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Chat Transcript: Talk Notre Dame basketball with Tom Noie

2:39 pm, March 07, 2012

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

 Live Chat: Talk Notre Dame basketball with Tom Noie(03/07/2012) 
11:50
sbtnoie: 
The long journey is over and the best time of the college basketball season is here - Big East Championship week, live from midtown Manhattan.

Unfortunately, Notre Dame will have to wait a while before experiencing all that is Madison Square Garden. The Irish will be the final team to begin play at the Big East Championship when they tip around 9 p.m. - probably closer to 9:30 - on Thursday against either South Florida or Villanova.

Notre Dame has been in New York since Monday evening preparing for what it hopes will be an extended stay in a tournament the Irish were 20 minutes away from advancing to the championship game for the first time in school history last year.

Can the Irish find their Midtown Magic? What does next week hold in the NCAA tournament? Time to talk Irish hoops. Just include your name and hometown and away we go........
Wednesday March 7, 2012 11:50 sbtnoie
11:55
[Comment From johnjohn: ] 
What's your prediction for ND's men's team in both the Big East & NCAA tournament?
Wednesday March 7, 2012 11:55 john
11:59
sbtnoie: 
John:

I'll take the NCAA tournament first since it's easier to dissect - simply too early to tell. Can't say how the Irish will do until you see how the bracket shapes up. But if you're a Notre Dame fan, you want no part of seeing a Wichita State or Long Beach State near Notre Dame in the bracket.

As for the Big East Championship this week, Notre Dame should win Thursday's quartefinal game against South Florida or Villanova. If the seedings hold true and Marquette is the semifinal opponent, man, that's going to be tough.

Notre Dame will have to shoot it extremely well to advance beyond Marquette. jae Crowder was my vote for league player of the year - he made a late push like Ben Hansbrough did last year to win the award.

I know Notre Dame beat Marquette this year, but the Irish had the luxury of leaning on the homecourt atmosphere of Purcell Pavilion. To do it again on a neutral floor might be a reach - unless the Irish can hit shots and Jack Cooley has a big game.

But Marquette is really good.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 11:59 sbtnoie
12:12
[Comment From Brian (Chicago)Brian (Chicago): ] 
Tom, So does the long layoff help, hurt, or does not do anything for the Irish? Is the game at 8:30 tomorrow?
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:12 Brian (Chicago)
12:14
sbtnoie: 
Brian:

I think a little bit of both. It's been a grind the last month - a lot of games, a lot of travel, a lot of pressure. This is the longest layoff for Notre Dame since the start of league play. That can help.

But it can also hurt, especially playing a team in either USF or Villanova that will have already played a game at the Garden.

Thursday's game isn't expected to start before 9:30 p.m. eastern time, so get a nap in. it will be a late night with the Irish.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:14 sbtnoie
12:14
[Comment From Tim, NYCTim, NYC: ] 
It's good to have you all in town again. As to the ND players, sitting throughout the week cannot be too comfortable from a playing perspective, and maybe too comfortable to produce academically. Can you explain how the boys stay connected to their studies, and can the 'away' experience, with isolation from their SB haunts and friends, actually be better for online class attendance than worse? atmosphere better or worse
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:14 Tim, NYC
12:16
sbtnoie: 
Tim:

They do have classwork to attend to during the down time. The Irish arrived Monday night but still have to keep up with the studies before Spring Break. Not too long ago, Notre Dame was in New York for the Big East Championship during midterms and Pat Holmes, the team's academic advisor, was giving tests before and after practices.

The studies don't slide just because they're away from campus. Maybe at other schools it would, but not at Notre Dame.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:16 sbtnoie
12:19
[Comment From Brian (Chicago)Brian (Chicago): ] 
Just curious...are you in MSG right now watching UCONN? What's the atmosphere in NY like for the BE tourney?
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:19 Brian (Chicago)
12:21
sbtnoie: 
Brian:

Nope. Back in my hotel, which is right around the corner from the Garden - a little quieter and less hectic.

There's no better place to hold a college basketball tournament than the Garden - guys standing blocks away asking if you need tickets, the buzz of all the fans getting out of cabs on Seventh Avenue or coming up from the trains at Penn Station.

It would be hard to imagine the Big East Championship not at MSG. And a sunny, 60-degree day also helps.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:21 sbtnoie
12:23
sbtnoie: 
OK, now that Peyton Manning has said his tearful good-bye to Indianapolis, let's talk hoops. It's OK - football can wait.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:23 sbtnoie
12:27
[Comment From Brian (Chicago)Brian (Chicago): ] 
Exactly Tom. Best few weeks of the year are here. Has Brey considered starting Drago instead of Pat C because of the hot hand or does he wanna keep the lineup the same and bring in Drago as the 6th man? Does it really matter anyway? Both can shoot the ball if hot.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:27 Brian (Chicago)
12:30
sbtnoie: 
Brian:

Mike Brey said after the Providence game that he would consider starting Alex Dragicevich in place of Pat Connaughton, who has struggled since going for 21 points on seven 3s in the overtime win against Villanova.

Brey then backed off that stance when he met the media on Sunday back in South Bend. He thinks it's best the starting lineup stays - and it's hard to disagree. Notre Dame is 10-2 with Connaughton as the starter.

Doesn't really matter who starts and who comes in off the bench. The bottom line is that Notre Dame needs something out of Connaughton and/or Dragicevich. When one is dialed in, the Irish are good. WHen botha re going, they're really good.

But having both go cold is a recipe for disappointment. When they're off, that means opposing defenses can smother Eric Atkins and Jerian Grant.

Look for more about Dragicevich, and his conversations with former Irish guard Colin Falls, in Thursday's South Bend Tribune (sorry for the self-promotion).
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:30 sbtnoie
12:33
[Comment From Andy-Glendale Heights, ILAndy-Glendale Heights, IL: ] 
Tom, do you think this team is set up to be successful on short rest? I know that Cooley has had some issues with stamina, and while it seems it's less of an issue in single games the Sat-Monday turn arounds looked tough for him. How about back to back this week and one day next week. I know the kids are 18-22 and in great shape, but sometimes that doesn't matter if you get matched up with a team that has more athletes and makes it tougher with short rest. Thoughts?
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:33 Andy-Glendale Heights, IL
12:34
sbtnoie: 
Andy:

The rest can do these guys some good, but as Mike Brey said last night, they also need to play. Six days is a long time between games.

If Note Dame gets South Florida, the pace won't be an issue - first team to 50 might win. But if Notre Dame wins and gets Marquette on Friday - better make sure the burn offense is in full flame. Marquette will want to get it in the 80s.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:34 sbtnoie
12:35
[Comment From Andy-Glendale Heights, ILAndy-Glendale Heights, IL: ] 
Since we're on Dragicevich, he seems to struggle figuring out that he's not a guy that should put the ball on the floor and go to the basket. Do you think he'll be working on a pull up jumper from mid range instead of trying to get to the basket? It seems as though it always ends in a turnover or blocked shot and rarely a trip to the free throw line or a score. I like a lot of what he does but watching him try to drive makes my brain hurt.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:35 Andy-Glendale Heights, IL
12:36
sbtnoie: 
Andy:

You'll have that answer in Thursday's SBT. Short version - he tends to over-think the game instead of just playing. If he has an open shot, take it. Don't make the game so hard.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:36 sbtnoie
12:37
[Comment From Andy-Glendale Heights, ILAndy-Glendale Heights, IL: ] 
Tom, I'm referring more to the Semi Final game or the 2nd game in the NCAA if they happen to make both with limited rest.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:37 Andy-Glendale Heights, IL
12:37
sbtnoie: 
Andy:

No time to be tired then. It's simple - win or go home. That should offset any heavy legs.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:37 sbtnoie
12:37
[Comment From DavidDavid: ] 
Going to the game tomorrow. Hoping for a win. If we play SF, we are going to get their best shot. They need as many wins as possible to get in the NCAAs. Keys to me are having the Cooley we saw most of the BE save for Georgetown and getting someone to hit the perimeter shots. We were dreadful against St. John's, although I don't think SF has the same type of athletes as St. John's.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:37 David
12:39
sbtnoie: 
David:

True, but any game against team this time of year, it's important for Notre Dame to make shots. USF does lead the league in scoring defense for conference games, so getting something from Cooley inside to loosen everything else up is a must.

And it's time Notre Dame gets back to playing with the edge it had going into the Syracuse game when the Irish were 3-3 in the league. Once this team got to 10, 11, 12 wins, it seemed like they were playing to protect something (though no one admits it) instead of just going for it.

Let it fly Thursday - no use saving it worrying about getting a top-four finish or an NCAA tournament bid.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:39 sbtnoie
12:58
[Comment From Tim, NYCTim, NYC: ] 
Apart from whatever players do beneath and between the baskets, I’m often more impressed with what goes on between their ears. Brey often talks about how smart his guys are – presumably in comparison to their competitors – but fans cannot usually decipher between Abro and others because the players have limited mike time and then mumble a lot. Cooley, for example, is an interesting study. Coming into the season he was only an energy guy, with limited minutes due to (alleged) limited stamina, and an average achiever for his bulk and height. But with time to reflect by missing the Maryland game, he apparently decided that muscle wasn’t enough. Since computer gaming was too distracting, he chose cold turkey to give it up, and his performance spiked dramatically. After hitting the wall at Georgetown with his worst, he then rebounds with his best against Providence. In other words, he may not have the skills or finesse of a one and done, but his mental powers seem more potent than his physical ones. Is this a valid appraisal, or would Pat Holmes think differently?
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:58 Tim, NYC
1:00
sbtnoie: 
Tim:

I'd say it's valid. There are other coaches who feel like they have to light up their players after a bad performance or a loss. Mike Brey often lets his guys polic themselves knowing that most of them are their own worst critics.

Two years ago, Brey may have had to say this or say that to Cooley. Not after Georgetown. Just turn him loose and see how he responds. I'd say he responded pretty well.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:00 sbtnoie
1:00
[Comment From Andy-Glendale Heights, ILAndy-Glendale Heights, IL: ] 
Also, this just in...Doug Gottlieb is still a moron. Just said ND's overall body of work was awful. Non Conference body of work, yes, awful, overall body pretty good.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:00 Andy-Glendale Heights, IL
1:04
sbtnoie: 
Andy:

I wouldn't put too much stock in what the national TV talking heads have to say. They're supposed to be on there because they know teh game, but do they really know the game?

Do they know what Notre Dame had to work through just to be good? How bad the Irish were against Missouri? The sickness that ran through the team the first six weeks of the season? How much the Abromaitis injury put this program back at Square One?

No, they simply see the stats on the paper - the losses to Georgia and Maryland and Indiana and Gonzaga and say, wow, Notre Dame's overall body of work is terrible.

yes, it is. But what was it about the program that allowed it to win nine straight games? To beat Syracuse? To beat Marquette. If the Doug Gottliebs of the world are going to say Notre Dame's overall body of work isn't good, you have to credit the Irish for making the most of its chances in the Big East.

But you won't hear that. Why? It's too easy to criticize instead of give credit.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:04 sbtnoie
1:05
[Comment From DavidDavid: ] 
Who is your favorite and darkhorse to win the BET? I'd say Syracuse (what a reach) but then UConn and Marquette are my "darkhorses". Hard to see UConn doing it five days straight again, but they have all the talent in the world and played Syracuse tough a couple of times.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:05 David
1:06
sbtnoie: 
I'd say Syracuse is the favorite with Marquette and Georgetown right there. Everything would have to break right for Notre Dame.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:06 sbtnoie
1:17
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
It can't be that it's both harder to win during the regular season on a Saturday-Monday turnaround and harder to win with a double bye in the BE tournament. Do you think there is anything to the belief that having a BET bye makes it harder to win or is it just a small sample size fluke?
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:17 Guest
1:19
sbtnoie: 
Guest:

It's hard to win with the double bye in the Big East Championship, in part because other teams already have their rhythm in having played a game or two. In Notre Dame's case, the Irish will have had six days off - six days off after playing two games a week for the last three months.

it's an adjustment, but if you're a good team, you work through it and get back to what you know - playing well, running your stuff and winning.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:19 sbtnoie
1:19
[Comment From DavidDavid: ] 
Regarding overall body of work, ND is an interesting study. Sch a different team than the one we saw in November and had to do it after losing its best player for the year. Detroit win looks good now, and Mississippi Valley State is still in line for a bid. I'd hope the committee rewards the turnaround--I don't want to see ND on the 8 or 9 seed line.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:19 David
1:21
sbtnoie: 
David:

It's hard to see Notre Dame slipping to the 8 or 9 line. I'd say a win Thursday and it's a 6 or 7. Two wins and maybe 4 or 5. The committee will have to keep in mind that as poorly as the Irish played in the non-league, it's still a team that finished third in the Big East.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:21 sbtnoie
1:21
[Comment From Tom, DCTom, DC: ] 
Prediction -- Pitt beats Gtown today. Pitt is last year's Uconn.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:21 Tom, DC
1:22
sbtnoie: 
Tom:

Good call. Watching Pittsburgh beat St. John's. Looked a lot better - Ashton Gibbs finally got his act together.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:22 sbtnoie
1:25
[Comment From PeterPeter: ] 
Hi Tom, Are the start times for the tournament games predetermined based on seeding or are they based on appealing to the TV audience? Thanks
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:25 Peter
1:34
sbtnoie: 
Starting times for the Big East Championship are set in stone before the season. TV audiences are now factor.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:34 sbtnoie
1:35
sbtnoie: 
Apologize if anyone is having connection troubles. Seems we're experiencing some technical difficulties. Bear with us
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:35 sbtnoie
1:35
[Comment From Joe, Wash, DCJoe, Wash, DC: ] 
Where to the boys practice while waiting, and how do they spend their time?
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:35 Joe, Wash, DC
1:36
sbtnoie: 
Joe:

They practice at John Jay College in Manhattan and spend their days catching up on school work and maybe watching a little hoops. But they're not hanging around MSG watching the tournament.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:36 sbtnoie
1:36
[Comment From Mike in MaineMike in Maine: ] 
Hypothesis: Mike Brey is one of the ten best REGULAR season college BB coaches in the country, as his teams consistently perform beyond expectations during the REGULAR season. Because he is unable to recruit and/or develop a deep bench, his teams consistently underperform and fail in postseason play, and almost certainly will follow that pattern this year. Your thoughts?
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:36 Mike in Maine
1:37
sbtnoie: 
Mike:

Seriously? I think you've been outdoors too much in the Maine winter. Come on in and warm up. Unable to recruit? Seriously? Wow.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:37 sbtnoie
1:37
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
It's unlikely for Abro to get a 6th year but what would you consider Martin's chances - to say he has a much better chance does that mean it's like a 10% chance or an 80% chance?
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:37 Guest
1:38
sbtnoie: 
Guest:

More like 55-45 Martin would return. His case is pretty solid - and it has to be documented so it's not like anyone's making it up. His father had a rare form of eye cancer and there were plenty of days when Martin, who was sitting out as a redshirt, would not practice so he could be with him.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:38 sbtnoie
1:38
[Comment From DanDan: ] 
If you have answered this already sorry, but how would there be room for either Martin and/or Abro to come back next year as there are 9 returning guys, Atkins, Grant, Cooley, Drag, Connaughton, Knight, Brooks, Broghammer, and Sherman, plus Katendra, plus 3 incoming freshmen. That makes 13?
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:38 Dan
1:40
sbtnoie: 
Dan:

Really, they need to make room for only one - likely Martin. It would be tough to see Abromaitis coming back, but you never know. If Martin does return, the odds are that Mike Broghammer would be placed on a medical scholarship because of his knees. Martin would get that scholarship.

There's still no definitive answer on Eric Katenda - he's looked good from all indications, but can he play 5-on-5 effectively? Don't know.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:40 sbtnoie
1:40
[Comment From JohnJohn: ] 
Where do you see Notre Dame seeded in the NCAA tourney if they at least win their first game in the Big East tourney (assuming they don't win it) and where do you see them seeded if they lose their first Big East tourney game in a close contest?
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:40 John
1:41
sbtnoie: 
John:

At the least, Notre Dame would be a 6-7 if the Irish lost Thursday, maybe a 5-6 if they won. But so much more basketball has to be played, it's hard to say.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:41 sbtnoie
1:45
sbtnoie: 
Thanks for staying with us everyone - might be our last chat of the year. I'll likely be traveling or have NCAA tournament duties to tend to a week from today. Maybe we'll have one to wrap the season and another or two during the summer.

I appreciate all the questions and comments - if you have one that wasn't asked, you can always drop an email at tnoie@schurz.com" target="_blank" >tnoie@schurz.com. Have a great rest of the week. Take care.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:45 sbtnoie
1:46
 

 
 
 



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(03/07/2012) 
11:50
sbtnoie: 
The long journey is over and the best time of the college basketball season is here - Big East Championship week, live from midtown Manhattan.

Unfortunately, Notre Dame will have to wait a while before experiencing all that is Madison Square Garden. The Irish will be the final team to begin play at the Big East Championship when they tip around 9 p.m. - probably closer to 9:30 - on Thursday against either South Florida or Villanova.

Notre Dame has been in New York since Monday evening preparing for what it hopes will be an extended stay in a tournament the Irish were 20 minutes away from advancing to the championship game for the first time in school history last year.

Can the Irish find their Midtown Magic? What does next week hold in the NCAA tournament? Time to talk Irish hoops. Just include your name and hometown and away we go........
Wednesday March 7, 2012 11:50 sbtnoie
11:55
[Comment From johnjohn: ] 
What's your prediction for ND's men's team in both the Big East & NCAA tournament?
Wednesday March 7, 2012 11:55 john
11:59
sbtnoie: 
John:

I'll take the NCAA tournament first since it's easier to dissect - simply too early to tell. Can't say how the Irish will do until you see how the bracket shapes up. But if you're a Notre Dame fan, you want no part of seeing a Wichita State or Long Beach State near Notre Dame in the bracket.

As for the Big East Championship this week, Notre Dame should win Thursday's quartefinal game against South Florida or Villanova. If the seedings hold true and Marquette is the semifinal opponent, man, that's going to be tough.

Notre Dame will have to shoot it extremely well to advance beyond Marquette. jae Crowder was my vote for league player of the year - he made a late push like Ben Hansbrough did last year to win the award.

I know Notre Dame beat Marquette this year, but the Irish had the luxury of leaning on the homecourt atmosphere of Purcell Pavilion. To do it again on a neutral floor might be a reach - unless the Irish can hit shots and Jack Cooley has a big game.

But Marquette is really good.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 11:59 sbtnoie
12:12
[Comment From Brian (Chicago)Brian (Chicago): ] 
Tom, So does the long layoff help, hurt, or does not do anything for the Irish? Is the game at 8:30 tomorrow?
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:12 Brian (Chicago)
12:14
sbtnoie: 
Brian:

I think a little bit of both. It's been a grind the last month - a lot of games, a lot of travel, a lot of pressure. This is the longest layoff for Notre Dame since the start of league play. That can help.

But it can also hurt, especially playing a team in either USF or Villanova that will have already played a game at the Garden.

Thursday's game isn't expected to start before 9:30 p.m. eastern time, so get a nap in. it will be a late night with the Irish.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:14 sbtnoie
12:14
[Comment From Tim, NYCTim, NYC: ] 
It's good to have you all in town again. As to the ND players, sitting throughout the week cannot be too comfortable from a playing perspective, and maybe too comfortable to produce academically. Can you explain how the boys stay connected to their studies, and can the 'away' experience, with isolation from their SB haunts and friends, actually be better for online class attendance than worse? atmosphere better or worse
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:14 Tim, NYC
12:16
sbtnoie: 
Tim:

They do have classwork to attend to during the down time. The Irish arrived Monday night but still have to keep up with the studies before Spring Break. Not too long ago, Notre Dame was in New York for the Big East Championship during midterms and Pat Holmes, the team's academic advisor, was giving tests before and after practices.

The studies don't slide just because they're away from campus. Maybe at other schools it would, but not at Notre Dame.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:16 sbtnoie
12:19
[Comment From Brian (Chicago)Brian (Chicago): ] 
Just curious...are you in MSG right now watching UCONN? What's the atmosphere in NY like for the BE tourney?
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:19 Brian (Chicago)
12:21
sbtnoie: 
Brian:

Nope. Back in my hotel, which is right around the corner from the Garden - a little quieter and less hectic.

There's no better place to hold a college basketball tournament than the Garden - guys standing blocks away asking if you need tickets, the buzz of all the fans getting out of cabs on Seventh Avenue or coming up from the trains at Penn Station.

It would be hard to imagine the Big East Championship not at MSG. And a sunny, 60-degree day also helps.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:21 sbtnoie
12:23
sbtnoie: 
OK, now that Peyton Manning has said his tearful good-bye to Indianapolis, let's talk hoops. It's OK - football can wait.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:23 sbtnoie
12:27
[Comment From Brian (Chicago)Brian (Chicago): ] 
Exactly Tom. Best few weeks of the year are here. Has Brey considered starting Drago instead of Pat C because of the hot hand or does he wanna keep the lineup the same and bring in Drago as the 6th man? Does it really matter anyway? Both can shoot the ball if hot.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:27 Brian (Chicago)
12:30
sbtnoie: 
Brian:

Mike Brey said after the Providence game that he would consider starting Alex Dragicevich in place of Pat Connaughton, who has struggled since going for 21 points on seven 3s in the overtime win against Villanova.

Brey then backed off that stance when he met the media on Sunday back in South Bend. He thinks it's best the starting lineup stays - and it's hard to disagree. Notre Dame is 10-2 with Connaughton as the starter.

Doesn't really matter who starts and who comes in off the bench. The bottom line is that Notre Dame needs something out of Connaughton and/or Dragicevich. When one is dialed in, the Irish are good. WHen botha re going, they're really good.

But having both go cold is a recipe for disappointment. When they're off, that means opposing defenses can smother Eric Atkins and Jerian Grant.

Look for more about Dragicevich, and his conversations with former Irish guard Colin Falls, in Thursday's South Bend Tribune (sorry for the self-promotion).
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:30 sbtnoie
12:33
[Comment From Andy-Glendale Heights, ILAndy-Glendale Heights, IL: ] 
Tom, do you think this team is set up to be successful on short rest? I know that Cooley has had some issues with stamina, and while it seems it's less of an issue in single games the Sat-Monday turn arounds looked tough for him. How about back to back this week and one day next week. I know the kids are 18-22 and in great shape, but sometimes that doesn't matter if you get matched up with a team that has more athletes and makes it tougher with short rest. Thoughts?
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:33 Andy-Glendale Heights, IL
12:34
sbtnoie: 
Andy:

The rest can do these guys some good, but as Mike Brey said last night, they also need to play. Six days is a long time between games.

If Note Dame gets South Florida, the pace won't be an issue - first team to 50 might win. But if Notre Dame wins and gets Marquette on Friday - better make sure the burn offense is in full flame. Marquette will want to get it in the 80s.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:34 sbtnoie
12:35
[Comment From Andy-Glendale Heights, ILAndy-Glendale Heights, IL: ] 
Since we're on Dragicevich, he seems to struggle figuring out that he's not a guy that should put the ball on the floor and go to the basket. Do you think he'll be working on a pull up jumper from mid range instead of trying to get to the basket? It seems as though it always ends in a turnover or blocked shot and rarely a trip to the free throw line or a score. I like a lot of what he does but watching him try to drive makes my brain hurt.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:35 Andy-Glendale Heights, IL
12:36
sbtnoie: 
Andy:

You'll have that answer in Thursday's SBT. Short version - he tends to over-think the game instead of just playing. If he has an open shot, take it. Don't make the game so hard.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:36 sbtnoie
12:37
[Comment From Andy-Glendale Heights, ILAndy-Glendale Heights, IL: ] 
Tom, I'm referring more to the Semi Final game or the 2nd game in the NCAA if they happen to make both with limited rest.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:37 Andy-Glendale Heights, IL
12:37
sbtnoie: 
Andy:

No time to be tired then. It's simple - win or go home. That should offset any heavy legs.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:37 sbtnoie
12:37
[Comment From DavidDavid: ] 
Going to the game tomorrow. Hoping for a win. If we play SF, we are going to get their best shot. They need as many wins as possible to get in the NCAAs. Keys to me are having the Cooley we saw most of the BE save for Georgetown and getting someone to hit the perimeter shots. We were dreadful against St. John's, although I don't think SF has the same type of athletes as St. John's.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:37 David
12:39
sbtnoie: 
David:

True, but any game against team this time of year, it's important for Notre Dame to make shots. USF does lead the league in scoring defense for conference games, so getting something from Cooley inside to loosen everything else up is a must.

And it's time Notre Dame gets back to playing with the edge it had going into the Syracuse game when the Irish were 3-3 in the league. Once this team got to 10, 11, 12 wins, it seemed like they were playing to protect something (though no one admits it) instead of just going for it.

Let it fly Thursday - no use saving it worrying about getting a top-four finish or an NCAA tournament bid.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:39 sbtnoie
12:58
[Comment From Tim, NYCTim, NYC: ] 
Apart from whatever players do beneath and between the baskets, I’m often more impressed with what goes on between their ears. Brey often talks about how smart his guys are – presumably in comparison to their competitors – but fans cannot usually decipher between Abro and others because the players have limited mike time and then mumble a lot. Cooley, for example, is an interesting study. Coming into the season he was only an energy guy, with limited minutes due to (alleged) limited stamina, and an average achiever for his bulk and height. But with time to reflect by missing the Maryland game, he apparently decided that muscle wasn’t enough. Since computer gaming was too distracting, he chose cold turkey to give it up, and his performance spiked dramatically. After hitting the wall at Georgetown with his worst, he then rebounds with his best against Providence. In other words, he may not have the skills or finesse of a one and done, but his mental powers seem more potent than his physical ones. Is this a valid appraisal, or would Pat Holmes think differently?
Wednesday March 7, 2012 12:58 Tim, NYC
1:00
sbtnoie: 
Tim:

I'd say it's valid. There are other coaches who feel like they have to light up their players after a bad performance or a loss. Mike Brey often lets his guys polic themselves knowing that most of them are their own worst critics.

Two years ago, Brey may have had to say this or say that to Cooley. Not after Georgetown. Just turn him loose and see how he responds. I'd say he responded pretty well.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:00 sbtnoie
1:00
[Comment From Andy-Glendale Heights, ILAndy-Glendale Heights, IL: ] 
Also, this just in...Doug Gottlieb is still a moron. Just said ND's overall body of work was awful. Non Conference body of work, yes, awful, overall body pretty good.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:00 Andy-Glendale Heights, IL
1:04
sbtnoie: 
Andy:

I wouldn't put too much stock in what the national TV talking heads have to say. They're supposed to be on there because they know teh game, but do they really know the game?

Do they know what Notre Dame had to work through just to be good? How bad the Irish were against Missouri? The sickness that ran through the team the first six weeks of the season? How much the Abromaitis injury put this program back at Square One?

No, they simply see the stats on the paper - the losses to Georgia and Maryland and Indiana and Gonzaga and say, wow, Notre Dame's overall body of work is terrible.

yes, it is. But what was it about the program that allowed it to win nine straight games? To beat Syracuse? To beat Marquette. If the Doug Gottliebs of the world are going to say Notre Dame's overall body of work isn't good, you have to credit the Irish for making the most of its chances in the Big East.

But you won't hear that. Why? It's too easy to criticize instead of give credit.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:04 sbtnoie
1:05
[Comment From DavidDavid: ] 
Who is your favorite and darkhorse to win the BET? I'd say Syracuse (what a reach) but then UConn and Marquette are my "darkhorses". Hard to see UConn doing it five days straight again, but they have all the talent in the world and played Syracuse tough a couple of times.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:05 David
1:06
sbtnoie: 
I'd say Syracuse is the favorite with Marquette and Georgetown right there. Everything would have to break right for Notre Dame.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:06 sbtnoie
1:17
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
It can't be that it's both harder to win during the regular season on a Saturday-Monday turnaround and harder to win with a double bye in the BE tournament. Do you think there is anything to the belief that having a BET bye makes it harder to win or is it just a small sample size fluke?
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:17 Guest
1:19
sbtnoie: 
Guest:

It's hard to win with the double bye in the Big East Championship, in part because other teams already have their rhythm in having played a game or two. In Notre Dame's case, the Irish will have had six days off - six days off after playing two games a week for the last three months.

it's an adjustment, but if you're a good team, you work through it and get back to what you know - playing well, running your stuff and winning.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:19 sbtnoie
1:19
[Comment From DavidDavid: ] 
Regarding overall body of work, ND is an interesting study. Sch a different team than the one we saw in November and had to do it after losing its best player for the year. Detroit win looks good now, and Mississippi Valley State is still in line for a bid. I'd hope the committee rewards the turnaround--I don't want to see ND on the 8 or 9 seed line.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:19 David
1:21
sbtnoie: 
David:

It's hard to see Notre Dame slipping to the 8 or 9 line. I'd say a win Thursday and it's a 6 or 7. Two wins and maybe 4 or 5. The committee will have to keep in mind that as poorly as the Irish played in the non-league, it's still a team that finished third in the Big East.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:21 sbtnoie
1:21
[Comment From Tom, DCTom, DC: ] 
Prediction -- Pitt beats Gtown today. Pitt is last year's Uconn.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:21 Tom, DC
1:22
sbtnoie: 
Tom:

Good call. Watching Pittsburgh beat St. John's. Looked a lot better - Ashton Gibbs finally got his act together.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:22 sbtnoie
1:25
[Comment From PeterPeter: ] 
Hi Tom, Are the start times for the tournament games predetermined based on seeding or are they based on appealing to the TV audience? Thanks
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:25 Peter
1:34
sbtnoie: 
Starting times for the Big East Championship are set in stone before the season. TV audiences are now factor.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:34 sbtnoie
1:35
sbtnoie: 
Apologize if anyone is having connection troubles. Seems we're experiencing some technical difficulties. Bear with us
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:35 sbtnoie
1:35
[Comment From Joe, Wash, DCJoe, Wash, DC: ] 
Where to the boys practice while waiting, and how do they spend their time?
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:35 Joe, Wash, DC
1:36
sbtnoie: 
Joe:

They practice at John Jay College in Manhattan and spend their days catching up on school work and maybe watching a little hoops. But they're not hanging around MSG watching the tournament.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:36 sbtnoie
1:36
[Comment From Mike in MaineMike in Maine: ] 
Hypothesis: Mike Brey is one of the ten best REGULAR season college BB coaches in the country, as his teams consistently perform beyond expectations during the REGULAR season. Because he is unable to recruit and/or develop a deep bench, his teams consistently underperform and fail in postseason play, and almost certainly will follow that pattern this year. Your thoughts?
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:36 Mike in Maine
1:37
sbtnoie: 
Mike:

Seriously? I think you've been outdoors too much in the Maine winter. Come on in and warm up. Unable to recruit? Seriously? Wow.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:37 sbtnoie
1:37
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
It's unlikely for Abro to get a 6th year but what would you consider Martin's chances - to say he has a much better chance does that mean it's like a 10% chance or an 80% chance?
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:37 Guest
1:38
sbtnoie: 
Guest:

More like 55-45 Martin would return. His case is pretty solid - and it has to be documented so it's not like anyone's making it up. His father had a rare form of eye cancer and there were plenty of days when Martin, who was sitting out as a redshirt, would not practice so he could be with him.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:38 sbtnoie
1:38
[Comment From DanDan: ] 
If you have answered this already sorry, but how would there be room for either Martin and/or Abro to come back next year as there are 9 returning guys, Atkins, Grant, Cooley, Drag, Connaughton, Knight, Brooks, Broghammer, and Sherman, plus Katendra, plus 3 incoming freshmen. That makes 13?
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:38 Dan
1:40
sbtnoie: 
Dan:

Really, they need to make room for only one - likely Martin. It would be tough to see Abromaitis coming back, but you never know. If Martin does return, the odds are that Mike Broghammer would be placed on a medical scholarship because of his knees. Martin would get that scholarship.

There's still no definitive answer on Eric Katenda - he's looked good from all indications, but can he play 5-on-5 effectively? Don't know.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:40 sbtnoie
1:40
[Comment From JohnJohn: ] 
Where do you see Notre Dame seeded in the NCAA tourney if they at least win their first game in the Big East tourney (assuming they don't win it) and where do you see them seeded if they lose their first Big East tourney game in a close contest?
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:40 John
1:41
sbtnoie: 
John:

At the least, Notre Dame would be a 6-7 if the Irish lost Thursday, maybe a 5-6 if they won. But so much more basketball has to be played, it's hard to say.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:41 sbtnoie
1:45
sbtnoie: 
Thanks for staying with us everyone - might be our last chat of the year. I'll likely be traveling or have NCAA tournament duties to tend to a week from today. Maybe we'll have one to wrap the season and another or two during the summer.

I appreciate all the questions and comments - if you have one that wasn't asked, you can always drop an email at tnoie@schurz.com" target="_blank" >tnoie@schurz.com. Have a great rest of the week. Take care.
Wednesday March 7, 2012 1:45 sbtnoie
1:46
 

 
 
 





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