Xavier Basketball is officially back Wednesday when they take on the Dayton Flyers in the CareSource Invitational at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. This is a great opportunity for fans to get a first look at the Musketeers in year two under head coach Richard Pitino.
Starting the year against Dayton makes this matchup especially intriguing. However, exhibitions are all about development and getting a look at possible rotations, and sets against live competition rather than intra-squad work. For both fanbases, it provides an opportunity to bring back a fierce rivalry on the hardwood.
What to Expect from Xavier
LSU transfer Mike Nwoko and returner Jovan Milicevic will have an instant connection down low, as they have the same trainer. This creates a sense of chemistry before any games have even been played. Look for one-two punches from the duo. Milecevic will bring the finesse and shooting to the duo, while Nwoko brings physicality and emphatic finishing.
Freshman big man Asher Elson suffered a slight fracture in his foot, causing him to miss Wednesday’s game. Elson expects to return to play soon.
Fifth year UAB transfer Chance Westry will command the offense and should lead the team in assists.
Look for freshman guard Kalek House and junior guard Ruben Dominguez to provide the 3-point shooting for the Musketeers.
Redshirt sophomore Gabriel Pozzato has not played in an official game since the 2024-2025 season. He will get back on the court Wednesday, and will have all eyes on his performance.
Junior big man Rolyns Aligbe (Southern Illinois) will be a key bench piece, grabbing rebounds and playing physical defense.
Senior guard Tru Washington (Miami FL) will be a force on defense, covering some of the Flyers’ most explosive weapons.
What We’re Watching For:
How quickly can Pozzato get back up to speed against on court competition after missing all of last year?
How will the Milicevic-Nwoko connection perform against real competition?
Who will step up off of the bench behind the starting 5 & Pozzato?
How is the 3-point shooting? Dominguez and House should be prolific. Can Milicevic continue to be lethal outside?
How does Westry handle the offense? We know he’s going to be a dynamic passer and get to the rim. Can he limit turnovers? Has his shot improved over last year?
Washington will be a force on defense. However, what will he bring to the offensive half of the ball?
Exhibitions are more about learning about your team and what they are doing well vs. what needs improvement. However, with X and Dayton matching up, fans on both sides will be hungry for a win.
Projected Starting Five
Point Guard: Chance Westry
15.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 5.5 APG at UAB last season
Guard: Ruben Dominguez
10.2 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.4 APG at Texas A&M last season.:
Guard: Tru Washington
11.9 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.8 APG at Miami last season
Power Forward: Jovan Milicevic
12.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.4 APG at Xavier last season
Center: Mike Nwoko
13.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 0.8 APG at LSU last season
Rotation: Gabe Pozzato, Kalek House, Rolyns Algibe
First Look at Dayton
The Flyers finished last season with a 25-12 record, making the NIT and losing in the quarterfinals. Key returners are junior forward Amael L’Etang and redshirt sophomore forward Jaiun Simon. L’Etang is projected to be one of the top players in the Atlantic-10 this season, with numerous media outlets placing him near the top of player rankings.
The Flyers did well in the transfer portal, making multiple key additions. This includes junior guard Travis Perry (Ole Miss), sixth-year forward Jalen Haynes (Cincinnati), senior guard Zaide Lowery (Marquette) and junior forward Grant Randall (Quinnipiac). Dayton also brought in freshman Aiden Derkack, who is ranked 48th in the Class of 2026. This is a squad with high hopes in the A-10 built by head coach Anthony Grant.
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