Team Preview: #26 Xavier Musketeers

TEAM: Xavier Musketeers

CONFERENCE: A-10

2006 RECORD AND ENDING: 25-9 (13-3) Lost to Ohio State in NCAA Tournament second round.

KEY PLAYERS RETURNING: Drew Lavender, Josh Duncan

WHAT'S TO LOVE: Junior College transfer Charles Bronson. That’s right: “Death Wish”, Mothra-Facklers! In all seriousness, several of the new starters this year played significant rotation minutes last year, so we’ll say “experience” is what’s to love.

WHATS NOT TO LOVE: The Musketeers lost most of their rebounding to graduation. Hence the addition of the 6’9” Bronson. In addition, Rick Majerus has taken the reins at St. Louis, so the Billikens could be a renewed threat in the conference.

KEY PLAYER: Lavender. He had an excellent 3-1 A/TO ratio last year, and he can score when the team needs him to. But the ability to get his teammates involved has to be the greatest lift the 5’7” dynamo can provide.

BEST CASE: Xavier returns to the dance and doesn’t have to face a one-and-done beast in the second round.

WORST CASE: Xavier returns to the dance and DOES have to face a one and done beast in the second round (USC or UCLA, pick your poison).

STF PREDICTION: 24-6 (13-3). The class of the Atlantic 10 goes back to the tournament with ease.