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Chat Transcript: Talk Notre Dame basketball with Tom Noie

2:15 pm, December 28, 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(12/28/2011) 
11:54
Well, wasn't that an interesting way to start the Big East season?

Who saw that coming from the Notre Dame men's basketball team? Be honest.

I've been around this team nearly every day since mid-October - and watched them lose three games to ranked teams by an average of 20 points. I certainly didn't see Notre Dame scoring 47 points and shooting 72 percent from the field in the second half to drop No. 22 Pittsburgh, 72-59, in Tuesday's league opener for both teams.

A team in much need of some good karma got it in bunches. Should make for an interesting rest of the league schedule.

A good win means it's a good day for a Notre Dame men's basketball chat. Just be sure to include your name and hometown, and away we go.....

Chat time.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 11:54 
11:59
[Comment From Jim Wood-Bonita Springs FJim Wood-Bonita Springs F: ] 
What a big win. At least now they know they can do it. Lets hope they can keep it up. They proved to themselves they have the talent and it is possible to beat the big boys without Tim. Have a good New Year to you and family.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 11:59 Jim Wood-Bonita Springs F
12:02
Jim:

Good to hear from you. Tuesday's win was a much-needed confidence boost for a team that, honestly, was pounded in losses to Missouri, Gonzaga and Indiana.

And I still can't figure out why this team plays so well at home. Can't be the crowd noise. or the electric atmosphere. These guys simply refuse to lose. Down seven early in the first half? Not a problem. Can't get the offense in gear? No big deal.

Mike Brey has talked about turning it over to Eric Atkins, Alex Dragicevich and Jerian Gran,t and it was nice to see each of them play well. Now let's see them build on it and take that next step - getting a league road win.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:02 
12:06
I would be remiss if I didn't pay special mention to former Notre Dame forward Jordan Cornette, who joined us last week to talk hoops on Weekday Sportsbeat.

Jordan did his best Joe Namath imitation and guaranteed an Irish victory over Pittsburgh. Thought he was nuts - turns out he was right on the money. Well done, JC.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:06 
12:08
[Comment From Jim WoodJim Wood: ] 
Perhaps Brey should take the team to watch the girls, Muffet and Kevin have them playing great defense and the take away ratio is what wins games. The big guys did a good job of boxing out and rebounding in the second half.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:08 Jim Wood
12:09
Jim:

And you were doing so well - please, please, please don't compare the men's and women's games. It's apples to oranges and serves no purpose.

Let what each program does stand on its own merit.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:09 
12:10
[Comment From Peter Provo, UtPeter Provo, Ut: ] 
Hi Tom,
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:10 Peter Provo, Ut
12:10
Peter:

Finish typing your question before hitting send.....good to hear from you nonetheless!
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:10 
12:11
[Comment From Peter Provo, UtPeter Provo, Ut: ] 
Pat C. seem to be struggeling with his shot.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:11 Peter Provo, Ut
12:14
Peter:

Good to have you back. Pat Connaughton may be fighting it a little from the perimeter. Heading into Tuesday's game he was shooting 42.9 percent from the floor and 36.8 percent from 3. Not terrible numbers but they could be better.

Since going 2-of-4 from the floor in the Maryland game, Connaughton has gone 1-for-4, 1-for-6, 1-for-3 and 1-for-4. He hit his only shot he took last night - the floater from the right side of the lane - and it was a big one.

Connaughton is too good of a shooter to stay in a slump. He'll figure it out.

Even when he wasn't shooting and scoring against Pittsburgh, he played key minutes. The guy's all about effort. As long as he brings that, he's going to have a role.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:14 
12:15
[Comment From Jim WoodJim Wood: ] 
Pitt took a lot of open shots that did not go when N D was hot. I still say defense wins games and it is very suspect at this time.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:15 Jim Wood
12:16
Jim:

Not going to argue, but it's hard to lose when you shoot 72 percent from the floor and 62.8 percent from 3 in the second half. As long as the Irish are just good enough defensively - as was the case last night - they're going to win their share of games.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:16 
12:16
[Comment From Jeff from Schererville INJeff from Schererville IN: ] 
Hi Tom. Multiple choice question: What's the biggest takeaway from last night's game: that ND might be better than we thought, Pitt might be worse than we thought, a little of both, or neither since it's only one game?
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:16 Jeff from Schererville IN
12:21
Jeff:

Gotta love the multiple choice questions. I'd have to go with C., a little of both for $500.

Notre Dame's confidence at home is off the charts. The Irish just believe they're going to find a way, and have done it several times already at Purcell Pavilion - down by three at the half to Detroit, down by seven late against Maine, down seven early to Pittsburgh and seemingly on the verge of getting blown out.

I'd like to see Notre Dame bottle Tuesday's effort and take it on the road next week, maybe get a win league or two before admitting that the Irish are better than we thought.

That said, really unimpressed with Pittsburgh and Ashton Gibbs. Tell me again why the guy was voted preseason Big East player of the year? Gibbs is a little like Scott Martin - maybe at his best when there are other (re: older) guys around him. Gibbs no longer has Brad Wanamaker riding shotgun with him. As a result, he was never really a factor.

Also take this away - Mike Brey flat-out owns Jamie Dixon - four consecutive wins and five of the last six. Brey's sad to see Pittsburgh jump to the Atlantic Coast Conference, and now we know why - he's losing a guaranteed "W" every year.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:21 
12:24
[Comment From Jim WoodJim Wood: ] 
good answer, going to pool now, sunny and warm in South Florida.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:24 Jim Wood
12:25
Sunny and cold in South Bend, but then again, it is almost January.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:25 
12:25
[Comment From Jeff from Schererville INJeff from Schererville IN: ] 
Thanks. I attended the Maine game and was surprised by the lack of turnout. It was at a similar level to the Macleod days when I was a student there. I mean, some upper deck sections had single digit people sitting in them. Sounds like they had a good crowd last night in spite of students being on break.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:25 Jeff from Schererville IN
12:29
Jeff:

On a scale of 1 to 10, Tuesday's crowd was about a 5. It was OK at times, other times, it was so quiet you could hear the Irish coaches calling out defensive assignments to their guys.

Part of that may be the fans, who seemingly need a reason to show up, but part of the problem also has to be shouldered by Notre Dame. The game presentation left a lot to be desired.

Case in point - Notre Dame was on a serious run in the second half. The Irish hit a few 3s, made some hustle plays, came up with steals and held the Panthers to one shot and done.

Jamie Dixon burned a timeout when Scott Martin his his fade jumper in front of the Irish bench to put Notre Dame up 12.

Great time to get the place really rocking. Instead, crickets. No music. Nothing. I understand the band is not there and the students are gone, but even more reason to do something - like a little "Crazy Train." Gotta do something to get people moving and wipe away the sterile atmosphere.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:29 
12:29
[Comment From Jack From GrangerJack From Granger: ] 
As Bob Knight said last night " It was a great coaching job by Mike Brey" and his staff!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:29 Jack From Granger
12:31
Jack:

Heard that when I returned home and watched the game on TiVo. Great job getting the Irish prepared by Mike Brey - maybe that's why it's so quiet around here today. People don't have anything bad to say, so they stay away.

Would have been interesting to see some of the comments had Notre Dame lost. Some people, present company excluded, just aren't happy in life unless they're miserable.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:31 
12:34
[Comment From John from Ashburn VAJohn from Ashburn VA: ] 
Why do you think ND plays so well against Pitt--I've watched most of the Irish games this year and it seems to me that Pitt almost wanted it to stay close then couldn't get it in gear when the Irish hit their stride.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:34 John from Ashburn VA
12:37
John:

Great question. Part of it has to do with coaching. Players have come and gone, but the head coaches have remained the same - Brey knows how to get the best of Dixon and it's hard to argue.

Still Pittsburgh should be better - the Panthers don't have anyone outside of Ashton Gibbs who can go get himself a basket. The Irish are confident at home or on the road against the Panthers.

Quick trivia question - name the last team to win a game at Pittsburgh's old Fitzgerald Field House.........give up?

Notre Dame.

The Irish have played well against Pittsburgh since the days of Fitzgerald and Ben Howland.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:37 
12:37
[Comment From saucesauce: ] 
I was very worried early especially with Martin missing his first 3 or so shots. He seemed to step it up in the second half. Do you think they spread the floor better in the second have to give Cooley the room he needed? Also, do you think that Martin will begin to score and even drive a little more now that he knows that Grant and Drag will also be putting up some numbers?
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:37 sauce
12:39
Sauce:

Hot or mild?

Scott Martin looked far more relaxed in the second half because there were other guys - Atkins, Dragicevich and Grant - who shouldered the scoring burden. martin, as a result, could slide back into the fit-in role that fits him best.

I just don't think we'll ever see Scott Martin be a big point producer. He is who he is - 9 points a night, the occasional double-figure game. If he can be that guy, and still be good defensively, that's about his ceiling.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:39 
12:39
[Comment From Anita from NilesAnita from Niles: ] 
Was it me, or did Pitt really struggle when Brey put Cooley and Knight in together? And does Joey Brooks seem to be the odd man out in playing time? He seemed to be wearing a very short leash last night and only Broghammer and Crowley seemed to be on the floor less last night.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:39 Anita from Niles
12:42
Anita:

Great point on Cooley and Knight. Really impressed with the way the Irish bigs played together - and it likely gave Brey another option moving forward. Solid game for Cooley (eight points, 14 rebounds) and a big step for Knight (6 points, 1 rebound) in his first extended Big East action.

Joey Brooks is the odd man out, but only be design, not anything he's done. Brey has made it clear that it's Atkins-Dragicevich-Grant moving forward. Those guys are going to play heavy minutes. Scott Martin is on the floor for his steadying influence on defense. Jack Cooley has to provide some beef. So too does Knight.

Pat Connaughton hustles too much not to play him. He's struggled with his shot, but has been really consistent. If you play Joey Brooks more than the five minutes he got last night - including a silly turnover he can't make as a junior - who sits?

At this point, it's Brooks. That may not change all that much moving forward.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:42 
12:42
[Comment From saucesauce: ] 
Comment about Pitt: Even though they won the battle of the boards don't they seem to play a little soft? I noticed that last year too, especially in the tourney,
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:42 sauce
12:43
Sauce:

Agreed. No program in the Big East has enjoyed such sustained success in the regular season as Pittsburgh, but what has that gotten the Panthers? One trip to the Elite Eight?

For all those wins, man, you've got to do more. Why don't they?
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:43 
12:43
[Comment From Andrew from GRAndrew from GR: ] 
How much of the improvement over the past few years do you credit to Brey and how much do you attribute to Anthony Solomon's return? I would give a lot of credit to Anthony since we were successful when he was first here and when he came back. We seem much grittier when he has been an assistant with Brey
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:43 Andrew from GR
12:48
Andrew:

Hard to say. Notre Dame went to the NCAA tournament three straight years when Anthony Solomon was first here, then followed with a run of NITs.

The praise of the coaching staff seems to roll in cycles - when the Irish go to the NCAA tournament, everyone lauds the staff. When it's the NIT, people seem to believe they've forgotten how to coach.

It's tough for someone who has been a head coach to return to the role of assistant, but Solomon seems to have made that transition back to the second seat on the bench. And the guy can recruit.

Still, there has not been assistant who was able to get the most out of guys as former Irish assistant Gene Cross. He could get after guys like few could.

Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:48 
12:48
[Comment From Irish fan from Irish landIrish fan from Irish land: ] 
Greeting Tom! First time joining in on your chat; however, I try to be a regular in the chat with Eric H. (sorry had to give him props for his great Irish football coverage.) As for my Bball question- I thought I read that there was a shot of the Irish landing a PTP (prime time player) not only in Bball but also Fball. If he or someone of his caliber were to arrive on campus in Jan. and still played this year would he only be eligible for 3 years of fball starting next year or would he be entitled to 4 full years per sport? Thanks for your time as always GO IRISH!
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:48 Irish fan from Irish land
12:51
Irish fan:

Gotta give the shout-out to my colleague Eric Hansen - even though he's in Orlando right now and I'm in snowy South Bend.

The player you are wondering about is Arik Armstead, considered by some as the top college football prospect in the nation who also wants to play basketball.

if Armstead chooses Notre Dame (and it seems like it will be either ND or Cal) he could theoretically play basketball in the spring semester and then have four years of eligibility of football remaining.

Still, if he's that good a football player, Armstead might only play this semester of hoops. We'll see.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:51 
12:59
[Comment From saucesauce: ] 
Do you know ehn Arik needs to enroll by? Must be soon no? Also, could that effect the team chemestry? Does brey have the scholarship to use or would that be Kelly's?
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:59 sauce
1:01
Sauce:

It has to be in the next two weeks before the semester starts. It absolutely could jostle team chemistry, which makes it such a risky move, especially since he may be a short-timer.

Look at what the Irish have coming in next year, don't think they really need him beyond this semester.

Either way, Armstead would fall under the football scholarship pool.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:01 
1:01
[Comment From DavidDavid: ] 
Did not see the game but the stat line indicates Cooley had a great game. How did that happen and is his stamina improving?
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:01 David
1:03
David:

Solid night for Cooley, who had eight points and a game-high 14 rebounds in 32 minutes. He also had two blocks, an assist and a steal.

His stamina has never really been an issue - his ability to stay out of foul trouble and offer a consistent effort have been reasons for his yo-yo of minutes. If he can go 32 against Pitt, he can go 32 against anyone in the league - as long as he plays smart and avoids the silly fouls.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:03 
1:07
[Comment From Anita from NilesAnita from Niles: ] 
Does Demetrius Jackson announce tonight? I read your Tweets regarding his attendance at the game last night. How confident are you that he chooses ND over MSU or Butler? After a summer and fall of bad luck, here's hoping last night's game begins a string of GOOD luck and Jackson coming to ND would be that. Also, how is Abro's rehab coming and when will the NCAA decide on a possible sixth year? He seemed to be jumping up and down (well, sort of) during good stretches and generally excited at the team's performance last night.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:07 Anita from Niles
1:11
Anita:

I'd say it's a pretty good sign for Notre Dame that Demetrius Jackson could decide any day and decides to spend one of those last nights hanging in the Notre Dame locker room. With kids these days (man, I feel old) you never know when they're going to announce. Stay tuned.

As for Tim Abromaitis, he's still on crutches and looks to still have the full brace on his right leg. Not sure on the sixth-year decision - figured to let him get through surgery and then rehab a bit before rounding back to that discussion. Stay tuned with that as well.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:11 
1:11
[Comment From DavidDavid: ] 
I think his stamina an conditioning have been an issue. I thought you wrote something about that earlier this year. In any event, my impression has been that he gets winded and that is when he picks up most of his fouls because he isn't able to move his feet. I have been disappointed in him this year but hopefully he can build off of this game.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:11 David
1:14
David:

Mike Brey was hoping at the start of the season that Jack Cooley, given his tendency to get winded earlier than most college basketball players, could log at least 20 minutes a game. Maybe 25.

Cooley played 32 against Pittsburgh and came into the game averaging 22 minutes a night. This is his first year as a starter and he's nearly tripled his scoring (up to 9.5) and rebounding (8.0) from his previous two years.

Hard to classify that as disappointing.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:14 
1:14
[Comment From saucesauce: ] 
Do you see Joey Brooks bing a role player in the future like martin has become? Or will he alkways have a limited role becaue of who he is behind? What is missing from his game that keeps hime on the bench? Wasn't he considered a top recruit at the time?
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:14 sauce
1:18
Sauce:

For a guy seemingly as offensively challenged as Joey Brooks - what does he do really well??? - he has to play smart, and doesn't always do so. Look at last night - he drives baseline, gets caught with nowhere to go and throws a low-percentage pass that gets picked off and Pittsburgh is off in transition.

He just has to keep working, keep battling and maybe, he finds his niche. He was a highly-touted recruit coming in, but has seldom showed those skills. Part of the reason is he's battled the confidence game his first two years. Now it becomes a numbers game - if Brooks plays - who sits? Grant? Dragicevich? Connaughton?
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:18 
1:18
[Comment From aaron from south bendaaron from south bend: ] 
Do u feel like Brey is able to recruit as well as sum other coaches because i seem to think recruiting is on the uptick?
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:18 aaron from south bend
1:21
Aaron:

Recruiting in college basketball is a tricky science. It goes in cycles. Mike Brey and his staff could do everything right to get a guy, who then decides to go somewhere else.

But it's rolling now with next year's freshman class (Biedscheid, Burgett, Auguste) and the two juniors committed - Beachem, who was at last night's game, and Vasturia. If you can add Demetrius Jackson, that's a pretty good two-year run.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:21 
1:22
[Comment From TJ from VTTJ from VT: ] 
Wow, where did that game come from...I have watched the Irish on all their televised games with the ranked oponents and in those games they really looked tenative, confused, standing around waiting for someone....last night, completely different look. Crisp passes, no silly turnovers. I worry about Martin's shot and I light a candle for Joey Brooks. He looks too much of an athlete to not be a contributor to this team. At any rate, good effort by the collective Irish team. Fun game to watch....even the first half when they played hard and with some poise.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:22 TJ from VT
1:23
TJ:

Good to hear from you, and good to see all the pieces finally fall into place last night. It's now important for Notre Dame to build off the win, and figure out a way to play just as well on the road.

If the Irish can do that, this season may not be the lost cause many first feared.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:23 
1:23
[Comment From TJ from VTTJ from VT: ] 
Just another comment....the two best color/analysts guys on college basketball are Knight and Digger. You can learn a lot about the game from those two. I take it that Knight/Digger don't offer suggestions to the coaching staffs at any time?
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:23 TJ from VT
1:25
TJ:

If I had a dollar for every time Digger offered a suggestion to Mike Brey or one of his players, I could color coordinate my ties and highlighters like the old coach.

Bob Knight is insightful, but still has the personality of an old sock.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:25 
1:25
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
I loved the way Cooley played last night and if this is the way he plays against Big East big men then getting someone to shoot threes will open up the inside for him.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:25 Guest
1:27
Guest:

Jack Cooley already is counting the days before facing Yancy Gates and Cincinnati. He's always been really good playing against other bigs in the league. Seeing him last night, Cooley had cuts and scrapes and bruises up and down his arms and legs - and he couldn't be happier.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:27 
1:31
[Comment From JOJO: ] 
Seeing the way Cooley played last night, all he needs is some consistent outside shooting to give him the room to play during the big east.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:31 JO
1:32
JO:

And that outside shooting is coming with Alex Dragicevich and Jerian Grant, who combined to go 7-for-14 from 3-point range last night. Solid.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:32 
1:32
[Comment From Mike in MaineMike in Maine: ] 
Tom Knight looked lost and out of sync in his few first half minutes, but in the second half would you agree that he looked like a serious player? his best effort so far.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:32 Mike in Maine
1:33
Mike:

Mike Brey would agree - he was very encouraged by how Tom Knight figured it out on the fly to give them six points, two blocks and a rebound in 14 minutes. A great start for him in his first extended play in the Big East.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:33 
1:33
[Comment From JOJO: ] 
I think he is most improved.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:33 JO
1:33
JO:

He and Eric Atkins are probably running 1 and 1A for that honor. And Alex Dragicevich may have something to say about it before it's all over.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:33 
1:36
[Comment From AndrewAndrew: ] 
Have you gotten to see Garrick Sherman in practice? If so, how has he looked
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:36 Andrew
1:37
Andrew:

Nope - us media types don't get to see practice - too many secrets to reveal. Next time I see Garrick Sherman play will be during the summer pickup sessions.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:37 
1:37
[Comment From Jim From OhioJim From Ohio: ] 
Tom, did you see the breaking news about the Big Ten and Pac 12 partnership...
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:37 Jim From Ohio
1:37
Jim:

And this affects Big East basketball how?
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:37 
2:05
Thanks for everyone who participated in today's chat. Always great to hear what fans think. We'll be back same time next week - for Chat No. 1 in 2012.

If you have a question or comment that cannot wait, drop me a note at tnoie@sbtinfo.com" target="_blank" >tnoie@sbtinfo.com. Thanks. Happy New Year.

Wednesday December 28, 2011 2:05 
2:05
 

 
 
 



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(12/28/2011) 
11:54
Well, wasn't that an interesting way to start the Big East season?

Who saw that coming from the Notre Dame men's basketball team? Be honest.

I've been around this team nearly every day since mid-October - and watched them lose three games to ranked teams by an average of 20 points. I certainly didn't see Notre Dame scoring 47 points and shooting 72 percent from the field in the second half to drop No. 22 Pittsburgh, 72-59, in Tuesday's league opener for both teams.

A team in much need of some good karma got it in bunches. Should make for an interesting rest of the league schedule.

A good win means it's a good day for a Notre Dame men's basketball chat. Just be sure to include your name and hometown, and away we go.....

Chat time.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 11:54 
11:59
[Comment From Jim Wood-Bonita Springs FJim Wood-Bonita Springs F: ] 
What a big win. At least now they know they can do it. Lets hope they can keep it up. They proved to themselves they have the talent and it is possible to beat the big boys without Tim. Have a good New Year to you and family.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 11:59 Jim Wood-Bonita Springs F
12:02
Jim:

Good to hear from you. Tuesday's win was a much-needed confidence boost for a team that, honestly, was pounded in losses to Missouri, Gonzaga and Indiana.

And I still can't figure out why this team plays so well at home. Can't be the crowd noise. or the electric atmosphere. These guys simply refuse to lose. Down seven early in the first half? Not a problem. Can't get the offense in gear? No big deal.

Mike Brey has talked about turning it over to Eric Atkins, Alex Dragicevich and Jerian Gran,t and it was nice to see each of them play well. Now let's see them build on it and take that next step - getting a league road win.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:02 
12:06
I would be remiss if I didn't pay special mention to former Notre Dame forward Jordan Cornette, who joined us last week to talk hoops on Weekday Sportsbeat.

Jordan did his best Joe Namath imitation and guaranteed an Irish victory over Pittsburgh. Thought he was nuts - turns out he was right on the money. Well done, JC.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:06 
12:08
[Comment From Jim WoodJim Wood: ] 
Perhaps Brey should take the team to watch the girls, Muffet and Kevin have them playing great defense and the take away ratio is what wins games. The big guys did a good job of boxing out and rebounding in the second half.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:08 Jim Wood
12:09
Jim:

And you were doing so well - please, please, please don't compare the men's and women's games. It's apples to oranges and serves no purpose.

Let what each program does stand on its own merit.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:09 
12:10
[Comment From Peter Provo, UtPeter Provo, Ut: ] 
Hi Tom,
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:10 Peter Provo, Ut
12:10
Peter:

Finish typing your question before hitting send.....good to hear from you nonetheless!
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:10 
12:11
[Comment From Peter Provo, UtPeter Provo, Ut: ] 
Pat C. seem to be struggeling with his shot.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:11 Peter Provo, Ut
12:14
Peter:

Good to have you back. Pat Connaughton may be fighting it a little from the perimeter. Heading into Tuesday's game he was shooting 42.9 percent from the floor and 36.8 percent from 3. Not terrible numbers but they could be better.

Since going 2-of-4 from the floor in the Maryland game, Connaughton has gone 1-for-4, 1-for-6, 1-for-3 and 1-for-4. He hit his only shot he took last night - the floater from the right side of the lane - and it was a big one.

Connaughton is too good of a shooter to stay in a slump. He'll figure it out.

Even when he wasn't shooting and scoring against Pittsburgh, he played key minutes. The guy's all about effort. As long as he brings that, he's going to have a role.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:14 
12:15
[Comment From Jim WoodJim Wood: ] 
Pitt took a lot of open shots that did not go when N D was hot. I still say defense wins games and it is very suspect at this time.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:15 Jim Wood
12:16
Jim:

Not going to argue, but it's hard to lose when you shoot 72 percent from the floor and 62.8 percent from 3 in the second half. As long as the Irish are just good enough defensively - as was the case last night - they're going to win their share of games.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:16 
12:16
[Comment From Jeff from Schererville INJeff from Schererville IN: ] 
Hi Tom. Multiple choice question: What's the biggest takeaway from last night's game: that ND might be better than we thought, Pitt might be worse than we thought, a little of both, or neither since it's only one game?
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:16 Jeff from Schererville IN
12:21
Jeff:

Gotta love the multiple choice questions. I'd have to go with C., a little of both for $500.

Notre Dame's confidence at home is off the charts. The Irish just believe they're going to find a way, and have done it several times already at Purcell Pavilion - down by three at the half to Detroit, down by seven late against Maine, down seven early to Pittsburgh and seemingly on the verge of getting blown out.

I'd like to see Notre Dame bottle Tuesday's effort and take it on the road next week, maybe get a win league or two before admitting that the Irish are better than we thought.

That said, really unimpressed with Pittsburgh and Ashton Gibbs. Tell me again why the guy was voted preseason Big East player of the year? Gibbs is a little like Scott Martin - maybe at his best when there are other (re: older) guys around him. Gibbs no longer has Brad Wanamaker riding shotgun with him. As a result, he was never really a factor.

Also take this away - Mike Brey flat-out owns Jamie Dixon - four consecutive wins and five of the last six. Brey's sad to see Pittsburgh jump to the Atlantic Coast Conference, and now we know why - he's losing a guaranteed "W" every year.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:21 
12:24
[Comment From Jim WoodJim Wood: ] 
good answer, going to pool now, sunny and warm in South Florida.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:24 Jim Wood
12:25
Sunny and cold in South Bend, but then again, it is almost January.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:25 
12:25
[Comment From Jeff from Schererville INJeff from Schererville IN: ] 
Thanks. I attended the Maine game and was surprised by the lack of turnout. It was at a similar level to the Macleod days when I was a student there. I mean, some upper deck sections had single digit people sitting in them. Sounds like they had a good crowd last night in spite of students being on break.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:25 Jeff from Schererville IN
12:29
Jeff:

On a scale of 1 to 10, Tuesday's crowd was about a 5. It was OK at times, other times, it was so quiet you could hear the Irish coaches calling out defensive assignments to their guys.

Part of that may be the fans, who seemingly need a reason to show up, but part of the problem also has to be shouldered by Notre Dame. The game presentation left a lot to be desired.

Case in point - Notre Dame was on a serious run in the second half. The Irish hit a few 3s, made some hustle plays, came up with steals and held the Panthers to one shot and done.

Jamie Dixon burned a timeout when Scott Martin his his fade jumper in front of the Irish bench to put Notre Dame up 12.

Great time to get the place really rocking. Instead, crickets. No music. Nothing. I understand the band is not there and the students are gone, but even more reason to do something - like a little "Crazy Train." Gotta do something to get people moving and wipe away the sterile atmosphere.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:29 
12:29
[Comment From Jack From GrangerJack From Granger: ] 
As Bob Knight said last night " It was a great coaching job by Mike Brey" and his staff!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:29 Jack From Granger
12:31
Jack:

Heard that when I returned home and watched the game on TiVo. Great job getting the Irish prepared by Mike Brey - maybe that's why it's so quiet around here today. People don't have anything bad to say, so they stay away.

Would have been interesting to see some of the comments had Notre Dame lost. Some people, present company excluded, just aren't happy in life unless they're miserable.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:31 
12:34
[Comment From John from Ashburn VAJohn from Ashburn VA: ] 
Why do you think ND plays so well against Pitt--I've watched most of the Irish games this year and it seems to me that Pitt almost wanted it to stay close then couldn't get it in gear when the Irish hit their stride.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:34 John from Ashburn VA
12:37
John:

Great question. Part of it has to do with coaching. Players have come and gone, but the head coaches have remained the same - Brey knows how to get the best of Dixon and it's hard to argue.

Still Pittsburgh should be better - the Panthers don't have anyone outside of Ashton Gibbs who can go get himself a basket. The Irish are confident at home or on the road against the Panthers.

Quick trivia question - name the last team to win a game at Pittsburgh's old Fitzgerald Field House.........give up?

Notre Dame.

The Irish have played well against Pittsburgh since the days of Fitzgerald and Ben Howland.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:37 
12:37
[Comment From saucesauce: ] 
I was very worried early especially with Martin missing his first 3 or so shots. He seemed to step it up in the second half. Do you think they spread the floor better in the second have to give Cooley the room he needed? Also, do you think that Martin will begin to score and even drive a little more now that he knows that Grant and Drag will also be putting up some numbers?
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:37 sauce
12:39
Sauce:

Hot or mild?

Scott Martin looked far more relaxed in the second half because there were other guys - Atkins, Dragicevich and Grant - who shouldered the scoring burden. martin, as a result, could slide back into the fit-in role that fits him best.

I just don't think we'll ever see Scott Martin be a big point producer. He is who he is - 9 points a night, the occasional double-figure game. If he can be that guy, and still be good defensively, that's about his ceiling.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:39 
12:39
[Comment From Anita from NilesAnita from Niles: ] 
Was it me, or did Pitt really struggle when Brey put Cooley and Knight in together? And does Joey Brooks seem to be the odd man out in playing time? He seemed to be wearing a very short leash last night and only Broghammer and Crowley seemed to be on the floor less last night.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:39 Anita from Niles
12:42
Anita:

Great point on Cooley and Knight. Really impressed with the way the Irish bigs played together - and it likely gave Brey another option moving forward. Solid game for Cooley (eight points, 14 rebounds) and a big step for Knight (6 points, 1 rebound) in his first extended Big East action.

Joey Brooks is the odd man out, but only be design, not anything he's done. Brey has made it clear that it's Atkins-Dragicevich-Grant moving forward. Those guys are going to play heavy minutes. Scott Martin is on the floor for his steadying influence on defense. Jack Cooley has to provide some beef. So too does Knight.

Pat Connaughton hustles too much not to play him. He's struggled with his shot, but has been really consistent. If you play Joey Brooks more than the five minutes he got last night - including a silly turnover he can't make as a junior - who sits?

At this point, it's Brooks. That may not change all that much moving forward.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:42 
12:42
[Comment From saucesauce: ] 
Comment about Pitt: Even though they won the battle of the boards don't they seem to play a little soft? I noticed that last year too, especially in the tourney,
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:42 sauce
12:43
Sauce:

Agreed. No program in the Big East has enjoyed such sustained success in the regular season as Pittsburgh, but what has that gotten the Panthers? One trip to the Elite Eight?

For all those wins, man, you've got to do more. Why don't they?
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:43 
12:43
[Comment From Andrew from GRAndrew from GR: ] 
How much of the improvement over the past few years do you credit to Brey and how much do you attribute to Anthony Solomon's return? I would give a lot of credit to Anthony since we were successful when he was first here and when he came back. We seem much grittier when he has been an assistant with Brey
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:43 Andrew from GR
12:48
Andrew:

Hard to say. Notre Dame went to the NCAA tournament three straight years when Anthony Solomon was first here, then followed with a run of NITs.

The praise of the coaching staff seems to roll in cycles - when the Irish go to the NCAA tournament, everyone lauds the staff. When it's the NIT, people seem to believe they've forgotten how to coach.

It's tough for someone who has been a head coach to return to the role of assistant, but Solomon seems to have made that transition back to the second seat on the bench. And the guy can recruit.

Still, there has not been assistant who was able to get the most out of guys as former Irish assistant Gene Cross. He could get after guys like few could.

Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:48 
12:48
[Comment From Irish fan from Irish landIrish fan from Irish land: ] 
Greeting Tom! First time joining in on your chat; however, I try to be a regular in the chat with Eric H. (sorry had to give him props for his great Irish football coverage.) As for my Bball question- I thought I read that there was a shot of the Irish landing a PTP (prime time player) not only in Bball but also Fball. If he or someone of his caliber were to arrive on campus in Jan. and still played this year would he only be eligible for 3 years of fball starting next year or would he be entitled to 4 full years per sport? Thanks for your time as always GO IRISH!
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:48 Irish fan from Irish land
12:51
Irish fan:

Gotta give the shout-out to my colleague Eric Hansen - even though he's in Orlando right now and I'm in snowy South Bend.

The player you are wondering about is Arik Armstead, considered by some as the top college football prospect in the nation who also wants to play basketball.

if Armstead chooses Notre Dame (and it seems like it will be either ND or Cal) he could theoretically play basketball in the spring semester and then have four years of eligibility of football remaining.

Still, if he's that good a football player, Armstead might only play this semester of hoops. We'll see.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:51 
12:59
[Comment From saucesauce: ] 
Do you know ehn Arik needs to enroll by? Must be soon no? Also, could that effect the team chemestry? Does brey have the scholarship to use or would that be Kelly's?
Wednesday December 28, 2011 12:59 sauce
1:01
Sauce:

It has to be in the next two weeks before the semester starts. It absolutely could jostle team chemistry, which makes it such a risky move, especially since he may be a short-timer.

Look at what the Irish have coming in next year, don't think they really need him beyond this semester.

Either way, Armstead would fall under the football scholarship pool.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:01 
1:01
[Comment From DavidDavid: ] 
Did not see the game but the stat line indicates Cooley had a great game. How did that happen and is his stamina improving?
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:01 David
1:03
David:

Solid night for Cooley, who had eight points and a game-high 14 rebounds in 32 minutes. He also had two blocks, an assist and a steal.

His stamina has never really been an issue - his ability to stay out of foul trouble and offer a consistent effort have been reasons for his yo-yo of minutes. If he can go 32 against Pitt, he can go 32 against anyone in the league - as long as he plays smart and avoids the silly fouls.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:03 
1:07
[Comment From Anita from NilesAnita from Niles: ] 
Does Demetrius Jackson announce tonight? I read your Tweets regarding his attendance at the game last night. How confident are you that he chooses ND over MSU or Butler? After a summer and fall of bad luck, here's hoping last night's game begins a string of GOOD luck and Jackson coming to ND would be that. Also, how is Abro's rehab coming and when will the NCAA decide on a possible sixth year? He seemed to be jumping up and down (well, sort of) during good stretches and generally excited at the team's performance last night.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:07 Anita from Niles
1:11
Anita:

I'd say it's a pretty good sign for Notre Dame that Demetrius Jackson could decide any day and decides to spend one of those last nights hanging in the Notre Dame locker room. With kids these days (man, I feel old) you never know when they're going to announce. Stay tuned.

As for Tim Abromaitis, he's still on crutches and looks to still have the full brace on his right leg. Not sure on the sixth-year decision - figured to let him get through surgery and then rehab a bit before rounding back to that discussion. Stay tuned with that as well.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:11 
1:11
[Comment From DavidDavid: ] 
I think his stamina an conditioning have been an issue. I thought you wrote something about that earlier this year. In any event, my impression has been that he gets winded and that is when he picks up most of his fouls because he isn't able to move his feet. I have been disappointed in him this year but hopefully he can build off of this game.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:11 David
1:14
David:

Mike Brey was hoping at the start of the season that Jack Cooley, given his tendency to get winded earlier than most college basketball players, could log at least 20 minutes a game. Maybe 25.

Cooley played 32 against Pittsburgh and came into the game averaging 22 minutes a night. This is his first year as a starter and he's nearly tripled his scoring (up to 9.5) and rebounding (8.0) from his previous two years.

Hard to classify that as disappointing.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:14 
1:14
[Comment From saucesauce: ] 
Do you see Joey Brooks bing a role player in the future like martin has become? Or will he alkways have a limited role becaue of who he is behind? What is missing from his game that keeps hime on the bench? Wasn't he considered a top recruit at the time?
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:14 sauce
1:18
Sauce:

For a guy seemingly as offensively challenged as Joey Brooks - what does he do really well??? - he has to play smart, and doesn't always do so. Look at last night - he drives baseline, gets caught with nowhere to go and throws a low-percentage pass that gets picked off and Pittsburgh is off in transition.

He just has to keep working, keep battling and maybe, he finds his niche. He was a highly-touted recruit coming in, but has seldom showed those skills. Part of the reason is he's battled the confidence game his first two years. Now it becomes a numbers game - if Brooks plays - who sits? Grant? Dragicevich? Connaughton?
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:18 
1:18
[Comment From aaron from south bendaaron from south bend: ] 
Do u feel like Brey is able to recruit as well as sum other coaches because i seem to think recruiting is on the uptick?
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:18 aaron from south bend
1:21
Aaron:

Recruiting in college basketball is a tricky science. It goes in cycles. Mike Brey and his staff could do everything right to get a guy, who then decides to go somewhere else.

But it's rolling now with next year's freshman class (Biedscheid, Burgett, Auguste) and the two juniors committed - Beachem, who was at last night's game, and Vasturia. If you can add Demetrius Jackson, that's a pretty good two-year run.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:21 
1:22
[Comment From TJ from VTTJ from VT: ] 
Wow, where did that game come from...I have watched the Irish on all their televised games with the ranked oponents and in those games they really looked tenative, confused, standing around waiting for someone....last night, completely different look. Crisp passes, no silly turnovers. I worry about Martin's shot and I light a candle for Joey Brooks. He looks too much of an athlete to not be a contributor to this team. At any rate, good effort by the collective Irish team. Fun game to watch....even the first half when they played hard and with some poise.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:22 TJ from VT
1:23
TJ:

Good to hear from you, and good to see all the pieces finally fall into place last night. It's now important for Notre Dame to build off the win, and figure out a way to play just as well on the road.

If the Irish can do that, this season may not be the lost cause many first feared.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:23 
1:23
[Comment From TJ from VTTJ from VT: ] 
Just another comment....the two best color/analysts guys on college basketball are Knight and Digger. You can learn a lot about the game from those two. I take it that Knight/Digger don't offer suggestions to the coaching staffs at any time?
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:23 TJ from VT
1:25
TJ:

If I had a dollar for every time Digger offered a suggestion to Mike Brey or one of his players, I could color coordinate my ties and highlighters like the old coach.

Bob Knight is insightful, but still has the personality of an old sock.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:25 
1:25
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
I loved the way Cooley played last night and if this is the way he plays against Big East big men then getting someone to shoot threes will open up the inside for him.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:25 Guest
1:27
Guest:

Jack Cooley already is counting the days before facing Yancy Gates and Cincinnati. He's always been really good playing against other bigs in the league. Seeing him last night, Cooley had cuts and scrapes and bruises up and down his arms and legs - and he couldn't be happier.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:27 
1:31
[Comment From JOJO: ] 
Seeing the way Cooley played last night, all he needs is some consistent outside shooting to give him the room to play during the big east.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:31 JO
1:32
JO:

And that outside shooting is coming with Alex Dragicevich and Jerian Grant, who combined to go 7-for-14 from 3-point range last night. Solid.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:32 
1:32
[Comment From Mike in MaineMike in Maine: ] 
Tom Knight looked lost and out of sync in his few first half minutes, but in the second half would you agree that he looked like a serious player? his best effort so far.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:32 Mike in Maine
1:33
Mike:

Mike Brey would agree - he was very encouraged by how Tom Knight figured it out on the fly to give them six points, two blocks and a rebound in 14 minutes. A great start for him in his first extended play in the Big East.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:33 
1:33
[Comment From JOJO: ] 
I think he is most improved.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:33 JO
1:33
JO:

He and Eric Atkins are probably running 1 and 1A for that honor. And Alex Dragicevich may have something to say about it before it's all over.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:33 
1:36
[Comment From AndrewAndrew: ] 
Have you gotten to see Garrick Sherman in practice? If so, how has he looked
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:36 Andrew
1:37
Andrew:

Nope - us media types don't get to see practice - too many secrets to reveal. Next time I see Garrick Sherman play will be during the summer pickup sessions.
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:37 
1:37
[Comment From Jim From OhioJim From Ohio: ] 
Tom, did you see the breaking news about the Big Ten and Pac 12 partnership...
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:37 Jim From Ohio
1:37
Jim:

And this affects Big East basketball how?
Wednesday December 28, 2011 1:37 
2:05
Thanks for everyone who participated in today's chat. Always great to hear what fans think. We'll be back same time next week - for Chat No. 1 in 2012.

If you have a question or comment that cannot wait, drop me a note at tnoie@sbtinfo.com" target="_blank" >tnoie@sbtinfo.com. Thanks. Happy New Year.

Wednesday December 28, 2011 2:05 
2:05
 

 
 
 





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