The "Bizarro Joe Lunardi" weighs in on X

[Mr. Neutral]

Xavier - Xavier had a great year last year behind three wonderful seniors in Stanley Burrell, Josh Duncan, and Drew Lavender. It will not be possible to make up for those losses; Xavier will be worse than last year. There is still enough talent to be the best team in the A-10. There will be plenty of talent in the frontcourt, even if most of it is not particularly huge (although center Kenny Frease brings his 7-foot frame). I am more concerned with the backcourt and particularly the point guard position. This is probably still an NCAA Tournament team, but this is not a top 10 team anymore.

http://www.bizarrojoelunardi.com/2008/1 ... rence.html

[muskieman]

I guess he could be wrong. Saying the team will be worse than last year...meaning? Does that mean they will not win 30, or they will no go to the elite eight or that they will not have 5 guys in double figures.... I guess Kansas will have to win the NC or they will be worse than last year.

[brownlavender]

well this is a very good observation obviously, very John Maddenish. Obviously a very very good team, our guards are not as good, probaly won't be elite 8, but he missed when he said we don't have a very big frontcourt besides frease. Obviously doesn't know that brown, love and mcclean are also playing at 7'' with the way they rebound. We will out rebound on average about 13 a game this year. As long as our guards continue to develop we could be very dangerous come tourny time as long as we cut down on the turovers and shoot 70% or better from the free throw line. Heres to a great trip in puerto rico and come back with a win over memphis or usc!!!

[tacitus]

Heres to a great trip in puerto rico and come back with a win over memphis or usc!!!

If that happens, it would imply being 5-0 with wins over Missouri, (most likely) V-tech and one of those two ranked teams above. We would without doubt be ranked and primed for a nice go at probably our toughest non-conference schedule ever. At that point we could afford a couple losses. And if we win the conference, we could be looking at a an above average seed come tourney time. In terms of raw talent, this is one of the best teams ever. We need experience and confidence all around (which will come with this schedule), and one or two players to emerge as the Xavier-esque ball handler we always need for our game. Sean will have this team playing its best ball when it counts the most, and with the raw talent of this team and the challenges of the schedule, we could have a very good season in the end (not necessarily our best ever).

Let's not get ahead of ourselves though. We had two games to settle in a bit. Tomorrow is our first real challenge. They have guards AND A FRONT COURT. Win or lose, the guys have to learn and discover their roles.... because the schedule only gets tougher thereafter....

[Mr. Neutral]

I have to admit, I just like the fact that somewhere out there, a guy calls himself "Bizarro Joe Lunardi".

[muskieman]

I have to admit, I just like the fact that somewhere out there, a guy calls himself "Bizarro Joe Lunardi".

There also may be a "Bizarro Mr. Neutral" out there!

[Mr. Neutral]

Some would argue that the term "Bizarro Mr. Neutral" is redundant.

[wkrq59]

Anybody hear of the BUT Syndrome??? They'll be good BUT .......

[Mr. Neutral]

The reality of things, though, Q, is that there usually IS a legitimate "but", or maybe a "what if".

What if Brown's injury lingers all season?
What if none of our PG's come close to giving us what Lavender gave us last year?
What if Anderson has an unexpectedly subpar senior year?
What if one of our key players is ineligible in the 2nd semester?
What if our turnover and foul shooting problems last all season?

We won't know the definitive answer to any of these questions until the season is over.

[muskieman]

The reality of things, though, Q, is that there usually IS a legitimate "but", or maybe a "what if".

What if Brown's injury lingers all season?
What if none of our PG's come close to giving us what Lavender gave us last year?
What if Anderson has an unexpectedly subpar senior year?
What if one of our key players is ineligible in the 2nd semester?
What if our turnover and foul shooting problems last all season?

We won't know the definitive answer to any of these questions until the season is over.

what if the guy in the second row can't get the ref to give a T for the opposing coach getting out of the coach's box like he did last year.

those "buts" and "what ifs" make money for attorneys