Xavier 2023-2024 Season

[Three Point Pete]

YesThanks bleedXblue, knees take time.

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[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Thanks bleedXblue, knees take time.

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Per Miller, Craft requested a red shirt year to preserve eligibility. As Miller explained it, Craft found himself further down the depth chart than he wanted (due to the time needed to recover from the knee) and it was Craft that requested the red shirt. Was Craft's position on the depth chart due to the injury or was it due to some deficiency? I don't know. But Craft anticipated more time on the bench than he wanted so the red shirt.

Maybe we could have used Craft this year? Maybe Craft thinks he will move on. I have to think the subject came up in his discussion with Miller.

[A Fan]

Listened to Miler's radio show this week and he fielded a question about next year's roster. His response was interesting.

First, he was pretty definitive that Hunter and Free will be healthy and are returning. I took note of that because I have been of the opinion that Free will likely not be back. Miller said that Free's recent surgery was more successful than previous surgeries and that Free will return.

He also talked about Craft and seemed to nuance a bit. He reiterated what he had previously said that Craft fell behind others for playing time as a result of his injury. But he didn't make the same definitive comment about Craft returning next year. I was waiting for him, but he didn't say it.

Miller also pointed out the young man coming in next year (from Centerville) and noted that he is a good outside shooter. Then, he made one of the most interesting comments of the show. He talked about going out into the portal in the spring to bring in a couple of players----at least that's what I think I heard. Miller didn't say specifically (as I remember) what skills were needed, just that he would be looking in the portal. I had the pre-game show on for the Michigan - UW game. I was listening to both Miller and to the football commentary and my wife was jabbering at me too. So, I wasn't totally focused on what Miller said. But that's what I think I heard.

What is interesting about his comment, if I heard it correctly, is that in order to bring players on via the portal, current players have to leave. So, if Miller knows he is going to the portal for two players, he must know two players are leaving. Quincy is out of eligibility next year but his scholarship has been awarded to the recruit from Centerville.

Wondering if anyone else heard what I think I heard.

If I got this right Zach injured his left foot before the start of the 2021-22 season and again in January 2023 which caused him to miss a combined 21 games between the two seasons. He had surgery to repair it each time .The January related surgery failed and he had surgery again in September 2023. I understand these surgeries involve plates and screws. I hope he fully heals . But I can't imagine Sean is going to assume Zach will be able to play a full season and not recruit accordingly.

[drudy23]

I know this will come off harsh but is anyone else concerned going into year 3 for Miller and we are still counting on two guys Steele brought in?

Free and Rome?

No.

They are both potential all Big East type players (1st, 2nd or Honorable Mention). Steele had more talent at his disposal than what Miller has on the current roster.

Steele miscast several players, let players do their own thing, never defined roles for the role guys, and then made excuses somewhat blaming the players. He had some decent talent, he just had clue clue how to put it all together.

The lovefest for Jason Carter was completely head-scratching.

[xuwillie]

Free and Rome?

No.

They are both potential all Big East type players (1st, 2nd or Honorable Mention). Steele had more talent at his disposal than what Miller has on the current roster.

Steele miscast several players, let players do their own thing, never defined roles for the role guys, and then made excuses somewhat blaming the players. He had some decent talent, he just had clue clue how to put it all together.

The lovefest for Jason Carter was completely head-scratching.

Not sure about all big east but above avg for sure. My point is more about going into year three with Miller and we are still counting on Steele’s guys. I find that rather concerning

[XUGRAD80]

Not sure about all big east but above avg for sure. My point is more about going into year three with Miller and we are still counting on Steele’s guys. I find that rather concerning

Is there any player on the current ACTIVE roster that played for Steele? I know that Claude was recruited by him, but he never played for him. I don’t think that anyone else played for him either.

[Three Point Pete]

Happy Birthday, Onyekachi!

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[X-man]

This is actually news for next season, but I heard from a usually reliable source that both Freemantle and Hunter intend to play at Xavier next season. That would be huge if it turns out.

[Xville]

This is actually news for next season, but I heard from a usually reliable source that both Freemantle and Hunter intend to play at Xavier next season. That would be huge if it turns out.

Miller has been saying it for weeks every time someone has asked.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yeah, I saw Miller said it about Hunter a while ago. Someone told me Miller just said it the other day on Free.

Big news, hope they can both stay healthy without any set backs.

[bjf123]

Quincy for Man of the Year!

https://x.com/quincyolivari/status/1748342865044877648?s=46&t=BFaRhpzSZFkQ7RbyDYbL8g


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[Xville]

Quincy for Man of the Year!

https://x.com/quincyolivari/status/1748342865044877648?s=46&t=BFaRhpzSZFkQ7RbyDYbL8g


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That’s awesome! I’m sure there have been countless others but when my kids did layups after the game a few weeks ago, he stayed for over an hour signing anything and everything. Just seemed like a really really good guy, and easy to cheer for

[Xville]

Alright… it’d be gravy if x could steal one of the next two but even if they don’t, x has set themselves up for a chance to get into the tourney conversation with the February I think they could have

[noteggs]

Winning games you thought you were down and out are the key. Remember Trevion hitting a 3 and one to keep (against GTwown I believe) the season moving forward.

[Xavier]

X has done a great job putting themselves in position. And we will need to remember, we still are in position even after this week. It’s as hard a two game stretch as any team in the country faces all year. If they can steal one I think we are in great shape.

[American X]

Not that the odds are favorable, but splitting at Creighton and at UConn this week would really make this a season and get Xavier right on the bubble. Stay above .500 in conference and the NET & KenPom will jump up.

[Xville]

FWIW Kenpom now puts Xavier at a 12-8 conference record---18-13 overall. That is bubblicious methinks and probably on the right side due to the computer numbers.

A 1-1 record this week would be tremendous and allow them a bit of breathing room in feb,

[GoMuskies]

What a difference one errant last second shot from Georgetown makes. Lots of reason for optimism today. There would be essntially none if Georgetown had pulled that game out on Friday.

[Xville]

What a difference one errant last second shot from Georgetown makes. Lots of reason for optimism today. There would be essntially none if Georgetown had pulled that game out on Friday.

true. X left itself in a position where they can't lose a game to depaul or at georgetown. Have to sweep those, unless i guess they go 2-0 this week lol.

[bleedXblue]

As they always do those home Q3 losses are very painful right now.

We would be 12-6 and likely Top 25 NET.

[Xavier]

If X is able to pull out one of these two, I’d feel really good about making the tournament.

And of course the q3 losses hurt, it’s the only reason we are battling for a spot.

[Xavier]

This Team Ranking website still gives X a 54% chance to make the tournament.
https://www.teamrankings.com/ncaa-basketball/team/xavier-musketeers/bracketology

Find a path to 18 wins. (Before BE tournament) It doesn’t seem crazy to me. If X can steal one from Creighton/Marquette at home, I think we have a good shot. I think Butler has fallen back a little.
At Uconn- L (10-10)
St Johns- W (11-10)
At DePaul- W (12-10)
Villanova - W (13-10)
Creighton -L (13-11)
At SH -W (14-11)
Providence W (15-11)
At Marquette L (15-12)
DePaul W (16-12)
At Gtown- W (17-12)
At butler W (18-12)
Marquette L (18-13)

[xukeith]

This Team Ranking website still gives X a 54% chance to make the tournament.
https://www.teamrankings.com/ncaa-basketball/team/xavier-musketeers/bracketology

Find a path to 18 wins. (Before BE tournament) It doesn’t seem crazy to me. If X can steal one from Creighton/Marquette at home, I think we have a good shot. I think Butler has fallen back a little.
At Uconn- L (10-10)
St Johns- W (11-10)
At DePaul- W (12-10)
Villanova - W (13-10)
Creighton -L (13-11)
At SH -W (14-11)
Providence W (15-11)
At Marquette L (15-12)
DePaul W (16-12)
At Gtown- W (17-12)
At butler W (18-12)
Marquette L (18-13)

Would that add 1 quad 1 to our resume?

[Xville]

Would that add 1 quad 1 to our resume?

2 for now @sh and @butler. Have six left:

@uconn
Creighton
Marquette (2)

[muskieindent]

This Team Ranking website still gives X a 54% chance to make the tournament.
https://www.teamrankings.com/ncaa-basketball/team/xavier-musketeers/bracketology

Find a path to 18 wins. (Before BE tournament) It doesn’t seem crazy to me. If X can steal one from Creighton/Marquette at home, I think we have a good shot. I think Butler has fallen back a little.
At Uconn- L (10-10)
St Johns- W (11-10)
At DePaul- W (12-10)
Villanova - W (13-10)
Creighton -L (13-11)
At SH -W (14-11)
Providence W (15-11)
At Marquette L (15-12)
DePaul W (16-12)
At Gtown- W (17-12)
At butler W (18-12)
Marquette L (18-13)

I think we have a better chance to beat Marquette or Creighton here than win at SH.Might be asking a lot to beat both of them.At Butler scares me. SJU and Nova won't be easy at home .I'll be thrilled with 11 conference wins.I think that gets us in good shape for an at large plus win one at MSG

[HenryMuto]

This Team Ranking website still gives X a 54% chance to make the tournament.
https://www.teamrankings.com/ncaa-basketball/team/xavier-musketeers/bracketology

Find a path to 18 wins. (Before BE tournament) It doesn’t seem crazy to me. If X can steal one from Creighton/Marquette at home, I think we have a good shot. I think Butler has fallen back a little.
At Uconn- L (10-10)
St Johns- W (11-10)
At DePaul- W (12-10)
Villanova - W (13-10)
Creighton -L (13-11)
At SH -W (14-11)
Providence W (15-11)
At Marquette L (15-12)
DePaul W (16-12)
At Gtown- W (17-12)
At butler W (18-12)
Marquette L (18-13)

Probably going to need to find a way to win at home vs either Creighton or Marquette because I don't see winning at both Seton Hall and Butler especially the way Seton Hall has been playing. Basically those 2 non conf losses to Delaware and Oakland have crippled their NCAA chances this year. You just can't lose those games at home.

[Xavier]

10-10. Need to go 8-3 to finish the season. I feel pretty good that X will win the next 3. (Home St Johns, at DePaul, home Nova)

So need to go 5-3 after that. 3 of which are easy (Gtown/DePaul/home Providence)

IMO the season comes down to needing to go 2-3 Vs Creighton, Marquette (2X) away games at butler and at SH.

[GoMuskies]

Not sure how anyone could be confident we'll beat St. John's.

[drudy23]

10-10. Need to go 8-3 to finish the season. I feel pretty good that X will win the next 3. (Home St Johns, at DePaul, home Nova)

So need to go 5-3 after that. 3 of which are easy (Gtown/DePaul/home Providence)

IMO the season comes down to needing to go 2-3 Vs Creighton, Marquette (2X) away games at butler and at SH.

SJU and Nova are better teams than us. Those games aren't a given.

[Xville]

Welcome to the new season lol. Have to go 8-3. Season starts Wednesday… a complete 50-50 game that x needs to win

[Xavier]

SJU and Nova are better teams than us. Those games aren't a given.

Yeah fair enough. I can’t argue in favor of X much after today. I think so much of the teams are similar and home court is the difference. But I can’t blame anyone for doubting their potential. But two key road games left/ X beat butler by 14 and SH by 20 at home. I expect them to keep beating the rest of conference at home, while maybe stealing one of creighton/Marquette.

I would not bet on X finishing 8-3 and making the tournament. But I think the path is there and it’s certainly in reach.

[Xville]

I think x is better than nova. X just pooped on themselves on the road

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Teams are going to play terribly during the season. They are also going to play way above their level. I am hoping that early St. Johns was way below.

9-2 is possible but so is 6-5 or worse. My main issue with this team is that I have not seen them win a game they had no business winning. There aren't many games left for them to do that, but I have seen them lose games they should win. Nova/Marquette/Creighton/St. Johns, of those 5 they need to win 3 . They cannot afford hiccup losses either.

I see talent on this team in Swain/Green/Ciani. Powell is supposed to be a good wing who can shoot. The future is not grim by any stretch.

[XUBob]

Bad day at black rock. It happened obviously X played well below par. As a previous poster stated it only counts as one loss. Wednesday looms large can’t take anything for granted with this team. Wouldn’t surprise me if they came out and played well. We all believed in Miller and I still do will the ship get righted by years end no one knows. But I still believe our future will be bright.

[drudy23]

Yeah fair enough. I can’t argue in favor of X much after today. I think so much of the teams are similar and home court is the difference. But I can’t blame anyone for doubting their potential. But two key road games left/ X beat butler by 14 and SH by 20 at home. I expect them to keep beating the rest of conference at home, while maybe stealing one of creighton/Marquette.

I would not bet on X finishing 8-3 and making the tournament. But I think the path is there and it’s certainly in reach.

Yes, certainly possible.

The good thing is, as a fanbase, we have this hope because we've seen average teams have a massive turnaround in the last month. I just don't see it with this group. We also weren't in the Big East when those turn-arounds happened.

[xukeith]

Recruiting 2020-present, per 247sports, UConn has signed 10 players who were ranked top 100. About 5 of those players were top 60.

One of the reasons X was embarrassed today was the talent disparity.

You get the best, you play the best.
We will see if Nzeh, Green, Swain, Ciani and Lazar blossom or fade over the next 3 seasons. Talent is there to be devieloped. Add a top 100 center or 2 and hope we can not get blown out so easily.

[Xville]

Recruiting 2020-present, per 247sports, UConn has signed 10 players who were ranked top 100. About 5 of those players were top 60.

One of the reasons X was embarrassed today was the talent disparity.

You get the best, you play the best.
We will see if Nzeh, Green, Swain, Ciani and Lazar blossom or fade over the next 3 seasons. Talent is there to be devieloped. Add a top 100 center or 2 and hope we can not get blown out so easily.

We have talked about this on length on here, but it's the frontcourt. X has no one in the frontcourt worth a damn right now, and it puts a hell of a lot of pressure on our three dudes in the backcourt. Abou is a backup 5 at this level that is playing as a starter, Ciani isn't ready, Nzeh isn't ready, Gytis is undersized and Djokovic is a stretch. We put Free and Hunter on this team with Abou and the rest of them as backups and X is I believe 14-6 at worst.

I think X is in great shape for next year as long as Free/Hunter are able to go, but I agree that development in the frontcourt needs to happen right alongside it. Whether that is thru recruiting or development of these young guys or both.

I'll just add...sometimes you have to get lucky in recruiting...Karaban was not a highly sought after recruit...i mean he wasn't a top 50 guy, he wasn't even a top 100 guy in most services, yet he's the second or third best player on UCONN already as a sophomore.

[Final4]

Pitchers and catchers report in about two weeks.

[nickgyp]

Nothing earth shattering to add; just an observation. Lose by 6 at home and 43 on the road. Latter an aberration? Most likely as UCONN was lights out. Xavier DOA. Even if Xavier wasn’t DOA yesterday, odds of beating the Huskies would still have been slim. If St.John’s lays like UCONN did, odds of winning are more tenuous. If X plays DOA, odds are tenuous even if the Johnnies play at their usual pace. As some have suggested, X has to put it in the rear view mirror and play like they are capable of playing. Sounds cliche-ish but they have to bring their best every game because, if they do, the Muskies can be very competitive.

Looks more like how much heart is left.

[drudy23]

Frontcourt is definitely the root of the issues. Guard play has been pretty good (though Claude needs to be more consistent) and enough to win most games, but you need to fill out the entire squad or holes that good coaches will take advantage of emerge.

The frontcourt has been an issue for X in this league since Tyrique walked out the door. That's the type of big man we need to get back to. Mack recruited those type of guys. Steele didn't and Miller hasn't landed one of them yet.

Graham Ike would have been a godsend for this team.

[muskieindent]

Honestly .500 in the BE would be pretty good for this team.Yesterday showed how big the talent gap is now.I'm wondering how the NIL money is effecting this.

[xukeith]

Defenses will continue to let Claude shoot, while closely guarding Olivari.

Pack it in and see if X can shoot in halfcourt . Post players don't do much offensively either.

Miller has been using smoke and mirrors this season to get by. It only is fools' gold.

[Xavier]

For all the bitching that X isn’t good enough and a bottom tier team in the BE, We have double digit wins over Providence, St. John’s, SH and butler. We are as good as anyone in the big East outside the top 3. I understand that’s not the goal, we are and should be a top 3 team in the BE. With Freemantle and hunter, we are probably the 2nd best team in the conference this year.

11-10 isn’t good enough. Needing an unreal finish isn’t good enough. But it isn’t because of conference play, they have shown to be as good as everyone outside the top 3 in conference.

[Three Point Pete]

WHICH Xavier team are we talking about: team that avg 85 points when it wins, or avg 68 points when loses.

Win team easily top 3. Lose team easily bottom 3.

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[GoMuskies]

Weird rant 3 days after a 43 point loss.

[Xavier]

Weird rant 3 days after a 43 point loss.

Yea. That’s the beers talking, tried to go back and delete. Lol oh well. A little overboard

[Xville]

Yea. That’s the beers talking, tried to go back and delete. Lol oh well. A little overboard

To be fair, there has been a lot of overboard negativity on this board this year, so I get the reaction. We have an entire thread dedicated to questioning Des Claude, those who have questioned Sean Miller of all people, and finally the program itself acting as if we are the next Depaul.

Yeah, it's a rebuilding year, but most likely X is still going to finish in the top half of the conference, and can realistically make the tourney. If this is the "worst" it gets (and i believe it is) I'll take it.

I think there is still a lot of PTSD from the previous staff. It's time for people to wake up and realize Steele is no longer in charge.

[xukeith]

To be fair, there has been a lot of overboard negativity on this board this year, so I get the reaction. We have an entire thread dedicated to questioning Des Claude, those who have questioned Sean Miller of all people, and finally the program itself acting as if we are the next Depaul.

Yeah, it's a rebuilding year, but most likely X is still going to finish in the top half of the conference, and can realistically make the tourney. If this is the "worst" it gets (and i believe it is) I'll take it.

I think there is still a lot of PTSD from the previous staff. It's time for people to wake up and realize Steele is no longer in charge.

I see no baggage from Steele era. Miller is a higher level coach. Everyone would have to admit Steele had some weaknesses.

[XUBison]

Someone clarify for me— Quincy, Ousmane, Gytis, and McKnight are all listed as seniors. I know Q is gone after this season for sure, but do any of the rest have remaining eligibility?

[noteggs]

Everyone else can come back

[XUBison]

Everyone else can come back

Thanks. That bodes well. Hope they do— would be fun to see Claude and McKnight with the continuity of having played together for a year.

[Xavier]

A few non tournament thoughts—Xavier has a better defense than offense KenPom rating. For all the talk that this team doesn’t have capable big East talent- I think both Olivari and McKnight could be All Big East players. (Doesn’t McKnight have best assist to turnover rate in the league? Maybe he won’t but I think it’s possible)

It’s a tall task but if X wins both the home games this week, they will probably be 3rd in the conference standings. I do think Sean has done a fantastic job. We are like 3 possessions away from having two more wins, too.

Last thought…..would you take a healthy Freemantle or another year or Quincy next year. Think Q is a quick answer but people forget how good Freemantle is. It adds such an element to the team and is a perfect piece in Millers offense that we are desperately missing.

[Three Point Pete]

A few non tournament thoughts—Xavier has a better defense than offense KenPom rating. For all the talk that this team doesn’t have capable big East talent- I think both Olivari and McKnight could be All Big East players. (Doesn’t McKnight have best assist to turnover rate in the league? Maybe he won’t but I think it’s possible)

It’s a tall task but if X wins both the home games this week, they will probably be 3rd in the conference standings. I do think Sean has done a fantastic job. We are like 3 possessions away from having two more wins,

Agreed. Also, improvements from Green, Swain and Djokovic have to continue.

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[Xville]

Temporarily x now has three quad 1 wins with uc jumping to #30. X is 37,47 in Kenpom and the net respectively.

Go 2-0 this week and x is in really good shape.

[Xville]

Win Saturday and bubble talk is on! Truly believe if they win Saturday, x will be dancing this year.

[Xavier]

I felt pretty good that X would win last three. I think they will take one against either Marquette/creighton at home and one of SH/butler on the road. This team is winning in different ways. For a team with no big East talent I’m impressed they are on track to finish in the top half of the league

[profson]

I felt pretty good that X would win last three. I think they will take one against either Marquette/creighton at home and one of SH/butler on the road. This team is winning in different ways. For a team with no big East talent I’m impressed they are on track to finish in the top half of the league

No BE talent? Exaggerate much?

[xukeith]

X is now tied in 4th place with Crieghton . If X beat BlueJays Saturday and then beats Seton Hall, X would likely hold 3rd place in BE.

[Xavier]

No BE talent? Exaggerate much?

I was being sarcastic because there are many here that have that sentiment. According to Team Rankings, as of today, X has a 66% chance to make the tournament. (60% of an at large bid)

[Xville]

Yep. There are a few on here who thought this team was only going to win 6-7 conference wins. Heck we have some complaining during wins about the team in game threads. Some really need to come eat some crow.

[American X]

Because of the ugly but great win over Villanova, now I can really look forward to a huge Saturday tilt against Creighton and drinking early with the 12:30pm tip. Speculating about a run is fun, but it can get real with a second win this week. 2-0!

[UCGRAD4X]

Because of the ugly but great win over Villanova, now I can really look forward to a huge Saturday tilt against Creighton and drinking early with the 12:30pm tip. Speculating about a run is fun, but it can get real with a second win this week. 2-0!

A run only lasts as long as it lasts.

[American X]

Guys! I got it! We will just win the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament and get the automatic bid! Time to dust off our last resort! It will be a cinch!

[MHettel]

Guys! I got it! We will just win the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament and get the automatic bid! Time to dust off our last resort! It will be a cinch!

Do you REALLY want to play Dayton with this squad?

[X-band '01]

If it's the A-10 Tournament, hell yes. They always shit their pants in that tournament setting.

[American X]

Dang, we need to unearth winning the MCC conference tournament. Warm up the bus to Market Square Arena.

[Xuperman]

Looks like Hoyas, then Huskies....starting in just 6 days.

https://bball.notnothing.net/bigeast.php?sport=mbb

Sad state of affairs.

[Xville]

X will play butler in the day of shame unless a miracle happens on Saturday

[webxu]

I think I saw somewhere X had like 7 season ending injuries this year.. Free, Hunter, Kraft, Swain, Ciani, ducharme and nunge?

Not sure if thats accurate or not.

[drudy23]

X will play butler in the day of shame unless a miracle happens on Saturday

What needs to happen to get to the 7?

We beat Marquette and Providence and Villanova lose? Would that even do it?

[GoMuskies]

I'm just afraid we might accidentally beat Butler on Wednesday, making Thursday a true day of shame.

[Xville]

What needs to happen to get to the 7?

We beat Marquette and Providence and Villanova lose? Would that even do it?

Not sure of the tie breakers. I think we can stop at the “we beat Marquette.” Unfortunately.

[fellahmuskie]

I'm so bummed about losing that game last night. We really didn't even have to be that good this season to make the tournament, but we couldn't manage to take care of business consistently

I'm consoling myself by believing there's no way next year can be worse.

[JTG]

I'm so bummed about losing that game last night. We really didn't even have to be that good this season to make the tournament, but we couldn't manage to take care of business consistently

I'm consoling myself by believing there's no way next year can be worse.

Well, yeah! For one thing, after this year's results, I'm betting next year's pre conf. schedule will be cup cake city, and we won't get saddled with the #s 1 & 2 teams in the country in Nov. And with an infusion of talent and off season improvement, we're ready to go come BE play.

[Xavier]

I think I saw somewhere X had like 7 season ending injuries this year.. Free, Hunter, Kraft, Swain, Ciani, ducharme and nunge?

Not sure if thats accurate or not.

They mentioned it on the broadcast last night. But let’s be real, only two of those mattered for this season. Unfortunately they were two of the most important pieces and proved to be too much to overcome.

[JTG]

They mentioned it on the broadcast last night. But let’s be real, only two of those mattered for this season. Unfortunately they were two of the most important pieces and proved to be too much to overcome.
I disagree a bit. Craft was to be another 3 pt shooter, and Ducharme a few spot minutes as a shooter, that would cut down on guys needing to play 35-40 minutes a game. Also Swain and Ciani would have come in handy last night. I, for one am convinced Swain could be the next Posey. To your point, yes Free & Hunter were the big difference makers.

[D-West & PO-Z]

What needs to happen to get to the 7?

We beat Marquette and Providence and Villanova lose? Would that even do it?

Yes

[D-West & PO-Z]

I disagree a bit. Craft was to be another 3 pt shooter, and Ducharme a few spot minutes as a shooter, that would cut down on guys needing to play 35-40 minutes a game. Also Swain and Ciani would have come in handy last night. I, for one am convinced Swain could be the next Posey. To your point, yes Free & Hunter were the big difference makers.

Ducharme's issue happened after he was already not in the rotation.

[drudy23]

Yes

I mean, it's possible.

Providence and Villanova have tough games. But yes, beating Marquette is the bigger barrier.

[Xavier]

A little surprised to see Quincy was only an honorable mention for Big East teams. Can’t complain too much, just wanted it for his sake. Good to see 2/5 all big East freshman were X players though.

[drudy23]

A little surprised to see Quincy was only an honorable mention for Big East teams. Can’t complain too much, just wanted it for his sake. Good to see 2/5 all big East freshman were X players though.

You could honestly fill the first and second team with guys from UConn, Marquette and Creighton. Probably deserved 2nd team, but there's alot of next level talent in this league.

[Irishjohn68]

Can/will Xavier make the NIT? Very disappointing season and unexpected.

[drudy23]

Can/will Xavier make the NIT? Very disappointing season and unexpected.

One can hope not.

Also not entirely unexpected.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Can/will Xavier make the NIT? Very disappointing season and unexpected.

Have to be at least .500 I think, which can only happen if we win at least 2 BE games, which would mean beating UConn, so....not happening.

[XU 23]

Considering we made the Sweet 16 with Matt Stainbrook the one year, couldn't we at one point in the season have asked Ciani or Djokvic to bulk up, wear a pair of goggles, and grow the hair out so we could finally get some interior presence?

[muskiefan82]

Have to be at least .500 I think, which can only happen if we win at least 2 BE games, which would mean beating UConn, so....not happening.

I don't believe this is true. The rules changed. the NIT will guarantee two teams (based on the NET rankings) from each of six conferences (Atlantic Coast, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 and Southeastern). The top two teams in the NET rankings not qualifying for the NCAA men's basketball tournament from each conference, regardless of win-loss record, will be selected. Additionally, the 12 teams automatically selected will be guaranteed the opportunity to host a game in the first round of the NIT.
Once the 12 automatic qualifying schools have been selected, the NIT Committee will select the 20 best teams available to complete the tournament's 32-team field. Based on the NIT Committee's evaluation, the best four teams of the 20 at-large teams selected will complete the 16 first-round hosts, with deference given to the "first four teams out" of the Division I Men's Basketball Championship, as determined by the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee. Additional teams from the six conferences with automatic qualifications are eligible to be selected as at-large teams and can be selected as hosts.

[MHettel]

I don't believe this is true. The rules changed. the NIT will guarantee two teams (based on the NET rankings) from each of six conferences (Atlantic Coast, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 and Southeastern). The top two teams in the NET rankings not qualifying for the NCAA men's basketball tournament from each conference, regardless of win-loss record, will be selected. Additionally, the 12 teams automatically selected will be guaranteed the opportunity to host a game in the first round of the NIT.
Once the 12 automatic qualifying schools have been selected, the NIT Committee will select the 20 best teams available to complete the tournament's 32-team field. Based on the NIT Committee's evaluation, the best four teams of the 20 at-large teams selected will complete the 16 first-round hosts, with deference given to the "first four teams out" of the Division I Men's Basketball Championship, as determined by the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee. Additional teams from the six conferences with automatic qualifications are eligible to be selected as at-large teams and can be selected as hosts.

So who wonders if a team like X that accepts an NIT might see individual players opt out in order to enter the portal and preserve their value by removing the risk of injury. Will we see that?

[UCGRAD4X]

So who wonders if a team like X that accepts an NIT might see individual players opt out in order to enter the portal and preserve their value by removing the risk of injury. Will we see that?

It certainly seems to be happening more with lower bowl bids in FB.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

So who wonders if a team like X that accepts an NIT might see individual players opt out in order to enter the portal and preserve their value by removing the risk of injury. Will we see that?

And is possible that, in the case of X, our coaching staff doesn't want to accept a bid so they can focus on the transfer portal. I have to believe that Miller is stung by both our effort (at times) and our record this season. He and his staff may prefer to spend their time and energy focusing on roster changes for next year.

[paulxu]

Wait...aren't we still playing?

[Xavier]

So who wonders if a team like X that accepts an NIT might see individual players opt out in order to enter the portal and preserve their value by removing the risk of injury. Will we see that?


Can you imagine if a school like X accepted the NIT invite and fired their coach before it was over.

Who cares. It’s the NIT.

[drudy23]

Can you imagine if a school like X accepted the NIT invite and fired their coach before it was over.

Who cares. It’s the NIT.

This.

There's zero chance Miller wants to play in the NIT. He's got way more important things to tend to.

And if GC makes him, GC can coach.

[XUGRAD80]

My guess is that if X receives an invitation that it will be left up to a team vote.

[MHettel]

I have no prediction on this. I can see why you’d want to still compete. And I can see why you’d want to focus on the portal. We may soon find out

[D-West & PO-Z]

I have no prediction on this. I can see why you’d want to still compete. And I can see why you’d want to focus on the portal. We may soon find out

The two are not mutually exclusive, we've covered this.......

You even said yourself, the better players enter later, then you countered your own argument saying how important it is to get in early.

Either way, if the team accepts an NIT invite (if one comes) I am beyond confident Miller isn't neglecting the portal.

[Xavier]

As for if X would decline an invite….not a chance. If they can make money by playing in it, they will. Do I think they care how they’d do? Hell no. They fired Steele after one game and went with an intern coach. Do I care if the players don’t want to play? No way, it’s no different than CFB non playoff bowl games. The result doesn’t matter. It’s a glorified scrimmage. But if X can make money doing so, they will play in it.

[MHettel]

The two are not mutually exclusive, we've covered this.......

You even said yourself, the better players enter later, then you countered your own argument saying how important it is to get in early.

Either way, if the team accepts an NIT invite (if one comes) I am beyond confident Miller isn't neglecting the portal.

No, you covered it. You asserted that in the midst of practice and game prep, we could just magically create additional capacity to commit to the portal. This is not my position at all. I think any coach will focus his resources on the next game and devote very little to something that is not immediately in front of them. And yes, the portal will be fluid which I don’t really like too much. But it’s better to be early than late.

[webxu]

I suspect, IF we are even invited to the NIT that they would play to give the younger guys as much experience as possible (essentially Green and Lazar at this point) The more they play pays dividends later on. Not to mention trying to win 2 out of 3 NITS.. Dynasty!

[muskiefan82]

And if they enter the NIT they have a chance to actually have a non-losing season

[D-West & PO-Z]

And if they enter the NIT they have a chance to actually have a non-losing season

This is easily the best argument to accept a bid if one comes.

I would hope they do accept but I am less confident we will actually get one.

[D-West & PO-Z]

No, you covered it. You asserted that in the midst of practice and game prep, we could just magically create additional capacity to commit to the portal. This is not my position at all. I think any coach will focus his resources on the next game and devote very little to something that is not immediately in front of them. And yes, the portal will be fluid which I don’t really like too much. But it’s better to be early than late.

Offseason 1 for Miller he wasn't even hired until deep into the NIT and last season we went to the Sweet 16.

In those two offseasons Miller secured two of the best performing transfers in the country. A 1st team all Big East player in Boum and the leading scorer in the Big East this year in Quincy.

Your opinion has been proven incorrect, but that has not stopped you in any other areas, so keep on keepin on I guess.

[American X]

Not sure if this topic has been broached, but has anyone had any thoughts about why Xavier did not perform well this season?

[HenryMuto]

Not sure if this topic has been broached, but has anyone had any thoughts about why Xavier did not perform well this season?

No Hunter no Freemantle

[HenryMuto]

I did not realize that the NIT will now take the top 2 teams that do not make the NCAA tournament in each of 6 power conferences with the Big East beating 1 of them and it is based on the NET rankings and the record does not matter.

So there is a chance still Xavier could make the NIT if a bunch of Big East teams make the big dance like Seton Hall, Saint John's, Villanova, Providence.

Coming into today the NET ranking

Saint John's 39
Villanova 40
Providence 62
Xavier 63
Butler 66

This may come down to Sunday as 3 teams are right next to each other. Losing to UCONN by that much probably hurts though enough to push down past Butler ? If that happens then no chance.

[drudy23]

Not sure if this topic has been broached, but has anyone had any thoughts about why Xavier did not perform well this season?

Are you Rip Van Winkle?

[blueblood]

Not sure if this topic has been broached, but has anyone had any thoughts about why Xavier did not perform well this season?

Pretty sure it was related to X going to all electronic ticketing and electronic parking passes. Made it harder to get into the games on time and thereby reduced our home court advantage at the start of games.

The absence of Freemantle and Hunter could also have been another factor.

[American X]

No Hunter no Freemantle

When did that happen???

[bjf123]

Pretty sure it was related to X going to all electronic ticketing and electronic parking passes. Made it harder to get into the games on time and thereby reduced our home court advantage at the start of games.

The absence of Freemantle and Hunter could also have been another factor.

Have to admit, the electronic parking passes worked better than I thought, except for the loss of the free cheese coney coupon that was on the back of the paper passes.

Maybe that was the reason for the poor results?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[D-West & PO-Z]

I did not realize that the NIT will now take the top 2 teams that do not make the NCAA tournament in each of 6 power conferences with the Big East beating 1 of them and it is based on the NET rankings and the record does not matter.

So there is a chance still Xavier could make the NIT if a bunch of Big East teams make the big dance like Seton Hall, Saint John's, Villanova, Providence.

Coming into today the NET ranking

Saint John's 39
Villanova 40
Providence 62
Xavier 63
Butler 66

This may come down to Sunday as 3 teams are right next to each other. Losing to UCONN by that much probably hurts though enough to push down past Butler ? If that happens then no chance.

Thanks for posting. Didn’t realize that change.

I guess Miller said X would accept NIT invite if one comes. If Providence and Nova both win tonight given the new rules on NIT selection (that I didn’t know about) I think we actually get one. If not then I don’t think they both get in and we’d be 3rd probably in NET rankings for BE teams who didn’t make it.

[drudy23]

My guess is that we will get an invite if teams ahead of us decline.

Doesn't really matter, time to turn the page on this season, NIT or not.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I don't think most teams decline. Heck I remember UK playing in the NIT against Robert Morris AT Robert Morris.

[Xuperman]

Not sure if this topic has been broached, but has anyone had any thoughts about why Xavier did not perform well this season?

I will.

Any and ALL Coach Miller bashing is only for the brain dead. This SO PRECISE.

https://www.bannersontheparkway.com/2024/2/27/24085203/the-things-we-lost-in-the-summer-xavier-basketball-hunter-freemantle

[Xville]

I will.

Any and ALL Coach Miller bashing is only for the brain dead. This SO PRECISE.

https://www.bannersontheparkway.com/2024/2/27/24085203/the-things-we-lost-in-the-summer-xavier-basketball-hunter-freemantle

Amen. Yet we have one clueless poster who believes that Free getting injured again was foreseen and that Miller should have been able to pitch a Power 5 starter based on maybes. "Hey Starting 5 Power Forward...we have free but he may or may not get injured again. So, you may be able to play or may not, who knows. Wanna play for us?"

[MHettel]

Amen. Yet we have one clueless poster who believes that Free getting injured again was foreseen and that Miller should have been able to pitch a Power 5 starter based on maybes. "Hey Starting 5 Power Forward...we have free but he may or may not get injured again. So, you may be able to play or may not, who knows. Wanna play for us?"

How can Freemantles injury not be considered forseeable? He missed parts of 2 seasons including being shut down at the end of last year. And we approached it as if it were 100% assured that he would return.

Hunter was not foreseeable.

The ideas that we can just add 4 points to our score and subtract 4 from the opponent in every game and suddenly we win 9 more games is pretty out there.

We would have been better. We would have more wins. We’d probably be dancing. We probably wouldn’t even have 2 of the Euros.

[Xville]

Let's even assume you could forsee it which is a ridiculous stretch of the imagination. What is your sales pitch to a Power 5 type level transfer?

Recruit: "So, do you have playing time available"

Coach: "Uh well maybe. We have Freemantle and Hunter. Free is healthy right now, but he may need surgery again in the future...maybe."

'Recruit runs out the door to other Power 5 program where is "assured" of playing time.'

[HenryMuto]

Well Nova will be #1 team going to the NIT

This leaves Providence ahead of Xavier as of today not sure if Providence will get in or not. Need them to win today to probably get in.

NET rankings

Nova 39
Providence 57
Xavier 62 (actually went up 1 after getting drubbed by UCONN if they could have kept it close would been higher)
Seton Hall 65
Butler 66

[MHettel]

Let's even assume you could forsee it which is a ridiculous stretch of the imagination. What is your sales pitch to a Power 5 type level transfer?

Recruit: "So, do you have playing time available"

Coach: "Uh well maybe. We have Freemantle and Hunter. Free is healthy right now, but he may need surgery again in the future...maybe."

'Recruit runs out the door to other Power 5 program where is "assured" of playing time.'

Dump Miles and Tandy last year and have some depth going into the season as opposed to shopping for a replacement when there isn’t much left

[Xville]

Dump Miles and Tandy last year and have some depth going into the season as opposed to shopping for a replacement when there isn’t much left

Already been thru this. What kind of players do you think those people would have been? Better than tandy or miles? The hypothetical players were assured of zero playing time at the beginning of the season.

[HenryMuto]

Too many bids being stolen for the Big East to get Providence into the dance me thinks this means Xavier season is probably done.

[Xavier]

Things could’ve changed but as of this morning X was planning on hosting NIT game Tuesday night. A handful of teams have declined (Indiana, ole miss, etc.). Again, maybe not set in stone. But they are preparing to host a game Tuesday

[xukeith]

Crosstown Shootout Part 2?

[XUBison]

Big East might really only get three teams in the NCAA. We’re going to have competition for those NIT bids.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Big East might really only get three teams in the NCAA. We’re going to have competition for those NIT bids.

There is a 0% chance big East only gets 3.

Worst case is 4 with best case being 6 at this point.

5 feeling likely but 4 feeling better than 6 at this point with the bid thieves.

[XUBison]

There is a 0% chance big East only gets 3.

Worst case is 4 with best case being 6 at this point.

5 feeling likely but 4 feeling better than 6 at this point with the bid thieves.

Lunardi has three in. Say what you want about his prognostication, but it is most definitely greater than zero. Six is closer to zero.

[flatspat]

Lunardi has three in. Say what you want about his prognostication, but it is most definitely greater than zero. Six is closer to zero.
Lunardi has 4 in
Uconn marquette Creighton and St John's

[flatspat]

Lunardi has 4 in
Uconn marquette Creighton and St John's

Update now he has St John's out

[Xville]

I think 4 get in which in itself to me is ridiculous. However, if lunardi is right for once, which is exceedingly rare, and it is only 3, then they need to revamp the selection criteria. I’d like to know how the net is actually calculated because it seems that it is being manipulated.

[XUBison]

Despite a 0% likelihood, the BE gets three teams in the tourney. Amazing.

[Xville]

Please turn down the nit bid down if offered and move on from this season

[D-West & PO-Z]

There is a 0% chance big East only gets 3.

Worst case is 4 with best case being 6 at this point.

5 feeling likely but 4 feeling better than 6 at this point with the bid thieves.


Lunardi has three in. Say what you want about his prognostication, but it is most definitely greater than zero. Six is closer to zero.

Ok so I was really drunk when I wrote this and also had no idea what happened with all the bid stealers.

I am an idiot though still. Really think the BE got fucked and think we will see cupcake non conference schedule from the league next year. Virginias numbers were terrible. How did they get in?

[Xville]

Dayton a 7 with zero wins against the field is a mindfuck

[Xavier]

For sure incentivizes a crap ass non league schedule. Probably should’ve gotten 4 in. Oh well, hope Marquette is healthy and I can see deep runs from all three

[X-band '01]

Ok so I was really drunk when I wrote this and also had no idea what happened with all the bid stealers.

I am an idiot though still. Really think the BE got fucked and think we will see cupcake non conference schedule from the league next year. Virginias numbers were terrible. How did they get in?

Easy. North Carolina AD Bubba Cunningham was on the Selection Committee and lobbied hard for them (along with North Carolina as a 1 seed, for that matter). He did throw a bone and knocked Duke down a seed line.

[Section 200]

Easy. North Carolina AD Bubba Cunningham was on the Selection Committee and lobbied hard for them (along with North Carolina as a 1 seed, for that matter). He did throw a bone and knocked Duke down a seed line.

Very generous of Carolina to screw Duke! Barry C didn't deliever for the Big East - I guess he was too excited for his retirement victory over X at Hinkle.

[Xavier]

Outside of bid thieves it appears conference tournament meant almost nothing, again.

[paulxu]

Pitino says no to the NIT.

[HenryMuto]

Xavier at Georgia NIT lets GO !

[Xville]

Xavier at Georgia NIT lets GO !

gross

[MHettel]

I check SHUs record and they didn’t really have any bad losses. How did they not make it?

Who can explain the NET? I used to know the RPI inside and out and while it wasn’t perfect, it was al least transparent and simple.

[X-band '01]

Seton Hall had so-so resume metrics and bad predictive metrics, so there was a case for leaving them out. The Big East was simply vulnerable to multiple bid thieves this year and simply got caught in a perfect storm.

[MHettel]

Seton Hall had so-so resume metrics and bad predictive metrics, so there was a case for leaving them out. The Big East was simply vulnerable to multiple bid thieves this year and simply got caught in a perfect storm.

What is a predictive metric?

They had a 13-7 record in a conference that had a 1,2, & 3 seed and had 6 other teams in the bubble discussion on late Feb before a couple faded away.

It makes no sense. If the “NET” has determined that SHU is not worthy of the Dance, then the NET is not working properly.

[X-band '01]

Predictive metrics are just that - they're rankings like BPI, KenPom and Torvik that predict the outcomes of games. Michigan State averages about 21 when you factor those 3 in; Seton Hall averages 61.

Resume-based metrics would be KPI, NET, Strength of Record, etc.

[MHettel]

Predictive metrics are just that - they're rankings like BPI, KenPom and Torvik that predict the outcomes of games. Michigan State averages about 21 when you factor those 3 in; Seton Hall averages 61.

Resume-based metrics would be KPI, NET, Strength of Record, etc.

Why in the world would they use predictive metrics? That makes no sense. We just finished a 4.5 month season where approx 5700 games were played. Why would we need to speculate about how good a team is?

They really screwed this up. I could see the BE getting 4 teams in, with the bid thiefs. But 3 is insane.

[X-band '01]

I'm not saying I like it, but they've been leaning on them a lot recently. This year, they just went extreme with how they were applied.

Much like the committee deemphasized RPI when the Missouri Valley cracked the code in 2006, they'll probably overhaul the NET during the offseason after the Mountain West cracked the code this year, at least as far as the number of bids for that conference.

[Xville]

If it’s predictive and results based metrics, then again it makes zero sense why the Johnnie’s were left out.

25 kenpom, 32 net.

This committee did a very very poor job constructing the bracket.

There is zero transparency in the selection process and no one understands how the net is formulated.

I know it sounds tin foil hat, but I think the be got bent over for something more sinister. Val Ackerman should be going scorched earth right now.

[xukeith]

I never knew that the NCAA selection commitee takes into account tv ratings and markets. (they don't admit it)

It is a giant tv production and they need as many of the B12 and B10 markets tapped.
CBS favors CBS teams and their conferences.
FS1 and Fox Sports didn't get much appreciation.

[Xavier]

Yeah. Pitino with St Johns wouldn’t do much for tv railings..

[Three Point Pete]

Dayton a 7 with zero wins against the field is a mindfuckDayton seems "correct " with the eye test: 24-7 overall, top 25 all season, only conference team with 15-0 home record, and beat champs Duq twice in conference play.

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

[X-band '01]

I sure as hell ain't picking them to beat Nevada.

[JTG]

Predictive metrics are just that - they're rankings like BPI, KenPom and Torvik that predict the outcomes of games. Michigan State averages about 21 when you factor those 3 in; Seton Hall averages 61.

Resume-based metrics would be KPI, NET, Strength of Record, etc.

What kind of system says MSU has a rating of 21 when they lost 14 games and played in an average conference? Sounds like total BS to me and a ridiculous way to pick teams.

[Xville]

What kind of system says MSU has a rating of 21 when they lost 14 games and played in an average conference? Sounds like total BS to me and a ridiculous way to pick teams.

Agreed. Just like a lot of sports, the analysis with numbers have gone too far. Not sure of a better way yet but the net is ridiculous. From my understanding, margin of victory is a significant factor in it, if that’s true that’s effed up. Loved Kim English’s response, and he’s 100% correct.

[webxu]

Now we root for Uconn, Marquette and Creighton to all make the final 4 as a middle finger to the committee.