CINCINNATI (OH) – Xavier Musketeers

Previous Record (Conf)
27-8 (12-4)

Key Non-Conference Games
At Kansas St (8 Dec), Cincinnati (13 Dec), at Butler (19 Dec)

Projected Conference Record (Finish)
12-4 (3rd)

Conference Home-and-Home Partners
Dayton, Fordham, Charlotte

Outlook
For the first time in five years Xavier won’t have Sean Miller on the sidelines. New head coach Chris Mack inherits the youngest team since David West stepped on campus in 2000. Every year it seems the Musketeers win with a strong senior class playing the best basketball of their careers and a precocious group of underclassmen.

Center Jason Love is the only senior and he’ll be joined in the front court by juniors Jamal McLean and Dante Jackson. Xavier’s front court will be as talented as any in the conference, especially with sophomore Kenny Frease backing up Love. Depth will be a concern though since the Musketeers don’t have many reliable options behind McLean and Jackson.

While the backcourt may not be as talented, Mack will certainly have more options. At the point, sophomore Terrell Holloway will be pushed for playing time by redshirt freshman Mark Lyons. Holloway was wildly inconsistent last season and the competition should sharpen Holloway’s focus. Lyons has an explosive first-step along with the frame and instincts to eventually be an all-Conference defender.

Indiana transfer Jordan Crawford is a big guard with big-time playmaking capabilities. Crawford is dangerous from downtown and uses his frame to finish or get fouled going to the rim. Defensively he may be the weak link in the starting lineup, but more than makes up for it with his ability to score and rebound. Sophomore Brad Redford will continue to stretch defenses with his ability to make shots from anywhere inside half court. Another year in the weight room should keep teams from running their offense through his man when he’s on the floor.

Xavier has the roster to be one of the better defensive teams in the conference and should still be an above average rebounding team with Jackson and Crawford on the wing. Xavier should have a nice blend of shooters and slashers and should excel in the half-court. Love and Frease are both competent on the blocks and pass well enough to thwart most double teams.

Spotlight On
Junior Dante Jackson admirably filled in at point the last two season, but will be glad to move back to his more natural position on the wing. Jackson is an excellent slasher and defender and has worked to become a competent three-point threat.

Best Case Scenario
In the half-court, Xavier consistently works the ball into the post creating open shots and lanes to the basket. Holloway and Lyons bring out the best in each other allowing Mack to play the steady hand. Crawford blossoms as a playmaker and not just a scorer.

Worst Case Scenario
Crawford treats this season as an extended audition for the NBA to the detriment of team chemistry. Neither Holloway nor Lyons gives the Musketeers consistent point guard play. Injuries and consistent foul trouble expose the Musketeers depth causing Mack to play deep reserves key minutes.