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Chat Transcript: Talk Notre Dame basketball with Tom Noie

2:37 pm, December 14, 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(12/14/2011) 
12:34
sbtnoie: 
Sorry for today's delay, but duty called. I had to run out to Notre Dame for some player interviews - their exam schedules throw everything out of whack so you have to juggle some things.

Now safe and sound back in the home office despite the monsoon-like rain here in Michiana and ready to talk some Notre Dame hoops.

Here's an attention-getter - the Big East opener is only 13 days away. Wow, this season has flown by with all its twists and turns.

Just drop me a question or comment and be sure to include your name and hometown. With that, off we go....
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:34 sbtnoie
12:35
[Comment From KevinKevin: ] 
Tom, What have you heard about the Eric Katenda situation. Sounds like he will enroll in January. Do you see him playing at all this season and if so, what type of role would you envision for him?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:35 Kevin
12:38
sbtnoie: 
Kevin:

Great question. The plan is to have Eric Katenda enroll for the spring semester. He's expected to be on campus sometime in early January, at which point the coaching staff will evaluate if he can offer something to this basketball team - but likely not this season.

He still plans on playing college basketball and the coaching staff is intrigued to evaluate him and see his skills after Katenda lost vision in his left eye following a freak injury this summer.

If he proves he can play, Katenda will aim to earn some minutes for 2012-13.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:38 sbtnoie
12:41
sbtnoie: 
I mentioned this on the radio Tuesday as fill-in co-host of WSBT's Weekday Sportsbeat (shameless plug time) but there are no tickets available for Saturday's Notre Dame game against No. 18 Indiana at Conseco Fieldhouse.

The inaugural Crossroads Classic is sold-out. Irish officials have been told that Notre Dame sold the second-most tickets among the teams' allotment. Let's just hope they weren't all IU fans.

But it should be a great atmosphere at Conseco, which holds 18,345.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:41 sbtnoie
12:41
[Comment From BillBill: ] 
Who did you interview at ND and what did they say?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:41 Bill
12:42
sbtnoie: 
Bill:

Good one. For those answers, you'll have to read the South Bend Tribune on Friday and Saturday. Another plug.

Player access this week is limited because of their exam schedules. Even the practice routine is wacky - the Irish usually practice around 4 p.m. each day. Their practice tonight goes until 9:30.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:42 sbtnoie
12:48
[Comment From KevinKevin: ] 
Also, regarding the possibility of Tim Abromaitis and a sixth year. What does the scholarship situation look like if Abro does decides to apply and is granted that sixth year? A lineup of Atkins, Grant, Biedscheid, Abro and Cooley would be pretty formidable along with a bench of many proven players and Auguste.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:48 Kevin
12:49
sbtnoie: 
Kevin:

Without Abromaitis, the Irish are already at 13 scholarship players for 2012-13 if Katenda can return to play. Notre Dame may have to get creative in finding an extra grant, but if Abromaitis decides in the coming weeks and months that he wants to return for a sixth year, Notre Dame will find a way to make it happen.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:49 sbtnoie
12:49
[Comment From Jo AnnJo Ann: ] 
Are Jack Cooley's latest performances for real, or has he just been given the green light against shorter and less skill opponents?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:49 Jo Ann
12:53
sbtnoie: 
Jo Ann:

Great question. You want to hope they're for real when he goes for 22 points and 14 rebounds against Maine and then 22 points and nine rebounds against Dartmouth.

Cooley said he finally feels healthy enough to play big minutes and offer something more. He's also worrying about so many factors that he can't control in relation to basketball and just playing.

There's little chance that Jack Cooley is going to go for those types of numbers in Big East play. But if he can be as active and aggressive around the basket in league play as he's been the last week, the Irish have a chance.

Cooley's likely not going to lead the team in scoring, but if the Irish can get him a low-post touch early in the game and he can be effective, that will open it up for everyone else.

When Jack Cooley's locked in and playing well, so are the Irish.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:53 sbtnoie
12:56
[Comment From KevinKevin: ] 
Last one from me Tom and thanks for all your coverage. How do you see this one playing out on Saturday. ND has the bodies to bang with Zeller but maybe not the quality of depth. Grant and Atkins will have a little chip on their shoulders going up against a kid from back home in Oladipo. Also, Scott Martin played pretty well down in Bloomington his freshman year at Purdue. Interested to hear your thoughts.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:56 Kevin
12:59
sbtnoie: 
Kevin:

it's time this Notre Dame team plays well against A) a quality opponent and B) away from home. The Irish have taken their lumps on the road this season, being blown out by Missouri in Kansas City and by Gonzaga in Spokane before letting a winable game against Maryland slip away in Washington.

I'd like to see 40 minutes of solid effort and see the Irish give themselves a chance to win the game. Notre Dame needs to get off to a good start, defend the 3-point arc and not let a big pro-Hoosier crowd get involved. Atkins and Grant will be geared up to play well after going scoreless the last time out.

Scott Martin is way overdue for a big game. Can the Irish deliver?

Stay tuned.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:59 sbtnoie
1:03
[Comment From Abro FanAbro Fan: ] 
Since Abro is no longer contributing to the team as a player, is he likely to begin his coaching career in the current locker room? Given his smarts, there may be none more capable - assuming that he can relate to and be received by the team in that (informal) role.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:03 Abro Fan
1:07
sbtnoie: 
Abro Fan:

Free Abro! Whoops, that was last month. Sorry.

I don't see Tim Abromaitis becoming a coach just yet - or anytime soon. The kid's way too smart for that - he has two degrees from Notre Dame, including an MBA in an accelerated study. He probably could have his pick of any number of jobs out there.

Had he not been hurt, he likely would have gotten a long look in an NBA camp next summer. And if that didn't work out, he could go to Europe and make a nice living ASAP.

Tim Abromaitis likely has a lot on his mind right now barely two weeks after reconstructive knee surgery. Should he stick around campus? Should he put his two degrees to work? I know he loves everything about college, but I don't know. If I had a chance to make some serious money instead of limp around campus with a reconstructed right knee, that's a tough call.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:07 sbtnoie
1:07
[Comment From Bill. New YorkBill. New York: ] 
Although effective against non Big East competition, do you see a lineup with 2 bigs on the court like Cooley and Knight, will be here to stay?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:07 Bill. New York
1:10
sbtnoie: 
Bill:

Ha! Good one.

As Mike Brey showed the other night against Dartmouth, nothing is really "here to stay." He decided, for apparently no better reason than just to tyr it, to bring Jerian Grant, only the team's leading scorer - OFF THE BENCH - against Dartmouth. That didn't work out too well - Grant went 0-for-8 from the field and had zero points.

Cooley and Knight have worked well together and are a nice 1-2 combo. They like playing together and finding one another in the post. You'' see plenty of them together as the season moves forward, but to start a game? Maybe, maybe not.

Change, at least for this season with this group, is inevitable.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:10 sbtnoie
1:10
[Comment From Bill. New YorkBill. New York: ] 
Do you see Notre Dame using the Indiana game as a statement game against a currently undefeated team? What would you say are the chances for the Irish to win that game before a sellout crowd and a national tv audience?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:10 Bill. New York
1:14
sbtnoie: 
Bill:

Why not? Dan Shulman and Dick Vitale will be calling the game for ESPN2 - the last time they did an Irish game, Notre Dame was whacked by 29 points by Missouri.

Given where the two programs are, this one, at least early, is going to be a Hoosier Basketball infomercial - Tom Crean, Cody Zeller, Zeller's parents, the upset of Kentucky, the fans storming the floor. Oh, yeah, the're playing Notre Dame...now back to our IU lovefest....

That said, I don't like Notre Dame's chances, mainly because I haven't seen the Irish play away from home in the way they need to play for 40 minutes to have a chance - be good with the ball, be attention to detail, don't let the crowd rattle you and compete like heck.

if Notre Dame can do that - and do it for the first time all year away from Purcell Pavilion - then its chances increase. If one of those areas slips, it could get ugly. Really ugly.

Tom Crean still remembers what happened the last time these teams played. Indiana lost by 38 out in Maui. Crean will try to win by 40. Book it.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:14 sbtnoie
1:17
[Comment From Sam, BostonSam, Boston: ] 
Do you think that Notre Dame will have a reasonable chance in the Arik Armstead recruiting sweepstakes against all the west coast schools that are in the mix? A tandem of Arik Armstead and Zach Auguste working in the post seems to be an Irish fan's dream.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:17 Sam, Boston
1:20
sbtnoie: 
Sam:

The best-case scenario would be to get Armstead in an Irish uniform for the Big East season. That, ideally, would be the best way for him to have an impact at Notre Dame.

After talking with Armstead's high school hoops coach for a story in the Tribune last week, I'm skeptical how well he might really help - Armstead has played exactly one year of high school basketball. He averaged 12 points and eight rebounds in that year. Not exactly knock-out numbers.

Notre Dame's numbers right now - nine available scholarship players - are thin, but the roster fattens up a whole bunch next year. The Irish bring in Zach Auguste and Austin Burgett on the front line. Garrick Sherman becomes eligible. Jack Cooley, Tom Knight and Mike Broghammer will be veterans. Tim Abromaitis might be back.

Notre Dame needs Armstead now - not next year.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:20 sbtnoie
1:20
[Comment From Sam, BostonSam, Boston: ] 
What happened to the effectiveness of Jerian Grant and Pat Connaughton during the last 2 games? They seemed to be struggling from start to finish?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:20 Sam, Boston
1:22
sbtnoie: 
Sam:

All part of being young guys still learning about life in major college basketball. Grant was going to be a week-to-week guy - it's amazing he went this long before suffering through some struggles.

There's been a lot thrown at each the first month of the year. I expect both to be really good, and really ready, on Saturday.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:22 sbtnoie
1:25
[Comment From Bill. ChicagoBill. Chicago: ] 
I'm still mystified about the zero night for
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:25 Bill. Chicago
1:27
sbtnoie: 
Bill:

I'll finish that sentence for you........for Jerian Grant and Eric Atkins. Right?

Mystified is a great word - I've often been mystified by everything that's happened with this team this season. Why should Atkins and Grant going scoreless be any different. It's been an unusual ride.

Other explanation I have for it is Grant was just in one of those funks coming off the bench. Atkins hit for 26 two nights earlier so maybe he was just off. But this team cannot afford for either to go for another 0-fer on Saturday.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:27 sbtnoie
1:28
[Comment From Willow BeefWillow Beef: ] 
If it came down to it, would Notre Dame accept a bid to the CBI or CIT?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:28 Willow Beef
1:29
sbtnoie: 
Willow:

Stop. I'm getting hungry. This is serious business here. Just kidding. Hopefully that decision doesn't have to be made. More importantly, would the Tribune cover it? Hmmmm..
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:29 sbtnoie
1:31
[Comment From Sam, BostonSam, Boston: ] 
A follow up question on Arik Armstead. Were you able to watch his 2 basketball highlight videos on youtube? When you consider that he has only 1 year of basketball playing experience, his skill set seems to be remarkable, and Mike Brey indicated his great ability to recognize talent, by making his trip to California to personally indicate Notre Dame's interest in this very intriguing basketball player.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:31 Sam, Boston
1:37
sbtnoie: 
Sam:

Again, Arik Armstead likely would help Notre Dame hoops only for the next three months.

Once hoops season ends, he's football first. That means he's conditioning his body, which already is 6-foot-8, 280 pounds, to be a defensive lineman. That means he likely adds 20 pounds and bulks up beyond belief. If the Irish football team has a successful 2012 season - like BCS success - Armstead wouldn't be available for hoops until after Jan. 1.

By then, he's a full-blown college football player. It's one thing to be in football shape, another thing entirely to be in basketball shape. He'd look unbelievably out of place, and need some time to get his conditioning down. By then, season's over and it's time for spring football practice and the cycle starts again.

The Irish hoops train will have been on the move for four, five months. How do you incorporate a guy who will have had no college hoops experience? Can you? Would you want to?

Arik Armstead might - stress might - help this team for the second half of this season. Anything after that, I don't know if you can count on him. Notre Dame is short on guys right now, but the numbers tip back in Mike Brey's favor next season.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:37 sbtnoie
1:37
[Comment From Sam, BostonSam, Boston: ] 
If Notre Dame loses to Indiana on Saturday, the Irish will need at least 8 Big East wins to guarantee a winning record, thus making postseason competition. Do you think that 8 Big East wins are possible for this team?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:37 Sam, Boston
1:37
sbtnoie: 
Sam:

As we've seen with this program and Mike Brey, anything's possible. Probable? Different story. Ask me that after I see Notre Dame play Pittsburgh on Dec. 27.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:37 sbtnoie
1:38
[Comment From Beef jr.Beef jr.: ] 
Is there anyone on the Irish B-Ball team right now that you could beat in 1 on 1? How about H-O-R-S-E?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:38 Beef jr.
1:41
sbtnoie: 
Beef:

Question of the day. I'm taking Tom Knight to the woodshed and deep beyond the arc in H-O-R-S-E. And he'd have no answer for my step-back fallaway jumper.

I kid with Tom Knight because he still hasn't lost his sense of humor. He'd probably just dunk on me and get it over with. I lost my vertical 10 years ago and still haven't found it, even though I did dunk in an intramural game one year in college at Dayton.

Ah, glory days....what did Bruce say about them? They'll pass you by in the wink of a young man's eye?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:41 sbtnoie
1:42
sbtnoie: 
Whoops, messed up the Springsteen line - make that in the blink of a young man's eye. My fellow Springsteen fans will never let me live that one down. Apologies.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:42 sbtnoie
1:42
[Comment From Frankies RibsFrankies Ribs: ] 
Is Brey looking at any transfers, or should the whole numbers issue be a moot point by the time they'd be available?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:42 Frankies Ribs
1:43
sbtnoie: 
Frankies:

We've developed a certain food theme around here - and I just ate lunch.

Nope. No transfers. The numbers game tilts back in Notre Dame's favor by the time a transfer would become eligible.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:43 sbtnoie
1:55
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
What's the word on Martin?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:55 Guest
1:57
sbtnoie: 
Guest:

Two-for-one answer here as I see your next question. Scott Martin returns to practice tonight from a concussion he sustained when he was elbowed in the side of the head chasing a rebound in last week's game against Maine.

Martin was a in a fog until the second half of the Dartmouth game. He couldn't drive a car. He couldn't watch TV. He couldn't play video games. He took a lot of naps.

He's also overdue to play well Saturday. We'll see.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:57 sbtnoie
2:15
[Comment From ZevonZevon: ] 
Bought a bright green blazer to wear to the game on Saturday, so I should stand out amongst the 17500 Hoosier fans who will be in attendance on Saturday. Can Scott Martin keep Watford to single digits? Can anyone on ND consistently hit 3s? I think those are the keys?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 2:15 Zevon
2:19
sbtnoie: 
Zevon:

Good to hear from you again, and I'll make sure to keep an eye out for that jacket.

There are too many keys to list or run through for Saturday's game, but nothing about that game matters if Notre Dame cannot get off to a good start. You saw what happened against Missouri. You saw what happened against Gonzaga. Slow starts were devastating to this team's chances.

Start slow again and the Crimson and Cream Nation will get rolling. Dick Vitale will start screaming about Robert Montgomery Knight and how Tom Crean has it back on track. It will go from bad to worse for the Irish.

So play well from the start, and see what happens. Defend with a purpose and don't lose guys like Jordan Hulls in transition. It will be a positive step for this program if they can play well for 40 minutes, even if they come up short.

But if Notre Dame fails to show up and it's a double-digit deficit early in the first half, man, that's going to be demoralizing on so many levels, and it will be a long trip back up U.S. 31 that night.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 2:19 sbtnoie
2:19
[Comment From Bill ChicagoBill Chicago: ] 
Because ND recruits disciplined players - good with a ball as well as books - do you think that results in too much 'structure' or rigidity on the court? They sometimes appear to think too much rather than just play, like Marquette or Conn.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 2:19 Bill Chicago
2:22
sbtnoie: 
Bill:

This might surprise you but the opposite is true. Mike Brey gives his guys a whole bunch of freedom to pass and move and think and cut. It might be more freedom than any coach in the league.

Watch Marquette. Watch Connecticut. Buzz Williams and Jim Calhoun have their hands in every offensive possession. Mike Brey will call a set here and there, but it's up to the players to read the defense and react.

That's usually why young guys don't always see time - it's tough for them to adapt to having to think on the fly and learn how to do something other than stand still and ball watch.

Structure is not a word I would use to describe this offense. Even when the Irish go to their burn offense, it's still pass and move and cut for 30 seconds before someone decides it's time to go get a shot.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 2:22 sbtnoie
2:31
sbtnoie: 
Thanks to everyone for tuning in to our better-late-than-never chat. We'll be back at the usual time next Wednesday - high noon.

If you have a question or comment that cannot wait, drop me a note at tnoie@schurz,com. Take care.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 2:31 sbtnoie
2:31
 

 
 
 



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(12/14/2011) 
12:34
sbtnoie: 
Sorry for today's delay, but duty called. I had to run out to Notre Dame for some player interviews - their exam schedules throw everything out of whack so you have to juggle some things.

Now safe and sound back in the home office despite the monsoon-like rain here in Michiana and ready to talk some Notre Dame hoops.

Here's an attention-getter - the Big East opener is only 13 days away. Wow, this season has flown by with all its twists and turns.

Just drop me a question or comment and be sure to include your name and hometown. With that, off we go....
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:34 sbtnoie
12:35
[Comment From KevinKevin: ] 
Tom, What have you heard about the Eric Katenda situation. Sounds like he will enroll in January. Do you see him playing at all this season and if so, what type of role would you envision for him?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:35 Kevin
12:38
sbtnoie: 
Kevin:

Great question. The plan is to have Eric Katenda enroll for the spring semester. He's expected to be on campus sometime in early January, at which point the coaching staff will evaluate if he can offer something to this basketball team - but likely not this season.

He still plans on playing college basketball and the coaching staff is intrigued to evaluate him and see his skills after Katenda lost vision in his left eye following a freak injury this summer.

If he proves he can play, Katenda will aim to earn some minutes for 2012-13.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:38 sbtnoie
12:41
sbtnoie: 
I mentioned this on the radio Tuesday as fill-in co-host of WSBT's Weekday Sportsbeat (shameless plug time) but there are no tickets available for Saturday's Notre Dame game against No. 18 Indiana at Conseco Fieldhouse.

The inaugural Crossroads Classic is sold-out. Irish officials have been told that Notre Dame sold the second-most tickets among the teams' allotment. Let's just hope they weren't all IU fans.

But it should be a great atmosphere at Conseco, which holds 18,345.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:41 sbtnoie
12:41
[Comment From BillBill: ] 
Who did you interview at ND and what did they say?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:41 Bill
12:42
sbtnoie: 
Bill:

Good one. For those answers, you'll have to read the South Bend Tribune on Friday and Saturday. Another plug.

Player access this week is limited because of their exam schedules. Even the practice routine is wacky - the Irish usually practice around 4 p.m. each day. Their practice tonight goes until 9:30.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:42 sbtnoie
12:48
[Comment From KevinKevin: ] 
Also, regarding the possibility of Tim Abromaitis and a sixth year. What does the scholarship situation look like if Abro does decides to apply and is granted that sixth year? A lineup of Atkins, Grant, Biedscheid, Abro and Cooley would be pretty formidable along with a bench of many proven players and Auguste.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:48 Kevin
12:49
sbtnoie: 
Kevin:

Without Abromaitis, the Irish are already at 13 scholarship players for 2012-13 if Katenda can return to play. Notre Dame may have to get creative in finding an extra grant, but if Abromaitis decides in the coming weeks and months that he wants to return for a sixth year, Notre Dame will find a way to make it happen.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:49 sbtnoie
12:49
[Comment From Jo AnnJo Ann: ] 
Are Jack Cooley's latest performances for real, or has he just been given the green light against shorter and less skill opponents?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:49 Jo Ann
12:53
sbtnoie: 
Jo Ann:

Great question. You want to hope they're for real when he goes for 22 points and 14 rebounds against Maine and then 22 points and nine rebounds against Dartmouth.

Cooley said he finally feels healthy enough to play big minutes and offer something more. He's also worrying about so many factors that he can't control in relation to basketball and just playing.

There's little chance that Jack Cooley is going to go for those types of numbers in Big East play. But if he can be as active and aggressive around the basket in league play as he's been the last week, the Irish have a chance.

Cooley's likely not going to lead the team in scoring, but if the Irish can get him a low-post touch early in the game and he can be effective, that will open it up for everyone else.

When Jack Cooley's locked in and playing well, so are the Irish.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:53 sbtnoie
12:56
[Comment From KevinKevin: ] 
Last one from me Tom and thanks for all your coverage. How do you see this one playing out on Saturday. ND has the bodies to bang with Zeller but maybe not the quality of depth. Grant and Atkins will have a little chip on their shoulders going up against a kid from back home in Oladipo. Also, Scott Martin played pretty well down in Bloomington his freshman year at Purdue. Interested to hear your thoughts.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:56 Kevin
12:59
sbtnoie: 
Kevin:

it's time this Notre Dame team plays well against A) a quality opponent and B) away from home. The Irish have taken their lumps on the road this season, being blown out by Missouri in Kansas City and by Gonzaga in Spokane before letting a winable game against Maryland slip away in Washington.

I'd like to see 40 minutes of solid effort and see the Irish give themselves a chance to win the game. Notre Dame needs to get off to a good start, defend the 3-point arc and not let a big pro-Hoosier crowd get involved. Atkins and Grant will be geared up to play well after going scoreless the last time out.

Scott Martin is way overdue for a big game. Can the Irish deliver?

Stay tuned.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 12:59 sbtnoie
1:03
[Comment From Abro FanAbro Fan: ] 
Since Abro is no longer contributing to the team as a player, is he likely to begin his coaching career in the current locker room? Given his smarts, there may be none more capable - assuming that he can relate to and be received by the team in that (informal) role.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:03 Abro Fan
1:07
sbtnoie: 
Abro Fan:

Free Abro! Whoops, that was last month. Sorry.

I don't see Tim Abromaitis becoming a coach just yet - or anytime soon. The kid's way too smart for that - he has two degrees from Notre Dame, including an MBA in an accelerated study. He probably could have his pick of any number of jobs out there.

Had he not been hurt, he likely would have gotten a long look in an NBA camp next summer. And if that didn't work out, he could go to Europe and make a nice living ASAP.

Tim Abromaitis likely has a lot on his mind right now barely two weeks after reconstructive knee surgery. Should he stick around campus? Should he put his two degrees to work? I know he loves everything about college, but I don't know. If I had a chance to make some serious money instead of limp around campus with a reconstructed right knee, that's a tough call.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:07 sbtnoie
1:07
[Comment From Bill. New YorkBill. New York: ] 
Although effective against non Big East competition, do you see a lineup with 2 bigs on the court like Cooley and Knight, will be here to stay?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:07 Bill. New York
1:10
sbtnoie: 
Bill:

Ha! Good one.

As Mike Brey showed the other night against Dartmouth, nothing is really "here to stay." He decided, for apparently no better reason than just to tyr it, to bring Jerian Grant, only the team's leading scorer - OFF THE BENCH - against Dartmouth. That didn't work out too well - Grant went 0-for-8 from the field and had zero points.

Cooley and Knight have worked well together and are a nice 1-2 combo. They like playing together and finding one another in the post. You'' see plenty of them together as the season moves forward, but to start a game? Maybe, maybe not.

Change, at least for this season with this group, is inevitable.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:10 sbtnoie
1:10
[Comment From Bill. New YorkBill. New York: ] 
Do you see Notre Dame using the Indiana game as a statement game against a currently undefeated team? What would you say are the chances for the Irish to win that game before a sellout crowd and a national tv audience?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:10 Bill. New York
1:14
sbtnoie: 
Bill:

Why not? Dan Shulman and Dick Vitale will be calling the game for ESPN2 - the last time they did an Irish game, Notre Dame was whacked by 29 points by Missouri.

Given where the two programs are, this one, at least early, is going to be a Hoosier Basketball infomercial - Tom Crean, Cody Zeller, Zeller's parents, the upset of Kentucky, the fans storming the floor. Oh, yeah, the're playing Notre Dame...now back to our IU lovefest....

That said, I don't like Notre Dame's chances, mainly because I haven't seen the Irish play away from home in the way they need to play for 40 minutes to have a chance - be good with the ball, be attention to detail, don't let the crowd rattle you and compete like heck.

if Notre Dame can do that - and do it for the first time all year away from Purcell Pavilion - then its chances increase. If one of those areas slips, it could get ugly. Really ugly.

Tom Crean still remembers what happened the last time these teams played. Indiana lost by 38 out in Maui. Crean will try to win by 40. Book it.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:14 sbtnoie
1:17
[Comment From Sam, BostonSam, Boston: ] 
Do you think that Notre Dame will have a reasonable chance in the Arik Armstead recruiting sweepstakes against all the west coast schools that are in the mix? A tandem of Arik Armstead and Zach Auguste working in the post seems to be an Irish fan's dream.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:17 Sam, Boston
1:20
sbtnoie: 
Sam:

The best-case scenario would be to get Armstead in an Irish uniform for the Big East season. That, ideally, would be the best way for him to have an impact at Notre Dame.

After talking with Armstead's high school hoops coach for a story in the Tribune last week, I'm skeptical how well he might really help - Armstead has played exactly one year of high school basketball. He averaged 12 points and eight rebounds in that year. Not exactly knock-out numbers.

Notre Dame's numbers right now - nine available scholarship players - are thin, but the roster fattens up a whole bunch next year. The Irish bring in Zach Auguste and Austin Burgett on the front line. Garrick Sherman becomes eligible. Jack Cooley, Tom Knight and Mike Broghammer will be veterans. Tim Abromaitis might be back.

Notre Dame needs Armstead now - not next year.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:20 sbtnoie
1:20
[Comment From Sam, BostonSam, Boston: ] 
What happened to the effectiveness of Jerian Grant and Pat Connaughton during the last 2 games? They seemed to be struggling from start to finish?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:20 Sam, Boston
1:22
sbtnoie: 
Sam:

All part of being young guys still learning about life in major college basketball. Grant was going to be a week-to-week guy - it's amazing he went this long before suffering through some struggles.

There's been a lot thrown at each the first month of the year. I expect both to be really good, and really ready, on Saturday.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:22 sbtnoie
1:25
[Comment From Bill. ChicagoBill. Chicago: ] 
I'm still mystified about the zero night for
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:25 Bill. Chicago
1:27
sbtnoie: 
Bill:

I'll finish that sentence for you........for Jerian Grant and Eric Atkins. Right?

Mystified is a great word - I've often been mystified by everything that's happened with this team this season. Why should Atkins and Grant going scoreless be any different. It's been an unusual ride.

Other explanation I have for it is Grant was just in one of those funks coming off the bench. Atkins hit for 26 two nights earlier so maybe he was just off. But this team cannot afford for either to go for another 0-fer on Saturday.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:27 sbtnoie
1:28
[Comment From Willow BeefWillow Beef: ] 
If it came down to it, would Notre Dame accept a bid to the CBI or CIT?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:28 Willow Beef
1:29
sbtnoie: 
Willow:

Stop. I'm getting hungry. This is serious business here. Just kidding. Hopefully that decision doesn't have to be made. More importantly, would the Tribune cover it? Hmmmm..
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:29 sbtnoie
1:31
[Comment From Sam, BostonSam, Boston: ] 
A follow up question on Arik Armstead. Were you able to watch his 2 basketball highlight videos on youtube? When you consider that he has only 1 year of basketball playing experience, his skill set seems to be remarkable, and Mike Brey indicated his great ability to recognize talent, by making his trip to California to personally indicate Notre Dame's interest in this very intriguing basketball player.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:31 Sam, Boston
1:37
sbtnoie: 
Sam:

Again, Arik Armstead likely would help Notre Dame hoops only for the next three months.

Once hoops season ends, he's football first. That means he's conditioning his body, which already is 6-foot-8, 280 pounds, to be a defensive lineman. That means he likely adds 20 pounds and bulks up beyond belief. If the Irish football team has a successful 2012 season - like BCS success - Armstead wouldn't be available for hoops until after Jan. 1.

By then, he's a full-blown college football player. It's one thing to be in football shape, another thing entirely to be in basketball shape. He'd look unbelievably out of place, and need some time to get his conditioning down. By then, season's over and it's time for spring football practice and the cycle starts again.

The Irish hoops train will have been on the move for four, five months. How do you incorporate a guy who will have had no college hoops experience? Can you? Would you want to?

Arik Armstead might - stress might - help this team for the second half of this season. Anything after that, I don't know if you can count on him. Notre Dame is short on guys right now, but the numbers tip back in Mike Brey's favor next season.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:37 sbtnoie
1:37
[Comment From Sam, BostonSam, Boston: ] 
If Notre Dame loses to Indiana on Saturday, the Irish will need at least 8 Big East wins to guarantee a winning record, thus making postseason competition. Do you think that 8 Big East wins are possible for this team?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:37 Sam, Boston
1:37
sbtnoie: 
Sam:

As we've seen with this program and Mike Brey, anything's possible. Probable? Different story. Ask me that after I see Notre Dame play Pittsburgh on Dec. 27.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:37 sbtnoie
1:38
[Comment From Beef jr.Beef jr.: ] 
Is there anyone on the Irish B-Ball team right now that you could beat in 1 on 1? How about H-O-R-S-E?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:38 Beef jr.
1:41
sbtnoie: 
Beef:

Question of the day. I'm taking Tom Knight to the woodshed and deep beyond the arc in H-O-R-S-E. And he'd have no answer for my step-back fallaway jumper.

I kid with Tom Knight because he still hasn't lost his sense of humor. He'd probably just dunk on me and get it over with. I lost my vertical 10 years ago and still haven't found it, even though I did dunk in an intramural game one year in college at Dayton.

Ah, glory days....what did Bruce say about them? They'll pass you by in the wink of a young man's eye?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:41 sbtnoie
1:42
sbtnoie: 
Whoops, messed up the Springsteen line - make that in the blink of a young man's eye. My fellow Springsteen fans will never let me live that one down. Apologies.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:42 sbtnoie
1:42
[Comment From Frankies RibsFrankies Ribs: ] 
Is Brey looking at any transfers, or should the whole numbers issue be a moot point by the time they'd be available?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:42 Frankies Ribs
1:43
sbtnoie: 
Frankies:

We've developed a certain food theme around here - and I just ate lunch.

Nope. No transfers. The numbers game tilts back in Notre Dame's favor by the time a transfer would become eligible.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:43 sbtnoie
1:55
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
What's the word on Martin?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:55 Guest
1:57
sbtnoie: 
Guest:

Two-for-one answer here as I see your next question. Scott Martin returns to practice tonight from a concussion he sustained when he was elbowed in the side of the head chasing a rebound in last week's game against Maine.

Martin was a in a fog until the second half of the Dartmouth game. He couldn't drive a car. He couldn't watch TV. He couldn't play video games. He took a lot of naps.

He's also overdue to play well Saturday. We'll see.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 1:57 sbtnoie
2:15
[Comment From ZevonZevon: ] 
Bought a bright green blazer to wear to the game on Saturday, so I should stand out amongst the 17500 Hoosier fans who will be in attendance on Saturday. Can Scott Martin keep Watford to single digits? Can anyone on ND consistently hit 3s? I think those are the keys?
Wednesday December 14, 2011 2:15 Zevon
2:19
sbtnoie: 
Zevon:

Good to hear from you again, and I'll make sure to keep an eye out for that jacket.

There are too many keys to list or run through for Saturday's game, but nothing about that game matters if Notre Dame cannot get off to a good start. You saw what happened against Missouri. You saw what happened against Gonzaga. Slow starts were devastating to this team's chances.

Start slow again and the Crimson and Cream Nation will get rolling. Dick Vitale will start screaming about Robert Montgomery Knight and how Tom Crean has it back on track. It will go from bad to worse for the Irish.

So play well from the start, and see what happens. Defend with a purpose and don't lose guys like Jordan Hulls in transition. It will be a positive step for this program if they can play well for 40 minutes, even if they come up short.

But if Notre Dame fails to show up and it's a double-digit deficit early in the first half, man, that's going to be demoralizing on so many levels, and it will be a long trip back up U.S. 31 that night.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 2:19 sbtnoie
2:19
[Comment From Bill ChicagoBill Chicago: ] 
Because ND recruits disciplined players - good with a ball as well as books - do you think that results in too much 'structure' or rigidity on the court? They sometimes appear to think too much rather than just play, like Marquette or Conn.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 2:19 Bill Chicago
2:22
sbtnoie: 
Bill:

This might surprise you but the opposite is true. Mike Brey gives his guys a whole bunch of freedom to pass and move and think and cut. It might be more freedom than any coach in the league.

Watch Marquette. Watch Connecticut. Buzz Williams and Jim Calhoun have their hands in every offensive possession. Mike Brey will call a set here and there, but it's up to the players to read the defense and react.

That's usually why young guys don't always see time - it's tough for them to adapt to having to think on the fly and learn how to do something other than stand still and ball watch.

Structure is not a word I would use to describe this offense. Even when the Irish go to their burn offense, it's still pass and move and cut for 30 seconds before someone decides it's time to go get a shot.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 2:22 sbtnoie
2:31
sbtnoie: 
Thanks to everyone for tuning in to our better-late-than-never chat. We'll be back at the usual time next Wednesday - high noon.

If you have a question or comment that cannot wait, drop me a note at tnoie@schurz,com. Take care.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 2:31 sbtnoie
2:31
 

 
 
 





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