Xavier is off to a start that has them really earning that "World's Okayest High-Major" mug. Sure, they're 3-1, but none of their wins are going to be on the top line of the resume come March. The loss was a hard-fought but eminently winnable battle with title contender Indiana. X has been strong, but there are still plenty of areas for improvement.
The Phil Knight Invitational this week gives the Muskies a really good shot to figure out some things about themselves. Against Florida on Thanksgiving and then with two more possibly high-level foes as the tournament develops, there's no rest for Sean Miller's team in his second first year as head man here.