Musketeer Madness: Here’s are the top takeaways from Xavier’s 2024-25 preview

The last time Xavier fans saw forward Jerome Hunter play in a game, the Musketeers were fighting for a spot in the 2023 Elite Eight. Hunter missed all of last season after a cardiac episode in the offseason and a torn Achilles in February.

It’s been an even longer wait for sixth-year forward Zach Freemantle. The New Jersey native needed season-ending foot surgery during Big East play of that Sweet 16 run and missed all of last season, too.

So it was no surprise that Xavier Nation gave their warmest welcomes to Freemantle and Hunter Friday night at Cintas Center during Musketeer Madness.

Playing on opposite teams during the Blue-White scrimmage, Freemantle and Hunter both shined in spots. Freemantle won the opening tip, and it was followed by a Hunter block to force a shot-clock violation on the game’s opening possession.

Freemantle finished with 8 points on 4-of-8 shooting for Team Blue, but it was Hunter’s 7 points and 2 blocks that helped Team White pull out a 59-52 victory.

Here are the top takeaways from Musketeer Madness.

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Xavier pushes the pace

Much has been made about head coach Sean Miller’s up-tempo scheme and both Musketeer squads shined on offense in Friday’s scrimmage. The two teams had combined for 30 points at the opening media timeout (four minutes).

The scrimmage lasted just 24 minutes (two 12-minute halves). Over a full 40-minute stretch, the 59-52 final would’ve translated to 98-86. Xavier White shot 56.4% from the field and the two teams made it count at the charity stripe, too, combining to go 25-of-31, while struggling at times from three-point range (10-for-29).

A welcomed sight was Xavier’s work on the glass. Each team grabbed 21 rebounds and limited the other to five offensive boards. Team White’s biggest advantage came down low, where they racked up a 34-12 advantage in points in the paint.

Which transfers shined at Musketeer Madness?

While fan favorites like Hunter and Freemantle were the top attractions Friday night, the event also allowed Xavier’s transfers to make a good first impression.

In the backcourt, Dante Maddox Jr. (Toledo) and Ryan Conwell (Indiana State) did just that with a game-high 13 points.

Xavier’s frontcourt was a question mark all season and the loss of Lassina Traore means other Musketeer bigs will need to step up this season. Oklahoma transfer John Hugley IV had 8 points and tied Freemantle with a game-high 7 rebounds. Hugley has shown throughout the offseason he has a great feel for entry passes, too, and that was on display Friday as he dished out three assists.

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Furman transfer Marcus Foster has gone under the radar after he was the first portal addition way back in March. Foster showcased his ability to attack the rim and defend it in the post Friday. He had 9 points and 3 boards.

Trey Green steals the show again

Last year as a freshman, Trey Green made the biggest opening statement in the preseason event (then called Musketeer Tip-Off) with 16 points and four 3-pointers.

Green’s long-range abilities stood out Friday with a pair of triples, including one from way downtown to help give Team White a 34-30 lead at the intermission.

Xavier women’s basketball opens Friday festivities

The Xavier women’s basketball team was the first to be announced at Cintas Center as the Musketeers enter the 2024-25 campaign after grabbing just one victory last season.

Xavier has 12 international players, the most in NCAA Division I basketball, according to the school.

Xavier White defeated Xavier Blue in a scrimmage, 22-9, behind 10 points and 6 rebounds from forward Loren Christie.

Xavier begins the second year of the Billi Chambers era Tuesday, Nov. 5 at home against San Jose State.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Musketeer Madness: Here’s what we learned at Xavier’s 2024-25 preview