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Chat Transcript: Talk Notre Dame basketball with Tom Noie

1:43 pm, February 29, 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(02/29/2012) 
12:00
sbtnoie: 
For nearly six weeks, no team in the Big East was as good as Notre Dame. The Irish beat the No. 1 team in the nation to hand Syracuse its first loss. The Irish won four straight league games on the road. They won at home. They ripped off nine wins to bust down the door back to the NCAA tournament.

Then their last Saturday-Monday league swing arrived, and all those good feeling flew away. Consecutive losses to St. John's and Georgetown rekindled the hand-wringing over Notre Dame.

The Irish had peaked too soon, some said.

The Irish were too tired, others cried.

The Irish are back to mere mortals, it seemed.

Really, it's nothing a little home cooking and some good practice reps cannot cure heading into Friday's season finale and home game against Providence.

Win and Notre Dame secures a double-bye in the Big East Championship a second consecutive season. Win and the Irish finish with 13 league wins - maybe more than half of what everyone - E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E had feared when Tim Abromaitis suffered his season-ending knee injury.

The Irish haven't been good the last two games, but it can get better.

To participate in our final regular-season chat of the year (we'll be live from New York next week), simply include your name and hometown with your comment.

Let's go....

Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:00 sbtnoie
12:02
[Comment From Patrick (Rochester, NY)Patrick (Rochester, NY): ] 
I’ve watched every Big East game this year and a fair number of non-conference ones as well, and it seems like Notre Dame’s achilles heel still seems to be teams with blinding athleticism with the ability to drive to the rim through traffic. The Irish appear seem to be a slow team and remain on their heels when facing teams with such athletic ability. Missouri, St. John’s, and Villanova all come to mind – I’d add Syracuse, but the Irish did such a good job executing in that game that I’ll leave them out for now, but if they faced them at the Garden it’d be lights out. Am I right in making this assessment that teams like these are Notre Dame’s worst nightmare?
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:02 Patrick (Rochester, NY)
12:05
sbtnoie: 
Patrick:

You are 100 percent correct. Teams with athleticism and quickness and length are the WORST type of matchup for Notre Dame, but that's not to say the Irish have no chance against those teams.

Look at the Syracuse game. Or Marquette. Connecticut.

For Notre Dame to have a chance against long, athletic, speed teams, the Irish have to execute to near-perfection. Mike Brey said this morning in his press conference that games are so fragile for his team - everything has to fall into place, and that includes shots.

It really is simple - when the shots fall and the execution is good and all six main guys are plugged in. When something is off, so too are the Irish and it makes it that much more difficult to have success.

Everything has to be right for them. For nine games over six weeks, everything was. When it wasn't, you're left with two losses in 48 hours.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:05 sbtnoie
12:10
[Comment From Patrick (Rochester, NY)Patrick (Rochester, NY): ] 
Thanks for the response, Tom, or Tim, or whatever they're calling you these days on press row.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:10 Patrick (Rochester, NY)
12:11
sbtnoie: 
Patrick:

Ha! Good one...been covering games at Georgetown for 14 years on the beat. You'd figure they'd get the name. Fellow scribe Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune and I had some fun with it, so it's all good.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:11 sbtnoie
12:19
[Comment From DaleDale: ] 
I remember Harangody having a couple games like Cooley had Monday but he always came back strong. How will Jack match up with Providence?
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:19 Dale
12:20
sbtnoie: 
Dale:

I'd expect another double-double for Cooley, regardless of what the matchup might be. Cooley's the first to admit he didn't play well the other night, and he'll do everything he can to make sure it doesn't happen again - especially at home and especially in a game the Irish have to win.

We'll see the usual Jack Cooley on Friday. The other night might has been his evil, lackadaisical twin brother.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:20 sbtnoie
12:24
[Comment From mountaneerman Georgemountaneerman George: ] 
If Proviince is as good as they were last night against Conn then ND will loose thier 3rd straight I dont want that to happen
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:24 mountaneerman George
12:26
sbtnoie: 
George:

Providence is pretty good, given that the Friars have really nothing to play for and can go out and wing it without feeling the pressure that the Irish might feel on Friday.

The Friars hav ea really good guard in Vincent Council who leads the league in assists. They also have some talented freshmen who can get on scoring runs as quickly and and as well as anyone in the country.

That's what concerns Mike Brey - they play better when they're down. They start firing up shots and pretty soon, they're back in the game. They were down 14 Tuesday to Connecticut and came back. They should have beaten West Virginia and were up 30-plus over Louisville.

But ah, all that has unfolded on the friendly floor of the Dunkin Donuts Center. Let's see what happens on the road.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:26 sbtnoie
12:26
[Comment From Patrick (Rochester, NY)Patrick (Rochester, NY): ] 
For the love god, I hope he didn't pull out those video games again...
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:26 Patrick (Rochester, NY)
12:27
sbtnoie: 
Patrick:

The only videos Jack Cooley is watching likely have to do with what he didn't do against Georgetown. He'll be fine.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:27 sbtnoie
12:27
[Comment From DaleDale: ] 
By all accounts Joey Brooks is a great kid. But this isn't Little League and tough decisions have to be made. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't see room for him next year and. if that's the case, what options does Coach have to make the best of a negative situation?
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:27 Dale
12:31
sbtnoie: 
Dale:

When you build a roster - be it in basketball, football, whatever - you can't load it up with the same type of guys. You need a guy here or there who maybe isn't talented enough to crack the rotation as a major-minute guy but is still valuable and very-much needed in your locker room to keep preaching the message.

Joey Brooks is that guy. You won't meet a more likable kid. Each time I've talked with him, he's addressed questions with a certain thoughtfulness, maturity and calm you can't find from kids on many rosters in the Big East.

Joey Brooks may not play much as a senior, but Joey Brooks is on schedule to graduate with a Notre Dame degree. If you're thinking Mike Brey might want to take something like that away so he could use the scholarship elsewhere, keep dreaming.

Every team needs a guy like Joey Brooks - maybe not to play big minutes but to keep it all in perspective and keep preaching the message.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:31 sbtnoie
12:31
[Comment From Doug, South bendDoug, South bend: ] 
What is your take on Boeheim's comments on the double byes? Last year only ND won in BE tournament from teams with double bye.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:31 Doug, South bend
12:35
sbtnoie: 
Doug:

The Big East Championship is a terrible format bu at this point, there are no other options. Have to make the best of a bad situation.

Think about this in terms of the double-bye - say Notre Dame wins Friday and earns a top-four finish. Marquette beats Georgetown on Saturday to give Notre Dame the No. 3 seed.

Notre Dame then opens the tournament playing at approximately 9:30 or so on Thursday. The Irish will have been in town since Monday. By the time the Notre Dame game actually tips, only five - FIVE - of the league's 16 teams still will be playing. That's whacked.

Double-byes wreck the rhythm of any team that gets one. That's why there are upsets in New York. One team has already played a game, the other, as would be the case for Notre Dame, would be playing for the first time after six days off.

Tough racket.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:35 sbtnoie
12:35
[Comment From Larry.....Peoria, Il.Larry.....Peoria, Il.: ] 
Tom.......7 of 48 from behind the 3 pt. line the past two games. Many of those were open shots but seemed launched further out than usual. Was the reason good defense, just cold shooting that was contagious among our players, or not being able to adjust to the visiting team's arena ? Or maybe a little of all three eh Tom ?
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:35 Larry.....Peoria, Il.
12:37
sbtnoie: 
Larry:

The arena has nothing to do with it. They were good shots, quality shots. They just didn't fall. Those were the same shots from the same spots that fell in games at Seton Hall, at Connecticut, at Villanova and at West Virginia.

Now, a lot of it had to do with the defenses the Irish faced. No team has gotten that into Notre Dame since the Missouri game. The Irish can combat that by hitting shots. But when the shots don't fall, there are going to be some looooooong nights.

Haven't had one of those since Rutgers, and before that Cincinnati.

But again, every team in the league sans Syracuse is going to go through a slide like the one Notre Dame is in. Few teams are going to do it after running off nine-straight wins.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:37 sbtnoie
12:38
[Comment From DaleDale: ] 
I would never suggest taking a scholarship away from a student and know Coach would never do such a thing. I was just wondering if there were options. Glad to here he's such a good kid. Just wish he would "hyper down" a little. :)
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:38 Dale
12:39
sbtnoie: 
Dale:

Joey Brooks is a Class-A kid who just hasn't figured out how to best fit in. It would be defensively, but on a team that's challenged so much to score, it's hard to have him on the floor. If he was part of a group that could get buckets in bunches, it would be easier to play him.

But when the Irish are having such a tough time scoring, it's difficult to have a non-scorer on the floor.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:39 sbtnoie
12:41
[Comment From DaleDale: ] 
Last year Hansbrough was characterized as a gym rat and would work out his slumps in the gym. Is there anyone like that this year?
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:41 Dale
12:42
sbtnoie: 
Dale:

Nope, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. The Ben Hansbrough types rarely come along. He was wound a little different. This group is a little more grounded.

That said, Notre Dame is practicing twice today to clean up some of the slippage of the last two games.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:42 sbtnoie
12:42
[Comment From Doug, South bendDoug, South bend: ] 
Bigger key to future success.....Guard play improves their shooting or guard play improves their assist to turnover ratio?
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:42 Doug, South bend
12:44
sbtnoie: 
Doug:

Normally it would be the assist/turnover ratio but with the Irish being so challenged lately to score, I'd say improve their shooting. Atkins and Grant aren't going to be overly sloppy with their handles to the point where Notre Dame doesn't have a chance to win. But if they don't score, man, that puts a whole lot of pressure on Jack Cooley.

If the guards can be better with their shot, everything else falls in line.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:44 sbtnoie
12:45
[Comment From Larry.....Peoria, Il.Larry.....Peoria, Il.: ] 
Do you think that Cooley has the green light to shoot when the defense leaves him alone with the ball from 15 feet out ? He's a good free throw shooter so I have to believe that he could hit those shots in live action too. Plus, if he did hit a few, the defense would have to come out and meet him, leaving the backdoor open. What do you think Tom ?
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:45 Larry.....Peoria, Il.
12:47
sbtnoie: 
Larry:

Yes, he does have the green light to take that 15-foot- foul-line extended jumper, but he's still growing into that role, sort of along the lines of Alex Dragicevich understanding that if he has an open shot, take it. Don't try to drive it into trouble as Dragicevich has done the last two games - just pull up and drill it.

For Cooley, that's all part of becoming a main guy. It wasn't OK for him to take that shot the first two years. It's OK now. So do it.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:47 sbtnoie
12:48
[Comment From DaleDale: ] 
Shooting droughts happen and are understandable. Coming up short on the 50/50s - not so much. Are there stats on that? Does ND do better than I think they do?
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:48 Dale
12:50
sbtnoie: 
Dale:

Tracking down the loose balls, or the 50-50 balls is not official stat. I'm sure Notre Dame keeps track of that on the bench or during film study, but that's also an area that can be better.

Notre Dame tracked down the loose balls like a loose group that had won nine in a row - almost like, OK, if we get to it, great. If not, let's get back home and get healthy against Providence.

Again, though, St. John's and Georgetown played really well, which forces the other team to look like they're slow and sluggish and disinterested.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:50 sbtnoie
12:54
[Comment From DaleDale: ] 
Thanks for helping to keep things real. Looking forward to a big finish Friday as well as seeing AD. Should be another great night in a great season.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:54 Dale
12:54
sbtnoie: 
Dale:

Think it will be a sellout and the students will pack......oh, never mind.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:54 sbtnoie
12:55
[Comment From BrooksFan ChicagoBrooksFan Chicago: ] 
Since it is Adrian Dantley night Friday, perhaps Cooley should be shown some game film of 44 in action. Any game. Any little bit of that that could rub off would be huge.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:55 BrooksFan Chicago
12:56
sbtnoie: 
BFC:

Yes it would. And no way - NONE - should Adrian Dantley be the third person inducted into the Ring of Honor. Only Austin Carr was better. Only. Carr.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:56 sbtnoie
12:56
[Comment From Anno L.SagyawanAnno L.Sagyawan: ] 
i want sports
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:56 Anno L.Sagyawan
12:56
sbtnoie: 
Anno:

I want my MTV! Sorry, had an 80s flashback there.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:56 sbtnoie
12:58
[Comment From Tom from Skokie, ILTom from Skokie, IL: ] 
In addition to the ordinary response about a "bad game," and your belief in his assurances that it won't happen again, is there something mechanical (technique), or physical (too bruised), or psychological that may explain Cooley's Georgetown game. It seems to be entirely out of character, and shouldn't we be concerned that other teams will look at the GT tapes and try to do it again?
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:58 Tom from Skokie, IL
1:01
sbtnoie: 
Tom:

No, because if there was something psychologically wrong with Cooley, how would other teams know it? Jack Cooley is one of the straightest shooters from a media interview on this team. Maybe the straightest. If there had been something wrong about his game or his approach or anything else, he would have said something.

He was just as perplexed afterward as Irish fans. Couldn't explain why what had happened did happen. It's just one of those games for him.

Look back on what he's done this season - 11 double-doubles, 10 in the league. Should be an all-league guy and the most improved player. Hard to expect him not to have a bad game. Everyone has them.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:01 sbtnoie
1:02
[Comment From JACKJACK: ] 
HI TOM--was at msg saturday, and saw on either the 8 or 12 minute media timeout, a players only meeting in which scott martin seemed to be doing most of the talking. mike brey and assistants were watching the guy from stands shott hald court shot. since we see commercials during these timeouts, has that happened before, and do you know what scott martin was saying. it seemed to me he (and brey during the game) was looking for more internsity and attention to detail(ie the cannuaghton foul with 10 second on shot clock 25 feet from basket was inexcusable)
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:02 JACK
1:03
sbtnoie: 
Jack:

Mike Brey does this routinely with his teams - he gives them the chance to "figure it out amongst themselves" on occasion. Treats them like men and doesn't try to over-analyze every little nuance in the game.

Knowing Scott Martin, he likely was talking about being better in this area or that area, of tightening up some of the stuff he saw sliding.

And as poorly as the Irish shot it and defended, they were one stop and one shot away from the win. Not bad.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:03 sbtnoie
1:09
[Comment From JACKJACK: ] 
thanks--i agree but perhaps its for the long term better, as we have gotten away with poor first halves, and i think the SJU can be atimely wake up call. one more thing--is it me or it just seems pat conaughton isn't setting his feet and rushing some of his threes ever since villanova. virtually all 31 3 attempts were good looks in my opinion
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:09 JACK
1:10
sbtnoie: 
Jack:

There may be a handful that Connaughton has rushed - one that was blocked in the St. John's game immediately comes to mind - but for the most part, man, those are some awfully clean and open and good looks.

I wish I could get half that many in our open gyms. I'd be knocking down shots all night.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:10 sbtnoie
1:15
[Comment From Tom from Skokie, ILTom from Skokie, IL: ] 
Do different teams of referees call different games at different places by different rules? Although replays have now begun to make foul-calling more uniform, a tv viewer can see plenty of pushing and shoving occurring away from the ball - particularly among the bigs. So are there unwritten general rules that are applied differently when the game is called by refs from different conferences (NCAA tourney), or refs from the same conference who are more lenient to the home team rather than visitors?
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:15 Tom from Skokie, IL
1:15
sbtnoie: 
Tom:

Absolutely. Some crews let everything go, some crews call everything. Just depends on which way the wind is blowing. And it's never the same three guys - it's a combination of three that makes up a crew.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:15 sbtnoie
1:15
[Comment From Doug, South bendDoug, South bend: ] 
Is there any chance Abromaitis suits up and gets an honorary start Friday on senior night? Chances are so slim for a return, a corner three on first possession would be a real treat for Tim and Irish fans toc
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:15 Doug, South bend
1:16
sbtnoie: 
Doug:

Not a chance. Mike Brey said this morning that Abromaitis will dress in his Irish warm-ups but he's not far enough along in his rehabilitation to participate in pre-game drills or layup lines.

Abromaitis has applied for a sixth year but everyone inside the program is treating this as the last time he'll be in an Irish warmup.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:16 sbtnoie
1:20
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
Hey Tom, my problem with the SJ game is the fact that Jack was having his way down low and got way too few touches. I know Mike likes to let them flow but I think at some point he should have demanded they get the ball inside.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:20 Guest
1:22
sbtnoie: 
Guest:

It's a tricky balance - do you pass on open shots to make the extra pass? Do you tell your guards to stop driving to throw it down low? Mike Brey still believes that Jack Cooley's best offense can be a rebound. It's not going to be a throw the ball into the guy in the post type offense.

Notre Dame did score like 40 points in the paint. Again, if the Irish make the defensive stop with one second on the shot clock that final possession, the Irish probably win game No. 10 in a row.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:22 sbtnoie
1:30
sbtnoie: 
I apologize that I have to cut today's chat a little short - duty calls (writing my Thursday notebook) before I have to head over to hoops practice this afternoon.

If you have a question or comment that needs to be addressed, drop me a note at tnoie@schurz.com" target="_blank" >tnoie@schurz.com.

Let's do it again next week from New York - a special Big East Championship hoops chat. Thanks. Take care.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:30 sbtnoie
1:30
 

 
 
 



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(02/29/2012) 
12:00
sbtnoie: 
For nearly six weeks, no team in the Big East was as good as Notre Dame. The Irish beat the No. 1 team in the nation to hand Syracuse its first loss. The Irish won four straight league games on the road. They won at home. They ripped off nine wins to bust down the door back to the NCAA tournament.

Then their last Saturday-Monday league swing arrived, and all those good feeling flew away. Consecutive losses to St. John's and Georgetown rekindled the hand-wringing over Notre Dame.

The Irish had peaked too soon, some said.

The Irish were too tired, others cried.

The Irish are back to mere mortals, it seemed.

Really, it's nothing a little home cooking and some good practice reps cannot cure heading into Friday's season finale and home game against Providence.

Win and Notre Dame secures a double-bye in the Big East Championship a second consecutive season. Win and the Irish finish with 13 league wins - maybe more than half of what everyone - E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E had feared when Tim Abromaitis suffered his season-ending knee injury.

The Irish haven't been good the last two games, but it can get better.

To participate in our final regular-season chat of the year (we'll be live from New York next week), simply include your name and hometown with your comment.

Let's go....

Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:00 sbtnoie
12:02
[Comment From Patrick (Rochester, NY)Patrick (Rochester, NY): ] 
I’ve watched every Big East game this year and a fair number of non-conference ones as well, and it seems like Notre Dame’s achilles heel still seems to be teams with blinding athleticism with the ability to drive to the rim through traffic. The Irish appear seem to be a slow team and remain on their heels when facing teams with such athletic ability. Missouri, St. John’s, and Villanova all come to mind – I’d add Syracuse, but the Irish did such a good job executing in that game that I’ll leave them out for now, but if they faced them at the Garden it’d be lights out. Am I right in making this assessment that teams like these are Notre Dame’s worst nightmare?
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:02 Patrick (Rochester, NY)
12:05
sbtnoie: 
Patrick:

You are 100 percent correct. Teams with athleticism and quickness and length are the WORST type of matchup for Notre Dame, but that's not to say the Irish have no chance against those teams.

Look at the Syracuse game. Or Marquette. Connecticut.

For Notre Dame to have a chance against long, athletic, speed teams, the Irish have to execute to near-perfection. Mike Brey said this morning in his press conference that games are so fragile for his team - everything has to fall into place, and that includes shots.

It really is simple - when the shots fall and the execution is good and all six main guys are plugged in. When something is off, so too are the Irish and it makes it that much more difficult to have success.

Everything has to be right for them. For nine games over six weeks, everything was. When it wasn't, you're left with two losses in 48 hours.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:05 sbtnoie
12:10
[Comment From Patrick (Rochester, NY)Patrick (Rochester, NY): ] 
Thanks for the response, Tom, or Tim, or whatever they're calling you these days on press row.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:10 Patrick (Rochester, NY)
12:11
sbtnoie: 
Patrick:

Ha! Good one...been covering games at Georgetown for 14 years on the beat. You'd figure they'd get the name. Fellow scribe Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune and I had some fun with it, so it's all good.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:11 sbtnoie
12:19
[Comment From DaleDale: ] 
I remember Harangody having a couple games like Cooley had Monday but he always came back strong. How will Jack match up with Providence?
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:19 Dale
12:20
sbtnoie: 
Dale:

I'd expect another double-double for Cooley, regardless of what the matchup might be. Cooley's the first to admit he didn't play well the other night, and he'll do everything he can to make sure it doesn't happen again - especially at home and especially in a game the Irish have to win.

We'll see the usual Jack Cooley on Friday. The other night might has been his evil, lackadaisical twin brother.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:20 sbtnoie
12:24
[Comment From mountaneerman Georgemountaneerman George: ] 
If Proviince is as good as they were last night against Conn then ND will loose thier 3rd straight I dont want that to happen
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:24 mountaneerman George
12:26
sbtnoie: 
George:

Providence is pretty good, given that the Friars have really nothing to play for and can go out and wing it without feeling the pressure that the Irish might feel on Friday.

The Friars hav ea really good guard in Vincent Council who leads the league in assists. They also have some talented freshmen who can get on scoring runs as quickly and and as well as anyone in the country.

That's what concerns Mike Brey - they play better when they're down. They start firing up shots and pretty soon, they're back in the game. They were down 14 Tuesday to Connecticut and came back. They should have beaten West Virginia and were up 30-plus over Louisville.

But ah, all that has unfolded on the friendly floor of the Dunkin Donuts Center. Let's see what happens on the road.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:26 sbtnoie
12:26
[Comment From Patrick (Rochester, NY)Patrick (Rochester, NY): ] 
For the love god, I hope he didn't pull out those video games again...
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:26 Patrick (Rochester, NY)
12:27
sbtnoie: 
Patrick:

The only videos Jack Cooley is watching likely have to do with what he didn't do against Georgetown. He'll be fine.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:27 sbtnoie
12:27
[Comment From DaleDale: ] 
By all accounts Joey Brooks is a great kid. But this isn't Little League and tough decisions have to be made. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't see room for him next year and. if that's the case, what options does Coach have to make the best of a negative situation?
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:27 Dale
12:31
sbtnoie: 
Dale:

When you build a roster - be it in basketball, football, whatever - you can't load it up with the same type of guys. You need a guy here or there who maybe isn't talented enough to crack the rotation as a major-minute guy but is still valuable and very-much needed in your locker room to keep preaching the message.

Joey Brooks is that guy. You won't meet a more likable kid. Each time I've talked with him, he's addressed questions with a certain thoughtfulness, maturity and calm you can't find from kids on many rosters in the Big East.

Joey Brooks may not play much as a senior, but Joey Brooks is on schedule to graduate with a Notre Dame degree. If you're thinking Mike Brey might want to take something like that away so he could use the scholarship elsewhere, keep dreaming.

Every team needs a guy like Joey Brooks - maybe not to play big minutes but to keep it all in perspective and keep preaching the message.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:31 sbtnoie
12:31
[Comment From Doug, South bendDoug, South bend: ] 
What is your take on Boeheim's comments on the double byes? Last year only ND won in BE tournament from teams with double bye.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:31 Doug, South bend
12:35
sbtnoie: 
Doug:

The Big East Championship is a terrible format bu at this point, there are no other options. Have to make the best of a bad situation.

Think about this in terms of the double-bye - say Notre Dame wins Friday and earns a top-four finish. Marquette beats Georgetown on Saturday to give Notre Dame the No. 3 seed.

Notre Dame then opens the tournament playing at approximately 9:30 or so on Thursday. The Irish will have been in town since Monday. By the time the Notre Dame game actually tips, only five - FIVE - of the league's 16 teams still will be playing. That's whacked.

Double-byes wreck the rhythm of any team that gets one. That's why there are upsets in New York. One team has already played a game, the other, as would be the case for Notre Dame, would be playing for the first time after six days off.

Tough racket.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:35 sbtnoie
12:35
[Comment From Larry.....Peoria, Il.Larry.....Peoria, Il.: ] 
Tom.......7 of 48 from behind the 3 pt. line the past two games. Many of those were open shots but seemed launched further out than usual. Was the reason good defense, just cold shooting that was contagious among our players, or not being able to adjust to the visiting team's arena ? Or maybe a little of all three eh Tom ?
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:35 Larry.....Peoria, Il.
12:37
sbtnoie: 
Larry:

The arena has nothing to do with it. They were good shots, quality shots. They just didn't fall. Those were the same shots from the same spots that fell in games at Seton Hall, at Connecticut, at Villanova and at West Virginia.

Now, a lot of it had to do with the defenses the Irish faced. No team has gotten that into Notre Dame since the Missouri game. The Irish can combat that by hitting shots. But when the shots don't fall, there are going to be some looooooong nights.

Haven't had one of those since Rutgers, and before that Cincinnati.

But again, every team in the league sans Syracuse is going to go through a slide like the one Notre Dame is in. Few teams are going to do it after running off nine-straight wins.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:37 sbtnoie
12:38
[Comment From DaleDale: ] 
I would never suggest taking a scholarship away from a student and know Coach would never do such a thing. I was just wondering if there were options. Glad to here he's such a good kid. Just wish he would "hyper down" a little. :)
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:38 Dale
12:39
sbtnoie: 
Dale:

Joey Brooks is a Class-A kid who just hasn't figured out how to best fit in. It would be defensively, but on a team that's challenged so much to score, it's hard to have him on the floor. If he was part of a group that could get buckets in bunches, it would be easier to play him.

But when the Irish are having such a tough time scoring, it's difficult to have a non-scorer on the floor.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:39 sbtnoie
12:41
[Comment From DaleDale: ] 
Last year Hansbrough was characterized as a gym rat and would work out his slumps in the gym. Is there anyone like that this year?
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:41 Dale
12:42
sbtnoie: 
Dale:

Nope, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. The Ben Hansbrough types rarely come along. He was wound a little different. This group is a little more grounded.

That said, Notre Dame is practicing twice today to clean up some of the slippage of the last two games.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:42 sbtnoie
12:42
[Comment From Doug, South bendDoug, South bend: ] 
Bigger key to future success.....Guard play improves their shooting or guard play improves their assist to turnover ratio?
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:42 Doug, South bend
12:44
sbtnoie: 
Doug:

Normally it would be the assist/turnover ratio but with the Irish being so challenged lately to score, I'd say improve their shooting. Atkins and Grant aren't going to be overly sloppy with their handles to the point where Notre Dame doesn't have a chance to win. But if they don't score, man, that puts a whole lot of pressure on Jack Cooley.

If the guards can be better with their shot, everything else falls in line.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:44 sbtnoie
12:45
[Comment From Larry.....Peoria, Il.Larry.....Peoria, Il.: ] 
Do you think that Cooley has the green light to shoot when the defense leaves him alone with the ball from 15 feet out ? He's a good free throw shooter so I have to believe that he could hit those shots in live action too. Plus, if he did hit a few, the defense would have to come out and meet him, leaving the backdoor open. What do you think Tom ?
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:45 Larry.....Peoria, Il.
12:47
sbtnoie: 
Larry:

Yes, he does have the green light to take that 15-foot- foul-line extended jumper, but he's still growing into that role, sort of along the lines of Alex Dragicevich understanding that if he has an open shot, take it. Don't try to drive it into trouble as Dragicevich has done the last two games - just pull up and drill it.

For Cooley, that's all part of becoming a main guy. It wasn't OK for him to take that shot the first two years. It's OK now. So do it.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:47 sbtnoie
12:48
[Comment From DaleDale: ] 
Shooting droughts happen and are understandable. Coming up short on the 50/50s - not so much. Are there stats on that? Does ND do better than I think they do?
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:48 Dale
12:50
sbtnoie: 
Dale:

Tracking down the loose balls, or the 50-50 balls is not official stat. I'm sure Notre Dame keeps track of that on the bench or during film study, but that's also an area that can be better.

Notre Dame tracked down the loose balls like a loose group that had won nine in a row - almost like, OK, if we get to it, great. If not, let's get back home and get healthy against Providence.

Again, though, St. John's and Georgetown played really well, which forces the other team to look like they're slow and sluggish and disinterested.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:50 sbtnoie
12:54
[Comment From DaleDale: ] 
Thanks for helping to keep things real. Looking forward to a big finish Friday as well as seeing AD. Should be another great night in a great season.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:54 Dale
12:54
sbtnoie: 
Dale:

Think it will be a sellout and the students will pack......oh, never mind.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:54 sbtnoie
12:55
[Comment From BrooksFan ChicagoBrooksFan Chicago: ] 
Since it is Adrian Dantley night Friday, perhaps Cooley should be shown some game film of 44 in action. Any game. Any little bit of that that could rub off would be huge.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:55 BrooksFan Chicago
12:56
sbtnoie: 
BFC:

Yes it would. And no way - NONE - should Adrian Dantley be the third person inducted into the Ring of Honor. Only Austin Carr was better. Only. Carr.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:56 sbtnoie
12:56
[Comment From Anno L.SagyawanAnno L.Sagyawan: ] 
i want sports
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:56 Anno L.Sagyawan
12:56
sbtnoie: 
Anno:

I want my MTV! Sorry, had an 80s flashback there.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:56 sbtnoie
12:58
[Comment From Tom from Skokie, ILTom from Skokie, IL: ] 
In addition to the ordinary response about a "bad game," and your belief in his assurances that it won't happen again, is there something mechanical (technique), or physical (too bruised), or psychological that may explain Cooley's Georgetown game. It seems to be entirely out of character, and shouldn't we be concerned that other teams will look at the GT tapes and try to do it again?
Wednesday February 29, 2012 12:58 Tom from Skokie, IL
1:01
sbtnoie: 
Tom:

No, because if there was something psychologically wrong with Cooley, how would other teams know it? Jack Cooley is one of the straightest shooters from a media interview on this team. Maybe the straightest. If there had been something wrong about his game or his approach or anything else, he would have said something.

He was just as perplexed afterward as Irish fans. Couldn't explain why what had happened did happen. It's just one of those games for him.

Look back on what he's done this season - 11 double-doubles, 10 in the league. Should be an all-league guy and the most improved player. Hard to expect him not to have a bad game. Everyone has them.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:01 sbtnoie
1:02
[Comment From JACKJACK: ] 
HI TOM--was at msg saturday, and saw on either the 8 or 12 minute media timeout, a players only meeting in which scott martin seemed to be doing most of the talking. mike brey and assistants were watching the guy from stands shott hald court shot. since we see commercials during these timeouts, has that happened before, and do you know what scott martin was saying. it seemed to me he (and brey during the game) was looking for more internsity and attention to detail(ie the cannuaghton foul with 10 second on shot clock 25 feet from basket was inexcusable)
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:02 JACK
1:03
sbtnoie: 
Jack:

Mike Brey does this routinely with his teams - he gives them the chance to "figure it out amongst themselves" on occasion. Treats them like men and doesn't try to over-analyze every little nuance in the game.

Knowing Scott Martin, he likely was talking about being better in this area or that area, of tightening up some of the stuff he saw sliding.

And as poorly as the Irish shot it and defended, they were one stop and one shot away from the win. Not bad.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:03 sbtnoie
1:09
[Comment From JACKJACK: ] 
thanks--i agree but perhaps its for the long term better, as we have gotten away with poor first halves, and i think the SJU can be atimely wake up call. one more thing--is it me or it just seems pat conaughton isn't setting his feet and rushing some of his threes ever since villanova. virtually all 31 3 attempts were good looks in my opinion
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:09 JACK
1:10
sbtnoie: 
Jack:

There may be a handful that Connaughton has rushed - one that was blocked in the St. John's game immediately comes to mind - but for the most part, man, those are some awfully clean and open and good looks.

I wish I could get half that many in our open gyms. I'd be knocking down shots all night.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:10 sbtnoie
1:15
[Comment From Tom from Skokie, ILTom from Skokie, IL: ] 
Do different teams of referees call different games at different places by different rules? Although replays have now begun to make foul-calling more uniform, a tv viewer can see plenty of pushing and shoving occurring away from the ball - particularly among the bigs. So are there unwritten general rules that are applied differently when the game is called by refs from different conferences (NCAA tourney), or refs from the same conference who are more lenient to the home team rather than visitors?
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:15 Tom from Skokie, IL
1:15
sbtnoie: 
Tom:

Absolutely. Some crews let everything go, some crews call everything. Just depends on which way the wind is blowing. And it's never the same three guys - it's a combination of three that makes up a crew.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:15 sbtnoie
1:15
[Comment From Doug, South bendDoug, South bend: ] 
Is there any chance Abromaitis suits up and gets an honorary start Friday on senior night? Chances are so slim for a return, a corner three on first possession would be a real treat for Tim and Irish fans toc
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:15 Doug, South bend
1:16
sbtnoie: 
Doug:

Not a chance. Mike Brey said this morning that Abromaitis will dress in his Irish warm-ups but he's not far enough along in his rehabilitation to participate in pre-game drills or layup lines.

Abromaitis has applied for a sixth year but everyone inside the program is treating this as the last time he'll be in an Irish warmup.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:16 sbtnoie
1:20
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
Hey Tom, my problem with the SJ game is the fact that Jack was having his way down low and got way too few touches. I know Mike likes to let them flow but I think at some point he should have demanded they get the ball inside.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:20 Guest
1:22
sbtnoie: 
Guest:

It's a tricky balance - do you pass on open shots to make the extra pass? Do you tell your guards to stop driving to throw it down low? Mike Brey still believes that Jack Cooley's best offense can be a rebound. It's not going to be a throw the ball into the guy in the post type offense.

Notre Dame did score like 40 points in the paint. Again, if the Irish make the defensive stop with one second on the shot clock that final possession, the Irish probably win game No. 10 in a row.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:22 sbtnoie
1:30
sbtnoie: 
I apologize that I have to cut today's chat a little short - duty calls (writing my Thursday notebook) before I have to head over to hoops practice this afternoon.

If you have a question or comment that needs to be addressed, drop me a note at tnoie@schurz.com" target="_blank" >tnoie@schurz.com.

Let's do it again next week from New York - a special Big East Championship hoops chat. Thanks. Take care.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 1:30 sbtnoie
1:30
 

 
 
 





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