Let’s give you an early report on a college basketball season which is just beginning to take shape.
When it comes to one of the best unbeaten teams, the response may surprise you. When you’re told that it comes from the Big East and it is not Villanova, prepare to be shocked even further.
Xavier, which comes into December 7-0 and ranked 12th in the nation, has non-conference wins at Michigan and blowout wins over solid teams in Alabama and Dayton. This was also a team that was outside of the top three in nearly every preseason projection in a deep Big East.
With the curb-stomping of Dayton, Xavier is now off to the best start since the 2011 season, which saw the Musketeers make it all the way to the Sweet 16. Even that squad started 8-0 and then dropped the next three games. With the talent on this squad, it may be even better and could conceivably enter conference play unbeaten.
This year’s Xavier team will likely surpass that eight-win number, as Western Kentucky and Wright State are the next two games. This leads up to the crosstown battle with Cincinnati on Dec. 12, which will be a typically physical battle.
Finally, the non-conference season wraps up with games against Auburn and at Wake Forest. Then the first game in Big East play is a game at Villanova on New Year’s Eve. The road will not be easy for the Musketeers, but they certainly have resume-building opportunities in front of them.
One of the hottest teams in the nation, the Musketeers are also one of the most balanced. Playing with a taller roster last season, Trevon Bluiett had a solid campaign as a wing player. However, in a smaller lineup this season, Bluiett has transitioned to the power forward position and has been extremely good. Bluiett is shooting just under 43 percent from the floor because of his range and efficient shot selection. He is averaging 14.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.
Bluiett has been aggressive, which seems like a trend for the entire squad. The Musketeers are not a team who is going to settle for a long jumper when they can get to the rim. This has led to an offensive explosion early with five players scoring in double figures per game, and a sixth just outside of it.
Along with Bluiett, Jalen Reynolds has been a monster on the boards, with a little bit of a mean streak. While the numbers are modest for Reynolds at 10.1 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, he is clearly the guy who toughens this team in the paint.
Finally, Myles Davis gives Xavier the point guard any top team needs. While he does not fit the typical distributing point guard role, he is always in attack mode. He has the ability to find open teammates, but also can score off the bounce.
With so many options on the offensive end, and the intensity that carries over the defensive side, Xavier is going to be a tough out for anyone. If it is able to stay healthy all season, an already deep Big East Conference just got better.
