Interesting omission in Miller's postgame comments

[Mr. Neutral]

Agreed, mm, but you have to admit that the coach usually mentions ALL the seniors, especially one of your most important players, even if he happens not to be playing that night.

[michiganXman]

So much for a simple observation Mr. Neutral.

You've really got them riled up tonight. Reminds me of the time I had the nerve to state "Xavier sure benefitted from a favorable whistle tonight."

The Xavier faithful couldn't believe one of their own would make such a statement and spent an entire thread questioning whether I was an X fan or not.

[muskieman]

Gary, if you would have seen Miller and Drew before and after the game, it would have comforted you a bit. Drew actually told Sean before the game that he felt he could not contribute the way he wanted to but it was good for the team because it taught them to play without Drew and win.

[Mr. Neutral]

(1) Again, I wasn't commenting on Drew's injury situation in any way, shape or form. I'm sure he was held out for preventative reasons, and it worked out fine.

(2) Also, I was NOT trying to stir things up, simply observing that our coach's postgame comments did not include something that I would have expected to be included, based on coaches' last-game comments in years past, including Miller's. That's all; please don't infer something that was not implied in any way.

Is today National Overreacting Day?

[muskieman]

I don't know if your last post was made to me but I didn't think your over reacted just trying to inform you about the situation. BTW Sean usually doesn't comment on players that don't play unless a direct question is asked about that player. In fact he feels, based on past conversations, that he would rather talk about the game played then talk about other situations.

[Husketeer]

Dow seems to agree with you:
Miller was quite pleased with Xavier's offense and energy tonight -- it's offense and energy, by the way, that occurred without Drew Lavender on the court.

The decision to not play Lavender wasn't made by Miller or Mike Mulcahey, according to Miller. It was made by Lavender. Miller said he wouldn't put the needs of the team ahead of an individual players' health by forcing him to play. But Miller also said he didn't know why Lavender couldn't go.

As far as how this affects the postseason:

“We’ll do what he wants to do,” Miller said, “do what’s best for him because that will always take care of the team element.”

"As I've watched the last few games unfold, it really has become apparent that some things have really developed for us. Dante Jackson has become a more consistent player. We have a bigger team, and we're defending at a high level."

It should be noted that Miller said this a few minutes after lavishing lengthy praise upon Stanley Burrell and Josh Duncan as senior leaders. Miller spoke of their senior attributes for more than a minute. He did not mention Lavender.

[Mr. Neutral]

mm, I'm not arguing with you, and I know that Miller, like most coaches, would likely discuss guys who played and their contributions.

But Senior Night is different, and we all know it. To not mention a prominent senior, even one who didn't play, seems unusual. For that matter, even walk-on seniors are mentioned in Senior Night postgame comments by the coach.

I guess I have to repeat (and in caps) I AM NOT DISCUSSING WHETHER LAVENDER SAT DUE TO AN INJURY. I UNDERSTAND THAT PART OF THE EQUATION.

[muskiedude]

My wife and I were both shocked that coach Miller did not make mention of Drew. We would not be where we are without Drew and I think most everyone would agree on that. Coach Miller, as a player, would play with two broken legs, however not every player feels that they are a benefit to the team if they hurt.
Drew's benefit to the team is his speed, driving to the basket, creating different offensive options.
I'll bet the house that Sean is upset that Drew is not playing hurt. Personally, I'll trade a NCAA final final four apperance vs an A-10 tourney championship.

P.s.-Hats off to Stanley, who stepped up and led the team with his will to win and hustle.

[wkrq59]

Muskieman is wise. He correctly interprets. When you're my age and been through what I have in the past few months and when you've gone through what Muskieman has, speaking for myself only, you tend to cherish moments like tonight.
I thoroughly enjoyed the net cutting and the entire game for that matter. There were few dry eyes in my house when one-by-one the seniors --DREW INCLUDED--cut down those nets. I noticed Stanley hugging Drew and Sean and Josh. It seemed like a pretty happy group. especially the seniors.
But I suppose into each life a little rain --or snow in this case--must fall. But I still enjoyed the game and will fondly recall Satiurday night among my fondest Xavier memories.
Now, let's kick some a$$ in the A10 tournament and continue in the NCAA but one at a damn time.

[finalfourorbust]

Good lord. Can we just leave the Drew situation alone? This horse was dead long ago.

This horse is still very much alive and kicking.