Game Thread: Xavier v Marquette University (12/21/2024)

[paulxu]

https://live.staticflickr.com/4074/4819000479_2020c62eb9_n.jpg VS.https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/xeEAAMXQya1Q8vgG/s-l500.jpg


CINCINNATI --- The Xavier University Musketeers, 8-4 overall and 0-1 in the BIG EAST Conference, host the No. 9 Marquette University Golden Eagles, 10-2 overall and 1-0 in the BIG EAST, on Saturday at noon for Xavier's BIG EAST home opener at Cintas Center. XU is playing its third-straight team ranked in the AP Top 25.

Following Saturday's game, Xavier will be off until Tuesday, Dec. 31 when it hosts Seton Hall at 2 p.m. in the final game of calendar year 2024.

THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (8-4, 0-1 BIG EAST)
NO. 9 MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY GOLDEN EAGLES (10-2, 1-0 BIG EAST)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2024 AT 12:00 NOON ET
CINTAS CENTER IN CINCINNATI, OHIO

TV, RADIO AND LIVE STATS

TV/Stream: FOX, including FOX 19 in Cincinnati, with play-by-play from Brandon Gaudin and analysis from Robbie Hummel.
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).

[Xville]

I’ll be in the house! It’s time for a q1 win

[American X]

Maybe we can take Marquette to double overtime then lose. That would be a very moral victory!

[X-band '01]

I still say Fuck Shaka for what his VCU goons did to Dee Davis in their only A-10 matchup at Cintas. I'm glad we never had to deal with that cesspool for long in the A-10.

I'm going to channel my inner Drudy and say no more excuses for losing to Marquette. They are starting to dominate this series again and today needs to be a day to draw the line with this team.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

We are due to win one of these.

[Xville]

This crowd is some weak ass sauce today. Its like a morgue in here


Tennessee fans in the house.

[Three Point Pete]

Won the 1st war

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[Xville]

X gives up an insane amount of wide open threees. I hate the packline

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Gotta get Conwell going here.

[American X]

Swain needs to never give up his dribble on the fast break and go to the basket. He will at least get a foul call three out of four times.

[American X]

Swain did it again. The Xavier offense throwing the ball around for 20 seconds is not going to create a better shot opportunity than Swain running the floor. The coaches need to borrow Yukon Cornelius's pickaxe to drill into his head to not give up the ball and go strong to the basket.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

If they can't get Conwell going, we have zero shot here.

[xukeith]

2/6 from ft line isn't helping.

[bjf123]

If they can't get Conwell going, we have zero shot here.

Might have zero shot anyway. Getting out of hand now.


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[Caveat]

I’ve come to the inescapable conclusion that the NIL era of college sports is going to be very, very bad for Xavier University.

[Xville]

Zero heart, kind of like this lame ass crowd today

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Free+Traore would be a different team. Let's see what Miller does with a decent hand before it's doom and gloom. 12 points here feels like 30. Season is starting to be completely lost. I said UC was a must win, lost, UConn became a must win, lost, now Marquette is a loss. They just can't play catchup both in games and in the table.

[Caveat]

Free+Traore would be a different team. Let's see what Miller does with a decent hand before it's doom and gloom. 12 points here feels like 30. Season is starting to be completely lost. I said UC was a must win, lost, UConn became a must win, lost, now Marquette is a loss. They just can't play catchup both in games and in the table.

That was the excuse last year too.

It’s getting old.

[Xville]

It’s time to wonder about miller. This team is lifeless. They showed up against UConn and that’s about all they’ve done this year

[Xville]

Free+Traore would be a different team. Let's see what Miller does with a decent hand before it's doom and gloom. 12 points here feels like 30. Season is starting to be completely lost. I said UC was a must win, lost, UConn became a must win, lost, now Marquette is a loss. They just can't play catchup both in games and in the table.

There’s enough talent to not look like this. The team showed up against UConn and one half against South Carolina. That’s a coaching issue. No life

[ArizonaXUGrad]

That was the excuse last year too.

It’s getting old.

Injuries matter, there are 100 teams out there that can survive 1-2 guards going down. There are maybe 5 that could survive 1-2 front court players going down. It's just reality.

[Three Point Pete]

Hold the pitchforks and torches, it's not time to kill the coach!

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[MHettel]

Zero heart, kind of like this lame ass crowd today

Are you posting to a message board on your phone at the game….about how lame the crowd is?

[Xville]

Are you posting to a message board on your phone at the game….about how lame the crowd is?

Go fuck youreelf. How many games you go to?

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Are you posting to a message board on your phone at the game….about how lame the crowd is?

That is not quite fair, I have been to ASU games for turd teams and you could hear me cheering those guys on if they earned it. i would still text during timeouts. People will cheer the effort, if that isn't there they won't.

[MHettel]

Go fuck youreelf. How many games you go to?

Classic childish response. Basically par for you

[Caveat]

That is not quite fair, I have been to ASU games for turd teams and you could hear me cheering those guys on if they earned it. i would still text during timeouts. People will cheer the effort, if that isn't there they won't.

To be fair — watching a team listlessly pass around the perimeter before bricking a 3 isn’t gonna get most crowds on their feet.

[bjf123]

Are you posting to a message board on your phone at the game….about how lame the crowd is?

The crowd and the on court effort go hand in hand. At the moment, both leave a lot to be desired.

Only way back in this game is making 3s every time down the court. That would get the crowd back in it.


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[Xville]

Classic childish response. Basically par for you

It’s nice you’re actually watching the game vs commenting from the stats. You’re one of these lame ass fans.


You’re the one commenting on my post with a “childish” response first pot kettle. You sanctimonious prick

[xu82]

I remember when this used to be fun.

[Xville]

To be fair — watching a team listlessly pass around the perimeter before bricking a 3 isn’t gonna get most crowds on their feet.

It was like that before the game even started. It was dead in here even during the starting lineups. I’ve been to three games, and it’s the worst crowd by far I’ve been to and I was at a buy game

[MHettel]

It’s nice you’re actually watching the game vs commenting from the stats. You’re one of these lame ass fans.


You’re the one commenting on my post with a “childish” response first pot kettle. You sanctimonious prick

I watch every game. And I have the apptitude to glean some insight from the box score as well. I’m sorry that you are incapable of critical thought. Enjoy the game. Maybe you can get a chocolate milk

[Wiggy1227]

You two are more entertaining than the game

[bjf123]

It was like that before the game even started. It was dead in here even during the starting lineups. I’ve been to three games, and it’s the worst crowd by far I’ve been to and I was at a buy game

The lack of students is a big difference. Not too many here.


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[xukeith]

You have to clearly observe Marquette is an elite team.
X? too many injuries and not a ton of talent this season.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

It was like that before the game even started. It was dead in here even during the starting lineups. I’ve been to three games, and it’s the worst crowd by far I’ve been to and I was at a buy game

Christmas game remember, people have family over and such. When you win, people will come regardless. When you do this crap, people won't go in lieu of spending time with they family or turn it off.

[Xville]

I watch every game. And I have the apptitude to glean some insight from the box score as well. I’m sorry that you are incapable of critical thought. Enjoy the game. Maybe you can get a chocolate milk

You definitely don’t watch trust me. Either that, or you know anything about bb. every knowledgeable poster here dogs you and you still think you’re smarter than everyone else.

[Xville]

Christmas game remember, people have family over and such. When you win, people will come regardless. When you do this crap, people won't go in lieu of spending time with they family or turn it off.

Oh people are here it’s pretty full. It’s just lifeless.

[MHettel]

You definitely don’t watch trust me. Either that, or you know anything about bb. every knowledgeable poster here dogs you and you still think you’re smarter than everyone else.

Classic. I watch every game, but I should “trust you” that I don’t. Ok, yeah. That makes sense.

Also, I’m afraid that your determination of who the “knowledgeable posters” are must also take into consideration that you’re a fucking dumbass

[MHettel]

Oh people are here it’s pretty full. It’s just lifeless.

They are probably all on their phones.

[Xville]

Ok forget everything I said crowd and team just needed something positive

[Xville]

They are probably all on their phones.

How many games you been to in the last ten years? How was the UConn game you very clearly didn’t watch. Stfu and turn on the game

[xukeith]

Maybe X can pull ahead here....

[Wiggy1227]

And meanwhile while you two have been arguing, X within 4

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Should liven the crowd up a bit.

Remember, if they are there on their phones they are still there at the game. Honestly, I would be if I was still anyway near Cincinnati.

[Three Point Pete]

Dayvion...onions!

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[ArizonaXUGrad]

Season on the brink, hard defense and score.

Face palm turnover.

[xukeith]

Great offensive play Miller called out of that timeout. ugghh

[XUBison]

For fuck’s sake.

[bjf123]

Great offensive play Miller called out of that timeout. ugghh

You don’t think they didn’t care about using up the time for a drive to the basket for a layup? Safer than giving up a 3 and maybe fouling the shooter.


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[xu82]

I was surprised a whistle didn’t blow there. I wish there was a better view, but it changes nothing. Hard fought game against a solid opponent, again. Shit happens.

[XU 87]

Was that a foul at the end?

[XU_Lou]

They are probably all on their phones.

I was thinking the exact same thing!!

But the real question is, "how many games have you been to in the last 10 years"? It's a pretty logical thing to ask.

[MHettel]

How many games you been to in the last ten years? How was the UConn game you very clearly didn’t watch. Stfu and turn on the game

What does how many games that I’ve been to have to do with ….anything?

Is this where the discussion turns into “my dad can beat up your dad?”

How many games have YOU gone to?

Fetch

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Sucks, but 10 months of nothing until more meaningful basketball. This team just isn't good and Miller really needs to learn to navigate the NIL/Portal landscape better. It's on him at this point. I think he will figure it out.

I think back to when Michigan got Harbaugh but still got rolled by OSU. There were people there calling for his head and it worked out for them. I hope we are in the same boat.

[Wiggy1227]

So now you can just trip players. Got it
Ridiculous.

[Xville]

Was that a foul at the end?

I was on that side and it sure looked like it. Miller ran to the locker room. Think to avoid losing his effing mind

[Xville]

What does how many games that I’ve been to have to do with ….anything?

Is this where the discussion turns into “my dad can beat up your dad?”

How many games have YOU gone to?

Fetch

When Lou is on your side, you know you’re on the wrong side. My question is don’t fucking ever question my fandom or my knowledge of the game. Fuck you . That’s my point. You don’t know shit.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Do any of you seriously think this team is getting that call at the last second of the game?

[xukeith]

Reach in foul. Trip maybe was incidental contact.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Reach in foul. Trip maybe was incidental contact.

To be honest, trip is a trip regardless of whether it's intentional.

[Xville]

Do any of you seriously think this team is getting that call at the last second of the game?

I mean it was pretty egregious. He literally stuck his leg out

[Xavier]

Looked like a foul. But only showed replay at arena twice. Kinda baffling how this team is 3-4 possessions from three straight wins over ranked teams. Even with Freemantle if you told me we’d lose in OT at UConn and by 2 at home to Marquette I’d say that sounds right. So on one hand credit to them, surprised they can compete with the best in the big east short handed.

On the other hand the turnovers at the end are maddening. It’s unreal, like an up and comping program who is right there but can’t get over the hump. We’re better off letting McKnight just hold it and chuck a prayer. Maybe get an offensive board

[Xville]

Joe said he was clearly tripped

[bjf123]

Do any of you seriously think this team is getting that call at the last second of the game?

Not with O’Connell as the ref. Isn’t he the guy who didn’t call the intentional foul on Odom against Ohio State?

Wife said the TV guys said it should have been called.


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[ArizonaXUGrad]

Looked like that to me as well, we got screwed out of that call for sure.

Honestly, where was the play earlier in the game. That said, I am a believer is refs being held accountable for egregious mistakes. They should either have to face the media or punishments be made public. Baseball does it with the strike zone scores. Basketball could do it as well.

[xukeith]

X should win these next 5 games vs bottom BE teams.

I will accept nothing worse than 5-0.

[xu82]

Not with O’Connell as the ref. Isn’t he the guy who didn’t call the intentional foul on Odom against Ohio State?

Wife said the TV guys said it should have been called.


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If that’s the guy, I REALLY don’t like him already!

And yes, the TV guys said it was a foul and asked why there was no whistle. The whole thing was awkward, but I was waiting for the whistle that never came.

[drudy23]

For what feels like the 28th game in a row, can't close a resume building game out.

You can say whatever you want, you have to win games against good teams. We really haven't in a long time.

There are no moral victories anymore.

[MHettel]

When Lou is on your side, you know you’re on the wrong side. My question is don’t fucking ever question my fandom or my knowledge of the game. Fuck you . That’s my point. You don’t know shit.

I’m not sensing that you’ve reached maximum holiday spirit.

I guess it sucks when you just constantly get owned and have to resort to lashing out at others. This seems to be a pattern with you. Perhaps some breathing exercises or remove dairy from you diet? Maybe consider your sleeping habits?

[Xavgrad08]

Last three losses have been to good teams and X has had a chance to win. X had back to back turnovers ( Swain & Hunter )towards the end that killed them. It was definitely a foul at the end and I am surprised Miller did not go off. Conwell and Maddox were both off today. Next two games are must wins. I think @ Georgetown is going to be a really difficult match up. Peavy& Sorber are good bigs for Georgetown.

[American X]

A very moral victory - best Christmas present ever! Throw in a kick to the groin with the trip no call as a bonus.

[bjf123]

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a glass half empty with a big hole in it, the sky is falling, kind of guy, especially when it comes to sports teams. Having said that, I’m encouraged by the last two games. I fully expected to get drilled in both and to take UConn to OT and Marquette to the wire has me encouraged about this team! Are we going to win the Big East? No. Are we going to be at the bottom? I don’t think so. This year will be a challenge, but I still think we can make the Big Dance.


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[MHettel]

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a glass half empty with a big hole in it, the sky is falling, kind of guy, especially when it comes to sports teams. Having said that, I’m encouraged by the last two games. I fully expected to get drilled in both and to take UConn to OT and Marquette to the wire has me encouraged about this team! Are we going to win the Big East? No. Are we going to be at the bottom? I don’t think so. This year will be a challenge, but I still think we can make the Big Dance.


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I think the overall performance against Marquette was much better than against UConn. We still saw lot of issues in our ball handling, but we didn’t get completely dominated inside.

I know UConn is tough inside, but we were evicerated by them on the boards and by their interior defense (they blocked TEN of out out 34 2 point shot attempts (29%). I left the UConn game realizing that 55% shooting from 3 goes a long way towards setting the impression that the team played well.

Today was different. The glaring inside mismatch was managed, but we CANNOT make the ball handling & passing mistakes like we have if we want to compete this year.

I figured our only path to the NCAA would be by holding court at Cintas (10-0) and stealing 4 games on the road. Now we probably have to win 5 road games out of the 9 remaining…..and not lose at Cintas.

I gave up last year after 2 conference games. We just didn’t have a chance and it was obvious.

I’m giving this years team another couple games and if we aren’t tracking for 14 conference wins I think that might spell the end of our chances

[Xuperman]

Did you say 14 wins?

Like a 14-4 finish?

[nickgyp]

Only saw last three minutes of game due to picking up daughter at airport. Luggage delayed as the jet’s cargo door wouldn’t open. Then slow return home due to attempt to avoid heavy traffic northbound on 1-75. Taking Anderson Ferry usually a safe bet but only one ferry operating then a five barge tug blocked the Ohio side for awhile.

Surprised game was still on. The three turnovers on two possessions was a killer. One play where ball was stolen, recovered and then stolen again just doesn’t work in a close game. Tough loss but with the injuries, the margin of error is minuscule. Cannot throw in the towel; just have to face reality knowing X can be competitive but it can ill-afford mental lapses.

The frustration for posters on this board is evident. Some posters are more knowledgeable about the sport than others. I confess as a long-time fan, I am not really a student of the game. Just not a good thing to see the bickering and vitriol that has surfaced here.

[Xville]

I’m not sensing that you’ve reached maximum holiday spirit.

I guess it sucks when you just constantly get owned and have to resort to lashing out at others. This seems to be a pattern with you. Perhaps some breathing exercises or remove dairy from you diet? Maybe consider your sleeping habits?

Owned? By what? Would you like to go back to the nil thread and talk about how stupid you looked?

[Xville]

I think the overall performance against Marquette was much better than against UConn. We still saw lot of issues in our ball handling, but we didn’t get completely dominated inside.

I know UConn is tough inside, but we were evicerated by them on the boards and by their interior defense (they blocked TEN of out out 34 2 point shot attempts (29%). I left the UConn game realizing that 55% shooting from 3 goes a long way towards setting the impression that the team played well.

Today was different. The glaring inside mismatch was managed, but we CANNOT make the ball handling & passing mistakes like we have if we want to compete this year.

I figured our only path to the NCAA would be by holding court at Cintas (10-0) and stealing 4 games on the road. Now we probably have to win 5 road games out of the 9 remaining…..and not lose at Cintas.

I gave up last year after 2 conference games. We just didn’t have a chance and it was obvious.

I’m giving this years team another couple games and if we aren’t tracking for 14 conference wins I think that might spell the end of our chances

“Glaring inside mismatch” it’s very clear by that statement alone you don’t know ball at all. Marquette is built like us holy shit. Their “big guys” play on the perimeter. The difference is they have guards that attack the rim like jones. We don’t have kam jones on our team. lol im never responding to you again. You just fully told on yourself. Beyond clueless about ball.

[Xville]

Did you say 14 wins?

Like a 14-4 finish?

If they go 10-10 I’ll be satisfied due to the injuries. They played well for 8 minutes and almost beat a top ten team. If they go 4-1 with probably a loss to at John’s maybe it can be better but every game is going to come down to the wire in conference I fear. We need to finish one of these to gain some semblance of end game confidence

[MHettel]

Did you say 14 wins?

Like a 14-4 finish?

Oh, I’m not predicting 14 wins. I’m saying that I think it might take 14 wins to get us into the Dance. And yes, that would mean we finish out 14-4. I have my doubts, let’s just say that!

Again, defend home court (no losses). And win 5 on the road (GT, DePaul, Butler, Prov, SHU). That leaves road losses to Creighton, Marquette, SJU, and nova). Maybe beat Nova and lose to providence or SHU. You get the idea.

The BE didn’t have a great non-con performance. I think finishing in the top 4 is pretty essential.

[XUGRAD80]

My observations…..

X does not have any players, or even a player, that can stop anyone down on the block. Neither a forward or a guard. Not a criticism as much as it as an observation. Hugley is too slow and not mobile enough. Hunter isn’t really an interior player. All of the guards are easily posted up and overpowered by larger and stronger opposing guards and forwards.

X lacks a guard that can break down the defense with penetration. They are all too easily intimidated by opponents and back down from challenging them. None of them seem to have the explosion and the courage needed to drive against pressure defense.

Having said those things, I don’t want to come off as too negative. These players were all recruited to be outside shooters and with the idea that X would have an interior presence provided by a couple of 6’9”-6’10” players. They weren’t expected to have to guard down low in isolation or to have to have to provide interior offense except off the fast break.

If this group of players can finish .500 in the BE I will be truly impressed and amazed. If they finish .500 overall for the season I will consider them overachieving. The one thing they have going for them is the fact that the BE is not overall that good this year. There are some other teams in the conference that have some of the same problems and none of them is a dominant team. IMO the NCAA tourney is a pipe dream after losing their starting center and an all-BE caliper forward.

One other observation….and it leaves me wondering….saw both Green and Free in street clothes on the bench. Didn’t notice if Free was on crutches. If not, maybe he isn’t hurt as bad as we thought? And if Green is leaving, why is he still sitting on the bench? Possible redshirt?

[MHettel]

My observations…..

X does not have any players, or even a player, that can stop anyone down on the block. Neither a forward or a guard. Not a criticism as much as it as an observation. Hugley is too slow and not mobile enough. Hunter isn’t really an interior player. All of the guards are easily posted up and overpowered by larger and stronger opposing guards and forwards.

X lacks a guard that can break down the defense with penetration. They are all too easily intimidated by opponents and back down from challenging them. None of them seem to have the explosion and the courage needed to drive against pressure defense.

Having said those things, I don’t want to come off as too negative. These players were all recruited to be outside shooters and with the idea that X would have an interior presence provided by a couple of 6’9”-6’10” players. They weren’t expected to have to guard down low in isolation or to have to have to provide interior offense except off the fast break.

If this group of players can finish .500 in the BE I will be truly impressed and amazed. If they finish .500 overall for the season I will consider them overachieving. The one thing they have going for them is the fact that the BE is not overall that good this year. There are some other teams in the conference that have some of the same problems and none of them is a dominant team. IMO the NCAA tourney is a pipe dream after losing their starting center and an all-BE caliper forward.

One other observation….and it leaves me wondering….saw both Green and Free in street clothes on the bench. Didn’t notice if Free was on crutches. If not, maybe he isn’t hurt as bad as we thought? And if Green is leaving, why is he still sitting on the bench? Possible redshirt?

Claude would have been a good fit on this team. Last years team had a huge lack of deep shooting, forcing Claude to do something he wasn’t good at. He left and we brought in 3 guys that could shoot ( 1 had to replace Q) and now we don’t have anyone that can take his man off the dribble. That skill is essential because the defense generally has to collapse and help and now open shots get created.

I also am hopeful that free can return. Does the committee still take injuries into account? We’d probably win more games if he came back and MAYBE get some empathy from the selection committee.

I do t know what’s up with Green. It’s not clear if it’s discipline…..Millers early comments kind of leaned that way. I’ve not heard of an injury. If he wants to get a redshirt then it would have to be related to an injury / medical issue. But my last point is why is he on the bench if he’s essentially quit on the team and plans to transfer? Just cut him. We did this last year with Craft. Why let a guy take a roster spot and get a free education when his decision making seems to be exclusively focused on his own interests. I’m not shocked that Craft made decisions based on Crafts own interest, but I AM kinda shocked that we don’t reciprocate.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

My observations…..

X does not have any players, or even a player, that can stop anyone down on the block. Neither a forward or a guard. Not a criticism as much as it as an observation. Hugley is too slow and not mobile enough. Hunter isn’t really an interior player. All of the guards are easily posted up and overpowered by larger and stronger opposing guards and forwards.

X lacks a guard that can break down the defense with penetration. They are all too easily intimidated by opponents and back down from challenging them. None of them seem to have the explosion and the courage needed to drive against pressure defense.

Having said those things, I don’t want to come off as too negative. These players were all recruited to be outside shooters and with the idea that X would have an interior presence provided by a couple of 6’9”-6’10” players. They weren’t expected to have to guard down low in isolation or to have to have to provide interior offense except off the fast break.

If this group of players can finish .500 in the BE I will be truly impressed and amazed. If they finish .500 overall for the season I will consider them overachieving. The one thing they have going for them is the fact that the BE is not overall that good this year. There are some other teams in the conference that have some of the same problems and none of them is a dominant team. IMO the NCAA tourney is a pipe dream after losing their starting center and an all-BE caliper forward.

One other observation….and it leaves me wondering….saw both Green and Free in street clothes on the bench. Didn’t notice if Free was on crutches. If not, maybe he isn’t hurt as bad as we thought? And if Green is leaving, why is he still sitting on the bench? Possible redshirt?

Agree with your analysis only I'm wondering how Hugely warranted a scholarship at all. He was flat out horrible! Completely ineffective. Added nothing, repeat nothing, when he was on the floor. I would trade four Hugelys for one Abou right now.

Freemantle was without crutches. I didn't detect a limp but definitely no crutches. Have the same question about Green. His game fits the same model you described for the other guards and wings and so his continuing to be available adds no value when you consider we've got plenty of backcourt players already. So, I also think redshirting him makes the most sense but the question becomes whether he hits the portal, or not, in the spring. Recall, that Craft sat on the bench for a few games after he decided to red shirt but at some point, he disappeared completely. Then, when the portal opened, he was gone. I like Green and don't feel he is as one-dimensional as some of his detractors on this board, so I hope he stays. Maybe his continuing to sit on the bench is a good sign for next year.

[XUGRAD80]

Claude would have been a good fit on this team. Last years team had a huge lack of deep shooting, forcing Claude to do something he wasn’t good at. He left and we brought in 3 guys that could shoot ( 1 had to replace Q) and now we don’t have anyone that can take his man off the dribble. That skill is essential because the defense generally has to collapse and help and now open shots get created.

I also am hopeful that free can return. Does the committee still take injuries into account? We’d probably win more games if he came back and MAYBE get some empathy from the selection committee.

I do t know what’s up with Green. It’s not clear if it’s discipline…..Millers early comments kind of leaned that way. I’ve not heard of an injury. If he wants to get a redshirt then it would have to be related to an injury / medical issue. But my last point is why is he on the bench if he’s essentially quit on the team and plans to transfer? Just cut him. We did this last year with Craft. Why let a guy take a roster spot and get a free education when his decision making seems to be exclusively focused on his own interests. I’m not shocked that Craft made decisions based on Crafts own interest, but I AM kinda shocked that we don’t reciprocate.

Claude wanted the ball in his hand and to play point. That’s been discussed ad nauseam. But a different player with his driving ability certainly would be nice to have.

Can’t just “cut” a player and revoke their scholarship without just cause. This isn’t like HS ball. Those scholarships are legally binding contracts. Just like a work situation, if a player (or an employee) claims that they have a mental health problem (or a drug problem) the law says that they must be accommodated and that their position be kept open for when they return. (As long as it is within their contract period.) in addition, IF a player claims that they have a mental health problem and need to take a break from the team the NCAA is going to give them a redshirt season, just as if it was a different medical condition. Also additionally, unless Green is causing a problem within the team why would Miller want to “cut” him, or ban him from being on the bench? There’s no sense in burning bridges with either the player or the others that he has in his circle. Recruiting is almost completely dependent upon creating good relationships. I’ve not heard of Green being any kind of “problem”. By all accounts he is well liked and a hard worker. He’s probably not going to travel with the team, and I feel confident that he won’t be attending any possible tournament games with the team. But unless he becomes a problem he will probably be given the opportunity to remain on the bench for home games. After all, those players and coaches are his friends. He might want to be there just to support them. Craft may have been given the same opportunity and declined.

Anyone know if Anderson sits on the bench at home games?

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Claude wanted the ball in his hand and to play point. That’s been discussed ad nauseam. But a different player with his driving ability certainly would be nice to have.

Can’t just “cut” a player and revoke their scholarship without just cause. This isn’t like HS ball. Those scholarships are legally binding contracts. Just like a work situation, if a player (or an employee) claims that they have a mental health problem (or a drug problem) the law says that they must be accommodated and that their position be kept open for when they return. (As long as it is within their contract period.) in addition, IF a player claims that they have a mental health problem and need to take a break from the team the NCAA is going to give them a redshirt season, just as if it was a different medical condition. Also additionally, unless Green is causing a problem within the team why would Miller want to “cut” him, or ban him from being on the bench? There’s no sense in burning bridges with either the player or the others that he has in his circle. Recruiting is almost completely dependent upon creating good relationships. I’ve not heard of Green being any kind of “problem”. By all accounts he is well liked and a hard worker. He’s probably not going to travel with the team, and I feel confident that he won’t be attending any possible tournament games with the team. But unless he becomes a problem he will probably be given the opportunity to remain on the bench for home games. After all, those players and coaches are his friends. He might want to be there just to support them. Craft may have been given the same opportunity and declined.

Anyone know if Anderson sits on the bench at home games?

Anderson is on the bench. Green is definitely not a problem. He interacted with players during time outs, was positive and supporting.

[XUGRAD80]

Anderson is on the bench. Green is definitely not a problem. He interacted with players during time outs, was positive and supporting.

That’s what I thought.

[xukeith]

If Cooley can get a top 40 post frosh and he is looking very strong , then shouldn't Miller land a top 40 post man?

[drudy23]

If Cooley can get a top 40 post frosh and he is looking very strong , then shouldn't Miller land a top 40 post man?

Is the position a recruiting priority? Doesn’t seem to be.

[bleedXblue]

I don't know what the recruiting strategy is.......no frosh this year? Thats inexcusable

[Xavier]

In context, Claude with Freemantle would’ve been very good IMO. They could have good tight high low action bc Claude was very good at getting in the lane. He was a miserable 3pt shooter, so once Freemantle went down we’d be worse with Claude IMO. At this point the more shooting we have the better.

But Claude is a damn good piece with the proper team built around him. I wouldn’t consider him a great ball handler/PG and that’s what he wanted.

[Xville]

Got a long break now where you can get some good practice In, reset a bit, and maybe insert some different wrinkles that you couldn’t before. It’s nice the next one is at home too against a bad seton hall team. At this point, the team just needs a win to feel good about itself. They are a few possessions from being 11-2 and ranked. X has played the best the be East has in the last two games and took them to the brink.

If they struggle in this next five game stretch, fine I’ll accept it’s another lost season. But maybe we could see how x does against the middle pack and the DePauls and halls of the conference before declaring the season over?

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Got a long break now where you can get some good practice In, reset a bit, and maybe insert some different wrinkles that you couldn’t before. It’s nice the next one is at home too against a bad seton hall team. At this point, the team just needs a win to feel good about itself. They are a few possessions from being 11-2 and ranked. X has played the best the be East has in the last two games and took them to the brink.

If they struggle in this next five game stretch, fine I’ll accept it’s another lost season. But maybe we could see how x does against the middle pack and the DePauls and halls of the conference before declaring the season over?

Wait a second. Are we not supposed to beat the conference also rans? Not this year----every single year. We ponied up to bring back Miller not to beat DePaul, Seton Hall or Butler. We brought him back to beat Marquette, UConn and Creighton and then to advance deep into March Madness.

And then, this year, we the fans ponied up to keep our seats so that we would have supposedly newer even more elite facilities. I gladly wrote a big (for me) check to keep my seats. Happy to do so.

But not to beat DePaul. Hell, even Steele could do that.

I was part of that crowd yesterday which one poster labeled "lame". It was an unenthusiastic crowd, for sure, and for those of you who were not there, lots of empty seats. Yes, there was a crowded schedule of sporting events but the last couple of seasons more closely resemble the Steele years than I care to contemplate. I think others may be noticing that as well.

The season is still salvageable but only if we show we can beat the top of the conference and then we do it. Our effort, even before Freemantle went down, was pitiful. Michigan and TCU were inexcusable beat downs.

At this point, I'm unsatisfied with the team and the coaching staff. Shaka Smart and Danny Hurley were both, like Miller, hired to restore the diminished luster of their formerly great programs. They both have succeeded. Where were Smart and Hurley in their third seasons and where is Miller in his?

Right now, we suck and beating DePaul isn't, for me, salvation. This crap has got to end now.

[Xavier]

(*disregard one of the best seasons in Xavier history followed by 2/5 starters suffering season ending injuries the following two years)

Do I expect X to compete with the best in the big east? Yes. The were the best team in the big east year one under Sean until Freemantle went out, still did great. Do I expect X to compete and beat the best in the big east when there best player goes out for the year before conference play? No. They still had a shot to win at the end against the two top teams despite losing 2/5 starters. That’s solid. Like Hett said, going .500 after the injuries would be an amazing coaching job. Expectations change when major injuries occur. Unrealistic to think otherwise.

But when healthy, we should be competing for the big east. Just like we were year one, while going to the BE championship.

I’ll clarify, I was not happy with the OOC play at all. Even with starting center going out, it was unacceptable. Once Freemantle went out I thought it was a lost season. Just way too much to overcome at that point. How they responded against the two best teams in the conference was way better than I anticipated.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

(*disregard one of the best seasons in Xavier history followed by 2/5 starters suffering season ending injuries the following two years)

Do I expect X to compete with the best in the big east? Yes. The were the best team in the big east year one under Sean until Freemantle went out, still did great. Do I expect X to compete and beat the best in the big east when there best player goes out for the year before conference play? No. They still had a shot to win at the end against the two top teams despite losing 2/5 starters. That’s solid. Like Hett said, going .500 after the injuries would be an amazing coaching job. Expectations change when major injuries occur. Unrealistic to think otherwise.

But when healthy, we should be competing for the big east. Just like we were year one, while going to the BE championship.

Rule One = Drudy23 "No more excuses"
Rule Two + See Rule One

[Xville]

Wait a second. Are we not supposed to beat the conference also rans? Not this year----every single year. We ponied up to bring back Miller not to beat DePaul, Seton Hall or Butler. We brought him back to beat Marquette, UConn and Creighton and then to advance deep into March Madness.

And then, this year, we the fans ponied up to keep our seats so that we would have supposedly newer even more elite facilities. I gladly wrote a big (for me) check to keep my seats. Happy to do so.

But not to beat DePaul. Hell, even Steele could do that.

I was part of that crowd yesterday which one poster labeled "lame". It was an unenthusiastic crowd, for sure, and for those of you who were not there, lots of empty seats. Yes, there was a crowded schedule of sporting events but the last couple of seasons more closely resemble the Steele years than I care to contemplate. I think others may be noticing that as well.

The season is still salvageable but only if we show we can beat the top of the conference and then we do it. Our effort, even before Freemantle went down, was pitiful. Michigan and TCU were inexcusable beat downs.

At this point, I'm unsatisfied with the team and the coaching staff. Shaka Smart and Danny Hurley were both, like Miller, hired to restore the diminished luster of their formerly great programs. They both have succeeded. Where were Smart and Hurley in their third seasons and where is Miller in his?

Right now, we suck and beating DePaul isn't, for me, salvation. This crap has got to end now.

I’m the one who called the crowd lame and I was there. It was lame. There was zero fire until the last seven minutes of the game. The starting lineup introductions was sad. I understand it’s break so the student section was pretty non existent but during that time fans need to step up. It was actually embarrassing how bad it was. There were neutral fans there (Tennessee) and that’s probably the only impression they now have of a Xavier crowd. I think that’s really disappointing and I have never seen it like that, and I was at games at the end of the season last year where it was clear we weren’t going anywhere. So I’ve been to enough to be able to speak on it. We had a top ten team in at home and it was like we were playing Morgan state. It’s pathetic and seats could be had for 20 dollars.


In regards to your comments on DePaul, hall etc I agree, I expect wins..4 of them. But what about beating he middle of the pack! If they do that substantially, have no bad losses against the dregs of the conference then x is still going dancing.

Trust me I’m as frustrated as anyone, my posts yesterday clearly showed that, but after a day to reflect on it, there is still a lot of season left. We are literally a couple of possessions away from being 11-2 and ranked. We didn’t , so we are what we are, but it gives me at least some hope for the rest of the conference season. That could go quickly if we continue to keep losing.

[GoMuskies]

We were also one possession away from losing to SC State, so I guess choose your own adventure there.

[Section 200]

Wow there is much more unhappiness that I would have expected based on what the Team has achieved. 3 point loss at UC, OT loss at 2 time defending National Champion UConn and 2 point loss with a bs no call to Top 10 Marquette. Has X ever had that tough of a 3 game stretch outside of the NCAA Tourney in school history? Unlikely and we lost our best player after the UC game.

1. Crowd - whenever the students are on break that is how the crowd is. X likes to say that Cintas is the highest income lower bowl in Ohio & a downside of that is without the students, there isn't a ton of energy. All that wealth has homes in warmer places, tickets to other games (like the new ND & OSU football playoff games), parties, work responsibilites, Christmas out of town, etc etc. This effect also happens at almost all schools - I'm sure the UC crowd today will be terrible. Its too bad we got ranked Marquette in that slot instead of DePaul - but wasn't the game on national Fox? You hope they give the tickets to X fans but obviously some just don't show up. I was amazed how great the crowd was at the end of the game. I'm not sure why we care what Tennessee fans think of us.

2. Expectations - I think a lot of the fan base still thinks X is in the A-10 where we had a talent and coaching advantage for over a decade. We are now competing with 10 (fine 9 if you want to not count DePaul) other programs that are trying just as hard as X and several have significantly more resources. I'm very surprised we took UConn and Marquette to the wire without Freemantle - we have a hell of a coach to figure out how to do that. NCAA tourney bid is in reach - that should be the goal this year. Season is just starting.

[Xville]

Wow there is much more unhappiness that I would have expected based on what the Team has achieved. 3 point loss at UC, OT loss at 2 time defending National Champion UConn and 2 point loss with a bs no call to Top 10 Marquette. Has X ever had that tough of a 3 game stretch outside of the NCAA Tourney in school history? Unlikely and we lost our best player after the UC game.

1. Crowd - whenever the students are on break that is how the crowd is. X likes to say that Cintas is the highest income lower bowl in Ohio & a downside of that is without the students, there isn't a ton of energy. All that wealth has homes in warmer places, tickets to other games (like the new ND & OSU football playoff games), parties, work responsibilites, Christmas out of town, etc etc. This effect also happens at almost all schools - I'm sure the UC crowd today will be terrible. Its too bad we got ranked Marquette in that slot instead of DePaul - but wasn't the game on national Fox? You hope they give the tickets to X fans but obviously some just don't show up. I was amazed how great the crowd was at the end of the game. I'm not sure why we care what Tennessee fans think of us.

2. Expectations - I think a lot of the fan base still thinks X is in the A-10 where we had a talent and coaching advantage for over a decade. We are now competing with 10 (fine 9 if you want to not count DePaul) other programs that are trying just as hard as X and several have significantly more resources. I'm very surprised we took UConn and Marquette to the wire without Freemantle - we have a hell of a coach to figure out how to do that. NCAA tourney bid is in reach - that should be the goal this year. Season is just starting.

I’m with you expectations for sure.

The crowd. That sounds like a bunch of excuses, and everyone has one. Comparing ourselves to uc doesn’t do us any favors. They will tell you differently, but their basketball fans are terrible outside of once every two years. Dayton outnumbered them 70-30 at herotage bank. They suck as bb fans. If we want to be a big time basketball program, it’s important for fans to show the fuck up and be loud, especially against a top ten team regardless of students being there or not. I care about Tennessee because I want others to see us as a good environment and crowd. Word spreads and it’s important for others to know that Xavier has a great atmosphere. That sounds pretty elementary to me.

[MHettel]

We were also one possession away from losing to SC State, so I guess choose your own adventure there.

How do you think green feels about that SC state game? He sits the bench the whole game. Gets subbed in at the end twice to make 4 free throws and get pulled out on defense in between offensive plays. He saved our asses and he saved Millers ass from a debilitating loss.

What did that earn him? Nothing apparently.

[MHettel]

I’m the one who called the crowd lame and I was there. It was lame. There was zero fire until the last seven minutes of the game. The starting lineup introductions was sad. I understand it’s break so the student section was pretty non existent but during that time fans need to step up. It was actually embarrassing how bad it was. There were neutral fans there (Tennessee) and that’s probably the only impression they now have of a Xavier crowd. I think that’s really disappointing and I have never seen it like that, and I was at games at the end of the season last year where it was clear we weren’t going anywhere. So I’ve been to enough to be able to speak on it. We had a top ten team in at home and it was like we were playing Morgan state. It’s pathetic and seats could be had for 20 dollars.


In regards to your comments on DePaul, hall etc I agree, I expect wins..4 of them. But what about beating he middle of the pack! If they do that substantially, have no bad losses against the dregs of the conference then x is still going dancing.

Trust me I’m as frustrated as anyone, my posts yesterday clearly showed that, but after a day to reflect on it, there is still a lot of season left. We are literally a couple of possessions away from being 11-2 and ranked. We didn’t , so we are what we are, but it gives me at least some hope for the rest of the conference season. That could go quickly if we continue to keep losing.

Maybe the crowd is a reflection of how satisfied they are with the product.

Did you go to that home NIt game where the fan had a bag on his head? That was Steeles last game….and we won.

The lack of students isn’t just a minor detail when it comes to the crown being lame. A rowdy student section can carry a crowd.

[XUGRAD80]

How do you think green feels about that SC state game? He sits the bench the whole game. Gets subbed in at the end twice to make 4 free throws and get pulled out on defense in between offensive plays. He saved our asses and he saved Millers ass from a debilitating loss.

What did that earn him? Nothing apparently.

Playing time is not a reward. A coach will play the players that will help him to win the current game. If they were put into that same situation in a future game I’m sure that Miller would have done the same thing. Not as a reward but because he had faith that Green could perform the same way again. He also would choose not to play him in other situations because he didn’t have faith that Green would perform well in those different situations. Very simply, if Green isn’t making shots he is a liability to the team.

[xudash]

What were Tennessee fans doing in the Cintas Center for the Marquette game?

Were they on their way to Columbus for the Ohio State game?

[paulxu]

Lost.

[xu82]

What were Tennessee fans doing in the Cintas Center for the Marquette game?

Were they on their way to Columbus for the Ohio State game?

Good question. I heard they were there. I usually just stop at a McDonald’s right off an exit.

[JTG]

Evidently that burnt pizza smell from the Cintas concourse can make it's way to traffic travelling up on I-71.

[Xville]

What were Tennessee fans doing in the Cintas Center for the Marquette game?

Were they on their way to Columbus for the Ohio State game?

Yep on the way to Columbus. The amount of tennessse flags on the hwy coming to and from Louisville was insane.

[X-band '01]

Yeah, I was going home on 71 and there were a lot of UT flags en route to Columbus. There were traffic jams that had nothing to do with the Kenwood exits and the last-second Christmas shopping.

[xudash]

Yep on the way to Columbus. The amount of tennessse flags on the hwy coming to and from Louisville was insane.

I actually find this little tidbit very interesting and positive. You have fans of an SEC school traveling to a CFP playoff game in Columbus who decide it would be interesting to pop in for a game on Xavier‘s campus to experience the Cintas Center.

So, a low energy atmosphere turns more electric as X rallies. As was pointed out, students are away anyway - every fan base gets that.

What I think could be funny is their reaction to walking into the Cintas Center to find every form of alcohol imaginable in so many different serving locations. All of that for 10,250 people. Their place is twice as big and serves beer out of 6 locations, if I read their site correctly.

Either way, I find it interesting that they popped in for an X game before heading up to Columbus for their #1 passion.

[Xavier]

We sure they were headed to the game? I saw a couple and just thought it was a X fan showing Tennessee colors among what they expected to be some OSU fans.

Because if you were making the trip, why on earth would you stop and not just get there and tailgate/look for a bar.

[Xville]

We sure they were headed to the game? I saw a couple and just thought it was a X fan showing Tennessee colors among what they expected to be some OSU fans.

Because if you were making the trip, why on earth would you stop and not just get there and tailgate/look for a bar.

I mean this is just me but I’d rather go to a basketball game and watch a top ten team
Play on the way indoors and get there about 4
Hours prior to
The game vs tailgating for 8+.

[XUGRAD80]

I really can’t imagine that there are many, if any, Tennessee fans that would stop during a road trip to the football playoffs to randomly watch a college basketball game that they have no connection to. Personally I can attest to the fact that I’ve done several road trips to football bowl games, including to a semifinal game in Dallas, and the thought of stopping to watch a random basketball game never crossed my mind. In fact, we have been inclined to come in a day or two early to the football game sites in order to explore the area and party with fellow fans there. But to each their own I guess.

I mean for the vast majority of college football fans in the south, basketball is just something that happens in between the football season and spring football.

[Xville]

I really can’t imagine that there are many, if any, Tennessee fans that would stop during a road trip to the football playoffs to randomly watch a college basketball game that they have no connection to. Personally I can attest to the fact that I’ve done several road trips to football bowl games, including to a semifinal game in Dallas, and the thought of stopping to watch a random basketball game never crossed my mind. In fact, we have been inclined to come in a day or two early to the football game sites in order to explore the area and party with fellow fans there. But to each their own I guess.

I mean for the vast majority of college football fans in the south, basketball is just something that happens in between the football season and spring football.

They were at the game. Not a ton of them but they were there. So either coincidentally they showed up at cintas on a random Saturday and decided to wear Tennessee stuff just because the game was on later or they were on the way to the game. Regardless, it doesn’t matter. I’d 100% do what they did, but I find tailgating boring after about an hour

Not like Columbus is some cool metropolitan city to go check out. It’s generic Midwest just that every midwestern city has.