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(Note:
Charlotte was mistakenly listed as #45 for a few hours.)
#45 Xavier Musketeers
Atlantic 10
2004-05: 17-12, 10-6,
2nd West
2004-05 postseason:
none
By
Joel Welser
After being snubbed by
the NIT last year, Xavier will strive for much better things,
like a trip to the NCAAs. The top seven scorers return, as do
Boubacar Coly and Brandon Cole who spent last year redshirting
due to injuries.
Who’s Out:
A trio of seldom used guards are the only departures. Keith
Jackson saw the most floor time, averaging 13.1 minutes per game
and 3.2 points. Churchill Odia didn’t earn the minutes he wanted
or expected and transferred after his freshman campaign, looking
for greener pastures in Oregon. Dupree Lucas only played in 14
contests and opted to transfer.
Who’s In:
The group of
newcomers is a step up from those departing, led by incoming
freshman B.J. Raymond. Raymond, a 6-6 wing, is a great finisher.
He’ll score from everywhere on the floor, hustle on the boards
and handle the ball. Shooting guard Johnny Wolf is a tough
player who can fill up the scoring column and will see some
quality playing time this year. The frontcourt will be extremely
deep and talented. Brandon Cole only saw action in two games
last year and the 6-8, 240 pounder will be a nice option off the
bench if he can stay healthy. The same applies to Boubacar Coly
who has yet to play a game for the Musketeers due to a knee
injury. The 6-9 Senegal product isn’t proven, but has potential
to make an impact if he can remain fit. Adam Simons, a 7-foot
transfer from NC State won’t tear up the A10, but has enough
skills to battle for minutes. Incoming freshman Derrick Brown
will be thrown into the frontcourt mix off the bench. The 6-7
forward is versatile and a solid finisher inside and out.
Who to Watch:
Shooting guard
Stanley Burrell had a surprising freshman campaign. Burrell led
the team with 12.7 points per game and added 3.2 rebounds and
2.1 assists. Burrell can hit from everywhere on the floor,
shooting nearly 37% from behind the arc. The backcourt depth is
limited this year so Burrell will have to continue to produce
and stay on the floor. If he doesn’t, there is little left to
fill the void.
Projected Conference Rank:
With
Dedrick Finn running the show and the proven trio of forwards in
Justin Cage, Justin Doellman and Brian Thornton, Xavier has the
tools to thrive in the A10. There will be a huge scramble for
the top spot in the conference, where the top three could be
looking for a bid to the NCAAs. A 3rd place finish
for the Musketeers will sneak them into the NCAAs.
Projected Post-season Tournament:
NCAA
Projected Starting
Five:
Dedrick Finn, Senior,
Guard, 8.1 points per game
Stanley Burrell,
Sophomore, Guard, 12.7 points per game
Justin Cage, Junior,
Forward, 11.1 points per game
Brian Thornton,
Senior, Forward, 10.7 points per game
Justin Doellman,
Junior, Forward, 10.9 points per game
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