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Chat Transcript: Talk Notre Dame basketball with Tom Noie

12:14 PM EST, December 20, 2012

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

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Live Chat: Talk Notre Dame basketball with Tom Noie

(12/20/2012)

  

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12:11

Tom Noie:  Welcome to our pre-Christmas/Holiday hoops chat. Time to take a break from making your lists and checking them twice to talk about some Notre Dame hoops. The Irish have won nine in a row heading into Friday's game against Niagara, but a certain amount of experimentation continues Who are these guys? Not even Mike Brey may know for sure. Have a question or comment? Be sure to include your name and town. There's a Winter Storm Warning out for Michiana, but no such worries here. Time to talk some hoops. Let's go. Thursday December 20, 2012 12:11 Tom Noie

12:17

[Comment From Bonkers in YonkersBonkers in Yonkers: ]  Rank MIke Brey's excitement with Pat Connaughton's play since the 2nd half of the Purduer game on a scale of 1-10 Thursday December 20, 2012 12:17 Bonkers in Yonkers

12:21

Tom Noie:  Bonkers: How about 11? That might be too low. Part of the tinkering that I referenced in the open stems from understanding that Connaughton is ready to be more than a catch-and-shoot guy - the role he stepped into last year just because it best suited the team's needs. It's nice to see him expanding his game and doing more off the dribble - and doing more than js spotting up in the corner and shooting the 3. Connaughton went for 16 points against Purdue, 18 against Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne and had 12 points with three steals and two rebounds against Kennesaw State. He's playing and shooting it with as much confidence as anyone. It will be interesting to see what type of impact he has once Big East play arrives. There were rumblings from some that Cameron Biedscheid should start in place of Connaughton, but we're just starting to see a glimpse of the sophomore's value. Solid. Thursday December 20, 2012 12:21 Tom Noie

12:21

[Comment From Snaggles in SBISnaggles in SBI: ]  It was nice to see Auguste get some action last night. Do you think his lack of playing time is more him recovering from an earlier injury or Brey's tendency to go 7 deep. I would lean toward the latter, but he wasn't as fluid up and down the court as I thought he'd be and didn't have the 'hops' when he dunked. Thoughts? Thursday December 20, 2012 12:21 Snaggles in SBI

12:24

Tom Noie:  Snaggles: I'm writing about Zach Auguste for Friday's Tribune. I think it was a combination of factors that kept Auguste from really finding his niche until now. No question the ankle sprains really crushed his development. Prior to Auguste getting injured, Brey considered him one of the main guys in the rotation and was excited to see how he might develop. Then he missed 10 critical days of reps with the main guys. By the time he was healthy, Brey had settled on seven. Can he work his way into a more permanent place in the rotation? Don't know. Brey had talked up Tom Knight as a main guy after his play Dec. 8 against Brown, but he's since become a bit player again. There's a ton to work with from Auguste. He was the best freshman in summer pickup. When it all falls in place for him, he's going to be scary good. Scary. Thursday December 20, 2012 12:24 Tom Noie

12:24

[Comment From ralph, glencoe, ILralph, glencoe, IL: ]  So, Mike Brey substitutes Patrick Crowley for Eric Atkins at the end of the half on Monday? Jerrian Grant does not start on Wednesday? Not so subtle hints? I can see the latter being something that sticks, but I am assuming Thursday December 20, 2012 12:24 ralph, glencoe, IL

12:29

Tom Noie:  Ralph: Not so subtle at all, and Mike Brey said as much after the IPFW game, explaining that the message to both guards was basically - I'm tired of you two playing far below your and my expectations so just ahve a seat and we'll discuss it at halftime. Atkins got the message and bounced back with a career-high 13 assists on Wednesday. grant? Well, the waiting and wondering continues. First off, let's just be glad he wasn't seriously injured when he soared in for his dunk in the second half and was taken down hard by defender Jordan Montgomery. That was a scary fall for both. Grant bruised his back and likely will miss Friday's game against Niagara. For whatever reason, and Grant is one of the hardest guys to read, he hasn't been himself expect for a recent six-game stretch after the loss to Saint Joseph's. Just when you think he's turned the corner and is ready to have the breakout year many expected, Grant regressed and was nearly invisible against Purdue and IPFW. Grant lost his starting spot against Kennesaw State. He did get 14 points before getting hurt, but he still seemed lifeless and moody during his time on the court. You could just see when he broke free in the open court that he was going to take out any frustration about not starting on the rim, and then he gets wiped out. For Notre Dame to have a special season, Jerian Grant has to be become a special player. It's there - somewhere - just waiting to arrive. Thursday December 20, 2012 12:29 Tom Noie

12:29

[Comment From Brian in da BendBrian in da Bend: ]  Any word on the severity of Grant's injury? Thursday December 20, 2012 12:29 Brian in da Bend

12:31

Tom Noie:  Brian: Luckily it looked a whole lot worse than it was - and it looked really, really bad. I've never seen coach Mike Brey or trainer Skip Meyer run that quickly onto the court after a player has been fouled. Grant fell hard on his left hip and bit his lip. Fortunately, he shows no signs of any concussion but it would be a stretch to say he'll be ready to Friday's game. Good news, again, is that he's going to be sore, but he's going to be fine by Big East. Thursday December 20, 2012 12:31 Tom Noie

12:31

[Comment From Illnois FoolIllnois Fool: ]  Happy Holidays Tom. Watching the Purdue game I was struck by the intensity level on defense for the Irish to start the 2nd half and then poof, they stunk up the joint the last 10 minutes. What happened? Was it just kids relaxing with a big lead or something else? Thursday December 20, 2012 12:31 Illnois Fool

12:34

Tom Noie:  IF: Happy Holidays as well. Notre Dame has been a funny/frustrating/mysterious team to figure out in that regard. And it's not just the Purdue game. It's IPFW and again to an extent last night against Kennesaw State. Just when you think the Irish are going to bust loose and really pound a team - beat them by 30, 40, 50 points, they fall into a trap of seeming indifference and stop defending , stop scoring, stop attacking. Then it becomes a closer game than it really should be. I asked Eric Atkins and Jack Cooley about that last night - why does it seem like they look bored? Neither had an answer, but neither flat-out denied that that wasn't the case. The Irish seem to play down to their level of competition, and that might get them beat in the Big East. They have to be cruel, even during the Holiday season. Thursday December 20, 2012 12:34 Tom Noie

12:36

[Comment From Lafayette 10 SpotLafayette 10 Spot: ]  I don't care if the students were on break. The crowd Monday and Wednesday was brutal. Coach Brey has said all the right things but do you ever see him slipping up and calling out the putrid local support for his elite Big East hoops team during December? Thursday December 20, 2012 12:36 Lafayette 10 Spot

12:39

Tom Noie:  Lafayette: Pump Mike Brey and the Irish full of truth serum and ask them what they really think of the crowds and the response might be a little raw for young ears. But they say all the right things regarding the crowds, and when it's all said and done, they know they have to generate their own energy. The home fans aren't going to help. That's what makes the stats on the Notre Dame home record so staggering. How do the Irish go 109-7 in the last six years, including 44 of the last 45 with THAT type of crowd? There were some national writers in town this week to cover Notre Dame football media day. They stopped by the basketball game Monday and remarked about the crowd - how lifeless the place is. Welcome to my world. Thursday December 20, 2012 12:39 Tom Noie

12:48

[Comment From Dave (Washington, DC)Dave (Washington, DC): ]  Tom, I know the team is 9-1 and it's still very early, but I'm concerned how this team will respond when they get into Big East play, let alone postseason play. They can win games because they have talent and they play smart, but they seem to lack intensity and don't have that uber-competitive player that will consistently force the issue like a Matt Carroll or a Tory Jackson or a Hansbrough. I've seen a lot of lazy passes and defensive rotations, and not much fighting through screens or taking charges or getting on the floor for loose balls. Do you think this squad plays too relaxed? Thursday December 20, 2012 12:48 Dave (Washington, DC)

12:52

Tom Noie:  Dave: Great points, and agree. This team plays a little too loose with leads, like they can turn it on and turn it off at certain times. Look how easily they built that 23-point lead against Purdue. It should have gone to 30 and stayed there for the rest of the game. Instead, it was cut to nine and Connaughton has to hit a big 3 to get the guys jump-started again. That's why I asked the guys if they were bored with the tail-end of non-conference play. Atkins did admit he's ready for the "nitty-gritty" games to start. So in other words, they're bored and they're playing like it. . Thursday December 20, 2012 12:52 Tom Noie

1:02

[Comment From Dave (Washington, DC)Dave (Washington, DC): ]  I've noticed Atkins' shot mechanics have changed a bit, and it looks like it's helped his percentage, at least from the floor. He used to almost shot put the ball. Has he talked about that at all? Am I imagining things? Thursday December 20, 2012 1:02 Dave (Washington, DC)

1:04

Tom Noie:  Dave: I'm not a shot doctor, but it looks like his shot preparation is at a higher angle to where it's not so drastic as when he was a freshman. Haven't talked to him about it - might be good to visit down the road. Whatever he's doing, he should just keep doing it. He's a career 37 percent shooter from 3 but is up around 40 this season. Thursday December 20, 2012 1:04 Tom Noie

1:12

Tom Noie:  Some news and notes from around the Big East: --Jack Cooley continues to be the only player in the league averaging double figures for points (14.9) and rebounds (11.3) --Garrick Sherman leads the league in field-goal percentage (65.2 percent). --Eric Atkins is second in assist-turnover ratio (4.29. --Notre Dame ranks sixth in scoring offense (79.3 ppg) and ninth in scoring defense (59.3). --The Irish rank second in field-goal percentage (50.2 percent ) and fourth in field-goal percentage defense ( Thursday December 20, 2012 1:12 Tom Noie

1:12	[Comment From Rich Rochester N.Y.Rich Rochester N.Y.: ]  Tom, don't you think scheduling a few more "difficult" games early would energize both the crowds and the players? Thursday December 20, 2012 1:12 Rich Rochester N.Y.

1:16

Tom Noie:  Rich: Absolutely. The schedule is a little too heavy on the guarantee games and light on the good games. That's why I don't really see how Mike Brey will schedule the likes of Marquette and DePaul and Villanova and Georgetown once Notre Dame moves into the Atlantic Coast Conference. Notre Dame will play an 18-game league schedule in the ACC, just as it does in the Big East. But the Irish non-league schedule doesn't carry a lot of those heavyweight matchups. So, you think Notre Dame is going to move to the ACC with no idea what the rhythm of tits league schedule will look like and also play two former Big East teams. Don't see it happening, at least right away. If you're going to do that, you should play a tougher schedule now in non-league to prepare for that. And the Irish haven't. . Thursday December 20, 2012 1:16 Tom Noie

1:17

[Comment From Jim NYCJim NYC: ]  Tom-- ND seems to be dribbling and standing more than in recent years and I see fewer solid screens and hard cuts to the basket. Both offensively and defensively the Irish look pretty darn passive for long lengths of games. Is it just mediocre December BB or something more? Your coverage of Irish BB is better than their level of play so far, good job. Thursday December 20, 2012 1:17 Jim NYC

1:18

Tom Noie:  Jim: Thanks for the kind words. We talked about the passive play earlier in the chat, and I agree with you. The Irish look disinterested at times for whatever reason. Maybe it's because Mike Brey continues to experiment with the rotation. Maybe they're tired of non-league play. Maybe they want to get home for Christmas and see what Sana leaves them under the tree. Whatever the case, the body language and effort has to be better when league play starts. Thursday December 20, 2012 1:18 Tom Noie

1:20

[Comment From Illnois FoolIllnois Fool: ]  Any recent word on the Big East breaking up after this season with the "Catholic Seven" deciding to leave? I saw where Swarbrick said it would be very difficult to make schedules in such a short timespan. If that happens I wouldn't want his job (but I'd take his salary) Thursday December 20, 2012 1:20 Illnois Fool

1:23

Tom Noie:  IF: The time to decide whether or not Notre Dame remains in the Big East next season is coming. Quickly. Schools from both sides likely need to know something one way or another within the next month for said scheduling purposes. I can see Notre Dame deciding to stay one more year if it means the Irish can leave after the 2013-14 with no buyout penalty. Notre Dame has a ridiculous amount of $$$ but nobody over there wants to just give away a couple million, even if that means going to the ACC next season. So instead of paying a buyout fee and playing in the ACC next year, Notre Dame may be lumped together with the Big East newcomers like Houston and Central Florida and SMU for one year. Yikes. Thursday December 20, 2012 1:23 Tom Noie

1:24	[Comment From DavidDavid: ]  After Cooley graduates, how many years does Sherman have left? Any big men on the horizon? Thursday December 20, 2012 1:24 David

1:26

Tom Noie:  David: Garrick Sherman has one more year after this one. So would Tom Knight, who has every intention of returning for his fifth year. Zach Auguste will ahve three years left and may be one of the best big men to play for Notre Dame before he's done. he's going to be really good. Then there's Austin Burgett (6-9) and Eric Katenda (6-9). Plenty of size for many seasons to come. The Irish also are recruiting mainly post players for the next recruiting class. Thursday December 20, 2012 1:26 Tom Noie

1:30	[Comment From Illnois FoolIllnois Fool: ]  Cool stat I came upon. Jack Cooley is the only player in the country whose offensive and defensive rebound percentages are above 20%. Just thought I'd share. Thursday December 20, 2012 1:30 Illnois Fool

1:32

Tom Noie:  IF: The guy just tracks down every loose ball. Every shot that goes up and comes off the rim, at whatever angle, he's there to get it. The guy has the strongest set of hands in the country. When you watch how much he has to battle the slaps and smacks and grabs, it's nothing short of amazing. He just works past everything and continues to play. He's made himself into a heck of a college basketball player. Thursday December 20, 2012 1:32 Tom Noie

1:37

[Comment From Tiago from ChicagoTiago from Chicago: ]  Tommy T - Don't you think the crowd/students need to be called out to some degree? Not that Brey or his players need to go on a rant, but something needs to be said. It's really embarrassing, and I commend the players/coaches for being able to hold their tongues for so long Thursday December 20, 2012 1:37 Tiago from Chicago

1:40

Tom Noie:  Tiago: Agree. Last time I touched on the subject of poor home crowds in one of my Tribune stories - prior to the Saint Francis home game on Nov. 24 - I had one fan at the game insist that the reason the crowds are so poor was because of my poor writing abilities. No kidding. So that's the type of individuals I deal with if I write/say anything bad about the crowd. Some fans automatically believe I'm calling out the fans that actually DO show up for games, not the ones that aren't there. it's a strange dynamic, maybe one of the strangest in all of college sports where you have a team that has had such home success with very little sustained support. Thursday December 20, 2012 1:40 Tom Noie

1:41

[Comment From Rich Rochester N.Y.Rich Rochester N.Y.: ]  Tom, one of the weaknesses I see from this team is the lack of a midrange game. Is this just the game plan, or is it just not a strength of this team? Thought Cam could be that guy, but he seems to settle for the three ball, asa does Grant. Thursday December 20, 2012 1:41 Rich Rochester N.Y.

1:44

Tom Noie:  Rich: The last word in your post nailed it - Grant is the perfect guy to work in the mid-range, as is Scott Martin. Trouble is, Grant settles too much for deep, contested 3-pointers while Martin just doesn't shoot that much. The mid-range game may open up a little more come Big East when the bodies around the basket are bigger. If that case, when Cooley and Sherman play together Cooley can create space by taking his guy out to the mid-range. He's a much more capable perimeter shooter than Sherman. Mid-range or not, Biedscheid and Grant need to look at Connaughton in figuring out more ways to get to the free throw line. Don't just hunt the 3 - drive it and try and draw fouls, then get to the line and knock down those shots. They're free, so capitalize on them. Thursday December 20, 2012 1:44 Tom Noie

1:44	[Comment From john sjohn s: ]  Tom - Thanks for the chats. Have you heard any NBA views on how Cooley's game would translate to the NBA? Thursday December 20, 2012 1:44 john s

1:47

Tom Noie:  John: Still too early for that - NBA scouts have been few and far between at NotreDame non-conference games, except for the 29 scouts that were on hand for the Kentucky game, but that was because they were all falling over Nerlens Noel and Archie Goodwin and Alex Poythress. How Cooley's game translates to the NBA is a mystery, and likely may remain that way. He's a rarity - a guy who's stayed in college all four years. NBA guys tend to dismiss those guys for the unknown of potential - talented guys who are in college only a year or two but don't really know how to play. Why didn't Luke Harangody get drafted higher? Why didn't Ben Hansbrough get drafted? One of the reason for both was that they were both four-year guys, and the NBA tends to ignore those guys for kids. So wrong, but that's the way of the basketball world these days. But don't tell me Cooley cannot make a roster somewhere. If there's room for Luke Zeller (Suns), there's room for Jack Cooley. Thursday December 20, 2012 1:47 Tom Noie

1:59

[Comment From Smitty, sunny tempeSmitty, sunny tempe: ]  Tom, great job as always. haven't gotten to see too much of the team, living out here in AZ. can you expand your comments on Auguste? what kind of player do you see him becoming? who would you compare him to? you've offered some pretty high praise for the guy. Thursday December 20, 2012 1:59 Smitty, sunny tempe

2:05

Tom Noie:  Smitty: Good to hear from you, although with Northern Indiana under a Winter Storm Warning, not all that happy about the "sunny Tempe" part. Just kidding. It's hard to compare Auguste's game to anyone of recent note because he has such a unique skill set. he's 6-10 and runs the floor like a wing. But he can block shots, rebound and anytime he's close to the rim, he's looking to finish with a big dunk. He's such a talent, but still so raw in his understanding of the game. once he figures it out, he can become a dominant low-post presence that would fit well in an up-tempo group of guards like Eric Atkins, Jerian Grant and Demetrius Jackson who will look next year to push the pace. You couldn't help but be impressed with Auguste after watching him in summer pickup games. Cameron Biedscheid came to campus with the higher rep, but Auguste was the best freshman of the bunch. Right now, Auguste strikes me as a young LaPhonso Ellis. Thursday December 20, 2012 2:05 Tom Noie

2:06

[Comment From TJ, NYTJ, NY: ]  Tom: Missed out on these for awhile. To Grant's defense, he has a lackladisaical (however you spell it) persona. I think it is a reason why he succeeds at times. He lulls defenders to sleep. I also find that he has a tendency to fall asleep in the zone. He is a better man on man defender. I think everyone needs to relax -- the kid has done some great things here and is still poised to do even more. Thursday December 20, 2012 2:06 TJ, NY

2:08

Tom Noie:  TJ: Good to hear back from you again. When you say everyone needs to relax when it comes to Grant, that likely includes Mike Brey? Brey benched him for a reason Wednesday, not just because he wanted a different look to the lineup. Grant also has the persona of someone who often over-thinks situations and tries to hard. When he relaxes and just plays on instinct, he's really good. I'd like to see more of that guy making plays on talent instead of thinking his way through while always trying to make the right play. Thursday December 20, 2012 2:08 Tom Noie

2:08	[Comment From TJ, NYTJ, NY: ]  I think you commented last night. Interesting lineup at one point - Atkins, Grant, Auguste, Cam, and Sherman. How did they do? Seems like that group could run the floor. Thursday December 20, 2012 2:08 TJ, NY

2:09	Tom Noie:  TJ: They were great - for the minute or so they were on the floor together. Just as I tweeted about the lineup, in came Martin. Interesting lineup scrapped, but I'd like to see more of it. Not likely. Thursday December 20, 2012 2:09 Tom Noie

2:09

[Comment From TJ, NYTJ, NY: ]  Another thought -- can we do something about the game announcers? Same stuff every time! Cooley looks like Harangoody. Didn't play much as a frosh. Martin is old. Grant's dad played in NBA. Pat is a baseball player. Blah, blah, blah. These guys got to start reading the SBT! Thursday December 20, 2012 2:09 TJ, NY

2:10	Tom Noie:  TJ: Glad I don't have to sit through that. I have enough trouble trying to keep fans from breezing through press row and swiping the game notes. Ushers must be half asleep to notice. Thursday December 20, 2012 2:10 Tom Noie

2:10	[Comment From TJ, NYTJ, NY: ]  Two final questions -- looks like Brey has trimmed down. Atkins diet? What former player is going to be honored this season? Thursday December 20, 2012 2:10 TJ, NY

2:12

Tom Noie:  TJ: Mike Brey has gotten himself into better shape after last season, when he just didn't like the way he looked. Of course, that diet and exercise tends to go out the window when the Big East arrives. Too early to tell on who will be the next induction to the Ring of Honor, but I'm going with Digger Phelps the night of Feb. 9 for College Gameday. With Carr, Dantley and, gulp, Harangody, already up there, Digger deserves to go next. Thursday December 20, 2012 2:12 Tom Noie

2:16

[Comment From Paul, BostonPaul, Boston: ]  I think the Jerian Grant is something major to watch. People talked about him being first team Big East, and this season isn't playing out how he envisions. To me, he's a great athlete and has some NBA skills, but his fundamentals aren't there (poor angles in passes, lazy defense, etc.) I think Coach Brey has worked with him, and maybe even catered to him, but not starting him is a real wake up call. Thursday December 20, 2012 2:16 Paul, Boston

2:17	Tom Noie:  Paul: Agree. Let's hope so. You see flashes of how good the kid can be, but then he drifts through games like he doesn't really mind if he's not a factor. He can be better. We've seen it. Thursday December 20, 2012 2:17 Tom Noie

2:17	[Comment From Pete South BendPete South Bend: ]  Brey only needs123 more wins to beat Digger's record!! I predict no players or coaches wil be inducted this year.. Thursday December 20, 2012 2:17 Pete South Bend

2:18	Tom Noie:  Pete: Why not? The plan was to induct one member of the basketball program into the Ring of Honor each year. Thursday December 20, 2012 2:18 Tom Noie

2:18	[Comment From TJ, NYTJ, NY: ]  Well shoot if no one is going to step up....how good is Niagara? The loss to St. Joe, how will that affect the RPI. They looked good that night but have stumbled since? Thursday December 20, 2012 2:18 TJ, NY

2:19

Tom Noie:  TJ: Using up all your allotted questions in one hour? just kidding. Niagara will be more of challenge than IPFW or Kennesaw State. The Purle Eagles have two good sophomore guards, one of them is the son of former NBA player Anthony Mason. They score a lot of points (73.5) but give up more (75.1). First one to 80 wins. It's a tricky game with Grant likely out and the last non-league game before the players go home for Christmas. Just take care of business. Thursday December 20, 2012 2:19 Tom Noie

2:20	[Comment From Paul, BostonPaul, Boston: ]  How do you see the ND bigs translating to the ACC? Auguste looks like a fit based on his athleticism, but do you see Sherman's game meshing? Thursday December 20, 2012 2:20 Paul, Boston

2:22

Tom Noie:  Paul: Don't know if Notre Dame will be in the ACC in time for Sherman to play in the league. It would have to happen next year and that may be too soon. We'll see. It will take some adjustment period for all programs involved. The ACC is considered more of a finesse, open court league than the Big East. In that sense, Zach Auguste and Eric Katenda and Austin Burgett should fit pretty well. The adjustment part of the ACC equation is two-fold. yes, Notre Dame will have to adjust to the athleticism of the conference, but league schools will have to adjust to the physical ways of Notre Dame and Pittsburgh. It will be interesting to watch. Thursday December 20, 2012 2:22 Tom Noie

2:25

[Comment From Dave (Washington, DC)Dave (Washington, DC): ]  Tom, I'm going to take a stab at the poor crowd issue. There's no excuse for it, given their success under Brey, and given how many smaller, less high-profile schools have much better crowds. But I understand it, particularly at the beginning of the season when most students -- the loudest fans -- leave the area for the holidays and have exams. There are 8,000 undergrads at ND...relatively small compared to other big conference schools. For most of them, hoops isn't on the radar unless they're playing a ranked team. For those who go to most games, like I used to, we're limited to one end of the arena (at least that's what I remember). That leaves 3/4 of the place for non-students. For whatever reason, many of the surrounding communities haven't embrace ND men's basketball. In fact, I'm willing to bet a good number of them grew up rooting for Inidana, Purdue, or Butler hoops. You're left with a pretty stagnant arena during low-profile games. Thursday December 20, 2012 2:25 Dave (Washington, DC)

2:29

Tom Noie:  Dave: Great points. All true. In addition, part of the problems also stem from the fact that too many people around town remember those "good old days" when Notre Dame played a who's-who schedule of powerhouse programs. When the Irish joined the Big East and drifted away from that crusher schedule, the fan base walked away. Given the tough economy, area fans also have had to choose between the men's and women's programs. Notre Dame has been so aggressive in marketing the women's program with discounted season tickets, fan-friendly activities,etc. - that it's likely hurt the men's program. That, and you still get the feeling basketball really isn't a priority as long as football is rolling, if basketball is really good, at the end of the day, that's OK. Thursday December 20, 2012 2:29 Tom Noie

2:29	[Comment From Dan - ChicagoDan - Chicago: ]  What do you think of Martin's 3 pt shooting this year? Thursday December 20, 2012 2:29 Dan - Chicago

2:30	Tom Noie:  Dan: Solid, and I hope it continues. He's confident enough in his game to still take one even after he's missed one or two. It gives teams something else to think about and could come in handy come conference play. Thursday December 20, 2012 2:30 Tom Noie

2:33	[Comment From Dan - ChicagoDan - Chicago: ]  Whats your prediction of what will happen to UConn? Will the ACC eventually take them? Thursday December 20, 2012 2:33 Dan - Chicago

2:35

Tom Noie:  Dan: Nothing is imminent, but if the ACC loses a team or two to another league, which given the climate of today's world of college athletics, it's a case of not if but when, the ACC will look first at Cincinnati and Connecticut. Connecticut is an orphan program right now, but won't be for long given the climate of realignment, which may never end. Thursday December 20, 2012 2:35 Tom Noie

2:35

[Comment From Jeff - Ft. WayneJeff - Ft. Wayne: ]  I'm driving through the storm to come to the game Friday night. It may be just you and I there, Tom. Who is the leader of this team? They are going to need to find a killer instinct once BE season starts. Thursday December 20, 2012 2:35 Jeff - Ft. Wayne

2:36

Tom Noie:  Jeff: Solid effort to brave the weather. Safe travels. In the locker room and in huddles, the leader is Scott Martin. On the floor, it's Eric Atkins. Jack Cooley has become a better leader and needs to be more vocal when league play arrives. Anytime the Irish want to be cruel is OK by me. They're nice guys. Sometimes, too nice. Thursday December 20, 2012 2:36 Tom Noie

2:37

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  What a waste of money the big screen T.V. is. Why don't they have more stats durning the game. Like how many fouls a player has, or points. field goal and free throw percentages, team stats, scores from other games around the country\? the man that sets behind me are allways joking ab out how many points or fouls a player has, then say, just wait and they will show it on the board. NOT. Just looks to me like it could be put to better use. Thursday December 20, 2012 2:37 Guest

2:38

Tom Noie:  Guest: Great call. It's like getting a stick-shift car for a present. it looks nice and spiffy, but you have no idea how to drive it. Same is the case at Notre Dame with the videoboards. They're still trying to figure out how it operates. Only at Notre Dame do they let the kids learn with the training wheels on. Thursday December 20, 2012 2:38 Tom Noie

2:42	Tom Noie:  Thanks to everyone for participating in today's chat. We'll be back next week for our post-Christmas chat Thursday at noon. If you cannot join us, drop me a note at tnoie@sbtinfo.com. Thanks. Merry Christmas. Thursday December 20, 2012 2:42 Tom Noie

2:44

 

 

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