One year later, as Xavier opened fall practice on Monday, Sept. 21 at Cintas Center, the second-year head coach no longer feels like he's starting from scratch.
"We're excited," Pitino said. "I think we have maybe the most depth I've ever had."
That depth and the physicality that comes with it could be the defining characteristic of Pitino's second Xavier squad. Xavier's seven-player incoming transfer class is one of the best in the country (ranked No. 1 by On3Sports and top 25 by 247Sports and ESPN). That portal haul, paired with a few key returners and a true high school class fuels Pitino's excitement as the 2026-27 season approaches.
The Musketeers finished 15-18 overall last season and were tied for last in the Big East. Xavier's biggest problem wasn't scoring as the Muskies had a capable, high-powered offense centered around its perimeter shooting. The problem came when Xavier didn't have possessions. The Musketeers were No. 302 in KenPom in effective field goal percentage as a defense and allowed over 80 points per game for the first time since 1980.
Addressing those defensive shortcomings was top priority for Xavier this offseason. Xavier added significant size down low, as well as some bigger guards.
"I think the defense and the rebounding will significantly improve," Pitino said. "We had a good offensive team last year. We just didn't have good defensive rebounding. It will look different, but I think we'll be more suited for the rigors of the Big East."
That creates arguably the most intriguing question heading into this season. While Pitino is banking on defensive improvement, will that cause Xavier to lose its offensive identity or just change it? Xavier is bigger, but will that cause a sacrifice in spacing and tempo on the offensive end?
In late-September, Pitino isn't exactly sure what the answer to that is yet. He spent the summer experimenting with different combinations and concepts, acknowledging that this group gives him the opportunity to try things he hasn't necessarily done before.
"I also have to see how I want to play with them," Pitino said. "You tinker a lot. You take some chances on some things that maybe you haven't done before to see if it will work with all the new personnel."
Xavier should have the offensive firepower to come up with an answer after adding five double-digit scorers in the portal. Will they rely as much on the 3-point shot after making a school-record 309 triples last year? Ruben Dominguez was a high-volume shooter from downtown last season at Texas A&M and should be Xavier's top deep threat along with returning forward Jovan Milicevic.
Milicevic's role will be an interesting one after being moved to center last season. Undersized at the position, he was punished defensively but took advantage of matchups on the offensive end as opposing big men struggled to guard the perimeter. Milicevic averaged 12.4 points and shot 45.8% from 3-point range. With LSU transfer Mike Nwoko at the five, Milicevic is a more natural fit at the four.
"He made a lot of 3s, he was a matchup nightmare," Pitino said. "But defensively this will be better for him, rebounding will be better for him. He's more comfortable with it."
Milicevic is also one of the handful of players who provides continuity on the Xavier roster. There are connections everywhere as Milicevic, Tru Washington, Braden Appelhans (and potentially Filip Borovicanin) have all played for Pitino. Freshman Kalek House is the younger brother of Jaelen House, who started 94 games for Pitino at New Mexico from 2021-2024. Milicevic also trained with Nwoko, a fellow Canadian.
"You definitely see it (chemistry) with Mike and Jovan," Pitino said. "We do have familiar faces, which is nice. I do think it helps a little bit…. They're gelling well, but they haven't hit any adversity. Next month will be a really good test for them."
Next month brings a test for the entire Xavier roster. In two weeks, Xavier plays Dayton in an exhibition at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. That's followed with a road game against Rick Barnes' Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville. The Musketeers also have a home exhibition against Kent State before the season-opener Nov. 2.
Three preseason exhibitions, as well as a non-conference slate that includes three five high-major opponents (three of which went to the NCAA Tournament), will test Xavier's physicality and whether the team can maintain its offensive punch while becoming the defensive team Pitino wants them to be.
"I wanted to test this team early," Pitino said. "We'll learn a lot and we need to."
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Xavier basketball has deeper roster and one key question to answer