We asked our sports writers to give their bold predictions for the upcoming season.

Here’s what they said:

Donnie Menke:

Xavier makes a run in March and wins the Big East tournament, but ultimately falls in the Sweet 16 for the second straight season.

Paul Fristchner:

Pending the point guard and defensive issues being resolved, this could be quite the year for Xavier basketball. There is so much potential on this roster, especially with the addition of redshirt freshmen Edmund Sumner and Makinde London.

Assuming nobody goes into a drastic decline but rather improves from last year, this could be the year Xavier once again ascends the rankings of college basketball.

David Woeltz:

Both Cincinnati and Xavier are ranked for the Shootout and midmajor makes the Final Four.

Andrew Utz:

Xavier Sweet 16 run, Part 2.

Brent Raines:

Could it finally happen? Can Xavier make a Final Four? Xavier breaks through the Sweet 16 barrier and gives one of the blueblood programs a run for its money in the Elite Eight.

Trevon Bluiett and Jalen Reynolds finish All- Big East, while Sumner delivers on the hype and is Big East Freshman of the Year. Remy Abell and James Farr finish their careers strong while Myles Davis emerges as the team’s leader and most clutch player.