Notre Dame Basketball

Due to a high pre-season ranking and the fact that there are so many quality opponents throughout the Big East conference, I've been able to see a ton of Notre Dame basketball this season. Since they were in Providence yesterday to take on the Friars, now seem as good a time as any to give you my take on them.

First off, they just don't have enough depth. They only go 8 deep which, for the up and down style they play, wears down the starters too fast. As a result, they seem to have a second-half lull every single game. For most of the season Coach Brey wouldn't even play that deep, only starting to use Tyrone Nash more the last couple of games. Also, they are too reliant on the three-pointer. If it's falling like it did yesterday then that's fine. But if it's not then they are going to have a tougher time than usual.

Yesterday was interesting because what usually happens is that Harangody is an automatic double double and it's up to Ayers and McAlarney to show up and help with the scoring. Instead Harangody was a non-factor in the first half because of foul trouble while Ayers and McAlarney were lighting it up from the opening tip. McAlarney reminds me a lot of Gerry McNamara, which is to say he'll shoot as soon as he gets in the gym. But, only being six feet tall, I hope he enjoys playing overseas for the next couple of years. Meanwhile, Harangody's game is similar to a guy like Eduardo Najera. He's a banger and plays like a bull in a china shop. But he has trouble with taller, stronger or faster guys (in the NBA, that group will be made up of... everyone). He'll get drafted after another season of college ball, but he'll be coming off the bench for the Pacers in 3 years.

Unfortunately, I don't see the Irish making the field of 65. The 7 game losing streak looks really bad, even though 6 of those games were against teams ranked in the top 25. Add to that bad losses to Ohio State and St. John's, and I just don't think their resume is strong enough to get in. Of course, a strong showing in the Big East tournament could change all of that, but the team needs to keep winning before then or even that may not be enough.

But, you know where I found a surprising amount of talent? The Friars Cheerleading team. Well done, P.C.