Xavier (22-12, 13-7 Big East)

The Musketeers had a late-season surge to get into the NCAA Tournament, then immediately went into rebuilding mode when coach Sean Miller ended his second stint on Victory Parkway by heading to Texas. Xavier didn’t wait long and landed Richard Pitino after he led New Mexico into the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Pitino’s roster doesn’t include one returning player on scholarship last season. Even in the era of constant roster rebuilds, Pitino faces a difficult task in having a contending team.

Players to watch

Forward Tre Carroll was the American Athletic Conference most improved player at Florida Atlantic last season. The grad transfer had a double-double in Xavier’s first exhibition game against Murray State with 15 points and 13 rebounds. … Senior

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