Xavier basketball aims to improve defense with deeper roster under Pitino

Xavier basketball begins fall practice on September 21, 2026, entering Year 2 under head coach Richard Pitino. The team has brought in a seven-player transfer class, significantly enhancing its roster depth after finishing last season at 15-18. Pitino emphasizes the need for improved defense and rebounding to address last year's issues, where the team was ranked No. 302 in defensive effective field goal percentage. The coaching staff is experimenting with new strategies to balance offensive production and improved defense ahead of an exhibition against Dayton in two weeks.

• 4:05 AMYahoo Sports — Xavier basketball has deeper roster and one key question to answer