Xavier recruits and transfers

[muskieman]

David Borges
@DaveBorges
Sean Miller visiting Putnam Science Academy today to meet with New Haven’s Desmond Claude, a Xavier commit under former coach Travis Steele.

[muskieman]

I’ll take the Illini guard

I'd rather have Joe Toussiant

[XU Rocks!]

A lot of discussion about our existing players and who might potentially transfer out. How about the flipside: are there any players, maybe some from Arizona with a couple years of eligibility left, that might want to follow Sean to XU?

[muskieman]

A lot of discussion about our existing players and who might potentially transfer out. How about the flipside: are there any players, maybe some from Arizona with a couple years of eligibility left, that might want to follow Sean to XU?

I have been looking into it but nothing is on the radar at this moment.

[XU Rocks!]

Desmond Claude said in a social media statement: "Due to the recent coaching change at Xavier University, I've taken some time to reevaluate the status of my commitment to Xavier University. After meeting with coach Miller last week and talking it over with my family, I'm reaffirming my commitment to Xavier University. I still feel confident that Xavier University represents a great opportunity for me and I look forward to the challenge. I can't wait to get there."

[X-man]

On Xavierhoops, a poster claims that Odom has entered the portal. If so, that's a real loss. I believe he would have thrived under Miller.

[skyhops]

We can thank Steele for that one. That’s happens when the wrong player is your PG. Expect Jones to probably follow

[muskieman]

Odom talked to Sean and his family before making the decision. I am sure he saw that Desmond a 6'5" point guard, can shoot from any range and has recommitted, in addition, saw the success of Jones and Adam getting point guard minutes in the NIT run. I am sure he wants to be the starting point guard or at least have a leg up on the starter job. When he came in his biggest plus was on Defense but while he is good there are times in the big east where he was overwhelmed and not being a decent 3 point shooter hurt him, although 12 feet and in he was very good.

Considering that Ward is still in the picture that could make Odom the smallest and least offensive-minded guard on the squad and maybe the 5th best go-to guy. Ward is expected to be small forward with Jones but can play 1 to 3.

[DannyV76]

While this did not come unexpected, I was still sadden by the news. However after reading MM's post, it does make perfect sense now and leaves me hopeful with what we should and could have to cover this departure. Wishing him nothing but the best as he moves forward.

[Anti-Homer]

Odom talked to Sean and his family before making the decision. I am sure he saw that Desmond a 6'5" point guard, can shoot from any range and has recommitted, in addition, saw the success of Jones and Adam getting point guard minutes in the NIT run. I am sure he wants to be the starting point guard or at least have a leg up on the starter job. When he came in his biggest plus was on Defense but while he is good there are times in the big east where he was overwhelmed and not being a decent 3 point shooter hurt him, although 12 feet and in he was very good.

Considering that Ward is still in the picture that could make Odom the smallest and least offensive-minded guard on the squad and maybe the 5th best go-to guy. Ward is expected to be small forward with Jones but can play 1 to 3.

Mman,

Are you sleeping in the garage with the car running all night again? Claude is a top 85 prospect, so has the potential to be a very good player. However, Desmond is not a prolific three-point shooter, statistically speaking. He's average, which is still far above Odom. He can certainly get there, but his long-range shooting needs refinement. Also, you think Odom is threatened by having minutes at the point taken away by Kunkel? I like Kunkel, except for him hurling too many threes and too early in the shot clock, which he has a penchant for doing. He has ice in his veins like JP, and is also good on the drive, but is turnover prone. 18-22 minutes a game is perfect for him, at the 2. He should only play point in emergency situations.

Odom wasn't a good three-point shooter, but was very good 10 feet and in, and was one of the few players who showed pretty, substantial progress. He is a loss, but I trust the coach with the 6th highest winning percentage among active coaches will be able to fill the cupboard quickly. LSU got an excellent coach but still lost their entire team. Texas Tech lost a lot of players this year and still had a great team this year. It is hard but can be done.