When the Xavier regular season tips off Tuesday, Nov. 9 against Niagara, the Musketeers will take their first step toward their goal of returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018.
Along the way, Xavier will face its usual challenging Big East schedule, and will also have its hands full in the non-conference.
In addition to the Crosstown Shootout with Cincinnati, the Musketeers will take part in the Preseason NIT along with Iowa State, Memphis and Virginia Tech and will also face Ohio State and Oklahoma State all before conference play even begins.
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With so many marquee teams on the schedule, Xavier will face some of the best individual college basketball players in the nation.
Here are the top opponents Xavier will face in 2021/22:
Posh Alexander, St. John’s
Wednesday, Feb. 16 at Cintas Center, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 2 at St. John's, 6:30 p.m.
The sophomore guard is one of four freshman to be named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year, joining Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning and Allen Iverson.
Averaged 10.9 points, 4.3 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game last season.
Joe Bryant Jr., Norfolk State
Sunday, Nov. 21 at Cintas Center, noon
Senior guard averaged 11.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game last season.
Had an outstanding postseason, being named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Most Outstanding Player and helping the Spartans reach the NCAA Tournament.
Julian Champagnie, St. John’s
Wednesday, Feb. 16 at Cintas Center, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 2 at St. John's, 6:30 p.m.
The 6-foot-8 junior had a breakthrough season last year, leading the Big East in scoring at 19.8 points per game.
Went on to be named first team All-Big East and was the co-winner of the Big East Most Improved award.
Moussa Cisse, Oklahoma State
Sunday, Dec. 5 at Oklahoma State, 5 p.m.
The 6-foot10 Memphis transfer should make an immediate impact down low for the Cowboys.
Was named the American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year in 2021 after averaging 6.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.
Jeremiah Davenport, Cincinnati
Saturday, Dec. 11 at Cintas Center, 8:30 p.m.
The junior is the Bearcats' leading returning scorer at 11.7 points per game to go along with his 5.0 rebounds per game.
One of the better shooters Xavier will face, Davenport finished in the top 10 in the AAC in 3-pointers made and 3-point percentage.
Collin Gillespie, Villanova
Tuesday, Dec. 21 at Villanova, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 12 at Cintas Center, 6:30 p.m.
The 6-foot-3 guard was the Co-Big East Player of the Year and was named third team All-American last season.
He averaged 14 points per game and had a 2.88 assists-to-turnover ratio before his season was cut short due to a torn MCL against Creighton.
Chuck Harris, Butler
Friday, Jan. 7 at Butler, 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 2 at Cintas Center, 7 p.m.
Was a unanimous selection the the all-Big East Freshman Team after averaging 12.9 points per game.
Became the first freshman to lead the Bulldogs in scoring since 1980.
E.J. Liddell, Ohio State
Thursday, Nov. 18 at Cintas Center, 6:30 p.m.
The forward was a first team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches and the Associated Press last season.
Averaged 16.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.
Justin Moore, Villanova
Tuesday, Dec. 21 at Villanova, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 12 at Cintas Center, 6:30 p.m.
The 6-foot-4 guard is a two-year starter for the Wildcats. Averaged 12.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game last season.
Jared Rhoden, Seton Hall
Wednesday, Feb. 9 at Seton Hall, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 26 at Cintas Center, 3:30 p.m.
The 6-foot-6 senior did a little bit over everything for the Pirates last season. Averaged 14.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game and shot a league-best .908 from the free throw line in Big East play.
Tied a Seton Hall Big East tournament record with 16 rebounds in win over St. John’s.
Jermaine Samuels, Villanova
Tuesday, Dec. 21 at Villanova, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 12 at Cintas Center, 6:30 p.m.
The 6-foot-7 forward upped his game in the postseason, averaging 15.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists for the Wildcats.
Averaged 12.0 points per game overall.
Nate Watson, Providence
Wednesday, Jan. 26 at Cintas Center, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 23 at Providence, 7 p.m.
The 6-foot-10 center was named second team All-Big East last season after averaging 16.9 points, 6.7 rebound and a block per game.
Has 1,317 career points in his college career.
*Note: Xavier is playing in the Preseason NIT and will play either Memphis or Virginia Tech on Nov. 26.
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