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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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Key Reserves

KyKy Tandy | 6-foot-2 | 190 lbs | Freshman

Goodin and Scruggs are locks to reprise their starting roles in the backcourt but there are more talented reserves behind them this time around. Incoming top 100 freshman KyKy Tandy is right at the top of this list as a dynamic combo guard with the ability to fill it up at all three levels. Tandy brings enough size at 6-foot-1, is quite athletic, and can be counted on to be a spark-plug scorer as a reserve. He also plays with a great pace and should thrive in the up-tempo system that Coach Steele wants to run.

Bryce Moore | 6-foot-3 | 194 lbs | Senior

Another strong addition to Xavier’s backcourt reserves core, Bryce Moore is a sharpshooting transfer from Western Michigan. Over the course of last season, the 6-foot-2 guard averaged 9.8 points per game for the Broncos (?) while shooting 39.0% from three. Considering 3-point shooting was a major weakness for Xavier last season, it is reasonable to expect that Moore will find his fair share of playing time due to his efforts as a perimeter threat. He will also be another veteran ball-handler in the rotation.

Zach Freemantle | 6-foot-9 | 225 lbs | Freshman

Xavier will also turn to newcomers to fill their reserve spots in the frontcourt. Perhaps most notably, top-150 prospect Zach Freemantle looks poised to play a significant role as a freshman. The 6-foot-9 big man was excellent on Xavier’s summer trip to Spain and that will hopefully carry over into the actual season. He plays with a great motor and understands how to function in his specific role. Freemantle never tries to do too much but can be a versatile offensive talent. He can finish around the rim and rebounds at a high rate. Freemantle might need to add some strength before emerging as a major contributor but he should be solid in a reserve role right away nonetheless, especially on the glass.

Dahmir Bishop | 6-foot-5 | 178 lbs | Freshman

Dahmir Bishop is yet another newcomer to Xavier’s backcourt but he brings a bit more size than Tandy/Moore with a 6-foot-5 frame. As a result, he can play a few more positions as more of a wing than a combo guard. He is a strong shooter from beyond the arc and projects as an immediate scoring threat for the team. Xavier is exceptionally deep this season and finding consistent minutes in the backcourt could be challenging. That is why Bishop’s versatility to play 1-through-3 on the court will be so important to Coach Steele. He will be the primary reserve at the “3” this season while allowing Moore and Tandy to back-up the true guard spots. His defense will be valuable right away although he needs to add some stretch.

Daniel Ramsey | 6-foot-9 | 233 lbs | Freshman

Although not as highly-rated as Freemantle, Coach Steele will likely look to Daniel Ramsey for reserve minutes in the frontcourt this season as well. He comes in at 6-foot-9 and as the No. 162 overall recruit in the country. Ramsey boasts plus-athleticism with the ability to run the floor tremendous well. He can finish above the rim in transition and rebounds plenty of shots as well. Ramsey’s motor will allow him to see plenty of playing time right away as he can provide high-energy minutes as a glass-cleaner and finishing threat.