Some other observations...

[Reality Man]

Walton is the toughest guy on this team. The heart and soul of this team. Gets overlooked but he is a warrior and I do appreciate his effort.

LeVert is a tough guy too. Plays hard. Easy to overlook the main guys.

Wagner has a little bit of the Novak mindset but much more talented. He is going to have some rough games but definitely worth the effort to coach up.

Told ya this team was pretty good. (See below). Much better than people gave them credit for a week or so ago. This team is legit top 20 if not higher. Team can ball and would still beat UM on their floor because they are so well rounded. If they played tomorrow at Crisler...would still win about 70-63.

Beat USC (CA) who was undefeated to that point. I predict Xavier will crack the top 10 some point in the season.

https://xavier.rivals.com/




RM

 

[Reality Man]

A couple of more things .


1. I would keep Robinson coming off the bench because you don't really want him guarding better offensive players. 6th man is perfect for him.

2. In regards to Chatman...I have heard some people confused by his lack of production. Not that complicated. He is a very talented and player. Sees the floor. Can do a little bit of everything. Problem you ask? He can't put the ball in the hoop. I root for the guy. Has a very 'elegant' game...nice arch on the shot, vision, smooth but ball never goes in the basket.

I'd love to have him playing...great size and rebounding talent but in the JB system you gotta score. Starting to think Chatman would be better off is a Bo Ryan system.



RM

 

[Reality Man]

In regards to Doyle. One reason he flubs passes is he realizes he needs to compensate for his lack of explosiveness.

I think it's a combination of his hands and athleticism. If Wagner continues to develop this should take the pressure off him to do/give as much.

I see this as the corner who gets burned by the #1 wr but when pushed down to cover #2 or the nickel back then he is more than competent and can do his job. This should also allow him to build up some confidence. UM is going to need Doyle to be competent/average going forward.

Doyle is a pretty solid #2 option at the #5 historically for UM. Can't think of too many backups that were high end players. Riley?


RM

 

[Mroad]

I kind of disagree with your assessment of Chatman. I don't see one areas where he excels. As you mention, he doesn't shoot the ball well but he also doesn't handle the ball particularly well. I also don't think he defends or rebounds particularly well. I also think he is limited from a strength and athleticism standpoint. I didn't see much from him last year and was hoping he would take a step up this year but I have not seen much improvement. Fortunately, the team is deep enough they don't particularly need him at this point.

 

[guestavo]

Chatman's rebounding and passing rate begs to differ.

 

[Mroad]

As a person that played college basketball and thoroughly enjoy watching college basketball, Chatman seems to be struggling to me. I don't see him as a strong ball handler, shooter, rebounder or defense player. He seems limited by lack of strength and athleticism. I hope I'm wrong but that is what I see....and I'm assuming that's what Beilein sees because he isn't playing that much.

 

[guestavo]

Chatman is a year young for his class...of course he is limited by lack of strength and athleticism, so is 22 year old Duncan Robinson. Much better ball handler than Duncan Robinson though.

Anyone with eyes can see he has innate ability to hit cutters and off ball shooters.

Luckily you don't have to "see" anything, Chatman was an elite rebounder in EYBL and has great rebounding rates his 1st 2 years at UM.

JB doesn't play Kam because he can't shoot. Its his only criteria when valuing players....defense?LOL

 

[Mroad]

Beilein is going to play the players that he believes are going to help him win. The reason he plays Robinson more than Chatman is because he believes Robinson gives them a better shot of winning. Like I said, I hope Chatman improves but I just don't see any area where he excels at the moment. If I were him I would be hitting the strength and conditioning hard because he needs that to take his game to the next level.

 

[guestavo]

Beilein is going to play the players that shoot. No matter what else you can do or can't.

Strength and conditioning is an issue for Kam but Robinson has strength and athleticism issues at 22.

Kam can handle, pass and rebound:









He won't see minutes til he can shoot.

 

[Mroad]

Tonight is a great example why Beilein gives Robinson a lot of minutes....he is flat out an elite shooter and is improving as the season progresses. By the way, I never said Kam hasn't made some shots or made some decent passes, he just hasn't always looked comfortable, strong or assertive. I'm just basing my opinion on my observations....and since he's not playing many minutes I'm assuming the coaching staff is seeing the same thing. I think it would be great to see him take his game to another level because he is the type of player that could have a strong all around game. If he were my son I'd tell him to get bigger, stronger and faster which will help his confidence and ability to play at this level. Right now Robinson is considered an elite shooter which is the reason he plays a lot. Kam either needs to become elite at something or good at everything to get more minutes.