JotCast | February Notre Dame Hoops Chat

February Notre Dame Hoops Chat

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Thomas Noie

1:49

Funny what everyone was saying about the Grant-Biedscheid one-two punch leaving the program in December of 2013. That Mike Brey had lost it. That the program was in the gutter. That it was a sign that Notre Dame hoops never would be any good. That it was time to reassess Brey as a coach. Year later, the Irish were 32-6 and in the Elite Eight. What does that mean? It means that you just don't know, even if you think you know.

1:45

Andrew: Never really found his niche academically or athletically. He had it in his mind that he'd be a starter as a sophomore even though that team was loaded with veteran guys. Didn't want to wait his turn, didn't want to do the work, so he left the day after Jerian Grant was tossed for his academic issues. Never really played Division I - or any basketball - again.

Andrew

1:44

Hi Tom, younger fan here, what happened to Cam Biedscheid after his promising start??

Thomas Noie

1:44

Ben Hansbrough spent some time with the Pacers. Couple others in summer leagues. That's pretty much it.

Morgan McKinley

1:43

Sorry hit Enter. NBAs - Quinn, Pat, Kurz, Troy, Grant, Bonzie, Carroll, DJ, Harangody, who else?

Thomas Noie

1:39

Why should he be? Join the list - Jerian Grant, Bonzie Colson, Demetrius Jackson, Zach Auguste....the window opens a crack for each of them to do something, and then it closes. Usually for good. Some guys make it, other guys don't. It's about finding that one team that you fit with. Ducan Robinson found it in Miami. Most guys can't. Most guys are destined to play overseas. That's still a pretty good life.

The Man

1:37

Back to my Zach auguste point. Why is he not the NBA?

Thomas Noie

As for the rule, I'd widen the lane to trapezoid. Would improve movement and keep it from being all clogged up. The game's about moving and cutting and passing. Not traffic jams around the rim.

1:36

Morgan: Without question, it would be conference realignment and the chase for the almighty dollars in football. Two years removed from sending a record 11 teams to the NCAA tournament in 2011, the Big East imploded as we know it. Notre Dame had finally established an identity in that league and then, it was done. Losing that league all but made two programs - Connecticut and Cincinnati - irrelevant. Like, both were part of the greatest hoops league ever assembled. And then, members of the American? Absolute irrelevance. And the realignment made zero sense. Rutgers in the Big Ten? Maryland? Notre Dame in the ACC? Instead of bussing up to Pittsburgh, West Virginia would get a plan for....Lubbock? It wrecked a lot of good in college hoops.

Morgan McKinley

1:32

I wasn’t ever able to follow live just read afterwards but Covid has allowed that so I’ll grab an espresso. Thanks for answering so many questions. What do think have been the biggest changes (not including the obvious 1-done and 3s) in CBB in your years as a CBB reporter? And what BB rule change would you make?

Thomas Noie

1:23

Matt: Actually, this I do know....lol. The fewer the ACC teams the better. It's a down year for the league. Not a lot of really good or OK good teams. That's good news for Notre Dame - there are more league wins to be had. Go get them. Stay safe too my man!

Matt from Campus

1:21

No insider info from me unfortunately. I've just been staying in my room watching this team play basketball and trying not to get sick myself. Another question, though, about the ACC more generally. I read an article yesterday saying there was one lock and 4 "should be ins" for the tourney, with UNC having "work to do." Does the ACC really only get 5 teams into the tournament this year? I know the answer is probably I don't know, and I totally get that! I was just curious about your thoughts. Hoping ND can make a run and make it at least 6!

Thomas Noie

1:21

Morgan: You must be new around here. Lasting longer than expected? We usually go four-plus hours talking hoops. So shotgun a RedBull and get your second wind. Rod Balanis is the resident staff sage. Guy's got a mind like a steel trap. Kind of a compass when everything goes off track. Had chances as a head coach, but not good enough to leave his current situation.

Morgan McKinley

1:19

Tom - since this is lasting longer than expected, more questions but away from recruiting. What can you tell us about Rob Balanis. He’s a DeMatha guy but how good was he at GaTech? Amazing he’s stayed with Brey so long - why is that? Has he considered being a HC lately? What specifically is his main focus as assistant?

Thomas Noie

1:19

True and false. Torin never was the same kind of player after his back injury, but the guy only recently retired, like a couple months ago, from playing professionally. He maxed out his career after nearly 15 years. That's pretty good

joe from the south side

1:15

Tom: I'll toss another name out there. Injury wrecked his career like Thomas and Rex P. How about Torin Francis? Never the same ballplayer post injury.

Thomas Noie

1:07

Morgan: Not after his knee crumbled the way it did late in his career. He played most of his final year and a half on one leg. He never had a chance. Should've left after freshman year, but nobody could've predicted that.

Morgan McKinley

1:06

Speaking of the NBA - I would guess Thomas would be the most surprising guy after his freshman year never to play in the NBA. Other nominations you thought during their ND days were gonna make it?

Thomas Noie

1:02

Second warning???? lol

Morgan McKinley

1:02

Tom - you can be the judge but as the defense, please make the prosecution answer our question.

joe from the south side

1:02

Tom: I guess I'll have to water it down. Yes it is harder to recruit at ND. So, maybe Brey needs to outwork other coaches. If he is unwilling to do so, maybe they should hire some new blood who is hungrier. Kelly remade his staff after much soul searching. Maybe it's time for the hoops team to do the same. Not Brey quitting, just maybe some new fresh face on his staff.

Thomas Noie

1:02

Post of the day here. Should end it right there. Nope. We roll on.

The Man

1:02

Zach August’s should be in the NBA period.

Thomas Noie

1:02

Matt: Good stuff, but I think Jay Huff might have the inside track on most improved. Or Keve Aluma. Knowing how the voting for those awards work, Notre Dame needs to finish above .500 for Nate Laszewski to have any chance. As for what's happening now with classes back in session, that's what worries me. It's the first time this year that classes are in session during hoops season. The Irish still have the same isolation protocols in place, but you just don't know. Drop me an email (tnoie@sbtinfo) if you've heard/seen anything out of the protocol ordinary

Matt from Campus

12:59

I know there is still a month of basketball left, but can/will Nate win most improved player in the ACC? Also, students are back and covid cases have been on the rise these last few days. Do you know how/if that changes what the players have to go though on a day to day basis?

Thomas Noie

12:58

Joe: Wow....there's some names there. Speaking of which, I scrolled through the G League rosters just yesterday. Talk about a sobering exercise. I'd encourage anyone who think they're a one-and-done to do the same. There are an awful lot of really good former college players (and former first-round picks) banging around the G League. Guys who were drafted and probably thought they had it made, now may never make it. It's a cold business.

joe from the south side

12:57

Tom: BTW, as far as the G league, they have a German BBL League. Watched a game a few weeks ago featuring Oldenburg. Their star was basically a 40 year old Ricky Paulding from Detroit and U of Missouri. Perry Jones (Baylor) plays for Wurzburg. That whole mentality of one and done (Wesley) boggles the mind.

Thomas Noie

12:55

Do I have to send the two of you to opposite sides of the hoops chat court?

Morgan McKinley

12:54

Tom - to Joe from South Side. Why do you think ND has a DeMatha pipeline? Wooten retired 20 years ago. Kids decide where to go to college, not coaches. Name the DeMatha guys since Brey started not named Grant or DJ, who apparently thinks he’s a lottery pick. Joe needs to realize the NCAA recruitment process is unfair because Brey can’t just sign anyone and he won’t be a Pitino, Pearl or Calipari...

Thomas Noie

12:52

Morgan: I'll put it in the book. Otherwise, it just gives the wrong group of fans more of what they don't need.

Morgan McKinley

12:51

Tom - read you wrote previously Dickinson was all but signed last year. Can you name some others Bret just missed on (and reasons if you know them) who were all but signed? This is some inside scoop wed

Thomas Noie

12:50

Joe: Uhhhhhh. not sure of the thought process there. We went from DeMatha to firing Scott Martin to bringing in.....a Dayton alum coaching at his alma mater? I'm confused.

joe from the south side

12:50

Tom: A DeMatha pipeline is not BS. What about LaLu? Gonzaga in DC? The Philly Catholic League. I-95 kids. My point is, if Brey can't recruit, go get a Marcus Freeman now. Get Scott Martin off the bench and fill it by hiring a recruiter with the potential to take over for Brey in 3-4 years. You could package Anthony Grant and Solomon.

Thomas Noie

12:49

Ryan: Easy. The next one. Does it really matter if Notre Dame figures out a way to beat a ranked Florida State team next month if it loses at home to a Miami team it already beat? Just win the next one, and everything takes care of itself. If you need to ponder scenarios, you already know the answer.

Ryan Grand Rapids

12:48

Hey Tom, that Georgia tech loss stings a lot after the big win at duke. What is the one game coming up ND NEEDS to win to stay in the loop of the bubble?

Thomas Noie

12:48

Dan: Shot? Yes. Realistic? Depends on so many factors. Making an NBA team is harder than winning at Notre Dame. The windows open ever so slightly for guys and then like that, they close. If you don't max out the opportunity, you're forever swimming in the pool of guys who had a chance, but are now in the G League.

Dan

12:47

Do you think Laszewski has a shot at playing in the NBA?

Thomas Noie

12:46

Dan: Let's get through 2020-21 and put a period on this one first.

Dan

12:46

I think a lot is pointing toward next. This will be the senior year of Brey's highest ranked class. They will have Atkinson. Most of the key players returning. I think if ND does not make the tourney, Brey and ND go separate ways. What do you think?

Thomas Noie

12:46

Pat: Not following the jump from being down 15 to Duke to how it relates to Pitt. Does Notre Dame need to win out? Winning out means the Irish finish 15-10, 12-7 in the league. Twelve league wins is NCAA tournament worthy, or least should be. Is it this year? Good luck figuring that out!

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