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2014-10-29

Xavier University Newswire

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Inside B-2: Men’s Breakdown B-3: Women’s Breakdown B-4: Meet the Freshmen B-5: Transfer Profiles B-6: The Xavier Fandom B-7: Staff Predictions B-8: Stainbrook Feature B-2 October 29, 2014 Edited by: Nick McGill Basketball Preview [email protected] Big season ahead for the Musketeers 2014-15 BY RYAN O’TOOLE face early-season growing pains White, to make large contribu- last year. Staff Writer after losing four of its best play- tions to the team this season. To get back to its winning Schedule Many believe Xavier has a le- ers, including Doug McDermott, These three have to poten- ways, St. John’s will need its start- gitimate opportunity to compete who graduated as the fifth all-time tial to be the best of the Big ers to step up while keeping the Date Opponent for the Big East championship leading scorer in NCAA Division East freshman class. The Hoyas same intensity that made them the this year, but the strength of the I history. are also loaded down low, with best shot-blocking team in the na- 11/8/14 Northwood (Exhi) league presents quite the chal- Experts are confident in Copeland and Mikael Hopkins, a tion last year. lenge. The Musketeers will face Georgetown this year. The Hoyas senior forward. The are look- 11/14/14 Northern Arizona many tests as they move through look to talented recruits, including St. John’s is loaded with guards ing to right their ship too. 11/18/14 Long Beach State their conference play. Isaac Copeland, L.J. Peak and Paul and is looking to improve from They started last season 10-2 is return- before a heartbreaking overtime 11/21/14 Stephen F. Austin ing most of its team from last loss to Villanova sent them spiral- year, making the Wildcats a favor- ing downwards. 11/24/14 Murray State ite to win the conference. The Bulldogs will be led by With an experienced squad fea- Kellen Dunham who led the team Wooden Legacy Tournament turing , Darrun in scoring last season. Hillard, , Jay Vaughn Elsewhere, Seton Hall, 11/27/14 San Diego Pinkston and Daniel Ochefu, four Marquette and DePaul are going 11/28/14 Princeton/UTEP of whom are returning from last to have to put in significant work year’s squad, the Wildcats will if they want to be competitive in 11/30/14 TBD have stability and depth this year. the Big East. Nova finished 29-5 overall and Providence, too, will struggle 12/6/14 Alabama 16-2 in conference play last sea- to have another successful season 12/9/14 IUPUI son, losing twice to Creighton. without key players Bryce Cotton Creighton, which finished sec- and Kadeem Batts. 12/13/14 at Missouri Newswire file photo ond last season, will most likely The Musketeers will look to veteran leaders to push the team through its tough schedule. Edited by Corey Zielinski 12/20/14 at Auburn 12/28/14 Florida Gulf Coast Breaking down Xavier’s non-conference schedule 12/31/14 Georgetown BY ANDREW UTZ The first two days of the Dec. 13. finished 12th behind Alabama in Staff Writer tournament will be played in the The Tigers were sixth in the the SEC standings last year. 1/3/15 at Depaul Xavier men’s basketball be- California State-Fullerton’s Titan Southeastern Conference (SEC) The Tigers have a large junior gins conference play on Dec. 31 Gym and the final two are played last season and are now putting class to support under-classmen 1/7/15 Seton Hall against Georgetown, but before in the Honda in Anaheim. a fairly young team on the court throughout the season. 1/10/15 at Butler then, there is a tournament and Xavier competes in the second this season, with six freshmen In its final game before confer- multiple non-conference games game of the tournament against and three sophomores making up ence play begins, Xavier returns 1/14/15 Villanova in which the Musketeers will San Diego on Nov. 27. most of the 13-man team. to campus to play Florida Gulf compete. Other teams competing in the Following their trip to Coast on Dec. 28. 1/17/15 Marquette The Muskies play at home for tournament including Princeton, Missouri, Xavier goes to Auburn TThe Eagles finished second 1/22/15 at Providence the first five games of the season. Long Beach State, San Jose University on Dec. 20. Auburn in the Atlantic Sun Conference The 2014-15 season kicks off State, University of Washington, last season. 1/24/15 Depaul with an exhibition game against University of Texas at El Paso Midway through the con- Northwood a Division II team (UTEP) and Western Michigan. ference season, Xavier goes to 1/27/15 at Georgetown from Michigan. After the tournament break, Cincinnati for the Crosstown 1/31/15 at Seton Hall Over the 10 days, the team will Xavier returns to to Shootout. be playing four teams at home. host Alabama on Dec. 6. This game marks the return of 2/4/15 Creighton The regular season begins against The Crimson Tide finished the annual game to the universi- Northern Arizona on Nov. 14. 11th in the SEC last season with ties after playing at the U.S. Bank 2/7/15 Providence Four days later, Long Beach State a 7-11 record. Junior Trevor Arena for two years. 2/10/15 at Marquette comes to Cintas. Releford led the team last year in The Bearcats finished sec- The Musketeers host Stephen , averaging 18.5. ond last year in the American 2/14/15 St. John’s F. Austin State University, which However, Releford was drafted as Conference, behind Louisville made it to the third round in the a free agent by the . and ahead of the University of 2/18/15 at Cincinnati NCAA tournament last year, on The roster for Alabama is load- Connecticut. 2/21/15 Butler Nov. 21. Just three days later, on ed with experienced juniors and The Bearcats field a balanced Nov. 24, Murray State visits Cintas seniors, with only four freshmen team from all classes and are look- 2/23/15 at St. John’s Center. on the roster. ing for one of them to replace The Musketeers wrap up Following Alabama, Xavier Sean Kilpatrick, who was signed 2/28/15 Villanova November with the Wooden will host IUPUI on Dec. 9. The by and then waived the Golden 3/7/15 at Creighton Legacy Tournament, which hosts Musketeers then hit the road for Newswire file photo State Warriors this summer after eight teams in California. two games, starting in Missouri on Senior Dee Davis will be a leader for the team. graduating.

2014-15 Men’s Team Roster

Number Name Year Position Height Hometown Coaching Staff 10 Remy Abell Junior Guard 6-4 Louisville, Ky. 0 Lary Austin Jr. Freshman Guard 6-2 Springfield, Ill. Head Coach: 5 Trevon Bluiett Freshman Forward 6-6 Indianapolis, Ind. 32 Kevin Coker Junior Forward 6-6 Plainfield, Ill. Assistant Coach: Mike Peques 11 Dee Davis Senior Guard 6-0 Bloomington, Ind. 15 Myles Davis Sophomore Guard 6-2 Plainfield, N.J. Assistant Coach: Travis Steele 2 James Farr Junior Forward 6-10 Evanston, Ill. 13 Makinde London Freshman Forward 6-10 Nashville, Tenn. Assistant Coach: Rick Carter 55 J.P. Macura Freshman Guard 6-5 Lakeville, Minn. 24 Andrew Mitchell Senior Guard 5-10 Louisville, Ky. Graduate Assistant: Michael Massa 54 Sean O’Mara Freshman Forward/Center 6-10 Lisle, Ill. 3 Brandon Randolph Sophomore Guard 6-2 Inglewood, Calif. Graduate Assistant: Ty Sampson 1 Jalen Reynolds Sophomore Forward 6-10 Detroit, Mich. 40 Matt Stainbrook Senior Center 6-10 Bay Village, Ohio Graduate Assistant: Joe Sullivan 21 Tim Stainbrook Sophomore Sophomore 6-6 Bay Village, Ohio 4 Edmond Sumner Freshman Guard 6-5 Detroit, Mich. Xavier Newswire B-3 Edited by: Nick McGill [email protected] Basketball Preview October 29, 2014 Women’s basketball schedule breakdown 2014-15 BY ISABEL SMITH The team kicks off play against at UC and Staff Writer Wofford on Nov. 15 at Cintas will offer Schedule The Xavier women’s basketball Center. Musketeer Date Opponent team looks forward to an exciting The rest of 2014 will consist fans nail- and challenging schedule as it en- of several non-conference oppo- biting 11/15/14 Wofford ter their second season in the Big nents like the Virginia Cavaliers action. East. from the tough Atlantic Coast T h e 11/17/14 Arkansas-Pine Bluff This season will also be the Conference and the Robert team kicks 11/20/14 second for head coach Brian Neal. Morris Colonials. off the Virginia Neal is optimistic about the fu- Xavier fans will get an ear- new year 11/22/14 at Binghamton ture of the team with four return- ly glimpse of conference ac- with two tion when the Muskies travel to Big East ing starters and nine newcomers, 11/26/14 Presbyterian all full of talent and potential. Queens, N.Y., to play the St. John’s games at Last season left the team want- Red Storm and then to Milwaukee Cintas 11/30/14 Robert Morris ing more. The Musketeers will to compete against the Marquette Center. have the opportunity to put their Golden Eagles. T h e 12/3/14 at St. John’s St. John’s is ranked second in Muskies Newswire file photo hard work in the offseason on Sophomore forward Leah Schaefer (above) drives to the basket. display with this season’s tough the Big East preseason poll and play the 12/7/14 at Middle Tennessee schedule. will provide Xavier with great Creighton Blue Jays on Jan. 2 and Feb. 8 to Cintas Center for anoth- competition. the on Jan. 4. er matchup. 12/10/14 Monmouth (N.J.) T h e Creighton has Marissa Janning, The Musketeers finish out the Musketeers the reigning Big East player of the regular season against other Big 12/14/14 at Cincinnati take on their year and the selected preseason East opponents. crosstown player of the year. Some home-game highlights 12/20/14 Lipscomb rivals, the Xavier plays its arguably tough- include the Cincinnati est competition, the DePaul Blue on Jan. 16, the 12/22/14 at Kennesaw State Bearcats, in Demons, Jan. 11 in Chicago. on Jan. 18, the Butler Bulldogs on the annual DePaul took a trip to the Jan. 25 and the 12/30/14 at Marquette Crosstown NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 on Feb. 27. Shootout. and was unanimously selected to The Big East preseason poll 1/2/15 Creighton This year’s finish on top for the second year picks Xavier to finish ninth, but 1/4/15 matchup in a row in the Big East preseason this year’s schedule offers oppor- Providence Newswire file photo takes place poll. tunities to showcase the young 1/9/15 at Seton Hall The women’s team looks to improve after last season. on Dec. 14 Xavier welcomes DePaul on squad’s growth and talent. 1/11/15 at Depaul Opinion: Neal ready to move forward 1/16/15 Georgetown 1/18/15 BY ADAM TORTELLI spend their off-seasons recruiting existing roster. Xavier women’s basketball back to Villanova Staff Writer prime talent from high schools. Now, try taking all of those the elite level at which it compet- 1/25/15 Butler Coaching college athletics may These players must not only fit responsibilities and put yourself ed in his first year as an assistant, be one of the toughest occupa- the team’s scheme but also fit a into the same situation as Neal. when former head coach Kevin 1/30/15 at Creighton tions imaginable and Xavier wom- mold that works well with the pre- Just three years removed from McGuff led the 2010-11 team to en’s basketball coach Brian Neal dominating Division III play with the second round of the NCAA 2/1/15 at Providence faced just that tough situation last Thomas More College, Neal made tournament. season. his NCAA Division-I debut last Despite the departures, Coach 2/6/15 Marquette Just weeks before the last November. Neal will certainly hope to im- season began, former women’s While Neal goes into the 2014- prove on last year’s 8-23 record. 2/8/15 Depaul basketball coach Amy Waugh re- 15 athletic year with a full off- The diffucult season became signed, leaving the team in tur- season and his own recruits, this even tougher during Big East play 2/13/15 at Georgetown moil and Neal as the interim head year’s roster lacks the fourth-year when the squad hit a rough patch, coach. Now he continues his role senior leadership that he leaned finishing the season 3-15. 2/15/15 at Villanova as the team’s new head coach. on last year. Brian Neal has undoubtedly On top of the normal coach- The responsibilities of players been dealt a difficult hand to be- 2/22/15 at Butler ing duty of devoting your life to like Shatyra Hawkes and Ashley gin his Xavier career, but with the organization, a head coach Wanniger are now transferred the addition of a top-50 recruit- 2/27/15 Seton Hall has to develop young adults and onto the shoulders of senior trans- ing class and the returning scoring prepare them for the next level of fer guard Maleeka Kynard and ju- prowess of Crittendon, the team’s 3/1/15 St. John’s competition. Photo courtesy of sportspyder.com nior guard Jenna Crittendon. success is sure to begin improving Additionally, coaches must Neal takes his full reign this season. Neal hopes to soon bring this season.

2014-15 Women’s Team Roster

Number Name Year Position Height Hometown Coaching Staff 0 Freshman 5-6 North Canton, Ohio Marquia Turner Guard 1 Kindell Fincher Freshman Guard 5-9 Fort Wayne, Ind. 2 Maleeka Kynard Senior Guard 5-6 Toledo, Ohio 5 Kayla Davis Sophomore Guard 5-6 Brampton, Ont. Head Coach: Brian Neal 12 Jada Byrd Freshman Guard 5-9 Lithonia, Ga. 14 Junior 6-1 Mason, Ohio Assistant Coach: Carla D. Morrow Briana Glover Forward 15 Aliyah Zantt Junior Guard 5-6 Reynoldsburg, Ohio 21 Maddison Blackwell Sophomore Forward 5-11 Gahanna, Ohio Assistant Coach: Bryce McKey 22 Erica Dawson Freshman Guard 5-8 Marietta, Ohio 23 Leah Schaefer Sophomore Forward 6-1 Alexandria, Ky. Assistant Coach: Garry Horton 24 Martha Thompson Freshman Guard 5-8 Solon, Ohio 25 Anniina Äijänen Freshman Forward 6-2 Tampere, Finland Director of Basketball Operations: 30 Raeshaun Gaffney Sophomore Guard 5-8 Fairfield, Ohio Netta Smith 31 Christina Ohlinger Sophomore Forward 5-11 Toledo, Ohio 34 Briana Gladney Sophomore Guard 5-8 San Antonio, Tex. 35 Jenna Crittendon Junior Guard 5-9 Union, Ky. B-4 Xavier Newswire October 29, 2014 Edited by: Nick McGill Basketball Preview [email protected]

Meet the freshmen: A look at the newcomers Christon leaves BY BRENDAN BURRIS est ranked prospect out of high school, what coach Chris Mack called Staff Writer member London played high school bas- “one of the most physical high for the NBA By the end of the 2014 college of Xavier’s ketball at the Montverde Academy school seniors in the country.” basketball recruiting period, the class, ac- in Florida. Another first team All-State player BY ISABEL SMITH Staff Writer Xavier men’s basketball team had cording to London’s all-around ability from Illinois, O’Mara averaged 23 what some have called the best ESPN. helped lead his high school team points and 13 rebounds a game. Former Xavier basketball recruiting class in the program’s Ranked to a national championship. O’Mara is praised for his ver- guard Semaj Christon will be- history. as the 13th J.P. Macura — The theme of sitile play in the post. gin his professional career with During the previous season, best small this year’s class seems to be hav- Known as one of the best the ’s ESPN even ranked Xavier’s re- forward in ing many players with great shoot- high-school post players in the development league team, the cruiting class no. 4 in the country. Photo courtesy of Greg Rust the coun- ing ability, something Macura was country, O’Mara is primed to add . Before the season begins, Trevon Bluiett forward try, Bluiett known for all throughout to a stacked Musketeer frontcourt. While at Xavier, Christon let’s take a look at the six newest had origi- his high Edmond Sumner — The fi- posted an impressive 1,034 points, Musketeers nally committed to UCLA, but school nal member of the 2014 recruit- 281 assists and 90 steals in his 64- and how similar to Austin, withdrew his basketball ing class is 6-foot-3 point guard game run. they might letter of intent and later chose years. Edmond Sumner from Detroit. He also made an NCAA tour- fight in to Xavier. During his senior year of Macura, One nament appearance and was se- Xavier’s high school, he averaged 36 points who is from of two of lected for the Big East first team program.. and 12 rebounds per game. Lakeville, Xavier’s for the 2013-14 season. Larry Widely known as one of the Minn., was recruits to After being drafted 55th in Austin Jr. best 3-point shooters in the class a first team be featured the NBA draft by the Miami ­— ­The of 2014, Bluiett should play a big All-State in ESPN’s Heat in June and following a few last player role in his first year, one that could player who “Top 100 Photo courtesy of Greg Rust trades, Christon found his place in of the include taking the starting small J.P. Macura, guard scored in the class Oklahoma. Photo courtesy of Greg Rust 2014 class forward spot early in the year. 1,030 points of 2014,” He spent his summer playing Larry Austin Jr., guard to commit Makinde London — During in his senior season alone, enough Sumner is in the NBA summer league with was Austin Jr., a 6-foot-2 point his fresh- to average 32 points per game. a combo the Oklahoma City Thunder in Photo courtesy of Greg Rust guard from Springfield, Ill. Austin man year Ranked as a 4-star recruit and point guard Edmund Sumner, guard Orlando, Fla. withdrew his initial commitment of high FOXSports.com’s “Top 10 shoot- and shoot- His agent says Christon will to the Tennessee when it fired school, ers in the class of 2014,” Macura ing guard who excelled in many play for the Thunder’s affiliate, the its head coach and subsequently London looks to make an impact this year different facets in his high school Oklahoma City Blue. With a star signed his letter of intent to play was a from behind games. point guard, Russell Westbrook, here in Cincinnati. 6-foot- the arc. As a senior, he averaged 20 and a quality back-up, Reggie Austin was a first team All- 1 point Sean points and 3 assists per game. Jackson, there is not room on the State player in high school and guard from O’Mara — Sumner has proven to be the roster for Christon. was ranked as a three-star pros- Nashville, At 6-foot- type of player that can adapt to With the Blue, Christon will pect according to ESPN. Tenn. 10, O’Mara any role given to him. have the opportunity to log sig- Known as a great defensive Fast played both Following the departure of Photo courtesy of Greg Rust nificant minutes and continue to player, Austin should be a solid forward to Makinde London, guard basketball Semaj Christon to the NBA Draft develop his game. The Blue’s sea- piece to this year’s deep team. today: the and foot- and the Oklahoma City Thunder, son debut takes place on Nov. 14 Trevon Bluiett — A 6-foot-5 6-foot-10 power forward is look- ball in high many insiders against the Maine Redclaws at the small forward, Bluiett comes from ing to make a solid impact for the school, believe that Sumner could be the Cox Convention Center. Photo courtesy of Greg Rust Indianapolis and was the high- Musketeers’ team. Ranked a 4-star making him Sean O’Mara, forward next to step into his role. Player profile: ready for a bigger, better year Staff writer Ryan O’Toole sits down with sophomore standout Jalen Reynolds

BY RYAN O’TOOLE From that point on, he started where we were, what Staff Writer taking basketball seriously. time it was ... if we Jalen Reynolds is ready for “With the traveling teams, were playing basket- a breakout year. Cited by they just put me out there on ball, somebody was many as a player to watch the court. I was very uncoor- getting some buck- in the Big East in 2014-15, dinated at the time. But for ets. Definitely a tough Reynolds knows that it’s the most part, I knew player. I loved and time for him to step I could take this enjoyed playing with up and grow. basketball thing him.” “(This year) somewhere.” Without Christon, I want to bring Reynolds’ the Muskies will be more energy to the high school bas- looking for other scor- team,” he said. ketball career ing options. “(I want to) at Brewster Reynolds, known carve out more of Academy saw mostly for his de- a leader role. Just him team- fensive presence and helping my team ing up with high-energy plays, will when we’re down former be asked to carry a bit and when we’re up, Musketeer more of the offensive just clapping and star Semaj load along with vet- letting them know Christon. eran and fan favorite that everything is H e Matt Stainbrook and gonna be alright.” then came new recruit Traevon

Reynolds grew up in to Xavier Bluiett. Newswire photo by Adam Spegele Detroit. At 6-foot-10 and and was able Reynolds knows The Musketeers will look to Reynolds for more high energy plays and more consistent play. 232 lbs., he has an impos- to play with that Bluiett, a highly ing frame. Semaj for a sought-out recruit, will be impor- one of his biggest inspirations. ing there for me,” Reynolds said. However, as a kid, he year before his tant for them down the line. “He pretty much taught me Reynolds is eager for this bas- was very skinny, and his departure. Like “He is young and still has a lot everything I know now, as far as ketball season to begin. mom did not want him to many, Reynolds to learn, but we are going to need being tough on and off the court Fans of Xavier basketball play basketball until he put knows Christon him. He’s just going to have to be and being ready to attack when know Reynolds has been blessed on some weight. will be hard to ready to be thrown into the fire.” that ball is in my hands.” with a wonderful gift as an im- He began eating like a replace. Looking back on his past, Another big inspiration to him pressive athlete. mad man until his growth “One thing I Reynolds is very thankful for the came from his uncles. It’s about that time of year spurt hit in middle school. can say about support he has received from his “I wanna say thank to my un- where we get to sit back and see By eighth grade, Jalen Semaj ... it family. cles Terry and Troy for everything what Reynolds can prove on the was 6-foot-3. Newswire photo by Adam Spegele didn’t matter He cited his older brother as they have done for me, just for be- court. Xavier Newswire B-5 Edited by: Nick McGill [email protected] Basketball Preview October 29, 2014 Transfer athletes look to make a quick impact BY ADAM TORTELLI tice degree from the Ohio State a year and taking that time to ac- Staff Writer University in just three years this climate themselves to a new cam- Cintas Center will be featuring past May, Kynard will be eligible pus, Kynard will have to make the an assortment of new faces in the to play this season. turnaround quickly while leading 2014-15 basketball season. Both If coaching on an interim ba- underclassmen at the same time. the men’s and women’s teams sis was not hard enough for Neal Transitions prove to be difficult went through off-season facelifts, last year, he must now work to for transfer students. “It definite- which included tough goodbyes replace graduated Musketeers ly isn’t easy, but I’ve already lived for key players and cheerful wel- such as leading scorers Shatyra ‘the college life’ and we help each comes to talented newcomers. Hawkes and Ashley Wanniger, other along the way. The close- While Chris Mack and Brian with Kynard and a talented fresh- ness and family-like atmosphere Neal were able to bring in recruit- man class. of Xavier gives me the comfort ing classes that ranked in the na- For a roster lacking on-court to be a leader. At the same time, I tion’s top-50, possibly the biggest experience at the college level, am able to bring an intensity and additions will come from the ex- Kynard will be asked to carry this speed to get the girls used to play- perience of the newest transfers. year’s team through adversity and ing college ball,” Kynard said. Xavier women’s basketball has hold the ship steady throughout Meanwhile, Mack’s boys are been fortunate enough to bring success despite this being her first adjusting to life without leading in the leadership of senior point year as a Musketeer. scorer Semaj Christon or - guard Maleeka Kynard. After While most transfers arrive to ing machines Isaiah Philmore and graduating with a criminal jus- their new school after sitting out Erik Stenger. Photo courtesy of bleacherreport.com Taking the more traditional After sitting out last year due to transfer rules, Abell will look to make an impact. route, Xavier men’s basketball welcomes redshirt junior shooting back-to-back Sweet 16 appearanc- Kynard highlighted how actions guard Remy Abell. After playing es. Some of his former teammates make a leader, “I lead by example. two years for Indiana University include current NBA players If I want my teammates to be (IU), Abell sat out last season due of the Orlando their best, I need to stay focused to NCAA rules. Magic and Cody Zeller who cur- out on the court,” Kynard said. Abell will be competing against rently plays for the Charlotte Despite this on-court nose-to- a very talented group of guards to Bobcats. the-dirt mentality, both players join senior point guard Dee Davis, When on the court, it may be take pride in their off the court whom he considers the hardest hard to distinguish these two play- selves that they describe as “silly” teammate to defend, in the starting ers from robots programmed for and “goofy”. lineup. “He’s got (veteran) moves success. Cintas Center will definite- that you can’t expect. When you “I’m a winner. Everywhere I ly have holes left by vacancies put that with how quick he is and have been I work my hardest to this season, but the experience good his passes are, there’s no one bring out the best in my team,” and dedication from Abell and way to guard him,” Abell said Abell said Kynard will soon fill these voids In two years at IU, Abell was In response to being expect- as they make their own legacies as Photo courtesy of buckeyextra.dispatch.com Kynard transfered from Ohio State and will be elligible immediately to play. part of Hoosier squads that made ed to take a leadership position, Musketeers. Women’s team looks to its “X”-factors to lead the way BY ADAM PURVIS Before these injuries, freshman year, Schaefer’s six re- game. of high school by the Collegiate Staff Writer Crittendon started in the first 21 bounds per contest was ranked Even with a foot injury in Girls Basketball Report, and she The Xavier women’s basket- games of the season. 13th in the the latter half of the season, she was named first team All-East ball team is welcoming new play- In the 21 games Crittendon last season and 10th in defensive was able to put up these impres- Central Ohio League and East ers this season who are looking to played, she led the team in free rebounds last season with 4.8 per sive stats and played well against Ohio Central League Player of make an immediate impact. throw percentage (.766) and in Georgetown in the first round of the Year. With the loss of three seniors rebounding with 6.9 rebounds per the Big East Tournament. She broke many records at from last year, the women’s team game. With this experience, Musketeer her school, and even broke the returns with just a single senior, Not only was she viewed high- fans can expect Schaefer to be a OHSAA single-season scoring re- Maleeka Kynard. ly on the team, Crittendon was significant player this season for cord with 714 points. A transfer from Ohio State, named to the Big East Weekly the Muskies. Martha Thompson redshirted Kynard played her freshman Honor Roll and College Sports The Xavier’s women’s basket- last season with a knee injury too. through junior seasons as a guard Madness Big East Player of the ball team will return with much to With the same problem and po- for the Buckeyes and will bring Week in December last year. look forward to with the arrival of sition in high school, Thompson the type of leadership that only a With great stats on the court a few players who were ineligible made her mark in high school as senior leader can. and impressive achievements off to play last season. well with an impressive ranking by Returning starter Jenna the court, Crittendon can be an Erica Dawson was redshirted ESPN as 38th nationally. Crittendon will play for the “X”-Factor and is a player to keep last season after enduring a knee With a young team full of Musketeers this year as a junior an eye on this season. injury during offseason workouts. other sophomores and freshmen guard. Sophomore Leah Schaefer will Dawson may not have been looking to establish themselves as Crittendon returns after inju- be returning this season as a for- able to play last season at guard, important attributes to the team, ries ended her season last year. ward. Schaefer had an impressive but she made an impact during Xavier’s women’s basketball team She ranked the third-highest scor- freshman year with appearances in her high school career in Ohio. will look toward its leaders as they ing player on the team even with 26 games and 24 starts. Newswire file photo Dawson was ranked 47th for head into the season looking for a these missed games. With a successful start to her Crittendon returns as a team leader. her position during her junior year hot start. Muskie Madness excites eager fans at Cintas Center BY ADAM TORTELLI dividual ten seconds of fame as tions preceding his intro to stu- tion for the dunk contest for Blue along with junior forward Staff Writer they were introduced to the crowd dents sitting behind the bench another freshman-versus-soph- James Farr and hyped freshman As happens each year, Cintas with a song of their choosing. “I’ve never been more nervous in omore matchup for the title be- forward Trevon Blueitt over the Center once again hosted a rau- Following the women’s kick- my entire life,” Mack said. tween Makinde London and Jalen Gray Squad. cous crowd of more than 5,000 off, a highly touted freshman class The lights soon returned and Reynolds. After two rounds that Gray’s Davis led the way with fans for 2014’s highly anticipated of boys received their first of- shone down as freshman guard included London receiving a pass 8 points on 3-4 shooting while Muskie Madness. ficial introductions to the Xavier J.P. Macura dethroned sophomore from the crowd and Reynolds Senior captain Matt Stainbrook As a staple event for Family community. guard Myles Davis in the men’s soaring over the ball rack, the con- hauled in five rebounds in just one Weekend, students and their fami- Returning players and redshirt 3-point shootout. test ended in a tie. Both of the 12 minute session. lies packed the arena with fellow junior Remy Abell then followed Macura then defeated Fincher high-flyers walked away with per- Musketeer Madness once again Muskie fans alike to ignite their suit only to prepare Cintas for in a head-to-head shootout to fect scores of 50. excited fans for what should be support for this year’s basketball head coach Chris Mack and his determine Xavier’s ultimate Finally, the men’s team took another great season of basket- season. daughters to walk out rapping marksman. center court together in their ball. Additionally, fans were able Players on both the men’s and “Paul Revere” by the Beastie Boys. Shortly thereafter, the lights scrimmage. In this competition, to view new players from both women’s teams received their in- Mack later explained his emo- dimmed once more in prepara- senior captain Dee Davis led team teams. B-6 Xavier Newswire October 29, 2014 Edited by: Nick McGill Basketball Preview [email protected] A reflection on a lifetime of Xavier fanhood BY ANDREW KOCH Editor-in-Chief Cincinnati-based sports, the Muskies. From my first Xavier March Madness brackets always with another to follow in 2008, Xavier men’s basketball team has game at age 5 to yearly road trips has Xavier winning it all. upsets against one-seed (the March 17, 2007, Lexington, had more than its fair share of with my dad to NCAA tourna- And to some degree, my fan- previously-unbeaten St. Joseph in Ky.: Nine-seed Xavier is nine sec- heart-wrenching, “shoulda-woul- ments to playing courtside at boying is justified. After all, the 2004 and rival Cincinnati in 1996 onds away from upsetting No. 1 da-coulda” games: a narrow three- Madison Square Garden with the club has had its victories in ad- and 1999) and a top-10 ranking Ohio State, a favorite to win the point Elite Eight loss to Duke in Xavier Pep Band, I’ve stuck with dition to its heartbreakers: the team in 2011. NCAA tournament. 2004, the aforementioned second my Musketeers through it all. team’s first trip to the Elite Eight The program has also produced After dominating the second round loss to Ohio State in 2007, Even now, at least one of my in 2004 (known as “the Run”) notable NBA players () half, the Musketeers are scram- a double-overtime Sweet Sixteen and rising stars (Jordan Crawford, bling to hold on to a 3-point lead. loss to Kansas State in 2010 and Semaj Christon), plus alumni who Buckeye standout senior center the still-stinging First Four loss to have gone on to have successful Greg Oden has just fouled out, North Carolina State earlier this careers in professional leagues and Xavier senior forward Justin year. overseas (, Lionel Cage steps up to the line to shoot The Xavier fandom has not Chalmers, Justin Doellman). two free throws. Cage banks the always been easy to defend. Like Lifelong Xavier fans will re- first to make the score 62-59, any other, the team has had its member former coaches, too, that Xavier. head-scratching losses and its off have had successful careers upon One more and years (the missing the postseason leaving Xavier, including Skip Ohio State has just nine seconds in the 2012-13 season comes to Prosser at Wake Forest, Matta to make up two possessions with- mind). at Ohio State and at out its star Oden. And what’s more, the events of Arizona. One more free throw and the in 2011 I remember hearing all of those the Musketeers upset former damaged Xavier’s reputation and names growing up and watching Xavier coach and competitive edge both on and them play and coach and prove the Buckeyes to reach the Sweet off the court, nearly blighting a that Xavier Musketeers basketball Sixteen for just the third time in promising landmark year for the is a force to be reckoned with. the school’s history. program. And it’s that history – more so Cage takes the shot, and the And as a proud Xavier fan, that than any preseason projections or crowd at Rupp Arena freezes. The day also led to many awkward, number of Final Four appearanc- ball rattles around the rim, spin- prying questions at Christmas es – that makes me a Xavier fan. ning for a second that might have dinner from my majority-Bearcat Xavier basketball has always lasted forever ... and rolls out. extended family. been a staple in my family’s life, Ohio State grabs the rebound, But despite its setbacks, the and I’ll always bleed navy blue. charges down the court and se- program’s success since 2000 While the Musketeers can nior guard Ron Lewis sinks a makes one thing clear: Xavier al- break my heart – I may have even deep three to send the game into ways seems to be on the verge of shed a tear after the 2004 heart- overtime. breaking out, with each season wrenching loss to Duke that kept In extra time, the fatigued bringing promises that “this is our Xavier from its first trip to the Xavier team loses by seven. Ohio year.” It’s been my great pleasure Final Four – I keep coming back State would go on to play in the to watch the Musketeers shake off to Cintas each year with high national championship game, their “mid-major” label. hopes and an “X-Men” hat. while Xavier was boarding the I have a lot to be proud of as a Through the highs and the bus back to Cincinnati. (My dad lifelong Musketeers fan. lows, Xavier basketball is a huge and I gape at each other in the While my friends go on part of me, and I can’t wait to see nosebleeds, stunned into silence.) about North Carolina, Kentucky, the Muskies back in action one Such is the life of a Xavier Louisville and Florida, my heart Photo courtesy of Andrew Koch last time as a student. fan. In the grand tradition of has always belonged to the Editor-in-Chief Andrew Koch, then 5, prepares for a Xavier basketball game with his father Peter (‘84) in 1998. As they say, “this is our year.” Changes come to Cintas, athletics as new season approaches BY BRENDAN BURRIS T-shirts given to students and fans tive, according to Director of while his team was en route to a vide unlimited meals and snacks Staff Writer at Musketeer Madness. Basketball Administration Mario national championship, there were to Division I athletes throughout As the new Xavier basketball The highly-publicized NBA Mercurio. times during the season where he the year. season begins, Musketeer fans are preseason game between the Another major change for all struggled to get enough food to With this rule in place, the looking forward to a year filled Cavaliers and Pacers marked the Division I sports this year is the support him. Xavier athletic department has with great victories, intense rival- court’s first national exposure. so-called “Shabazz Effect.” The NCAA promptly passed created a “Fuel Station” for stu- ries and so much more. Early reviews of the design Former UConn point guard legislation during the offseason dent-athletes, who are now able However, during the offseason, have been overwhelmingly posi- claimed that that allows for schools to pro- to be fed by the university at any Cintas Center staff was hard point. at work making some signifi- Overall, according cant changes to the arena for to Mercurio, changes the upcoming season. to the NCAA rules These are aimed at en- happen frequently, hancing the overall fan and the athletic de- experience. partment must be The most notable of able to keep up with these changes is clearly the those changes to pro- resurfacing of the court, vide the best possible complete with the Cincinnati situations for student- skyline below the arena’s sig- athletes while staying nature “X.” within the established Over the summer, the guidelines. Xavier athletic department Some other notable was accepting fan submis- changes have been sions for a new court design made to Cintas Center for the 2014-15 season, many in the past months, of which featured the city’s such as improvements skyline. to the concourse. The final product was a As the new basket- collaboration of all the fan ball season gets closer submissions and made it easy and closer, Cintas for the athletic department Center is prepared to decide on a theme. to provide the home Photo courtesy of collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com The skyline image was The new Cintas Center court designs features the Cincinnati skyline and is reflective of ideas from fan submissions. court advantage that also featured in the free Xavier fans love. Xavier Newswire B-7 Edited by: Nick McGill [email protected] Basketball Preview October 29, 2014 What will it take to have yet another successful season? Our sports writers were of losses that should possession. being successful this enough on the defen- asked to give their input not have happened Adam Tortelli: year is getting a leader sive side, but an of- on what it will take to last season. For Xavier to be for the team. fensive presence is have a succesful year. Hit 3-pointers and successful this year, a Since Semaj was needed. As we approach the make free throws. new face has to con- drafted, there is now Dee Davis can step beginning of the season, Most of all, hustle sistently put the ball in a gap for a new leader up here and make the there are many questions hard and play tough the basket. to take charge of the plays. that are yet un-answered. defense throughout With last year’s top- team. Nick McGill: The Musketeers are the entirety of every two scorers departing, Stainbrook is vocal It is essential to play poised to have a great year someone must carry at a high level at all but must execute perfec- the load. times and not always tion to succeed. Captains Dee Davis play to the level of the Staff writers share and Matt Stainbrook opponent. what they believe must be are both more than ca- If veteran leaders done to give Xavier fans a pable, but they are at are able to step up and lot to cheer for this season. their best when play- perform well, oth- Ryan O’Toole: ing maestro on the ers will follow suit. Take care of the court by using their Production from the basketball and be experience to direct bench players will be efficient. traffic. imperative to produce Sloppy, inefficient Andrew Utz: a tournament-caliber Photo courtesy of Greg Rust Photo courtesy of Greg Rust play costs Xavier a lot Dee Davis looks to be a senior leader. The biggest part of Matt Stainbrook returns for a final season. team. Newswire’s Sweet 16 Predicitions

ISABEL SMITH BRENDAN BURRIS ADAM TORTELLI NICK MCGILL RYAN O’TOOLE Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Sports Editor Staff Writer

1. Louisville 1. Kentucky 1. Duke 1. Xavier 1. Duke 2. Kentucky 2. Florida 2. Xavier 2. Kentucky 2. Texas 3. Kansas 3. Arizona 3. VCU 3. Duke 3. Wichita State 4. Florida 4. Wisconsin 4. Michigan 4. Michigan 4. Connecticut 5. Duke 5. Michigan State 5. Louisville 5. Michigan State 5. VCU 6. UNC 6. Villanova 6. Arizona 6. Villanova 6. Michigan 7. Wisconsin 7. Louisville 7. Syracuse 7. Ohio State 7. Iowa State 8. Michigan 8. Duke 8. Kentucky 8. Florida 8. Georgetown 9. Mich. State 9. Oklahoma 9. Florida 9. Nebraska 9. San Diego State 10. UConn 10. Nebraska 10. Memphis 10. St. John’s 10. Xavier 11. Arizona 11. Ohio State 11. Villanova 11. Syracuse 11. Arizona 12. Texas 12. Syracuse 12. St. Louis 12. Georgetown 12. Florida 13. Virginia 13. Michigan 13. Wichita State 13. UConn 13. Kentucky 14 Villanova 14. Arkansas 14. Wisconsin 14. Wichita State 14. Illinois 15. Iowa 15. Kansas 15. Gonzaga 15. Ohio 15. Wisconsin 16. San Diego State 16. Georgetown 16. Indiana 16. Virginia 16. Syracuse Xavier Newswire B-8 Edited by: Nick McGill [email protected] Basketball Preview October 29, 2014 Inside look: A day in the life Xavier Center gives us an inside look at the life of a Musketeer

erything. I want to do to work on. packed schedule, making up test my best to show a true Practice is a gauntlet. We com- or turning in homework early day as a Xavier men’s pete in many aspects of practice, before road games becomes a basketball player. So keeping stats and scores, deeming necessity. Another area that gains here we go: winners and losers. more attention during the season I wake up most It ends around 5 or 5:30 p.m., is media. mornings by at least giving players enough time to Interviews and photo shoots nine o’clock. We prac- shower and head to any night become a game-day ritual; coach tice six days a week, classes they might have. For a Mack and various players speak to with one off day that lot of players the end of practice both TV and print media at press varies based on games brings a chance to go to the cafe- conferences. and travel. We cur- teria to grab dinner and then head With all of this being said, I by rently practice twice a off to study tables, which start at no means want it to sound like we day every Tuesday and 7 p.m. are overworked or treated unfairly. Thursday (8 a.m. and 3 This is mandatory for fresh- I wanted to show that with all of p.m.), and that requires men and players who do not have the perks and rewards for being waking up at 6:45 a.m. a cumulative 3.0 GPA. This helps an athlete, there are also many One thing that peo- them set aside time to study and responsibilities. ple don’t always know prepare for their classes ahead. As a scholarship athlete, I un- is that we have weight- Also, mixed in throughout the derstand that my skills on the lifting twice a week, day is an academic meeting with court and in the classroom are no matter the circum- an advisor once a week, meetings being compensated through my stances. This means with coaches and film sessions. financial aid and the experiences that even if we have This is a typical preseason day we get live. two games or are trav- for my teammates and me. We travel to parts of the coun- eling on the road for When the season starts, a try that many people do not get three days, we will lift. whole new dynamic is added to the opportunity to and we do so At last year’s Big my day. This is the time where life in chartered flights. East tournament in gets hectic and there are few mo- We stay at some of the nicest New York City, we ments to rest and relax. hotels and are fed good meals, traveled to a local For an away game, we travel to while still getting the opportunity health club and used wherever we are playing one day in to get an education from one of their weights in order advance, which means if we play the best universities in the country. Newswire photo by Adam Spegele to get in our bi- Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Omaha, we I am appreciative for my op- weekly lift. fly out on Monday after practice. portunity to play for such a pas- BY MATT STAINBROOK I typically lift mid- This means that if you are go- sionate fan base and look forward Staff Writer morning on Tuesdays and ing to miss class, you need to con- to the season. As the basketball season ap- Thursdays because those are tact your teacher ahead of time to proaches, I was offered the op- the days I have fewer classes. figure out when you will make portunity to write about what At this point, many people find up missed work. a typical day consists of for me, their late mornings and early af- In an often already- both as a college basketball player ternoons filled with classes. and a student. Almost all players have class Although Twitter, Instagram, every day. After class comes newspapers and other forms of practice. media provide a good insight into Practice starts at 3 p.m., some- what goes on throughout the sea- times starting with a film of our son, they often do not show ev- previous game on what we need

Newswire file photo

Newswire photo by Adam Spegele