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

 Live Chat: Talk Notre Dame basketball with Tom Noie(01/17/2013) 
11:57
Tom Noie: 
Hellllo? Helllo? Anyone out there today?

To say the last 20 hours or so have been a bit bizarre and bewildering around these here parts wouldn't do it justice. But let's see if we can shift just a little sanity and focus back to college basketball.

Notre Dame hoops is in a tricky spot today. Seemingly rolling along with 12 consecutive wins and a 2-0 start in the Big East, the Irish hit the skids in a serious way last Saturday. Losses to Connecticut (understandable) and St. John's (unacceptable) bounced Notre Dame back down to the break-even mark (2-2) in the league.

The Irish are struggling to score, can't defend and look nothing like the same team that won at Cincinnati on Jan. 7.

But there's hope - 14 league games remain and if we've learned anything about Notre Dame the last two years, it's that the Irish are at their best when cornered.

And they're really cornered.

Let's talk hoops. Be sure to include your name and town with your question or comment. Here we go.....

Thursday January 17, 2013 11:57 Tom Noie
12:11
[Comment From LawrenceLawrence: ] 
Hey Tom are you real?
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:11 Lawrence
12:11
Tom Noie: 
Lawrence:

As real as real can be. Now that we've gotten the levity out of the way, let's talk hoops. Thanks for the laugh, though.
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:11 Tom Noie
12:13
[Comment From Frank, PittsburghFrank, Pittsburgh: ] 
What do you make of the reported move of Tom Knight ahead of Garrick Sherman in the rotation behind Cooley?
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:13 Frank, Pittsburgh
12:14
Tom Noie: 
Frank:

Well, given the fact that the SBT reported the move, I can say for sure that it is true.

And it's been coming for a few games. Mike Brey isn't happy with Garrick Sherman's softness around the rim - the guy missed four layups from at least three feet and in the other night against St. John's.

Those are eight points the Irish could have used in a four-point loss.

It's time to see what Tom Knight can do. I'd be more worried right now about getting Jack Cooley to play like Jack Cooley again.
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:14 Tom Noie
12:17
[Comment From LawrenceLawrence: ] 
Just had to check...Seriously though, the last two games have been mirror images of each other. The Irish start with good offensive floe, tal an early 6-8 point lead. Then they are smothered at the 3-point line and when you think they have an advantage inside, get dominated both sides of the court. Also, St John's has beat us the last 3 times we;ve been there. Your thoughts...
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:17 Lawrence
12:19
Tom Noie: 
Lawrence:

Slight correction - St. John's has won the last five regular-season matchups at the Garden.

As I said in the open, I can understand the loss to Connecticut - Notre Dame had won 12 in a row, maybe got a little lazy with its principles and had trouble handling a team that played with a whole lot of focus.

But St. John's? Man, that's a bad, bad team. Notre Dame had no business losing that game, but the Irish just allowed the Red Storm to hang around, hang around, hang around and get confident.

Something's missing from this group. Hopefully three good days of practice will help get it back on track. Notre Dame will go twice today, which means it's all business over there.
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:19 Tom Noie
12:20
[Comment From BobBob: ] 
Knight looked OK, but he blew the game with 2 bad plays - an ally moop fro Grant and a blown dunk
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:20 Bob
12:25
Tom Noie: 
Bob:

Make that one bad play. Can't hang the pass from Grant all on Knight, although he admitted to me afterward that it was his fault.

Then again, so did Grant, who said he took for granted that Knight would roll to the hoop in that situation. Grant insisted he has to be a bit more selfish in that situation, and I agree. Grant said after the game he just has to take the shot there and not assume Knight would roll to the hoop even though that's what Cooley would do.

You have to understand time, score and personnel if you're on the floor with Knight. Don't put him in a position to do something he can't handle. He was on the floor to rebound and provide energy.

Let the guys who can score, score.
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:25 Tom Noie
12:25
[Comment From skip vaughan - houstonskip vaughan - houston: ] 
why did Cooley not play more in the St. John's game?
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:25 skip vaughan - houston
12:26
Tom Noie: 
Skip:

Coach's decision. Cooley wasn't good against Connecticut when the Irish were out-rebounded by the worst rebounding team in the league while allowing Tyler Olander to look like an NBA lottery pick.

Brey likely put his bigs - Cooley and Sherman - on notice. A repeat performance of that effort against St. John's would likely bring consequences.

When the repeat performance happened, they both sat.


Thursday January 17, 2013 12:26 Tom Noie
12:27
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
Brey has the 'L" from the St. John's game on his chest. The game was there for the taking in the last 3 minutes and he sits Cooley and Martin., his top veterans, on the bench for Knight and the frosh Bleidschein. Big mistake. Their lack of prime time exopsure showed Brey has no faith in his vets at crunch time. That will come back to haunt him and this will be another loist season in the NCAA tourney.
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:27 Guest
12:29
Tom Noie: 
Guest:

Hardly. Lack of faith in his vets? How about some faith in the guys off the bench.

Fans have howled that Brey should play the bench guys more, and complain that he's a bum when he stays with his starters. Then when he has two starters contributing nothing - N-O-T-H-I-N-G - to the cause and plays his bench guys, who by the way helped erase a 12-point deficit and got the Irish the lead (re-read that sentence a few times), Brey is bashed.

So now Brey is a bum because he doesn't play the starters.

Sorry, can't have it both ways.

Let's see how this plays out. If the Irish fall one win short of the NCAA tournament, this one's on Brey. If the Irish take off and finish with 12, 13 league wins, we'll hear only crickets from the naysayers.

There's such a loooooong way to go. Patience with the plan people.
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:29 Tom Noie
12:30
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
PS Why does ND chole every time it plays in the Garden?
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:30 Guest
12:30
Tom Noie: 
Guest:

Can't adjust to midtown Manhattan traffic. It's a bear.
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:30 Tom Noie
12:31
[Comment From RyanRyan: ] 
I agree that something is missing from this group. Why no Zach Auguste? Does he not look good in practice? Sherman looked awful and Knight was a surprise, but I can't believe he wouldn't be a nice change of pace when Cooley can't be in there. Your thoughts?
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:31 Ryan
12:33
Tom Noie: 
Ryan:

Mike Brey plays the guys he trusts don't need their hands held on the floor. Zach Auguste is a heck of a talent and will be very good, but he's just not ready. And when do you throw him in Tuesday? Late in the game? Not likely.

I would experiment a little more playing Auguste with Cooley and Knight if Scott Martin's knee is bothering him a little more than he lets on, which I believe to be the case.
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:33 Tom Noie
12:33
[Comment From ralph, glencoe, ILralph, glencoe, IL: ] 
One thing I saw the last two games more than in the previous was the number of shots ND players had blocked (9 against St. John's, 4 against Conn (I don't know how they only got credited with 4, but I digress) - it sure seemed like more in both cases). Did this topic come up with Mike Brey ? Is there a cure for this?
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:33 ralph, glencoe, IL
12:35
Tom Noie: 
Ralph:

A ball fake would be nice. So too would finishing quicker around the rim. The Irish have been so slooooow to get the ball up to the rim which allows defenses to recover or come help.

And a dunk would be nice. Garrick Sherman missed all four of his shots with soft layups. Man, if I were 6-9, 6-10 and got the ball down low and turned to see no one near the rim, I'm throwing down a two-hand dunk.

Ah, to be young again.....
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:35 Tom Noie
12:35
[Comment From KevinKevin: ] 
Just out of curiosity, how many questions did Brey get on the Te'o situation during today's teleconference? And then moving to basketball, when do you expect an announcement on College Game Day?
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:35 Kevin
12:38
Tom Noie: 
Kevin:

Only one person asked Mike Brey about the Te'o saga, but that's one person too many. I get it's a massive national story, but what's Mike Brey going to psosibly say? Hey, I know the real story?

I digress, but only one person should be left to comment on this story, and that's Manto Te'o. Until that happens, this is going to go 100 different directions. Already has.

No announcement imminent on College GameDay. They might wait until the early next month. Talked with some of my TV sources last week and he indication they received from ESPN is that the World Wide Leader still wants to wait a while before making the decision between Louisville-Notre Dame and Pittsburgh-Cincinnati.

Thursday January 17, 2013 12:38 Tom Noie
12:39
[Comment From ralph, glencoe, ILralph, glencoe, IL: ] 
I love all the doom and gloom!! The fact is teams have ups and down throughout a season and ND is down right now (hopefully the tourney will be their up moment). They will have better days. That said though, seeing a group of guys who are now in their third year playing together act like they had never seen each other before is quite disconcerting. That unfortunately does fall on Brey from a preparation/motivation standpoint. Your thoughts?
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:39 ralph, glencoe, IL
12:40
Tom Noie: 
Ralph:
I see a team that has stopped sharing and moving the ball and is struggling to get back in that groove. Much of this week is devoted to getting back to being a good, efficient outfit on the offensive end.

I understand the doom and gloom - you can't lose to St. John's. They're just a bad team. But I agree, I'd rather see this team go 11-7, 10-8 in the Big East, take a few lumps, learn a few lessons and be that much better to get to the second weekend of the NCAA tournament.
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:40 Tom Noie
12:40
[Comment From Eddie-oEddie-o: ] 
Noie - let's talk Teo!
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:40 Eddie-o
12:41
Tom Noie: 
Eddie-o

Meh, not yet. Te'o-d out right now. My head might explode.
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:41 Tom Noie
12:41
[Comment From Mark from South BendMark from South Bend: ] 
Tom, what is your opinion of how Jerian Grant is playing? Has he been overrated by many or is he just in a slump? Brey has bragged on our backcourt, but UConn out played us.
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:41 Mark from South Bend
12:43
Tom Noie: 
Mark:

Connecticut's guards are good. Notre Dame's guards, particularly Grant, has to be better.

Mike Brey has bragged on Grant for good reason. Heck, I even picked him as a first team all-league guy based on what he did last year - second-leading scorer, leader in assist. But it seemed last year he just played the game. Now he's trying to think it and for a young guy, that's a bad mix.

Grant seems like he wants to be the assist guy when he needs to be the scoring guy. Case in point was the dump pass that he thought Knight would get for a layup late in Tuesday's game.

Just shoot that short jumper. Don't put it on Knight to finish a play - you finish it.

Grant's too talented to not have the light bulb eventually stay on.
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:43 Tom Noie
12:47
[Comment From RyanRyan: ] 
I appreciate Martin being a "glue" guy, and he does a nice job on the boards, but he completely disappears for games at a time on the offensive end. Maybe he's injured, but he's been like that his whole career.
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:47 Ryan
12:50
Tom Noie: 
Ryan:

valid point, but something's different the last two games. Prior to the Connecticut game, Martin had hit 12-of-14 from 3 in wins against Seton Hall and Cincinnati. Against Connecticut and St. John's, Martin was a combined 0-for-3 from 3.

Prior to the Connecticut game, Martin was attempting 7.5 shots per game. Against Connecticut and St. John's he took a combined five shots.

He entered the Connecticut game the leading 3-point shooter in the league, so confidence wasn't an issue.

I believe health is. The numbers back that up. He just didn't lose his stroke and his confidence overnight.
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:50 Tom Noie
12:51
[Comment From LawrenceLawrence: ] 
Back again with another, is Scott Martin's knee flaring up occasionally- his reduced 3--point shots the last 2 games has been glaring. Right now it seems only Atkins is stepping up at prime time, Grant should start soon...
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:51 Lawrence
12:52
Tom Noie: 
Lawrence:

See the above entry for my thoughts on Martin.

Cooley is in a funk. Martin in a malaise. Hard to win when you're going 3-on-5.
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:52 Tom Noie
12:52
[Comment From Richard McHughRichard McHugh: ] 
Madison Sq Garden is a problem. It always has been. Digger Phelps beat them there when he was at Fordham. Soon it will be Cameron Arena or other ACC venues. Will recruiting step up to deal with the tough ACC?????
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:52 Richard McHugh
12:54
Tom Noie: 
Richard:

What do you mean by step up? Notre Dame signed a top 10 recruiting class in November - V.J. Beachem and Demetrius Jackson are each McDonald's All-American nominees.

No reason to think Notre Dame isn't going to keep getting the guys that fit when it moves to the ACC.
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:54 Tom Noie
12:55
[Comment From Saint KnuteSaint Knute: ] 
It appears to me that Pat C has quitely improved his game this year. Not unlike Abro did. Has he reached a ceiling or is their still room for more improvement?
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:55 Saint Knute
12:56
Tom Noie: 
Saint:

There's more good stuff to come from Connaughton, who's become a better all-around basketball player this year. Last season, he figured just to camp out in the corner and shoot 3s. Now he's finding guys off the dribble, driving to the basket and still defending. He's a key guy.

Now if he can bump that scoring average to 10-12 a game, he'd be a difficult cover.
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:56 Tom Noie
12:56
[Comment From Paul LPaul L: ] 
This is a team sweating the bubble all season - isn;t it?
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:56 Paul L
12:57
Tom Noie: 
Paul:

Not yet. Nowhere close. Plenty of power games left to make a statement. Selection Sunday is 58 days or so away - too long to be riding that bubble.

Ugh, I actually said it. Man, I hate that B word.
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:57 Tom Noie
12:59
[Comment From RyanRyan: ] 
What's your read on Sherman? I was excited about him to start the season. Looks like a different player.
Thursday January 17, 2013 12:59 Ryan
1:01
Tom Noie: 
Ryan:

Not ready for the rigors of the Big East. Consider the last two games a lesson learned - gotta be better - stronger - around the rim. He was really good in non-league play and way early in league play. The guy led the conference in field-goal percentage, but often plays down to his size. He's like a guard around the rim. They need a power guy.

It's the ebb and flow of a season for a guy trying to figure it out. Sometimes he's in the rotation, sometimes he's got to work on aspects of his game to move it forward.

Time for Sherman to go to work.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:01 Tom Noie
1:04
[Comment From RyanRyan: ] 
Should we worry about the front court next year? All the recruits are little guys, right? Without Cooley, could be trouble.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:04 Ryan
1:05
Tom Noie: 
Ryan:

No worries, not as long as the guys they have continue to improve.

Notre Dame loses Cooley but will have Sherman, Knight, Auguste and Austin Burgett. Then possibly Eric Katenda. Plenty of potential, but again, as long as they continue to improve.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:05 Tom Noie
1:13
[Comment From JoeJoe: ] 
Tom, Why is ND basketball not talked about among the elite college teams. I am seeing some awful basketball from teams that are supposed to be good.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:13 Joe
1:14
Tom Noie: 
Joe:

Until Notre Dame does something when it really matters - getting past the first weekend of the NCAA tournament - nobody really will pay much attention to the program.

Whether that's right or wrong doesn't matter, it's just the way of the world.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:14 Tom Noie
1:16
[Comment From Tim in N.Y.Tim in N.Y.: ] 
I was at the Garden game and saw how Cooley performed. No "funk" or was there anything missing from my point of view. If Brey had him sit because of two fouls in the first half, that may have been justified, though based on past performance the kid is smart enough to avoid the 3rd. But there wasn't any obvious reason to bench him in the second half, when by Cooley's self-assessment he can often perform at his best. And if Brey was trying to make a point to motivate the Big guy, or better evaluate Knight's play with more extended minutes, he didn't have to sink team morale by forfeiting a win while reliable strength sat on the bench. I agree with the earlier comment about Brey wearing the "L."
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:16 Tim in N.Y.
1:20
Tom Noie: 
Tim:

Read Cooley's body language or seemingly acceptable effort all you want, but you can't dismiss this:

---With Cooley playing the first nine minutes of the second half, the Irish deficit went from one to 12.
--With Cooley on the bench the final 11 minutes, the Irish went from being down 12 to up to St. John's stealing it at the end.

I've seen Cooley play enough throughout his career to see that he just hasn't been the same the last two games. I don't know why. He doesn't know why. But he better figure it out.

And this loss is on Brey? Too easy to assess blame. He had the five guys on the floor who he thought gave them the best chance to win the game. Will it be a different five on Saturday? Probably, but for that one night, Cooley did little to help.

Both bigs likely were put on notice after the Connecticut game - be better or you're not going to play. They likely knew the drill, and still didn't deliver.

Thursday January 17, 2013 1:20 Tom Noie
1:20
[Comment From Mike, BloomingtonMike, Bloomington: ] 
Plenty of season remains. How good is Rutgers? And how do the Irish match up with them?
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:20 Mike, Bloomington
1:22
Tom Noie: 
Mike:

Rutgers is OK, but like Connecticut and like St. John's, it has the type of players who give the Irish fits - guards who can get it and go and pressure and score. The Scarlet Knights started the season 9-2 and play at home tonight against South Florida.

How good is Rutgers? Here's how good - the Scarlet Knights beat St. John's. In the Garden.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:22 Tom Noie
1:22
[Comment From john, njjohn, nj: ] 
I think Cooley's "funk" was pretty obvious on defense in both the UConn and the St Johns game.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:22 john, nj
1:23
Tom Noie: 
John:

You're one of the few fans who believes that. Everyone seems to think there was nothing wrong with Cooley and there was no reason for him to be bench. But the Irish defense has stunk out loud the last two games. Especially on the interior. Cooley has to be better and has to set the tone for teammates to follow.

Thursday January 17, 2013 1:23 Tom Noie
1:23
[Comment From ralph, glencoe, ILralph, glencoe, IL: ] 
When I look at Mike Brey, I see a coach who gets a lot out his team, can play different styles with his teams, wins basketball games, is a nice guy and represents the school extremely well. He can't get by the first couple of games though in an NCAA tournament though. By my definition, Mike Brey is successful coach but a lot of people would say he isn't for that one, last fact. Would you term Mike Brey a successful coach or not?
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:23 ralph, glencoe, IL
1:28
Tom Noie: 
Ralph:

An unbelievable success at a place where the job may be one of the toughest in America in terms of where it falls in the pecking order in the athletic department, the league where it competes, the type of student-athletes it has to recruit compared to its conference colleagues and the annual league schedule it has to survive.

But nobody sees any of that. All they see is, early exit in the NCAA tournament, so Brey can't possibly that good.

I usually get on this soapbox this time of year and apparently this season is no different.

Fans don't like Mike Brey? Fine, name two or three coaches that would take the job tomorrow if offered. Coaches that would see the discrepencies of attention given to the football program and the basketball program, accept hem, understand that they still have to win and recruit at a high level in an unforgiving league in sub-par facilities but still get 20-plus wins and 10-plus league wins a year.

Who takes this job?

And eliminate Brad Stevens right now. Not an option. He coaches at a place where basketball is priority 1AAAA at Butler.

You'd probably be stunned at the number of A-level coaches who would look at Notre Dame and say, no thanks.

Mike Brey hasn't won championships, hasn't gone to Final Fours, or even Sweet 16s but what he's done in his tenure simply cannot be ignored because of that. It just can't.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:28 Tom Noie
1:28
[Comment From FresnoFanFresnoFan: ] 
I was switching back and forth between the two Notre Dame games last Tuesday and the difference in intensity was amazing. Is that the difference between the two coaching styles? The girls have an aggressive in your face style that I seldom see on the boys' side.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:28 FresnoFan
1:29
Tom Noie: 
FF:

You lost me when you compared the men's game to the women's game. You mean the same women's game where one of the best coaches in the sport's history wants the rim lowered to 9 feet?

There's your answer right there. It's basketball, but it's far beyond apples and oranges.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:29 Tom Noie
1:30
[Comment From Denny in ColumbusDenny in Columbus: ] 
From what I've seen all year, Cooley is getting absolutely hammered by opposing bigs (and smalls) at both ends of the floor with most of the contact not drawing a whistle. Know it's the Big East, and the refs tend to let 'em play, but I have to wonder if part of the "funk" may be fatigue -- and a little irritation that zebras won't give him any relief from the "Hack a Shaq" strategy other teams are employing against him, especially on defenssive boards.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:30 Denny in Columbus
1:31
Tom Noie: 
Denny:

Jack Cooley was engaged and battling under the boards the first two games of league play against Seton Hall and Cincinnati, where he shot 13-of-14 from the free throw line. Against Connecticut and St. John's, he went just 1-of-4 from the foul line.

Something's missing. Something's different about him. Hope to find out what today before practice. Stay tuned to the SBT for the answer.

Thursday January 17, 2013 1:31 Tom Noie
1:36
[Comment From john, njjohn, nj: ] 
Maybe Deadspin's going to announce today that the girl kissing Cooley after the Kentucky game is really a model that Cooley never met before. She was paid by Jack Swarbick to attend the game.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:36 john, nj
1:37
Tom Noie: 
John:

Interesting angle. Glad I didn't pursue it.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:37 Tom Noie
1:37
[Comment From Tim in N.Y.Tim in N.Y.: ] 
While you and John think that Cooley's defense "stunk" because he didn't challenge St. John's interior, I'm seeing a Big Guy - who caught at least one very questionable foul in the first half on the enemy's home court - who cautiously keeps his distance from challenging opposing drives (and fast whistles) because he knows that teammates value him more on the court than the bench.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:37 Tim in N.Y.
1:37
Tom Noie: 
Tim:

With Cooley - down 1 to down 12
Without Cooley - down 12 to up 2

Thursday January 17, 2013 1:37 Tom Noie
1:37
[Comment From john, njjohn, nj: ] 
OK. Serious question. How many turnovers did Grant have against St. John's? I like Atkins and Grant, but I think Brey's overselling them. I don't think their ceiling puts them in the same category as Cook & Curry at Duke, and other top guard tandems.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:37 john, nj
1:41
Tom Noie: 
John:

Jerian Grant had six turnovers against St. John's. He continues to baffle with his seemingly inconsistent efforts. As mentioned earlier, he played much freer of mind last season when he just kind of played. It's almost now as if he's trying to over-think the game, trying to play with his smarts instead of his skills.

Atkins and Grant are really good guards. I would put them up against anyone - include Duke's - on their best day. Trouble is, we really haven't seen them have their best day in league play.

Both were really good in the win at Cincinnati, but Grant started so slowly.

Hard to find fault with Atkins, who continues to run the team, find guys and now score after he had a season-high 21 against St. John's.

A full 40 minutes from the guards would go a long way to getting everything back on track.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:41 Tom Noie
1:41
[Comment From Saint KnuteSaint Knute: ] 
Perhaps Lennay Kekua can shed some insight into as to why Cooley 's game is suffering.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:41 Saint Knute
1:42
Tom Noie: 
SK:

Not likely.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:42 Tom Noie
1:42
[Comment From skip vaughan - houstonskip vaughan - houston: ] 
My observation is that Atkins is relatively ineffective when guarded closely - how do you see this?
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:42 skip vaughan - houston
1:42
Tom Noie: 
Skip:

Give me a game for an example. He was OK against Connecticut but spent much of the time chasing the Huskies guards.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:42 Tom Noie
1:54
[Comment From TJ, NYTJ, NY: ] 
I like Tom Knight but I have yet to see him do anything in a real game to make me think he belongs out there. He may have been on the floor the other night when the Irish made a comeback but I don't recall him doing much. I know everyone is down on Sherman but I still think he has more ability than Knight. Sorry just the way I see it.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:54 TJ, NY
1:55
Tom Noie: 
TJ:

And in the long run, it's going to be Cooley and Sherman, but it's nice to have Knight to help get the attention of the other guys. The coaches see something in him in practice (sorry, I'm not invited) so you have to just go with it.

But Knight ever becoming a double-double guy. Not likely.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:55 Tom Noie
1:55
[Comment From john, njjohn, nj: ] 
I think Atkins sometimes looks overmatched but he somehow finds a way to make a shot or pass that you don't expect. The last couple of games, he's reminded me of David Rivers.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:55 john, nj
1:57
Tom Noie: 
John:

That's a bold statement. I think part of the reason the offense has struggled may be because Atkins has looked to score more. But again, without being in the film breakdown room of the coaching staff, I don't know if Atkins scoring more has thrown the offense out of whack or after seeing the offense out of whack has forced him to score more.

Huh?

Make any sense?
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:57 Tom Noie
1:57
[Comment From Henry from SacramentoHenry from Sacramento: ] 
My view on the last two games: Atkins is the one consistent player. Martin is a non-factor when it comes to scoring. PC has energy. He tries hard and I would like to see him more involved. Grant does not show he has the confidence he can play with the big boys every night. The freahman does not understand ND basketball is a team game. Your thoiugts
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:57 Henry from Sacramento
1:59
Tom Noie: 
Henry:

Somewhat correct. Martin has been able to score more than he has the last two games. He just hasn't looked to score - at all - the last two games. Grant is so wrapped up in the mental aspect of the game that it's limiting his physical gifts.

Biedscheid has been groomed to do one task - score. It's hard for him to get away from that when he's in the game. He's operating much like Connaughton did last year - just shoot it.

Biedscheid's going to be good. Don't get down on him just yet.
Thursday January 17, 2013 1:59 Tom Noie
2:02
[Comment From john, njjohn, nj: ] 
What was your take on the refs in the UConn game? ND played bad, but there were also a lot of no calls when it looked like Irish players were fouled, and not just Cooley.
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:02 john, nj
2:03
Tom Noie: 
John:

Never gave it a second thought, and never have covered a game thinking the officials cost Notre Dame. Even during the lane violation against Xavier.

No whistles? Play through it. Too many whistles? Adjust your game.
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:03 Tom Noie
2:03
[Comment From TJ, NYTJ, NY: ] 
I thought UConn came ready for bear last week and made some tough shots. If you saw them against Louisville a few nights later they played equally as good until they ran out of gas in the second half. I think UConn may be the only team that feels comfortable in the Joyce Center and this is all they have to contend for. I understand SJ is off but still they played hard and it is usually not easy getting a win there. Not making excuses but the Big East is tough. The Irish are right where they were at this point last year. Let's hope they can go on a 10 game spree again.
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:03 TJ, NY
2:04
Tom Noie: 
TJ:

Connecticut brought its A+++ game to town last week, and the tank was empty two night later against Louisville.

Notre Dame should be, at worst, 3-1 in the league right now which means the Irish are one game off pace. Gotta get it back somewhere on the road while still holding serve at home.

As mentioned, it's a long season. Let's see how it all plays out.
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:04 Tom Noie
2:04
[Comment From Rich from RochesterRich from Rochester: ] 
Tom, good afternoon. I for one was glad to see Brey finally putting his foot down, especially with Sherman. In fact, I would like to see a little more animation on the bench when this team goes thru it's lackluster stretches.
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:04 Rich from Rochester
2:06
Tom Noie: 
Rich:

You are in the minority on this one, but that's OK. I agree.

And speaking of Brey, he was as animated as ever from the bench the other night in New York. And he was animated early, like right from the start. The minute Cooley failed on the offensive end, he was coming out within the first five minutes of the game. That seldom has happened, which leads you to believe the bigs were put in notice - deliver a big effort or watch.

Brey is in a no-win situation. Fans bellyache that he doesn't use the bench. When he uses the bench and doesn't play an ineffective starter, they bellyache. SMH
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:06 Tom Noie
2:06
[Comment From TJ, NYTJ, NY: ] 
Last thought. I think the word is out on Martin. Don't let him shoot so guard him tight he would beat you off the dribble. If Martin is going to score it will have to come in transition or the Irish are going to have to set some screens or run some plays designed to give him an open look and a scoring opp.
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:06 TJ, NY
2:07
Tom Noie: 
TJ:

I believe the word is an ailing let knee. I don't know how many other teams are game-planning to stop Martin. In fact, given his history, I'd think teams would look to eliminate Atkins and Cooley and take their chances that Martin isn't going to knock down enough shots.
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:07 Tom Noie
2:10
[Comment From Tony V, Bedford NHTony V, Bedford NH: ] 
Hey Tom - why do the Irish struggle so much playing in MSG, a venue they should own?
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:10 Tony V, Bedford NH
2:12
Tom Noie: 
Tony:

One of the game's biggest mysteries, my man. Notre Dame can win a Big East Championship game or two in the same building but have dropped five in a row to St. John's and haven't won there since 2004.

St. John's just a bad matchup. Notre Dame tends to play down to the competition, which gives the Red Storm confidence in can compete. Saw it the other night - Irish were up six and getting anything they wanted around the rim. It was almost as if they figured, Ah, this is going to be easy...

And then it wasn't.
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:12 Tom Noie
2:12
[Comment From LawrenceLawrence: ] 
Since everybody's being negative today, I'll point out a positive, Atkins does seem to have a great shot off the top of the backboard while driving to his right through contact. seems to have one such circus shot each game...
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:12 Lawrence
2:12
Tom Noie: 
Lawrence:

Thanks for the positive piece. Atkins has worked on the floater a lot. When that's falling, he usually feels he's on track for a big game.
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:12 Tom Noie
2:19
[Comment From Ray From MishawakaRay From Mishawaka: ] 
Eric Adkins has played really great all season up to this point. He has been consistant and been scoring more when our other scorers are not doing well. If he had not been on the court in the last two games they would have been blowouts. I love his assist to turnover ratio and he just plays smart. I'm sure the other coaches in the BIg East appreciate how good he is.
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:19 Ray From Mishawaka
2:19
Tom Noie: 
Ray:

Too few others do. The kid's really good, something that tends to get lost in everything else about this program.
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:19 Tom Noie
2:24
[Comment From Ray From MishawakaRay From Mishawaka: ] 
Eric should be able to mentor Demetrius Jackson next year, which should be a big plus.
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:24 Ray From Mishawaka
2:25
Tom Noie: 
Ray:

True. Demetrius Jackson may not start as a freshman, but no reason to think he won't factor heavily into the rotation. Just like Atkins did when he played 25.4 minutes a game as a freshman on a team that finished 27-7.

Then when Atkins graduates, this team is Jackson's.
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:25 Tom Noie
2:25
[Comment From TJ, NYTJ, NY: ] 
Will say this..it was great seeing Grant drive to the hole and use his left to score twice in the second half against St. John's. First time I have seen him do that.
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:25 TJ, NY
2:27
Tom Noie: 
TJ:

When he's engaged and determined to finish like that, he's a tough cover. But there have been other times when he's in the lane either unsure of whether to pass or shoot or trying to draw contact that he's throwing up some wild, off-balance shot that may draw contact but no way will it get rewarded.

Grant should just think less and play more.
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:27 Tom Noie
2:27
[Comment From Milwaukee MikeMilwaukee Mike: ] 
While the camera fixed on Cooley's face in the 2nd half, just staring and looking dejected on the bench, I recalled watching Mark Aguirre during the NCAA tourney in 1981 when heavily-favored DePaul lost in the 2nd round to St. Joe's by one point. This was after Mark led the obscure Chgo school to national prominence, and just before he had been chosen 1st in the draft by Dallas. During this game, however, he was largely benched by Ray Meyer who was trying to "teach" the kid a lesson and Aguirre only scored a few points. But it was his last game, ever, for DePaul. Without even showering, talking to the press, or waiting for the bus, the kid literally ran out of the arena and alone all the way back to his hotel. I never forgave the arrogance of Meyer belief in team "discipline" after that, imposing his own ego over the will of the team to win. Then and there, I switched my allegiance to Marquette.
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:27 Milwaukee Mike
2:29
Tom Noie: 
MM:

But the loss had nothing to do with Skip DIllard, a guy whose teammates called him Money, not making a free throw?

And I remember that game watching in suburban Chicago. Aguirre left University of Dayton Arena and reportedly fired the game ball into the Miami River before walking back to the Dayton Marriott.

Thursday January 17, 2013 2:29 Tom Noie
2:35
[Comment From Milwaukee MikeMilwaukee Mike: ] 
You can blame one missed free throw for the loss. But I blame Ray Meyer, who chose the wrong time and wrong place to teach Chgo's hardtop boys how to do it HIS way. It was a game of culture divides., when ghetto guys were supposed to obey the uptown rules
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:35 Milwaukee Mike
2:36
Tom Noie: 
Wow. 30 years later and still blaming the Coach. OK.
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:36 Tom Noie
2:36
[Comment From Jim Tal, CAJim Tal, CA: ] 
Tom, I might be overreacting a bit but after what has happened the last two games, I'm beginning to have legitimate worries about the Irish making the NCAA Tournament. Any doubts beginning to creep into your mind? Thanks for the great work!
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:36 Jim Tal, CA
2:37
Tom Noie: 
Jim:

Yep, because the team I've seen the last two games hasn't been the team I've watched all year. And these close games have usually been the games they've figured out how to win recently. That's not happening.

Two rules in this league - don't let home games get away and beat the teams at the bottom of the league standings. Notre Dame went 0-2 in that department the last two games.

Gotta be better.
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:37 Tom Noie
2:42
[Comment From Mark from South BendMark from South Bend: ] 
Tom, a trademark of Mike Brey's teams has been a chemistry that you can see. Personally, I have not sensed it this season, yet. Has there been a stretch where you think we had it?
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:42 Mark from South Bend
2:43
Tom Noie: 
Mark:

Kentucky game, Seton Hall game, stretches against Cincinnati. There have been glimpses but nothing sustained. It's almost as if they've taken that chemistry, and the belief they can have success, for granted.
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:43 Tom Noie
2:51
[Comment From Tom, Brownsburg, INTom, Brownsburg, IN: ] 
I shouldn't be anymore, but I am always just amazed how one or two games brings out either fears of the apocalypse or we're on our way to a 1960's UCLA domination of the sport (OK, bit of an exaggeration, but, you get my point). I'm not saying we shouldn't be concerned, but relax people! Tom, do you remember Cooley having a brief stretch like this at all last year, and if so, how long did it last and how did he snap out of it?
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:51 Tom, Brownsburg, IN
2:53
Tom Noie: 
Tom:

Don't remember Cooley's struggle last year - he hit his stride early against Pittsburgh, but wasn't good against Connecticut and Rutgers before throwing together a whole bunch of double-doubles.

That's why I'm not as worked up over his benching - he's been too good to not be better. And I think he will.

Plenty of games and opportunities left for Notre Dame to prove why this year's team is different. Time to go do it.
Thursday January 17, 2013 2:53 Tom Noie
2:54
Tom Noie: 
Thanks to everyone for participating in this week's chat. Be back same time next week - Thursday at noon - for more Notre Dame hoops talk.

If you have a question or comment, drop me a note at tnoie@schurz.com. Thanks. Have a great weekend.

Thursday January 17, 2013 2:54 Tom Noie
2:54