By Dustin Dow
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Xavier head coach Thad Matta. (Michael E. Keating photo) | ZOOM |

The talk every Xavier fan has heard about for months wasn't really serious. It was more like two college friends "just chilling" in a dorm room.

But the ramifications of that conversation between David West and Lionel Chalmers late into the night April 8 could have a monumental impact on the Musketeers' upcoming basketball season.

It is partly because of that talk that West, a consensus preseason All-American, shocked everyone the next day and announced with tears in his eyes that he would return to Xavier for his senior year, postponing an NBA career. West's return has put the Musketeers in the nation's top 10 in several preseason polls as practice begins today.

But seriously, it was just a talk.

"It really had nothing to do with basketball," West said. "We just talked about what it could be, (both of us) finishing things out here. I wanted to get some input from him."

The next morning, West woke up, knew his decision had been made, and let everyone know later that evening at a postseason banquet. It was a surprise, especially considering 24 hours earlier he had told Xavier coach Thad Matta that he would turn pro. But West never said how much his talk with Chalmers factored into his choice.

"It meant a lot just because I got a chance to talk to him," West said. "In the end, he just listened to me talk for a long time, and he said, 'Whatever you do, I'll support you.'"

Said Chalmers: "People give me the credit, but he was just talking about his situation."

They're best friends, West and Chalmers, after entering college in 1999. West played that year as a freshman. Chalmers, a partial qualifier, had to sit out. He'll get back a year of eligibility after this season if he graduates on time.

Despite not playing in games that season, Chalmers made an impact in practice and got to know West better. They lived in the same dorm suite their freshman and sophomore years and now live in the same building, one floor apart.

"I think what helped was our freshman year when (Chalmers) found out he couldn't play," West said. "I had been in a similar situation the year before when I found out I had to go to prep school. So I had some things to say about not playing, and as the year went on, I'd come back from the road, and he'd be there and we'd just talk.

"Plus, being a big guy, there's one trick of the trade. You're supposed to become friends with the point guard. So I did."

Four years later, they are realizing the benefits of that early friendship on and off the court.

They enter this year coming off career seasons that relied upon each other. Chalmers had 134 assists, and West led the team with an average of 18.3 points.

"I kind of demand a little bit more from him, and I think he does the same from me," West said.

Xavier's practice schedule for today was changed because Romain Sato has flu-like symptoms and West recently had four wisdom teeth removed.

Practice had been scheduled to start around 10a.m. Instead, Matta held a workout after midnight and scheduled a light practice at 7p.m. today. The move was made so players could get enough sleep, Xavier spokesman Tom Eiser said.