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CINCINNATI -- The highest preseason ranking in Xaviers history was met with a shrug in the locker room. These Musketeers have gotten accustomed to the breakthroughs.No. 7 Xavier put together one of the finest seasons in its history, one that ended with one of its biggest disappointments. A second-round loss to Wisconsin during the NCAA Tournament ended the run prematurely. And now, the Musketeers are back for an encore.We talked about it as a team, guard J.P. Macura said. We figured were going to come back stronger this year and kind of put it past us.Xavier returns the nucleus of a team that went 28-6, was ranked No. 5 for five weeks -- the highest ranking in school history -- and finished second behind Villanova in the Big East. The Musketeers went 6-1 against Top 25 teams and 3-0 against Top 10 teams, and got the first NCAA No. 2 seed in school history.Their burst into national prominence prepared them for more of the same.Weve already had that experience, going through it for a year, junior guard Trevon Bluiett said. Its kind of like we know what to expect rather than just running around like chickens. I think last year definitely prepared us for this year.The Musketeers return four of their top six scorers in Bluiett (15.1 points per game), Myles Davis (10.8), point guard Edmond Sumner (11) and Macura (9.4). Davis, a senior guard, is suspended indefinitely while facing misdemeanor charges alleging he damaged his former girlfriends property.Their biggest loss is on the front line. Forwards James Farr and Jalen Reynolds combined for more than 14 rebounds per game last season. Itll be more of a group effort this time around.Were going to look different, coach Chris Mack said. Thats what college basketball is all about. We may not have one or two guys like a year ago who average close to double figures.Some things to watch:QUICKER BLUIETT: The 6-foot-6 guard dropped his weight from 217 pounds to 194 in the offseason, trying to add quickness and strength. His teammates and coaches have noticed a difference in practice.Whats changed is his ability to sustain his level of play, Mack said. It does make him quicker, so Id like to see him add an ability to get to the rim more than he has in years past. If anything, it should give Trevon the ability to sustain the level of play.SUMNER GROWS UP: Sumner averaged 3.6 assists as a redshirt freshman last season. He showed an ability to dash past defenders for acrobatic moves to the hoop but too often took a difficult shot instead of passing. His charging call set up Wisconsins winning shot in the tournament. Hes more of a vocal leader in practice and showing a more rounded game.When he gets to the rim, he makes better decisions, Mack said. He doesnt force shots. Hes finding those (open) guys really, really well.GATES REHAB: The Musketeers are looking for 6-foot-8 sophomore forward Kaiser Gates to grow into a big role after averaging 10 minutes, 3.2 points and 2.6 rebounds last season. He tore cartilage in his left knee and had surgery on Oct. 21. Hes expected back on the court in about two weeks.NEWCOMERS: Senior forward RaShid Gaston sat out last season after transferring from Norfolk State. Forward Malcolm Bernard, a graduate student from Florida A&M, also will help. Freshman guards Tyrique Jones and Quentin Goodin will ease into playing time.I would say Tyrique Jones has kind of stood out because hes a freshman but hes not playing like a freshman, Bluiett said. We need him to play a big role for us. One other guy that stands out to me is Malcolm. 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If ever they start actually putting pictures beside words in the dictionary, the Blue Jays left-handers mug will appear beside “Consistency.Paul Gallen is one of the toughest and most passionate players ever to wear a New South Wales jersey but Queensland great Chris Close says he still doesnt deserve a State of Origin farewell.Gallen, who is due to play his final Origin game, made his Blues debut in 2006 - coincidentally, that was also the year the Maroons started their triumphant era of 10 series wins in 11 years.However, among the heartbreak there is one highlight.In 2014, Gallen captained the Blues to their solitary series victory but not even that can mask a dismal Origin record of just 15 wins from 23 previous attempts - a record not lost on Close.Hes a great player - hes been captain in six of the 10 losing Origin series for New South Wales; thats fantastic, Close told ESPN with more than a hint of sarcasm.I dont wish Paul Gallen any harm but its an absolute fact. I think hes a good player but I dont think hes a superstar.Gallen has always been as unpopular as daylight saving in Queensland, and its a status he is more than happy to embrace.His confrontational football style made him public enemy No. 1 in Queensland a very long time ago, and hes adopted a similarly aggressive approach off the field.Gallen famously described the Maroons fans as two-heads, and he fired another parting shot ahead of his Origin swansong.dddddddddddd.Ill say one thing about Queenslanders, I think theyre bad winners to be honest with you, Gallen said. I think theres a respectful hatred there.Theres that many times I go to Queensland with the Australian side and everyone says wed love to have you as a Queenslander any day of the week and I find that an insult.Its difficult to imagine Close as one of those Queenslanders. In fact, you get the feeling that the mere sight of the Cronulla captain in Origin III will infuriate him.Gallen escaped charge for a late slinging tackle on Parramatta hooker Isaac de Gois in an NRL match - fuelling Queenslands long-held belief that New South Wales receive preferential treatment.What a grubby act. If he can sit and watch that and justify it then hes a grub, Close said.Hes not learning from his past. I remember he got interviewed years ago and he said he wanted to show his kids that he wasnt the person that everybody thinks he is.He hasnt changed one bit. ' ' '