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Xavier Basketball: 3 reasons why the Musketeers will be better than Cincinnati in 2018-19

By Brian Rauf

CINCINNATI, OH - FEBRUARY 03: Members of the Xavier Musketeers celebrate after a four point play to tie the game against the Georgetown Hoyas at Cintas Center on February 3, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - FEBRUARY 03: Members of the Xavier Musketeers celebrate after a four point play to tie the game against the Georgetown Hoyas at Cintas Center on February 3, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 18: Paul Scruggs #1 of the Xavier Musketeers drives to the basket against Mfiondu Kabengele #25 of the Florida State Seminoles during the first half in the second round of the 2018 Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 18, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 18: Paul Scruggs #1 of the Xavier Musketeers drives to the basket against Mfiondu Kabengele #25 of the Florida State Seminoles during the first half in the second round of the 2018 Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 18, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

1) Breakout stars in Quentin Goodin and Paul Scruggs

Yes, it’s going to be extremely difficult for Xavier to replace the likes of Bluiett and Macura…but it’s not impossible. In fact, the Musketeers have two players that are poised to step up in guards Quentin Goodin and Paul Scruggs.

Goodin has been Xavier’s starting point guard for the past season and a half and has played well in a complementary role. His 4.9 assists per game from a season ago ranked third in the conference – a number that should only increase as he becomes more of a focal point of the offense.

Speaking of focal point, that’s who the Musketeers are counting on Scruggs to be. The No. 34 overall prospect in the 2017 class, Scruggs will be making the move from key bench player to someone Xavier will heavily rely on. I think he’s more than ready for the challenge and is ready for a breakout season.

At 6-4 and 210 pounds, Scruggs has the strength and quickness to get to the rim whenever he wants and, when he gets there, he knows how to finish and/or draw contact. He was also a premier defender as a freshman who was routinely tasked with defending the opponent’s best offensive player.

Both players struggle to shoot from distance, but both are tough, athletic slashers, good playmakers, and – most importantly for the style Xavier wants to play – really good defenders. These two will make up one of the better backcourts in the country.