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 – NOVEMBER 13: Xavier Musketeers fans cheer. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Can the incoming freshmen make a difference?

Xavier’s 2018 recruiting class is not very impressive on paper but that does not mean that they cannot be impact players. According to 247Sports, the two-man class ranks eighth in the Big East and No. 79 in the nation. These numbers do not bode particularly well but both players could potentially see minutes in their first seasons on campus.

A big reason for this is the positions that they play. With O’Mara and Kanter off the roster, Coach Steele is in need of revamping the center position. Xavier has traditionally run a platoon of two players at the position in the past and it would not be a surprise for that to continue in 2018-19. Incoming transfer Zach Hankins already looks poised to be in the fold but could freshman Jake Walter be his counterpart? A seven-footer from Kentucky, Walter ranks just inside the top-200 for the class and is a big body.

In addition, versatile power forward Dontarius James may be asked to alleviate some of the pressure on the other forwards. Losing Bluiett and Gates means many former reserves will need to step up. Even if those players do their jobs, James may be needed as a depth option for the team.

Next: Which recruiting classes could be most influential?

Xavier basketball has a long road ahead in terms of making up for lost talent this offseason. With a new head coach and a completely revamped roster, the Musketeers will be an interesting team to watch in the Big East.