Charleston Classic: West Virginia game thread

[muskieman]

And in January, Pozatto will be back. If he is the best player X has, and as Richard has said, Gabriel Pozzato has tremendous upside. He can score at all three levels. He has size and skill and will be a huge part of our success on and off the court.” Things could get very exciting. After all, he is a paisan, even if he is from northern Italy

GP averaged 14.9 points and 4.4 rebounds in his one season at Evansville,

[longliveskip]

I'll be honest - first 2-3 games I was very DOWN on this team. i've turned a corner these last 3 games. these dudes are playing hard and yes, shooting the 3 well does help mask all of our other deficiencies because we essentially have ZERO inside game to speak of. I think we threw down low and scored in the post ONE TIME in the 2nd half yesterday when 24 did his little baseline move and reversed it in on the left side. we aren't shooting 64% from 3 moving forward so we better be able to guard/rebound better when shots don't fall.

either way, I have pivoted toward this attitude in regards to this team:


<img src="https://media.tenor.com/YkDcXfDkkmIAAAAe/aint-so.png" alt="Aint So Meme - Aint So Fuckin - Discover &amp; Share GIFs"/>

[bluegrass]

These 2 games give me hope that we can at least compete .Not saying we will have a winning record but I think we'll surpass the 7 or 8 wins a lot of people were predicting for this team.Seems like Pitino has found a rotation he believes in.I'm becoming a fan of Wright and Milisivec . Can we count on them being back next year to build around?

[connecticut72]

Agree with all sentiments expressed after really good performances in Charleston. Our opponents were decent but middle of the pack teams in their respective leagues. I worry about our lack of low post presence. Milievic plays like a two guard. Robinson needs to contribute like he did yesterday. He has the body to be a Factor inside. He was recruited by UVA so he must have some talent. We are improving and Pitino is doing a good job. They are playing hard and together & that is a good combo. It could be fun watching them surprise some teams. Let’s go X.

[muskieman]

Paul Fritschner provided this take on X ·
He shows two inbound plays BLOB defense. https://x.com/i/status/1993084803143614769


Two great examples of BLOB defensive communication from Xavier on Sunday vs. West Virginia:

In both, the man guarding the inbounder switches out, and All Wright chases to the baseline.

First clip results in a contested shot, second in a five-second call.

[Lead Guitar]

I think we all questioned Pitino’s NIL/transfer portal philosophy in bringing in mostly sophomores/underclassman. If he assessed the talent correctly and if he received a 2/3 year commitment from them, he is starting to look like a smart guy! He is truly building for the future, not today. If he can add two freshman and one or two grad transfers each year, the philosophy has merit. This might be the only year we will have a tough time. We have three, true projects on the roster that are 6’10 or larger. We still have to overcome are lack of an inside game this year. 3-pt shooting cures a lot of deficiencies, but we all know there is something called law of averages. We have learned that running the floor and taking the first open look has a better result than setting up a half court offense with limited inside and offensive rebound opportunities.

UC and Creighton will show us a great deal, and let’s get Pozzato in the rotation!

[X-lucidity]

Hey, anyone know if Filip Borovicanin has one more year of potential eligibility left. He’s listed as a Sr. & I realize the COVID bonus yr is over, but just curious. Good kid, solid role player and I was hoping he could stay one more if he so chooses.

[gym from delhi]

XU alumni group put on a nice pre-game party Friday night

[skyhops]

I'm curious too to see about the eligibility of Phillip and Roddie as well. I don't think they are eligible for a covid year, but it seems most that petition for another year get one. Having those two back wouldn't hurt althought never is a great shooter. Robinson or N'Diaye need to step up. Hard to believe we have two high D1 players with two left feet and no hands.