Richard Pitino acknowledged visible progress from his team after their recent game on Friday night, despite a challenging performance. For about 16 minutes, Xavier appeared to be on the right track, showcasing potential before ultimately stumbling. The analogy of hitting a metaphorical deer is fitting here, as the team struggled to maintain momentum, leading to a disappointing outcome.
However, for those looking for a silver lining, there are indicators that this Xavier squad could find ways to achieve modest success. Adjusting expectations is essential, as it seems unlikely they will dominate the Big East or their non-conference schedule.
Xavier excelled during moments of high activity, particularly with contributors like Jovan Milicevic and Isaiah Walker making notable impacts. Milicevic had a strong offensive presence early in the game, and while he didn’t grab many rebounds, his effort on the glass was commendable. Walker’s contributions were more subtle but vital—involving solid defensive plays and overall hustle. Roddie Anderson, while active, struggled against Iowa’s defense and had difficulties finding his scoring rhythm, revealing he may not yet be entirely comfortable in the point guard role.
Three-point shooting remains a significant concern, as evidenced by the team’s performance. With a first-half tally of just 5-for-17—though they did start strong—the overall game ended with a dismal 8-for-33 from beyond the arc. Such shooting struggles are detrimental, particularly since Xavier lacks robust interior scoring. However, there were glimpses of promise, with Filip Borovicanin converting 6-of-8 shots inside and All Wright managing to penetrate the defense effectively.
A key factor for the team’s future success will be identifying a clear leader. The current roster plays like a team unsure about who should take charge. Malik Messina Moore’s inconsistency, coupled with Borovicanin’s raw talent and Wright’s struggle to find his shot, underscores this leadership gap. Milicevic showed flashes of potential as the go-to player during parts of the game, and perhaps the team could benefit from someone consistently stepping up.
While this season might not unfold as a dream scenario for Xavier, it doesn’t have to spiral into a nightmare. Coach Pitino is recognizing positive developments, and perhaps with a bit of optimism, the fans can also see the potential for growth and improvement moving forward.