Beggars can't be choosers, and Xavier basketball isn't about to beg. So its last two scholarships for next season probably will go unused.

        With most top prospects snapped up, new coach Thad Matta said XU might be better off saving those scholarships.

        “It's not a bad option,” Matta said. “The biggest thing you want to do is get guys that fit into your program, and if there's none of those guys out there, you have (the scholarships) to fit into the following year.”

        Late signees often don't pan out. Desmond Walker, Obi Harris, Marcus Mason and Khalil Nixon were recent examples at XU.

        Three things hurt XU's recruiting efforts: Lloyd Price unexpectedly leaving, Mike Hayes reneging on his verbal commitment to XU and the coaching staff changing. Matta made an unsuccessful late bid for Indianapolis prep standout Vytas Danelius, who picked Wake Forest.

        Matta, who will go with 11 scholarship players in the fall, is eager for the arrival of XU's three signees: Keith Jackson (Purcell Marian), Will Caudle and Jaison Williams. Matta and his staff are deep in recruitment of the high school class of 2002. The next period to evaluate players in person begins July 8.

        A bonus for XU is the arrival of associate head coach Sean Miller, who was the lead recruiter at North Carolina State and previously assisted at Pittsburgh, Wisconsin and Miami University. The recruiting class N.C. State just completed is rated third nationally by Sports Illustrated.

        For next season, XU could choose to award a one-year scholarship to a walk-on. Senior-to-be James Baronas is a possibility.

        Matta said XU should pick its final assistant coach in the next week.

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