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NCAA Tournament 2023: Ranking the starting lineups of each Sweet 16 team

By Joey Loose

Mar 18, 2023; Birmingham, AL, USA; Houston Cougars guard Marcus Sasser (0) celebrates with teammates after a play during the second half against the Auburn Tigers at Legacy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2023; Birmingham, AL, USA; Houston Cougars guard Marcus Sasser (0) celebrates with teammates after a play during the second half against the Auburn Tigers at Legacy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Xavier Musketeers guard Souley Boum NCAA Tournament Ncaa Xavier Pitt Basketball March 19 0070
Xavier Musketeers guard Souley Boum NCAA Tournament Ncaa Xavier Pitt Basketball March 19 0070 /

9. Xavier (3-seed)

Souley Boum (Senior – Guard)

A star at UTEP for the last three years, Boum has exploded onto the nation scene at Xavier, averaging 16.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists to emerge as the Big East’s top scorer this season. He was named First Team All-Big East and has hit nearly 42% of his 3-pointers this season. Despite poor long-range shooting in recent weeks, Boum starred with 17 points in Xavier’s comeback win over Kennesaw State and added another 14 on Sunday against Pittsburgh.

Jerome Hunter (Senior – Forward)

A former Indiana bench piece, Hunter has averaged 7.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game this year and taken up an important role, starting in place of the injured Zach Freemantle. Hunter really exploded onto the scene with a 24-point performance against Kennesaw State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Colby Jones (Junior – Guard)

An explosive weapon for the Musketeers, Jones was named Second Team All-Big East one year after leading Xavier to the NIT title. He’s averaging 15.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists and has these Musketeers aiming for much higher heights. Jones has had some true standout performances this season and starred in the win over Pittsburgh with 10 points and a season-high 14 rebounds.

Adam Kunkel (Senior – Guard)

Formerly a star at Belmont, Kunkel has been with the Musketeers for three years but has really developed as a full-time starter in his final collegiate season. Kunkel averages 10.4 points and 3.1 assists a game and has hit just under 40% of his 3-pointers on the year. He had 15 points in the win against the Panthers and remains a dynamic weapon in this backcourt, having hit five 3-pointers in a game for the second time this season.

Jack Nunge (Senior – Forward)

Nunge has been an impactful weapon these last few seasons at Xavier after four years over at Iowa. This season, he’s averaging 14.0 points and 7.9 rebounds in his first season as a full-time starter, providing strength and stability in that backcourt. He’s racked up double-doubles as one of the Big East’s best rebounders and led the team with 18 points in the victory over Pittsburgh on Sunday.

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