By Spencer Tracy, Staff Writer

The Richard Pitino era of Xavier Basketball is off and running amidst a wide range of expectations for next season. With the departure of Sean Miller, which resulted in all but one player entering the transfer portal, Pitino was immediately tasked with filling an entire roster 24 hours after the portal opened. Based on past year highlights, eligibility and breakdowns from college basketball analysts and coaches, here are the biggest recruits Pitino has picked up.

Gabriel Pozzato – Evansville Transfer, 6’7” Forward, SO

The highlight tape will tell most of the story about why Pitino wanted him to play his next basketball game in the Cintas Center. The Rome native was built to be a Trojan at war standing at 6’7” and widely described as “easy athletic.”

His 15 points per game on 44.8% shooting from the floor will put him in the running for one of Xavier’s top scorers despite not being a huge threat from three. However, if left open he will make opposing teams pay hitting 31% from behind the arc. As a mature player for his first-year season, he did struggle shooting off the dribble but his athleticism at the rim makes up for it.

Tre Carroll – FAU Transfer, 6’7” Forward, SR

Leadership is a necessity, and experience matters when it comes to picking a leader. When the locker room is empty, a leader needs to be found, and Pitino did just that by signing Tre Carroll. A member of the 2023 Florida Atlantic University Final Four team, Carroll has showcased growth each season.

A bigger presence at 6’7” than Pozzato, Carroll thrives in the pick-and-roll game because of his dual-threat abilities. Carroll is athletic enough to put defenders on a poster and score inside while killing defenses for leaving him open from three. Shooting 38% from three, Carroll has an opportunity to be a key offensive piece of next year’s team.

All Wright – Valparaiso Transfer, 6’3” Guard, SO

Already a fan favorite, All Wrights’ first-year stats jump off the board scoring 15.5 points per game on 40.8% shooting. Any coach would want a player who has the proven ability to score at the Division-I level and knocks down 38% of his three-point shots. 

His offensive production is his strong suit given his ability to catch and shoot from anywhere and create shooting opportunities for himself and others. This aspect of his game is very polished for a first year earning him Missouri Valley Freshman of the Year Award honors.

Much like Carroll, Wright plays with energy, which seems to be a common theme throughout the players Pitino has brought in which can add to the electric environment in Cintas. With Roddie Anderson most likely taking over as the starting point guard, and Wright considered as a smaller guard, he will likely take a smaller role while being given time to develop.

Malik Moore – Montana Transfer, 6’5” Guard, SR

A proven elite shooter and gifted playmaker showcased at the mid-major stage and under the lights of March Madness, Malik Moore is an exciting addition. Shooting 40% from behind the arc, Moore is an experienced sniper who has played in at least 30 games in all three years at the Division-I level. His elite shooting capabilities cause defenders to over-close out creating driving lanes which Moore will take advantage of successfully shooting 61% at the rim. His 6’5” frame allows him to be aggressive and creative at the rim because of his 82% free throw percentage. Deep, open or contested are all areas Moore can thrive in, making him a strong candidate to play valuable minutes.

Some other notable additions are junior forward Isaiah Walker out of Belmont who is an effective inside scorer. Defenses will encourage him to shoot because it is not a focused part of his game. However, he will splash one from time to time.

Pitino landed Sophomore forward Anthony Robinson from a 6’10” rim protector who will spend all of his time on the court dunking on opponents and rejecting inside shots.

Finally, Pitino brought one of his guys along with him which is 6’9” Senior forward Filip Brovincamine. A stretch four will help with spacing given he likes to score both inside and out.