2006 Xavier Musketeers Basketball Preview

2006 Xavier Musketeers Basketball Predictions

Head coach Sean Miller (38- 23 in 2 years) couldn’t be happier. He has six prime players and the Xavier Musketeers (21- 11 overall and 8- 8 in A-10) possess probably the best balanced attack in the Atlantic 10.

Stanley Burrell (14.4 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 3.3 APG) and Drew Lavender, both juniors, are expected to be the primary backcourt guys. Burrell possesses a classic jumper and the ability to cut into defenses, draw a crowd and get the ball to the open man. He’s the team’s top scorer. Lavender, a transfer from Oklahoma, is an accomplished point guard.

Senior forwards Justin Cage (10.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.2 APG) and Justin Doellman (11.1 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.5 APG) are returning starters. Cage is a tough defensive force, while Doellman has basketball smarts and a rangy shot. Junior Josh Duncan (9.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.8 APG) revealed an ability to step-up last season when top scoring center Brian Thornton suffered a season ending injury. Senior Brandon Cole (2.1 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 0.1 APG) started to breakout at the end of last season. There will be more from him this year.

Miller has a lot with which to work. Both backcourt and frontcourt look solid and there’s a great mix of vets, transfers and frosh. Miller envisions two basic types of teams, depending upon whom the Musketeers are playing.

Optimism abounds at Xavier and with good reason. Last year the 8 and 8 Musketeers captured the conference tournament title, earning them an NCAA berth. This season look for Miller’s Musketeers to be the number one club in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

If you want more info on the 2006 Xavier Musketeers College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check view other mid major previews from MadduxSports.com of universities like the Air Force Falcons and Akron Zips.