Game Thread: Xavier vs St John's University (1/7/2025)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFFVS.https://bkstr.scene7.com/is/image/Bkstr/065-PLUSH-65-8-Red?$HomePageRecs_ET$


CINCINNATI --- The Xavier University Musketeers, 9-6 overall and 1-3 in the BIG EAST Conference, host the St. John's University Red Storm, 12-3 overall and 3-1 in the BIG EAST, on Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Cintas Center. Xavier is shooting to bounce back from a loss at Georgetown on Friday, while St. John's is coming off a win over Butler on Saturday.

Xavier's leading scorer and rebounder Zach Freemantle, a preseason Second Team All-BIG EAST selection, returned to action on Friday at Georgetown after missing three games due to a lower body injury. Freemantle contributed team highs of 16 points and seven rebounds at GU.


THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (9-6, 1-3 BIG EAST)
ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY RED STORM (12-3, 3-1 BIG EAST)
TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2025 AT 6:30 ET
CINTAS CENTER IN CINCINNATI, OHIO

TV, RADIO AND LIVE STATS

TV/Stream: FS1 with play-by-play from Jeff Levering and analysis from LaPhonso Ellis.
Xavier Radio: 55KRC with play-by-play from Xavier Hall of Famer Joe Sunderman ('79) and analysis from XU all-time leading scorer and Hall of Famer Byron Larkin ('88). XU broadcast is also available on the Varsity Network and on Sirius XM.

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

[GoMuskies]

Must win game at this point (aren't they all given our current record?).

[Xville]

Should be 3 or 4 point dogs at home...this is depressing.

[drudy23]

Win please.

SJUs up-tempo style has usually been a goldmine for X. But to be honest, I don't even know if they play that way anymore. I'm sure they are much more disciplined under Pitino.

[Xavier]

A loss is the final nail in coffin. We certainly don’t need to win out, but we need a lot of wins including wins over good teams.

[X-band '01]

The Johnnies are in a better postseason spot, yet their only two wins of note this year have come at Providence and at home against New Mexico. A win at Xavier would be their first Quad 1 win of the year. I wouldn't expect them to be on cruise control tomorrow night.

[Xville]

Johnnies -1.5.

Maybe x can pull off a small upset. Are the students back yet? It’d make a big difference

[Section 200]

Johnnies -1.5.

Maybe x can pull off a small upset. Are the students back yet? It’d make a big difference

Students are out this week. I think they come back on Saturday.

[bleedXblue]

They will press an try to turn us over. Will be an interesting game to see if we can handle it.

[GoMuskies]

St. John's seems like a mortal lock -1.... but I couldn't do it. Heart over head and grabbed X +100.

[Xville]

Jerome making some early impact with 3 boards and a bucket already

[Xville]

X misses more wide open 3s than any team I’ve ever seen.

[SkyWalker]

Schlopp

[Xville]

X has had 5 wide open 3s.. barely a hand in their face and missed all of them. Good grief

[GoMuskies]

Not promising

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I saw enough against G'town. If we finish in the top 100 it will be in the 90s.

I am more worried about the future, because this season is over. Lewis better be as advertised, he is going to get run out of the gate.

I remember Miller said that last year was never going to happen again, here we are. It looks a bit worse actually.

[GoMuskies]

Swain looks like he might be auditioning for an NIL deal from Pitino. Not much from anyone else.

[Xville]

I saw enough against G'town. If we finish in the top 100 it will be in the 90s.

I am more worried about the future, because this season is over. Lewis better be as advertised, he is going to get run out of the gate.

I remember Miller said that last year was never going to happen again, here we are. It looks a bit worse actually.

X would look awesome if they could make wide open shots. Hopefully that starts to happen. I really wonder if they are starting to press too much

[Xville]

Swain looks like he might be auditioning for an NIL deal from Pitino. Not much from anyone else.

I hate saying it but I really hope x can hold on to him for next year. He has nba type ability if he can just put it all together.

[KabeX]

this is embarrassing,

[Xville]

0-7 from 3. Wtf

[Xavgrad08]

This group sure goes cold on offense a lot. X looks awful so far.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I hate saying it but I really hope x can hold on to him for next year. He has nba type ability if he can just put it all together.

I don't see how next year isn't a giant stink bomb after watching this. We almost everything, and we keep stuff that is crappier than what we lose. Hugley/Conwell combo is underwhelming. Swain plus the freshmen are the only bright spots we currently have.

[bjf123]

0-7 from 3. Wtf

3-10 from 2 isn’t much better.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[KabeX]

Absolutely pathetic defense

[GoMuskies]

This group sure goes cold on offense a lot. X looks awful so far.

It's like Friday, except St. John's is scoring.

[Xville]

I don't see how next year isn't a giant stink bomb after watching this. We almost everything, and we keep stuff that is crappier than what we lose. Hugley/Conwell combo is underwhelming. Swain plus the freshmen are the only bright spots we currently have.

I’m excited about traore and the freshmen. With the way that McKnight has plateaued this year and his height, I’m a bit more excited about Anderson and him at least being a 6’3 lead guard

[GoMuskies]

Hey, some life. St. John's has some issues on offense.

[Xville]

Nice of Dayvion to show up as soon as I start talking smack about him lol

[LOLmickcronin]

I don't see how next year isn't a giant stink bomb after watching this. We almost everything, and we keep stuff that is crappier than what we lose. Hugley/Conwell combo is underwhelming. Swain plus the freshmen are the only bright spots we currently have.

I’d be very surprised if swain is back. He’s a role player athlete/defender type that some winning program will covet.

[KabeX]

The concept of boxing out .. is not a hard concept

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I’m excited about traore and the freshmen. With the way that McKnight has plateaued this year and his height, I’m a bit more excited about Anderson and him at least being a 6’3 lead guard

Seeing Miller's ability to judge talent, I am waiting to judge Anderson/Traore. Anderson's stats at lower level schools are underwhelming. He better be a supreme athlete because he shoots under 30% from three.

AAU guy out East told me Lewis is legit and tough. He said to expect Holloway tough but that was his opinion. Zero insight to Forsyth.

Our problems begin with Conwell just sucking in general to start games. When he goes off, I think the pressure is alleviated a bit. When he doesn't, the others have to push harder. They are folding. Generally shocked at our inability to score easy buckets with two 6th year grown ass men in the middle.

[GoMuskies]

St. Johns is a terrible shooting team. They just throw it at the backboard and then go get it.

[Xville]

Seeing Miller's ability to judge talent, I am waiting to judge Anderson/Traore. Anderson's stats at lower level schools are underwhelming. He better be a supreme athlete because he shoots under 30% from three.

AAU guy out East told me Lewis is legit and tough. He said to expect Holloway tough but that was his opinion. Zero insight to Forsyth.

Our problems begin with Conwell just sucking in general to start games. When he goes off, I think the pressure is alleviated a bit. When he doesn't, the others have to push harder. They are folding. Generally shocked at our inability to score easy buckets with two 6th year grown ass men in the middle.

I hope nyk is an absolute stud.. we shall see. I did read a scouting report that said his d was extremely strong and disruptive. That would be welcome

[LOLmickcronin]

I hope nyk is an absolute stud.. we shall see. I did read a scouting report that said his d was extremely strong and disruptive. That would be welcome

I love a strong and disruptive D.

[Xville]

Why does swain just not try to hammer it every time? You’re 6’8 and uber athletic… just try to hammer it!!

[Xville]

Here we go!!

[GoMuskies]

With St. John's shooting woes, they should have some droughts if we don't let them run right to the rim or get offensive rebounds.

[Xville]

Only down 4 at half, and our offense finally started working. I’ll take it!

[Xavgrad08]

X looked lifeless for most of the half and is only down 4. Still a half of basketball to be played. Let’s go.

[Three Point Pete]

Absolutely pathetic defenseEspecially when St John's isn't exactly shooting out the lights.

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

[KabeX]

In range but can't start that slowly in 2H. We dribble too much and don't help well enough on D. Out FT shooting tonight is outstanding tho. C'mon. Get er done!

[KabeX]

In range but can't start that slowly in 2H. We dribble too much and don't help well enough on D. Out FT shooting tonight is outstanding tho. C'mon. Get er done!
So much for that ...

[Xville]

Stop doing stupid shit and x will win. The mental ineptitude of this team some times is so frustrating

[Xville]

What is with swain and the butter fingers? Grab the damn ball

[GoMuskies]

Hope the 4 free points we gave SJ to start the se and half dont come back to haunt us.

[KabeX]

Getting pounded on the glass - 11 ORB. Box the F OUT!

[nickgyp]

X looked lifeless for most of the half and is only down 4. Still a half of basketball to be played. Let’s go.

Agreed. Even with comeback there was no enthusiasm or fire. Not a good look.

[Xville]

Outside of swain, there is very little athleticism on this team.

[Xville]

Swain dribbling between five people on St. John’s on a fast break. Beyond stupid basketball.

[GoMuskies]

Frustrating

[KabeX]

We're not good and we're not winning this one. I can't imagine if SJ could actually shoot. They'd be top 5. D is terrible. Offense is stagnant and predictable. Reminded me of the Steele offense a bit. And that aint good. Don't know how this changes frankly.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Conwell 0-8, he has disappeared against quality opponents. What is going on with this guy? Is the level too high?

[Xville]

Conwell 0-8 wtf has happened with this dude

[nickgyp]

Xavier’s lack of an inside game really gets exposed when the threes are just not there. Step back threes in particular.

[GoMuskies]

We are bad.

[Xville]

Conwell 0-8, he has disappeared against quality opponents. What is going on with this guy? Is the level too high?

He looked good until Marquette. Had really good games against UConn, uc and Michigan. He doesn’t have any athleticism for this level though. His handle is very weak and I think he’s pressing now

[KabeX]

You know what's even more important (and glaring) - there's no JP or Trey (or Tu or many others) killer attitude. Just don't see it. Zach maybe but the others? If Swain can get one, then we got something. It's just not there.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Whatever was spent for Conwell, Foster, Maddox in NIL was just money down the drain. At this point, I would rather have Powell and other players with eligibility left. He looked pretty good for WVU against Kansas at the Phog. We would have him for 4 years. Miller has really crapped the bed evaluating talent. He was completely fooled by this bunch.

[KabeX]

That's now 17 ORBs and 42 overall. WTF?

[Xville]

X doesn’t box out… the fundamentals on this team are shit. Staff needs to be looked at, period

[Xville]

Boo their asses!!’ This is pathetic

[KabeX]

Sorry - we're playing like a bunch of effin pu$$ies. Jezus this is beyond bad

[bjf123]

The boo birds are making an appearance Cintas.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[XU 87]

This is embarrassing. So soft.

[Xville]

The boo birds are making an appearance Cintas.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Good! Most of these guys are just straight stealing money

[nickgyp]

Whatever was spent for Conwell, Foster, Maddox in NIL was just money down the drain. At this point, I would rather have Powell and other players with eligibility left. He looked pretty good for WVU against Kansas at the Phog. We would have him for 4 years. Miller has really crapped the bed evaluating talent. He was completely fooled by this bunch.

Powell for 4 years? Sadly, with the NIL money and portal situation, 4 years for anybody seems like a pipe dream.

[LOLmickcronin]

X doesn’t box out… the fundamentals on this team are shit. Staff needs to be looked at, period

The program needs a full reset. The culture is just terrible at this point. That could be with or without Sean. But I’d say let as many guys go this year. Go young next year with freshmen and transfers with at least two years of eligibility only. Take your lumps for another year and develop some guys with a new culture.

[xukeith]

Miller know how SJ plays. How they crash the boards. Traore would not make a difference. .
Maybe SJ is better tahn I thought. They seem to have some nice talent. Could Cam Fletcher be our secret transfer next year that becomes unguardable liek SJ's former Kansas big man?

[GoMuskies]

Miller is now poised to have the worst two teams of the millineum here at Xavier. Even Steele never had a team as bad as these last two.

[xuphan]

The program needs a full reset. The culture is just terrible at this point. That could be with or without Sean. But I’d say let as many guys go this year. Go young next year with freshmen and transfers with at least two years of eligibility only. Take your lumps for another year and develop some guys with a new culture.

I thought this past offseason was the full reset? Never thought Miller would struggle this much with the program.

[GoMuskies]

I thought this past offseason was the full reset? Never thought Miller would struggle this much with the program.

I thought embarrassing himself at Arizona would give Miller a shot of humility. Not so much. This season certainly should.

[Xville]

I thought embarrassing himself at Arizona would give Miller a shot of humility. Not so much. This season certainly should.

As someone said in another thread, he needs to go back to miller 1.0 where he stressed d and toughness. This finesse offense shit isnt working. Every time they make a nice little run they do something completely stupid like dribbling off their own foot

[bjf123]

Swain dribbling off his foot summarizes this game.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[KabeX]

Just fu$king stand there and let them get yet another ORB and garbage bucket. EFFIN PU$$IES

[nickgyp]

Or just not trying for a rebound

[KabeX]

I don't think I've seen a team this frickin soft .. well except for last year's team maybe.

[xuphan]

Just send this “basketball team” to Schmidt fieldhouse and make them earn their way back to the Cintas. How many more years of this crap basketball?

[Xville]

Turn out the lights

[xukeith]

Pitino can definitely build a strong team

[ArizonaXUGrad]

We are bottom feeders. Last year's team beats this year's team. Hands down, this is the worst play I have seen. They will finish probably about 6-14 in conference. Miller is in serious trouble. 4th year is the year the coach has his guys in and his system in.

Miller will have another bunch of new guys. Maybe that mesh is good, who knows, but this is hot garbage.

[xuphan]

Maybe Miller is tanking for the number #1 pick in the transfer portal.

[Xville]

Pitino can definitely build a strong team

I really don’t even think they are that good. X just looks pathetic compared to them because x has MAC level athleticism

[xukeith]

Don't we want Green back?

[xuwillie]

This is embarrassing on so many levels.

[xuwillie]

Don't we want Green back?

Im sure Green didn't want to waste.a year backing up these guys. They are awful

[GoMuskies]

St. John's is 2-15 from 3 and up 15.

[LOLmickcronin]

We are bottom feeders. Last year's team beats this year's team. Hands down, this is the worst play I have seen. They will finish probably about 6-14 in conference. Miller is in serious trouble. 4th year is the year the coach has his guys in and his system in.

Miller will have another bunch of new guys. Maybe that mesh is good, who knows, but this is hot garbage.

This is what you get though when you enter this constant carousel of mediocrity and transfers.

A bunch of guys will leave yes then what transfers are we going to get? Another handful of nice mid major players hoping to make the jump. No high end transfers want to come to a program that hasn’t been relevant since 2018. So you rinse and repeat and we have already done that for years

[Xville]

Good thing Mor spent all that nil money on these guys and then chastised half the board. Who’s the fool?

[GoMuskies]

Jeff Robinson would be a tough guy on this team.

[xukeith]

I understand losing to a much better team. But some of these players simply just quit on the program. Miller built this team?

[XUBand]

We absolutely suck. I can’t believe this is Xavier basketball in 2024.

[xuphan]

I understand losing to a much better team. But some of these players simply just quit on the program. Miller built this team?

Miller has to be on the hot seat next season. One more offseason to get it right but Xavier basketball is becoming irrelevant on a national level which is a big concern for the university.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

At this point, Miller has to sit Conwell in favor of Swain. Give him 30+ minutes and work in Conwell when he can. If he thinks Conwell isn't leaving at the end of this year he is a folod, so you might as get reps for Swain who you hope will stay.

I mean at the 3, Conwell's position. Play Conwell at the 4 for small ball.

[Xville]

With the upcoming schedule,
I see a 3-8, 11-11 record in our future at best.

[GoMuskies]

Miller has to be on the hot seat next season. One more offseason to get it right but Xavier basketball is becoming irrelevant on a national level which is a big concern for the university.

Christopher will probably offer an extension and raise.

[Three Point Pete]

Not surprised, hopefully we get better!

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

[XUBand]

Christopher will probably offer an extension and raise.

My rep level is red because some asshat gave me negative rep for saying Christopher is inept. Guy absolutely effed our program.

[GoMuskies]

At this point, Miller has to sit Conwell in favor of Swain. Give him 30+ minutes and work in Conwell when he can. If he thinks Conwell isn't leaving at the end of this year he is a folod, so you might as get reps for Swain who you hope will stay.

I mean at the 3, Conwell's position. Play Conwell at the 4 for small ball.


Not surprised, hopefully we get better!

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

Not sure what we have left to play for? Miracle run at MSG?

[nickgyp]

Recruiting players whether high school players or transfers always is a crap shoot. The NIL/portal situation only exacerbates the crap shootiness. Bringing in 4-5 players each year simply is not ideal especially for school’s like Xavier. Whether X can ever really compete in this new Wild West frontier remains to be seen. A coach good at developing talent and team chemistry is really just going to have a tough time in this environment. I am not so sure many coaches especially Miller can be faulted. I wish it was otherwise but mercenary college athletics is the reality.

[LOLmickcronin]

A player falling to the ground and another coming over to help him up before slipping and rolling his ankle while kicking his teammate in the hip.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2024-2025 Xavier musketeers!!!

[OTRMUSKIE]

Miller isn’t on the hot seat. Look at what Rick Barnes has done at Tennessee. His first couple years he was awful. Perhaps they were on suspension from Pearl? Anyway, Miller def gets another year before his seat is hot. I would def fire all his assistants, all of them even man bun. Go out and get players who have played in big conferences. This mid major crap isn’t cutting it.

[GoMuskies]

50-30 on the boards

[Xville]

My rep level is red because some asshat gave me negative rep for saying Christopher is inept. Guy absolutely effed our program.

Yep he did. Guy is a sorry excuse for an ad

[Xville]

Miller isn’t on the hot seat. Look at what Rick Barnes has done at Tennessee. His first couple years he was awful. Perhaps they were on suspension from Pearl? Anyway, Miller def gets another year before his seat is hot. I would def fire all his assistants, all of them even man bun. Go out and get players who have played in big conferences. This mid major crap isn’t cutting it.

Yep! Can the assistants and get ones that know how to actually scout and develop talent

[IM4X]

Tomorrow things could change but today was flat out a total embarrassment.

Haven’t seen us be this badly outplayed and this badly out coached in a long time.

SJ played way quicker. Way smarter. Way scrappier on defense. Way more aggressive on the boards. Were way better at passing and cutting.

We looked so dame slow. So sloppy. Made so many poor decisions. Our players won’t move to receive a pass. They have no interest in rebounding. Can’t make a simply put-back when they do get a rebound. Couldn’t make an open 7 footer. Our guards couldn’t make a 3. And Sean waited way too long to call timeouts and make any kind of adjustment. Just awful.

[GoMuskies]

By the way, there are many different ways to skin the cat in this era. Pat Kelsey has zero Louisville players back from last year, lost his best player to injury early on, and has Louisville rolling in the ACC. They're swimming in a bit different pond than us, but essentially building a roster from scratch in any given year CAN be a viable strategy.

[xukeith]

Recruiting players whether high school players or transfers always is a crap shoot. The NIL/portal situation only exacerbates the crap shootiness. Bringing in 4-5 players each year simply is not ideal especially for school’s like Xavier. Whether X can ever really compete in this new Wild West frontier remains to be seen. A coach good at developing talent and team chemistry is really just going to have a tough time in this environment. I am not so sure many coaches especially Miller can be faulted. I wish it was otherwise but mercenary college athletics is the reality.

Matta at Butler at least has a strong recruiting (HS) class coming in. Butler can build that.

X can build a team maybe around Fletcher and Swain, Conwell maybe.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Green left for mental health reasons, is there a cancer on this team we just aren't aware of?

[Xville]

By the way, there are many different ways to skin the cat in this era. Pat Kelsey has zero Louisville players back from last year, lost his best player to injury early on, and has Louisville rolling in the ACC. They're swimming in a bit different pond than us, but essentially building a roster from scratch in any given year CAN be a viable strategy.

Good thing x never thought to hire him. What would we have done with all that winning?

[XfansinKy]

Good thing Mor spent all that nil money on these guys and then chastised half the board. Who’s the fool?

😆😆😆😆

[Wiggy1227]

Our coach is in Louisville.

One can dream

[GoMuskies]

Our coach is in Louisville.

One can dream

Or Charleston? Forgive and forget, douche?

[Xville]

The only consolation is that it’s now apparent uc is just as bad as x. They thought they were a tournament team when they barely beat x at home. Lol

[XUBand]

Or Charleston? Forgive and forget, douche?

No chance - Mack wants an easy job.

[paulxu]

50-30 on the boards

This and having them score 56 pts in the paint. Ugh.

Is it too late to get a big guy from the portal?

[GoMuskies]

The only consolation is that it’s now apparent uc is just as bad as x. They thought they were a tournament team when they barely beat x at home. Lol

Cold comfort....but comfort nonetheless! Hate those guys!

[IM4X]

Or Charleston? Forgive and forget, douche?

If memory serves me, Mack has had his share of games like this.

The season isn’t technically over for this team yet, but it might as well be if they ever come out playing anywhere close to this poorly again.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I still believe Miller will figure this NIL thing out.

I ask again, Green left for mental health issue or it was speculated he did. Is there a player or players here that are just a cancer on the team? Now 9-7 and cruising to a bottom of the table season. Hall being a wasteland is the only thing keeping us in 11th.

Conwell/Foster/Maddox, this is their first year at a bigger program with bigger NIL payouts. Is this a Roberto Duran type of thing, he said it's tough to wake up at 6am and run in the cold when you are sleeping in silk sheets.

[paulxu]

This ties us with our worst start ever in the BE. Got to believe we can do better.

[Xville]

I still believe Miller will figure this NIL thing out.

I ask again, Green left for mental health issue or it was speculated he did. Is there a player or players here that are just a cancer on the team? Now 9-7 and cruising to a bottom of the table season. Hall being a wasteland is the only thing keeping us in 11th.

Conwell/Foster/Maddox, this is their first year at a bigger program with bigger NIL payouts. Is this a Roberto Duran type of thing, he said it's tough to wake up at 6am and run in the cold when you are sleeping in silk sheets.

As far as green I have no idea. They keep saying health related issue which makes me think mental but who the hell knows. Maybe they are just saying health related so he can keep his redshirt this year and he can transfer with all years in tact.

[Xville]

This ties us with our worst start ever in the BE. Got to believe we can do better.

It’s about to get much worse… I think we have 3-8 in our future at best

[GoMuskies]

At DePaul Saturday is a real test of this team's fortitude. Would be really easy to go up there this weekend, lay an egg and get beat by the Blue Demons.

[LOLmickcronin]

I still believe Miller will figure this NIL thing out.

I ask again, Green left for mental health issue or it was speculated he did. Is there a player or players here that are just a cancer on the team? Now 9-7 and cruising to a bottom of the table season. Hall being a wasteland is the only thing keeping us in 11th.

Conwell/Foster/Maddox, this is their first year at a bigger program with bigger NIL payouts. Is this a Roberto Duran type of thing, he said it's tough to wake up at 6am and run in the cold when you are sleeping in silk sheets.

No. Come on. Leaving for “mental health reasons” is quitting the team bc you aren’t happy with your playing time put in a way that won’t be a black mark on you come transfer portal time.

[Xavier]

Still believe Miller can coach and get it done. Completely get it if you don’t.

We’ve lost buy games. We’ve gotten blown out by UC. But tonight might have been the worst Xavier game I’ve been to. Season ticket holder since building opened. Maybe just built up over two years, but my god. That was the worst performance I’ve seen in person.

[bjf123]

I’ve only once ever left a game early because of how poorly the team was playing. Tonight was damned close to being the second.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I have zero inside info, but this team's play just has the telltales of some kind of cancer in it. They are a much better team than this, to me it's something else. This is on Miller.

Everything I know for sure is that Miller is a very good basketball coach and that he hired and kept assistants he trusts to bring in the guys he needs. Miller isn't a recruiter, he is a closer for the recruit. These players are either not good enough or just don't have the mental fortitude to play at this level of college ball. I expect to see one or more assistants get fired in the off-season.

[MHettel]

Whatever was spent for Conwell, Foster, Maddox in NIL was just money down the drain. At this point, I would rather have Powell and other players with eligibility left. He looked pretty good for WVU against Kansas at the Phog. We would have him for 4 years. Miller has really crapped the bed evaluating talent. He was completely fooled by this bunch.

He was on vacation

[GoMuskies]

Dante Jackson is in his 6th year as an assistant. It's basically the worst six year stretch for Xavier in 40+ years. Not saying it's his fault, but he doesn't seem to be HELPING.

[drudy23]

Well gents, that was pathetic. Not sure I've seen effort so bad in an X uniform.

SJU got 81 shots! 50 Rebounds! Out-Rebounded by 20!

I will ask again, what is this imposter we see as Xavier Basketball? What has happened to our program???????

[MHettel]

Green left for mental health reasons, is there a cancer on this team we just aren't aware of?

Hmmm. Wanna get a medical redshirt without having a physical injury?

[A Fan]

Xavier’s loss to St. John’s tonight was not only painful to watch but also a sobering reminder of where this team stands. The current roster lacks the talent and execution expected at the top level of Big East competition, and it’s hard to see how some of these players, who might still be on the team next year, will bridge that gap. Sure, Sean swung and missed in the transfer portal—every coach will face setbacks in today’s chaotic era of player movement. That’s the nature of the game now.

But the problems go beyond talent. The sloppiness on the court, the mental lapses, the lack of discipline, and, perhaps most disappointing, the absence of energy and enthusiasm were glaring tonight. These are issues that go deeper than just recruiting misses. It’s one thing to lose with a young or undermanned roster; it’s another to see a team play like this—with little focus or fight. It’s disheartening, and as a fan, it’s tough to see how things can improve without a significant cultural shift and an infusion of leadership, both from the coaching staff and within the locker room.

[drudy23]

Xavier’s loss to St. John’s tonight was not only painful to watch but also a sobering reminder of where this team stands. The current roster lacks the talent and execution expected at the top level of Big East competition, and it’s hard to see how some of these players, who might still be on the team next year, will bridge that gap. Sure, Sean swung and missed in the transfer portal—every coach will face setbacks in today’s chaotic era of player movement. That’s the nature of the game now.

But the problems go beyond talent. The sloppiness on the court, the mental lapses, the lack of discipline, and, perhaps most disappointing, the absence of energy and enthusiasm were glaring tonight. These are issues that go deeper than just recruiting misses. It’s one thing to lose with a young or undermanned roster; it’s another to see a team play like this—with little focus or fight. It’s disheartening, and as a fan, it’s tough to see how things can improve without a significant cultural shift and an infusion of leadership, both from the coaching staff and within the locker room.

This is what I felt tonight.

Our program is at a crossroads.

[MHettel]

This roster apparently has the 2nd most experience in college basketball. And yet we look like a pickup squad that has never set foot on the court together.

95% empty seats on TV.

Gonna. Be hard to generate NIL money when the fans feel cheated already.

I suspect it may be lights out for college bball as we know it by 2030. We will likely see a franchise model with colleges as “sponsors” of teams that have a roster full of guys that have never set foot on campus. Gonna need big bucks to stay involved at that level and it might not make financial sense for us to try.

[A Fan]

This roster apparently has the 2nd most experience in college basketball. And yet we look like a pickup squad that has never set foot on the court together.

95% empty seats on TV.

Gonna. Be hard to generate NIL money when the fans feel cheated already.

I suspect it may be lights out for college bball as we know it by 2030. We will likely see a franchise model with colleges as “sponsors” of teams that have a roster full of guys that have never set foot on campus. Gonna need big bucks to stay involved at that level and it might not make financial sense for us to try.


The observation about this roster having the second-most experience in college basketball makes tonight’s performance even harder to stomach. How does a team with this much veteran presence look so unorganized and disconnected, like they’ve never practiced together? It’s baffling and frustrating, especially for a program like Xavier that has historically prided itself on disciplined, cohesive basketball.

The empty seats on TV are even more telling. When the fanbase is disengaged, it signals something much deeper than a bad season—it’s an erosion of trust and connection between the program and its supporters. Without that buy-in, the NIL pool dries up, and programs like ours struggle to keep up with the powerhouses.

The franchise model feels like a real possibility—teams essentially becoming professional organizations, with colleges merely serving as sponsors. Rosters could be filled with players who have zero connection to campus life, reducing the unique identity and community aspect that makes college basketball special. To compete Lat that level would require massive financial resources, and for many schools, including Xavier , it might simply not be worth the investment.

For those of us who grew up loving college basketball for its tradition, loyalty, and passion, this future is hard to accept. The game is changing so quickly, and in many ways, it feels like it’s slipping further away from what made it great in the first place. It’s tough to watch, but this is the trajectory we’re on.

[bjf123]

The weather and the cold might have had something to do with the attendance.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I mentioned that in another thread or something similar. This is the golden age of NIL. Everyone is giving it a shot to see what can be made of it. Combine that with what is a better than average economy to say the least. What happens when the economy hits a recession? What teams survive? Realistically, NIL budgets shrink.

All this NIL talk is alluding that this is the primary problem with the team now. It's not. There is plenty of talent on this team. They lack focus, accountability, cohesiveness. They are a team that does not look like they buy in to Miller's game plan.

With better focus on basic fundamentals, they win at TCU/UC/G'Town. They would be 12-4 and we are not having this conversation.

[XU_Lou]

The observation about this roster having the second-most experience in college basketball makes tonight’s performance even harder to stomach. How does a team with this much veteran presence look so unorganized and disconnected, like they’ve never practiced together? It’s baffling and frustrating, especially for a program like Xavier that has historically prided itself on disciplined, cohesive basketball.

The empty seats on TV are even more telling. When the fanbase is disengaged, it signals something much deeper than a bad season—it’s an erosion of trust and connection between the program and its supporters. Without that buy-in, the NIL pool dries up, and programs like ours struggle to keep up with the powerhouses.

The franchise model feels like a real possibility—teams essentially becoming professional organizations, with colleges merely serving as sponsors. Rosters could be filled with players who have zero connection to campus life, reducing the unique identity and community aspect that makes college basketball special. To compete Lat that level would require massive financial resources, and for many schools, including Xavier , it might simply not be worth the investment.

For those of us who grew up loving college basketball for its tradition, loyalty, and passion, this future is hard to accept. The game is changing so quickly, and in many ways, it feels like it’s slipping further away from what made it great in the first place. It’s tough to watch, but this is the trajectory we’re on.

You nailed it - feel the same. Can't even get motivated to watch other BE games anymore.

BTW, I don't think anyone has addressed this on this board, but the comments from Jim Larranaga with regards to why he resigned are quite telling and revealing of the state of college sports (yes, I will add college football to your comments):

"After we went to the 2023 Final Four, eight players wanted to transfer or seek better NIL deals. They told me they loved it at Miami, but wanted to seek a better deal."

[XUBison]

Dante Jackson is in his 6th year as an assistant. It's basically the worst six year stretch for Xavier in 40+ years. Not saying it's his fault, but he doesn't seem to be HELPING.

There ya go picking on poor old Dante again. ;) FWIW, ZFree has also been here the past six years, and a few years ago we all thought for sure he was a cancer.

[xukeith]

Solutions:
Better analysis of transfer portal talent
Develop 2 frosh a year for at least 2 years
Miller needs to reevaluate the run and gun -(make 3s) -offense he has everyone invested in.
better assistants recruiting and developing talent
top BE big man needed each year.

[xukeith]

Pitino definitely knows how to build a team.

[Final4]

After this year Miller has 4 more years left on his contract. As things sit today would you extend his contract after the end of this season?

[MHettel]

After this year Miller has 4 more years left on his contract. As things sit today would you extend his contract after the end of this season?

That’s a BAD spot for us to be in.

It USED to be that you can’t let your coach get under 4 years left on his deal because he couldn’t assure recruits he’d be around for their full career. It would make a lot of sense that THAT idea is out the window since players are going to 2 to 3 schools nowadays, but I’m sure the coaches will still collectively claim they need at least 4 years at all times.

And we’re not buying out Miller. That’s what, 12M plus. I can’t see anyway that happens and we also need to them go get the next guy for a few million a year. Just not possible that we initiate a coaching move.

On the other hand, Miller isn’t exactly killing it right now and his star surely must be falling. If you just take an objective look at his career he certainly fell short at Arizona, particularly towards the end. And of course he hasn’t gotten it down here after 3 years. I don’t see a blue blood AD taking that chance.

Not sure what the path forward is. Seems we’re stuck with Miller. Did you ever think you’d read that on this message board?

[bleedXblue]

That’s a BAD spot for us to be in.

It USED to be that you can’t let your coach get under 4 years left on his deal because he couldn’t assure recruits he’d be around for their full career. It would make a lot of sense that THAT idea is out the window since players are going to 2 to 3 schools nowadays, but I’m sure the coaches will still collectively claim they need at least 4 years at all times.

And we’re not buying out Miller. That’s what, 12M plus. I can’t see anyway that happens and we also need to them go get the next guy for a few million a year. Just not possible that we initiate a coaching move.

On the other hand, Miller isn’t exactly killing it right now and his star surely must be falling. If you just take an objective look at his career he certainly fell short at Arizona, particularly towards the end. And of course he hasn’t gotten it down here after 3 years. I don’t see a blue blood AD taking that chance.

Not sure what the path forward is. Seems we’re stuck with Miller. Did you ever think you’d read that on this message board?

LOL, I dont think so.

You must always look at the available coaches in the market and then think about where Miller falls in line. He's easily a Top 10-15 guy. This doesn't include guys going nowhere like Few, Sampson, Hurley, Scheyer etc. We aren't at risk losing him te Blue Blood b/c of the reasons you illustrate above. But we are at the risk of losing him to those Tier 1A schools in large conferences that would hire a guy like Miller in a second. His buyout would be a hurdle- 12M is a boat load- bright side of that deal would be a bunch of cash to spend on a new guy or figuring out some way to funnel that through to NIL.

[MHettel]

LOL, I dont think so.

You must always look at the available coaches in the market and then think about where Miller falls in line. He's easily a Top 10-15 guy. This doesn't include guys going nowhere like Few, Sampson, Hurley, Scheyer etc. We aren't at risk losing him te Blue Blood b/c of the reasons you illustrate above. But we are at the risk of losing him to those Tier 1A schools in large conferences that would hire a guy like Miller in a second. His buyout would be a hurdle- 12M is a boat load- bright side of that deal would be a bunch of cash to spend on a new guy or figuring out some way to funnel that through to NIL.

Anyone needing to hire a coach and considering Miller should just watch last nights game. That was a team with limited size, limited athleticism, no identity, no fight, no grit, and worst of all seemingly no cohesive plan on how to win that game.

We got schooled by Pitino, who is in year 2 after gutting SJU when he arrived.

Miller is in year 3 and rolled out a YMCA squad last night.

[bleedXblue]

Anyone needing to hire a coach and considering Miller should just watch last nights game. That was a team with limited size, limited athleticism, no identity, no fight, no grit, and worst of all seemingly no cohesive plan on how to win that game.

We got schooled by Pitino, who is in year 2 after gutting SJU when he arrived.

Miller is in year 3 and rolled out a YMCA squad last night.

Yep we all know that.

And yet still hes a Top 10-15 guy out there that many programs would take a chance on.....

[Final4]

Seems we’re stuck with Miller. Did you ever think you’d read that on this message board?

Never!!! I was thrilled when he came back and would have offered him a lifetime contract. Now from where I sit I see a coach who is either incapable or unwillingly to make in-season adjustments, a coach/staff that has done a piss poor job evaluating talent and a coach/staff that doesn't appear to know how to construct a roster. And I agree with your other points......we're not going to buy him out and we're in a BAD spot.

[noteggs]

Don’t want to rehash the garbage we saw last night. However what is really deflating, we have only led one time in the last two games. And that was last night at 2-0. Don’t remember seeing this as a X fan.

[Xville]

I'll say this also. This has usually not been the case most years, but our crowd has been absolute crap, plain and simple. I've been to the Wake, IU Indy, Seton Hall and Marquette games, and the atmosphere has been terrible outside of the last 7 minutes of the Marquette game. Last night i understand...theres a ton of snow on the ground, its effing cold and icy, but the building looked half full on tv and you could hear everyone on the court talking.

I get it, the crowd is obviously frustrated over what has gone on the last 6-7 years, and the team has rarely given us something to cheer about, but even pre-game and during the starting lineups, the energy in the crowd is the worst i have ever seen it and I have been going to games for 27 years. I know that's not as long as some a lot of you but i think i have a pretty good perspective. Our guys have to feel a lot of that. It should not have to be on the student sections shoulders every game.

[bleedXblue]

I'll say this also. This has usually not been the case most years, but our crowd has been absolute crap, plain and simple. I've been to the Wake, IU Indy, Seton Hall and Marquette games, and the atmosphere has been terrible outside of the last 7 minutes of the Marquette game. Last night i understand...theres a ton of snow on the ground, its effing cold and icy, but the building looked half full on tv and you could hear everyone on the court talking.

I get it, the crowd is obviously frustrated over what has gone on the last 6-7 years, and the team has rarely given us something to cheer about, but even pre-game and during the starting lineups, the energy in the crowd is the worst i have ever seen it and I have been going to games for 27 years. I know that's not as long as some a lot of you but i think i have a pretty good perspective. Our guys have to feel a lot of that. It should not have to be on the student sections shoulders every game.

You want fans to get excited and create energy....that all starts with the product on the court. The problem with this team is they rarely sustain any real positive momentum for more than 3-4 possessions. Make a good play on one end and then turn it over or give up an easy bucket.

The poor play, roster construction and recruiting IS THE ISSUE.

[Xville]

You want fans to get excited and create energy....that all starts with the product on the court. The problem with this team is they rarely sustain any real positive momentum for more than 3-4 possessions. Make a good play on one end and then turn it over or give up an easy bucket.

The poor play, roster construction and recruiting IS THE ISSUE.

I understand that, but I'm talking even about pre-game and during lineups. Half the crowd is even at their seat, and it's a bad atmosphere before the jump. IMO, sometimes the crowd is the one that needs to bring some energy to the team before the ball is tipped, and im not seeing that this year.

[bleedXblue]

I understand that, but I'm talking even about pre-game and during lineups. Half the crowd is even at their seat, and it's a bad atmosphere before the jump. IMO, sometimes the crowd is the one that needs to bring some energy to the team before the ball is tipped, and im not seeing that this year.

Yeah some weird tip off times this year followed by weather challenges too. Coming off a crappy year last year......

I think attendance might be off a little from previous years

I also wonder how many fans are getting disillusioned by the NIL situation

[Xville]

Yeah some weird tip off times this year followed by weather challenges too. Coming off a crappy year last year......

I think attendance might be off a little from previous years

I also wonder how many fans are getting disillusioned by the NIL situation

Yeah I certainly get that. Just an overall observation from the games that I have attended. I state it, because this is the first year I have noticed just how bad it is--it's a departure from what I've come to expect. Maybe as a fanbase we are just sick of it all. 2018 seems like a lifetime ago.

[bleedXblue]

Yeah I certainly get that. Just an overall observation from the games that I have attended. I state it, because this is the first year I have noticed just how bad it is--it's a departure from what I've come to expect. Maybe as a fanbase we are just sick of it all. 2018 seems like a lifetime ago.

Yes it does

F Chris Mack for leaving......

[drudy23]

I don't think this is a situation where the finger gets pointed at the head coach. Yes, Miller needs to be better, he still has some accountability.

But the root problems here are broader in scope. Someone needs to figure it out, because the program is heading towards irrelevancy. That's probably a bit dramatic, but no one is going to get excited and passionate (as it's been for 50 years) about a perennial bottom half Big East team.

Have to find a way to get this program back to the top 25% of the league.

[drudy23]

As for the crowd, the weather played a factor tonight. I wouldn't look into it anymore than that. There was also really nothing to get excited about outside of a mini-run towards the end of the first half.

I also agree the tip times have been suspect. You play a bunch of games at 6:30, you're going to have many late arrivals. Add that to the stupid parking situation and the ticket scanning issues, and it is what it is.

I have noticed several changes in operations this year within Cintas that have negatively impacted the fan. It's honestly surprising and a little bit disappointing with X Basketball being the cash cow. I had never had any complaints prior to this year.

It kind of seems like they went out of their way to make things more difficult.

[noteggs]

I’ll except crowd enthusiasm has been less than stellar this year. It is unfortunate some of our biggest BE games (SJ and Marquette) were without the students. They are pretty much the catalyst for arena engagement.

Interesting what Sean said during his presser. Something like, there was no energy in the area start to finish. Sounded like he caught himself a little and said - I don’t blame them because of what they were seeing. Then went back to - still disappointing.

Definitely had the superfecta last night: 6:30 start on a weekday, weather, no students, and shitty product.

[MHettel]

I'll say this also. This has usually not been the case most years, but our crowd has been absolute crap, plain and simple. I've been to the Wake, IU Indy, Seton Hall and Marquette games, and the atmosphere has been terrible outside of the last 7 minutes of the Marquette game. Last night i understand...theres a ton of snow on the ground, its effing cold and icy, but the building looked half full on tv and you could hear everyone on the court talking.

I get it, the crowd is obviously frustrated over what has gone on the last 6-7 years, and the team has rarely given us something to cheer about, but even pre-game and during the starting lineups, the energy in the crowd is the worst i have ever seen it and I have been going to games for 27 years. I know that's not as long as some a lot of you but i think i have a pretty good perspective. Our guys have to feel a lot of that. It should not have to be on the student sections shoulders every game.

Is this actually a surprise to you? You can’t observe all sports and notice that fans actually have better time when teams are winning? Are you shocked when the Oakland A’s would draw 5200 fans on a night that the dodgers draw 52000?

Fucking win. Fuck this putting on the fans BS.

[MHettel]

I don't think this is a situation where the finger gets pointed at the head coach. Yes, Miller needs to be better, he still has some accountability.

But the root problems here are broader in scope. Someone needs to figure it out, because the program is heading towards irrelevancy. That's probably a bit dramatic, but no one is going to get excited and passionate (as it's been for 50 years) about a perennial bottom half Big East team.

Have to find a way to get this program back to the top 25% of the league.

What are the root problems in your mind? Not really challenging you, but I’m interested in hearing what you think.

To me it’s the Portal and NIL. I predicted that the competitive imbalance would swing wildly towards the programs with really deep pockets. Seems to be headed that way to me. Miller took a shot to “win now” with this veteran roster, presumably with the idea that it can give us a kickstart for the next few years.

I don’t see how we get MORE NIL. Throwing good money after bad? People that have managed to get the big bucks don’t do things like that.

So in my mind the “root” of the issue is beyond our control. That’s what concerns me

[Xville]

Is this actually a surprise to you? You can’t observe all sports and notice that fans actually have better time when teams are winning? Are you shocked when the Oakland A’s would draw 5200 fans on a night that the dodgers draw 52000?

Fucking win. Fuck this putting on the fans BS.

Yes its a surprise, based on the 27 years i have been going to games. I have gone to games where we have had bad seasons, and its not been close to what i have experienced this year. I went to the final home game last year against Marquette and the atmosphere was ten times better.

It's an observation. I'm not putting it all on the fans, but they certainly aren't helping to provide a home court advantage. The game hasn't even started at the atmosphere sucks.

[Xville]

What are the root problems in your mind? Not really challenging you, but I’m interested in hearing what you think.

To me it’s the Portal and NIL. I predicted that the competitive imbalance would swing wildly towards the programs with really deep pockets. Seems to be headed that way to me. Miller took a shot to “win now” with this veteran roster, presumably with the idea that it can give us a kickstart for the next few years.

I don’t see how we get MORE NIL. Throwing good money after bad? People that have managed to get the big bucks don’t do things like that.

So in my mind the “root” of the issue is beyond our control. That’s what concerns me

Well, there is a sizeable influx of nil coming for next year, that X didn't have this year so yeah X is getting more NIL.

[bjf123]

You nailed it - feel the same. Can't even get motivated to watch other BE games anymore.

BTW, I don't think anyone has addressed this on this board, but the comments from Jim Larranaga with regards to why he resigned are quite telling and revealing of the state of college sports (yes, I will add college football to your comments):

"After we went to the 2023 Final Four, eight players wanted to transfer or seek better NIL deals. They told me they loved it at Miami, but wanted to seek a better deal."

This is the new reality of D1 college basketball. It’s going to be very rare to bring in a freshman and watch him develop over the next 3-4 years. If the player is any good at all, he’ll be looking to the portal to get more money. With few exceptions, there will be no loyalty to universities or coaches. If a 20 year old kid can get another $50K by jumping ship each year, he’s going to do it. That’s not what some on here want to hear, but that’s reality for the foreseeable future. It’s going to make things tougher on the coaches who might be rebuilding every year.

As to the crowd’s attendance and enthusiasm, it’s always been more empty seats and less noise for the non-con part of the schedule, except when we host the Shootout. It gets better once conference play starts. Having the students out for the first few BE games doesn’t help. A 6:30 tipoff always results in late arrivals. Some of us still work for a living and have to leave work, get home to pickup a spouse or kid(s), and then sit in rush hour traffic to get to Cintas. Add in all the snow we had on Sunday and Monday and even more people will be late, or even stay home. It’s easy for those of you are retired or not in town to bitch about the attendance without having to deal with the reality of getting to the games.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[drudy23]

What are the root problems in your mind? Not really challenging you, but I’m interested in hearing what you think.

To me it’s the Portal and NIL. I predicted that the competitive imbalance would swing wildly towards the programs with really deep pockets. Seems to be headed that way to me. Miller took a shot to “win now” with this veteran roster, presumably with the idea that it can give us a kickstart for the next few years.

I don’t see how we get MORE NIL. Throwing good money after bad? People that have managed to get the big bucks don’t do things like that.

So in my mind the “root” of the issue is beyond our control. That’s what concerns me

It's a few things in my opinion:

1) Program Identity and how a roster is constructed to fit it - I don't see how that and the current mode of plucking transfers to replace recruited players accomplishes an identity - Sean Miller accountable
2) Talent development - deve4lopmental plan for incoming freshman - does that happen? Likely an assistant coach accountability
3) Support staff to eliminate the NIL noise for the coaches - coaches can't manage NIL and coach the team - likely an AD accountability
4) Change management - does The Xavier Way still apply in the era of NIL? Can you continue to double-down on legacy success in a completely different world? likely an AD accountability

[Xville]

This is the new reality of D1 college basketball. It’s going to be very rare to bring in a freshman and watch him develop over the next 3-4 years. If the player is any good at all, he’ll be looking to the portal to get more money. With few exceptions, there will be no loyalty to universities or coaches. If a 20 year old kid can get another $50K by jumping ship each year, he’s going to do it. That’s not what some on here want to hear, but that’s reality for the foreseeable future. It’s going to make things tougher on the coaches who might be rebuilding every year.

As to the crowd’s attendance and enthusiasm, it’s always been more empty seats and less noise for the non-con part of the schedule, except when we host the Shootout. It gets better once conference play starts. Having the students out for the first few BE games doesn’t help. A 6:30 tipoff always results in late arrivals. Some of us still work for a living and have to leave work, get home to pickup a spouse or kid(s), and then sit in rush hour traffic to get to Cintas. Add in all the snow we had on Sunday and Monday and even more people will be late, or even stay home. It’s easy for those of you are retired or not in town to bitch about the attendance without having to deal with the reality of getting to the games.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I understand the reality of the situation, but its a lot of excuse making for what I have experienced that I have not in my previous 26 years of going to games.

Wake--high major opponent played at noon on a saturday
Marquette--top ten team played at noon on a saturday.
Seton Hall--NYE at 2..a day in which a lot of people are off work or take off work.

There's really no excuse for the lack of energy in the building even before tip off. Last night, I understand...weather is shit, its an early start etc.

It's something I have noticed more this year than any other year.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

I understand the reality of the situation, but its a lot of excuse making for what I have experienced that I have not in my previous 26 years of going to games.

Wake--high major opponent played at noon on a saturday
Marquette--top ten team played at noon on a saturday.
Seton Hall--NYE at 2..a day in which a lot of people are off work or take off work.

There's really no excuse for the lack of energy in the building even before tip off. Last night, I understand...weather is shit, its an early start etc.

It's something I have noticed more this year than any other year.

Not a mystery to me. We employ mercenaries to play basketball. Those players have minimal loyalty or connection with Xavier or its program history. In turn, the fans have less connection with the players. Mercenaries quit the field when the losses begin. Last night, the team quit. They had no stomach to fight. That lack of fight is a continuation of what I've seen throughout the season. The fans saw what I saw and exercised their right to quit as well.

[bleedXblue]

As for the crowd, the weather played a factor tonight. I wouldn't look into it anymore than that. There was also really nothing to get excited about outside of a mini-run towards the end of the first half.

I also agree the tip times have been suspect. You play a bunch of games at 6:30, you're going to have many late arrivals. Add that to the stupid parking situation and the ticket scanning issues, and it is what it is.

I have noticed several changes in operations this year within Cintas that have negatively impacted the fan. It's honestly surprising and a little bit disappointing with X Basketball being the cash cow. I had never had any complaints prior to this year.

It kind of seems like they went out of their way to make things more difficult.

to save and/or make more money for sure......

[XU_Lou]

Not a mystery to me. We employ mercenaries to play basketball. Those players have minimal loyalty or connection with Xavier or its program history. In turn, the fans have less connection with the players. Mercenaries quit the field when the losses begin. Last night, the team quit. They had no stomach to fight. That lack of fight is a continuation of what I've seen throughout the season. The fans saw what I saw and exercised their right to quit as well.

Sadly, I believe you're correct.

I hope the people who run the league: NCAA, conferences, ADs, coaches and even the TV networks, recognize this sooner rather than later.

I'd be curious to know what TV ratings for college hoops are like over the last decade. What is the trend? We can't be the only fan base feeling this way.

[Xville]

as far as tv viewership, I don't think anyone associated with those decisions care, as long as it does well in March. Last year, the tournament broke tv records.

[GoMuskies]

as far as tv viewership, I don't think anyone associated with those decisions care, as long as it does well in March. Last year, the tournament broke tv records.

The men's tournament? Are you sure? I know the women's tournament was by far the most watched ever. I'm fairly certainly the women's final four was more watched than the men's.

[Xville]

The men's tournament? Are you sure? I know the women's tournament was by far the most watched ever. I'm fairly certainly the women's final four was more watched than the men's.

https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-ratings-6cdd1e9ed20ad174025d1b60c9217bce

Thursday-saturday broke records...sunday was a little down.

https://www.sportsvideo.org/2024/03/29/ratings-roundup-march-madness-drives-ratings-to-new-highs/

Once March hits, the casual fan starts watching, and they don't care about the things we do (NIL, Portal etc) they just want to see their team win whether its because they are an alum, fan of the team, or betting purposes.

[MHettel]

Yes its a surprise, based on the 27 years i have been going to games. I have gone to games where we have had bad seasons, and its not been close to what i have experienced this year. I went to the final home game last year against Marquette and the atmosphere was ten times better.

It's an observation. I'm not putting it all on the fans, but they certainly aren't helping to provide a home court advantage. The game hasn't even started at the atmosphere sucks.

We haven’t really had many “bad seasons” in the last 27 years. Skips 2nd year (our first in the A10) was rough, but we were young. Then we were good for a 6-7 year stretch. Matta was at least decent generally. Miller needs one year to get it going. Mack needed a year or 2 and ended with a one seed. Steele let us down for 4 years. Miller gave us one good year and we’re now 2 years back to back with significant disappointment.

It’s not this year that’s the problem. You said it yourself that the fans could “survive” one year. It’s 6 out of the last 7.

[Xavier]

My source has said multiple times the NIL coming in for next year is much higher. I’m not too surprised by that. You have desperate fanbase who wants to win, and an AD who knows another year like this could be his last. Will it help? Who knows. I’d assume everyone is hoping so.

Agreed, 6 of 7 years piled up. Last night at the game felt like built up frustration over last two years.

[MHettel]

Well, there is a sizeable influx of nil coming for next year, that X didn't have this year so yeah X is getting more NIL.

From where? And why next year but it wasn’t available this year? And also, what good will it do if if programs we are competing against also just get more NIL? We can’t win in an arms race. Just that simple

[Xville]

We haven’t really had many “bad seasons” in the last 27 years. Skips 2nd year (our first in the A10) was rough, but we were young. Then we were good for a 6-7 year stretch. Matta was at least decent generally. Miller needs one year to get it going. Mack needed a year or 2 and ended with a one seed. Steele let us down for 4 years. Miller gave us one good year and we’re now 2 years back to back with significant disappointment.

It’s not this year that’s the problem. You said it yourself that the fans could “survive” one year. It’s 6 out of the last 7.

I've been spoiled i guess considering the 27 years of watching X but I'd consider all of Steele's seasons as bad seasons, and then the last two. There have been a few others sprinkled in.

[GoMuskies]

Once March hits, the casual fan starts watching,

So the casual fan never gets to watch Xavier. :)

[Xavier]

I've been spoiled i guess considering the 27 years of watching X but I'd consider all of Steele's seasons as bad seasons, and then the last two. There have been a few others sprinkled in.

With a new coach I give leeway. Especially first year as a head coach being in Big East. But outside of some crazy scenarios I still consider any season missed tournament is a bad one

[Final4]

Well, there is a sizeable influx of nil coming for next year, that X didn't have this year so yeah X is getting more NIL.

You don't know that for a fact and I don't believe it. Why would anyone invest more money in this clown show. The funds are mismanaged. You cut your losses and find a new brokerage house before throwing good money after bad. This program needs to demonstrate that they are a responsible and qualified agent and capable of managing NIL funds effectively.

[Xville]

From where? And why next year but it wasn’t available this year? And also, what good will it do if if programs we are competing against also just get more NIL? We can’t win in an arms race. Just that simple

Doesn't mean just because X is getting more that all other teams are.

I agree we can't win an arms race against the blue bloods, but what X can do is recruit, develop, keep the talent with the NIL they have, and fill in gaps. What I am advocating for is starting to do what UCONN, Marquette, Creighton etc have already done. Recruit your own and develop them...bring them into your culture, and then go out and fill in gaps and be more selective about it.

Rather than what has been happening--- which is cast a wide net, see whoever we can get, and try to rebuild our roster thru the portal every year.

[Xville]

You don't know that for a fact and I don't believe it. Why would anyone invest more money in this clown show. The funds are mismanaged. You cut your losses and find a new brokerage house before throwing good money after bad. This program needs to demonstrate that they are a responsible and qualified agent and capable of managing NIL funds effectively.

Well, Xavier said it, and I have heard the same thing from my sources within the program.

I do know that publically, the final 2% grew a pretty significant amount over the last year and that money was earmarked for this next season and beyond.

[GoMuskies]

MOR got pissed and whipped out that checkbook? Or was it XUGlow? Haven't heard from him in a while, so he must have been too busy making that fat NIL money to send to X!

[Xville]

MOR got pissed and whipped out that checkbook? Or was it XUGlow? Haven't heard from him in a while, so he must have been too busy making that fat NIL money to send to X!

yeah Mor's $50 dollars a month check finally cleared! we are saved!

[drudy23]

Not a mystery to me. We employ mercenaries to play basketball. Those players have minimal loyalty or connection with Xavier or its program history. In turn, the fans have less connection with the players. Mercenaries quit the field when the losses begin. Last night, the team quit. They had no stomach to fight. That lack of fight is a continuation of what I've seen throughout the season. The fans saw what I saw and exercised their right to quit as well.

This may turn out to be the most valid post when it's all said and done. I see this as well.

You think a one year rental has the same pride as many of the former players we see every year supporting their school? Would be interesting to hear what these former players think. I want CWeez's opinion!!!

[GoMuskies]

CWeez was certainly not a one year mercenary! He played two years at X! TWO!

[Xavier]

They certainly can. I think both Boum and Quincy had great pride in playing for Xavier. The fanbase base loved both of them, too.

[94GRAD]

From where? And why next year but it wasn’t available this year? And also, what good will it do if if programs we are competing against also just get more NIL? We can’t win in an arms race. Just that simple


You don't know that for a fact and I don't believe it. Why would anyone invest more money in this clown show. The funds are mismanaged. You cut your losses and find a new brokerage house before throwing good money after bad. This program needs to demonstrate that they are a responsible and qualified agent and capable of managing NIL funds effectively.

With the TV money going from $4mil to $7+mil a year, and the schools now being allowed to pay the athletes directly, some of the money will come from there.

[MHettel]

Doesn't mean just because X is getting more that all other teams are.

I agree we can't win an arms race against the blue bloods, but what X can do is recruit, develop, keep the talent with the NIL they have, and fill in gaps. What I am advocating for is starting to do what UCONN, Marquette, Creighton etc have already done. Recruit your own and develop them...bring them into your culture, and then go out and fill in gaps and be more selective about it.

Rather than what has been happening--- which is cast a wide net, see whoever we can get, and try to rebuild our roster thru the portal every year.

Again.

Those teams you are talking about entered the NIl/Portal era already doing what you recommend, and as such maintaining that approach is actual somewhat possible. Going from where we are to being like them is going to take 4 years MINIMUM and then you better hope nothing goes sideways like some of your best players leaving for more money despite your best intention.

And let’s be honest. There will ALWAYS be more money available when it comes to players that XU can bring in.

Similarly, when that #1 HS kid committed to BYU a few weeks ago it turns out he will receive the highest NIL package ever. Money talks.

[drudy23]

While I agree enhanced NIL dollars will help, I'm not sure it fixes everything.

But for the love of God, if the NIL kitty is $7M+ (not sure I believe that), can we PLEASE get some BE caliber frontcourt players. It's 8 years overdue. It's one I would add to the issue list I posted earlier.

MAKE THE POST A PRIORITY AGAIN!

[Final4]

With the TV money going from $4mil to $7+mil a year, and the schools now being allowed to pay the athletes directly, some of the money will come from there.

Can you provide a link regarding schools paying athletes directly?

[paulxu]

NIL = on deem.

[Xville]

Can you provide a link regarding schools paying athletes directly?

https://www.si.com/college/ncaa-power-five-conferences-agree-to-let-schools-directly-pay-athletes#:~:text=For%20the%20first%20time%20in,sch ools%20to%20directly%20pay%20athletes.

[drudy23]

And it certainly seems the best players will flock to these conferences now that this is in place.

Another thing that puts us behind the 8 ball.

At this point, it's basically no different than selling your talents to the Wall Street hedge funds. The best resumes from the best schools get the best opportunities at the Firms that pay the most.

Just not sure we can swim in this ocean. But who knows...maybe I'm downplaying X's ability to compete at this level when it just comes down to straight cash homey.

[Final4]

Well, Xavier said it, and I have heard the same thing from my sources within the program.

I do know that publically, the final 2% grew a pretty significant amount over the last year and that money was earmarked for this next season and beyond.

You keep insinuating that you're some kind of insider. I'll bite, who/what is your source for all this inside information you claim to have. My point is you have no idea what the NIL will look like next year because those people pledging dollars are not contractually/legally bound to honor their commitments. Take a look at the Final 2% website and it clearly states that you can change your level of giving at any time. Do you honestly believe that intelligent people would be inclined to give MORE after seeing how poorly their contributions have been used over the past two years?

[Xville]

You keep insinuating that you're some kind of insider. I'll bite, who/what is your source for all this inside information you claim to have. My point is you have no idea what the NIL will look like next year because those people pledging dollars are not contractually/legally bound to honor their commitments. Take a look at the Final 2% website and it clearly states that you can change your level of giving at any time. Do you honestly believe that intelligent people would be inclined to give MORE after seeing how poorly their contributions have been used over the past two years?

I love that you think I’m just going to spill my sources. No one would ever do that. You can choose to believe me or not. I don’t care, I’m just passing along what I’ve heard.

As far as next year is concerned, it is the increase from this past year that is earmarked for the upcoming year. Has little to nothing to do with current donations. And as far as people giving more, yeah I firmly believe that the big donor dollar people would, because they want a winner. These aren’t people like MOR’s 50 dollar a month contribution that he thinks makes him a big shot. These are people with f you money.

[bleedXblue]

I love that you think I’m just going to spill my sources. No one would ever do that. You can choose to believe me or not. I don’t care, I’m just passing along what I’ve heard.

As far as next year is concerned, it is the increase from this past year that is earmarked for the upcoming year. Has little to nothing to do with current donations. And as far as people giving more, yeah I firmly believe that the big donor dollar people would, because they want a winner.

Interesting that now more than ever when big dollars are given, the expectations increase as well. You can only go to the well so many times before it dries up.

[Xville]

Again.

Those teams you are talking about entered the NIl/Portal era already doing what you recommend, and as such maintaining that approach is actual somewhat possible. Going from where we are to being like them is going to take 4 years MINIMUM and then you better hope nothing goes sideways like some of your best players leaving for more money despite your best intention.

And let’s be honest. There will ALWAYS be more money available when it comes to players that XU can bring in.

Similarly, when that #1 HS kid committed to BYU a few weeks ago it turns out he will receive the highest NIL package ever. Money talks.

And again I’m aware those schools are ahead of x in timeline. The way you do it is start now, and build toward it. Yes it will take a bit to get fully in place, but you ah e to start somewhere. You pay those guys then with your nil dollars to stay and then fill in gaps relying on the portal less and less each year. You act like it’s some impossible task. I don’t believe that it is, and it’s the only way for x to be good year after year

[94GRAD]

Can you provide a link regarding schools paying athletes directly?

All you have to do is type can Universities pay their athletes into the Google machine and it will give you all the answers you need.

[drudy23]

I'm all for Mr Cintas or Mr Home City Ice or Mr Rumpke to fund our collective. They can afford it.

Anyone know Elon? Or El Presidente? Or other billionnaires?

The old P&G CEO (his name is escaping me) used to be a fan. He used to sit in the upper deck believe it or not. Saw him many times in the same seats.

[Xavier]

Interesting that now more than ever when big dollars are given, the expectations increase as well. You can only go to the well so many times before it dries up.

Or before you’re fired. I believe Miller would be fired before the well dries up. A dry spell doesn’t change the desire to be good. But certainly more pressure on the program and if a new coach comes in I’d bet they’d want new coach everything he can to succeed.