2025 Transfer Portal

[Xville]

Low risk high reward… liking all the height the staff is bringing in. If they can develop these guys and they stay x will be in good shape for years to come

[GoMuskies]

Guess we still recruit high school kids. 7’0 center. Don’t know a thing about him.

https://x.com/paulfritschner/status/1915066853971370272?s=46&t=KSvFnm-Lpouy3B6BA2rQBg

Hmm. Well....you can't teach height!

[MHettel]

Thank you for making my point. If he left to go play the bench at UK for that amount, what is Florida offering their starting guards? Futhermore, most of the programs that have that kind of money have their rosters pretty much set at this time. Claude didn't leave for money at X, and he isn't leaving this time for money either. He got recruited over this time around....should have stayed at X, but the people around him (like a lot of these kids) don't have a clue what's best for them---grass isn't always greener.

Pleas let me know why Claude left.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

By my count we have exactly three guards, we need guards here.

[noteggs]

Don’t think we ever had to 7 footers on the same roster. Heck when was last time we had one? Kenny Frease?

But yeah we need some guards.

Edit forgot about Nunge

[MHettel]

By my count we have exactly three guards, we need guards here.

Yeah, we are definitely heavy on the forwards / centers at this point. Which is fine…..but we don’t need any more.

We need another primary ball handler. Maybe in a backup role to Roddy, or maybe in a starting role with Roddy as backup. Or possibly with the idea to split time between them to allow for 40 minutes of ball pressure without fatigue getting the best of us.

I would assume there is a plethora of PG options out there. The bigs seem to be more valued in the portal and hence are more expensive. One more PG and then maybe an “insurance” guy like Kyle Castlin to step in if we have injuries or other uncertainty (prefer not a freshman here…)

[noteggs]

By my count we have exactly three guards, we need guards here.

Yes we need guards but think we have 4 now. Anderson, Walker, Wright and Moore.

[Xville]

We have 4 and Pozzatto can play some 2 as well. Another ball handler would be nice if we have money left but Wright can handle the ball a bit. We have 11 guys on the roster now, maybe one more dude.

[94GRAD]

Pleas let me know why Claude left.

People keep telling you why, but you don't believe them. X offered him 500k, just like USC. He wanted to play PG, Sean told him no. He left.

[sirthought]

At this point I'd enjoy seeing Claude on the roster and yeah to handle the ball. Not saying we should chase him back, just saying I'd welcome if he came.

I have no clue if Anderson can play the point well or not. But I know that Claude was fairly trustworthy as a play maker.

Those other dudes are all more shooting guards. We need a distributor and someone who can set up others in pressure situations.

[MHettel]

At this point I'd enjoy seeing Claude on the roster and yeah to handle the ball. Not saying we should chase him back, just saying I'd welcome if he came.

I have no clue if Anderson can play the point well or not. But I know that Claude was fairly trustworthy as a play maker.

Those other dudes are all more shooting guards. We need a distributor and someone who can set up others in pressure situations.

My sense is that the team will be built around defense first. That means length, quickness and athleticism on the defensive end. Offensively, it’s just “go”. I think Anderson fits defensively because I’ve heard he’s kinda freakish athletically.

Claude doesn’t fit the defensive mold very well.

[webxu]

I actually recall Claude being a pretty good defender, but his last season here did cause me to drink alot, so my memory could be a little hazy

[webxu]

Would have to think the latest signing is a project and a redshirt candidate.

[bleedXblue]

Would have to think the latest signing is a project and a redshirt candidate.

YUP but with some really good upside. Sounds like he is pretty skilled. I love the signing b/c he's likely pretty darn cheap and worth the risk.

It will be imperative Pitino retains the majority of the young guys.........so that in year 2 we reap the rewards. I know this is obvious, but I like the strategy a hell of a lot better than Millers (at least for the time being)

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I actually recall Claude being a pretty good defender, but his last season here did cause me to drink alot, so my memory could be a little hazy

I watched USC some, just some), this season. His defense tailed off a bit and he was an offensive black hole when they needed him most. I watched him commit end game mistakes more than a few times. I think he is a good player, I also believe he has some confidence issues. I think he would be great as an option and not the main option.

[MHettel]

I watched USC some, just some), this season. His defense tailed off a bit and he was an offensive black hole when they needed him most. I watched him commit end game mistakes more than a few times. I think he is a good player, I also believe he has some confidence issues. I think he would be great as an option and not the main option.

I think we would have been a better team last year with Claude instead of Foster. Foster was fine. Not great and kinda passive on offense. Generally a catch and shoot guy. What we didn’t have last year is what Claude flourished at…..attacking the rim off the dribble. And getting to the line a lot.

[xuphan]

Hmm. Well....you can't teach height!

Is Dieonte Miles the exception to the rule? Height isn’t everything.

[xukeith]

At this point I'd enjoy seeing Claude on the roster and yeah to handle the ball. Not saying we should chase him back, just saying I'd welcome if he came.

I have no clue if Anderson can play the point well or not. But I know that Claude was fairly trustworthy as a play maker.

Those other dudes are all more shooting guards. We need a distributor and someone who can set up others in pressure situations.

I agree but I guess Pitino sees things differently.

[GIMMFD]

To be fair, I'd be pissed too if I were Claude seeing Rodney Rice getting $3mil while you're at $500k or whatever, even if it isn't about the money. Rodney Rice is pretty good, but man, $3mil good??

[bleedXblue]

To be fair, I'd be pissed too if I were Claude seeing Rodney Rice getting $3mil while you're at $500k or whatever, even if it isn't about the money. Rodney Rice is pretty good, but man, $3mil good??

I'd have to think they went to Claude with a better number this year. Likely nowhere near the 3 of course.

[Xville]

Wilcher committed to fat judas.

As for Claude, I’ll be surprised if he goes to any kind of winning program. I could see a middling power 5 school. He’s got a fine game but I think he’s proven now in three years of college ball he’s not a winner. If I’m a top program, I stay far away from him. He’s about as anti clutch as they come

[fredsw36]

Would someone explain what's going on? I know the portals are closed, but are there still negotiations happening? Are we holding for some new recruits?
I believe we still had 4 slots open. I find it hard to believe there are some good players (guards) that are out there and we couldn't land a few.

[Xville]

Would someone explain what's going on? I know the portals are closed, but are there still negotiations happening? Are we holding for some new recruits?
I believe we still had 4 slots open. I find it hard to believe there are some good players (guards) that are out there and we couldn't land a few.

Players just can't enter the portal now at this time...you can still get players.

We aren't getting more 4 scholarship type players..we gotta be close to the nil budget at this time, and there is really no reason to fill all those spots. I think we may see one more ballhandler, but outside of that, X is done.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I believe with Westphal, we have just two slots open. Somehow, Isaiah Walker blew right by me. I would love to grab a guard or two just for depth. Forsythe has yet to sign with a team. I know that players stick with coaches, but I think he is going to turn into a nice player.

[fredsw36]

Thank you, I was a bit worried about the bench...and the starters. I love the size of this team.
I still believe we should be in the mix and grab a couple of guards. I'm a dreamer, after all these years and think of a guy like Boum or Kunkel.
Of course, I still think about Jim Boothe or Lou Vonderbrink.....LOL. I started XU in 1954.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Alijah Arenas was put in an induced coma after a car crash. He is a 5* recruit for USC. Damn, rumor is he totaled a Cybertruck but I could not confirm that.

[paulxu]

Either he was going really fast, or those trucks have a plastic front end.

https://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/photos-of-alijah-arenas-car-emerge-after-major-accident

[Xville]

Apparrently Claude has been in contact with these schools:

Zaga
UVA
Ole Miss
Florida
BYU
IU

I guess if he is the third or so option offensively, he can be a really good player and not have to be counted on in crunch time. Or, maybe these schools just see the stats and measurables and haven't watched him in clutch time the last three years.

[bigdiggins]

Either he was going really fast, or those trucks have a plastic front end.

https://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/photos-of-alijah-arenas-car-emerge-after-major-accident

It received a 5 star rating in Frontal Crash Tests.

[drudy23]

Apparrently Claude has been in contact with these schools:

Zaga
UVA
Ole Miss
Florida
BYU
IU

I guess if he is the third or so option offensively, he can be a really good player and not have to be counted on in crunch time. Or, maybe these schools just see the stats and measurables and haven't watched him in clutch time the last three years.

They are buying numbers.

No chance these schools have the time and resources to truly assess these players. This portal money, outside of a handful of teams, has got to be the most oppressively negative ROI of all time.

[Xavier]

At some of those schools he wouldn’t be a top 2 guy. He’s a great 3rd option. But they definitely look at film, they know what they are getting. That’s crazy to think coaches aren’t looking at film of these guys. My guess is they’d have a full scouting report of each of the guys they are interested in, similar to what they’d have for every player on opposing teams they play.

They definitely use analytics to find the type of player they want but they absolutely know everything about each guy they offer

[paulxu]

It received a 5 star rating in Frontal Crash Tests.

Then he was going REALLY fast. Split the front end in two.

[GoMuskies]

Based on the look of the tree afterwards, he was definitely going very, very fast.

[drudy23]

At some of those schools he wouldn’t be a top 2 guy. He’s a great 3rd option. But they definitely look at film, they know what they are getting. That’s crazy to think coaches aren’t looking at film of these guys. My guess is they’d have a full scouting report of each of the guys they are interested in, similar to what they’d have for every player on opposing teams they play.

They definitely use analytics to find the type of player they want but they absolutely know everything about each guy they offer

Of course they look at film.

But compare it to the 1-2 years worth of time they build a relationship with a recruit in the past vs. sometimes a 1-2 day decision on a transfer guy. Yes, there's more evidence, but it's still rolling the dice. Especially not knowing how the money or the baggage will affect the team. It's literally gambling alot of times.

[JEHARDI]

Of course they look at film.

But compare it to the 1-2 years worth of time they build a relationship with a recruit in the past vs. sometimes a 1-2 day decision on a transfer guy. Yes, there's more evidence, but it's still rolling the dice. Especially not knowing how the money or the baggage will affect the team. It's literally gambling alot of times.

Have a better idea of what they are getting versus a HS kid.

[JTG]

Either he was going really fast, or those trucks have a plastic front end.

https://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/photos-of-alijah-arenas-car-emerge-after-major-accident

Tesla are tricky to drive, unless you are used to them. They accelerate much quicker than a gas powered car. Their 0 to "Oh shit" time is startling if you stomp the pedal. And if they catch fire you can't put them out with water.

[drudy23]

Have a better idea of what they are getting versus a HS kid.

From a basketball perspective, yes. Everything else, no.

[Xavier]

Florida believes they have Claude locked down.

[GoMuskies]

Did we ever decide how many players Xavier has on its roster at this point?

[ArizonaXUGrad]

11 by my count.

Not basketball related, but Texas will spend 35-40M on football alone this next season. That is nuts to me.

[drudy23]

Are we mostly done or can we expect another big splash? Seems we need more scoring and shooting, no?

[Xavier]

I don’t think a big splash would be coming. I think they went after a lot of young guys who showed a lot of good stuff and anticipate natural growth in their game that would be the jump and be the player we might hope we’d snag right now as fans. Think like getting Swain last year and the player he became. Buy the swain the year between his jump and it’s cheaper.

They cost less, but also can be the core you want the next few years. It’s all pure speculation on my part but just seemed to consistent. I wouldn’t be surprised if they still get a player that’s like 7th or 8th in rotation but wouldn’t anticipate getting a big splash player still. Would love to be wrong though

[drudy23]

I don’t think a big splash would be coming. I think they went after a lot of young guys who showed a lot of good stuff and anticipate natural growth in their game that would be the jump and be the player we might hope we’d snag right now as fans. Think like getting Swain last year and the player he became. Buy the swain the year between his jump and it’s cheaper.

They cost less, but also can be the core you want the next few years. It’s all pure speculation on my part but just seemed to consistent. I wouldn’t be surprised if they still get a player that’s like 7th or 8th in rotation but wouldn’t anticipate getting a big splash player still. Would love to be wrong though

Is there anything the school can do to ensure 1-3 years from these guys? There's just no reason not to entertain the portal the way it's currently set up.

[Xville]

Is there anything the school can do to ensure 1-3 years from these guys? There's just no reason not to entertain the portal the way it's currently set up.

Yes. Pay them market value, play them and have them buy into the culture. Theres no reason Xavier can’t do that. Marquette has done it, UConn has done it, and I’m sure there are several others if I did some investigating.

It’s a risk, but so is overhauling your roster every single year. I like the strategy, will it work that remain to be seen, but I like this better than whatever the fuck miller was doing

[Xavier]

Is there anything the school can do to ensure 1-3 years from these guys? There's just no reason not to entertain the portal the way it's currently set up.

I thought I saw the past few champs (or even final four teams? Can’t remember the stat) had over 50% roster retention. I think you can absolutely prioritize development with the end game being retention. If you have 4 solid sophomores and 3 make a jump to being really good, you should be able to prioritize them and bring them back for SR year.

All year people talked about the lack of a plan for the future from Miller, now it seems like Pitino is trying to do some mix of development and portal for the future. X has been linked to HS recruits now, too. So it has to be a mix, I think some teams can survive year to year roster overhaul but I don’t think X can.

[drudy23]

Yes. Pay them market value, play them and have them buy into the culture. Theres no reason Xavier can’t do that. Marquette has done it, UConn has done it, and I’m sure there are several others if I did some investigating.

It’s a risk, but so is overhauling your roster every single year. I like the strategy, will it work that remain to be seen, but I like this better than whatever the fuck miller was doing

Guess you're right - it's really no different than all of our corporate jobs.

[JTG]

Guess you're right - it's really no different than all of our corporate jobs.

Really? Does everyone hate their corporate job? I can't imagine job hunting every year, just chasing dollars. Athletes, with a short time span to earn , I can understand. But even then, if you're happy with your money and where you're at, why go thru the hassle? This year's topsy turvy money, is probably an outlier and things will settle down in 2026.

[webxu]

Yes. Pay them market value, play them and have them buy into the culture. Theres no reason Xavier can’t do that. Marquette has done it, UConn has done it, and I’m sure there are several others if I did some investigating.

It’s a risk, but so is overhauling your roster every single year. I like the strategy, will it work that remain to be seen, but I like this better than whatever the fuck miller was doing

Wonder how much of what Miller did was predicated by the rumor that he was going to leave for Texas in 2023. When that fell through he was forced to construct rosters each year with seemingly no plan for development or roster building.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Really? Does everyone hate their corporate job? I can't imagine job hunting every year, just chasing dollars. Athletes, with a short time span to earn , I can understand. But even then, if you're happy with your money and where you're at, why go thru the hassle? This year's topsy turvy money, is probably an outlier and things will settle down in 2026.

I have worked the same corporate job for 18 years. I replaced a guy who transferred within the company. He is actually one of my best friends today. He has had 11 jobs in that time. He always left to get a pay bump. There was 3 year stretch he made a bit more than me, but that has fallen off since his last company moved and contracted his spot.

Short answer, I know a guy who moves jobs a bit sooner than 2 years there so almost every year.

[Muskie in dayton]

From what I can see, here is where X stands:
PG: Roddie Anderson
SG: All Wright, Malik Moore, Isiah Walker
SF: Tre Carroll, Gabriel Pozzato
PF: Filip Borovicanin, Jovan Milicevic, Anthony Robinson
C: Pape N’Diaye, Kason Westphal (a.k.a., Skinny Stainbrook)

Is my bingo card accurate? If so, either the coaches have a lot of confidence in Anderson, or we’re thin at PG.

[JTG]

I think there is still a splash left between now and June 1st. Maybe in the next week or two.

[paulxu]

I don't recognize any of those names.
Guess we have to learn a new team every year now.
I suspect a player might say they (the school) is paying me for my Name, I & L...they put my name on the jersey.
Let's go to no names on the jersey except Xavier.

[Xavier]

From what I can see, here is where X stands:
PG: Roddie Anderson
SG: All Wright, Malik Moore, Isiah Walker
SF: Tre Carroll, Gabriel Pozzato
PF: Filip Borovicanin, Jovan Milicevic, Anthony Robinson
C: Pape N’Diaye, Kason Westphal (a.k.a., Skinny Stainbrook)

Is my bingo card accurate? If so, either the coaches have a lot of confidence in Anderson, or we’re thin at PG.

I think Wright will be 6th man and backup PG/SG.

[GoMuskies]

I'll be pleasantly surprised if we don't really suck next year.

[XUGRAD80]

I think that next year could be a lot like Miller’s 2nd year of this (hopefully) last time as head coach. But then again, it could be a lot of fun watching the kids develop as both individuals and as a team. I don’t have any high expectations and I haven’t set any goals of any kind for the year. There’s just way too many question marks and unknowns. They are a team of prospects and suspects. I just hope it’s entertaining and as long as I keep my expectations low I think it won’t be too frustrating. What would be very frustrating is to see them develop as a unit and then see them all leave next off season. I think that may be the real test of how this is all going to work out in the future. Can the staff develop the players and if they do, can they hang on to them?

[xuphan]

I'll be pleasantly surprised if we don't really suck next year.

I tend to agree. While I think we picked up some good pieces I was expecting us to get more talent from the portal. Hopefully we can develop and gel this team into a solid team that can compete in the Big East.

[xu82]

I think that next year could be a lot like Miller’s 2nd year of this (hopefully) last time as head coach. But then again, it could be a lot of fun watching the kids develop as both individuals and as a team. I don’t have any high expectations and I haven’t set any goals of any kind for the year. There’s just way too many question marks and unknowns. They are a team of prospects and suspects. I just hope it’s entertaining and as long as I keep my expectations low I think it won’t be too frustrating. What would be very frustrating is to see them develop as a unit and then see them all leave next off season. I think that may be the real test of how this is all going to work out in the future. Can the staff develop the players and if they do, can they hang on to them?

They will play a season, then shuffle the deck again and draw up new teams for the next year. The guys who do well will go to bigger schools for more money, the guys who do less will go to smaller schools for less money. Maybe a handful of leftovers, so we have a name or two we recognize next season. Oh boy.

[hoopster68]

They will play a season, then shuffle the deck again and draw up new teams for the next year. The guys who do well will go to bigger schools for more money, the guys who do less will go to smaller schools for less money. Maybe a handful of leftovers, so we have a name or two we recognize next season. Oh boy.

XU82: If this is the future, is XU a "middling" team in the BE?

[xu82]

XU82: If this is the future, is XU a "middling" team in the BE?

I really don’t know. It may just be like the NBA, which I stopped watching entirely.

[Xville]

They will play a season, then shuffle the deck again and draw up new teams for the next year. The guys who do well will go to bigger schools for more money, the guys who do less will go to smaller schools for less money. Maybe a handful of leftovers, so we have a name or two we recognize next season. Oh boy.

Pretty pessimistic view of what pitino is trying to do, and he wouldn’t have brought these guys in if what you described is the most likely occurrence.

[xu82]

Pretty pessimistic view of what pitino is trying to do, and he wouldn’t have brought these guys in if what you described is the most likely occurrence.

No, it’s not about Pitino, it’s more about the Big Picture. As I’ve said, I don’t begrudge the players freedom to move or be compensated, I just don’t care for the resulting product nearly as much. I can take it or leave it at this point. I’d go see them in Charleston, but it’s really just an excuse to go to Charleston, that kind of thing. I don’t care much about the strangers wearing our uniforms.

[Xville]

No, it’s not about Pitino, it’s more about the Big Picture. As I’ve said, I don’t begrudge the players freedom to move or be compensated, I just don’t care for the resulting product nearly as much. I can take it or leave it at this point. I’d go see them in Charleston, but it’s really just an excuse to go to Charleston, that kind of thing. I don’t care much about the strangers wearing our uniforms.

Well, considering your response was to a discussion on Xavier’s team for next year, you can understand my confusion. We are all very aware of your feelings on this general subject. You have written the same post about 10-15 times

[drudy23]

I'll be pleasantly surprised if we don't really suck next year.

I'll admit I've had these thoughts.

But I also think that maybe we're just used to what Xavier has been. The roster already looks completely different than what we're used to. Maybe that's what's been needed and the past 2 coaches simply were going about roster construction the wrong way to compete in the Big East.

I'm at least open to seeing how the approach works.

Maybe Miller was over-hyped and really not a top tier guy. After this charade, he might be mostly marketing spin and being able to talk a good game. I was never impressed with his staff either.

But yes, I hope we don't suck.

[Xville]

Overall, I thought miller was pretty bad here the second time. Yeah, the sweet 16 was great but not his players, and he otherwise was a disappointment. Two reasons 1.) he’s not built for this new era. 2) he had one foot out the door and relied on past achievements to get out of here asap. He didn’t care to build something here again, he did just enough to show he still had “it.” I think he’s going to disappoint at Texas and fade into oblivion there.

As for x, who knows what we look like next year. I don’t think we are going to suck but I don’t see top 3 in the big east either. I could see x as similar to what we were this past year. I like pitino’s approach, at least you see a longer term strategy even if he is only here for 4-5 years. More big guys than we have ever seen at x and that’s what is needed for the big east, something miller absolutely struggled with in his second time here

[xu82]

Well, considering your response was to a discussion on Xavier’s team for next year, you can understand my confusion. We are all very aware of your feelings on this general subject. You have written the same post about 10-15 times

It’s how I feel. Lord knows we keep hearing from you over and over.

[drudy23]

I'm not even sure Miller and Steele struggled with getting big guys. I honestly think they would rather put stretch 4's out there. Problem was, our stretch 4's couldn't shoot. Not sure they ever made true paint guys a priority. Yet every other good BE team had solid post guys, even if they were just rim protectors.

It was an obvious weakness, but yet never addressed.

[JEHARDI]

It’s how I feel. Lord knows we keep hearing from you over and over.

Too funny and spot on. Who even has time to post 18,000 plus times...

[Xavier]

I'm not even sure Miller and Steele struggled with getting big guys. I honestly think they would rather put stretch 4's out there. Problem was, our stretch 4's couldn't shoot. Not sure they ever made true paint guys a priority. Yet every other good BE team had solid post guys, even if they were just rim protectors.

It was an obvious weakness, but yet never addressed.

I think Steele strategy eventually worked, it got us the Freemantle/Nunge duo that was so good for miller. Took a few approaches to get there. But Sean seemed to go away from that despite its success. He lucked into a great offensive frontcourt and it was the biggest reason the offensive success he had that year. Then just didn’t prioritize getting another skilled big man to pair with Freemantle.

[Xavier]

As for next years team, I just don’t think you can accurately judge one way or another right now. It’s a completely different system. If the players gel and buy into the system I don’t see any reason why they aren’t a tournament team.

[drudy23]

My expectation is still to make the tournament, as I'm assuming is most other's expectation as well.

[xudash]

My expectation is still to make the tournament, as I'm assuming is most other's expectation as well.

Totally agree. Not every program can invest over $5 million in a roster. Maybe deep runs become harder for the near term, but Xavier should still operate as a Top 5 BE program.

Pitino has reasonably proven himself to be a solid coach given his performance at New Mexico. He took out Shaka in the NCAAT (anecdotal, but he beat him).

My opinion, but things should settle down with compensation sooner than later).

We have never been TALLER.

Time to give the new man a chance. He at least seems very sincere and engages with his new community.

Shared this before, but it’s now the name on the front of the jersey for me. I’ll become more familiar with the players as we move through the season - and Paul’s content will help with that as well, where such content had never existed before.

We went from “shackled, starving players to a free for all with 20 year olds shopping for a Mercedes Benz. Some form of equilibrium has to kick in at some point. Nonetheless, it will come at a price. Will private equity get involved? Will certain non-revenue sports get axed?

We’ll see. But Xavier will find a way to keep its front porch successful.

[MHettel]

Overall, I thought miller was pretty bad here the second time. Yeah, the sweet 16 was great but not his players, and he otherwise was a disappointment. Two reasons 1.) he’s not built for this new era. 2) he had one foot out the door and relied on past achievements to get out of here asap. He didn’t care to build something here again, he did just enough to show he still had “it.” I think he’s going to disappoint at Texas and fade into oblivion there.

As for x, who knows what we look like next year. I don’t think we are going to suck but I don’t see top 3 in the big east either. I could see x as similar to what we were this past year. I like pitino’s approach, at least you see a longer term strategy even if he is only here for 4-5 years. More big guys than we have ever seen at x and that’s what is needed for the big east, something miller absolutely struggled with in his second time here

Well, I got a good chuckle out of this.

2 years ago I lodged a number of criticisms towards Miller for roster construction and just lifeless play by the team. You would have defended him to the death. If fact we probably traded 50 posts back and forth where I laid out my reasoned argument and you responded like you were his mother.

But NOW you think he was bad. Got it.

[Xville]

Well, I got a good chuckle out of this.

2 years ago I lodged a number of criticisms towards Miller for roster construction and just lifeless play by the team. You would have defended him to the death. If fact we probably traded 50 posts back and forth where I laid out my reasoned argument and you responded like you were his mother.

But NOW you think he was bad. Got it.

Two years ago we were coming off a sweet 16 season and one bad season does not a tenure make. Things change.

[Xavgrad08]

Overall, I thought miller was pretty bad here the second time. Yeah, the sweet 16 was great but not his players, and he otherwise was a disappointment. Two reasons 1.) he’s not built for this new era. 2) he had one foot out the door and relied on past achievements to get out of here asap. He didn’t care to build something here again, he did just enough to show he still had “it.” I think he’s going to disappoint at Texas and fade into oblivion there.

As for x, who knows what we look like next year. I don’t think we are going to suck but I don’t see top 3 in the big east either. I could see x as similar to what we were this past year. I like pitino’s approach, at least you see a longer term strategy even if he is only here for 4-5 years. More big guys than we have ever seen at x and that’s what is needed for the big east, something miller absolutely struggled with in his second time here

I think Sean is still a good coach, but I believe he had an eye on leaving the moment he returned. Sean has brought in 5 transfers to Texas so far. 4 of the 5 have multiple years of eligibility remaining. Traore is the only one who has only one year of eligibility remaining. Is Sean building Texas with more of the longer term in mind?

I will be curious how Sean's tenure at Texas goes. I think he will get Texas consistently to the NCAA tournament. Does he get to a Final Four, Elite Eight's, Sweet Sixteen's? Miller turns 57 in November and I will be curious how long he coaches? I think all of these things will be interesting to watch from a far.

[Xavier]

Well, I got a good chuckle out of this.

2 years ago I lodged a number of criticisms towards Miller for roster construction and just lifeless play by the team. You would have defended him to the death. If fact we probably traded 50 posts back and forth where I laid out my reasoned argument and you responded like you were his mother.

But NOW you think he was bad. Got it.

Admittedly you and I went back and forth a bit as well. I still don’t blame Sean for losing starting frontcourt, or even the overall roster construction- but you were right, his coaching was rough and full of excuses and an underwhelming tenure. While I was happy with the improvement this past year to make the run and find themselves in the tournament, it appeared to be more a mattter of competition than coaching. Illinois destroyed us

[MHettel]

Admittedly you and I went back and forth a bit as well. I still don’t blame Sean for losing starting frontcourt, or even the overall roster construction- but you were right, his coaching was rough and full of excuses and an underwhelming tenure. While I was happy with the improvement this past year to make the run and find themselves in the tournament, it appeared to be more a mattter of competition than coaching. Illinois destroyed us

I’m all good by the way. We needed to move on from Steele. We got 2 dance appearances from Miller and he skipped town before he met any of the expectations that he set. No surprise really. Fool me once….

I like the Pitino hire. I like the roster with 2 caveats…..one is that we started with nothing, and the second is that we keep most of all of these guys through their eligibility. Potentially a quick rebuild if they stay….

[Xville]

Florida no longer pursuing Claude. Maybe they double backed and realized he’s not a winner

[94GRAD]

Florida no longer pursuing Claude. Maybe they double backed and realized he’s not a winner

UNC out on him as well

[waggy]

Maybe he could be our backup lead guard.

[xukeith]

Maybe he could be our backup lead guard.

We need another pg.

[paulxu]

Give him some more $ and he'll magically change into a point guard.

[Xville]

https://youtu.be/JSAqnyELlYw?si=nW2QPa7m7QHMgSa0

Just got our second ballhandler for next year

[XUGRAD80]

Multiple years of eligibility has certainly been something that X has sought in their transfers. Pitino must feel confident that he can keep them. Hope he’s right.

[Three Point Pete]

Des to visit Alabama today. Don't know if he can fit. They got Holliway and Wrightsell and the 5 star guy. He could go from lead guard to bench warmer.

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[MHettel]

https://youtu.be/JSAqnyELlYw?si=nW2QPa7m7QHMgSa0

Just got our second ballhandler for next year

Well, I expected we’d get 1 more PG. I was only wondering if it would be a sure starter, a guy to split minutes with Anderson, or an obvious backup guy. It appears this guy might be a candidate for the latter 2 roles. Decent numbers vs low level competition. Not much of a deep threat. I’d be OK if he’s a physical tenacious defender and we just put 40 minutes of ball pressure on the opponent. There is shooting elsewhere in the lineup.

Seems like we are set now.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

22% from three is about what I average. He is a dribble drive guy and hopefully a good defender.

[xuphan]

22% from three is about what I average. He is a dribble drive guy and hopefully a good defender.

22% from 3 is concerning considering teams will just let him shoot. Hopefully a solid role playing backup for depth.

[drudy23]

Des to visit Alabama today. Don't know if he can fit. They got Holliway and Wrightsell and the 5 star guy. He could go from lead guard to bench warmer.

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He's gone, who cares.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

End of May here and Des still has no home. Promise nothing, make him a small offer, he is going to give some team some value as his desperation increases.

[bleedXblue]

End of May here and Des still has no home. Promise nothing, make him a small offer, he is going to give some team some value as his desperation increases.

Hes not coming back to X

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Hes not coming back to X

Not what I meant at all, reading my post was a tad ambiguous. We have 12, I think Pitino is done unless he grabs a freshman. The portal is fascinating in cases like his. He clearly overvalues himself and is standing firm. Kids are on campus, training with their new teams. He is one of those interesting cases. I wonder year over year, what is the average final date of someone declaring in the portal, what is the number of scholarship players who enter the portal and don't find new teams?

[Xville]

Des commits to Washington. That’s about the kind of program I thought he’d end up at. Mediocre program that won’t be sniffing the tourney.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

That just feels like the highest bidder.

[webxu]

they needed a PG.. :nudgewink:

[Xville]

That just feels like the highest bidder.

I guess that’s possible but he was rumored to Florida, Oregon, Gonzaga among others. Just seems like a stretch that Washington would outbid all those schools, but maybe Washington has a big nil budget I’m unaware of. Possibly the others had already spent a majority of their money. Wild world.. I wouldn’t touch the guy he’s just not a winner

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Most likely Fla/Ore/Gon gave him a smaller offer that he rejected in favor of the higher Washington offer.

[webxu]

Seems like NIL isnt the issue at UW

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/40137329/great-osobor-transferring-washington-big-nil-deals

[Three Point Pete]

Well, unless Sprinkle goes "small ball" with 3 guards starting, Des could be odd man out.
Huskies got Diallo Peterson and Yates ahead of him as guard. Maybe he can switch to SF?

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[ArizonaXUGrad]

They will fit him in somewhere maybe not the primary ball handler position.

[JTG]

Last yeast I cared, now I don't have any interest in where he ends up or how he plays.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I try to track where guys go that played for X and ASU. I am more curious how their quality of play changes. For the most part, I see X guys either maintain or get worse. ASU for some reason, those guys tend to maintain or play a bit better.

[94GRAD]

I try to track where guys go that played for X and ASU. I am more curious how their quality of play changes. For the most part, I see X guys either maintain or get worse. ASU for some reason, those guys tend to maintain or play a bit better.

Can you give us some examples, please? Thanks

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Ciani/Djokovic were bigger contributors on their smaller teams UIC didn't do much, but Mack was close to getting a tourney champ autobid. Claude maintained, he was a bigger contributor for USC in the Crown but again USC was not good. Ducharme was a mixed bag caused by injuries but he had his moments. Kraft, we all know what he did. Gytis had a decent year at Hawaii but it's Hawaii. Kachi was the same and is now in the portal again. Cj Wilcher for the Aggies, he had some decent play at Nebraska but in the SEC was a bench guy. Nothing stands out but Ciani and Djoko have time.

This year I am curious how Djokovic does at VCU and Green at Saint Louis.

For ASU, Remy Martin was a huge success at KU. Verge at Nebraska and Romelo White did about as well as they did at ASU or a tad better. I think Frankie Collins did better at TCU before getting hurt. House at NMU made huge jumps and Duke Brennan is getting his shot at Nova. Hurley had Austin Nunez who I liked, but he just keeps getting injured.

[X-band '01]

Hopefully he doesn't pull a Paul McMillan and basically try to go on tour of every single school in the country in search of being an alpha scorer.

And speaking of the immortal Paul McMillan IV, he's now taking his talents to Grambling. Sounds like a completely one-dimensional player if that's the best playing situation he could find.

[Xville]

RJ Luis passing up a 2 or 3 million dollar bag to go undrafted is certainly a decision. That's gotta hurt.

[GoMuskies]

Pitino is an asshole (I'm talking dad here!), but he's not an idiot.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

The reality is both items are true. I, however, don't believe RJ Luis passed up 3M for the draft. I am going to bet that his offers were a bit less than that.