Xavier's 2024 Offseason

[Xville]

I know that the season technically isn't over, but for all intents and purposes, it is. I think we can all agree that this offseason is a pivotal one for the Xavier basketball program. So, I figured we needed a catch all thread to discuss the portal and the makeup of the roster going into the 24-25 season.

Here is my hope for roster construction:

PG Mcknight
SG Transfer
SF Claude
PF Free
C Legit Transfer

Bench: Swain, Green, Nzeh, Powell, Djokovic, Abou

Personally, I don't care about the rest.

[bleedXblue]

Hard to argue

Also going to be hard to keep Green around IMHO. Is he willing to earn more PT and be a role player or does he want a starting spot in a less competitive conference?

[atljar]

Hunter missing?

[Xville]

Hunter missing?

Honestly, like the coaching staff, I look at it as if he won’t be able to play. If he can, great but shouldn’t be counted on for anything. Free even should be treated that way, but as of now he hasn’t had a setback “knock on wood” for almost a year now.

[bigdiggins]

Honestly, like the coaching staff, I look at it as if he won’t be able to play. If he can, great but shouldn’t be counted on for anything. Free even should be treated that way, but as of now he hasn’t had a setback “knock on wood” for almost a year now.

He had a setback in August when he broke it again. He hasn't had a setback since then because he hasn't done anything. He just got cleared for practice in the last month or so.

[MHettel]

I’d let lazar go. Of the other players on your list, I could see keeping each of them individually on a case by case basis, but collectively, that squad looks an awful lot this the team we had this year. Do you really want to run it again with that group.

We need a stud SG, and we’ve struck gold twice in the portal. So we really expect that we will get that lucky for the third time? We also need a high quality starting center, one that can do much more than just be big.

I think your roster will suffer from lack of shooting, which was a huge problem this year.

I also think I’d take Abou back under 2 conditions. He’s a backup, and ZERO NIL. Ciani can be the backup just as capably, and he’s not eligible for NIL.

NIL money needs to be used on starters

[Xville]

He had a setback in August when he broke it again. He hasn't had a setback since then because he hasn't done anything. He just got cleared for practice in the last month or so.

That's right. For some reason I was thinking the third surgery was in the spring but completely wrong. All have said that this surgery was more successful, but to your point, we shall see.

[Xville]

I’d let lazar go. Of the other players on your list, I could see keeping each of them individually on a case by case basis, but collectively, that squad looks an awful lot this the team we had this year. Do you really want to run it again with that group.

We need a stud SG, and we’ve struck gold twice in the portal. So we really expect that we will get that lucky for the third time? We also need a high quality starting center, one that can do much more than just be big.

I think your roster will suffer from lack of shooting, which was a huge problem this year.

I also think I’d take Abou back under 2 conditions. He’s a backup, and ZERO NIL. Ciani can be the backup just as capably, and he’s not eligible for NIL.

NIL money needs to be used on starters

I feel comfortable running it back with that group with the additions of a legitimate center and either a healthy Free or legitimate 4. Without those, it doesn't matter who you put in the 1-3 slots.

With a legitimate frontcourt, imo shooting will be fine.

I'm really not concerned with finding a legit 2. They are a dime a dozen in the portal...Miller will get one of those.

[Xavier]

I’d let lazar go..

I also think I’d take Abou back under 2 conditions. He’s a backup, and ZERO NIL. Ciani can be the backup just as capably, and he’s not eligible for NIL.

NIL money needs to be used on starters

The Eye on College basketball pod has said quite often that teams are finding work arounds to pay international players. I suspect that’s the case at Xavier, too.

Only paying starters is insane. Goodbye Green/swain/Powell/Abou.

The rumors are X has 2 million to work with, and Sean wanted that to get up to 3 next year which is the goal.

[drudy23]

We need at least 2, probably 3, upgrades that can play Big East ball on day 1. Would love to have another legit PF.

AND pray that Powell is a freshman that can contribute immediately. He has Big East size. Hoping he's good enough to be the 1A or 1B SG.

I'd keep Green, but as a weapon off the bench. Will he accept that? No clue.

[muskieindent]

I know that the season technically isn't over, but for all intents and purposes, it is. I think we can all agree that this offseason is a pivotal one for the Xavier basketball program. So, I figured we needed a catch all thread to discuss the portal and the makeup of the roster going into the 24-25 season.

Here is my hope for roster construction:

PG Mcknight
SG Transfer
SF Claude
PF Free
C Legit Transfer

Bench: Swain, Green, Nzeh, Powell, Djokovic, Abou

Personally, I don't care about the rest.

I would not count on Freemantle being back considering how long he's been battling this foot injury.If he and Hunter are available , great but plan for them not playing. I hate to say it but I think under this current system every off season is going to be critical.It's a open market every year for these guys. Can you find guys playing for the name on the front of the jersey and not the one on the back? Not sure if you heard Nick Saban talking about why he decided to retire but he was right on with his comments.Playing time and money are all that count

[Xavier]

. I hate to say it but I think under this current system every off season is going to be critical.

I always wondered what it was like for Kentucky- getting a new crop of players every year. Feel like the connection to them isn’t quite the same as a team you watch grow and get better over years.

It seems like we won’t need to wonder much anymore. It will never be as crazy as this past year for X (10? New players) but it will be interesting to see how much turnover there is each year. A strong core to build on will be key to maintaining high success each year. The only plus will be you can completely flip (positively or negatively) in one year. It doesn’t take years to build out a roster, etc.

[Xville]

Guessing everyone and their brother will want him, especially after they see him in the tourney, but man it would be great to snag Robbie (Cream Abdul Jabbar) Avila. 6'10 240 and just reminds me of the Big Stain. A really great passer out of the post and would hold his own in the Big East.

[xukeith]

Guessing everyone and their brother will want him, especially after they see him in the tourney, but man it would be great to snag Robbie (Cream Abdul Jabbar) Avila. 6'10 240 and just reminds me of the Big Stain. A really great passer out of the post and would hold his own in the Big East.

Cream Abdul does look like a very skilled big man but I do not think he fits into Miller's flow or speed transition offense.

[Mrs. Garrett]

Guessing everyone and their brother will want him, especially after they see him in the tourney, but man it would be great to snag Robbie (Cream Abdul Jabbar) Avila. 6'10 240 and just reminds me of the Big Stain. A really great passer out of the post and would hold his own in the Big East.

My guess Robbie follows his coach to his next destination

[bleedXblue]

I would not count on Freemantle being back considering how long he's been battling this foot injury.If he and Hunter are available , great but plan for them not playing. I hate to say it but I think under this current system every off season is going to be critical.It's a open market every year for these guys. Can you find guys playing for the name on the front of the jersey and not the one on the back? Not sure if you heard Nick Saban talking about why he decided to retire but he was right on with his comments.Playing time and money are all that count

I can tell you that X is counting on him coming back why otherwise why pay him NIL this year?

[xukeith]

If Green comes back, what can he do in the offseason so that he can be more confident for next season?
I imagine Miller needs Green to get significantly stronger and play better defense.
Off the bench again for next season likely.

[Xavier]

The whole team was bad on defense so maybe that’s why his didn’t stick out as much to me. Or because he wasn’t on the court as much. He sure didn’t seem to lack confidence, though. The issue, like most of them, can be pointed right at the front court. Once Sean realized the only shot X had to win was with McKnight/Claude/Olivari, it didn’t leave much room for him to give more than a handful of minutes to green.

If he’s back (which I expect him to be) I’d be surprised if he wasn’t coming off the bench but seeing a lot more time.

[XUBison]

I can tell you that X is counting on him coming back why otherwise why pay him NIL this year?

I don’t know… Did they pay, or agree to pay him NIL money before he was injured? I know he announced he was coming back this season before he re-injured the foot, so I would assume so?

[Xville]

Alright, it's time. F the stupid NIT....portal time baby!

A healthy Free, a legit 5 and a scorer...Let's go!

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

We need at least 2, probably 3, upgrades that can play Big East ball on day 1. Would love to have another legit PF.

AND pray that Powell is a freshman that can contribute immediately. He has Big East size. Hoping he's good enough to be the 1A or 1B SG.

I'd keep Green, but as a weapon off the bench. Will he accept that? No clue.

Hoping that Free and Hunter are able to play but, as you pointed out, Hunter (at least) we must assume is done. Hope he isn't but have to make decisions going forward as though he is unavailable. Which means we must have a "5", "2" and "4" in that order. All must be starting quality; no projects, no maybes, no developmental players.

I think Green stays. He is aggressive on offense and I like that. But as we've seen all season and again today, his size is a limiting factor. I'd keep Nzeh, Lazar, Ciani and obviously Swain. Nzeh, Lazar and Ciani have more value as potential starters in 2025-2026. We shouldn't have to rely on them next year for big contributions. If one or more works hard in the off season and makes major improvement, all the better. But for next year, we cannot assume they will become substantially better players than they are today.

We should all have learned by now that relying on freshman to have sizeable impact, is fool's gold. We cannot count on Powell for anything next year.

In my book, if here at all, Abou is only a backup. That's it. I'd even put him on a pitch count. If we feel we must play him more than ten minutes a game, then we haven't done a good enough job in the portal. Keep going back to the portal until our reliance on Abou is minimal.

Dez must develop an outside shot next year. I assume he worked on it last off-season but whatever he did, it wasn't enough.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

NIT is an odd tournament. We aren't making that at all. There are auto-bids for non-major conference season winners that fail in their tourneys.

That said, I think the defense suffered a lot from having 1-2 bigs on the court that just weren't ready for meaningful time. Abou was brought in for the bench and not a starter. There are 5 guys on the court and if a team as an easy avenue to the hoop it forces the good ones to sag too much to help giving up threes or stay with their man leaving the middle open. Think of how good they could have been with Hunter/Free playing 50-60 mpg out of the 80 mins down low. Abou plays 15-20 leaving some from the young guys. Swap to offense and you have defenses that are forced to account for Hunter/Free leaving our guards more open to shoot and slash.

Miller did his absolute best with what he had, but this team just wasn't made to win. Losing Free/Hunter just killed the season. I feel bad for Olivari, but it is what it is.

X needs a scoring SG that can shoot and a big ready to start. The big is a lot tougher to find in the portal. My hope is that Ciani/Djokovic takes steps to improve. College basketball is tough and physical. First year guys get tired and just aren't ready to play a full season. Now they know, the good ones change their off-season preparation to be ready by November.

[Xavier]

Yeah, I thought Osman had a good start today. As good as you could ask. But he is infuriating to watch. Could see him spelling minutes though but I don’t really mind if he wants to find starting minutes elsewhere

[Xville]

I'll be absolutely shocked if all three of Lazar, Ciani and Nzeh stay. I'd say at best two stay, and most likely 1. With Free presumably back, and Miller bringing in at the least 1 big if not 2, I'd doubt they'd want to rot, but maybe I'm wrong. IMO Joker stays as a backup, Abou does as well and the rest are gone of the big men.

[Final4]

Time to blow it up. Who knows, Miller may need to make some changes within his staff. Outside of Claude, Swain, McKnight, Powell, Hunter and Free I would send all the rest packing. Sooner you can get them in the portal the better chance they may find a landing spot.

[XUBison]

Time to blow it up. Who knows, Miller may need to make some changes within his staff. Outside of Claude, Swain, McKnight, Powell, Hunter and Free I would send all the rest packing. Sooner you can get them in the portal the better chance they may find a landing spot.

Gotta say, I love that the university’s mission is no longer hindered by a commitment to the development and education of these kids. Round up the trash, and move it to the curb!

[D-West & PO-Z]

The people who are bitching most about the players ability to leave after one tough year and not sticking it out and developing are the same ones kicking half the team out, even freshman who have shown promise. It’s hysterical.

[D-West & PO-Z]

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.

[Xville]

The people who are bitching most about the players ability to leave after one tough year and not sticking it out and developing are the same ones kicking half the team out, even freshman who have shown promise. ItÂ’s hysterical.

And the same ones that believe college sports is ruined because of nil. If I thought something was ruined, IÂ’d probably not be interested in it anymore and certainly wouldnÂ’t be posting on a message board about a team within the sport thatÂ’s ruined.

[drudy23]

Gotta say, I love that the university’s mission is no longer hindered by a commitment to the development and education of these kids. Round up the trash, and move it to the curb!

This was an atypical group coming in this year. Likely would have never been recruited if not for late injuries.

But I get what you're saying - these kids are humans with lives. It probably sucked for them too.

[XUGRAD80]

The people who are bitching most about the players ability to leave after one tough year and not sticking it out and developing are the same ones kicking half the team out, even freshman who have shown promise. It’s hysterical.

Couldn’t agree more. It’s like we’ve forgotten that off-season development and improvement was once what X was best known for. X was known as a school that kept and developed their players. You don’t develop players by kicking them to the curb after a less than stellar freshman year. News Flash! X is not going to recruit one and done top 30 players. They have to find and develop players first and foremost. Even the transfers they bring in will be players they see as being able to develop somewhat. I expect them to pursue transfer players that have 2 years of eligibility whenever possible for that very reason. X won’t get players that want to work and develop if they don’t first show that they have the patience to let that happen.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I hate the NIT and can’t wait for it to be dissolved and a 96 team field created. If we are going to start paying kids and having massive conferences with 22 teams , they are going to have to go to 96 team field. With that said, I do hope they make the NIT unless it means we can’t start recruiting the transfer portal. Is there a rule that the portal doesn’t open till end of dance?

[D-West & PO-Z]

I hate the NIT and can’t wait for it to be dissolved and a 96 team field created. If we are going to start paying kids and having massive conferences with 22 teams , they are going to have to go to 96 team field. With that said, I do hope they make the NIT unless it means we can’t start recruiting the transfer portal. Is there a rule that the portal doesn’t open till end of dance?

No and being in the postseason, has no bearing on our ability to monitor the portal, despite what some think.

We went to the NIT finals 2 years ago (which Miller was hired shortly before) and the Sweet 16 last year and came away with a 1st team all BE guard and the leading scorer in the BE in back to back years. If we get an NIT invite it will be just fine.

[Xville]

I think the nit is dumb and a complete waste of time but if q and miller want to play then whatever.

I’m just ready for the portal!

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think the nit is dumb and a complete waste of time but if q and miller want to play then whatever.

I’m just ready for the portal!

I think for most fans we agree (although I prefer X basketball as opposed to none) but for a guy like Q who will be done after this year and came from Rice (who I am assuming never made the NIT) it might be an attractive thing to play further in March in a single elimination tourney setting that plays on national TV?

If the teams wants to, I am all for it.

[Xville]

As much as it sucks for us fans, man I wish q could have experienced the tourney. He’s a good basketball player but just in my brief interactions with him, I can tell he’s an even better man and everyone seems to agree. Sucks we couldn’t get him there

[D-West & PO-Z]

As much as it sucks for us fans, man I wish q could have experienced the tourney. He’s a good basketball player but just in my brief interactions with him, I can tell he’s an even better man and everyone seems to agree. Sucks we couldn’t get him there

100%

[Final4]

Gotta say, I love that the university’s mission is no longer hindered by a commitment to the development and education of these kids. Round up the trash, and move it to the curb!

I’m so confused. It seems you’re implying that Xavier has some sort of responsibility to educate these players. I thought the whole concept of “student-athlete” was now deemed to be archaic. Aren’t these guys hired guns? Mercenaries if you will? Paid to play with no allegiance whatsoever to the name on the front of the jersey, but rather, simply committed to the commercial value of the name on the back? Can’t have it both ways. If I’m paying you to play and you don’t perform you need to prepare yourself for the consequences. It’s so confusing.

[Xavier]

I mean, kids were pushed out far before NIL/transfer stuff Happened..at least now they don’t have to wait to play

[MHettel]

I mean, kids were pushed out far before NIL/transfer stuff Happened..at least now they don’t have to wait to play

I was never in favor of a kid being glued to the bench with little chance of PT having to sit out a year to play. I think those guys should have always been immediately eligible, so long as they are “moving down” to a lesser program. This would require some judgement to determine what qualifies as a lack of PT and what “moving down” means

[XUBison]

I mean, kids were pushed out far before NIL/transfer stuff Happened..at least now they don’t have to wait to play

Pushed out based on performance, by Xavier? Who? And half the roster, as some here are suggesting? Get out of here with that BS.

[Xavier]

Yes. By Xavier. Yes. Because a lack of performance. Now, did they actually make players leave? No. And they still aren’t.

Did they make it clear there will be no playing time for them moving forward and if they want to play they should look elsewhere? I guarantee it. So essentially pushed out. I don’t have proof, but Don’t be naive.

[XUBison]

I was never in favor of a kid being glued to the bench with little chance of PT having to sit out a year to play. I think those guys should have always been immediately eligible, so long as they are “moving down” to a lesser program. This would require some judgement to determine what qualifies as a lack of PT and what “moving down” means

Of course there could’ve been some nuanced improvements to the transfer rules, but the current system with no rules is absurd.

[MHettel]

Of course there could’ve been some nuanced improvements to the transfer rules, but the current system with no rules is absurd.

Yes, I mean previously. Before free agency was a thing

[Xville]

Pushed out based on performance, by Xavier? Who? And half the roster, as some here are suggesting? Get out of here with that BS.

I can name probably ten off the top of my head the past couple of years. As Xavier said...not "pushed out" but you understand.

Miles
Tandy
Edwards
Tucker
Stanley
Bishop
Ramsey

[D-West & PO-Z]

Pushed out based on performance, by Xavier? Who? And half the roster, as some here are suggesting? Get out of here with that BS.

Yes, of course. Is this a serious question?

[XUBison]

Yes. By Xavier. Yes. Because a lack of performance. Now, did they actually make players leave? No. And they still aren’t.

Did they make it clear there will be no playing time for them moving forward and if they want to play they should look elsewhere? I guarantee it. So essentially pushed out. I don’t have proof, but Don’t be naive.

Being told there’s no playing time is an honest assessment that gives a kid an option. It is not the same thing as being “pushed out”.

[A Fan]

This is something I wrote for another venue but thought I would post it.

While many do not like the emergence of the transfer portal and the rise of 'pay to play collectives,' the landscape of college basketball may now be optimally structured. The fluidity in player movement has fostered a new era of competitive balance. And compensating athletes in a billion-dollar industry is not only equitable but also long overdue. The potential recognition of athletes as employees by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) could lead to us looking back on today’s setup with a sense of nostalgia.

Two pivotal factors will shape the future landscape. Firstly, the determination of which athletes can be represented in specific bargaining groups. In the Dartmouth case, the Service Employees International Union petitioned the labor board on behalf of both the Dartmouth's men's and women's basketball players, opting for a focused approach rather than incorporating other sports teams . However, future union efforts may aim to encompass multiple sports teams in the same unit to expand their membership and dues revenue. Given that the NLRB determines the appropriateness of bargaining groups, this issue is bound to be contentious and litigated.

Secondly, the application and interpretation of Title IX in athletics, which mandate equal access and opportunity for both male and female athletes, will intersect to create more confusion.since the disparity in compensating male and female athletes will be contested.

Regarding the fate of collectives post-unionization, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is currently scrutinizing the absence of a “ charitable purpose” for the non profit collectives as it has become apparent they are devices to “ pay to play” . Few non profits will be left standing. Nonetheless, the for profit collectives will continue. High school players will select teams based on the union with the most lucrative contract, with the 5 star players supplementing their earnings through the school's for profit collective which must genuinely reflect the player's Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) value to avoid conflict with the union's compensation framework for 'employment activities.

The forthcoming regime may garner favor among many fans as contractual obligations could curb player transfers, fostering greater fan familiarity with teams. Smaller rosters may become prevalent due to the financial implications of maintaining deep benches, with contractual obligations allowing player dismissal based on playing time

The collateral affects unionization of players will have on the schools could be seismic . Union heads will interface directly with administrators and coaches about practice time and other “ work conditions” and contract terms . Players will not have to attend class. Athletic budgets after payroll expenses will shrink. Schools may not have the money to subsidize the non revenue sports most of which they can discontinue subject to Title XI balance. At small and medium size schools enrollment could drop if non revenue sports are discontinued since most of those athletes receive little or no tuition discount and may opt to go to a school keeping and competing in their sport. Non unionized employees may be emboldened to follow the athletes to unionization.The list goes on. Stay Tuned.

[MHettel]

I can name probably ten off the top of my head the past couple of years. As Xavier said...not "pushed out" but you understand.

Miles
Tandy
Edwards
Tucker
Stanley
Bishop
Ramsey

How many of you realized that Keonte Kennedy played at Cal this year and averaged 31 minutes and 10/5/2 with 1.5 steals?

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

How many of you realized that Keonte Kennedy played at Cal this year and averaged 31 minutes and 10/5/2 with 1.5 steals?

For how many schools did he play? That's four, I think. I wonder if he has a college degree or if he just became a basketball carpetbagger.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

For how many schools did he play? That's four, I think. I wonder if he has a college degree or if he just became a basketball carpetbagger.

ASU had a guy this year. Jose Perez, 25 years old, 5th year senior, and went to 4 schools. He was their best all-around guard that Hurley didn't use right. When their went sub-500 losing games LA, he left the team completely. He went on to pursue professional opportunities. Fans here had the opinion that when you grab a guy like that he is a mercenary and will treat the situation as such.

[sirthought]

McKnight and Ousman are seniors. How are y'all counting them in for next season?

I've heard people mention potential for Freemantle and Hunter too, but again I don't see how they haven't exhausted eligibility.

Really discouraging that guys like Craft and Ducharme couldn't even get on the floor on this team.

For those calling to cut Ciani and Djokovic...I could see Miller doing that to some players with these guys' impact, but given the circumstances of how desperate the team was for big men and that they came from overseas, I bet he'll give them a shot to develop.

It's still hard to find big men and they could turn things around like we've seen with other big men at Xavier. They know the expectations and it's two fewer people to try to get them to gel with the staff. Nzeh was always viewed as a project, but his athleticism is going to be a plus eventually.

Djokovic was billed coming in as more of a shooter, which was false. It would be nice if those guys could stretch the floor, but we might need someone who still has the speed to get back and rebound if necessary.

If Miller gives up on a guy like Green, he's going to have a hard time recruiting prospects. That kid just needs to learn how to organize an offense and play more within a team. That doesn't happen year one.

[MHettel]

McKnight and Ousman are seniors. How are y'all counting them in for next season?

I've heard people mention potential for Freemantle and Hunter too, but again I don't see how they haven't exhausted eligibility.

Really discouraging that guys like Craft and Ducharme couldn't even get on the floor on this team.

For those calling to cut Ciani and Djokovic...I could see Miller doing that to some players with these guys' impact, but given the circumstances of how desperate the team was for big men and that they came from overseas, I bet he'll give them a shot to develop.

It's still hard to find big men and they could turn things around like we've seen with other big men at Xavier. They know the expectations and it's two fewer people to try to get them to gel with the staff. Nzeh was always viewed as a project, but his athleticism is going to be a plus eventually.

Djokovic was billed coming in as more of a shooter, which was false. It would be nice if those guys could stretch the floor, but we might need someone who still has the speed to get back and rebound if necessary.

If Miller gives up on a guy like Green, he's going to have a hard time recruiting prospects. That kid just needs to learn how to organize an offense and play more within a team. That doesn't happen year one.

Covid year for Abou and Mcknight

[sirthought]

Okay. Well I hope Green stays patient, as I could see him becoming sort of a Lavender style player eventually. Miller will have plenty of backcourt competition.

[MHettel]

Okay. Well I hope Green stays patient, as I could see him becoming sort of a Lavender style player eventually. Miller will have plenty of backcourt competition.

Green had a meaningful role this year and did well enough for a freshman. He is a deep threat, and not a dude that just stands in the corner. Given all of the uncertainty, I think miller will plan on him as the first guard off the bench next year.

There are many roles on every team, and he’s got the inside lane for an important one. I doubt he would get much attention and assurances of more PT at a different school that is similar to X. He could drop down a level and someone would probably assure him of starter minutes. I think he stays

[Xville]

It seems rare of a guy of his size excelling in the big East. I don’t think he’s even 6’0 and he’s got a small frame. Nembhard and Markus Howard did well but still.. With that said, he obviously can shoot and the other parts of his game can certainly be developed. I think he stays as well and hoping he develops quickly

[XUGRAD80]

McKnight and Ousman are seniors. How are y'all counting them in for next season?

I've heard people mention potential for Freemantle and Hunter too, but again I don't see how they haven't exhausted eligibility.

Really discouraging that guys like Craft and Ducharme couldn't even get on the floor on this team.

.

McKnight, Ousmane, Free, and Hunter all have an extra year because of Covid and/or injury redshirt. The other two were dealing with injuries and better players ahead of them. Olivari is the only scholarship player that is out of eligibility at the end of this season.

[Xville]

X has already reached out to this guy… wonder if q knows him and can put in a good word

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4431953/marcus-foster

Looks like his 3pt % went way down this year with more usage so that’s a little concerning

[MHettel]

X has already reached out to this guy… wonder if q knows him and can put in a good word

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4431953/marcus-foster

Looks like his 3pt % went way down this year with more usage so that’s a little concerning

So, the portal is not yet open, right? Is this guy a grad transfer? Otherwise I don’t think anyone can actually contact him

[Xavier]

So, the portal is not yet open, right? Is this guy a grad transfer? Otherwise I don’t think anyone can actually contact him

He’s a sr so that would be my guess. (Grad transfer). Isn’t Jeremy still coaching there? Maybe he would put in a good word also. No clue if he’s any good.

[Xavier]

Green had a meaningful role this year and did well enough for a freshman. He is a deep threat, and not a dude that just stands in the corner. Given all of the uncertainty, I think miller will plan on him as the first guard off the bench next year.

There are many roles on every team, and he’s got the inside lane for an important one. I doubt he would get much attention and assurances of more PT at a different school that is similar to X. He could drop down a level and someone would probably assure him of starter minutes. I think he stays

Agreed. And frankly, outside of Quincy, he may have been the only guy on our team I thought could create his own shot If shot clock was going down. I could see a Nembhard future for him, as Xville pointed out. Albeit a tall task, but I can see him getting there.

[Xville]

So, the portal is not yet open, right? Is this guy a grad transfer? Otherwise I don’t think anyone can actually contact him

I’d guess a grad transfer? I dunno. I saw it on Twitter so take it for what it’s worth but a number of schools were listed

[D-West & PO-Z]

X has already reached out to this guy… wonder if q knows him and can put in a good word

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4431953/marcus-foster

Looks like his 3pt % went way down this year with more usage so that’s a little concerning

That is a heck of a lot of rebounds for a guard.

[MHettel]

That is a heck of a lot of rebounds for a guard.

But only this year. He had “normal” guard rebound numbers his other 3 years. Maybe a roster thing or a position change

[Xville]

But only this year. He had “normal” guard rebound numbers his other 3 years. Maybe a roster thing or a position change

Could be. Who knows. I have no clue if he’s a point, shooting, combo or a 3. Surprised just based on his shooting numbers x reached out to him but I guess with the portal, gotta cast a wide net.

He could have just really improved. Devin Carter went from I think around 4 or 5 to 9 this year.

[XUGRAD80]

How do they even know about this guy? Weren’t they still playing BB up until 2 days ago? Doesn’t that keep them from even looking at names in the portal until they are done for the year? Maybe MH can tell us how this happens? (Sarcasm)

Not a high 3 pt % this past year, but decent size and bulk. Looks like he improved every year.

Surprised they didn’t get rid of him after his freshman year where he played 18 mins a game and averaged 2.7 pts. (I’m feeling very sarcastic this morning)

[D-West & PO-Z]

How do they even know about this guy? Weren’t they still playing BB up until 2 days ago? Doesn’t that keep them from even looking at names in the portal until they are done for the year? Maybe MH can tell us how this happens? (Sarcasm)

Not a high 3 pt % this past year, but decent size and bulk. Looks like he improved every year.

Surprised they didn’t get rid of him after his freshman year where he played 18 mins a game and averaged 2.7 pts. (I’m feeling very sarcastic this morning)

Reps!

[xuphan]

How do they even know about this guy? Weren’t they still playing BB up until 2 days ago? Doesn’t that keep them from even looking at names in the portal until they are done for the year? Maybe MH can tell us how this happens? (Sarcasm)

Not a high 3 pt % this past year, but decent size and bulk. Looks like he improved every year.

Surprised they didn’t get rid of him after his freshman year where he played 18 mins a game and averaged 2.7 pts. (I’m feeling very sarcastic this morning)

We obviously need to prioritize a center who can step in right away and contribute. Also need to find a combo guard who can be a lockdown defender and score when need. There should be a ton of names out there with the transfer portal but we can’t afford to miss like we did last season in the front court. Could also use an athletic wing if Hunter isn’t able to return next season.

[Xavier]

Could be. Who knows. I have no clue if he’s a point, shooting, combo or a 3. Surprised just based on his shooting numbers x reached out to him but I guess with the portal, gotta cast a wide net. .

Kind of a reminder to myself and everyone looking at lists like this. A lot of time schools haven’t actually reached out, agents/players add teams to stir up more interest. It’s hard to really gauge who X actually has real interest in, but expect them to have “reached out” to.

[D-West & PO-Z]

We obviously need to prioritize a center who can step in right away and contribute. Also need to find a combo guard who can be a lockdown defender and score when need. There should be a ton of names out there with the transfer portal but we can’t afford to miss like we did last season in the front court. Could also use an athletic wing if Hunter isn’t able to return next season.

I’m not sure I would classify X as having missed in the frontcourt last offseason. They had two late entries and were in desperation mode and added what little there was to add. Kind of amazing they got anyone to begin with.

[Xville]

The only one that I know they missed on was Ike. Would have been great to have on o.

[xuphan]

The only one that I know they missed on was Ike. Would have been great to have on o.

We missed on Ike and seemingly looks like we missed with Abou. He just doesn’t seem to have it at this level. Maybe a better rotational guy but isn’t a starting center.

[Xavier]

That is what he was brought in as, a back up rotational guy. So far Sean has hit on his guard transfers.

[xukeith]

That is what he was brought in as, a back up rotational guy. So far Sean has hit on his guard transfers.

Hope Miller doesn't get a weak post player thinking he won't play a lot of offense.

[bjf123]

NCAA Transfer Portal opens Monday: Who stays, who goes for Xavier Musketeers?

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/2024/03/17/predicting-who-stays-leaves-for-xavier-as-ncaa-transfer-portal-opens/72989334007/

Think this might be behind paywall. Basically predicts that Ducharme, Djokovic, Ousmane, Nemeiksa, and Craft will enter the portal. Green, Nzeh, and Ciani, will stay.


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[Xville]

NCAA Transfer Portal opens Monday: Who stays, who goes for Xavier Musketeers?

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/2024/03/17/predicting-who-stays-leaves-for-xavier-as-ncaa-transfer-portal-opens/72989334007/

Think this might be behind paywall. Basically predicts that Ducharme, Djokovic, Ousmane, Nemeiksa, and Craft will enter the portal. Green, Nzeh, and Ciani, will stay.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

As you stated behind a paywall....who wrote it so we can determine if it has a bit of juice to it or not?

[Xavier]

The other board is still saying the Trilly report that Claude will at least go to the portal has real Legs to it. At this point it’s not for sure he will leave but seems likely he will test it. And when he committed the fam was worried about him playing PG. So that could be part of it.

[Xville]

The other board is still saying the Trilly report that Claude will at least go to the portal has real Legs to it. At this point it’s not for sure he will leave but seems likely he will test it. And when he committed the fam was worried about him playing PG. So that could be part of it.

that makes sense. His NBA chance is at the 1. When they picked up Mcknight this past offseason, I thought it was strange because I always assumed Claude would be taking over the 1. I'm glad we got Mcknight, but I wonder how Claude really felt about that move.

[bjf123]

As you stated behind a paywall....who wrote it so we can determine if it has a bit of juice to it or not?

Shelby Dermer, the Enquirer beat writer covering X.


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[Xville]

Shelby Dermer, the Enquirer beat writer covering X.


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Probably some legs to it then, thank you. Only one that would surprise me from that list is Djokovic. think he has potential, but we shall see what happens here in a week or two or whenever X is out of the NIT.

[paulxu]

Players use to be interested in transferring to get more playing time.

Now they are interested to get more money.

[A Fan]

Players use to be interested in transferring to get more playing time.

Now they are interested to get more money.

Claude’s dollar value in the Portal should be high. And he needs to be a 1 for his future since that is the only place he fits. And retrospectively we know he was overloaded with expectations which will continue if the roster does not materially change. Which schools with returning rosters that are much stronger than what X will most likely have, need a good 1 with 2 years left?

[XUGRAD80]

Players use to be interested in transferring to get more playing time.

Now they are interested to get more money.

In MOST cases those things will go hand in hand. Backups want playing time which they hope will result in more production and more NIL money opportunities. Starters want to be stars, which can result in the same. I doubt anyone is saying that they are willing to plays less just to get paid more.
I hear Claude wants 500K, don’t know if that’s true or not. Don’t know if he will get that from anyone. But if he enters the NIL he will at least see. He might get that offer from someone he doesn’t want to play for or somewhere he doesn’t want to go. He might get it from X. I sincerely hope he stays, but I don’t blame any player for going after the money while they can. Their careers are so short and at this point nothing is guaranteed. We don’t have to look any further than at Hunter and Free to see that all of the players are just one misstep or one medical problem away from possibly never playing again. Name me another (legal) career where someone can get that kind of money at their age and yet will probably never have that opportunity again. 500K is more than he could earn anywhere else other than the NBA, and I doubt he will ever play there. So I say, go for it. Take that money, bank it, let it grow on the interest over 30 years and set yourself up for an early retirement when you get to be 50-55.

[Xville]

UCONN will need a PG..just saying, it makes some sense. They have Diarra, but hes just ok to me.

[Xavier]

UCONN will need a PG..just saying, it makes some sense. They have Diarra, but hes just ok to me.

He’s talked a lot about teams tampering with his young guys and it’s bs. Also how much respect he has that Marquette is built right way. All that to say I can’t see them taking claude.

[xukeith]

Is Olivari or McKnight the current highest paid NIL Musketeer?

[Xavier]

Guessing it’s Freemantle

[A Fan]

In MOST cases those things will go hand in hand. Backups want playing time which they hope will result in more production and more NIL money opportunities. Starters want to be stars, which can result in the same. I doubt anyone is saying that they are willing to plays less just to get paid more.
I hear Claude wants 500K, don’t know if that’s true or not. Don’t know if he will get that from anyone. But if he enters the NIL he will at least see. He might get that offer from someone he doesn’t want to play for or somewhere he doesn’t want to go. He might get it from X. I sincerely hope he stays, but I don’t blame any player for going after the money while they can. Their careers are so short and at this point nothing is guaranteed. We don’t have to look any further than at Hunter and Free to see that all of the players are just one misstep or one medical problem away from possibly never playing again. Name me another (legal) career where someone can get that kind of money at their age and yet will probably never have that opportunity again. 500K is more than he could earn anywhere else other than the NBA, and I doubt he will ever play there. So I say, go for it. Take that money, bank it, let it grow on the interest over 30 years and set yourself up for an early retirement when you get to be 50-55.
I would be surprised if X did $ 500 K. But not surprised@ $250 to 300K .

[MHettel]

Thoughts on Claude

1. I’d like him to stay, but it was and will continue to be difficult to build an offense when one of your guards shoots so poorly from deep. He’s a good player, but that’s a significant weakness.

2. I’ll be pissed if he enters the portal. If he wants to leave, screw him. If he comes back, that means he used the portal as leverage to get more of our available NIL dollars. We apparently raised a bunch of NIL money recently with the idea of using it to get new players and IMPROVE the team. If it’s used primarily to just pay the existing guys more, then we should expect a bunch of seasons where the NIT is our destiny.

3. Didn’t miller say he always wanted 2 primary ball handlers on the court at all times? We played pretty small this year, and did have a little more ball handling than a lineup with a traditional 3 that didn’t ball handle as much. There is plenty of opportunity for Claude to ball handle. We could slide him to the 2 and replace Q with a bigger that that can shoot. Actually, I don’t love that idea, but that may be the plan.

4. As far as Claude’s professional future being as a PG that is undoubtably true, but if he’s got NBA aspirations, then the lack of 3pt effectiveness will keep him out of the league. I would think he should work on his shooting as opposed to trying to find a place to be the ball handler. Just doesn’t make sense to me.

5. Looking back, it’s a little strange that Miller seemingly ran Dwon Odom off to Georgia State because he couldn’t shoot 3’s. He had a 12/5/5 line this year and only took like 15 3 attempts. Claude has taken about 105 and shoots at 20%. Would you rather have the guy that doesn’t shoot at all, or the guy that shoots 20%.

[Xville]

Thoughts on Claude

1. I’d like him to stay, but it was and will continue to be difficult to build an offense when one of your guards shoots so poorly from deep. He’s a good player, but that’s a significant weakness.

2. I’ll be pissed if he enters the portal. If he wants to leave, screw him. If he comes back, that means he used the portal as leverage to get more of our available NIL dollars. We apparently raised a bunch of NIL money recently with the idea of using it to get new players and IMPROVE the team. If it’s used primarily to just pay the existing guys more, then we should expect a bunch of seasons where the NIT is our destiny.

3. Didn’t miller say he always wanted 2 primary ball handlers on the court at all times? We played pretty small this year, and did have a little more ball handling than a lineup with a traditional 3 that didn’t ball handle as much. There is plenty of opportunity for Claude to ball handle. We could slide him to the 2 and replace Q with a bigger that that can shoot. Actually, I don’t love that idea, but that may be the plan.

4. As far as Claude’s professional future being as a PG that is undoubtably true, but if he’s got NBA aspirations, then the lack of 3pt effectiveness will keep him out of the league. I would think he should work on his shooting as opposed to trying to find a place to be the ball handler. Just doesn’t make sense to me.

5. Looking back, it’s a little strange that Miller seemingly ran Dwon Odom off to Georgia State because he couldn’t shoot 3’s. He had a 12/5/5 line this year and only took like 15 3 attempts. Claude has taken about 105 and shoots at 20%. Would you rather have the guy that doesn’t shoot at all, or the guy that shoots 20%.

First I’ll just say this is all speculation so let’s not jump into any conclusions. The second thing I’ll say is that I don’t think miller ran Odom off, I think Odom saw an opportunity to follow the coach who recruited him and to go back home. However, if he did get run off, in the big East, I’ll take the 6’6 that can shoot over the 5’10 guy that can’t shoot

[Xavier]

I agree 100%, Claude remaining a poor 3pt shooter and I wouldn’t be too worried about replacing him. But Colby was a 29% 3pt shooter his sophomore year. I’d expect Claude to jump quite a bit.

As for Claude and Odom. I’d rather have Claude every day. He had one of the worst shooting forms from 3 that I’ve ever seen, and he only took 15ish all year as a guard is rough.

[atljar]

... and he only took 15ish all year as a guard is rough.

But he made 43% of them!!

[SkyWalker]

Guessing it’s Freemantle

I have some doubts that Freemantle will be back next year. I don't think he practices (correct me if I'm wrong), so I'm not sure how valuable h will be after such a long layoff. This year he was paid to sit on the bench. Good work if you can find it.

[Xavier]

I thought he did get back tom practice, or at very least has been doing workouts and drills with the team. And I saw a rumor he was given big nil money to come back but contingent on staying both years.

Which I think is the future of NIL. Like how that Miami guard got reportedly 2 year $600K deal. Something that “locks”’ them in for more than one season and bolting.

[bjf123]

Probably some legs to it then, thank you. Only one that would surprise me from that list is Djokovic. think he has potential, but we shall see what happens here in a week or two or whenever X is out of the NIT.

I was kind of surprised about Djokovic, too.

On the NIL issue, I saw where Quincy took the players and managers out to dinner after the last game. That wouldn’t happen pre-NIL.


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[MHettel]

First I’ll just say this is all speculation so let’s not jump into any conclusions. The second thing I’ll say is that I don’t think miller ran Odom off, I think Odom saw an opportunity to follow the coach who recruited him and to go back home. However, if he did get run off, in the big East, I’ll take the 6’6 that can shoot over the 5’10 guy that can’t shoot

Who is the 6’6” guy that can shoot?

And Odom won the triple jump in HS, in case you hadn’t heard.

And we don’t know why he left. But he did come to x. And Miller is a big name coach. Hard to assume that going to Georgia State was that attractive. Maybe miller had one of those discussions where he told him that there was little PT in his future. Not “running him off” necessarily, but kinda.

[MHettel]

But he made 43% of them!!

Do you remember as a soph he only made like 3 threes all year and one of them was an alley oop attempt that went right in the basket? I think Abou had an entry pass this year that also went in

[Xville]

Who is the 6’6” guy that can shoot?

And Odom won the triple jump in HS, in case you hadn’t heard.

And we don’t know why he left. But he did come to x. And Miller is a big name coach. Hard to assume that going to Georgia State was that attractive. Maybe miller had one of those discussions where he told him that there was little PT in his future. Not “running him off” necessarily, but kinda.

:)...I missed my apostrophe t....I meant can't shoot.

[atljar]

Do you remember as a soph he only made like 3 threes all year and one of them was an alley oop attempt that went right in the basket? I think Abou had an entry pass this year that also went in

I had actually forgotten about that, but I do remember. It was a good laugh!

[XU-PA]

I have some doubts that Freemantle will be back next year. I don't think he practices (correct me if I'm wrong), so I'm not sure how valuable h will be after such a long layoff. This year he was paid to sit on the bench. Good work if you can find it.
Free has already been regularly working out with the team.
When you think about it, staying is his only option. Coming off so many surgeries he has to prove himself to show he's ready for the next level

[D-West & PO-Z]

Thoughts on Claude



5. Looking back, it’s a little strange that Miller seemingly ran Dwon Odom off to Georgia State because he couldn’t shoot 3’s. He had a 12/5/5 line this year and only took like 15 3 attempts. Claude has taken about 105 and shoots at 20%. Would you rather have the guy that doesn’t shoot at all, or the guy that shoots 20%.

Maybe he did but I didn't assume Miller ran off Odom. Odom was recruited by Jonas and had a great relationship with him. I saw it as Dwon wanting to go play for Jonas and not a new coach he didn't know.

[paulxu]

I'll just go all old school on this BS.
I don't want college to be a minor league for the NBA. If the NBA wants a minor league like baseball, then fund it.

Maybe the kids should be making some $ for all the $ they are bringing in to the schools. But there's got to be a better way.
The NBA draft is only for 60 players, and 1/4 of them are from overseas.
So this whole NIL deal as if college were a minor league is BS.

What would be wrong with setting a flat amount for what all college athletes will get. Maybe it's $50k for example.
That's plus the full ride you are already getting. That keeps schools from doing all this crazy stuff to raise $ and compete with each other based solely on $.

So, everybody gets that. No need to transfer to get more $...there aren't any.
So maybe you stay at a school to get a good education because you may NOT be one of the 60 draftees.
Or, maybe you transfer to get more playing time...but not more $.


Also, get off my lawn.

[XUGRAD80]

Maybe he did but I didn't assume Miller ran off Odom. Odom was recruited by Jonas and had a great relationship with him. I saw it as Dwon wanting to go play for Jonas and not a new coach he didn't know.

That’s how I saw it also.

[A Fan]

I'll just go all old school on this BS.
I don't want college to be a minor league for the NBA. If the NBA wants a minor league like baseball, then fund it.

Maybe the kids should be making some $ for all the $ they are bringing in to the schools. But there's got to be a better way.
The NBA draft is only for 60 players, and 1/4 of them are from overseas.
So this whole NIL deal as if college were a minor league is BS.

What would be wrong with setting a flat amount for what all college athletes will get. Maybe it's $50k for example.
That's plus the full ride you are already getting. That keeps schools from doing all this crazy stuff to raise $ and compete with each other based solely on $.

So, everybody gets that. No need to transfer to get more $...there aren't any.
So maybe you stay at a school to get a good education because you may NOT be one of the 60 draftees.
Or, maybe you transfer to get more playing time...but not more $.


Also, get off my lawn.

The type of system you propose would have been great. But the NCAA was arrogant.. They presided over an amateur system that saw an explosion of revenues into a multi billion entertainment industry. Once college athletes began advocating for compensation, arguing that they were generating substantial revenue for their institutions without adequate remuneration, the NCAA ignored them. The courts stepped in and said not allowing them to be paid was an antitrust violation by restricting them from capitalizing on their earning potential. By not adjusting “ amateurism ” to account for the bonanza they killed amateurism. Having done that they opened the door for players to be employees, which will be another radical transformation to players being unionized employees whose compensation and work rules will be bargained.

[Xville]

Question.....what was the NCAA's thinking (as if they ever thought about anything) of opening the transfer portal, the day after selection sunday? On what planet did they think that was a good idea. I am assuming that there are teams in the NCAA tournament whose assistant and maybe even head coaches are literally calling players that went into the portal. Does no one think that is effed up?

[JTG]

Question.....what was the NCAA's thinking (as if they ever thought about anything) of opening the transfer portal, the day after selection sunday? On what planet did they think that was a good idea. I am assuming that there are teams in the NCAA tournament whose assistant and maybe even head coaches are literally calling players that went into the portal. Does no one think that is effed up?

At least March 25th, when all but 16 would have been whittled down. Especially since the season was moved forward a week. BTW, why was the NCAA moved a week later than the past?

[MHettel]

Question.....what was the NCAA's thinking (as if they ever thought about anything) of opening the transfer portal, the day after selection sunday? On what planet did they think that was a good idea. I am assuming that there are teams in the NCAA tournament whose assistant and maybe even head coaches are literally calling players that went into the portal. Does no one think that is effed up?

I brought this up as well. I personally think that the portal should be open for a set number of weeks and then everyone enters that wants to enter. Then There is a deadline and teams can reach out for a few weeks. Then kids can commit. At no point is the population “set”. Guys are entering and committing before other guys even enter. It’s a mess. And there is no reason to do it this early. Kids need to finish the semester at their current school. What’s the hurry, exactly. Start it in April

[Xavier]

I honestly think it’s set this way because the NCAA knew they wouldn’t be able to handle the “tampering” issues once season was over for teams. (I’m sure it goes on regardless now during the season but still)

[Xville]

a guy from pepperdine went into the portal yesterday and has committed to Bama today...100% were tampering, and while in the tournament. This is all very effed up.

[D-West & PO-Z]

How could bama possibly have a portal commit already? I thought it was impossible to be in a post season tournament and also recruit the portal at the same time.

Ok, all sarcasm aside, I do think the timing of the portal opening is dumb as well, but find it laughably hilarious that people were concerned that Xavier couldnt recruit the portal if they accepted an NIT bid. (Also is a total BS excuse for coaches/teams who don't want to be in the NIT to decline the invite).

[Xville]

I don't think one commit by a team not named Xavier means it's still not a legitimate excuse. I find the NIT to be a complete waste of time (especially when half the team won't even be here), and I do think it is best to put all your eggs into the transfer portal bucket as soon as possible. Can you multitask? sure. Would I rather have the coaching staff not be right now? yes.

[XUMIOH12]

a guy from pepperdine went into the portal yesterday and has committed to Bama today...100% were tampering, and while in the tournament. This is all very effed up.

I don't think it was tampering in the sense of they swayed him to leave. Pepperdine fired Lorenzo Romar, this guy is a good player, he was going in the portal this year regardless. I'm sure they offered him the $ he was asking for and assured him PT and he said yes; now did they do that via backchannels before the portal opened, seems likely, but that seems to happen quite often. I guess my point on this one is that it's not like they said hey we'll give you XYZ to leave pepperdine and come to bama. He was leaving anyways.

[MHettel]

I don't think it was tampering in the sense of they swayed him to leave. Pepperdine fired Lorenzo Romar, this guy is a good player, he was going in the portal this year regardless. I'm sure they offered him the $ he was asking for and assured him PT and he said yes; now did they do that via backchannels before the portal opened, seems likely, but that seems to happen quite often. I guess my point on this one is that it's not like they said hey we'll give you XYZ to leave pepperdine and come to bama. He was leaving anyways.

Speaking of Pepperdine, looks like a kid named Michael Ajayi is or has already also entered the portal. A freshman guard that averaged 17.2 and 9.9 per game, shooting 47% from 3. Wow.

Saw a headline that Gonzaga is involved and the kid is from Kent, WA a suburb of Seattle. Looks like a stud but probably Gonzaga’s to lose..

[drudy23]

Several IU players entered today. They may have an entirely new roster next year.

We've had luck with IU transfers.

Not many from the Big East so far.

[XUGRAD80]

[QUOTE= I find the NIT to be a complete waste of time.[/QUOTE]

Sports….playing games…..are in reality basically just a waste of time. There’s no product being produced. There is no scientific progress being made. There is no great humanitarian cause being supported or enhanced. No lives saved. No great breakthroughs in the cause of human rights. Just basically a waste of a persons time. Winning a NCAA crown is no different in those areas than the winning of a NIT championship. No lives were improved or saved by the winning of either. So why should anyone want to play any sports? Why should any fan care about watching any games?

The simple and easy answer is because it’s FUN. We all started playing sports years and years ago because it was FUN. The better players got to play for their school teams. The best elementary players got to play for their HS teams. The best HS players get to play in college. But the rest of us played pickup games even when we didn’t play for our grade school, grade school, or college. Many continue to play way after they get out of school. It’s a waste of time, but it’s MY TIME to waste. I watch sports for the same reason….its FUN. I’ll watch the NIT because it’s FUN. The players will play in the NIT because it’s FUN. They will play summer league games because they are FUN. Believe it or not, coaches will coach the games because it’s FUN. Most players and coaches understand that it is time to hang it up when it’s no longer FUN, or when you can no longer do it. That day comes for every athlete, and every coach, eventually. The best get to choose when that day is.

Yes, the NIT is a waste of time…..but no more so than any other game being played at any other level and by any other athlete. So I’ll sit in front of the TV for a couple of hours this evening and waste some time having FUN watching Xavier play basketball. That is my choice on how to spend my time.

[drudy23]

Sports….playing games…..are in reality basically just a waste of time. There’s no product being produced. There is no scientific progress being made. There is no great humanitarian cause being supported or enhanced. No lives saved. No great breakthroughs in the cause of human rights. Just basically a waste of a persons time. Winning a NCAA crown is no different in those areas than the winning of a NIT championship. No lives were improved or saved by the winning of either. So why should anyone want to play any sports? Why should any fan care about watching any games?

The simple and easy answer is because it’s FUN. We all started playing sports years and years ago because it was FUN. The better players got to play for their school teams. The best elementary players got to play for their HS teams. The best HS players get to play in college. But the rest of us played pickup games even when we didn’t play for our grade school, grade school, or college. Many continue to play way after they get out of school. It’s a waste of time, but it’s MY TIME to waste. I watch sports for the same reason….its FUN. I’ll watch the NIT because it’s FUN. The players will play in the NIT because it’s FUN. They will play summer league games because they are FUN. Believe it or not, coaches will coach the games because it’s FUN. Most players and coaches understand that it is time to hang it up when it’s no longer FUN, or when you can no longer do it. That day comes for every athlete, and every coach, eventually. The best get to choose when that day is.

Yes, the NIT is a waste of time…..but no more so than any other game being played at any other level and by any other athlete. So I’ll sit in front of the TV for a couple of hours this evening and waste some time having FUN watching Xavier play basketball. That is my choice on how to spend my time.

Nominee for worst post of the season.

[XUGRAD80]

Nominee for worst post of the season.

Why? What did I say that you disagree with?

[drudy23]

Why? What did I say that you disagree with?

Pretty much every word.

[XUGRAD80]

Pretty much every word.

So you don’t agree that the playing of, watching of, or writing about, sports isn’t a waste of time? Why? What is their value?

[XUMIOH12]

I don't think it was tampering in the sense of they swayed him to leave. Pepperdine fired Lorenzo Romar, this guy is a good player, he was going in the portal this year regardless. I'm sure they offered him the $ he was asking for and assured him PT and he said yes; now did they do that via backchannels before the portal opened, seems likely, but that seems to happen quite often. I guess my point on this one is that it's not like they said hey we'll give you XYZ to leave pepperdine and come to bama. He was leaving anyways.

Also, he was able to enter the portal early since they fired their coach, for what it’s worth

[Xville]

Pretty much every word.

Yep me too.

1.) Sports has saved a ton of lives both directly and indirectly.

2.) watching the nit is not fun for a lot of fans, watching your team in the tourney is.

3.) Xavier was not built by going to the nit, it was built by being in the ncaa. It impacted me going there and being a fan… all of that means something.

I could go on and on but my point has been made.

[Xville]

Thank goodness we can start focusing on something else rather than this very disappointing team. Portal time!

[MHettel]

Thank goodness we can start focusing on something else rather than this very disappointing team. Portal time!

Might be an insane several weeks.

How would you like to be a coach, work your ass off for 5 and a half months, and then after your last game, the destiny of NEXT year lies in the portal and you have to spend 18 hours a day for 6 weeks dealing with players, parents, and NIL colllectives.

Sounds amazing

[Xville]

Might be an insane several weeks.

How would you like to be a coach, work your ass off for 5 and a half months, and then after your last game, the destiny of NEXT year lies in the portal and you have to spend 18 hours a day for 6 weeks dealing with players, parents, and NIL colllectives.

Sounds amazing

I’d do it for a hell of a lot less than what these head coaches are making.

[XUBison]

Nominee for worst post of the season.

I second this motion. In fact, I suggest we end the nomination process, and make it official.

[XUGRAD80]

Yep me too.

1.) Sports has saved a ton of lives both directly and indirectly.

2.) watching the nit is not fun for a lot of fans, watching your team in the tourney is.

3.) Xavier was not built by going to the nit, it was built by being in the ncaa. It impacted me going there and being a fan… all of that means something.

I could go on and on but my point has been made.

I only have one question for you then….

If what you say here is truly what you believe……then how is the NIT a “waste of time”?

You can’t have it both ways.

:). Hook line and sinker

[XUBison]

I’d do it for a hell of a lot less than what these head coaches are making.

For some reason I’m reminded of the old adage, you get what you pay for.

[Xville]

I only have one question for you then….

If what you say here is truly what you believe……then how is the NIT a “waste of time”?

You can’t have it both ways.

:). Hook line and sinker

Uh number 2 and 3

[Xville]

Anyways now x can focus on the roster. Looking forward to the next couple of weeks/month to see what the roster looks like for next year

[XUGRAD80]

Uh number 2 and 3


Oh, so it is only PARTLY a waste of time….and only for you fans that don’t like watching them play unless they are playing in the NCAA tourney because otherwise it’s not fun. So only if it’s fun is it not a waste of time. Because you came to X because they had a good basketball program and if they don’t have a good program then you wasted your time going there, and yada yada yada. Just because YOU find it a waste of YOUR time doesn’t mean that it is a waste of time for everyone.

If sports are important enough to save lives then ALL SPORTS and ALL GAMES are NOT a “waste of time”.

But let me clue you into something that someone that only knows X as being a “pretty good basketball program” can’t maybe understand…..the games played by the schools competing at the NAiA level, or Div 2 and 3 are just as important to the players and coaches competing in those games as the games played by schools like X in the NCAA tournament. The games played by the Xavier athletes during the dark days under the coaches before Stack were not a “waste,of time” for the players involved. Ask Joe Sunderman if he thinks his career at X was a waste of time. I’m sure he will tell you it wasn’t and he never even came close to playing in either a NCAA or NIT tournament game. The games played by the athletes in all the other sports are just as important to them….and have the same kind of power to change lives….as any basketball game played by X. The real fans of NKU, Thomas More, MSJ, etc. are just as passionate as any X fan and get just as much enjoyment out of following their schools as any X fan.

So yeah, everything I posted in the earlier post was tongue in cheek and was said to elicit a response by you exactly like you gave.

No game played by a Xavier team…no matter when it’s played or by whom….is a waste of time to the players and coaches involved. And if any of them think it is a waste of their time then they shouldn’t be playing. It’s a privilege to put that uniform on and represent the school and it shouldn’t matter if it’s an exhibition game, a regular season game, or the NCAA championship game.

The NIT is not a “waste of time”. It is another chance to wear the uniform, play the game, and compete…..and that’s never a waste of time.

[blueblood]

For some reason I’m reminded of the old adage, you get what you pay for.

For some reason that reminds me of the NIL thread. ;)

[stammina0721]

Might be an insane several weeks.

How would you like to be a coach, work your ass off for 5 and a half months, and then after your last game, the destiny of NEXT year lies in the portal and you have to spend 18 hours a day for 6 weeks dealing with players, parents, and NIL colllectives.

Sounds amazing

I have coached high school football for 18 years. I have earned my CSCS certification and could use that to get a position at a mid to high level D1 school with the connections I have built. However, at this point I have absolutely zero desire to do so. I'd rather teach and coach at the high school level where the game is still mostly pure ( not fully though cause $$$ is creeping down here now). College use to have that story. Now it is just insane what programs have to do just to try and keep their players.

Sports to me is about the relationships. Now that is getting phased out. Why do you think Nick Saban retired. I can tell you right now he wasn't done as a coach. I can tell you he had multiple guys asking him what he was gonna pay to keep them and he said he was done instead of having those conversations. It's a sad reality of today's game and it is why I refuse to move to the college game. Sean Miller, Tom Izzo, Mark Few, and others won't be long for this game. Trading relationships for money isn't worth it to coaches like that and they won't want to support this system with their good names much longer.... same as Saban.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I think NIL difficulties are going to be part of it going forward. Another way of thinking of it is that with greater compensation comes greater responsibility to perform. If you consider that, these kids did not earn that NIL by any stretch.

Thinking of next year, I worry of the ability to get a quality big. I think we need to have Ciani, Nzeh, and l Djokovic stay. It is far easier to recruit and develop a front court player than to find a starter in the portal. There were not many last year. Guards and wings are all over it

[XUBison]

I have coached high school football for 18 years. I have earned my CSCS certification and could use that to get a position at a mid to high level D1 school with the connections I have built. However, at this point I have absolutely zero desire to do so. I'd rather teach and coach at the high school level where the game is still mostly pure ( not fully though cause $$$ is creeping down here now). College use to have that story. Now it is just insane what programs have to do just to try and keep their players.

Sports to me is about the relationships. Now that is getting phased out. Why do you think Nick Saban retired. I can tell you right now he wasn't done as a coach. I can tell you he had multiple guys asking him what he was gonna pay to keep them and he said he was done instead of having those conversations. It's a sad reality of today's game and it is why I refuse to move to the college game. Sean Miller, Tom Izzo, Mark Few, and others won't be long for this game. Trading relationships for money isn't worth it to coaches like that and they won't want to support this system with their good names much longer.... same as Saban.

Yeah but, eat the rich, or something.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I’d do it for a hell of a lot less than what these head coaches are making.

Ha, yep, sounds great to me!

[D-West & PO-Z]

I have coached high school football for 18 years. I have earned my CSCS certification and could use that to get a position at a mid to high level D1 school with the connections I have built. However, at this point I have absolutely zero desire to do so. I'd rather teach and coach at the high school level where the game is still mostly pure ( not fully though cause $$$ is creeping down here now). College use to have that story. Now it is just insane what programs have to do just to try and keep their players.

Sports to me is about the relationships. Now that is getting phased out. Why do you think Nick Saban retired. I can tell you right now he wasn't done as a coach. I can tell you he had multiple guys asking him what he was gonna pay to keep them and he said he was done instead of having those conversations. It's a sad reality of today's game and it is why I refuse to move to the college game. Sean Miller, Tom Izzo, Mark Few, and others won't be long for this game. Trading relationships for money isn't worth it to coaches like that and they won't want to support this system with their good names much longer.... same as Saban.

All great coaches but if they leave the game will keep on keepin on and 20 guys will be fighting to replace them. If they don't adapt they'll be gone anyway forced out like Boeheim. The coaches complaining about yesteryear won't last much longer you are correct there. I havent seen any evidence that Few or Miller are one of those guys though. Izzo has not done well adapting to the portal though.

[Xville]

[QUOTE=XUGRAD80;780443]Oh, so it is only PARTLY a waste of time….and only for you fans that don’t like watching them play unless they are playing in the NCAA tourney because otherwise it’s not fun. So only if it’s fun is it not a waste of time. Because you came to X because they had a good basketball program and if they don’t have a good program then you wasted your time going there, and yada yada yada. Just because YOU find it a waste of YOUR time doesn’t mean that it is a waste of time for everyone.

If sports are important enough to save lives then ALL SPORTS and ALL GAMES are NOT a “waste of time”.

But let me clue you into something that someone that only knows X as being a “pretty good basketball program” can’t maybe understand…..the games played by the schools competing at the NAiA level, or Div 2 and 3 are just as important to the players and coaches competing in those games as the games played by schools like X in the NCAA tournament. The games played by the Xavier athletes during the dark days under the coaches before Stack were not a “waste,of time” for the players involved. Ask Joe Sunderman if he thinks his career at X was a waste of time. I’m sure he will tell you it wasn’t and he never even came close to playing in either a NCAA or NIT tournament game. The games played by the athletes in all the other sports are just as important to them….and have the same kind of power to change lives….as any basketball game played by X. The real fans of NKU, Thomas More, MSJ, etc. are just as passionate as any X fan and get just as much enjoyment out of following their schools as any X fan.

So yeah, everything I posted in the earlier post was tongue in cheek and was said to elicit a response by you exactly like you gave.

No game played by a Xavier team…no matter when it’s played or by whom….is a waste of time to the players and coaches involved. And if any of them think it is a waste of their time then they shouldn’t be playing. It’s a privilege to put that uniform on and represent the school and it shouldn’t matter if it’s an exhibition game, a regular season game, or the NCAA championship game.

The NIT is not a “waste of time”. It is another chance to wear the uniform, play the game, and compete…..and that’s never a waste of time.[/QUOTE

The nit is a waste of time. Now we can get to what matters, rebuilding the roster and getting back to the tourney. This is not high school, div 2, another sport, fifty years ago or whatever other tangent you want to run down that has zero to do with present.

[XUGRAD80]

Just when I think that he’s becoming reasonable and thoughtful. Oh well, you can lead a horse to water…..

[Xville]

Sure sports are fun, but basketball is way more important at Xavier for a myriad of reasons than just fun. Since you have seen where x has come from, you should understand that more than most fans. Trying to equate other sports at different levels and different time periods with what college basketball is at Xavier today is nonsensical.

[XUGRAD80]

It really wouldn’t matter much in the grand scheme of life if Xavier had never decided to embrace college BB and hadn’t grown to be the university it is today. Many here attended the university during some of its darkest days (and not just for its BB program) and still have had great lives and been very successful. How successful either the basketball program is or how big the university becomes is really not that important to the world.

Keep things in perspective.

[Xville]

It really wouldn’t matter much in the grand scheme of life if Xavier had never decided to embrace college BB and hadn’t grown to be the university it is today. Many here attended the university during some of its darkest days (and not just for its BB program) and still have had great lives and been very successful. How successful either the basketball program is or how big the university becomes is really not that important to the world.

Keep things in perspective.

To the world? No. To a hell of a lot of people at present, and more than just for funsies? yes. It brings value to a hell of a lot of people.

I really don’t need to be told to put things in perspective, but thank you for the condescending tone.

[XUGRAD80]

Forget the world, just think about Ohio….

Recent study by the University says that X has a 1 billion dollar impact on Ohio’s economy. That sounds like an awful lot until you see that the Gross State Product for Ohio in 2023 was 642 billion.

1/642

And that there are 628,000 undergraduate college students in Ohio and Xavier has only 4,800.

Perspective

X is a very small school that often outpunches its weight class in many areas. But sometimes it falls short of doing that. When that happens it’s not the end of the world.

This off-season will be very important if X going to continue to perform at the level that so many have come to expect and see as normal for X. But I think it’s important to understand that what they have done over the last 35 years is really extraordinary and is not normal at all. If it was easy every school would be able to do it. There are going to be stumbles from time to time. There are going to be bumps in the road. Keep it in perspective and move on.

[Xville]

Portal Time. I would think that exit interviews occur over the next couple of days. Probably start seeing some guys announce Friday if not earlier?

Looking forward to the reconstruction of the roster and getting back to Xavier's rightful place in the tourney.

[UCGRAD4X]

Given the current 'state' of MCBB and college sports as a whole, is this the best time or the worst time for Xavier to have maybe the worst season in the last half century?

[webxu]

Given the current 'state' of MCBB and college sports as a whole, is this the best time or the worst time for Xavier to have maybe the worst season in the last half century?

I have to believe this is the best time for them to have a terrible season. With the current state of athletics you can do a 180 in a year. Just look at what Miami did last year, south carolina this year, etc. In the past if we have a season like this we would be "stuck" with most these guys for at least another year and that can become a mighty hole to dig out of. Now you can literally make the final 4 from nowehere if you strike gold in the portal, granted that is a big IF, but its attainable. The difficulty would be to KEEP good teams together for multiple years.

[A Fan]

I have coached high school football for 18 years. I have earned my CSCS certification and could use that to get a position at a mid to high level D1 school with the connections I have built. However, at this point I have absolutely zero desire to do so. I'd rather teach and coach at the high school level where the game is still mostly pure ( not fully though cause $$$ is creeping down here now). College use to have that story. Now it is just insane what programs have to do just to try and keep their players.

Sports to me is about the relationships. Now that is getting phased out. Why do you think Nick Saban retired. I can tell you right now he wasn't done as a coach. I can tell you he had multiple guys asking him what he was gonna pay to keep them and he said he was done instead of having those conversations. It's a sad reality of today's game and it is why I refuse to move to the college game. Sean Miller, Tom Izzo, Mark Few, and others won't be long for this game. Trading relationships for money isn't worth it to coaches like that and they won't want to support this system with their good names much longer.... same as Saban.
It's commendable that you prioritize teaching , coaching and genuine relationships over the allure of “ moving up” .

[atljar]

Im 40 years old and been an XU fan my entire life. This is the first season that I can say Im "happy" to be over with. Looking forward to the future and forgetting the past year.

[nuts4xu]

How successful either the basketball program is or how big the university becomes is really not that important to the world.

Keep things in perspective.

The success of the basketball program has been directly tied to how big and successful the university has become in the past 35 years.

If the basketball program wasn't successful, the school would not be what it is today.

My time at Xavier was incredible, in part because of the success of the basketball program. I can't imagine what it would've been like to be a student during some of the Elite 8 seasons.

Sure, the world is filled with more important things than Xavier or it's basketball program. But this university needs the program to be successful to ensure their doors will be open in 10-20 years.

[XU_Lou]

Oh, so it is only PARTLY a waste of time….and only for you fans that don’t like watching them play unless they are playing in the NCAA tourney because otherwise it’s not fun. So only if it’s fun is it not a waste of time. Because you came to X because they had a good basketball program and if they don’t have a good program then you wasted your time going there, and yada yada yada. Just because YOU find it a waste of YOUR time doesn’t mean that it is a waste of time for everyone.

If sports are important enough to save lives then ALL SPORTS and ALL GAMES are NOT a “waste of time”.

But let me clue you into something that someone that only knows X as being a “pretty good basketball program” can’t maybe understand…..the games played by the schools competing at the NAiA level, or Div 2 and 3 are just as important to the players and coaches competing in those games as the games played by schools like X in the NCAA tournament. The games played by the Xavier athletes during the dark days under the coaches before Stack were not a “waste,of time” for the players involved. Ask Joe Sunderman if he thinks his career at X was a waste of time. I’m sure he will tell you it wasn’t and he never even came close to playing in either a NCAA or NIT tournament game. The games played by the athletes in all the other sports are just as important to them….and have the same kind of power to change lives….as any basketball game played by X. The real fans of NKU, Thomas More, MSJ, etc. are just as passionate as any X fan and get just as much enjoyment out of following their schools as any X fan.

So yeah, everything I posted in the earlier post was tongue in cheek and was said to elicit a response by you exactly like you gave.

No game played by a Xavier team…no matter when it’s played or by whom….is a waste of time to the players and coaches involved. And if any of them think it is a waste of their time then they shouldn’t be playing. It’s a privilege to put that uniform on and represent the school and it shouldn’t matter if it’s an exhibition game, a regular season game, or the NCAA championship game.

The NIT is not a “waste of time”. It is another chance to wear the uniform, play the game, and compete…..and that’s never a waste of time.

Of course this all correct - how can anyone in their right mind not see the benefits:

* we just got some fairly major exposure at prime time on another network.

* the game allowed a very young team to get another few days of practice together.

* the NIT provided X with an opportunity to extend their winning season streak. Anytime you can get on a list with a bunch of bluebloods is always a positive - for a variety of reasons.

* I'm always going to watch and root for X at any chance I get. Frankly, that game last night had far more meaning for me than those NCAA play-in games.

* That game certainly meant a lot to Quincy - he broke X's single season 3-point basket record last night.

What exactly are the negatives? Fan pride? Give me a break...

[Xville]

The success of the basketball program has been directly tied to how big and successful the university has become in the past 35 years.

If the basketball program wasn't successful, the school would not be what it is today.

My time at Xavier was incredible, in part because of the success of the basketball program. I can't imagine what it would've been like to be a student during some of the Elite 8 seasons.

Sure, the world is filled with more important things than Xavier or it's basketball program. But this university needs the program to be successful to ensure their doors will be open in 10-20 years.

what he said

[Xville]

I have coached high school football for 18 years. I have earned my CSCS certification and could use that to get a position at a mid to high level D1 school with the connections I have built. However, at this point I have absolutely zero desire to do so. I'd rather teach and coach at the high school level where the game is still mostly pure ( not fully though cause $$$ is creeping down here now). College use to have that story. Now it is just insane what programs have to do just to try and keep their players.

Sports to me is about the relationships. Now that is getting phased out. Why do you think Nick Saban retired. I can tell you right now he wasn't done as a coach. I can tell you he had multiple guys asking him what he was gonna pay to keep them and he said he was done instead of having those conversations. It's a sad reality of today's game and it is why I refuse to move to the college game. Sean Miller, Tom Izzo, Mark Few, and others won't be long for this game. Trading relationships for money isn't worth it to coaches like that and they won't want to support this system with their good names much longer.... same as Saban.

While I commend you for being a high school football coach that values relationships and certainly understand your reasoning for not wanting to move up, I'm not sure I agree with your stance on Saban and the other coaches mentioned. I think it's pretty laughable what Saban said, he's just mad that now everyone has the ability to pay players and that it is so in his face. Not going to convince me that school wasn't cheating its butt off while he was coaching there.

I still think there is an ability for a lot of coaches to have their cake and eat it too, at least for right now. In other words, you can still find enough kids that yeah want some money of course, but there are other things they desire right along with it. Relationships, ability to get to the next level, winning program etc etc. Of course, on the flipside, there are always going to be the mercenaries or hired guns which I'm sure there always have been.

Anyways, time will tell.

[Xville]

This dude is scheduled for a visit:

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4593120/josh-cohen

Meh. Maybe if he added about twenty pounds of muscle. Competition is Arkansas and notre dame as of right now.

[Xavier]

He was first team all A-10. But he also averaged 22 and 8 his JR year. Numbers dropped to 16/7 his senior year. Wouldn’t be my first choice, but also depends on what type of roll he’d be in.

[bjf123]

6’10”, 220? I’m 6’5”, 220 and look kind of scrawny. He’s got to look almost anemic! But, if Miller thinks he can play in the Big East, bring him on!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[UCGRAD4X]

While I commend you for being a high school football coach that values relationships and certainly understand your reasoning for not wanting to move up, I'm not sure I agree with your stance on Saban and the other coaches mentioned. I think it's pretty laughable what Saban said, he's just mad that now everyone has the ability to pay players and that it is so in his face. Not going to convince me that school wasn't cheating its butt off while he was coaching there.

I still think there is an ability for a lot of coaches to have their cake and eat it too, at least for right now. In other words, you can still find enough kids that yeah want some money of course, but there are other things they desire right along with it. Relationships, ability to get to the next level, winning program etc etc. Of course, on the flipside, there are always going to be the mercenaries or hired guns which I'm sure there always have been.

Anyways, time will tell.

So the old days when certain schools had the money to pay their players under the table is replaced by an era when certain schools can afford to pay their players above the table.

[XUGRAD80]

So the old days when certain schools had the money to pay their players under the table is replaced by an era when certain schools can afford to pay their players MORE THAN OTHERS, above the table.


Fixed it for you

[XUGRAD80]

6’10”, 220? I’m 6’5”, 220 and look kind of scrawny. He’s got to look almost anemic! But, if Miller thinks he can play in the Big East, bring him on!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Abou is listed as 6’10 and 244lbs, and he doesn’t look very bulky to me. However….we do need to question just how accurate ANY of these listing on height and weight really are. Abou might actually be closer to 220 than he is 250.

[XUGRAD80]

This dude is scheduled for a visit:

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4593120/josh-cohen

Meh. Maybe if he added about twenty pounds of muscle. Competition is Arkansas and notre dame as of right now.

Rivals just listed him in the top 15 of currently available transfers. Not the top center, but near the top.

[Xville]

Rivals just listed him in the top 15 of currently available transfers. Not the top center, but near the top.

I guess he’d be a good substitute for free if he’s not fully ready to roll, but it’d be nice to get some beef even if undersized like Townsend.

[MHettel]

I guess he’d be a good substitute for free if he’s not fully ready to roll, but it’d be nice to get some beef even if undersized like Townsend.

That guy has an interesting stat line. He’s played 5 years already, but that first season when he played 1 game probably became a redshirt. He started his career at St. Francis, PA. That’s barely D1, and he redshirted. By year 4 there he was averaging 22 / 8. He transferred last year….and ended up at UMass. Kinda makes you wonder, given the scarcity of quality bigs how a guy like that ended up at UMass. But he did fine, but clearly less that he was doing at St. Francis.

He doesn’t shoot 3s, he’s below average in blocks, he’s average at rebounding, he gets to the line pretty well but doesn’t shoot better than average.

I’d take this guy, but he doesn’t seem like a difference maker. Maybe a good compliment to Abou if he stays. We’d be fine at the 5. Not great, but fine.

Also, I don’t pay much attention to the listed weight. A lot of times they will use the reported weight when they were freshmen. That was 5 years ago for this guy. He could be 250 for all we know.

[waggy]

I saw Derek Kellogg on Creighton’s bench yesterday. That was odd.

[Xavier]

Looks like Osman will be hitting the portal. Honestly think he was told we would take him back but we’re looking to upgrade the starting center. If he doesn’t want to come off the bench then it’s best to move on.

Can’t imagine anyone is surprised. He worked hard, wish it came together for him. You can tell he wanted it. Just didn’t have the skill set to get the minutes he was.

[webxu]

Bear in mind, just because they enter the portal doesn't mean they are leaving necessarily. Players will use it a as negotiation tactic to get more NIL, or playing time, or whatever now. I could be wrong, but I believe Kyky entered the portal and ended up coming back ( for that year at least). I would be happy to have Ciani and Abou back in reserve roles if that ends up happening. I really hope Nzeh comes back though, i think he has good potential.

[Xville]

Bringing this back to the top as the roster is now pretty much set outside of depth pieces. It’s been a pretty damn good offseason briniging in five impact players, two of them big men. Well done miller and staff!

So let’s prognosticate on starting lineups. Here is my best guess as of this moment:

McKnight
Maddox
Connell
Free
Traore ( I took him because I think he’s a better complement to free but see hugley playing quite a bit.

[MHettel]

Bringing this back to the top as the roster is now pretty much set outside of depth pieces. It’s been a pretty damn good offseason briniging in five impact players, two of them big men. Well done miller and staff!

So let’s prognosticate on starting lineups. Here is my best guess as of this moment:

McKnight
Maddox
Connell
Free
Traore ( I took him because I think he’s a better complement to free but see hugley playing quite a bit.

I agree that Traore is a better fit with Free. Although hes not a shot blocker (at all). I envisioned a help interior defender that discourages teams from absuing Free inside. Someone that is lurking as a shot blocker. I think Abou was brought in to do that. Let Free handle the offense and Abou takes teh lead on defense. Didnt happen that way.

I do think we still need a rim protector.

[Xville]

I agree that Traore is a better fit with Free. Although hes not a shot blocker (at all). I envisioned a help interior defender that discourages teams from absuing Free inside. Someone that is lurking as a shot blocker. I think Abou was brought in to do that. Let Free handle the offense and Abou takes teh lead on defense. Didnt happen that way.

I do think we still need a rim protector.

Yep. Think we are taking the Alabama approach of lets just outscore people...or at least that is what happened after the App St dude decided to go to Georgia. If it ends up at the final four, I'll take it :) . Got the Sweet 16 last year mainly outscoring people.....this offense could be better if Free stays healthy all year.

[Xville]

The more I think about it, if Free stays healthy (which I know could be a big if), I think X is staring at its first final four directly in the face.

We are old, experienced, have plenty of depth, shooting, inside game etc. There may be a slight weakness on defense, but I think the Offense more than makes up for it.

[XUGRAD80]

The more I think about it, if Free stays healthy (which I know could be a big if), I think X is staring at its first final four directly in the face.

We are old, experienced, have plenty of depth, shooting, inside game etc. There may be a slight weakness on defense, but I think the Offense more than makes up for it.

Love the optimism, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves quite yet. There’s still a lot of if’s. I do agree that they would appear to have a high ceiling, but they have a long climb just to get back to competitive with the upper levels of the conference, let alone the whole college world. Making a FF isn’t just about talent, a lot of things have to go right along the way. I’m sure hoping they do, but I’m still going to keep my optimism in check for awhile longer. :)

[Xavier]

The more I think about it, if Free stays healthy (which I know could be a big if), I think X is staring at its first final four directly in the face.

We are old, experienced, have plenty of depth, shooting, inside game etc. There may be a slight weakness on defense, but I think the Offense more than makes up for it.

The old part is important here. It seemed to be a trend as teams try to take advantage of that COVID year stuff. This is the last year of it and Sean took advantage, we are definitely old. And the health part. Even I forget how damn good Zach is when healthy, but it’s been awhile since he has seen game action. No clue what to truly expect from him

[noteggs]

Everyone knows about Zach’s great achievements on offense (yes defense can always improve). As others have mentioned on the SM podcast, Zach seems to be much more mature these days. Nice to see this video. Also great to see proven talent on this year’s roster. Hopefully it translates to BE level.

https://x.com/xaviermbb/status/1800294403816501313?s=42&t=U5TyKr_wshJKowj_nNzfHg

[murray87]

Great video. It feels like they're light years ahead of where they were last year at this time (roster-wise). Let's be the big roadblock to any 3-peat from UConn!

[MHettel]

Everyone knows about Zach’s great achievements on offense (yes defense can always improve). As others have mentioned on the SM podcast, Zach seems to be much more mature these days. Nice to see this video. Also great to see proven talent on this year’s roster. Hopefully it translates to BE level.

https://x.com/xaviermbb/status/1800294403816501313?s=42&t=U5TyKr_wshJKowj_nNzfHg

I think videos like this and especially the Sean Miller show are important to the program from a brand/marketing perspective. Winning is always great and helps alot, but it all comes down to getting great players and the brand has to be front and center.

[xukeith]

I think videos like this and especially the Sean Miller show are important to the program from a brand/marketing perspective. Winning is always great and helps alot, but it all comes down to getting great players and the brand has to be front and center.
If I am a brother, uncle, parent, or cousin of a top talent that X has offered a full ride, I would definitely like the opportunity to learn more about Sean Miller, the X brand, current X players and fan support.

[Xville]

King Kenny said he wishes outside of anyone besides Claude, he wishes Lazar would have stayed. Hmm, weird. Kenny probably doesn't know anything about big guys, potential and d1 college basketball though.

Hett knows more.

[MHettel]

King Kenny said he wishes outside of anyone besides Claude, he wishes Lazar would have stayed. Hmm, weird. Kenny probably doesn't know anything about big guys, potential and d1 college basketball though.

Hett knows more.

Maybe if Lazar played like a big guy he'd still be here.

[Smails]

King Kenny said he wishes outside of anyone besides Claude, he wishes Lazar would have stayed. Hmm, weird. Kenny probably doesn't know anything about big guys, potential and d1 college basketball though.

Hett knows more.

I wanted Lazar to stay too. Unfortunately we needed him to play a bigger role than he was capable of, got pushed around definitely lost his confidence. I still think he has an upside and am curious as to what player he looks like as a Jr and Sr.