistic and have realistic goals and expectations for THIS season. Take off the rose colored glasses and look at reality. It’s a rebuilding year.

[drudy23]

It’s a rebuilding year.

Not really.

Expectations for me are the same - make the tournament. Once you get there, we've seen what can happen.

This team will have PLENTY of chances to build a March resume. Don't have to win them all, but have to win a few of them. We could potentially have 10+ top ten games this year. Honestly, you get three of them, and you're probably looking really good assuming you don't drop 1 or 2 bye games.

Creighton x2
UConn x2
Marquette x2
Big Easy Tourney
Houston
Purdue
SDSU
St Marys

Doesn't even include Villanova x2, Washington and UC, all of whom should be decent. Our SOS would seem to be off the charts this year.

[MHettel]

Think you're 180 degrees wrong here. A team this young, this unproven is always, always about potential. The key metric, for me, is how we play in March vs. November. Lots of rookie mistakes last night---plenty to go around. Green for example, considered by many to be our highest potential freshman made three really dumb plays----fouling the three ball followed by two very poor passes into the post. He will come around.

As an aside, loved the way Miller handled it. In a week when we saw the passing of Bob Knight, Miller removed Green from the game but never berated or humiliated him. And he put Green back into the game after a few minutes on the bench to think about his mistakes. We will see much more of that in the next few months.

The Big East is brutal this year (and most years). While this group does have potential, they are not the Fab Five. This year you will need some patience.

You have to get to March….

[XUGRAD80]

Not really.

Expectations for me are the same - make the tournament. Once you get there, we've seen what can happen.

Expectations or objectives? Sure the objective is to always make the tournament. But is that a realistic expectation?

Truthfully, I do believe that they WILL make the tournament. But that’s because I expect them to be a very good team by the time February rolls around and to play top BE teams very tough, with a few upsets very possible. Not how I expect them to play next Monday or before Christmas. I don’t expect them to be a very good team in December. Therefore, I’m not going to stress much over the win-loss record or how they look against teams like Purdue and Houston during the early season. I don’t think that how they look against those teams will be any indication of how they will play in February and beyond.

[drudy23]

Expectations or objectives? Sure the objective is to always make the tournament. But is that a realistic expectation?



Absolutely it's a realistic expectation every year. We're a good enough program where that's the expectation every year. Even the coaches say that.

Xavier's recruiting profile should be consistent enough to keep us in that conversation every year. No doubt.

It makes the Steele years even that much more disappointing. He didn't go for 4 or 5 straight years. Sadly, people made excuses for him until the end and he made excuses for himself. Miller 100% has that expectation - no excuses from him.

[JEHARDI]

From what I understand Lazar should be our best big. I think when he is back healthy he helps address this concern.

I was impressed with Ousmane, he is capable of providing quality minutes as a backup. Key is getting Lazar back asap. Like it or not with all of the newcomers they need to play games that matter to gel and improve. It will take some time.

[MHettel]

Expectations or objectives? Sure the objective is to always make the tournament. But is that a realistic expectation?

Truthfully, I do believe that they WILL make the tournament. But that’s because I expect them to be a very good team by the time February rolls around and to play top BE teams very tough, with a few upsets very possible. Not how I expect them to play next Monday or before Christmas. I don’t expect them to be a very good team in December. Therefore, I’m not going to stress much over the win-loss record or how they look against teams like Purdue and Houston during the early season. I don’t think that how they look against those teams will be any indication of how they will play in February and beyond.

We pay Miller $3M a year and he constructed the roster. Expectations are NCAAs EVERY year. And average 2 tounrey wins a year over the long run.

If you had a coach that took you to the sweet 16 every year, he'd exepct 3M, right? Well that works both ways. If we pay 3M, I expect a S16.

[Xville]

Here’s my take for whatever it’s worth:

This years team is more talented than last year’s team imo but it’s going to take time. Last night you could see the potential but it also looked really clunky at times which makes sense due to them not playing together much. This is a tournament team, but I’m not sure we are going to look like it until the calendar changes.

they will hold their own against Purdue because I think x is actually more athletic, ( don’t think x will win but will be close) and I think they may win a game in Vegas.

Anyways, I’m excited to watch these guys and this team grow this year and play again in the tourney. All the back and forth just sounds like arguing over semantics to me.

[Xavier]

Agreed with Xville. Think the overall raw talent is better. (Note- that doesn’t mean I think the team will be better). It moreso means the future is bright. (Though disagree about Purdue. I’ll be shocked if it isnt a blow out)

Also agree with Drudy- expectation is always to make the tournament. My only clause is due to injury. I’ll forever be grateful for Steeles inability to do so because it brought Sean home.

[sirthought]

I'm not sure if I am understanding some of you in the thread regarding Lazar's role.

Lazar is a big, but he's not going to play center. Or he rarely will. He's much more of a mobile inside/outside forward, either Power or Small.

I think the 5 will be a rotation of Ousmane, Nzeh, and maybe even Ciani.

If my guess is right based on early evidence, we could actually make a frontcourt work with Ousmane, Nemo, and Lazar, and have competitive rebounding and scoring. But it's really early to say that would be the ideal. I just see them all working that way. Nemo was a dog on rebounds, but Ousmane was really positioning himself in a good way.

Lazar wants to be like a Toni Kukoč. Wouldn't we be lucky if that happened!

[xukeith]

I'm not sure if I am understanding some of you in the thread regarding Lazar's role.

Lazar is a big, but he's not going to play center. Or he rarely will. He's much more of a mobile inside/outside forward, either Power or Small.

I think the 5 will be a rotation of Ousmane, Nzeh, and maybe even Ciani.

If my guess is right based on early evidence, we could actually make a frontcourt work with Ousmane, Nemo, and Lazar, and have competitive rebounding and scoring. But it's really early to say that would be the ideal. I just see them all working that way. Nemo was a dog on rebounds, but Ousmane was really positioning himself in a good way.

Lazar wants to be like a Toni Kukoč. Wouldn't we be lucky if that happened!
Lazar similar to Kukoc? Amazing as there is potential.
Ousmane positioning himself well? As a rebounder, defender, or in a weak frontcourt lineup to hold his own?

[D-West & PO-Z]

I was impressed with Ousmane, he is capable of providing quality minutes as a backup. Key is getting Lazar back asap. Like it or not with all of the newcomers they need to play games that matter to gel and improve. It will take some time.

I don't think Ousmane is the one who goes to the bench with Lazar back. I think Gytis does.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I was impressed with Ousmane, he is capable of providing quality minutes as a backup. Key is getting Lazar back asap. Like it or not with all of the newcomers they need to play games that matter to gel and improve. It will take some time.

Edit: Double Post

[bobbiemcgee]

I don't think Ousmane is the one who goes to the bench with Lazar back. I think Gytis does.

Gytis had a double double to start. Not bad.

[muskiefan82]

Gytis seemed like he was in the right position to get the ball and do something with it. He seems to have an innate ability for that. Coach will make this dude ridiculous by years end I think

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'm not sure if I am understanding some of you in the thread regarding Lazar's role.

Lazar is a big, but he's not going to play center. Or he rarely will. He's much more of a mobile inside/outside forward, either Power or Small.

I think the 5 will be a rotation of Ousmane, Nzeh, and maybe even Ciani.

If my guess is right based on early evidence, we could actually make a frontcourt work with Ousmane, Nemo, and Lazar, and have competitive rebounding and scoring. But it's really early to say that would be the ideal. I just see them all working that way. Nemo was a dog on rebounds, but Ousmane was really positioning himself in a good way.

Lazar wants to be like a Toni Kukoč. Wouldn't we be lucky if that happened!

Yeah my understanding he was more of an inside/outside 4.

Also I don't think we are going to see a whole lot of mins out of Nzeh. Especially not once conference play starts. Ciani looked pretty decent though.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Gytis had a double double to start. Not bad.

He was great. The Lituanian light show from what I hear his nickname might be, lol.

However, we need Ousmane at the 5. And Mcknight, Olivari, and obviously Des seem to be pretty entrenched in their starting spots.

So if Lazar really is as good as some think he is or can be the only spot for him to take in the starting lineup is Gytis.

Maybe Lazar comes off the bench though. Don't know.

[JTG]

I'm not sure if I am understanding some of you in the thread regarding Lazar's role.

Lazar is a big, but he's not going to play center. Or he rarely will. He's much more of a mobile inside/outside forward, either Power or Small.

I think the 5 will be a rotation of Ousmane, Nzeh, and maybe even Ciani.

If my guess is right based on early evidence, we could actually make a frontcourt work with Ousmane, Nemo, and Lazar, and have competitive rebounding and scoring. But it's really early to say that would be the ideal. I just see them all working that way. Nemo was a dog on rebounds, but Ousmane was really positioning himself in a good way.

Lazar wants to be like a Toni Kukoč. Wouldn't we be lucky if that happened!

I think Ciani is ahead of Nzeh. Nzeh looked totally lost Monday, whereas Ciani looked solid.

[sirthought]

I wasn't writing in a particular order. Ciani does look way more experienced. Nzeh does eat up space in a good way, and he has a nice motor. I think he will be coming along, but he has time.

[bjf123]

At the game Monday night, I paid for a drink at one of the concession stands by tapping my Apple Watch on the credit card terminal. The two college age kids working the stand said something to the effect not knowing that could be done. Seriously ? I replied that I’m old enough to be their grandfather, and how did I know it and they not!


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[xukeith]

Was anyone else surprised by amount of minutes Swain got Friday?
More minutes than Green.

He did have 2 baskets and looked somewhat good. He does have the highest ceiling. of all the frosh (Maybe Lazar 2nd) .

I just thought Green would have gotten most minutes of the frosh. Point guard play is essential.

Maybe Miller sees Swain as abigger influencer these next 2-4 months and he wants him to be up to speed.

[sirthought]

He was great. The Lituanian light show from what I hear his nickname might be, lol.

However, we need Ousmane at the 5. And Mcknight, Olivari, and obviously Des seem to be pretty entrenched in their starting spots.

So if Lazar really is as good as some think he is or can be the only spot for him to take in the starting lineup is Gytis.

Maybe Lazar comes off the bench though. Don't know.The potential for lineup combinations seems bigger than usual at this point. This is because people like Claude and Swain seem to have enough speed and handle to play multiple spots. I just want to see more to comment further.

Pretty interesting that Swain played so much more and Craft didn't leave the bench. I hope Craft and Ducharme get a chance.

[xukeith]

Sean Miller said last night Craft asked to look into getting a medical redshirt so he could have a full year to get in prime shape. He spent last spring and summer in rehab so he fell behind many of the classmates.
Miller said Craft would then have 3 years of eligibility rather than 2.
The number of injuries this X team has had these past 12 months is ridiculous

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

He was great. The Lituanian light show from what I hear his nickname might be, lol.

However, we need Ousmane at the 5. And Mcknight, Olivari, and obviously Des seem to be pretty entrenched in their starting spots.

So if Lazar really is as good as some think he is or can be the only spot for him to take in the starting lineup is Gytis.

Maybe Lazar comes off the bench though. Don't know.

There has been some discussion, on this board, that Lazar is a really good player now. I had not seen anything written about him until now. I'm interested in knowing more about this young man, specifically what information do we have on him that allows such a high assessment. I thought of him as just another freshman, albeit from Eastern Europe. I was impressed by Gytis and pleasantly surprised by Ciani, who I also considered to be, basically, just another rookie.

Seems like these Euros are more advanced than I initially thought.

Still, what makes Lazar worth the high praise?

[Final4]

Sean Miller said last night Craft asked to look into getting a medical redshirt so he could have a full year to get in prime shape. He spent last spring and summer in rehab so he fell behind many of the classmates.
Miller said Craft would then have 3 years of eligibility rather than 2.
The number of injuries this X team has had these past 12 months is ridiculous

Maybe a redshirt to conserve a year of eligibility before entering the transfer portal.

[muskiefan82]

There has been some discussion, on this board, that Lazar is a really good player now. I had not seen anything written about him until now. I'm interested in knowing more about this young man, specifically what information do we have on him that allows such a high assessment. I thought of him as just another freshman, albeit from Eastern Europe. I was impressed by Gytis and pleasantly surprised by Ciani, who I also considered to be, basically, just another rookie.

Seems like these Euros are more advanced than I initially thought.

Still, what makes Lazar worth the high praise?

Sean Miller says so about this kid. that is enough for me.

[xukeith]

There has been some discussion, on this board, that Lazar is a really good player now. I had not seen anything written about him until now. I'm interested in knowing more about this young man, specifically what information do we have on him that allows such a high assessment. I thought of him as just another freshman, albeit from Eastern Europe. I was impressed by Gytis and pleasantly surprised by Ciani, who I also considered to be, basically, just another rookie.

Seems like these Euros are more advanced than I initially thought.

Still, what makes Lazar worth the high praise?

Only looking at his European YouTube videos, Lazar has very strong skills for a 6'10 big man. He attacks the rim and has a good handle of the ball. He has shown to be in very similar plays that X and Miller had Jack Nunge in (hitting top of key 3 pointers) Comparing his video to Nunge shows Lazar to be a lot more athletic, jumping height, comfort handling the ball, and a lot quicker feet.

[MADXSTER]

I don't think Ousmane is the one who goes to the bench with Lazar back. I think Gytis does.

What about

1) McKnight
2) Des
3) Gytis
4) Lazar
5) Ousmane

[GIMMFD]

Only looking at his European YouTube videos, Lazar has very strong skills for a 6'10 big man. He attacks the rim and has a good handle of the ball. He has shown to be in very similar plays that X and Miller had Jack Nunge in (hitting top of key 3 pointers) Comparing his video to Nunge shows Lazar to be a lot more athletic, jumping height, comfort handling the ball, and a lot quicker feet.

Did not understand the assignment, am now convinced Lazar is a Nikola Jokic clone and going to be a triple-double GOD. National championship inbound boys.

[D-West & PO-Z]

What about

1) McKnight
2) Des
3) Gytis
4) Lazar
5) Ousmane

Maybe. Enough shooting with that lineup?

Guess it depends on how much of a threat Lazar is outside.

[xukeith]

What about

1) McKnight
2) Des
3) Gytis
4) Lazar
5) Ousmane

These 6 may be better defensively but there is a lack of a 3 point threat.

Olivari may be our only volume shooter and threat from 3. Miller expects Green to be a good 3 point shooter so there is that too.

[Three Point Pete]

I know it's a small sample, but from what I've seen so far, I like Swain to start. Got some exciting action with Trey on point and Dailyn and Claude at wings. It was " not your daddy's" Xavier ball.


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[MADXSTER]

My take vs Robert Morris

Trey - Don't know how deep he shot in HS but the shots he is taking are 5 feet beyond the 3 point line. Would like to see him step into his shot more.
Des - Played an A game even though he did not have his best offensive or defensive game.
Dailyn - He looked more comfortable out there. Reminds me of Posey.
Quincy - Looked much better than game 1. Liked his aggressiveness on D. Jumping passing lanes.
Dayvion - He looked out of it from the beginning of the game. He had a couple of good offensive and defensive plays and that was about it. A very sub par night for the number of minutes played.
Abou - I thought he played pretty well. He had two bonehead fouls 90 feet away from the basket. We have learned that his range is from the rim and closer.
Sasa - Has played much better since Musketeer Madness. I'd still have Abou ahead of Sasa only due to the fact that this team needs rebounding. Not saying he cannot rebound, just that IMO Abou is better at this point.
Gytis - I was pretty bullish on him after MM but he has opened my eyes. He doesn't back down and is not intimidated. I'm starting to really like the bull in him.