College Basketball Transfer Portal 2024-2025

[bobbiemcgee]

Starts March 13.

[XUMIOH12]

The transfer portal window to enter is officially March 18th to May 1st. 45 day window this year.

[MHettel]

It’s gonna be chaos. Having the window open while the season is ongoing is crazy. The coaching musical chairs will be occurring at the same time. Imagine if you have you roster pretty set, a coach takes a new job, which opens up a job that someone takes that opens up a job that someone takes that opens up a job that your coach takes. And then your roster all jumps into the portal in mid / late April and you have no coach and no roster. Sounds amazing

[XUMIOH12]

It’s gonna be chaos. Having the window open while the season is ongoing is crazy. The coaching musical chairs will be occurring at the same time. Imagine if you have you roster pretty set, a coach takes a new job, which opens up a job that someone takes that opens up a job that someone takes that opens up a job that your coach takes. And then your roster all jumps into the portal in mid / late April and you have no coach and no roster. Sounds amazing

Well, they reduced the amount of time the window is open to enter from 60 days to 45. Not that it will make much of a difference. I think it makes more sense to open the window a couple weeks later than it currently opens, but what do I know. The NCAA always makes smart decisions :lmao:

[XUGRAD80]

They open it right after the regular season in order to give all the teams that aren’t in tournaments a jump start and an advantage……right? (Sarcasm)

[MHettel]

Well, they reduced the amount of time the window is open to enter from 60 days to 45. Not that it will make much of a difference. I think it makes more sense to open the window a couple weeks later than it currently opens, but what do I know. The NCAA always makes smart decisions :lmao:

Yeah, open it a few weeks later. Ideally, it stays open for a few weeks and THEN contact can happen. So you have a set population. I realize there are challenges with THAT idea, but there are issues with every idea when it comes to NIL.

[bobbiemcgee]

It’s gonna be chaos.

100%

[drudy23]

If you enter the portal while your team is still playing, does that deem you ineligible?

[MHettel]

If you enter the portal while your team is still playing, does that deem you ineligible?

I think it seems you stupid.

[Xville]

Jevon Porter—-Michael Porter and Jontay Porter’s brother is entering the transfer portal. I’m gonna assume he’s going back closer to Mizzou if not there but he’d be a great stretch four. 6’11 220

[XUGRAD80]

An excellent article on how it works and what we can expect….

https://247sports.com/college/xavier/longformarticle/college-basketball-transfer-portal-what-to-expect-from-the-2024-cycle-228461240/#2383087

[bobbiemcgee]

https://www.on3.com/transfer-portal/news/five-noteworthy-names-who-have-entered-the-transfer-portal/

[D-West & PO-Z]

It’s gonna be chaos. Having the window open while the season is ongoing is crazy. The coaching musical chairs will be occurring at the same time. Imagine if you have you roster pretty set, a coach takes a new job, which opens up a job that someone takes that opens up a job that someone takes that opens up a job that your coach takes. And then your roster all jumps into the portal in mid / late April and you have no coach and no roster. Sounds amazing

Are you implying year 4 of this will somehow be more chaos than the others? Or do you post this every year? I can't remember.

[MHettel]

Are you implying year 4 of this will somehow be more chaos than the others? Or do you post this every year? I can't remember.

Yeah I post it every year. And each year is more chaotic than the last.

I bet you held on to your blockbuster stock all the way until the bankruptcy, didn’t you.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yeah I post it every year. And each year is more chaotic than the last.

I bet you held on to your blockbuster stock all the way until the bankruptcy, didn’t you.

We are closing in on half a decade of immediate transfer eligibility and NIL, by what year will college sports be ruined or are they already ruined? Will you stop following Xavier basketball once college sports are ruined?

I'll hang up and listen....

[XUGRAD80]

Getting back to discussing the actual portal….

Power forward from Pepperdine just entered the portal. 6’8-6’9….averaged 17 pts a game and 9.9 rebounds. Shot 47% from 3.


Also…

So which players from X do you expect will enter the portal?

And remember that players can enter just to see what kind of NIL money they might get. The new rules allow NIL groups to contact the players directly while they are being recruited AND players can pretty much transfer as often as they like now. There are no limits.

Understanding that, it really won’t surprise me if every player on the roster puts their name out there. Why not? What do they have to lose by seeing what kind of money they might be offered to move? I could see Claude and McKnight for sure and even Swain and Green. I don’t think that any player is for sure coming back, not do I think that they all will leave.

[Xville]

Getting back to discussing the actual portal….

Power forward from Pepperdine just entered the portal. 6’8-6’9….averaged 17 pts a game and 9.9 rebounds. Shot 47% from 3.


Also…

So which players from X do you expect will enter the portal?

And remember that players can enter just to see what kind of NIL money they might get. The new rules allow NIL groups to contact the players directly while they are being recruited AND players can pretty much transfer as often as they like now. There are no limits.

Understanding that, it really won’t surprise me if every player on the roster puts their name out there. Why not? What do they have to lose by seeing what kind of money they might be offered to move? I could see Claude and McKnight for sure and even Swain and Green. I don’t think that any player is for sure coming back, not do I think that they all will leave.

I’d be very surprised if dayvion did that. I could be wrong but I get the sense that him and miller are very intertwined at this point. The others, sure I guess I wouldn’t be surprised if any of swain, green, Claude did but I don’t expect it.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yeah, entering the portal certainly isn't a guarantee a player won't be returning, heck KyKy did this a couple years ago, but for my sanity I would love if Claude, McKnight, Swain, and Green didn't enter even if just testing the waters.

Anyone thin Claude will enter the NBA draft for the evaluation? I can't remember if Colby did after soph year and in no way do I think he'd stay in but that is another thing where there isn't any negative to doing so. Unless you don't want an evaluation now when not ready to stick in any scouts minds? But surely they've already seen Des' weaknesses at this point.

[Xavier]

I think Claude has nba potential. I’m not sure if it’s a PG or SG though. So I actually could see him wanting to go somewhere where they’d:

A) give him as much money as X while also
B) let him play PG.

McKnight is the teams PG. I know Sean says he likes to build a team that basically has two PGs on court at all times but if there’s one thing Claude was worse at than 3pt shooting, it was passing. He had some god awful pass attempts.

It’s a situation where if we had one PG- McKnight is better suited for that, and if Claude’s best path is to show he can play more PG- then he could look somewhere where that gives him that roll. The only reason I bring the PG stuff up is bc Tu said he is a future nba PG on Twitter.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think Claude has nba potential. I’m not sure if it’s a PG or SG though. So I actually could see him wanting to go somewhere where they’d:

A) give him as much money as X while also
B) let him play PG.

McKnight is the teams PG. I know Sean says he likes to build a team that basically has two PGs on court at all times but if there’s one thing Claude was worse at than 3pt shooting, it was passing. He had some god awful pass attempts.

It’s a situation where if we had one PG- McKnight is better suited for that, and if Claude’s best path is to show he can play more PG- then he could look somewhere where that gives him that roll. The only reason I bring the PG stuff up is bc Tu said he is a future nba PG on Twitter.

Is there a good team who would pay him and give him that opportunity tho? Not sure he'd want to move down, but maybe there is?

[MHettel]

Claude is not currently an NBA prospect. He’s an NBA 2 that shoots 20% from college 3 distance. Also is not a PG or an elite defender.

He does have some elite skills, and plenty of time to improve his weaknesses.

But as of now is not on the NBA radar

[XUGRAD80]

Claude may not be on the NBA radar for this year’s draft, and that may well change after next year. By the end of next year he might be looked at as Colby was. Let’s hope so.

However….he IS going to be on the radar of other college teams THIS off-season. Let’s hope that X can keep him and that he doesn’t leave for the money that another schools NIL can offer him.

[drudy23]

Looks like Kam Craft has officially entered the portal.

[Xville]

How will the Kam Craft era be remembered? What a weird two years.

[drudy23]

How will the Kam Craft era be remembered? What a weird two years.

I always liked his size and ability, but he seemed very unsure of himself. Much different than the player he was in high school. I bet it's not the end of hearing about him. The kid can play, he just needs an opportunity. I think we will see him do what CJ Wilcher has done.

I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up at a mid-tier power conference (e.g. Vandy, Georgia, Nebraska, etc, etc)

[XUGRAD80]

Per 24/7 X has reached out to 11 players so far…guards, forwards, and centers.

[Cincypunk.org]

I always liked his size and ability, but he seemed very unsure of himself. Much different than the player he was in high school. I bet it's not the end of hearing about him. The kid can play, he just needs an opportunity. I think we will see him do what CJ Wilcher has done.

I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up at a mid-tier power conference (e.g. Vandy, Georgia, Nebraska, etc, etc)

So a middle of the pack Power 6 school like X?

[drudy23]

So a middle of the pack Power 6 school like X?

Stop. We know we're in a higher tier than the schools I mentioned. This year was an anomoly.

[Cincypunk.org]

Stop. We know we're in a higher tier than the schools I mentioned. This year was an anomoly.

We have had 1 good year since Mack left. Granted they are Steele asterisk years, BUT…

[drudy23]

We have had 1 good year since Mack left. Granted they are Steele asterisk years, BUT…

Well Steele was an anomaly too. He sucked.

[Xville]

Honestly, it’s kind of a fair point. 2018 was really the last time that Xavier was fully Xavier.. last year was the anomaly in recent history. I have little doubt that miller can get x back to that 2018 level, but it’s been a bit.

[drudy23]

It's certainly true, I'll give you that. But it's not X.

I think that's why so many people are frustrated with this season, knowing what we had to endure with Steele.

When it's all said and done, it's probably close to a decade of impact (his 5 years, and the 5 it will take to get back to that point) with that terrible hire.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

There are just not many starting level front court players that made a difference this year in the portal. X cannot expect to get many if any of those guys. It's imperative Miller recruits and develops those players. Wings/guards are everywhere. We should be able to lock down some of those.

[X Matters]

According to the Enquirer - Kam Craft is the first to enter the portal.

[MHettel]

According to the Enquirer - Kam Craft is the first to enter the portal.

Will be interesting to see what kind of market there is for Craft. Fairly high ranking coming out of HS, but then didn’t have many opportunities or show much as a freshman. Missed this year due to injury.

Will he drop down to assure himself some PT and then maybe transfer again later once he’s established he can play? Or will he be a low risk, cheap option for a big 6 school that is looking for a guy under the radar?

[XUGRAD80]

There are just not many starting level front court players that made a difference this year in the portal. X cannot expect to get many if any of those guys. It's imperative Miller recruits and develops those players. Wings/guards are everywhere. We should be able to lock down some of those.

Portal has only been open a few days. There are still hundreds and hundreds of players that are going to enter it. X has already reached out to 1/2 a dozen front court players. Be patient.

[paulxu]

Because of portals, and NILs, and possible "employee" situations and unions, are regular scholarships just for one year now?

[noteggs]

Because of portals, and NILs, and possible "employee" situations and unions, are regular scholarships just for one year now?

I heard some NIL deals are for two years. Not sure how that would hold in court tho.

[XUGRAD80]

Because of portals, and NILs, and possible "employee" situations and unions, are regular scholarships just for one year now?

They are, but I think that happened before the transfer and NIL rules went into effect.

[paulxu]

If a player enter the portal, does he forfeit his scholarship at that point...and it may be there if he comes back?

[XUGRAD80]

If a player enter the portal, does he forfeit his scholarship at that point...and it may be there if he comes back?

Yes and yes….but it may not be too.

[XUGRAD80]

Cesare Edwards has entered the portal….he left X for Missouri State and stayed one year.

[XUBison]

How will the Kam Craft era be remembered? What a weird two years.

All I know is, my brain made considerable effort to remember his name is Kam Craft, not Cam Kraft. – KC, like Kansas City.

[D-West & PO-Z]

All I know is, my brain made considerable effort to remember his name is Kam Craft, not Cam Kraft. – KC, like Kansas City.

Ha, same, not sure I ever got it down either.

[atljar]

Wouldnt mind this pickup! https://bvmsports.com/2024/03/20/maxime-raynaud-transferring-5-best-fits-for-7-foot-1-center/6/

[xudash]

Wouldnt mind this pickup! https://bvmsports.com/2024/03/20/maxime-raynaud-transferring-5-best-fits-for-7-foot-1-center/6/

I wonder what the list is that makes us such an outlier.

[JTG]

I wonder what the list is that makes us such an outlier.

UCLA, SDSU, CAROLINA.He's expected to be highly coveted.

[UCGRAD4X]

I wonder what the list is that makes us such an outlier.

Maybe because we sucked this year and may be in a bit of a protracted rebuild.

It will make a "contender" just to make the tournament.

[Jehoya]

Kachi Nzeh going into the portal, I was hoping he would stay, seemed like he would have been a stud by the time he was a junior/senior....guess no more developmental guys sticking it out, moving forward/

[MHettel]

Kachi Nzeh going into the portal, I was hoping he would stay, seemed like he would have been a stud by the time he was a junior/senior....guess no more developmental guys sticking it out, moving forward/

not good.

[XU-PA]

Disappointing, he really has potential.

But this guy Raynaud from Stanford?? 15.5 and 9.6?? Schwing!!!

[Xavier]

Just to be clear that article was pure speculation. Some teams the guy thought could be interested and why. Though cohens relationship with him certainly is a good thing.

Disappointing for Nzeh. Thought he was starting to show some good reason to be happy for his future. But if he wants a big role next year, it wasn’t going to be at Xavier. And a reminder going to portal doesn’t mean they are leaving. I believe KyKy went to portal and came back.

[xuphan]

Just to be clear that article was pure speculation. Some teams the guy thought could be interested and why. Though cohens relationship with him certainly is a good thing.

Disappointing for Nzeh. Thought he was starting to show some good reason to be happy for his future. But if he wants a big role next year, it wasn’t going to be at Xavier. And a reminder going to portal doesn’t mean they are leaving. I believe KyKy went to portal and came back.

Disappointing but we need to rebuild this roster. We have a few good pieces but that’s about it. Need to hit the portal hard and bring a several transfers to help compete in the Big East next season.

[Xavier]

By all means. And I expect there to be quite a few more who test the portal. It’s a new era, and that’s just part of it. I’d only really expect McKnight hunter and Freemantle back 100%. Anyone else testing the portal won’t surprise me

[MHettel]

Disappointing but we need to rebuild this roster. We have a few good pieces but that’s about it. Need to hit the portal hard and bring a several transfers to help compete in the Big East next season.

I would have preferred that all 3 freshmen would come back. Each guys was at least somewhat productive, and you could see the potential in each. Figured they would have a role.

Nzeh leaving could tell us more about Ciani and Abou. If both of those guys are coming back, then Nzeh was probably further down on the depth chart. Alternatively, if those guys were leaving, then you would think there would be minutes for Nzeh.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Disappointing but we need to rebuild this roster. We have a few good pieces but that’s about it. Need to hit the portal hard and bring a several transfers to help compete in the Big East next season.

We do need to rebuild the roster but was hoping we would not lose Nzeh. He is big, strong and athletic and although probably not likely to garner bunches of minutes next year, I could see a role for him in the following years. Still, thought he might stay. Miller talked on one his recent radio shows about the importance of continuity year to year, and he seemed to like Kachi.

[94GRAD]

I would have preferred that all 3 freshmen would come back. Each guys was at least somewhat productive, and you could see the potential in each. Figured they would have a role.

Nzeh leaving could tell us more about Ciani and Abou. If both of those guys are coming back, then Nzeh was probably further down on the depth chart. Alternatively, if those guys were leaving, then you would think there would be minutes for Nzeh.

Which 3, we had 5 Freshmen come in last year?

[UCGRAD4X]

We do need to rebuild the roster but was hoping we would not lose Nzeh. He is big, strong and athletic and although probably not likely to garner bunches of minutes next year, I could see a role for him in the following years. Still, thought he might stay. Miller talked on one his recent radio shows about the importance of continuity year to year, and he seemed to like Kachi.

He seemed to be the one that had the best Big East build as a banger (that's some fine alliteration there if I don't minds saying so).

[Xavier]

We do need to rebuild the roster but was hoping we would not lose Nzeh. He is big, strong and athletic and although probably not likely to garner bunches of minutes next year, I could see a role for him in the following years. Still, thought he might stay. Miller talked on one his recent radio shows about the importance of continuity year to year, and he seemed to like Kachi.

Yeah, I thought he might get some minutes next year but thought he could be a starter his JR/sr year. Hopefully as things play out he still comes back.

[XUGRAD80]

Nzeh was the one I thought had the biggest upside as a possible real banger and rebounder. I don’t think that he will ever be a polished offense player, but I like his motor and intensity. I hope he ends up coming back.

[MHettel]

Which 3, we had 5 Freshmen come in last year?

uh, the ones that werent picked up at the very last minute after all the traditional freshman and decent transfers were gone.

[xavbball]

Disappointing. Had potential and was the type of post player we've been missing.

[Xville]

Some of those frontcourt guys have to go. I like nzeh’s size and motor for sure. Who knows if he ever develops but hope he lands in a spot that allows him to for his sake. Good luck to him.

[paulxu]

So a guy goes into the portal...Northwest Southeastern Utah Technical State offers him $50K.

Then he calls up Miller and says I want to come back...do you have $55K?

What a way to run a pop shop.

[Xavier]

Definitely seems like an extreme example but I get your point. Having said that, I guarantee agents and players alike will see playing opportunity as a big part of it. If Nzeh can go somewhere he could make similar or even less money- but be a starter, it’s probably more beneficial both as development and for getting a bigger NIL deal down the way.

I know people worry about the blue bloods raiding mid major schools, but I think you’ll see a lot of them also get talent back. Talent they wouldn’t normally be getting by offering decent money but guaranteed minutes.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

So a guy goes into the portal...Northwest Southeastern Utah Technical State offers him $50K.

Then he calls up Miller and says I want to come back...do you have $55K?

What a way to run a pop shop.
It’s called capitalism, I have noticed some on here love it when it works how they like it and hate it when it works how they don’t.

[Xavier]

It’s called capitalism, I have noticed some on here love it when it works how they like it and hate it when it works how they don’t.

Yeah, but no sports league has open free agency every year. Mentioned before but I expect a lot more “2 year” NIL deals moving forward. Similar to what the Miami guard got.

[LOLmickcronin]

Yeah, but no sports league has open free agency every year. Mentioned before but I expect a lot more “2 year” NIL deals moving forward. Similar to what the Miami guard got.

This may be the ultimate direction of paying college players. But NIL money really isn’t enforceable this way at all. Guys can take the money and take off without ever playing a minute if they want. Unless the money is locked for two years but I don’t know how many players will settle for that.

[JTG]

It’s called capitalism, I have noticed some on here love it when it works how they like it and hate it when it works how they don’t.

Why do you suppose all the pro leagues have salary caps? So that there is at least a level playing field. It's impossible to run college sports with unlimited compensation.

[Xville]

Why do you suppose all the pro leagues have salary caps? So that there is at least a level playing field. It's impossible to run college sports with unlimited compensation.

Baseball doesn’t have a salary cap, which is part of the reason it’s dying… well that and the analytic dorks

[D-West & PO-Z]

Just to be clear that article was pure speculation. Some teams the guy thought could be interested and why. Though cohens relationship with him certainly is a good thing.

Disappointing for Nzeh. Thought he was starting to show some good reason to be happy for his future. But if he wants a big role next year, it wasn’t going to be at Xavier. And a reminder going to portal doesn’t mean they are leaving. I believe KyKy went to portal and came back.

I'm not so sure Miller didnt motivate Nzeh to look elsewhere. I think many of these guys hitting the portal will have been given very blunt assessments by Miller.

Sean made it clear very publicly multiple times our roster will never be this bad again. I would be shocked if we don't bring in several new faces who play a lot.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I would have preferred that all 3 freshmen would come back. Each guys was at least somewhat productive, and you could see the potential in each. Figured they would have a role.

Nzeh leaving could tell us more about Ciani and Abou. If both of those guys are coming back, then Nzeh was probably further down on the depth chart. Alternatively, if those guys were leaving, then you would think there would be minutes for Nzeh.

We had 5 freshman, no? Ciani and Lazar also 1st year players with all eligibility remaining.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Which 3, we had 5 Freshmen come in last year?

Sorry, beat me to it.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Some of those frontcourt guys have to go. I like nzeh’s size and motor for sure. Who knows if he ever develops but hope he lands in a spot that allows him to for his sake. Good luck to him.

Yeah we need at least 2 new front court guys who are going to play sig mins. Not shocked to see Nzeh see the writing on the wall.

[Xavier]

I'm not so sure Miller didnt motivate Nzeh to look elsewhere. I think many of these guys hitting the portal will have been given very blunt assessments by Miller.

Sean made it clear very publicly multiple times our roster will never be this bad again. I would be shocked if we don't bring in several new faces who play a lot.

I think it’s clear he would have seen a similar role, if not slightly less than, to what he was doing towards the end of the year. Just seemed like he showed flashes of what could be a very solid role his JR/SR year.

The transfer portal is great for rebuilding fast. But you still need a core group of guys IMO. The overall talent wasn’t there. I’m not losing sleep over anyone who leaves. But at some point you need to start building a foundation, too. Maybe that will be Swain/Powell/Djokovic/Green. Who knows. Again with results like this year, building a core foundation out of those guys isn’t the highest priority

[xu82]

I don’t blame Jay Wright for going to TV. Not one little bit.

[Xville]

Are we going to have one x guy enter the portal a day for the next few days? Seems like that’s what happened last year and is the case so far this year. It’s kind of odd but maybe it’s due to whenever miller has his exit interviews with guys.

I do 100% agree that X needs to build a core---build a developing core, get some transfers and build that consistency year over year. Hopefully Green, Swain, Joker, possibly Ciani build that foundation.

[LOLmickcronin]

I think it’s clear he would have seen a similar role, if not slightly less than, to what he was doing towards the end of the year. Just seemed like he showed flashes of what could be a very solid role his JR/SR year.

The transfer portal is great for rebuilding fast. But you still need a core group of guys IMO. The overall talent wasn’t there. I’m not losing sleep over anyone who leaves. But at some point you need to start building a foundation, too. Maybe that will be Swain/Powell/Djokovic/Green. Who knows. Again with results like this year, building a core foundation out of those guys isn’t the highest priority

This is kind of the crux of the issue with the transfer portal era. How do you build a core? You’re constantly adding the best seniors from mid major teams who are marginally better than your freshmen due to experience and giving them all the minutes. The freshmen don’t develop, they transfer due to playing time, and you rinse and repeat.

I love what Q and McKnight did for this team but for what? 16-18? Awesome. Now most of our freshman and sophomore class are likely leaving. We might as well have just run them out there and gone 12-22 and had something to build on.

If a guy like des leaves it’s very damning. He’s getting a lot of hate that confuses me—- the kid took a huge jump from freshman to sophomore year and most of his mistakes and holes in his game are things he can easily work on. Fact is he and our other guards had to shoulder the entire offensive burden all year. He’s the face of this team over the next couple of years. If you let him walk and replace him with some 23 year old guard from UT San Antonio or something that’s a huge loss in my opinion and keeps this horrible cycle going.

[Xville]

Something that I just thought of....how much do you think Kentucky's roster cost this year? 4-5 million to lose to a team that maybe paid guys 200k total and thats probably on the high side? I bet those donors are thrilled.

[Olsingledigit]

I'm not so sure Miller didnt motivate Nzeh to look elsewhere. I think many of these guys hitting the portal will have been given very blunt assessments by Miller.

Sean made it clear very publicly multiple times our roster will never be this bad again. I would be shocked if we don't bring in several new faces who play a lot.

A lot will depend on whether both Free and Hunter stay healthy and how well they play after one or two years off.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Why do you suppose all the pro leagues have salary caps? So that there is at least a level playing field. It's impossible to run college sports with unlimited compensation.
As said baseball has no Cap, neither does auto racing in the US. Euro soccer doesn’t but F1 has a spending cap.

NFL has a soft cap only one owner breaks.

It’s a new world. You will also start seeing player enter the portal to shop around for better deals but stay. Asu had this with Jamiya Neal.

[Xville]

As said baseball has no Cap, neither does auto racing in the US. Euro soccer doesn’t but F1 has a spending cap.

NFL has a soft cap only one owner breaks.

It’s a new world. You will also start seeing player enter the portal to shop around for better deals but stay. Asu had this with Jamiya Neal.

The nfl has a very hard cap, which is one of the reasons it is so successful

[XUGRAD80]

It’s a new world. You will also start seeing player enter the portal to shop around for better deals but stay. Asu had this with Jamiya Neal.

I wonder if coaches are going to allow that? I mean I can see it with someone that is a real impact star type player, but I can also see coaches telling most players that if they go into the portal they won’t be welcomed back. I believe that there were like 1/4 of the kids that went into the portal the last couple of years that never found a new home. So it’s still a bit of a crapshoot for a lot of kids.

[MHettel]

Baseball doesn’t have a salary cap, which is part of the reason it’s dying… well that and the analytic dorks

Baseball has a luxury tax.....so while not a cap, certainly is also a disincentive.

And by the way, the Analytic dorks run the world

[MHettel]

A lot will depend on whether both Free and Hunter stay healthy and how well they play after one or two years off.

Are we really counting on these guys again? Is it just better for them to stay in college and earn 200K+ than it is to get a real job? Next year will be year 6 for both of them, right?

In addition, can we actually expect them to PLAY? Free's foot has been the Achilles heel of this team (see what I did there), and Hunters Achilles was actually just torn about 6 weeks ago. i would gladly take these guys back if healthy, but I wouldn't PLAN on it. And if they commit to next year, we will be hard pressed to bring in portal guys that may not be assured of any PT.

[MHettel]

The nfl has a very hard cap, which is one of the reasons it is so successful

But it's not really a hard cap in practice. They pay giant signing bonuses that dont count against the cap, unless the player is cut in which case the "unamortized" portion of the bonus hits immediately.

[xu82]

The nfl has a very hard cap, which is one of the reasons it is so successful

There is nothing firm about the NFL salary cap. It’s a lot of accounting smoke and mirrors, with void years, dead money and all that funny business. You can keep kicking the can down the road, especially if you have deep pockets. The “less wealthy” billionaire owners are actually at a disadvantage due to all the guaranteed money they need to shell out.

Some teams were $40-50 Mil over the cap not long ago, but you restructure some big deals and you are back in business, albeit while dumping some of the more expensive guys. It’s “real”, but not as firm as it sounds on the surface.

[MHettel]

I wonder if coaches are going to allow that? I mean I can see it with someone that is a real impact star type player, but I can also see coaches telling most players that if they go into the portal they won’t be welcomed back. I believe that there were like 1/4 of the kids that went into the portal the last couple of years that never found a new home. So it’s still a bit of a crapshoot for a lot of kids.

How would you interpret it if Claude entered the portal? Does that mean hes gone for sure or does it mean that he using the market to get leverage and just plans to come back to XU after they match the best NIL the market offered him. I personally hate that approach, because it limits our ability to improve the team. i would assume the collectives will start structuing the NIL contracts so that if they bring in a guy with 2 years left that they offer 2 years of NIL and lock the guy in for both years unless they mutually agree to part ways. Have a clawback provision in there in case the kid transfers again.

[Xavier]

Are we really counting on these guys again? Is it just better for them to stay in college and earn 200K+ than it is to get a real job? Next year will be year 6 for both of them, right?

In addition, can we actually expect them to PLAY? Free's foot has been the Achilles heel of this team (see what I did there), and Hunters Achilles was actually just torn about 6 weeks ago. i would gladly take these guys back if healthy, but I wouldn't PLAN on it. And if they commit to next year, we will be hard pressed to bring in portal guys that may not be assured of any PT.

I’d be shocked if Sean is moving forward assuming both will be back and both will be the same. He has seen Freemantle working with the team, and I don’t anticipate a drop off in his play. Not sure his foot stays healthy though. I bet sean is just focused on bringing in most talent he can

[Xavier]

Something that I just thought of....how much do you think Kentucky's roster cost this year? 4-5 million to lose to a team that maybe paid guys 200k total and thats probably on the high side? I bet those donors are thrilled.

Which is crazy because I thought only the teams that spend the most will win?

[MHettel]

Which is crazy because I thought only the teams that spend the most will win?

I think teams that have the most to spend AND have a plan for how to spend it will have a significant competitive advantage.

Besides Cal, who is clueless about X's & O's, how many above average coaches would have lost that game yesterday if they had UK's roster. Miller would have won. Mack would have won. Steele would have......nevermind.

[Xville]

Baseball has a luxury tax.....so while not a cap, certainly is also a disincentive.

And by the way, the Analytic dorks run the world

lol yeah that's really stopped the east and west coast teams. 8 last year.

Wasn't my point, it's still ruined baseball, and part of why it's been declining for a couple of decades.

[XUGRAD80]

Are we really counting on these guys again? Is it just better for them to stay in college and earn 200K+ than it is to get a real job? Next year will be year 6 for both of them, right?

In addition, can we actually expect them to PLAY? Free's foot has been the Achilles heel of this team (see what I did there), and Hunters Achilles was actually just torn about 6 weeks ago. i would gladly take these guys back if healthy, but I wouldn't PLAN on it. And if they commit to next year, we will be hard pressed to bring in portal guys that may not be assured of any PT.

I think that he is going to hope for the best and prepare for the worst. I believe that he will want to have 4 starter level players at their 2 positions, and will seek to have that same kind of depth at every position. Only time will tell if he is able to actually bring in that kind of talent but I’d guess that being 2 deep at every position is the goal. In reality, injuries are part of the whole thing and every coach hopes that they have the depth needed to overcome them when they happen. The goal of having depth is one of the reasons that I expect X to keep one of the bigs they already have on the roster, besides Free and Hunter. I also expect him to bring in 2-3 major impact players and maybe even more.

[Xville]

Anyways, back to it...no news today?

[sirthought]

I'm not so sure Miller didnt motivate Nzeh to look elsewhere. I think many of these guys hitting the portal will have been given very blunt assessments by Miller.

Sean made it clear very publicly multiple times our roster will never be this bad again. I would be shocked if we don't bring in several new faces who play a lot.

I really hope that's not the case. Xavier has built many a good roster by developing kids, not giving up on potential, and getting old the right way. I'm not saying he should live with poor roster, but it was unusual circumstance how we had holes in the lineup this season.

That's not Nzeh's fault and Miller knew what he had coming in with Nzeh. I mean, we've seen kids that struggle with attitude and just not working with others well, but that doesn't appear to be the case with this kid. He's just green.

If Miller's expecting either absolute studs out of high school (like UK usually gets), or only the best seasoned transfers, that's not a good long term plan for a solid program. Development still will work.

[XUGRAD80]

Ciani is in the portal…..no,real surprise IMO.

[Xville]

Ciani is in the portal…..no,real surprise IMO.

Agreed. Only frontcourt guy I'd be surprised if they left would be Djokovic. Maybe Abou just because it'd be his last year and he'd accept a backup role.

[Xville]

I really hope that's not the case. Xavier has built many a good roster by developing kids, not giving up on potential, and getting old the right way. I'm not saying he should live with poor roster, but it was unusual circumstance how we had holes in the lineup this season.

That's not Nzeh's fault and Miller knew what he had coming in with Nzeh. I mean, we've seen kids that struggle with attitude and just not working with others well, but that doesn't appear to be the case with this kid. He's just green.

If Miller's expecting either absolute studs out of high school (like UK usually gets), or only the best seasoned transfers, that's not a good long term plan for a solid program. Development still will work.

My guess is that Miller knew what he was getting with Nzeh when he recruited him...a project that would maybe be ready by junior/senior year. My thought/hope is that Miller was upfront and said, that he'd still most likely be a backup next year with maybe a chance to compete by junior or senior year and maybe Nzeh didn't want to wait that long. Not anyone's fault, just reality.

[MHettel]

lol yeah that's really stopped the east and west coast teams. 8 last year.

Wasn't my point, it's still ruined baseball, and part of why it's been declining for a couple of decades.

Wait, so not having a cap ruined baseball?

And yet I’ve been arguing for 3 years that NIL will ruin college basketball and I’m met with hostile disagreement. Got it.

[Final4]

Dwon Odom in the portal. Sorry if this was posted elsewhere.

[Xville]

Wait, so not having a cap ruined baseball?

And yet I’ve been arguing for 3 years that NIL will ruin college basketball and I’m met with hostile disagreement. Got it.

No, analytics.

[MHettel]

No, analytics.

That’s an even weirder take.

[MHettel]

Dwon Odom in the portal. Sorry if this was posted elsewhere.

Hmmm. I suggested that Miller ran him off and a contingent of people said that wasn’t true because he was just following Hayes…..who he just bailed on.

Full circle? Would you take Dwon back in a specific role

[Xville]

That’s an even weirder take.

Not really, but let’s not derail the thread.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

This is kind of the crux of the issue with the transfer portal era. How do you build a core? You’re constantly adding the best seniors from mid major teams who are marginally better than your freshmen due to experience and giving them all the minutes. The freshmen don’t develop, they transfer due to playing time, and you rinse and repeat.

I love what Q and McKnight did for this team but for what? 16-18? Awesome. Now most of our freshman and sophomore class are likely leaving. We might as well have just run them out there and gone 12-22 and had something to build on.

If a guy like des leaves it’s very damning. He’s getting a lot of hate that confuses me—- the kid took a huge jump from freshman to sophomore year and most of his mistakes and holes in his game are things he can easily work on. Fact is he and our other guards had to shoulder the entire offensive burden all year. He’s the face of this team over the next couple of years. If you let him walk and replace him with some 23 year old guard from UT San Antonio or something that’s a huge loss in my opinion and keeps this horrible cycle going.

I think you have hit on Miller's really difficult challenge for next year. I heard him say on his radio show how critical it is to have continuity in the roster. Then, on a different occasion, I heard him say that X would never again lack the roster depth we did this season. But the two can be contradictory can't they? We've got Free and Hunter coming back (right now) but we cannot be assured either will contribute (if at all) in the same manner as the past. So, we've got to out a get replacements not knowing how much those replacements will play. So, who from the portal, is going to sign up for that? And, as we are seeing, some of the freshmen are moving on, presumably in anticipation of lack of playing time next year. There goes the continuity.

I totally get it that we need to rebuild the roster but this is a tough one. I can live with Ciani moving on but regret seeing Nzeh leave.

Miller is walking a tightrope. It is going to be difficult to bring in a quality "4" and "5" under these circumstances. And, even if successful, we could be facing a total lack of veteran talent in 2025.

[waggy]

Hunter is not a threat to be starter next year imo. I think you’re hoping he can come off the bench at some point, probably later in the year.

Free is a threat to start but will likely be on a pitch count. Lots of minutes are available either way.

[A Fan]

How would you interpret it if Claude entered the portal? Does that mean hes gone for sure or does it mean that he using the market to get leverage and just plans to come back to XU after they match the best NIL the market offered him. I personally hate that approach, because it limits our ability to improve the team. i would assume the collectives will start structuing the NIL contracts so that if they bring in a guy with 2 years left that they offer 2 years of NIL and lock the guy in for both years unless they mutually agree to part ways. Have a clawback provision in there in case the kid transfers again.
I don’t think they can let Claude enter the Portal. It is too destabilizing. He has tremendous leverage to get a 2 year deal. Is there anyone here who doubts his two year value is $700,000 to a million.

[Xville]

I don’t think they can let Claude enter the Portal. It is too destabilizing. He has tremendous leverage to get a 2 year deal. Is there anyone here who doubts his two year value is $700,000 to a million.

If he shoots 33-35% from 3 next year, he’s a draft pick. So, I wouldn’t be offering a two year deal. I have zero idea of how much he’s worth because none of it is transparent which is one issue with this collective nonsense.

[Xavier]

I think teams that have the most to spend AND have a plan for how to spend it will have a significant competitive advantage.

Besides Cal, who is clueless about X's & O's, how many above average coaches would have lost that game yesterday if they had UK's roster. Miller would have won. Mack would have won. Steele would have......nevermind.

Haha well played

[XUGRAD80]

I don’t think they can let Claude enter the Portal. It is too destabilizing. He has tremendous leverage to get a 2 year deal. Is there anyone here who doubts his two year value is $700,000 to a million.

I have heard….not verified and certainly don’t quote me on it, but I’ve heard…..that he feels his value is 500K and that’s what he is asking for. I’d guess that the players do talk among themselves and he has a pretty good idea what others say they are getting at their schools. Will he get that much? Who knows. Can the NIL program foot that kind of bill? I have no idea, but I kinda doubt that they can pay out that much to any one player. Is he worth that much? Can’t say but I’ve been watching the NCAA transfer portal pretty closely and I’ve seen a fair number of players with similar season wise averages go into the portal. I’d hate to lose him but I’d guess that if he does enter the portal it’s with the knowledge that X couldn’t come up with the money he wants.

[Xavier]

They have between 3-4 million I think. I don’t think he’s a $500K player. If you guarantee he shots 35% from 3 then maybe I’d see it. I thought I saw Dalton Knecht was like rumored between 7-800K. Hes the 2nd best player in the country. But also have seen the numbers thrown out are no where near what the guys are actually getting

[XU_Lou]

I have heard….not verified and certainly don’t quote me on it, but I’ve heard…..that he feels his value is 500K and that’s what he is asking for. I’d guess that the players do talk among themselves and he has a pretty good idea what others say they are getting at their schools. Will he get that much? Who knows. Can the NIL program foot that kind of bill? I have no idea, but I kinda doubt that they can pay out that much to any one player. Is he worth that much? Can’t say but I’ve been watching the NCAA transfer portal pretty closely and I’ve seen a fair number of players with similar season wise averages go into the portal. I’d hate to lose him but I’d guess that if he does enter the portal it’s with the knowledge that X couldn’t come up with the money he wants.

That number was also mentioned on MM. If true, this model is clearly unsustainable.

I've been wondering, if the NIL and unlimited transfer rule remain in place for xx number of years, I can see a scenario where players like Nzeh, Green and even Swain go to lower level teams to get ample playing time, build their market value, and then move up after a year or two. It feels like Xavier needs to figure how they're going to play this new game. Do we still go after higher caliber HS recruits, knowing we may not be able to pay them after a year or 2, and then have them move on to schools with more money? Or do we try to establish ourselves by picking up junior and seniors from lower conferences, such as Boum, Olivari and McKnight - guys that aren't quite good enough for the blue bloods, but solid players who aren't commanding high dollars? It seems to me that maybe Miller should possibly focus on guys with 2 years of eligibility, give them a chance to gel in year 1, and then make a run at the F4 in their 2nd year.

The landscape is obviously changing. And the pecking order is changing as well - likely in many ways no one is thinking about. Hopefully Miller can figure out these new dynamics. My worst nightmare is that we become a stepping stone. It feels like the vast majority of the NCAA teams will become stepping stones for higher leagues and programs, with the top ~15 or 20 programs benefitting the most. Before these new rules the blue bloods had to recruit top talent, develop them, and then hope they pan out as projected. Now, in my view, they can skip the recruiting process and simply take the cream of the crop as they get older. I can see a scenario where top schools decide to stop HS recruiting altogether, and focus only on established college players. Why waste the money? Why take the chance on players not panning out for one reason or another?

In the bigger picture, will hired guns with less loyalty to schools be a sustainable model for fan bases? There have been mumblings on this board about this issue, which I believe will only get worse. No doubt, I'm sure many other fan bases feel the same way.

[MHettel]

That number was also mentioned on MM. If true, this model is clearly unsustainable.

I've been wondering, if the NIL and unlimited transfer rule remain in place for xx number of years, I can see a scenario where players like Nzeh, Green and even Swain go to lower level teams to get ample playing time, build their market value, and then move up after a year or two. It feels like Xavier needs to figure how they're going to play this new game. Do we still go after higher caliber HS recruits, knowing we may not be able to pay them after a year or 2, and then have them move on to schools with more money? Or do we try to establish ourselves by picking up junior and seniors from lower conferences, such as Boum, Olivari and McKnight - guys that aren't quite good enough for the blue bloods, but solid players who aren't commanding high dollars? It seems to me that maybe Miller should possibly focus on guys with 2 years of eligibility, give them a chance to gel in year 1, and then make a run at the F4 in their 2nd year.

The landscape is obviously changing. And the pecking order is changing as well - likely in many ways no one is thinking about. Hopefully Miller can figure out these new dynamics. My worst nightmare is that we become a stepping stone. It feels like the vast majority of the NCAA teams will become stepping stones for higher leagues and programs, with the top ~15 or 20 programs benefitting the most. Before these new rules the blue bloods had to recruit top talent, develop them, and then hope they pan out as projected. Now, in my view, they can skip the recruiting process and simply take the cream of the crop as they get older. I can see a scenario where top schools decide to stop HS recruiting altogether, and focus only on established college players. Why waste the money? Why take the chance on players not panning out for one reason or another?

In the bigger picture, will hired guns with less loyalty to schools be a sustainable model for fan bases? There have been mumblings on this board about this issue, which I believe will only get worse. No doubt, I'm sure many other fan bases feel the same way.

I agree. You can read all of my posts for the last 3 years for a recap.

[XUGRAD80]

Considering how well teams with supposedly lesser talent are doing in the tourney this year (and this has been a trend for the last couple of years) it would appear that there is an abundance of talent at all levels of college D1 BB. Who here really knew anything about either Olivari of McKnight before they came to X? There are lots of good quality players out there and I do believe that Miller will secure a couple this year. I agree that he will be looking for ones that have a couple of years of eligibility left as he tries to even out the classes. If that means bringing players out of the OVC, conf USA, the AAC, MVC, MAC, whatever, I still trust that Sean can scout and find the players he needs to create the team he wants.

[JTG]

If he shoots 33-35% from 3 next year, he’s a draft pick. So, I wouldn’t be offering a two year deal. I have zero idea of how much he’s worth because none of it is transparent which is one issue with this collective nonsense.

Why not the 2yr deal? If he goes NBA, you don't need to pay yr 2.

[Xville]

Why not the 2yr deal? If he goes NBA, you don't need to pay yr 2.

Yeah I guess you're right.

[Xville]

Considering how well teams with supposedly lesser talent are doing in the tourney this year (and this has been a trend for the last couple of years) it would appear that there is an abundance of talent at all levels of college D1 BB. Who here really knew anything about either Olivari of McKnight before they came to X? There are lots of good quality players out there and I do believe that Miller will secure a couple this year. I agree that he will be looking for ones that have a couple of years of eligibility left as he tries to even out the classes. If that means bringing players out of the OVC, conf USA, the AAC, MVC, MAC, whatever, I still trust that Sean can scout and find the players he needs to create the team he wants.

Yeah I'm not concerned about Miller finding enough talent for the most part..there is guard after guard and swingman after swingman. There is a ton out there. The forwards are a smaller number but I think Miller gets one or two now with the proper timing to find them.

In regards to the x model going forward, X builds out a core (Swain, Green, Powell, Djokovic whoever) and then fill in with some transfers and rinse and repeat every year. We could have started this last year, but Steele. So, Miller is starting a year behind, but I really don't understand all the hand wringing. I really think X will be fine and is in great hands.

[Xuperman]

IMO, this new college bball reality is a total shitshow. This "NIL" monicker is now an absolute joke. I see very little...if any, student athletes DOING ANYTHING for $$$.

This is simply pay for play. Name, Image, Likeness is basically non existent from what I can see.

[MHettel]

Yeah I'm not concerned about Miller finding enough talent for the most part..there is guard after guard and swingman after swingman. There is a ton out there. The forwards are a smaller number but I think Miller gets one or two now with the proper timing to find them.

In regards to the x model going forward, X builds out a core (Swain, Green, Powell, Djokovic whoever) and then fill in with some transfers and rinse and repeat every year. We could have started this last year, but Steele. So, Miller is starting a year behind, but I really don't understand all the hand wringing. I really think X will be fine and is in great hands.

You said that you do t understand the hand wringing last year. And we went 16-18. What will it take for you to understand the hand wringing?

The model that XU followed for 35 years to claw its way into national relevance is no longer a viable approach. We can’t find under recruited kids anymore and turn them into Tyrone Hill, Brian Grant, David West and Romain Sato. Those guys are gone after 2 years in this new environment.

We can’t afford to compete in a world where the size of the budget defines the quality of the roster. I do not understand the unwillingness to accept this fact.

[Xville]

IMO, this new college bball reality is a total shitshow. This "NIL" monicker is now an absolute joke. I see very little...if any, student athletes DOING ANYTHING for $$$.

This is simply pay for play. Name, Image, Likeness is basically non existent from what I can see.

Yeah the original point of the nil model doesn’t exist for the most part. I see some
National stuff with guys from the blue bloods but that’s about it. It’s been discussed ad nauseaum on here but I don’t think the collective model is sustainable. I think at some point it’s going to just come straight from the schools thru rev share, tickets, apparel etc. ncaa could have prevented most of this but they are really dumb.

[Xuperman]

Xavier University Basketball is in the exact disadvantages of the past. It will be defined by elite coaching, staff and the AD.

[Xville]

You said that you do t understand the hand wringing last year. And we went 16-18. What will it take for you to understand the hand wringing?

The model that XU followed for 35 years to claw its way into national relevance is no longer a viable approach. We can’t find under recruited kids anymore and turn them into Tyrone Hill, Brian Grant, David West and Romain Sato. Those guys are gone after 2 years in this new environment.

We can’t afford to compete in a world where the size of the budget defines the quality of the roster. I do not understand the unwillingness to accept this fact.

You do understand that we made the sweet 16 a year ago, right? When nil also existed.

This has been discussed a million times, but again, this past year there were unforeseen(even though you disagree) circumstances that made this year what it was. Combine that with the fact that x didn’t really have a core to build from due to Steele’s shitty high school recruiting, and this year is what we get.

I’m not going to worry about the trajectory of Xavier off one year when we have Sean miller based on conjecture. From my understanding, nil is in good shape to get what we need, x is in the big East and we have Sean miller. What’s not to like? Other than maybe Val Ackerman

[Xuperman]

You do understand that we made the sweet 16 a year ago, right? When nil also existed.

This has been discussed a million times, but again, this past year there were unforeseen(even though you disagree) circumstances that made this year what it was. Combine that with the fact that x didn’t really have a core to build from due to Steele’s shitty high school recruiting, and this year is what we get.

I’m not going to worry about the trajectory of Xavier off one year when we have Sean miller based on conjecture. From my understanding, nil is in good shape to get what we need, x is in the big East and we have Sean miller. What’s not to like? Other than maybe Val Ackerman

I will base EVERYTHING on the trajectory going forward, IF Coach Miller can keep Des Claude in a Musketeer uniform!!!!

[Xville]

I will base EVERYTHING on the trajectory going forward, IF Coach Miller can keep Des Claude in a Musketeer uniform!!!!

what if x doesn't keep des but gets a stud 5? I like Des but id make that trade all day everyday...just sayin.

[Xuperman]

what if x doesn't keep des but gets a stud 5? I like Des but id make that trade all day everyday...just sayin.

Because keeping Des is foundational and gives us old guys hope that some sort of team culture is still alive.

There is ZERO stud 5s that XU could land in the portal, that could cancel a Claude departure. We simply are dwarfed in the cesspool of big "NIL" $$$$.

[XUGRAD80]

We can’t afford to compete in a world where the size of the budget defines the quality of the roster. I do not understand the unwillingness to accept this fact.

The quality of the roster doesn’t always determine the result of the contest. Just ask Kentucky.

[Xville]

The quality of the roster doesn’t always determine the result of the contest. Just ask Kentucky.

Or auburn.

[paulxu]

I wish some school had the balls to structure their NIL deals on performance, instead of the come.

[Xuperman]

The quality of the roster doesn’t always determine the result of the contest. Just ask Kentucky.

Absolutely.... Calipari is brutally incompetent as a coach. Iis impossible to understand how he has only ONE tournament win since 2019....it is a colossal embarrassment.

[Xville]

Because keeping Des is foundational and gives us old guys hope that some sort of team culture is still alive.

There is ZERO stud 5s that XU could land in the portal, that could cancel a Claude departure. We simply are dwarfed in the cesspool of big "NIL" $$$$.

Right now there are no stud 4/5s really yet but there will be. As far as nil, we hold our own.

As far as des, we shall see what happens. I do think there is some legitimate concern about his role which has nothing to do with nil. I don’t blame him if that’s what happens… he’s a pg at the next level if he is to ever make it.

[Xuperman]

Can y'all post some predictable roster "norms" going forward? I mean, is the culture, unity, family concept going by the wayside?

[Xville]

Can y'all post some predictable roster "norms" going forward? I mean, is the culture, unity, family concept going by the wayside?

I think the culture family concept will still be there, but it’s going to take a year or two to fully rebuild it, and the core will probably be smaller than it was in the past.

Making a whole lot of assumptions here but my thought is that 3-4 of the young guys will be staying on the roster and will hopefully be our core going forward, then supplement that with free/hunter, Powell and 3-4 transfers. Following year have 2-3 hs recruits and rinse/repeat with transfers we need etc. it’s going to be a mix… wil have the core, freshmen recruits and transfers. That’s the model going forward imo and I think x will be fine.

[Xville]

As expected, dayvion just announced he’s coming back. Awesome to have him back and second year in millers system

[Xuperman]

I think the culture family concept will still be there, but it’s going to take a year or two to fully rebuild it, and the core will probably be smaller than it was in the past.

Making a whole lot of assumptions here but my thought is that 3-4 of the young guys will be staying on the roster and will hopefully be our core going forward, then supplement that with free/hunter, Powell and 3-4 transfers. Following year have 2-3 hs recruits and rinse/repeat with transfers we need etc. it’s going to be a mix… wil have the core, freshmen recruits and transfers. That’s the model going forward imo and I think x will be fine.

Ok, but my point and focus was the NOW non-traditional trend that goes against building ""culture".

There will be ZERO consistent ways of keeping perceived valuable talent in our program, because of the unpredictable whims of self absorbed youngsters. In what methodology can you keep ANY "student athletes" without the necessary expected payment?

[Xuperman]

As expected, dayvion just announced he’s coming back. Awesome to have him back and second year in millers system

This is ABSOLUTELY HUGE!!!

I mean off the chart huge. He is going to be statistically an ALL TIME PG at XU next season!!!

[Xville]

Ok, but my point and focus was the NOW non-traditional trend that goes against building ""culture".

There will be ZERO consistent ways of keeping perceived valuable talent in our program, because of the unpredictable whims of self absorbed youngsters. In what methodology can you keep ANY "student athletes" without the necessary expected payment?

There are those who will be straight mercenaries as there have always been, and then there are people like Dayvion who is happy with where he’s at, and the dough he’s getting. Culture can still be built at Xavier, it just looks a little different.

[Xavier]

I think the culture family concept will still be there, but it’s going to take a year or two to fully rebuild it, and the core will probably be smaller than it was in the past. .

I actually think culture and family concept becomes more important than ever before. It’s harder than ever to build, but the ones that do will be the most successful.

[Xuperman]

I actually think culture and family concept becomes more important than ever before. It’s harder than ever to build, but the ones that do will be the most successful.

Huh???

I mean really Huh???

You do realize that ALL of this kids are children of social media, right? It is safe to assume that the majority of basketball prospects are highly influenced by "hip hop money swag" aspirations, no?

[XUGRAD80]

Huh???

I mean really Huh???

You do realize that ALL of this kids are children of social media, right? It is safe to assume that the majority of basketball prospects are highly influenced by "hip hop money swag" aspirations, no?

No….no more than in the past anyway. IMO the kid that stays at a university for 4 years won’t completely disappear, even though it won’t be as prevalent as it was in the past. The transfer rules will allow more movement, but it won’t be that every kid moves around either. It will be different, but it won’t be a complete roster rebuild every year for every program. It’s a pretty simple statement to say that the majority of kids are influenced completely by one thing or another, but it’s my experience that it’s not at all accurate. Family, community, relationships, will still play a part in this whole thing. My opinion is that the coaches who do a good-great job in fostering relationships with players and between players in their program are going to be the ones that are the most successful. Money has always been a part of it and will continue to be a part of it, but it’s not the only thing.

[Xuperman]

There will always be exceptions to the "new rule". However, when "sit out a year" is no longer in play, 3-4 different schools for guys will be common.

[UCGRAD4X]

If McKnight and Green get the majority of the PG minutes and Des wants to show his PG chops to make him a better NBA prospect, this might be more of an incentive for him to fly than the $$$. He would forego present money for future NBA dollars.

I hope he stays but my knock on Des this year was not his statistical performance over the prior year, but his play when the game was on the line and that he really did not seem to progress much as the year went on. Just my perspective.

[XUGRAD80]

There will always be exceptions to the "new rule". However, when "sit out a year" is no longer in play, 3-4 different schools for guys will be common.

3-4 might be common but it won’t be the majority of kids. I predict that 2 will be most common. One factor that has also affected this is the Covid Year. Thousands of players got an extra year of eligibility but that goes away either this year or next. A lot of players stayed in college and have been doing graduate level courses at schools that offered a program their old school didn’t. Or just wanted a change of scene.

When we get back to 4 years of eligibility, to be used in 5 years, we might see less movement.

[bjf123]

IMO, this new college bball reality is a total shitshow. This "NIL" monicker is now an absolute joke. I see very little...if any, student athletes DOING ANYTHING for $$$.

This is simply pay for play. Name, Image, Likeness is basically non existent from what I can see.

I’ve wondered the same thing. If the kids are getting paid six figures for their name, image, and likeness, you’d expect to see at least one of those three things all over the place.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[SkyWalker]

I’ve wondered the same thing. If the kids are getting paid six figures for their name, image, and likeness, you’d expect to see at least one of those three things all over the place.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Actually I think you see the player's name, image, and likeness in lots of places. For example, you go to a game and their image is on the floor, the announcer says their name every time they score or commit a foul. Same goes for watching a game on television. The image comes into view with ads like the Big East Tourney and appearing in XBox games.

[profson]

Actually I think you see the player's name, image, and likeness in lots of places. For example, you go to a game and their image is on the floor, the announcer says their name every time they score or commit a foul. Same goes for watching a game on television. The image comes into view with ads like the Big East Tourney and appearing in XBox games.

That is not the point. Of course the players are visible. But the pretend premise is their visibility is linked to the sponsor like when Jordan did Nike ads such that the sponsor reaps commercial value. When Des is on the floor is he identified or identifiable to the NiL sponsors. No. And appearing at a staged event or two is not intrinsically worth (say) 500k to the payor other than the desire for Des to play at X because the donors are X fans. It is precisely pay for play in the real world for the vast majority of cases and it is disingenuous to say otherwise.

[paulxu]

Maybe the "sponsor" is Xavier...and the school reaps the benefit.

[XUGRAD80]

I don’t do all the social networks such as Snapchat, Instagram, etc. but millions of people do. I suspect that most here aren’t involved with them either. So we don’t see what goes on with those platforms. However, millions of people, especially much younger people, get much of their information from those platforms and while we might not see the NIL presences there the people on those platforms do. I’ve also seen a few local TV commercials have local college BB/football players in them and I’ve seen some local eating establishments and retail stores advertise college players as doing autograph sessions. I assume that the players involved in these things are being paid for their time and efforts as part of the NIL system. Endorsing products, services, and businesses is a large part of NIL revenue. If NFL/NBA/MLB stars are getting millions of dollars to endorse products, what is so strange about college stars getting thousands of dollars for doing the same? Just because we old farts don’t see it doesn’t mean it ain’t happening!

[SkyWalker]

That is not the point. Of course the players are visible. But the pretend premise is their visibility is linked to the sponsor like when Jordan did Nike ads such that the sponsor reaps commercial value. When Des is on the floor is he identified or identifiable to the NiL sponsors. No. And appearing at a staged event or two is not intrinsically worth (say) 500k to the payor other than the desire for Des to play at X because the donors are X fans. It is precisely pay for play in the real world for the vast majority of cases and it is disingenuous to say otherwise.

If someone is willing to pay $500,000, they must think the player is worth it. I concur with Paul that X is the sponsor (benefactor) to keep the basketball program top notch. My post was just referring to the comment of not seeing name, image, and likeness. Also, I am very much against NIL in its current form. I see no problem with players getting incidental cash payments of $5-10K per year/semester. This should be a set amount across the board for all teams and all players.

[A Fan]

If someone is willing to pay $500,000, they must think the player is worth it. I concur with Paul that X is the sponsor (benefactor) to keep the basketball program top notch. My post was just referring to the comment of not seeing name, image, and likeness. Also, I am very much against NIL in its current form. I see no problem with players getting incidental cash payments of $5-10K per year/semester. This should be a set amount across the board for all teams and all players.
Xavier’s collective …the Final 2 % is not a true NIL-collective. The reason is it is a non profit. The players get paid large sums to spend an hour or two visiting “ the boys club”. For profit collectives which most of the large schools have ( though you can have both) are the ones where the athlete is actually compensated to promote through his name image and likeness a product or service. Tax experts were appalled the IRS approved these non profit collectives as a “ tax exempt entity. The IRS has awakened to the fact they are pay to play conduits and are reformulating their approvals. What does this mean? It means if and when they lose their tax exempt status donor tax deductions will be disallowed. Many tax experts have warned their large donor clients that the ruling could be retrospective which means they would have to amend their tax returns and pay income tax on the “ contribution” they deducted . While that is considered punitive it has been done if the charity has been flagrant in not adhering to a genuine charitable purpose. The question remains as to what “ chilling effect” future non deductibility would mean to the current level of contributions.

[XUGRAD80]

Also, I am very much against NIL in its current form. I see no problem with players getting incidental cash payments of $5-10K per year/semester. This should be a set amount across the board for all teams and all players.

A) that restriction would never stand up in court…..restraint of free trade?

B) The only way to get to that is to have an athletes union and have a collective bargaining agreement. Do we really want players unions and all that brings with that?

C] if it was deemed legal how long would be before someone broke the rule and paid “under the table”?

[Xavier]

C] if it was deemed legal how long would be before someone broke the rule and paid “under the table”?

Immediately. Just like before NIL.

[XUGRAD80]

Immediately. Just like before NIL.

Exactly……so what’s the use?

At least with the NIL it’s (somewhat) out in the open and there can be real competition. Is it a competitive situation where X can hope to compete on a level playing field with EVERY other school? No. But that has always been the case and still X has done rather well. So X has to adapt and find somewhere that they can find an advantage over others. Facilities, exposure, the school itself, relationships, the community, scholastic support, ? Whatever it is. Miller will find players that can play in his system and want to. Some will come and some will go and we will continue to support the school and the program.

One thing to keep in mind is that virtually every other school in the country is dealing with these same problems and questions. X is not alone.

[Final4]

I have heard….not verified and certainly don’t quote me on it, but I’ve heard…..that he feels his value is 500K and that’s what he is asking for.

Let's go ahead and give Claude $500k and immediately make him the 2nd highest paid "employee" at Xavier. More than the assistant coaches, the AD and the university president. Makes perfect sense to me.

[Xavier]

Exactly……so what’s the use?


I have no issue with it. You can build great teams with no where near as much money as some blue bloods. In general, though, I’m not a fan of not having a rule in place because people will just break it.

[XUGRAD80]

Let's go ahead and give Claude $500k and immediately make him the 2nd highest paid "employee" at Xavier. More than the assistant coaches, the AD and the university president. Makes perfect sense to me.

Serious question here….

If the rise in the fortunes of Xavier University (donations, endowment, enrollment, etc.) has been driven by the success of the basketball program, then how do we honestly calculate what that success has meant to XU financially and how much do we owe to the forever and current players for that? What would you be willing to spend in order for the basketball program to continue to be successful?



Whatever Claude or any other player is asking for, it’s what they feel they are likely to be able to get based on the current market. IMO nobody is worth $20hr to work at McDonalds, but in some markets that is what it will take to find quality help. Without that quality help the business will fail. If it takes 500K for X to attract quality players then they have the choice of either paying it or settling for lesser quality players and possibly less success. If Xavier feels that they must maintain their basketball success in order for the rest of the business to thrive then they will find a way to pay what it takes to make that happen. It’s not a moral decision, it’s a business decision.

[noteggs]

As expected, dayvion just announced he’s coming back. Awesome to have him back and second year in millers system

You can make an argument that he’ll be the top returning PG in BE. Know Posh and Ashworth will be in the conversation.

[paulxu]

Based on results this year, I can see a donation to the Xavier collective Final 2% being treated as a donation to a charity.

[Section 200]

Based on results this year, I can see a donation to the Xavier collective Final 2% being treated as a donation to a charity.

10+ comment

[D-West & PO-Z]

This is kind of the crux of the issue with the transfer portal era. How do you build a core? You’re constantly adding the best seniors from mid major teams who are marginally better than your freshmen due to experience and giving them all the minutes. The freshmen don’t develop, they transfer due to playing time, and you rinse and repeat.

I love what Q and McKnight did for this team but for what? 16-18? Awesome. Now most of our freshman and sophomore class are likely leaving. We might as well have just run them out there and gone 12-22 and had something to build on.

If a guy like des leaves it’s very damning. He’s getting a lot of hate that confuses me—- the kid took a huge jump from freshman to sophomore year and most of his mistakes and holes in his game are things he can easily work on. Fact is he and our other guards had to shoulder the entire offensive burden all year. He’s the face of this team over the next couple of years. If you let him walk and replace him with some 23 year old guard from UT San Antonio or something that’s a huge loss in my opinion and keeps this horrible cycle going.

Q and McKnight were a hell of a lot more than marginally better than any of our freshman, lol. Can you imagine this team without them? Single digit wins.

[D-West & PO-Z]

A lot will depend on whether both Free and Hunter stay healthy and how well they play after one or two years off.

Yeah but the decisions have to be made before that will be known. Miller has to operate with the assumption he doesn't get much if anything from those 2, especially Hunter.

[XUBison]

From our old buddy, Ben Johnson, regarding the portal and postseason play.

“The hardest part about it is the longer you play, the longer you don’t know what your roster is going to look like, so you (looking) are in the portal, but you are kind of in the portal guessing to a certain extent, unless you know you have open scholarships already,” Johnson said…

…Johnson credited his coaching and support staff for being on top of both objectives this week.

“It’s just what you got to do,” Johnson said. “We will put together the necessary time needed to do both.”

https://www.inforum.com/sports/college/mens-basketball-gophers-juggling-nit-and-transfer-portal-while-guessing-on-next-years-roster

[A Fan]

Serious question here….

If the rise in the fortunes of Xavier University (donations, endowment, enrollment, etc.) has been driven by the success of the basketball program, then how do we honestly calculate what that success has meant to XU financially and how much do we owe to the forever and current players for that? What would you be willing to spend in order for the basketball program to continue to be successful?



Whatever Claude or any other player is asking for, it’s what they feel they are likely to be able to get based on the current market. IMO nobody is worth $20hr to work at McDonalds, but in some markets that is what it will take to find quality help. Without that quality help the business will fail. If it takes 500K for X to attract quality players then they have the choice of either paying it or settling for lesser quality players and possibly less success. If Xavier feels that they must maintain their basketball success in order for the rest of the business to thrive then they will find a way to pay what it takes to make that happen. It’s not a moral decision, it’s a business decision.

You mention making the basketball players the highest paid members of the university is a “ business decision. “ Which begs the question of what “ business” Xavier is in. At one time it was in the” education business “. And I guess what you are saying is that to remain in “that business” you need to elevate athletics over education .Many would find that paying students to play basketball more than all of the professors is a seismic shift in culture and values.
Just sayin.

[Xville]

Well the university is paying the teachers, fans are paying the players so who cares.

[D-West & PO-Z]

You mention making the basketball players the highest paid members of the university is a “ business decision. “ Which begs the question of what “ business” Xavier is in. At one time it was in the” education business “. And I guess what you are saying is that to remain in “that business” you need to elevate athletics over education .Many would find that paying students to play basketball more than all of the professors is a seismic shift in culture and values.
Just sayin.

Really? Have teachers at Xavier always been paid on par or better than Miller, Steele, Mack, Matta, Prosser, and Gillen?

[waggy]

Athletes are entertainers. What’s a Zach Eady worth? Or Kolek, or Tristan Newton, etc

[XUGRAD80]

Many would find that paying students to play basketball more than all of the professors is a seismic shift in culture and values.
Just sayin.

It is what it is, or as I tell my wife, I don’t make the weather I just report it.

If Xavier wants to compete, really compete, at the upper level of college sports they are going to have to do what it takes. I’m sure they had the same discussion when they decided to build the Cintas Center before building new academic buildings. I’m equally sure that there were (are) professors that think spending money on sports is not the right thing to do. But I’d say that the money that Xavier has spent on its athletics programs has been a pretty good investment in its financial outlook.

[A Fan]

Really? Have teachers at Xavier always been paid on par or better than Miller, Steele, Mack, Matta, Prosser, and Gillen?
I did not know that group were students.

[LOLmickcronin]

Q and McKnight were a hell of a lot more than marginally better than any of our freshman, lol. Can you imagine this team without them? Single digit wins.

Can you imagine our team WITH them? 16-18 one of the worst Xavier teams in 25 years. As a fan I love Q. Seems like a great kid, brought awesome energy, etc. but for what? 16-18? And now all the guys that sat will transfer and we’ll have a new Q (if we’re lucky) next year and new dayvion and we’ll go 16-18 again?

[LOLmickcronin]

You mention making the basketball players the highest paid members of the university is a “ business decision. “ Which begs the question of what “ business” Xavier is in. At one time it was in the” education business “. And I guess what you are saying is that to remain in “that business” you need to elevate athletics over education .Many would find that paying students to play basketball more than all of the professors is a seismic shift in culture and values.
Just sayin.

Fair enough point but you took the time to make a user name and comment on a basketball team message board. If they decide to go the route of focusing on education and not prioritizing these players like other major universities then we honestly need to move conferences and join a mid major or lower. And I’m not passing judgment on that if that’s your opinion but then we can stop worrying about basketball completely

[Masterofreality]

Can you imagine our team WITH them? 16-18 one of the worst Xavier teams in 25 years. As a fan I love Q. Seems like a great kid, brought awesome energy, etc. but for what? 16-18? And now all the guys that sat will transfer and we’ll have a new Q (if we’re lucky) next year and new dayvion and we’ll go 16-18 again?

It *might kind of help if Xavier doesn’t have season ending injuries to their main two front line guys and that something less than 75% of your entire point total comes from 3 guards.
What a ludicrous post above.

[XUGRAD80]

https://x.com/quincyolivari/status/1772021906599727492?s=61&t=ghj9MD1a57Ski_le4Huivw


Quincy continues to shine for the X-men, helping to recruit a replacement!

[Xville]

It *might kind of help if Xavier doesn’t have season ending injuries to their main two front line guys and that something less than 75% of your entire point total comes from 3 guards.
What a ludicrous post above.

We agree on something. Miracles do exist.

[xuphan]

https://x.com/quincyolivari/status/1772021906599727492?s=61&t=ghj9MD1a57Ski_le4Huivw


Quincy continues to shine for the X-men, helping to recruit a replacement!

Love it! Bring him to X Quincy!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Can you imagine our team WITH them? 16-18 one of the worst Xavier teams in 25 years. As a fan I love Q. Seems like a great kid, brought awesome energy, etc. but for what? 16-18? And now all the guys that sat will transfer and we’ll have a new Q (if we’re lucky) next year and new dayvion and we’ll go 16-18 again?

Who are you referencing sitting and transferring bc we had Q and Dayvion (for 2 years btw)?

Please, list me names.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I did not know that group were students.

The point is athletics/specifically the success of the basketball program, has been prioritized over paying professors for 30+ years at Xavier. To suggest otherwise is crazy.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It *might kind of help if Xavier doesn’t have season ending injuries to their main two front line guys and that something less than 75% of your entire point total comes from 3 guards.
What a ludicrous post above.

Yep.

[XUGRAD80]

Abou is now in the transfer portal too. Really was hoping that he would stay around and provide experienced depth. This could mean that the others are staying? I hope they don’t lose any more of the players.

[Xville]

Abou is now in the transfer portal too. Really was hoping that he would stay around and provide experienced depth. This could mean that the others are staying? I hope they don’t lose any more of the players.

Honestly, out of any of the frontcourt, i can't wait to see him go the most. Horrible hands, little offense, horrible and unwilling passer and has reached his ceiling. He seemed to try hard most nights and I think he really gave a shit, but he doesn't have the skill set for this level, at least not as a starter, and doubt he wanted to be a depth piece for his last year.

I wouldn't be surprised if Gytis is next.

Honestly, the more of the stench of this year that is gone, the better imo. With Dayvion in the fold, the only others I'd like to hold on to are Claude, Swain, Green and maybe Djokovic.

[atljar]

Honestly, out of any of the frontcourt, i can't wait to see him go the most. Horrible hands, little offense, horrible and unwilling passer and has reached his ceiling. He seemed to try hard most nights and I think he really gave a shit, but he doesn't have the skill set for this level, at least not as a starter, and doubt he wanted to be a depth piece for his last year.

I wouldn't be surprised if Gytis is next.

Honestly, the more of the stench of this year that is gone, the better imo. With Dayvion in the fold, the only others I'd like to hold on to are Claude, Swain, Green and maybe Djokovic.

I cant imagine Gytis staying. He was clearly in the doghouse with Miller the last 25% of the season.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yeah I'll be pretty surprised if Gytis is back.

Not surprised about Abou entering the portal.

[waggy]

It’s been said that a large number of players that enter the portal never find a new place. With the international guys I’d think Sean wants to make sure they have a landing place.

[xukeith]

It’s been said that a large number of players that enter the portal never find a new place. With the international guys I’d think Sean wants to make sure they have a landing place.

International guys have a smaller population vs frosh or grad transfers. There are some poor international guys riding the bench somewhere.
I doubt international tranfers get into their school's starting 5 vs riding the bench. I do know that there are some very talented international players but I eould think that a good chunk of these international players ride teh bench often more than you'd realize.

[xukeith]

You do understand that we made the sweet 16 a year ago, right? When nil also existed.

This has been discussed a million times, but again, this past year there were unforeseen(even though you disagree) circumstances that made this year what it was. Combine that with the fact that x didn’t really have a core to build from due to Steele’s shitty high school recruiting, and this year is what we get.

I’m not going to worry about the trajectory of Xavier off one year when we have Sean miller based on conjecture. From my understanding, nil is in good shape to get what we need, x is in the big East and we have Sean miller. What’s not to like? Other than maybe Val Ackerman

Which BE teams have NIL budgets greater than $3 million?

[MHettel]

It’s been said that a large number of players that enter the portal never find a new place. With the international guys I’d think Sean wants to make sure they have a landing place.

huh? Sean gave those 3 guys a chance to come and play College basketball in the US. he gave each of them AMPLE opportunity. They all wound up on the bench at one point or another. In my mind, none of those guys did enough to "stick" at this level, and they should all strongly consider moving on to improve their prospects of having a productive college career at a lower level.

If they want to leave, Sean will point to the door, and wish them good luck. Alternatively, they may NOT want to leave, and Sean may point to teh door and wish them good luck. I really doubt that Sean will spend one minute of time worrying about where they land. And I'd be absolutely FLOORED if these guys came back next year simply due to the fact that they could find something better. I dont think Sean will waste a roster spot like that.

[MHettel]

Can someone please clarify exactly who has entered the portal for XU?

I saw Craft, Nzeh and Abou confirmed. My son showed me a twitter post that said Ciani had entered but that was like 5 days ago and I have not heard anything to confirm that.

McKnight has declared he's staying, right?

So, Green, Swain, Ducharme, and the 3 Euros are still TBD. is that correct?

[Xville]

Can someone please clarify exactly who has entered the portal for XU?

I saw Craft, Nzeh and Abou confirmed. My son showed me a twitter post that said Ciani had entered but that was like 5 days ago and I have not heard anything to confirm that.

McKnight has declared he's staying, right?

So, Green, Swain, Ducharme, and the 3 Euros are still TBD. is that correct?

Ciani, Abou, Craft, Nzeh all gone. Mcknight back. That's all we know for sure at this point.

[blueblood]

I cant imagine Gytis staying. He was clearly in the doghouse with Miller the last 25% of the season.

As an outsider I assume Sean is primarily considering two options with Gytis: (1) filling out and submitting the portal paperwork on Gytis' behalf or (2) buying him a plane ticket back to Europe. Possible third option . . . pick him up and take him for a drive out in the country and drop him off somewhere around Miami U with a note around his neck asking Travis to please take good care of him. Fourth option . . . he goes and plays for Nova next year since (according to Sean) that wouldn't even require him to transfer.

[MHettel]

Ciani, Abou, Craft, Nzeh all gone. Mcknight back. That's all we know for sure at this point.

Wow, so we had 3 guys that could play center on the roster and they all transferred. You would have thought that Sean would try to encourage one of them to stay. Not because they are great, but because there is a role for backup big man that is seemingly wide open.

[xudash]

Wow, so we had 3 guys that could play center on the roster and they all transferred. You would have thought that Sean would try to encourage one of them to stay. Not because they are great, but because there is a role for backup big man that is seemingly wide open.

Ciani - I liked him, but he played below the rim, and his slow/finesse game got eaten alive in the BE.

Abou - No words necessary. Big heart that simply was not matched with skill and full concentration. (Words were not necessary, but what the hell).

Nzeh - Sean saw or did not see enough of something with him with respect to development potential that made him not be a go forward piece.

I hope the Joker has the mettle to stay and develop.

What is the value of a back-up if they can't back up effectively.

I'm not dissing your post. I'm just speculating that these exits are occurring for very good reasons.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Now we have three open roster spots with what I expect to see at least 2 more open up. 5 new players for next year's team. This is just a tough way to watch college ball. I definitely think the portal calms a bit after the 5 year crap stops, but it will be 2-3 each year from here on out.

[Xville]

Hypothetically let’s say gytis and Reid are the last to go and no other changes. X keeps two starters, two freshmen that contributed regularly and a developing 4. That’s not bad, much better than last year obviously.

Get one of if not two of free/hunter, a legit 5 and two shooters, and we have ourselves a legit ball club.

[MHettel]

Ciani - I liked him, but he played below the rim, and his slow/finesse game got eaten alive in the BE.

Abou - No words necessary. Big heart that simply was not matched with skill and full concentration. (Words were not necessary, but what the hell).

Nzeh - Sean saw or did not see enough of something with him with respect to development potential that made him not be a go forward piece.

I hope the Joker has the mettle to stay and develop.

What is the value of a back-up if they can't back up effectively.

I'm not dissing your post. I'm just speculating that these exits are occurring for very good reasons.

And the way I'm looking at it is that we now need to find one more guy in the portal. i'd rather we have 2-3 roles to fill and the staff can zero in on those targets. Filling 4-5 roles just makes it that much more difficult.

Think about Center. We need a front line guy that we can offer starter minutes to. I assume we will make calls to the 20 best guys out there. But we also need a backup. Do you target a young guy that will accept a backup role at your program while turning down a starting job at a lower school? or maybe target an older guys from a low major conference that just wants a shot at playing in the Power 6 Leagues? i dont know how you target a backup.

I think any of the 3 guys we had would have been fine as a backup 5. Especially if we get a legit 5 that can play 28-30 minutes a game.

[Xville]

Don't know much about this guy but saw he is from Xenia and is entering the portal...Very thick! 6'5 235 and seems to shoot the 3 well. Not sure if he is BE talent or not, but interesting

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/stats/_/id/4897383

[Xville]

Checked this Josh Cohen kid out a bit more since he is visiting this week, and yeah he does look a lot thicker than 220...I'd guess 240 or so...maybe that 220 is when he was a freshman. He looks capable. Not the most athletic guy in the world, but a fierce competitor and not afraid of contact..wouldn't be my first pick, but better than what X had from what highlights tell me.

[drudy23]

Don't know much about this guy but saw he is from Xenia and is entering the portal...Very thick! 6'5 235 and seems to shoot the 3 well. Not sure if he is BE talent or not, but interesting

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/stats/_/id/4897383

Former Moeller player. Plays physical, but not sure he has the size for the Big East.

Too slow to guard 2s and 3s, and too small to guard BE 4s and 5s. I'd be surprised...

[MHettel]

Don't know much about this guy but saw he is from Xenia and is entering the portal...Very thick! 6'5 235 and seems to shoot the 3 well. Not sure if he is BE talent or not, but interesting

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/stats/_/id/4897383

very undersized if hes a forward. I assume hes a forward, since he averaged 1 assist per game in 26 minutes (yikes). Ok rebounder, and decent shooter.

[X-band '01]

Jamal Mashburn Jr. the latest player to enter the portal. Finished his past couple of seasons at New Mexico with Richard Pitino.

[xuphan]

very undersized if hes a forward. I assume hes a forward, since he averaged 1 assist per game in 26 minutes (yikes). Ok rebounder, and decent shooter.

Seems like the type of guy who comes to X and makes you scratch your head at the decision the player makes. Seems like a down the bench type option at best.

[UCGRAD4X]

Get one of if not two of free/hunter, a legit 5 and two shooters, and we have ourselves a legit ball club.

I wonder how many teams out there are NOT looking for this.

[Xville]

I wonder how many teams out there are NOT looking for this.

True but there are a ton of shooters out there every year, that I’m not concerned with, the legit 5 though is more concerning

[xuphan]

True but there are a ton of shooters out there every year, that I’m not concerned with, the legit 5 though is more concerning

I know the college basketball landscape has changed but I miss those Matta, Miller, Mack years where we would keep the core 8-9 guys around and add a transfer or two to improve the squad with the freshman. This is the second straight year we are going to see a pretty high turnover rate on the roster. This past year we had arguably one of the worst team in recent memory with several recruiting misses on the front court. Now we enter a second year of a massive rebuild with one recruit coming in and gambling we can beat out other programs for BIG East ready talent. I worry for Miller to bring in the right transfers needed to build this program back into a contender. Especially in this NIL world we live in. Think he is fighting an uphill battle but time will tell. Can’t have another year like last year that’s for sure.

[XUGRAD80]

Brad Colbert is the latest Muskie to leave. I’m guessing that he ends up getting playing time at a lower level school and gets his masters degree. Wish him the best of luck. Good Kid.

[A Fan]

I know the college basketball landscape has changed but I miss those Matta, Miller, Mack years where we would keep the core 8-9 guys around and add a transfer or two to improve the squad with the freshman. This is the second straight year we are going to see a pretty high turnover rate on the roster. This past year we had arguably one of the worst team in recent memory with several recruiting misses on the front court. Now we enter a second year of a massive rebuild with one recruit coming in and gambling we can beat out other programs for BIG East ready talent. I worry for Miller to bring in the right transfers needed to build this program back into a contender. Especially in this NIL world we live in. Think he is fighting an uphill battle but time will tell. Can’t have another year like last year that’s for sure.

I am confident Sean Miller have a better team than last year. But you are right. Rebuilding the roster is daunting. If you assume the money is the same and we are pitching a deal to a BE type 4 or 5 that is also considering schools that have a better returning roster than ours which ( fill in number) teams do , what is his sales pitch?

[noteggs]

Yea even on podcast with walk ons, Brad talked about transferring down to D2 for playing time. No big surprise because we did have an opportunity to recognize him on senior night.

Sean has the upmost respect for him.

[muskiefan82]

I will become an instant fan of whatever school Brad Colbert plays for

[Cincypunk.org]

Our walk-ons are entering the portal? What is this world!?

[Xavier]

. This is the second straight year we are going to see a pretty high turnover rate on the roster. This past year we had arguably one of the worst team in recent memory with several recruiting misses on the front court. L.

I knew there would be Xavier fans like this. Complaining about overturning the roster, thinking it’s doom and gloom bc of it.

Do you realize how insane your argument is? You go from worrying about overturning the roster while in the same breath talking about how the roster you don’t want overturned just had the worst record in decades. I mean…..how much more evidence do you need that the roster needs to be better?

And I’m Not just calling you out. This team wasn’t good enough. Talent wasn’t good enough. With free/hunter, it probably works. It could be a blessing in disguise, clean these guys out and be aggressive in getting better talent to surround Free/Hunter/McKnight and Claude. Hanging on to a bunch of guys you complained about bringing X a losing record just to avoid high turn over rate is going to bring you…..back the team that brought X the worst record in decades.

[XU_Lou]

Interesting quote from SM:

Paul Fritschner
@PaulFritschner
"I think the best transfer that we're gonna have, or transfers that we're gonna have available for next year's team, are gonna start with Zach Freemantle and Jerome Hunter.

God would not let them miss a single game next year." - Sean Miller


https://twitter.com/PaulFritschner/status/1772435460440092917

[IM4X]

Gotta wonder if some of these bigs are leaving X because Sean has at least one legit PF/C transfer all but locked up and is close to locking up another.

The UMass guy?

The Standford Center looks solid on offense- both inside and out.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa0DE-7kamY

Not seeing anything about X being connected to this transfer Center from Rutgers, but he looks like he’d be a great fit. Bigger and more athletic than any big we had this season.

https://sports.yahoo.com/rutgers-basketball-two-schools-reached-110828209.html.

There is absolutely no way Sean is relying on Free and Hunter to both be able to play all next season without injury. I mean, it would be awesome, but he can not take that chance after this past season. X needs to add two bigs who can guard, rebound and score like legit BE starters. They also need at least one more shooting threat from three.

[XUBison]

Such a predictable and dumb mess.

https://x.com/danielponeman/status/1772465574007685284?s=46&t=6NkLvkcbJpQnVeI00Rjsqw

[paulxu]

Such a predictable and dumb mess.

https://x.com/danielponeman/status/1772465574007685284?s=46&t=6NkLvkcbJpQnVeI00Rjsqw

So every college kid, in every college sport, needs an agent? What a cluster***k.

[webxu]

Assuming Claude, Swain, and Green return the base roster is vastly better than the one going into this year.

Mcknight
Swain
Claude
Green
Free
Hunter
Powell
Lazar
Gytis

find some other pieces in the portal and we should be easily in the tourney.

[bleedXblue]

Assuming Claude, Swain, and Green return the base roster is vastly better than the one going into this year.

Mcknight
Swain
Claude
Green
Free
Hunter
Powell
Lazar
Gytis

find some other pieces in the portal and we should be easily in the tourney.

Hunter is a huge question mark for next year

Free is a smaller risk, but still a concern

You cant COUNT on those guys. If we are, then cross your fingers and HOPE they are ready to go and stay healthy.

[Xville]

I'd be surprised if Gytis is still here, and as Bleed said, Hunter is a big question mark. I do agree though that even without those two, it feels a whole lot better going into next year at this point.

Get a shooter or two and a legit big man, and X could be in really good shape.

[A Fan]

Any college kid in any college sport with a superior skill level is coveted.That means their services have a monetary value . There is however no “ market sheet” valuing their services. The system is new and opaque so they need help in ascertaining and receiving their value .Further, many schools , to avoid direct offers to “pay to play” , forbidden by the NCAA , “ suggested “ a certain payment would be forthcoming once they enrolled . Like any “ oral agreement” a disagreement ensues as to what was said. So today,there are hundreds of athletes who feel “ the deal” has been dishonored. The agents have sprung into action. For a fee, of course. They claim to be able through the “Agent’s Grapevine” to ascertain values and memorialize it in a manner which will be enforceable should the school weasel out.

[A Fan]

Any college kid in any college sport with a superior skill level is coveted.That means their services have a monetary value . There is however no “ market sheet” valuing their services. The system is new and opaque so they need help in ascertaining and receiving their value .Further, many schools , to avoid direct offers to “pay to play” , forbidden by the NCAA , “ suggested “ a certain payment would be forthcoming once they enrolled . Like any “ oral agreement” a disagreement ensues as to what was said. So today,there are hundreds of athletes who feel “ the deal” has been dishonored. The agents have sprung into action. For a fee, of course. They claim to be able through the “Agent’s Grapevine” to ascertain values and memorialize it in a manner which will be enforceable should the school weasel out.

[Xville]

its been rumored by a few of the field of 68 guys that WVU may have been one of those schools that didn;t fulfill their nil obligations.

[MHettel]

its been rumored by a few of the field of 68 guys that WVU may have been one of those schools that didn;t fulfill their nil obligations.

I have no knowledge of the WVU situation, but they brought in Krissa, and he ended up suspended for several games due to something he did. Hardly a surprise if he didn’t get his full NIL if he didn’t fulfill his part of the deal

[A Fan]

its been rumored by a few of the field of 68 guys that WVU may have been one of those schools that didn;t fulfill their nil obligations.

No surprises here: Once a player enters the portal, numerous individuals (boosters, coaching staff, administrators) reach out to them. Figures are thrown around, the athlete enrolls, but the promised "deal" isn't honored. Smart athletes/agents should only communicate with one key individual—the person in the collective who writes the checks. This check writer understands what the coach desires.

[Xavier]

Also wonder how Huggins impacted that. Donor pays up for Kriisa- loyal to Bob (a lot of the fanbase didn’t want him removed) and once Bob was let go he decides he didn’t want to pay.

Granted once he was let go, Kerr had the option to go elsewhere again.

[Xville]

I really have no diea if it was Kerr or someone else or what it even was...they just mentioned it in passing a couple of times in one episode when nil was brought up, and said they had heard there may have been an issue or two. Who knows if it is even true, those guys tend to make shit up it seems sometimes.

[Xville]

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/5107375/sam-alexis

Visit scheduled with x. Yes please.

[A Fan]

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/5107375/sam-alexis

Visit scheduled with x. Yes please.
A Soph with two years of eligibility left and a projected second round NBA pick would be one of the needed pieces to slug it out underneath in the Big East. If we miss it will be interesting to see where he ends up.
https://www.si.com/nba/draft/prospect-profiles/nba-draft-scouting-report-chattanoogas-sam-alexis

[SkyWalker]

Free throws?

[Xville]

A Soph with two years of eligibility left and a projected second round NBA pick would be one of the needed pieces to slug it out underneath in the Big East. If we miss it will be interesting to see where he ends up.
https://www.si.com/nba/draft/prospect-profiles/nba-draft-scouting-report-chattanoogas-sam-alexis

Will be a tough get...also has scheduled visits with providence, south carolina, ole miss, florida, georgia and arkansas.

[Xavier]

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/5107375/sam-alexis

Visit scheduled with x. Yes please.

Saw the other big from umass that expected to visit cancelled it. Likely going to ND….rather have this guy, though.

[Xville]

Kam Craft going to Coach Aluminum.

[GoMuskies]

Kam Craft going to Coach Aluminum.

Well, that answers whether he was good enough to play here if healthy.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Good get for Steele and a good landing spot for Craft. He should get good playing time and ample shots from deep in his system.

[MHettel]

Good get for Steele and a good landing spot for Craft. He should get good playing time and ample shots from deep in his system.

yeah. Even if he cant make them he will still get to shoot.

[MHettel]

does anyone have a link to a site that has a list of players in the portal? I always seem to find these partial lists (like 20 random guys), but nothing complete (or close to it)

[xu82]

Free throws?

Almost up to the 50% mark! I know something he can start working on……

[Xville]

does anyone have a link to a site that has a list of players in the portal? I always seem to find these partial lists (like 20 random guys), but nothing complete (or close to it)

https://www.on3.com/transfer-portal/wire/basketball/2024/

[Xville]

As expected, Gytis in the portal. Good luck to him.

From here on out, I'll be surprised if we see any others...maybe Djokovic, but I'm hoping everyone stays with who is left.

Actually nevermind I forgot Reid was even still on the team. I'm assuming he's gone too.

[D-West & PO-Z]

As expected, Gytis in the portal. Good luck to him.

From here on out, I'll be surprised if we see any others...maybe Djokovic, but I'm hoping everyone stays with who is left.

Actually nevermind I forgot Reid was even still on the team. I'm assuming he's gone too.

Reid will be interesting, dealt with an injury that kept him out most of the year, although he wasn't in the rotation early before it, wonder if he gives it another year and if Miller would like him to. I'd be fine with him staying. Not unhappy with anyone who has entered so far, although would have maybe liked to keep one of Abou, Ciani, or Nzeh.

[MHettel]

although would have maybe liked to keep one of Abou, Ciani, or Nzeh.

yup

[Xavier]

Nah, Reid is a goner. I agree though, these all were expected. Hope everyone else stays, too. But depending on who X brings in I can still see Green leave. From the guys who have heard from X (allegedly) it looks like X is going after all positions. Bring in best talent you can, regardless of position and go from there.

Could mean someone like Green gets “recruited over” and he decides to head out. Just an example, no inside knowledge on that

[xuphan]

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/5107375/sam-alexis

Visit scheduled with x. Yes please.

Yes please? Dude can’t make free throws. Big red flag. No thanks!

[XU-PA]

So it looks like Des is still up in the air. If he goes to the portal would Miller go after Dwon Odom? His name is now in the portal. He still doesn't shoot 3s, 6-14 on the year. But led the team in assists

[xuphan]

So it looks like Des is still up in the air. If he goes to the portal would Miller go after Dwon Odom? His name is now in the portal. He still doesn't shoot 3s, 6-14 on the year. But led the team in assists

Another hard pass. Odom isn’t at this level consistently. That ship has sailed and we need guards who can score at a high clip. He isn’t one of those guards.

[Xville]

Yes please? Dude can’t make free throws. Big red flag. No thanks!

How many 6’9 230 athletic big men that can rebound do you believe are out there that x can get? Florida, South Carolina and Providence are also in the mix. That’s the kind of level x is competing with, not easy.

I’ll deal with a guy that isn’t 100 at free throws if x can get the rest of him.

[IM4X]

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/5107375/sam-alexis

Visit scheduled with x. Yes please.

Would LOVE to see Sean reel in this kid. He can do it all.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WlsnbDsz2_Q

Still would probably need to add another big closer to 7’.

[A Fan]

does anyone have a link to a site that has a list of players in the portal? I always seem to find these partial lists (like 20 random guys), but nothing complete (or close to it)

Not sure how complete this one is but ranking the players as they come into the portal makes it easier for me.
https://247sports.com/season/2024-basketball/transferportaltop/

[drudy23]

Another hard pass. Odom isn’t at this level consistently. That ship has sailed and we need guards who can score at a high clip. He isn’t one of those guards.

Odom isn't a BE guard. We're not going backwards.

[D-West & PO-Z]

So it looks like Des is still up in the air. If he goes to the portal would Miller go after Dwon Odom? His name is now in the portal. He still doesn't shoot 3s, 6-14 on the year. But led the team in assists

Doesn't seem like Des is up in the air to me after hearing them talk about his injury and offseason plan.

[XU_Lou]

Add Gytis to the list.

[xuphan]

How many 6’9 230 athletic big men that can rebound do you believe are out there that x can get? Florida, South Carolina and Providence are also in the mix. That’s the kind of level x is competing with, not easy.

I’ll deal with a guy that isn’t 100 at free throws if x can get the rest of him.

The guy is a below 50% free throw shooter in his college career. It’s pretty evident that his free throw shooting will always be a problem and will be exploited by other teams. These are the types of guys who cost you games because they can’t make free throws down the stretch. I have no idea how many forwards are out there that can rebound. Quite a few based on the portal. But whats the point when he gets fouled rebounding and you can bank on him missing the front end of a 1 on 1. Maybe a squad player at best but I doubt he would be brought in for that roll. I wouldn’t say his other stats aren’t crazy impressive either based on his competition at a lower level.

[UCGRAD4X]

Not sure how complete this one is but ranking the players as they come into the portal makes it easier for me.
https://247sports.com/season/2024-basketball/transferportaltop/

6 of 1st 13 listed as Centers. Should be a good one out there for the taking.

[Xville]

The guy is a below 50% free throw shooter in his college career. It’s pretty evident that his free throw shooting will always be a problem and will be exploited by other teams. These are the types of guys who cost you games because they can’t make free throws down the stretch. I have no idea how many forwards are out there that can rebound. Quite a few based on the portal. But whats the point when he gets fouled rebounding and you can bank on him missing the front end of a 1 on 1. Maybe a squad player at best but I doubt he would be brought in for that roll. I wouldn’t say his other stats aren’t crazy impressive either based on his competition at a lower level.

Averaging nearly a double double as a soph at the mid major level is pretty good. 6’9 240 athletic big men do not grow on trees and if the portal is anything like last year, there will not be a lot of big men that x would want that also want to come to x. There is a ton of competition for these guys and x probably needs two of them. Look at the competition for this guy, what do you think it is for someone even better? That cliff o guy is being recruited by every blue blood in the country.

With guards, x can be more selective as there are a ton out there.

[XUBison]

Reid will be interesting, dealt with an injury that kept him out most of the year, although he wasn't in the rotation early before it, wonder if he gives it another year and if Miller would like him to. I'd be fine with him staying. Not unhappy with anyone who has entered so far, although would have maybe liked to keep one of Abou, Ciani, or Nzeh.

I suspect he’s gone, but I thought the same thing. He can’t have substantial NIL value nor high-major portal interest. He may want another year to prove he can play at this level, while also creating some NIL value.

Sort of an interesting thought experiment— imagine a random mid-major, like Nebraska-Omaha, made him a significant NIL offer (based solely on his perceived high school potential), say $100K+. Does he take it and forego the dream of playing at the high-major level? That kind of offer might dry up with another year riding the pine. It’s one thing to move down in competition after two or three years in the program, like most of our recent outbound transfers, but I think the calculus might be different after only one year.