Earlier today, Bearcats Blog talked to Xavier reporter Shannon Russell. At this time, I’m joined by Golfitup from the great Xavier blog Dana and Victory. It’s a good read for Xavier coverage, plus they talk about A-10 basketball some as well. He’s a good guy to follow on twitter @muskieblog. He mainly tweets during games, so be sure to say nice things to him about this interview Saturday afternoon. A big thanks to him.
We covered a lot of topics this go round, Tu, Mark Lyons, Kenny Frease, hated UC players, worst Shootout memories and how FSN Ohio sucks. I sent him the questions Tuesday night, and he answered last night, so pretend the Butler game didn’t happen. Questions in bold.
Xavier has really struggled the first half of the last 2 games with a lot of turnovers. What’s going on?
To these novice eyes, we’re just not executing well in the half court, especially on the offensive end. Sometimes it just seems to be a case of laziness. And then we turn it on at the end of games when it’s required and somehow pull it out. It’d be nice if the team would bring out that late game intensity to start and then we wouldn’t have to sweat it out so much.
The second half of the past two games Xavier has risen to the occasion and pulled out big wins. What’s been the key for the comebacks?
One word. Tu. I never really approved of the name change 2 years into his X career from Terrell, however, obviously Tu can go by whatever the hell name he likes after his late game heroics last season and so far this season (see last week). But it’s not all Tu. The team appears to have a calm demeanor on the court because they know no game is out of reach no matter how much time is left on the clock. Although, it’d be nice if they could not get behind so far in the 2nd half and give us all heart attacks before pulling it out in the end.
Tu Holloway has hit 6 three pointers the last 2 games, and 5 of those were in the last 2 minutes or overtime to win the game. Is there anyone in the nation who has a flair for the big shot like Tu?
I heard people comparing him to Kemba Walker and that seems about right so far this year. I don’t really see Tu being a top 10 draft pick, but that doesn’t mean he can’t provide the same kind of leadership and said late game heroics as Kemba did last year.
Where would you rank him on the best Xavier players ever list?
Hard to say. There are 4 jerseys in the rafters I’d still put ahead of him. I think we need to let this season play out to add context and see just how great Tu can be. No doubt, he is climbing the ladder at a very rapid rate though.
Is this the year Kenny Frease is finally plays like people expect?
I’m watching Xavier play Butler right now, and I still don’t know what to expect from Kenny. It’s always game to game. There are games when Kenny imposes his will down low and opposing teams can’t handle his shear size and there are games when us fans wonder why Kenny even showed up to play. One things for sure, we’re gonna need him at his best throughout the season, if the team is going to make that final four run we’re all dreaming about.
Mark Lyons is kind of overlooked because he shares a backcourt with Holloway, Luke Winn didn’t even mention him in the best backcourt write up, what does he bring to the table this year that wasn’t there last year? Pretend that wasn’t the longest question ever.
Mark Lyons has been great so far this year. He seems to carry the team for the first 30 minutes while Tu closes it out. Lyon’s has been particularly deadly from downtown this season to go along with getting into the lane like he has throughout his entire X career. He’s also become very vocal on the court as well. He’s not afraid to let his teammates if they aren’t playing up to his standards. In my opinion, players like that are needed on successful teams.
What should UC fans expect from the Xavier newcomers, Justin Martin, Andre Walker, Dez Wells, Dee Davis and Travis Taylor?
Justin Martin is a good outside shooter, who has surprisingly been great as an energy guy coming off the bench providing defense and rebounding. Andre Walker is a transfer from Vandy who has just this year left in eligibility. He’s been the starter at the 4 spot and is that consummate “glue” guy all teams need. He is a good passer and solid rebounder. He won’t score much, but never seems to make too many mistakes. Dez Wells has been a starter from day one. He’s a great athlete and just has a rock of a body. Once he fully develops a consistent jump shot the sky is really the limit for this highly regarded recruit. Dee Davis is the back up point guard who will come off the bench and be a pest defensively and hit the occasional three. He looks to be a good one for the future, but is fully embracing his role player status this season. Travis Taylor is a transfer from who is starting to show the fans why he averaged almost 18 points a game for Monmouth. He makes his living in the low post and will be a key for us coming off the bench Saturday afternoon if the Muskies are to get the win.
UC fans have their list of Xavier players they hate, Kevin Frey, Justin Doellman, Lenny f’ing Brown, on the flip side, who are UC players that Xavier fans can’t stand?
I asked this question to the other guys at the blog and they came back with Kenyon Martin, Bobby Brannen, Donald Little, Ruben Patterson, and Yancy Gates. I’d add Jihad to that list. I didn’t hate him, he just annoyed the hell out of me cuz he wasn’t particularly good, but just seemed to pull shit out of his ass at key times when he could do nothing else throughout the game.
I know your best Shootout memory is going to be something awful, so what’s your worst Shootout memory?
Mick winning his first shootout was a real bummer. Don’t remember what season that was specifically and am not gonna look it up because it will do nothing but anger me. UC was not good that year and we just completely shit the bed. Kinda like last year. Last year was bad too. I’m getting angry, let’s move on…
I know Butler and Xavier have played great games, but let’s ignore that one and say Xavier wins and no one gets hurt. What are you expecting in the Shootout?
Another very close hard fought game that very well could turn into a shoving match at times. So basically the usual. Even though us fans have gotten a nice laugh at UC’s expense with their losses to the Hose and the Herd, I for one am expecting no easy win Saturday. UC really needs to win this game for the resume come March and the players will know it. Whoever wins, the victory will surely be earned.
Feel free to talk about how much FSN Ohio sucks.
I just don’t get it. No one, and I mean no one gives a shit about hockey in the state of Ohio outside of Columbus. And I’m not sure how much they even care. For FSN Ohio to prioritize them over local college basketball is just such an asinine decision on so many levels it boggles the mind completely.
Great job by Golfitup. He came through big time. Thanks a lot to him, he’s a good guy. Be sure to check out Dana and Victory.
Beat Xavier.
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