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Chat Transcript: Talk Notre Dame basketball with Tom Noie

1:21 PM EST, January 9, 2013

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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

(01/10/2013)

  

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2:22

Tom Noie:  So how about that Notre Dame men's basketball team? With football season finally over, many Irish fans can now turn their collective attention to hoops (maybe, depending on what happens witha certainc oach and a certain NFL team). For those of you who have been hunkered down following football the last two months, welcome. You've missed quite a ride. Notre Dame sits at 14-1 overall, 2-0 in the Big East coming off Monday's victory over No. 21 Cincinnati. The Irish look to go to 3-0 in the Big East for the first time in school history during Saturday's home game against Connecticut. Good seats likely still available (hint, hint). From teh routine double-doubles for points and rebounds by Jack Cooley to unbelievable efficiency of guard Eric Atkins to the consistency of Scott Martin and the improved overall play of Pat Connaughton to the potential breakout year of Jerian Grant, there's been much to like about this Notre Dame outfit. The Irish have won 13 straight games since the season's lone loss Nov. 16 to Saint Joseph's (Pa.). Hope that catches everyone up to date with an Irish team that continues to float under the national radar - just the way they like it. Drop a question or comment (basketball-related content only) and be sure to include your name and hometown. Let's talk hoops.... Thursday January 10, 2013 2:22 Tom Noie

2:24

Tom Noie:  And a quick addition before we get started - appreciate everyone hanging around for the late start. With campus still on winter break, and no classes in session, Notre Dame started practice at 2 p.m. - Usually it's closer to 4. Player availability ran from 1:15 to 2, which would have cut the usual chat time to an hour. We'll be back at at usual spot next week - noon. Until then, let's see if we can stretch this until the end of the work day for you - but just the start for others. Off we go...... Thursday January 10, 2013 2:24 Tom Noie

2:30	[Comment From Saint KnuteSaint Knute: ]  any update on gameday coming for the Louisville game? Thursday January 10, 2013 2:30 Saint Knute

2:33

Tom Noie:  Saint: Thanks for getting us started on a good note. No update, but a source very close to the situation (Man, I feel like I'm breaking coaching hiring/firing news in the NFL with that one) all but guarantees that Notre Dame and Louisville will be the ESPN College Gameday main game on Feb. 9. I just don't see how ESPN could take a chance with televising Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. The Bearcats have lost three in a row at home, and two in a row in league play. Pittsburgh is shaky at best even with that 28-point pounding of Georgetown, which right now is God-awful and winless in the league. There's been no formal announcement, but ESPN has to - HAS TO - pick the Louisville at Notre Dame game. It's become must-see TV. Thursday January 10, 2013 2:33 Tom Noie

2:33	[Comment From MikeMike: ]  I admit to sluggish attention so far this season. How has Cam looked? During the Purdue game, which is the only one I've watched start to finish, he showed flashes but also looked extremely young at times. Thursday January 10, 2013 2:33 Mike

2:36

Tom Noie:  Mike: Cameron Biedscheid has been a pleasant surprise for the coaching staff. Mike Brey and his asisstants knew they had something special in Biedscheid, but they've bene mos timpressed by his willingness to learn and be coached and understand the strengths and weaknesses of his game. We're only 15 games into his first collegiate season, but Biedscheid is a key guy. He' s averaging 8.1 points in 17.5 minutes a game and has shown his knack of finding different ways to score. He was really good against Seton Hall - six points on two 3s - in his first Big East game, but didn't play as much in Monday's win over Cincinnati. That was by design the first time in a true road game for the Irish. Biedscheid is going to be a really good one before it's all over. Like the rest of the Irish, he doesn't get much national attention, but he really deserves to be among the Top 10 freshmen in the country. He's fit in seamlessly with little hand-holding. Thursday January 10, 2013 2:36 Tom Noie

2:38	[Comment From Bigo from OrlandoBigo from Orlando: ]  Coach says that we have the best backcourt in the nation...in your humble opinion, if not us, then who? Thursday January 10, 2013 2:38 Bigo from Orlando

2:41

Tom Noie:  Bigo: I'm a bit biased in that I see Eric Atkins and Jerian Grant play every minute of every game, but it would be hard to identify two others who are better. Just look at the production - Grant second on the team in scoring at 12.7 per game, Atkins third at 11.2. Atkins leads the team in assists (109) while Grant is second at 79. Atkins plays 36.2 minutes a game, Grant 34.4. Most impressive is how much stronger they are - physically and mentally - to deal with the grind of the Big East. Both came up big against Cincinnati. Atkins and Grant will be tested big-time Saturday against Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boatright. The Irish guards will be up for it. Best backcourt in the nation? Hard to say, since I watch mainly Big East hoops, but Atkins-Grant are right there with Louisville (Peyton Siva and Russ Smith) and Syracuse (Michael Carter-Williams and Brandon Triche). Those are three really good backcourts right there. Thursday January 10, 2013 2:41 Tom Noie

2:41

[Comment From KevinKevin: ]  Tom, I promise this will be my only recruiting question on the afternoon. Can you give us a background of Demetrius Jackson's family situation? If it's a touchy subject than I understand but was just wondering if you could provide some information on the family he currently lives with and how that all developed. Thanks for still doing the chat today. Thursday January 10, 2013 2:41 Kevin

2:46

Tom Noie:  Kevin: It's a sensitive subject, but also one that we've covered extensively in the South Bend Tribune. Demetrius' biological father, also named Demetrius, was a standout football player at South Bend Riley High School. He currently is in federal prison serving time (I believe it's 20 years) as a repeat offender who also was jailed for involuntary manslaughter. He is up for parole when Demetrius will be a senior in college. Demetrius' biological mother could not care for her son, who then moved in with a foster family, who has basically become like a true family to him. Demetrius is black, the family is white but they really operate as one. It's a pretty good story of someone not letting his family history get the best of him and using his talents to help him go to college. And for free. You root for guys like that to succeed, not necessarily in basketball, but in life. Demetrius is on his way to doing just that. Thursday January 10, 2013 2:46 Tom Noie

2:46	[Comment From Jim -NYCJim -NYC: ]  Tom-- Good game story on Cincy-- A comment-- some CBB players hunt their own shot, this ND team hunts their next pass. It is very impressive. Thursday January 10, 2013 2:46 Jim -NYC

2:47

Tom Noie:  Jim: Great observation. I will be writing about what Jay Bilas coined the "culture of passing" at Notre Dame heading into Tuesday's game at Maidson Square Garden. Notre Dame entered the week ranked No. 1 in the nation in assists at 19.9. That number dipped a bit - 19.1 - after the Cincinnati game, but when the Irish fall into the rhythm of moving the ball and sharing it, it really is fun to watch. Thursday January 10, 2013 2:47 Tom Noie

2:50	[Comment From Peter in ProvoPeter in Provo: ]  Hi Tom, Is it Brey who sets the schedule for the OOC games? If so, do you know what his reasoning is for not scheduling better teams? Thursday January 10, 2013 2:50 Peter in Provo

2:54

Tom Noie:  Peter: Assistant coach martin Ingelsby is in charge of hammering out the non-conference schedule and does so with Brey's blessings. The schedule philosophy stems from a conversation Brey one had with former Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese, who offered the following advice when it comes to non-league scheduling: --With the Big East schedule so weighted with big-time matchups, the best way to go about non-league scheduling to the point where you're not over-scheduled is to have no more than four games against quality teams. Any more than that, Tranghese counseled Brey, and you run the risk of scheduling yourself out of getting an NCAA tournament bid. This year, those games are Saint Joseph's (Pa.), Brigham Young, Purdue and Kentucky. The days of playing a who's who schedule like Notre Dame did under Digger Phelps are long gone. Thursday January 10, 2013 2:54 Tom Noie

2:54	[Comment From MikeMike: ]  Pat's ball-handling and passing really have improved. His baseline drives and kicks in Cincy in that first-half run were beautiful. Thursday January 10, 2013 2:54 Mike

2:56

Tom Noie:  Mike: Pat Connaughton has become a true basketball player this year. Talked with Connaughton earlier today, and he admitted as much - last year, he would sand in the corner and shoot it. Now he's not only looking to drive it when defenders close out on him, but kicking it out to guys for good looks. Pat Connaughton played in all 34 games last season and had a total of 30 assists. This year, he's started all 15 games and already has 42 assists. He's still rebounding at a solid clip (4.7 per game). He's been really good. And really fun to watch develop. Thursday January 10, 2013 2:56 Tom Noie

2:56

[Comment From KevinKevin: ]  Tom, Thanks for that insight. Appreciate it. On to basketball---how do you see the rest of the month playing out for the Irish? I know in the Big East you never look ahead but this looks like a team that has a decent chance to head into the College Gameday contest against Louisville with just one loss. Thursday January 10, 2013 2:56 Kevin

3:00

Tom Noie:  Kevin: I hate to sound like a coach, but I'm going to sound like a coach. With the way the Big East is, there are no gimmie games - I believe the road team won four of the games played Wednesday. Start chalking up wins and that's when you get beat. Connecticut is going to be a challenge with Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boatright making plays for themselves and others. They get the rest of the Huskies confident when they're wheeling and dealing. And with the students still on winter break, Saturday's game may not have the atmosphere to rattle a Connecticut team that will be ready for the challenge under first-year coach Kevin Ollie. The marching orders are simple - win and move on to the next one. Then after 18 games, see how it all shakes out. Can Notre Dame get to the Louisville game on Feb. 9 at 9-1? Sure, but the Irish could also get beat Saturday. You just never know how it's going to shake out. Once you think you do, something happens to shake everything up. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:00 Tom Noie

3:00	[Comment From TJ, NYTJ, NY: ]  Tom: Good call on the Cincy win. When do students come back? When will the Leprechaun Legion get going? Hint, hint. It is time for the school to embrace this team!! Thursday January 10, 2013 3:00 TJ, NY

3:01

Tom Noie:  TJ: Unfortunately, the student body likely will not return to campus until Sunday, the day after the game against Connecticut. The first home game they'll get to be out in full force for the first time since the Kentucky game is Jan. 19 against Rutgers - and it wouldn't surprise me if most of the students took a pass on that one. Just the way it is. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:01 Tom Noie

3:02

[Comment From BrooksFan-ChicagoBrooksFan-Chicago: ]  Tom, it must be busy enough covering the Irish. Does time permit you to look in on other games throughout the country? Or do you focus mainly on Big East? I guess I am curious, if someone asked you to list a Top Ten at this point, have you actually had a chance to see most of them play a time or two? Thursday January 10, 2013 3:02 BrooksFan-Chicago

3:05

Tom Noie:  BrooksFan: It's a grind so my knowledge of other teams and other leagues is very minimal. I'll flip around on the rare night off - like Wednesday - and check out a little of Kansas at home against Iowa State or Texas against our old buddy Bob Huggins and West Virginia. But to actually sit and watch and study teams from other conferences, it's rare. Watching Seton Hall and Louisville on Wednesday took precedence over any of the other teams in the land. I'll watch a little more of Michigan when I get the chance because of the respect for John Beilein or Indiana because of my history with Tom Crean. But to break down teams out west like Gonzaga and Arizona? I'm usually asleep by the time those teams tip. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:05 Tom Noie

3:05

[Comment From GaryGary: ]  Better late than never, LOL. Love listening to Sports Talk almost every night, very informative. Season ticket holder of Basketball for many many years, needless to say that the attendance from both fans and students is very disappointing. The Brey teams deserve better. Now to my question, with a very winnable OOC schedule I would have hoped that Coach would have gone 8-9 deep for longer playing times. I know in past seasons the starters are usually worn out by tournament time. what do you think? Thursday January 10, 2013 3:05 Gary

3:08

Tom Noie:  Gary: In an ideal world, yes, you would have hoped Mike Brey would have extended his rotation to eight, nine, 10 guys in the non-league, but the main seven were still trying to figure it out together, which took precedence. Yes, the Irish returned all five starters off last season's team, but Brey didn't want to fall into the trap of beliving all was settled because those five guys were back. Scott Martin settled into a new role of doing more, as did Pat Connaughton. Garrick Sherman had to be incorporated into the mix, as did Cameron Biedscheid. Looking back, it was a brilliant decision by Brey to give those guys the bulk of the minutes. As well as they worked, save for the lone loss, they're still getting better as a group. That's pretty scary. And speaking of Sportsbeat, I'll be filling in for my SBT colleague Eric Hansen from Jan. 15-23. We'll talk plenty of college hoops - unless, of course, there's a coaching search in football underway. Tune in. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:08 Tom Noie

3:09	[Comment From garygary: ]  i wish notre dame played all the indiana teams in i christmas yourney Thursday January 10, 2013 3:09 gary

3:10	Tom Noie:  Gary: You and many more as well, but then you run the risk of being overscheduled. Playing Butler and Indiana as well would be nice, but it's more important to make sure you get into the NCAA tournament. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:10 Tom Noie

3:10

[Comment From TJ, NYTJ, NY: ]  While I think Grant and Atkins deserve praise, am nverous about too much good pub. Lot of hoops still to be played. Suddenly you lose a couple and everyone is on you! The Irish have a chance to avenge last year's home loss to UConn and the loss to St. John's in the Garden. I want to see the Irish get used to playing well in NY if you know what I mean.... Thursday January 10, 2013 3:10 TJ, NY

3:12

Tom Noie:  TJ: True on every account, but these guys have been there and done that when it comes to dealing with praise. As much as everyone might praise them or criticize them, it likely doesn't come close to the expectations/accountability within the locker room. They know they haven't really done anything yet, and won't until March. But they do believe they can chase down a regular-season championship in the league, and you can't do it by losing your first league road game. Trust me, these guys aren't worried about their press clippings nor satisfied that they're 2-0. They want to do more. Now. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:12 Tom Noie

3:13	[Comment From MikeMike: ]  KenPom rates the ND offense 2nd, and its defense 141st. How would you rate the team's defense so far? More zone than in the past, I think Bilas or Raft said Monday. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:13 Mike

3:14

Tom Noie:  Mike: Defensively, the Irish were pretty solid in the non-league, but there's been slippage the first two league games - particularly in closing out on shooters and allowing offensive rebounds that lead to second-chance points. Notre Dame never is going to be a group that scrambles and smothers you like Louisville, but if the Irish can play good, consistent position defense and rebound as one, success surely will surface. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:14 Tom Noie

3:14	[Comment From Saint KnuteSaint Knute: ]  Any word yet on ring of honoree for this year or is it going to be like the Baseball Hall of Fame and skip this year? Thursday January 10, 2013 3:14 Saint Knute

3:15	Tom Noie:  Saint: Any candidates for the Ring of Honor under a cloud of steroids? Still no word - but it has to be Digger Phelps. Has to. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:15 Tom Noie

3:15	[Comment From garygary: ]  it woul be nice if notre dame played indiana or ucla every year or both it would fill the stands i hate going to all the easy non conf game seems like a waist of money i drive all the way from crown point every game Thursday January 10, 2013 3:15 gary

3:17

Tom Noie:  Gary: If you want to see Indiana on the schedule, you might be disappointed. There is no way - NONE - Indiana ever comes back on the home schedule. Why schedule Indiana when some of Notre Dame's own season-ticket holders come out for that game at Purcell Pavilion wearing cream and crimson? Notre Dame hoops deserves better than that, regardless of the success IU has had. I'd sign up for UCLA in a second, especially if that meant a return trip every other year to Westwood. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:17 Tom Noie

3:17

[Comment From BrooksFan-ChicagoBrooksFan-Chicago: ]  Let me go back to the top of your chat, where you mentioned the "potential" breakout season for Jerrian Grant. I like him as a player, but I think he has been inconsistent this year. Sometime he seems hesitant to drive, other times he looks like he is unsure what to do. Overall a good player so far, but what else would you like to see to consider this a breakout year for him? Thursday January 10, 2013 3:17 BrooksFan-Chicago

3:19

Tom Noie:  BF: Consistency and confidence where he's not thinking the game as much as he is just playing. if you saw Monday's game before the BCS national championship, you saw flashes of how good grant can be. He hit two big-time step-back, fade jumpers in the face of Sean Kilpatrick, a first team all-Big East guy, late in the second half. When you see him do that, you see why he's such a talent. But you also have to remind yourself that Grant is only in his second playing season. In a sense, he's still trying to figure it all out. But he might be close. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:19 Tom Noie

3:19	[Comment From TJ, NYTJ, NY: ]  Did you see where the ND QB said he wanted to play hoops? Thursday January 10, 2013 3:19 TJ, NY

3:20

Tom Noie:  TJ: Never, ever, ever going to happen. Maybe it will in Bookstore, but with three guards coming in next season - V.J. Beachem, Demetrius Jackson and Steve Vasturia - with Eric Atkins and Jerian Grant both back, you and I have a better chance of getting some minutes with the Irish than Everett Golson. I'll say it again - wishful thinking. Will........never........happen. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:20 Tom Noie

3:21	[Comment From gary from crown pointgary from crown point: ]  i believe if grant plays well we can beat anyone in the country even final four Thursday January 10, 2013 3:21 gary from crown point

3:21	Tom Noie:  Gary: Love the optimism, but what Jerian Grant needs to do now is build off it. He disappeared for stretches in non-league and just can't do that in Big East. He's a tremendous talent and still understanding just how good he can be. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:21 Tom Noie

3:22	[Comment From Ricardo from IndyRicardo from Indy: ]  Just noting that Butler defeated St. Joe's last night in an A10 away game for the Dogs. This was something ND was unable to do on a neutral site. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:22 Ricardo from Indy

3:23	Tom Noie:  Ricardo: Duly noted, but the Butler hoops chat can be found on a different site. But since you stopped by, Notre Dame has beaten Louisville at Yum! Center. How did Butler fare? Thursday January 10, 2013 3:23 Tom Noie

3:23

[Comment From Jim -NYCJim -NYC: ]  Tom- it was much easier for Digger to schedule UCLA, Carolina, San Francisco etc in the old pre Big East days. It would be professional suicide to have a killer OOC schedule when you have eighteen BE conference games. The same goes for the future in the ACC. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:23 Jim -NYC

3:25

Tom Noie:  Jim: Are you stealing my stuff? Agreed and have said it many times - Irish fans need to get out of the 1970s and early 1980s when it comes to watching hoops. Forget about the teams you're not seeing at Purcell Pavilion and focus on the one you are (Notre Dame) and you'll be entertained, regardless of opponent. And as it's been mentioned before, I just don't see Notre Dame continuing to play any combination of the soon-to-be Catholic Conference once the move to the Atlantic Coast Conference is finalized. That would be borderline professional coaching suicide and falls into the over-scheduling situation. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:25 Tom Noie

3:26	[Comment From BrooksFan-ChicagoBrooksFan-Chicago: ]  One thing I give Mike a lot of credit for is how we consistently handle our business on our home floor. Is this a particular point of emphasis, or is the team just very confident there? Thursday January 10, 2013 3:26 BrooksFan-Chicago

3:27

Tom Noie:  BF: Once upon a time it was emphasized, but now it's just understood - this is what we do at home, now let's go do it. The confidence level is through the roof in a building that likely doesn't rank in the top five in terms of toughest places to play in the Big East. But Notre Dame just seems to keep winning. That said, Connecticut has won in two of its last four trips to South Bend. The last team to beat Notre Dame at home? Connecticut. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:27 Tom Noie

3:32	[Comment From Paul, South BendPaul, South Bend: ]  Speaking of Butler, here's a list of my "most out of his players" coaches.....in other words, the guys that get more collectively out of his squad than the sum of their talents. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:32 Paul, South Bend

3:32	[Comment From Paul, South BendPaul, South Bend: ]  1. Tom Izzo, MSU 2. Brad Stevens, Butler 3.Shaka Smart, VCU 4. Fran Dunphy, Temple 5. Mike Brey, ND. Am I forgetting anyone? Thursday January 10, 2013 3:32 Paul, South Bend

3:34

Tom Noie:  Paul: That's a pretty solid list, though I may bump Stevens and Brey higher. Stevens because he's done it on a national stage and Brey because he's done it in the toughest league. It's a lot easier to get guys at Michigan State than it is at Butler and Notre Dame. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:34 Tom Noie

3:34	[Comment From TJ, NYTJ, NY: ]  Funny but Grant almost seems to shoot better when the shot clock is running down than when he is open for a jay with 20 secs on the shot clock....thoughts? Thursday January 10, 2013 3:34 TJ, NY

3:34	Tom Noie:  TJ: Agreed, but that goes back to what Mike Brey told me the other night at Fifth Third Arena - Grant is a bright-lights guy and when the lights are bright, he just plays differently. More confident, borderline cocky. But all good stuff. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:34 Tom Noie

3:35	[Comment From SamSam: ]  Does UConn have any big guys to worry about this year? Their recipe in the past has seemed to be to beat us by scoring with their guards but smothering our big men. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:35 Sam

3:37

Tom Noie:  Sam: Connecticut is an entirely different outfit than in so many previous season when they annually led the nation in blocked shots. Now the Huskies are ranked last in terms of rebounding in the Big East. There's no Andre Drummond or Alex Oriahki or even Soulemayne Wane down low, a matchup that Notre Dame could exploit with Jack Cooley and Garrick Sherman. That said, the Huskies crushed DePaul on the glass the other night. When Connecticut's guards are confident and playing with swagger, it gets everyone else going. Don't be fooled - Connecticut is still Connecticut in a lot of ways, and a lot of ways that have given the Irish headaches. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:37 Tom Noie

3:48	[Comment From tomtom: ]  notre dame lost 4 good Recruits in football Thursday January 10, 2013 3:48 tom

3:49

Tom Noie:  Tom: Having covered Notre Dame football recruiting for five years, anyone concerned about that needs to go take a long walk, or a hot shower. There's nothing worse than grown men obsessing over what an 17-year-old prospect may or may not do. This falls under the category of, who cares? Thursday January 10, 2013 3:49 Tom Noie

3:51	Tom Noie:  Rule No. 1 in any college coaching situation - you pick a school for the school, not for the coach, who you have to except may not be there for all five years. End of rant over. Back to hoops. Thursday January 10, 2013 3:51 Tom Noie

4:10	[Comment From davedave: ]  hey tom did you get off the wrong side of the bed you have cut every one down on here. Thursday January 10, 2013 4:10 dave

4:12	Tom Noie:  Dave: Who would that be? My count is two. Let's review - someone who feels the need only to point out that Butler beat Saint Joseph's and another individual worried about the Notre Dame FOOTBALL recruiting. Feeling a little thin-skinned today? Thursday January 10, 2013 4:12 Tom Noie

4:13	[Comment From Bigo from OrlandoBigo from Orlando: ]  Tom, I'm with you...not sure what losing football recruits has to do with the basketball team...Anzalone has been all over the map with his recruitment anyway. Thursday January 10, 2013 4:13 Bigo from Orlando

4:14	Tom Noie:  Bigo: And again, there's just something that seems wrong to be obsessed over what a teenager is doing or not doing. What Notre Dame FOOTBALL recruiting has to do with hoops, I don't know. I guess Dave can explain it for me. Thursday January 10, 2013 4:14 Tom Noie

4:15	[Comment From Bigo from OrlandoBigo from Orlando: ]  Didn't get a chance to watch the game yet, it's on my DVR. Back to hoops, do you think that Martin keeps looking for his shot or was Cincy lightning in a bottle just based on numbers? Thursday January 10, 2013 4:15 Bigo from Orlando

4:17

Tom Noie:  Bigo: Scott Martin is quietly having his most consistent season. He's averaging 9.7 points and better yet, shooting a career-best 50.8 percent from 3. Martin spent all of summer in the gym working on his shot with his younger brother, Andrew, who he insists has the best shot in the family. Martin has more arc on his shot, the ball placement near his ear is different and it sure does show. What I like is that if he happens to miss one, he's not shy about taking the next one and believes that's going in. That wasn't always the case with Martin. He's never going to be a consistent big-time scorer, but he's a big reason Notre Dame is 14-1. Thursday January 10, 2013 4:17 Tom Noie

4:18

[Comment From SamSam: ]  Here's one more question. I've always assumed that Biedscheid would eventually displaced Connaughton, who struck me as good but limited player, in the starting lineup, this year or next. But suddenly Connaughton is really expanding and improving his game. Which leads me to ask: which one do you think will be the sixth man next year, or would Brey think about playing a small-ball lineup with Connaughton at the 4? Thursday January 10, 2013 4:18 Sam

4:20

Tom Noie:  Sam: Notre Dame will lose two starters next season off the current team - Scott Martin and Jack Cooley. It's easy to assume that Garrick Sherman will rotate into Cooley's spot with either Zach Auguste or Tom Knight moving into Sherman's role as the main big off the bench. Biedscheid likely will move into Martin's spot for a starting lineup of Eric Atkins, Jerian Grant, Pat Connaughton and Garrick Sherman. Connaughton, in essence, will be the second big responsible for rebounding even more than what he's averaging now (4.7 per game). Demetrius Jackson likely moves into the rotation as the reserve guard. It will be interesting to see how Brey juggles everything. There's no assurances the minutes will be any easier to distribute next season. Thursday January 10, 2013 4:20 Tom Noie

4:20	[Comment From BenBen: ]  Do you know which players are redshirting this year? Thursday January 10, 2013 4:20 Ben

4:22

Tom Noie:  Ben: Only Eric Katenda will preserve a year of eligibility. Everyone else has played in games, including Austin Burgett, who is averaging 3.0 minutes per game. Next year, that may change. There's a log-jam on the perimeter while incoming freshman Austin Torres likely goes right into the five-year plan. Thursday January 10, 2013 4:22 Tom Noie

4:28	[Comment From slatsslats: ]  How much trouble are the irish inif we were to lose Atkins Thursday January 10, 2013 4:28 slats

4:30

Tom Noie:  Slats: Big trouble. I believe he's not only the top point guard in the league but one of the top players because he just gets it. He knows how to play. We said the same when their best/most experienced player shredded his knee the day after Thanksgiving on a jump-stop in practice. Notre Dame then went 13-5 in the Big East without Tim Abromaitis. The Irish likely would find a way, but it's not something Mike Brey would want to have to do again. One year is enough. Thursday January 10, 2013 4:30 Tom Noie

4:32	[Comment From BenBen: ]  Do you know if College Gameday will be at any Notre Dame home (or away) games? Thursday January 10, 2013 4:32 Ben

4:33

Tom Noie:  Ben: Nothing official yet but I would be stunned if the Feb. 9 home game against Louisville is not an ESPN College GameDay game. For some reason, it's currently a TBD that weekend between Louisville at Notre Dame and Pittsburgh at Cincinnati. Shame on ESPN for making that a pick-em. The recent history of the Louisville-Notre Dame series screams over-the-top GameDay production. Thursday January 10, 2013 4:33 Tom Noie

4:34	[Comment From slatsslats: ]  Do you think jackson could redshirt next year - being that Atkins and Grant will get the bulk of the minutes anyway Thursday January 10, 2013 4:34 slats

4:35

Tom Noie:  Slats: Not a chance. Demetrius Jackson is going to be a very key guy next season for Notre Dame. He may not start, but he certainly can work in the same role as Eric Atkins when he was a freshman. Atkins came off the bench and averaged 24 minutes a game on a team that went 27-7. Jackson's a main guy next year. Book it. Thursday January 10, 2013 4:35 Tom Noie

4:44

Tom Noie:  Thanks to everyone who participated today - and again, apologies for the late start. We'll be back at our regular time - noon - next Thursday. Notre Dame will have played two more Big East games by then and we'll know a lot more about what this season has in store for the Irish. If you have a question or comment that cannot wait, drop me a note at tnoie@schurz.com. Thanks. Take care. Thursday January 10, 2013 4:44 Tom Noie

4:44

 

 

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