Game Thread: Xavier v. IU Indianapolis (11/8/2024)

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Is it too early to ask if our expectations for this roster may have been too high?

Kalkbrenner is going to eat us alive this year.

A but early on first point. But, missing Lassina, Miller is going to have to figure out some answers, offensively and defensively, in the paint.

[Xville]

Just get to the tournament. This program can’t afford being left out of it again

[Xavier]

Before the injury I thought they could make a run to a 3-5 seed type season. I’d say that’s a little lofty at the point but still early to tell. I still think our bigs are collectively better than they were last year, especially when we go small with Swain at the 4. Out backcourt with McKnight only improving on his 2nd half of last year jump is better, too. At least IMO.

So making the tournament seems likely to me. The bottom of the big east might be the worst it’s ever been which could help, too.

[Strange Brew]

Huh? Tell me what I’m missing then.

Sorry, meant to hit Reply and not Reply with Quote.

My bad. It’s been snowing for three days and I probably need to touch some grass. :)

[MHettel]

Before the injury I thought they could make a run to a 3-5 seed type season. I’d say that’s a little lofty at the point but still early to tell. I still think our bigs are collectively better than they were last year, especially when we go small with Swain at the 4. Out backcourt with McKnight only improving on his 2nd half of last year jump is better, too. At least IMO.

So making the tournament seems likely to me. The bottom of the big east might be the worst it’s ever been which could help, too.

Interior defense was going to be our weakness even before Traore was hurt.

Comparing this years team to last year, I think we still have a slight upgrade up front. Abou wasn’t bad, but he needed a scorer along side him so he could just rebound and play defense. I think we will miss him. The other bigs were garbage, although Nzeh had some potential. So slight upgrade there.

Olivari and Dez were our 2 best players. Both gone. Conwell seems to be akin to Boum or Quincy which is great. Jury is out on how to replace Dez. I thought Foster and Maddux would cover that easily, but I’m not sure yet.

The team has not yet played convincingly better than last year. We have a PLUS offense but a MINUS defense

[D-West & PO-Z]

Speaking of Claude, rough start to the season for him.

Through 2 games:

25 mins/game
8 ppg
2.5 rebs
1.5 assts
0.5 steals
38.5% FG
0% (0-3) 3pt %

[Xavier]

If this is the McKnight we get all year, he’s better than Dez easily. Now if Dez is able to shoot the 3 ball a little that could change. He’s 0-3 on the year so far.

[MHettel]

Speaking of Claude, rough start to the season for him.

Through 2 games:

25 mins/game
8 ppg
2.5 rebs
1.5 assts
0.5 steals
38.5% FG
0% (0-3) 3pt %

Yeah, not good.

I’ve been checking the stats of former players. Abou and Nzeh have both been productive. Ciani has been ok at a lower level. Lazar hasn’t done much.

Jonathan Powell looks legit. Maybe one that got away….