I think it is huge for several reasons.
1. He has a chance to be the team's best player. He has some experience and although the numbers weren't gaudy at St. John's, I believe he has improved and used the year to his advantage. The coaches always thought that he was their best player last season. Of course they had an agenda so I took it with a gran of salt. However, I have heard players and others close to the program that shared similar thoughts.
2. It helps McGowens and Johnson immensely. Now the two freshmen can be brought along slowly and can benefit from Malik's experience and athleticism. Instead of possibly a true freshmen tandem back court, now Xavier can have a role off of the bench behind McGowens.
3. It also gives the staff options. You know he is one of your best five. He is big enough and athletic enough to play the two or three. So that allows you to basically go with the best two players around him. Maybe Xavier impresses early and the freshmen force Capel's hand. Then you can play Malik at the three.
This one is significant and takes a lot of pressure off of the freshmen guards.
1. He has a chance to be the team's best player. He has some experience and although the numbers weren't gaudy at St. John's, I believe he has improved and used the year to his advantage. The coaches always thought that he was their best player last season. Of course they had an agenda so I took it with a gran of salt. However, I have heard players and others close to the program that shared similar thoughts.
2. It helps McGowens and Johnson immensely. Now the two freshmen can be brought along slowly and can benefit from Malik's experience and athleticism. Instead of possibly a true freshmen tandem back court, now Xavier can have a role off of the bench behind McGowens.
3. It also gives the staff options. You know he is one of your best five. He is big enough and athletic enough to play the two or three. So that allows you to basically go with the best two players around him. Maybe Xavier impresses early and the freshmen force Capel's hand. Then you can play Malik at the three.
This one is significant and takes a lot of pressure off of the freshmen guards.
