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Chat Transcript: Talk Notre Dame basketball with Tom Noie

2:19 pm, March 21, 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(03/21/2012) 
11:57
sbtnoie: 
Hard to believe that it was just seven days ago that the Notre Dame men's basketball team was headed for Greensboro, N.C. and the 2012 NCAA tournament.

Such hope, such promise, so many possibilities for extending what had already been a magical season.

And then it all ends, like that - snap! - it's over. Xavier 67, Notre Dame 63. Thanks for playing, boys, now pack up, head for home and wonder what might have been.

What unfolded on the floor of Greensboro Coliseum was tough to watch, but it was even tougher given what had happened before the Notre Dame game on Friday night. When No. 15 seed Lehigh beat No. 2 Duke, it all but cleared a path for the Xavier-Notre Dame winner to go to the Sweet 16. Forty minutes of good basketball was all that was needed - and maybe some breaks at the end - and Notre Dame would be bound for Atlanta and its first Sweet 16 since 2003.

Instead, it all ended. Notre Dame finished 22-12 this season. A success? No question. But also, another chance at opportunity missed.

What are your thoughts and this season, and maybe the hopes for the future? Just include your name and hometown with a question and comment.

The Irish season may be over, but Notre Dame hoops chats never end.......
Wednesday March 21, 2012 11:57 sbtnoie
12:07
[Comment From JoeDubJoeDub: ] 
I will get this started. That call NEVER should have been made at that time of the game, and more importantly, season. I DO NOT CARE that he got the call right. Because the shot was made, Grant gained ZERO advantage. The rule is meant to stop guys from crashing the boards on missed shots. The right way to handle that situation was to let it go, warn Grant and if he did again, make or miss, call it. You DO NOT make a boneheaded call like that at that time of the game regardless of whether it was the right call or not.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:07 JoeDub
12:12
sbtnoie: 
Joe:

Well, that didn't take long, did it?

Look, your points are all valid. But if you're Jerian Grant, don't put yourself, or your team, in a position where a call like MIGHT have to be made. There's really no point in arguing that the call wasn't made on Xavier earlier in the game so it shouldn't be made then. Useless energy.

The call was made at that time of the game. If I'm Jerian Grant, I have so much confidence in my buddy, my roommate Eric Atkins that I'm nowhere near the lane. Don't put yourself in a position where a call may or may not have to be made.

Still, that didn't cost the Irish the game. That's silly. We're assuming Eric Atkins makes the second free throw. We're assuming Xavier doesn't figure out a way to get a shot off in the final 2.8 seconds of regulation and we're assuming Notre Dame figures out a way to win in OT.

You what they say about assuming?

Bottom line is that when the game was there for the taking, Xavier took it. Last I checked, the referees had no influence on allowing Tu Holloway to do as he pleased the final 12 minutes. They had no influence on allowing Mark Lyons to score so quickly after the Grant 3 with 60 seconds to play. They had no influence on Atkins air-mailing his pass to Pat Connaughton into the stands.

Irish fans have every right to be frustrated by Mike Stuart making that call at that time, but they also better be as frustrated with the plays Notre Dame didn't make that allowed Xavier to win that game.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:12 sbtnoie
12:12
[Comment From mondo in floridamondo in florida: ] 
Any idea when a decision on Martin's requestion for a 6th year can be expectd?
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:12 mondo in florida
12:13
sbtnoie: 
Mondo:

Notre Dame should know sometime this month whether Scott Martin is returning for a sixth season. They have received positive feedback from the NCAA to the point where Mike Brey would be surprised if Martin doesn't return.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:13 sbtnoie
12:13
[Comment From The DudeThe Dude: ] 
Are any of the recruits we have to date over the next two years "athletic" bigs or any chance we can recruit one if not already on board? It's not a crime to have a big man with athletic ability you know!!!
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:13 The Dude
12:15
sbtnoie: 
Dude:

It's also not a crime to have a guy like Jack Cooley, who by the way earned second team all-Big East and most improved player in the league this year. He shot a conference-best 61 percent from the floor, had 13 double-doubles for points and rebounds and was arguably the team's most valuable player.

What the Irish need is a second athletic big to go with Cooley. They'll get that in Garrick Sherman for the short term. Long term, keep an eye on Zach Auguste. There should be very few concerns about the Irish bigs down the line.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:15 sbtnoie
12:16
[Comment From Mike from Mount Holly, NCMike from Mount Holly, NC: ] 
I live near Charlotte, and drove to Greensboro, bought a cheap ticket in the parking lot, and watched it all unfold. First of all, Lehigh had 4 of the biggest cheerleaders I have ever seen. Just saying. As far as the ND game went, while the offensive flow during the last 10 minutes of the game was pretty bad, I found myself (literally) screaming at Brey to change to a zone defense at some point. Was it just me, or did Xavier destroy that man-to-man all night...and the Irish didn't attempt to change it up any at all?!?!
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:16 Mike from Mount Holly, NC
12:18
sbtnoie: 
Mike:

Specifically, Tu Holloway destroyed it. Mike Brey generally doesn't want to go zone because it gets the Irish away from being in attack frame of mind - which they were for a good chunk of the second half.

The Irish simply went soft at the worst time - they played not to lose when they were up 10. Holloway did as he wanted, but Notre Dame still was one stop away from the win. When you have a guy as gifted as Holloway, who believes it's his time, doesn't matter if you're zone or man or box and one or playing with six guys on the floor, he's not going to be stopped. And he wasn't.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:18 sbtnoie
12:18
[Comment From MitchMitch: ] 
Tom, one positive from the Xavier game was Grant's ability to see the floor and distribute the ball to open shooters on the high pick and roll. He's actually much better than Atkins at this (for all that Atkins does very well). Do you think he might see more time at PG next year? It would be a good way to spell Atkins, and the length and shooting of a Grant-Biedscheid-Connaughton backcourt is intriguing.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:18 Mitch
12:21
sbtnoie: 
Mitch:

Great point. Jerian Grant could be the team's best passer - but to a fault. There are times where he wants to find guys when he should be looking to take a pull-up 12 footer in the lane or finish a drive to the basket. That will come with age and experience.

There are so many options next season that you could drive yourself nuts trying to see how all the pieces fit. is Cameron Biedschied ready? How much better will Pat Connaughton get? Where does Zach Auguste fit? Is Garrick Sherman as good as Brey believes?

Notre Dame will have the ability and the bodies to play big, to play small, to play quick and fast. It's going to be fascinating to see how Brey and his staff figure it all out.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:21 sbtnoie
12:21
[Comment From David HudsonDavid Hudson: ] 
Did the ND me become tired ast the end of the season? The injuries hurt the rotation, forcing some players to play too much, with the result that there were too many late season losses and close games to teams that we probably should have beaten, including Xavier. A team less tired would probably not have blown a ten point lead.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:21 David Hudson
12:26
sbtnoie: 
David:

That also didn't take long - just like the complaints about the lane violation. Saying a team got tired at the end of the season is, excuse the explanation, such a tired line of reasoning.

Was Duke tired against Lehigh? Missouri tired against Norfolk State? This is what makes the NCAA tournament so unique - it's not a seven-game series. It's 40 minutes, one-shot deal, winner moves on and loser goes home.

This has been the common refrain since way back in the St. John's game - Notre Dame loses.....reason? Tired legs. Notre Dame loses to Georgetown....reason? Tired legs. Notre Dame loses to Louisville.....reason? Out of gas.

Sometimes teams are just better. St. John's was better. Georgetown was better. Louisville was better. And Xavier, as tough as it is to accept, was better.

Notre Dame blew a 10-point lead because it stopped playing the way it did to get that 10-point lead. Xavier also made the plays needed to win the game.

If you're a Notre Dame fan, you've seen this scenario unfold plenty this season - Irish find a way to win at Connecticut late in the second half. They roar back after being down 20 to win in overtime at Villanova. They stun West Virginia, again late in the second half.

Any of those teams get tired, or was Notre Dame just better when it really needed to be?

Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:26 sbtnoie
12:26
[Comment From JoeDub, Fort WayneJoeDub, Fort Wayne: ] 
I agree with everything you said about ND not taking care of their business and making it such that the lane violation (or should it be the 3 point arc violation) never was a factor. Every game is full of plays that decide the outcome, not just one. The saying goes though as an official to let the players decide the outcome. He did not do that in this case. A warning was in order, not a violation and should have been handled as such. Not to belabor that point (but it obviously touched a nerve with me), I am going to finish by saying Mike Brey has done an awesome job at ND and I hope he stays for a long long time. He has done a great job coaching and represents the university with tremendous class (he would never complain about the call nearly as vociferously as me and he has more of a right!!!!). Several excellent recruits coming in during the upcoming years and the program looks stronger than it ever has under Brey. I can't wait already until next year. A question I do have is whether Jack Cooley will be able to play a fifth year - meaning, can he play another year after next year? What goes into whether a player can play a fifth year? I don't remember Cooley playing much as a freshmen, so is that the only real requirement?
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:26 JoeDub, Fort Wayne
12:28
sbtnoie: 
Joe:

Wow, take a breath, my man....so much to say. Hope you're OK.

Jack Cooley does not have a fifth year of eligibility. To qualify for one, he would have had to sit out an entire season from the first game to the last or have had to have suffered a season-ending injury early in the year (usually before the 10th game).

Jack Cooley has one more season left at Notre Dame. If this year can serve as a building block, it likely will be a big one.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:28 sbtnoie
12:28
[Comment From Smitty, TempeSmitty, Tempe: ] 
Tom, not sure if you remember this play from the Xavier game... but I believe it was mid-way through the 2nd half when Holloway was fouled on a fast break layup and there was some confuion whether to give him continuation and the hoop... the foul on the play was clearly on Grant, but the refs gave it to Martin (and that was his 3rd - he ended up fouling out). I realize this probably didn't make a difference in the outcome - but is it reviewable to determine what player to call the foul on? I can't believ nobody on ND's bench questioned this at the time.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:28 Smitty, Tempe
12:30
sbtnoie: 
Smitty:

Absolutely it's reviewable, and it should have been caught. That play unfolded right in front of me on press row - couldn't believe that Holloway was given that continuation. I thought I was watching an NBA game.

Notre Dame was up six at that point and seemingly in command. Little did we know....
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:30 sbtnoie
12:30
[Comment From PatPat: ] 
Why do Mike Brey's team struggle so much in postseason play? I am sure you will take offense to the question as you always support Brey, but look at the numbers and his postseason record is horrible.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:30 Pat
12:36
sbtnoie: 
Pat:

Yep, being the Mike Brey apologist, I'll take offense, Pat. (Not really).

Come on, my man, look around the country. You can pick any coach of any team and wonder why his teams stink in postseason. Jim Boeheim's teams historically win close to 30 games a year. How many national championships has he won? One in 30 years?

Prior to this year, Jamie Dixon had Pittsburgh as the gold-standard for sustained success in the Big East....but never has been to a Final Four.

This runs along the same lines of saying that Notre Dame lost a game because it was tired. It's a tired and too easy explanation to say that the reason why the Irish lost an NCAA tournament game is because Mike Brey is the coach.

Gotta do better than that.

Mike Brey has taken Notre Dame to the NCAA tournament in eight of his 12 years - that after not going to the tournament for the previous 11. Should Notre Dame do more? Absolutely. But it's just too easy - especially for those within the fan base who don't care for the head coach - to blame the head coach when another season ends early.

Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:36 sbtnoie
12:36
[Comment From Pat, South Bend:Pat, South Bend:: ] 
you watch a lot of basketball as do I. Have you ever seen that lane/arc violation called this year? Can't say I recall one. I understan shooter can't cross the line til ball hits the rim but everyone on lane is allowed in as soon as it leaves shooter's hand, rule change to come?
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:36 Pat, South Bend:
12:41
sbtnoie: 
Pat:

That's the first one I've seen called this season, and maybe one of the few I've seen called in my 14 years on the beat.

I don't think there's a rule change to come. It's a pretty simple rule - don't cross into the lane or out from beyond the 3-point arc until the ball hits the rim.

I understand what Jerian Grant was trying to do, especially if there's someone on the line who's not likely going to make that free throw. But the minute Atkins was fouled, my first thought was - these are going in and we're going to overtime. Atkins delivered from the foul line last year in a tough situation at Providence and he made a big one earlier in the year at Louisville.

Here's where I take issue with what happened - the SAME situation occurred the previous day in the Syracuse-UNC-Asheville game. There has to be someone on the Irish coaching staff who saw it. At the gameday shoot-around, I remind the guys - listen, I know you like to leave early on free throws, but watch out. They called a lane violation yesterday that helped Syracuse avoid a possible upset. The officials are going to be on notice and watching for lane violations - DON'T DO ANYTHING THAT MIGHT FORCE THEM TO CALL A VIOLATION.

Crisis averted.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:41 sbtnoie
12:50
[Comment From MitchMitch: ] 
Tom, do you think that we'll see a return to the faster pace of the 2010-11 season next year?
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:50 Mitch
12:52
sbtnoie: 
Mitch:

The "Burn" likely goes in the closet next season - and maybe for a long, long time. There's no reason why this team cannot return to an up-tempo style given how deep the roster is projected. The Burn will still be a part of the program, but I don't see any reason why the Irish should try to win games in the 50s and 60s on a regular basis next year. Not with a roster than can now legitimately go nine and 10 deep.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:52 sbtnoie
12:52
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
prediction on opening game starting lineup?
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:52 Guest
12:54
sbtnoie: 
Guest:

Already? Having not seen Cameron Biedscheid play in person and having not seen Garrick Sherman in anything more than an open gym, the starting lineup (on March 21), likely looks pretty much the same as it did against Xavier - Atkins, Grant, Connaughton, Martin and Cooley.

That likely will change. Maybe Biedscheid starts as well. Maybe Sherman starts. It's going to see how the different combinations come together next season.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:54 sbtnoie
12:54
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
Do you think Knight and Brooks will see the light of day the rest of the career at ND?
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:54 Guest
12:56
sbtnoie: 
Guest:

Tom Knight played well against Xavier, but can his game go to another level like Cooley's did this season? The writing is clearly on the wall for him - with Cooley and now Sherman and Auguste arriving, he better find something he does really well or the bus is going to leave the station without him.

It's simple to see what the future holds for Joey Brooks - it was hard for Brey to get to him THIS year. Now that you add a Cameron Biedscheid, and assuming everyone stays healthy, it's going to be really tough to find minutes for Brooks next year. Just a fact.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:56 sbtnoie
12:57
[Comment From Smitty, TempeSmitty, Tempe: ] 
Tom - do you think ND could cure their post-season issues by bringing in Tom Izzo? maybe get Roy Williams and Bill Self as assistants, and Calipari as recruiting coordinator? (sarcasm)... on to my question - can you provide the monthly Demetrius Jackson update?
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:57 Smitty, Tempe
12:59
sbtnoie: 
Smitty:

Love the sarcasm. Wish I could say the same for your query on Demetrius Jackson.

Unfortunately, I won't be providing any monthly updates on Demetrius Jackson, unless he decides to commit to Notre Dame. Something tells me he's going to take as much time with this as he can, and what he might say on March 21 will be the same on April 21 and May 21 and June 21 and right on down the line.

Notre Dame has done all it can to show Jackson that he's important. It's now up to Jackson to decide if Notre Dame is as important to him.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:59 sbtnoie
12:59
[Comment From Dan-ChicagoDan-Chicago: ] 
Considering how good Cooley was in the low post and that college bball is a quick guard game, can you foresee Cooley and Sherman being able to play crucial minutes together at the same time?
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:59 Dan-Chicago
1:02
sbtnoie: 
Dan:

Absolutely. Especially if you surround those low-post guys with others who can make shots and get to the rim. It's a big summer for Jerian Grant to add that part ot his game - he's too good a foul shooter not to be getting there more each game. Same with Pat Connaughton - up those percentages to where you can knock down shots at a greater clip than he did this season.

Cooley and Sherman aren't going to play 28-plus minutes together, but they will be on the floor at the same time at some point next season.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:02 sbtnoie
1:03
[Comment From Ed,Greensboro,N.C.Ed,Greensboro,N.C.: ] 
Tom, thanks for all you do, but you can't have it both ways.If Brey gets credit for the job he did this year in the regular season, he has to take the heat for post season blues.You always bring up Jaime Dixon,poor matchups,or ,"don't bring up Muffet's success because the women's game is different".I think Brey has a fatal flaw,which prevents him from doing well in the post season.No one expects a sweet sixteen every year, but a deep run in the tournament every 4 or 5 years is not to much to ask.The way the team played at the end of the game in Greensboro,and playing" not to lose" are perfect examples.Thanks.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:03 Ed,Greensboro,N.C.
1:07
sbtnoie: 
Ed:

Nobody is wanting it both ways - you give Brey credit for what he did in the regular season and you have to criticize him for what he hasn't done in the postseason.

But to say Notre Dame doesn't advance for one reason (Brey) is simply a cop-out. Nobody expects a Sweet 16 every year, but THIS was the year they could have gotten to a Sweet 16.

Why didn't it happen? A plethora of reasons - and Brey is one of them. But to say Mike Brey "doesn't get it done in postseason?" The same could be said for EVERY OTHER COACH in the country.

After the way this season started, I'm amazed (in a good way) that this is even an issue this year. I thought for sure I'd be covering an NIT team
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:07 sbtnoie
1:07
[Comment From Dan-ChicagoDan-Chicago: ] 
Just how good of a prospect is Connaughton considered as a pitcher...could there be a chance he signs with a MLB before his 4 yrs are up?
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:07 Dan-Chicago
1:09
sbtnoie: 
Dan:

I watched Pat Connaughton pitch the Irish home opener last night, and the kid's good. Really good. Major-league good? I wouldn't know, but in talking with some baseball people who understand the MLB draft they believe that Connaughton will be in college for at least three years - playing basketball for three years - before the whole MLB draft/signing bonus, etc. - becomes an issue.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:09 sbtnoie
1:10
[Comment From Dan-ChicagoDan-Chicago: ] 
Do you see an 8 man rotation next year with Sherman and Biedscheid being added to the current six guys who played this year?
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:10 Dan-Chicago
1:13
sbtnoie: 
Dan:

At least eight, maybe nine and could be as many as 10. I know Mike Brey shudders at the thought of trying to find minutes for that many guys, but run the numbers. Biedscheid and Sherman are going to play. A lot.

But what about Zach Auguste? Where does he fit? What if Austin Burgett lights it up and his play demands that he be considered? What's the future of Eric Katenda?

How do you juggle potentially sitting a guy or two out to preserve a year of eligibility? Back before it got all crazy last spring with Carleton Scott leaving and then Eric Katenda and Tim Abromaitis going down with severe injuries, there was the thought that Alex Dragicevich would sit out the 2011-12 season. Does that come back around next year?

Decisions.....decisions.


Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:13 sbtnoie
1:14
[Comment From Jack from GrangerJack from Granger: ] 
Any update on Brey's contract. He needs another six years to break Diggers record number of wins!!!
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:14 Jack from Granger
1:17
sbtnoie: 
Jack:

Nope, and really no reason for it. He has three years remaining. When/If the contract extension surfaces, it will be for more than six years.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:17 sbtnoie
1:18
[Comment From Sara from South BendSara from South Bend: ] 
Any information on Abro? Any word on when they will find out? We know it is a long shot...Abro has accomplished so much and we just hope the NCAA sees what an amazing student-athlete he is and gives him another year.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:18 Sara from South Bend
1:20
sbtnoie: 
Sara:

Last time I checked with Tim Abromaitis - in the locker room in Greensboro, N.C., the day before the Xavier game - he still had not heard from the NCAA, didn't know when he might hear and wasn't too optimistic.

Based on the reaction of his parents during Senior Night the night of the Providence game, it's likely he's played his last game at Notre Dame. That's a shame. Given how he played in his two games this year, it would be interesting to see how much better his game had gotten after his USA Basketball experience last offseason.

It may just be time to move on. Whatever direction Abromaitis takes his life, success likely will follow.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:20 sbtnoie
1:32
[Comment From Dan-ChicagoDan-Chicago: ] 
I have to think the expectation for ND will be pretty high (which usually is a bad sign). What kind of national ranking do you think they will have going into the season. And also, where do you think they will be picked to finish in the Big East?
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:32 Dan-Chicago
1:35
sbtnoie: 
Dan:

Notre Dame likely will be picked in the low 20s - maybe even just outside the Top 25. Very few national media people picked Notre Dame to be ranked in the Top 25 last spring during their early rankings - and that was when Carleton Scott and Tim Abromaitis were expected to be part of the plan.

As for the Big East, the Irish likely will be somewhere in the top six, maybe top four, depending on how the offseason unfolds with possible transfers, guys leaving for the NBA, etc.

And you're right, this team doesn't do well with national expectations. The expectations can be high within the locker room, but when everyone expects something big, they don't always get it.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:35 sbtnoie
2:07
sbtnoie: 
Thanks for all who participated in today's chat. If you have a question or comment that needs to be answered right now, drop me an e-mail at tnoie@schurz.com" target="_blank" >tnoie@schurz.com. Thanks. Take care.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 2:07 sbtnoie
2:08
 

 
 
 



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(03/21/2012) 
11:57
sbtnoie: 
Hard to believe that it was just seven days ago that the Notre Dame men's basketball team was headed for Greensboro, N.C. and the 2012 NCAA tournament.

Such hope, such promise, so many possibilities for extending what had already been a magical season.

And then it all ends, like that - snap! - it's over. Xavier 67, Notre Dame 63. Thanks for playing, boys, now pack up, head for home and wonder what might have been.

What unfolded on the floor of Greensboro Coliseum was tough to watch, but it was even tougher given what had happened before the Notre Dame game on Friday night. When No. 15 seed Lehigh beat No. 2 Duke, it all but cleared a path for the Xavier-Notre Dame winner to go to the Sweet 16. Forty minutes of good basketball was all that was needed - and maybe some breaks at the end - and Notre Dame would be bound for Atlanta and its first Sweet 16 since 2003.

Instead, it all ended. Notre Dame finished 22-12 this season. A success? No question. But also, another chance at opportunity missed.

What are your thoughts and this season, and maybe the hopes for the future? Just include your name and hometown with a question and comment.

The Irish season may be over, but Notre Dame hoops chats never end.......
Wednesday March 21, 2012 11:57 sbtnoie
12:07
[Comment From JoeDubJoeDub: ] 
I will get this started. That call NEVER should have been made at that time of the game, and more importantly, season. I DO NOT CARE that he got the call right. Because the shot was made, Grant gained ZERO advantage. The rule is meant to stop guys from crashing the boards on missed shots. The right way to handle that situation was to let it go, warn Grant and if he did again, make or miss, call it. You DO NOT make a boneheaded call like that at that time of the game regardless of whether it was the right call or not.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:07 JoeDub
12:12
sbtnoie: 
Joe:

Well, that didn't take long, did it?

Look, your points are all valid. But if you're Jerian Grant, don't put yourself, or your team, in a position where a call like MIGHT have to be made. There's really no point in arguing that the call wasn't made on Xavier earlier in the game so it shouldn't be made then. Useless energy.

The call was made at that time of the game. If I'm Jerian Grant, I have so much confidence in my buddy, my roommate Eric Atkins that I'm nowhere near the lane. Don't put yourself in a position where a call may or may not have to be made.

Still, that didn't cost the Irish the game. That's silly. We're assuming Eric Atkins makes the second free throw. We're assuming Xavier doesn't figure out a way to get a shot off in the final 2.8 seconds of regulation and we're assuming Notre Dame figures out a way to win in OT.

You what they say about assuming?

Bottom line is that when the game was there for the taking, Xavier took it. Last I checked, the referees had no influence on allowing Tu Holloway to do as he pleased the final 12 minutes. They had no influence on allowing Mark Lyons to score so quickly after the Grant 3 with 60 seconds to play. They had no influence on Atkins air-mailing his pass to Pat Connaughton into the stands.

Irish fans have every right to be frustrated by Mike Stuart making that call at that time, but they also better be as frustrated with the plays Notre Dame didn't make that allowed Xavier to win that game.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:12 sbtnoie
12:12
[Comment From mondo in floridamondo in florida: ] 
Any idea when a decision on Martin's requestion for a 6th year can be expectd?
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:12 mondo in florida
12:13
sbtnoie: 
Mondo:

Notre Dame should know sometime this month whether Scott Martin is returning for a sixth season. They have received positive feedback from the NCAA to the point where Mike Brey would be surprised if Martin doesn't return.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:13 sbtnoie
12:13
[Comment From The DudeThe Dude: ] 
Are any of the recruits we have to date over the next two years "athletic" bigs or any chance we can recruit one if not already on board? It's not a crime to have a big man with athletic ability you know!!!
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:13 The Dude
12:15
sbtnoie: 
Dude:

It's also not a crime to have a guy like Jack Cooley, who by the way earned second team all-Big East and most improved player in the league this year. He shot a conference-best 61 percent from the floor, had 13 double-doubles for points and rebounds and was arguably the team's most valuable player.

What the Irish need is a second athletic big to go with Cooley. They'll get that in Garrick Sherman for the short term. Long term, keep an eye on Zach Auguste. There should be very few concerns about the Irish bigs down the line.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:15 sbtnoie
12:16
[Comment From Mike from Mount Holly, NCMike from Mount Holly, NC: ] 
I live near Charlotte, and drove to Greensboro, bought a cheap ticket in the parking lot, and watched it all unfold. First of all, Lehigh had 4 of the biggest cheerleaders I have ever seen. Just saying. As far as the ND game went, while the offensive flow during the last 10 minutes of the game was pretty bad, I found myself (literally) screaming at Brey to change to a zone defense at some point. Was it just me, or did Xavier destroy that man-to-man all night...and the Irish didn't attempt to change it up any at all?!?!
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:16 Mike from Mount Holly, NC
12:18
sbtnoie: 
Mike:

Specifically, Tu Holloway destroyed it. Mike Brey generally doesn't want to go zone because it gets the Irish away from being in attack frame of mind - which they were for a good chunk of the second half.

The Irish simply went soft at the worst time - they played not to lose when they were up 10. Holloway did as he wanted, but Notre Dame still was one stop away from the win. When you have a guy as gifted as Holloway, who believes it's his time, doesn't matter if you're zone or man or box and one or playing with six guys on the floor, he's not going to be stopped. And he wasn't.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:18 sbtnoie
12:18
[Comment From MitchMitch: ] 
Tom, one positive from the Xavier game was Grant's ability to see the floor and distribute the ball to open shooters on the high pick and roll. He's actually much better than Atkins at this (for all that Atkins does very well). Do you think he might see more time at PG next year? It would be a good way to spell Atkins, and the length and shooting of a Grant-Biedscheid-Connaughton backcourt is intriguing.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:18 Mitch
12:21
sbtnoie: 
Mitch:

Great point. Jerian Grant could be the team's best passer - but to a fault. There are times where he wants to find guys when he should be looking to take a pull-up 12 footer in the lane or finish a drive to the basket. That will come with age and experience.

There are so many options next season that you could drive yourself nuts trying to see how all the pieces fit. is Cameron Biedschied ready? How much better will Pat Connaughton get? Where does Zach Auguste fit? Is Garrick Sherman as good as Brey believes?

Notre Dame will have the ability and the bodies to play big, to play small, to play quick and fast. It's going to be fascinating to see how Brey and his staff figure it all out.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:21 sbtnoie
12:21
[Comment From David HudsonDavid Hudson: ] 
Did the ND me become tired ast the end of the season? The injuries hurt the rotation, forcing some players to play too much, with the result that there were too many late season losses and close games to teams that we probably should have beaten, including Xavier. A team less tired would probably not have blown a ten point lead.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:21 David Hudson
12:26
sbtnoie: 
David:

That also didn't take long - just like the complaints about the lane violation. Saying a team got tired at the end of the season is, excuse the explanation, such a tired line of reasoning.

Was Duke tired against Lehigh? Missouri tired against Norfolk State? This is what makes the NCAA tournament so unique - it's not a seven-game series. It's 40 minutes, one-shot deal, winner moves on and loser goes home.

This has been the common refrain since way back in the St. John's game - Notre Dame loses.....reason? Tired legs. Notre Dame loses to Georgetown....reason? Tired legs. Notre Dame loses to Louisville.....reason? Out of gas.

Sometimes teams are just better. St. John's was better. Georgetown was better. Louisville was better. And Xavier, as tough as it is to accept, was better.

Notre Dame blew a 10-point lead because it stopped playing the way it did to get that 10-point lead. Xavier also made the plays needed to win the game.

If you're a Notre Dame fan, you've seen this scenario unfold plenty this season - Irish find a way to win at Connecticut late in the second half. They roar back after being down 20 to win in overtime at Villanova. They stun West Virginia, again late in the second half.

Any of those teams get tired, or was Notre Dame just better when it really needed to be?

Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:26 sbtnoie
12:26
[Comment From JoeDub, Fort WayneJoeDub, Fort Wayne: ] 
I agree with everything you said about ND not taking care of their business and making it such that the lane violation (or should it be the 3 point arc violation) never was a factor. Every game is full of plays that decide the outcome, not just one. The saying goes though as an official to let the players decide the outcome. He did not do that in this case. A warning was in order, not a violation and should have been handled as such. Not to belabor that point (but it obviously touched a nerve with me), I am going to finish by saying Mike Brey has done an awesome job at ND and I hope he stays for a long long time. He has done a great job coaching and represents the university with tremendous class (he would never complain about the call nearly as vociferously as me and he has more of a right!!!!). Several excellent recruits coming in during the upcoming years and the program looks stronger than it ever has under Brey. I can't wait already until next year. A question I do have is whether Jack Cooley will be able to play a fifth year - meaning, can he play another year after next year? What goes into whether a player can play a fifth year? I don't remember Cooley playing much as a freshmen, so is that the only real requirement?
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:26 JoeDub, Fort Wayne
12:28
sbtnoie: 
Joe:

Wow, take a breath, my man....so much to say. Hope you're OK.

Jack Cooley does not have a fifth year of eligibility. To qualify for one, he would have had to sit out an entire season from the first game to the last or have had to have suffered a season-ending injury early in the year (usually before the 10th game).

Jack Cooley has one more season left at Notre Dame. If this year can serve as a building block, it likely will be a big one.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:28 sbtnoie
12:28
[Comment From Smitty, TempeSmitty, Tempe: ] 
Tom, not sure if you remember this play from the Xavier game... but I believe it was mid-way through the 2nd half when Holloway was fouled on a fast break layup and there was some confuion whether to give him continuation and the hoop... the foul on the play was clearly on Grant, but the refs gave it to Martin (and that was his 3rd - he ended up fouling out). I realize this probably didn't make a difference in the outcome - but is it reviewable to determine what player to call the foul on? I can't believ nobody on ND's bench questioned this at the time.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:28 Smitty, Tempe
12:30
sbtnoie: 
Smitty:

Absolutely it's reviewable, and it should have been caught. That play unfolded right in front of me on press row - couldn't believe that Holloway was given that continuation. I thought I was watching an NBA game.

Notre Dame was up six at that point and seemingly in command. Little did we know....
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:30 sbtnoie
12:30
[Comment From PatPat: ] 
Why do Mike Brey's team struggle so much in postseason play? I am sure you will take offense to the question as you always support Brey, but look at the numbers and his postseason record is horrible.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:30 Pat
12:36
sbtnoie: 
Pat:

Yep, being the Mike Brey apologist, I'll take offense, Pat. (Not really).

Come on, my man, look around the country. You can pick any coach of any team and wonder why his teams stink in postseason. Jim Boeheim's teams historically win close to 30 games a year. How many national championships has he won? One in 30 years?

Prior to this year, Jamie Dixon had Pittsburgh as the gold-standard for sustained success in the Big East....but never has been to a Final Four.

This runs along the same lines of saying that Notre Dame lost a game because it was tired. It's a tired and too easy explanation to say that the reason why the Irish lost an NCAA tournament game is because Mike Brey is the coach.

Gotta do better than that.

Mike Brey has taken Notre Dame to the NCAA tournament in eight of his 12 years - that after not going to the tournament for the previous 11. Should Notre Dame do more? Absolutely. But it's just too easy - especially for those within the fan base who don't care for the head coach - to blame the head coach when another season ends early.

Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:36 sbtnoie
12:36
[Comment From Pat, South Bend:Pat, South Bend:: ] 
you watch a lot of basketball as do I. Have you ever seen that lane/arc violation called this year? Can't say I recall one. I understan shooter can't cross the line til ball hits the rim but everyone on lane is allowed in as soon as it leaves shooter's hand, rule change to come?
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:36 Pat, South Bend:
12:41
sbtnoie: 
Pat:

That's the first one I've seen called this season, and maybe one of the few I've seen called in my 14 years on the beat.

I don't think there's a rule change to come. It's a pretty simple rule - don't cross into the lane or out from beyond the 3-point arc until the ball hits the rim.

I understand what Jerian Grant was trying to do, especially if there's someone on the line who's not likely going to make that free throw. But the minute Atkins was fouled, my first thought was - these are going in and we're going to overtime. Atkins delivered from the foul line last year in a tough situation at Providence and he made a big one earlier in the year at Louisville.

Here's where I take issue with what happened - the SAME situation occurred the previous day in the Syracuse-UNC-Asheville game. There has to be someone on the Irish coaching staff who saw it. At the gameday shoot-around, I remind the guys - listen, I know you like to leave early on free throws, but watch out. They called a lane violation yesterday that helped Syracuse avoid a possible upset. The officials are going to be on notice and watching for lane violations - DON'T DO ANYTHING THAT MIGHT FORCE THEM TO CALL A VIOLATION.

Crisis averted.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:41 sbtnoie
12:50
[Comment From MitchMitch: ] 
Tom, do you think that we'll see a return to the faster pace of the 2010-11 season next year?
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:50 Mitch
12:52
sbtnoie: 
Mitch:

The "Burn" likely goes in the closet next season - and maybe for a long, long time. There's no reason why this team cannot return to an up-tempo style given how deep the roster is projected. The Burn will still be a part of the program, but I don't see any reason why the Irish should try to win games in the 50s and 60s on a regular basis next year. Not with a roster than can now legitimately go nine and 10 deep.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:52 sbtnoie
12:52
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
prediction on opening game starting lineup?
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:52 Guest
12:54
sbtnoie: 
Guest:

Already? Having not seen Cameron Biedscheid play in person and having not seen Garrick Sherman in anything more than an open gym, the starting lineup (on March 21), likely looks pretty much the same as it did against Xavier - Atkins, Grant, Connaughton, Martin and Cooley.

That likely will change. Maybe Biedscheid starts as well. Maybe Sherman starts. It's going to see how the different combinations come together next season.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:54 sbtnoie
12:54
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
Do you think Knight and Brooks will see the light of day the rest of the career at ND?
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:54 Guest
12:56
sbtnoie: 
Guest:

Tom Knight played well against Xavier, but can his game go to another level like Cooley's did this season? The writing is clearly on the wall for him - with Cooley and now Sherman and Auguste arriving, he better find something he does really well or the bus is going to leave the station without him.

It's simple to see what the future holds for Joey Brooks - it was hard for Brey to get to him THIS year. Now that you add a Cameron Biedscheid, and assuming everyone stays healthy, it's going to be really tough to find minutes for Brooks next year. Just a fact.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:56 sbtnoie
12:57
[Comment From Smitty, TempeSmitty, Tempe: ] 
Tom - do you think ND could cure their post-season issues by bringing in Tom Izzo? maybe get Roy Williams and Bill Self as assistants, and Calipari as recruiting coordinator? (sarcasm)... on to my question - can you provide the monthly Demetrius Jackson update?
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:57 Smitty, Tempe
12:59
sbtnoie: 
Smitty:

Love the sarcasm. Wish I could say the same for your query on Demetrius Jackson.

Unfortunately, I won't be providing any monthly updates on Demetrius Jackson, unless he decides to commit to Notre Dame. Something tells me he's going to take as much time with this as he can, and what he might say on March 21 will be the same on April 21 and May 21 and June 21 and right on down the line.

Notre Dame has done all it can to show Jackson that he's important. It's now up to Jackson to decide if Notre Dame is as important to him.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:59 sbtnoie
12:59
[Comment From Dan-ChicagoDan-Chicago: ] 
Considering how good Cooley was in the low post and that college bball is a quick guard game, can you foresee Cooley and Sherman being able to play crucial minutes together at the same time?
Wednesday March 21, 2012 12:59 Dan-Chicago
1:02
sbtnoie: 
Dan:

Absolutely. Especially if you surround those low-post guys with others who can make shots and get to the rim. It's a big summer for Jerian Grant to add that part ot his game - he's too good a foul shooter not to be getting there more each game. Same with Pat Connaughton - up those percentages to where you can knock down shots at a greater clip than he did this season.

Cooley and Sherman aren't going to play 28-plus minutes together, but they will be on the floor at the same time at some point next season.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:02 sbtnoie
1:03
[Comment From Ed,Greensboro,N.C.Ed,Greensboro,N.C.: ] 
Tom, thanks for all you do, but you can't have it both ways.If Brey gets credit for the job he did this year in the regular season, he has to take the heat for post season blues.You always bring up Jaime Dixon,poor matchups,or ,"don't bring up Muffet's success because the women's game is different".I think Brey has a fatal flaw,which prevents him from doing well in the post season.No one expects a sweet sixteen every year, but a deep run in the tournament every 4 or 5 years is not to much to ask.The way the team played at the end of the game in Greensboro,and playing" not to lose" are perfect examples.Thanks.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:03 Ed,Greensboro,N.C.
1:07
sbtnoie: 
Ed:

Nobody is wanting it both ways - you give Brey credit for what he did in the regular season and you have to criticize him for what he hasn't done in the postseason.

But to say Notre Dame doesn't advance for one reason (Brey) is simply a cop-out. Nobody expects a Sweet 16 every year, but THIS was the year they could have gotten to a Sweet 16.

Why didn't it happen? A plethora of reasons - and Brey is one of them. But to say Mike Brey "doesn't get it done in postseason?" The same could be said for EVERY OTHER COACH in the country.

After the way this season started, I'm amazed (in a good way) that this is even an issue this year. I thought for sure I'd be covering an NIT team
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:07 sbtnoie
1:07
[Comment From Dan-ChicagoDan-Chicago: ] 
Just how good of a prospect is Connaughton considered as a pitcher...could there be a chance he signs with a MLB before his 4 yrs are up?
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:07 Dan-Chicago
1:09
sbtnoie: 
Dan:

I watched Pat Connaughton pitch the Irish home opener last night, and the kid's good. Really good. Major-league good? I wouldn't know, but in talking with some baseball people who understand the MLB draft they believe that Connaughton will be in college for at least three years - playing basketball for three years - before the whole MLB draft/signing bonus, etc. - becomes an issue.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:09 sbtnoie
1:10
[Comment From Dan-ChicagoDan-Chicago: ] 
Do you see an 8 man rotation next year with Sherman and Biedscheid being added to the current six guys who played this year?
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:10 Dan-Chicago
1:13
sbtnoie: 
Dan:

At least eight, maybe nine and could be as many as 10. I know Mike Brey shudders at the thought of trying to find minutes for that many guys, but run the numbers. Biedscheid and Sherman are going to play. A lot.

But what about Zach Auguste? Where does he fit? What if Austin Burgett lights it up and his play demands that he be considered? What's the future of Eric Katenda?

How do you juggle potentially sitting a guy or two out to preserve a year of eligibility? Back before it got all crazy last spring with Carleton Scott leaving and then Eric Katenda and Tim Abromaitis going down with severe injuries, there was the thought that Alex Dragicevich would sit out the 2011-12 season. Does that come back around next year?

Decisions.....decisions.


Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:13 sbtnoie
1:14
[Comment From Jack from GrangerJack from Granger: ] 
Any update on Brey's contract. He needs another six years to break Diggers record number of wins!!!
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:14 Jack from Granger
1:17
sbtnoie: 
Jack:

Nope, and really no reason for it. He has three years remaining. When/If the contract extension surfaces, it will be for more than six years.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:17 sbtnoie
1:18
[Comment From Sara from South BendSara from South Bend: ] 
Any information on Abro? Any word on when they will find out? We know it is a long shot...Abro has accomplished so much and we just hope the NCAA sees what an amazing student-athlete he is and gives him another year.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:18 Sara from South Bend
1:20
sbtnoie: 
Sara:

Last time I checked with Tim Abromaitis - in the locker room in Greensboro, N.C., the day before the Xavier game - he still had not heard from the NCAA, didn't know when he might hear and wasn't too optimistic.

Based on the reaction of his parents during Senior Night the night of the Providence game, it's likely he's played his last game at Notre Dame. That's a shame. Given how he played in his two games this year, it would be interesting to see how much better his game had gotten after his USA Basketball experience last offseason.

It may just be time to move on. Whatever direction Abromaitis takes his life, success likely will follow.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:20 sbtnoie
1:32
[Comment From Dan-ChicagoDan-Chicago: ] 
I have to think the expectation for ND will be pretty high (which usually is a bad sign). What kind of national ranking do you think they will have going into the season. And also, where do you think they will be picked to finish in the Big East?
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:32 Dan-Chicago
1:35
sbtnoie: 
Dan:

Notre Dame likely will be picked in the low 20s - maybe even just outside the Top 25. Very few national media people picked Notre Dame to be ranked in the Top 25 last spring during their early rankings - and that was when Carleton Scott and Tim Abromaitis were expected to be part of the plan.

As for the Big East, the Irish likely will be somewhere in the top six, maybe top four, depending on how the offseason unfolds with possible transfers, guys leaving for the NBA, etc.

And you're right, this team doesn't do well with national expectations. The expectations can be high within the locker room, but when everyone expects something big, they don't always get it.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 1:35 sbtnoie
2:07
sbtnoie: 
Thanks for all who participated in today's chat. If you have a question or comment that needs to be answered right now, drop me an e-mail at tnoie@schurz.com" target="_blank" >tnoie@schurz.com. Thanks. Take care.
Wednesday March 21, 2012 2:07 sbtnoie
2:08
 

 
 
 





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