Game Thread: Xavier vs St John's University (1/31/2024)

[paulxu]

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CINCINNATI --- The Xavier University Musketeers, 10-10 overall and 4-5 in the BIG EAST Conference, host the St. John's University Red Storm, 13-7 overall and 5-4 in the BIG EAST, on Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. Xavier is looking to bounce back from road losses at No. 17 Creighton and No. 1 UConn, while St. John's is coming off a home win over Villanova.

Xavier's schedule strength to date is now rated toughest in the nation by the latest NCAA NET rankings and No. 2 in the KenPom rankings.

THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (10-10, 4-5 BIG EAST)
ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY RED STORM (13-7, 5-4 BIG EAST)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 AT 6:30 ET
CINTAS CENTER IN CINCINNATI, OHIO

TV, RADIO AND LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 with play-by-play from Connor Onion and analysis from LaPhonso Ellis.
Xavier Radio: 55KRC-AM 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. (https://goxavier.com/)

[paulxu]

Onion(s) !

[Xville]

x -1 .....Season starts tomorrow...let's go!!!

[GoMuskies]

Rick Pitino (and Steve Massiello) at Cintas. That's interesting.

[Three Point Pete]

Back in December, the fledgling Musketeers (6-6) lost by 15 because of sloppy play 18TO and 34% shooting (19% 3pt). An expected line for an "average" team. St. John's (8-3) scored 81 points, led by Soriano's 18 and shot 46% (35% 3pt). This is a line for "good" team.

Now it's almost February. We have Big East (4-5) and (5-4) teams that both desperately need to win this game. I think it comes down to who fights harder. Go X.


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[X-band '01]

Rick Pitino (and Steve Massiello) at Cintas. That's interesting.

That was fun watching the Johnnies getting boatraced at Seton Hall when Masiello was the interim coach.

[xukeith]

Back in December, the fledgling Musketeers (6-6) lost by 15 because of sloppy play 18TO and 34% shooting (19% 3pt). An expected line for an "average" team. St. John's (8-3) scored 81 points, led by Soriano's 18 and shot 46% (35% 3pt). This is a line for "good" team.

Now it's almost February. We have Big East (4-5) and (5-4) teams that both desperately need to win this game. I think it comes down to who fights harder. Go X.


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Hopefully X makes more shots.

[drudy23]

Win please.

[A Fan]

Win please.

We will win if Soriano is managed. That’s the key.

[GoMuskies]

No pressure tonight, guys. It's just that if we lose the season is essentially over.

[American X]

How many points is the #1 strength of schedule worth?

[profson]

Back in December, the fledgling Musketeers (6-6) lost by 15 because of sloppy play 18TO and 34% shooting (19% 3pt). An expected line for an "average" team. St. John's (8-3) scored 81 points, led by Soriano's 18 and shot 46% (35% 3pt). This is a line for "good" team.

Now it's almost February. We have Big East (4-5) and (5-4) teams that both desperately need to win this game. I think it comes down to who fights harder. Go X.


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I was at Carnesecca and several things were clear. First StJ was much more physical and bullied X. Not just Soriano but Ledlum, and some guards. Second, Rick took Olivari out of the game. (Other teams noticed.) He will try again. Third, the pressure, but hopefully X does better this time.

[drudy23]

How many points is the #1 strength of schedule worth?

I don't know, but if we can get to 18 wins, it can only help.

[noteggs]

The chess match will be interesting between coaches. Zone threw us off last game. Obviously since that game, Sean has worked on this. Wondering what slick Rick will throw at us this game.

[KabeX]

The chess match will be interesting between coaches. Zone threw us off last game. Obviously since that game, Sean has worked on this. Wondering what slick Rick will throw at us this game.

He will undoubtedly throw the kitchen sink at us and while he's at it, he'll prob throw the back table in his restaurant (including any associated unmentionables) at us for good measure.

[Three Point Pete]

Make the FT Abou

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[Xville]

Good start. Intensity seems to be there at the beginning which is a great sign

[noteggs]

Good grief, how did they miss that foul on Q!!!

[Xville]

Playing pretty well but should be winning by more. Giving up offensive rebounds drives me insane, can’t imagine how it makes miller feel lol

[Xville]

What a gawd awful last minute. Geezus. Overall good half, just hoping the press doesn’t wear them down physically and mentally in the 2nd

[noteggs]

Sloppy end of the half

[xudash]

Gytis was virtually useless that half. Missed everything.

[coasterville95]

Frustrating end to the half.

And uhm, would anybody care to explain this halftime show to me? Bizarre!


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[bjf123]

Frustrating end to the half.

And uhm, would anybody care to explain this halftime show to me? Bizarre!


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I think it was an interpretation of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. At least that was my wife’s take. I have no clue!


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[noteggs]

Wild that St John’s had 12 players getting minutes in first half

[noteggs]

Love the good Des!

[Xville]

This is more like it!

[Xville]

O trying to do too much tonight. Off game for him overall

[noteggs]

Think Nemo himself put St John’s in the bonus in second half

[Xville]

Claude’s confidence from outside 5 feet is gone ugh

[Three Point Pete]

Gotta put Abou back, even with 4 fouls


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[Xville]

And this is exactly what I was worried about. Mentally and physically breaking down due to pressure

[Blue Blooded-05]

Claude has made 1 of his last 18 three point attempts

[paulxu]

Come on guys. Can't lose this one.

[Three Point Pete]

Nice open field tackle, Dingle

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[Xville]

Just keep attacking the rim, St. John’s will foul. Gotta be mentally tough the last 7 minutes

[KabeX]

How 'bout a little matchup zone?

[Three Point Pete]

Double up on Soriano

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[Xville]

This is painful to watch…… foul, foul foul foul. Zero flow

[Xville]

Ousmane is not good

What an idiot. You are acrewing your team because you can’t control yourself

[paulxu]

Come on. Don't let it slip away.

[Xville]

Ciani needs to play his best 4 minutes in a Xavier uniform right now

[KabeX]

Come on. Don't let it slip away.

Already slipping unfortunately. STOP THE SLIPPAGE!

[noteggs]

Reminds me of Creighton game

[Xville]

Ugh ciani come on

[Xville]

Bring it home For us des

[Blue Blooded-05]

We’re shooting contested fade away shots and they’re hitting shots at the rim.

[XUBison]

There are three starters on this roster.

[Xville]

Hell yeah q!!!!!

[Blue Blooded-05]

Boom!!!

[Xville]

There are three starters on this roster.

There’s 5, the problem is that zero of them are frontcourt players

[Xville]

Q again!!!!!! Good night Johnnies

[Three Point Pete]

Olivari is clutch!

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[KabeX]

already slipping unfortunately. Stop the slippage!

slippage hath been ceased!

[Xville]

Great finish! Need 3 more just like em to start the bubble talk! Lfg!!

[Three Point Pete]

Never a doubt! Led almost the entire game. We saw better fighting spirit and a will to win.

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[Blue Blooded-05]

Nice stress free 11 point win

[Three Point Pete]

slippage hath been ceased!Never slip the Clutch

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[Xville]

Avoid a depaul disaster and then two winnable home games

[noteggs]

Nice stress free 11 point win

Now that is funny!!!

[bjf123]

Abou owes a big thank you to the guys on the court at the end of the game. They saved his ass big time.


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[GreatWhiteNorth]

Our much improved FT and 3pt shooting won this game for us. Thank God!

[xudash]

Nice stress free 11 point win

Good one.

[noteggs]

Speaking of 11 point win, this is why metrics are crap sometimes. But I’ll take it this time.

[Three Point Pete]

Was impressed by Sasa, probably his best overall game so far: 22 mins 6 pts 7 boards and only 1TO!

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[GoMuskies]

The season lives.

[Xville]

Uc heading toward the big 12 basement makes things even nicer lol

[Xavgrad08]

X wins a a game they had to have. Just keep stacking wins. Some big opportunities ahead.

[Xavier]

Uc heading toward the big 12 basement makes things even nicer lol

Yep. For awhile it was tough bc them winning actually helped us in a way we really needed. Now, 18 regular season wins is all that matters.

[Xavier]

That was an 11 point win that felt like we were 15 points better. It was ALL guard play. I have no idea how people can watch this team and think Freemantle/hunter doesn’t make them a top 20 team. We have three serviceable back up bigs playing the frontcourt minutes.

[X-band '01]

This was pivotal in that a loss would have relegated Xavier to 9th place in the league; a win could put X in a 4-way tie for 5th depending on how the Providence-UConn game shakes out. Xavier would be in 5th place based on best record against St. John's, Providence and Butler.

Getting the right people to the foul line tonight made a huge difference. It helped set the table for Claude/McKnight/Olivari to shut the door late in the game. They didn't wilt under St. John's press this time around.

[JTG]

Soriano deserves an Emmy for the way he reacts to barely being touched.

[bjf123]

Soriano deserves an Emmy for the way he reacts to barely being touched.

I’m surprised he didn’t have roots as long as he was in the lane. I counted 4-5 seconds a couple of times.


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[American X]

Honorary Steel Balls Award to Quincy Olivari. Up 3 late, the playbook says drive and draw fouls to protect the lead. Instead he rises and drills a SoulCrusher.

Honorable Mention to Desmond Claude for 11/12 at the line.

[muskieindent]

If we could just get some solid minutes from our bigs we 'd be in good shape.Abou fouls too much.None of them are good finishing around the basket.Ciani needs to get stronger.Gytis doesn't offer much if he can't hit some threes. Q,Dez and Dayvion are going to have to carry this team .Hopefully Green and Swain can give some quality play too. Must win these next 2 games and see if we can upset Creighton here.

[muskiefan82]

This is even more evident when playing a team that played 12 players because of their pressing style. They have many more fouls to use than X does

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

That was an 11 point win that felt like we were 15 points better. It was ALL guard play. I have no idea how people can watch this team and think Freemantle/hunter doesn’t make them a top 20 team. We have three serviceable back up bigs playing the frontcourt minutes.


If we could just get some solid minutes from our bigs we 'd be in good shape.Abou fouls too much.None of them are good finishing around the basket.Ciani needs to get stronger.Gytis doesn't offer much if he can't hit some threes. Q,Dez and Dayvion are going to have to carry this team .Hopefully Green and Swain can give some quality play too. Must win these next 2 games and see if we can upset Creighton here.

Story of our season. If backcourt doesn't take over the game, we don't win. Abou suffered a couple of bad calls last night but committed a couple dumb fouls as well. I agree with TPP that Cianni has improved but he's got lots and lots of work to advance beyond his current role. I have noticed a nice shooting touch in pre-game shoot around, but he doesn't have the green light from Miller. And, he needs to hit the weights before he can begin to be effective down low. Maybe in a year. We'll see.

Lazar didn't make it off the bench last night. If there was any news, I missed it. I noticed his leg was wrapped and I don't recall seeing that before. Also, may be my imagination, but he looked a bit gimpy in warmups.

I hope we see Free and Hunter return fully next year but, like most on this board, I'm skeptical about Free's foot. But, if we can get 25 minutes of play from each, at the level they formerly produced, then our current Bigs will suffice. Not sure if they will all want to return at prospect of reduced minutes and if not, we must upgrade the "5" spot.

It has been a number of games now that I have not seen either Craft or Ducharme on the bench, so I assume they are gone.

Understand that some on this board are holding out hope of a late season run. Me too. But, I'm now starting to look toward next year.

[paulxu]

It's hard not to feel a twinge of regret at the thought of these 3 guards playing with Free/Hunter. Might have been special.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Haven't read the thread yet, so I am sure much of this has been mentioned, but here are my thoughts:

1. Mcknight is on on an absolute tear. The guy has been a godsend. So steady and solid. His FG% the last few weeks has to be insane. I feel so good when he has the ball in his hands. So glad we get him another year.

2. Quincy struggled to get involved some, had 11 points until his heroics at the end. He is clutch. Miller has done so well finding guards in the portal. Wish we had Quincy another year.

3. Abou has to control his emotions. He whines after literally every call. We as fans can do that, players need to move on. That 5th foul was bogus but he cannot get a T there. He was lucky he didn't get it initially when he ran towards the ref. I was screaming at the bench to get him off the court because I just knew he was going to say something again. Miller was totally justified in sending him to the locker room. I think Miller has even mentioned previously Abou complaining even when hes clearly fouled the guy. We got lucky St. Johns went 2/4 from the line there.

4. Ciani had to step up and play some extended mins. He had some bad moments but overall I think he played pretty tough and did a decent job. We just have no depth down there and he is doing the best he can. I think he truly has potential, he is only a freshman.

5. Right before Trey Green turned the ball over in the backcourt for that easy layup he was on the bench and Quincy had to come out (think maybe he fouled or needed a rest) and I saw Miller go to the middle of the bench and look down at Green and intensely talk to him (seeming to be like can you go in and do what I need you to do) and Green shook his head yes and Miller sent him in. He immediately had that turnover and had to come out. That was rough to see, had to kill his confidence. Green is going to be awesome but being a freshman PG for Sean Miller has to be a tough gig.

6. If things could just click for Gytis it would make a world of difference.

[D-West & PO-Z]

If we could just get some solid minutes from our bigs we 'd be in good shape.Abou fouls too much.None of them are good finishing around the basket.Ciani needs to get stronger.Gytis doesn't offer much if he can't hit some threes. Q,Dez and Dayvion are going to have to carry this team .Hopefully Green and Swain can give some quality play too. Must win these next 2 games and see if we can upset Creighton here.

The good thing about this is, if we can somehow make it to the tourney, those games are almost always won and dominated by guard play. We will have an edge against many teams there.

[D-West & PO-Z]

But, I'm now starting to look toward next year.

If we lost last night I'd be right there with ya, but not sure why you'd start that now coming off a win with a favorable stretch coming up for the Muskies.

[UCGRAD4X]

Des
McKnight
Olivari
Trey
Swan
Freeman
Hunter
Abou
With Ciani getting a few minutes, esp. if foul trouble
Would have been a great 8 (1/2) man rotation.

If the Bigs could just play defense (without TOO much fouling), pass out of the post, run the floor and occasionally get a bucket (5/6 shot a game total)...too much?

[Xville]

If we lost last night I'd be right there with ya, but not sure why you'd start that now coming off a win with a favorable stretch coming up for the Muskies.

Especially considering in conference play, they haven’t lost a game they should have won betting wise and won a couple they shouldn’t have. If they follow that same philosophy, they are going to win at least 12 in conference. Win the 5 you should and steal a couple whether that’s home creighton, Marquette or on the road at butler, seton hall, Marquette. That’s probably the right side of the bubble.

[xudash]

It's hard not to feel a twinge of regret at the thought of these 3 guards playing with Free/Hunter. Might have been special.

That was my exact thought after my heart stopped racing last night after the game.

Beyond that, and I would love some opinions from you guys about this, our Euro's have to be somewhat shell shocked by the level of athleticism and physical play they see, especially in the Big East. I get that Ciani is a freshman. What I don't get is why he plays so much below the rim, so to speak. His curious but mostly effective tap in / put back game is like, "oh, he actually got that to go in!"

Gytis needs to find it. It's that simple. Too many key misses last night that ended up putting that much more pressure on the backcourt to win the game. He really needs to step up from here on out.

Last comment: We are in the season of Olivari. What a find and what a class act.

[xukeith]

Our frontcourt is weak offensively.
Ousmane plays good defense but he is only good for 5-7 points agame offensively.
Ciani had a good game last night. He is showing more skills.

[Three Point Pete]

Our frontcourt is weak offensively.
Ousmane plays good defense but he is only good for 5-7 points agame offensively.

Abou's enthusiasm is a good thing, but it has to be controlled. I think he helps our overall offense by blocking out defenders in the driving lanes like an icebreaker, making the guards' jobs easier. I noticed his improved touch around the goal and some nice left-hand moves. If improvements continue, he will contribute more points.

Sasa is looking better, as mentioned above. I was amazed by his toughness @45 seconds remaining: Ledlum blocked his layup he grabbed his own rebound and dished to Dayvion who drilled it!

Gytis is a 47% FG shooter, I got to trust the numbers and think most of his misses are behind him!

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[XUBison]

Des
McKnight
Olivari
Trey
Swan
Freeman
Hunter
Abou
With Ciani getting a few minutes, esp. if foul trouble
Would have been a great 8 (1/2) man rotation…

We would’ve been better with Free and Hunter, of course, but there’s still no interior defense in that lineup. People also seem to have forgotten that we did the experiment with Free at the five, for two years. It was less than ideal, because he is not a five.

[xudash]

Abou's enthusiasm is a good thing, but it has to be controlled. I think he helps our overall offense by blocking out defenders in the driving lanes like an icebreaker, making the guards' jobs easier. I noticed his improved touch around the goal and some nice left-hand moves. If improvements continue, he will contribute more points.

Sasa is looking better, as mentioned above. I was amazed by his toughness @45 seconds remaining: Ledlum blocked his layup he grabbed his own rebound and dished to Dayvion who drilled it!

Gytis is a 47% FG shooter, I got to trust the numbers and think most of his misses are behind him!

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If his misses are behind him, then we have a shot to make the Dance.

[X-band '01]

Soriano deserves an Emmy for the way he reacts to barely being touched.

Actually a Tony when you remember he's in New York.

[Drew]

Des
McKnight
Olivari
Trey
Swan
Freeman
Hunter
Abou
With Ciani getting a few minutes, esp. if foul trouble
Would have been a great 8 (1/2) man rotation.

If the Bigs could just play defense (without TOO much fouling), pass out of the post, run the floor and occasionally get a bucket (5/6 shot a game total)...too much?

Imo I think the long term potential best line up:
PG: Green, McKnight
- Green has the most potential imo at this point

SG: Claude, Olivari, Craft
- Job is up in the air, Craft is the wildcard

SF: Swain, Hunter
- like the smallball lineup with Swain at the 4

PF: Freemantle, Gytis
- If Freemantle comes back its his job, otherwise its Hunter's.

C: Sasa, Abou
- Biggest question mark, but Sasa's offensive ability slightly edges out imo

?:
- Nzeh, Ducharme

[Xville]

Imo I think the long term potential best line up:
PG: Green, McKnight
- Green has the most potential imo at this point

SG: Claude, Olivari, Craft
- Job is up in the air, Craft is the wildcard

SF: Swain, Hunter
- like the smallball lineup with Swain at the 4

PF: Freemantle, Gytis
- If Freemantle comes back its his job, otherwise its Hunter's.

C: Sasa, Abou
- Biggest question mark, but Sasa's offensive ability slightly edges out imo

?:
- Nzeh, Ducharme

If you are talking next year, olivari is gone, and pretty sure craft isn’t coming back. As far as the five spot, unless they get someone in the portal, I think hunter and free start together at the 4,5. Obviously neither is a traditional 5, but they are both so much better than everyone else at those spots right now, neither is going to be on the bench.

[XUBison]

If you are talking next year, olivari is gone, and pretty sure craft isn’t coming back. As far as the five spot, unless they get someone in the portal, I think hunter and free start together at the 4,5. Obviously neither is a traditional 5, but they are both so much better than everyone else at those spots right now, neither is going to be on the bench.

You want to roll into next year counting on Free’s bum ankle and ole defense— at the five? We need to find a center next year.

[Xville]

You want to roll into next year counting on Free’s bum ankle and ole defense— at the five? We need to find a center next year.

I agree x needs a good five but they don’t grow on trees and the ones available cost $$$

[D-West & PO-Z]

We would’ve been better with Free and Hunter, of course, but there’s still no interior defense in that lineup. People also seem to have forgotten that we did the experiment with Free at the five, for two years. It was less than ideal, because he is not a five.

I still think Abou would have started at 5 and Free at the 4 with Hunter our 6th man. Letting Abou play in stretches and Free at stretches at the 5 would have been much better.

[D-West & PO-Z]

You want to roll into next year counting on Free’s bum ankle and ole defense— at the five? We need to find a center next year.

If we bring in another 5 I can't imagine About and Ciani both staying. About already has transferred once tho so can't imagine he'd leave either. Ciani hopefully makes a sophomore leap and Free and Hunter taking more mins helps everyone.

If I knew 100% Free and Hunter would be fully healthy I wouldn't be worried about adding a big for next year. If someone falls into our lap, of course, but I honestly think the focus is going to be more on adding a shooter for Miller with Quincy moving on after this year.

[Backyard Champ]

Imo I think the long term potential best line up:
PG: Green, McKnight
- Green has the most potential imo at this point

SG: Claude, Olivari, Craft
- Job is up in the air, Craft is the wildcard

SF: Swain, Hunter
- like the smallball lineup with Swain at the 4

PF: Freemantle, Gytis
- If Freemantle comes back its his job, otherwise its Hunter's.

C: Sasa, Abou
- Biggest question mark, but Sasa's offensive ability slightly edges out imo

?:
- Nzeh, Ducharme


I must not be understanding this post-

Green over McKNight? That makes no sense.

In fact I feel like the majority of the post is flat out wrong.

Again I must be missing something here.

[profson]

I must not be understanding this post-

Green over McKNight? That makes no sense.

In fact I feel like the majority of the post is flat out wrong.

Again I must be missing something here.

You did not miss anything. It is absurd.

[X-man]

I must not be understanding this post-

Green over McKNight? That makes no sense.

In fact I feel like the majority of the post is flat out wrong.

Again I must be missing something here.

Also, Craft and Ducharme are no longer with the team seemingly, and Olivari runs out of eligibility after this season.

[xukeith]

Also, Craft and Ducharme are no longer with the team seemingly, and Olivari runs out of eligibility after this season.

Ducharme is with the team. He doesn't get any minutes though.

[XUGRAD80]

You want to roll into next year counting on Free’s bum ankle and ole defense— at the five? We need to find a center next year.

Agree…..can’t really count on Free because of his injury history. Feet usually turn out to be a long term recurring problem for bigs once they have an initial injury. Just one misstep away from another injury. Although, IF X can’t get a quality center transfer than I would agree that starting Free over Abou is a no brainer, but Hunter would probably see significant playing time too. The 3 of them would rotate the 4-5, with Ciani picking up some minutes as well.

The nice thing about having depth is that you have the ability to cause matchup problems for other teams and competition for playing time motivates players. The bad thing about depth is keeping everyone happy. Still, I’d rather have to many good players than not enough. I would expect Ciani to continue to get better. Abou is probably where he is and not going to get any better.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think Miller is absolutely counting on both. We can debate on whether that is smart or not but I will trust him.

I believe I heard him say in an interview that both returning next year would be like getting two great additions from the portal. I'll have to see if I can find that.

I really think we looking to add for next year, shooting is what he will be looking to add.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

AgreeÂ…..canÂ’t really count on Free because of his injury history. Feet usually turn out to be a long term recurring problem for bigs once they have an initial injury. Just one misstep away from another injury. Although, IF X canÂ’t get a quality center transfer than I would agree that starting Free over Abou is a no brainer, but Hunter would probably see significant playing time too. The 3 of them would rotate the 4-5, with Ciani picking up some minutes as well.

The nice thing about having depth is that you have the ability to cause matchup problems for other teams and competition for playing time motivates players. The bad thing about depth is keeping everyone happy. Still, IÂ’d rather have to many good players than not enough. I would expect Ciani to continue to get better. Abou is probably where he is and not going to get any better.


I think Miller is absolutely counting on both. We can debate on whether that is smart or not but I will trust him.

I believe I heard him say in an interview that both returning next year would be like getting two great additions from the portal. I'll have to see if I can find that.

I really think we looking to add for next year, shooting is what he will be looking to add.


Agree with both. Miller really has no choice but to roll the dice with Free, if "rolling the dice" is a fair assessment. I recall hearing him say on his radio show, that the most recent surgery went better and was more effective than the last. I assume that assessment came from the doctors. Still, there are some well-known situations where, despite surgeries, the foot never returns to preinjury form. I also think Abou is at the top of his game physically. He's not getting better although more mental discipline certainly seems possible. I like what I've seen from Ciani and also expect improvement next year. He's not graceful but has a big body. Plenty of potential to muscle up with off season weight training. From what I've seen in his warm-ups, he has a decent outside shot so maybe the model for his future is Dixon at Nova.

I thought Souley was the best we could hope for in the portal. Then, came Quincy, who not only drills it home at key points in the game but plays defense too. How are we ever going to replace him? Doing so has to be Miller's highest priority.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Ducharme is with the team. He doesn't get any minutes though.

Haven't heard any news but don't think he is. I haven't seen him on bench the last few games and he didn't play against UConn when Miller emptied the bench. So, I think he's gone.

[Xavier]

I think Sean has nailed the portal guys. Boum (first team all big East) Quincy- speaks for himself/ and McKnight.

McKnight has been a guy that I get more and more excited about him returning as the season goes on. It took a little bit for him to get adjusted and figure out his role but has been damn good for awhile. I really look forward to him and Claude next year.

[drudy23]

Agree that Free and Jerome will upgrade the frontcourt next year. That's pretty obvious, assuming their health allows them to play. HOWEVER, after next year, we find ourselves right back in the same situation the year after with a very average frontcourt. It's the biggest need in the program getting capable Big East big guys.

I'm not worried about finding capable guard play. McKnight, especially, has really elevated his game the last month. Q has been consistent all year. Would love to see more consistency from Claude, but you can see his skill set. He will figure it out. Green is a weapon off the bench. Powell coming in next year gives another shooter with Big East size.

If we can get ANY consistency in the post, this is a top 25 team.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Agree that Free and Jerome will upgrade the frontcourt next year. That's pretty obvious, assuming their health allows them to play. HOWEVER, after next year, we find ourselves right back in the same situation the year after with a very average frontcourt. It's the biggest need in the program getting capable Big East big guys.

I'm not worried about finding capable guard play. McKnight, especially, has really elevated his game the last month. Q has been consistent all year. Would love to see more consistency from Claude, but you can see his skill set. He will figure it out. Green is a weapon off the bench. Powell coming in next year gives another shooter with Big East size.

If we can get ANY consistency in the post, this is a top 25 team.

I mean I think you hope that in year 3 Ciani, Nzeh, Lazar show some great strides and perhaps you complement with some transfers as needed. I don't think you can throw away without consideration for improvement 3 freshman big guys after 1 year. Big guys can take some time, especially initially unless you are getting the cream of the crop which we haven't, aren't, and probably won't be.

[Xville]

Having free and or Jerome there at the 4 should help abou and sasa immensely. X has gotten virtually nothing from the 4 all year long outside of Gytis a game here or there

[xudash]

Having free and or Jerome there at the 4 should help abou and sasa immensely. X has gotten virtually nothing from the 4 all year long outside of Gytis a game here or there

It's time for Gytis to find his way. We are deep enough into the season and he's had enough exposure to BE play now to see what is required around the rim. He otherwise needs to take a deep breath and deliver from the outside when he puts it up from out there.

[profson]

Haven't heard any news but don't think he is. I haven't seen him on bench the last few games and he didn't play against UConn when Miller emptied the bench. So, I think he's gone.

He is apparently battling both illness and a concussion.

[mid major]

Haven't heard any news but don't think he is. I haven't seen him on bench the last few games and he didn't play against UConn when Miller emptied the bench. So, I think he's gone.

I had mentioned this a few weeks ago and it appeared as if I were communicating in Farsi because no one said or commented on his absence or play time or existence. I can't remember the last time I saw him on the bench. It would seem like he's gone.

[UCGRAD4X]

I had mentioned this a few weeks ago and it appeared as if I were communicating in Farsi because no one said or commented on his absence or play time or existence. I can't remember the last time I saw him on the bench. It would seem like he's gone.

What's to comment on? Did anyone refute your claim?

I would expect Free's minutes to be cautiously limited. So keeping Ciani and Abou in the mix is critical. Miller certainly seems to be a master at evaluating and recruiting in the back-court. He might be able to find a diamond-in-the-rough type big man. Bigs take longer to develop in general so a project big might be counted on Junior year. Getting a game-ready true 5 for Big East play is unlikely. Ciani getting this much PT early in his career, and showing some, albeit intermittent skills, is encouraging.