Xavier McDaniel: The FORGOTTEN NBA INTIMIDATOR who made NCAA history | FPP

Xavier McDaniel was an unexpected NCAA legend with the Wichita State Shockers in the 1980s. At 6’7” he had three seasons with over 13 rebounds per game, twice led the nation in rebounding and became the first Division 1 player in history to lead the nation in scoring and rebounding during his 1985 senior season. He would be a top 5 pick in the 1985 NBA draft and would go on to finish second in rookie of the year voting to Patrick Ewing. Then, teaming with Tom Chambers and Dale Ellis, he would be part of a short lived trio who took the Seattle Supersonics to the 1987 Western Conference Finals. He would continue with elite production for the next few years in Seattle, until tensions got him traded to Phoenix. His time in Phoenix would be short lived, and he would sign with the Pat Riley led New York Knicks for the 1992 season, where he would be a perfect fit as an intimidator on a team featuring Anthony Mason, Charles Oakley and John Starks. McDaniel would have a great year in New York and an even better postseason, taking Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and the Chicago Bulls to 7 games. But contract disagreements would see McDaniel join the Celtics after Larry Bird’s retirement and the final year of Reggie Lewis’ career. But the rest of McDaniel’s career would be underwhelming as his decline was swift after going to Boston. He would play a few years with the Celtics, then a year in Europe and two more years with New Jersey before retiring at the age of 34. But such a promising start to a career has now seen Xavier McDaniel as one of the most forgotten players of all time. But if you weren’t going to remember him for talent and production, his toughness and intimidation factor was one of the most legendary of all time.
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[@GHOST91141]

Xavier Mcdaniel definitely belongs on the Meet Me Outside After The Game all time team 😂

[@lilpenny1982]

I agree 100%

[@yell0wberry]

Along with Anthony Mason, Charles, Oakley, and Charles Barkley

[@lilpenny1982]

@@yell0wberry Bill Laimbeer just did it on the court 🤣🤣🤣

[@konstantinkoverchenko9587]

He’s definitely, “I’ll beat yo ass!,” first ballot. >_

[@3243_]

John Brisker, Wendell Ladner, Maurice Lucas, Lonnie Shelton, Dave Cowens, and Jerry Sloan could be on this team too.

[@isiahbraun8704]

X gonna give it 2 ya

[@scottjones4386]

Good 1….Dmx

[@truthonly-]

Best comment by far

[@BasketballJones48021]

I think people also don’t really know that despite his aggressive style of play and intimidation tactics… X-Man in his prime was a LEGIT All-Star level player. Could play defense and rebound ofc, but also give you like 20 points per game!

[@mansamusa2012]

A beast

[@tornadosteve1]

he had everything he was nasty.... Doesn't get his props!

[@eo9590]

he was efficient scorer as well

[@CliffPierson777]

X Was an old school enforcer but can still give you 20 a game. Great turn around jumper and loved his baseline reverse jams.

[@MrLurchsThings]

Thank you for covering the X Man. He doesn’t get anywhere near as much coverage in todays media, which he deserves. Watching this, I can’t help but wonder what his career may have looked like had he stayed with the Knicks.

[@shawnauddette8199]

Indeed Xavier McDaniel should've remained with the Knicks as they possessed a legitimate chance to win a the title back in that era however reality is Xavier McDaniel will always be remembered as a Seattle Supersonic as most of his damage was done in Seattle.

[@manumed6094]

Good to see: World be free, Al Harrington, Jeff Rulland, Dan Roundfield,Clark Kellogg, Wayman Tisdale, Mike Mitchell, Calvin Nutt…

[@kincamell]

Heavy Ps I didn't know he lead the NCAA in scoring and rebounds . I recall hearing that he used to shave his eyebrows to psyche out his opponents. Those late 1980s Sonics Teams were stellar. Those early 1990s Knicks Team were tough. Pps Peace to Reggie Lewis and Anthony Mason.

[@joaogabrielgatto8642]

I hope you’re channels blows up buddy cause this typa basketball content is extremely interesting and only YOU are making it like this. It’s just the channel I always wanted on KZbin to learn about underrated, old and cool players that nobody talks about.

[@j.santiago7022]

Outstanding research and presentation. Extra points for recognizing his stellar college career too.

[@toddsands6000]

As a Knicks fan, Xavier McDaniel was one of my favorite NBA players while he was playing for the Seattle Supersonics. When he arrived on the NY Knicks via a trade from Phoenix, many Knicks fans were happy, especially me. My jaw virtually hit the floor when the Knicks wouldn't resign him to long term deal. In fact, I was pissed at Knicks management. Too many X-Man stories to share. One of my favorite X-Man fight stories was when he played for the NJ Nets late in his career and got involved in a brutal fight with PJ Brown of the Miami Heat in which the X-Man was mostly on the receiving end of that fight. I laughed when his words were somewhat like: PJ body slammed me onto the ground. Something wasn't right because I'm the one who does the body slamming. I laughed at his comments on Sports-Center at that time because even when he was getting old, it was fun to listening to how he would explain his dust-up stories.

[@lilpenny1982]

If McDaniel didn't get any knee injuries, he would've been a perennial All Star. He's FG% is really good too and he would always improve his numbers in the playoffs which are signs of a great player.

[@FuShengAlex]

He seemed to age very badly compared to quite a few guys from his draft class.

[@lilpenny1982]

@@FuShengAlex Because of his knee injuries. Remember Penny Hardaway? He even aged quicker than X-Man

[@marcusleary8571]

Fat lever or Ron Harper next

[@johngalt9737]

He was a bad ass on both sides of the ball and took ZERO ish from anyone. Perfect fit for Seattle

[@FuShengAlex]

Xavier was a character. His type doesn't exist in today's league

[@scoobjones6007]

Put the POWER in power foward

[@3timez]

Man I love these videos, they deserve more attention for sure. I'm hoping for a Darius Miles, Antonio McDyess, or Andrei Kirilenko profile one day. ✊

[@luciusv5765]

the x-man was a lots of fun to watch. that knicks vs bulls series was one of best ever in the nba.

[@paullayer4152]

Great video!!! X-man was a beast!! The MVC used to be such a great conference!!!! Nothing lasts forever

[@illusive1181]

You gotta do Kenny Sky Walker or Darryl Griffith. Or even Milton Wagner. Pervis Ellison, Felton Spencer, Kyle Macy, Sam Bowie or Jamal Mashburn. Edit: I know you don't HAVE TO do anything, but those are all lesser known ball players that have left their mark on basketball. Love what your doing

[@thawkereynolds]

I live and grew up in North Jersey right outside of New York. I can’t believe Xavier McDaniels only with the Knicks for one year because he feels like he was part of those teams for years. I’m honestly shocked.

[@mams1701]

Dude. I actually requested this one a while ago! What a dream. One true! Any chance of a Gerald Wilkins or Larry Nance? Thanks!

[@kidmoney9393]

Love these videos man keep it up

[@ShadowDragonGT]

McDaniel is the type of player you want on your team but hate playing against him

[@lashgoshotwheels1127]

Thank you 😊

[@evanjordan5075]

Never saw Xavier MxDaniel plaubbut looking atbthe video and hia stats he definitely was a beast on the glass (especially in college). I could only imagine if he had stayed and played with Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp. Would've been one of the best trios in the early 90s.

[@rajiemseabrook347]

Thank you for this one!!!

[@jjj3hot]

You gotta do one on wayman tisdale

[@jeffehoodin9077]

Damn right, Had we signed him and not traded MJax, Knx woulda won a chip or two. He owned Pippen on the blocks, rebounding and in his head. Favorite Knick

[@edvardthomson7264]

Such a legend

[@thirdlegstalliano]

The X-Man was a true boss

[@lonnellgrigsby1367]

Man I miss guys like this in the NBA everyone now plays the same now and look the same.

[@kerry-j4m]

Me too. This was a man's-MAN-league-LOL. Don't know if I would've put up with a team-mate choking me tho,there would've been a big response by me. LOL. Grew up in a very rough hood in Philly and you don't let anyone put their paws on you-ANYONE. LOL.

[@risto_delicious]

The one I’ve been waiting for!!!

[@Jareyes42]

I loved him in a Episode of Married with Children. 😆

[@drcharlesbombay]

Great footage... Great video!!!

[@unappealingundesirable2826]

I was born in Seattle in 1973, where I grew up. Sonics and Blazers fan. Japanese-American and male, too. The second half of tenth grade, to the first half of twelfth grade were some of the BEST times of my life! 1993-94 was Top 3, and 1996 was special! Well, in 1990-91, I was a senior in high school. I was having Dick's Hamburgers on Queen Anne, near the Sonics training facilities. All of a sudden, an elevator door opened, and TWO 6'7" men were fist-fighting! I went to a PAYPHONE and called 911. I told them two men were fighting. The dispatcher asked me if I knew the names of the people involved. I said, "Dale.......Ellis." And "Javier McDaniel."

[@TheMurph20]

I knew X was a minster for 5 or 6 years un the league.had no clue how rediculous he was in college......crazy numbers..

[@jpmnky]

The X Man. Those 1990s NYK teams were awesome. If you haven’t done John Starks yet, look into his career.

[@ForgottenPlayerProfiles]

Did one on him a couple months ago

[@georgesimmons6435]

Shouts out to the X Man, we both attended AC Flora HS in Columbia SC, but I came out in ‘83 and he came out in ‘81, he plays hard, I enjoyed watching him play

[@samsoncudjo]

This man Xavier McDaniel was somebody who I embody my spirit behind I’m bald 🧑🏽‍🦲 Because of R Kelly and im bald 🧑🏽‍🦲 because of Xavier McDaniel 100% his attitude and spirit and passion for the game and believing in yourself fits right in with my persona

[@manumed6094]

Amazing channel dear!

[@mmonkeyman1403]

I’ll admit I just pulled an X-man autographed card (limited to 25) and I had no idea who he was. Seems like a real bruiser

[@bcoxal]

My classmate at Wichita State

[@emersonjohnson8491]

You should do a feature on Sedalle Threatt

[@BleedColtsBlue]

It never made sense to me as a kid why Boston signed such an effective player just to let him rot on the bench. Spite? Either way, everyone in the EC was happy X man left the Knicks.

[@brandx3884]

He had a good role in NYC he should have found a way to stay put

[@MrSamurai36]

You should do a bio on world b free he played on a lot of teams he was a scoring machine

[@eksit101]

One of my all time fav players. Named my son after him. Lol. But, polynice, actually traded for pippen. Scottie could have been on this team. Woolridge on Lakers, because of pippen on bulls. ....

[@J-Bo-hr9zp]

Shoes 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Coopercrack]

Josh Smith and Alex English next, please!

[@philb.1502]

McDaniel was a solid pro who had some very good years early in his career with the Sonics. His intimidator status was overated because he could actually play.

[@4392amtrak]

Have you thought about doing nfl profiles soon?

[@eugenedantzler4485]

He did a few already

[@ForgottenPlayerProfiles]

Yeah I've been slacking, need to back into them soon

[@ethanniedorowski116]

And. Fat lever show the kids show em

[@arctictruck10]

​@ForgottenPlayerProfiles I'm curious to see how a hockey player profile would look like even though I hate that sport

[@lucashenderson2775]

​@@ForgottenPlayerProfilesIf I could request one, Ricky Watters. I think he's underrated all time. Outside of his final season in 2001, gained 1000+ scrimmage yards every year from 1992-2000, 1500+ scrimmage yards 7 years in a row from 1994-2000, rushed for 1000+ 7 times, gained 500+ receiving yards twice. Unfortunately, people will never let him live down the "For who, for what?" quote.

[@robertfleischer-g8f]

He was a great player. Another one, if i recall, who did not get a title because of magic and/or bird. Just like rolando blackman and others.

[@eugenedantzler4485]

Ok..... Either Charles Oakley, Bill Lambeer, or Kurt Rambus next😂😂😂😂😂 since you doing fighters now

[@andresdelportillo9917]

I’d like to see the prince of darkness himself laimbeer

[@jonathanpeterson1984]

Patrick Ewing wasn’t sweating that clown😂😂😂 00:16

[@richardyoon4209]

The Knicks got rid of the X-Man Xavier McDaniel and replaced him with the Ex-Man in Charles Smith.

[@abrahamalvarez8321]

The X man...

[@yell0wberry]

I sure wish someone would’ve had video of that fight he had with Anthony Mason

[@freezedatakeover]

He should of stayed with the knicks .....but they had young mason & oak .....i think they got charles smith when he left

[@csallen]

The Knicks should have kept X. He would have helped them win a championship.

[@mikeonthemccomedy2465]

X WAS THE MAN FOR THIS DOMINATING RUN IN SEATTLE!!!

[@unappealingundesirable2826]

Javier MacDaniel!

[@DONTOURAGETV]

They broke up that New York Knicks team with X-Man on it because they stretched the Chicago Bulls like some virgins … Took them to seven games and should’ve won that series but of course there was bad officiating , and the very next season because of Michael Jordan‘s complaining about the Knicks being too physical , They break up the team and change the rules in the NBA as far as defense and handchecking

[@tupacchamberlian8556]

Rick Mahorn next

[@dtbredhalf5823]

Dam Reggie King....motivation lol

[@Thought.You.Had.A.Friend_74]

Horace not Harvey...

[@master-kq3nw]

X man bad boy NBA

[@youtuber3328]

i'll rank these elite teams in this EXACT order #1 80 lakers #2 87 lakers #3 93 bulls #4 92 bulls #5 86 rockets #6 86 lakers #7 80 sonics and #8 87 sonics and i'll rank these legends in this EXACT order #1 kareem abdul-jabbar #2 michael jordan #3 magic johnson and #4 hakeem olajuwon

[@100barbelve]

Remember when he beat up Al Bundy 😂😂😂

[@vdLeo-je6os]

X-Man should have stayed in Seattle.

[@mikecolin3983]

He should have never left NY. I understand why though.

[@VMakNYC]

Pat Riley, then head coach of the Knicks, claimed McDaniel and Anthony Mason were fighting during practice and they couldn't coexist.. A choice had to be made.. Since Mason was younger and had more potential he stayed on the Knicks.. Xman had to go.

[@mikecolin3983]

@@VMakNYC That is definitely not true.

[@RoyPage1970]

McDaniel was a fake tough guy Kevin Garnett before Kevin Garnett kind of nothing but a big bag of hot air

[@FuShengAlex]

You crazy!! Xavier fought Oakley and was ejected and then demanded Oakley come outta his locker room to fight in the tunnel. 😂😂 He fought Ma$e too. Xavier was no sucka!!