Game Thread: Xavier v Delaware (12/5/2023)

[paulxu]

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CINCINNATI --- The Xavier University Musketeers, 4-4, continue the homestand with a game vs. the University of Delaware Blue Hens, 5-3, on Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. at Cintas Center. Xavier is shooting to snap a two-game losing streak.

The two teams have not played since meeting in the Daiwa NCAA Ball Tournament in Tokyo, Japan, in the 1992-93 season. XU won that game 74-66 behind 26 points and 11 rebounds from future NBA Draft lottery pick Brian Grant.
THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (4-4, 0-0 BIG EAST)
UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE BLUE HENS (5-3, 0-0 CAA)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2023 AT 6:30 P.M. ET
AT CINTAS CENTER IN CINCINNATI, OHIO
TV, RADIO AND LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 with play-by-play from Jeff Levering and analysis from LaVall Jordan.
Xavier Radio: 700 WLW 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 SXM.


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

[GoMuskies]

It's hard to fathom a Xavier team being 4-4. Tough schedule, though. We probably could have scheduled 8-0 or 7-1 like some others (in this city!).

[Xville]

Winning the next five games is pretty important for the direction of the season. Win the next five and the team can gain some confidence and develop a bit of swagger before getting into the meat of the conference schedule. It starts tomorrow night. Let’s roll.

[drudy23]

It's hard to fathom a Xavier team being 4-4. Tough schedule, though. We probably could have scheduled 8-0 or 7-1 like some others (in this city!).

UC hasn't had a good non-conference schedule for 20 years. In fact, in most years, it's downright pathetic.

SOS this year from KenPom - 311 - what a joke.

[X-band '01]

I miss Mick Cronin complaining that UC didn't have a budget for good buy games on their schedule.

[drudy23]

I miss Mick Cronin complaining that UC didn't have a budget for good buy games on their schedule.

They were in a crap conference and still played a pathetic non con. And they wondered why no one went to the games.

[XUGRAD80]

I miss Mick Cronin complaining that UC didn't have a budget for good buy games on their schedule.


Isn’t “good buy game” an oxymoron?

[GoMuskies]

Isn’t “good buy game” an oxymoron?

Not really. There are certainly a number of good teams from mid-major (and lower) leagues that are out playing buy games. Best to get those teams on the schedule (if you can beat them...gulp, Oakland) than to play the worst team in the SWAC.

[Xville]

X -12.. time to make some money on x. Have a feeling they win by 20+

[bobbiemcgee]

Bump

[Xville]

Dayvion finally being aggressive. I like it!

[bjf123]

Lots of empty seats in the student section tonight.


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[noteggs]

Des with a 3! Finally

[Xville]

I think olivari has found his stroke. X is going to murda uc

[Xville]

Can x stop giving up wide open 3s? Do we really need to help when playing Delaware? I mean ffs. Think guys

[noteggs]

Yuck just started

[Three Point Pete]

I think olivari has found his stroke. X is going to murda ucSo far, Q is an upgrade from Souley!

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[noteggs]

Hens are now 5-11 from 3

[bobbiemcgee]

Friggin turnovers

[xu82]

Am I being punished for something? It’s OK to tell me, I just want to know for sure what exactly I did.

EDIT: Between this and the Bills, I’m thinking of new hobbies.

.

[xukeith]

Is it wrong to be thinking X can play defense?

[Xville]

Is it wrong to be thinking X can play defense?

I think Dayvion can, and maybe ousmane if he isn’t fouling. I’m not sure of anyone else

[Xville]

How is djokovic this horrible at ft shooting?

[Three Point Pete]

Abou is playing tough and not fouling!

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[xu82]

…..”and he makes the first of the one and one.” Let’s hope we hear that more often.



And then we miss a dumb dunk. Ugh. Live and learn, QUICKLY.

[Xville]

Uneven half. Good o very bad d… complete opposite from last game lol

[GoMuskies]

What if we're just bad?

[noteggs]

Uneven half. Good o very bad d… complete opposite from last game lol

3 D bad but holding them to 43% shooting overall

[xukeith]

Not that this is news but Claude is turning into a lousy shooter.

[XfansinKy]

What if we're just bad?

That crossed my mind but I can’t accept it. There’s some talent here.

[bjf123]

Not that this is news but Claude is turning into a lousy shooter.

I’ve heard Sean say he’s lost confidence in his shot a few times.


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[bobbiemcgee]

Hard to watch

[xu82]

I’ve been wanting us to be a better team in March. What I failed to mention was I had hoped we would start seeing progress now.

We are losing to Delaware in the second half.

[Three Point Pete]

What if we're just bad?No way! A bad team doesn't hang tough against 2 possible FF contenders.

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[Xavier]

I’m not asking this sarcastically, but would this even be one of the better A10 teams? This has been some hardest X bball to watch in awhile.

[Xville]

Miller has to be pulling his hair out. Like wtf is going on here

[Xville]

I’m not asking this sarcastically, but would this even be one of the better A10 teams? This has been some hardest X bball to watch in awhile.

Not that long ago. It looks very much like a Steele team

[Xville]

Stop giving up wide open threes!!!!

[Xavier]

Not that long ago. It looks very much like a Steele team

I mean. I’m not even sure that’s the case. Didn’t we always start out well in the non con against teams like this with Steele? I don’t think we’ve had more than one comfortable game yet.

[xukeith]

Not that long ago. It looks very much like a Steele team

i never would have ever thought X needs a Quentin Goodin guard as an upgrade.

[MHettel]

Not that long ago. It looks very much like a Steele team

I was so close to posting something like this, but restrained myself…..

[Xville]

I mean. I’m not even sure that’s the case. Didn’t we always start out well in the non con against teams like this with Steele? I don’t think we’ve had more than one comfortable game yet.

Not sure…. I’ve tried to block out those four years

[Xville]

I have been very optimistic about this team until now. Call me concerned

[MHettel]

Everything is ugly. Like everything

[Xville]

Claude sitting might be a good thing. His d tonight has been absolutely horrendous

[GoMuskies]

I have been very optimistic about this team until now. Call me concerned

I've been looking at you sideways for a couple of weeks now. Lol

[MHettel]

Back to back under the basket inbounds plays with a catch and shoot 3.

Wtf?

[Xavier]

Maybe Olivari can use this game to take over as leader of the team and turn things around?

[Three Point Pete]

Swain is getting better and showing some good hustle

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[Xville]

D finally showing some signs of life

[Xville]

Wtf!!

[xu82]

WTF? How can we CONTINUE to be so sloppy with the ball? We have some learning moments ahead, and it could get ugly.

[bobbiemcgee]

Losing to the Blue Fucking Hens

[IM4X]

Coach- your players throw way more lazy passes than the middle school kids I coach. This is pathetic. Inexcusable!!!!!!

[Xavier]

My goodness

[MHettel]

These guys are jumping the passing lanes and getting live ball turnover that result in easy buckets. Maybe we can fake a pass now and then and have a guy cut to the basket?

I don’t know. Seems to work at the Y.

[Xville]

Someone explain to me why they keep talking about the offense like that’s the problem? They may give up 85-90 to Delaware, that’s the problem

[xukeith]

Travis Steele's team never lost more than 5 home games. 23/24 team so far has lost 2 home games.......... Just saying.

[KabeX]

I'm constant SMH mode. Wow.

[Xavier]

We are scared. We have one or two guys willing to shoot the ball. We are getting punched in the mouth by Delaware.

[MHettel]

Someone explain to me why they keep talking about the offense like that’s the problem? They may give up 85-90 to Delaware, that’s the problem

It’s cause the offense has given up 24 points off turnovers. That ain’t defense….

[Xville]

It’s cause the offense has given up 24 points off turnovers. That ain’t defense….

That part of it is fair but just because you turn it over doesn’t mean you have to then give up the points as well

[drudy23]

We might have some serious issues with this squad.

[Xville]

Another wide open three. Why on earth would we go to zone

[Xavier]

Another wide open three. Why on earth would we go to zone

Feel like we can’t get a stop and try to save Claude from his 5th? Dunno. This is awful basketball

[Tim]

Travis Steele's team never lost more than 5 home games. 23/24 team so far has lost 2 home games.......... Just saying.

C'mon now.

[MHettel]

Another wide open three. Why on earth would we go to zone

Claude foul situation.

[drudy23]

Travis Steele's team never lost more than 5 home games. 23/24 team so far has lost 2 home games.......... Just saying.

Terrible take.

[MHettel]

Multiple choice question:

“Lazar” is….

A) one of our players names?

B) nickname of Abou’s foul shot?

[IM4X]

Someone explain to me why they keep talking about the offense like that’s the problem? They may give up 85-90 to Delaware, that’s the problem

Our offense is certainly part of the problem (missing 10 footers, foul shots and bunnies) but - yes- our defense is abysmal tonight.

[KabeX]

This is the worst f'n defense I've seen this century.

[IM4X]

Why can’t we get a damn defensive rebound!

[drudy23]

The Hens want it more.

[Xville]

That defensive possession was effing grade school basketball

[MHettel]

If (when) we lose this game, it will be the lowest point in 35 years for this program.

That is all

[drudy23]

If (when) we lose this game, it will be the lowest point in 35 years for this program.

That is all

Stop.

[Xville]

Have to get a couple kills. Going to give up 90 otherwise

[Xavier]

If (when) we lose this game, it will be the lowest point in 35 years for this program.

That is all

No where close. Fans were wearing brown bags on their head in Steeles last coached game.

[bjf123]

When was the last time we lost back to back out of conference games at Cintas?


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[Three Point Pete]

If we could only make FT! Geez

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[MHettel]

Ok. Pick a lower point than this.

Needing to win the conference tourney to make the dance before the new year. That’s reality.

[drudy23]

When was the last time we lost back to back out of conference games at Cintas?


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How about back to back to back?

[xu82]

So, being better in March might not take much. Or get you anywhere.

[MHettel]

No where close. Fans were wearing brown bags on their head in Steeles last coached game.

We won’t even be in the NIT. This is a sub .500 team.

[drudy23]

Ok. Pick a lower point than this.

Needing to win the conference tourney to make the dance before the new year. That’s reality.

Travis Steele was a bozo and did his best to launch us back to the dark ages.

[bjf123]

How about back to back to back?

That was going to be my next question.


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[IM4X]

We may officially suck!

[Xville]

Lots of season left, but this is absolutely terrible. There is very little toughness on this team. Dayvion just got absolutely punked

[drudy23]

We won’t even be in the NIT. This is a sub .500 team.

Good. The NIT sucks.

[xudash]

Mind boggling turnovers.

Missed dunk.

Delaware showed up and wanted it.

A 3-point shooter given way too many open looks.

Terrible defensive effort.

[XUBison]

What exactly are our strengths?

[Xville]

D is 100% the problem. Well, that and tos.

[drudy23]

What exactly are our strengths?

Our strengths are injured.

[Xville]

Another wide open shot. Holy fuck

[KabeX]

I think I'm beyond mad and head straight into apathy. Sad.

[Xville]

Ok. Pick a lower point than this.

Needing to win the conference tourney to make the dance before the new year. That’s reality.

3/9/22—-miss the tourney for the fourth year in a row

[IM4X]

We aren’t even trying at this point. These guys officially have given up. Yoo can’t say they didn’t tonight, coach.

I love Sean, but he has to own quite a bit of this really bad performance. Poor movement on offense. So many undisciplined players making egregious mistakes. Booo’

[xu82]

What exactly are our strengths?

Clean bathrooms?

[Xville]

87 points to Delaware. I mean if you’re Sean wtf do you say to this team? And yeah they gave up that last minute. Never thought I’d say that about a miller coached team but they did.

[Three Point Pete]

Can't give up 50 points in a half, and 28 points off of turnovers.

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[drudy23]

Olivari is a decent piece with some guys around him that can actually score. He can't be expected to get 25+ every night.

McKnight is a disappointment as is Lazar. Gytis started out strong and has disappeared. Our bigs aren't skilled.

We struck out with most of the new guys for this season, and that just can't happen.

[KabeX]

2 Buy Game Ls in a row. I don't even want to think about Saturday. You gotta be freakin kidding me.

[drudy23]

Sean has been pretty mellow and level headed in his return to X so far. Is that who he is?

Do we see the beast emerge? At some point, he will have had enough.

[XUBison]

87 points to Delaware. I mean if you’re Sean wtf do you say to this team? And yeah they gave up that last minute. Never thought I’d say that about a miller coached team but they did.

I don’t know. Tonight feels like he’s losing them.

[Xavier]

They did a hell of a job making a quick season out of it. Just like that there is no hope. Even under the circumstances I do expect more from Sean.

[noteggs]

Can't give up 50 points in a half, and 28 points off of turnovers.

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Agree and TO’s were incredibly stupid. Yea I know To’s are, but those were mind blowing!

[OTRMUSKIE]

I think Xavier basketball as well know it could be done. With players being paid it’s not about recruiting talent it’s about how much can you pay the talent. Maybe this team needs more time gel but I would say this is the worst team I can recall and that includes four years of Steele.


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[Xville]

Olivari is a decent piece with some guys around him that can actually score. He can't be expected to get 25+ every night.

McKnight is a disappointment as is Lazar. Gytis started out strong and has disappeared. Our bigs aren't skilled.

We struck out with most of the new guys for this season, and that just can't happen.

Lazar probably couldn’t guard 90% of this board. I’m starting to see though why he was the “second best player at practice.” It’s a weak ass team right now.

[drudy23]

I don’t know. Tonight feels like he’s losing them.

Crosstown Shootout will be VERY telling to see if this team has any stones. If we lay over against UC, and don't come out like caged animals, you may be right. Manhood test coming up Saturday night.

I love the Shootout, it's one of my favorite days of the year. The players best find their best way to escalate the hate.

[drudy23]

I think Xavier basketball as well know it could be done. With players being paid it’s not about recruiting talent it’s about how much can you pay the talent.


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You're exactly right, and that's why I think the biggest long-term question mark for this program is enticing talent that's good enough to compete for Big East titles. The world of NIL just isn't favorable for a small Jesuit school in the Midwest just focused on basketball. It's a new world.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Olivari is a decent piece with some guys around him that can actually score. He can't be expected to get 25+ every night.

McKnight is a disappointment as is Lazar. Gytis started out strong and has disappeared. Our bigs aren't skilled.

We struck out with most of the new guys for this season, and that just can't happen.

Like many others on this board, I concur that this was a hard, hard game to watch. Good God it was awful. But, Kudos to the Blue Hens. They came ready to play, hit bunches of clutch shots, refused to be intimidated and had the best coach tonight.

You can add Abou to the list of disappointments. Our Bigs were completely outplayed by a much smaller team. Completely, totally and embarrassingly outplayed.

I am hopeful this will not look quite as bad tomorrow. We are a young talented team which has huge defensive limitations and hasn't yet learned how to play in tough games. I think we will be better come March although, at this moment tonight, I cannot imagine we will improve so much that we find our way into March Madness.

[Xville]

I think Xavier basketball as well know it could be done. With players being paid it’s not about recruiting talent it’s about how much can you pay the talent. Maybe this team needs more time gel but I would say this is the worst team I can recall and that includes four years of Steele.


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In Steele’s first year they were 11-13 after losing to DePaul at home. I remember because I was there and it was a sign of things to come. It was way worse then because I knew Steele didn’t have an effing clue. At least I know Sean does, but I dunno if this group will come around or not. Hopefully they will.

[JTG]

I don’t know. Tonight feels like he’s losing them.

Well, it's not the NBA, you keep the coach and he redoes the lineup. Or he cracks the whip. Having a previous role player as your leader doesn't work. Even though Sean was new last year those were all returning warriors, and a shooter. Everyone leaving or hurt is a recipe for disaster.

[bjf123]

Crosstown Shootout will be VERY telling to see if this team has any stones. If we lay over against UC, and on't come out like caged animals, you may be right. Manhood test coming up Saturday night.

I love the Shootout, it's one of my favorite days of the year. The players best find their best way to escalate the hate.

For most of this team, they have no clue what the Shootout is like. It could get ugly real quick.


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[Xville]

You're exactly right, and that's why I think the biggest long-term question mark for this program is enticing talent that's good enough to compete for Big East titles. The world of NIL just isn't favorable for a small Jesuit school in the Midwest just focused on basketball. It's a new world.

This freshman class was one of the best x has ever had.

[drudy23]

This freshman class was one of the best x has ever had.

From a rankings perspective, yes, that's factually true.

But there's no chance these players are significantly better than past talent we've had that had success.

Steele's teams had great rankings as well. His players weren't better than Mack's tems and honestly some of Sean's original teams.

I believe in Sean. But NIL is going to make landing great, difference making players, very hard.

[drudy23]

For most of this team, they have no clue what the Shootout is like. It could get ugly real quick.


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That's what concerns me. Gut check time.

Even if we lose, they better go out willing to die (you know what I mean).

[Tim]

Having a previous role player as your leader doesn't work.

I can't emphasize enough how spot on this sentence is. And I'm talking virtually every game this season, not just tonight.

[T 4D]

Lazar probably couldn’t guard 90% of this board. I’m starting to see though why he was the “second best player at practice.” It’s a weak ass team right now.

This team has no beef. They’ve always had (and now desperately need) one or two Jason Love’s.

[drudy23]

I can't emphasize enough how spot on this sentence is. And I'm talking virtually every game this season, not just tonight.

It's not fair to expect Claude to be everything, but he also hasn't been very good either.

[Xville]

From a rankings perspective, yes, that's factually true.

But there's no chance these players are significantly better than past talent we've had that had success.

Steele's teams had great rankings as well. His players weren't better than Mack's tems and honestly some of Sean's original teams.

I believe in Sean. But NIL is going to make landing great, difference making players, very hard.

How many times have this many freshmen played significant minutes? Maybe one other time in the history of modern day x basketball? There is a ton of talent in the class. It’s just young, dumb and not mcd all Americans.

You said you were concerned with recruiting.

[drudy23]

This team has no beef. They’ve always had (and now desperately need) one or two Jason Love’s.

Haven't had beef for 5 years. We need more beef is right.

[Blue Blooded-05]

This freshman class was one of the best x has ever had.

In two years the backcourt of Green, Swain and Claude will be excellent. But today they’re not.

[drudy23]

How many times have this many freshmen played significant minutes? Maybe one other time in the history of modern day x basketball? There is a ton of talent in the class. It’s just young, dumb and not mcd all Americans

Fair point. But guys don't stick around and develop for 4 years anymore.

[Tim]

It's not fair to expect Claude to be everything, but he also hasn't been very good either.

That's an understatement. If he was just an average role player in those past losses we would have won at least one of those games. I'm not focusing so much on tonight, but the little things, the intangibles, have hurt us significantly.

[Xavier]

From a rankings perspective, yes, that's factually true.

But there's no chance these players are significantly better than past talent we've had that had success.

I believe in Sean. But NIL is lgoing to make landing great, difference making players, very hard.


X landing great great freshman was extremely rare. I also think Swain has NBA potential, and I believe in Green. They are going to be very very good pieces for X in the future. I think it would be wild to write them off already

[drudy23]

In two years the backcourt of Green, Swain and Claude will be excellent. But today they’re not.

I'm not so sure Green and Swain shouldn't be getting more minutes. Also not sure why McKnight gets a pass every game.

[Xville]

This team has no beef. They’ve always had (and now desperately need) one or two Jason Love’s.

This is spot on and really what I think is missing and has been missing for a while now. Got away with it last year because of what Nunge brought to the table, but this has been a blind spot since tyrique.

[Xville]

Fair point. But guys don't stick around and develop for 4 years anymore.

How many talented young guys have left x to go somewhere else? Maybe once when dez got kicked out? I’ll hang up and listen.

[drudy23]

I'm not so sure Green and Swain shouldn't be getting more minutes. Also not sure why McKnight gets a pass every game.

Green had one shot tonight in 4 minutes, and is unequivically (sp) this team's best shooter.

[drudy23]

How many talented young guys have left x to go somewhere else? Maybe once when dez got kicked out? I’ll hang up and listen.

Under NIL, we have no idea. It hasn't happened yet.

[drudy23]

Sean can't control injuries, and this team is likely knocking on the door of the top 25 with Free and Rome.

It was a huge curveball, and he had to put a bandaid on a gunshot wound. I'm not really mad at anything, it's just frustrating to have to be in this spot again after the Steele years.

[GoMuskies]

Not ideal

[Xville]

Under NIL, we have no idea. It hasn't happened yet.

Well, then I’m not going to be concerned with something that hasn’t happened yet. Haven’t seen much of power 5-6 guys go to other power 5-6 in bb. Certainly been a football thing

[GoMuskies]

This will almost certainly be our first losing season in 28 years.

[A Fan]

Haven't had beef for 5 years. We need more beef is right.

Beefy Bigs would be great. But I would just take Bigs who can box out , rebound , make layups , and defend. No matter how much our perimeter players improve you can’t win with what we have under the basket.

[drudy23]

Beefy Bigs would be great. But I would just take Bigs who can box out , rebound , make layups , and defend. No matter how much our perimeter players improve you can’t win with what we have under the basket.

Even with the new wave of stretch 4's and open style offenses, all of the very good teams still have a couple of chiseled big dudes to defend, board and intimidate. You need those guys. If they can score, even better.

[Xville]

This will almost certainly be our first losing season in 28 years.

Not ready to go to that length yet. Lots of season left and a lot of growing this very young talent can accomplish.

[UCGRAD4X]

Green had one shot tonight in 4 minutes, and is unequivically (sp) this team's best shooter.

Offense didn't lose this game. Turnovers and lack of defense, especially under the basket. 30 points off turnovers and many off either lazy passes to open bigs under the basket or successful passes to the paint that the bigs lost. 10 - 15 points lost to turnovers and points the other way. Turnovers cost us about 40 points today.

Frickin pathetic!

[xukeith]

What team wins head to head, Steele's 2019 team or this Miller team? Ciani vs Jones.
Claude vs Marshall. Scruggs vs McKnight. Goodin vs Olivari.

[KabeX]

OK I just watched the Jimmy V speech for the umteenth time. Never gets old and provides some much needed perspective. Enough said I think.

[drudy23]

Offense didn't lose this game. Turnovers and lack of defense, especially under the basket. 30 points off turnovers and many off either lazy passes to open bigs under the basket or successful passes to the paint that the bigs lost. 10 - 15 points lost to turnovers and points the other way. Turnovers cost us about 40 points today.

Frickin pathetic!

Don't disagree, but your best shooter should be getting shots.

I wouldn't mind seeing more minutes for Green and Swain, and less for Gytis and McKnight. Something has to change.

Team defense is way more important than an individual defensive weakness. Green is much more valuable on the floor getting shots. Team defense was non-existent tonight.

[JTG]

You're exactly right, and that's why I think the biggest long-term question mark for this program is enticing talent that's good enough to compete for Big East titles. The world of NIL just isn't favorable for a small Jesuit school in the Midwest just focused on basketball. It's a new world.
Climb back in off the ledge. Butler is winning and they don't have the money to eat
at McDonald's. This year may suck, but things will get turned around. No Free or Hunter and everyone else leaving was going to be difficult no matter what. Maybe Sean gives up on D and turns to Reid and Kam..

[drudy23]

What team wins head to head, Steele's 2019 team or this Miller team? Ciani vs Jones.
Claude vs Marshall. Scruggs vs McKnight. Goodin vs Olivari.

Great comparison - also shows how vast the talent difference between those comparisons. It's not even close if you take out the Steele factor.

To my previous point, are we really elevating our talent?

[Xavier]

Not ready to go to that length yet. Lots of season left and a lot of growing this very young talent can accomplish.

Im in same boat. I think we just play to opponents skill which will give us some wins we don’t expect and losses like the buy games. If they just competed the same way against Purdue and houston every game we’d be in ok shape. I think we finish above .500 but no where near tournament hopes

[Tim]

What team wins head to head, Steele's 2019 team or this Miller team? Ciani vs Jones.
Claude vs Marshall. Scruggs vs McKnight. Goodin vs Olivari.

Miller would win any match up vs Steele. Why do you keep trying to make weird parallels between Miller and Steele?

[drudy23]

Climb back in off the ledge. Butler is winning and they don't have the money to eat
at McDonald's. This year may suck, but things will get turned around. No Free or Hunter and everyone else leaving was going to be difficult no matter what. Maybe Sean gives up on D and turns to Reid and Kam..

I'm not on the ledge. But NIL will have massive impact, and it will be much tougher for a school like X. We are for sure competing for NIL dollars for the type of players we get. It might not be millions, be it's significant for a 19 year old kid and his family.

[Xville]

What team wins head to head, Steele's 2019 team or this Miller team? Ciani vs Jones.
Claude vs Marshall. Scruggs vs McKnight. Goodin vs Olivari.

I’ll take the one miller is coaching because Steele can’t coach himself out of a paper bag

[CP05XU08CU13]

These guys are pathetic. I honestly would be looking at a new strength and conditioning coach as well. I don’t want to hear the bullshit of injuries or young talent. You come to Xavier because you want to be part of a winning culture and program. You work hard and take advantage of the opportunity to play for a tradition rich basketball school. There are high school players that would kill to have a chance to play at Xavier. Need to have a “Steph Curry” work ethic. Bulk up, eat right, and practice shooting until it becomes second nature. No hesitation when you have an open look. You cannot tell me that Xavier cannot recruit with the likes of Creighton, Marquette and Providence. UCONN, Nova and Georgetown are a different story because of the history. St. John’s will improve since they have a HOF coach at the helm. Start recruiting more in Ohio and surrounding states. Think outside the box. Xavier is going to slip back to mid major status if they do not get their act together. Absolutely no reason we should be losing to Delaware and Oakland. Frustrated beyond belief at the lack of effort and heart I am seeing from this team. Time for Sean to drop the hammer on these softies!

[Xville]

I'm not on the ledge. But NIL will have massive impact, and it will be much tougher for a school like X. We are for sure competing for NIL dollars for the type of players we get. It might not be millions, be it's significant for a 19 year old kid and his family.

You’re definitely on the ledge when nil has been around 3 years now and it’s not really been an issue. X had two injuries to starters, and a stud freshman class (where most of the talent is.) it’s 9 games into 1 season.

I’m pissed at what has happened so far this year but you’re going to pretty great lengths to talk about a talent issue that doesn’t really exist imo.

[drudy23]

I’ll take the one miller is coaching because Steele can’t coach himself out of a paper bag

Agree on the coaching front, but Steele's team had better players. I think this comparison kind of shows that. Everyone would agree those 5 are better players. Steele just ruined them.

Worried about the talent level, especially the bigs and the quality of the transfers and Euros being Big East caliber. Not concerned with Green or Swain over the long haul.

[RoseyMuskie]

Under NIL, we have no idea. It hasn't happened yet.

Not saying this couldn’t be a concern, but I’m not overly concerned with that part for X. I say that, because a guard / wing who is good enough to level up probably would just part for the NBA. It would more likely be a center. Now getting guys in the door in the Portal, different boat.

[xuphan]

These guys are pathetic. I honestly would be looking at a new strength and conditioning coach as well. I don’t want to hear the bullshit of injuries or young talent. You come to Xavier because you want to be part of a winning culture and program. You work hard and perfect take advantage of the opportunity to play for a tradition rich school. Need to have a “Steph Curry” work ethic. Bulk up, eat right, and practice shooting until it becomes automatic. You cannot tell me that Xavier cannot recruit with the likes of Creighton, Marquette and Providence. UCONN, Nova and Georgetown are a different story because of the history. St. John’s will improve since they have a HOF coach at the helm. Start recruiting more in Ohio and surrounding states. Think outside the box. Xavier is going to slip back to mid major status if they do not get their act together. Absolutely no reason we should losing to Delaware and Oakland. Frustrated beyond belief at the lack of effort and heart I am seeing from this team. Time for Sean to drop the hammer on these softies!

I wouldn’t call them pathetic but I am at a loss for words. I think Sean has really screwed up the roster formation this year. I don’t see the talent there this season to have any hope of making the NCAA tournament. We might be lucky to be above 500 by the end of the season. I would almost say take your lumps with the young freshman and sophomores and try to build the team for next year. Think highly of Sean but we might as well call it a rebuilding year at this point. Hope he can find some ballers in the portal for next season.

[American X]

Back to basics, like eye tests for the players, as in telling the difference between a white jersey and a fucking blue jersey.

[drudy23]

I would almost say take your lumps with the young freshman and sophomores and try to build the team for next year. Think highly of Sean but we might as well call it a rebuilding year at this point. Hope he can find some ballers in the portal for next season.

I don't think we're quite there for this just yet, but agree if it gets to that point, start developing these young pups like Green and Swain with significant minutes upgrades.

[Xville]

Last thing I’ll say is that it’s not a talent issue when you’re losing to teams like Delaware, Oakland. Young, not playing together, international whatever, but talent is not a problem against those teams. Not like they lost by 50 to Purdue and Houston. Houston they could have won and Purdue was respectable on the road.

[xukeith]

I wouldn’t call them pathetic but I am at a loss for words. I think Sean has really screwed up the roster formation this year. I don’t see the talent there this season to have any hope of making the NCAA tournament. We might be lucky to be above 500 by the end of the season. I would almost say take your lumps with the young freshman and sophomores and try to build the team for next year. Think highly of Sean but we might as well call it a rebuilding year at this point. Hope he can find some ballers in the portal for next season.

Was the 1995/96 X squad this horrible? I think they went .500. Played a ton of frosh and went to back to back NCAA tourney in 97 and 98.

This team can play better and will be better offensively.

I am tired of this "youth and inexperience" excuse.

Maybe Miller simply cannot motivate these guys.

Some of this losing is on the players, some on losing two seniors to injuries, some on coaches, and some on recruiting.

I expect a much different team by January.

Creighton had a lot of frosh and sophomores 203 years ago. They won with frosh and sophomores. Maybe it i sharder than it looks?

[drudy23]

We are certainly far less talented this year. Far less. That's pretty obvious, I know. It most certainly is a talent issue this year.

That may change in 2-3 years. But we're not very good and this team will struggle immensely in the Big East because of this lack of comparable talent.

[IM4X]

This freshman class was one of the best x has ever had.

One of the highest ranked - maybe. One of the best - not so sure.

Maybe they be pretty good in a few years, but fright now… not so much.

[IM4X]

We are certainly far less talented this year. Far less. That's pretty obvious, I know. It most certainly is a talent issue this year.

That may change in 2-3 years. But we're not very good and this team will struggle immensely in the Big East because of this lack of comparable talent.

Agree.

We need to try to remember that we lost ALL OF OUR STARTERS and even our sixth best player. We have one player coming back who averaged a total of 4 points per game last season.

Whether we want to admit it or not, this year’s season is the definition of a rebuild season. We were all hopeful that Sean and his staff would hit on some transfers and land enough freshmen who could contribute meaningful minutes. Did any of us really think we wouldn’t see a significant drop off (especially when Zach and Jerome were declared out for the season)?

Still, losing some of these recent games - the way they lost them - to very mediocre teams from lesser programs/conferences embarrassing.

[XUBison]

Agree.

We need to try to remember that we lost ALL OF OUR STARTERS and even our sixth best player. We have one player coming back who averaged a total of 4 points per game last season.

Whether we want to admit it or not, this year’s season is the definition of a rebuild season. We were all hopeful that Sean and his staff would hit on some transfers and land enough freshmen who could contribute meaningful minutes. Did any of us really think we wouldn’t see a significant drop off (especially when Zach and Jerome were declared out for the season)?

Still, losing some of these recent games - the way they lost them - to very mediocre teams from lesser programs/conferences embarrassing.

These are my thoughts exactly.

[Xville]

Again, there is plenty of talent on this team. Is it the most talented x team let alone of the most talented, absolutely not. However, Turnovers, self inflicted wounds and toughness have very little to do with talent especially against a team like Delaware.

I question this team’s toughness and heart outside of a few players. I also question if this team actually likes each other, and I certainly can tell it’s not a “team” yet. We shall see if that changes Saturday. A lot can happen good or bad coming out of that game.

[American X]

How does the team that locked down Saint Mary's and played #1 seed Houston closely let Oakland and Delaware have open gym on their home floor?

You would think not throwing the ball to the guys in different jerseys would be learned in grade school, not something the coaches need to install in Division I basketball.

[xukeith]

In post game interviews, it was inferred that some players just quit.

That is unacceptable at X.

I ponder it was the frosh that quit.

I do like Swain and his play. Solid defense, good free throw shooter, and dependable.

Lazar: these high D1 necessaties are too much for him.

Green played but he was recovering from an illness and he looked poor.
Claude looked ok but he looks exhausted during last 5 minutes of game.

Euros can rebound and score a little *not enough).

Doesn't defense become a team's identity?

[muskieindent]

Sean can't control injuries, and this team is likely knocking on the door of the top 25 with Free and Rome.

It was a huge curveball, and he had to put a bandaid on a gunshot wound. I'm not really mad at anything, it's just frustrating to have to be in this spot again after the Steele years.

Losing Free and Hunter was a back breaker.Sean had to scramble to find some player.None of the European players look like they are up to BE level.If they were any good they would probably not been available. The most disappointing thing last night was how this team just quit when things went south.That's just unacceptable. They need a kick in the ass. The lack of leadership is obvious They need a Lionel Chalmers type player and I don't think they have it.

[Xville]

Losing Free and Hunter was a back breaker.Sean had to scramble to find some player.None of the European players look like they are up to BE level.If they were any good they would probably not been available. The most disappointing thing last night was how this team just quit when things went south.That's just unacceptable. They need a kick in the ass. The lack of leadership is obvious They need a Lionel Chalmers type player and I don't think they have it.

Yeah it’s pretty clear leadership is a problem right now. Sean talked about it and olivari and ousmane talked about it. Olivari mentioned that Dayvion tried last night especially in the first half and I think all of us could see that. However once it got to the second half, things turned ugly pretty quickly.

I think this is where losing hunter and free hurts the most because they have been there done that here at x. No one else really has. Des was here but it’s like moving from the assistant to the head seat. In general, It just doesn’t work right away.

[Xavier]

I question this team’s toughness and heart outside of a few players. .

It’s crazy how different they played Vs Purdue and houston. I came away thinking we would play really hard, rebound well and just be a team that could put something together off of the toughness and heart. I was wrong

[JTG]

In post game interviews, it was inferred that some players just quit.

That is unacceptable at X.

I ponder it was the frosh that quit.

I do like Swain and his play. Solid defense, good free throw shooter, and dependable.

Lazar: these high D1 necessaties are too much for him.

Green played but he was recovering from an illness and he looked poor.
Claude looked ok but he looks exhausted during last 5 minutes of game.

Euros can rebound and score a little *not enough).

Doesn't defense become a team's identity?
Claude can't be the #1 defender and be Mr offense also. That's why he looked drained, he has to do too much. For him to be effective, some one else has to deal with the opponents #1 threat, at least for a good portion of the game. That's why we lost to Oakland.

[sirthought]

The lack of leadership is obvious They need a Lionel Chalmers type player and I don't think they have it.

Interesting that you bring up Chalmers. I heard an interview where Miller said Chalmers was his biggest challenge as an assistant. He had to ride him constantly.

[drudy23]

Interesting that you bring up Chalmers. I heard an interview where Miller said Chalmers was his biggest challenge as an assistant. He had to ride him constantly.

Nothing wrong with that. Very good players have egos. I'd rather have guys with swagger than guys that just nod and play by the rules.

Laettner was the same way. Coach K would often say he was very tough to coach. Something along the lines of "Laettner had a fire in him, he could burn the whole place down, or heat the entire building" - coach's job to figure out how to galvanize that fire.

[sirthought]

Nothing wrong with that. Very good players have egos. I'd rather have guys with swagger than guys that just nod and play by the rules.

Laettner was the same way. Coach K would often say he was very tough to coach. Something along the lines of "Laettner had a fire in him, he could burn the whole place down, or heat the entire building" - coach's job to figure out how to galvanize that fire.

No no. He had to ride him to play hard. Guy was too passive.

[noteggs]

Claude can't be the #1 defender and be Mr offense also. That's why he looked drained, he has to do too much. For him to be effective, some one else has to deal with the opponents #1 threat, at least for a good portion of the game. That's why we lost to Oakland.

100% this!

[drudy23]

No no. He had to ride him to play hard. Guy was too passive.

Well, he figured it out at the right time. Success!!

[X-band '01]

How does the team that locked down Saint Mary's and played #1 seed Houston closely let Oakland and Delaware have open gym on their home floor?

You would think not throwing the ball to the guys in different jerseys would be learned in grade school, not something the coaches need to install in Division I basketball.

Saint Mary's sucks ox balls this year. If anything, the performance against Houston only makes the losses against Oakland and Delaware look worse. Either by incompetence (Oakland) or just not giving a shit the minute things went south last night. I haven't seen a defensive meltdown like that since the La Salle debacle back in 1999-2000. Even that game was such an abberation that it was almost comical to watch.

No excuse for what happened last night. None whatsoever and I could feel Miller seething in the postgame comments with Byron and Joe.

[xukeith]

100% this!

Was that the problem with Naji Marshall?
He was asked to smother Markus Howard on one end and score 15-18 points on offensive end.