Xavier Musketeers Hit the Court for Fall Practice

September 23, 2026 - 08:52

Xavier head coach Richard Pitino met with reporters this week as the Musketeers opened fall practice at Cintas Center, marking the official start of preparations for the upcoming season.

Pitino expressed enthusiasm about the group he has assembled, noting that the roster brings a mix of returning experience and new faces eager to make an impact. The coaching staff has spent months building toward this moment, and the first practices offered an early look at how the pieces fit together.

Players went through drills focused on conditioning, defensive rotations and offensive sets. The intensity was evident from the opening whistle, with veterans setting the tone and newcomers working to earn their place in the rotation.

The Musketeers face a demanding schedule ahead, and Pitino emphasized that daily improvement will matter more than early hype. He pointed to leadership within the locker room as a key factor that could shape the team's identity over the coming weeks.

Xavier fans will get their first chance to see the squad in action during upcoming exhibition play. For now, the focus remains on fundamentals, chemistry and building the habits that carry a team through a long season.