By Dustin Dow
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Xavier freshman Justin Cage (right) is averaging only 5.6 points a game but is shooting 61.1 percent from the field and 71.4 percent from the free throw line. (Associated Press photo)

As far as coaches are concerned, consistency is what turns a good athlete into an effective, reliable player.

And consistency is why freshman Justin Cage could crack Xavier University's starting lineup after his first five collegiate games. Cage hasn't been guaranteed anything by Xavier coaches, but his on-court steadiness has put him in position to compete for a starting spot, if not a significant boost in playing time, by Tuesday's game at Miami University.

"No doubt about that," said Xavier coach Thad Matta, who continues to search for the best lineup in the midst of Xavier's (3-2) two-game losing streak. "He's brought consistency. His ability to play different things makes him valuable. He can guard the post or a perimeter player. He has great passing and scoring. And he rebounds at both ends."

At 6 feet 6, 215 pounds, Cage's build is ideal for a do-everything type player. But what Xavier coaches like best about him is that so far he has played with a workman-like attitude whenever he's on the court.

"He ignites our team when he comes in," Matta says. "He's a kid who loves to play and compete, and he doesn't try to hide that."

Cage's willingness to buy into Xavier's game plans and do little things like chase down rebounds and loose balls earned him a season-high 27 minutes Saturday against Indiana. His minutes have increased each game since the second game of the season, when he played 12 minutes against Mercer.

Now, coaches would like to see him shoot a little more. Cage is averaging 5.6 points a game, but he's shooting 61.1 percent from the field and 71.4 percent from the free throw line.

"They tell me to start taking a few more shots," said Cage, who was named Mr. Basketball in Indiana last season as a senior at Indianapolis Pike. "I'm not going to get carried away or anything, but I can shoot a little bit more."

He is aware of the opportunity to start, but Cage said he's not going to change the way he has been playing, particularly because what he has been doing has worked. "I'm not in any rush," Cage said. "I'm content where I'm at right now. The starters are veteran players."

E-mail ddow@enquirer.com