Xavier vs IU Indy

[muskieman]

Cintas Center 6 p.m.

TV FS1 FOX sports app
Radio 55 krc

Probable starters

#4 Jarvis Walker GR (6-3, 205) #0 Paul Zilinskas GR (6-5, 205) #30 Timaris Brown JR (6-5, 215) #13 Keenan Garner FR (6-6, 220)
#7 Sean Craig JR (6-7, 220)

[connecticut72]

I look forward to tonight's game. The wrap around night was a disaster if you were an XU fan. WE got totally shafted and received very little coverage. So although tonight's game appears to be a laughter(+30) it will be great to see them in action. It soundsas if many people and even Sean were a little disappointed in the Texas Southern game. Happy for Free I can only imagine what the kid has been through. I admire his dedication now let's hope his defense has improved in the interim. Just for discussion sake, I really like Swain and not sure why people have questions. Go X!

[connecticut72]

Sloppy half. Hugely no legs and no explosiveness not impressed. Hunter looks rusty but understandable. We need to spend the next practice in lay up lines. Defense not good still a problem for X despite Miller. Trouble defending the 3 but it is early. Free still not good at D. Too earlier on my part for all these definitive statements but I am psyched and need to get this off my chest.

[Kevin Reilly]

Well I only saw the second half but what a half. Freemantle and Conwell look like All Big East players. Swain had a good game and rebounded very well. McKnight looked very good too. I know IU Indianapolis is small and young but we killed them under the basket. The 3 point defense needs to tighten up and Green still has no idea how to play defense but we had a great second half.

[muskieman]

McKnight Looked only very good. Dayvion McKnight finishes a perfect 4 for 4 from 3 point land. His 17 points and 5 assists

McKnight and Rome presser: https://youtu.be/vhNwIJrjwCs

[connecticut72]

McKnight was very good. I love the way he let's the game come to him. He plays with confidence and his B Ball IQ is off the charts. I know Miller wants to play FAST but so far they look to be in a hurry and not totally under control, but it is early. The game has changed you do not necessarily need a prototypical big man but I still think you need a banger. Defined as a rim protector and a strong rebounder on both ends of the floor. Not sure we have one. I will take the two W's and move on. Go X!!

[Anti-Homer]

McKnight was very good. I love the way he let's the game come to him. He plays with confidence and his B Ball IQ is off the charts. I know Miller wants to play FAST but so far they look to be in a hurry and not totally under control, but it is early. The game has changed you do not necessarily need a prototypical big man but I still think you need a banger. Defined as a rim protector and a strong rebounder on both ends of the floor. Not sure we have one. I will take the two W's and move on. Go X!!

I agree that they played too much in a hurry and out of control in game one, but not against IUPUI. Yes, at times, they were too much in a hurry, but feel they were under control. They missed double digits shots at the rim, b/c they hurried; but they were good shots. In game one, Hunter, Hugely, and Swain took 4 treys in the first seven minutes. That's a welcomed sight for every team X will play. Hunter also took some out of control shots, but only took a couple questionable ones against IUPUI. He also resisted shooting several wide open threes but got baited into taking one.

Defense is another story. Miller likes to switch but he has had too many guys who aren't suited for that in the game at the same time, namely Hugely and Green. Miller is still just experimenting with lineups. However, in a league with great shooters like Conn, Mquette, Creighton, etc. they need to be able to do that. I don't see either of those two playing 15 minutes a game like they're playing now against those types of teams.

I think the top 7 are capable of switching. especially Swain, Conwell, and Hunter. Even Free looked really good last night. His lateral quickness seems to be better, and he hasn't been abused on pick and rolls like we've been accustomed to seeing. Granted, the teams they've played aren't juggernauts, but he's showing good discipline.

Happy they have two more games until Wake and the Tourney, but their Ken Pom will continue to take a beating until they beat some of these teams by 30 plus, and limit their scoring totals. I expect blow outs the next couple of games.

[Kevin Reilly]

McKnight played very well. Tough hard nose player who gives a honest effort on both sides of the ball every game. I thought Hunter looked very good. He always brings the energy. I am shocked he is back playing so soon after heart and heel issues. Good for him. What a warrior. Anyone else noticed how intense The IUP coach ( Paul Corsaro ) is wrapped? LOL

[pdxmuskie]

McKnight was not very good, he was incredible. He seems to be the most underappreciated player by the X fan base. He is so efficient. Doesn't force the issue but gets teammates the ball in scoring position. Takes what the defense gives him and tends to come up with baskets when the team is looking lost. He is a calming presence on the court.

Free and Conwell were also great. They both know how to score and will likely do it fairly consistently all year. Free seems better defensively than in years past.

Swain was great. Rebounded better and didn't turn it over. Effort is always there.

Trey showed great court vision. My guess is he will become an asset when he stops pressuring himself. He needs to simply go out and play. Look for open shots but mostly focus on creating for teammates. Distributing the ball will lead to better shots and should also help him relax on the court.

Sean seems to recognize the 3 point defensive struggles so hopefully that gets cleaned up soon. I agree with whoever said the first half struggles were different than the prior game. First game was settling for 3s, this time they simply missed close range shots. Some of those misses were awful while others were somewhat understandable. They figured it out and took control before the end of the half. It was great to see a win in person. Limited opportunities from the west coast but alumni weekend drew me in.

Time will tell if these teams are solid or not. Hot shooting and ample open opportunities can certainly keep bad teams in games.