Wednesday, March 22, 2000Xavier sees offensive help on the way
But key players need to become academically eligible
BY MICHAEL PERRY
The Cincinnati EnquirerThis was Xavier's lowest-scoring team (75.2 ppg) and tied for the worst-shooting team (.433 field goal percentage) in six years under coach Skip Prosser. The Musketeers, who finished 21-12, need more weapons and should be getting some next season.
Should.
XU loses only one key member of this year's squad, senior Darnell Williams, but expects to add at least three players who can score, challenge for playing time and make Xavier more dangerous at both ends of the court.
But Lionel Chalmers, David Young and Romain Guessagba-Sato have yet to play a college game. And all three have to become academically eligible.
Some of the keys for the 2000-2001 Musketeers will take place off the court.
Guessagba-Sato, a senior at Dayton Christian High School who was named Ohio's Division II player of the year Tuesday, is working to get the standardized test score he needs to be eligible. The native of the Central African Republic, who speaks six languages and has learned English over the past 15 months, took an untimed test in January and came up short. He will try again in early April.
One of the best players in the state, Guessagba-Sato averaged 26.4 points, 15.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists. Freshman David Young, who is attending Xavier though he did not practice with the team, needs to have grades good enough to be eligible. Young is tough-minded, strong and a good scorer.
“I think they'll be fine,” Prosser said of Sato and Young. “We're hoping they'll be fine.”
Chalmers practiced with the Musketeers all season. He is expected to be OK academically and will help immediately.
He handles the ball well, can shoot and is quicker than Maurice McAfee. Chalmers not only will provide depth at point guard, but he and McAfee can play together in the backcourt.
Depth on the perimeter is something Xavier lacked this season.
This is an important offseason for at least three veterans: Kevin Frey, Lloyd Price and David West. Prosser said the three need to work on getting stronger, conditioning and basketball skills. Sophomore Aaron
Turner needs to handle his academic responsibilities to ensure his return.
Prosser calls Price, who probably will have shoulder surgery, and Frey “two of our most talented guys.”
Of West, Prosser said: “I think he has the potential to be in that pantheon of outstanding Xavier forwards (Brian Grant, Tyrone Hill, Derek Strong, Aaron Williams, Torraye Braggs). His skills need to improve. But having said that, he's more skilled than Tyrone was at the same level.
“David West, I think, had a great freshman year. Now he has a taste of what it's like. He's played against some of the best players in the country.”
The coaching staff meets individually with players after each season, telling them what they need to work on. To Prosser, it is a crucial time.
“Some guys get it, and some guys don't,” he said. “Some guys that have never really pushed themselves hard in the offseason don't understand that that's such a big part of your development. I believe teams are made from October to March and players are made from March to October.
“Lenny Brown (XU's No.3 all-time scorer) is a perfect example of someone, who from March to October after his first couple years here, really pushed himself, and he became a much more complete player than when he entered Xavier.”
Prosser added: “It's up to us (as coaches) to make them more accountable for that hard work in the offseason.”
The Musketeers shot less than 40 percent from the field 12 times and were 3-9 in those games. Six of the 11 worst team shooting performances under Prosser came this season (Temple, Princeton, La Salle, Virginia Tech, Miami, George Washington)
There was too much inconsistency. And not enough bodies on the bench to replace guys who were inconsistent.
“We're not going to change a lot, because we've had success doing the things we've been doing,” Prosser said. “But I think a lot of things need to be fine-tuned.
“So much of the game is talent level. And we have to improve our talent level, both with recruiting and with developing the talent that we already have on campus.”
Xavier has one scholarship available and is looking for a high school or junior-college forward. No visits are scheduled yet.
The Musketeers also move into the new Cintas Center next season, which may help their recruiting.
NCAA Tournament coverage: Men | Women
NCAA brackets: Men | Women's
Enter this week's Hoop Madness Contest or check on your score in last week's contest
More Tournament coverage at Cincinnati.com/madness
Join the discussion in our College Sports forum
Xavier Stories
Xavier sees offensive help on the way
Parris has good work on Reds' day off
Reds' 'D' could be special
Reds try to juggle pitchers and innings
City board pans plan for ballpark public space
Final Four far from certain
Sixteen facts about the Sweet 16
Men's NCAA Schedule
Men's National Invitation Tournament
No. 2 NKU meets No. 1
Women's NCAA Division II Tournament
Women's NCAA Tournament
Women's National Invitation Tournament
Coach, dad lead St. X to state
Ohio boys final four pairings
Salamone's move great for Purcell Marian
Local recruits make all-state
Ohio Boys Division II Basketball Team
Ohio Boys Division III Basketball Team
Schwegmann all-Kentucky again
Kentucky Girls All-State Basketball Team
Miami-OSU football tickets limited
Stuff 92, Baltimore 85