ND Men's Basketball 2014-15 Season

[ResLife Hero]

The schedule is out!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>RT <a href="https://twitter.com/NDmbb">@NDmbb</a>: Time to plan out your sick days.

Our ENTIRE 2014-15 schedule.

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SCHEDULE: <a href="http://t.co/7VXPaP4HYN">pic.twitter.com/7VXPaP4HYN</a></p>— Rachel Terlep (@eTruth_Irish) <a href="https://twitter.com/eTruth_Irish/statuses/504710394624364544">August 27, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>MBB: Here’s a quick story on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash">#NotreDame</a>’s 2014-15 schedule: <a href="http://t.co/pkfL859OXk">http://t.co/pkfL859OXk</a></p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/statuses/504711514600005632">August 27, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[RDU Irish]

NCST, Duke and UNC on the road all in the same year. Looks like I'll be seeing some basketball this season!

 

[anarin]

Louisville and pitt here I come

 

[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>HOOPS | Fifth year guard Jerian Grant is back at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash">#NotreDame</a> with a chance to end things on the right note: <a href="http://t.co/iPA0lD1vv7">http://t.co/iPA0lD1vv7</a></p>— Irish Illustrated (@NDatRivals) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDatRivals/status/507897637363015680">September 5, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>After a difficult freshman year, Demetrius Jackson expects maturity & experience to make all the difference now: <a href="http://t.co/fdPhJz1Aa8">http://t.co/fdPhJz1Aa8</a></p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/status/512320444188618752">September 17, 2014</a></blockquote>
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From start to finish, year one with the Irish did not go as planned for Jackson. In 30 games, 18 of which came after guard Jerian Grant’s suspension, Jackson averaged 6.0 points per game while recording 2.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists per contest. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.5 was much lower than what Notre Dame has become accustomed to with point guards during Mike Brey’s tenure.

On top of the on-court struggles, Jackson’s academic issues required a two-game respite from action while he focused on his studies.

With that season behind him, the sophomore claims to benefit from a year of added maturity now that point guard Eric Atkins has departed and it’s Jackson’s offense to run.

“It was tough,” Jackson said. “It was an adjustment that I don’t know if I was prepared the best for. Last year helped me a lot. I feel much better. I feel happy. I feel more comfortable. I feel closer to my teammates and I’m having more fun for sure.”

Notre Dame as a whole figures to have more fun this season after stumbling to a 15-17 (6-12 ACC) finish, the program’s first losing season since 1998-99. Grant is back from his suspension and senior swingman Pat Connaughton will play his senior year with the Irish despite signing a professional contract with the Baltimore Orioles during the summer. Interestingly, Brey puts sophomore guard Steve Vasturia, not Jackson, in the group with that duo as critical players.

Brey, however, notes that he saw progress from Jackson during the team’s foreign tour — a de facto preseason that allowed the team 22 extra sessions in the gym in all — in Italy in August.

“The first thing that helps is Atkins is not around,” Brey said. “He has the ball and he started all four games. We kind of found a simple role for him to start with here now that he’s a main guy. Pressure the ball and make good decisions and quarterback our team. Don’t worry about shooting or scoring or your jump shot. That will all happen. I thought his ball pressure was the key.”

Overall, Jackson is more confident version of himself this year, which he credits in part to the academic difficulties he faced in February.

“It’s very humbling,” he said. “It grounded me and let me know I needed to work hard on and off the court. All the lessons I learned last year, I applied them to the summer and had a good summer. Hopefully I’ll continue to do that in the fall.”

Jackson admitted feeling frustrated during much of the 2013-14 year, but he said it was mostly directed at himself rather than the university or the basketball program itself.

“I know I’m a better student than that,” he said. “Just frustrated with myself that I wasn’t working to the best of my ability. I took that lesson and that struggle and it helped me become a better person and student.”

While Brey’s offenses typically utilize a pair of guards as ball-handlers on the court at once — Jackson, Grant, Vasturia and freshman Matt Farrell could all do so this season — Jackson feels his role is clearer heading into camp this time around.

“Part of that was immaturity,” he said. “A year of experience definitely helped me mature as a basketball player to understand that I don’t always need the ball in my hands to contribute. I can do other things also. I just tried to apply those lessons.”

One constant during Brey’s tenure has been having a productive point guard directing the free-flowing offense. All eyes are now on Jackson to see whether he can become the next in line.

“That’s one of the duties of the point guard is to direct the team on the floor,” Jackson said. “I’ve been doing my best to be more vocal and to be more of a leader on and off the court.

“I learned a lot last year watching and playing. When I go out to the court or in the classroom, I try to use those lessons learned to be a better basketball player and a better person.”

 

[BobbyMac]

When will the Irish stop ducking the mighty Crusaders of Valpo?

It's been long enough to forget those painful losses at the hands of the Lutheran Bomb Squads

Time to renew the series!

.

 

[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>RT <a href="https://twitter.com/NDmbb">@NDmbb</a>: - A NEW LEGACY BEGINS -

We present our new <a href="https://twitter.com/UnderArmour">@UnderArmour</a> home uniforms.

<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IWill?src=hash">#IWill</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Together?src=hash">#Together</a> <a href="http://t.co/LjNWenTEsd">pic.twitter.com/LjNWenTEsd</a></p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/status/520276866373287936">October 9, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[ab2cmiller]

Don't like them. The patch with ND logo inside the basketball isn't even completely sewn on. Just hangs off the edge touching the players shoulder.

 

[ResLife Hero]

Some highlights from media day today:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash">#NotreDame</a> HC Mike Brey on regaining identity: “We’ve got to start on the defensive end. That was really a problem for us."</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/status/522486063638384640">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Brey says Jerian Grant and Pat Connaughton are among the 10 or 12 best players in the ACC.</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/status/522486857372680192">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Brey said Austin Burgett helps the team flow on both ends of the floor. Mentions the players in the program that have emerged as juniors.</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/status/522487076340514816">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Demetrius Jackson and Zach Auguste became main guys in Italy. He has listed Steve Vasturia as a main guy for a while now.</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/status/522487196922572801">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Brey notes that Demetrius Jackson pressures the ball better than anyone he's had</p>— Tim O'Malley (@timomalleyND) <a href="https://twitter.com/timomalleyND/status/522487576008335361">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Brey adds that the ACC has better skill and basketball IQ than did the old Big East. Notes the Big East would often have the best athletes</p>— Tim O'Malley (@timomalleyND) <a href="https://twitter.com/timomalleyND/status/522487709412372480">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Brey compares ND finding its footing in the ACC to when he arrived in 2000 after the program had struggled for years.</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/status/522487813577920512">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Brey: If there was a pleasant surprise, it was Austin Torres. Dirty-work guy. Don't worry about 15-footer -- unless it's a free throw.</p>— Tim O'Malley (@timomalleyND) <a href="https://twitter.com/timomalleyND/status/522488742964383745">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Adds a 30-second shot clock will likely be employed in college ball after this season. They'll experiment in exhibition games.</p>— Tim O'Malley (@timomalleyND) <a href="https://twitter.com/timomalleyND/status/522489605929848832">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Brey on Steve Vasturia's next step: "I think we can put him on the best perimeter player." adds Grant hates facing him in practice.</p>— Tim O'Malley (@timomalleyND) <a href="https://twitter.com/timomalleyND/status/522490322635743233">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Brey adds that Vasturia can't repeat freshman turnovers this year. Adds "He's 6'6" 212 pounds. He's a big dude.)</p>— Tim O'Malley (@timomalleyND) <a href="https://twitter.com/timomalleyND/status/522490469277007873">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Brey intrigued by frosh Bonzie Colson -- wingspan is 6'11" in a 6'5" frame. Is currently No. 2 efficient player behind Grant thru 8 practice</p>— Tim O'Malley (@timomalleyND) <a href="https://twitter.com/timomalleyND/status/522491372990128128">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Brey adds that for 7-year stretch, ND was the 2nd best home team behind Kansas. Needs to get that back after last year</p>— Tim O'Malley (@timomalleyND) <a href="https://twitter.com/timomalleyND/status/522492228359692288">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Mike Brey said freshman Martin Geben is up to 260 pounds — a good 260 pounds, he points out.</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/status/522490602651258880">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Brey asked about PC: This guy's a flat out stud. This is one of the unique athletes we've had in our history. Flat out spoiled coaching him</p>— Tim O'Malley (@timomalleyND) <a href="https://twitter.com/timomalleyND/status/522494052701585408">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Brey on Connaughton's year: "You dunked on Jabari Parker and you struck out Jameis Winston. That's a heck of a year."</p>— Tim O'Malley (@timomalleyND) <a href="https://twitter.com/timomalleyND/status/522494373142200320">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[ResLife Hero]

Free article:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>HOOPS | Big man Zach Auguste will be a focal point for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash">#NotreDame</a> as it aims for bounce back season: <a href="http://t.co/EiXDTlYptl">http://t.co/EiXDTlYptl</a></p>— Irish Illustrated (@NDatRivals) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDatRivals/status/525691053232635905">October 24, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[GoldenDomer]

Less than a month till we're on ESPN2 vs. Providence

 

[RDU Irish]

Article makes Auguste sound like a spaz. Not sure I like the sound of 4 and 1 set up with only one big. Sounds like we will be losing some rebounding battles.

 

[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Our <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeSchuOFD">@JoeSchuOFD</a> previews Demetrius Jackson's sophomore season for Notre Dame Basketball. <a href="http://t.co/zn9kdPdb5Z">http://t.co/zn9kdPdb5Z</a></p>— One Foot Down (@OneFootDown) <a href="https://twitter.com/OneFootDown/status/527052184618545152">October 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[ResLife Hero]

Irish core now includes Steve Vasturia - Notre Dame Insider: Mens

He’s not the quickest player on the roster. He’s not the tallest, the most athletic or most energetic. But he could be the surest. And steadiest. When he’s involved, everything seems to run much smoother.
“I just try do some of the little things to help a team win,” he said. “I just want to win.”
Now entering his second season, Vasturia again is going to play. A lot. When coach Mike Brey talks of his team and how it needs to bounce back from last season’s 15-17 showing, talk typically starts with Connaughton and Grant. But more and more, it has become Connaughton, Grant and Vasturia.
For the Irish to be better than 6-12 in the ACC this season and to get back to postseason after missing it last year for the first time since 1999, those three have to be good. Really good. Every night.
“Definitely a different feeling, but it’s exciting,” Vasturia said of rotating into the role of a main guy. “It’s a role that can help this team.
“I’m definitely going to take it on full-steam.”

 

[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash">#NotreDame</a> hopes Zach Auguste follows the program’s trend of junior breakouts: <a href="http://t.co/Cci9fxU1uc">http://t.co/Cci9fxU1uc</a></p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/status/527501613770866688">October 29, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>MBB: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash">#NotreDame</a> is ranked 7th in the ACC preseason media poll. Jerian Grant is on the preseason all-ACC team.</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/status/527561636857384960">October 29, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>AM RT: Activity, energy of sophomore Austin Torres give <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash">#NotreDame</a> hoops options. Saturday's NDI/SBT: <a href="http://t.co/WCOrLfBkce">http://t.co/WCOrLfBkce</a></p>— Tom Noie (@tnoieNDI) <a href="https://twitter.com/tnoieNDI/status/528540927468388352">November 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash">#NotreDame</a> announces Pat Connaughton will be the lone men's basketball captain this season.</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/status/530847764142620673">November 7, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[jspags10pg]

Pretty successful debut against Binghamton...whoever that is. Irish win 82-39.

Binghamton Bearcats vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Box Score - November 14, 2014 - ESPN

 

[gkIrish]

ND was down big early and then went on a huge run. Up 12 on UMass with under 8 to go. Umass should be a decent team this year so hopefully this is a quality win. We play Providence tomorrow (I'll be there).

Team looks very athletic and Jerian Grant is playing like one of the best players in the country. Cautiously optimistic for this season.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

If you're interested, great game on ESPN2. Providence-75, ND-74, 14 seconds left. ND ball.

 

[dang227]

Another ND loss


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

Bad final play. Providence is for real though. Cooley is one of the best coaches in the country.

 

[GoldenDomer]

Terrible last shot. Not a good look at all.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

Yep it was a really sloppy last possession. Really ND got bailed out on the previous score by Grant because he wasn't even close to being fouled on the and-one. Overall the offense did very well though. Grant's legit. The D just wasn't there at all.

 

[gkIrish]

Just got back from the game. It was a Providence home game essentially. Blowing 6-10 point leads in the last 4 minutes is starting to get old. Zach Auguste is a black hole at times. If he touches the ball he takes the shot. It doesn't help that he misses free throws all the time.

 

[anarin]

Question is.... would you rock these?

 

[ResLife Hero]

Big game against Izzo and MSU tips off in less than 15.

And to Anarin's question, hell yes I would.