Sunday, January 20, 2013
Does XU have the A10's top backcourt?
By Matt Giles
Much was expected from Dee Davis this season. The 6-foot guard did not play often during the 2012 season, but since Xavier's backcourt minutes were taken by Mark Lyons and Tu Holloway, the then-freshman did not see many minutes. While the arrival of Semaj Christon has overshadowed Davis' play, it is worth pointing out the sophomore has been very consistent in 2013.
Davis' shooting percentages have all risen dramatically , and he is converting 43.1 percent of his threes. Most impressively, though, is his assist percentage, which has jumped since Davis has evolved into the Musketeers' primary ball-handler and offensive facilitator. He did miss two games with a sprained wrist, but was able to play against La Salle and he handed out seven assists in the (somewhat surprising) win.
Since Christon is also enjoying a solid season, it is worth asking: does Xavier has the best backcourt in the Atlantic 10? Cases could be made for Saint Louis, Butler, and VCU, but the play of Davis and Christon has largely carried Xavier to a 4-0 record in conference play. Against the Explorers, Christon scored 18 points, and while he has a large role in XU's offense -- fielding a shots attempted percentage of 27.1 percent -- Christon has remained efficient within the arc.
