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2020-11-23

Xavier University (Cincinnati, Ohio)

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This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Xavier Student Newspapers at Exhibit. It has been accepted for inclusion in All Xavier Student Newspapers by an authorized administrator of Exhibit. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Basketball Preview Special Volume CVII Issue 15 November 23, 2020 xaviernewswire.com

Published by the students of Xavier University since 1915 Fiat justitia, ruat caelum ;DYLHUXSVRႇHQVHZLWKQHZFRPHUV Scruggs and Freemantle to lead seven recruits, transfers on the court BY JOE CLARK Sports News Editor Xavier men’s basketball brings in seven newcomers to a roster that has a lot of returning talent, and they should be in line for an NCAA tournament appearance this season. Xavier was projected to finish seventh in the Big East at the conference’s annual Media Day. “We’re excited to get this year going. Obviously with all the uncertainty that’s been going on last March, they’re really, really excited to get the season going,” Xavier Head Coach Travis Steele said at Media Day. “The Big East is going to be a tough conference again this year, as it always is.” Xavier is implementing a new offensive system this year, one that relies more on perimeter shooting and is faster Photo courtesy of @xaviermbb on Instagram from what Xavier played the Men’s basketball Head Coach Travis Steele brings in seven newcomers, including three freshmen and four transfers. The musketeers new-look last two years under Steele. roster will look to play more up-tempo in their new offensive. The newcomers will be lead by senior Paul Scruggs and sophomore Zach Freemantle. “Last year we were really fense. He can shoot from the blue-white scrimmage, and Freemantle was a serious start at power forward, and good on defense but offen- perimeter, but he’s probably at he’s somebody who could inside-out threat at the end he’ll probably be the best de- sively, we struggled a lot, we his best in the midrange game. definitely improve and play of last season, and from what fensive player for Xavier. He’s couldn’t really shoot,” said He’s also talented on de- a bigger role throughout the he’s shown in the scrimmages flashed offensive prowess be- sophomore captain Zach Free- fense, and he could be a day course of the season. that hasn’t changed. He has fore, and he will definitely mantle. “This year, we have one starter for the team. Stanley and Kunkel both potential to be Xavier’s lead- contribute on the offensive way more options, so I think Wilcher is probably the have yet to be issued waivers ing scorer and biggest weapon side of the ball, but his de- we’ll be a lot more expanded best shooter out of the three by the NCAA for immedi- offensively this year, it’s tough fense really stands out. With- on offense.” freshmen, and he’s a tough ate eligibility, but the two of to cover a guy who can shoot out a ton of frontcourt depth, A big reason Xavier has player who doesn’t let up de- them are serious difference from the perimeter, score at Carter will be extremely im- more options this year is their fensively. makers if they get on the floor will inside and put the ball on portant for Xavier this year. 2020 recruiting class and Nate Johnson, Bryan Grif- for Xavier this year. the floor and drive. The last returner likely to transfers. Dwon Odom, Colby fin, Ben Stanley and Adam Kunkel is a serious threat Scruggs will be a good fa- see minutes this year is Die- Jones and C.J. Wilcher all have Kunkel join Xavier as trans- from long-range and was one cilitator for Xavier this year onte Miles. Miles didn’t play the capability to become reli- fers. of the best players on a good and his ability to shoot from last season, but his length and able scorers for Xavier, and all Johnson comes from Gard- Belmont team last season. the perimeter and drive will ability to run the floor at 6 three will likely play a good ner-Webb, where he was a Stanley averaged 22 points be key for the Musketeers. foot 10 inches will make him amount their freshman year. reliable scorer and a solid de- per game last season at However, he may play off-ball a tough matchup. Miles will Odom is explosive off the fender. He’ll get some solid Hampton, and Travis Steele if sophomore KyKy Tandy likely see significant minutes dribble and a fantastic creator. run for Xavier this year, and said that Stanley is “Big East starts at point guard. off the bench for Xavier early His jump shot could improve, he could be a difference maker tough.” He’ll be a good pres- Tandy is one of the best on, and him and Griffin will but he’s extremely skilled at on both sides of the ball. ence on the interior for the pure shooters on Xavier’s ros- compete for time throughout getting to the rim and making Griffin is a big man from Musketeers on both sides of ter, and he’s shown an ability the season. plays around the basket. Division II Mercy College. the ball, and he can stretch the to distribute the ball and make 2020-21 has the potential Jones is a reliable offen- While he needs to speed up to floor and be a threat from the plays in transition. He came to be a really good year for sive weapon whose versatil- the D1 game, he’s a high-level perimeter. off the bench his freshman Xavier men’s basketball, as ity and court vision are his rebounder who could eat some As for Xavier’s returners year, but if Tandy starts this they’ll look to surprise some strengths offensively. He has bench minutes for Xavier. from last year, Freemantle year he could see a big jump in people and make a run in the an extremely high basketball Griffin did have a dou- and Paul Scruggs will lead the production. Big East and potentially to an IQ and doesn’t force in the of- ble-double in Xavier’s second charge offensively. Senior Jason Carter will NCAA Tournament berth. In this issue... Page 2-3 Page 5 Page 6 The Back Page Check out the men’s Details on the Xavier See how the Muskies We all know where and women’s Invitational multi-team PHDVXUHXSLQWKH%LJ WKHUHDO¿JKWHUVWKLV schedules and lineups. event in December. East conference. season: the mascots. 2 November 23, 2020 Sports @NewswireSports Previewing men’s 2020 schedule BY GRACE CARLO After the Oklahoma game, 6WDৼ:ULWHU the Musketeers begin Big At the beginning of the East play on Dec. 12 when 2020-21 academic semester there was they travel to Providence to little hope that Xavier would take on the Friars. Schedule have a basketball season this Providence brings back Big East games in bold year. Despite the season get- star guard David Duke and ting pushed back, there willl reliable big Nate Watson. be a college basketball sea- Xavier lost to Providence on Date Opponent son. the road last season. 11/25 Oakland (Xavier Xavier is coming off of a The Muskies are then back Invitational) 19-13 season, with an 8-10 at home on Dec. 15 to play Se- record in the Big East. With ton Hall, who added Harvard 11/26 Bradley (Xavier the NCAA season getting grad transfer Bryce Aiken to Invitiational) cut short last year due to their roster this year. 11/27 Toledo (Xavier Invi COVID-19, the team is get- Newswire photo by Desmond Fischer On Dec. 18, Xavier travels tational) ting ready to be able to com- Sophomore forward Zach Freemantle is expected to be one of Xavier’s north to Chicago to play De- pete again. best players this season. Freemantle was recently named a captain. Paul at 2 p.m. on a Friday af- 11/30 Eastern Kentucky Led by senior Paul secutive days. on Dec. 6 when they take on ternoon. Following that, they Scruggs and sophomore Bradley will likely be the Cincinnati in the Crosstown host Marquette on Dec. 20 at 12/2 Tennessee Tech Zach Freemantle, the Mus- toughest team Xavier plays in Shootout. Cintas. 12/6 at Cincinnati (Cross keteers will likely play a the MTE, but the Musketeers The 2020 shootout looked Finally, the last scheduled town Shootout) more up-tempo style of bas- will be heavy favorites in all to be in danger earlier this game of 2020 is on the road ketball this year. three games. year, with Xavier and Cincin- in Omaha as Xavier plays 12/9 vs Oklahoma (Big Originally, Xavier was On Monday, Nov. 30 at nati unable to agree to terms, Creighton. Creighton will East-Big 12 Challenge) scheduled to play in the 7 p.m., Xavier will face off but the two teams decided likely compete with Villano- 12/12 at Providence Orlando Invitiational, but against Eastern Kentucky. the game would be played as va as the top team in the Big the Musketeers pulled out Xavier last played the Col- scheduled at Fifth Third Bank East this season, so that game 12/15 vs Seton Hall due to travel concerns with onels on Dec. 15, 2018 and Arena. After winning 73-66 will definitely be a road test COVID-19. took home a 95-77 win. last year, Xavier will look for the Muskteers. 12/18 at DePaul Instead, Xavier will host The Musketeers will fol- to take home their second While Xavier lost Naji 12/20 vs Marquette a multi-team event (MTE), low that up with a game on straight win in the shootout. Marshall and Tyrique Jones the Xavier Invitiational, at Dec. 2 against Tennessee Following the Crosstown to graduation, they brought 12/23 at Creighton Cintas Center from Nov. 25- Tech, another game Xavier Shootout, Xavier will take in a good freshman class and 27. should win handily. part in the Big East-Big 12 a solid groiup of transfer- Xavier will host Oakland, Xavier’s first big test of Challenge when they host sand should make the NCAA Bradley and Toledo in con- the season will take place Oklahoma on Dec. 9. Tournament this season. Xavier brings in three new freshmen in 2020 BY JOE LAURICH player overall and the ninth that Coach Steele’s teams The final player that was 6WDৼ:ULWHU best point guard. faced in the first two years added to the class was Colby After losing point guard was a complete lack of pe- Jones from Alabama, where Following a fantastic 2019 Quentin Goodin last season, rimeter shooting. Last year’s he attended Mountain Brook recruiting class, Travis Steele Xavier was looking to add a team only shot 31.2% from High School. and company struck gold playmaking point guard that behind the arc and something Jones is 6-foot-5, 195 lbs again in 2020 adding three could create space and run a needed to be done, so Xavier and was ranked the 119th of the top 150 players in the controlled fast tempo offense. brought in one of the best best overall player and the class. Odom brings exactly that: three point shooters in the 17th best shooting guard in The 2020 Xavier recruit- fantastic court vision, un- class in Wilcher. the class. ing class was ranked 24th in matched explosiveness and a He has the ability to take Jones can do a little bit of the country by 247 Sports great basketball IQ to run a over games and catch fire everything, and he will likely and was ranked third in the fast offense while being able very quickly. play the small forward posi- Big East. to maintain control. One example of this was tion for Xavier, but he has the One of the big themes of The next player to commit in the New Jersey North abilities to play point guard the class was players with to Xavier was CJ Wilcher out Non-Public B title game. and shooting guard as well. winning pedigrees who could of Plainfield N.J., where he Roselle Catholic was down Jones has he ability to be a help bring a winning culture attended Roselle Catholic. 10 midway through the 4th talented shooter, and he also to Xavier. Wilcher is 6-foot-5, 195 quarter and Wilcher pro- brings fantastic basketball The first player that com- lbs and was ranked as the ceeded to drop three straight IQ and the ability to find the mitted to Xavier was Dwon 107th best overall and 15th three-pointers to get them open man. Odom out of Saint Francis best shooting guard in the right back in a game that Expect Jones to be in con- School in Alpharetta, Ga. class. Roselle Catholic ended up tention to start at small for- He was ranked the 48th best One of the big problems winning by 1. ward for the Musketeers.

2020-21 Men’s Team Roster

Number Name Year Position Height Hometown &RDFKLQJ6WD൵ 0 C.J. Wilcher Freshman Guard 6-foot-5 3ODLQ¿HOG1- 1 Paul Scruggs Senior Guard 6-foot-4 ,QGLDQDSROLV,QG Head Coach: Travis Steele 2 Daniel Ramsey Sophomore Forward 6-foot-9 &RUGHOOH*D (Third season) 3 Colby Jones Freshman Guard 6-foot-5 %LUPLQJKDP$OD 5 Adam Kunkel Junior Guard 6-foot-4 +HEURQ.\ Assistant Coach: Jonas Hayes 10 Nate Johnson Senior Guard 6-foot-4 0LDPL)OD 11 Dwon Odom Freshman Guard 6-foot-1 $OSKDUHWWD*D Assistant Coach: Ben Johnson 13 %U\DQ*UL൶Q Senior Forward 6-foot-8 3RPRQD1< 14 Ben Stanley Junior Forward 6-foot-6 %DOWLPRUH0G Assistant Coach: Dante Jackson 15 Spencer Cody Junior Guard 6 feet &KLFDJR,OO 20 Ramon Singh Junior Guard 6-foot-4 6\GQH\$XVWUDOLD Associate Athletic Director for 21 Zak Swetye Junior Guard 6-foot-1 'DULHQ&RQQ Basketball Administration: Mario 22 Dieonte Miles Freshman (RS) Forward 6-foot-11 :DOWRQ.\ Mercurio 24 KyKy Tandy Sophomore Guard 6-foot-2 +RSNLQVYLOOH.\ 25 Jason Carter Senior Forward 6-foot-8 -RKQVWRZQ2KLR Special Assistant to the Head 32 Zach Freemantle Sophomore Forward 6-foot-9 7HDQHFN1- Coach: Matthew Graves @xaviernewswire Sports November 23, 2020 3 Previewing men’s 2020 schedule Women’s basketball looks to improve Both players will need to BY JAKE GEIGER improve upon their three 6WDৼ:ULWHU point success to give Xavier Melanie Moore will be- options from the perimeter. 2020-21 gin her second season as the Xavier also returns lead- head coach of Xavier wom- ing shot blocker Ayanna Schedule en’s basketball on Wednesday, Townsend. Townsend will Big East games in bold as Xavier will take on Detroit play a huge role as a presence Mercy to open the season in the middle for the Muske- Moore went 3-27 in her teers defense. Date Opponent first season at the helm, but a Lastly, a name that should 11/25 at Detroit Mercy lot of optimism exists as the NewswireSKRWRE\'HVPRQG)LVFKHU excite all Xavier fans is sophomore guard Kaelynn Satter- Musketeers return a pletho- 6HQLRU JXDUG $DOL\DK 'XQKDP ÀQLVKHG WK LQ WKH 1&$$ LQ DVVLVWWR 11/29 vs Morgan State ra of starters and intriguing WXUQRYHUUDWLRODVWVHDVRQ6KH·OOORRNWRNHHSLWXSLQDW;DYLHU field. Satterfield was granted newcomers. will also look to improve in and nine rebounds a game. immediate eligibility from the 12/4 vs Creighton What will Xavier need to conference play this season af- Gray was also named to the NCAA after transferring from do to win more games and ter going 2-16 last season. preseason All-Big East team Ohio State this past season. 12/6 at DePaul Satterfield was a five-star strengthen their position in Powerhouse Connecticut by the coaches and expecta- 12/10 at Cincinnati (Cross the Big East? (UConn) joins the Big East for tions are sky high. recruit out of high school and town Shootout) Xavier’s non-conference the 2020 campaign and is the Senior guard Aaliyah Dun- ranked as the 39th best player schedule includes three oppo- undoubted preseason favorite. ham is also one of the key re- in the entire country. YV:R൵RUG nents who had winning sea- UConn was almost unani- turning starters. Dunham av- Another intriguing name sons in 2019-2020. Cincinnati mously chosen as the top team eraged eight points and four is freshman guard Nia Clark. 12/16 at Valparaiso headlines this list as they fin- in the conference. assists per game last season. Clark is a transfer from Miami 12/19 at UConn ished 22-10 last season. DePaul returns as the She also ranked 25th in the (OH) and is looking to bring Xavier will look for re- reigning Big East champions NCAA in assist-to-turnover more depth to the guard posi- 12/22 at Marquette venge this season as they fell and was ranked second in the ratio. Dunham proved she is a tion. Clark averaged 11 points at Fifth Third Arena 85-78 preseason poll. Xavier slot- great game manager and will and three rebounds during last season. ted into the ninth spot out of definitely have the keys to this her time as a Redhawk. Xavier is also facing Mor- eleven teams. year’s offense. Moore has an improved gan State and Valparaiso in Xavier returns all five The Musketeers also re- squad heading into the 2020 the coming weeks. Both will starters from the 2019 team turn pivotal outside shooting season. With outside shoot- be tough tests and be great and that includes All-Big East in sophomore guard Morgan ing, depth, a lot of returning games to prepare for Big East forward A’riana Gray. Sharps and junior guard Lau- talent and a star like Gray, play. Gray is now in her senior ren Waslyon. Sharps led the Xavier could definitely sur- This season’s schedule season after coming off of team last season with 48 three prise some teams in the Big could change, however, due to a strong junior campaign, pointers while Waslyon had East and contend for the COVID-19. The Musketeers where she averaged 16 points 44. NCAA tournament. Musketeers add ve to freshman class BY EMILY CROFT pionship since 1982. She looks Pa. State University. 6WDৼ:ULWHU to add strength to the wom- In her senior year alone, Satterfield is a 6-foot guard The women’s team has ac- ens offense this season. Brown averaged 14 points and from New York who was a cumulated a strong collection Up next is freshman guard 10 rebounds per game. Brown five-star prospect in high of freshmen and one trans- Shaulana Wagner, who comes also earned First Team All- school throughout national fer for the 2020-2021 season. to Xavier from Detroit. In State honors last season along rankings, including a No. 39 Five freshmen, including one high school, Wagner was able with All-MALP honors in ranking from ESPN Hoop- redshirt, and transfer Kae Sat- to help her team win three Pennsylvania. Gurlz and a No. 32 ranking terfield look to add strength state championships. Brown will be a strong ad- from ProspectsNation.com. and depth to the team. Megan Harkey, a 6-foot- dition and provide forward Satterfield decided Ohio State 5-foot-10 guard Mackayla 6 forward/center comes to depth. was not for her and chose to Scarlett joins Xavier from the Xavier from Summerfield, Xavier also has Nia Clark, come to Xavier, her father’s Bronx, N.Y. As a 2020 Mc- N.C.. Along with two state from Indianapolis, a transfer rival team. Donald’s All-American nom- championships and three con- from Miami (OH). Clark was Satterfield’s father, Kenny, inee, Scarlett dominated the ference championships, unable to play last season for starred in his basketball ca- high school field at St. Francis Harkey aided her high Xavier due to transfer rules, reer at the University of Cin- Prep with a record of 2,145 school in keeping a 81-10 re- so she redshirted. Before she cinnati. points throughout her career. cord over three seasons. With was with Xavier, Clark started The womens team has Scarlett was a senior leader her height and ability in the six games at Miami before suf- brought in a strong recruiting and helped clinch the Catholic paint, Harkey looks to add an fering a season-ending injury. class. They’ll look to improve High School Athletic Associa- interior presence this season. The only transfer for the from their 3-27 mark last sea- tion “AA” Championship in the The final incoming fresh- 2020-2021 season is Kae Sat- son in Head Coach Melanie 2019-2020 season, giving St. man is Janayshia Brown, a terfield, a sophomore who Moore’s second year at Xavi- Francis their first girl’s cham- 6-foot-1 forward from Easton, comes to Xavier from Ohio er.

2020-21 Women’s Team Roster Number Name Year Position Height Hometown &RDFKLQJ6WD൵ 0 Sarah Leyendecker Junior (RS) Forward 6-foot-4 Cincinnati, Ohio 1 Nia Clark Freshman (RS) Guard 5-foot-9 Indianapolis Head Coach: Melanie Moore 2 Deja Ross Senior Forward 6 feet Providence, R.I. (Second season) 3 Aaliyah Dunham Senior Guard 5-foot-4 So. Charleston, W.Va. 4 Lauren Wasylson Junior Guard 6 feet Valencia, Pa. Assistant Coach: Candice Finley 5 Morgan Sharps Sophomore Guard 5-foot-10 Granville, Ohio 11 .DH6DWWHU¿HOG Sophomore Guard 6 feet New York, N.Y Assistant Coach: Mary Grimes 15 Mackayla Scarlett Freshman Guard 5-foot-10 The Bronx, N.Y. Assistant Coach: Lester Rowe 21 A’riana Gray Senior Forward 6 feet Cleveland, Ohio

24 Shaulana Wagner Freshman Guard 5-foot-10 Detroit, Mich. Assistant Athletic Director for 25 Carrie Gross Junior Guard 5-foot-11 Clinton, Md. Women’s Basketball: Molly 31 Courtney Prenger Sophomore Forward 6-foot-1 Minster, Ohio Bateman 35 Meghan Harkey Freshman Forward/Center 6-foot-6 6XPPHU¿HOG1& 42 Janayshia Brown Freshman Forward 6-foot-1 Easton, Pa. Video Production Coordinator: 44 Ayanna Townsend Freshman (RS) Forward 6-foot-2 Pittsburgh, Pa. Jimmy Kistner Basketball Preview Special Volume CVII Issue 15 November 23, 2020 xaviernewswire.com

4 November 23, 2020 Sports @NewswireSports 2020-21 women’s Big East preview BY NINA BENICH The Pirates will also see 6WDৼ:ULWHU Desiree Elmore return, a The Xavier women’s bas- player who averaged 13.0 ketball team is starting off points and 7.2 rebounds last their season on Wednesday, year, and will welcome 6-foot- and they return many veter- 1 guard and forward Mya an players. Bembry, as well as two trans- This is the second season fers from Trinity Valley’s NJ- under Head Coach Melanie CAA All-American Curtessia Moore, and senior forward Dean. A’riana Gray returns as the The Villanova Wildcats active career leader in the Big welcome back Big East’s East, with 750 rebounds and Freshman of the Year Maddy 982 points. Siegrist, who averaged 18.8 The Butler Bulldogs, who points over 31 games last finished last year’s season 19- Newswire photo by Desmond Fischer year. 11 overall, will bring back Carrie Gross will try to help Xavier succeed in a much stronger Big East with the addition of the UConn The team will also bring seven letterwinners and two Huskies. The Huskies were undefeated during their stint in the AAC, and are the current Big East favorites. in a new head coach, Denise of their top three scorers, 3-point shooting (.363) and eraged 6.9 points and 6.1 re- 1994-95 season. Dillon, who formerly spent Oumou Toure with 9.1 ppg assist-turnover-ratio (1.4) in bounds with the Tigers. St John’s Red Storm will 17 years down the road with and Genesis Parker with 9.0. the Big East a year ago. Georgetown’s previous bring newcomer Rayven the Drexel Dragons. Mary The Bulldogs will also The DePaul Blue Demons 2-16 Big East record includ- Peeples as well as their top Gedaka will graduate while add Okako Adika and Tenley hold a 106-20 record over ed single-digit losses in three two scorers, Leilani Correa, two transfers, senior Sarah Dowell, who each played a seven Big East seasons. This of the last six games and a and Qadashah Hoppie. Cor- Mortensen from Miami, FL, single game in the 2019-2020 includes six crowns in the three-point setback in the rea is the reigning Big East and sophomore Noga Peleg season before suffering sea- general season as well as five tournament’s first round. Sixth-Women of the Year, Pelc from Rutgers, will join son-ending injuries. Kristen tournament titles. The Marquette Golden while Hopple is the confer- the team. Spolyar and Kat Strong have Twelve letterwinners re- Eagles will have Selena Lott ence’s active career leader A notable challenge in departed, while Okako Adika turn this season, including return after her average of with over 1,100 points. this season will be the in- enters as a newcomer. starter Lexi Held, who holds 15.0 points and 5.9 assists, The Red Storm averaged volvement of the Connecti- The Creighton Bluejays the Big East Most Out- and welcome newcomer Liza 72.3 points in last year’s sea- cut Huskies, who will play in will replace Big East Play- standing Player title. DePaul Karlen. son, its most since 1994-95. their first Big East conference er of the Year Jaylyn Agney, finished second nationally The Providence Friars Point guard Tiana England since 2012-13. who earned the most points in points per game (85.0), bring back rebounder Mary will depart and sophomore The team will bring in a in last year’s season, averag- three-pointers (363), assists Baskerville, who averaged Unique Drake will take her young roster, featuring three ing 23.1 points per game. (664) and turnover margin 11.8 points and 7.6 rebounds spot. juniors, two sophomores The team will return with (8.39) in the 2019-2020 sea- last year, Julia Fabozzi and The Seton Hall Pirates, and six freshmen, including nine letterwinners and wel- son. Grace Efosa-Aguebor, who having advanced to last year’s Christyn Williams and top- come 6-foot forward Mallory The Georgetown Hoyas averaged 24.5 points. tournament semifinals for the ranked Paige Bueckers. Brake, who has scored over welcome back starter Anita Last year, they won a Big first time since 2016, will see In UConn’s last season in 2,600 points over the course Kelava as well as seven letter- East Tournament game for the departure of their top the Big East, they were the of her career. The Bluejays winners and Princeton grad the second straight year and two scorers, Shadeen Samuels runner-up in the Big East led the conference in both transfer Taylor Baur, who av- for the first time since the and Barbara Johnson. Tournament, finishing 14-2. How COVID-19 will impact the 2020-21 season BY EMILY CROFT She informed the media that it’s going to be hard to 6WDৼ:ULWHU control everything, as some As COVID-19 continues factors are just beyond their to perpetuate in the United reach. It’s important to watch States, NCAA fans become the updated NCAA guidelines uneasy about the 2020-2021 while also paying attention to basketball season. what local officials have to say. The Ivy League was quick The Big East is hopeful to to cancel all winter sports on have a season where disrup- Nov. 11, but the NCAA per- tions are kept to a minimum. sists that their season will With or without the pan- begin on Wednesday, as deter- demic, Coach Travis Steele mined in September. and his players remain pos- While the day before itive in their outlook on the Thanksgiving may be an odd season. start day, NCAA Senior Vice “We’re excited to get things President of Basketball Dan going and get out there on the Gavitt explains in an inter- floor,” Steele said. view why the counsel chose In his press conference on the date. Nov. 17, Steele confirmed that “Our medical advisory Xavier, like many other pro- group believes that that pro- grams, had to shut down for vides the most optimal time two weeks earlier this year period to start the season suc- due to a positive COVID-19 cessfully when the campuses case in the program. are far less populated,” Gavitt While the inclusion of fans stated. for games remains undeter- The two-week push back mined at some schools, soph- from the typical start of the omore captain Zach Freeman- season will give players extra tle admits it will be a different time for testing and a break Newswire photo by Desmond Fischer scene than what they’re used from the student body. Paul Scruggs will be a leader for Xavier this year as the lone returning senior. However, Scruggs’ senior year to with a limited number of “It’s a much more con- will look a little bit different than his prior three due to challenges and travel concerns because of COVID-19. fans. trolled environment,” Gavitt Last Monday, they officially feasible to manage this com- was able to speak on the ef- “It just means every team’s added. announced they have been in plex championship in so many fects of the pandemic to what got to bring their own ener- With the season beginning contact with the state of Indi- different states with the chal- this year’s season is going to gy,” Freemantle said. soon, the NCAA has already ana and the city of Indianapo- lenges presented by the pan- look like in comparison to the “If a team comes not ready had to look into the end fo the lis on holding all of the tour- demic,” Gavitt explained. past. to play, it’s gonna show,” he season, debating on how they nament games in Indianapolis, For Xavier basketball, the “Our task has been com- continued. can safely handle the NCAA the city that was originally focus is on the Big East Con- plicated by the continuing The NCAA will hope to Division 1 Men’s Basketball scheduled to hold the Final ference. During Men’s Bas- uncertainty about the impact play a full 2020-2021 college tournament, also known as Four in April. ketball Media Day, Big East of the pandemic,” Ackerman basketball season with mini- March Madness. “It became clear it’s not Commissioner Val Ackerman stated. mal interruptions. 2 November 23, 2020 Sports @NewswireSports Previewing men’s 2020 schedule BY GRACE CARLO After the Oklahoma game, 6WDৼ:ULWHU the Musketeers begin Big At the beginning of the East play on Dec. 12 when 2020-21 academic semester there was they travel to Providence to little hope that Xavier would take on the Friars. Schedule have a basketball season this Providence brings back Big East games in bold year. Despite the season get- star guard David Duke and ting pushed back, there willl reliable big Nate Watson. be a college basketball sea- Xavier lost to Providence on Date Opponent son. the road last season. 11/25 Oakland (Xavier Xavier is coming off of a The Muskies are then back Invitational) 19-13 season, with an 8-10 at home on Dec. 15 to play Se- record in the Big East. With ton Hall, who added Harvard 11/26 Bradley (Xavier the NCAA season getting grad transfer Bryce Aiken to Invitiational) cut short last year due to their roster this year. 11/27 Toledo (Xavier Invi COVID-19, the team is get- Newswire photo by Desmond Fischer On Dec. 18, Xavier travels tational) ting ready to be able to com- Sophomore forward Zach Freemantle is expected to be one of Xavier’s north to Chicago to play De- pete again. best players this season. Freemantle was recently named a captain. Paul at 2 p.m. on a Friday af- 11/30 Eastern Kentucky Led by senior Paul secutive days. on Dec. 6 when they take on ternoon. Following that, they Scruggs and sophomore Bradley will likely be the Cincinnati in the Crosstown host Marquette on Dec. 20 at 12/2 Tennessee Tech Zach Freemantle, the Mus- toughest team Xavier plays in Shootout. Cintas. 12/6 at Cincinnati (Cross keteers will likely play a the MTE, but the Musketeers The 2020 shootout looked Finally, the last scheduled town Shootout) more up-tempo style of bas- will be heavy favorites in all to be in danger earlier this game of 2020 is on the road ketball this year. three games. year, with Xavier and Cincin- in Omaha as Xavier plays 12/9 vs Oklahoma (Big Originally, Xavier was On Monday, Nov. 30 at nati unable to agree to terms, Creighton. Creighton will East-Big 12 Challenge) scheduled to play in the 7 p.m., Xavier will face off but the two teams decided likely compete with Villano- 12/12 at Providence Orlando Invitiational, but against Eastern Kentucky. the game would be played as va as the top team in the Big the Musketeers pulled out Xavier last played the Col- scheduled at Fifth Third Bank East this season, so that game 12/15 vs Seton Hall due to travel concerns with onels on Dec. 15, 2018 and Arena. After winning 73-66 will definitely be a road test COVID-19. took home a 95-77 win. last year, Xavier will look for the Muskteers. 12/18 at DePaul Instead, Xavier will host The Musketeers will fol- to take home their second While Xavier lost Naji 12/20 vs Marquette a multi-team event (MTE), low that up with a game on straight win in the shootout. Marshall and Tyrique Jones the Xavier Invitiational, at Dec. 2 against Tennessee Following the Crosstown to graduation, they brought 12/23 at Creighton Cintas Center from Nov. 25- Tech, another game Xavier Shootout, Xavier will take in a good freshman class and 27. should win handily. part in the Big East-Big 12 a solid groiup of transfer- Xavier will host Oakland, Xavier’s first big test of Challenge when they host sand should make the NCAA Bradley and Toledo in con- the season will take place Oklahoma on Dec. 9. Tournament this season. Xavier brings in three new freshmen in 2020 BY JOE LAURICH player overall and the ninth that Coach Steele’s teams The final player that was 6WDৼ:ULWHU best point guard. faced in the first two years added to the class was Colby After losing point guard was a complete lack of pe- Jones from Alabama, where Following a fantastic 2019 Quentin Goodin last season, rimeter shooting. Last year’s he attended Mountain Brook recruiting class, Travis Steele Xavier was looking to add a team only shot 31.2% from High School. and company struck gold playmaking point guard that behind the arc and something Jones is 6-foot-5, 195 lbs again in 2020 adding three could create space and run a needed to be done, so Xavier and was ranked the 119th of the top 150 players in the controlled fast tempo offense. brought in one of the best best overall player and the class. Odom brings exactly that: three point shooters in the 17th best shooting guard in The 2020 Xavier recruit- fantastic court vision, un- class in Wilcher. the class. ing class was ranked 24th in matched explosiveness and a He has the ability to take Jones can do a little bit of the country by 247 Sports great basketball IQ to run a over games and catch fire everything, and he will likely and was ranked third in the fast offense while being able very quickly. play the small forward posi- Big East. to maintain control. One example of this was tion for Xavier, but he has the One of the big themes of The next player to commit in the New Jersey North abilities to play point guard the class was players with to Xavier was CJ Wilcher out Non-Public B title game. and shooting guard as well. winning pedigrees who could of Plainfield N.J., where he Roselle Catholic was down Jones has he ability to be a help bring a winning culture attended Roselle Catholic. 10 midway through the 4th talented shooter, and he also to Xavier. Wilcher is 6-foot-5, 195 quarter and Wilcher pro- brings fantastic basketball The first player that com- lbs and was ranked as the ceeded to drop three straight IQ and the ability to find the mitted to Xavier was Dwon 107th best overall and 15th three-pointers to get them open man. Odom out of Saint Francis best shooting guard in the right back in a game that Expect Jones to be in con- School in Alpharetta, Ga. class. Roselle Catholic ended up tention to start at small for- He was ranked the 48th best One of the big problems winning by 1. ward for the Musketeers.

2020-21 Men’s Team Roster

@xaviernewswire Sports November 23, 2020 5 Xavier to host multi-team event to open year BY JOE CLARK top of. Sports Editor Finally, Xavier wraps up From Wednesday-Friday, the MTE with a game against Xavier men’s basketball will Toledo. Toledo is a similar- host the Xavier Invitational, a ly strong team, as they bring multi-team event (MTE) fea- back a lot of key players from turing Xavier, Bradley, Toledo a 17-15 team last season. and Oakland. They’re currently ranked The event will be held at 128 by KenPom, and have two Cintas and will be the second seniors in Marreon Jackson ever in-season tournament and Spencer Littleson who hosted by the Musketeers, fol- pose a serious threat on the lowing the 2003 BCA Invita- offensive side of the ball. tional. Jackson averaged 19.8 Xavier was originally points per game last year, to scheduled to participate in the go along with 4.3 rebounds Orlando Invitational along per game and 5.4 assists per with Auburn, Belmont, Boi- game. He’s likely to be the se State, Gonzaga, Michigan best player Xavier faces all State, Saint Louis and Siena, tournament, and stopping but Xavier pulled out early him will be a priority. due to travel concerns due Toledo will likely be a top to COVID-19. All in-season three team in the Mid-Amer- tournaments that were sup- ican conference this year. To- posed to be held in Orlando ledo and Bradley’s matchup were eventually cancelled. on Wednesday will be one to Xavier is bringing in four watch. opponents for the Xavier Invi- Xavier should win all three tational that don’t play that far Photo courtesy of Xavier Athletics of these games, but early-sea- away in order to minimize risk The 2020 Xavier Invitational will be the second ever in-season tournament hosted by Xavier University at son games are always clos- with travel due to COVID-19. Cintas Center. Xavier will host Bradley, Oakland and Toledo in the season-opening multi-team event this year er than expected, especially However, all four teams are ranked 281 by KenPom. How- be able to win this game by a nior Elijah Childs and junior when you’re incorporating a solid mid-major opponents ever, they do feature talented sizable margin. forward Ja’Shon Henry are a new offense and at least five that should give the Muske- guard Rashad Williams, who After Oakland, Xavi- formidable duo for the Braves, newcomers, including three teers a good early-season test. averaged 19.5 points per game er plays Bradley at noon on who could compete for a con- freshman. Don’t be surprised Oakland is Xavier’s first for Oakland last season after Thanksgiving day. Bradley is ference title in the Missouri if Xavier doesn’t win in a opponent of the season, and transferring from Cleveland currently ranked 126 by Ken- Valley Conference. blowout in every game. the Golden Grizzlies aren’t State. Pom, and they could be the Bradley is not a team to be Still, it would be surprising projected to do too well this If Xavier is able to slow toughest opponent Xavier fac- taken lightly, but it is a game if Xavier didn’t come out of year, as they’re currently down Williams, they should es in this MTE. 6-foot-7 se- Xavier should come out on the invitiational at 3-0. Xavier hitting recruiting 2020-21 Sta Predictions Joe Clark: The Big East prise player of the year for is really strong this year, but the Musketeers, flashing on trail, sign two 2021 recruits I think spots three through offense and playing solid de- nine are pretty wide open in fense. He’ll be a good glue guy BY JOE LAURICH 6WDৼ:ULWHU the conference. Xavier was and help replace a lot of the picked to finish seventh, but I production Xavier is losing After back to back suc- personally think that’s a little with Naji Marshall going pro. cessful recruiting classes, the low. Zach Freemantle will be 2021 class was going to be a Sure, they lost Naji Mar- Xavier’s best player and one smaller class that focused on shall and Tyrique Jones, but of the best in the Big East, forwards and centers. now Travis Steele can really making an all-conference Xavier will lose guard Paul incorporate his system, and team. He’ll establish himself Scruggs, power forward Ja- from what I’ve seen of it so as a true threat from beyond son Carter and center Bryan far, it really fits this team well. the arc this year. Griffin at the end of the year I think they’ll finish 7-0 in Colby Jones will make the if they don’t elect to use their non-conference play and 11-9 All-Big East freshman team NCAA granted extra year of in the Big East, which could and end the season as the eligibility. be the best college basketball team’s starting small forward. The 2021 recruiting pro- conference in the country this Emily Croft: I think that cess was different because year. Xavier will go undefeated in coaches had to do almost all Photo courtesy of 247sports.com That would put them at the regular season, win the of their scouting online since Four-star prospect Cesare Edwards is the highest-rated prospect fourth or fifth in the confer- Big East, and make it to the in person recruiting was not committed to Xavier. He highlights a talented 2021 recruiting class. ence, and I think they could Final Four. allowed due to COVID-19. 17th best center in the class. Cherokee high school. Tuck- make a run to the Big East Nina Benich: Xavier will This also meant a lot of Xavier was chosen over a list er is 6-foot-7, 190 pounds and Tournament Championship do just as well as the school players had to decide where of other schools, including ranked as the 144th overall game, where they’ll fall to has been doing controlling to spend their college careers Florida, Florida State, Clem- and the 25th best power for- Creighton. the spread of COVID-19 without ever stepping on a son and many others. ward in the class. I think a 18-9 regular sea- compared to other schools. college campus. Edwards has very good He chose Xavier over St. son and as Big East Tourna- Jake Geiger: Xavier will College coaches were hands for size, and his ability Johns, Iowa, Georgia Tech ment runner-ups, they could go 18-9 in the regular sea- forced to get creative to find to finish in the paint are traits and others. get a seven seed in the NCAA son and make a run to the Big ways to get commits. This that immediately stand out. Tucker is one of the Tournament, and make it to East Tournament semi-finals. meant a lot of Zoom discus- He will also space the floor youngest kids in his class and the Sweet 16. They’ll lose to Villano- sions and FaceTime tours of because of his ability to pull many initially thought that he This team has a lot of tal- va, but will make the NCAA campus and athletic facilities. up from threepoint range and might redshirt his first year ent, and I think they’re going Tournament. They’ll have Xavier’s first commit in drive to the hoop. at Xavier. But with how well to surprise a lot of people this enough momentum from that the class of 2021 was Cesare During his junior year at he played as of lately, he may season. run to make a trip to the Sweet Edwards out of Hartsville, Heartsville, Edwards aver- be too good to sit a year. Joe Laurich: Xavier will 16 in the NCAA Tournament S.C., where he attends Harts- aged 15.5 points per game, Tucker’s strengths include finish fourth in the Big East before bowing out. ville High School. Edwards 12.7 rebounds per game and a strong midrange game, de- with a 12-8 record. They’ll However, with most of commited to the Musketeers 1.3 assists per game. veloping quickness and ath- go 18-9 in the regular season, their core returning next at the end of June. The second commit in leticism. He averaged 18.8 losing one game out of con- season and having additional Edwards is 6-foor-10, 205 Xavier’s 2021 class is Elijah points per game, 9.4 rebounds ference. transfers eligible, the future pounds, and ranked the 91st Tucker. Tucker is from Can- per game and 2.5 assists per Gardner-Webb transfer will be bright for the Muske- best player overall and the ton, Ga. where he attends game his junior year. Nate Johnson will be the sur- teers. @xaviernewswire Sports November 23, 2020 3 Previewing men’s 2020 schedule Women’s basketball looks to improve Both players will need to BY JAKE GEIGER improve upon their three 6WDৼ:ULWHU point success to give Xavier Melanie Moore will be- options from the perimeter. 2020-21 gin her second season as the Xavier also returns lead- head coach of Xavier wom- ing shot blocker Ayanna Schedule en’s basketball on Wednesday, Townsend. Townsend will Big East games in bold as Xavier will take on Detroit play a huge role as a presence Mercy to open the season in the middle for the Muske- Moore went 3-27 in her teers defense. Date Opponent first season at the helm, but a Lastly, a name that should 11/25 at Detroit Mercy lot of optimism exists as the NewswireSKRWRE\'HVPRQG)LVFKHU excite all Xavier fans is sophomore guard Kaelynn Satter- Musketeers return a pletho- 6HQLRU JXDUG $DOL\DK 'XQKDP ÀQLVKHG WK LQ WKH 1&$$ LQ DVVLVWWR 11/29 vs Morgan State ra of starters and intriguing WXUQRYHUUDWLRODVWVHDVRQ6KH·OOORRNWRNHHSLWXSLQDW;DYLHU field. Satterfield was granted newcomers. will also look to improve in and nine rebounds a game. immediate eligibility from the 12/4 vs Creighton What will Xavier need to conference play this season af- Gray was also named to the NCAA after transferring from do to win more games and ter going 2-16 last season. preseason All-Big East team Ohio State this past season. 12/6 at DePaul Satterfield was a five-star strengthen their position in Powerhouse Connecticut by the coaches and expecta- 12/10 at Cincinnati (Cross the Big East? (UConn) joins the Big East for tions are sky high. recruit out of high school and town Shootout) Xavier’s non-conference the 2020 campaign and is the Senior guard Aaliyah Dun- ranked as the 39th best player schedule includes three oppo- undoubted preseason favorite. ham is also one of the key re- in the entire country. YV:R൵RUG nents who had winning sea- UConn was almost unani- turning starters. Dunham av- Another intriguing name sons in 2019-2020. Cincinnati mously chosen as the top team eraged eight points and four is freshman guard Nia Clark. 12/16 at Valparaiso headlines this list as they fin- in the conference. assists per game last season. Clark is a transfer from Miami 12/19 at UConn ished 22-10 last season. DePaul returns as the She also ranked 25th in the (OH) and is looking to bring Xavier will look for re- reigning Big East champions NCAA in assist-to-turnover more depth to the guard posi- 12/22 at Marquette venge this season as they fell and was ranked second in the ratio. Dunham proved she is a tion. Clark averaged 11 points at Fifth Third Arena 85-78 preseason poll. Xavier slot- great game manager and will and three rebounds during last season. ted into the ninth spot out of definitely have the keys to this her time as a Redhawk. Xavier is also facing Mor- eleven teams. year’s offense. Moore has an improved gan State and Valparaiso in Xavier returns all five The Musketeers also re- squad heading into the 2020 the coming weeks. Both will starters from the 2019 team turn pivotal outside shooting season. With outside shoot- be tough tests and be great and that includes All-Big East in sophomore guard Morgan ing, depth, a lot of returning games to prepare for Big East forward A’riana Gray. Sharps and junior guard Lau- talent and a star like Gray, play. Gray is now in her senior ren Waslyon. Sharps led the Xavier could definitely sur- This season’s schedule season after coming off of team last season with 48 three prise some teams in the Big could change, however, due to a strong junior campaign, pointers while Waslyon had East and contend for the COVID-19. The Musketeers where she averaged 16 points 44. NCAA tournament. Musketeers add ve to freshman class BY EMILY CROFT pionship since 1982. She looks Pa. State University. 6WDৼ:ULWHU to add strength to the wom- In her senior year alone, Satterfield is a 6-foot guard The women’s team has ac- ens offense this season. Brown averaged 14 points and from New York who was a cumulated a strong collection Up next is freshman guard 10 rebounds per game. Brown five-star prospect in high of freshmen and one trans- Shaulana Wagner, who comes also earned First Team All- school throughout national fer for the 2020-2021 season. to Xavier from Detroit. In State honors last season along rankings, including a No. 39 Five freshmen, including one high school, Wagner was able with All-MALP honors in ranking from ESPN Hoop- redshirt, and transfer Kae Sat- to help her team win three Pennsylvania. Gurlz and a No. 32 ranking terfield look to add strength state championships. Brown will be a strong ad- from ProspectsNation.com. and depth to the team. Megan Harkey, a 6-foot- dition and provide forward Satterfield decided Ohio State 5-foot-10 guard Mackayla 6 forward/center comes to depth. was not for her and chose to Scarlett joins Xavier from the Xavier from Summerfield, Xavier also has Nia Clark, come to Xavier, her father’s Bronx, N.Y. As a 2020 Mc- N.C.. Along with two state from Indianapolis, a transfer rival team. Donald’s All-American nom- championships and three con- from Miami (OH). Clark was Satterfield’s father, Kenny, inee, Scarlett dominated the ference championships, unable to play last season for starred in his basketball ca- high school field at St. Francis Harkey aided her high Xavier due to transfer rules, reer at the University of Cin- Prep with a record of 2,145 school in keeping a 81-10 re- so she redshirted. Before she cinnati. points throughout her career. cord over three seasons. With was with Xavier, Clark started The womens team has Scarlett was a senior leader her height and ability in the six games at Miami before suf- brought in a strong recruiting and helped clinch the Catholic paint, Harkey looks to add an fering a season-ending injury. class. They’ll look to improve High School Athletic Associa- interior presence this season. The only transfer for the from their 3-27 mark last sea- tion “AA” Championship in the The final incoming fresh- 2020-2021 season is Kae Sat- son in Head Coach Melanie 2019-2020 season, giving St. man is Janayshia Brown, a terfield, a sophomore who Moore’s second year at Xavi- Francis their first girl’s cham- 6-foot-1 forward from Easton, comes to Xavier from Ohio er.

6 November 23, 2020 Sports @NewswireSports Men’s Big East Conference outlook Xavier will look to be competitive in a deep and talented Big East this year nationally. BY JULIA LANKISCH Guest Writer With Villanova coming in at No. 3 and Creighton at No. With the 2020-2021 men’s 12 according to this year’s AP basketball season starting on preseason polls, both teams Wednesday, the Big East is are formidable Final Four con- shaping up to be one of the tenders. Seton Hall and UCo- most competitive conferences nn will also more than likely in the nation. do fairly well in the tourna- The clear favorite to fin- ment. ish first in the conference is Tournament hopefuls in- Villanova, with the general clude Marquette, Xavier, consensus placing Creighton Providence and Butler. All second. four are predicted to do well Sports journalist for The in conference play, with St. DePaulia Nate Burleyson John’s, DePaul and George- agreed with this ranking town projectd to finish toward when asked who he believes the bottom of the Big East will take home the title. once again. “I have to say Villanova. Key players to watch out They return a few great play- for include Creighton guard ers, are always well coached, Markus Zegarowski, Villa- and are one of the best teams nova guard Collin Gillespie, year in and year out,” he said. Newswire photo by Desmond Fischer Providence guard David Duke, Villanova went 24-7 for Sophomore big man Zach Freemantle will lead Xavier this year in a strong Big East featuring two national Villanova forward Jeremiah 2019-2020, and with four of championship contenders in Villanova and Creighton. Freemantle will be key to Xavier’s success in the league. Robinson-Earl, and UConn their five starters returning, ing offense led by Marcus Ze- presence on both sides of the is Seton Hall, which finished guard James Bouknight. they’re poised to end with a garowski. ball for the Friars. strong last season. However, Noteworthy newcomers ei- similar record this year with Providence is another team Connecticut (UConn) is re- they graduated three starters ther as freshmen or via trans- Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and to watch, as they’re predicted joining the Big East and hopes this year, and they’re look- fer include D.J. Carton and Collin Gillespie leading the to finish 3rd in the Big Eas. to continue their 2019-2020 ing to Bryce Aiken, a transfer Dawson Garcia of Marquette, charge. As long as junior David Duke momentum with a strong from Harvard, to fill the of- R.J. Cole of Connecticut, Creighton had the same can continue his scoring con- sophomore class. Their in- fensive gap for his last eligible Bryce Aiken of Seton Hall, record last year, marking their sistency after averaging 14 coming freshmen are also im- year. Jared Bynum of Providence best performance to date. points per game last season, pressive, and will thrive under Two Big East teams, the and Caleb Daniels of Villa- This year they’re expected to Providence should be in good the leadership of coach Dan Villanova Wildcats and the nova also have the potential be a power team again, with a shape. Senior Nate Watson Hurley. Creighton Bluejays, are cur- to impact the season for their deep bench and an intimidat- also helps provide a interior Projected to come in fifth rently ranked in the top 25 respective teams. Photo op: Xavier students in Cintas? BY GRACE CARLO 6WDৼ:ULWHU Xavier has announced that 300 fans will initially be allowed at Cintas Center for men’s and women’s basketball home games this year. However, there has been no indiciation whether students will be among the 300 fans let in. We asked students what they thought.

“I think some students will be allowed because they “I don’t think so just be- allowed some at the scrim- cause of COVID-19, unless mage” they would have everyone so- “I hope so, but the way “I feel like they’ll let some cially distanced like they did things are going probably not” people in. They definitely for Manresa” Joe Cannata, Sopho- need the money. I don’t know more criminal justice major ““I don’t think so. Proba- Michael Lay, First-year if they will let people who ar- Liv D’Angio, First-year bly not.” crimal justice major en’t students go” Philosophy major Sam Marshall, Sopho- Josie Schlangen, Junior more history major marketing and entreprenuri- al studies double major 4 November 23, 2020 Sports @NewswireSports 2020-21 women’s Big East preview BY NINA BENICH The Pirates will also see 6WDৼ:ULWHU Desiree Elmore return, a The Xavier women’s bas- player who averaged 13.0 ketball team is starting off points and 7.2 rebounds last their season on Wednesday, year, and will welcome 6-foot- and they return many veter- 1 guard and forward Mya an players. Bembry, as well as two trans- This is the second season fers from Trinity Valley’s NJ- under Head Coach Melanie CAA All-American Curtessia Moore, and senior forward Dean. A’riana Gray returns as the The Villanova Wildcats active career leader in the Big welcome back Big East’s East, with 750 rebounds and Freshman of the Year Maddy 982 points. Siegrist, who averaged 18.8 The Butler Bulldogs, who points over 31 games last finished last year’s season 19- Newswire photo by Desmond Fischer year. 11 overall, will bring back Carrie Gross will try to help Xavier succeed in a much stronger Big East with the addition of the UConn The team will also bring seven letterwinners and two Huskies. The Huskies were undefeated during their stint in the AAC, and are the current Big East favorites. in a new head coach, Denise of their top three scorers, 3-point shooting (.363) and eraged 6.9 points and 6.1 re- 1994-95 season. Dillon, who formerly spent Oumou Toure with 9.1 ppg assist-turnover-ratio (1.4) in bounds with the Tigers. St John’s Red Storm will 17 years down the road with and Genesis Parker with 9.0. the Big East a year ago. Georgetown’s previous bring newcomer Rayven the Drexel Dragons. Mary The Bulldogs will also The DePaul Blue Demons 2-16 Big East record includ- Peeples as well as their top Gedaka will graduate while add Okako Adika and Tenley hold a 106-20 record over ed single-digit losses in three two scorers, Leilani Correa, two transfers, senior Sarah Dowell, who each played a seven Big East seasons. This of the last six games and a and Qadashah Hoppie. Cor- Mortensen from Miami, FL, single game in the 2019-2020 includes six crowns in the three-point setback in the rea is the reigning Big East and sophomore Noga Peleg season before suffering sea- general season as well as five tournament’s first round. Sixth-Women of the Year, Pelc from Rutgers, will join son-ending injuries. Kristen tournament titles. The Marquette Golden while Hopple is the confer- the team. Spolyar and Kat Strong have Twelve letterwinners re- Eagles will have Selena Lott ence’s active career leader A notable challenge in departed, while Okako Adika turn this season, including return after her average of with over 1,100 points. this season will be the in- enters as a newcomer. starter Lexi Held, who holds 15.0 points and 5.9 assists, The Red Storm averaged volvement of the Connecti- The Creighton Bluejays the Big East Most Out- and welcome newcomer Liza 72.3 points in last year’s sea- cut Huskies, who will play in will replace Big East Play- standing Player title. DePaul Karlen. son, its most since 1994-95. their first Big East conference er of the Year Jaylyn Agney, finished second nationally The Providence Friars Point guard Tiana England since 2012-13. who earned the most points in points per game (85.0), bring back rebounder Mary will depart and sophomore The team will bring in a in last year’s season, averag- three-pointers (363), assists Baskerville, who averaged Unique Drake will take her young roster, featuring three ing 23.1 points per game. (664) and turnover margin 11.8 points and 7.6 rebounds spot. juniors, two sophomores The team will return with (8.39) in the 2019-2020 sea- last year, Julia Fabozzi and The Seton Hall Pirates, and six freshmen, including nine letterwinners and wel- son. Grace Efosa-Aguebor, who having advanced to last year’s Christyn Williams and top- come 6-foot forward Mallory The Georgetown Hoyas averaged 24.5 points. tournament semifinals for the ranked Paige Bueckers. Brake, who has scored over welcome back starter Anita Last year, they won a Big first time since 2016, will see In UConn’s last season in 2,600 points over the course Kelava as well as seven letter- East Tournament game for the departure of their top the Big East, they were the of her career. The Bluejays winners and Princeton grad the second straight year and two scorers, Shadeen Samuels runner-up in the Big East led the conference in both transfer Taylor Baur, who av- for the first time since the and Barbara Johnson. Tournament, finishing 14-2. How COVID-19 will impact the 2020-21 season BY EMILY CROFT She informed the media that it’s going to be hard to 6WDৼ:ULWHU control everything, as some As COVID-19 continues factors are just beyond their to perpetuate in the United reach. It’s important to watch States, NCAA fans become the updated NCAA guidelines uneasy about the 2020-2021 while also paying attention to basketball season. what local officials have to say. The Ivy League was quick The Big East is hopeful to to cancel all winter sports on have a season where disrup- Nov. 11, but the NCAA per- tions are kept to a minimum. sists that their season will With or without the pan- begin on Wednesday, as deter- demic, Coach Travis Steele mined in September. and his players remain pos- While the day before itive in their outlook on the Thanksgiving may be an odd season. start day, NCAA Senior Vice “We’re excited to get things President of Basketball Dan going and get out there on the Gavitt explains in an inter- floor,” Steele said. view why the counsel chose In his press conference on the date. Nov. 17, Steele confirmed that “Our medical advisory Xavier, like many other pro- group believes that that pro- grams, had to shut down for vides the most optimal time two weeks earlier this year period to start the season suc- due to a positive COVID-19 cessfully when the campuses case in the program. are far less populated,” Gavitt While the inclusion of fans stated. for games remains undeter- The two-week push back mined at some schools, soph- from the typical start of the omore captain Zach Freeman- season will give players extra tle admits it will be a different time for testing and a break Newswire photo by Desmond Fischer scene than what they’re used from the student body. Paul Scruggs will be a leader for Xavier this year as the lone returning senior. However, Scruggs’ senior year to with a limited number of “It’s a much more con- will look a little bit different than his prior three due to challenges and travel concerns because of COVID-19. fans. trolled environment,” Gavitt Last Monday, they officially feasible to manage this com- was able to speak on the ef- “It just means every team’s added. announced they have been in plex championship in so many fects of the pandemic to what got to bring their own ener- With the season beginning contact with the state of Indi- different states with the chal- this year’s season is going to gy,” Freemantle said. soon, the NCAA has already ana and the city of Indianapo- lenges presented by the pan- look like in comparison to the “If a team comes not ready had to look into the end fo the lis on holding all of the tour- demic,” Gavitt explained. past. to play, it’s gonna show,” he season, debating on how they nament games in Indianapolis, For Xavier basketball, the “Our task has been com- continued. can safely handle the NCAA the city that was originally focus is on the Big East Con- plicated by the continuing The NCAA will hope to Division 1 Men’s Basketball scheduled to hold the Final ference. During Men’s Bas- uncertainty about the impact play a full 2020-2021 college tournament, also known as Four in April. ketball Media Day, Big East of the pandemic,” Ackerman basketball season with mini- March Madness. “It became clear it’s not Commissioner Val Ackerman stated. mal interruptions.

@xaviernewswire Sports November 23, 2020 7 XU adds four transfers for 2020-21 BY JOE LAURICH Stanley and the Xavier 6WDৼ:ULWHU coaching staff submitted his Men’s basketball Head waiver months ago, but on Coach Travis Steele has been Friday Steele announced that extremely active on the trans- it was denied by the NCAA. fer market, and this year has Hampton chose not to offer been no different as he signed in-person classes this semes- four players from very differ- ter, but Xavier’s hybrid class- ent situations. es provided Stanley a chance Steele left no stone un- to improve academically. As turned as he and his team a person with documented looked at sit out transfers, learning disabilities, this was waiver transfers and Division influential in his decision to II transfers. Steele has had transfer to Xavier. mixed luck with transfers, but Hampton didn’t support this group has shown a lot of Stanley’s transfer, which was promise from scrimmages and a contributing factor in the according to those around the NCAA’s decision to deny his program. waiver. The first transfer to com- Xavier’s coaching staff has mit to Xavier for the 2020- expressed their displeasure 2021 season was Nate John- with the decision from the son who transferred from NCAA. Gardner-Webb out of the Big “There’s a lot of bullshit South Conference. waivers, quite honestly, that Johnson is a 6-foot-4 guard are getting approved all over with the ability to take over the country and then you have games with his shooting, this young man who it’s all le- making 41% of his threes git, and he’s getting penalized and 82% of his free throws. for it,” Steele said. He adds some much needed Xavier Director of Athlet- three-point shooting ability Photo courtesy of Gardner Webb Athletics ics Greg Christopher shared to a team that has desper- Nate Johnson transferred to Xavier from Gardner Webb. Johnson is a sharpshooting wing who will provide Steele’s frustration. veteran leadership and is solid defensively. Johnson will look to earn starter minutes at small forward. ately needed it for the past “It’s a broken structure,” two years. Johnson also will rebounds with an astounding Ky. which is less than 30 min- be a good decision to send in a he said. “It’s part of why the provide experience for the 14.5 rebounds per game, and utes from Xavier. He attended waiver request. transfer rule is changing in team as he played in the 2019 he also scored 19.6 points per Belmont University for two Kunkel will be a valuable January. It’s going to be vot- NCAA Tournament. game. years before deciding to trans- guard piece whenever he plays ed on and changed. The prob- Expect Johnson to contend Griffin will be a fun play- fer. due to his outstanding three lem is Ben Stanley is collateral for the starting three spot or er to watch this season as he Initially, Kunkel was not point shooting, where he shot damage and at the end of the to be one of the first players loves to and will try to dunk looking for a waiver to im- 39% on over 200 attempts. He day, Ben is being penalized off the bench. the basketball whenever he mediately play and was go- also averaged 16.5 points per because he has a learning dis- The next transfer is Bry- gets the chance, much like re- ing to use the year to bulk up game last year. ability and his former institu- an Griffin out of Division II cent graduate Tyrique Jones. and prepare his body for the The final transfer is Ben tion won’t support him.” Mercy College in New York. Griffin will play the role of physicality of Big East Bas- Stanley from Hampton Uni- While he won’t be eligible Griffin is a 6-foot-8 hard- backup center for most of the ketball. However, the NCAA versity. Stanley is a 6-foot- to play this season, Stanley nosed center who can domi- season, competing for minutes announced that they were giv- 6 forward who averaged 22 has eligibility remaining for nate the boards and attack the with Dieonte Miles. ing winter athletes an extra points per game and over sev- next season and then an addi- glass with his overt physicali- The next transfer is Adam year of eligibility, so Kunkel en rebounds a game as a red- tional optional year of eligi- ty. He led all of Division II in Kunkel. Kunkel is from Union, and the staff thought it would shirt sophomore. bility he could choose to take.

Projecting a Xavier Alumni roster for TBT 2021 BY JOE CLARK Guard: Jordan The scoring punch from enough to make some plays at Stainbrook would add some 6SRUWV(GLWRU Crawford the guard group is fantastic, the hoop. He’s also a quality real size to the team, and his The Basketball Tourna- Crawford’s NBA days are and all of them are capable of shooter who could help the physicality alongside Reyn- ment (TBT) is an open-ap- over, and he’s currently play- being the primary ball han- team out by spacing the floor. olds would improve Xavier’s plication single-elimination ing overseas. Him and Davis dler if needed. Abell was also Big: Jalen Reynolds interior defense on this team. tournament held every sum- would be a dangerous pairing clutch for Sideline Cancer, Reynolds is a tough, phys- Obviously, it’s not known mer. Teams usually consist of in the backcourt. Crawford hitting some big shots in key ical, big man who would pro- yet who is actually going to college alumni from specific can still score from all three moments for them. vide Xavier a solid interior play for Xavier in the 2021 schools. levels, and he would defi- Wing: Trevon presence who can rebound TBT or what form it could Xavier has never had an nitely be a serious contender Bluiett and score well in the paint. take with COVID-19 (last official team in TBT, but for- to make the all-tournament Blueitt is still playing in He’d be a very nice addition year, they played in a bubble). mer players, including Remy team. the NBA G-League, and it’s to this team. No matter who plays though, Abell this past summer, have Guard: J.P. Macura unknown whether or not he’d Big: Matt Stainbrook it’s a guarantee that Xavier participated in TBT. This Macura is currently play- want to risk injury by playing Stainbrook is a fan-favorite will have a very competitive summer, a Xavier alumni ing in Turkey, and would be in TBT. However, if he did, who is a very talented pres- team that could make a run to team said they would apply the perfect fit for Xavier’s he would immediately become ence on both sides of the ball. the TBT championship. for TBT 2021. TBT team. Not only is he a one of the better players in Thanks to Xavier’s basket- fan favorite, but he’s still a the tournament and could ball prowess, there will be no great player on both ends of give this team a second go-to shortage of former players to the floor. scorer, along with Crawford. choose from, Xavier’s alum- As Mick Cronin knows all Blueitt would be tough to ni team could be one of the too well, Macura is also a mas- cover from the perimeter, and favorites to win the tourna- ter at getting under the skin would immediately be one of ment. . of other players and coaches, the best players in the tour- Guard: Dee Davis and he could definitely use nament. If Bluiett played for Davis would be the per- that skill to his advantage in the Xavier alumni team, they fect pure point guard for this a tournament like TBT. could be really tough to de- roster. He’s a great facilita- Guard: Remy Abell feat in the tournament. tor, and his scoring abilities Abell was one of the best Wing: Kaiser Gates would fit in well with the rest players in the tournament Similar to Blueitt, Gates is of the roster. last year while playing for also in the G-League. Howev- He’d be a tough guy to cov- Sideline Cancer. He’s a good er, is he was to play for Xavi- er, and he could rack up as- shooter, and he would pair er’s TBT team, he could pro- Photo courtesy of Frank Victores/USA Today Sports sists with the scorers around well with the other guards on vide defense as a solid on-ball Dee Davis is one potential option to play on a Xavier alumni team in The him. the roster. defender. He’s also athletic Basketball Tournament next summer. He would be a good point guard. @xaviernewswire Sports November 23, 2020 5 Xavier to host multi-team event to open year BY JOE CLARK top of. Sports Editor Finally, Xavier wraps up From Wednesday-Friday, the MTE with a game against Xavier men’s basketball will Toledo. Toledo is a similar- host the Xavier Invitational, a ly strong team, as they bring multi-team event (MTE) fea- back a lot of key players from turing Xavier, Bradley, Toledo a 17-15 team last season. and Oakland. They’re currently ranked The event will be held at 128 by KenPom, and have two Cintas and will be the second seniors in Marreon Jackson ever in-season tournament and Spencer Littleson who hosted by the Musketeers, fol- pose a serious threat on the lowing the 2003 BCA Invita- offensive side of the ball. tional. Jackson averaged 19.8 Xavier was originally points per game last year, to scheduled to participate in the go along with 4.3 rebounds Orlando Invitational along per game and 5.4 assists per with Auburn, Belmont, Boi- game. He’s likely to be the se State, Gonzaga, Michigan best player Xavier faces all State, Saint Louis and Siena, tournament, and stopping but Xavier pulled out early him will be a priority. due to travel concerns due Toledo will likely be a top to COVID-19. All in-season three team in the Mid-Amer- tournaments that were sup- ican conference this year. To- posed to be held in Orlando ledo and Bradley’s matchup were eventually cancelled. on Wednesday will be one to Xavier is bringing in four watch. opponents for the Xavier Invi- Xavier should win all three tational that don’t play that far Photo courtesy of Xavier Athletics of these games, but early-sea- away in order to minimize risk The 2020 Xavier Invitational will be the second ever in-season tournament hosted by Xavier University at son games are always clos- with travel due to COVID-19. Cintas Center. Xavier will host Bradley, Oakland and Toledo in the season-opening multi-team event this year er than expected, especially However, all four teams are ranked 281 by KenPom. How- be able to win this game by a nior Elijah Childs and junior when you’re incorporating a solid mid-major opponents ever, they do feature talented sizable margin. forward Ja’Shon Henry are a new offense and at least five that should give the Muske- guard Rashad Williams, who After Oakland, Xavi- formidable duo for the Braves, newcomers, including three teers a good early-season test. averaged 19.5 points per game er plays Bradley at noon on who could compete for a con- freshman. Don’t be surprised Oakland is Xavier’s first for Oakland last season after Thanksgiving day. Bradley is ference title in the Missouri if Xavier doesn’t win in a opponent of the season, and transferring from Cleveland currently ranked 126 by Ken- Valley Conference. blowout in every game. the Golden Grizzlies aren’t State. Pom, and they could be the Bradley is not a team to be Still, it would be surprising projected to do too well this If Xavier is able to slow toughest opponent Xavier fac- taken lightly, but it is a game if Xavier didn’t come out of year, as they’re currently down Williams, they should es in this MTE. 6-foot-7 se- Xavier should come out on the invitiational at 3-0. Xavier hitting recruiting 2020-21 Sta Predictions Joe Clark: The Big East prise player of the year for is really strong this year, but the Musketeers, flashing on trail, sign two 2021 recruits I think spots three through offense and playing solid de- nine are pretty wide open in fense. He’ll be a good glue guy BY JOE LAURICH 6WDৼ:ULWHU the conference. Xavier was and help replace a lot of the picked to finish seventh, but I production Xavier is losing After back to back suc- personally think that’s a little with Naji Marshall going pro. cessful recruiting classes, the low. Zach Freemantle will be 2021 class was going to be a Sure, they lost Naji Mar- Xavier’s best player and one smaller class that focused on shall and Tyrique Jones, but of the best in the Big East, forwards and centers. now Travis Steele can really making an all-conference Xavier will lose guard Paul incorporate his system, and team. He’ll establish himself Scruggs, power forward Ja- from what I’ve seen of it so as a true threat from beyond son Carter and center Bryan far, it really fits this team well. the arc this year. Griffin at the end of the year I think they’ll finish 7-0 in Colby Jones will make the if they don’t elect to use their non-conference play and 11-9 All-Big East freshman team NCAA granted extra year of in the Big East, which could and end the season as the eligibility. be the best college basketball team’s starting small forward. The 2021 recruiting pro- conference in the country this Emily Croft: I think that cess was different because year. Xavier will go undefeated in coaches had to do almost all Photo courtesy of 247sports.com That would put them at the regular season, win the of their scouting online since Four-star prospect Cesare Edwards is the highest-rated prospect fourth or fifth in the confer- Big East, and make it to the in person recruiting was not committed to Xavier. He highlights a talented 2021 recruiting class. ence, and I think they could Final Four. allowed due to COVID-19. 17th best center in the class. Cherokee high school. Tuck- make a run to the Big East Nina Benich: Xavier will This also meant a lot of Xavier was chosen over a list er is 6-foot-7, 190 pounds and Tournament Championship do just as well as the school players had to decide where of other schools, including ranked as the 144th overall game, where they’ll fall to has been doing controlling to spend their college careers Florida, Florida State, Clem- and the 25th best power for- Creighton. the spread of COVID-19 without ever stepping on a son and many others. ward in the class. I think a 18-9 regular sea- compared to other schools. college campus. Edwards has very good He chose Xavier over St. son and as Big East Tourna- Jake Geiger: Xavier will College coaches were hands for size, and his ability Johns, Iowa, Georgia Tech ment runner-ups, they could go 18-9 in the regular sea- forced to get creative to find to finish in the paint are traits and others. get a seven seed in the NCAA son and make a run to the Big ways to get commits. This that immediately stand out. Tucker is one of the Tournament, and make it to East Tournament semi-finals. meant a lot of Zoom discus- He will also space the floor youngest kids in his class and the Sweet 16. They’ll lose to Villano- sions and FaceTime tours of because of his ability to pull many initially thought that he This team has a lot of tal- va, but will make the NCAA campus and athletic facilities. up from threepoint range and might redshirt his first year ent, and I think they’re going Tournament. They’ll have Xavier’s first commit in drive to the hoop. at Xavier. But with how well to surprise a lot of people this enough momentum from that the class of 2021 was Cesare During his junior year at he played as of lately, he may season. run to make a trip to the Sweet Edwards out of Hartsville, Heartsville, Edwards aver- be too good to sit a year. Joe Laurich: Xavier will 16 in the NCAA Tournament S.C., where he attends Harts- aged 15.5 points per game, Tucker’s strengths include finish fourth in the Big East before bowing out. ville High School. Edwards 12.7 rebounds per game and a strong midrange game, de- with a 12-8 record. They’ll However, with most of commited to the Musketeers 1.3 assists per game. veloping quickness and ath- go 18-9 in the regular season, their core returning next at the end of June. The second commit in leticism. He averaged 18.8 losing one game out of con- season and having additional Edwards is 6-foor-10, 205 Xavier’s 2021 class is Elijah points per game, 9.4 rebounds ference. transfers eligible, the future pounds, and ranked the 91st Tucker. Tucker is from Can- per game and 2.5 assists per Gardner-Webb transfer will be bright for the Muske- best player overall and the ton, Ga. where he attends game his junior year. Nate Johnson will be the sur- teers.

8 November 23, 2020 The Backsketball Page xaviernewswire.com The Mascot Games

BY SEBASTIAN Here on the The Dogs: Butler vs. vs. Xavier (again) back. AGUILAR Back Page, Villanova vs. George- 6WDৼ:ULWHU we don’t town vs. UConn 7KHDJHROG¿JKWEH- Winners: D’artagnan know much about basket- tween Heaven and Hell and Iggy, one elimi- ball. What we do know is The four dog mascots UDJHVRQLQWKH¿JKWEH- nation each how funny mascots are start duking it out, biting tween the Friar and the and how much we want and gnashing and the like. %OXH'HPRQ²DQGRXU Finals: Marquette vs. WKHPWR¿JKWHDFKRWKHU Unfortunately for the three very own Blue Blob. Xavier Luckily, we’ve kid- Bulldogs, the newcomer $V)ULDU'RPVWDUWV napped all the mascots from UConn, Jonathan chanting “The power of Iggy the Golden Ea- and are forcing them to the Husky, obliterates the Christ compels you,” both JOHDQG'¶DUWDJQDQWKH ¿JKWRQHDQRWKHUWRWKH generic rabble. WKH%OXH'HPRQDQGWKH Musketeer dramatically death. In a similar vein to Blue Blob retch in agony charge toward one anoth- The Hunger Games, we Winner: Jonathan and slink back to wherever er. Each thrust of the Mus- are letting them duke it out the Husky, three the hell they came from. keteer’s rapier is met with Battle Royale style. the claws of the eagle, eliminations Winner: Friar Dom, and neither are gaining ground. Without further ado, The Birds: St John’s two eliminations let’s see what happens. The pair trade glanc- vs. Marquette vs. LQJEORZVXQWLO,JJ\ÀLSV Creighton Round 2: The Final Round 1 Four behind the Musketeer, Xavier vs Seton Hall St John’s Johny Thun- clawing his back in the derbird makes a bee-line With only four mascots process. The Muskie lets As the game of death for his bird rival from Ne- left in the game of death, out a yelp and falls back- starts there are clear braska, Billy Blue Jay. Jonathan the Husky, Iggy wards, his rapier inciden- ¿JKWVEUHDNLQJRXWWKH )HDWKHUVÀ\HYHU\ZKHUH WKH(DJOH)ULDU'RPDQG tally piercing Iggy in the ¿UVWEHLQJEHWZHHQ'¶DUW- and the scraping of tal- '¶DUWDJQDQDUHSUHSDUHG process. agnan and The Pirate. ons leaves both a bloody to do anything to win. Though it was out of 7KH¿JKWRIEOXHJX\VZLWK mess. The husky and the luck, the blow proved swords is neck and neck Johnny Thunderbird golden eagle channel their deadly, leaving the dash- with neither giving up any comes out on top between animal instincts, glar- LQJ'¶DUWDJQDQDVWKH ground. the two. However, Iggy ing at each other before victor. '¶DUWDJQDQ WKHVQHDN\ the Golden Eagle sets his they lunge for the other’s We still gotta keep him bastard) throws his hat sights on a battered bird. throat. Iggy goes for the hostage, though. We don’t at the swashbuckling sea Iggy easily suplexes John- jugular and it’s a critical want him telling the po- rover, blinding him brief- ny into the arena to elimi- hit; Jonathan the Husky lice about the horrible war ly. With this opening, the nate the Thunderbird once doesn’t even have time to crimes we just committed. Musketeer punctures The and for all. get a blow in. 3LUDWHDQGJHWVWKH¿UVW ,QWKHPDGQHVV'¶DUW- elimination of the game. Winner: Iggy, one DJQDQ WKDWGDPQVQHDN\ Champion: elimination bastard) gets behind the Winner: D’artganan, Friar and pulls his hood D’artagnan, one elimination over his eyes before swift- 3.0 K/O Providence vs. DePaul ly stabbing him in the The Stars Determine What Type of Basketball Shot You Are

Sagittarius: Reverse cow- Aries: Slam dunk. You think Leo: You are like a free girl. $YHU\GLႈFXOWPRYH you’re sooo cool, but all that throw, but only in regards to that involves dunking the ball coolness would disappear if the fact that Shaq hates you. backwards. Just like this shot you were 5’1. you are unique, skillful and highly ranked on Pornhub. Virgo: Hook shot. This shot Taurus: A simple layup. only needs one hand, just like You’re humble, but reliable. you. So don’t stress about Virgo: 3-Pointer. You can And I respect that. Keep doing what happens this week. be quite dangerous when your thing, king. left unguarded, and that isn’t a basketball metaphor. The stars think you need to be Gemini: Jump shot. You Libra: Just as the bank shot institutionalized. make one quick, forceful relies heavily on the back- movement and then, boom, board, you rely heavily on Aquarius: Oh, you think you you’ve released your shot in your parents. Like, seriously, deserve to know what basket- XQGHU¿YHVHFRQGV$QG\HV you gotta move out of their ball shot you are? After what this is a metaphor for your sex basement soon. you did to poor Kevin? The life. PDQZDVLQWHDUV,GH¿QLWHO\ do not feel comfortable giving Scorpio: Manslaughter. Like you a horoscope. Just… Cancer: The Ramadan the legendary Jayson Wil- just go. Reaper is a trick shot that liams, you occasionally make involves reciting the Quran. mistakes, but hey, that’s okay. Your spirituality and relation- It doesn’t mean you need to Pisces: Miss. The stars ship with God is what makes stop playing with your RႇHUHGQRH[SODQDWLRQRQWKLV you a baller. shotgun. one. Sorry, bud.