Can Xavier turn it around?

[Friarfan2]

I think part of the frustration with Xavier is they are trying to have a bounce back year, and everyone is countin on them to step it up and join Villanova, Georgetown and Marquette as one of the teams that frequents the national rankings, makes the dance with regularity, and wins tourney games. Unfortunately, they are taking more after Marquette and Georgetown in failing to live up to expectations and falling out of the national picture. A shame really.

But unlike Marquette, I still think Xavier has an outside shot at an at large bid. I put them at #7 in the conference right now, and the last team with a realistic at large bid opportunity. The comeback against Alabama was huge to keep their hopes alive.

They have some good wins. They beat cincy, tennessee, alabama. But the last place in Atlantis (without playing the two best teams) really stings. But hey, one weekend doesn't kill them.

I think they could make it. They will need 11 conference wins and cannot lose in the first round of the ncaa tournament. They would only be like an 8 seed or worse, because they lack good wins (unless they take out nova and nova retains its eliteness).

I actually think they could be one of those dangerous 12 seeds. They have good players and a good coach. Put them in as a 12 seed, watch them upset a 5 and 4 seed and move on to the sweet 16.

Of the "middle of the pack tier" of teams (those below nova and creighton, but above depaul, seton hall and marquette), Xavier might have the most potential to gel in march (along with georgetown).