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Chat Transcript: Talk Notre Dame basketball with Tom Noie

11:51 AM EST, December 6, 2012

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

Live Chat: Talk Notre Dame basketball with Tom Noie

(12/06/2012)

  

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11:55

Tom Noie:  Ho-hum. That seemed to be the prevailing attitude inside the Notre Dame men's basketball locker room following last week's win over then-No. 8 Kentucky at Purcell pavilion. And it should have been. Given where the Kentucky program is with all the freshmen talent trying to figure out what college basketball is all about compared to a been-there, done-that Notre Dame team that basically beats every team that sets foot in its building. The win lost a little luster when Kentucky lost at home 48 hours later to unranked Baylor. Maybe it will mean more come March. Notre Dame is in an extended break from basketball - Saturday's game against Brown is the only one in a 15-day stretch. But that's no excuse to stop talking hoops. Have a question? Comment? Concern? Add your name and hometown and away we'll go. Thursday December 6, 2012 11:55 Tom Noie

12:00

Tom Noie:  Notre Dame ran its home record to 46-0 in November under Mike Brey with the win over Kentucky. It also was win 106 out of the last 113 home games at Purcell Pavilion, where Notre Dame is 41-1 in its last 42 home games, including 12 in a row. Again, ho-hum. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:00 Tom Noie

12:00

[Comment From Bonkers in YonkersBonkers in Yonkers: ]  Looking at the schedule, it seems the only really tough 2 games before the middle of the BE schedule (starting with Cuse) are at Cincy and at home to UCONN. What is the sentiment inside the team on possibly running off alot of wins? Thursday December 6, 2012 12:00 Bonkers in Yonkers

12:05

Tom Noie:  Bonkers: No sentiment, at least not yet. Too early to start peeking at the Big East schedule. Do that and Notre Dame struggles against Brown before finals starts or Purdue at the Crossroads Classic, a game it cannot - CANNOT - lose. But since you mentioned the league schedule before the Syracuse game arrives on Feb. 4 at the Carrier Dome, one word - beware. Don't sleep in the St. John's game Jan. 15 at Madison Square Garden. Notre Dame has been worked by St. John's in the Garden the last four visits and hasn't won a regular-season game in the building since 2004. And while we're on the subject - somewhat - of trap games, don't chalk up the Jan. 26 game at South Florida or the Feb. 2 game at DePaul as wins. Too much is unknown around the league. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:05 Tom Noie

12:05

[Comment From Drama CityDrama City: ]  Tom Terrific, is Purdue any good? Should we be worried? Thursday December 6, 2012 12:05 Drama City

12:06

Tom Noie:  DC: I know less about Purdue than I do about Brown, and I know next to nothing about Brown. But given the state of the Boilermakers this season, it's a game Notre Dame has to get - the Irish are older, experienced, a veteran group that sooner or later has to play a statement game in-state against a state school. Boiler Up! Thursday December 6, 2012 12:06 Tom Noie

12:06

[Comment From Alex, RochesterAlex, Rochester: ]  The team is in the midst of a long break between the Kentucky game and the upcoming contest with Brown. What do you see Mike Brey focusing on during this extended time off? Will the break allow the team to focus on any specific things they couldn't during busier parts of the schedule? Thursday December 6, 2012 12:06 Alex, Rochester

12:09

Tom Noie:  Alex: Thanks for the question. Basketball really took a backseat to academics for the better part of the last week. Mike Brey went recruiting and was able to watch two of his four recently-signed high school seniors - V.J. Beachem and Demetrius Jackson - play Friday and Saturday of last week. Practices finally got back on track Wednesday with the chance that the Irish go twice on Friday before another week off for finals. It's hard with so many different class schedules, projects, finals, etc., to really focus on nothing but basketball this time of year. Honestly, Mike Brey wants his guys to concentrate on their classwork more than hoops. Not something many coaches would mandate. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:09 Tom Noie

12:09

[Comment From Slide_PieceSlide_Piece: ]  Tom, Why on this earth, after having been bitten by "dead legs" as early on as mid-January in seasons past, would Brey still insist on A 7 MAN!!!! rotation in NOVEMBER? Thursday December 6, 2012 12:09 Slide_Piece

12:11

Tom Noie:  Slide: Welcome back! Dead legs talk already? My fingers are dead from having to bang out responses to the dead legs talk. Waaaay too early for any of that. But, again, you asked. Let me throw it back at you - who would you have wanted to play that didn't play against Kentucky? Zach Auguste? Simply not ready for that level. Same with Austin Burgett. Tom Knight? Hasn't done anything to warrant any, much less major, minutes. Do the Irish eventually need to get to eight? Yes, but in a game like that - just like against Saint Joseph's - Brey is going to go with the guys he trusts. Right now, it's seven. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:11 Tom Noie

12:14

Tom Noie:  More on the dead legs dilemma since I've received several notes on it. I'm not buying any and all talk of dead legs being part of the problem at Notre Dame, especially late in the season. It's nonsense. Take, for example, Louisville. Rick Pitino plays more than seven guys, but also demands far more from his guys in practice than Brey, especially as the season winds down. Notre Dame plays seven guys and are lucky if it's on the practice floor for more than an hour. Louisville will play nine, 10, 11 guys, often because the revolving door of injuries, but Pitino will practice his guys two hours, sometimes three, all season. Shouldn't they have dead legs as well? Thursday December 6, 2012 12:14 Tom Noie

12:14

[Comment From Kevin, IndianapolisKevin, Indianapolis: ]  Tom, Always enjoy the chat. Do you happen to know Jackson's numbers from the field against Luers on Saturday? I enjoyed hearing your question in the presser about DJ and VJ and Brey really expanded on his answer. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:14 Kevin, Indianapolis

12:15

Tom Noie:  Kevin: Thanks for the note. Don't know how many shots Demetrius Jackson took in getting 39 points and the win against Fort Wayne Luers, but Mike Brey was pleased with his perimeter play. I will see Jackson play Friday against South Bend Clay, so I'll have a better idea if he needs 25-30 shots to get his 39 or is much more efficient. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:15 Tom Noie

12:16

[Comment From Dave (Washington, DC)Dave (Washington, DC): ]  Thanks for the chat Tom. Is there any apprehension among Brey and the coaching staff about the team's defense? They seem even more porous than in previous seasons, even though it seems like they have the personnel to be effective. I'm kind of surprised Grant hasn't become a better on-ball defender. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:16 Dave (Washington, DC)

12:19

Tom Noie:  Dave: Good to hear from you, but are we watching the same team? Notre Dame held Kentucky to 50 total points and is holding opponents to 58.5 points per game. That ranks 5th in the Big East. That's going to win you a lot of games. Opponents are shooting 37.6 percent from the floor - anything around 40 and you're doing a solid defensive job. Opponents are shooting 31 percent from 3, which has long been an Achilles' heel for Notre Dame. Notre Dame is never going to be a turn-you-over, smother-you-in-the-open-floor outfit, but for a team that prides itself on being in good position and holding teams to one-and-done, the Irish have been good. Really good. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:19 Tom Noie

12:19

[Comment From Leprechaun LegionLeprechaun Legion: ]  How great was the crowd vs Kentucky? We hope to have the place rocking for all games moving forward Thursday December 6, 2012 12:19 Leprechaun Legion

12:20

Tom Noie:  LL: Don't take this the wrong way, but it's about time. Now bring it Saturday against Brown. My family has tickets for Saturday's game and the first question out of my son's mouth was, "Are the students going to show up for this one?" One game does not a season make for the student section. Just don't rush the floor against Brown. I understand why it was done against Kentucky, but save it for the really, really big games. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:20 Tom Noie

12:20

[Comment From TylerTyler: ]  The use of a 7 man rotation doesn't surprise me in general, but why has Brey been so reluctant to use Zach Auguste vs athletic big men? St. Joe's comes to mind as a spot where he definitely shouldve been utilized. I know he's young and raw, but his shot-blocking is certainly best on the team and he can naturally rebound. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:20 Tyler

12:22

Tom Noie:  Tyler: Good to hear from and great question on Zach Auguste. Could his athleticism and shot-blocking ability been used against Saint Joseph's (Pa.)? Yes. Could he ha ve made a difference? Perhaps. But understand this about Mike Brey - he plays only the guys he trusts. He believes Zach Auguste is going to be one heck of a player, maybe one of the best big men the Irish have had in a long time, and that's saying something. But Auguste missed so much valuable practice time and reps with his two sprained ankles that he's still so robotic out there - unsure of where to be at a certain time that Brey felt he couldn't afford to let Auguste "play through" any mistakes against a veteran team. Auguste is going to be really good. It's just going to take him a little more time. Patience. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:22 Tom Noie

12:23

[Comment From TylerTyler: ]  Cam Biedscheid is going to be a star -- no doubt about it. But who loses the most minutes as he gets more throughout the season -- has to be Connaughton, right? Thursday December 6, 2012 12:23 Tyler

12:24

Tom Noie:  Tyler: Two-for-two. Great question. it depends. If Connaughton can knock down a few more shots, and maybe even if he doesn't, he'll continue to be a key guy because of his intangibles of defending and rebounding. Maybe Scott Martin's minutes take a hit, especially if he continues to deal with the tendinitis in his left knee. Biedscheid's a rare talent - read more about him in Saturday's SBT - and continues to trend in the right direction. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:24 Tom Noie

12:25

[Comment From Slide_PieceSlide_Piece: ]  Tom - THROW TOMMY KNIGHT IN THE ROTATION AND LET HIM BANG OUT! He's a big body who can guard opponents big men. ND will need Knight down the stretch, get him in the rotation now. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:25 Slide_Piece

12:26

Tom Noie:  Slide: At what cost? Do you sit Jack Cooley, the only player in the Big East averaging double figures for points (14.1) and rebounds (11.3) or Garrick Sherman, who's shooting a team-best 61.5 percent from the field. That Knight is the odd man out is no surprise, and maybe further evidence or indictment that his game isn't at the level where it deserves major minutes. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:26 Tom Noie

12:26

[Comment From Slide_PieceSlide_Piece: ]  Tom, Rick Pitino and Louisville Nation writ large do not even allow "Dead Legs" in their lexicon. Mike Brey has the "Dead Legs" fallback cemented into his contract. Perhaps more practice down the stretch is what this team needs in order to compete in the B.E. Tourney. These aren't nursing home residents, these are kids. The "dead legs" tangent has to be expunged. Brey's bunch can either compete in March or they cannot. Brey's bunch is either condioned well or they are not. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:26 Slide_Piece

12:27

Tom Noie:  Slide: Conditioning never, ever, ever should be a factor when talking about, like you said, kids. These are guys who as Brey likes to say used to play three AAU games, eat a hot dog in between, then play two more in one day. Dead legs is too easy an excuse. Dead heads? Maybe. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:27 Tom Noie

12:28

[Comment From Dave (Washington, DC)Dave (Washington, DC): ]  I was in Brooklyn to watch the Irish play St. Joe's and BYU. A buddy of mine asked what kind of offense ND runs, and I really didn't know what to say. It seems like their standard possession is to drop it down to Cooley (which is fine) and if nothing's there, kick it back out and jack up a three. I know they set some screens here and there, but am I oversimplifying it? Their execution in the 4th qtr and OT against St. Joe's was concerning...they just seemed lost. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:28 Dave (Washington, DC)

12:32

Tom Noie:  Dave: Lost, yes, given the time of year. Not a surprise while everyone was still trying to figure it all out. But I would take exception to the belief that all the Irish do is stand around and shoot 3s. Notre Dame attempted a season-high 28 3s against Saint Joseph's, but that had more to do with the Hawks' size and length around the bucket. Brey's offense is unique in that it's a motion, read-and-react system that lets players take advantage of their basketball IQs rather than running specific sets with predetermined moves and cuts and passes. Again, that goes to the trust factor. Guys he trusts to make the right play on offense without being robotic play. Guys that think it through too much (right now, that's Auguste) don't get the minutes. If Notre Dame somehow gets another chance at Saint Joe's sometime this season, you'll see a crisper, more confident team. The Irish have gotten better since that game 9see Kentucky). Thursday December 6, 2012 12:32 Tom Noie

12:32

[Comment From Kevin PKevin P: ]  Love the chats Tom. Was wondering if you think Pat C needs to be more aggresive in looking for his shot. He seems to be taking the majority of his shots from 3 and not driving or looking for his midrange game enough. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:32 Kevin P

12:34

Tom Noie:  Kevin: Great point. And yes, when you're shooting 13-of-41 from 3 (31.7 percent) from the arc and 7-of-14 (50 percent) inside the arc, it's time to find some more mid-range stuff, something Brey hinted at about Connaughton on Wednesday. Connaughton has been to the foul line only five times. That's way, way, way too few for a guy who plays 31 minutes a game. He's easy to guard right now - run him off the 3-point line or contest the shot. That has to change. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:34 Tom Noie

12:34

[Comment From Dave (Washington, DC)Dave (Washington, DC): ]  By the way, met Danny Ainge on the subway after the CVC tourney. Pretty approachable dude. Not sure why he was taking the subway. Said he likes ND's squad though! Thursday December 6, 2012 12:34 Dave (Washington, DC)

12:35

Tom Noie:  Dave: Seen Danny Ainge around Big East hoops often and has always seemed like a good guy. As for the subway, simply no other way to get to Barclays. Traffic around that place is ridiculous and I never did see any parking. The train it is! Thursday December 6, 2012 12:35 Tom Noie

12:36

[Comment From TylerTyler: ]  Some of the games such as Monmouth/Evansville get out of hand pretty early yet we let our top 7 log pretty significant minutes still. Do you think more time needs to be designated to the 8-10th men in these situations, or do you like giving the minutes to the guys that will likely play the most all year so they can continue to gel further? I'd like to see Knight and Auguste play in these circumstances at least -- Burgett likely will get no run. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:36 Tyler

12:37

Tom Noie:  Tyler: The seven-man rotation is critical early in the year in that those guys are still figuring out how to play with and off one another, particularly Cooley and Sherman. But these home games in December, I would like to see more of Auguste and Burgett and even Knight to determine if Notre Dame needs to go to an eighth guy, who that guy would be. This is the month to tinker a little bit. Any and all tinkering ceases once Jan. 5 arrives. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:37 Tom Noie

12:38

[Comment From The Commish - SBIThe Commish - SBI: ]  The "dead legs" back and forth between Slide and Tom is very interesting. I haven't heard it brought up too much but I obviously defer to you, Tom Terrific, if you say you've heard people bring it up often. My biggest "dead legs" concern isn't necessarily the number of players in the rotation, but our primary guards playing 38+ minutes per game in conference play. Do you think it's good for a PG and SG, who are arguably the 2 most important guys on the team, to play that many minutes in a grueling conference? Cam has to get more minutes and spell the guards a little more, right? Thursday December 6, 2012 12:38 The Commish - SBI

12:40

Tom Noie:  Commish: Good to hear your view, but Biedschied's not a handler. He's a scorer and Brey likely doesn't want to muddle the kid's mind with having to take care of the ball. As for Atkins and Grant playing too many minutes, that's why the concept of Everett Golson trying his hands at hoops never was going to fly - Brey sleeps better at night with Atkins and Grant on the floor. As he's said, they have to play and play a lot. Now, that likely changes next season when Demetrius Jackson arrives. If Atkins (36.8 mpg) and Grant (36.0) are logging the majority of the guard minutes, then there's an issue. But right now, there simply is not a third handler in the rotation. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:40 Tom Noie

12:48

[Comment From Kevin PKevin P: ]  Great insight on Pat C, those stats do confirm what my eyes have been telling me about his game to date. Another from me, do you think ND is strugling a bit from an identity crisis??? I am not complaning at all but the team seems to be struggling a bit between playing more up tempo and a slower half court game. I feel we actualy play better when we are playing a bit quicker as I think it helps turn up our efensive presure a bit. G Thursday December 6, 2012 12:48 Kevin P

12:50

Tom Noie:  Kevin: You are correct. I hate, hate, hate using the term, but Notre Dame is the proverbial "work in progress" especially on offense where the Irish are still figuring out who they are and what they can do best. It's going to take a few more games, and may take longer if there's an injury. Like you, I think these guys can play quicker, get more early offense in transition so they're not standing around draining the shot clock. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:50 Tom Noie

12:50

[Comment From Dave (Washington, DC)Dave (Washington, DC): ]  Can I get some better free throw shooting? Thursday December 6, 2012 12:50 Dave (Washington, DC)

12:51

Tom Noie:  Da ve: You and Mike Brey, both. Man, 63.6 percent from the foul line is going to make for a lot of close games, and maybe some games you should win but don't. Gotta be a whole lot better - like 12 percent better. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:51 Tom Noie

12:51

[Comment From Fading Captain - DCFading Captain - DC: ]  Tom Terrific, 2 questions: 1) Please put Tom Terrific in your twitter profile as your nickname. 2) Brey calling out Jack Cooley for lip-locking on the court after the UK game was one of the best things I've seen all year. How much has the team been ripping Cooley for his PDA on ESPN? Thursday December 6, 2012 12:51 Fading Captain - DC

12:53

Tom Noie:  FC: Terrific questions/observations. No-go on the Twitter, gotta keep that professional, unlike this here chat (LOL). Those guys usually like to keep it loose, so you figure Cooley is getting all kinds of flak for the kiss - let's just hope it was his girlfriend. Thursday December 6, 2012 12:53 Tom Noie

1:01

[Comment From Bonkers in YonkersBonkers in Yonkers: ]  Sherman seems to have more of a finesse low post game and Cooley is definitely a banger, go right at the rim guy. What about playing the 2 of them together for major minutes? Either one of them can play the high post. Atkins, Grant, Martin, Sherman and Cooley gives alot of versatility with scoring Thursday December 6, 2012 1:01 Bonkers in Yonkers

1:04

Tom Noie:  Bonkers: That's been one of the main goals of the non-league schedule - get the two bigs on the floor together at the same time. Neither was very good against Saint Joe's but have been really good since and will need to continue the tag-team effort as league play nears. Both are shooting at least 60 percent from the floor. They're a pretty good combination. Thursday December 6, 2012 1:04 Tom Noie

1:04

[Comment From Larry from Peoria, Il.Larry from Peoria, Il.: ]  Tom.....love the chats, thanks. I'm making the trip for our Louisville game Feb. 9th. I expect it to be a great game. What are your thoughts ? Thanks again for the chats...many of us look forward to them. Thursday December 6, 2012 1:04 Larry from Peoria, Il.

1:08

Tom Noie:  Larry: If history is any indication, at least one of the two Louisville games, and maybe both, will go to overtime this season. Four of the last five and five of the last seven have gone to at least one overtime. Given the history between the teams and Notre Dame's home record run of late, that game really deserves to be ESPN's "GameDay" main game. But a pick-'em between Notre Dame-Louisville and Pittsburgh-Cincinnati? Come on. If both teams are ranked, I don't see how Louisville-NotreDame cannot be must-see TV. It's been Big East theater at its best. Thursday December 6, 2012 1:08 Tom Noie

1:08	[Comment From Dave (Washington, DC)Dave (Washington, DC): ]  Will Scott Martin's knee tendonitis be an issue all season? Thursday December 6, 2012 1:08 Dave (Washington, DC)

1:11

Tom Noie:  Dave: I'm not a doctor, I don't play one on TV and did spend the night at a Holiday Inn Express last night, so I don't really know, but if I had to guess, I'd say yes, to an extent. Martin's tendinitis flared during the back end of a stretch of eight games in 20 days. Notre Dame doesn't have a run like that in league play, but throw together some grind-it-out games with travel and heavy minutes and there may be a point where he has to sit for a game and give it some rest. We'll see. Thursday December 6, 2012 1:11 Tom Noie

1:11	[Comment From Snaggles from ChicagoSnaggles from Chicago: ]  Tommy T, have you seen/heard anything as of yet that would lead you to believe this year's student turnout will be any better than in years past? Thursday December 6, 2012 1:11 Snaggles from Chicago

1:13

Tom Noie:  Snaggles: Trying to get me in trouble with that loaded question? OK, here it goes..... I'd have to say no given that the only game the student section has been more than half full was Kentucky, which was a no-brainer for everyone to get to. If there's a solid showing for say, Brown on Saturday, then I might change my tune. But for many, basketball season likely really starts with the Jan. 21 ESPN game against Georgetown. Thursday December 6, 2012 1:13 Tom Noie

1:13	[Comment From Snaggles from ChicagoSnaggles from Chicago: ]  i.e do you expect a good turnout for Brown or will it be business as usual Thursday December 6, 2012 1:13 Snaggles from Chicago

1:13	Tom Noie:  Usual business. Thursday December 6, 2012 1:13 Tom Noie

1:13

[Comment From Kevin PKevin P: ]  Last one for me for the day, let's see your All-ND team with a 6th man from your years covering the team. How about also favorite interview and maybe personal favorite player who you really enjoyed covering and always pulled hard for. Thursday December 6, 2012 1:13 Kevin P

1:21

Tom Noie:  Kevin: Great question, except for the last part. Pulling hard for any player would get anyone bounced from the beat. I root first, second and third for the story. The better the story, the better, hopefully, my story. But here's an All-Notre Dame first and second team. Favorite interview? There have been many, but Ben Hanbrough and Tory Jackson have to be near the top. You never knew what you were going to get with Hansbrough - was he going to be combative or cooperative? That's what made him special. Jackson always told it like it was - good or bad. He wore his emotions on his sleeve, even though he never wore sleeves. Here's the top 10 from my time on the Notre Dame beat (1998-present) FIRST TEAM G - Matt Carroll G - Ben Hansbrough F - Ryan Humphrey F - Luke Harangody F - Troy Murphy SECONDTEAM G - Chris Thomas G - Eric Atkins F - David Graves F - Dan Miller F - Ty Nash Thursday December 6, 2012 1:21 Tom Noie

1:21

[Comment From Bonkers in YonkersBonkers in Yonkers: ]  Snaggles seems to be taking a cheap shot at the student section. I wonder if Snaggles has ever been to a pre-BE game. That being said, do you think the non-students attending games have been more amped since the improvements made at Purcell? It's a double-edged sword sometimes when you make improvements to facilities because it attracts more casual fans that enjoy the viewing experience more than the product on the court. Thursday December 6, 2012 1:21 Bonkers in Yonkers

1:26

Tom Noie:  Bonkers: It's hard to say if the renovation of the arena has had a dramatically positive influence on the crowds. Having covered so many games in the place, you tend to become desensitized to everything going on while concentrating on your job. There are only a handful of games - Syracuse and Marquette last season, Louisville in overtime in 2010-11, Connecticut when Notre Dame's 45-game homecourt win streak was snapped - where the you left thinking the place rocked. Too often, it's waaay too quiet to a point where you wonder if Notre Dame continues to rack up home wins in spite of the crowd. ESPN's Jason King ran a piece in his weekly college hoops notebook where he and several ESPN writers/talking heads ranked the Top 10 homecourt advantages in college basketball. Notre Dame didn't make the Top 10 and wasn't one of seven honorable mentions. Makes you wonder.... Thursday December 6, 2012 1:26 Tom Noie

1:26	[Comment From Gondj-UP Of MichiganGondj-UP Of Michigan: ]  Hey Tom - If the students show up in force for Brown, will you rush the court afterwards? Thursday December 6, 2012 1:26 Gondj-UP Of Michigan

1:28

Tom Noie:  Gondj: Almost fell off my chair at that one - has to be question of the day, for which you'll receive, well, nothing. But funny nonetheless. Sorry, but I will not be rushing the court, only rushing to the locker room and post-game interview to get quotes. Saturday night games are toughest in terms of our deadline, so no celebrating for me. But something tells me there will be more blue seats than occupied ones in the student section. Thursday December 6, 2012 1:28 Tom Noie

1:28	[Comment From Kevin PKevin P: ]  Wow, had to pipe in again. Thaks for the list but Nash over a Cooley and why no Abro in front of a Miller or Graves? Thursday December 6, 2012 1:28 Kevin P

1:33

Tom Noie:  Kevin: This takes into account more than just on-court production. Nash, like Jackson, always spoke from the heart, and played with one just as big while often being overmatched and undersized in the low post. He never had the pure stats as some of his teammates, but he was a solid quote with a proper perspective afterward. If I'm taking five bigs, Cooley is on the first team. He has the chance to break into the rotation this season. Why no Abro? Somebody's going to be left out, right? Is he in Top 20? Absolutely. But nobody did more in only one year than Miller, who was a big reason the Irish advanced to the Sweet 16 in 2003. He brought a toughness the program really needed. As for Graves, he played with guys who received more attention (Carroll, Humphrey, Murphy, Thomas) but quietly delivered in almost every department. Thursday December 6, 2012 1:33 Tom Noie

1:33	[Comment From Dave (Washington, DC)Dave (Washington, DC): ]  Not sure how you left off Tom Timmermans on those All-ND teams... Thursday December 6, 2012 1:33 Dave (Washington, DC)

1:33	Tom Noie:  Dave: Dennis Latimore agrees. . Thursday December 6, 2012 1:33 Tom Noie

1:33

[Comment From Bonkers in YonkersBonkers in Yonkers: ]  I like your All-ND team but for one exception: Chris Thomas needs to be on that first-team. He gets a bum rap from ND fans. The kid gave his career for ND basketball. And his first 2 years were arguably the best first 2 years for any ND player post 1980. Please counter. Thursday December 6, 2012 1:33 Bonkers in Yonkers

1:36

Tom Noie:  Bonkers: All true, but when it went south for him (microfracture knee surgery prior to his senior season), it went south in a hurry. He makes the team based on his first two seasons, but looking back, he really should have left for the NBA after his sophomore season. He was a fringe first-round pick at that time but fancied himself a mid-first round pick who would have a 10-year NBA career when he came out. He never played a minute, mainly because he was never the same after surgery, Instead of trying to compensate, he tried to still be someone he no longer was, and the result was far from a storybook finish to a career that deserved a better final chapter. Thursday December 6, 2012 1:36 Tom Noie

1:41

[Comment From Bonkers in YonkersBonkers in Yonkers: ]  Chris Thomas definitely made the wrong decision and should have left after his sophomore year. But can you remember any player at ND that matched up with a caliber player such as Dwyane Wade and dominated him? I can't. And can you remember a player guiding his team to the Sweet 16 (with a ton of help from Dan Miller against Illinois, kudos to you on that pick) more than Chris Thomas? Again, I like your team. I just think Chris Thomas deserves more credit for what he gave, and what he gave up, during his career at ND. Not to mention he played something like 98% of the possible BE conference minutes he could have in his 4 years. Talk about dead legs (wink, wink) Thursday December 6, 2012 1:41 Bonkers in Yonkers

1:48

Tom Noie:  Bonkers: Agree. Chris Thomas and I had our disagreements during his playing days - and post-playing days - but I'll still go to battle over his early days when he was an unbelievable talent. One of the best games I've ever seen someone play was a Saturday night game in Miami his freshman year when the Hurricanes still were in the Big East and was a Top 10 team. Thomas went for 32 points, 12 assists, six rebounds and two steals in all 40 minutes as the Irish won 90-77 to clinch a first-round Big East Tournament bye for the second consecutive season. Man, was he good that night, which was memorable for another reason - the same panhandler who asked me for $10 outside the old Miami Arena in Overtown as I walked into the arena tried to ask me for another $10 as I left the building on a warm, South Florida evening. Considering Thomas played something like 4,000 minutes and was, maybe 5-11 on a good day, the way his career ended on one leg was predictable. Thursday December 6, 2012 1:48 Tom Noie

1:48	[Comment From Dan - ChicagoDan - Chicago: ]  Chris Quinn? Colin Falls? Russell Carter? Thursday December 6, 2012 1:48 Dan - Chicago

1:50

Tom Noie:  Dan: Quinn? Yes. Falls? Yes. Carter? Not so much. But again, you add those two, who do you leave off? That's why it's so difficult to keep it to five or 10 or 15 or 20. The easy way out is to throw together guys that I didn't like covering for one reason or another. There may be five, but you can guess who would make the cut. I'm not saying. LOL Thursday December 6, 2012 1:50 Tom Noie

1:55	[Comment From Mark from Grand Rapids, MMark from Grand Rapids, M: ]  What are you hearing on the recruiting class for 2014? The last I checked they hadn't offered anyone yet. Thursday December 6, 2012 1:55 Mark from Grand Rapids, M

1:58

Tom Noie:  Mark: No news is.....no news. Notre Dame remains in the early evaluation stages with guys like Michael Finke (Champaign, Ill.), Mack Mercer (Plymouth, Ind.) and Sean O'Mara (Lisle, Ill.). The Irish are recruiting almost exclusively big men for the 2014 class. No need to even look at a perimeter guy given how loaded the backcourt and wings will be. There's still the matter of whether Tom Knight will return for a fifth year, which could impact how involved they get with the current prep bigs. There's still plenty of time to sort it all out. No hurry. Thursday December 6, 2012 1:58 Tom Noie

1:58	[Comment From Illinois FoolIllinois Fool: ]  Wondering if your path ever crossed tha tof Rick majerusand if so what are your thoughts of him. Thursday December 6, 2012 1:58 Illinois Fool

2:01

Tom Noie:  IF: I only talked with him once during my time on the beat - the first time he returned to Notre Dame to work a college basketball game after he was nearly named head coach in 1999. Majerus' looked at me and said, 'Are you the guy who wrote the story about me?' That story, of course, was the column by my former South Bend Tribune colleague David Haugh, which ran the day before what many figured was going to be the day Notre Dame hired Majerus. Of course, seeing David's column might have changed a few minds over on campus. Goodbye, Rick majerus, Hello, Matt Doherty. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:01 Tom Noie

2:01

[Comment From Tom, HartfordTom, Hartford: ]  After Jack Cooley graduates, couldn't Tom Knight play the role of an experienced wide bodied big man in the post next year? You have previously indicated that there is a possibility that Tom Knight won't be asked to return next year, or might want to leave on his own, but , in my opinion, Tom Knight would be primed for a breakout year in 2013-2014, so I really hope that he's on next year's roster. Tom, please comment. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:01 Tom, Hartford

2:03

Tom Noie:  Tom: He would, but again, you run into a possible numbers game - Garrick Sherman might rotate into Cooley's spot with Zach Auguste rotating into Sherman's current spot. That leaves Tom Knight as the odd man out. Again. I still believe Knight could give this team something, but I don't know if he - or the staff - has figured out how best to use him in addition to the known pieces they already have in the rotation. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:03 Tom Noie

2:03

[Comment From DJ Adande - ChicagoDJ Adande - Chicago: ]  I hope the ND football and athletic department took notice of what Dickie V and Brey did for Te'o and the football team during the Kentucky game. It's easy to say that a basketball coach should soldier up and help the football team's star get some publicity or shine in the moment. But Brey embraced the football players being there and it was a special moment to watch as an ND Alum. Do you think Brey has a career in marketing with ND when his coaching tenure ends? Thursday December 6, 2012 2:03 DJ Adande - Chicago

2:05

Tom Noie:  DJ: Agree. It's rare for a high-profile coach of any sport at any school to so fully embrace the highest-profile sport the way Brey has, but that's just who he is. Brey's post-coaching tenure may include nothing more than kicking back at his beach home and wondering just how he was able to navigate Notre Dame through the college basketball minefield that has become the Big East. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:05 Tom Noie

2:05	[Comment From Dan - ChicagoDan - Chicago: ]  G - Chris Thomas G - Eric Atkins F - David Graves F - Dan Miller F - Ty Nash Thursday December 6, 2012 2:05 Dan - Chicago

2:05	[Comment From Dan - ChicagoDan - Chicago: ]  over Chris Quinn or Cooley? Thursday December 6, 2012 2:05 Dan - Chicago

2:06	Tom Noie:  Dan: Again, somebody's going to get left out. What are you, their marketing agents? Thursday December 6, 2012 2:06 Tom Noie

2:06

[Comment From Bill, New JerseyBill, New Jersey: ]  Notre Dame's 2013 Big East January schedule seems like the easy part of their schedule in relation to all the heavyweights that the Irish play in February. With the seemingly not too difficult Big East January schedule, do you expect Notre Dame to create some breathing room between themselves and most of the conference during the early part of the regular season schedule? Thursday December 6, 2012 2:06 Bill, New Jersey

2:08

Tom Noie:  Bill: Don't be fooled into thinking January will offer a breather of a schedule. The three road games are all at places where Notre Dame has either struggled to get wins or hasn't won. Don't sleep on Connecticut or Georgetown just yet. It's dopey to say, but I'll say it - there are no easy nights in the Big East. Best advice to give Notre Dame - worry only about its schedule and let the rest of the league sort itself out. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:08 Tom Noie

2:08	[Comment From Dan - ChicagoDan - Chicago: ]  sorry to harp on it...just not really close Thursday December 6, 2012 2:08 Dan - Chicago

2:09	Tom Noie:  Dan: Sure it is, otherwise it would be cause of discussion. There are no right or wrong answers. I was asked to pick five, so i went with 10. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:09 Tom Noie

2:09

[Comment From Tom, HartfordTom, Hartford: ]  While talking with a number of Notre Dame basketball fans, there is reason to believe that the current Irish roster has more potential to thrive in the NCAA basketball tournament, than any other team since the final 8 team of 1979 which lost to eventual champion Michigan State in the regional final. When you look at the immense talent of the 7 getting the minutes, and the enormous potential talent of Zach Auguste, this team looks like the real deal. Any comments? Thursday December 6, 2012 2:09 Tom, Hartford

2:11

Tom Noie:  Tom: Too early to tell. The Kentucky game was really the first time I watched this team and said, that's how it's all supposed to look. It's been a bit disjointed this year with guys trying to figure out how it all fits. As far as this team having the makeup to get to a regional final? Get past the opening weekend of the NCAA tournament first, then we'll see. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:11 Tom Noie

2:11	[Comment From Tim, AlbanyTim, Albany: ]  Would you care to venture a guess as to Notre Dame's final Big East regular season record after the 18 league games are played? Thursday December 6, 2012 2:11 Tim, Albany

2:13

Tom Noie:  Tim: Let's go with 13-5 for a second-straight season. It's going to take one heck of a big-time effort to beat Notre Dame at home, which could go 9-0 in league play yet again, then grind out four road wins (including one maybe no one sees coming, which seems to happen every season). Thursday December 6, 2012 2:13 Tom Noie

2:13

[Comment From Snaggles from ChicagoSnaggles from Chicago: ]  I know it's only been a few games, but has your view of the BE pecking order shuffled at all? is it still syracuse, louisville and ND at the top with the HOYAS and everyone else still lagging behind? Thursday December 6, 2012 2:13 Snaggles from Chicago

2:15

Tom Noie:  Snaggles: Yes. I don't know what to make of Georgetown, which can look really good in challenging Indiana at Barclays Center and then really awful at home against Tennessee. Same with Cincinnati and Pittsburgh and Marquette. How good are they? Nobody really knows for sure. But you can say that with every team this season, except maybe Indiana and Duke, which already are really, really good. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:15 Tom Noie

2:15	[Comment From Dan - ChicagoDan - Chicago: ]  Will the 7 catholic bb only teams say enough is enough and bolt for their own conference maybe adding some A10 teams? Thursday December 6, 2012 2:15 Dan - Chicago

2:17	Tom Noie:  Dan: Only as a last, last, last resort. It seems like the most logical move, but from a television standpoint, it would be a crusher to lose the Big East name. Don't know how it survives. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:17 Tom Noie

2:17	[Comment From Dan - ChicagoDan - Chicago: ]  Also, what is going to happen to UConn and Cinn? Thursday December 6, 2012 2:17 Dan - Chicago

2:18

Tom Noie:  Dan: Too early to tell. Is the Atlantic Coast Conference done with realignment? What if Florida State and Clemson jump? Or Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech? Connecticut and Cincinnati simply have no choice but to sit tight and hope someone decides to leave the ACC party. Then the door opens for one or the other or both. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:18 Tom Noie

2:21

[Comment From Tim, AlbanyTim, Albany: ]  A follow up question: If Notre Dame is one of the elite teams in this year's Big East, which teams would you guess would be their main competition? Also, do you think that Louisville has a suitable backup in the post if injury or foul trouble arises? Thursday December 6, 2012 2:21 Tim, Albany

2:23

Tom Noie:  Tim: How about another top five? In order - Syracuse, Louisville, Georgetown, Cincinnati and Connecticut. Louisville is forced to play the next six weeks without Gorgui Dieng, who is out with a broken wrist, so it's a patchwork post job for Rick Pitino. Injury aside, he never seems to run out of combinations to throw at you. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:23 Tom Noie

2:23	[Comment From Dan - ChicagoDan - Chicago: ]  I see ND bball was already scheduled to play at Cincinnati on 1/7...do you think this hurt the ratings of the BCS championship game :) Thursday December 6, 2012 2:23 Dan - Chicago

2:24	Tom Noie:  Dan: I'd move the BCS Championship game to Tuesday to make sure ratings are not rattled. You just can't go head-to-head with Notre Dame-Cincinnati from Fifth Third Arena. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:24 Tom Noie

2:24

[Comment From Bill, New JerseyBill, New Jersey: ]  After getting rid of their nervous energy after the opening minutes of last week's Kentucky game, can you recall a recent game where the Irish played so well in all aspects of their game? They seemed to play like a well oiled machine. Was it the atmosphere, a lack of competition, or both? Thursday December 6, 2012 2:24 Bill, New Jersey

2:26

Tom Noie:  Bill: Both. For as much Notre Dame fans want to hang their hats on beating Kentucky, that's a bad Kentucky team. At least, for now. It was the first time the Wildcats have played a true road game and it showed. They'll be better later in the season. As for the Irish clicking from start to finish, rewind back to last season's wins over Syracuse and Marquette. The Irish were scary efficient in both. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:26 Tom Noie

2:34	[Comment From Dan - ChicagoDan - Chicago: ]  kind of was kidding :) Thursday December 6, 2012 2:34 Dan - Chicago

2:34	Tom Noie:  Same here. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:34 Tom Noie

2:35

[Comment From Tim, AlbanyTim, Albany: ]  Won't it be sooner then later, that Notre Dame will have to rely on Zach Auguste or Tom Knight in the post in crunch time of a huge game, after Jack Cooley or Garrick Sherman get into foul trouble? If Jack Cooley or Garrick Sherman are disqualified by fouls, would you feel confident today that Zach Auguste or Tom Knight could suitably rise to the occasion? Thursday December 6, 2012 2:35 Tim, Albany

2:36

Tom Noie:  Tim: Not yet on either, because neither has had a chance to show what they can do. And given that the media doesn't seen practice, game action is all we have to go on. But given the way the Irish play while avoiding foul trouble, it would be strange to see both Cooley and Sherman get into foul trouble. Cooley fouled out of only two league games last season. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:36 Tom Noie

2:37

[Comment From Snaggles from ChicagoSnaggles from Chicago: ]  I think baby Gody aka Cooley is a lock for first team all-BE. however, I have a few friends who love to constantly hate on him, saying he's not a great player yet citing no facts to back it up. those same haters were then reluctant to bet on cooley being first team BE(thought ultimately did).....who do you think is going to come out on top on this one? Thursday December 6, 2012 2:37 Snaggles from Chicago

2:37	Tom Noie:  Snaggles: Ask your boys who is the only current player averaging double figures for points and rebounds. Hint: It's Jack Cooley. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:37 Tom Noie

2:37	[Comment From Dan - ChicagoDan - Chicago: ]  Seems like a 3rd big who can shoot from the permiter would be better plan for next (Katenda or Burgett) than keeping Knight...thoughts? Thursday December 6, 2012 2:37 Dan - Chicago

2:38	Tom Noie:  Dan: Too early to tell. Mike Brey may be of the belief that you can never have to many experienced big men, and might lean toward thinking the light might come on next year for Knight. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:38 Tom Noie

2:40

[Comment From Tim, AlbanyTim, Albany: ]  Have you seen enough of Eric Katenda in summer playground games to comment on his offensive game? Is he more of an inside the paint shooter or a long range 3 point shooter? Is there any college player who comes to mind when analyzing his game? Thursday December 6, 2012 2:40 Tim, Albany

2:41	Tom Noie:  Tim: Eric Katenda is too incomplete from what I've seen to make a definitive evaluation on. He can shoot the 3 but may be more of a mid-range, around the basket, transition type of guy. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:41 Tom Noie

2:41	[Comment From Dan - ChicagoDan - Chicago: ]  Redshirt for Burgett next year perhaps? Thursday December 6, 2012 2:41 Dan - Chicago

2:43	Tom Noie:  Dan: Possibly, and he may not be the only one. As Mike Brey said Wednesday, that's an awfully crowded perimeter next season. I can't see how there would be enough minutes to go around. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:43 Tom Noie

2:43

[Comment From Bonkers in YonkersBonkers in Yonkers: ]  I love Snaggles from Chicago's comment on Cooley. I hear the same thing out in NYC about Cooley, i.e. people trying to rip him by saying "he won't be a good pro"...what does that mean? He's a good college player and he's playing college basketball now. I'll get to my question: is Cooley's ascent the most surprising ascent to first-team, star status you've seen at ND? Thursday December 6, 2012 2:43 Bonkers in Yonkers

2:45

Tom Noie:  Bonkers: It would have to be right there, just given the fact that no one saw it coming. He was a backup who played spot minutes his first two seasons, and then all of a sudden - bam! Cooley earns second team all-league and is the league's most improved player. It was a simple case of basketball finally becoming important for him every day of the week, but nobody - not even the Irish coaches - saw what he did last year coming. Nobody. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:45 Tom Noie

2:45

[Comment From AlexAlex: ]  This is a bit of a long term question, but how to you project Burgett to develop? I've read he has a solid long-range shot, and certainly has size despite his skinny frame. From what I saw in his limited minutes, he moves well and isn't a terrible ball handler. Does he project to you as an inside player or a big wing? Thursday December 6, 2012 2:45 Alex

2:46	Tom Noie:  Alex: I'd Austin Burgett develops into a stretch 4-man who isn't afraid to mix it up inside but can also step out and hit a perimeter shot. Mike Brey sees a lot of Tim Abromaitis in Austin Burgett. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:46 Tom Noie

2:47	[Comment From Bill, New JerseyBill, New Jersey: ]  Mike Brey recently said that he has the best guard tandem in the Big East. Do you agree, and if anything, what would you change about the game of Eric Atkins or Jerian Grant? Thursday December 6, 2012 2:47 Bill, New Jersey

2:49

Tom Noie:  Bill: The way the two played the first four games of the season, I'd say it was a bit of a stretch, but they've been really good the last four. Still, they can be even better in taking over games early by scoring, especially Grant who I believe still has another gear he can go to with his game. There are times when both are simply too nice and need to be more go-for-the-jugular in games that are there - early - for the taking. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:49 Tom Noie

2:49	[Comment From Dan - ChicagoDan - Chicago: ]  It's Jan 12 after the BCS championship...ND plays UConn...terrible accident happens during practice where both Grant and Atkins tear their ACL's...what happens? Thursday December 6, 2012 2:49 Dan - Chicago

2:49	Tom Noie:  Dan: Season's canceled. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:49 Tom Noie

2:49	[Comment From Dan - ChicagoDan - Chicago: ]  Golson! Thursday December 6, 2012 2:49 Dan - Chicago

2:50	Tom Noie:  Not a chance. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:50 Tom Noie

2:51

[Comment From Rich--Roch. N.Y.Rich--Roch. N.Y.: ]  Tom, where would Carelton Scott be in your best player list? I always thought they were a much better team with him on the floor both offensively and defensively. In fact if he would have come back. I know an elite eight run was in us. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:51 Rich--Roch. N.Y.

2:54

Tom Noie:  Rich: More of an incomplete. I believed his basketball was ahead of him. He had talked for his whole career of being a main guy but when it was time for him to be a main guy, he decided he had had enough of college and wanted to chase his pro dream. I get that, but in a year where there was an NBA lockout looming, it was going to be tough to make an NBA roster. If the ultimate goal is the NBA, but the NBA is not there, go back to college for one more year, showcase your game even more and then chase it. When Carleton Scott attended the NBA pre-draft camp in New Jersey every single NBA guy he talked with advised him to return to school. Then he decides to go. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:54 Tom Noie

2:54

[Comment From Tim, AlbanyTim, Albany: ]  How difficult a ticket is it to obtain for the Crossroads Classic next week? And being from the home state of Purdue, how difficult a test do you think the Boilermakers will be for the Irish? Do they have anyone to match up with Cooley or Sherman in the paint? Thursday December 6, 2012 2:54 Tim, Albany

2:55

Tom Noie:  Tim: Both games were a sellout last season. I'm not sure if one ticket gets you into both games or it's one for each. If it's one ticket for two games, probably be out of luck - IU fans will gobble them all up to see the Hoosiers, maybe stay for half the Notre Dame game, then head for home. I don't know much about Purdue but do know Notre Dame would have a size advantage in the low post. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:55 Tom Noie

2:56

[Comment From AlexAlex: ]  I don't get the insistence on Golson playing basketball. He's a great QB, and a decent guard who hasn't played since high school. Better to keep him doing what he's good at and avoid injury. He's led the Irish to the national championship for crying out loud. How would hoops fans take Brian Kelly reaching out to Cam Biedshied to try out as a receiver and move Cooley to left tackle? It's all pretty ridiculous. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:56 Alex

2:56	Tom Noie:  Alex: True. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:56 Tom Noie

2:56	[Comment From Dan - ChicagoDan - Chicago: ]  best defensive ND player since 98? Thursday December 6, 2012 2:56 Dan - Chicago

2:56	Tom Noie:  Dan: Wheelhouse. Ryan Hunmphrey. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:56 Tom Noie

2:56	[Comment From Rich--Roch. N.Y.Rich--Roch. N.Y.: ]  Tom, will the success of the football team somehow help Brey in recruiting? I doubt it could hurt, tho I know the ACC affiliation will also come into play. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:56 Rich--Roch. N.Y.

2:57	Tom Noie:  Rich: It might help from an immediate interest standpoint, but long-term? Only if Irish go 12-0 next year and the following season. Thursday December 6, 2012 2:57 Tom Noie

3:00

Tom Noie:  Thanks to everyone for participating - another three hours down. Let's do it again next week - same day (Thursday), same time (noon). If you have a question or comment that cannot wait drop me a note at tnoie@schurz.com. Thanks. Have a great weekend. Thursday December 6, 2012 3:00 Tom Noie

3:00

 

 

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