In this review, Sean Miller is rehired as Xavier Men’s Basketball’s head coach. While the Cincinnati Bengals and Cincinnati Reds go in different directions. Amid their respective March free agency frenzies.

Xavier’s men’s basketball team is emerging from a busy week on and off of the court. Within a week of Selection Sunday, the Xavier Musketeers beat Cleveland State. In their opening game of the National Invitational Tournament at Xavier’s Cintas Center last Tuesday. Xavier parted ways with former head coach Travis Steele less than 24 hours later. After four seasons featuring no NCAA Tournament appearances. A rare tourney drought for Xavier over the course of the last 30-40 years. A drought consistently fueled by the team struggling through slumps in February and March.

Within seconds of Steele’s departure being announced. Sean Miller emerged as the front runner for Xavier’s vacancy. Miller was Xavier’s head coach from 2004-2009. He led the Musketeers to four NCAA Tournament appearances. Coaching them to the program’s first Elite Eight appearance in 2008 and the Sweet 16 in 2009.

Miller also had a mostly successful tenure with Arizona. Featuring five Pac-12 regular season titles and three Elite Eight appearances. From 2009 until being fired last year; under a still looming cloud of investigations. Miller became one of the most high-profile coaches. Caught up in a federal investigation of corruption in college basketball. As a result of the investigation, Arizona assistant Emanuel Richardson plead guilty. To one felony count of conspiracy to commit bribery.

Arizona was charged with five Level I violations by the NCAA last year. Miller could still face a suspension by the NCAA. For not fostering a culture of ethical compliance. Beyond that, Xavier is rehiring a coach with a proven record of success in March. Both at Xavier-where he didn’t face any known ethical compliance issues- and Arizona.

Xavier’s season continues in the midst of all this. The Musketeers beat Florida 72-56 in the NIT’s second round Sunday at home. With Jonas Hayes serving as interim head coach during the rest of Xavier’s NIT run. No.2 seed Xavier will host No.4 Vanderbilt in the quarterfinals. Tip-off is set for Tuesday at 9 PM Eastern on ESPN2. In Xavier’s last game at the Cintas Center this season even with a win. Since the semifinals and championship game will happen in New York City’s Madison Square Garden.

Meanwhile, a different kind of March Madness is unfolding in Cincinnati. The Reds and Bengals went in different directions trade and free agency-wise last week. The Bengals began addressing their offensive line; their biggest concern going into the off-season. The Reds continued their payroll shedding with more trades. While outfielder Nick Castellanos joined the Philadelphia Phillies after two seasons with the Reds.

The Bengals added offensive tackle La’el Collins over the weekend. Along with making an immediate splash last Monday. Through the additions of former New England Patriots center Ted Karras. Plus, offensive guard Alex Cappa through a four-year $40 million deal. Cincinnati also signed tight end Hayden Hurst. He previously played for the Atlanta Falcons. Hurst will step into C.J. Uzomah’s role after Uzomah joined the New York Jets last week.

Seven players have re-signed with the Bengals going into Monday afternoon. Backup quarterback Brandon Allen, along with defensive tackles B.J. Hill and Josh Tupou. The Bengals also re-signed long snapper Clark Harris and cornerback Eli Apple. While releasing cornerback Trae Waynes earlier today. The Bengals also reached deals with the two Thomas’; safety Michael Thomas and wide receiver Mike Thomas. Safety Michael Thomas could be a long-term safety option. In case recently franchise tagged safety Jessie Bates III leaves the team after next season.

Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds traded All-Stars Eugenio Suarez and Jesse Winker to the Seattle Mariners. In exchange for center fielder Jake Fraley, pitchers Justin Dunn and Brandon Williamson. Along with a player to be named later. The Reds also traded relief pitcher Amir Garrett to the Kansas City Royals. In exchange for left-handed All-Star pitcher Mike Minor and cash.

Amid all of this, the Reds began their Spring Training exhibition schedule last Friday. Winning two out of three over the weekend. Losing to the Cleveland Guardians last Friday. Then beating the Oakland Athletics Saturday and San Francisco Giants Sunday. Scoring nine runs in Saturday and Sunday’s game.

Elsewhere in Cincinnati professional sports, FC Cincinnati is in unusual territory in their MLS era. Winning back-to-back matches after starting the 2022 season 0-2. After beating Orlando City a week earlier; FCC beat Inter Miami at TQL Stadium 3-1 last Saturday. Through Ronald Matarrita’s goal in the 18^th minute and two goals from Brandon Vazquez. FCC will face Charlotte on the road Saturday at 5 PM Eastern on WSTR-TV (64) and TUDN. In hockey, the Cincinnati Cyclones also won on Saturday. Beating the Fort Wayne Komets 4-3 at home; in their lone win among four games last week.