VU Hoops Says
Posted: Fri Nov 01, 2019 12:46 pm
"PUTRID outside shooting" (last year--hopefully not any continuation of that and this preseason)
Xavier Musketeers (#19)
2018–19 Record: 19–16 (Big East 9-9)
Head coach: Travis Steele (2nd season)
Key Players: Naji Marshall, Quentin Goodin, Paul Scruggs, Tyrique Jones, Jason Carter, Bryce Moore
Key Departures: Zach Hankins, Ryan Welage, Kyle Castlin
This past summer, Xavier’s fanbase had a taste of what ‘Nova Nation underwent on the heels of the 2018 National Championship: anxiously awaiting the NBA draft decisions of four key players. While ‘Nova Nation ultimately received the equivalent of the sledgehammer to the face, Musketeer fans were ecstatic to learn that Naji Marshall, Quentin Goodin, Paul Scruggs, and Tyrique Jones would all be returning for another run.
Big East Mens Basketball Tournament - Semifinal Round
Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images
The Musketeers, despite getting off to a rocky start last season, went on a bit of tear in February and March as the team grew more comfortable under first year coach Travis Steele. Knocking off Creighton, Providence, Seton Hall, and Villanova in quick succession, the Muskies clawed to .500 in conference play before ultimately being bounced in the semi-finals of the Big East Tournament (by Villanova). Regardless, it was clear that Xavier had hit its stride as the season wound down.
The Musketeers project to be solid on both sides of the ball with an efficient offense premised on smart guard play and an improved front court. With the addition of Carter and Moore, both of whom can stretch the floor with an outside shot, the Musketeers should be able to implement a balanced offense with a much quicker pace than the sub-300 Muskies we saw last year. Xavier rode an efficient 2P% to a Top-60 AdjO rating last year but was continuously dragged down by putrid outside shooting. The Musketeers could not establish a reliable outside threat, severely limiting their options on offense and contributing to the deliberate and glacial pace.
Xavier was sub-100 on defense last year, generating very little turnovers and steals and forcing opponents to beat them from outside. In three meetings against Xavier last year, the Wildcats won twice. While one of the games saw Villanova shoot a blistering 44% from deep, the other win (and the loss) saw the ‘Cats struggle from deep, going 19-65 collectively.
The Musketeers are a veteran team and will undoubtedly be in the mix for the conference crown as the season winds down.
Xavier Musketeers (#19)
2018–19 Record: 19–16 (Big East 9-9)
Head coach: Travis Steele (2nd season)
Key Players: Naji Marshall, Quentin Goodin, Paul Scruggs, Tyrique Jones, Jason Carter, Bryce Moore
Key Departures: Zach Hankins, Ryan Welage, Kyle Castlin
This past summer, Xavier’s fanbase had a taste of what ‘Nova Nation underwent on the heels of the 2018 National Championship: anxiously awaiting the NBA draft decisions of four key players. While ‘Nova Nation ultimately received the equivalent of the sledgehammer to the face, Musketeer fans were ecstatic to learn that Naji Marshall, Quentin Goodin, Paul Scruggs, and Tyrique Jones would all be returning for another run.
Big East Mens Basketball Tournament - Semifinal Round
Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images
The Musketeers, despite getting off to a rocky start last season, went on a bit of tear in February and March as the team grew more comfortable under first year coach Travis Steele. Knocking off Creighton, Providence, Seton Hall, and Villanova in quick succession, the Muskies clawed to .500 in conference play before ultimately being bounced in the semi-finals of the Big East Tournament (by Villanova). Regardless, it was clear that Xavier had hit its stride as the season wound down.
The Musketeers project to be solid on both sides of the ball with an efficient offense premised on smart guard play and an improved front court. With the addition of Carter and Moore, both of whom can stretch the floor with an outside shot, the Musketeers should be able to implement a balanced offense with a much quicker pace than the sub-300 Muskies we saw last year. Xavier rode an efficient 2P% to a Top-60 AdjO rating last year but was continuously dragged down by putrid outside shooting. The Musketeers could not establish a reliable outside threat, severely limiting their options on offense and contributing to the deliberate and glacial pace.
Xavier was sub-100 on defense last year, generating very little turnovers and steals and forcing opponents to beat them from outside. In three meetings against Xavier last year, the Wildcats won twice. While one of the games saw Villanova shoot a blistering 44% from deep, the other win (and the loss) saw the ‘Cats struggle from deep, going 19-65 collectively.
The Musketeers are a veteran team and will undoubtedly be in the mix for the conference crown as the season winds down.