Per Boozehound on the A10 board: (X-homer alert)
http://www.basketballforum.com/atlantic-10-conference/447090-overview-your-team.html
Xavier:
Key Losses:
Jordan Crawford (SG) - Jordan was a big part of
Xavier's offense last year and is now playing in the NBA. His departure leaves a significant scoring void but probably has limited defensive impact on the team. Averaged around 20ppg last year. We will need to make up at least 15 points of that scoring from other players.
Jason Love (C) - This one hurts as well. Love was not an extremely prolific scorer but was usually good for 8-12 points and about 8 boards. Jason played very good interior defense, and was consistent. Jason's departure puts a lot on Frease's shoulders.
New Players:
Justin Martin (SG/SF) - Justin has a good shot and ability to get to the rim. Very athletic with a lot of potential. Could play significant minutes right away. He may have some trouble qualifying due to credit transfer issues when he switched High Schools.
Jay Canty (SF) - Canty is said to be an excellent defender who is long and athletic. He can rebound as well. His jump shot is a work in progress from what I hear but shows some serious potential. Will probably see mintues this year due to his athletic ability and defense, as long as he is mentally ready and doesn't make too many rookie mistakes.
Griffin McKenzie (PF) - Griffin should play this year, despite having his jaw wired shut after being jumped by some losers at a house party. Mack says he is back up to 225 and is showing a very good outside shot in practice. Griff could be another Doellman-type of big man for Xavier with an inside-out game but limited toughness around the rim. Not known for being a great defender.
Jordan Latham (PF/C) - Jordan is very ready athletically to play College ball. He also has the ability to step out to 15 feet or so and make some jump shots. Not an extremely tall Center but a good rebounder with some major skills and good size. Long wingspan. Sounds like a Jason Love type of player with an outside shot.
Key Returning Players:
Terrell Holloway (PG) - Developed into a stud PG last year and ran the floor very well. Has a solid (if somewhat streaky) outside shot and an impressive ability to get to the rim for his size. Rarely turns the ball over. Tu is likely to be our 'star' player this year. He is consistently one of the hardest workers in the offseason so I would expect him to be even better this year than last. Tu has show the ability to score in bunches, but will need to score more consistently to make up some of the offense we lose with Crawford's departure. Shows up in big games and at crunch time.
Mark Lyons (PG/SG) - Mark showed flashes of tremendous ability last year but also showed flashes of being a Freshman. Is lightning-quick with loads of athletic ability. Can finish around the rim. His outside shot is very streaky but not bad and could be very good with practice. The biggest problem Lyons had last year was decision making. He takes it to the rim far too often was a results gets blocked a lot. Mark will need to score more consistently as well.
Kenny Frease (C) - All we have heard about this offseason was how hard Kenny was working. He has dropped a lot of weight and is in much better overall shape. He attended the same big man camp in Boston that Love used to go to. The jury is still out on whether or not it will translate on to the court, but we all know Kenny has the ability to play quality ball. Xavier really needs significant production from Frease this year.
Jamel McLean (PF) - Jamel is what he is: very athletic, very high motor, excellent rebounder and solid finisher at the rim. No outside shot to speak of and not a very good FT shooter. Jamel needs to pick up where he left off last season playing with intensity and getting a lot of his points on stick-backs and cleaning up junk. Jamel would easily average double-figures this year as a Senior.
Dante Jackson (SG/SF) - Vocal leader and good defender. Has a 3 point shot but doesn't like to shoot a lot. Has a couple of unconscious performances every year (usually 1 against Dayton...) and is not afraid to take, and make, the big shot. Doesn't like to take it to the rack. More offensive and defensive consistancy from Dante will be key this year. We don't need 15 points a game from him, which is good because we aren't going to get it, but 10 points should be doable for Dante.
Brad Redford (SG) - Sharpshooter from 3 point range who was bothered by a hip injury for much of last season that hampered his production and minutes. Hopefully is 100% but hip injuries are funny. Brad needs to work on creating his own shot as he relies heavily on catch and shoot type of passes from teammates. If we can get him 6-8 shots per game he will average double figures. Whether or not that happens is anybody's guess.
Jeff Robinson (PF) - We would really liked to have red-shirted him last year but we just didn't have the depth in the front court. He was too skinny and lacked experience, and as a result didn't see the floor much at all. Coaches say that Jeff may be the most athletic player on the team, which is a pretty strong statement with guys like McLean and Canty. Has bulked up quite a bit and could see some significant minutes for Xavier. Any production from Robinson will be a bonus.
Predicted Starting Lineup:
Holloway (PG)
Lyons (SG)
Jackson (SF)
McLean (PF)
Frease (C)
Predicted first 5 off the bench:
Martin, Canty, Robinson, Redford, Latham
Predicted Finish:
Top 3. Xavier has lost a lot, but they lose a lot every year and still finish at the top of the league. They have earned the benefit of the doubt.
