Xavier Men's Basketball Began Fall Practice

The Musketeers opened training camp with a top-ranked transfer class as they look to improve on last year's record.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Basketball

Xavier Men's Basketball Began Fall Practice

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Xavier basketball officially kicked off its fall practice session on September 21, 2026. The team is integrating a seven-player transfer class, which is currently ranked No. 1 by On3Sports.

Why it matters

After finishing the previous season with a 15-18 record, the program has prioritized defensive improvement and rebounding. The coaching staff seeks to address defensive struggles that saw the team allow over 80 points per game last year.

Jovan Milicevic returns after averaging 12.4 points per game while shooting 45.8% from behind the arc. The team maintains a high-volume perimeter focus following their record-breaking 309 made 3-pointers last season.

The players

Jovan Milicevic

He is a returning guard for Xavier who serves as a key perimeter threat after an efficient shooting season.

Xavier University

It is a private Jesuit university located in Cincinnati that competes in the Big East Conference.

On3Sports

It is a prominent collegiate athletics recruiting and media database that tracks player transfers and commitments.

The details

Coaches experimented with various lineups and concepts throughout the summer to incorporate larger guards and additional size. Players are now focusing on defensive schemes at the Cintas Center to mitigate the scoring deficits observed during the previous campaign.

September 21, 2026: Xavier basketball began fall practice.
Early October 2026: The team faces Dayton in an exhibition game.
October 2026: The squad will face testing and adversity.
November 2, 2026: The scheduled season-opener occurs.

Season Trajectory

The aggressive recruitment of a top-ranked transfer class significantly shifts expectations for Xavier this season. The roster overhaul changes the team's depth and defensive profile as they prepare to navigate a challenging schedule including a road trip to Tennessee.

The reliance on a seven-player transfer class means the team will face early-season chemistry tests during their exhibition against Dayton. Fans can monitor whether the added size successfully reduces the 80 points-per-game defensive average allowed last year.

The takeaway

The success of this season hinges on how quickly the coaching staff can integrate new personnel into a cohesive defensive unit. Improving interior defense and rebounding will be the primary metrics for determining if the team can surpass their previous 15-18 finish.