Game Thread: Xavier v. TCU (12/5/2024)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFFVS.https://i.pinimg.com/564x/61/bd/36/61bd361736e9c325e724e08511811ae6.jpg

CINCINNATI --- The Xavier University Musketeers, 7-1, visit the TCU Horned Frogs, 4-3, on Thursday night in Fort Worth, Texas, in a Big 12-BIG EAST Battle matchup. This game begins a stretch of three of four games on the road for the Musketeers.

Xavier is 4-1 in the Big 12-BIG EAST Battle games, including wins over Oklahoma, at Oklahoma State, at TCU and vs. West Virginia. XU, which fell to then-No. 6 Houston 66-60 last season, won 67-59 at TCU in the 2019-20 season.
THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (7-1, 0-0 BIG EAST)
TCU HORNED FROGS (4-3, 0-0 BIG 12)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024 AT 8:00 PM ET
SCHOLLMAIER ARENA, Fort Worth, TX

BROADCAST AND LIVE STATS INFORMATION

TV/Stream: ESPN+ with Pete Sousa and Bryndon Manzer.
Xavier Radio: 700 WLW with play-by-play from Xavier Hall of Famer Joe Sunderman ('79) and analysis from XU all-time leading scorer and Hall of Famer Byron Larkin ('88). XU broadcast is also available on the Varsity Network and on Sirius XM.

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

[bleedXblue]

Well, they don't shoot it well including from the FT line. At least they haven't to start the year.......Definitely a game that if we take care of the ball and shoot it reasonably well, we should win.

[paulxu]

I'm not paying for ESPN+ for one game.
Looked at the total schedule for Div 1 on Thursday night on ESPN's site.
Every game except one is on ESPN+. Purdue/Penn State is on FS1.
We are the only other power conference game that night. Wonder why we couldn't get on ESPN, ESPN2 or FS2.
Football is on Prime video.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

My twins are 5, I have plus with the Disney bundle. That said, I have twins and zero ability to watch sports live.

Our TO's must drop.

[Section 200]

We need this game to get back on track. We are certainly due to light it up from 3 at some point

[Section 200]

ESPN makes the fans of their conference partners buy ESPN+ to watch most games. Assuming I counted right, 16 UC games are on ESPN+ including the Shootout, Baylor, Kansas, West Virginia, etc.

[Final4]

Is there no other way to watch this game? Only source is ESPN+

[drudy23]

Just win please.

[Xville]

can't lose this game, just can't. They suck, and X needs a non-con road win even if its against a crap opponent.

[atljar]

Is there no other way to watch this game? Only source is ESPN+



Theres always ability to find a free stream online, typically with really good video quality

[drudy23]

You can literally step foot into a million sports bar to watch this. Is it really going to kill you?

[waggy]

You can literally step foot into a million sports bar to watch this. Is it really going to kill you?

ha! I could get espn for about 6 months …

[noteggs]

I'm not paying for ESPN+ for one game.
Looked at the total schedule for Div 1 on Thursday night on ESPN's site.
Every game except one is on ESPN+. Purdue/Penn State is on FS1.
We are the only other power conference game that night. Wonder why we couldn't get on ESPN, ESPN2 or FS2.
Football is on Prime video.

Thought same about not getting plus for tomorrow’s game, but crosstown shootout is on plus a week later (I believe). So I’ll probably pay the stupid $12 for a month. The big 12 has a tv agreement with plus and has rights for their home games. If I get it tonight, I’ll be able to catch the Marquette/ISU game.

[paulxu]

Somebody's bound to post a link on here to watch the game.

[X-band '01]

Is there no other way to watch this game? Only source is ESPN+


You can literally step foot into a million sports bar to watch this. Is it really going to kill you?

If only there was a poster on here who had a bar devoted to Xavier fans....

[Xavier]

Thought about just going to a bar. Then realized I’d spend more there than just buying ESPN+ for a month.


Still going to a bar tho..

[bjf123]

Thought same about not getting plus for tomorrow’s game, but crosstown shootout is on plus a week later (I believe). So I’ll probably pay the stupid $12 for a month. The big 12 has a tv agreement with plus and has rights for their home games. If I get it tonight, I’ll be able to catch the Marquette/ISU game.

Yep. Doing the same thing. Then I’ll cancel it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Xavier]

Vegas has TCU-1.5. The espn predictor thing gives X a 32% at a win.

[xudash]

If only there was a poster on here who had a bar devoted to Xavier fans....

Public reps, as they say.

[94GRAD]

If only there was a poster on here who had a bar devoted to Xavier fans....

As luck would have it, Dana Gardens will have 3 TV's in the Main bar, and 5 TV's out in the Patio(with a new 48ft radiant heater) showing the game tonight(and for the Crosstown).

[GoMuskies]

One assumes the great James Posey will be in the house tonight to watch the not-so-great Jace Posey play against James's alma mater. Jace has had a rough go of it in his redshirt freshman season averaging 3.9 points in 11.5 minutes per game. The minutes per game is inflated by the 18 and 13 he played in blowouts against overmatched Alcorn State and FAMU squads (he scored 16 of his 27 points in those 2 games as well).

[ArizonaXUGrad]

This game will play out on each team's defensive ends. That is what each team does well enough. Whomever can score on the defense is going to win. I will say that TCU's guard is Frankie Collins (formerly ASU). He is a dribble drive guard, shoots about 30% from three, but he can go cold for long spells. I remember when he left ASU and the fans were not upset. Collins is averaging 4 assists, but at ASU was not a great playmaker. He was a bit of a ball hog.

[xu82]

If nobody puts a link up here, I’ll just hear about this game when it’s over. I’m not being forced into any more streaming services. The NFL pissed me off first. Screw ‘em all.

[bleedXblue]

If nobody puts a link up here, I’ll just hear about this game when it’s over. I’m not being forced into any more streaming services. The NFL pissed me off first. Screw ‘em all.

dont you know anyone with an ESPN + account?

Do the old Netflix trick and log in as them Works like a champ

[xu82]

dont you know anyone with an ESPN + account?

Do the old Netflix trick and log in as them Works like a champ

I have absolutely no idea what services others have, and I’m not going to try to find out who has ESPN+. Things like Netflix I know people will have, but the bottom of the ESPN food chain? I’m not an ESPN fan in the first place.

[GoMuskies]

I see this as a pick 'em now. Huge game for us.

[atljar]

Use at your own risk, no promises

https://sportsclubs.site/35/es40.php

[bjf123]

Anyone else have the audio and video out of sync? The announcers are saying what happens about 2 seconds before I see it on the screen.


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[Michigan Muskie]

I have a Disney+ account that includes ESPN+ and I cannot watch this game. The message tells me I'm unable to access event due to my location, entitlement status, or device. I'm in Michigan....so in other words, ESPN sucks as usual.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Ok bad start, more TOs than made buckets.

[noteggs]

Anyone else have the audio and video out of sync? The announcers are saying what happens about 2 seconds before I see it on the screen.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yup, this app sucks! Wonder why people don’t want to pay for it

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I have a Disney+ account that includes ESPN+ and I cannot watch this game. The message tells me I'm unable to access event due to my location, entitlement status, or device. I'm in Michigan....so in other words, ESPN sucks as usual.

Make sure you are logged in with both your espn+ and cable accounts.

[Xville]

4 minutes in and it looks like the same team it’s been

[bleedXblue]

4 minutes in and it looks like the same team it’s been

exactly nothing changing same old bad defense and poor shooting

[waggy]

This ESPN broadcast is amateur hour.

[bjf123]

Yup, this app sucks! Wonder why people don’t want to pay for it

I’ve muted the sound and am trying to get Joe and Byron synced with the video. I’m close.


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[bleedXblue]

Teams must love playing such a soft, poor ass defense that we bring every game

Its embarrassing.

Where the F is the ball pressure, why aren't we denying passing lanes, why are we not trapping more? We just let teams run their offense and take open shots

[Xville]

This team has serious problems. I’m really staring to wonder about making the tourney.

[Xville]

Teams must love playing such a soft, poor ass defense that we bring every game

Its embarrassing.

Where the F is the ball pressure, why aren't we denying passing lanes, why are we not trapping more? We just let teams run their offense and take open shots

Packline—-which I absolutely hate

[noteggs]

I’ve muted the sound and am trying to get Joe and Byron synced with the video. I’m close.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Same

[noteggs]

Thought we were going to average 80-90 points per game?

[ArizonaXUGrad]

This team has serious problems. I’m really staring to wonder about making the tourney.

This, me too. I don’t see a tourney team right now. I see NIT again, but we have a lot more games. They completely regressed against higher d1 opponents.

[bleedXblue]

Thought we were going to average 80-90 points per game?

Yeah- LOL we dont even try to create offense to get this team going. We just sit back and hope for misses an then get back into our putrid offense? WTF?

[Xville]

I’m starting to question the coaching. Is millers staff just not that good?

[paulxu]

Our guys may not be high Div 1 caliber players.

[bleedXblue]

Our guys may not be high Div 1 caliber players.

+1

Maybe we have 2. outside of that I see a bunch of MAC type players to be honest. Thats squarely on Miller

[Xville]

Our guys may not be high Div 1 caliber players.

There’s plenty of talent on the team, that’s why I’m concerned. Not like last year where the cupboard was pretty bare.

Everyone wanted conwell, major programs wanted Maddox, swain could have gone anywhere. Etc.

[Xville]

37 points against a team that scores in the 60s, and x struggles to score 30 in a half with a “high powered offense.” Effing great

[Section 200]

Ugly but X is still in the game. Rebound better and win the game

[xu82]

I’m glad I don’t have ESPN+

[noteggs]

We are getting destroyed on the boards! 20-13 pathetic

[waggy]

Thats squarely on Miller

Did he spend all the money?

[Section 200]

This seems like the South Carolina game - we can get this

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

There’s plenty of talent on the team, that’s why I’m concerned. Not like last year where the cupboard was pretty bare.

Everyone wanted conwell, major programs wanted Maddox, swain could have gone anywhere. Etc.

The consensus just a couple of months ago, was that we had tons of talent. Then, we lost Traore and, as things turn out, that was a big loss. Rebounding can make up for a lot of other issues and lack of rebounding forces us to shoot lights out and defend. We haven't rebounded and most surprising to me, we often seem less athletic than our opponent.

We appear to be a mediocre team unless we start gelling as a team.

[bleedXblue]

Did he spend all the money?

Ha It appears so

[bleedXblue]

I've watched a bunch of pretty good teams in the last 3-4 days. They are all significantly more athletic than we are.

[bleedXblue]

We are getting destroyed on the boards! 20-13 pathetic

9 offensive boards

[Xville]

Ha It appears so

Good thing nil is supported so well. Should have just taken it to the casino

[bleedXblue]

forced 2 TO's TWO

[Xville]

Did they wake up from their slumber?

[noteggs]

Not sure how long it will last but we do look different/better

[Tim]

I know one thing... I wish Freemantle would stop shooting 3's for a while.

[noteggs]

Attacking the paint who thought that would work? NM back to our old ways

[bleedXblue]

played 4-5 solid minutes there and then pissed it away on the last 3 possessions

[bleedXblue]

Hugely stinks

[Blue Blooded-05]

Watching Hugely makes me long for the days of Ousmane

[Xville]

Thank gawd for free.

[xukeith]

Maddox not embarrasing himself out there

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Watching Hugely makes me long for the days of Ousmane

He has stone hands. God forbid he becomes this year's Ousmane.

[noteggs]

Watching Hugely makes me long for the days of Ousmane

Ouch, but true

[xukeith]

X only 4/18 from 3. 22%

[Xville]

Maddox showing a bit of life which is great to see

[waggy]

Ousmane was a complete spaz. Worthless. Hugely is better, and will get better.

[noteggs]

Maddox showing a bit of life which is great to see

100% this ^

[paulxu]

X only 4/18 from 3. 22%

I was advised months ago that we had a lot of good 3 pt shooters.

[bleedXblue]

get the ball into the paint and iso Free this aint hard

[Xville]

Conwell with a really bad shooting night

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

I was advised months ago that we had a lot of good 3 pt shooters.

I think we shot something near 20% from beyond the arc against Michigan. Don't have the numbers but feels like Conwell has been bad, from three, for last couple of games.

[bleedXblue]

I was advised months ago that we had a lot of good 3 pt shooters.

Conwell takes a bunch of contested, bad 3's

[Xville]

There’s goes the nice little lead gone in a minute due to bad 3s and turnovers ugh

[Xville]

Ffs 11-3 run because they reverted back to same stupid shit

[bleedXblue]

Conwell with a really bad shooting night

he takes so many forced, bad shots......

[bleedXblue]

Dixon is saying just take the ball to the basket, they have no shot blockers or interior D

[bleedXblue]

this has to be one of worst B12 teams. Bottom 3 for sure

[Xville]

this has to be one of worst B12 teams. Bottom 3 for sure

Yeah I think they will be fighting with ok state for the cellar

[bleedXblue]

can we please run a play for Free ?

[Xville]

can we please run a play for Free ?

And not a three :)

[Xville]

Come on! Finish this game!

[bjf123]

Not a fan of TCU’s floor.


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[paulxu]

Make the damn free throw.

[Xville]

This team gawd damn it.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Oh good. More turnovers. At least we waited until the game was on the line.

[Xville]

Another game where they don’t value the ball. Just ridiculous

[KabeX]

Jezus F'in turnover

[Xville]

Ballgame. Guys on this team that have played an insane amount of basketball and they make freshmen mistake after freshman mistake

[bleedXblue]

MAC talent on display

Gave Miller the bag and we are getting this.....

[Xville]

This team is becoming really unlikable

[KabeX]

Long season just got longer

[KabeX]

Complete untimely downward leg urination. My gawd

[ArizonaXUGrad]

These are 4th and 5th year guys. UC is a must win now. Lose that and we need to very good in conference to make the tourney. Otherwise it’s failure.

15-8 turnovers and very average shooting. Hopefully we make a jump and improve but this team just isn’t good.

[Section 200]

All that effort to go from 29-37 to 60-54 and they just couldn't finish. Ugh

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Bad finish. We have a lot of work to do.

[paulxu]

We made the same number of shots, and 3 more 3's.
They won it at the foul line and from our TO's.
Tough one to lose.

[MHettel]

No words.

For now.

But I’ll be back

[Xville]

Took a six point lead with 7 minutes left and then got outscored 22-12. It was really 22-9 before the 3 that meant nothing. No balls or composure on this team at all

[Xavier]

Hunter killed us. Miss front end of a one and one then foul a 3 shooter. Absolutely pathetic.

The 2nd half showed some good things, but ultimately this is a rough loss. TCU isn’t any good. X is going to have to do something to show me they are any good. So bad

[KabeX]

I hate waste. Can't stand when lights are left on, when food goes bad and when my favorite freakin Division 1 high major hoops teams just wastes an opportunity to essentially not suck on the road. Ugh!

[XUBob]

Haven’t posted in forever but X just lost to a below average team. I’m afraid it’s going to be a long year which I think we all thought/ hoped wouldn’t be the case. I see no quick or easy fixes.

[xuwillie]

This team just isn’t good and won’t be this yearToo many holes and miller is really struggling to figure out how to coach in the NIL world

[drudy23]

PTSD starting to creep back in.

[Xville]

I’m just pissed at this point.

I thought when miller came back all we’d have to worry about is seeding every year. Really disappointed in him up to this point. Things need to change very quickly. Maybe he’s just not cut out for this whole new world.

[Section 200]

Hunter killed us. Miss front end of a one and one then foul a 3 shooter. Absolutely pathetic.

The 2nd half showed some good things, but ultimately this is a rough loss. TCU isn’t any good. X is going to have to do something to show me they are any good. So bad

I really root for Hunter but I thought the same thing. That was a brutal turn of events - even just making the first free throw would have been huge at that point. Then he fouled out on the foul of the 3 point shooter

[drudy23]

I feel like this program is fading into irrelevancy.

I hope this isn’t our new reality.

[SkyWalker]

At least we didn't lose a buy game his season..... YET

[Section 200]

I’m just pissed at this point.

I thought when miller came back all we’d have to worry about is seeding every year. Really disappointed in him up to this point. Things need to change very quickly. Maybe he’s just not cut out for this whole new world.

Losing this game sucks but it seems like every week there are multiple losses in the top 5. UConn just lost 3 in a row. Kansas got beat by a Creighton team down one of their stars. OSU got trucked by Maryland, etc, etc. College ball is every year free agency with much less practice time. Plenty of time to recover - would anybody be surprised if Conwell turns into Olivari or Boum by February?

[drudy23]

Losing this game sucks but it seems like every week there are multiple losses in the top 5. UConn just lost 3 in a row. Kansas got beat by a Creighton team down one of their stars. OSU got trucked by Maryland, etc, etc. College ball is every year free agency with much less practice time. Plenty of time to recover - would anybody be surprised if Conwell turns into Olivari or Boum by February?

Conwell isn’t the problem.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

MAC talent on display

Gave Miller the bag and we are getting this.....

We do seem to be playing below our potential. At least our potential on paper. I can make an argument that with so many new players not having played together previously, we just need a few more games for everything to start coming together. Or I can make the argument that our coaching staff hasn't found a way to combine the talents of all these individuals and meld them into the powerful team everyone expected. We have one of the winningest coaches in college hoops but, honestly to me, Miller seems a bit impotent right now. I don't really believe he is ineffective, but I just don't get what's going on with this team.

I do believe we have talent, but I don't see a lot of self confidence in the players or confidence in each other----no fire. That is puzzling, to say the least.

Paging Adam Kunkel.

[Xavier]

The 2nd half showed some life at least. It’s a sliver of hope even with the finish. Still think we can compete well in the big east. But TCU isn’t any good.

The crosstown will be an opportunity to flip the script on the year. A good jumping point into conference. It’s a monster game

[Section 200]

I feel like this program is fading into irrelevancy.

I hope this isn’t our new reality.

Luckily in the Big East relevancy is just a week away. I think we are closer than we think to putting the pieces together.

[SkyWalker]

Food for thought. I know the general opinion of this board is pro Miller and anti Mack. Miller won the A-10 and Mack the Big East. Is Miller really a better coach than Mack?

[drudy23]

I’m done with the “it’s early” and “they need to gel” BS - time to start getting back to Xavier basketball.

No more excuses.

[Section 200]

Conwell isn’t the problem.

Maybe he isn't problem but he also isn't willing us to victory - yet.

[drudy23]

Food for thought. I know the general opinion of this board is pro Miller and anti Mack. Miller won the A-10 and Mack the Big East. Is Miller really a better coach than Mack?

I don’t know who’s better, but the general thought of “Mack wasn’t a good coach” is moronic. He was a hell of a coach.

[Xavier]

Food for thought. I know the general opinion of this board is pro Miller and anti Mack. Miller won the A-10 and Mack the Big East. Is Miller really a better coach than Mack?

Well. Mack didn’t exactly light the world on fire at Louisville..

I like Mack a lot, too. I didn’t realize the board was against Mack.

[SkyWalker]

Well. Mack didn’t exactly light the world on fire at Louisville..

I like Mack a lot, too. I didn’t realize the board was against Mack.

I got that perspective from how Mack left, not from his coaching success

[Xville]

Retreads almost never work. I’m not sure if I love this version of miller. He seems way too nice, definitely not the same guy he was the first time

[Section 200]

Retreads almost never work. I’m not sure if I love this version of miller. He seems way too nice, definitely not the same guy he was the first time

Well he made the S16 in his first year back, then last year lost 2 seniors in the summer and still got the team to the NIT and probably cost St Johns and Seton Hall NCAA bids by beating them, then this year lost his planned starting center in I think August. Plus its early December and X has the entire Big East season ahead.

[Xavier]

Retreads almost never work. I’m not sure if I love this version of miller. He seems way too nice, definitely not the same guy he was the first time

It definitely worked year one. Last year is kinda a throw away because of the injuries, and them occurring so late couldn’t get replacements. This year will be all about how the team does in the BE. I still think they’ll finish top 5. Unfortunately, a 5th place finish with how we did OOC might not be enough. Unacceptable.

But to Drudy point. If Sean can’t win at X what’s the plan. I’m not nearly as close to him as this is the new reality for X though.

*let me be clear, I certainly don’t fault anyone for being concerned about Sean. But he’s been pretty dang good for so long, I think he will figure it out.

[noteggs]

I’ll be the first person to say I’m wrong, but did we have better flow on O without Davyion tonight over last 8ish minutes? With that said, love what Davyion brings to our team. Just not tonight.

[RoseyMuskie]

I’ll be the first person to say I’m wrong, but did we have better flow on O without Davyion tonight over last 8ish minutes? With that said, love what Davyion brings to our team. Just not tonight.

I agree. For as many dumb shots as Maddox has taken this season, his presence caused the offense to move with more fluidity tonight. I think the team (and really Miller) has to take the good with the bad.

[GoMuskies]

But he’s been pretty dang good for so long, I think he will figure it out.

He kind of sucked at the end at Arizona. If we go to the Tournament once in his first three years here, that's very, very, very not good.

Maybe Kelsey prefers Cincinnati to Louisville?

[OTRMUSKIE]

We have a team of guards and small forwards. You can’t compete with most big schools. Losing that center hurt X more than I thought. You got to think X loses 3/4 coming up. At UC AT UCONN and at home to Shaka. That’s 8-5 and prob the end of the season. If X can somehow go 3-1 and maybe 2-2 then season might be saved. 1-3 and it’s all but over.

[MHettel]

I took an unpopular position last year when I pinned a lot of our issues on Miller. I thought the roster was poorly constructed and it was easy to debate my critique because Free and Hunter were out unexpectedly. I understood that then as much as i understand that now. But miller had some roster issues that pre-dated the free and Hunter absences, namely the fact that he should have cleared out Tandy, Edwards, and miles sooner. I get that the Euro guys were possibly the best plan B (and c and d)available at the time, but we shoulda injected some new talent a year previously.

With the benefit of seeing how Free (pretty good) and Jerome ( not so much) have played this year, I now really question if they would have been the difference last year had they been healthy. A couple more wins? Probably. A tourney appearance? Let’s assume so. A run to the second weekend… remote.

But we had this built in defense of the performance last year. “If only Free and Jerome”…..

So thats gone. Now what?

More excuses? Fire away.

Lack of talent? No
Lack of experience? No
Injuries? Fool me once….
Bad luck?
Cold streak?
Time to gell? As if it’s just us that has to deal with to roster turnover issues.

I don’t think there is a lack of talent on this team.

And experience? Dayvion, free, Hunter, foster, and Maddox have each probably played 120 college games coming into this year. Add another 90 for Hugley, 70 for Conwell, and 30 each for green and swain. Our guys may have played over 1000 college games with dozens of other teammates. And we look like a freaking JV team.

When are we going to see coaching adjustments? We’re turning the ball over at the slightest bit of pressure. We can’t complete a post entry pass. We can’t create open looks. We don’t offensive rebound on our deep misses and can’t stop offensive rebounds from our opponent deep misses. But yet game after game it’s the same offense and the same defense.

Doesn’t work? Doesn’t matter. Stick to the same plan and just assume the guys will suddenly get proficient at it.

Miller did a very good job in year 1 with a roster he didn’t put together. He coached better than Steele. For whatever that is worth.

Miller had a poor year 2, with a roster he put together and some difficult injury circumstances that gave him some cover.

This year he has a talented, experienced roster and the results have been far underwhelming. No excuses.

Bad team=bad coaching

[Xville]

Obviously I don’t know what the conversations were like last year, but I wish we had kept some of the bigs last year. Not that they were awesome, but I think a few will develop and it would have helped for continuity. Djokovic and nzeh and maybe Ciani I would have thought about keeping. Easy to say now that traore is out but keeping at least one would have been beneficial in my mind.

I just have little patience in waiting for things to get better. We’ve made the tourney once in what six years now? That’s pathetic. If this is our new reality, someone let me know so I can stop caring much.

[xuwillie]

Obviously I don’t know what the conversations were like last year, but I wish we had kept some of the bigs last year. Not that they were awesome, but I think a few will develop and it would have helped for continuity. Djokovic and nzeh and maybe Ciani I would have thought about keeping. Easy to say now that traore is out but keeping at least one would have been beneficial in my mind.

I just have little patience in waiting for things to get better. We’ve made the tourney once in what six years now? That’s pathetic. If this is our new reality, someone let me know so I can stop caring much.

I really don't understand what Sean was thinking bringing in and paying NiL to a guy like Hughley instead of keep Djokovic and NZeh. Baffling

[bleedXblue]

I took an unpopular position last year when I pinned a lot of our issues on Miller. I thought the roster was poorly constructed and it was easy to debate my critique because Free and Hunter were out unexpectedly. I understood that then as much as i understand that now. But miller had some roster issues that pre-dated the free and Hunter absences, namely the fact that he should have cleared out Tandy, Edwards, and miles sooner. I get that the Euro guys were possibly the best plan B (and c and d)available at the time, but we shoulda injected some new talent a year previously.

With the benefit of seeing how Free (pretty good) and Jerome ( not so much) have played this year, I now really question if they would have been the difference last year had they been healthy. A couple more wins? Probably. A tourney appearance? Let’s assume so. A run to the second weekend… remote.

But we had this built in defense of the performance last year. “If only Free and Jerome”…..

So thats gone. Now what?

More excuses? Fire away.

Lack of talent? No
Lack of experience? No
Injuries? Fool me once….
Bad luck?
Cold streak?
Time to gell? As if it’s just us that has to deal with to roster turnover issues.

I don’t think there is a lack of talent on this team.

And experience? Dayvion, free, Hunter, foster, and Maddox have each probably played 120 college games coming into this year. Add another 90 for Hugley, 70 for Conwell, and 30 each for green and swain. Our guys may have played over 1000 college games with dozens of other teammates. And we look like a freaking JV team.

When are we going to see coaching adjustments? We’re turning the ball over at the slightest bit of pressure. We can’t complete a post entry pass. We can’t create open looks. We don’t offensive rebound on our deep misses and can’t stop offensive rebounds from our opponent deep misses. But yet game after game it’s the same offense and the same defense.

Doesn’t work? Doesn’t matter. Stick to the same plan and just assume the guys will suddenly get proficient at it.

Miller did a very good job in year 1 with a roster he didn’t put together. He coached better than Steele. For whatever that is worth.

Miller had a poor year 2, with a roster he put together and some difficult injury circumstances that gave him some cover.

This year he has a talented, experienced roster and the results have been far underwhelming. No excuses.

Bad team=bad coaching

Agree with almost all. Especially Miller not getting the job done. It's still early I guess.

"Talent" can be interpreted and perceived many different ways. We dont have enough talent to where guys can just show up, take over games and win. We have enough talent, if well coached and the team buys in can win at a high rate. IMHO we are clearly in the latter of the two scenarios.

[bleedXblue]

I really don't understand what Sean was thinking bringing in and paying NiL to a guy like Hughley instead of keep Djokovic and NZeh. Baffling

agreed on Nzeh hes playing some decent minutes for PSU Not a star but clearly a decent contributor

[bleedXblue]

Obviously I don’t know what the conversations were like last year, but I wish we had kept some of the bigs last year. Not that they were awesome, but I think a few will develop and it would have helped for continuity. Djokovic and nzeh and maybe Ciani I would have thought about keeping. Easy to say now that traore is out but keeping at least one would have been beneficial in my mind.

I just have little patience in waiting for things to get better. We’ve made the tourney once in what six years now? That’s pathetic. If this is our new reality, someone let me know so I can stop caring much.

Add to that we have two scholarship guys redshirting and not playing at all. Some of those bigs could have helped with the depth issue in the post

[A Fan]

Experienced yes. Talented ….at a Big East level …no. The portal thrives on the theory that guys who did well at a lower level are game ready for a higher level. Some are, some are not. We got the “ are nots”. Do you recall how everyone was indifferent that we lost Claude because we had so much talent coming in that individually or collectively he would not be missed. If we had Clause last night with last years team and a now healthy Free do you think we would have lost. ? All those who thought we would not miss Claude please stand up !

[Xville]

Experienced yes. Talented ….at a Big East level …no. The portal thrives on the theory that guys who did well at a lower level are game ready for a higher level. Some are, some are not. We got the “ are nots”. Do you recall how everyone was indifferent that we lost Claude because we had so much talent coming in that individually or collectively he would not be missed. If we had Clause last night with last years team and a now healthy Free do you think we would have lost. ? All those who thought we would not miss Claude please stand up !

Honestly, I thought Claude would be a loss but I didn't think it would be to this point. I thought that at the time because I thought Swain would have developed offesnively a lot more than he has, and I thought he'd be playing his natural position at the 3. We have serious issues because 1.) Swain is playing out of position. 2.) So is free. 3.) We don't have anyone that can play the 5 because Hugley has been down right awful and Traore got hurt. 4.) Dayvion has regressed the last few games. He's been crap.

Foster shouldn't be starting, and on a good high d1 team, he wouldn't be. He's a good 6-7 man, not a starter. He doesn't bring much to the table. I really think our lineup needs to be moved around a bit. I know he hasn't been great but either insert Jerome at the 4/5 to play with Free and move Swain to 3 with the current guards, or go smaller with Maddox and Dayvion at the guards and slide Conwell over to the 3. The starting lineup just isn't working.

Last thing...outside of the buy-game this schedule starts to get really brutal. It's gut check time...next 5-6 games can completely sink the season if they don't get their shit together.

[A Fan]

Honestly, I thought Claude would be a loss but I didn't think it would be to this point. I thought that at the time because I thought Swain would have developed offesnively a lot more than he has, and I thought he'd be playing his natural position at the 3. We have serious issues because 1.) Swain is playing out of position. 2.) So is free. 3.) We don't have anyone that can play the 5 because Hugley has been down right awful and Traore got hurt. 4.) Dayvion has regressed the last few games. He's been crap.

Foster shouldn't be starting, and on a good high d1 team, he wouldn't be. He's a good 6-7 man, not a starter. He doesn't bring much to the table. I really think our lineup needs to be moved around a bit. I know he hasn't been great but either insert Jerome at the 4/5 to play with Free and move Swain to 3 with the current guards, or go smaller with Maddox and Dayvion at the guards and slide Conwell over to the 3. The starting lineup just isn't working.

That’s an honest answer . Your Board nemesis claims this team has talent and Sean is a bad coach …implying that a good coach could win with this roster. What am I missing ? The only “ coaching” related disappointment is Swain . He has not developed. You can attribute it to playing out of position. I attribute it to a lack of basketball maturation and confidence. And that relates to coaching.

[Xville]

That’s an honest answer . Your Board nemesis claims this team has talent and Sean is a bad coach …implying that a good coach could win with this roster. What am I missing ? The only “ coaching” related disappointment is Swain . He has not developed. You can attribute it to playing out of position. I attribute it to a lack of basketball maturation and confidence. And that relates to coaching.

I think there is plenty of talent on the team to make the tournament. I don't think Sean is a bad coach by any means, but he doesn't seem to be pushing the right buttons either. He seems to be a very different coach this time around than he was the first time, and while he's now a nice guy, I'm not sure I love the style...its a little too ho-hum for me. Not saying he needs to be Hurley flopping around like an idiot, but some of the fire/intensity seems to be gone, and I think the players are a reflection of how they are being coached.

Plenty of time left in the season to right the ship, but its gotta be pretty soon because the schedule is about to get real.

[bleedXblue]

That’s an honest answer . Your Board nemesis claims this team has talent and Sean is a bad coach …implying that a good coach could win with this roster. What am I missing ? The only “ coaching” related disappointment is Swain . He has not developed. You can attribute it to playing out of position. I attribute it to a lack of basketball maturation and confidence. And that relates to coaching.

You only see it in Swain? I mean the offense is hard to watch as a whole and defensively we're getting exposed inside and almost any time someone gets inside the paint? I call this part of coaching the tactical piece. Thats where Sean hasn't figured it out

[Xville]

You only see it in Swain? I mean the offense is hard to watch as a whole and defensively we're getting exposed inside and almost any time someone gets inside the paint? I call this part of coaching the tactical piece. Thats where Sean hasn't figured it out

I'd love for the packline to be put out to pasture. Most coaches that used to play it, have scrapped it. There are too many shooters in college basketball for it to work effectively night in and night out. Go to a matchup zone, or pressure d...anything else.

[bleedXblue]

I'd love for the packline to be put out to pasture. Most coaches that used to play it, have scrapped it. There are too many shooters in college basketball for it to work effectively night in and night out. Go to a matchup zone, or pressure d...anything else.

this 1000000%

I mean we have guys that excel in the open court, so why would you play more pressure?

[X-band '01]

Honestly, I thought Claude would be a loss but I didn't think it would be to this point. I thought that at the time because I thought Swain would have developed offesnively a lot more than he has, and I thought he'd be playing his natural position at the 3. We have serious issues because 1.) Swain is playing out of position. 2.) So is free. 3.) We don't have anyone that can play the 5 because Hugley has been down right awful and Traore got hurt. 4.) Dayvion has regressed the last few games. He's been crap.

Foster shouldn't be starting, and on a good high d1 team, he wouldn't be. He's a good 6-7 man, not a starter. He doesn't bring much to the table. I really think our lineup needs to be moved around a bit. I know he hasn't been great but either insert Jerome at the 4/5 to play with Free and move Swain to 3 with the current guards, or go smaller with Maddox and Dayvion at the guards and slide Conwell over to the 3. The starting lineup just isn't working.

Last thing...outside of the buy-game this schedule starts to get really brutal. It's gut check time...next 5-6 games can completely sink the season if they don't get their shit together.

Keep in mind that Foster started on a Furman team that beat Virginia in the NCAA Tournament 2 years ago. He is a capable starter, although there are going to be rough patches along the way. Even Jerome Hunter wasn't consistently great 2 years ago, but he clearly did get better as the stakes got higher after Freemantle's injury.

What is more concerning is how this team constantly runs out of gas at the end of games for 3 games straight. That can't go on.

[xukeith]

I do not think giving Conwell the green light helps X. We had some better balanced scoring last night but TCU was aggresivelly defending Conwell and at many times X could not turn that into a frre wide opoen X player. Sometimes that worked.
I know last night was sad but I thought there were some positives.
X needs to not have luek warm halves rebounding and playing defense.

Maybe a solid post player outside of X would be a difference maker.

So maybe X can win teh NIT tourney this yeart and next year be good enough for a Sweet 16 push. Obviously Miller's teams cannot be top notch with all these transfers.

[Xville]

Keep in mind that Foster started on a Furman team that beat Virginia in the NCAA Tournament 2 years ago. He is a capable starter, although there are going to be rough patches along the way. Even Jerome Hunter wasn't consistently great 2 years ago, but he clearly did get better as the stakes got higher after Freemantle's injury.

What is more concerning is how this team constantly runs out of gas at the end of games for 3 games straight. That can't go on.

I don't see how Foster starting at Furman has any bearing on whether he should be starting at this level or not. Furman's leading scorer last year is at Auburn now and barely gets off the bench. This is a different animal.

I hope im wrong and Foster is fine once he gets more comfortable with his role. I know he does a lot of the little things here and there, but from what i can see he doesn't have high d1 talent. I don't remember people being all that excited about him when he came on board.

As a fan I'm just extremely frustrated with this program, I don't like the feeling of treading water that we have been doing now for a very long time. I can't imagine what the high dollar NIL donors feel, they should have just lit their money on fire.

[paulxu]

What is more concerning is how this team constantly runs out of gas at the end of games for 3 games straight. That can't go on.

I think that only gets worse if we are only 6 deep.

[xubrew]

I don't see how Foster starting at Furman has any bearing on whether he should be starting at this level or not. Furman's leading scorer last year is at Auburn now and barely gets off the bench. This is a different animal.

I hope im wrong and Foster is fine once he gets more comfortable with his role. I know he does a lot of the little things here and there, but from what i can see he doesn't have high d1 talent. I don't remember people being all that excited about him when he came on board.

As a fan I'm just extremely frustrated with this program, I don't like the feeling of treading water that we have been doing now for a very long time. I can't imagine what the high dollar NIL donors feel, they should have just lit their money on fire.

I think the Furman team that Foster played on two years ago would beat this year's Xavier team. Just sayin'.

[MHettel]

I don't see how Foster starting at Furman has any bearing on whether he should be starting at this level or not. Furman's leading scorer last year is at Auburn now and barely gets off the bench. This is a different animal.

I hope im wrong and Foster is fine once he gets more comfortable with his role. I know he does a lot of the little things here and there, but from what i can see he doesn't have high d1 talent. I don't remember people being all that excited about him when he came on board.

As a fan I'm just extremely frustrated with this program, I don't like the feeling of treading water that we have been doing now for a very long time. I can't imagine what the high dollar NIL donors feel, they should have just lit their money on fire.

Foster is kind of like Nate Johnson, but in a different way. Johnson had one elite skill (catch and shoot) but was other wise very average or below average at everything else. No obvious weaknesses that he’d exposed. You didn’t see / notice mistakes but he didn’t do much.

foster is a little more well rounded than Johnson but doesn’t have the single elite skill. But against he’s just not doing much.

In my view the lack of a guy that can beat his man off the dribble and get to interior is a huge issue. That skill, combined with the ability to finish or pass out of that situation is essential because defenses break down once that guy gets by his man. Guys help and other offensive guys get open off of that. Claude was PERFECT AT THAT. But we’re back to where we were last year without enough shooter. Now we have 3-4 good shooters on the team and lack the complimentary guys that help them get open.

Shaping up as a top 5 disappointing team to me. We could solidify that in the next 2 weeks. We cannot fall to the bottom
Half of the BE standings early and expect to play our way out from there.

We all (well, not ALL) fell for the idea that last years team just needed to “gel”. That was BS and just kept the heat off for the first 6 weeks. That team did t get any better. I fear the same fate for this team.

What I fear most is that this roster was put together as a byproduct of an intense fundraising campaign. That’s not a one time event. That same outreach
will need to happen every year. Are we getting a sufficient return on that investment?

[SM#24]

I know one thing... I wish Freemantle would stop shooting 3's for a while.

1-16 since the 4-5 Jackson St game (which I commented to my son after that game he will now start shooting them all the time).

[A Fan]

Foster is kind of like Nate Johnson, but in a different way. Johnson had one elite skill (catch and shoot) but was other wise very average or below average at everything else. No obvious weaknesses that he’d exposed. You didn’t see / notice mistakes but he didn’t do much.

foster is a little more well rounded than Johnson but doesn’t have the single elite skill. But against he’s just not doing much.

In my view the lack of a guy that can beat his man off the dribble and get to interior is a huge issue. That skill, combined with the ability to finish or pass out of that situation is essential because defenses break down once that guy gets by his man. Guys help and other offensive guys get open off of that. Claude was PERFECT AT THAT. But we’re back to where we were last year without enough shooter. Now we have 3-4 good shooters on the team and lack the complimentary guys that help them get open.

Shaping up as a top 5 disappointing team to me. We could solidify that in the next 2 weeks. We cannot fall to the bottom
Half of the BE standings early and expect to play our way out from there.

We all (well, not ALL) fell for the idea that last years team just needed to “gel”. That was BS and just kept the heat off for the first 6 weeks. That team did t get any better. I fear the same fate for this team.

What I fear most is that this roster was put together as a byproduct of an intense fundraising campaign. That’s not a one time event. That same outreach
will need to happen every year. Are we getting a sufficient return on that investment?


The major contributors to the Xavier NIL collective are individuals who have achieved significant financial success, enabling them to make substantial donations. Typically, this level of success comes from investing in their own or others’ businesses and achieving great returns. Their investment here is in Sean—trusting him to identify the right players in the portal and mold them into a winning team.

If I’m correct, this roster costs around $1.5 million, give or take. Is it unreasonable to expect a top-5 Big East team for that amount? Or are you suggesting that it’s possible but Sean made poor choices? Alternatively, did Sean make good choices, but he’s unable to coach the team to their potential?

These are the questions the large donors will inevitably ask themselves. The key is that Sean will need to have clear and convincing answers.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

How much of Sean's comments about selfish shot selection is playing into the team's poor play? My real question, do you think Sean is trying to take back the lockeroom a bit here?

[Xavier]

If I’m correct, this roster costs around $1.5 million, give or take. Is it unreasonable to expect a top-5 Big East team for that amount? Or are you suggesting that it’s possible but Sean made poor choices? Alternatively, did Sean make good choices, but he’s unable to coach the team to their potential?

.

Where did you get that number from? I thought it was close to 3 Million (at least that’s what I thought the NIL goal was?) but to answer your question- no, 1.5 million isn’t enough ton consistently compete at the top of the BE. Can you get some gems, gel and be way better than expected? Yes. Similar to a deep run in March madness from a mid major. But not something you can get continued success from.

I also know a lot of the numbers thrown around are way overinflated. It’s possible that 1.5 isn’t far from reality and similar to other top BE teams. I have no real way of knowing.

[drudy23]

No
Excuses

Not listening to them anymore. Figure it out.

[drudy23]

How much of Sean's comments about selfish shot selection is playing into the team's poor play? My real question, do you think Sean is trying to take back the lockeroom a bit here?

If there are locker room issues already at this point in the season, we've got bigger problems.

[Xville]

Everything that I have heard regarding NIL is that we are competitive with the rest of the BE. Like others have said, I'm sick of the excuses. There are none at this point. Get your shit together, and make the tournament consistently year in and year out.

[Xavier]

By no means was I implying a lack of NIL is why we can’t compete. I was just curious about the number. I think I’ve seen enough flashes from the guys that I think it’s certainly a talented enough team to make the tournament.

I also think it’s more likely they will make it than not, but after last year there just isn’t any grace to be given.

[Xville]

By no means was I implying a lack of NIL is why we can’t compete. I was just curious about the number. I think I’ve seen enough flashes from the guys that I think it’s certainly a talented enough team to make the tournament.

I also think it’s more likely they will make it than not, but after last year there just isn’t any grace to be given.

Never meant to imply that you were using it as an excuse by any means. I just don't want to hear people use anything as excuses any more. There are plenty of programs with less or the same amount of nil (reported by nil collective at X) that X has that are doing just fine.

The resoruces whether its conference, money, facilities are all there. Now its up to the players and frankly the coaching staff to get things corrected.

[drudy23]

Never meant to imply that you were using it as an excuse by any means. I just don't want to hear people use anything as excuses any more. There are plenty of programs with less or the same amount of nil (reported by nil collective at X) that X has that are doing just fine.

The resoruces whether its conference, money, facilities are all there. Now its up to the players and frankly the coaching staff to get things corrected.

Frankly, this all comes down to who can manage their teams within the new NIL landscape. It's different, and you have to adapt. Whoever adjusts the best will see the results. I'm not saying it's easy, but that's reality. Get it done.

No excuses anymore. This team has enough talent to make the tournament. Not making it this year would be an enormous failure.

[JTG]

I think something happened between the SC game and Michigan.
Our performance has fallen off a cliff since then. I wonder if there is a personality conflict with Sean and certain players. And I think they took too much weight of Hughley and have totally screwed up his game.

[drudy23]

I wonder if there is a personality conflict with Sean and certain players.

Again, who cares if there was? Even if it's true, it's Sean's job to squash it, and set lofty expectations. No excuses anymore, especially petty ones like this.

As I said, if we're at a point where a personality conflict stunts the season, then we don't have a coach taking care of program problems efficiently.

I also doubt this is the case, as I don't see Sean being a pushover in a case like this. He would handle it. He may have gotten a little nicer in his old age, but he doesn't put up with this type of stuff like the Tin Man did.

[drudy23]

Coach Miller just has to get it done.

Program is at a very important fork in the road. Which way will it go?

[Xavgrad08]

Coach Miller just has to get it done.

Program is at a very important fork in the road. Which way will it go?

Agreed, I said before this season feels like an inflection point. It is really important to get back in the tournament. I still have optimism ( not based on logic at this point, but based on fandom) that this team gets it together. As someone stated earlier, the next games @UC, @ UConn, Home vs Marquette feel like will determine the season. Get one of those and I think X is on the correct path. Lot of work left to do, improvement needs to happen fast.

[bleedXblue]

Coach Miller just has to get it done.

Program is at a very important fork in the road. Which way will it go?

He's sputtering with this squad and hasn't figured them out. I don't know if its a scheme, personnel or what but the only thing that gives me hope is that we've played so poorly that I'm not sure we can play any worse.

[MHettel]

Specific Box Score Observation:

We had 3 steals, and 15 turnovers. We had 20 assists on 28 Field goals. 9 FT attempts

TCU had 13 steals and 8 turnovers. They had 15 assists on 28 Field goals. 18 FT attempts

If you showed me these stats and both score I’d assume this was a 15+ point beatdown. The fact that it was a close game is frankly kind of amazing

[Three Point Pete]

Looking at box score: why 28/58 FG attempts from 3 point?


Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

[bleedXblue]

Looking at box score: why 28/58 FG attempts from 3 point?


Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

Conwell is chucking too many 3's. He took 13 I think

Half of them were totally out of the normal flow of the offense

[X-band '01]

13 was his season high for attempts. He's still averaging about 44% overall, but did not have a good percentage of shots against either South Carolina or SC State either. Would like to see him be more of a facilitator the next couple of games because you know everyone else is going to key in on him.

I know Dayvion is 10-for-23 overall, but there was a 4-for-4 outlier against IU-Indy in there. Otherwise he's shooting at about a 33% clip.

[bleedXblue]

13 was his season high for attempts. He's still averaging about 44% overall, but did not have a good percentage of shots against either South Carolina or SC State either. Would like to see him be more of a facilitator the next couple of games because you know everyone else is going to key in on him.

I know Dayvion is 10-for-23 overall, but there was a 4-for-4 outlier against IU-Indy in there. Otherwise he's shooting at about a 33% clip.

He's pretty one dimensional. Dont get me wrong. Hes our best shooter. It would be nice to see a little more variety in his game including setting guys up for better, higher percentage shots.

[XUBison]

Sean did not forget how to coach. We have a talent problem. $3 million? We are not big, we’re not long, we are not athletic. I was at the Fort Myers games, and this could not have been more evident. We have essentially turned the roster over each of the last two years. I don’t see a single NBA player on this roster. That’s not gonna get it done.

[waggy]

We have a talent problem.

I agree. As I watch other games, X just doesn't look as good. There is no way a top 30 team struggles to put away 6 or 7 cupcakes.

Wasn't it floated a year or so ago that Graham Ike was $200K? Seems like a bargain now.

[xukeith]

Looks like X needs to develop some system or identity that works and can be relied upon night in and night out for winning.
Opponents are quickly realizing X is easy to guard and there is not much of a threat from X shooting lights out in BE play.
X has to get better . Maddox improved off the bench Thursday. Hoe that continues with Hunter also giving 8-10 points an 5-7 rebounds.
Sean Miller and X coaches had to of known that this year's team is guardable and limited.
Maybe Freemantle can improve his shooting and pull defenders out to chase him. Surely Swain should drive on his man and get fouled or layup a ton of shots.
Conwell has been given the green light at anytime to shoot a three. He can be more picky and hoipefully find some wide open players not being guarded.
Hugely? Maybe January will be his coming to reality month.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Not sure I agree we have as big a talent limitation as above comments indicate. First, NBA level talent is not a requirement to fielding a solid team. It helps for sure but there are plenty of championship teams that have none on their roster. And there were plenty of talent laden teams that didn't win championships.

Second, many of the players on our roster excelled at prior schools. You may argue that excelling at the lower levels at which Toledo, Furman or Indiana State compete, is not sufficient evidence of being able to excel in the Big East. I say, maybe, but plenty of talented players emerge out of these schools every year and do well at higher levels. Souly came from UTEP. Olivari played at Rice. Lots more examples many of us can identify.

So, I don't subscribe to the argument that our lousy play reflects lack of talent. Our lousy play reflects just that.......lousy play. Our guys have been intimidated, they have made stupid mistakes, and they have failed to take advantage of opportunities. The problem is how they have performed not their innate level of skill. Some of the responsibility for this lies with Miller but most of it rests on the players themselves. At TCU, Hunter missed a critical free throw and incurred a dumb foul down the stretch. McKnight disappeared for spans and Conwell, as noted, took multiple poor shots. That's not a talent issue. That's just dumb ass basketball.

[Xville]

Completely disagree there is a talent problem. Swain is a draft pick unless every nba scout is wrong. Everyone wanted conwell. Major teams wanted
Maddox. Free is a 1st team be selection. Dayvion was an absolute stud last year. I don’t understand what some of you all are talking about.

Are we small? Yes. But there isn’t a talent problem.

[xukeith]

Completely disagree there is a talent problem. Swain is a draft pick unless every nba scout is wrong. Everyone wanted conwell. Major teams wanted
Maddox. Free is a 1st team be selection. Dayvion was an absolute stud last year. I don’t understand what some of you all are talking about.

Are we small? Yes. But there isn’t a talent problem.

Is it chemistry? Might there not be an alpha dog to lead this team? Is it lack of reps playing as a unit? URI's Miller is doing a great job this season with his patchwork of transfers. Is it the pressure defenses? Lack of depth? What can be fixed so X can win more often and not get pounded by BE or UC?

[Xville]

Is it chemistry? Might there not be an alpha dog to lead this team? Is it lack of reps playing as a unit? URI's Miller is doing a great job this season with his patchwork of transfers. Is it the pressure defenses? Lack of depth? What can be fixed so X can win more often and not get pounded by BE or UC?

I think guys having to play out of position is one issue. I think chemistry could be an issue or maybe the puzzles aren’t fitting together right now. I do think not having a real 5 is an issue.

Outside of that, I honestly think it’s coaching at this point. I love miller, but right now, he’s not pushing the right buttons for whatever reason. I’d like to see a lineup change, a change in defense. Some damn motion on offense instead of just doing the stupid weave thing and then jacking up a three offense we are running. The players need to execute better, and the coaches need to do a better job.

[xudash]

Completely disagree there is a talent problem. Swain is a draft pick unless every nba scout is wrong. Everyone wanted conwell. Major teams wanted
Maddox. Free is a 1st team be selection. Dayvion was an absolute stud last year. I don’t understand what some of you all are talking about.

Are we small? Yes. But there isn’t a talent problem.

I’m glad you posted this.

We are nowhere near where we are supposed to be, but I did not see that as being the issue.

[Xavier]

In general it’s been rough, but I actually thought the offense finally looked good in the 2nd half. Thought the ball movement was much faster, and it in general a lot more movement from everyone. Caused open looks and put up 40+ in the half against a top 40 Defense. I’m choosing to hold a small amount of hope that despite the loss, they found a litttle something in that 2nd half to fix the half court offense.

I know I’m generally more optimistic though. Thought there was a couple good things from the game. Swain slightly more aggressive attacking the paint, Maddox play, and overall offense in the 2nd. Admittedly I get brought back down rather quickly knowing Santa Clara beat tcu by 17. Yikes

[GoMuskies]

If you prefer to skew pessimistic, Xavier is #65 in KenPom through 9 games.

Xavier finished #56 in KenPom for last year's 16-18 season.

I guess the part to be optimistic with given the above is that the Big East should be much less difficult this year, but on the other hand it's not at all clear yet that we're better this year than last.

[Xville]

Some good news, X has actually climbed quite a bit in the net since the initial rankings...up to 90, which is nice.

UC 30
Uconn 24
St. John's 38
Butler 59
Nova 66
Depaul 70
Creighton 75

[drudy23]

If you prefer to skew pessimistic, Xavier is #65 in KenPom through 9 games.

Xavuer finished #56 in KenPom for last year's 16-18 season.

I guess the part to be optimistic with given the above is that the Big East should be much less difficult this year, but on the other hand it's not at all clear yet that we're better this year than last.

If this team goes anywhere close to 16-18, well....no excuses.

We have to get some good wins. We have none.

[GoMuskies]

If this team goes anywhere close to 16-18, well....no excuses.

We have to get some good wins. We have none.

Xavier was #318 in "Luck" last year vs. #71 this year. Not sure exactly what that means, but presumably it would suggest Xavier could easily surpass last year's record while not actually being any better. Just less unlucky.

[Xville]

7-2 currently. Even with the flaws this team has, if they don't get to 20, the coaching staff's seats need to be really warm.

That's 13-9 the rest of the way before conference tournament.

[waggy]

Last year X played a tough schedule close.. "unlucky". This year X played a weak schedule unimpressively.. "luckier".

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

If this team goes anywhere close to 16-18, well....no excuses.

My head will explode!

[MHettel]

7-2 currently. Even with the flaws this team has, if they don't get to 20, the coaching staff's seats need to be really warm.

That's 13-9 the rest of the way before conference tournament.

Maybe the staff, but not the head coach. Miller is way too expensive to get rid of.

[XUMIOH12]

7-2 currently. Even with the flaws this team has, if they don't get to 20, the coaching staff's seats need to be really warm.

That's 13-9 the rest of the way before conference tournament.

Is this team capable of 12-8 in conference? That's what it is going to take to get 20 regular season wins.

[drudy23]

Is this team capable of 12-8 in conference? That's what it is going to take to get 20 regular season wins.

Absolutely.

Again, no more excuses. There's no reason this team shouldn't be in the top 4th of this conference this year. This roster is better than last year by far.

Not making the tournament would be a HUUUUUUUGE disappointment.

No

More

Excuses

[drudy23]

I don't like where the psyche of this board is going - can already start to see the lining up of excuses for this team.

Someone, anyone...please get this program back to where it belongs. The season is still young, and it's nowhere close to a lost cause this year.

No excuses.

[Xville]

Is this team capable of 12-8 in conference? That's what it is going to take to get 20 regular season wins.

I’d answer that with there is enough talent on the team to go 12-8.

DePaul 2
Gtown 2
Hall 2
Butler 1
Nova 1
St johns 1
Providence 1
Creighton 1


Either providence/nova 2nd win

[XUMIOH12]

I don't like where the psyche of this board is going - can already start to see the lining up of excuses for this team.

Someone, anyone...please get this program back to where it belongs. The season is still young, and it's nowhere close to a lost cause this year.

No excuses.

A win saturday would do wonders lol

[Xville]

I don't like where the psyche of this board is going - can already start to see the lining up of excuses for this team.

Someone, anyone...please get this program back to where it belongs. The season is still young, and it's nowhere close to a lost cause this year.

No excuses.

I just think there’s a lot of ptsd and it’s a way to cope. This program has been complete crap outside of one season for quite a long time now. It’s getting harder and harder to be optimistic

[XUMIOH12]

I’d answer that with there is enough talent on the team to go 12-8.

DePaul 2
Gtown 2
Hall 2
Butler 1
Nova 1
St johns 1
Providence 1
Creighton 1


Either providence/nova 2nd win

I'd add in Butler to the potential road wins. I can see 12, lots of mediocre BE teams. But this team has been playing extremely poorly the last 2 weeks.

[Xville]

I'd add in Butler to the potential road wins. I can see 12, lots of mediocre BE teams. But this team has been playing extremely poorly the last 2 weeks.

yeah fair. one of those three would be the way to get to 12 for me anyways.

X has been pretty shitty for a few games now, so yep completely agree....I think based on talent, they can get to 12. Doesn't mean they will.

[bleedXblue]

I see a team not having any fun and not being excited to go out and play basketball at a high level. Almost no bravado or enthusiasm. It's like they show up, play, and hope things go well. WTF is going on? Am I the only one who watches other games and sees how evident it is on our team? Losing is one thing, but this shit has to stop. Now.

[Xavier]

What? I get what you’re saying I think. That they might look disengaged, or that they are going out and maybe thinking too much, playing scared, etc.

But it’s a weird thing to say. “Losing is one thing, but going out and not having fun while doing so has got to stop”

Winning and losing is the only thing. The manner in which they do so doesn’t impact how I feel about the wins and losses.

[bleedXblue]

What? I get what you’re saying I think. That they might look disengaged, or that they are going out and maybe thinking too much, playing scared, etc.

But it’s a weird thing to say. “Losing is one thing, but going out and not having fun while doing so has got to stop”

Winning and losing is the only thing. The manner in which they do so doesn’t impact how I feel about the wins and losses.

So if we lose and play uninspired and lackluster you're ok with that? I'm not. Its still early but it would appear many of the guys still aren't sure of their roles and where they fit. Maybe thats causing some of this? Don't know. I do know Im tired of watching a team play nowhere close to their potential.

[A Fan]

So if we lose and play uninspired and lackluster you're ok with that? I'm not. Its still early but it would appear many of the guys still aren't sure of their roles and where they fit. Maybe thats causing some of this? Don't know. I do know Im tired of watching a team play nowhere close to their potential.


Potential, by definition, implies unrealized talent. If a team’s play is consistently uninspired and lacks passion, that potential remains unrealized because, without passion and purpose, the team is simply going through the motions. That said, if you believe this team, even playing with passion and purpose, is going to win 10 or more Big East games, I think you’ll be disappointed. The reality is that many of the transfers likely maxed out before they got here. The transfer portal will always have a lot of fool’s gold—players who might seem promising but don’t have the kind of expansionary talent needed to elevate their game to the next level.

[xudash]

Potential, by definition, implies unrealized talent. If a team’s play is consistently uninspired and lacks passion, that potential remains unrealized because, without passion and purpose, the team is simply going through the motions. That said, if you believe this team, even playing with passion and purpose, is going to win 10 or more Big East games, I think you’ll be disappointed. The reality is that many of the transfers likely maxed out before they got here. The transfer portal will always have a lot of fool’s gold—players who might seem promising but don’t have the kind of expansionary talent needed to elevate their game to the next level.

So, that would suggest that our coaching staff doesn’t know what they’re doing with respect to the portal.

[bleedXblue]

Potential, by definition, implies unrealized talent. If a team’s play is consistently uninspired and lacks passion, that potential remains unrealized because, without passion and purpose, the team is simply going through the motions. That said, if you believe this team, even playing with passion and purpose, is going to win 10 or more Big East games, I think you’ll be disappointed. The reality is that many of the transfers likely maxed out before they got here. The transfer portal will always have a lot of fool’s gold—players who might seem promising but don’t have the kind of expansionary talent needed to elevate their game to the next level.

Yeah, I don't know. Maybe I'm reaching for something that isn't there and hoping that with some more inspired play this team can compete and win more.

Fools gold can also come in the form of frosh who are highly rated and don't pan out. Really important to have a guy evaluating and making the decisions. I think Sean has been mostly really good- with Boum and Olivari. This year maybe he missed on 1 or 2 guys. Dont know that yet.....

[drudy23]

So, that would suggest that our coaching staff doesn’t know what they’re doing with respect to the portal.

They don't have the money to compete for several of the top guys. Maybe 1 - but 2, 3 and 4 are guys from lower conferences are hoping can make the jump.

Would be interesting to see how many portal guys we lost to the Blue Bloods because they simply can pay more. The NIL era is going to prove difficult for a school like X.

[bleedXblue]

They don't have the money to compete for several of the top guys. Maybe 1 - but 2, 3 and 4 are guys from lower conferences are hoping can make the jump.

Would be interesting to see how many portal guys we lost to the Blue Bloods because they simply can pay more. The NIL era is going to prove difficult for a school like X.

https://basketball.realgm.com/ncaa/conferences/Big-East-Conference/59/Xavier/28/transfers/2025

[bleedXblue]

They don't have the money to compete for several of the top guys. Maybe 1 - but 2, 3 and 4 are guys from lower conferences are hoping can make the jump.

Would be interesting to see how many portal guys we lost to the Blue Bloods because they simply can pay more. The NIL era is going to prove difficult for a school like X.

X needs to really figure this thing out quickly. Recruiting (frosh) is still going to be a major focus and has to be the foundation for Xavier. No frosh this year? Seriously? Need to have those 2nd and 3rd year guys be a key part of the rotation. We've had some unfortunate things happen the last few years including a coaching change and injuries force some of what's happened. But 5-6 new guys every year can't be the answer? We will go at it again next year losing a minimum of 5 guys. Hunter, Free, Maddox, Foster and McKnight. Two frosh coming in for now means at least 3 new transfers.

[X-band '01]

They don't have the money to compete for several of the top guys. Maybe 1 - but 2, 3 and 4 are guys from lower conferences are hoping can make the jump.

Would be interesting to see how many portal guys we lost to the Blue Bloods because they simply can pay more. The NIL era is going to prove difficult for a school like X.

I thought your slogan was No Excuses?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pBlGpWORgU&list=PLFcEvTJyqE6pHBOFLB7mQGJViB-AAKPqu&index=1

"But I'm studying for fina-

DID I STUTTER? NO EXCUSES!

[drudy23]

I thought your slogan was No Excuses?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pBlGpWORgU&list=PLFcEvTJyqE6pHBOFLB7mQGJViB-AAKPqu&index=1

"But I'm studying for fina-

DID I STUTTER? NO EXCUSES!

I'm in the camp that X has to figure this out without having to continually ask the fans for more money. That is just not sustainable.

What I can't stand is the inevitable "well, people didn't give enough, so it's their fault" - no more finger pointing, find a way to build out a sustainable NIL program that can compete for Final Fours. That's what we were promised. That is not on the fans who have been showing up for 50 years.

I find it very hard to believe that in a college with a budget of god knows what, that they can't find a way to fund an extra $2M for NIL, especially to highlight the men's basketball program, because let's be honest, that's where most of it should go.

[Xville]

I'm in the camp that X has to figure this out without having to continually ask the fans for more money. That is just not sustainable.

What I can't stand is the inevitable "well, people didn't give enough, so it's their fault" - no more finger pointing, find a way to build out a sustainable NIL program that can compete for Final Fours. That's what we were promised.

I find it very hard to believe that in a college with a budget of god knows what, that they can't find a way to fund an extra $2M for NIL.

Have you not been paying attention to Xavier’s financial situation the last few years? It’s not great.

I’ll also add that Xavier has plenty of nil to compete for final fours. It just has to be spent better, and we can’t have starters get injured for the season.

You come across as someone that’s owed something…”that’s something that we were promised.” Nothing in life is guaranteed.

[drudy23]

Have you not been paying attention to Xavier’s financial situation the last few years? It’s not great.

Well then cut some stuff that doesn't have the impact of men's hoops. $2M is a drop in the bucket for a major college budget. A rounding error.

It's fine to have The Final 2% - but it's peanuts compared to the big whig donors.

Does Xavier survive as a school at the current cost of tuition if it doesn't have major college basketball? Maybe, maybe not. It's already struggling with major college basketball - but rest assured, the hoops decisions didn't get them to this point. Take care of literally the gateway to Xavier's rise. The basketball program literally put the school on the map.

[Xville]

Well then cut some stuff that doesn't have the impact of men's hoops. $2M is a drop in the bucket for a major college budget. A rounding error.

It's fine to have The Final 2% - but it's peanuts compared to the big whig donors.

Does Xavier survive as a school at the current cost of tuition if it doesn't have major college basketball? Maybe, maybe not.

I agree there is a ton of bloat, but that’s school budget, not bb budget. All the resources that have been spent on bb is plenty to compete for final fours. Not sure what else you’re asking for

[drudy23]

I agree there is a ton of bloat, but that’s school budget, not bb budget. All the resources that have been spent on bb is plenty to compete for final fours. Not sure what else you’re asking for

What I'm asking for?

This whole thing is going to come down to NIL. If X can't figure out how to fund it each year, then we're screwed. And continually going back to the fan well is not sustainable, which you have also said yourself.

I know NIL isn't technically budgeted dollars for the basketball program, but it's money earmarked for players. This is now not that much different than going to another company that simply pays more.

Bottom line is this is a problem X needs to figure out. As you said, everything else is in place. Funding NIL consistently every year will not be easy for X.

[Xville]

What I'm asking for?

This whole thing is going to come down to NIL. If X can't figure out how to fund it each year, then we're screwed. And continually going back to the fan well is not sustainable, which you have also said yourself.

I know NIL isn't technically budgeted dollars for the basketball program, but it's money earmarked for players. This is now not that much different than going to another company that simply pays more.

Bottom line is this is a problem X needs to figure out. As you said, everything else is in place. Funding NIL consistently every year will not be easy for X.

I think from a nil standpoint things will be figured out once schools are allowed to directly fund it. There will be a nil “service charge” on tickets and all merchandise etc. also concessions. I see that happening within the next couple of years. The rest of it will all be the major donors as it’s always been. From what I ah e been told, x is in good shape as far as mil is concerned. I do think the current collective nonsense is not sustainable I agree, but I see it changing fairly soon.

I may be wrong on this but I think some schools are already doing a majority of this just saying th charge will go to the collective or whatever nonsense. I do wonder why x hasn’t done that yet. Maybe it’s in the works

[GoMuskies]

We need some of that fat BYU cash. They just nabbed the #1 player in the class of 2025.

[muskiefan82]

We need some of that fat BYU cash. They just nabbed the #1 player in the class of 2025.

That is just because they are fun to watch

[xudash]

I agree that we have to evolve to manage through the NIL environment successfully.

We've talked about PROGRAM ELEMENTS that are required in order for a collegiate basketball program to be successful at this level. For years we knew those to be comprised of administrative support, facilities, conference affiliation, resources, and solid coaching, all of which lead to building the final element - culture; a winning tradition.

We have been beyond fortunate with our coaching decisions most of the time. Hoff literally changed Xavier when he pulled off the facilities piece in 2000. We arrived at the conference affiliation promised land in 2013. Off we went, only to now find we have this new piece and the general piece of compensation for athletes to manage.

We are in the process of managing and building it. It will take time. We'll see how it goes down the road. It may be a little bit of a mixed bag, insofar as we have a passionate fan base, albeit a comparatively smaller one when it comes to our P4 competition. On the flip side, we don't have to fuss with football, whereas most of them have to mess with football and all that entails. I just don't see where there is a reason for panicking over this at this time. NIL is experiencing fan support and fan resistance at every school. Change is hell for many people.

Beyond that, now that some comments have been made about it, Xavier's financial "problems" are tied to budgetary issues that are being addressed. Otherwise, the strategic planning that has been put in place and the team driving it are absolutely top shelf. Let me put it this way: a university that is experiencing structural/institutional issues doesn't go out and pump $200 million into a new medical school. Look for Xavier to maintain and actually improve its quality and brand moving forward.

There is no doubt that higher education is experiencing strong headwinds now and for the foreseeable future. It's value is being questioned at the same time it faces the so called demographic cliff. That certainly doesn't mean that it's going away.

Comments in this area should be factual, not broadbrushed.

[Xville]

I agree that we have to evolve to manage through the NIL environment successfully.

We've talked about PROGRAM ELEMENTS that are required in order for a collegiate basketball program to be successful at this level. For years we knew those to be comprised of administrative support, facilities, conference affiliation, resources, and solid coaching, all of which lead to building the final element - culture; a winning tradition.

We have been beyond fortunate with our coaching decisions most of the time. Hoff literally changed Xavier when he pulled off the facilities piece in 2000. We arrived at the conference affiliation promised land in 2013. Off we went, only to now find we have this new piece and the general piece of compensation for athletes to manage.

We are in the process of managing and building it. It will take time. We'll see how it goes down the road. It may be a little bit of a mixed bag, insofar as we have a passionate fan base, albeit a comparatively smaller one when it comes to our P4 competition. On the flip side, we don't have to fuss with football, whereas most of them have to mess with football and all that entails. I just don't see where there is a reason for panicking over this at this time. NIL is experiencing fan support and fan resistance at every school. Change is hell for many people.

Beyond that, now that some comments have been made about it, Xavier's financial "problems" are tied to budgetary issues that are being addressed. Otherwise, the strategic planning that has been put in place and the team driving it are absolutely top shelf. Let me put it this way: a university that is experiencing structural/institutional issues doesn't go out and pump $200 million into a new medical school. Look for Xavier to maintain and actually improve its quality and brand moving forward.

There is no doubt that higher education is experiencing strong headwinds now and for the foreseeable future. It's value is being questioned at the same time it faces the so called demographic cliff. That certainly doesn't mean that it's going away.

Comments in this area should be factual, not broadbrushed.

The medical school is being built mainly from large donations. The operational budget is certainly an issue that still needs to be navigated. Not that it won’t or in some way hasn’t already been done, but as you mentioned these are newer waters that need to be navigated due to many different factors

[Xavier]

We need some of that fat BYU cash. They just nabbed the #1 player in the class of 2025.

This is not a hypothetical. What would they do if they caught him having sex? Isn’t that how Brandon Davies got booted from a team that could’ve done real damage? He was with Jimmer. If you ponied up to get him for 7 million I don’t think there’s a chance in hell BYU would kick him off. But…..maybe.

[GoMuskies]

They'll do the same thing they did with Jim McMahon: kick him out of school....just after his playing career has ended.