Xavier basketball has deeper roster and one key question to answer

Xavier head coach Richard Pitino spent much of his first season building. He had to build relationships, a staff, a roster and an understanding of what he wanted the Musketeers to become.

One year later, as Xavier opened fall practice on Monday, Sept. 21 at Cintas Center, the second-year head coach no longer feels like he’s starting from scratch.

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“We’re excited,” Pitino said. “I think we have maybe the most depth I’ve ever had.”

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That depth and the physicality that comes with it could be the defining characteristic of Pitino’s second Xavier squad. Xavier’s seven-player incoming transfer class is one of the best in the country (ranked No. 1 by On3Sports and top 25 by 247Sports and ESPN). That portal haul, paired with a few key returners and a true high school class fuels Pitino’s excitement as the 2026-27 season approaches.

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The Musketeers finished 15-18 overall last season and were tied for last in the Big East. Xavier’s biggest problem wasn’t scoring as the Muskies had a capable, high-powered offense centered around its perimeter shooting. The problem came when Xavier didn’t have possessions. The Musketeers were No. 302 in KenPom in effective field goal percentage as a defense and allowed over 80 points per game for the first time since 1980.

Xavier began fall practice at Cintas Center on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026.

Addressing those defensive shortcomings was top priority for Xavier this offseason. Xavier added significant size down low, as well as some bigger guards.

“I think the defense and the rebounding will significantly improve,” Pitino said. “We had a good offensive team last year. We just didn’t have good defensive rebounding. It will look different, but I think we’ll be more suited for the rigors of the Big East.”

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That creates arguably the most intriguing question heading into this season. While…

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Publish date : 2026-09-23 04:05:00

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