Xavier Defense

[X-Expert]

I know its very early and Goodin has only played a half thus far but letting a team that just lost to Illinois by 36 hit about 17 3s-not to mention a nip and tuck game at home against IUPUI leaves cause for concern. Hopefully, we will learn soon that both IUPUI and Evansville are much better than advertised as they were picked to finish bottom of their league. Steele needs time to get this team to gel but considering he said this could be the best defense of all time at X tells me he felt X has the talent. To that end, the next two (maybe three) against Wisconsin, Auburn, and maybe Duke should reveal a lot. It is great to see Goodin and Scruggs shoot so well and Jones is clearly a man among boys (at least against the first two opponents). X needs to find another shooter but most of all, find the right defense.

[madness31]

Do we know if Steele has any connections to teams that have played great defense? I know he had the disadvantage of being on the Xavier, we don't play defense, teams Mack coached but I assume he spent time on other staffs. He could certainly be a defensive expert even if he doesn't have relevant experience but the start to the year is concerning. Man defense is largely about motivation. There are technical aspects as well such as positioning, getting around screens, etc. but what makes someone a great defender is pride. A coach can foster that attitude in his players. If Steele can do that, this team will be a defensive force. If not, they will lose a lot of games.

Players need to know getting scored on is an embarrassment. If a mistake is made on the offensive end, it needs to be made up for on the defensive end. Miss a shot - get a steal, a block, force a tough shot or get a rebound. Turn it over and you better play relentless defense until you force a turnover.

[X-Expert]

Do we know if Steele has any connections to teams that have played great defense? I know he had the disadvantage of being on the Xavier, we don't play defense, teams Mack coached but I assume he spent time on other staffs. He could certainly be a defensive expert even if he doesn't have relevant experience but the start to the year is concerning. Man defense is largely about motivation. There are technical aspects as well such as positioning, getting around screens, etc. but what makes someone a great defender is pride. A coach can foster that attitude in his players. If Steele can do that, this team will be a defensive force. If not, they will lose a lot of games.

Players need to know getting scored on is an embarrassment. If a mistake is made on the offensive end, it needs to be made up for on the defensive end. Miss a shot - get a steal, a block, force a tough shot or get a rebound. Turn it over and you better play relentless defense until you force a turnover.

Madness I believe he was on Miller's staff when they were a strong defensive team. Mack subscribed to Skips defensive strategy which was not good. Miller however was able to have Burrell buy into the defensive system and he was a great defender during his senior year. I certainly hope that X will figure this out because while they shot well Saturday, I unfortunately don't know if Goodin/Scruggs/Marshall can shoot like that consistently but time will tell. Again, I'm glad to be sitting 2-0 for now.

[madness31]

I loved the X defense under Miller. Obviously Mack working under Miller shows there is no guarantee how an assistant will coach when given control but it is good to hear that Steele has some exposure to a coach that made defense a priority.

Wins are wins so hopefully we see some real growth the next game so that we can keep stacking the Ws.

[longliveskip]

I loved the X defense under Miller. Obviously Mack working under Miller shows there is no guarantee how an assistant will coach when given control but it is good to hear that Steele has some exposure to a coach that made defense a priority.

Wins are wins so hopefully we see some real growth the next game so that we can keep stacking the Ws.

that KenPom ADJ-D rank of 93 for Miller at Arizona last season - he's really a defensive strategy wizard. got those Wildcats guarding really well. #sarcasm

Xavier's KenPom D rank last year was 67, in case you didn't see my other post.

[skyhops]

Miller was more of a defensive house compared to Skip and Mack. Our outside shooting is going to struggle plus the lack of depth makes us being a defensive oriented team even more important. The main problem with defense on Saturday was lack of effort especially extending on three point shooting. Hopefully, Naji is feeling better and Q will have his head on straight. Will be a good test tonight.

[X-Expert]

I loved the X defense under Miller. Obviously Mack working under Miller shows there is no guarantee how an assistant will coach when given control but it is good to hear that Steele has some exposure to a coach that made defense a priority.

Wins are wins so hopefully we see some real growth the next game so that we can keep stacking the Ws.

that KenPom ADJ-D rank of 93 for Miller at Arizona last season - he's really a defensive strategy wizard. got those Wildcats guarding really well. #sarcasm

Xavier's KenPom D rank last year was 67, in case you didn't see my other post.

Yeah miller's team was not great last couple years defensively. I was referring to his time at X-particularly when Burrell was a Sr. X didn't have any great stars on offense but pretty good (Doellman, Duncan, Cage) but their defensive seemed to keep them in games as they certainly didn't score like the recent teams do.

[26+6=1]

I felt we had to improve from when we blew so many leads last year. Maybe not!
Just a voice from the stands, but pressing after made baskets or zone traps now and then might not solve the overall defense problems, but just might be enough different to slow some opponents down. Just say'n!

26+6=1

[longliveskip]

I loved the X defense under Miller. Obviously Mack working under Miller shows there is no guarantee how an assistant will coach when given control but it is good to hear that Steele has some exposure to a coach that made defense a priority.

Wins are wins so hopefully we see some real growth the next game so that we can keep stacking the Ws.

that KenPom ADJ-D rank of 93 for Miller at Arizona last season - he's really a defensive strategy wizard. got those Wildcats guarding really well. #sarcasm

Xavier's KenPom D rank last year was 67, in case you didn't see my other post.

Yeah miller's team was not great last couple years defensively. I was referring to his time at X-particularly when Burrell was a Sr. X didn't have any great stars on offense but pretty good (Doellman, Duncan, Cage) but their defensive seemed to keep them in games as they certainly didn't score like the recent teams do.

and to be fair - Miller got to coach against A-10 teams. just sayin.

[skyhops]

I thought this team would hang their hat defense? Happ and Trice are taking Q and Jones to school