5 thoughts on Xavier Musketeers basketball as fall practice begins

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The Xavier University men’s basketball team kicked off fall practice on Wednesday afternoon. There is less than six weeks remaining until Xavier begins the 2023-24 season against Robert Morris at Cintas Center.

Here are some thoughts on the Musketeers as the countdown to opening night begins.

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When will Xavier’s new-look roster gel?

It’s been well-documented this summer how many new pieces are on the Xavier roster after last season’s Sweet 16 run. Xavier has just four returning players, though two, Zach Freemantle and Jerome Hunter, are out with injuries. There’s no timetable for Hunter’s return and Freemantle could miss the entire season, according to Jeff Goodman of Stadium.

“It was almost like a ‘I just got here,’ feeling,” Xavier head coach Sean Miller said. “We’re basically dealing with a brand-new beginning. It’s challenging and I think it’s a lot of fun.”

But Xavier had a busy summer of practice, a team bonding paintball trip and a foreign excursion to Nassau, Bahamas for the Baha Mar Hoops Summer League, where they won both games.

“That’s the beauty of this trip. It gives everybody the luxury to learn more about our team, our program, themselves and we can pick up right where we left off when the trip ends,” Miller said after Xavier’s win over the University of Victoria Aug. 8.

Xavier will be tested early and often

The Big East always presents a challenge and this year is no different. Xavier will have eight conference games against four teams that made the NCAA tournament last year, including reigning national champion UConn along with Creighton, Marquette and Providence. The Musketeers will also host and visit NIT participants Villanova and Seton Hall.

More: St. John’s Rick Pitino makes return to Big East against Xavier Musketeers on Dec. 20

Xavier will get a test right out…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/5-thoughts-xavier-musketeers-basketball-150100483.html

Author : Cincinnati.com | The Enquirer

Publish date : 2023-09-28 15:01:00

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