Xavier Basketball: 5 questions facing the Musketeers this offseason

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 09: Naji Marshall #13 of the Xavier Musketeers reacts in the first half against the Providence Friars during semifinals of the Big East Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 9, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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CINCINNATI, OH – FEBRUARY 17: Xavier Musketeers fans react. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

How will Travis Steele fare as a head coach?

Xavier basketball suffered a big blow this offseason with Chris Mack leaving to take the top job at Louisville. In relatively quick fashion, the Musketeers brass moved to promote associate head coach Travis Steele to fill the open post. Steele has extensive assistant coaching experience at schools such as Ohio State, Indiana, and Xavier but this is his first head coaching job.

While internal promotions have worked out for the Musketeers in the past, there should still be a few minor concerns regarding his transition to the top job. It is hard enough to take on more responsibility at a top program but it is even harder considering the amount of talent leaving the program. Coach Mack had plenty of good things to say about his replacement, though:

"“His tireless work ethic, dedication and coaching ability is second to none in our profession. I am extremely appreciative of Travis’ talents and hard work and am excited he’ll continue to be a part of Xavier Basketball moving forward.”"

Steele, a graduate of rival school Butler, was well-known in the coaching ranks as being one of the best assistants in the country. Yet, he will have his hands full in his first year as the top guy. Expectations are always high at the Cintas Center and the program is coming off of a Big East regular-season title in 2017-18.

We will find out just how good Steele is as a head coach in time.