Busting Brackets
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Xavier Basketball: 5 questions facing the Musketeers this offseason

By Lukas Harkins

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)
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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ST LOUIS, MO – MARCH 18: The Xavier Musketeers mascot. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MO – MARCH 18: The Xavier Musketeers mascot. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

How will the incoming transfers fit in?

In addition to the major trio of returners hoping to take the next step, Coach Steele and Company have three talented transfers coming in. Taking this approach is one of the new ways to “reload” in college basketball, with several programs utilizing the transfer market year after year (see: Nevada). Whether or not it will work out for the Musketeers obviously remains to be seen but it was definitely worth a shot.

The most notable of these is Ryan Welage from San Jose State. A 6’9″ stretch forward, Welage brings a much-needed skill set to the program. Considering the surprising departure of Gates, this addition is even more important. While playing for the Spartans last season, Welage averaged 18.1 points per game while showing outstanding efficiency. His shooting splits last season were 46.1/42.9/87.7. Welage should instantly join the Musketeers’ starting lineup and could be one of the top scorers on the team.

Next, Zach Hankins is a big body that will help to make up for the losses of O’Mara and Kanter. He is a 6’10”, 255-pound big man who spent the last season playing for Ferris State (DII). He averaged 15.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per game at that level. It will be interesting to see how his game translates to the Big East but he should at least see a substantial role.

Lastly, Columbia transfer Kyle Castlin will also be spending his last season donning a Musketeers’ uniform. The 6’4″ guard averaged 10.5 points and 3.8 assists per game while playing in 17 contests. He has shown the ability to knock down the three in the past and could be a solid rotation piece in the backcourt.