Musketeer Madness

Adam Baum
@AdamJBaum
From Xavier re: Jerome Hunter: “Jerome has continued to progress through a rigorous return to play script. He's cleared several major hurdles - one of which occurred today with a return to practice in limited capacity. He still has a ways to go before returning to the court in a game setting, but given where he was 6 months ago, every milestone is worth celebrating.”

light all your candles and say all your prayers Doesn't mean he would play this year but stranger things happen. Bronny James

Just being on the court couldn't hurt in practice.

My sources and I are a little confused regarding Jerome and the plans for him. I had heard recently that he was doing well and could be cleared to practice, however if he is cleared by Dr's why are they saying he is not going to play. There has to be some type of timetable. I understand he needs to be in basketball shape, however I am confused.

He has benchmarks he has to meet and he has met a lot. Not sure if he has met ready to play in game. Sean talk about next year didn't say no way he could play this year. If he can come back and be as successful as last year I thinks fans would not complain

skyhops wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 04, 2023 7:39 pm

My sources and I are a little confused regarding Jerome and the plans for him. I had heard recently that he was doing well and could be cleared to practice, however if he is cleared by Dr's why are they saying he is not going to play. There has to be some type of timetable. I understand he needs to be in basketball shape, however I am confused.

It would be a wasted year for him to play. Starting practice in a limited capacity now, means he won't be in game shape until half the conference season is over, in the best league in CBB. Save him for next year. I'm just happy for Jerome.

Anti-Homer wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 04, 2023 10:20 pm

skyhops wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 04, 2023 7:39 pm

My sources and I are a little confused regarding Jerome and the plans for him. I had heard recently that he was doing well and could be cleared to practice, however if he is cleared by Dr's why are they saying he is not going to play. There has to be some type of timetable. I understand he needs to be in basketball shape, however I am confused.

It would be a wasted year for him to play. Starting practice in a limited capacity now, means he won't be in game shape until half the conference season is over, in the best league in CBB. Save him for next year. I'm just happy for Jerome.

7 years in college is a long time. Maybe situations change and he might not want to wait. We will see. Nothing is guaranteed

Agreed. He has been working out and is in shape just not in basketball shape yet. Same could probably be said for Lazar after watching him on the defensive end this year.

MM 7 years in college with someone else paying for it sounds like a dream come true. My college years were the best years of my life. LOL. Go X beat the Blue Hens!!!

Good point!!

If Jerome wants to stay another year then it would be great for him to wait to play. If he doesn't or if he can be the difference between missing the tournament and getting back to the sweet 16, I'd prefer he play once physically ready.

Assuming he wants to wait and stay another year, it is worth considering what his impact would be this year vs next year. Watching the Delaware game, it appears unlikely X can make the tournament without him. I don't know that he is the missing piece but lets consider the biggest weaknesses. Sloppy turnovers, missed Foul Shots, not getting out on shooters and not stopping people from getting in the lane. He can defend at a high level so he certainly improves some of those issues as well as bringing toughness.

No doubt Hunter would play big minutes and improve this team if he gets into playing shape this year. Next year things could be very different. The positive is significantly more time to get back into game shape. Additionally he can play the full season. The downside is Sasa, Lazar, Reid, Kachi and Swain are all Freshman. Some of these guys will make a big jump. If several do make huge improvements, he will be needed less. Does Free still have another year left? Are Abou and Gytis both done? Listed as seniors so probably gone.

Hunter will play big minutes either year, assuming he is able to get back to the player he was but which year will he bring the most value? Will Xavier be able to replace the Sr transfers and be more competitive next year or do we need to wait another season while younger players grow into their roles?

Zach could also be back next year which makes for an interesting roster. This team needs a person to lead them and Hunter could do it this year. X can't seem to sustain momentum in games this year.