Official - J-Mart to Transfer

[mistabeecee41]

Since it's no longer Scout specific, private information...

Tom Eiser ‏@Eiser_XU_Sports 3m
Redshirt Junior Justin Martin has opted to transfer from the Xavier University men’s basketball program.

Tom Eiser ‏@Eiser_XU_Sports 3m
Justin Martin will be granted permission to contact other institutions upon completion of his coursework to earn his undergraduate degree.

Shannon Russell ‏@slrussell 4m
#Xavier small forward Justin Martin is transferring.

Justin Martin will be granted permission to contact other institutions when he completes remaining coursework for his degree. #Xavier

[xu2002]

Looks like it will be another one of those off seasons.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Wow.. Looks like we'll have a freshman starting.

[xu2002]

Wow.. Looks like we'll have a freshman starting.

Lets hope that is the case. Depending on what happens with Mack, we might not have a freshman to start.

[cheeba]

Here's to hoping he is able to attend a program that has a shot to win it. Martin to AZ possibly, was he ever recruited by Desert Racoon?

I will miss him. Thought he was great his soph season until the concussion. Was one of most dependable players in the big east slate. Was also great with the basketball campers.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Lets hope that is the case. Depending on what happens with Mack, we might not have a freshman to start.

Some of them would stay on. Especially seeing the opening for a starting position.

[THRILLHOUSE]

"@jmart202 I have decided to use my 5th year at another school. I sincerely thank Xavier and the xavier fans/community for the support and opportunity!"

"@jmart202 it has been an experience of a lifetime to even play division 1 basketball. I will always be a musketeer and will always love Xavier!!"

[PM Thor]

I hope no one pulls the "there is no loyalty" card on Martin. He's doing what he thinks is best for himself, and I wish him well.

If he goes to dayton though, I hope he fails miserably.

[X-Fan]

The timing is a bit strange. Most transfers have been announced. What's with the delay?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Hopefully this isnt a sign he knows something about Mack that we dont.

[GoMuskies]

Hopefully this isnt a sign he knows something about Mack that we dont.

Maybe he hates Mack and this means Mack is staying.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Anyone think Louisville is a possibility?

[XU3232]

Something bad is going on at X. Why would he want to transfer? He's one of the best players on the team.

[mistabeecee41]

I hope no one pulls the "there is no loyalty" card on Martin. He's doing what he thinks is best for himself, and I wish him well.

If he goes to dayton though, I hope he fails miserably.

Curious to see if any details come out about how it ended up transpiring. Mutual decision? J-Mart's decision? Or another Cheeks kind of situation?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Maybe he hates Mack and this means Mack is staying.

Ha I wish. If thats the case he probably would have been out sooner.

[xavierj]

Your questions can be answered on the scout site if you are interested.

[BBC 08]

There are gonna agroup in 203 in Cintas that love this but I hate it. I really wish he was staying.

[bobbiemcgee]

Maybe why Mack was @ Brewster.

[casualfan]

A broering tweet from earlier made it seem like there may be more still

[THRILLHOUSE]

"@jmart202 just want people to know before rumors are started that this was all my decision with the help of prayer. don't believe what u hear!"

[bobbiemcgee]

Lots of good transfers out there. Stuff happens.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Maybe he just wanted a change of scenery. I loved my 4 years at X....best years of my life. But by the end of my senior year, I was ready to move on. Maybe Martin feels the same way.

[bleedXblue]

Something bad is going on at X. Why would he want to transfer? He's one of the best players on the team.

Starting to think the same.......something may be gotten in Denmark.

[Xavier]

If he decides to go play for a great program with a chance to make serious noise/win the tournament then I can see why he would leave.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Good luck to Jmart. He would be a great asset to any team out there.

[Ledgewood]

:-(

[Muskie in dayton]

If he decides to go play for a great program with a chance to make serious noise/win the tournament then I can see why he would leave.

WTF are you saying??

[GetUp5]

Lots of players transfer for their 5th year.

Why is it an indictment of the program?

I mean, fuck, we had a player GOOD ENOUGH to declare for the NBA draft and a 5th year senior leave to explore other opportunities. IT HAPPENS. Everybody around here needs to chill the fuck out.

We'll be fine. Who really liked J Mart before last year anyways? The only reason he scored 11+ was because no one else could score.

[XUOHTX]

If he decides to go play for a great program with a chance to make serious noise/win the tournament then I can see why he would leave.


WTF are you saying??

I think you know what he is saying.

[casualfan]

Curious to see if any details come out about how it ended up transpiring. Mutual decision? J-Mart's decision? Or another Cheeks kind of situation?

I'm sure this will be spun as him being pushed out by the staff after the failed to agree on things just like the Lyons situation was...

[BandAid]

Crap. I was hoping he'd be back. Good luck JMart.

[casualfan]

Lots of players transfer for their 5th year.

Why is it an indictment of the program?

I mean, fuck, we had a player GOOD ENOUGH to declare for the NBA draft and a 5th year senior leave to explore other opportunities. IT HAPPENS. Everybody around here needs to chill the fuck out.

We'll be fine. Who really liked J Mart before last year anyways? The only reason he scored 11+ was because no one else could score.

Not many good programs lose a ~12 ppg player to a 5th year transfer. In fact, can you think of any?

[xsteve1]

I just don't think he and Mack were seeing eye to eye. Mack struggles with guys that have big egos and or personalities.

[XUFan09]

I'm sure this will be spun as him being pushed out by the staff after the failed to agree on things just like the Lyons situation was...

Not a Lyons situation.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

[Xavier]

WTF are you saying??

That next years Xavier team doesn't look like a team that can win the national championship...If he has the oppurtunity to do that, I could understand why he would try to.

[Muskie]

I just don't think he and Mack were seeing eye to eye. Mack struggles with guys that have big egos and or personalities.

Did he struggle with Tu?

[xsteve1]

Did he struggle with Tu?

I have heard he did from some in the know on one of the pay sites. Some guys are just too good to let go and you have to deal with it. Lyons wasn't worth the headache.

[nuts4xu]

JMart leaving, opens up a roster spot for Semaj to stay.

Things are falling into place....

[GoMuskies]

JMart leaving, opens up a roster spot for Semaj to stay.

Things are falling into place....

The power of positive thinking at work. I like it!

[The_Mack_Pack]

Not many good programs lose a ~12 ppg player to a 5th year transfer. In fact, can you think of any?

Lasan Kromah left GW for UConn. Deandre Kane left Marshall for Iowa State. Tarik Black left Memphis for Kansas. It happens quite a bit each season.

[casualfan]

Not many good programs lose a ~12 ppg player to a 5th year transfer. In fact, can you think of any?


Lasan Kromah left GW for UConn. Deandre Kane left Marshall for Iowa State. Tarik Black left Memphis for Kansas. It happens quite a bit each season.

Not good examples IMO.

Memphis, maybe.

[Muskie in dayton]

I think you know what he is saying.

I hope he's not saying that. Only a UD fan would say that.

[IM4X]

JMart leaving, opens up a roster spot for Semaj to stay.

Things are falling into place....

So maybe Mack asked all of the players coming back to draw straws...and Martin drew the shortest.

[xubrew]

Players who want to come back after they have graduated have two options. They can enroll into a graduate program (which means being accepted into a graduate program), or they can re-enroll as an undergrad, and "work toward a second major." For one year.

A lot of the times when players choose to do the latter, they end up taking a bunch of easy classes that are electives the first semester, and barely passing. Then, they don't care at all about the second semester and either end up with all F's, or they withdraw from all their classes as soon as the season is over. Even though the kid has graduated, it can still hurt your APR.

I could see how schools would not want that. I don't know if that's what happened here or not, but it strikes me as a possibility.

[casualfan]

Players who want to come back after they have graduated have two options. They can enroll into a graduate program (which means being accepted into a graduate program), or they can re-enroll as an undergrad, and "work toward a second major." For one year.

A lot of the times when players choose to do the latter, they end up taking a bunch of easy classes that are electives the first semester, and barely passing. Then, they don't care at all about the second semester and either end up with all F's, or they withdraw from all their classes as soon as the season is over. Even though the kid has graduated, it can still hurt your APR.

I could see how schools would not want that. I don't know if that's what happened here or not, but it strikes me as a possibility.

You think we might have pushed out our top returning scorer because we're worried about an APR hit?

[throwbackmuskie]

There was that big man from unconn a few years back, ended up at Missouri. I am not shocked he transferred personally. These things happen all the time.

[Juice]

There was that big man from unconn a few years back, ended up at Missouri. I am not shocked he transferred personally. These things happen all the time.

Alex Oriakhi?

[throwbackmuskie]

Alex Oriakhi?

Yes

[throwbackmuskie]

Also hear Ronnie Johnson was down to either x or uc

[GoMuskies]

There was that big man from unconn a few years back, ended up at Missouri. I am not shocked he transferred personally. These things happen all the time.

UConn was going to be ineligible for the Tournament that year, though, right? So that was kind of a different deal.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Not good examples IMO.

Memphis, maybe.

A couple more that have happened this off season already. Anthony Lee from Temple to OSU. Bryce Desean Jones left UNLV. Temple and UNLV are on-par with Xavier's program.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

I still hope that Martin would change his mind about leaving.........it's not too late.

[bobbiemcgee]

I really don't see how he can go learn somebody else's system and help right away. Took him forever to find out what Mack wanted. If he does make it, he should buy Sr. Rose a Cadillac.

[xubrew]

You think we might have pushed out our top returning scorer because we're worried about an APR hit?

No idea. Maybe not just to avoid an APR hit, but that they don't like the idea of having a player in a bunch of classes that ultimately amount to nothing, and that has no reason to put forth any effort whatsoever.

That's not a fair speculation, I admit. For all I know he's a 4.0 student who is seeking out a grad program. I just know that there are schools who have wanted players to move on after they've graduated, that's all.

[xu82]

I really don't see how he can go learn somebody else's system and help right away. Took him forever to find out what Mack wanted. If he does make it, he should buy Sr. Rose a Cadillac.

There may be a vow of poverty involved. If that's the case, I am available for the Cadillac. That should keep her out of trouble and ease his conscience. You're welcome.

[sirthought]

He's leaving because he saw our Xavierhoops poll about who us fans are most excited to see play next year --- he didn't even get 5%. :nah: Just kidding, but fans here probably did get to his psyche for not being consistent.

Now that he's sort of turned a corner, and because he can transfer and play right away, he is perhaps hoping to get on a nation championship contender.

While Justin is a good player, I don't really see him having long-term professional success at any level. He might seriously be interested in finding a graduate program that interests him and could lead to a good job. Or somewhere he might want to live later where he can build relationships with alumni. Getting an education for free can be a powerful draw once you've decided your future isn't on the basketball court.

[NY44]

He's just following in the path of Mark Lyons.

[XUFan09]

He's just following in the path of Mark Lyons.

If you mean he's invoking the fifth-year transfer rule when he could be the leading scorer on this team, then yes. Beyond that, the similarities taper off quickly.

[NY44]

If you mean he's invoking the fifth-year transfer rule when he could be the leading scorer on this team, then yes. Beyond that, the similarities taper off quickly.

That's exactly what I mean.

[XUFan09]

That's exactly what I mean.

Ok, not a good comparison then if that's all there is between them, as there are a number of fifth year transfers over the years that would roughly fit that description.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

[X-man]

Ok, not a good comparison then if that's all there is between them, as there are a number of fifth year transfers over the years that would roughly fit that descriptor.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

Especially given the fact that Lyons was shown the door while J-Mart would be welcomed back with open arms should he decide to stay.

[Xtemporaneous]

[QUOTE=sirthought;447934]He's leaving because he saw our Xavierhoops poll about who us fans are most excited to see play next year --- he didn't even get 5%./QUOTE]

I just voted for him and he's now over 5% so do you think that will help get him back?

[paulxu]

Especially given the fact that Lyons was shown the door while J-Mart would be welcomed back with open arms should he decide to stay.

I would think this quote by Mack would indicate while no ill will, he wouldn't be accepted back with a lack of "heart." Guess he also has to complete the semester to keep the senior record intact and actually be eligible for the transfer rule to work.


As for Martin – there is no ill will between the small forward and Mack, despite skeptics saying otherwise. Mack's only concern is that Martin finish the two classes he needs for graduation in order to take the grad school option.

"I wish Justin the best. At the end of the day you want to make sure guys on our roster want to be there and compete for a Big East championship, and Justin's heart wasn't in it."

There must be some small thing sideways in there, because it's unusual to say a player's heart isn't in competing for championships.
I hope Justin gets a great opportunity somewhere. He represented us well during his time at Xavier.

[NY44]

Is no one even a little bitter about how JMarts time at Xavier turned out? He's been here developing for 4 years and has given us a little over half a season of good basketball. Now that he's become a strong player and a consistent contributor he's jumping ship. That's a pretty raw deal for X.

EDIT: On top of that, the only reason he's eligible for this 5th year transfer is because he couldn't qualify his freshman year.

[BandAid]

I just voted for him and he's now over 5% so do you think that will help get him back?
Yup, that should do it.

;)

[Juice]

Is no one even a little bitter about how JMarts time at Xavier turned out? He's been here developing for 4 years and has given us a little over half a season of good basketball. Now that he's become a strong player and a consistent contributor he's jumping ship. That's a pretty raw deal for X.

EDIT: On top of that, the only reason he's eligible for this 5th year transfer is because he couldn't qualify his freshman year.

Are you saying that he owes X something?

[NY44]

Are you saying that he owes X something?

No, I'm saying it's a raw deal. We kept him on scholarship when he couldn't play and now that's working against us. I understand it's a reality of the system, but it still sucks.

[PMI]

No, I'm saying it's a raw deal. We kept him on scholarship when he couldn't play and now that's working against us. I understand it's a reality of the system, but it still sucks.

Mack said publicly that his heart wasn't in it, and I think that was pretty evident throughout the majority of his career here. He turned into a surprisingly much better player, but it wasn't enough to offset some of the off court stuff and lack of passion for the game. I agree it sucks that things played out as they did, but I'd rather the scholarship went to a player who is going to work for it, and there are some good option out there. Lyons may have butted heads with Mack and been a distraction off the court, but it was hard to question his commitment on the court. Unfortunately I'm not sure the same can be said about Martin.

[GoMuskies]

I'd rather Semaj use that scholarship next year than Martin. If that's how it plays out, it would not be a raw deal at all.

[NY44]

Mack said publicly that his heart wasn't in it, and I think that was pretty evident throughout the majority of his career here. He turned into a surprisingly much better player, but it wasn't enough to offset some of the off court stuff and lack of passion for the game. I agree it sucks that things played out as they did, but I'd rather the scholarship went to a player who is going to work for it, and there are some good option out there. Lyons may have butted heads with Mack and been a distraction off the court, but it was hard to question his commitment on the court. Unfortunately I'm not sure the same can be said about Martin.

I agree with everything you said except this. Surprisingly better when compared to what? He had high expectations coming in and then lowered them a ton.

Also, that concludes the story of the Class of 2014. What an awful recruiting class.

[PMI]

I agree with everything you said except this. Surprisingly better when compared to what? He had high expectations coming in and then lowered them a ton.

Also, that concludes the story of the Class of 2014. What an awful recruiting class.

That's true. It got to the point where going into the season, I was ready to take just about anything we could get from Martin, as I knew we had no choice but to play him a lot. I think at his best (certain Big East games), Martin was a pretty good player and made us a better team. There were a couple games where he looked like a baller. But even as he got better, the consistency was always still an issue, game to game and even between timeouts. I can't expect him to play like he did against Creighton at home every night, but as a fourth year player, I expected more, especially toward the end of the year. For Mack to actually come out and ay his heart isn't in winning a Big East title speaks volumes, I think.

And yes, that whole recruiting class was a colossal bust. I am glad that chapter of Xavier basketball has been closed once and for all.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Mack's first two recruiting classes are why we've had a couple of poor seasons by Xavier standards. Just to beat a very, very dead horse, if Dez were still on the team we wouldn't have had any real down years even with two straight years of recruiting misses. That says a lot about Mack as a coach IMO. Good luck to Jmart but we'll be just fine with Mack at the helm.

[X-Fan]

Is no one even a little bitter about how JMarts time at Xavier turned out? He's been here developing for 4 years and has given us a little over half a season of good basketball. Now that he's become a strong player and a consistent contributor he's jumping ship. That's a pretty raw deal for X.

EDIT: On top of that, the only reason he's eligible for this 5th year transfer is because he couldn't qualify his freshman year.
I see what you're saying, but I am not bitter/mad. As others have said, he is very inconsistent, and his energy/interest always seemed suspect. With how highly regarded of a recruit he was (there was a serious debate/thought that he was better than Dez), in the end he was a disappointment. Finally, I'm mostly not upset because I'd rather give the young guys more time/experience right away. I'm frankly way more excited about their potential than Justin possibly stringing a few consistent games together.

Good luck to him, but I want guys who want to be here. In the immortal words of Coach Norman Dale "My team is on the floor."

[SemajParlor]

Ok, not a good comparison then if that's all there is between them, as there are a number of fifth year transfers over the years that would roughly fit that description.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

Yes, I agree. However, I don't think you can totally disregard Lyons' experience and the effect that might have had on Martin's decision.

[Backyard Champ]

Anyone hear of where he is looking? I will certainly be following him and cheering him and his new team on. Unless they play Xavier.

[boozehound]

Yes, I agree. However, I don't think you can totally disregard Lyons' experience and the effect that might have had on Martin's decision.

In what way? Are you referring to the fact that Lyons had success at Arizona, or something else about his decision to leave?

Justin Martin is no Mark Lyons. I don't expect Martin to play a key role on a ranked team like Lyons did. This one kind of baffles me to be honest. He floated around for 2.5 years without really doing anything, then he finally had a good season this past year and he decides to leave.

I have consistently heard that effort has been an issue with Justin. It will be interesting to see where he goes and how he does.

[Milhouse]

Mack's first two recruiting classes are why we've had a couple of poor seasons by Xavier standards. Just to beat a very, very dead horse, if Dez were still on the team we wouldn't have had any real down years even with two straight years of recruiting misses. That says a lot about Mack as a coach IMO. Good luck to Jmart but we'll be just fine with Mack at the helm.

This is true. It will also be interesting to see how last years class pans out.

We know Jalen will be an absolute beast

Kamall gone

Verdict still out on Myles/Randolph

That said if he goes even 3/5 on this new incoming class I think we're in great shape for the future as he has proven he can recruit and add impact transfers every year.

[XU-PA]

Anyone hear of where he is looking? I will certainly be following him and cheering him and his new team on. Unless they play Xavier.

Public reps to you my man. Spoken like a true fan of the game and it's participants.

[Muskie]

I was shouted down on the Scout Board when I proposed some places... i believe the general consensus is that he would go to Iowa State... but who knows.

[ballyhoohoo]

I was shouted down on the Scout Board when I proposed some places... i believe the general consensus is that he would go to Iowa State... but who knows.

I think it's a different ISU you'll likely see him at.

[MHettel]

I think it's hard to predict where Martin might end up given the circumstances. After having watched him for 3 years, I'm left with the conclusion that he's more than a step slow when compared to elite level players. So while normally, a school like Kentucky (substitute any top tier school here) would never consider a guy like Martin, he probably will get consideration from some top programs simply because he's "risk free" when the alternative is for a program to eat a scholarship. Just think of a team that had an unexpected transfer, or a guy that leaves early to the NBA which was unexpected, and they find themselves with an open schollie. By this time, all the top recruits are signed, so the options are to stretch and take a young kid that is raw and underrecruited (Kamall Richards), or simply take on a guy like Martin where you have no eligibility issues and just a 1 year commitment.

The cost is extraordinary low in a situation like this.

But that brings me to me next observation, which was Macks comments related to the transfer. He actually questioned his heart. Thats not something you see very often. It leads me to a conclusion that Martin has some competing priorities, and I suspect that he's got some issues to deal with at home. He needs to get closer to home to attend to these things. He wants to keep playing ball, but needs balance with other personal obligations.

So, I expect Martin to wind up somewhere considerably closer to Indy.

If not, then the comments by Mack certainly would sting alot more....

[muskiefan82]

It would be fair if he went to IU. We borrowed some of their guys, we should give back.

[Milhouse]

I thought Iowa State initially but they just took 2 immeadiately elligible guys. I don't know if he'd start there quite frankly.

[GIMMFD]

I think it's a different ISU you'll likely see him at.

All I can think of is Indiana State, and I believe he would be much better suited at a school better than Indiana State, he could go to a decent program closer to home in my opinion. Hell, Indiana isn't out of the question, they had a down year, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him suit up there..

[Muskie]

All I can think of is Indiana State, and I believe he would be much better suited at a school better than Indiana State, he could go to a decent program closer to home in my opinion. Hell, Indiana isn't out of the question, they had a down year, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him suit up there..

Indiana State won over 20 games last year. I think Martin would be a welcome edition, provided it was somewhere he wanted to be. I have a feeling whoever gets Martin will get prime production because he wants to be there.

[Milhouse]

I think he can play at a much higher level than the MVC....

[ballyhoohoo]

Lots of Ind State haters. It's not a bad a program as people think.

[waggy]

Indiana has 2 or 3 schollies open I think.

[Xman95]

I'm thinking he's looking for a program in Colorado.

[PMI]

If he goes and plays for Tom Crean he will be required to turn in his Xavier card immediately, and we'll just have to pretend like his career never happened.

[Xman95]

If he goes and plays for Tom Crean he will be required to turn in his Xavier card immediately, and we'll just have to pretend like his career never happened.

Plus, being it would be his last year of college ball, you would think he would want to go to the NCAA Tourney. Crean/IU hasn't been a good bet for that.

[ammtd34]

Plus, being it would be his last year of college ball, you would think he would want to go to the NCAA Tourney. Crean/IU hasn't been a good bet for that.

They have a pretty good recruiting class, but should struggle down low. Vonleh leaving hurts bad.

[XUOHTX]

I'm thinking he's looking for a program in Colorado.

This made me LOL

[Xman95]

They have a pretty good recruiting class, but should struggle down low. Vonleh leaving hurts bad.

Crean has had a few good classes, but has only made the dance twice in six years. He's an awful coach and quite possibly the biggest D-bag in coaching. I dislike him more than Mick, more than Calipari, more than 15-Minute Rick...and I can't stand those guys.

Two things have allowed people to think Crean is good. Dwyane Wade and IU. Wade carried Crean and his shitty coaching to a Final Four. IU allows for easier recruiting because, well, it's IU. So the only good things Crean has ever done as a coach weren't really because of him.

He's such a dick.

[ammtd34]

Crean has had a few good classes, but has only made the dance twice in six years. He's an awful coach and quite possibly the biggest D-bag in coaching. I dislike him more than Mick, more than Calipari, more than 15-Minute Rick...and I can't stand those guys.

Two things have allowed people to think Crean is good. Dwyane Wade and IU. Wade carried Crean and his shitty coaching to a Final Four. IU allows for easier recruiting because, well, it's IU. So the only good things Crean has ever done as a coach weren't really because of him.

He's such a dick.

I agree. I wasn't arguing that he's been good, just kind of wondering aloud what their tournament chances were. On paper, I'd think they will be slightly better than this year, which clearly wasn't good.

[PMI]

Crean has had a few good classes, but has only made the dance twice in six years. He's an awful coach and quite possibly the biggest D-bag in coaching. I dislike him more than Mick, more than Calipari, more than 15-Minute Rick...and I can't stand those guys.

Two things have allowed people to think Crean is good. Dwyane Wade and IU. Wade carried Crean and his shitty coaching to a Final Four. IU allows for easier recruiting because, well, it's IU. So the only good things Crean has ever done as a coach weren't really because of him.

He's such a dick.

Not to mention he woke up on third base when it comes to Victor Oladipo. I watched him for four years in high school and I thought he would be a really good player, no doubt. But nobody saw him becoming a National POY finalist/two and done/lottery pick/NBA stud type. Although I'm sure if you were to ask Crean he's tell you he knew that all along. Of the non Xavier rivals' coaches, there is nobody who I want to see fail more than Tom Crean, and that extends to his two douchebag brother-in-laws too.

[ammtd34]

Not to mention he woke up on third base when it comes to Victor Oladipo. I watched him for four years in high school and I thought he would be a really good player, no doubt. But nobody saw him becoming a National POY finalist/two and done/lottery pick/NBA stud type. Although I'm sure if you were to ask Crean he's tell you he knew that all along. Of the non Xavier rivals' coaches, there is nobody who I want to see fail more than Tom Crean, and that extends to his two douchebag brother-in-laws too.

Oladipo being under the radar also had to do with that insane high school roster. What a backcourt that was.

[PMI]

Oladipo being under the radar also had to do with that insane high school roster. What a backcourt that was.

True. DeMatha is always stacked. The WCAC in general is a total basketball factory. Still, the level to which he took his game in an insanely short period of time was downright impossible for anyone to predict, and I say this as someone who walked out of the gym more impressed with him each time I saw him battle my Gonzaga boys.

[X-band '01]

I'm thinking he's looking for a program in Colorado.


This made me LOL

Maybe he'll make his announcement on Sunday afternoon.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I think it's a different ISU you'll likely see him at.

Indiana State, I know they have an up and coming program and that IU kid is transferring there but really?

[GoMuskies]

Indiana State, I know they have an up and coming program and that IU kid is transferring there but really?

This wasn't the home and home I was looking for Xavier to have with Wichita State.

[NY44]

Maybe he'll make his announcement on Sunday afternoon.

I'm just glad Justin can keep pursuing higher education.

[Xman95]

So where's he going already. WEED like to know.


Also, enjoy the clip...


http://youtu.be/BYXLKRNCVrw

[LA Muskie]

I don't think we'll know for a while. Xavier isn't releasing him -- and therefore he can't even speak to other coaches -- until he has completed his degree.

[SemajParlor]

In what way? Are you referring to the fact that Lyons had success at Arizona, or something else about his decision to leave?

Justin Martin is no Mark Lyons. I don't expect Martin to play a key role on a ranked team like Lyons did. This one kind of baffles me to be honest. He floated around for 2.5 years without really doing anything, then he finally had a good season this past year and he decides to leave.

I have consistently heard that effort has been an issue with Justin. It will be interesting to see where he goes and how he does.

Martin is friends with Mark Lyons. You don't think he talked to Lyons about his experience?

[outsideobserver11]

I'm here for some morning humor.

Now 2 sets of fanbases (some clueless UC fans and now Memphis) seem to believe that he is considering being a bearcat next year.

Has that ever happened before either way?

[GoMuskies]

It's possible that he has a fear of crowds. That would seem to solve the issue.

[MHettel]

I'm here for some morning humor.

Now 2 sets of fanbases (some clueless UC fans and now Memphis) seem to believe that he is considering being a bearcat next year.

Has that ever happened before either way?

Fine with me. I love beating UC.

[Muskie]

I'm here for some morning humor.

Now 2 sets of fanbases (some clueless UC fans and now Memphis) seem to believe that he is considering being a bearcat next year.

Has that ever happened before either way?

In the 90's IU's Lawrence Funderburke left IU after his Freshman year to play at Rival Ohio State. Maybe not exactly analogous but sorta.

[XU-PA]

I'm here for some morning humor.

Now 2 sets of fanbases (some clueless UC fans and now Memphis) seem to believe that he is considering being a bearcat next year.

Has that ever happened before either way?

Assuming you mean UC to Xavier or vice versa. The only one I can think of is Tay Baker, but maybe that doesn't count,

[Chermy23]

As a Michigan fan as well i would be interested in seeing how Jmart would play up in Ann Arbor. Michigan just lost Stauskis. With their coaches and they way they develop talent (Burke, Hardaway, Stauskis, GR3..etc) and that system it seems like he would be able to excel. Wondering if he is even on their radar

[KC4X]

As a Michigan fan as well i would be interested in seeing how Jmart would play up in Ann Arbor. Michigan just lost Stauskis. With their coaches and they way they develop talent (Burke, Hardaway, Stauskis, GR3..etc) and that system it seems like he would be able to excel. Wondering if he is even on their radar

And, there are "herbal dispensaries" nearby for that nausea he apparently has trouble with.

[bobbiemcgee]

And, there are "herbal dispensaries" nearby for that nausea he apparently has trouble with.


If that's the case, he should come out here to Colorado.

[casualfan]

I love all the people taking subtle jabs at J-Mart for smoking pot.

I mean people realize they probably haven't rooted for a Xavier team in a long time that didn't have at least a few guys who smoke right?

[muskienick]

I love all the people taking subtle jabs at J-Mart for smoking pot.

I mean people realize they probably haven't rooted for a Xavier team in a long time that didn't have at least a few guys who smoke right?

All my Muskie favorites make monthly novenas and have nothing to give up during Lent because they live monastic lives as it is.

[KC4X]

I love all the people taking subtle jabs at J-Mart for smoking pot.

I mean people realize they probably haven't rooted for a Xavier team in a long time that didn't have at least a few guys who smoke right?

Lighten up, Frances. It's all in good fun.

Thankfully, bourbon is legal so nobody can take jabs at me! :)

[xu82]

Thankfully, bourbon is legal so nobody can take jabs at me! :)

But pot seems to be catching up quickly!
Did I miss something? Did JMart have some documented issues or is this just conjecture? I waste way too much time here and thought I would have seen something about it somewhere before we passed the triple digit post mark on this thread. Maybe I read it a few pages ago and my memory is failing me...

[GIMMFD]

But pot seems to be catching up quickly!
Did I miss something? Did JMart have some documented issues or is this just conjecture? I waste way too much time here and thought I would have seen something about it somewhere before we passed the triple digit post mark on this thread. Maybe I read it a few pages ago and my memory is failing me...

If you question him smoking, you must have not been anywhere near campus for the last 3 years... lol.

[KC4X]

....Maybe I read it a few pages ago and my memory is failing me...

Ah, so you partake too? Just kidding. ;)

I really have no idea. There was another joking post about it somewhere. As casualfan said, there are probably a few guys on every team who do it. I personally don't think it's a big deal.

I'm really sorry my post offended anybody. Just trying to lighten things up. I'm sad Justin's leaving and wish him nothing but the best.

[nuts4xu]

I mean people realize they probably haven't rooted for a Xavier team in a long time that didn't have at least a few guys who smoke right?

Correct. Ask the guys who played in the 70's how they made it through some of those single digit win seasons.

Pot is not a PED, and the substance helps a lot of people with a litany of ailments. As long as it is done in moderation and know when to say when, it isn't anything I am concerned about. I have no idea of JMart's habit, and don't judge him if he has one. Watching his play, it sure seemed he had some "stoner" or "brain fart" moments on the court....but that could have been JMart being JMart.

I wish the young man well, and will be curious to see where he finishes his college basketball playing days.

[Xman95]

UPDATE: J-Mart is no longer going to play college basketball. He has actually taken a position where he can follow his true love of golf course maintenance. He will be working closely with this fellow at Bushwood Country Club:

http://blog.doppelpager.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/carl.png

[drudy23]

I love all the people taking subtle jabs at J-Mart for smoking pot.

I mean people realize they probably haven't rooted for a Xavier team in a long time that didn't have at least a few guys who smoke right?

But it's much funnier when you can just look at a guy and knows he tokes up multiple times a day (CJ fits that bill too).

"Smoke weed every day"

[ArizonaXUGrad]

But it's much funnier when you can just look at a guy and knows he tokes up multiple times a day (CJ fits that bill too).

"Smoke weed every day"

Didn't Drew Lavender get busted for a few joints by the cops a few weeks after the UCLA game?

Regardless, he is not on Michigan's radar. They have Kameron Chatman a 6'7 SF coming in. J-Mart will want PT and that kid can flat out play basketball, he is just weird to watch.

[Milhouse]

Kinda weird it's been almost 2 weeks and there hasn't been much talk about where he will wind up....

[throwbackmuskie]

Kinda weird it's been almost 2 weeks and there hasn't been much talk about where he will wind up....

He has to finish his school work first.

[Xtemporaneous]

Maybe J-mart could go for 50 and 20 if he were tripping on acid. Kinda like Doc Ellis' no-no. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vUhSYLRw14

[bobbiemcgee]

Griffin McKenzie to transfer again from Denver. Only played about 25 minutes during season. Still rooting for this kid after the horrific beating he went thru to start his career. Go Big Guy! Hope you can find a home and fulfill the dream.

[XUFan09]

Griffin McKenzie to transfer again from Denver. Only played about 25 minutes during season. Still rooting for this kid after the horrific beating he went thru to start his career. Go Big Guy! Hope you can find a home and fulfill the dream.

Man, he might be the biggest bust in Xavier history, if one were to quantify the difference between expectations and performance.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

[GoMuskies]

He must have been pushed out at Denver. Otherwise, leaving makes no sense, because that's a great school, and he clearly has no basketball future.

[bobbiemcgee]

Man, he might be the biggest bust in Xavier history, if one were to quantify the difference between expectations and performance.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

Well after having your jaw broken in three places, having 4-5 teeth knocked out, having no feeling in the right side of your face and losing 40 lbs., you might have your life change a little bit.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Maybe he really wants to have the chance to play more bball in a smaller school.

[Mrs. Garrett]

Man, he might be the biggest bust in Xavier history, if one were to quantify the difference between expectations and performance.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

Considering he's 6'10 and only averaged 11 ppg his senior year of high school, I never expected much. In fact I was puzzled by the signing in the first place.

[XUFan09]

Considering he's 6'10 and only averaged 11 ppg his senior year of high school, I never expected much. In fact I was puzzled by the signing in the first place.

I'm aware of the expectations, which is why I phrased it in terms of expectations versus performance. Griffin is transferring out of DENVER because he simply didn't perform. At least Churchill Odia, with his higher expectations, ended up playing meaningful minutes at Oregon.

And yes, the attack may have had an effect, particularly his freshman year but quite likely throughout his career, but you can't really chalk it up entirely to that.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

[Cheesehead]

Griffin must had one hell of a run in a few AAU tournaments because that is the only way to explain an offer from XU. I saw him play several times in HS and never came away overly impressed; just was not a dominant type of player for his size. I was shocked that X offered him but I hope it works out for him in the long run. It sounds like he just wants to be happy somewhere if he is willing to sit out another year. Maybe he looks to drop down to a lower level to play right away?

[Mrs. Garrett]

Griffin must had one hell of a run in a few AAU tournaments because that is the only way to explain an offer from XU. I saw him play several times in HS and never came away overly impressed; just was not a dominant type of player for his size. I was shocked that X offered him but I hope it works out for him in the long run. It sounds like he just wants to be happy somewhere if he is willing to sit out another year. Maybe he looks to drop down to a lower level to play right away?



Would he be a graduate transfer at this point? I thought you only had 5 years to complete 4 seasons of eligibilty. Next year would be year 5.

[Cheesehead]

Would he be a graduate transfer at this point? I thought you only had 5 years to complete 4 seasons of eligibilty. Next year would be year 5.

You might be correct on that. That would make more sense. I am sure someone here has the answer to that one. I wonder if he will come back closer to home, like: NKU, Miami, Wright State?

[XUOHTX]

You might be correct on that. That would make more sense. I am sure someone here has the answer to that one. I wonder if he will come back closer to home, like: NKU, Miami, Wright State?

...Dayton. You did say basketball at a lower level right?

[GoMuskies]

If he can't play at Denver, he cannot play at Miami or Wright State.

[xubrew]

Man, he might be the biggest bust in Xavier history, if one were to quantify the difference between expectations and performance.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

That pretty much sums up Denver's season this year.

[TUclutch]

If he can't play at Denver, he cannot play at Miami or Wright State.

This. Also wouldn't fit Miami's style. I had ZERO expectations on him doing anything on the court for xavier. Smaller guys in high school had no problem guarding him.

[SlimKibbles]

He must have been pushed out at Denver. Otherwise, leaving makes no sense, because that's a great school, and he clearly has no basketball future.

This is what has me curious. My understanding was he transferred to Denver mainly because of their graduate school program. Maybe he just had a change of heart about the school or got somewhat homesick. Good luck to him wherever he goes. Having met him a couple of times, he seems like a good kid.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Is this tread about JMart or Griffin?

[xu82]

Is this tread about JMart of Griffin?

After 15 pages, I'm somewhat surprised it's about basketball players transferring.

[D-West & PO-Z]

After 15 pages, I'm somewhat surprised it's about basketball players transferring.

Ha, totally agree.

[mohr5150]

Bump.

Anyone have any word on where he's headed? I've heard rumors, but only that.

[GoMuskies]

Bump.

Anyone have any word on where he's headed? I've heard rumors, but only that.

Is school out yet? Has he graduated?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Is school out yet? Has he graduated?

Does it have to be? I imagine most "normal" students know where they are going to grad school in the fall. Yes they have to finish at XU but they have been accepted to a program and know where they are headed.

[GoMuskies]

Does it have to be? I imagine most "normal" students know where they are going to grad school in the fall. Yes they have to finish at XU but they have been accepted to a program and know where they are headed.

I read that X wasn't giving him his release until he was done with school, and he could not contact any other schools until he had his release.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I read that X wasn't giving him his release until he was done with school, and he could not contact any other schools until he had his release.

Oh got ya. Wonder why? X shouldnt have to worry about him not finishing because to me it seems he would have to finish in order to graduate undergrad to be eligible to transfer and play right away at a school that offers a grad program XU doesnt.

[Milhouse]

X graduates Saturday but classes are done.

[gopherman23]

Have final grades been posted yet at Xavier? I'm a Minnesota fan and we badly need an experienced wing next year. Richard Pitino recruited him at Louisville before he left to be an assisstant at Florida. He would be a perfect fit and give us one of the better backcourts in the country. Also, congrats on getting Macura. Really wanted him to stay in Minnesota. He is going to be a good college player.

[GoMuskies]

I could live with Martin at Minnesota. Out of sight, out of mind.

I want to dislike Richard Pitino, but I can't blame him for being his father's son.

[gopherman23]

I could live with Martin at Minnesota. Out of sight, out of mind.

I want to dislike Richard Pitino, but I can't blame him for being his father's son.

lol, he seems to have inherited most of Rick's good qualities. Their have been no restaurant incidents yet.

[Milhouse]

Hope he goes to Minnesota. Don't want him across towns.

Saw a rumor he was mulling playing overseas....

[Mrs. Garrett]

Have final grades been posted yet at Xavier? I'm a Minnesota fan and we badly need an experienced wing next year. Richard Pitino recruited him at Louisville before he left to be an assisstant at Florida. He would be a perfect fit and give us one of the better backcourts in the country. Also, congrats on getting Macura. Really wanted him to stay in Minnesota. He is going to be a good college player.

Maybe he'll have that breakout year we've been waiting for the past 3 years.

[XUFan09]

Maybe he'll have that breakout year we've been waiting for the past 3 years.

To be fair, he was pretty good in the conference season and was probably one of the first players on the outside looking in for an all-conference spot.

[XfansinKy]

Have final grades been posted yet at Xavier? I'm a Minnesota fan and we badly need an experienced wing next year. Richard Pitino recruited him at Louisville before he left to be an assisstant at Florida. He would be a perfect fit and give us one of the better backcourts in the country. Also, congrats on getting Macura. Really wanted him to stay in Minnesota. He is going to be a good college player.
He's ok. Didn't do anything special at X. I believe by years end Macura may be better.

[THRILLHOUSE]

"@JonRothstein Xavier transfer Justin Martin visited Florida St yesterday, source told @CBSSports. SMU + West Virginia also in mix. Immediately eligible."

[GoMuskies]

FSU would be okay. I'd almost feel sorry for him if he picks WV. Almost.

[XU 87]

Have final grades been posted yet at Xavier? I'm a Minnesota fan and we badly need an experienced wing next year. Richard Pitino recruited him at Louisville before he left to be an assisstant at Florida. He would be a perfect fit and give us one of the better backcourts in the country. Also, congrats on getting Macura. Really wanted him to stay in Minnesota. He is going to be a good college player.

Up and down player. Good size for a three. Can take the ball to the hoop at times. Can also rebound and shoot threes, at times. (Note the "at times").

Not real quick and doesn't handle the ball real well.

[PMI]

Have final grades been posted yet at Xavier? I'm a Minnesota fan and we badly need an experienced wing next year. Richard Pitino recruited him at Louisville before he left to be an assisstant at Florida. He would be a perfect fit and give us one of the better backcourts in the country. Also, congrats on getting Macura. Really wanted him to stay in Minnesota. He is going to be a good college player.

I'm not really familiar with Minnesota's roster for next year, but Martin is not really a backcourt player. He can shoot from outside but he doesn't have a great handle, isn't particularly equipped to guard quicker wings or guards, and can be forced into silly turnovers. One of his most underappreciated strength I thought was his rebounding on both ends. When he's locked in he can really hit the glass, and he did a pretty good job of defending forwards last year. Honestly, he's much more a 4 than a 2 if you had to play him at one of those spots. There has long been a misconception, even among some Xavier fans, that Justin Martin is a guard. You could play him at the 2 if you're stuck, but that is defintely not the best use of his game.

[Milhouse]

FSU probably better case for Martin I'd assume. He would not be the go to guy at West Virginia or SMU

[Juice]

FSU probably better case for Martin I'd assume. He would not be the go to guy at West Virginia or SMU

Nope but he could beat the piss out of UC two times next year at SMU.

I don't know SMU's or UC's schedule but I would like to see him go there and play at UC.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

SMU is one or two guys away from being a top 10 team. They have a legit squad there assuming Mudieay is as advertised. I believe they at a 6'7 kid graduate, but he was big like 230 big.

[muskiefan82]

Nope but he could beat the piss out of UC two times next year at SMU.

I don't know SMU's or UC's schedule but I would like to see him go there and play at UC.

I can't lie. I would find this immensely satisfying.

[X-band '01]

SMU is one or two guys away from being a top 10 team. They have a legit squad there assuming Mudieay is as advertised. I believe they at a 6'7 kid graduate, but he was big like 230 big.

They've also toughened up their schedule quite a bit. Clearly expectations are going to be much higher in Big D next season.

[GIMMFD]

They've also toughened up their schedule quite a bit. Clearly expectations are going to be much higher in Big D next season.

WVU won't be that bad either, they need some guys who can consistently hit some outside shots after Staten drives into the lane and does his thing, they are a pretty good team on paper even with the Eron Harris and Terry Henderson transfers, they had some big wins against Kansas and Iowa State, I think he could thrive in Huggins system.

[casualfan]

SMU is one or two guys away from being a top 10 team. They have a legit squad there assuming Mudieay is as advertised. I believe they at a 6'7 kid graduate, but he was big like 230 big.

IMHO they're one or two guys away from being a top 3-5 team.

I said this a few months back and my opinion hasn't changed. I think they're a top 10 team next year already.

[Patrick Bateman]

IMHO they're one or two guys away from being a top 3-5 team.

I said this a few months back and my opinion hasn't changed. I think they're a top 10 team next year already.

A top ten team right now and the defending champs in the AAC. Maybe the conference isn't as bad as some portray on here.

[BBC 08]

No, it's still terrible.

[XU 87]

A top ten team right now and the defending champs in the AAC. Maybe the conference isn't as bad as some portray on here.

There's a reason UC is trying so hard to get out of this conference.

[Patrick Bateman]

There's a reason UC is trying so hard to get out of this conference.

That is because football drives the bus. For basketball it is not a bad conference.

There is also a reason that Buzz Williams left Marquette.

[Xavier]

That is because football drives the bus. For basketball it is not a bad conference.

There is also a reason that Buzz Williams left Marquette.

I agree, he couldn't handle the new league.

It's a bad basketball conference. SMU top 25 doesn't get in the tournament because of how bad the conference was..

[PMI]

UC is not in an enviable position but Xavier fans definitely made an exaggeration over how bad a conference the AAC is, especially this past year. I myself thought it would be worse than it was, but it wasn't bad overall, even though it was very unbalanced. It was garbage at the bottom but the top teams were very good, whereas our league had a lot of mediocrity in the middle. Plus, the Big East only had two very good teams and they fizzled out in the tournament. The AAC had at least two legitimate title contenders, including the team that, you know, won it. It's going to be a much worse conference this year, but we definitely have our own concerns to worry about in the Big East, at least in the short term future.

[Xville]

That is because football drives the bus. For basketball it is not a bad conference.

There is also a reason that Buzz Williams left Marquette.

Really? It may not be bad but it isn't good either. The league was decent this year but is going to be worse next year after losing Louisville and Rutgers and adding those powerhouse basketball schools Tulane, East Carolina and Tulsa (who by the way now has one of the worst coaches in Div. 1 basketball Frank Haith. He is probably the only person capable of taking a team from a two seed in the ncaa tournament to complete obscurity in two years). AAC has a great program in UCONN, average programs in Memphis and UC, and the rest is complete filth. SMU will be good to great for as long as Brown is there, once he leaves they will fall back to obscurity. And don't get me wrong...the new Big East isn't that great either in the short-term. However, the money and support is there and over the long term, it is in a much better situation than the AAC.

And don't try and spin Williams leaving into something it wasn't. It had zero to do with joining the new conference. Do a little research before you just spout out at the mouth and say something stupid.

[Milhouse]

Oh yeah it was a good Bball conference and will likely remain so. The problem is UC seems to think they're a football school because of a couple good seasons.

[GoMuskies]

The AAC had at least two legitimate title contenders, including the team that, you know, won it.

Kind of amazing that UConn won it. No one would have called them a title contender until they made the Final Four. Even after that everyone expected them to lose to Florida. They should have lost to St. Joe's in their first game.

But, yeah, it's hard to say that the team that won the title wasn't a title contender.

[Patrick Bateman]

Really? It may not be bad but it isn't good either. The league was crap this year and is going to be even worse next year after losing Louisville and Rutgers and adding those powerhouse basketball schools Tulane, East Carolina and Tulsa (who by the way now has one of the worst coaches in Div. 1 basketball Frank Haith. He is probably the only person capable of taking a team from a two seed in the ncaa tournament to complete obscurity in two years). AAC has a great program in UCONN, average programs in Memphis and UC, and the rest is complete filth. SMU will be good to great for as long as Brown is there, once he leaves they will fall back to obscurity. And don't get me wrong...the new Big East isn't that great either in the short-term. However, the money and support is there and over the long term, it is in a much better situation than the AAC.

And don't try and spin Williams leaving into something it wasn't. It had zero to do with joining the new conference. Do a little research before you just spout out at the mouth and say something stupid.

Marquette never switched conferences.

[Patrick Bateman]

I agree, he couldn't handle the new league.

It's a bad basketball conference. SMU top 25 doesn't get in the tournament because of how bad the conference was..

SMU was not ranked at the end of the season BTW. They had a very weak OOC schedule, other than playing virginia, and were great at home and terrible on the road. Losses at Temple and USF won't do you any favors come march.

[Juice]

Really? It may not be bad but it isn't good either. The league was decent this year but is going to be worse next year after losing Louisville and Rutgers and adding those powerhouse basketball schools Tulane, East Carolina and Tulsa (who by the way now has one of the worst coaches in Div. 1 basketball Frank Haith. He is probably the only person capable of taking a team from a two seed in the ncaa tournament to complete obscurity in two years). AAC has a great program in UCONN, average programs in Memphis and UC, and the rest is complete filth. SMU will be good to great for as long as Brown is there, once he leaves they will fall back to obscurity. And don't get me wrong...the new Big East isn't that great either in the short-term. However, the money and support is there and over the long term, it is in a much better situation than the AAC.

And don't try and spin Williams leaving into something it wasn't. It had zero to do with joining the new conference. Do a little research before you just spout out at the mouth and say something stupid.

Disagree about SMU. Tim Jankovich is one of the highest, if not the highest paid assistant coach in college basketball. He left his head coaching job at Illinois St. to go to SMU. I don't think he will be a hall of famer like Brown but I think he is more than capable keeping the momentum going when that time comes.

[dnnrobert]

I agree, he couldn't handle the new league.

It's a bad basketball conference. SMU top 25 doesn't get in the tournament because of how bad the conference was..

The bottom half of the AAC is bad. The top half is good, and will continue to be good. The good teams are upgrading their non-conference schedules to combat the RPI issue. Everyone knows SMU was a tournament-quality team, but they had one too many bad losses. Losing Louisville hurts, but Houston and Tulsa should at least be respectable. When it's all said and done, I see the AAC getting 3-4 NCAA tournament bids and 2-3 NIT bids. SMU and UConn will be in the top 25 all season, and Cincy, Memphis, Houston, and Tulsa will fall somewhere on or near the bubble. The rest of the conference will be awful, but the conference RPI should be better thanks to improved scheduling. The AAC is definitely not a "bad" basketball conference.

[Xville]

The bottom half of the AAC is bad. The top half is good, and will continue to be good. The good teams are upgrading their non-conference schedules to combat the RPI issue. Everyone knows SMU was a tournament-quality team, but they had one too many bad losses. Losing Louisville hurts, but Houston and Tulsa should at least be respectable. When it's all said and done, I see the AAC getting 3-4 NCAA tournament bids and 2-3 NIT bids. SMU and UConn will be in the top 25 all season, and Cincy, Memphis, Houston, and Tulsa will fall somewhere on or near the bubble. The rest of the conference will be awful, but the conference RPI should be better thanks to improved scheduling. The AAC is definitely not a "bad" basketball conference.

I admit I don't know what Tulsa current situation is but you can guarantee that haith will run that program into the ground on a few years. He is an awful basketball coach

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I admit I don't know what Tulsa current situation is but you can guarantee that haith will run that program into the ground on a few years. He is an awful basketball coach

This is true, the AAC will continue to decline in talent with the crap coming on board. Add to that, UConn is there only until a better offer comes along. UConn football > UC football really only because of it's TV market location.

That said, Temple won't continue to be bad at basketball. They will improve for sure to add another legit team at the top of that league. UConn/Memphis/UC/Temple/SMU will be tops in that league. Expect UConn to bolt at some point and maybe Memphis.

[PMI]

Kind of amazing that UConn won it. No one would have called them a title contender until they made the Final Four. Even after that everyone expected them to lose to Florida. They should have lost to St. Joe's in their first game.

But, yeah, it's hard to say that the team that won the title wasn't a title contender.

Totally agree. UConn really should've lost first round and they got a LOT of help from some questionable calls in the last couple minutes and overtime. Goes to show how thin the line between champion and forgotten footnote can be. In any case, there's no arguing what UConn is as a program. I'm not defending the AAC as a good conference by any means, just noting that as fans of a Big East school, all the shots our fans fired at the AAC this past year for being so much worse than the Big East seems to be a hell of a stretch.

[dnnrobert]

This is true, the AAC will continue to decline in talent with the crap coming on board. Add to that, UConn is there only until a better offer comes along. UConn football > UC football really only because of it's TV market location.

That said, Temple won't continue to be bad at basketball. They will improve for sure to add another legit team at the top of that league. UConn/Memphis/UC/Temple/SMU will be tops in that league. Expect UConn to bolt at some point and maybe Memphis.

UConn and Memphis won't get out of the AAC any faster than Cincinnati. UConn geographically only makes sense in the ACC, but the ACC already has a presence in the northeast with Boston College and Syracuse. Not to say they would never take in UConn, but when the ACC had its chance to grab them, they weren't all that interested. UConn to the Big Ten could also happen if their academics continue to improve, but there's a long way to go there. I think the Big 12 is a long shot unless they pair them with another school in the east.

As for Memphis, they're a smaller market than Cincinnati and their football program is atrocious. At this time, I think the Big 12 is the only P5 conference that would take a look at them, and even then Cincinnati, BYU, and possibly others would be ahead of them on their list.

That said, I think conference realignment is pretty much dead right now with the grant of rights deals and all of the power 5 conferences locked in to long-term TV deals. The Big 12 might add 2 eventually, but it doesn't make financial sense for them right now. Right now, the only power basketball conference that I could see expanding is the Big East, but I don't see any great candidates to pair with St. Louis at this time.

[SemajParlor]

Kind of amazing that UConn won it. No one would have called them a title contender until they made the Final Four. Even after that everyone expected them to lose to Florida. They should have lost to St. Joe's in their first game.

But, yeah, it's hard to say that the team that won the title wasn't a title contender.


Can't underestimate veteran back court leadership. The buzz for title contention was rampant around my way after Nova.

[SemajParlor]

UConn and Memphis won't get out of the AAC any faster than Cincinnati. UConn geographically only makes sense in the ACC, but the ACC already has a presence in the northeast with Boston College and Syracuse. Not to say they would never take in UConn, but when the ACC had its chance to grab them, they weren't all that interested. UConn to the Big Ten could also happen if their academics continue to improve, but there's a long way to go there. I think the Big 12 is a long shot unless they pair them with another school in the east.

As for Memphis, they're a smaller market than Cincinnati and their football program is atrocious. At this time, I think the Big 12 is the only P5 conference that would take a look at them, and even then Cincinnati, BYU, and possibly others would be ahead of them on their list.

That said, I think conference realignment is pretty much dead right now with the grant of rights deals and all of the power 5 conferences locked in to long-term TV deals. The Big 12 might add 2 eventually, but it doesn't make financial sense for them right now. Right now, the only power basketball conference that I could see expanding is the Big East, but I don't see any great candidates to pair with St. Louis at this time.

There's a lot of back story as to why the ACC "weren't all that interested." Personal vendettas i.e. BC blocking them from being allowed in retaliation from years prior regarding the BC Big East ACC split. I would have to believe that most of the teams in the ACC would love to have Uconn there.

[xudash]

UConn and Memphis won't get out of the AAC any faster than Cincinnati. UConn geographically only makes sense in the ACC, but the ACC already has a presence in the northeast with Boston College and Syracuse. Not to say they would never take in UConn, but when the ACC had its chance to grab them, they weren't all that interested. UConn to the Big Ten could also happen if their academics continue to improve, but there's a long way to go there. I think the Big 12 is a long shot unless they pair them with another school in the east.

As for Memphis, they're a smaller market than Cincinnati and their football program is atrocious. At this time, I think the Big 12 is the only P5 conference that would take a look at them, and even then Cincinnati, BYU, and possibly others would be ahead of them on their list.

That said, I think conference realignment is pretty much dead right now with the grant of rights deals and all of the power 5 conferences locked in to long-term TV deals. The Big 12 might add 2 eventually, but it doesn't make financial sense for them right now. Right now, the only power basketball conference that I could see expanding is the Big East, but I don't see any great candidates to pair with St. Louis at this time.

This.

But the Big East isn't expanding anytime soon.

[XUFan09]

Marquette never switched conferences.

Actually, they did. The Big East is technically a new conference that took the old name.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

[LA Muskie]

Actually, they did. The Big East is technically a new conference that took the old name.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

Ugh. Are you really biting on this? Let's not have that debate again. Please!!!

[XUFan09]

Ugh. Are you really biting on this? Let's not have that debate again. Please!!!

Well, it shouldn't be a debate, because it's a fact. I get what you're saying, though.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

[Masterofreality]

Looks like Fla State, SMU and West Virginia are the leading destinations for JMart.

[NY44]

JMart to SMU per his twitter. I guess he found the Master's program that's right for him! Congrats Justin!

[BMoreX]

Jeff Goodman ‏@GoodmanESPN 3m
Xavier transfer Justin Martin is headed to SMU. Talented, but will be interesting to see how he meshes.

Followed immediately by:
Jeff Goodman ‏@GoodmanESPN 1m
Not every transfer is always a quality addition. There are some that can hinder chemistry of team.

[GuyFawkes38]

Congrats to Martin! Just stay on Larry Brown's good side.

[Cheesehead]

Wouldn't it suck if Brown bolts to the Lakers?

[GreatWhiteNorth]

He just can't stay away from playing vs UC.

[DC Muskie]

Jeff Goodman ‏@GoodmanESPN 3m
Xavier transfer Justin Martin is headed to SMU. Talented, but will be interesting to see how he meshes.

Followed immediately by:
Jeff Goodman ‏@GoodmanESPN 1m
Not every transfer is always a quality addition. There are some that can hinder chemistry of team.

Interesting.

Good luck to Justin.

[Milhouse]

Wouldn't it suck if Brown bolts to the Lakers?

Gotta imagine he's done with the NBA at his age.

[throwbackmuskie]

Brown already said he is not interesed in the job. Also he is recruiting Kupchak's son

[mistabeecee41]

Jeff Goodman ‏@GoodmanESPN 3m
Xavier transfer Justin Martin is headed to SMU. Talented, but will be interesting to see how he meshes.

Followed immediately by:
Jeff Goodman ‏@GoodmanESPN 1m
Not every transfer is always a quality addition. There are some that can hinder chemistry of team.

Man. Goodman HATES J-Mart. I remember him tweeting negative things about him in the past as well.

[XUOHTX]

JMart to SMU per his twitter. I guess he found the Master's program that's right for him! Congrats Justin!

I guess he wanted to be closer to me.

[powerofX]

Man. Goodman HATES J-Mart. I remember him tweeting negative things about him in the past as well.

And he's buddy-buddy with Mack as much as any coach/journalist so connect the dots where the opinion is formed.

[GoMuskies]

SMU's an excellent school, so I hope that he actually does take advantage of the academic opportunity.

[Muskie]

Man. Goodman HATES J-Mart. I remember him tweeting negative things about him in the past as well.
Hard to argue with what he say. That transfer is solely dependent on which Martin shows up in Texas.

[DC Muskie]

SMU's an excellent school, so I hope that he actually does take advantage of the academic opportunity.

No doubt. I'd love to spend a year in grad school at SMU.

[Xville]

good luck to Martin...not my favorite musketeer, but still would like him to do well.

[PMI]

Goodman's opinion on Martin is a direct reflection of his buddy Chris Mack's. People got mad at me when I said it before but Justin Martin was a huge headache for the staff and he was not welcomed back with open arms. I wish him well and hope he grows up, but his loss is a benefit for our program in my opinion. He turned into a decent player but in a big transitional period for our program, he's exactly what we don't need.

[MHettel]

I honestly have no issue whatsoever with this move.

If you go back to the "brawl'", you could see where this cultivated attitude of "tough and gritty" under Miller had gone too far and the team had taken on a real nasty attitude. The constant boasting about being the best backcourt in the country and the absolutely stupid comments made at the presser made it clear to me that we had a culture issue and eradication was necessary. I think Lyons was at the heart of the issue and was influencing both Dez and Martin. Tu seemed more passive and let his play do the talking, but Lyons seemed like a guy with a massive chip on his shoulder and in my view was a real punk.

Just like when you have a tradition of winning which gets handed down to subsequent players, a poor team attitude can also get passed along. I beleive that Martin moving on has removed the last of that at XU. I didnt see anyone last year that looked like they had attitude problems.

My hope is that the effort and determination shown by Stainbrook becomes the new team identity. We're going to have up to 7 new eligible players, and we want to show them the attitude that helped XU acheive so much success over the last 25 years.

this is a great opporunity for a fresh start.

Along with that, having Martin leave also opens the door for immediate PT for some new pleyer (Blueitt or Macura?), and directly resulted in our ability to bring in one additional guy in Larry Austin.

I'm A-OK with this move by Martin. I wish him luck and will follow his next season at SMU to see if he is able to flourish under different circumstances.

[BandAid]

I really enjoyed watching Martin when he was on. Good luck at SMU - do X proud!

Unless we play SMU. Then you can suck a bag of dicks.

[XUGRAD80]

What I find perplexing is the ones that seem to have the biggest problem with JMart leaving, are the some ones that feel that X underachieved the last few years. As if the players had nothing to do with the results.

[GoMuskies]

Who thinks Xavier underachieved the last few years? I think we've been below "program par", but it's because we haven't had enough talented players. The players we've had haven't underachieved based on their talent level IMO. I don't have a big problem with Martin leaving, but I think he's been FAR from the biggest issue with respect to lack of talented players the last couple of years.

[Xville]

I don't mind Martin leaving because as a Xavier fan, I want guys who consistently give their best effort. They don't have to be the most talented guys in the world, but if you give me consistent effort to the best of your ability, win or lose I can live with that. Martin didn't seem capable of giving a consistent effort game in and game out. That's why I don't really care to see him leave.

[NY44]

If I'm an SMH fan, I'm not too worried about JMart's effort. He's only there for a year, he had a lot of choices, so he's probably pretty excited to be there. He also has to be excited to be playing under Larry Brown. Although, I wouldn't be surprised if he just completely quits on the team if it hits any rough patches.

[Xville]

If I'm an SMH fan, I'm not too worried about JMart's effort. He's only there for a year, he had a lot of choices, so he's probably pretty excited to be there. He also has to be excited to be playing under Larry Brown. Although, I wouldn't be surprised if he just completely quits on the team if it hits any rough patches.

I would think that with Brown, he is going to have to give consistent effort. If he doesn't, I don't see Brown having a problem with keeping him on the bench, talented or not.

[PMI]

I don't feel like Xavier underachieved the past two years although I guess I can see where the point could be made. I do, however, think that Justin Martin generally underachieved in his career at Xavier, and had we gotten consistent effort and focus from him (traits that I believe are a skill, not just something you choose to have or not) then we would've been better. Martin is frustrating because he can go from impact player to braindead at the flick of a switch. We can't afford that.

[Woodburn]

I met his family at Hinkle three years ago and they couldn't have been more excited to be wearing X gear etc. I am sad to see this happen but agree it works out best for all involved.

For my part, I will never forget being at Purdue two years ago. Justin trolled Purdue's student section so hard after he fouled out. He stood the rest of the game in order to prevent them the opportunity to yell the lame "sit down" at him. The height of passive aggressive hilarity.

[BMoreX]

I met his family at Hinkle three years ago and they couldn't have been more excited to be wearing X gear etc. I am sad to see this happen but agree it works out best for all involved.

For my part, I will never forget being at Purdue two years ago. Justin trolled Purdue's student section so hard after he fouled out. He stood the rest of the game in order to prevent them the opportunity to yell the lame "sit down" at him. The height of passive aggressive hilarity.

I was at that game too. absolutely hilarious.

[Xavier]

I honestly have no issue whatsoever with this move.

If you go back to the "brawl'", you could see where this cultivated attitude of "tough and gritty" under Miller had gone too far and the team had taken on a real nasty attitude.

Just like when you have a tradition of winning which gets handed down to subsequent players, a poor team attitude can also get passed along. I beleive that Martin moving on has removed the last of that at XU. I didnt see anyone last year that looked like they had attitude problems.



I don't know...I would love to have Miller toughness back.

[GuyFawkes38]

And he's buddy-buddy with Mack as much as any coach/journalist so connect the dots where the opinion is formed.

I was thinking the same thing. Hopefully Goodman formed that opinion independent of Mack.

[nuts4xu]

...are the some ones that feel that X underachieved the last few years.

Underachieved? They were very fortunate to finish above .500 two seasons ago. They won 20+ games and made the tourney last year with a 2 guys with goggles in the starting 5. The only misfit missing from the starting lineup last year was a guy in jorts wearing a watch.

This team was a lot of things the past 2 years, underachieve is not one of them.

[Mrs. Garrett]

I don't know...I would love to have Miller toughness back.

100% Agree. It's like we've been neutered since the brawl.

[SM#24]

I don't know...I would love to have Miller toughness back.


100% Agree. It's like we've been neutered since the brawl.

I, too, would like the "Miller toughness" back, but the CJ/Love/Burrell toughness, not the Lyons little man PAB toughness.

[Cheesehead]

I, too, would like the "Miller toughness" back, but the CJ/Love/Burrell toughness, not the Lyons little man PAB toughness.

Agree. Lyons did some great things but had he not had an "X" on his uniform, I am pretty sure I would have really disliked the guy. He came across as a punk.

[XUGRAD80]

I am NOT one that thinks they underachieved. I am also NOT one that is complaining about JMart leaving. For those that feel that they DID underachieve, it is usually blamed on inconsistency and not being able to compete on a regular basis with the better teams. I believe that a careful look at the games those posters think showed this lack of consistency and competitiveness will show those are the same games where certain players consistently failed to play at their best level.

[xu82]

I won't say they under achieved. I will say I believe better times are ahead. Hopefully MUCH better.

[Masterofreality]

Underachieved? They were very fortunate to finish above .500 two seasons ago. They won 20+ games and made the tourney last year with a 2 guys with goggles in the starting 5. The only misfit missing from the starting lineup last year was a guy in jorts wearing a watch.

This team was a lot of things the past 2 years, underachieve is not one of them.

Yes.


I, too, would like the "Miller toughness" back, but the CJ/Love/Burrell toughness, not the Lyons little man PAB toughness.

And, yes. But I would add Tu in there too.

[Xavier]

And, yes. But I would add Tu in there too.

Good point, the right kind of toughness that Miller brought. I don't know that Lyons and Tu toughness were bad, just were not controlled well. I wonder if Miller could have controlled that. I am not saying Mack can't, but it is tough to go from Asisstant coach (more buddy buddy than Miller) of these guys to then having to control their toughness the way Miller might have been able to. Might just be an excuse, but I do think the coach has to be able to control toughness more than what Mack did- it isn't all on Lyons/Tu.

[Masterofreality]

JMart is announcing that he's "leaving" SMU...now. He says he wants to begin his professional career.

Have to wonder if he flunked out given the timing of this announcement. Convenient Cover.

I can't believe that he was studying and going to class very hard.

[GoMuskies]

What a phenomenal waste of talent. Too bad.

[X-Fan]

JMart is announcing that he's "leaving" SMU...now. He says he wants to begin his professional career.

Have to wonder if he flunked out given the timing of this announcement. Convenient Cover.

I can't believe that he was studying and going to class very hard.
Wow, that is weak. Not a good endorsement for his basketball future (or future in general).

[waggy]

Well hopefully someone gives him a shot to play for pay, and if so, that he takes advantage of it. He's got pro-level physical talent I believe.

[LA Muskie]

That "kid" needs some good, old fashioned guidance. Hate to see wasted potential.

[OTRMUSKIE]

This is from their board, sound familiar?

This is a total guess but maybe he was never happy here. That's what I got from his body language during games.

[crolfes12]

SMU insider tweeted Martin was going to be ineligible for remainder of year (yes, a grad student, ineligible). Heard a month or two ago Justin reached out to a few players and apologized, said he regrets leaving

[XMuskieFTW]

Went to the Michigan SMU game about a month ago. He was excited to see me in my Zip Em Up shirt but that was about all the excitement I saw from him throughout the day. He only played two minutes that game and during timeouts instead of looking in the huddle he was looking around the stadium essentially people watching. The dude did not seem happy. I wish him the best, but I think SMU was the wrong move for him all along.

[waggy]

I can't imagine many more things in life would be more awesome than someone giving you a check for playing basketball. If it takes 10 hours a day, every day, in whatever area your game needs work, it seems it would be well worth it.

[drudy23]

How does a guy that can't get his shit together in college, with help around ever corner, suddenly succeed overseas and on his own?

How much of his struggle is self-inflicted? It seems most of it.

[Juice]

How does a guy that can't get his shit together in college, with help around ever corner, suddenly succeed overseas and on his own?

How much of his struggle is self-inflicted? It seems most of it.

How many guys in the NBA were bad students, got in trouble, etc? Plenty. And on top of it, JMart has his degree and never was in trouble with the law. What exactly has he done or not done to warrant the label of "can't get his shit together." He's 24 years old. No one at 24 has their shit together.

[drudy23]

How many guys in the NBA were bad students, got in trouble, etc? Plenty. And on top of it, JMart has his degree and never was in trouble with the law. What exactly has he done or not done to warrant the label of "can't get his shit together." He's 24 years old. No one at 24 has their shit together.

SMH

?????????????

No one at 24 has their shit together? Huh?

[RedsX11]

Hope he can get it together. College and classes just clearly aren't his thing. I think he will do fine somewhere.

[BlueGuy]

Hope he can get it together. College and classes just clearly aren't his thing. I think he will do fine somewhere.

He graduated from Xavier last year.

[Juice]

SMH

?????????????

No one at 24 has their shit together? Huh?

Sorry man, didn't know you were so mature at 24 as you are now. Did you bash college players and their family online back then too?

[drudy23]

It's not bashing...it's reality. He obviously has issues with some things. Certainly things he can overcome. I didn't say anything personally offensive to him or his family.

Let's just blame everything else for things not panning out how he thought they should. Likely the reason he left here, and the remorse for leaving in the first place. Hopefully, it's a wake-up call and one of the steps in his life that lead him to greater maturity.

[boozehound]

I'm actually a little surprised that his future plans involve basketball. He always seemed kind of disinterested in playing the game when he was at Xavier. Hope it all works out for him.

[casualfan]

How the hell do you make it through four years of college and then flunk out one semester into your 5th year?

I guess SMU doesn't have a Sister Rose?

[xufan2434]

Does anyone think he would have actually helped this year?

Everything he brings, Trevon can do, and better IMO.

[boozehound]

Does anyone think he would have actually helped this year?

Everything he brings, Trevon can do, and better IMO.

I do not think he would have helped much, if at all, this year.

[XU 87]

We don't know if he flunked out. It's possible he left because he wasn't getting much playing time- 12 minutes per game.

[xufan2434]

We don't know if he flunked out. It's possible he left because he wasn't getting much playing time- 12 minutes per game.

I was actually watching SMU last week and looked this part up as well...

Seems like he was getting regular minutes the first couple of games and then all of a sudden just fell off. My guess is that he and Larry Brown didn't exactly match together. Which is why I was surprised he went there in the first place.