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Xavier Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for the Musketeers

By Lukas Harkins

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 08: Quentin Goodin #3 and Paul Scruggs #1 of the Xavier Musketeers look on in the second half of the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Fifth Third Arena on December 8, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati won 62-47. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 08: Quentin Goodin #3 and Paul Scruggs #1 of the Xavier Musketeers look on in the second half of the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Fifth Third Arena on December 8, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati won 62-47. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OHIO – FEBRUARY 24: Scruggs of the Musketeers celebrates. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO – FEBRUARY 24: Scruggs of the Musketeers celebrates. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Projected Starting Backcourt

Quentin Goodin | 6-foot-4 | 194 lbs | Senior

One of the anchors for this team, Quentin Goodin is entering his third season as Xavier’s full-time starter at point guard. The 6-foot-3 senior has never been labeled as a “star”, but he has been rock-solid for the team over the past few years while starting 79 of 104 contests. The same consistent high level of play should be expected out of him once again this season as the Musketeers’ primary playmaker and strong defender.

Over the course of last season, Goodin averaged 11.0 points (.370/.298/.664), 3.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. It is reasonable to assume that he will post similar numbers this time around while reprising his spot in the rotation. Goodin is a very capable primary facilitator and he does not receive nearly the credit he deserves for his role in Xavier’s success over the past few seasons.

Paul Scruggs | 6-foot-4 | 196 lbs | Junior

Paul Scruggs is practically a perfect next to Goodin in Xavier’s backcourt. The former top 50 recruit has molded his game quite well during his two-year career with the program thus far and he can fill just about any need. Scruggs brings enough size at 6-foot-3 and is a versatile offensive talent. With his three-level scoring ability and attacking mentality, Scruggs emerged as a go-to scorer for Xavier through significant stretches of last season.

Additionally, he flashed his abilities as a secondary playmaker and strong defender. He can make an impact in a variety of ways and should be poised for another leap this season. Scruggs averaged 12.3 points (.461/.375/.737), 4.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game last year.