SIGN IN

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

Chat Transcript: Talk Notre Dame basketball with Tom Noie

3:13 pm, November 02, 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(11/02/2011) 
11:57
sbtnoie: 
And......we're off.

So, what did you think? The wraps of the 2011-12 Notre Dame men's basketball season were officially taken off Tuesday night with the team's first exhibition game - a 90-72 victory over Saint Xavier.

Who played well? Who didn't? What are your thoughts as the Irish move forward?

Should have plenty to dissect and discuss. How? Easy. Drop me a question or comment, include your name and hometown and away we go.

Wednesday November 2, 2011 11:57 sbtnoie
12:00
sbtnoie: 
A quick comment before we get started - I heard from a long-time season-ticket holder midway through the second half of Tuesday's game. His opinion? This team is going to struggle to make it to the post-season National Invitation Tournament.

Whoa....whoa....whoa. What?

Remember, Notre Dame played Tuesday without Scott Martin. Fellow fifth-year senior co-captain Tim Abromaitis, who scored a game-high 28 points, is going to miss the first four games of the regular season. The four other guys with him in Tuesday's starting lineup were new from last season.

Plenty of guys in new roles. Draw that conclusion after a 40-minute pickup game? Kind of harsh. As Mike Brey first said on Media Day last month - patience....patience....patience.

A year ago, the Irish were a finished product. This year, they make a work in progress for months. Let's see how it all unfolds over the next two months before jumping to any premature conclusions.

OK, off my soap box (for now). Let's do this.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:00 sbtnoie
12:04
[Comment From JamesJames: ] 
Suggest you change your SBT headline to Join Tom Noie chat on Notre Dame Mens' basketball. Otherwise, the majority of ND basketball fans might join the wrong chat !
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:04 James
12:05
sbtnoie: 
James:

Fans can ask a women's basketball question if they want - they may not get the most educated answer. For men's hoops, though, fire away.

Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:05 sbtnoie
12:05
[Comment From Ed,Greensboro,N.CEd,Greensboro,N.C: ] 
Tom, thanks for the hard work.Do you think Mike Brey will use his bench more this year?i know these are young kids and in great shape, but I can't help but think fatigue is a factor when it comes to the post season blues .
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:05 Ed,Greensboro,N.C
12:10
sbtnoie: 
Ed:

Thanks for the kind words. Your check is in the mail, but it may not be enough to pay for a tank of gas these days.

Anyway, let's get serious. All nine available scholarship players played at least six minuts last night. The guy who played the least - Mike Broghammer - is still in the baby steps process of seeing if he can stay healthy for the long haul.

Still, I was impressed with Brgohammer offered in his cameo - two points, two rebounds and a steal. Something for him to build off as he moves forward and, for his sake, remains healthy.

Brey's words to the team last month - everybody's going to play - still hold true. With so much still to figure out, everybody's going to get a chance. Look at Jack Cooley's situation.

He started a game for the first time in his career Tuesday. Typically, a starter for Mike Brey is going to log seriously heavy minutes - 35-40 a night. Cooley can only play around 22 (he went 23 last night). So someone (someone big) has to take those remaining 17-18 minutes. That leaves a tag-team between Tom Knight and Mike Broghammer.

Joye Brooks is going to be needed for defense. Alex Dragicevich for ball-handling. Pat Connaughton for flat-out hustle. Anyone gets hurt, those bench guys will become main guys.

For now, it's everyone in the pool.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:10 sbtnoie
12:11
[Comment From EricEric: ] 
Who is the new PA guy?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:11 Eric
12:17
sbtnoie: 
Eric:

The new public address announcer at Purcell Pavilion is Ron Stryker, who does voice-overs for commericals and announcements at WRBR, a local FM radio station.

Stryker replaces long-time P.A. announcer Jon Thompson (a fellow employee of Schurz Communications), who was not asked back this year. Thompson was told by Notre Dame that it wanted to move in a different direction.

My sources have indicated that Notre Dame wanted to change up the gameday atmosphere in the arena and believed it could shoot some energy into the building with a new P.A. guy.

Um.....not yet.

Tuesday's debut was, well, a little rough. He misidentified the Saint Xavier coach during pre-game introductions and at halftime, read off the minutes played for each player as their points scored. He also identified players, even from Notre Dame, by last name only.

Maybe it was first-time jitters and it will be better next week, but the place seemed to lack the same energy and enthusiasm that JT brought.

Just an opinion and again, maybe it will be different the second time around. But people definitely noticed something was different.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:17 sbtnoie
12:17
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
Tom- Jim from NYC- good work covering ND BB- I see ND having a problem filling out a BE starting 5. I think Pat gets the nod eventually almost by default. Also I think ND's man defense takes a major step back without BH and CS. What are your thoughts?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:17 Guest
12:24
sbtnoie: 
Jim:

Solid observations. The consensus from us media hacks covering last night's game is that it's not a question of if but when freshman Pat Connaughton moves into the starting lineup. Later this month? December? January? It's going to happen at some point.

Connaughton played 16 minutes off the bench and offered seven points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal. The whole effort level seemed to jump a notch or two when he checked in late in the first half - and Notre Dame went on a nice little run.

Start or work as a reserve, Connaughton's going to play. A lot.

But don't sleep just yet on Alex Dragicevich or Jerian Grant. Both will be the first to admit they could have been better - Grant was 1-of-8 from the floor, 0-for-4 from 3 and seemed hesitant to get involved. Dragicevich had six points and a rebound, but turned it over three times. He's got to be better.

Chalk it up to being under the bright lights for the first time as main guys. They'll bounce back. Connaughton, like Mike Brey said, has no fear of being on the main stage.

Defensively, this team is going to have to commit to guarding as a group, like they did when Luke Harangody went down with his knee injury late in 2009-10, or there will be many long nights in the Big East.

Saint Xavier shot 43.5 percent - 48.4 in the first half. That's way too easy for a team that was undersized and overmatched. But the defense should improve as all the faces in new places figure it all out.

Notre Dame's never going to be a lockdown, smothering defensive unit. What it can be is a group that limits second- and third-looks, rebounds and gets in good enough position to defend instead of foulling.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:24 sbtnoie
12:24
[Comment From EricEric: ] 
Thanks Tom. I thought the new announcer was over-the-top. Maybe I will get used to him.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:24 Eric
12:25
sbtnoie: 
Eric:

I was underwhelmed. There were times where it was tough to hear him - maybe the volume just needs to be turned up. Again, maybe he needs a game or two or three to get his P.A. sea legs.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:25 sbtnoie
12:28
sbtnoie: 
Some quick news on former Notre Dame players:

--Guard Tory Jackson appears headed for the NBA Development League with the Fort Wayne Wizards, whose coach, former DePaul coach Joey Meyer, watched Jackson practice Saturday with Notre Dame.

--Former Irish forward Luke Zeller has been traded from the Bakersfield Jam to the Austin Toros.

--Former Irish forward Carleton Scott has left Caceres, the professional team he signed with in Spain, after only a few months. Scott reportedly might be headed to play professionally in Iceland.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:28 sbtnoie
12:28
[Comment From Chuck, Ft Myers, FLChuck, Ft Myers, FL: ] 
Not to focus too long on a negative but...the end of season tournament swoons are killing me and a few other folks. Is it something to do with ND's conditioning programs? Are their shots just disappearing or are they just worn out?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:28 Chuck, Ft Myers, FL
12:35
sbtnoie: 
Chuck:

An oldy but a goody - what to do about those late-season flameouts. Hmmmm.

The theory that it's conditioning is nonsense. That may be the case for a Rick Pitino-coached team where he has his guys still running through three-hour practices between league games in February.

But Mike Brey has long held to the belief that if you have an older team, and a team where a minimal amount of guys play the maximum amount of minutes, pacing is of the utmost importance.

By the time February and March roll around, the Irish are rarely on the practice floor for more than an hour. And that includes instruction and free throws. They do it to save legs.

Why, then, the post-season problems? Look close - really, really close - at the teams Notre Dame has faced - Winthrop, Washington State, Old Dominion, Florida State.

One common theme coarses through each - old teams that had been together for years, won together and learned how to take that next step in post-season. Oh yeah, there's also some superior athleticism thrown in.

Those were four really bad matchups for Notre Dame. Is that an excuse? Not at all. But you can't dismiss it just by saying, Ah, heck, Notre Dame should beat those programs...baloney.

In a seven game series, maybe, but in the NCAA tournament, when a team just has to be really good for 40 minutes, that's a factor. And that's why everyone's top pick to win it all, or get to the Final Four, rarely happens. It's one-and-done, and too often for Notre Dame, it's been done.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:35 sbtnoie
12:35
[Comment From Dan, Ellington CTDan, Ellington CT: ] 
New PA guy... Purcell Pavillion... Music in the Stadium... Swarbrisk saying he wanted a jumpbotron in the stadium... Are we seeing the evolution of the entire ND sports program into the 21st century?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:35 Dan, Ellington CT
12:38
sbtnoie: 
Dan:

Yep, but no talk of converting the Purcell Pavilion maple court to FieldTurf just yet.

All of it also is a sign that these areas have been ignored for far too long. Again, I thought Jon Thompson did a solid job in his P.A. role. Odd to start there. Kind of like throwing the baby out with the bath water, or something like that....
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:38 sbtnoie
12:38
[Comment From Ed,Greensboro,N.C.Ed,Greensboro,N.C.: ] 
Sorry to be a pest, but I am home with a sprained knee. What is going on when all we talk about is the p.a.announcer?In my opinoin, it's the same problem we have in football.Too many fans sitting on their fannies.We need more ENERGY. To that end,don't you think we need to expand the student section? The regular crowd looks like they are at a classical music concert.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:38 Ed,Greensboro,N.C.
12:45
sbtnoie: 
Ed:

OK, I vowed not to get involved in this area so early in the season, but it's sunny ouside, 60 degrees and I'm in a good mood, so why not?

The immediate problem with Purcell Pavilion lies with the students. Last night's game may have had, oh, 50-75 students. Even the band decided to stroll in around halftime. Nobody on that campus seems to make hoops a priority.

And if you're a student, don't start in with the same tired storylines of it being preseason, of the home schedule being lousy, of it being a school night or having to play video games in your room. Save your breath.

If you're a Notre Dame student who has any sort of pulse for hoops, you'd say, Hmm, wonder what this Connaughton kid is all about...let's go see. I wonder how Eric Atkins will do running the team....check it out. What makes Abromaitis make it look so easy....how about a look? Wonder if Jack Cooley can play major minutes.....why not wander over.

Purcell Pavilion's atmosphere is apathetic because the students just don't care. And to say otherwise is a farce - last year's game against Louisville featured two Top 16 teams on national TV - and there were pockets of empty seats in the student section.

If you're a student who does care, how about selling the notion of going to a game to a friend...to two? Five? Ten? If you care but everyone else on your dorm floor doesn't....that's not right.

Oh, well, just as long as they show up wearing "The Shirt" for home football games.....
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:45 sbtnoie
12:46
[Comment From JamesJames: ] 
Im chuckling about the change in PA announcers. I was so disappointed when Mike Collins took over, and I've never enjoyed his style since. I mean that was thridty years ago, and he is treate as some kind of legend today. PA announcers are a matter of taste, but usually, the less they say the better.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:46 James
12:47
sbtnoie: 
James:

Getting it right also counts for something. There were mistakes last night - obvious ones. Also, identifying players only by last name seems minor league.

Some P.A. announcers, especially in the NBA, make it about them. Jon Thompson never did. Never heard a bad word said about him. But he's out.

Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:47 sbtnoie
12:47
[Comment From KJ NYCKJ NYC: ] 
These scrimmage/exhibition games mean very little. Even to teams that lose these games. Even some of those first 10 games against less than good teams mean much. But what strengths did you see in the team from this game that could carry on through out the season?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:47 KJ NYC
12:51
sbtnoie: 
KJ:

So, so true. There are so many questions about this team this season, and a 40-minute pickup game did little to provide answers.

But solid steps were taken by Eric Atkins, who was efficient and effective in going for 19 points with six assists, three rebounds and only one turnover. I liked that Jack Cooley registered a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds and rarely looked like he was carrying a sack of bricks up and down the floor in playing 23 minutes. Afterward, he said he might be able to play more.

I liked how Tim Abromaitis, knowing that he has to be the guy this year. responded in that way with 28 poins and nine rebounds. I like the energy of Patrick Connaughton.

I also liked that Notre Dame made only five 3-pointers but got to 90 points rather easily by building from the foul line (25 points) and in the paint (38 points).

All positive steps as this program moves forward - to where, nobody really knows.

Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:51 sbtnoie
12:51
[Comment From KJ NYCKJ NYC: ] 
All Notre Dame sporting events lack energy. Some is due to the fact that too many of the fans are on the older side and are just there to to wine and dine and could care less about the game itself. Another reason is the lack of marketing/promotional campaigning by the athletic department. I have said for a long time ND thinks their sports can sell themselves when really they can't. They worry too much about making donors happy that it kills the atmosphere more than anything.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:51 KJ NYC
12:56
sbtnoie: 
KJ:

You're hired as marketing coordinator! Great points. You get it.

Nowhere is this more evident than in hoops. Despite all the success Notre Dame has had during Mike Brey's tenure, you get the feeling that all anyone over there really, truly cares about is football.

As long as the basketball side is competitive and graduates its players, it's a nice program. But ah, football, that's where the real money and the attention goes.

If it didn't, Notre Dame hoops would have a building similar to the new hockey arena. Instead, they put a band-aid on a dump and pass it off as a "renovation."

That said, if Jack Swarbrick had arrived six months earlier than he did, I believe he would have done what was needed for a new stand-alone hoops arena. The administration before him, though, felt otherwise.

Maybe they felt doing something other than renovating the Joyce Center would take some of the attention away from football - maybe give an indication that Notre Dame was really serious about hoops.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:56 sbtnoie
12:56
[Comment From Dan, Ellington CTDan, Ellington CT: ] 
Do you get the sense this dynamic-attitude adjustment - away from the "We have ALWAYS done it THIS way" is driven by pressure from the coaches (i.e.: the atmosphere is so staid that is is turning off recruits)? Is it driven by Swarbrick (i.e.: "we need to re-invigorate our game experiences for the fans)? Is it driven by the fanbase in transition (from the old-time South Bend season ticket holders who really helped keep the program solvent for decades to an younger generation)?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:56 Dan, Ellington CT
12:58
sbtnoie: 
Dan:

Maybe a combination of all. Jack Swarbrick has brought a whole bunch of fresh ideas and new ways of looking at issues. That's been much-needed at a place where football independence remains cherished. Why exactly?

Because that's how it's always been. Change often is a four-letter word around that campus. People don't want it. Fans refuse to hear it. Before the Joyce Center was renovated, it was like stepping back into teh 1970s and 1980s - and a good majority of fans still figured, well, what's wrong with that.

Everything.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:58 sbtnoie
12:59
[Comment From KJ NYCKJ NYC: ] 
Are the true freshman going to be getting minutes this season? In the past Brey is pretty set to red-shirting most players.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:59 KJ NYC
1:01
sbtnoie: 
KJ:

Not exactly true. Eric Atkins was a true freshman last season and led the Big East in assist/turnover ratio. Pat Connaughton is the only true freshman on this year's team. He's going to play and play a lot.

Connaughton will be a starter somewhere along the line.

Mike Brey has sat players out to preserve seasons of eligibility when there's likely no chance of playing time. He does that to keep the program old. There's a method to the madness, and it usually has worked.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:01 sbtnoie
1:01
[Comment From Chuck, Ft Myers, FLChuck, Ft Myers, FL: ] 
Can't fathom what's up with the students not coming to the games. In the early '70's, we lived and breathed basketball with Digger's guys at EVERY game. Nothing was more important and we all trudged through the snow to the ACC...even if it was Davidson (wherever that is!). Digger was a very big personality on campus and the players were as popular as the football team. Is Brey high profile on campus? Is he going to the dorms in the off season talking up the program? He appears to be a great guy and you like him as soon as you meet him...I sure did! Maybe we were a different kind of student way back then. Just can't believe the students don't like basketball.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:01 Chuck, Ft Myers, FL
1:03
sbtnoie: 
Chuck:

Mike Brey tweets messages to students, writes letter to The Observer and talks to dorms. He's about accessible to his student body as any coach in the Big East. The result come game night?

Crickets.

Again, if you're a Notre Dame hoops fan, your concern should be most about your team, right? Too many fans - students and area folks - get so hung up on the other team (bad schedule, cupcakes, etc.) they figure, why bother. Let's stay home and watch Dancing With the Stars.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:03 sbtnoie
1:08
[Comment From Dwight from ArkansasDwight from Arkansas: ] 
ND has commits from juniors who are 6-6 & 6-7 types and if memory serves right, next year's incoming class has more of the same (except for Sherman). Doesn't ND need more bulk & size with Abro and Martin being seniors, Broghammer maybe not being available, and Knight and Cooley moving up to upper class status?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:08 Dwight from Arkansas
1:11
sbtnoie: 
Dwight:

Thanks for the note. Notre Dame will sign three current prep seniors during the early period next week - Zach Auguste, Cameron Biedscheid and Austin Burgett. The Irish also have commitments from prep juniors V.J. Beachem and Steve Vasturia.

Auguste is proejcted to be an inside guy - he's maybe 6-9 or 6-10 right now. Burgett, at 6-8, also is expected to play on the front line. Biedscheid and Beachem are wings. Vasturia a combo guard.

Next year will have plenty of depth in the low post in Jack Cooley and Garrick Sherman, Zach Auguste and Tom Knight and maybe Mike Broghammer. The Irish should be solid at that spot for the next few years.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:11 sbtnoie
1:12
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
Thanks Tom for not tip toeing around the student section. It is high time that someone calls out the student section & their lack of support. As a 30+ year season ticket holder, we attend all games, we cheer, & are motivated to attend some away games via bus trips etc. & I for one get tired of hearing about the season ticket holders who sit on their hands.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:12 Guest
1:13
sbtnoie: 
True. They may not sit on their hands if the student section is sold out and the joint is jumping.

The few students that do bother to show up are solid, but if I'm back in college and my buddy decided to stay in his dorm to play Black Ops or went to the library, we would have wrestled him to the floor and taken him to the game kicking and screaming.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:13 sbtnoie
1:14
[Comment From Dan, Ellington CTDan, Ellington CT: ] 
Brey is seen as such a blue-collar guy really - Can't argue with his Xs and Os but he really is seen as an "ordinary, average guy" (to steam from my friend Joe). Same was true with John McLeod. In the one season Matt Daugherty was there, you saw some of the swagger you saw with Digger. Now I don't say put on a show simply for the purpose of putting on a show, but seems to me that the coaches and players all need to get heavily involved with the PR campaign on campus. But again, that seems to go against the very methodical - workman like approach of the Coach.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:14 Dan, Ellington CT
1:15
sbtnoie: 
Dan:

Give me a guy who can win games against suffocating schedules over the showman/snake oil salesman any day.

Those same people who complain that Mike Brey is "too normal" certainly would say he was "too flashy" and full of himself if he had a personality more akin to Digger Phelps or Matt Doherty.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:15 sbtnoie
1:16
[Comment From FriendFriend: ] 
I'm discouraged after last night, Tom. What they were able to do was what they were supposed to be able to do. Of course Cooley was going to go for double-double against that St. X frontline. No one on St. X could stay with Atkins so of course he would look good. Those favorable match-ups won't be the case in the Big east.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:16 Friend
1:18
sbtnoie: 
Tell that to Arizona, which lost its exhibition game to a Division II team last week. I'm not about to start booking flights for the NCAA tournament after last night, but I'm not about to lament a losing season in the Big East, either.

Not yet.

There were solid signs that this team can be good. There also were signs that this team might be in for a long year. But remember, Notre Dame also was missing Scott Martin. I don't know how you can judge the good or the bad of this team until we see the entire team, regardless of the opponent.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:18 sbtnoie
1:18
[Comment From FriendFriend: ] 
Did Brey coach to win last night or will the Irish look to run that often all the time? Seems dangerous with only 9 scholarship guys on the roster. I will grant you that Knight and Cooley looked better/faster last night, but asking them to pay uptempo is a bit of a stretch, in my opinion.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:18 Friend
1:20
sbtnoie: 
They'll probably pick and choose their spots to run, and do so more often than not.

One area that Brey touched on in his post-game media session was not getting enough stops. Taking the ball out of the basket also forced them to play at a much slower tempo. He wants Eric Atkins to get the ball and go so he can do what he did Tuesday - attack, find guys, run the team.

Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:20 sbtnoie
1:20
[Comment From FriendFriend: ] 
72 points to a NAIA team - that has to be a concern, right?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:20 Friend
1:21
sbtnoie: 
Absoluely, but one of the toughest areas to pull together with so many new faces is on the defensive end. Allowing 72 is a concern, but only if you don't score at least 73.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:21 sbtnoie
1:21
[Comment From Dan, Ellington CTDan, Ellington CT: ] 
Tom, Hope I am not reading you wrong here... Are you saying DIgger was a snake oil saleman who did poorly against suffocating schedules? Granted he didn't play in the Big East, but to be honest, the Big East has a top Tier and then a group of 'big least" teams every season. I think Digger would have more than held his own in the league...
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:21 Dan, Ellington CT
1:23
sbtnoie: 
To save myself a call from Digger, who I consider a friend, no, I don't consider him a snake-oil salesman because I was too young to understand the game when he was still coaching.

I'm talking about in today's world of college coaches who are showmen. Insert your idea of who that might be here.

I would have paid to see Digger on the same sideline as Jim Boeheim or Jim Calhoun or Jay Wright. That there might have been a few more people in the seats.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:23 sbtnoie
1:23
[Comment From BenBen: ] 
Do you see Pat Connaughton winning Big East Rookie of the Year?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:23 Ben
1:26
sbtnoie: 
Ben:

Wow, what a jump we made from seven points, five rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes, but no, Pat Connaughton will not win Big East rookie of the year. All-Rookie team? Perhaps.

That's not to say I don't believe Connaughton will have a solid year. He will. There's just so much juice with Connecticut's Andre Drummond that I don't think anyone else has a chance. If he can live up to his preseason hype, not only will Drummond be a one-and-done guy (there's goes UCONN'S APR) but he'll be voted the top rookie.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:26 sbtnoie
1:26
[Comment From FriendFriend: ] 
Been reading your chats for a little bit here - you calling Connaughton a starter is a bit of a departure in that you are more definitive than in weeks past. Is that just based on last night? Are you hearing whispers to that end? Both?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:26 Friend
1:31
sbtnoie: 
In weeks past, I had not seen Connaughton in an actual game situation. What would he be like when the lights finally came on? Scared? Nervous? Over-anxious.

For him, it was like he's been here before. He's not fazed. But look at how Jerian Grant played last night - a little timid, maybe because the lights for him finally were bright. Same for Dragicevich. Brooks was Brooks but at some point, he has to offer something more offensively. Connaughton already does.

Somewhere along the line, Connaughton is going to start. Just as I would say somehwere along the way, Dragicevich is going to start. Or Brooks. That speaks more to the uncertainty of it all that what I may know or have seen. There will be stretches when a guy like Grant may take a step back and work as a reserve for a game or two. Or someone gets hurt. Or Brey does something to shake up the karma.

As for whispers? I'm the last guy anyone around the program is going to seek out for a top-secret conversation.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:31 sbtnoie
1:31
[Comment From ChuckChuck: ] 
Spoke to "someone who knows".. said to be impressed with Connaughton's jumpers last night would be like being impressed with Nolan Ryans' change-up - i.e., its not what he does well and he is more of a slasher than a spot-up shooter. Is that your scouting report on him? I have to say, that sounds really good.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:31 Chuck
1:35
sbtnoie: 
Chuck:

I'm not fooled by the 2-for-4 shooting from 3 from Connaughton. Like you said, that's not who he is, and it's not why Notre Dame discovered him on the AAU circuit and made him a top recruiting priority.

The kid, for lack of a better term, is a winner. He just plays. In the times I've talked with him, he's never been about minutes or points or stats. He just wants to play. And fit in. But yet he knows he has the skills.

Look at what he did last night - last off the bench, but doesn't sulk. Gets a big defensive rebound on one end, then keeps alive an offensive possession on the other with another rebound. Picks and chooses his spots.

There's just a lot to like there.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:35 sbtnoie
1:35
[Comment From FriendFriend: ] 
I admire your positivity, but 72 to St. X will turn into 90+ to "Cuse or UConn in a heartbeat. I'm concerned that this squad won't be able to put up that many points against a BE squad.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:35 Friend
1:38
sbtnoie: 
But my man, that's......OK. Giving up 90 to Syracuse and Connecticut? Those are two teams that are ranked in the Top 10 and were picked in preseason to win the Big East title.

Where this program is at, and where those others are at, Notre Dame should give up 90 to both. This isn't the year to expect victory against either. Notre Dame would have to play really, really, really well to have a chance.

Notre Dame is going to give up points. It always has. But if teams that Notre Dame is expected to beat - DePaul, Seton Hall, South Florida, Providence - are going for 80 and 90 points, then we have problems. Big, big problems.

Like NIT problems.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:38 sbtnoie
1:39
[Comment From Pugs from Stanford HallPugs from Stanford Hall: ] 
T-Bone, I didn't see any of the game last night. Immersed in studies. Can you give a pessimistic Irish fan your Top 3 things that happened last night to give me some hope heading into a season without Ben Hansbrough?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:39 Pugs from Stanford Hall
1:42
sbtnoie: 
Pugs:

Better hustle if you want to make that 2 o'clock class. But seriously, here's the Reader's Digest version of what went really well for Notre Dame in the opener:

1. Eric Atkins ran the point with efficiency. He gets it.
2. Notre Dame scored 90 points overall and 38 in the paint despite - 1. Not having Scott Martin, 2. Having nobody with extended low-post experience 3. Hitting only five 3-pointers.
3. Guys in the Big East are going to hate playing against Pat Connaughton.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:42 sbtnoie
1:42
[Comment From Gonj - UP of MichiganGonj - UP of Michigan: ] 
I think what Dan is saying is instead of everybody playing the victim of being a "football school" and pissing and moaning about the lack of student involvement at the games, Brey and the athletic department should learn to sell it. Being a Big Ten school would help, the close rivalries.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:42 Gonj - UP of Michigan
1:44
sbtnoie: 
Gonj:

Being in the Big Ten would absolutely make a Notre Dame hoops ticket one of the toughest in town. But somewhere along the way, fans of the program have had to accept, OK, this is the Big East. This is what it's all about.

I don't get the feeling they ever did that. Instead of embracing home games against Louisville and Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, they were more concerned with, Man, I remember those good, old days of the 70s and 80s when we were independent.

That ship has long sailed.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:44 sbtnoie
1:45
[Comment From FriendFriend: ] 
I did think Atkins looked good last night (so did the St. X guard, BTW) - if they are intent to run more, how does that bode for Broghammer and Knight and Cooley. Who are your top 5 for an uptempo team?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:45 Friend
1:47
sbtnoie: 
If they're going to play fast, then you go with a group that consists mainly of Eric Atkins, Jerian Grant, Pat Connaughton, Tim Abromaitis and Scott Martin. Play zone and have Connaughton as your second big. Mix a few minutes here and there with Cooley or Knight or Broghammer.

With Martin still out and with Connaughton and Grant still figuring it all out, Notre Dame still has not fielded its best lineup. Until that happens, conclusions remain, well, inconclusive.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:47 sbtnoie
1:47
[Comment From FriendFriend: ] 
You mentioned that Brey touched on his defense last night - did he mention a preference between man or zone? Will he continue to run a combo of both? I'm not sure he has the horses to run M2M full-time as things currently stand. Will zone possessions be treated as an opportunity for his guys to get some wind?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:47 Friend
1:47
sbtnoie: 
Notre Dame will have to mix man and zone. Still, every time the Irish seem to go man, the other team fires in a 3-pointer. Happened a couple times on Tuesday.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:47 sbtnoie
1:48
[Comment From Andy-Glendale HeightsAndy-Glendale Heights: ] 
So you're saying that changing the PA announcer won't get more fans to the game? Somebody better call the marketing folks at ND and let them know...oops too late. I think it's pretty clear that ND, as a whole, doesn't care about men's basketball.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:48 Andy-Glendale Heights
1:49
sbtnoie: 
Andy:

I just found it funny - and not in a funny way - that Notre Dame's decision to change up the hoops experience included switching P.A. announcers.

Hey, here's a novel idea - get more fans in the stands and it doesn't matter if the local TV weatherman is doing P.A. or Father Jenkins.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:49 sbtnoie
1:49
[Comment From Andy-Glendale HeightsAndy-Glendale Heights: ] 
Friend-you're reading too much into a scrimmage with fans in the seats. These games are used to work on different combos and we played down 1 started, get realistic. That's not to say 'Cuse won't put 90 on us, they're very capable, but you're drawing unfair conclusions from an exhibition game.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:49 Andy-Glendale Heights
1:50
sbtnoie: 
Post of the day, right there, though I wouldn't expect anything less.....except a beef sandwich from Portillo's,
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:50 sbtnoie
1:50
[Comment From FriendFriend: ] 
Do you think "9 scholarship players" will be a familiar refrain this year and, ultimately, be the death knell for this team? The BE is always a grind and ND seems undermanned right now. How concerned are you about them holding up physically? They already have injury concerns with Martin and Brog, right?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:50 Friend
1:53
sbtnoie: 
Man, friend, where you been all these weeks? Listening to Mick Jagger music and bad-mouthing your country?

Sorry, a classic line from "An Officer and a Gentleman" but I digress. Where were we.

Ah, the nine schoalrship guys. No. I think Notre Dame has enough talent and able bodies to compete in the Big East. At some point, Martin has to shake the injury stigman and just play. Broghammer's at the end of his rope as far as what he can do for his knees, but, knock on wood, he's held up OK.

The "death knell" for this team may just be that too many other teams in the Big East - Connecticut, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Marquette, maybe Cincinnati - are just better.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:53 sbtnoie
1:53
[Comment From NORM@theBistroNORM@theBistro: ] 
As an alum of Mishawaka Marian, I'm interested to see how Demetrius Jackson's recruitment ends up
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:53 NORM@theBistro
1:54
sbtnoie: 
Norm:

You and everyone else that keeps a close eye on Notre Dame men's basketball.

With the commitment Monday of guard Steve Vasturia, Notre Dame has one scholarship to offer the current high school junior class. It's no secret where that one grant would go - over to Dragoon Trail and straight to one Demetrius Jackson.

What's going to happen? Guess we're all going to have to wait and see.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:54 sbtnoie
1:55
[Comment From FriendFriend: ] 
Agree to disagree - can we come together and say that giving up 72 to Stonehill next week would signal a problem for their prospects for this season?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:55 Friend
1:56
sbtnoie: 
Disgree. Scott Martin likely will not play. I don't mean to be a dope, but I just can't see how you can make any definitive statements about the prospects of this team until we see the entire team. And that's not going to happen until, at the earliest, Nov. 21 against Missouri.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:56 sbtnoie
1:58
[Comment From BenBen: ] 
To all this garbage about the student section. Stop it. How about all you"fans" stand up for the whole game like the students. How about you "fans" try to live in our shoes? On another note, how far is Scot Martin from returning?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:58 Ben
2:01
sbtnoie: 
Ben:

You missed the point on the student section. Nobody is bashing the people that are actually in the stands - where are the rest of you?

There's no reason for empty seats in the student section - ever. Great, you were there last night or last year, but what about the hundreds of empty seats? For Big East games. no less?

What do you mean when you say "live" in your shoes. i remember my four years of college - never missed a hoops game at the University of Dayton. Best four years of my life. Met my wife. Still cherish friendships I made. Pretty good life.

Back to hoops - Scott Martin likely would play if Tuesday or Monday against Stonehill were a regular-season game. I'd say he's in the lineup for the Nov. 12 opener against Mississippi Valley State.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:01 sbtnoie
2:02
[Comment From Dan, Ellington CTDan, Ellington CT: ] 
Maybe the cute weather girl in a tight sweater would put some butts in the seats if she was the PA announcer, but I digress... I think it is obvious controlling the tempo of the game is going to be a strong key to the season... Is this team going to be looking at averaging 66-70, 70-75, 76+ on O and what is a realistic goal for D? And will the be a poor, average, good or great rebounding team?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:02 Dan, Ellington CT
2:05
sbtnoie: 
Dan:

Cute weather girls....in South Bend? Sorry, now I digress.

This team likely will score points as it sees fit - there will be some nights where they want to push tempo, get out in the open floor and get easy baskets. There will be others (think Pittsburgh) where the burn offense might make a return. Just depends on what Mike Brey believes gives his guys the best shot at success.

As for the defense, the goals are often the same - under 70 points a game and under 40 percent shooting from the floor. This was one of the best rebounding teams in the league last year. I don't expect a repeat. There might be some long nights on the boards. But if everyone can collectively commit to rebounding, the bleeding can be kept to a minimum.

That's a big "If."

Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:05 sbtnoie
2:05
[Comment From Bill-SacramentoBill-Sacramento: ] 
Tom - As you said, it's too early to be leaping to any conclusions yet, but based on what I saw last night, I see only 3 legitimate BE palyers (Abro, Atkins, and cooley in short spurts). Martin will have to step up a couple of notches to amke this a competitive team in conference. Grant was particularly disappointing, but maybe we should view him as a first year player. Connaughton plays without fear, a good model for Grant. Don't you think Atkins will wear down without a solid backup at point?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:05 Bill-Sacramento
2:08
sbtnoie: 
Bill:

Great to hear from you - solid statements. Atkins will be OK if Dragicevich can earn the trust of the coaching staff and spell him for stretches. Look at his line from Tuesday - 22 minutes, six points, no assists and three turnovers. I don't know if he earned any additional trust with that effort, but he has been better.

The one concern about Grant - he has a tendency to play young - surfaced last night. Maybe he's better Monday.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:08 sbtnoie
2:08
[Comment From EricEric: ] 
Is coach Brey pulling any scholarship offers off the table for current juniors, since ND is down to only one scholarship? How does this generally work when you get early committments, do you leave a couple open for the best remaining players?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:08 Eric
2:11
sbtnoie: 
Eric:

Mike Brey isn't going to divulge how the scholarship breakdown sits, but it's no secret - that last spot is for Demetrius Jackson. It's up to him to say yes, or no.

If it's no, the coaching staff moves on to the next player on the list. But given what they'll sign next week in the senior class, and the commitments in the junior class, Notre Dame could use a guard with point skills.

Generally, you get guys when you can get them - it's not like football, when some schools will hold a grant or two for the guys who decide on the last day.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:11 sbtnoie
2:11
[Comment From Gonj - UP of MichiganGonj - UP of Michigan: ] 
..free burritto's to student section, if we shut out Stonehill. Now, THAT'S a sell!
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:11 Gonj - UP of Michigan
2:11
sbtnoie: 
Might not work...students will find another reason to skip it - Bears are on Monday Night Football.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:11 sbtnoie
2:12
[Comment From Andy-Glendale HeightsAndy-Glendale Heights: ] 
Ben, I lived in your shoes from 1996-2001 and now I drive from west of Chicago as a season ticket holder. So I work all day, drive 120 miles, watch a game, and drive back 120 miles and work the next day, but some dorks can't bother to walk across campus to watch their classmates...pathetic sir...and when I can't go somebody uses my tickets...if you're one of the students that does show up you're part of a dedicated group that does a great job.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:12 Andy-Glendale Heights
2:12
sbtnoie: 
Post of the day....now we're cooking!
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:12 sbtnoie
2:12
[Comment From Andy-Glendale HeightsAndy-Glendale Heights: ] 
Tom, would you agree that adding Memphis and Temple, regardless of what football schools may join the BE, would make it more attractive for ND to remain a member? From a basketball standpoint, and that's all I really care about with the BE (I know, they're all football decisions), it seems like they're missing the boat to get 2 historically good programs and open a talent ladened area for recruiting (Memphis).
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:12 Andy-Glendale Heights
2:17
sbtnoie: 
Andy:

Aw, man, and you were on such a roll with your last statement.

Temple, yes. Memphis, no.

One reason that Notre Dame joined the Big East (in addition to preserving this whole thought of independence) was being able to align with like-minded schools such as Villanova and Georgetown and to an extent St. John's and Seton Hall.

But look at what this league has or will become - South Florida? Cincinnati? Central Florida? Houston? All square pegs in round holes. Memphis? Another school with a basketball reputation that would make the priests at Notre Dame brlstle.

That's why from an academic/athletic standpoint, it makes sense (too much really) to join the Atlantic Coast Conference. I just don't see how you add those teams and still call it the Big East. Yep, come to Madison Square Garden for the 2015 Big East Championship and see Central Florida play......Houston.

Barf.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:17 sbtnoie
2:17
[Comment From RobbRobb: ] 
Tom, There is no way ND can be excited about UCF, SMU, maybe Temple, et al joining the Big East can they? Even with UCONN and a few others staying (for now) it would seem Swarbrick better make a move soon or be left behind. Either Big 12 for non-FB sports or first choice, ACC, for everything. What do you hear?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:17 Robb
2:19
sbtnoie: 
Robb:

I hear I answered your question directly above this one. A lot of the conference realignment talk has calmed (for now). That's maybe because hoops season is here and we finally have something to talk about.

For Notre Dame to move forward (eventually, it will have to join a conference be it this year, next or five years from now) it really makes the most sense to join the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Notre Dame prides itself on being the best of the best. If that's the case, join what will be the best conference....join the ACC.....boy, does that sound like an infomercial or what?? Sheesh.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:19 sbtnoie
2:24
[Comment From Andy-Glendale HeightsAndy-Glendale Heights: ] 
I'm just saying, from a basketball only perspective, that Memphis is an attractive program. I mean it's not like some of the remaining Big East members haven't had NCAA and academic issues...UCONN? Louisville? have both had problems in the past. I agree that the new Big East should just go ahead and take the Conference USA name back. It's not what the Big East should be.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:24 Andy-Glendale Heights
2:25
sbtnoie: 
Understood....but if you rename this thing as Conference USA, Notre Dame couldn't get out the door fast enough.

Of course, there's the matter of football independence, in which case, Notre Dame would think it over and say......Hey, catchy little name. Where do we sign up?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:25 sbtnoie
2:35
[Comment From NDPATNDPAT: ] 
Tom: Great weekend watched the men on Sat and great new building, who would be the next choice for the ring of honour Adrian Dantley, kelly tripucka, troy murphy, laphonso ellis
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:35 NDPAT
2:39
sbtnoie: 
NDPAT:

Easiest question of the day - Adrian Dantley.

If the greatest to ever wear a Notre Dame uniform - Austin Carr - goes into the ring last year, you then go in order 2-3-4-5-6-7. LaPhonso Ellis and Troy Murphy deserve to be in, but maybe not before Dantley and Tom Hawkins and even Pat Garrity.

Luke Harangody deserves the honor as well, but definitely not before Carr and Dantley, but that's a discussion for another day - after the whole conference affiliation stuff settles.

Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:39 sbtnoie
2:39
[Comment From Andy-Glendale HeightsAndy-Glendale Heights: ] 
ACC is OK by me...even for the FB Program. That day is coming.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:39 Andy-Glendale Heights
2:39
sbtnoie: 
Andy:

Yes it is. Buckle up. It is.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:39 sbtnoie
2:41
[Comment From Andy-Glendale HeightsAndy-Glendale Heights: ] 
When does Digger get to put himself in the Ring of Honor? I could even see him inducing himself, it would be great...as long as he keeps the dancing to a minimum.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:41 Andy-Glendale Heights
2:41
sbtnoie: 
Sadly, Digger and dancing go together like football and independence.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:41 sbtnoie
2:43
[Comment From Andy-Glendale HeightsAndy-Glendale Heights: ] 
LOL...that's the Post of the Day!
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:43 Andy-Glendale Heights
2:43
sbtnoie: 
Just trying to keep pace with my posters
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:43 sbtnoie
2:56
[Comment From LawrenceLawrence: ] 
As a Notre dame fan who lives in a dorm section with a basketball player, I can say that the ordinary Notre Dame student is taught football is everything- right from Freshman orientation. We in the leprechaun legion try to make some noise- so don't bash all of the students. never fair to generalize!
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:56 Lawrence
2:59
sbtnoie: 
Larence:

We've gone to careful lengths today not to generalize all students as being aloof to the success or failure of the Notre Dame men's basketball team. The students that turn out on a regular (consistent) basis are to be applauded for their enthusiasm and energy.

Again the question remains - where are the rest of you?

Unfortunately, there are too few of you to really, truly make a difference.....every....single....game. You guys are good, but it can be a whole lot better.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:59 sbtnoie
3:05
sbtnoie: 
A solid effort from all involved - over 50 questions about Notre Dame hoops in just over three hours. It truly is basketball season. Let's do it again - and wrap up the exhibition season - one week from today (Wednesday) again at noon.

If you have a question or comment that simply cannot wait, you can drop me a note at tnoie@sbtinfo.com" target="_blank" >tnoie@sbtinfo.com. Thanks. Have a great week.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 3:05 sbtnoie
3:05
 

 
 
 



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(11/02/2011) 
11:57
sbtnoie: 
And......we're off.

So, what did you think? The wraps of the 2011-12 Notre Dame men's basketball season were officially taken off Tuesday night with the team's first exhibition game - a 90-72 victory over Saint Xavier.

Who played well? Who didn't? What are your thoughts as the Irish move forward?

Should have plenty to dissect and discuss. How? Easy. Drop me a question or comment, include your name and hometown and away we go.

Wednesday November 2, 2011 11:57 sbtnoie
12:00
sbtnoie: 
A quick comment before we get started - I heard from a long-time season-ticket holder midway through the second half of Tuesday's game. His opinion? This team is going to struggle to make it to the post-season National Invitation Tournament.

Whoa....whoa....whoa. What?

Remember, Notre Dame played Tuesday without Scott Martin. Fellow fifth-year senior co-captain Tim Abromaitis, who scored a game-high 28 points, is going to miss the first four games of the regular season. The four other guys with him in Tuesday's starting lineup were new from last season.

Plenty of guys in new roles. Draw that conclusion after a 40-minute pickup game? Kind of harsh. As Mike Brey first said on Media Day last month - patience....patience....patience.

A year ago, the Irish were a finished product. This year, they make a work in progress for months. Let's see how it all unfolds over the next two months before jumping to any premature conclusions.

OK, off my soap box (for now). Let's do this.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:00 sbtnoie
12:04
[Comment From JamesJames: ] 
Suggest you change your SBT headline to Join Tom Noie chat on Notre Dame Mens' basketball. Otherwise, the majority of ND basketball fans might join the wrong chat !
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:04 James
12:05
sbtnoie: 
James:

Fans can ask a women's basketball question if they want - they may not get the most educated answer. For men's hoops, though, fire away.

Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:05 sbtnoie
12:05
[Comment From Ed,Greensboro,N.CEd,Greensboro,N.C: ] 
Tom, thanks for the hard work.Do you think Mike Brey will use his bench more this year?i know these are young kids and in great shape, but I can't help but think fatigue is a factor when it comes to the post season blues .
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:05 Ed,Greensboro,N.C
12:10
sbtnoie: 
Ed:

Thanks for the kind words. Your check is in the mail, but it may not be enough to pay for a tank of gas these days.

Anyway, let's get serious. All nine available scholarship players played at least six minuts last night. The guy who played the least - Mike Broghammer - is still in the baby steps process of seeing if he can stay healthy for the long haul.

Still, I was impressed with Brgohammer offered in his cameo - two points, two rebounds and a steal. Something for him to build off as he moves forward and, for his sake, remains healthy.

Brey's words to the team last month - everybody's going to play - still hold true. With so much still to figure out, everybody's going to get a chance. Look at Jack Cooley's situation.

He started a game for the first time in his career Tuesday. Typically, a starter for Mike Brey is going to log seriously heavy minutes - 35-40 a night. Cooley can only play around 22 (he went 23 last night). So someone (someone big) has to take those remaining 17-18 minutes. That leaves a tag-team between Tom Knight and Mike Broghammer.

Joye Brooks is going to be needed for defense. Alex Dragicevich for ball-handling. Pat Connaughton for flat-out hustle. Anyone gets hurt, those bench guys will become main guys.

For now, it's everyone in the pool.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:10 sbtnoie
12:11
[Comment From EricEric: ] 
Who is the new PA guy?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:11 Eric
12:17
sbtnoie: 
Eric:

The new public address announcer at Purcell Pavilion is Ron Stryker, who does voice-overs for commericals and announcements at WRBR, a local FM radio station.

Stryker replaces long-time P.A. announcer Jon Thompson (a fellow employee of Schurz Communications), who was not asked back this year. Thompson was told by Notre Dame that it wanted to move in a different direction.

My sources have indicated that Notre Dame wanted to change up the gameday atmosphere in the arena and believed it could shoot some energy into the building with a new P.A. guy.

Um.....not yet.

Tuesday's debut was, well, a little rough. He misidentified the Saint Xavier coach during pre-game introductions and at halftime, read off the minutes played for each player as their points scored. He also identified players, even from Notre Dame, by last name only.

Maybe it was first-time jitters and it will be better next week, but the place seemed to lack the same energy and enthusiasm that JT brought.

Just an opinion and again, maybe it will be different the second time around. But people definitely noticed something was different.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:17 sbtnoie
12:17
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
Tom- Jim from NYC- good work covering ND BB- I see ND having a problem filling out a BE starting 5. I think Pat gets the nod eventually almost by default. Also I think ND's man defense takes a major step back without BH and CS. What are your thoughts?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:17 Guest
12:24
sbtnoie: 
Jim:

Solid observations. The consensus from us media hacks covering last night's game is that it's not a question of if but when freshman Pat Connaughton moves into the starting lineup. Later this month? December? January? It's going to happen at some point.

Connaughton played 16 minutes off the bench and offered seven points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal. The whole effort level seemed to jump a notch or two when he checked in late in the first half - and Notre Dame went on a nice little run.

Start or work as a reserve, Connaughton's going to play. A lot.

But don't sleep just yet on Alex Dragicevich or Jerian Grant. Both will be the first to admit they could have been better - Grant was 1-of-8 from the floor, 0-for-4 from 3 and seemed hesitant to get involved. Dragicevich had six points and a rebound, but turned it over three times. He's got to be better.

Chalk it up to being under the bright lights for the first time as main guys. They'll bounce back. Connaughton, like Mike Brey said, has no fear of being on the main stage.

Defensively, this team is going to have to commit to guarding as a group, like they did when Luke Harangody went down with his knee injury late in 2009-10, or there will be many long nights in the Big East.

Saint Xavier shot 43.5 percent - 48.4 in the first half. That's way too easy for a team that was undersized and overmatched. But the defense should improve as all the faces in new places figure it all out.

Notre Dame's never going to be a lockdown, smothering defensive unit. What it can be is a group that limits second- and third-looks, rebounds and gets in good enough position to defend instead of foulling.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:24 sbtnoie
12:24
[Comment From EricEric: ] 
Thanks Tom. I thought the new announcer was over-the-top. Maybe I will get used to him.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:24 Eric
12:25
sbtnoie: 
Eric:

I was underwhelmed. There were times where it was tough to hear him - maybe the volume just needs to be turned up. Again, maybe he needs a game or two or three to get his P.A. sea legs.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:25 sbtnoie
12:28
sbtnoie: 
Some quick news on former Notre Dame players:

--Guard Tory Jackson appears headed for the NBA Development League with the Fort Wayne Wizards, whose coach, former DePaul coach Joey Meyer, watched Jackson practice Saturday with Notre Dame.

--Former Irish forward Luke Zeller has been traded from the Bakersfield Jam to the Austin Toros.

--Former Irish forward Carleton Scott has left Caceres, the professional team he signed with in Spain, after only a few months. Scott reportedly might be headed to play professionally in Iceland.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:28 sbtnoie
12:28
[Comment From Chuck, Ft Myers, FLChuck, Ft Myers, FL: ] 
Not to focus too long on a negative but...the end of season tournament swoons are killing me and a few other folks. Is it something to do with ND's conditioning programs? Are their shots just disappearing or are they just worn out?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:28 Chuck, Ft Myers, FL
12:35
sbtnoie: 
Chuck:

An oldy but a goody - what to do about those late-season flameouts. Hmmmm.

The theory that it's conditioning is nonsense. That may be the case for a Rick Pitino-coached team where he has his guys still running through three-hour practices between league games in February.

But Mike Brey has long held to the belief that if you have an older team, and a team where a minimal amount of guys play the maximum amount of minutes, pacing is of the utmost importance.

By the time February and March roll around, the Irish are rarely on the practice floor for more than an hour. And that includes instruction and free throws. They do it to save legs.

Why, then, the post-season problems? Look close - really, really close - at the teams Notre Dame has faced - Winthrop, Washington State, Old Dominion, Florida State.

One common theme coarses through each - old teams that had been together for years, won together and learned how to take that next step in post-season. Oh yeah, there's also some superior athleticism thrown in.

Those were four really bad matchups for Notre Dame. Is that an excuse? Not at all. But you can't dismiss it just by saying, Ah, heck, Notre Dame should beat those programs...baloney.

In a seven game series, maybe, but in the NCAA tournament, when a team just has to be really good for 40 minutes, that's a factor. And that's why everyone's top pick to win it all, or get to the Final Four, rarely happens. It's one-and-done, and too often for Notre Dame, it's been done.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:35 sbtnoie
12:35
[Comment From Dan, Ellington CTDan, Ellington CT: ] 
New PA guy... Purcell Pavillion... Music in the Stadium... Swarbrisk saying he wanted a jumpbotron in the stadium... Are we seeing the evolution of the entire ND sports program into the 21st century?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:35 Dan, Ellington CT
12:38
sbtnoie: 
Dan:

Yep, but no talk of converting the Purcell Pavilion maple court to FieldTurf just yet.

All of it also is a sign that these areas have been ignored for far too long. Again, I thought Jon Thompson did a solid job in his P.A. role. Odd to start there. Kind of like throwing the baby out with the bath water, or something like that....
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:38 sbtnoie
12:38
[Comment From Ed,Greensboro,N.C.Ed,Greensboro,N.C.: ] 
Sorry to be a pest, but I am home with a sprained knee. What is going on when all we talk about is the p.a.announcer?In my opinoin, it's the same problem we have in football.Too many fans sitting on their fannies.We need more ENERGY. To that end,don't you think we need to expand the student section? The regular crowd looks like they are at a classical music concert.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:38 Ed,Greensboro,N.C.
12:45
sbtnoie: 
Ed:

OK, I vowed not to get involved in this area so early in the season, but it's sunny ouside, 60 degrees and I'm in a good mood, so why not?

The immediate problem with Purcell Pavilion lies with the students. Last night's game may have had, oh, 50-75 students. Even the band decided to stroll in around halftime. Nobody on that campus seems to make hoops a priority.

And if you're a student, don't start in with the same tired storylines of it being preseason, of the home schedule being lousy, of it being a school night or having to play video games in your room. Save your breath.

If you're a Notre Dame student who has any sort of pulse for hoops, you'd say, Hmm, wonder what this Connaughton kid is all about...let's go see. I wonder how Eric Atkins will do running the team....check it out. What makes Abromaitis make it look so easy....how about a look? Wonder if Jack Cooley can play major minutes.....why not wander over.

Purcell Pavilion's atmosphere is apathetic because the students just don't care. And to say otherwise is a farce - last year's game against Louisville featured two Top 16 teams on national TV - and there were pockets of empty seats in the student section.

If you're a student who does care, how about selling the notion of going to a game to a friend...to two? Five? Ten? If you care but everyone else on your dorm floor doesn't....that's not right.

Oh, well, just as long as they show up wearing "The Shirt" for home football games.....
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:45 sbtnoie
12:46
[Comment From JamesJames: ] 
Im chuckling about the change in PA announcers. I was so disappointed when Mike Collins took over, and I've never enjoyed his style since. I mean that was thridty years ago, and he is treate as some kind of legend today. PA announcers are a matter of taste, but usually, the less they say the better.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:46 James
12:47
sbtnoie: 
James:

Getting it right also counts for something. There were mistakes last night - obvious ones. Also, identifying players only by last name seems minor league.

Some P.A. announcers, especially in the NBA, make it about them. Jon Thompson never did. Never heard a bad word said about him. But he's out.

Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:47 sbtnoie
12:47
[Comment From KJ NYCKJ NYC: ] 
These scrimmage/exhibition games mean very little. Even to teams that lose these games. Even some of those first 10 games against less than good teams mean much. But what strengths did you see in the team from this game that could carry on through out the season?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:47 KJ NYC
12:51
sbtnoie: 
KJ:

So, so true. There are so many questions about this team this season, and a 40-minute pickup game did little to provide answers.

But solid steps were taken by Eric Atkins, who was efficient and effective in going for 19 points with six assists, three rebounds and only one turnover. I liked that Jack Cooley registered a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds and rarely looked like he was carrying a sack of bricks up and down the floor in playing 23 minutes. Afterward, he said he might be able to play more.

I liked how Tim Abromaitis, knowing that he has to be the guy this year. responded in that way with 28 poins and nine rebounds. I like the energy of Patrick Connaughton.

I also liked that Notre Dame made only five 3-pointers but got to 90 points rather easily by building from the foul line (25 points) and in the paint (38 points).

All positive steps as this program moves forward - to where, nobody really knows.

Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:51 sbtnoie
12:51
[Comment From KJ NYCKJ NYC: ] 
All Notre Dame sporting events lack energy. Some is due to the fact that too many of the fans are on the older side and are just there to to wine and dine and could care less about the game itself. Another reason is the lack of marketing/promotional campaigning by the athletic department. I have said for a long time ND thinks their sports can sell themselves when really they can't. They worry too much about making donors happy that it kills the atmosphere more than anything.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:51 KJ NYC
12:56
sbtnoie: 
KJ:

You're hired as marketing coordinator! Great points. You get it.

Nowhere is this more evident than in hoops. Despite all the success Notre Dame has had during Mike Brey's tenure, you get the feeling that all anyone over there really, truly cares about is football.

As long as the basketball side is competitive and graduates its players, it's a nice program. But ah, football, that's where the real money and the attention goes.

If it didn't, Notre Dame hoops would have a building similar to the new hockey arena. Instead, they put a band-aid on a dump and pass it off as a "renovation."

That said, if Jack Swarbrick had arrived six months earlier than he did, I believe he would have done what was needed for a new stand-alone hoops arena. The administration before him, though, felt otherwise.

Maybe they felt doing something other than renovating the Joyce Center would take some of the attention away from football - maybe give an indication that Notre Dame was really serious about hoops.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:56 sbtnoie
12:56
[Comment From Dan, Ellington CTDan, Ellington CT: ] 
Do you get the sense this dynamic-attitude adjustment - away from the "We have ALWAYS done it THIS way" is driven by pressure from the coaches (i.e.: the atmosphere is so staid that is is turning off recruits)? Is it driven by Swarbrick (i.e.: "we need to re-invigorate our game experiences for the fans)? Is it driven by the fanbase in transition (from the old-time South Bend season ticket holders who really helped keep the program solvent for decades to an younger generation)?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:56 Dan, Ellington CT
12:58
sbtnoie: 
Dan:

Maybe a combination of all. Jack Swarbrick has brought a whole bunch of fresh ideas and new ways of looking at issues. That's been much-needed at a place where football independence remains cherished. Why exactly?

Because that's how it's always been. Change often is a four-letter word around that campus. People don't want it. Fans refuse to hear it. Before the Joyce Center was renovated, it was like stepping back into teh 1970s and 1980s - and a good majority of fans still figured, well, what's wrong with that.

Everything.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:58 sbtnoie
12:59
[Comment From KJ NYCKJ NYC: ] 
Are the true freshman going to be getting minutes this season? In the past Brey is pretty set to red-shirting most players.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 12:59 KJ NYC
1:01
sbtnoie: 
KJ:

Not exactly true. Eric Atkins was a true freshman last season and led the Big East in assist/turnover ratio. Pat Connaughton is the only true freshman on this year's team. He's going to play and play a lot.

Connaughton will be a starter somewhere along the line.

Mike Brey has sat players out to preserve seasons of eligibility when there's likely no chance of playing time. He does that to keep the program old. There's a method to the madness, and it usually has worked.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:01 sbtnoie
1:01
[Comment From Chuck, Ft Myers, FLChuck, Ft Myers, FL: ] 
Can't fathom what's up with the students not coming to the games. In the early '70's, we lived and breathed basketball with Digger's guys at EVERY game. Nothing was more important and we all trudged through the snow to the ACC...even if it was Davidson (wherever that is!). Digger was a very big personality on campus and the players were as popular as the football team. Is Brey high profile on campus? Is he going to the dorms in the off season talking up the program? He appears to be a great guy and you like him as soon as you meet him...I sure did! Maybe we were a different kind of student way back then. Just can't believe the students don't like basketball.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:01 Chuck, Ft Myers, FL
1:03
sbtnoie: 
Chuck:

Mike Brey tweets messages to students, writes letter to The Observer and talks to dorms. He's about accessible to his student body as any coach in the Big East. The result come game night?

Crickets.

Again, if you're a Notre Dame hoops fan, your concern should be most about your team, right? Too many fans - students and area folks - get so hung up on the other team (bad schedule, cupcakes, etc.) they figure, why bother. Let's stay home and watch Dancing With the Stars.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:03 sbtnoie
1:08
[Comment From Dwight from ArkansasDwight from Arkansas: ] 
ND has commits from juniors who are 6-6 & 6-7 types and if memory serves right, next year's incoming class has more of the same (except for Sherman). Doesn't ND need more bulk & size with Abro and Martin being seniors, Broghammer maybe not being available, and Knight and Cooley moving up to upper class status?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:08 Dwight from Arkansas
1:11
sbtnoie: 
Dwight:

Thanks for the note. Notre Dame will sign three current prep seniors during the early period next week - Zach Auguste, Cameron Biedscheid and Austin Burgett. The Irish also have commitments from prep juniors V.J. Beachem and Steve Vasturia.

Auguste is proejcted to be an inside guy - he's maybe 6-9 or 6-10 right now. Burgett, at 6-8, also is expected to play on the front line. Biedscheid and Beachem are wings. Vasturia a combo guard.

Next year will have plenty of depth in the low post in Jack Cooley and Garrick Sherman, Zach Auguste and Tom Knight and maybe Mike Broghammer. The Irish should be solid at that spot for the next few years.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:11 sbtnoie
1:12
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
Thanks Tom for not tip toeing around the student section. It is high time that someone calls out the student section & their lack of support. As a 30+ year season ticket holder, we attend all games, we cheer, & are motivated to attend some away games via bus trips etc. & I for one get tired of hearing about the season ticket holders who sit on their hands.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:12 Guest
1:13
sbtnoie: 
True. They may not sit on their hands if the student section is sold out and the joint is jumping.

The few students that do bother to show up are solid, but if I'm back in college and my buddy decided to stay in his dorm to play Black Ops or went to the library, we would have wrestled him to the floor and taken him to the game kicking and screaming.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:13 sbtnoie
1:14
[Comment From Dan, Ellington CTDan, Ellington CT: ] 
Brey is seen as such a blue-collar guy really - Can't argue with his Xs and Os but he really is seen as an "ordinary, average guy" (to steam from my friend Joe). Same was true with John McLeod. In the one season Matt Daugherty was there, you saw some of the swagger you saw with Digger. Now I don't say put on a show simply for the purpose of putting on a show, but seems to me that the coaches and players all need to get heavily involved with the PR campaign on campus. But again, that seems to go against the very methodical - workman like approach of the Coach.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:14 Dan, Ellington CT
1:15
sbtnoie: 
Dan:

Give me a guy who can win games against suffocating schedules over the showman/snake oil salesman any day.

Those same people who complain that Mike Brey is "too normal" certainly would say he was "too flashy" and full of himself if he had a personality more akin to Digger Phelps or Matt Doherty.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:15 sbtnoie
1:16
[Comment From FriendFriend: ] 
I'm discouraged after last night, Tom. What they were able to do was what they were supposed to be able to do. Of course Cooley was going to go for double-double against that St. X frontline. No one on St. X could stay with Atkins so of course he would look good. Those favorable match-ups won't be the case in the Big east.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:16 Friend
1:18
sbtnoie: 
Tell that to Arizona, which lost its exhibition game to a Division II team last week. I'm not about to start booking flights for the NCAA tournament after last night, but I'm not about to lament a losing season in the Big East, either.

Not yet.

There were solid signs that this team can be good. There also were signs that this team might be in for a long year. But remember, Notre Dame also was missing Scott Martin. I don't know how you can judge the good or the bad of this team until we see the entire team, regardless of the opponent.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:18 sbtnoie
1:18
[Comment From FriendFriend: ] 
Did Brey coach to win last night or will the Irish look to run that often all the time? Seems dangerous with only 9 scholarship guys on the roster. I will grant you that Knight and Cooley looked better/faster last night, but asking them to pay uptempo is a bit of a stretch, in my opinion.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:18 Friend
1:20
sbtnoie: 
They'll probably pick and choose their spots to run, and do so more often than not.

One area that Brey touched on in his post-game media session was not getting enough stops. Taking the ball out of the basket also forced them to play at a much slower tempo. He wants Eric Atkins to get the ball and go so he can do what he did Tuesday - attack, find guys, run the team.

Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:20 sbtnoie
1:20
[Comment From FriendFriend: ] 
72 points to a NAIA team - that has to be a concern, right?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:20 Friend
1:21
sbtnoie: 
Absoluely, but one of the toughest areas to pull together with so many new faces is on the defensive end. Allowing 72 is a concern, but only if you don't score at least 73.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:21 sbtnoie
1:21
[Comment From Dan, Ellington CTDan, Ellington CT: ] 
Tom, Hope I am not reading you wrong here... Are you saying DIgger was a snake oil saleman who did poorly against suffocating schedules? Granted he didn't play in the Big East, but to be honest, the Big East has a top Tier and then a group of 'big least" teams every season. I think Digger would have more than held his own in the league...
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:21 Dan, Ellington CT
1:23
sbtnoie: 
To save myself a call from Digger, who I consider a friend, no, I don't consider him a snake-oil salesman because I was too young to understand the game when he was still coaching.

I'm talking about in today's world of college coaches who are showmen. Insert your idea of who that might be here.

I would have paid to see Digger on the same sideline as Jim Boeheim or Jim Calhoun or Jay Wright. That there might have been a few more people in the seats.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:23 sbtnoie
1:23
[Comment From BenBen: ] 
Do you see Pat Connaughton winning Big East Rookie of the Year?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:23 Ben
1:26
sbtnoie: 
Ben:

Wow, what a jump we made from seven points, five rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes, but no, Pat Connaughton will not win Big East rookie of the year. All-Rookie team? Perhaps.

That's not to say I don't believe Connaughton will have a solid year. He will. There's just so much juice with Connecticut's Andre Drummond that I don't think anyone else has a chance. If he can live up to his preseason hype, not only will Drummond be a one-and-done guy (there's goes UCONN'S APR) but he'll be voted the top rookie.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:26 sbtnoie
1:26
[Comment From FriendFriend: ] 
Been reading your chats for a little bit here - you calling Connaughton a starter is a bit of a departure in that you are more definitive than in weeks past. Is that just based on last night? Are you hearing whispers to that end? Both?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:26 Friend
1:31
sbtnoie: 
In weeks past, I had not seen Connaughton in an actual game situation. What would he be like when the lights finally came on? Scared? Nervous? Over-anxious.

For him, it was like he's been here before. He's not fazed. But look at how Jerian Grant played last night - a little timid, maybe because the lights for him finally were bright. Same for Dragicevich. Brooks was Brooks but at some point, he has to offer something more offensively. Connaughton already does.

Somewhere along the line, Connaughton is going to start. Just as I would say somehwere along the way, Dragicevich is going to start. Or Brooks. That speaks more to the uncertainty of it all that what I may know or have seen. There will be stretches when a guy like Grant may take a step back and work as a reserve for a game or two. Or someone gets hurt. Or Brey does something to shake up the karma.

As for whispers? I'm the last guy anyone around the program is going to seek out for a top-secret conversation.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:31 sbtnoie
1:31
[Comment From ChuckChuck: ] 
Spoke to "someone who knows".. said to be impressed with Connaughton's jumpers last night would be like being impressed with Nolan Ryans' change-up - i.e., its not what he does well and he is more of a slasher than a spot-up shooter. Is that your scouting report on him? I have to say, that sounds really good.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:31 Chuck
1:35
sbtnoie: 
Chuck:

I'm not fooled by the 2-for-4 shooting from 3 from Connaughton. Like you said, that's not who he is, and it's not why Notre Dame discovered him on the AAU circuit and made him a top recruiting priority.

The kid, for lack of a better term, is a winner. He just plays. In the times I've talked with him, he's never been about minutes or points or stats. He just wants to play. And fit in. But yet he knows he has the skills.

Look at what he did last night - last off the bench, but doesn't sulk. Gets a big defensive rebound on one end, then keeps alive an offensive possession on the other with another rebound. Picks and chooses his spots.

There's just a lot to like there.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:35 sbtnoie
1:35
[Comment From FriendFriend: ] 
I admire your positivity, but 72 to St. X will turn into 90+ to "Cuse or UConn in a heartbeat. I'm concerned that this squad won't be able to put up that many points against a BE squad.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:35 Friend
1:38
sbtnoie: 
But my man, that's......OK. Giving up 90 to Syracuse and Connecticut? Those are two teams that are ranked in the Top 10 and were picked in preseason to win the Big East title.

Where this program is at, and where those others are at, Notre Dame should give up 90 to both. This isn't the year to expect victory against either. Notre Dame would have to play really, really, really well to have a chance.

Notre Dame is going to give up points. It always has. But if teams that Notre Dame is expected to beat - DePaul, Seton Hall, South Florida, Providence - are going for 80 and 90 points, then we have problems. Big, big problems.

Like NIT problems.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:38 sbtnoie
1:39
[Comment From Pugs from Stanford HallPugs from Stanford Hall: ] 
T-Bone, I didn't see any of the game last night. Immersed in studies. Can you give a pessimistic Irish fan your Top 3 things that happened last night to give me some hope heading into a season without Ben Hansbrough?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:39 Pugs from Stanford Hall
1:42
sbtnoie: 
Pugs:

Better hustle if you want to make that 2 o'clock class. But seriously, here's the Reader's Digest version of what went really well for Notre Dame in the opener:

1. Eric Atkins ran the point with efficiency. He gets it.
2. Notre Dame scored 90 points overall and 38 in the paint despite - 1. Not having Scott Martin, 2. Having nobody with extended low-post experience 3. Hitting only five 3-pointers.
3. Guys in the Big East are going to hate playing against Pat Connaughton.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:42 sbtnoie
1:42
[Comment From Gonj - UP of MichiganGonj - UP of Michigan: ] 
I think what Dan is saying is instead of everybody playing the victim of being a "football school" and pissing and moaning about the lack of student involvement at the games, Brey and the athletic department should learn to sell it. Being a Big Ten school would help, the close rivalries.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:42 Gonj - UP of Michigan
1:44
sbtnoie: 
Gonj:

Being in the Big Ten would absolutely make a Notre Dame hoops ticket one of the toughest in town. But somewhere along the way, fans of the program have had to accept, OK, this is the Big East. This is what it's all about.

I don't get the feeling they ever did that. Instead of embracing home games against Louisville and Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, they were more concerned with, Man, I remember those good, old days of the 70s and 80s when we were independent.

That ship has long sailed.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:44 sbtnoie
1:45
[Comment From FriendFriend: ] 
I did think Atkins looked good last night (so did the St. X guard, BTW) - if they are intent to run more, how does that bode for Broghammer and Knight and Cooley. Who are your top 5 for an uptempo team?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:45 Friend
1:47
sbtnoie: 
If they're going to play fast, then you go with a group that consists mainly of Eric Atkins, Jerian Grant, Pat Connaughton, Tim Abromaitis and Scott Martin. Play zone and have Connaughton as your second big. Mix a few minutes here and there with Cooley or Knight or Broghammer.

With Martin still out and with Connaughton and Grant still figuring it all out, Notre Dame still has not fielded its best lineup. Until that happens, conclusions remain, well, inconclusive.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:47 sbtnoie
1:47
[Comment From FriendFriend: ] 
You mentioned that Brey touched on his defense last night - did he mention a preference between man or zone? Will he continue to run a combo of both? I'm not sure he has the horses to run M2M full-time as things currently stand. Will zone possessions be treated as an opportunity for his guys to get some wind?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:47 Friend
1:47
sbtnoie: 
Notre Dame will have to mix man and zone. Still, every time the Irish seem to go man, the other team fires in a 3-pointer. Happened a couple times on Tuesday.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:47 sbtnoie
1:48
[Comment From Andy-Glendale HeightsAndy-Glendale Heights: ] 
So you're saying that changing the PA announcer won't get more fans to the game? Somebody better call the marketing folks at ND and let them know...oops too late. I think it's pretty clear that ND, as a whole, doesn't care about men's basketball.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:48 Andy-Glendale Heights
1:49
sbtnoie: 
Andy:

I just found it funny - and not in a funny way - that Notre Dame's decision to change up the hoops experience included switching P.A. announcers.

Hey, here's a novel idea - get more fans in the stands and it doesn't matter if the local TV weatherman is doing P.A. or Father Jenkins.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:49 sbtnoie
1:49
[Comment From Andy-Glendale HeightsAndy-Glendale Heights: ] 
Friend-you're reading too much into a scrimmage with fans in the seats. These games are used to work on different combos and we played down 1 started, get realistic. That's not to say 'Cuse won't put 90 on us, they're very capable, but you're drawing unfair conclusions from an exhibition game.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:49 Andy-Glendale Heights
1:50
sbtnoie: 
Post of the day, right there, though I wouldn't expect anything less.....except a beef sandwich from Portillo's,
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:50 sbtnoie
1:50
[Comment From FriendFriend: ] 
Do you think "9 scholarship players" will be a familiar refrain this year and, ultimately, be the death knell for this team? The BE is always a grind and ND seems undermanned right now. How concerned are you about them holding up physically? They already have injury concerns with Martin and Brog, right?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:50 Friend
1:53
sbtnoie: 
Man, friend, where you been all these weeks? Listening to Mick Jagger music and bad-mouthing your country?

Sorry, a classic line from "An Officer and a Gentleman" but I digress. Where were we.

Ah, the nine schoalrship guys. No. I think Notre Dame has enough talent and able bodies to compete in the Big East. At some point, Martin has to shake the injury stigman and just play. Broghammer's at the end of his rope as far as what he can do for his knees, but, knock on wood, he's held up OK.

The "death knell" for this team may just be that too many other teams in the Big East - Connecticut, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Marquette, maybe Cincinnati - are just better.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:53 sbtnoie
1:53
[Comment From NORM@theBistroNORM@theBistro: ] 
As an alum of Mishawaka Marian, I'm interested to see how Demetrius Jackson's recruitment ends up
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:53 NORM@theBistro
1:54
sbtnoie: 
Norm:

You and everyone else that keeps a close eye on Notre Dame men's basketball.

With the commitment Monday of guard Steve Vasturia, Notre Dame has one scholarship to offer the current high school junior class. It's no secret where that one grant would go - over to Dragoon Trail and straight to one Demetrius Jackson.

What's going to happen? Guess we're all going to have to wait and see.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:54 sbtnoie
1:55
[Comment From FriendFriend: ] 
Agree to disagree - can we come together and say that giving up 72 to Stonehill next week would signal a problem for their prospects for this season?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:55 Friend
1:56
sbtnoie: 
Disgree. Scott Martin likely will not play. I don't mean to be a dope, but I just can't see how you can make any definitive statements about the prospects of this team until we see the entire team. And that's not going to happen until, at the earliest, Nov. 21 against Missouri.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:56 sbtnoie
1:58
[Comment From BenBen: ] 
To all this garbage about the student section. Stop it. How about all you"fans" stand up for the whole game like the students. How about you "fans" try to live in our shoes? On another note, how far is Scot Martin from returning?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 1:58 Ben
2:01
sbtnoie: 
Ben:

You missed the point on the student section. Nobody is bashing the people that are actually in the stands - where are the rest of you?

There's no reason for empty seats in the student section - ever. Great, you were there last night or last year, but what about the hundreds of empty seats? For Big East games. no less?

What do you mean when you say "live" in your shoes. i remember my four years of college - never missed a hoops game at the University of Dayton. Best four years of my life. Met my wife. Still cherish friendships I made. Pretty good life.

Back to hoops - Scott Martin likely would play if Tuesday or Monday against Stonehill were a regular-season game. I'd say he's in the lineup for the Nov. 12 opener against Mississippi Valley State.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:01 sbtnoie
2:02
[Comment From Dan, Ellington CTDan, Ellington CT: ] 
Maybe the cute weather girl in a tight sweater would put some butts in the seats if she was the PA announcer, but I digress... I think it is obvious controlling the tempo of the game is going to be a strong key to the season... Is this team going to be looking at averaging 66-70, 70-75, 76+ on O and what is a realistic goal for D? And will the be a poor, average, good or great rebounding team?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:02 Dan, Ellington CT
2:05
sbtnoie: 
Dan:

Cute weather girls....in South Bend? Sorry, now I digress.

This team likely will score points as it sees fit - there will be some nights where they want to push tempo, get out in the open floor and get easy baskets. There will be others (think Pittsburgh) where the burn offense might make a return. Just depends on what Mike Brey believes gives his guys the best shot at success.

As for the defense, the goals are often the same - under 70 points a game and under 40 percent shooting from the floor. This was one of the best rebounding teams in the league last year. I don't expect a repeat. There might be some long nights on the boards. But if everyone can collectively commit to rebounding, the bleeding can be kept to a minimum.

That's a big "If."

Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:05 sbtnoie
2:05
[Comment From Bill-SacramentoBill-Sacramento: ] 
Tom - As you said, it's too early to be leaping to any conclusions yet, but based on what I saw last night, I see only 3 legitimate BE palyers (Abro, Atkins, and cooley in short spurts). Martin will have to step up a couple of notches to amke this a competitive team in conference. Grant was particularly disappointing, but maybe we should view him as a first year player. Connaughton plays without fear, a good model for Grant. Don't you think Atkins will wear down without a solid backup at point?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:05 Bill-Sacramento
2:08
sbtnoie: 
Bill:

Great to hear from you - solid statements. Atkins will be OK if Dragicevich can earn the trust of the coaching staff and spell him for stretches. Look at his line from Tuesday - 22 minutes, six points, no assists and three turnovers. I don't know if he earned any additional trust with that effort, but he has been better.

The one concern about Grant - he has a tendency to play young - surfaced last night. Maybe he's better Monday.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:08 sbtnoie
2:08
[Comment From EricEric: ] 
Is coach Brey pulling any scholarship offers off the table for current juniors, since ND is down to only one scholarship? How does this generally work when you get early committments, do you leave a couple open for the best remaining players?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:08 Eric
2:11
sbtnoie: 
Eric:

Mike Brey isn't going to divulge how the scholarship breakdown sits, but it's no secret - that last spot is for Demetrius Jackson. It's up to him to say yes, or no.

If it's no, the coaching staff moves on to the next player on the list. But given what they'll sign next week in the senior class, and the commitments in the junior class, Notre Dame could use a guard with point skills.

Generally, you get guys when you can get them - it's not like football, when some schools will hold a grant or two for the guys who decide on the last day.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:11 sbtnoie
2:11
[Comment From Gonj - UP of MichiganGonj - UP of Michigan: ] 
..free burritto's to student section, if we shut out Stonehill. Now, THAT'S a sell!
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:11 Gonj - UP of Michigan
2:11
sbtnoie: 
Might not work...students will find another reason to skip it - Bears are on Monday Night Football.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:11 sbtnoie
2:12
[Comment From Andy-Glendale HeightsAndy-Glendale Heights: ] 
Ben, I lived in your shoes from 1996-2001 and now I drive from west of Chicago as a season ticket holder. So I work all day, drive 120 miles, watch a game, and drive back 120 miles and work the next day, but some dorks can't bother to walk across campus to watch their classmates...pathetic sir...and when I can't go somebody uses my tickets...if you're one of the students that does show up you're part of a dedicated group that does a great job.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:12 Andy-Glendale Heights
2:12
sbtnoie: 
Post of the day....now we're cooking!
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:12 sbtnoie
2:12
[Comment From Andy-Glendale HeightsAndy-Glendale Heights: ] 
Tom, would you agree that adding Memphis and Temple, regardless of what football schools may join the BE, would make it more attractive for ND to remain a member? From a basketball standpoint, and that's all I really care about with the BE (I know, they're all football decisions), it seems like they're missing the boat to get 2 historically good programs and open a talent ladened area for recruiting (Memphis).
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:12 Andy-Glendale Heights
2:17
sbtnoie: 
Andy:

Aw, man, and you were on such a roll with your last statement.

Temple, yes. Memphis, no.

One reason that Notre Dame joined the Big East (in addition to preserving this whole thought of independence) was being able to align with like-minded schools such as Villanova and Georgetown and to an extent St. John's and Seton Hall.

But look at what this league has or will become - South Florida? Cincinnati? Central Florida? Houston? All square pegs in round holes. Memphis? Another school with a basketball reputation that would make the priests at Notre Dame brlstle.

That's why from an academic/athletic standpoint, it makes sense (too much really) to join the Atlantic Coast Conference. I just don't see how you add those teams and still call it the Big East. Yep, come to Madison Square Garden for the 2015 Big East Championship and see Central Florida play......Houston.

Barf.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:17 sbtnoie
2:17
[Comment From RobbRobb: ] 
Tom, There is no way ND can be excited about UCF, SMU, maybe Temple, et al joining the Big East can they? Even with UCONN and a few others staying (for now) it would seem Swarbrick better make a move soon or be left behind. Either Big 12 for non-FB sports or first choice, ACC, for everything. What do you hear?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:17 Robb
2:19
sbtnoie: 
Robb:

I hear I answered your question directly above this one. A lot of the conference realignment talk has calmed (for now). That's maybe because hoops season is here and we finally have something to talk about.

For Notre Dame to move forward (eventually, it will have to join a conference be it this year, next or five years from now) it really makes the most sense to join the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Notre Dame prides itself on being the best of the best. If that's the case, join what will be the best conference....join the ACC.....boy, does that sound like an infomercial or what?? Sheesh.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:19 sbtnoie
2:24
[Comment From Andy-Glendale HeightsAndy-Glendale Heights: ] 
I'm just saying, from a basketball only perspective, that Memphis is an attractive program. I mean it's not like some of the remaining Big East members haven't had NCAA and academic issues...UCONN? Louisville? have both had problems in the past. I agree that the new Big East should just go ahead and take the Conference USA name back. It's not what the Big East should be.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:24 Andy-Glendale Heights
2:25
sbtnoie: 
Understood....but if you rename this thing as Conference USA, Notre Dame couldn't get out the door fast enough.

Of course, there's the matter of football independence, in which case, Notre Dame would think it over and say......Hey, catchy little name. Where do we sign up?
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:25 sbtnoie
2:35
[Comment From NDPATNDPAT: ] 
Tom: Great weekend watched the men on Sat and great new building, who would be the next choice for the ring of honour Adrian Dantley, kelly tripucka, troy murphy, laphonso ellis
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:35 NDPAT
2:39
sbtnoie: 
NDPAT:

Easiest question of the day - Adrian Dantley.

If the greatest to ever wear a Notre Dame uniform - Austin Carr - goes into the ring last year, you then go in order 2-3-4-5-6-7. LaPhonso Ellis and Troy Murphy deserve to be in, but maybe not before Dantley and Tom Hawkins and even Pat Garrity.

Luke Harangody deserves the honor as well, but definitely not before Carr and Dantley, but that's a discussion for another day - after the whole conference affiliation stuff settles.

Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:39 sbtnoie
2:39
[Comment From Andy-Glendale HeightsAndy-Glendale Heights: ] 
ACC is OK by me...even for the FB Program. That day is coming.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:39 Andy-Glendale Heights
2:39
sbtnoie: 
Andy:

Yes it is. Buckle up. It is.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:39 sbtnoie
2:41
[Comment From Andy-Glendale HeightsAndy-Glendale Heights: ] 
When does Digger get to put himself in the Ring of Honor? I could even see him inducing himself, it would be great...as long as he keeps the dancing to a minimum.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:41 Andy-Glendale Heights
2:41
sbtnoie: 
Sadly, Digger and dancing go together like football and independence.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:41 sbtnoie
2:43
[Comment From Andy-Glendale HeightsAndy-Glendale Heights: ] 
LOL...that's the Post of the Day!
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:43 Andy-Glendale Heights
2:43
sbtnoie: 
Just trying to keep pace with my posters
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:43 sbtnoie
2:56
[Comment From LawrenceLawrence: ] 
As a Notre dame fan who lives in a dorm section with a basketball player, I can say that the ordinary Notre Dame student is taught football is everything- right from Freshman orientation. We in the leprechaun legion try to make some noise- so don't bash all of the students. never fair to generalize!
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:56 Lawrence
2:59
sbtnoie: 
Larence:

We've gone to careful lengths today not to generalize all students as being aloof to the success or failure of the Notre Dame men's basketball team. The students that turn out on a regular (consistent) basis are to be applauded for their enthusiasm and energy.

Again the question remains - where are the rest of you?

Unfortunately, there are too few of you to really, truly make a difference.....every....single....game. You guys are good, but it can be a whole lot better.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 2:59 sbtnoie
3:05
sbtnoie: 
A solid effort from all involved - over 50 questions about Notre Dame hoops in just over three hours. It truly is basketball season. Let's do it again - and wrap up the exhibition season - one week from today (Wednesday) again at noon.

If you have a question or comment that simply cannot wait, you can drop me a note at tnoie@sbtinfo.com" target="_blank" >tnoie@sbtinfo.com. Thanks. Have a great week.
Wednesday November 2, 2011 3:05 sbtnoie
3:05
 

 
 
 





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 >