SHOOTOUT game thread 12/7/19

[Anti-Homer]

Typical AH or should I say Seacrest Picking on a player that played very good D had 2 steals and 8 assists and got the Offense going both in the first and second half with his play on the UC guards. Yeah, he was 2-7 but I'll take his 8 points if he can get the O for his teammates going. I guess he forgot the player that shot poorer and had fewer rebounds than Q and while good also had half the assists.

Nothing can be said about Naji's epic performance but I'd take that performance every game from him and/or Paul because I think others didn't feel the pressure to do more than asked.

X's D was good enough to cause UC to turn it over a number of times because of a shot clock violation.

Paul may have only scored 7 points but he stopped a couple of UC runs

Freemantle, if he hasn't become a fan favorite will over his time at X. His little short jumper was effective yesterday and his 20 minutes was needed when Jones went out with 2 quick fouls.

I hope X can get Ramsey in the mix so a viable backup will give X the chance to match Freemantle with Jones more often.

What I would have liked to see. When x got it to 13 points a number of times they seemed to give away the ball and loosen their D. X could have easily made it a 20 point or more had they stepped on the gas. Watching the Butler, St Johns, Nova, and even DePaul games tell me we need a little more O because they string together big runs

Mman,

You're right. He was flawless. What did you like better? Fouling Cumberland on the three, or when he flexed for 3 seconds after making a lab, allowing UC to go 5 on 4 and score an easy bucket five seconds later?

[kyzrex]

Mman,

You're right. He was flawless. What did you like better? Fouling Cumberland on the three, or when he flexed for 3 seconds after making a lab, allowing UC to go 5 on 4 and score an easy bucket five seconds later?

When I watched the game in real time I thought the same thing...”Don’t flex/celebrate! Get back and play defense!” Byron Larkin even commented on it in real time on the radio and implied it was G’s fault the guy scored so easily at the other end. However....I seen 2 replays of the game today and watched that complete play both times. There were 2 X players back at the rim when that player drove the lane and neither one of them was in good defensive position to stop the drive, all they made was half hearted attempts at keeping him from scoring.

While I certainly don’t condone what G did after that dunk, I can’t say that it was totally his fault that there was a UC score right after it. I think that ALL of the X players were celebrating a little bit and UC just didn’t wait for them to reset their defense before attacking it. Gotta give the UC players credit for that.

[Anti-Homer]

Mman,

You're right. He was flawless. What did you like better? Fouling Cumberland on the three, or when he flexed for 3 seconds after making a lab, allowing UC to go 5 on 4 and score an easy bucket five seconds later?

When I watched the game in real time I thought the same thing...”Don’t flex/celebrate! Get back and play defense!” Byron Larkin even commented on it in real time on the radio and implied it was G’s fault the guy scored so easily at the other end. However....I seen 2 replays of the game today and watched that complete play both times. There were 2 X players back at the rim when that player drove the lane and neither one of them was in good defensive position to stop the drive, all they made was half hearted attempts at keeping him from scoring.

While I certainly don’t condone what G did after that dunk, I can’t say that it was totally his fault that there was a UC score right after it. I think that ALL of the X players were celebrating a little bit and UC just didn’t wait for them to reset their defense before attacking it. Gotta give the UC players credit for that.

I could care less if the UC player made the shot, or if it was stolen soon after by Scruggs for a dunk. The point was that Goodin had to make it about himself, instead of recognizing, particularly as a senior, that they are in a competitive game, and 5 on 4 gives the other team a decided advantage. A lot of guys flex. Ty does it a lot, but it is usually for a quick second as he retreats downcourt. Considering how challenging of a year Goodin is having, I think he ought to count his blessings, and go back and join his teammates on D.

[muskieman]

Typical nitpicking AH, Hey AH was he wrong to flex, yes. Did I hear you complain about Naji when he does it or when he beats his chest? It is a shame, we all cannot be as sanctimonious as good old AH. He has it in for Q and no matter what Q does because AH feels it is because of low IQ forgetting that JP Macura had his moments and Jones has had his. I don't know if Q didn't sign AH's program one night or maybe he wouldn't sign AH's bare chest which I heard players find disgusting or maybe it was worse he didn't acknowledge AH as the self-acclaimed expert of what, he thinks, the Xavier basketball program should be each year.

I am sure TS has addressed it with Q without the help of AH posts. I am sure that Q may make other mistakes this year but go ask that same BLark about Q's D on the guards of UC and how that helped the overall D in making UC turn the ball over 17 times.

Lastly, it is a shame AH cannot enjoy a win because Q got 37 minutes of playing time and KyKy only got 7. BTW you also have a weird sense of how long three-seconds is so why don' you check the tape!

[longliveskip]

Mman,

You're right. He was flawless. What did you like better? Fouling Cumberland on the three, or when he flexed for 3 seconds after making a lab, allowing UC to go 5 on 4 and score an easy bucket five seconds later?

When I watched the game in real time I thought the same thing...”Don’t flex/celebrate! Get back and play defense!” Byron Larkin even commented on it in real time on the radio and implied it was G’s fault the guy scored so easily at the other end. However....I seen 2 replays of the game today and watched that complete play both times. There were 2 X players back at the rim when that player drove the lane and neither one of them was in good defensive position to stop the drive, all they made was half hearted attempts at keeping him from scoring.

While I certainly don’t condone what G did after that dunk, I can’t say that it was totally his fault that there was a UC score right after it. I think that ALL of the X players were celebrating a little bit and UC just didn’t wait for them to reset their defense before attacking it. Gotta give the UC players credit for that.

I could care less if the UC player made the shot, or if it was stolen soon after by Scruggs for a dunk. The point was that Goodin had to make it about himself, instead of recognizing, particularly as a senior, that they are in a competitive game, and 5 on 4 gives the other team a decided advantage. A lot of guys flex. Ty does it a lot, but it is usually for a quick second as he retreats downcourt. Considering how challenging of a year Goodin is having, I think he ought to count his blessings, and go back and join his teammates on D.

Man. Beat UC in a GREAT game with an epic performance by Naji and some nice bench contributions when we got in foul trouble and all some people can do on here is point out Q flexing after that monster dunk? seriously? c'mon. if all you're looking for when you watch X play are ways to come on here and hope Coach Steele reads your posts about why Q should play less minutes and should never shoot a 3, then you're watching the game the wrong way.

enjoy the win. get behind the Sr. pt guard and hope that this kind of performance happens every night. i'll take a 4:1 Assist to turnover ratio every night if it meant one flex dunk.......especially because it doesn't look like Q's minutes are going to be taken by KyKy as he looked like a deer in headlights at the magnitude/pressure of this game.

keep rolling, boys.

LET'S GO!

[Anti-Homer]

Nice win by X, but outside of the rivalry, it was a win against a low seed NCAA, or NIT team. Cumberland may have tweaked his hip, but he didn’t seem hindered at all. I also doubt Brannen would have had him guard the most challenging player for X if he was limited. Methinks some of the talk was to create a false narrative in case UC got blown out, which almost happened. I’m actually a fan of Brannen as a person and coach, but call “bullshoot” here.

UC’s William’s is blossoming into a very nice player for UC in Brannen’s system, and will be the best player for them next year. Freemantle for X continues to show he will be a staple for X in the next four years, along with Kyky, who inexplicably only got seven minutes of play yesterday.

Marshall saved the day, and looked like an NBA forward yesterday. It was the 2nd best performance by an X player in the Shootout in the last two decades, after Bluiett’s performance four years ago. His defense was even better, especially his five steals. He clearly has the highest upside as an NBA player for either team. However, I think UC would allow a guy entering the game shooting 36% and 21% from the field and 3 point land take 22 shots any day. I certainly would. To his credit, Marshall shined and played the game of his career.

Goodin continues to polarize with a miserable first half. I believe two of his first four shots were air balls, and the others clanked off. He was booed again at Cintas, which I never condone, though understand the fans’ frustration. To his credit, he wasn’t tone deaf in the 2nd, and limited his shots, taking 7 for the game. He made 2, both labs, which is where he needs to take most of his shots. He also hit two free throws, played very good defense, and had a 4:1 assist to t.o. ration. Nice comeback.

Cumberland showed at the end of the game why Brannen thinks he is a malcontent. He didn’t look at the X players, keeping his hand down and close to his side. He obviously learned class from his former coach.

Unfortunately, our students “one upped him” with the classless chants of F&^k UC minutes into the game. Stay classy Cintas. I wish Steele pulled a Sam Wyche circa 1990 (?), when he picked up the microphone at a game at Spinney Field and told fans to stop throwing things onto the field. I didn’t listen to Steele’s post game, so hope he addressed it there, or does so at Dilly’s tomorrow. Otherwise, AH may have to ask him if he doesn’t. Any tarnish to X’s image which hasn’t fully recovered from the Brawl at Cintas is well deserved, unfortunately. ZIP THAT UP!

Seacrest out.

I agree 100% with this post from AH, and that is seldom how I feel after reading posts from him!

Muskieman,

As I, you too have a leadership position on this board, meaning we are much more important than the average poster. Your charm, wit, humor, and moral compass makes you that much more endearing, and I'm sure the masses would love to know your opinion. What do you think of the lewd and classless chants of F&*k UC? Do you also condemn them, as my good friend Mnick and I do? You've never shied away from these types of topics before, even though you did "zip it up" with the Tu Holloway situation, while AH took a brave stand, w/o revealing the sordid details. Do you think as I that Coach Steele and Fr. Graham should make a public statement? What say you?

[Anti-Homer]

When I watched the game in real time I thought the same thing...”Don’t flex/celebrate! Get back and play defense!” Byron Larkin even commented on it in real time on the radio and implied it was G’s fault the guy scored so easily at the other end. However....I seen 2 replays of the game today and watched that complete play both times. There were 2 X players back at the rim when that player drove the lane and neither one of them was in good defensive position to stop the drive, all they made was half hearted attempts at keeping him from scoring.

While I certainly don’t condone what G did after that dunk, I can’t say that it was totally his fault that there was a UC score right after it. I think that ALL of the X players were celebrating a little bit and UC just didn’t wait for them to reset their defense before attacking it. Gotta give the UC players credit for that.

I could care less if the UC player made the shot, or if it was stolen soon after by Scruggs for a dunk. The point was that Goodin had to make it about himself, instead of recognizing, particularly as a senior, that they are in a competitive game, and 5 on 4 gives the other team a decided advantage. A lot of guys flex. Ty does it a lot, but it is usually for a quick second as he retreats downcourt. Considering how challenging of a year Goodin is having, I think he ought to count his blessings, and go back and join his teammates on D.

Man. Beat UC in a GREAT game with an epic performance by Naji and some nice bench contributions when we got in foul trouble and all some people can do on here is point out Q flexing after that monster dunk? seriously? c'mon. if all you're looking for when you watch X play are ways to come on here and hope Coach Steele reads your posts about why Q should play less minutes and should never shoot a 3, then you're watching the game the wrong way.

enjoy the win. get behind the Sr. pt guard and hope that this kind of performance happens every night. i'll take a 4:1 Assist to turnover ratio every night if it meant one flex dunk.......especially because it doesn't look like Q's minutes are going to be taken by KyKy as he looked like a deer in headlights at the magnitude/pressure of this game.

keep rolling, boys.

LET'S GO!

LLS, Kyz, and Mman,

I watched the replay of Q's dunk/flex on Sumner's twitter feed, and realize I overreacted. X was never at a disadvantage defensively, as Q was still ahead of the in-bounder. He has had a tough year, and though most of the criticisms from the likes of Byron, analysts, my mailman, and others is deserved imo, I was happy to see him have his moment, and hopefully he will build upon the second half of the game to turn the year around.

On an uncomfortable note, I wish my friend, mentor, and confidant, Mman, would have been more constructive than mean spirited in his comments as you two gentlemen were. One day I'm going to climb over his anger wall and it will be nothing short of glorious.

[Anti-Homer]

Typical nitpicking AH, Hey AH was he wrong to flex, yes. Did I hear you complain about Naji when he does it or when he beats his chest? It is a shame, we all cannot be as sanctimonious as good old AH. He has it in for Q and no matter what Q does because AH feels it is because of low IQ forgetting that JP Macura had his moments and Jones has had his. I don't know if Q didn't sign AH's program one night or maybe he wouldn't sign AH's bare chest which I heard players find disgusting or maybe it was worse he didn't acknowledge AH as the self-acclaimed expert of what, he thinks, the Xavier basketball program should be each year.

I am sure TS has addressed it with Q without the help of AH posts. I am sure that Q may make other mistakes this year but go ask that same BLark about Q's D on the guards of UC and how that helped the overall D in making UC turn the ball over 17 times.

Lastly, it is a shame AH cannot enjoy a win because Q got 37 minutes of playing time and KyKy only got 7. BTW you also have a weird sense of how long three-seconds is so why don' you check the tape!

He has it in for Q and no matter what Q does

Mman,

In all honesty, I love your unconditional support for X players, even though you confuse criticism with a lack of support. If that were the case, it would mean no coach in X's history truly supported his players. However, if my kid ever played at X, I'd rather he be exposed to someone like you, than me.

BTW, did you miss my objective, balanced comments about Q in the previous post? "To his credit, he wasn’t tone deaf in the 2nd, and limited his shots, taking 7 for the game. He made 2, both labs, which is where he needs to take most of his shots. He also hit two free throws, played very good defense, and had a 4:1 assist to t.o. ratio. Nice comeback."

For some reason, you have to always ride AH. When it first started, I thought it was just part of the hazing I had to endure when I was entering the Moderator training program. However, here we are, three years later, and your insults continue. BTW, I've never asked Q to sign a program or my bare chest. I once asked Romain Sato to do so, and he wrote the lyrics to Barry Manilow's Weekend in New England on my back. It was in permanent marker, so it remains to this day. I'll show it to you at Dilly's, unless it leads to unholy thoughts. Not that there's anything wrong with it!

[kyzrex]

AH...I accept your correction and am happy to see your admittance of error and overreaction.



I only know that 99% of the time when I was competing I was emotional and when I wasn’t mentally keyed in is when I performed badly. The mental drive to succeed was a major factor in what success I had. Sometimes it manifested itself in an arm pump or extra aggressiveness, and a few times (to my great regret) in a verbal comment that I now wish I had not made. But hey, I was young. Just barely a legal adult. Let’s remember that these players are at the same stage of their lives. They aren’t experienced old farts like most of us here. Cut them a little slack and don’t be in such a hurry to criticize. They will make mistakes, just as we all did. I’d almost rather have a player that sometimes let their emotions lead them into mistakes, than I would have a player that sleepwalks through their career.

[madness31]

AH, I felt you had an accurate assessment of the game and were quite complimentary of Q. Mman on the other hand was out of control in his harsh reaction to your balanced commentary of Q. Anger management classes might be a good idea.

I'm shocked how this win became all about attacking AH rather than celebrating another X win.

I'm not completely against booing players that fail to learn from their mistakes but it should be used cautiously. The crowd shouting obscenities' doesn't shock me given the state of politics and what has become acceptable. Add to that, that young people are naturally more prone to be crude and obnoxious and it isn't surprising but should certainly be addressed. I love seeing the tenacity on the court but prefer the crowd be loud without resorting to ugly language.

Great win, hopefully certain people here can tone down the attacks on other posters. We will not always agree with one another but remaining civil shouldn't be that difficult.