Former Xavier Players in the NBA

Xavier has had success over the years sending players to the NBA. Currently, there are two players are projected to be on an NBA teams roster this season. Most notably, arguably Xavier’s best player in school history, David West with the Indianapolis Pacers. West will be entering his 10th season in the NBA. David has been a mainstay in the starting lineup for the past 7 seasons. He played his first 8 seasons in the NBA with the New Orleans Hornets before signing with the Indianapolis Hornets before the 2011-2012 season. Last year he averaged 29 minutes and 12.8 points per game. This is a slight drop off from what he averaged in his tenure with the Hornets, but the Pacers were a very young and deep team last year. He was complimented inside with much better talent on the Pacers, in Roy Hibbert and Danny Granger. What is not shown on the stat sheet is the leader that David West is on and off the court. This leadership and experience is a huge factor for the young and upcoming Pacers squad that looks to take the next step and go deep into the playoffs this season. We all know, if they follow David West’s lead, they can take that next step. The other notable Xavier graduate in the NBA, Jordan Crawford. Entering his third season in the NBA, Crawford is looking to have a breakout season. He was a starter for much of last season, playing beside John Wall for the Wizards. This year it looks like he may be coming off the bench, playing behind Bradley Beal. Last season he averaged 27 minutes and nearly 15 points per game. His struggles have come from the three point line where is just shooting 30% and he is a non factor in assists or steals. Crawford will have to start shooting the ball better from outside and become a better passer and defender if he wants to be an everyday starter in the NBA. Another note, Tu Holloway’s dream of playing in the NBA looks like it may fall short this season. Holloway went undrafted in the recent rookie draft and was briefly signed by the Mavericks, until being released today. He will look to catch on with another team this preseason or at the least be signed to the D-League.