I think it's pretty safe to say this is the best season in Xavier history. A school record in wins (30), advancing as far as any Musketeer team (Elite 8) and playing the most difficult schedule Xavier has ever cooked up speaks for itself.
The locker room was as you would expect. Quiet, blank stares and some tears, but the Muskies were very respectful to UCLA. A few themes from the players' answers:
1. UCLA just flat out beat us
2. The seniors will be missed greatly
3. One loss will not ruin a great season
I've watched UCLA play several times this year and this was one of their best offensive performances of the season. They've struggled to hit shots all year long, but stepped up in the biggest game, so far, this season.
The loss is especially tough for X because they just didn't play well. Xavier had to shoot well to win. Instead, they shot very poorly, rebounded poorly, gave up too many open shots and overall looked a little overwhelmed.
Xavier is losing a special senior class. Burrell, Duncan and Lavender will be hard to replace. But, the cupboard is far from empty. A good group of returning players and a great recruiting class means X should get back to the tournament next year. If Sean Miller stays for a while, he will get Xavier to the final four.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Melancholy Opener by Rufus
I'm on record as saying that baseball is my favorite sport...however, I'm not looking forward to Monday's opener. It's not because of my lack of confidence in the Reds but it's the first baseball season I won't be able to share with my father. My father passed away last August. Some of my fondest memories of him involve Reds baseball. We watched Homer Bailey pitch last year from his hospital room and, though it wasn't spoken, we both knew it would probably be the last time we could share a game. I miss dad and it will never be more apparent then when Aaron Harang tosses that first pitch Monday afternoon. I'll be in the stands with 42,000 optimistic Reds fans...make that 42,001. If I know dad he'll be watching.
Biggest Shot in X History?
I'm sitting in my room here in Phoenix, the day winding down, thinking, "was B.J. Raymond shot(s) the biggest in XU history"?
X fans will argue Lenny Brown's buzzer beater to knock off #1 UC on their home court in 1996, but given the magnitude of Thursday's game against West Virginia, it's a pretty tough argument.
I hope you caught my interview with Stanley Burrell on the 10 O'clock News Thursday night. I hoped to interview B.J., but deadlines are deadlines and Raymond had a pack of about 10 reporters around him. Anyway, I asked Burrell if this means "the computer" (what B.J. calls himself for his sometimes mechanical shooting efficiency) was back on-line. Stanley joked, "we took the computer to Best Buy and re-worked the hard drive."
Saturday's game against UCLA has all the makings of a great one. It's been several weeks since Xavier's played as an underdog. I think they're going to relish the opportunity to play one of the nation's best on one of the biggest stages as the "hunters" instead of the "hunted".
- Joe D.
X fans will argue Lenny Brown's buzzer beater to knock off #1 UC on their home court in 1996, but given the magnitude of Thursday's game against West Virginia, it's a pretty tough argument.
I hope you caught my interview with Stanley Burrell on the 10 O'clock News Thursday night. I hoped to interview B.J., but deadlines are deadlines and Raymond had a pack of about 10 reporters around him. Anyway, I asked Burrell if this means "the computer" (what B.J. calls himself for his sometimes mechanical shooting efficiency) was back on-line. Stanley joked, "we took the computer to Best Buy and re-worked the hard drive."
Saturday's game against UCLA has all the makings of a great one. It's been several weeks since Xavier's played as an underdog. I think they're going to relish the opportunity to play one of the nation's best on one of the biggest stages as the "hunters" instead of the "hunted".
- Joe D.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Practice Makes Perfect?
Growing up, I thought nobody did it better than Larry Bird.
The Hall of Fame forward played for the Boston Celtics from 1979-1992, and maybe put in more time shooting the ball than any other player in the NBA. While everybody else was caught in Boston traffic, Bird was shooting jumper after jumper in the Boston Garden...two hours before the game started.
Bird said he was never nervous when getting the ball in the clutch, because he knew he had put in the necessary time to earn the right to take the big shot.
On Monday afternoon at Cintas Center, you could hear just a few basketballs bouncing on the floor inside the arena. Head Coach Sean Miller's three sons were shooting with their grandfather, Sean's Dad, John Miller. And B.J. Raymond was putting in some extra shooting practice, long after his teammates had hit the showers.
Why?
I'm guessing B.J. knew he wasn't shooting the ball as well as he had all year.
By no means were his numbers disappointing. In Xavier's first two NCAA Tournament games against Georgia and Purdue, Raymond shot a combined 3-9 (33%) from three point range, noticeably below the 42% he shot from distance for the season.
And who made arguably the biggest shots against West Virginia to extend Xavier's stay in the Big Dance? Raymond's two three pointers were HUGE. One beat the shot clock and lifted Xavier to within one victory of the Final Four in San Antonio.
Sometimes coming up clutch, with the whole country watching, can be attributed to the time that a player puts in long after the cameras have been shut off for the day.
---Zach
The Hall of Fame forward played for the Boston Celtics from 1979-1992, and maybe put in more time shooting the ball than any other player in the NBA. While everybody else was caught in Boston traffic, Bird was shooting jumper after jumper in the Boston Garden...two hours before the game started.
Bird said he was never nervous when getting the ball in the clutch, because he knew he had put in the necessary time to earn the right to take the big shot.
On Monday afternoon at Cintas Center, you could hear just a few basketballs bouncing on the floor inside the arena. Head Coach Sean Miller's three sons were shooting with their grandfather, Sean's Dad, John Miller. And B.J. Raymond was putting in some extra shooting practice, long after his teammates had hit the showers.
Why?
I'm guessing B.J. knew he wasn't shooting the ball as well as he had all year.
By no means were his numbers disappointing. In Xavier's first two NCAA Tournament games against Georgia and Purdue, Raymond shot a combined 3-9 (33%) from three point range, noticeably below the 42% he shot from distance for the season.
And who made arguably the biggest shots against West Virginia to extend Xavier's stay in the Big Dance? Raymond's two three pointers were HUGE. One beat the shot clock and lifted Xavier to within one victory of the Final Four in San Antonio.
Sometimes coming up clutch, with the whole country watching, can be attributed to the time that a player puts in long after the cameras have been shut off for the day.
---Zach
Body Language?
Don't know if it means much but I think I've seen Sean Miller smile more in the last six days than I've seen all year. He looks relaxed. He looks confident.
There was a time earlier in the season when Miller and his players talked a lot about the growth of the program. They had plenty of opportunities to do it. Scheduling major conference teams and beating them instead of just competing. (Indiana,K-State) Turning down the "Mid Major" player of the week award. Setting themselves apart from the rest of the A-10.
They were trying to make a point to the rest of the college basketball world and at times sounded like they were also trying to convince themselves.
Hearing them now (and watching the body language) it sounds like the Muskies believe.
BG
There was a time earlier in the season when Miller and his players talked a lot about the growth of the program. They had plenty of opportunities to do it. Scheduling major conference teams and beating them instead of just competing. (Indiana,K-State) Turning down the "Mid Major" player of the week award. Setting themselves apart from the rest of the A-10.
They were trying to make a point to the rest of the college basketball world and at times sounded like they were also trying to convince themselves.
Hearing them now (and watching the body language) it sounds like the Muskies believe.
BG
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Is Carson Becoming Like Willie?
Until this past season, Bengals Offensive Lineman Willie Anderson was about as physically dependable as they come. Big Willie didn't miss a regular season game for more than seven seasons. Leg injuries limited Anderson's availability in 2007. But still, that's pretty impressive durability, considering he makes his living in the NFL trenches.
Big Willie has seen a lot of football on the Cincinnati Riverfront. Some good, some terrible, some mediocre. And, from a reporter's perspective, he's a go-too-guy in the locker room, a leader who isn't afraid to lend a veteran's perspective to any issue facing the Bengals.
Our friend Chick Ludwig, who covers the team for the Dayton Daily News, refers to #71 as "The Rock of Gibraltar".
I would argue that Carson Palmer is embracing a leadership role on the Bengals that is "Willie-like". Palmer knows he can say whatever he wants, but doesn't abuse the privilege. At the end of last season, one that Palmer described as the most disappointing of his life, he said "he didn't think" the Bengals could win with the current coaching staff. And in response to the on-going Chad Johnson saga, Palmer's voice carries tremendous clout. When asked if Chad's comments, and absence from the voluntary offseason conditioning program would be a distraction, Palmer said, "Not for me." And the quarterback added that he's focused on the guys at PBS who are working out. The Bengals have some "mature guys", Palmer pointed out, who won't let off-the-field distractions steer the team away from the work they have to do.
I'm interested to hear your take. Are Carson and Willie the "leaders" in the locker room?
---Zach
Big Willie has seen a lot of football on the Cincinnati Riverfront. Some good, some terrible, some mediocre. And, from a reporter's perspective, he's a go-too-guy in the locker room, a leader who isn't afraid to lend a veteran's perspective to any issue facing the Bengals.
Our friend Chick Ludwig, who covers the team for the Dayton Daily News, refers to #71 as "The Rock of Gibraltar".
I would argue that Carson Palmer is embracing a leadership role on the Bengals that is "Willie-like". Palmer knows he can say whatever he wants, but doesn't abuse the privilege. At the end of last season, one that Palmer described as the most disappointing of his life, he said "he didn't think" the Bengals could win with the current coaching staff. And in response to the on-going Chad Johnson saga, Palmer's voice carries tremendous clout. When asked if Chad's comments, and absence from the voluntary offseason conditioning program would be a distraction, Palmer said, "Not for me." And the quarterback added that he's focused on the guys at PBS who are working out. The Bengals have some "mature guys", Palmer pointed out, who won't let off-the-field distractions steer the team away from the work they have to do.
I'm interested to hear your take. Are Carson and Willie the "leaders" in the locker room?
---Zach
Monday, March 24, 2008
Roots in the Steel City
Both Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis and Xavier’s Sean Miller share much more in common than presiding over two of Cincinnati’s high profile sports teams.
The two are from the Pittsburgh area. In fact, Lewis worked as an assistant coach for the University of Pittsburgh football team in the early 90s, at the same time Sean Miller played point guard for the Panthers. Even long before then, Lewis remembers Miller showing off his ballhandling skills as a youngster on the Johnny Carson show. When asked about Xavier’s success, Lewis said, “It’s great. I remember when Sean was the dribbling phenom as a youngster in his dad’s videos. So I’ve known of Sean for a long long time. I’m very happy with Xavier and where they are. They’ve got a big game Thursday night in Phoenix.”
Bob Huggins and the 7th seed West Virginia Mountaineers await the Muskies at US Airways Center. They’ll tip at 7:10.
It turns out Miller and Huggins have known each other since Sean was a teenager.
" Huggins is a flat-out winner,” Miller said.
The two are from the Pittsburgh area. In fact, Lewis worked as an assistant coach for the University of Pittsburgh football team in the early 90s, at the same time Sean Miller played point guard for the Panthers. Even long before then, Lewis remembers Miller showing off his ballhandling skills as a youngster on the Johnny Carson show. When asked about Xavier’s success, Lewis said, “It’s great. I remember when Sean was the dribbling phenom as a youngster in his dad’s videos. So I’ve known of Sean for a long long time. I’m very happy with Xavier and where they are. They’ve got a big game Thursday night in Phoenix.”
Bob Huggins and the 7th seed West Virginia Mountaineers await the Muskies at US Airways Center. They’ll tip at 7:10.
It turns out Miller and Huggins have known each other since Sean was a teenager.
" Huggins is a flat-out winner,” Miller said.
Alexander "The Great"
I watched all 6 games at Verizon Center in Washington D.C. this weekend and left very impressed with West Virginia's Joe Alexander. The 6'8" Junior was the best individual player in the region. His ability to rise and use his length to shoot over defenders like an NBA player is fun to watch. He's a very soft-spoken kid, but plays with an edge on the court. Hard to believe a guy who scored 32 points in back-to-back games against UConn and Pittsburgh in the regular season, couldn't even get on the court at Hargrave Military Academy.
Alexander credits his improvment from a pedestrian 10 points/game as a sophomore to maybe the best player in the Big East by the end of his junior season to one man - Bob Huggins. He says "Huggs" forced him to learn how to play in the post and threatened long treadmill sessions if he didn't rebound (and those threats weren't empty...just ask Joe).
I'm assuming Derrick Brown will get the Alexander assignment on Thursday to keep Josh Duncan out of foul trouble. Brown is active, athletic and consistently executes Miller's defensive mantra of "high hands" on jump shooters. Alexander will probably play all 40 minutes, unless he's in foul trouble. So, Josh Duncan might get a few minutes to battle with WVU's big man.
As good as Alexander is, he did only make 11-of-34 field goal attempts in the first two rounds. Plus, Duke and Arizona aren't exactly dynamic defensive teams.
Xavier will need to play very well to move on to the Elite 8 for the second time in school history.
- Joe D.
Alexander credits his improvment from a pedestrian 10 points/game as a sophomore to maybe the best player in the Big East by the end of his junior season to one man - Bob Huggins. He says "Huggs" forced him to learn how to play in the post and threatened long treadmill sessions if he didn't rebound (and those threats weren't empty...just ask Joe).
I'm assuming Derrick Brown will get the Alexander assignment on Thursday to keep Josh Duncan out of foul trouble. Brown is active, athletic and consistently executes Miller's defensive mantra of "high hands" on jump shooters. Alexander will probably play all 40 minutes, unless he's in foul trouble. So, Josh Duncan might get a few minutes to battle with WVU's big man.
As good as Alexander is, he did only make 11-of-34 field goal attempts in the first two rounds. Plus, Duke and Arizona aren't exactly dynamic defensive teams.
Xavier will need to play very well to move on to the Elite 8 for the second time in school history.
- Joe D.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Tuesday Basketball
We spend a whole lot of time around the sports office talking about basketball. And that makes sense with the Big Dance and all. But for us it’s a year-round conversation because of what happens on Tuesdays.
From 11-1, we play pick-up ball at Mt. St. Joseph. It’s unreal. Our editors Eric Staub and "Big Red" Froelich show up, so does Joe Danneman, our Producer Rufus and I, and Brian did until a little “mishap” a few months ago.
For months, we tried to convince Brian to come out and ball. He has two small children and lives 45 minutes away, so sometimes it’s a little challenging to set aside time. But he was finally able to do it, only to tear his Achilles tendon on the second trip to the Mount. Do I feel guilty? Yes. Have we stopped playing? No. But we’re thinking about wearing patches on our gear with the initials “BG” until he returns. And he will return. “I’ll be back at the Mount in late summer or early fall,” Brian promised shortly after surgery.
On Tuesday afternoon and evening, before the 10 O’Clock News, we love to summarize what happened on the court that day.
A Quick Scouting Report:
Rufus: Wants it bad on defense. Will put you in the “Millennor Straitjacket” and pick you up full court. His nickname—“The Glove”. Can stick a shot especially under pressure. The Godfather of Tuesday Basketball.
Joe: Best scorer on the floor. One time while Joe was on fire, a guy looked at me and said, “You guys might want to bring the cameras out….because Joe D is lighting ‘em up tonight.”
Big Red: Loves it. Can take you outside or post up Inside. Gets a look of determination on his face when shooting a three.
Eric: Boundless energy. Pete Rose-like effort on the basketball court. Touches the rafters with his three pointer. Plenty of arc to be sure.
Brian (pre-injury): Mixes it up down low. Keeps possessions alive with effort and can slash and score inside.
Zach: Foot speed a concern. Very slow. Maybe known to hit an outside shot every now and again…but that’s about it.
From 11-1, we play pick-up ball at Mt. St. Joseph. It’s unreal. Our editors Eric Staub and "Big Red" Froelich show up, so does Joe Danneman, our Producer Rufus and I, and Brian did until a little “mishap” a few months ago.
For months, we tried to convince Brian to come out and ball. He has two small children and lives 45 minutes away, so sometimes it’s a little challenging to set aside time. But he was finally able to do it, only to tear his Achilles tendon on the second trip to the Mount. Do I feel guilty? Yes. Have we stopped playing? No. But we’re thinking about wearing patches on our gear with the initials “BG” until he returns. And he will return. “I’ll be back at the Mount in late summer or early fall,” Brian promised shortly after surgery.
On Tuesday afternoon and evening, before the 10 O’Clock News, we love to summarize what happened on the court that day.
A Quick Scouting Report:
Rufus: Wants it bad on defense. Will put you in the “Millennor Straitjacket” and pick you up full court. His nickname—“The Glove”. Can stick a shot especially under pressure. The Godfather of Tuesday Basketball.
Joe: Best scorer on the floor. One time while Joe was on fire, a guy looked at me and said, “You guys might want to bring the cameras out….because Joe D is lighting ‘em up tonight.”
Big Red: Loves it. Can take you outside or post up Inside. Gets a look of determination on his face when shooting a three.
Eric: Boundless energy. Pete Rose-like effort on the basketball court. Touches the rafters with his three pointer. Plenty of arc to be sure.
Brian (pre-injury): Mixes it up down low. Keeps possessions alive with effort and can slash and score inside.
Zach: Foot speed a concern. Very slow. Maybe known to hit an outside shot every now and again…but that’s about it.
X Focuses on D
According to Joe Danneman the Xavier Musketeers spent exactly 67 minutes of their 90 minute practice on Friday… working on defense. The major concern? Purdue’s 3-pt shooters. The Boilers took 20 three point shots against Baylor and made nine.
In addition to guarding the perimeter… Sean Miller thinks the Muskies big men are stronger and more athletic than the Boilermakers.
Not to mention more experienced. Two freshmen, two sophomores in the starting lineup for Purdue.
The question is can XU pick up where it left off in the second half against Georgia. If so… a trip to Phoenix for the Sweet 16 is probably next.
BG
According to Joe Danneman the Xavier Musketeers spent exactly 67 minutes of their 90 minute practice on Friday… working on defense. The major concern? Purdue’s 3-pt shooters. The Boilers took 20 three point shots against Baylor and made nine.
In addition to guarding the perimeter… Sean Miller thinks the Muskies big men are stronger and more athletic than the Boilermakers.
Not to mention more experienced. Two freshmen, two sophomores in the starting lineup for Purdue.
The question is can XU pick up where it left off in the second half against Georgia. If so… a trip to Phoenix for the Sweet 16 is probably next.
BG
How are your NCAA Tournament brackets?
When I woke up this morning and studied the action from the first day, I saw that 14 of 16 top seeds advanced, with only a little drama to speak of. I had a hunch that Friday would raise everyone's blood pressure a little bit, and the 5-12 game between Drake and Western Kentucky got the hearts around the FOX 19 Sports Office going a little bit faster than normal.
Down 99-98 in overtime, with about 5 seconds left, the ‘Toppers traveled the full length of the court and Ty Rogers (the pride of Eddyville, KY) hit a beyond-the-NBA-three-point-line bomb at the buzzer to advance. One of my favorite parts of the Big Dance is watching the bedlam that erupts on the basketball court following an upset. The red from the Hilltopper uniforms took over the floor during the post-game celebration. They lived to play another day.
Of his heroics, Rogers said, "It kind of worked out good."
I suppose so.
--ZW
Click here to comment on FOX19.com's Sports Blog
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selfless Stan
Is there anyone in college basketball who scores so little and has a bigger impact on the game than Stanley Burrell?
Burrell has put up more than a thousand points in his career at XU but has only made one shot from the field in his last three NCAA tournament games.
Talked to Joe Danneman who's in DC for us. Burrell told him he doesn't care if he ever scores again as long as the Muskies keep winning.
Not a bad job at all by Burrell on Sundiata Gaines (13 pts). That guy can play.
Up next for the A-10 defensive player of the year.... Purdue's leading scorer E'Twaun Moore.
BG
When I woke up this morning and studied the action from the first day, I saw that 14 of 16 top seeds advanced, with only a little drama to speak of. I had a hunch that Friday would raise everyone's blood pressure a little bit, and the 5-12 game between Drake and Western Kentucky got the hearts around the FOX 19 Sports Office going a little bit faster than normal.
Down 99-98 in overtime, with about 5 seconds left, the ‘Toppers traveled the full length of the court and Ty Rogers (the pride of Eddyville, KY) hit a beyond-the-NBA-three-point-line bomb at the buzzer to advance. One of my favorite parts of the Big Dance is watching the bedlam that erupts on the basketball court following an upset. The red from the Hilltopper uniforms took over the floor during the post-game celebration. They lived to play another day.
Of his heroics, Rogers said, "It kind of worked out good."
I suppose so.
--ZW
Click here to comment on FOX19.com's Sports Blog
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selfless Stan
Is there anyone in college basketball who scores so little and has a bigger impact on the game than Stanley Burrell?
Burrell has put up more than a thousand points in his career at XU but has only made one shot from the field in his last three NCAA tournament games.
Talked to Joe Danneman who's in DC for us. Burrell told him he doesn't care if he ever scores again as long as the Muskies keep winning.
Not a bad job at all by Burrell on Sundiata Gaines (13 pts). That guy can play.
Up next for the A-10 defensive player of the year.... Purdue's leading scorer E'Twaun Moore.
BG
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
FOX19 Sports Blog
It finally happened.
Those of us in the sports department at FOX 19 have been nudged into the world of blogging. Didn't take much of a push, really. Because the way we see it, it's really just allowing more of you to sit in on the random conversations we have everyday.
I guess a good place to start would be to explain who "we" are. That I can tell you. Whether we're interesting enough to be worthy of a few minutes of your time is entirely up to you.
The cast of characters is as follows...
Brian Giesenschlag - Sports Anchor.
More easily identified as the bald, 30-something, soon to be father of three. Ask Zach Wells why I may never again walk without a limp.
Zach Wells - Sports Anchor.
The person who replaced BG as the new guy a little more than a year ago. Easily has the most passion for the job. Ask him if he loves it. Yes, that's his real voice.
Ron "aka Rufus" Millennor - Executive Sports Producer.
"The Glue" that holds the entire operation together. Lifelong Westsider. Will someday have a table at Skyline Chili in Covington named in his honor. Has never seen Star Wars.
Joe Danneman - Sports Reporter.
Somehow was able to remain unbiased, composed and totally professional in covering both of Ohio State's BCS title game losses. But also wore a Troy Smith jersey to his own bachelor party.
Unfortunately for the Cov Cath teams of the late 90's, Joe was a late bloomer on the basketball court.
That's a start.
More engaging conversation to come.
BG
Those of us in the sports department at FOX 19 have been nudged into the world of blogging. Didn't take much of a push, really. Because the way we see it, it's really just allowing more of you to sit in on the random conversations we have everyday.
I guess a good place to start would be to explain who "we" are. That I can tell you. Whether we're interesting enough to be worthy of a few minutes of your time is entirely up to you.
The cast of characters is as follows...
Brian Giesenschlag - Sports Anchor.
More easily identified as the bald, 30-something, soon to be father of three. Ask Zach Wells why I may never again walk without a limp.
Zach Wells - Sports Anchor.
The person who replaced BG as the new guy a little more than a year ago. Easily has the most passion for the job. Ask him if he loves it. Yes, that's his real voice.
Ron "aka Rufus" Millennor - Executive Sports Producer.
"The Glue" that holds the entire operation together. Lifelong Westsider. Will someday have a table at Skyline Chili in Covington named in his honor. Has never seen Star Wars.
Joe Danneman - Sports Reporter.
Somehow was able to remain unbiased, composed and totally professional in covering both of Ohio State's BCS title game losses. But also wore a Troy Smith jersey to his own bachelor party.
Unfortunately for the Cov Cath teams of the late 90's, Joe was a late bloomer on the basketball court.
That's a start.
More engaging conversation to come.
BG
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