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At the start of the off season, the Xavier Musketeers were a bit of an enigma as they were heading into what appeared to be a potential rebuilding season. Semaj Christon declared for the draft and Justin Martin transferred to SMU, and it seemed that all of the progress that was made by the team in its first season in the Big East Conference would have to wait. That may not be the case, as even with these two departures, the Musketeers still has one of its main catalysts to draw on and anchor down the play and pace of the game.
That anchor is senior guard Dee Davis, whose success this season could be boom or bust for the Musketeers as he will look to be the floor general that he has the potential to be. Last season for Davis, so a drop in TO%, but also increases in his FT%, EFG%, and assists per game, which he led Xavier in and was second in the Big East in at 4.7. However, there were still some concerns of his play compared to other guards in the Big East, especially his trouble against bigger guards in the conference. He also only shot under 43.0 percent from inside the 3-point line. Despite his ability to cut inside, it was an aspect underused by Davis.
The importance of Davis to the Musketeers hinges on the fact that he is the anchor to their perimeter play. For Davis, and more importantly Xavier to achieve success this season, it will require three years of college basketball experience to come together for a player that has that tremendous upside.
Its the perfect point for Davis to show the gusto that he has.
Though on the other side of the coin, Davis could run into trouble if he can not keep up with or handle the guard play expected once again in the Big East Conference this season. Another problem could be the fear that his body may not be up to the task of handling the physicality of play.
Its a new chapter for Davis, at the end of his college career, but he will have to do it without Semaj there to back him up this time. If he can get it done, then Xavier may very well have a decent shot at being competitive this season.