What this team does not have...

[Go Go Golston]

It's becoming obvious to me that what this team lacks and will hurt them in conference play is senior leadership. People use the cliche that "seniors play with a sense of urgency" all the time and it's true. The leadership on the floor/bench etc..is rudderless with this group. That's what closes out games. Turnovers, defensive lapses, closing out are all by products of it. And when you have the luxury of a good senior point guard like Drew Lavender, lots of things become easier. Fans should never underestimate the value that James Farr brought to the team last year or Stainbrook before him. I think Chris Mack knows it.

[finalfourorbust]

It's becoming obvious to me that what this team lacks and will hurt them in conference play is senior leadership. People use the cliche that "seniors play with a sense of urgency" all the time and it's true. The leadership on the floor/bench etc..is rudderless with this group. That's what closes out games. Turnovers, defensive lapses, closing out are all by products of it. And when you have the luxury of a good senior point guard like Drew Lavender, lots of things become easier. Fans should never underestimate the value that James Farr brought to the team last year or Stainbrook before him. I think Chris Mack knows it.

I think the Senior leader last year was Junior Myles Davis.

[Go Go Golston]

I guess we'll see what happens if/when he returns. What I do know is that Josh Hart and Kris Jenkins will not let that team lose.

[Shadow]

I think the Senior leader last year was Junior Myles Davis.

And my junior is senior to his child (III) and he, in turn, is senior to his son (IV), all of which possess the same name.

[tjxu97]

I agree and when Myles was suspended, his leadership as a Senior is what I thought this team would miss most and I think it's been apparent through these first 11 games.

[PaulHickey]

There are a many things missing from this team - and yes Senior leadership is one. But man, it is hard to watch this team sometimes b/c they just play dumb ball. I'm pleased with Gaston's play so far, the rebounding, and? It's like watching someone at a craps table that doesn't know what they're doing. Pure gambling with no strategy. The turnovers just drive me nuts. The Freshman are still in high school. O'mara looks like he's stoned - and Ed has taken a step back. NBA material? Yes, he has length and can get to the rim, but the jumper and again turnovers? Troubling. If they can't rectify some of these basic concepts; the Muskies are going to get Throttled by the likes of Butler, Creighton and Nova. Those teams are playing at such a high level right now. And don't forget Providence, Seton Hall, and Marquette might not be top tier, but could beat us handily if we have an off night. It's time to grow up Muskies! Let's go! The time is now..

[Shadow]

From Shannon's FaceBook page:

Xavier, as of today, is No. 3 in the RPI. Eastern Washington is 62nd. The Musketeers can't afford a letdown, but it's a good chance for a tune-up before Big East play starts Dec. 28 vs. Providence.

Hope like it's just the sparkplugs and not the pistons.