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Xavier Basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Musketeers

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 16: Head coach Chris Mack of the Xavier Musketeers reacts in the second half against the Maryland Terrapins during the first round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Amway Center on March 16, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 16: Head coach Chris Mack of the Xavier Musketeers reacts in the second half against the Maryland Terrapins during the first round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Amway Center on March 16, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
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SAN JOSE, CA – MARCH 25: Goodin (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA – MARCH 25: Goodin (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Starting Backcourt

SO Quentin Goodin

Although a backup in the beginning of last season, Goodin joined the starting lineup as the full-time point guard after the injury to Sumner in late January. As he will be a starter this season, it is important to look at his production as a starter last season instead of when he was coming off the bench. During that second half of the season as a starter, Goodin played in 17 games, averaging solid numbers across the board.

Goodin put up 7.2 points and dished out 5.3 assists per game during this stretch. These numbers are very solid, but it is vital that he brings up his efficiency this season. As a starter in 2016-17, Goodin shot just 31.7% from the field and a disappointing 22.2% from 3-point land. Yet, this was just his freshman season and his time as the starter last season should have given him the experience needed to take that next step this year.

SR J.P. Macura

A do-it-all guy for the Musketeers, Macura is underrated nationwide. This last season was his first as a starter (he took the spot from Myles Davis) for Coach Mack and he rewarded him with an excellent season. Macura was a solid scorer at 14.4 points per game and he was second on the team in both 3-pointers made and 3-pointers attempted. As an aside from his offensive game, Macura is also an excellent defender.

In Coach Mack’s defensive scheming, Xavier will often utilize a 1-3-1 zone. Macura’s defensive awareness and size (6’5″) allow him to be a great defender in this defense. Now in his senior season, the expectation is that Macura will continue his role as a two-way wing and secondary scorer to Bluiett.