page 2 | ndsmcobserver.com The Observer u IRISH INSIDER Thursday, March 8, 2012

Commentary Irish head to NYC for tourney Brey ranks as one of regular season’s best

Mike Brey did not make it Without Abromaitis, the four of six Big East Coach of Irish could have packed in this the Year awards Tuesday night. season. That expected ninth- Instead, this year’s honor went place conference finish had to South Florida’s Stan Heath. plummeted to a likely 11th or By no means 12th, at best. Notre Dame was was Heath in serious trouble. undeserv- Except no one told . ing — Brey A week into 2012, Notre voted for Dame stood at 9-6, with all six him after losses coming away from home. all. But In the first of Abromaitis’s two the award games this season, the Irish should have lost by 29 to Missouri. They fol- belonged to lowed that with a 20- loss Brey. Douglas to Gonzaga and a 16-point shel- Of all the Farmer lacking from Cincinnati. Next criticism the up was a trip to Louisville. Irish coach Senior Sports Few media members showed has faced in Writer up, and even less expected the his 12 years Irish to do so. under the Except no one told Mike Brey. Dome, one thing can no longer Notre Dame waltzed into the PAT COVENEY/The Observer be doubted: He is one of the KFC Yum! and finagled Irish sophomore Eric Atkins attempts to finish a layup in front of a Marquette defender during best regular season coaches in a double-overtime win over Notre Dame’s 76-59 win Feb. 4. The Irish and Eagles could meet again in the Big East semifinals. the country. the then-No. 11 Cardinals. Yet, Is that a back-handed com- the Irish were still in trouble. pliment? Perhaps. But isn’t a A split of a two-game home By ALLAN JOSEPH as one of our points of empha- Madison Square Garden, but back-handed compliment better stand later left the Irish at 11- Editor-in-Chief sis this year, just trying to get lost their only contest there than no compliment at all? 8, with a 3-3 record in the Big there.” this year and have notoriously Could this back-handed com- East. Undefeated, top-ranked A year ago, an Irish squad In the quarterfinals, the struggled to shoot accurately pliment have been delivered in Syracuse was coming to town. that lost two senior leaders to Irish will face the winner of in the famously round arena, years past? Quite possibly, but Teams who start poorly in the graduation surprised many the South Florida-Villanova especially in the Big East this year eliminated any shred Big East don’t have the luxury in the Big East by earning a game, which took place af- tournament, where the Irish of doubt from even the harshest of soft games to make up the 14-4 league record en route ter this Irish Insider went to are 8-16 all time. of critics. deficit. The Irish were not out to a No. 2 seed in the confer- print. The Irish beat the Bulls Brey said that while his Is this the description Brey of danger of watching their ence tournament, where they 60-49 in their only meeting team has struggled there in wants attached to his name? season disappear. were defeated in the semifi- this year, a Jan. 10 meeting the past, last year’s quarterfi- Doubtful, but this usually pre- Except no one told Mike Brey. nals by Louisville. This year, in Purcell Pavilion. Despite nal game showed Notre Dame cedes those loftier accolades. The Irish beat the Orange, a Notre Dame team that lost his team’s familiarity with the is capable of success in the Notre Dame begins play in sparking a not-to-be-forgotten veteran leaders to graduation, South Florida squad, Martin Garden. the Big East championships court storming. The Irish went injury and early departure said the Irish are well aware “You’ve got to get past that two days later than teams such to Seton Hall and Connecticut, again exceeded expectations of the challenge the Bulls psychologically,” he said. “We as Pittsburgh and Connecticut and beat them too, and for by earning a No. 3 seed in the would pose. were in a good rhythm last because Brey’s engineering good measure, added six more postseason tournament — but “They’re big … and they year … maybe that’s what I’ll avoided a down-year similar conference wins to the streak. this year, the Irish hope to go well, which is some- talk to [my team] about.” to the ones which struck the For a few brief moments, one farther. thing we kind of struggle on Martin said he and his defending conference and na- Wednesday night, it looked as “We were so close [to the at times,” Martin said. “But teammates will try do exact- tional champions, respectively. if a Big East regular season title game] last year and it we’re just excited to get out ly what their coach has told Pittsburgh’s title was within grasp. Alas, still stings a little bit,” senior there and get to work and get them to do. and Connecticut’s Syracuse beat South Florida on guard Scott Martin said. “We kind of a routine before we “There’s always in the joined the other coaches in the Feb. 22, and kept on winning, still have that in our memory, play Thursday.” back of your head that we’ve Big East to place Notre Dame but Notre Dame will gladly so hopefully we can build on Notre Dame won a 74-70 dropped some games there ninth in the conference pre- take its third-place finish. Yes, that.” overtime thriller at Villanova and haven’t shot the ball par- season poll. Such a finish would that is six spots better than The Irish (21-10, 13-5 Big on Feb. 18, a victory marked ticularly well,” Martin said. have the Irish sweating come the Abromaitis-led squad was East) struggled to find a by a late comeback to earn the “It’s still a basketball court. Selection Sunday. Instead, Brey predicted to finish. rhythm in the early part of seventh of nine consecutive We try to enjoy it and relish can sleep easy Saturday night Someone should be sure to the season, highlighted by a league wins. the moment, but try to get — no matter how his time in tell Mike Brey. 29-point loss to Missouri and No matter the opponent, the some wins too.” Madison Square Garden goes Or, don’t. Let’s see what bliss a 20-point loss at Gonzaga at venue might be the single big- this week — knowing Notre this ignorance brings next. the end of November. After gest challenge the Irish face. Contact Allan Joseph at Dame has a berth in the Big Mike Brey is, without ar- muddling through the early The Irish are 55-45 all-time in [email protected] Dance. gument, a magician when it part of the conference slate, In those same preseason comes to regular season suc- Notre Dame found its stride votes, coaches selected Irish cess. He took a down-trodden at the end of January when graduate student forward Tim 11-8 team and led them to a it upset then-No. 1 Syracuse Abromaitis to the preseason 21-10 conclusion with a top-25 67-58 to kick off a nine-game all-conference first team. In- ranking. winning streak, the longest stead, Abromaitis only played If no one tells him, can he league winning streak in two games this year. Following finally lead the Irish to Satur- program history. Now, Irish a four-game suspension due day night at Madison Square coach Mike Brey wants his to a minor NCAA violation he Garden, or, better yet, the first squad to return to the mental- averaged 14.0 points and 7.0 appearance in the NCAA’s ity that helped his team hand rebounds per game, all at the second weekend since the last the Orange their only loss of CBE Classic in Kansas City, Mo. of Matt Doherty’s recruits left the season. Then, just after Thanksgiving, in 2003? “You’re kind of trying to get Notre Dame’s best player, and Perhaps Mike Brey knows the back into a frame of mind that to this day the one averag- answer. you were in before the Syra- ing the most cuse game,” he said. “Can you this season, tore his ACL and Contact Douglas Farmer at get back into that kind of prac- ended what should have been [email protected] tice routine … and that kind of a campaign for the Big East The views expressed in this psyche where man, you really Player of the Year award won column are those of the author needed each other? That’s the by Marquette’s on and not necessarily those of The kind of mentality we have to Tuesday. Observer. have.” The late-season surge was enough to earn the Irish a No. 3 seed and double-bye in the tournament, just two wins away from the title game. Notre Dame has never ap- peared in the Big East tour- nament championship game, which traditionally has taken place on Saturday night. “[Getting to Saturday night] is something that’s been a goal for us,” Martin said. “Most of the year, we’ve talked about it Thursday, March 8, 2012 The Observer u IRISH INSIDER ndsmcobserver.com | page 3 Captain comeback Senior guard Scott Martin leads youthful Irish squad through rough times, into No. 3 seed at tourney

By ERIC PRISTER ery time he has to take the Valparaiso, Ind., transferred Senior Sports Writer captain off the floor. from Purdue after his fresh- “He has a really amaz- man season and so had to sit The Irish started the season ing basketball IQ,” Brey said. out his entire sophomore sea- short on leadership with just “He really knows the game. If son. Then during preseason two senior returning start- there’s a smarter basketball practices heading into his ju- ers. But when fifth-year for- player in the country, I want nior year, Martin tore his ACL ward Tim Abromaitis went to see it. I really value that. and missed the entirety of his down with an ACL tear, se- He has great input here in second season with the Irish. nior guard Scott Martin had practice, in scouting reports, Martin was finally eligible to start taking charge — and bring up questions. He’s re- and healthy last season and taking charges. ally helped our younger guys’ became the fifth starter on a “I think I had to be even basketball IQ. [Junior forward senior laden team. He aver- more vocal when [Abromai- and All-Big East second-team aged just under 10 points per tis] went down because you selection forward] Jack Cool- game and played more than lose that voice on the floor,” ey’s [success] this year has 30 minutes per contest, win- Martin said. “He was so big a lot to do with Scott Martin ning the teams Most Improved for us in every aspect of the being his partner on the back Player award. But this season game that there’s a lot of open line and talking to him and Martin said he had to change air out there, and I felt like I getting him confident and his on-the-court demeanor had to pick up the slack a little helping him. He’s a big, big because now he was the most bit.” factor.” experienced player on the Abromaitis entered the sea- But Martin is not just a vocal court. son as the de facto leader of leader. He regularly guards “I think I’m more vocal than this year’s Notre Dame squad the opponent’s best big man I’ve ever been, and I just try to after averaging 15 points and and unofficially leads the na- lead through example,” Mar- six rebounds per game in 2010- tion in charges taken. tin said. “If something needs 11. But he missed the first four “I don’t really think about to be said, it’s my responsibil- games of the it too much,” ity to step up and say it. I need regular sea- Martin said to speak a little bit more than son because of taking I have in the past.” of an eligibil- c h a r g e s . The leadership role could not ity violation “I think I’m more vocal “You just try have come at a more difficult during his than I’ve ever been, and to make the time, Brey said. Notre Dame redshirted I just try to lead through right play started slowly and dropped second sea- example. If something at the right its first four road games by an son with the needs to be said, it is time, and if I average of 15 points per game. Irish. After my responsibility to feel like I can Martin struggled with the rest returning for step up and say it.” get one, I try of his team on the court, but two games, and get one. Brey said he kept his focus A b r o m a i t i s Scott Martin I just try to and attitude strong. tore his ACL senior guard not move and “I think he was in a fog a in practice, hope for the little bit [when Abromaitis ending his call. went down],” Brey said. “He season. “We work was down for a couple days. JULIE HERDER/The Observer M a r t i n on it in prac- But one of the things I respect Senior guard Scott Martin drives against a DePaul defender was forced to tice. Coach is about Scott is when [Abro- during Notre Dame’s 84-76 win Feb. 11. pick up the slack and became always talking about trying to maitis] is gone, he’s out there the lone Irish captain before get charges and being in the leading a bunch of puppies to lead in a tougher situation year seniors, even though sophomore guard Eric Atkins right place, so it’s definitely around that are running into than Scott Martin, and he ab- [Abromaitis] can’t play, have was given the honor midway something we work on. But each other, and he’s not play- solutely delivered.” really helped us skyrocket through the season. And while you have to have a feel for it, ing very well. And yet his de- Martin played an impor- into the team we are now. He Martin ranks just fourth on and I think that just comes meanor at practice on a daily tant role in Notre Dame’s took on the role better than the team in points per game with me being old.” basis was pretty consistent, turnaround. He recorded he would have if [Abromaitis] and third on the team in re- Martin’s career at Notre as far as helping, leading and back-to-back double-doubles was playing.” bounds per game, Irish coach Dame was rocky from the out- being upbeat. I don’t know if in wins over Louisville and Martin said that for the Mike Brey said he cringes ev- set. The 6-foot-8 guard from I’ve had a captain who’s had South Florida, games which younger players, he had to be Brey said really started Notre a more vocal leader and give Dame’s winning mentality. more instruction to his team- The senior captain also mates. scored 13 against Syracuse, “It’s an overall mentality handing the Orange their that I try to have,” he said. only loss of “You try to the regular keep every- season and body in the beginning right spots Notre Dame’s “I don’t know if I’ve had and the right school-record a captain who’s had to places, but I nine-game lead in a tougher situation think a lot of Big East win- than Scott Martin, and he it is vocally ning streak. absolutely delivered.” just yelling at It was his guys, telling 3-pointer as Mike Brey them, ‘Get the shot clock Irish coach here and get expired in there,’ and the second then calming half that put them down a dagger into when things the No. 1 team in the country. need to be calmed down.” Martin was surrounded by Martin and the Irish turned inexperience — Notre Dame’s their season around, but now four other starters averaged have more to prove in the Big just 36 minutes per game East tournament. Last season, among them. But for new Martin excelled in Madison starters like freshman guard Square Garden, scoring 11 , Martin was points in Notre Dame’s quar- just the type of leader they terfinals win over Cincinnati needed. and then exploding with 23 “The energy he brings and points and eight rebounds in his desire to win has sparked its semifinals loss to Louis- me because I’m the same ville. As this year’s tourna- way: I want to win, what- ment approaches, Martin said ever it takes, and that’s what he just hopes he can channel he wants to do,” Connaugh- some of that success. ton said. “I know he’s been “You try to ride any posi- that guy, the one who’s really tive momentum you can get, helped us get over the hump, so hopefully I can use it for especially in the tough times. momentum and replicate it,” Even if he was having hard he said. KEVIN SONG/The Observer times, he was helping us help Senior guard Scott Martin dribbles around the perimeter during Notre Dame’s 71-53 win over the team. Him and [Abromai- Contact Eric Prister at Rutgers on Feb. 15. Martin scored seven points and recorded two rebounds in the win. tis] both, just being the fifth- [email protected] page 4 | ndsmcobserver.com The Observer u IRISH INSIDER Thursday, March 8, 2012

No. 0 Eric Atkins So. guard, 6’1” 12.4 points per game 4.1 assists per game No. 22 1.3 steals per game No. 24 Pat Connaughton 39. 4 minutes per game in Big East play So. guard, 6’5” Fr. forward, 6’5” 12.5 points per game A speedy and durable sophomore, Atkins has provided a steady and 6.9 points per game 4.9 assists per game reliable point guard for the Irish in a topsy-turvy regular season. 4.5 rebounds per game 2.8 to turnover ratio Seven games with 10 or more points Four games with 20 or more points The Columbia, Md., native and tri-captain has topped 30 minutes of Started last 12 games playing time in all but two games this season and provides Notre A streaky and lanky sophomore, Dame with another capable perimeter shooter. An athletic and versatile freshman, Connaughton has forced his way Grant has emerged as a viable into the starting lineup in the latter half of the season with not only scorer after not playing last his scoring ability but also his rebounding prowess. The Arlington, season. The Bowie, Md., native Mass., native has struggled in the last four games, registering only earned a spot on the All-Big East No. 14 Scott Martin No. 45 Jack Cooley 15 points as the Irish split their fi nal two games. rookie team after a year in which he scored in double fi gures in Sr. guard, 6’8” Jr. forward, 6’9” 9.5 points per game 12.5 points per game No. 12 Alex Dragicevich 24 of Notre Dame’s 31 games. 5.5 rebounds per game 9.2 rebounds per game Grant’s smooth 3-point shot and 1.7 assists per game 62 percent from the fi eld So. guard, 6’7” 43 percent from the fi eld in Big East play 12 double-doubles 7.0 points per game desire to take the last-second 1.9 rebounds per game shot could be critical for the An experienced and savvy senior, A physical and talented junior, 1.2 assists per game Irish. Martin has been solid for the Cooley — an All-Big East second 34 percent on 3-pointers Irish all season long, starting team selection — has provided A long and rangy sophomore, Dragicevich has every game he has played in. an interior scoring threat for the slipped into a sixth man role for the Irish during The Valparaiso, Ind., native and Irish this season. The Glenview, the fi nal half of the season. The Northbrook, Ill., Purdue transfer is not fl ashy by Ill., native and Big East Most native will rely on his 3-point shot as he battles any means but can fi ll up the Improved Player has averaged Connaughton for playing time in the postseason. stat sheet in a variety of ways. just less than 18 points per game Dragicevich tallied double fi gures in the season The tri-captain has also provided in the fi nal eight games, racking fi nale for the fi rst time since December. invaluable leadership off the up six double-doubles in that court. stretch.

Nov. 18 Dec. 8–10 Dec. 27 Jan. 7 Irish start off the Jack Cooley scores 22 Notre Dame Notre Dame stuns heavily- Oct. 19 season with a four- points in home wins outshoots No. 22 favored No. 11 Louisville Abromaitis named game winning streak against Maine and Pittsburgh behind in 67-65 double-overtime to Preseason All-Big without Abromaitis Nov. 27 Dartmouth Alex Dragicevich’s road thriller East First Team Irish handle Bryant 22 points in 72-59 in fi rst game after home win Sept. 15 Nov. 12 Abromaitis’ injury Dec. 26 Jan. 14 Tim Abromaitis Eric Atkins leads the way Atkins named captain for No. 17 Connecticut ends and Scott Martin in 80-67 season opening remainder of the season Notre Dame’s 29-game named captains win over Mississippi Nov. 30 home winning streak for 2011–2012 Valley State No. 18 Gonzaga blows season out Notre Dame by 20 Nov. 25 in Spokane, Wash. Abromaitis tears Dec. 17 No. 18 Indiana Jan. 16 Oct. 11 Nov. 21–22 ACL in practice, Jan. 4 Dec. 4 streaks by Irish Irish look lethargic NCAA suspends Notre Dame drops misses remainder Irish blown out at Rebuilding Maryland with 69-58 win in in 65-58 road loss to Tim Abromaitis for two straight to No. 21 of the season Cincinnati, 71-55 fi ghts past reeling Crossroads Classic lowly Rutgers four games due to Missouri and Georgia Irish in BB&T Classic eligibility issues in CBE Classic

Jan. 21 Feb. 8 Feb. 22 Feb. 13 Notre Dame hands No. Jan. 29 Cooley starts streak Feb. 18 No. 20 Notre Dame annihilates West Mar. 4 Irish ranked in both polls for 1 Syracuse its only loss Notre Dame upsets of four-straight double- No. 23 Irish come from Virginia 71-44, sets school record for Cooley named fi rst time, Cooley selected as of the seasons; students No. 24 Connecticut doubles in win at 20 points down to consecutive Big East wins with nine Big East Most Big East Player of the Week rush court in Hartford, Conn., hostile West Virginia overtime road victory Improved Player with 50-48 win at Villanova, continue Mar. 2 Mar. 4 Feb. 11 eight-game win streak No. 20 Irish clinch Cooley named to second Notre Dame team All-Big East; Grant Feb. 15 double-bye and Jan. 25 Feb. 4 beats DePaul named to Big East All- No. 23 Notre Dame three-seed in Big Irish defense Irish shoot lights- in “trap game” Feb. 20 Rookie Team gets revenge in 71- East tournament with shuts down out in 76-59 behind Jerian Irish peak 53 win over Rutgers Senior Night win over Seton Hall, gives blowout win over Grant’s 22 points at No. 18 Mar. 5 at Purcell Pavilion Providence Pirates fi rst No. 15 Marquette in ESPN/ Irish head to New York home loss on national USA Today Feb. 25 for Big East television Coaches’ Poll No. 20 Irish comeback attempt tournament falls short in 61-58 loss at St. John’s; winning streak ends at nine

Feb. 27 No. 20 Notre Dame struggles to fi nd rhythm at No. 11 Georgetown in 59-41 loss

Douglas Farmer Eric Prister Allan Joseph Senior Sports Writer Senior Sports Writer Editor-in-Chief When it comes to Madison It has been a magical season for It’s one of those things that Square Garden, common sense Notre Dame in a completely different makes no sense, but is fact none- and recent history say don’t put way than it was last year. Last year, theless: Notre Dame is no good in too much faith in Notre Dame. five senior starters came together, Madison Square Garden. The sight lines simply mess with nearly won the Big East and earned a Maybe it’s the bright lights, Irish shooters’ mojo. No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament. maybe it’s the perfect circular- This year won’t be any differ- This year, one senior starter and a ity of the arena or maybe it’s the ent in that regard, but what will multitude of new faces fought through gigantic Reese’s billboard under- differ is the quality of opponent. early-season struggles and did some- neath the scoreboard. Whatever Notre Dame does not need to thing no Notre Dame team had ever it is, the Irish always struggle in shoot all-that well to beat the likes of South Flor- done before, winning nine straight conference games. the Garden. ida and even Marquette. If the Irish play solid, The postseason will not be as kind to the Irish and get- I don’t think this team will flame out in its first fundamental basketball, they will advance to Sat- ting past Marquette will prove to be too much. game of the tournament — they’re too solid for that urday. Unless they earn a very favorable draw, the NCAA tour- — but I don’t see them reaching the title game ei- As for next weekend, it will likely be the last of nament will prove to be much of the same, as the Irish ther. the year for the Irish. It all depends on the draw, will struggle to get through the first round before losing in The Irish will fall to Marquette in the semifinals but if a Long Beach State or a Drexel appears op- the second. Despite this, the season should be considered due to some untimely cold shooting, but it won’t de- posite Notre Dame, such as it ends. a success. rail all hopes of a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

BOTTOM LINE: Syracuse 74, Notre Dame 59 BOTTOM LINE: Marquette 63, Notre Dame 59 BOTTOM LINE: Marquette 68, Notre Dame 60 Thursday, March 8, 2012 The Observer u IRISH INSIDER ndsmcobserver.com | page 5

No. 7 seed Louisville (22-9, 10-8): No. 11 seed Rutgers (14-17, 6-12): Last meeting vs. ND: Jan. 7 67-65 Last meeting vs. ND: Feb. 15 71-53 2OT Loss Loss, Jan. 16 65-58 Win The Cardinals enter the tournament The Scarlet Knights were o to one of ranked 19th in the country, yet have not their best starts to Big East play in con- beaten a ranked Big East team this year. ference history after beating the Irish on Louisville lost a double-overtime thriller Jan.16 before losing eight of their next Jan. 7 to the Irish, which gave Notre Dame nine, which included a six-game skid. its  rst road win of the year. Senior forward But the Rutgers season has a few bright Kyle Kuric (12.9 points per game) and junior spots: big wins over then-No. 10 Florida and guard Peyton Siva (5.4 assists per game) lead then-No. 8 Connecticut in late-December/early coach Rick Pitino’s squad and will face Seton Hall January. Freshman guard Eli Carter (13.5 points per on Wednesday. The Cardinals are a balanced group with three scorers game) leads the agile four-guard Rutgers o ense, which gave the Irish averaging double  gures, but enter the tournament on a two-game los-  ts in the teams’  rst meeting. ing streak.

No. 4 seed No. 5 seed No. 2 seed Cincinnati Georgetown Marquette (22-9, 12-6) (22-7, 12-6) (25-6, 14-4): Last meet- Last meet- Last meet- ing vs. ND: ing vs. ND: ing vs. ND: Jan. 4 71-55 Feb. 27 59- Feb. 4 76-59 Win 41 Win Loss The Bearcats, The Hoyas, The Golden led by sopho- who boast the Eagles are ranked more guard and second-best scoring ninth in the country All-Big East second team defense in the Big East, and rightfully so, winning selection Sean Kilpatrick, won  ve of their head to New York on the heels of a 14-point 13 of the last 15 games. The Irish interrupted last six games of the season to claim the No. loss to Marquette, the di erence between Marquette’s seven-game winning streaking 4 seed in the Big East tournament. Cincinna- a No. 2 and a No. 5 seed. Senior guard and Feb. 4 at Purcell Pavilion behind freshman ti enters the tournament ranked 15th (out of All-Big East  rst team selection Jason Clark forward’s Pat Connaughton’s 23 points, but 16 teams) in  eld goal percentage, clocking leads Georgetown in scoring, averaging the Golden Eagles will surely be out for in at 42 percent. They also rank dead last in more than 14 points per game. The Hoyas revenge. Led by their All-Big East  rst team percentage at 64 percent, which also rank second in the conference in  eld seniors Darius Johnson-Odom (18.3 points could be a key factor late in close games. Se- goal percentage, converting on 46 percent of per game) and Jae Crowder (17.6 points per nior forward Yancy Gates leads the Bearcats their attempts from the  oor. Junior forward game), expect the Golden Eagles to come on the boards, collecting nearly 10 rebounds Hollis Thompson stretches the court for the out  ring, knowing this may be the pro- per game. Hoyas and leads the league in 3-point per- gram’s best chance for its  rst Big East title. centage at nearly 46 percent. If both teams win today, Notre Dame and Marquette will meet in Friday’s semi nals.

No. 1 seed No. 14 seed No. 6 seed Syracuse Villanova South (30-1, 17-1) (12-18, Florida (19- Last meet- 5-13): 12, 12-6 Big ing vs. ND: Last meet- East) Jan. 21 67- ing vs. ND: Last meet- 58 Loss Feb. 18 74-70 ing vs. ND: The Orange, the OT Loss Jan. 10 60-49 only team in Big The Wildcats Loss East history to lose enter the tourna- The Bulls, who boast just one game during the ment after a disappointing the conference’s stingiest entire regular season, bring the rare combi- regular season after being picked to  nish defense, sit squarely on the NCAA tourna- nation of size and depth to the court. Sopho- eighth preseason. Villanova failed to record a ment bubble heading into the Big East tour- more center and Big East Defensive Player win against its seven ranked opponents and nament and likely need a strong showing of the Year anchors Orange coach endured three losing streaks of at least three to earn a bid. A surprise in the Big East this ’s famed 2-3 zone while senior games. Junior guard Maalik Wayns (17.5 year, South Florida has struggled to score, guard Scoop Jardine directs the o ense. Nei- points per game) joins Irish junior forward averaging fewer than 60 points per game. ther Melo nor Jardine had an impact in the Jack Cooley on the All-Big East second team Despite its gaudy Big East record, South  rst meeting with Notre Dame. Sophomore and leads a young, yet talented Wildcat Florida has collected just two wins over guard and Big East Sixth Man of the Year o ense. Villanova blew a 20-point lead at ranked opponents this season and employ is one of two Syracuse players home to the Irish on Feb. 18, even with 24 a balanced scoring attack that features  ve to average more than 10 points — senior for- points from freshman forward JayVaughn players averaging more than eight points — ward is the other — but Syracuse Pinkston. but no players averaging 10 or more points is able to employ a 10-man rotation. per game.

Andrew Owens Matthew DeFranks Andrew Gastelum Associate Sports Editor Sports Writer Sports Writer Once again, Notre Dame enters The Irish, who have overcome ob- The Irish were not supposed to get the Big East tournament with high stacle after obstacle, feel like a team a double-bye. They weren’t supposed expectations. Once again, Notre of destiny. Lose the reigning Big East to go on a nine-game winning streak. Dame faces questions about its futil- Player of the Year? No problem. Lose They weren’t even supposed to be con- ity in the Big East tournament and at your senior captain and best player sidered for the NCAA tournament. Madison Square Garden in general. to a season-ending injury? No prob- But something tells me this Irish What better way for the Irish to lem. Lose road games by 20 points? team has peaked and it isn’t entering celebrate the last year of the Big East Not an issue, either. the Big East tournament on the best of as we know it than to exorcise their But I don’t think all the intangibles terms with two losses and an unim- demons and make it to the Saturday are enough to bring home Notre pressive Senior Night win. final for the first time ever? Dame’s first Big East championship. I do think the Irish Meanwhile, No. 9 Marquette looks poised to win its first Unfortunately for Irish coach Mike Brey’s squad, I don’t overcome their shooting woes in Madison Square Garden Big East title. With All-Big East first team seniors Darius see it happening. Despite being the beneficiaries of the and slip by Marquette in the semifinals. But I do not see Johnson-Odom and Jae Crowder, this may be the only shot easiest path possible to the championship game, I expect them taking a conference title from a deep Syracuse team at the title for a while. Also, the Golden Eagles remember Marquette to exact revenge against Notre Dame in the that will have stalwart center Fab Melo this time. how it felt to be blown out on national television by the Irish. semifinals. Think Jim Boeheim hasn’t shown footage of the Or- But if the Irish can knock down shots at a decent rate, watch With two or three wins this week, the Irish can trans- ange’s only loss of the year over and over and over again? out. They aren’t supposed to win, but that hasn’t stopped form a memorable season into a magical one. Think again. them this season.

BOTTOM LINE: Marquette 75, Notre Dame 67 BOTTOM LINE: Syracuse 68, Notre Dame 57 BOTTOM LINE: Marquette 62, Notre Dame 54 page 6 | ndsmcobserver.com The Observer u IRISH INSIDER Thursday, March 8, 2012 Cooley develops into Young guards earn playing time

By MATTHEW DeFRANKS they have both had standout has stepped into his role seam- All-Big East selection Sports Writer performances this year. lessly, playing a big role in Notre Dragicevich’s signature per- Dame’s upset of then-No. 1 Syra- Entering this season, sopho- formance came in Notre Dame’s cuse. His two 3-pointers early in more guard Alex Dragicevich 72-59 win over then-No. 22 the first half set the tone for the and freshman guard Pat Con- Pittsburgh. The Northbrook, Irish and energized the capac- naughton were unproven and Ill., native poured in a career- ity crowd at Purcell Pavilion. unknown. They combined for high 22 points, including four The Arlington, Mass., native zero starts, 20 points and 62 3-pointers. also propelled the Irish to vic- minutes of playing time. Since that game, however, tories against Marquette and Now, the Dragicevich Villanova. Against the Golden youthful duo has dipped Eagles, he recorded his first has combined into double double-double with 23 points for around “If one of them can figures justand 11 rebounds. 14 points and provide us with some once. He had In the overtime road win 45 minutes big time minutes and big 12 points in over the Wildcats, Connaughton — per game time stats, it really boosts the regular knocked down seven 3-pointers — in help- everyone’s confidence.” season finale while also snatching nine re- ing provide against Provi- bounds. Since that game, how- much-needed dence. ever, he has scored just 13 total depth for a Eric Atkins “Their pro- points in four games. thin Notre sophomore guard duction defi- Brey said a goal of his head- Dame squad nitely helps ing into the Big East tourna- h a m p e r e d us, and gives ment was to get both Connaugh- by the loss of us another ton and Dragicevich going. graduate student Tim Abromai- dimension,” senior guard Scott “I think Alex’s frame of mind tis. Martin said. “It’s a little bit is good,” Brey said. “What I “It makes the team totally dif- more of an inside-out presence. need to do is get Pat prepared. ferent [if five or six players are We focused so much on getting This is his first postseason. producing],” sophomore guard the ball to Jack last game, and He’s logged a lot of minutes and Eric Atkins said. “If one of them [Dragicevich] hit a couple of big there’s been a lot of responsibil- can provide us with some big ones to stretch it out for us. So ity, and I almost want to get him time minutes and big time stats, I think they just make us that re-energized this week.” it really boosts everyone’s con- much tougher to guard.” After the 75-69 win over fidence. To see one of them hit Dragicevich has shot well Providence, Brey said he toyed a couple of threes, it just really from behind the arc this sea- with the idea of shuffling SARAH O’CONNOR/The Observer keeps everything flowing well.” son, knocking down 34 percent Dragicevich into the starting Irish junior forward Jack Cooley attempts a hook shot over a The pair of inexperienced of his 3-pointers. Brey said he lineup in place of Connaughton. Providence defender during Notre Dame’s 75-69 win March 2. guards has largely fought for credits Irish assistant coach “I think we’ll stay with what playing time all season long, Martin Ingelsby with Dragicev- we have,” Brey said. “My gut with Dragicevich earning the ich’s improvement from a year tells me, after thinking it By ANDREW OWENS rassing non-conference defeats, starts early and Connaughton ago, when he averaged just 1.4 through over the weekend, that Associate Sports Editor it was borderline unfathomable garnering the starts lately. points per game. we stay the course and get Pat that Cooley could wind up on the “We need both of their punch- Brey also said the coaching going and bring Alex off the Jack Cooley lives life in a ho- Big East’s second team and be es,” Irish coach Mike Brey said. staff must use a different ap- bench.” hum way, adhering to rhythm named the conference’s Most Im- “At times, we’ve had Alex here proach with Dragicevich. Connaughton, Dragicevich and routine rather than sponta- proved Player. for the most part and Pat on the “I’m tired of telling him [not and the rest of the Irish will look neity, so the way he found out he “The only person who called road. A couple games, we had to overthink plays],” Brey said. to capture the school’s first Big received Big East second team that I’d get Big East team was them sharing pretty well — one “I don’t want to meet with him East title this weekend in New honors Sunday should surprise [former Irish guard] Ben Hans- scored eight, one scored seven. too much because then he York’s Madison Square Garden. no one. brough, who actually Facebook- That’s important for us.” starts analyzing everything we “I’m … disappointed in my messaged me before the season While each player averages a talk about.” Contact Matthew DeFranks at team, because I found out from and told me that I should be re- modest seven points per game, Connaughton, meanwhile, [email protected] my best friend … because I don’t ally disappointed if I don’t get at check Twitter or Facebook,” the least Big East [second] team and junior forward said. “I woke up then [it] happens … I’m extremely at 12:15 [p.m.] and didn’t have excited and happy,” Cooley said. any texts, but my best friend “To think at some parts early in texted me ‘congrats’ [at 12:30] the season that this would hap- and I was embarrassed and pen now, it’s just incredible.” asked, ‘For what?’” Cooley said he is disappointed Now in his third year at Notre in himself for not earning Big Dame, Cooley has transformed East first team honors, but that it himself from a Luke Harangody will drive him to improve for his look-alike into one of the best senior campaign. players in what is typically re- “I definitely use it [as motiva- garded as the nation’s top con- tion],” he said. “I wouldn’t con- ference. sider myself better than anyone “I’m really proud of Jack,” Irish on the first team. The choices coach Mike Brey said. “He cer- that were made to pick that team tainly was probably a candidate were great and I think they all for first team, but I’m kind of were justified. So I just use it happy he isn’t first team. He still more as motivation than disap- needs to have things to shoot for. pointment.” But from where he came from in For now, though, Cooley is less the fall to being a second-team concerned with next season than guy, I’m very, very proud of him with the task at hand: helping and I know he’s proud of himself, Notre Dame overcome its typi- and he’s earned it.” cal struggles in Madison Square During the regular season, Garden. Cooley averaged 12.5 points “[It’s] a little bit [of a psycho- per game and 9.2 rebounds per logical hump], but this year game, numbers that reached we’ve done a lot of things that 14.6 and 10.2, respectively, in Big have never been done before, so East play. What is most remark- we have that edge,” he said. “It’s able, however, is that he was a little different because it is the even in a position to hang with Garden. It’s a pretty big deal. You the big boys of the Big East. just have to get through it and Last summer, Cooley was diag- play as a team and remember it’s nosed with a condition that lim- just another arena and just go its his blood from processing and out there and play hard.” delivering oxygen, raising doubts Cooley said he regards the about his endurance and ability tournament as a proverbial reset to play extended minutes. He an- button, with each squad starting swered that challenge by start- on a level playing field. ing in 28 of 30 games in which “The season was good, but he played and registered 32.7 now it’s over,” he said. “Everyone minutes per game in conference gets going in the postseason, ev- play. He even recorded a season- eryone has something to prove high 44 minutes in the double and everyone has to go out there overtime victory over Louisville and reprove we’re a good team on Jan. 7. and just start over.” When his condition was an- nounced in November and Notre Contact Andrew Owens at Dame suffered several embar- [email protected] Thursday, March 8, 2012 The Observer u IRISH INSIDER ndsmcobserver.com | page 7 Atkins, Grant compliment each other in Irish backcourt

By ANDREW GASTELUM “It’s an unbelievable feel- lineup and playing 35 minutes Sports Writer ing playing at the Garden un- per game — without missing a der those lights,” Atkins said. single one — would make a size- Opposites somehow attract. “It’s a little bit more pressure able dent in most players’ rookie Welcome to the Notre Dame because of the mystique of the seasons, but Grant had a men- backcourt, where confident whole place. We just have to be tor in Atkins who went through meets bashful and intense fuses focused out there and focus on the trials of Big East action last with reserved. But sophomore basketball.” season. guards Jerian Grant and Eric These two guards have shown “[Eric] has meant a lot [to Atkins are united by the game, a nothing but focus on the court all me],” Grant said. “He has game once started on D.C.-area year, culminating in Irish coach shown me a lot and taken the playgrounds, which now magi- Mike Brey naming the soft- pressure off of me and is able to cally finds itself heading north spoken Atkins captain midway help me out. He is a huge part of to Madison Square Garden. through the season and Grant my game. “Before the game, it’s mostly being named to the All-Big East “[Eric has helped] just learn- like, ‘Wow, you’re playing in Rookie Team on Monday. ing how to play both ends be- the Garden,’ but once the game “I’m really proud of [Grant],” cause almost every night you are starts it’s just another basket- Atkins said. “He really deserves playing against a guy in the Big ball game in an arena against to be on the All-Rookie Team. East that can score. Being able another team,” Grant said. “The He played well all year for us to play the game defensively and big hype about the Garden is and took really big shots at big offensively and put the game to- SARAH O’CONNOR/The Observer before the game, but during the times. Also, he had a really good gether [is key].” Irish sophomore guard Eric Atkins attemps a layup during Notre game it is just basketball.” assist-to-turnover ratio [11th in While Atkins builds his own Dame’s 75-69 win over Providence on March 2. Madison Square Garden is the NCA A].” legacy, Grant is trying to sepa- basketball’s Acropolis — the al- Meanwhile, Grant couldn’t rate himself from a path seem- practice, much to the jovial cha- rebounds we get. He has more mighty center of the basketball accept all of the credit for ingly already paved for him. grin of other Irish players. rebounds than me, which is not world —which, according to At- his team-leading 12.5 points Grant’s father, Harvey, was the “Last year [Brey] would run supposed to happen,” Grant said kins, provides the ultimate chal- and 4.9 assists per game. Be- 12th pick in the 1988 NBA draft, game situations and he’d have while cracking a smile. “It’s a lenge. ing thrown into the starting while his uncle Horace won four [Grant] take the shot and we’d little rivalry for sure.” NBA championships — three as be like, ‘J’s not even playing this Familiar rivalry or friendly a part of Michael Jordan’s Bulls. year, coach. Did you know that? competition, the two are instru- Although not known for their He can’t do that in a game,’” ju- mental cogs in Brey’s plan for assists, twin-brothers Harvey nior forward Jack Cooley said success. and Horace may have passed jokingly. “And he’d hit it, and “The B-W Parkway guards their desire to win and competi- if he didn’t he’d be really mad are going to be a key,” Brey said. tive edge to the 6’5” Jerian. at himself. From that point on “There is no question they give “Even on the playground, I knew when next year came us a confidence and they make when the last basket came up around and when he was al- plays for us. Really, they were I want[ed] the ball. When it lowed to play, coach knew some- the ones when we won at Lou- comes down to your team need- thing.” isville, which was kind of a big ing a basket and your team While Grant wants the ball light bulb going on. Those were needing a win, I want the ball in his hands for the final shot, the guys that kind of made us in my hands,” Grant said. “[It Atkins will assuredly make the believe down the stretch and comes from] just watching bas- stellar pass to his roommate into overtime.” ketball so much and knowing (see the final minutes against Dubbed the B-W Parkway the best players have the basket- Villanova). Atkins has seen an guards for the famous Wash- ball in their hands. I just want to enormous jump in his produc- ington D.C. highway, a mere 21 be that guy at the end who helps tion this season, which includes miles separate Columbia and the team.” averaging 12.4 points and 39.4 Bowie, Md., the hometowns of Even when Grant took the minutes per game in Big East Atkins and Grant. The duo even SARAH O’CONNOR/The Observer year off last year due to a guard- play — which means he is on the faced off in an AAU champion- Irish sophomore guard Jerian Grant drives to the basket during heavy lineup, he would still take bench for only 36 seconds per ship with their Washington Notre Dame’s 84-76 over DePaul on Feb. 11. the clutch, last-second shots in game. D.C. club teams in high school. Against DePaul on Feb. 11, the At Notre Dame the guards are duo combined for 27 points in a joined under one jersey but they 50-point second half. On Feb. 18 never forget their roots. against Villanova, Atkins led the “Coming from the same place charge with 17 points. Not to be makes our relationship easier,” outdone, Grant answered back Atkins said. “We knew each oth- the next game with 20 points er before coming into here, but against West Virginia on Feb. it transitioned here. And coach 22. While remaining unselfish, [Brey] giving us the confidence forthcoming teammates, the and being from the same area as roommates have developed an well helps us while we are on the uncanny on-the-court rivalry of court. It’s really nice to have.” sorts. “We talk about how many Contact Andrew Gastelum at assists we get and how many [email protected] page 8 | ndsmcobserver.com The Observer u IRISH INSIDER Thursday, March 8, 2012

PAT COVENEY/The Observer

SARAH O’CONNOR/The Observer

From upper left, clockwise: Freshman guard Pat Connaughton attempts a shot during Notre Dame’s 71-44 win over West Virginia on Feb. 22; sophomore guard Eric Atkins tries to corral a loose ball during Notre Dame’s 79-65 win over Providence on March 2; sophomore guard Alex Dragicevich drives to the basket PAT COVENEY/The Observer during Notre Dame’s win over Providence.

SUMMER SESSION 2012 summersession.nd.edu Meet some of our instructors and learn what Notre Dame offers in the summer. For a list of social events and day trips Summer S ession Fair | Tuesday, A pril 3 | Noon–4:0 0 p.m. organized by the S tudent A ctivities O ffice, visit sao.nd.edu. La Fortune Student C enter | Notre D ame Room

J. Matthew Ashley Nasir Ghiaseddin Dan Graff Susan Sheridan

Prof. Ashley’s scholarly interests include Prof. Ghiaseddin’s expertise is in the areas Prof. Graff t e a ches A meric an history, in Prof. Sheridan is a specialist in biological political and liberation theology, Christian of M ana g ement Informa tion Syst ems, particular, courses focusing on the histo- anthropology. Her research interests in- spirituality, and the dialogue be t we en Decision Support Systems, Pattern Rec- ries of labor, race, gender, and politics. clude analysis of ancient diet and disease. theology and science. ognition, and Expert Systems. HIST 30856: Working in America since ANTH 45818/65818: NSF-REU THEO 60240: Contemplation and Action MGT 20600: IT Management 1945 (CRN 4154) Biocultural Research Program (CRN 4087) Applications (CRN 3104) (CRN 2546/2547) June 18–August 3 Students will be in- July 9–July 27 What is the relationship troduced to how the world of work (both May 28–July 17 Experience this hands-on June 18–August 3 Students will attain between contemplative prayer and action paid and unpaid) has changed dramati- research course, which will engage students a general understanding of opportunities on behalf of others? Explore the creative cally in the decades since World War II. in an experiential learning environment that and challenges in IT M anagement. This w ays tha t C hristian spiritual mast ers Since work occupies most of our waking immerses them in anthropological method will be achieved through online research through the centuries have avoided divid- hours as adults, we all have much to gain and theory. An application for this course is and discussion of IT Management issues ing, or even opposing, these two essential from learning about the evolution of the required. For information visit http://w w w. and business process as well as hands- elements of a full Christian life. employment relationship over the past nd.edu/~nsfbones/nsfbones/Home.html. on use of common IT applica tion tools. half-century.