Greg Christopher Basketball Hires

[RetireFiftyTu]

Some criticisms of Steele are fair: for example, the defense has been extremely disappointing. But if you think Steele's seat should be hot you are ignorant. What do you want him to do? He has 5 players who are Big East caliber players. There really isn't much that Steele can do. It is an adjustment to becoming a head coach. I think the two best comparisons for this season are Miller's first year (2004-2005) and the season after the brawl (2012-2013). Xavier lost Sato, Chalmers, and Myles from an Elite 8 team. Had good young players who would be the core for the later successes (Doellman, Cage, Burrell, Duncan). Xavier lost Holloway, Lyons, Frease, Wells, and Andre Walker (the entire starting 5). Xavier this year lost Bluiett, Macura, O'Mara, Kanter, and Gates.


2005: Missed tournament
2006: Won 4 games in 4 days to make NCAA Tournament (14 seed)
2007: 9 Seed. One free throw or a correctly enforced call from the Sweet 16
2008: 3 Seed. Elite 8.
2009: 4 seed. Sweet 16. Very nearly another Elite 8 (Derrick Brown's foot was just a little too big)

2013: Missed tournament.
2014: Play-in-game (12 seed).
2015: 6 Seed. Sweet 16. Played Arizona competitively in the Sweet 16.
2016: 2 Seed. Took a questionable call and a miracle shot to lose.
2017: 11 Seed (largely due to injuries and a certain Davis being an idiot). Elite 8.
2018: 1 Seed. Big East Champs. JP fouled out after only committing 2 fouls and Naji was banged up.

Year 1 were completely rebuilding years. Year 2 sneak into the tournament. Year 3 have a good season. Rolling by year 4. Year 5 and on sustain that success.
The rest of the season it is key to have Scruggs and Tyrique continue their elevated level of play, have Naji continue to take steps, and have Q bounce back from his funk. If Harden, Kennedy, or James want to be here long-term they need to prove themselves down the stretch. Xavier has a good class coming in (Harvey could take it next level). If they add a grad transfer at a position where they need help then they should compete for an NCAA Tournament bid again next year. The 2020 class is off to an excellent start with Dwon Odom and they are in on other high level guys. Crush that class and Xavier could have it rolling by year 4 just as Miller and Mack did.