SIGN IN

QUICK HITS:  Recruiting class | ISR mobile app | Latest issue

Chat Transcript: Talk Notre Dame basketball with Tom Noie

2:40 pm, October 05, 2011

Tom Noie answered readers' Notre Dame basketball questions in a live chat. Read the Transcript

 Live Chat: Talk Notre Dame basketball with Tom Noie(10/05/2011) 
12:02
sbtnoie: 
Greetings from the final weekly Notre Dame men's basketball chat......of the offseason.

Media Day is seven days away with the first day of practice to follow. Pretty soon, it will be games galore as the Irish men's team plays as saturated a November schedule - eight games in 18 days - as it has ever seen.

Featurs/notebooks/analysis pieces about Notre Dame men's basketball return to the pages of the South Bend Tribune beginning Sunday with a look at the questions surrounding the program as practice begins.

For now, it's chat time - you know the drill. Send in a question or comment, include your name and your hometown. Like voting in Chicago elections, feel free to post early and often. Let's go....
Wednesday October 5, 2011 12:02 sbtnoie
12:09
[Comment From Sam, BostonSam, Boston: ] 
After the summer AAU season of 2010, it seems that almost every major college basketball coach wanted to sign Pat Connaughton. If Pat Connaughton lives up to his promising ability as both a scorer and rebounder, do you think that as a freshman, he could adequately replace the scoring and rebounding averages of Carleton Scott?
Wednesday October 5, 2011 12:09 Sam, Boston
12:17
sbtnoie: 
Sam:

Good to hear from you again. I like many of the intangibles that Patrick Connaughton brings to this year's team, not the least of which is his toughness and determination and belief that he belongs as a major player in Big East basketball.

Right away, Connaughton will give this team some of the mental toughness that walked out the door with Big East player of the year Ben Hansbrough. Connaughton plays with an edge about him that the coaching staff fell in love with during an AAU tournament in Orlando. Mike Brey likes to say he plays a little crazy - but that's a good trait to have, especially in this league.

However, it might be a bit of a stretch to expect Connaughton, who stands only 6-foot-5 but does have a 6-10 wingspan, to step into the role vacated by Carleton Scott after the decision to take his basketball career in a different direction a year earlier than many figured.

With his long arms and big hands and quickness off the floor, Scott was a solid interior presence on the defensive end. His run of double-doubles for points and rebounds when Luke Harangody went down with his knee injury two years ago was a critical reason why Notre Dame came from nowhere to get into the 2010 NCAA tournament. A year ago, Scott was as solid a contributor on the team as anyone not named Hansbrough.

It might be a little much to expect Connaughton to average similar numbers of Scott from last year - 11.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists in 31.2 minutes a night. Make no mistake, though, Connaughton is going to have a role - maybe a big role - on this year's team.
Wednesday October 5, 2011 12:17 sbtnoie
12:37
[Comment From WoofCookiesWoofCookies: ] 
Do the guys on the team "practice" together unofficially during the off season? Or is it more informal than that?
Wednesday October 5, 2011 12:37 WoofCookies
12:45
sbtnoie: 
Woof:

Technically, there really is no off-season anymore, regardless of what the NCAA rule book might say. The returning guys off last year's team took maybe two weeks off to decompress from the season before they were back playing pickup - that's how Tom Knight busted up his ankle.

While the coaching staff is away recruiting in July, the guys stay busy in the weight room with strength and conditioning coach Tony Rolinski or run pickup games organized by the captains. After two sessions of summer school, they return home for three weeks of their only real "summer vacation" before returning to campus for the fall semester.

The NCAA allows the coaching staff to work two hours a week In September and early October with the team, usually in groups of four. So when the first "official" practice time rolls around - next week - the Irish likely have already been in the gym for those two hours. They also will play pickup or do shooting drills on their own.

Once the season starts, the NCAA rules mandate that players get at least one day off per week - but that rule is waived when classes are not in session. It wouldn't be a surprise if Mike Brey gave guys on this year's team this coming weekend off to go home. It might be their last chance to do so until April.
Wednesday October 5, 2011 12:45 sbtnoie
12:46
[Comment From Frank, Long IslandFrank, Long Island: ] 
Can you envision Joey Brooks ever becoming an offensive force? Could he possibly develop a reliable mid range jumper, and become more of a positive force at the free throw line? Could Joey Brooks ever score in double digits against a Big East opponent?
Wednesday October 5, 2011 12:46 Frank, Long Island
12:54
sbtnoie: 
Frank:

I'm going to go with a definite maybe on all counts. When I saw Joey Brooks play pickup in June, I left the gym two straight nights thinking, "Meh, same old Joey Brooks.' He did some good things but was really rather invisible for long stretches.

I stopped in to see them play in July and watched Joey Brooks play like he's seldom played in an Irish uniform. Keep in mind, that the print media isn't allowed to see practice during the season, so I can't say for sure that Brooks has had days quite like this one, but he was phenomenal. Seriously.

He defended. He ran the floor. He took the ball to the basket strong....and finished. He also hit his outside shots. He was really, really good. I left thinking, man, if he could bottle that this season, he's got a chance.....

It's been a struggle for him to figure out exactly where his game fits. People talk so much about football players - Aaron Lynch, Stephon Tuitt, Michael Floyd - passing the eye test. Well, Joey Brooks passes the eye test when you think about the body type of guys built to play in the Big East. He's 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds of muscle and athleticism.

But something has been missing. With so many shooters on last year's team - Abromaitis, Hansbrough, Martin, Scott, Atkins to an extent - there was no need for Brooks to hang his hat on shooting the 3. He's at his best in the open floor and attacking - but therein lies the problem. He struggled so much shooting free throws (45.9 percent) that he almost became a little shy to get to the rim.

This is a big preseason for Joey Brooks. There's been a lot of talk about Jerian Grant and Alex Dragicevich. Patrick Connaughton will push for serious minutes. This is Joey Brooks' time to say, hey, don't forget about me.

Where does he fit? It's time for Brooks to show us.


Wednesday October 5, 2011 12:54 sbtnoie
12:54
[Comment From sanchezsanchez: ] 
It's Jake! Hope you're good, Tom. Great ND coverage, per norm...Will Atkins have to show us something more (be it offensively, or in terms of leadership/attitude) this season for the Irish to continue to hover near the top of the Big East?
Wednesday October 5, 2011 12:54 sanchez
12:57
sbtnoie: 
Jake:

Good to hear from you, my man. Hope all is well. Great points on Atkins. And I don't think he'll disappoint.

Eric Atkins will be expected to score more than he did last season (5.8 ppg.) and he'll be up for the challenge. With Ben Hansbrough now in Germany, this is Atkins' team to run. He's only a sophomore but he carries himself like an upperclassman. He'll score, he'll lead, he'll distribute the ball, he'll defend and he'll take care of it - Atkins led the Big East in assist/turnover as a freshman.

Of all the returning guys, Atkins could make the biggest leap from last year's team.

Wednesday October 5, 2011 12:57 sbtnoie
12:57
[Comment From Bob, AlbanyBob, Albany: ] 
Why are many basketball writers reporting that the odds are against Eric Katenda in his quest to play basketball at Notre Dame, when a star player at Marquette, Chris Otule, successfully plays with goggles due to having good vision in only one of his eyes?
Wednesday October 5, 2011 12:57 Bob, Albany
1:05
sbtnoie: 
Bob:

Solid question. Both Eric Katenda and Marquette center Chris Otule have vision in only one eye. The difference between the two is that Otule lost vision in one of his eyes, I believe, at an early age and had years and years of time to adjust while playing basketball. He's been able to have a serviceable career with Marquette.

I talked with Marquette beat writer Todd Rosiak about Otule over the summer and he said there are times when Outle's vision is a problem. There are only certain spots he can receive an entry pass into the post.

Nobody knows how or if Katenda will adjust. Katenda insists he will, but it puts the Notre Dame coaching staff in a tough spot. They will honor his scholarship so he can attend Notre Dame and earn his undergraduate degree, but how long do you wait for someone who may or may not be able to help? One year? Two? Three? It may take that long for Katenda to first adjust, then get to the point where he can play as free-minded as he did before the injury.

Will he be shy about playing down low? Going into a crowd for a loose ball? Pull up on the break instead of finishing strong?

With all that has happend to Eric Katenda in the last few months, you root for the story to have a happy ending, but from a realistic standpoint, I don't know how anyone can expect Katenda to enroll in January and immediately become the player the Irish coaching staff envisioned stepping into the role vacated by Carleton Scott.
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:05 sbtnoie
1:06
[Comment From Leprechaun LegionLeprechaun Legion: ] 
Where does Notre Dame stand with Gary Harris?
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:06 Leprechaun Legion
1:10
sbtnoie: 
Lep:

Right now, they don't. WIth the commitment last month of power forward Zach Auguste (added to earlier commitments of prep seniors Cameron Biedscheid and Austin Burgett), Notre Dame currently does not have a scholarship to offer Gary Harris.

I say currently because that may change in the coming weeks or months. The plan remains for Eric Katenda to enroll in January, but what if he has a change of heart? Don't know.

There's also a chance that power forward Mike Broghammer will be ruled medically unable to continue with his career because of persistent tendinitis in both knees. If that's the case, his scholarship becomes available, but that could be best used in the spring for a late-rising senior or college transfer (point guard??).

It may be safe to say that the Garry Harris ship has sailed.
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:10 sbtnoie
1:10
[Comment From Sam BostonSam Boston: ] 
If he were required to play major minutes against the long and athletic frontcourt of Syracuse, do you think that Tom Knight could hold his own? Does Tom Knight have a jump hook in his offensive arsenal?
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:10 Sam Boston
1:14
sbtnoie: 
Sam:

Right now, no. Knight averaged three minutes a game last season. Could he double or triple that this year? Possibly, but he's really going to have to come out of the gate strong in preseason.

It's a tall order (no pun intended) to ask someone like Knight who really hasn't played for two years, to step into the rotation and hold his own against a Syracuse or a Connecticut or a Louisville or a Pittsburgh if he hasn't already done it. Now, if he can earn some minutes early in the year and build off some confidence.....maybe.

Tom Knight has a plethora of shots in his offensive arsenal, including a left-handed jump hook. Let's see how much he can use them this winter.
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:14 sbtnoie
1:28
[Comment From Leprechaun LegionLeprechaun Legion: ] 
Why don't we land more kids from the Indianapolis area? Alot of talent down there but Burgett is the only one from that area I can remember us getting since Chris Thomas.
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:28 Leprechaun Legion
1:32
sbtnoie: 
Lep:

If you poll kids from Indianapolis where they want to play college basketball, the majority of them probably would say....Big Ten. The ones that don't look hard at the Big Ten also are looking hard at Butler. It takes a unique kid to say he wants to go to Notre Dame and play in the Big East.

They say that Notre Dame isn't for everybody, but same with the Big East. Not everybody wants to play in that league where it's often survival of the fittest.

That said, Notre Dame has made an effort to recuit the Indianapolis area harder than recent seasons. It just hasn't shown with a big-time commitment. That's not to say the area's ignored.
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:32 sbtnoie
1:33
[Comment From Bill, New YorkBill, New York: ] 
I'm rephrasing my question from last week after I noticed that you mentioned it on your twitter account. Now that Atkins and Grant are on the roster, Katenda possibly in waiting, Auguste and Beidshied given verbals, and Jackson and Beachem hopefully on the horizon, have you ever seen a more athletic team possibly comprising the Notre Dame roster in over 10 years of covering the team? Based on this potential roster's athleticism, doesn't the roster look UCONNesque?
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:33 Bill, New York
1:38
sbtnoie: 
Bill:

Glad to have you back. This team has the chance to be pretty darn athletic in coming years, but what I like about them is they seemingly will all know how to play. It's one thing to run five guys who are long and lanky and can jump out there, but can they play together? Do the pieces fit? Will they make the right play at the right time?

This team has a chance to do that. But UConn-esque? Again, that might be a stretch. Is there an NBA lottery pick in the bunch? Is this a team that can be average in the Big East then turn around and chase a national title? A roster loaded with guys who are 6-8, 6-9?

On paper, there's a chance that happens, but again, we won't know that for years. We don't know how good Auguste can be. We don't know Katenda's future. We don't know if they'll land a Jackson or a Beachem or if Grant can step in and be something special.

Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:38 sbtnoie
1:46
[Comment From Frank Long IslandFrank Long Island: ] 
Could Alex Dragicevich have a future at Notre Dame playing the 3 or 4? Does Alex have any aspect of his game with his back to the basket?
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:46 Frank Long Island
1:49
sbtnoie: 
Frank:

Don't be fooled by his height - listed at 6-foot-7 but probably closer to 6-8 - Dragicevich is a guard. What type of guard remains to be determinted. He's considered the team's second-best handler behind Atkins and is a better shooter from 3 than he showed last season (20 percent).

He's going to get a long look at the guard spot this season.
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:49 sbtnoie
1:49
[Comment From DwightDwight: ] 
This is probably more observation than question. Connaughton may only be 6-5, but Harangody (thought listed as 6-8 by ND) was only 6-6, and he was a relentless worker down low. If Connaughton has that same type of work ethic, who knows??
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:49 Dwight
1:52
sbtnoie: 
Dwight:

Nobody knows, but based on what they saw of him when on the AAU circuit, the Irish coaching staff believes they have something special in Connaughton. There might be times this season when he plays at the 4 spot as the second big man.

As Harangody proved, you can measure height (with or without shoes on) but not heart or motor. Nobody expects Connaughton to chase Harangody's numbers as the second all-time scorer in school history, but he will have the chance to play...and play a lot.
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:52 sbtnoie
2:17
sbtnoie: 
Time to call it an afternoon. Thanks for all who participated. We'll be back again next Wednesday at noon for our pre-Media Day chat. If you have a question or comment that cannot wait, drop me a note at tnoie@sbtinfo.com" target="_blank" >tnoie@sbtinfo.com.

Have a great day, hard not to do today if you live in South Bend
Wednesday October 5, 2011 2:17 sbtnoie
2:17
 

 
 
 



Tom Noie answered readers' Notre Dame basketball questions in a live chat. Read the Transcript


Tom Noie answered readers' Notre Dame basketball questions in a live chat. Read the Transcript

 Live Chat: Talk Notre Dame basketball with Tom Noie(10/05/2011) 
12:02
sbtnoie: 
Greetings from the final weekly Notre Dame men's basketball chat......of the offseason.

Media Day is seven days away with the first day of practice to follow. Pretty soon, it will be games galore as the Irish men's team plays as saturated a November schedule - eight games in 18 days - as it has ever seen.

Featurs/notebooks/analysis pieces about Notre Dame men's basketball return to the pages of the South Bend Tribune beginning Sunday with a look at the questions surrounding the program as practice begins.

For now, it's chat time - you know the drill. Send in a question or comment, include your name and your hometown. Like voting in Chicago elections, feel free to post early and often. Let's go....
Wednesday October 5, 2011 12:02 sbtnoie
12:09
[Comment From Sam, BostonSam, Boston: ] 
After the summer AAU season of 2010, it seems that almost every major college basketball coach wanted to sign Pat Connaughton. If Pat Connaughton lives up to his promising ability as both a scorer and rebounder, do you think that as a freshman, he could adequately replace the scoring and rebounding averages of Carleton Scott?
Wednesday October 5, 2011 12:09 Sam, Boston
12:17
sbtnoie: 
Sam:

Good to hear from you again. I like many of the intangibles that Patrick Connaughton brings to this year's team, not the least of which is his toughness and determination and belief that he belongs as a major player in Big East basketball.

Right away, Connaughton will give this team some of the mental toughness that walked out the door with Big East player of the year Ben Hansbrough. Connaughton plays with an edge about him that the coaching staff fell in love with during an AAU tournament in Orlando. Mike Brey likes to say he plays a little crazy - but that's a good trait to have, especially in this league.

However, it might be a bit of a stretch to expect Connaughton, who stands only 6-foot-5 but does have a 6-10 wingspan, to step into the role vacated by Carleton Scott after the decision to take his basketball career in a different direction a year earlier than many figured.

With his long arms and big hands and quickness off the floor, Scott was a solid interior presence on the defensive end. His run of double-doubles for points and rebounds when Luke Harangody went down with his knee injury two years ago was a critical reason why Notre Dame came from nowhere to get into the 2010 NCAA tournament. A year ago, Scott was as solid a contributor on the team as anyone not named Hansbrough.

It might be a little much to expect Connaughton to average similar numbers of Scott from last year - 11.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists in 31.2 minutes a night. Make no mistake, though, Connaughton is going to have a role - maybe a big role - on this year's team.
Wednesday October 5, 2011 12:17 sbtnoie
12:37
[Comment From WoofCookiesWoofCookies: ] 
Do the guys on the team "practice" together unofficially during the off season? Or is it more informal than that?
Wednesday October 5, 2011 12:37 WoofCookies
12:45
sbtnoie: 
Woof:

Technically, there really is no off-season anymore, regardless of what the NCAA rule book might say. The returning guys off last year's team took maybe two weeks off to decompress from the season before they were back playing pickup - that's how Tom Knight busted up his ankle.

While the coaching staff is away recruiting in July, the guys stay busy in the weight room with strength and conditioning coach Tony Rolinski or run pickup games organized by the captains. After two sessions of summer school, they return home for three weeks of their only real "summer vacation" before returning to campus for the fall semester.

The NCAA allows the coaching staff to work two hours a week In September and early October with the team, usually in groups of four. So when the first "official" practice time rolls around - next week - the Irish likely have already been in the gym for those two hours. They also will play pickup or do shooting drills on their own.

Once the season starts, the NCAA rules mandate that players get at least one day off per week - but that rule is waived when classes are not in session. It wouldn't be a surprise if Mike Brey gave guys on this year's team this coming weekend off to go home. It might be their last chance to do so until April.
Wednesday October 5, 2011 12:45 sbtnoie
12:46
[Comment From Frank, Long IslandFrank, Long Island: ] 
Can you envision Joey Brooks ever becoming an offensive force? Could he possibly develop a reliable mid range jumper, and become more of a positive force at the free throw line? Could Joey Brooks ever score in double digits against a Big East opponent?
Wednesday October 5, 2011 12:46 Frank, Long Island
12:54
sbtnoie: 
Frank:

I'm going to go with a definite maybe on all counts. When I saw Joey Brooks play pickup in June, I left the gym two straight nights thinking, "Meh, same old Joey Brooks.' He did some good things but was really rather invisible for long stretches.

I stopped in to see them play in July and watched Joey Brooks play like he's seldom played in an Irish uniform. Keep in mind, that the print media isn't allowed to see practice during the season, so I can't say for sure that Brooks has had days quite like this one, but he was phenomenal. Seriously.

He defended. He ran the floor. He took the ball to the basket strong....and finished. He also hit his outside shots. He was really, really good. I left thinking, man, if he could bottle that this season, he's got a chance.....

It's been a struggle for him to figure out exactly where his game fits. People talk so much about football players - Aaron Lynch, Stephon Tuitt, Michael Floyd - passing the eye test. Well, Joey Brooks passes the eye test when you think about the body type of guys built to play in the Big East. He's 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds of muscle and athleticism.

But something has been missing. With so many shooters on last year's team - Abromaitis, Hansbrough, Martin, Scott, Atkins to an extent - there was no need for Brooks to hang his hat on shooting the 3. He's at his best in the open floor and attacking - but therein lies the problem. He struggled so much shooting free throws (45.9 percent) that he almost became a little shy to get to the rim.

This is a big preseason for Joey Brooks. There's been a lot of talk about Jerian Grant and Alex Dragicevich. Patrick Connaughton will push for serious minutes. This is Joey Brooks' time to say, hey, don't forget about me.

Where does he fit? It's time for Brooks to show us.


Wednesday October 5, 2011 12:54 sbtnoie
12:54
[Comment From sanchezsanchez: ] 
It's Jake! Hope you're good, Tom. Great ND coverage, per norm...Will Atkins have to show us something more (be it offensively, or in terms of leadership/attitude) this season for the Irish to continue to hover near the top of the Big East?
Wednesday October 5, 2011 12:54 sanchez
12:57
sbtnoie: 
Jake:

Good to hear from you, my man. Hope all is well. Great points on Atkins. And I don't think he'll disappoint.

Eric Atkins will be expected to score more than he did last season (5.8 ppg.) and he'll be up for the challenge. With Ben Hansbrough now in Germany, this is Atkins' team to run. He's only a sophomore but he carries himself like an upperclassman. He'll score, he'll lead, he'll distribute the ball, he'll defend and he'll take care of it - Atkins led the Big East in assist/turnover as a freshman.

Of all the returning guys, Atkins could make the biggest leap from last year's team.

Wednesday October 5, 2011 12:57 sbtnoie
12:57
[Comment From Bob, AlbanyBob, Albany: ] 
Why are many basketball writers reporting that the odds are against Eric Katenda in his quest to play basketball at Notre Dame, when a star player at Marquette, Chris Otule, successfully plays with goggles due to having good vision in only one of his eyes?
Wednesday October 5, 2011 12:57 Bob, Albany
1:05
sbtnoie: 
Bob:

Solid question. Both Eric Katenda and Marquette center Chris Otule have vision in only one eye. The difference between the two is that Otule lost vision in one of his eyes, I believe, at an early age and had years and years of time to adjust while playing basketball. He's been able to have a serviceable career with Marquette.

I talked with Marquette beat writer Todd Rosiak about Otule over the summer and he said there are times when Outle's vision is a problem. There are only certain spots he can receive an entry pass into the post.

Nobody knows how or if Katenda will adjust. Katenda insists he will, but it puts the Notre Dame coaching staff in a tough spot. They will honor his scholarship so he can attend Notre Dame and earn his undergraduate degree, but how long do you wait for someone who may or may not be able to help? One year? Two? Three? It may take that long for Katenda to first adjust, then get to the point where he can play as free-minded as he did before the injury.

Will he be shy about playing down low? Going into a crowd for a loose ball? Pull up on the break instead of finishing strong?

With all that has happend to Eric Katenda in the last few months, you root for the story to have a happy ending, but from a realistic standpoint, I don't know how anyone can expect Katenda to enroll in January and immediately become the player the Irish coaching staff envisioned stepping into the role vacated by Carleton Scott.
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:05 sbtnoie
1:06
[Comment From Leprechaun LegionLeprechaun Legion: ] 
Where does Notre Dame stand with Gary Harris?
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:06 Leprechaun Legion
1:10
sbtnoie: 
Lep:

Right now, they don't. WIth the commitment last month of power forward Zach Auguste (added to earlier commitments of prep seniors Cameron Biedscheid and Austin Burgett), Notre Dame currently does not have a scholarship to offer Gary Harris.

I say currently because that may change in the coming weeks or months. The plan remains for Eric Katenda to enroll in January, but what if he has a change of heart? Don't know.

There's also a chance that power forward Mike Broghammer will be ruled medically unable to continue with his career because of persistent tendinitis in both knees. If that's the case, his scholarship becomes available, but that could be best used in the spring for a late-rising senior or college transfer (point guard??).

It may be safe to say that the Garry Harris ship has sailed.
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:10 sbtnoie
1:10
[Comment From Sam BostonSam Boston: ] 
If he were required to play major minutes against the long and athletic frontcourt of Syracuse, do you think that Tom Knight could hold his own? Does Tom Knight have a jump hook in his offensive arsenal?
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:10 Sam Boston
1:14
sbtnoie: 
Sam:

Right now, no. Knight averaged three minutes a game last season. Could he double or triple that this year? Possibly, but he's really going to have to come out of the gate strong in preseason.

It's a tall order (no pun intended) to ask someone like Knight who really hasn't played for two years, to step into the rotation and hold his own against a Syracuse or a Connecticut or a Louisville or a Pittsburgh if he hasn't already done it. Now, if he can earn some minutes early in the year and build off some confidence.....maybe.

Tom Knight has a plethora of shots in his offensive arsenal, including a left-handed jump hook. Let's see how much he can use them this winter.
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:14 sbtnoie
1:28
[Comment From Leprechaun LegionLeprechaun Legion: ] 
Why don't we land more kids from the Indianapolis area? Alot of talent down there but Burgett is the only one from that area I can remember us getting since Chris Thomas.
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:28 Leprechaun Legion
1:32
sbtnoie: 
Lep:

If you poll kids from Indianapolis where they want to play college basketball, the majority of them probably would say....Big Ten. The ones that don't look hard at the Big Ten also are looking hard at Butler. It takes a unique kid to say he wants to go to Notre Dame and play in the Big East.

They say that Notre Dame isn't for everybody, but same with the Big East. Not everybody wants to play in that league where it's often survival of the fittest.

That said, Notre Dame has made an effort to recuit the Indianapolis area harder than recent seasons. It just hasn't shown with a big-time commitment. That's not to say the area's ignored.
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:32 sbtnoie
1:33
[Comment From Bill, New YorkBill, New York: ] 
I'm rephrasing my question from last week after I noticed that you mentioned it on your twitter account. Now that Atkins and Grant are on the roster, Katenda possibly in waiting, Auguste and Beidshied given verbals, and Jackson and Beachem hopefully on the horizon, have you ever seen a more athletic team possibly comprising the Notre Dame roster in over 10 years of covering the team? Based on this potential roster's athleticism, doesn't the roster look UCONNesque?
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:33 Bill, New York
1:38
sbtnoie: 
Bill:

Glad to have you back. This team has the chance to be pretty darn athletic in coming years, but what I like about them is they seemingly will all know how to play. It's one thing to run five guys who are long and lanky and can jump out there, but can they play together? Do the pieces fit? Will they make the right play at the right time?

This team has a chance to do that. But UConn-esque? Again, that might be a stretch. Is there an NBA lottery pick in the bunch? Is this a team that can be average in the Big East then turn around and chase a national title? A roster loaded with guys who are 6-8, 6-9?

On paper, there's a chance that happens, but again, we won't know that for years. We don't know how good Auguste can be. We don't know Katenda's future. We don't know if they'll land a Jackson or a Beachem or if Grant can step in and be something special.

Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:38 sbtnoie
1:46
[Comment From Frank Long IslandFrank Long Island: ] 
Could Alex Dragicevich have a future at Notre Dame playing the 3 or 4? Does Alex have any aspect of his game with his back to the basket?
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:46 Frank Long Island
1:49
sbtnoie: 
Frank:

Don't be fooled by his height - listed at 6-foot-7 but probably closer to 6-8 - Dragicevich is a guard. What type of guard remains to be determinted. He's considered the team's second-best handler behind Atkins and is a better shooter from 3 than he showed last season (20 percent).

He's going to get a long look at the guard spot this season.
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:49 sbtnoie
1:49
[Comment From DwightDwight: ] 
This is probably more observation than question. Connaughton may only be 6-5, but Harangody (thought listed as 6-8 by ND) was only 6-6, and he was a relentless worker down low. If Connaughton has that same type of work ethic, who knows??
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:49 Dwight
1:52
sbtnoie: 
Dwight:

Nobody knows, but based on what they saw of him when on the AAU circuit, the Irish coaching staff believes they have something special in Connaughton. There might be times this season when he plays at the 4 spot as the second big man.

As Harangody proved, you can measure height (with or without shoes on) but not heart or motor. Nobody expects Connaughton to chase Harangody's numbers as the second all-time scorer in school history, but he will have the chance to play...and play a lot.
Wednesday October 5, 2011 1:52 sbtnoie
2:17
sbtnoie: 
Time to call it an afternoon. Thanks for all who participated. We'll be back again next Wednesday at noon for our pre-Media Day chat. If you have a question or comment that cannot wait, drop me a note at tnoie@sbtinfo.com" target="_blank" >tnoie@sbtinfo.com.

Have a great day, hard not to do today if you live in South Bend
Wednesday October 5, 2011 2:17 sbtnoie
2:17
 

 
 
 





Tom Lemming

More Tom Lemming >

Connect

Free Text Alerts
Get scores & news to your phone. (Carrier fees may apply)

Email Newsletter
Notre Dame news delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.

Read ISR on your iPad
Irish Sports Report magazine on your iPad.



ISR on

@hansenndinsider - Eric Hansen, Football Beat Writer

SOSEScript: transformxml failed executing with the following error: Error on line 8 position 1: No mapping for the Unicode character exists in the target multi-byte code page.

Follow @hansenndinsider >