Graves

[diggins]

Left the Sportsbar w/ 2 minutes to go. In looking at the CBS Gametracker for the final minute they showed Graves getting hit with a technical, but then the next entry was Stanley hitting FTs. Was the gametracker screwed up, or did Graves actually get hit with a T?

[muskieman]

NO he didn't.

[XU 87]

In a season full of bright spots, Graves has been a disappointment. I think he has the skills to be a good player. He just doesn't look like he plays with a lot of confidence out there.

I've heard that he plays pretty well in practice. Maybe next year he'll get a chance to play more and then he'll play up to his talent level.

[muskieman]

87 this is really Graves first season , because he was out so much last year. Once he realises that he doesn't have to stand outside an shoot threes and that he can drive to the basket, we will see his real talent.

[XU 87]

I hope and think you're right.

[newtsac]

For some reason, there is no kid on the team that I pull more for than Graves... maybe it's because he is a local kid - I don't know.

It seems that Miller & his staff have a knack for getting kids' back on track to their full potential (Lavender, Burrell, etc...). Not to mention finding the perfect roles for each player (Duncan). Hopefully, he will come back from the summer with his game back and a new attitude. I was really hoping that would happen last summer though. His defense still needs work too, aside from the offensive slump.

Regardless, I wish the best to him. The more players X has with experience on the floor, then better next year.

[diggins]

Thanks. I didn't think he would have been in the game in that situation, so the only thing I could think of (other than that it was in fact wrong) was when attempting to foul at the end UD had fouled a little to vigourously and he came off the bench or something.

I really thought he may have a breakout year this season. He had some good signs (rebounds better than I thought he would, had some nice assists in a couple different games), but ultimately it seemed his defense kept him from getting more PT, which in turn kept him from getting comfortable in the flow of the offense, and be able to show what kind of a scorer he can be. I still feel he'll be a key player next year. Many of the posters talk of the Fr coming in and taking all the minutes vacated by the guys graduating, but two years ago, Adrion was going to be taking all of BJs minutes, and last year Dante was going to come in and take all the minutes.

This years crop of recruits will be no different. They will certainly contribute in spots as Dante has this year, but I'll beleive they take minutes from the returning guys when it happens.

[MADXSTER]

Remember...when he played in the summer league after his senior year, he shot lights out and was named MVP of the league. Not bad for the youngest guy on the court.

It may not be the best defense in the world but it's far better than High School competition.

If nothing else it says that he is more than capable. At some point I believe that he will become a force for Xavier.

[MillerTime]

Stanley and Drew graduate, but we gain 3 freshmen guards.

Obviously Jackson has the inside track at the starting SG next year. Lyons is a virtual lock as PG next year. For those who think otherwise, best not argue this one. Redford shoots too well not to see a little PT at either guard position. I don't know how Walsh fits in, he is the question mark freshman for me, though I have heard good things.

I'm not saying Miller is going to hand the frosh starting jobs without earning it, but Graves needs to step it up, and I'm sure he knows it. We may need him in the tourney if Stanley or the small fowards get in foul trouble.

[Brian Fantana]

He can play...but like a lot of guys, he came from a probably less-than well structured program at Hughes High School. He was a shooting guard there with a guy named Yancey Gates in the post before he went with the orange and black the last 2 years.
He has a huge learning curve to catch up to...I would guess his biggest issue is defense, as is the same with Bronson. If you have seen Dante Jackson's defense imrpove over the season, you see what I mean. It seems that every time Graves gets in, he makes a mistake and yanked pretty soon.
Give hima year, next year he'll filla role...then he should have 2more years, liek BJ progressed, to be the player we want to see.