Xavier Frontcourt

[MuskieCinci]

Sports Illustrated lists Xavier as one of the top 15 frontcourts for the upcoming season.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multim ... nt.13.html

It seems like most national media outlets are noticing Xavier this year, but everyone is waiting to see how the guard situation plays out until they predict anything solid. It is nice to see some national recognition for our frontcourt before the season starts though. Every Xavier fan knows we have an elite frontcourt, but others (UD fans) would constantly say the only reason we talk about them is to take attention away from our developing backcourt.

[tacitus]

What's the deal with Frease wanting to be our Oden??? If he means the most dominant center in the NCAA... all the power to him. I hope it happens. It would be even better if it happens out of the gates!

But I do not want a 40-year-old-lookin' cry baby who attacks other players in a fit of rage... I also don't want a one-and-done guy. I want a solid, committed player who, while passionate, knows how to control himself and represent Xavier. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he is just making an incomplete analogy.

Anyone see him lately? Could he be a one and done??

[Mr. Neutral]

<<But I do not want a 40-year-old-lookin' cry baby who attacks other players in a fit of rage>>

Yes, I think Oden was the only player in the NCAA to commit a possible intentional foul that year. I think he should be in prison for attempted murder!

He didn't "attack" Cage in a "fit of rage". Please. If you want to say he should have been called for an intentional foul, I'm fine with that, but let's not get carried away.

[jct1941]

tacitus - After the Ohio-Ky all star game at Thomas More, Kenny was interviewed and said that "Sean told him to say that HE WANTED TO XAVIER'S GREG ODEN". He then said that he took a lot of ***** from reporters up north for saying that. He further stated that he did not consider himself a "one and done" player. I do think that he has the potential to become a NBA player down the road. He sure seemed very mature for an 18 year old. I also agree with Mr. N that Oden's intentional ( as we saw it) was more out of frustration then RAGE. Kenny will be one of Xavier's best big man of all time.

[madness31]

The Oden flagrant foul did show a character flaw as it appeared to be because of the belief that they lost the game. That being said he is young and people make mistakes. As to the "as we saw it" comment, there is no doubt that it should have been an intentional/flagrant foul. I watched the play several times on the DVR and cage was leaning forward ready to be fouled when he was essentially lifted off the ground and shoved backward. If Cage was a small guy I might leave this open to debate but given he was prepared to get fouled and is a big strong guy - there can be no doubt. It was a blown call but we should have won the game anyway. Why did we have defenders sagging on defense with the clock running down and up by 3? It was a great shot but there was no excuse for one of our guys to be sagging inside the 3 point line. Fouling before they take the shot is another option but smart defense on that play would have likely won us the game.

One and done happens so if Frease goes that route more power to him. Hopefully he sticks around a few years but if not I'd guess a final 4 and beyond are very possible. Brown is a potential lottery pick so if he and Frease both get drafted the point would have to be a disaster to prevent us from having a great season.

[Mr. Neutral]

<<As to the "as we saw it" comment, there is no doubt that it should have been an intentional/flagrant foul.>>

Obviously, there was doubt because (1) it wasn't called an intentional foul, and (2) several commentators felt strongly that it was not an intentional foul.

Now, they could all be wrong, but so could we.

[XU84]

If you think Frease meant anything other than being a force inside and trying to help XU the way Oden helped OSU you are a complete idiot. That being said, I doubt he'll start so 'one and done' seems a little unlikely.

[muskieman]

<<As to the "as we saw it" comment, there is no doubt that it should have been an intentional/flagrant foul.>>

Obviously, there was doubt because (1) it wasn't called an intentional foul, and (2) several commentators felt strongly that it was not an intentional foul.

Now, they could all be wrong, but so could we.

Then again many commentators said it was flagrant/intentional. I was also reported that at least one of the refs thought it should have been called flagrant. I look forward to Kenny making that play a thing of past nightmeres and replacing it with the sweet dream of a National Championship...no pressure Kenny.

[tacitus]

Frustration/ Rage... still inappropriate for a representative of XAVIER. Not that Xavier players don't make mistakes... but something like that with all of NCAA basketball watching?

AND IT WAS CLEARLY A FLAGRANT/INTENTIONAL. Did you see his face when Cage got the board? That was a face of rage.. fine, caused by frustration and immaturity. Hopefully it was a learning experience for him.

I apologize for a slightly biased opinion and an over-exaggeration to get my point across; which was: that our freshman center should not have Oden as his role model for his first year. If you disagree with that... I doubt I can convince you otherwise. I'm sure with names like "madness" and "XU84" you have from time to time been affected by your Xavier-biases. I trust only someone like a "Mr. Neutral" can transcend that.

Didn't know that he has already gotten flak for it... definitely didn't know Miller encouraged it...

Of course I give him the benefit of the doubt. Miller recruited him, and everyone only says good things about him. He's on a much more public stage though now, and comments can be twisted when quoted out of context.

[Mr. Neutral]

Let's not read too much into the casual comments of an 18-year old