The Holy Land of Hoops

Jeff Goodman ‏@GoodmanESPN 6m
Xavier sophomore guard Semaj Christon told ESPN he is heading to the NBA. Story coming.

F. Big East can't get a break. Semaj comes back, X is easily a ranked team next year.

That sucks.

I know nothing about his personal financial situation, so that may be a major factor.

For a basketball only perspective, this is a terrible decision. He is not a first round lock in an absolutely loaded draft. Should add bulk to that frame and move way up into the first round of the 2015 draft, imo.

Not as dumb as a move as Jakarr as Semaj is pretty much guaranteed to get drafted but disappointing nonetheless.

Starters: Dee, Remy, Bluiett, Martin, Stainbrook
Bench: Reybolds, Macura, Davis, Randolph, Farr, Sumner, London, O'mara

Xavier will be fine without Christon. Knee-jerk reaction is theyr will be a Top 4 team in the Big East next year.

Damn…losing coaches, losing players, bowing out very early in the tourney…clearly we should expect something good soon due to the law of averages right?

Just wait, in Goodman's story, he'll probably say Semaj decided to leave cause he hated the TV deal.

SJHooper wrote:Damn…losing coaches, losing players, bowing out very early in the tourney…clearly we should expect something good soon due to the law of averages right?

Well, NPOY is awarded soon, right?

Randy wrote:I know nothing about his personal financial situation, so that may be a major factor.

For a basketball only perspective, this is a terrible decision. He is not a first round lock in an absolutely loaded draft. Should add bulk to that frame and move way up into the first round of the 2015 draft, imo.

First off, yes I believe his family financial situation played a factor.

Second, I don't agree that it is a terrible decision in any way. Add bulk? H'es already pretty ripped compared to what he was as a freshmen, definitely not a stick or at the level that it would keep him from getting drafted. The "loaded draft" really is a pretty normal draft after the first 8 or so picks, so while next year may be weaker at the top, there is no guarantee it really helps him any since his ceiling may probably still be around the 10-12 mark. There are also zero guarantees when coming back. Xavier fans saw a fringe first round prospect (at least a 2nd round pick at minimum) in Tu Holloway come back and then not get drafted at all a few years back. Semaj's quickness and explosiveness with the ball is off the charts and I expect him to test/measure REALLY well at the combine. I would be really shocked if he is not a first round pick.