ND Men's Basketball 2015-2016 season

[irishandy]

Nice win by the Irish today! I don't care who we get in the Sweet 16. Our young guys are bringing it and I think this team is hungry.

 

[GowerND11]

I'd say Wisconsin seems to be the better matchup. But either way it's great to be in the Sweet 16.

 

[ulukinatme]

Looks like it's Wisconsin:

https://www.facebook.com/CBSSports/videos/10153773175531773/
<div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-video" data-allowfullscreen="1" data-href="/CBSSports/videos/vb.25902406772/10153773175531773/?type=3"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/CBSSports/videos/10153773175531773/"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CBSSports/videos/10153773175531773/"></a><p>Some people are incredibly happy after a buzzer beater...others aren't.</p>Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CBSSports/">CBS Sports</a> on Sunday, March 20, 2016</blockquote></div></div>

Apparently Bill Murray's son is a coach for Xavier, did not know that.

 

[BGIF]

Welcome to the 2016 Sweet 16, brought to you by the ACC - Men's College Basketball Blog- ESPN

For 10 teams that won their second NCAA tournament game this weekend, amid the joy and celebration of a season extended, a championship drive preserved, a distinction well earned -- after the mathematically unthinkable comebacks and seemingly impossible buzzer-beaters had wrapped up -- the terms of the deal were altered.

The third round of the NCAA tournament would be under new management. The brand, as they say, had been refreshed.

Next week, they would be participating in the first-ever ACCweet 16.

Catchy, huh?

The new name -- trademark pending -- is well deserved. There are plenty of interesting storylines in this 2016 second-weekend mix: the relative chalkiness of the seeds, the four No. 1 seeds (for the first time since 2012), the fascinating matchups across the board. And we'll get to those. At the moment, though, there is no other way to characterize the remainder of this NCAA tournament field. The math is impossible to dispute. Of the teams playing in next weekend's Sweet 16, six -- more than a third! -- hail from the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Division I college basketball comprises 351 teams, spread across 32 conferences. Six of those conferences can be accurately described (in basketball, anyway) as "power" leagues. The Big 12 and Big Ten have three teams apiece. The Big East, SEC and Pac-12 have one each.

The ACC sent seven teams total to the NCAA tournament. Only Pittsburgh has departed -- the lone blemish on a 12-1 record.

No. 1 North Carolina. No. 1 Virginia. No. 3 Miami. No. 4 Duke. No. 6 Notre Dame. No. 10 Syracuse. No conference has ever accounted for so much of the tournament's third round.

Make no mistake. This is a hostile takeover.

...

more at the link

 

[Irish#1]

I think we match up better with the Badgers. They run hot and cold and I don't think they have anyone that can match up with Auguste.

Disappointed we didn't push the ball more to prevent their D from getting set up. Would have liked to see Jackson more aggressive throughout the game, but I'll take the win anytime.

 

[GowerND11]

I think we match up better with the Badgers. They run hot and cold and I don't think they have anyone that can match up with Auguste.

Disappointed we didn't push the ball more to prevent their D from getting set up. Would have liked to see Jackson more aggressive throughout the game, but I'll take the win anytime.

When we ran we looked dangerous. Not many big men can run the court like Auguste. DJ looked EXPLOSIVA when he ran, and that dunk showed it. When we run it can allow guys like VJ and Steve to trail and spot too.

 

[NDGOLDEN]

When we ran we looked dangerous. Not many big men can run the court like Auguste. DJ looked EXPLOSIVA when he ran, and that dunk showed it. When we run it can allow guys like VJ and Steve to trail and spot too.

Ya I agree I love when we run cause Jackson looks so explosive when he runs. We are gonna have to run to get Wisconsin off their slow pace game. Still not happy with the Turnoves but we did have only 4 in the first half and we seem to be going down each of the last 4 games with turnovers so if we can keep it under 10 on Friday that would be nice. The fact that we have been above 55% the past 2 games makes me feel good about this game

 

[IrishLion]

Amazing that ND pulled that game off.

They can make the Elite Eight if two things happen:

1. Vasturia figures his sh*t out. He's had a rough stretch lately. He's made some big buckets, but he's been more of a liability than the assassin that we're used to seeing. His drive near the end of the game was nearly a soul-crusher, when he started to stumble and then got swatted. However, that was not all his fault because...

2. The offense needs to figure out how to help each other. Farrell actually played better as the game went on, but he's a liability when he gets pressed near half court. He dribbles out sometimes, but too often he lets himself get trapped and has to throw a prayer of a pass. It happened to Vasturia and Jackson a few times as well. There is no help coming when a double-team traps whoever happens to be running the point on that particular play. No one moves to the ball.

In conclusion, if Vasturia can heat it up and build some confidence, and if they all figure out how to work back to help out the point man on a given play, ND will be just fine.\

(It is especially important that Vasturia turns it around, because relying on VJ to keep sharp-shooting is a scary thought to me.)

 

[ab2cmiller]

We need Vasturia to break out of his funk if we are going to go any further in this tournament.

Edit:
Lion and I must be thinking alike, while I was looking at Vasturia's stat line over the last 10 games, he posted a similar thought

 

[Ndaccountant]

Nope, I'm done. I'm a man of my word. Not saying I won't question decisions but I won't be calling for his head anymore.

I just think this shows why using Sweet 16 as a barometer is probably flawed. Very few teams have consistent tourney success, since one bad match-up is all it takes in round one or two to derail you in dramatic fashion. There is no question that SFA was a good team, but ND has had a great draw thus far and it continues with Wisconsin.

I think Brey was undeserving of the firing talk, but I am not sure what this run has proved about his coaching that we didn't know before. He is a very good in-game coach that makes shrewd adjustments, particularly on offense. With the exception of a few bonehead moments on offense, they were very efficient yet again. The only thing that stands out to me was the defense in first 10 minutes of the second half against UM, but that was more desperation than anything else (since it didn't really carry over to the SFA game).

 

[Ndaccountant]

Amazing that ND pulled that game off.

They can make the Elite Eight if two things happen:

1. Vasturia figures his sh*t out. He's had a rough stretch lately. He's made some big buckets, but he's been more of a liability than the assassin that we're used to seeing. His drive near the end of the game was nearly a soul-crusher, when he started to stumble and then got swatted. However, that was not all his fault because...

2. The offense needs to figure out how to help each other. Farrell actually played better as the game went on, but he's a liability when he gets pressed near half court. He dribbles out sometimes, but too often he lets himself get trapped and has to throw a prayer of a pass. It happened to Vasturia and Jackson a few times as well. There is no help coming when a double-team traps whoever happens to be running the point on that particular play. No one moves to the ball.

In conclusion, if Vasturia can heat it up and build some confidence, and if they all figure out how to work back to help out the point man on a given play, ND will be just fine.\

(It is especially important that Vasturia turns it around, because relying on VJ to keep sharp-shooting is a scary thought to me.)

Two things he needs to do......

1) Stop drifting on this three's. He did it multiple times yesterday and when he finally did nail one, he went vertical on his jump. That can be corrected easily with practice this week.

2) I love his driving, but lately he has been focusing too much on getting to the rim. It's almost rim or bust whenever he puts the ball on the floor. He should take a page out of Walkup's book and use the drive to set up the 8-10 foot jumper.

 

[GrangerIrish24]

VJ is our biggest x factor right now. His shooting is keeping us in games. If he stays hot and Steve starts hitting, there is no reason we cant make the final four.

 

[FearTheBeard]

Two things he needs to do......

1) Stop drifting on this three's. He did it multiple times yesterday and when he finally did nail one, he went vertical on his jump. That can be corrected easily with practice this week.

2) I love his driving, but lately he has been focusing too much on getting to the rim. It's almost rim or bust whenever he puts the ball on the floor. He should take a page out of Walkup's book and use the drive to set up the 8-10 foot jumper.

Exactly this, i thought i was going crazy seeing him do that. He faded the side so many times on his threes when there was no need to, hopefully someone gets on him about that this week in practice. And i agree on the second part too, he seemed like he was really selling out to get to the rim and was out of control sometimes.

I dont know much about wisconsin but if we can be pretty efficient on offense like we've seemed to, then i think we'll be fine barring any complete defensive collapse. Wisconsin really doesnt impress me too much

 

[Rack Em]

VJ is our biggest x factor right now. His shooting is keeping us in games. If he stays hot and Steve starts hitting, there is no reason we cant make the final four.

Can't expect VJ to continue to shoot the 65% he's shooting in the last 2 games. He will cool down which is why Vasturia needs to find his stroke.

But if VJ stays hot and Vasturia gets hot, we could literally ride this to a Championship appearance. Unlikely, but possible.

 

[Kingbish01]

Great game, and I'm glad we get Wisconsin. The end of this game reminded me of the Ga Tech game, DJ panicked at the end and took a horrible shot. Thank God he was bailed out, but ND needs to come up with a better plan at the end of the game.... because that was one horrible possession.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Has Swarbrick read over the fire Brey petitions from this board, yet?

 

[IrishLion]

Great game, and I'm glad we get Wisconsin. The end of this game reminded me of the Ga Tech game, DJ panicked at the end and took a horrible shot. Thank God he was bailed out, but ND needs to come up with a better plan at the end of the game.... because that was one horrible possession.

I actually don't mind letting DJ isolate himself to try and drive to get a bucket/foul. And I don't think he panicked against SFA, I think they just did an excellent job of collapsing on him and forcing him to the baseline without fouling. The prayer he threw up was horrible, but it wasn't because the plan was bad. And Auguste and Pfluger were exactly where they were supposed to be, too.

 

[mtnd15]

I actually don't mind letting DJ isolate himself to try and drive to get a bucket/foul. And I don't think he panicked against SFA, I think they just did an excellent job of collapsing on him and forcing him to the baseline without fouling. The prayer he threw up was horrible, but it wasn't because the plan was bad. And Auguste and Pfluger were exactly where they were supposed to be, too.

I would add that the reason his shot was so difficult and Auguste and Pflueger were in such good position to clean the board was because SFA was so terrified of Jackson they essentially triple teamed him on the drive.

 

[koonja]

I think this team's ceiling is the elite 8, and back to back trips to that are a really good look for the team and recruiting, so cannot be mad with that. I really hope they beat Wisconsin and I think they can.

 

[CTIDANDREW]

Recently just moved to Philadelphia, and was so excited to see Notre Dame play a meaningful game in my town....but these ticket prices are ridiculous!

Just crazy what a big business all of college sports have become.

If anyone has seats for Friday Night's game I am very interested...but my ceiling is probably about $250...not the $700 range I have seen online

 

[Blaise]

Is it me, or do you feel we have a better chance to make the final four then we did last year with a better team. I could argue our draw was harder last year as a 2 seed. If we beat Wisc, I think we can beat NC if we play the type of game we did against them in the regular season...

I would love to see this team make a final four but I will be over the moon if they make back to back elite 8's

 

[irishfan]

Recently just moved to Philadelphia, and was so excited to see Notre Dame play a meaningful game in my town....but these ticket prices are ridiculous!

Just crazy what a big business all of college sports have become.

If anyone has seats for Friday Night's game I am very interested...but my ceiling is probably about $250...not the $700 range I have seen online

I'm seeing $200 on Stubhub for the Friday night games (you can only buy a ticket for both Sweet 16 Philly games)

If you're feeling optimistic (and are free on Easter), just the Elite 8 game on Sunday is selling for $100. I'd be tempted to make the drive down from MA for Sunday if I didn't have holiday plans. Such poor timing.

StubHub!

 

[irishfan]

Is it me, or do you feel we have a better chance to make the final four then we did last year with a better team. I could argue our draw was harder last year as a 2 seed. If we beat Wisc, I think we can beat NC if we play the type of game we did against them in the regular season...

I would love to see this team make a final four but I will be over the moon if they make back to back elite 8's

I agree completely. Last year's team would easily beat this year's, but it's been such a lucky draw. I like our chances against Wisconsin for sure. It should come down to the last couple possessions, but we have just been so clutch the last couple years in those situations.

And playing UNC/Indiana is about 10x more manageable than having to play Kentucky last year. Even with that whooping UNC gave us last week, I still feel relatively confident we will adjust to what their defense did.

 

[woolybug25]

I agree completely. Last year's team would easily beat this year's, but it's been such a lucky draw. I like our chances against Wisconsin for sure. It should come down to the last couple possessions, but we have just been so clutch the last couple years in those situations.

And playing UNC/Indiana is about 10x more manageable than having to play Kentucky last year. Even with that whooping UNC gave us last week, I still feel relatively confident we will adjust to what their defense did.

Even though they beat us, it's a good thing we got to play them so recently. Brey has some great insight to their team now and what didn't work for us. Hopefully he could get a better effort this time around.

 

[CTIDANDREW]

I'm seeing $200 on Stubhub for the Friday night games (you can only buy a ticket for both Sweet 16 Philly games)

If you're feeling optimistic (and are free on Easter), just the Elite 8 game on Sunday is selling for $100. I'd be tempted to make the drive down from MA for Sunday if I didn't have holiday plans. Such poor timing.

StubHub!

Thank you. I was using TicketMaster and TickPick(which I like to use because of no add on fees)...hopefully I can find something for $200.

Thanks again!

 

[Ndaccountant]

The problem with UNC, assuming we beat Wisky and we get to play them, is that IF they play to their potential (and this is a big IF), there is probably only two or three teams left in the tourney that can beat them. We are not one of them. Thankfully, they have really only played one or two games at that level all year. But make no mistake, much of that UNC game was them finally playing to their potential.

 

[gkIrish]

I went to the Sweet 16/Elite Eight last year. Prices dropped significantly on Thursday so I would consider holding off until then.

 

[AgentJ]

... until the next game ending tip-in doesn't go in.

Seriously... if it rims out Brey needs to be replaced but since it went in he's fine?

 

[Shamrock Theories]

I went to the Sweet 16/Elite Eight last year. Prices dropped significantly on Thursday so I would consider holding off until then.

I went to the Wichita State game for $70

So yeah

 

[gkIrish]

Seriously... if it rims out Brey needs to be replaced but since it went in he's fine?

Yup! It's all about the results.