Game Thread: NCAA Xavier University v University of Illinois (3/21/2025)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFF VS.https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/news-gazette.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/6d/16d085c6-3abd-52fb-bf78-aa945cffdf6f/5db3fe3c56aea.image.jpg?resize=400%2C314


MILWAUKEE, WIS. --- The No. 11 seed Xavier University Musketeers, 22-11 overall and 13-7 in the BIG EAST Conference, take on the No. 6 seed University of Illinois Fighting Illini, 21-12 overall and 12-8 in the Big Ten Conference, in the final game on Friday night at Fiserv Forum. The estimated tip time is 9:45 p.m. ET.

Xavier is coming off an 86-80 win over Texas in the NCAA First Four on Wednesday.

THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (22-11, 13-7 BIG EAST)
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI (21-12, 12-8 BIG 10)
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, MARCH 19, 2025 AT @ 9:45 P.M. ET
FISERV FORUM, MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

TV, RADIO AND LIVE STATS

TV: CBS, including Local 12 in Cincinnati, with Kevin Harlan (pbp), Stan Van Gundy (analyst), Dan Bonner (analyst) and Lauren Shehadi (reporter).
Xavier Radio: 700 WLW-AM with play-by-play from Xavier Hall of Famer Joe Sunderman ('79) and analysis from XU all-time leading scorer and Hall of Famer Byron Larkin ('88). XU broadcast is also available on the Varsity Network and on Sirius XM.
National Radio: Westwood One with Noah Eagle (pbp) and Tom Crean (analyst).

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

[drudy23]

Win please.

[GIMMFD]

Think we have a good shot and hopefully some momentum from the play-in game, think that last game for us was a growth game to show we can get it done in tough circumstances, hopefully no foul trouble for Free/Conwell this time around though.

[GoMuskies]

Bit of a free roll from here on.

[Xavier]

Couple key stats. Illinois is one of the worst teams in the country at forcing turnovers. That’s a good thing for X. Illinois is 17th in offensive board rate. They really attack the offensive glass, but X is 14th in defensive rebounding rate. Strength vs strength.

But it sure feels like it really comes down to: are they hitting the 3 or not.

[xukeith]

6'6 point guard Kasparas Jakucionis is a frosh and uber talentd but he turns they ball over a lot. Most recent 3 games stretch he had 14 tunovers.
They might crush our big on boards.

X might keep ther TOs between 4-8.

Back to back games with uber 2 frosh vs our senior upperclasmen

[Strange Brew]

Well, I guess the boys are going to have to fight like the warrior poets they are tomorrow. :)

Let’s. Go. X!

[Xville]

Back to back playing against an nba lottery pick. They rebound the hell out of the ball. If we play great d out on the perimeter, and limit second chance points, x wins

[murray87]

I'm sensing big moments from Swain and Big John in this one. Do it boys!!

[Three Point Pete]

I am not sure that Xavier wins, but I really think they'll can cover, so I'll take X and the points.

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[X-band '01]

I can only hope the Illinois team that showed up against USC and Maryland surfaces tonight. I don't want the Illinois team that put a whuppin on Michigan in Ann Arbor.

But nothing is going to top their moment of the year when they retired Terrence Shannon Jr's number and hung his jersey upside down in the rafters.

[Xville]

Digging in a bit more on this matchup and getting a bit nervous. They are just so damn big and long. Not going to out athlete us but they have skill and play very similar to X. I’d feel a lot better if this was uk or really any non big ten team. Hopefully we can shoot the three well because I think we are going to get killed on the boards

[American X]

I put a prop bet on Hugley hitting two 3s.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I put a prop bet on Hugley hitting two 3s.

We can't prop bet on individual college players in Ohio anymore unfortunately!

[waggy]

I wonder if Fletcher could get some PT tonight?

[HenryMuto]

Too bad X didn't get a game in Cleveland

[X-band '01]

Milwaukee was good to Xavier the last time they played in the NCAAs there with wins against Minnesota and Pitt back in 2010 (albeit that was at the old Bradley Center).

[noteggs]

A couple of advantages playing two days ago.

- Got rid (hopefully) of first game jitters.
- Got used to a quick/tight whistle.

[noteggs]

Milwaukee was good to Xavier the last time they played in the NCAAs there with wins against Minnesota and Pitt back in 2010 (albeit that was at the old Bradley Center).

Also, Milwaukee was good to us this year

[xukeith]

They dont force many to's so if X can keep it under 10 that is ideal. Conwell and Free stay out of foul trouble. Their all star 6'6 frosh pg has commited 14 turnovers in his last 3 games so lets keep that pattern.
Lets force a minimum of 15 turnovers and get 20 points in transition.

[GoMuskies]

Bourbon has been poured. Getting real now!

[GoMuskies]

Only good thing about a Kentucky blowout is our game shouldn't get pushed back too much. The end of this one should go quick.

[Xville]

Only good thing about a Kentucky blowout is our game shouldn't get pushed back too much. The end of this one should go quick.

I want uk so bad.

[GoMuskies]

30 minutes between games?

[HenryMuto]

Well that was fun now I get to put on my Xavier shirt and do it all over again sweat out another one.

[GoMuskies]

9:57

[Xville]

9:57

Ugh.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Kids in bed. Beer in hand. Let’s do this!

[paulxu]

Bourbon has been poured. Getting real now!

Late start on the pouring?

[GoMuskies]

Late start on the pouring?

A bit. Got a long day tomorrow at the Wichita NCAA Tournament games. Then Sunday Xavier again (right?). Got to pace myself!

[American X]

LFG. Seeds don't matter, get us back where we belong.

[xudash]

Swain cannot miss at the rim this evening. He just can’t.

[noteggs]

These announcers are horrible!

[waggy]

Happy with the start.

[GoMuskies]

These announcers are horrible!

This is the A+ team.

[American X]

Defense completely optional game, really fancy playground they found in Milwaukee. Don't know which side that favors.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Frenetic pace. Not sure who this favors more.

[Xville]

Illini is so fucking big compared to x. Gotta try to keep them off the boards as much as possible. Already way too many second chance points

[xukeith]

Conwell and Free 0 fouls.

Early and both teams just trading baskets.

I think Illinois has 3 offensive rebounds already.

[Xville]

These announcers are horrible!

Huh? Harlan is the fucking man!

[noteggs]

This is the A+ team.

Sad. Normally like them but homework lacking

[GoMuskies]

Defense bad.

[Xville]

Defense bad just like the first half on Wednesday. Illini just carving us up.

[xukeith]

Illinois with 0 fouls commited X with 3 fouls.

[American X]

Offense is fine, just getting outrebounded and outscored, that's all.

[Three Point Pete]

Defense bad.Yep, gotta stop that 50% shooting or it's curtains!

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[noteggs]

Huh? Harlan is the fucking man!

Well when they called #1 for foul on Swain may be a hint. As mentioned before, good crew but bad recognition

[Xville]

Problem is that we don’t have the coaching advantage like we did Wednesday and Illini is much more skilled than Texas. I dunno how we beat this team without making a shit ton of 3s

[American X]

The Jerome Hunter Three Point Experience did not fly to Milwaukee.

[Bmuskie]

These announcers are horrible!

Yeah I turned off the sound so I don't have to listen to the "I love Illinois" show.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Gotta love the sarcastic fan reaction when Illinois finally picked up their first foul

[American X]

I double dog dare Dailyn Swain to finish shots.

[GoMuskies]

Swain will take (and miss) two more threes because of the one he hit.

[bjf123]

Gotta love the sarcastic fan reaction when Illinois finally picked up their first foul

Yep. Still a disparity in calls.


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[xukeith]

CBS is replaying only Illinois baskets.

[Xville]

I double dog dare Dailyn Swain to finish shots.

So frustrating. He needs to fill out more to absorb some contact. I know he put on weight, but he needs another ten or so, or just try to dunk everything

[Three Point Pete]

Looking for Conwell to heat up

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[Blue Blooded-05]

Their length inside is causing problems. Gotta scheme to get Connell and Maddox open 3s instead of Free, Swain and Hunter.

[stammina0721]

Why wouldn't I expect a 31% 3 pt shooting team to not start off hitting 45%?

[GoMuskies]

Why wouldn't I expect a 31% 3 pt shooting team to not start off hitting 45%?

Wide open.

[Xville]

Why wouldn't I expect a 31% 3 pt shooting team to not start off hitting 45%?

It’s a consistent issue game in and game out. X plays way too much drop coverage imo

[Xville]

Dante!!!

[Xville]

Ffs free get out on him

[GoMuskies]

Why is Hunter shooting? Know your role dude.

[xukeith]

X keeps fouling. Stop it!

[bjf123]

Terrible defense.


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[Three Point Pete]

Swain will take (and miss) two more threes because of the one he hit.Or, 4 more because of 2?

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[GoMuskies]

Swain will take (and miss) two more threes because of the one he hit.

Lol. OK, it went in, but...

[waggy]

When you're so well scouted scoring has to come from different spots.

[Xville]

Who had swain making two 3s on their bingo card?

[waggy]

We're hanging in there.

[American X]

Dailyn Swain can finish 3 point shots all night if he wants.

Hugley dribble driving should not be a thing.

The playground hero ball is not working, trying running a set.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Lol. OK, it went in, but...

I said the same thing about Hunter last game... just sayin

[xukeith]

I would like to see Conwell, Free, McKnight shooting free throws.

[Xville]

Terrible defense.


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Pick and rolling us to death. Gotta give better effort

[GoMuskies]

Play some defense.

[Xville]

Guys offense isn’t the issue. It’s d just like Wednesday

[GoMuskies]

And rebounds

[bjf123]

Can’t make layups again. [emoji2959]


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[xukeith]

Hanging in there

[American X]

Can't pass on the fast break and force a quick three, we know you can move the ball for good shots, so try that.

[xudash]

Can’t make layups again. [emoji2959]


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I count six points left at the rim so far

[GoMuskies]

I don't really see how we can win this game.

Prove me to be an idiot!

[Xville]

Keep this 8 or under going into half and reset

[Xville]

I don't really see how we can win this game.

Prove me to be an idiot!

Unfortunately I agree. This isn’t Texas hero ball, it’s very skilled euro style offense. If we had strong post players it’d help

[GoMuskies]

That play for Foster was so pretty.

[waggy]

Sean worked a call there

[Blue Blooded-05]

Foul disparity 8-2. Refs will catch us up if we force the issue

[GoMuskies]

How long was Free out? I forgot about him.

[bjf123]

Foul disparity 8-2. Refs will catch us up if we force the issue

Then we have to make them.


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[Xville]

Underwood should be td up by now

[Blue Blooded-05]

D is tightening up... keep it up!!

[waggy]

Playing with heart

[GoMuskies]

That sequence to end the half was killer. They get the ball too.

[Xville]

That fucking killed us. Should have been a tie fucking ball game. Make a damn layup my 8 year old kid makes them more than us

[GoMuskies]

That asshole just called us Eggzavier. We must destroy him.

[X-band '01]

Just remember Texas also hit a shot to end the first half. Stings but not a killer.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Damn that 3 at the end of the half was deflating. Felt like we had momentum heading into the half and they get the ball to start the 2nd.

Like how the defense tightened up toward the end of the first half. This game is there for the taking.

[xukeith]

Down 5 at half. I will take it.
2nd half Conwell better be shooting 10 freebies.
Solid defense last 2 minutes.
if X makes half the close buckets, we'd be up by 5

[bjf123]

That fucking killed us. Should have been a tie fucking ball game. Make a damn layup my 8 year old kid makes them more than us

Conwell misses too many times on drives to the basket.


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[waggy]

We played some trap in the half court. We didn't get the ball, but I liked it.

[Xavier]

I was begging for it to be 5. Honestly think the game starting to flip. Woulda been huge for that ending sequence to be flipped. Grab some boards and let’s go.

Make fts and close shots, too. We’re getting a ton of them

[American X]

Everyone grow three inches taller at halftime.

They got stops but did not turn them into baskets at the other end, so that math will not work out. It fell like down by a 1000, so down 5 is not so bad, but that 3 was a groin kick.

[Three Point Pete]

Too many missed layups! Aagh.

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[xukeith]

I like Hugely defense better than Zach's. What can X do vs their 7 footer?
X defense needs to be like the last 5-7 minutes of first half for 20 minutes. X will be getting steals, dunks, and rebounds.

[xukeith]

McKnight can get that pull up 7 footer anytime he wants to so do it!

[American X]

I would rather be leading at halftime, but trust Miller over 40 minutes.

[GoMuskies]

We get at least 20 more minutes of Xavier basketball on March 21 in the NCAA Tournament. Reminding myself to relax and enjoy it. Hopefully not in the way Bob Knight described.

[xukeith]

Did I miss somethhing? ESPN, and CBS say score is 40-35.
What happened? I will take 40-35.

[X-band '01]

Thoughts on the game from Charles Barkley:

"Sorry, I was focused on the Bryant-Michigan State game. Bryant up two points as we speak"

[Xville]

Free is going to have to figure out how to score inside against their big guys and conwell and Maddox are going to have to go off in the 2nd half, and oh yeah gotta limit them to about 30 points or less in the 2nd half.


Other than that we got this!

[GoMuskies]

X +230. Let's go!!!!

[Xavier]

Free is going to have to figure out how to score inside against their big guys and conwell and Maddox are going to have to go off in the 2nd half, and oh yeah gotta limit them to about 30 points or less in the 2nd half.


Other than that we got this!

We missed a layup and they hit a buzzer beater 3 to make it 5.

Would love to do the above, but it’s a 5 point game. It’s not gonna take a miracle

[waggy]

It's gonna take a great 20 minutes.

[American X]

Attack and make free throws (like they have all season), what a concept.

[GoMuskies]

Foul out the big fucker

[GoMuskies]

Our transition O is stupid bad.

[Xville]

Dunk the fucking ball conwell

[GoMuskies]

Fuck

[American X]

WTF, just had one thing go right and a dozen things go wrong sequence.

[bjf123]

How many times does Ryan get it knocked down his throat driving to the basket?


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[Xville]

We are in a lot of trouble. It may already be over

[xukeith]

not good

[xu82]

It’s nice to be in the tournament again.

[GoMuskies]

Swain 3.

[Xville]

How can swain not hit a wide open three. It’s beyond frustrating

[GoMuskies]

Finish!!!

[bjf123]

And another missed bunny.


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[Xville]

Finish conwell come on!

[GoMuskies]

How can swain not hit a wide open three. It’s beyond frustrating

Well, if he could, he probably wouldn't be at Xavier.

[waggy]

Getting the TO's but not doing enough with them.

[bjf123]

That’s twice Hugley has lost his man on the pick and roll. That’s Basketball 101.


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[GoMuskies]

Like AmX said earlier, feels like we're down a million, but it's just 9. Let's have a run, please.

[Xville]

Well, if he could, he probably wouldn't be at Xavier.

I hear ya but after two summers of working on his shot, he should be able to by now. Gotta be mental block at this point

[Xavier]

Sheesh. Time to show the resilience

[American X]

I am not switching to fucking GEICO, no matter what the score is.

[xudash]

Sorry to keep harping on it, but too many misses close in. They need to clean that up right now.

[GoMuskies]

Win this war and it's a game. Cmon.

[Xville]

How about a nice 5 or 6-0 run here, eh?

[Xavier]

I hear ya but after two summers of working on his shot, he should be able to by now. Gotta be mental block at this point

I mean it’s ugly as hell. But I’d still start from inside out for him. Need to finish the layups, and make the 15-18 footer. When they are so far off you, you got a running start to drive

[xukeith]

Don't frosh and sophomores lose focus and make stupid plays? The X defense will be stronger?

[xudash]

I am not switching to fucking GEICO, no matter what the score is.

Can’t stand that pig.

[GoMuskies]

Great start!!!

[Xville]

Finally a finish!

[Blue Blooded-05]

A healthy Traore in the middle would really help in a game like this

[GoMuskies]

Transition fucking disaster

[American X]

Tempo is working but you have to capitalize every time. Hugley dribbling on the break, might as well stop and chug a beer in Milwaukee.

[waggy]

Good things happen when we trap.

[Xavier]

Man passing to hugely on a fast break is tough. Gotta capitalize man. Boswell 20% from 3 drains it

[Xville]

Need a run. Get this to 3-4 at the under 12. Come on! Finish at the rim, please!

[xukeith]

Well, if he could, he probably wouldn't be at Xavier.

Swain hit 2 wide open 3s in 1st half. Missed 1.

[Xville]

31% 3pt shooting team shooting about 50%… maybe get out on their shooters and stop collapsing? Just a thought

[GoMuskies]

Swain hit 2 wide open 3s in 1st half. Missed 1.

Yeah, that brings him UP to like 18% on the year.

[waggy]

might as well stop and chug a pitcher at fibbers

ftfy

[Blue Blooded-05]

A team that shoots 32% from behind the arc is shooting 47% tonight. That’s a difference of 9 points. Need a mean regression starting now

[GoMuskies]

Hugely is lovable but terrible at basketball.

[noteggs]

Here we go! Miller Lite commercial

[Xville]

The d is just mainly garbage tonight. Have left so many guys wide open for layups and 3s. Extremely frustrating game

[Xville]

Ballgame

[waggy]

Ruh roh

[noteggs]

Never mind

[bjf123]

One of the worst 3 point shooting teams in the country decides to make everything tonight. We’re toast.


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[Blue Blooded-05]

They can’t miss. Guarantee they shoot under 30% from three vs Kentucky

[xukeith]

Ok Sean Miller. This is where you salary is earned. Make this a 2 possesion game under 3 minutes.

[xudash]

One of the worst 3 point shooting teams in the country decides to make everything tonight. We’re toast.


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That is spot on.

[Xville]

One of the worst 3 point shooting teams in the country decides to make everything tonight. We’re toast.


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A high d1 player should make wide open threes most of the time. I don’t think x has had their hand in the face of a guy most of the night

[Xavier]

Good late season push, the Texas game was awesome. Too many easy mistakes tonight. The height killing us, afraid to attack. Conwell getting chewed up by Boswell. This is over

[Xville]

They can’t miss. Guarantee they shoot under 30% from three vs Kentucky

Doubt it. Uk can’t defend either

[GoMuskies]

In the Big 10, they probably have some one guarding them.

[xukeith]

X needs some 1st team BE players.

[American X]

Go down fighting, but don't go down by Hugley chucking 3s.

[Three Point Pete]

One of the worst 3 point shooting teams in the country decides to make everything tonight. We’re toast.


Sent from my iPad using TapatalkWell, Illinois' A game is greatI seem to remember that they were a 4 seed.
Unfortunately, that's much better than Xavier's A game.


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[Xville]

In the Big 10, they probably have some one guarding them.

Other big ten teams have a lot of height. X doesn’t. We need 3 or 4 guys desperately at the 4 and 5 spots

[GoMuskies]

Nice defense.

[GoMuskies]

Lol. Embarrassing.

[American X]

This is less stressful than a close game, but I picked the wrong Lent to give up bourbon.

[Xville]

lol just ridiculous at this point. The defense is complete garbage. It’s a fucking pick and roll and we have zero idea of how to defend it

[CP05XU08CU13]

Pathetic defense.

[Xville]

Well, hopefully this season is the start of something.

So sick of watching us miss layups

[American X]

Illinois has a Humrichous, Willy Wonka used to make those...

[bjf123]

I’m done. Ugh.


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[xukeith]

Yeah, that brings him UP to like 18% on the year.

It isnot like he shoots 7 3-pointers a game. 2/4 is 0.500

[Xville]

Hope x has the money to get some post play. Cant continue to have one real guy in the post every damn season

[CP05XU08CU13]

Looks like Sean and Co. are going to start recruiting more overseas.

[GoMuskies]

It isnot like he shoots 7 3-pointers a game. 2/4 is 0.500

He doesn't shoot them because he sucks at shooting them. Which is why teams play 10 feet off him.

[Xville]

Swain made some money tonight, hope we can hold on to him.


Oh look another wide open 3

[Xville]

Sucks this is the way free is going out. He had a horrible game especially defensively. Says a lot how much Hugley is playing

[Blue Blooded-05]

We look gassed. It was an emotional game the other night followed by a red eye flight. They’ve been breaking us down on film since Sunday and it shows.

They shoot their season average from three and free throws and they have 16 fewer points.

[GoMuskies]

Hugely isn't coming back is he?

[xukeith]

Maybe with Free and Hunter no longer collecting NIL $, X can spend Hunter and Zach's combined NIL on a elite power forward

[waggy]

Hugely isn't coming back is he?

I would think it depends on price and role.

[American X]

Hugely isn't coming back is he?

Only in your nightmares, shooting three after three...

[GoMuskies]

I would think it depends on price and role.

How's $0? Is that a strong ass offer?

[waggy]

How's $0? Is that a strong ass offer?

No bagel?

[Xville]

Good job McKnight going 1 on 3 and not finishing. Fucking stupid

[American X]

Miller + 40 Minutes + Single Digits

[GoMuskies]

God, if Swain could shoot he'd be an All-American. Next year?

[Blue Blooded-05]

Swain with 24

[CP05XU08CU13]

Swain wants to keep playing apparently.

[waggy]

Cannot believe that sequence.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Dagger

[GoMuskies]

Maybe go pick the ball up when it's laying on the floor. I don't know.

[American X]

Remember when Xavier cut it to 8 at 4 minutes then choked it away? Me neither.

[GoMuskies]

This roster is just not very good. Some good players, of course, but not enough Swains. Can we put together a top 20 roster in this era?

[xukeith]

I hope Swain comes back

[CP05XU08CU13]

Missed opportunities over and over.

[Xville]

Priority #1: get swain to stay
Priority #2: get conwell to stay
Priority #3: get at least two legit forwards, who along with traore can compete against strong frontcourts.

[American X]

I am glad Swain finally accepted my double dog dare to finish shots. He clearly did not want the triple dog dare.

[GoMuskies]

Ok Swain.

[Xavier]

That last 3 actually looked pretty good from swain. What a game. Jump start to great year next year

[Blue Blooded-05]

I really wanted a crack at Kentucky. I’m sure McKnight did too.

[American X]

That Riley mom is a Canada 8.

[xukeith]

Priority #1: get swain to stay
Priority #2: get conwell to stay
Priority #3: get at least two legit forwards, who along with traore can compete against strong frontcourts.

Priority #4: Don't settle on Anderson being the starting pg next year. Miller can do better.

[CP05XU08CU13]

Need to rise to the occasion. Swain did tonight and no one else did unfortunately.

[IM4X]

Illinois was good tonight and some of our players were in a bit of a funk, but Sean really did a terrible job coaching tonight.

Taking out Swain when he was on fire and the reason we cut the lead to 8 - and then keeping Free out with him. What was he thinking?

Just really bad. Killed any chance for us to win. Just awful.

Conwell was soft.

[Caveat]

Tough end to a gritty season. Proud of the fight this team had.

Brad Underwood is a goon and those two Europeans can both kick rocks.

Now to the existential dread of the coaching carousel and rumors about Miller departing.

[Xville]

Priority #4: Don't settle on Anderson being the starting pg next year. Miller can do better.

We have zero idea if Anderson is good enough. I’ll trust Sean on that one.

[LOLmickcronin]

This roster is just not very good. Some good players, of course, but not enough Swains. Can we put together a top 20 roster in this era?

The short answer is no.

Xavier is a small Jesuit college on a boring campus in a Midwest city. NIL and miller can talk enough to get decent talent. But it’ll be very hard to get high level recruits here that will stay. We’ll always have the des Clauds of the world leaving. We’ll get decent mid major transfers wanting a shot at the big east. But the big name guys are going to go to the big ten or the sec.

And very sadly the guys we’ve all loved like bj Raymond, JP/Tre, chalmers/sato, etc aren’t coming through anymore. It will be impossible to keep those kind of guys.

[Xavier]

Priority #4: Don't settle on Anderson being the starting pg next year. Miller can do better.

Priority 1 is: Keep Miller

[Xville]

Illinois was good tonight and some of our players were in a bit of a funk, but Sean really did a terrible job coaching tonight.

Taking out Swain when he was on fire and the reason we cut the lead to 8 - and then keeping Free out with him. What was he thinking?

Just really bad. Killed any chance for us to win. Just awful.

Conwell was soft.

Did you see swain? He was gassed as hell at that point. He could barely stand up

[GoMuskies]

We have zero idea if Anderson is good enough. I’ll trust Sean on that one.

Guess we have no choice. But he put together the last two rosters, so....not sure about that.

[LOLmickcronin]

Illinois was good tonight and some of our players were in a bit of a funk, but Sean really did a terrible job coaching tonight.

Taking out Swain when he was on fire and the reason we cut the lead to 8 - and then keeping Free out with him. What was he thinking?

Just really bad. Killed any chance for us to win. Just awful.

Conwell was soft.

I thought the same! It’s like he thought we had 15 min left and not 4.

[Xavier]

Guess we have no choice. But he put together the last two rosters, so....not sure about that.

I think with a rim protector/rebounder this team was a 6/7 seed. (Traore)

[D-West & PO-Z]

Frustrating season at times but ultimately a satisfying one. Persevered through a rough start and a Freemantle injury. Got to the dance. Gave X fans a great memory in a fantastic tourney win. Got Free to the tourney. Swain on the verge of stardom.

Thanks for the season Muskies!

[Caveat]

This roster is just not very good. Some good players, of course, but not enough Swains. Can we put together a top 20 roster in this era?

You can find shooters — but the size / shooting combo is gonna be impossible unless X finds a billionaire benefactor with generous pockets.

This era of college ball belongs to the highest bidder.

[Xville]

The short answer is no.

Xavier is a small Jesuit college on a boring campus in a Midwest city. NIL and miller can talk enough to get decent talent. But it’ll be very hard to get high level recruits here that will stay. We’ll always have the des Clauds of the world leaving. We’ll get decent mid major transfers wanting a shot at the big east. But the big name guys are going to go to the big ten or the sec.

And very sadly the guys we’ve all loved like bj Raymond, JP/Tre, chalmers/sato, etc aren’t coming through anymore. It will be impossible to keep those kind of guys.

The campus and city have little to do with getting recruits. Have you been to storrs, ct or Iowa state? Geezus

[xukeith]

We have zero idea if Anderson is good enough. I’ll trust Sean on that one.

100% back up guard. Maybe Miller wants frosh Lewis to run the show come January.

[Caveat]

Priority 1 is: Keep Miller

I’m very worried Miller is going to realize that he needs a deeper player payroll than Xavier can offer.

[LOLmickcronin]

The campus and city have little to do with getting recruits. Have you been to storrs, ct or Iowa state? Geezus

Those are big state schools. Very different feel than Xavier. It has a ton to do with it. I bet YOU haven’t been to UConn

[GoMuskies]

You can find shooters — but the size / shooting combo is gonna be impossible unless X finds a billionaire benefactor with generous pockets.

This era of college ball belongs to the highest bidder.

I'm afraid this is right. Miller may agree and seek greener (pun intended) pastures, too.

[Xville]

Guess we have no choice. But he put together the last two rosters, so....not sure about that.

With traore, it’s probably more of a 6-7 seed. Lost our starting center and we just can’t absorb that. It’ll be a very interesting offseason. Keep our guys, and have to get some post players. Without it, it’ll be the same shit and I’ll just lower expectations for this program from that point on.

[Xavier]

I’m very worried Miller is going to realize that he needs a deeper player payroll than Xavier can offer.

It’s easier. But not needed

[xukeith]

The short answer is no.

Xavier is a small Jesuit college on a boring campus in a Midwest city. NIL and miller can talk enough to get decent talent. But it’ll be very hard to get high level recruits here that will stay. We’ll always have the des Clauds of the world leaving. We’ll get decent mid major transfers wanting a shot at the big east. But the big name guys are going to go to the big ten or the sec.

And very sadly the guys we’ve all loved like bj Raymond, JP/Tre, chalmers/sato, etc aren’t coming through anymore. It will be impossible to keep those kind of guys.

X only needs 2.

[D-West & PO-Z]

The short answer is no.

Xavier is a small Jesuit college on a boring campus in a Midwest city. NIL and miller can talk enough to get decent talent. But it’ll be very hard to get high level recruits here that will stay. We’ll always have the des Clauds of the world leaving. We’ll get decent mid major transfers wanting a shot at the big east. But the big name guys are going to go to the big ten or the sec.

And very sadly the guys we’ve all loved like bj Raymond, JP/Tre, chalmers/sato, etc aren’t coming through anymore. It will be impossible to keep those kind of guys.

The guys you named were not the star level recruits you’re discussing, so I’m confused. X almost never got the star level recruits. They’ve never had a 5 star guy ever.

And Claude is the only guy who left (and not bc of money).

So I call mostly BS on this mindset oh woah is X. Miller needs to get it done and should be able to put together rosters that compete on BE and go on tourney runs.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Did you see swain? He was gassed as hell at that point. He could barely stand up

Bingo. He was trying to get him a min with the under 4 coming.

[GoMuskies]

They weren't star recruits...but would they have stayed in this era?

[Xville]

Those are big state schools. Very different feel than Xavier. It has a ton to do with it. I bet YOU haven’t been to UConn

Actually I have. You’re the one who mentioned campus and city as some kind of recruiting pitch not me. All that matters is nil. We either have it or we don’t. You been to Omaha?

[IM4X]

Did you see swain? He was gassed as hell at that point. He could barely stand up

Are you kidding? When you are hot like that, adrenaline will keep you going with that little bit of time left. You have to stick with the hot hand and ask him to keep digging and givivg us just a few more minutes of that same effort - especially because we were getting almost nothing from everyone else - That move to take him out was basically us handing the game to Illinois.

what’s worse is that he kept Free out with him. Our two best rebounders on the bench. Not a good idea.

[LOLmickcronin]

The guys you named were not the star level recruits you’re discussing, so I’m confused. X almost never got the star level recruits. They’ve never had a 5 star guy ever.

And Claude is the only guy who left (and not bc of money).

So I call mostly BS on this mindset oh woah is X. Miller needs to get it done and should be able to put together rosters that compete on BE and go on tourney runs.

You’re correct they weren’t star recruits. The whole point is they developed year by year and stuck with the program and became stars. That’s not how it works anymore unfortunately.

Also Claude did very clearly leave for more money it’s very well known. I know it was to “play point” as well but it was for money be real.

[GoMuskies]

Actually I have. You’re the one who mentioned campus and city as some kind of recruiting pitch not me. All that matters is nil. We either have it or we don’t. You been to Omaha?

Omaha is great. Maybe not in the winter!

[XUBob]

Talk before the game was which Illinois team will you get. Tonight X got the good version and couldn’t overcome them. XU fans are certainly disappointed but the seven wins in a row and the Texas game made the tail end of the season fun. Hoping Swain and Conwell are back, get some dudes and see what happens next year.

[GoMuskies]

They weren't star recruits...but would they have stayed in this era?

I guess Swain is a good test case!

[Caveat]

With traore, it’s probably more of a 6-7 seed. Lost our starting center and we just can’t absorb that. It’ll be a very interesting offseason. Keep our guys, and have to get some post players. Without it, it’ll be the same shit and I’ll just lower expectations for this program from that point on.

College ball has fundamentally changed. It’s no coincidence that the SEC and their endless base of TV dollars and booster cash is suddenly the best conference in college basketball with paying players legalized.

Until there’s some kind of spending limits put in place, it’s going to be very tough for any smaller schools to stay consistently good or compete with big programs. It’s why Jay Wright and Tony Bennett got out of the coaching profession.

Xavier has to identify the market inefficiency somehow and hope Miller is OK with the situation.

[American X]

If only we had Trey Green, everything would have been so different...

[D-West & PO-Z]

They weren't star recruits...but would they have stayed in this era?

Never know….i take solace in having a guy this year who stayed 5 years at X during the height of portal/NIL who clearly would be very highly pursued (even did so during a coaching change).

Assuming Sean stays and he gets Swain to stay (and Conwell) I’d say that’s a pretty good track record.

Big offseason ahead!

[LOLmickcronin]

Omaha/Creighton is a much better example for your case.

The others are much bigger state schools that yes have better campuses. In lots of different ways that appeal to young men who happen to be high level athletes.

[LOLmickcronin]

College ball has fundamentally changed. It’s no coincidence that the SEC and their endless base of TV dollars and booster cash is suddenly the best conference in college basketball with paying players legalized.

Until there’s some kind of spending limits put in place, it’s going to be very tough for any smaller schools to stay consistently good or compete with big programs. It’s why Jay Wright and Tony Bennett got out of the coaching profession.

Xavier has to identify the market inefficiency somehow and hope Miller is OK with the situation.

This is sadly correct. We’re in a new era that’s going to be difficult save for the occasional lucky run.

[Xavier]

Miller has brought in an all big east player every year. Do it again to pair with conwell and swain and we will be cooking.

[Xavier]

This is sadly correct. We’re in a new era that’s going to be difficult save for the occasional lucky run.

I think it’s easier to compete now, in the NIL era, than it was in the A-10.

[Caveat]

You’re correct they weren’t star recruits. The whole point is they developed year by year and stuck with the program and became stars. That’s not how it works anymore unfortunately.

Also Claude did very clearly leave for more money it’s very well known. I know it was to “play point” as well but it was for money be real.

This.

Pitino doesn’t even look for HS kids any longer because he knows you’re either paying a kid who isn’t worth it, who will leave for PT rather than wait and develop, or who will demand more money the second they perform.

The era of the 4-year player at one school is over for everyone but the walk ons.