We continue our recruit and return series with the Xavier Musketeers, whose season ended Sunday with a loss to Wisconsin in the second round. A look at what the 2016-17 season could hold:
Possible 2016-17 starting five (statistics reflect regular-season average)
G: Myles Davis (11.3 PPG, 4.1 APG)
G: Edmond Sumner (11.0 PPG, 3.0 APG)
F: J.P. Macura (9.5 PPG, 2.0 APG)
F: Trevon Bluiett (15.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG)
C: Jalen Reynolds (9.5 PPG, 6.4 RPG)
Who is lost: James Farr and Remy Abell are both lost to graduation. Farr came off the bench, but was a focal point of that second group, averaging more than 10 points per game and providing the type of size and depth that most teams couldn’t match up with up front. Abell started all 30 regular-season games this season and while he averaged only six points per game, he distinguished himself on the defensive end first and foremost, not just with his ability to defend the opposing team’s best perimeter scorer but also with his ability to check multiple positions. His unselfishness offensively was also valuable, making him an ideal blend player.
Who is added: Chris Mack has a pair of ESPN 100 prospects coming to town in Quentin Goodin and Tyrique Jones. Goodin is a versatile combo guard who can play on or off the ball, provide a scoring threat in all three ranges and also defend multiple positions. Jones and Eddie Ekiyor provide the next wave of athletic frontcourt players to add to the Musketeers’ stable inside. Jones is a power player with a college-ready body. He’s as explosive as he is strong, able to elevate in traffic, and rebound in high volume from Day 1. Ekiyor might actually have the leg up early on, though, as he joined the program at mid-year. He’s another high-level athlete who covers the court and plays above the rim with ease and so he’ll be most effective defensively, finishing plays around the rim and changing ends of the floor.
What it means for next season: The big question is whether or not Trevon Bluiett returns next season. He has been expected to test the draft process since before his season began, and a strong sophomore campaign likely didn’t deter those ambitions, but whether or not he’s going to get a spot in the first round is another question altogether. If he doesn’t project as a first-round pick, Bluiett would be well-served to return to Xavier, look to assert himself as one of the nation’s best and lead a team that would have a legitimate chance at a national championship. There will be plenty of help as three other starters return. Myles Davis and Edmond Sumner are both back on the perimeter. Davis will steady the ship with great experience while Sumner is a star in the making. Jalen Reynolds returns for his senior year as well, providing a virtually unmatched defensive presence inside the paint in the Big East. The conference’s Sixth Man of the Year, J.P. Macura, should have a seamless transition into the starting spot vacated by Abell.
Trending: Up. As good as Xavier was this season, the Musketeers have a chance to be even better next season if Bluiett elects to return. His departure, would hasten Sumner’s evolution into a true star, but might make them a little bit less of a collective threat on a national level. Either way, though, Xavier should be right in the thick of the Big East hunt next season.