Xavier returns four starters

After Trevon Bluiett came up short of his biggest goal — getting Xavier to its first Final Four — he wasn’t sure whether he’d go to the NBA or return for a final season with a Musketeers team loaded with talent.

Bluiett decided to take one more shot at college glory. He is one of four returning starters from a team that overcame enormous obstacles last season and reached the Elite Eight for the third time in school history.

Xavier got healthy and hot in the NCAA Tournament, knocking off Maryland, Florida State and Arizona before losing to Gonzaga. This team could be even better.

Bluiett averaged 18.5 points last year despite being limited by an ankle injury. Freshman Quentin Goodin earned valuable playing time after point guard Edmond Sumner suffered a torn knee ligament, and several players grew into bigger roles in the tournament, notably forward Sean O’Mara.

With the addition of versatile Kerem Kanter, a 6-foot-10 forward who averaged 11.3 points and 6.3 rebounds at Wisconsin-Green Bay, the Musketeers have more options on offense this season.

J.P. Macura was the only Xavier player to start every game last season and had an impressive NCAA Tournament, averaging 13 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Tyrique Jones, who started as a freshman last year, also returns.

“I’d say this is the most unique team we’ve had,” Bluiett said. “We pretty much have an answer for everything.”

When Bluiett went to the NBA workouts after the season, he was told he needed to improve his defense and his energy level away from the ball. Xavier can see a difference in those areas already.

“Everyone knows he can shoot the ball at a really high level,” coach Chris Mack said. “Him doing the little things sends a huge message to our team. Quite honestly, it makes us a better team.”

O’Mara said the Musketeers are playing with a confidence they didn’t always have a year ago.

“We’re just trying to keep that kind of flow going as a team,” he said. “Carrying the success we had last year into the beginning of this season is pretty much our goal.”