2020-2021 Notre Dame’s Men’s Basketball

[clashmore_mike]

Wow, first win over a ranked team in 4 years. Hard to imagine that. Glad they were able to hang on and get it done.

 

[NDGOLDEN]

Did we seriously just take it to FSU and actually win?? Wow

 

[BabyIrish]

Congratulations to Brey and the team. As much as I’ve been disappointed the last three years I’ll forever appreciate what Brey has done for the program. Never would I have imagined two back to back elite eights for ND basketball. If this is his last home game, glad he could go out with a victory.

 

[Luckylucci]

Yea, big win in what will likely be his last game. Hopefully the team sticks together and uses this as momentum in the offseason. Get a good coach in here and let’s roll.

 

[Woneone]

Man, really unlucky to get UNC in the second round. I would much rather be the 12 seed and Have a Miami/Clemson/GT path.

But, I'm thinking we get Brey another year now. I know what Lax said, but with prominent basketball alumni coming out in support, and this win, I bet he stays another year. Which would be awful, because I can see most of the Junior class not taking advantage of the extra year and leaving with him, leaving whomever replaces him in a much tougher situation.

From a program perspective, it would be pretty rough for him to only get 1 more year.

 

[notredomer23]

But, I'm thinking we get Brey another year now. I know what Lax said, but with prominent basketball alumni coming out in support, and this win, I bet he stays another year. Which would be awful, because I can see most of the Junior class not taking advantage of the extra year and leaving with him, leaving whomever replaces him in a much tougher situation.

From a program perspective, it would be pretty rough for him to only get 1 more year.

Meh, easy to come to his defense when the players doing it experienced 2 Elite 8s with him while completely ignoring the shit of the last 4 years. It’s also possible to think Brey should go without the students chanting “Fire Brey”.

If this identical situation was with the football program, and BK was in year 20+ with 4 straight 7-5 seasons, would he be getting the same benefit of doubt? Obviously not. Swarbrick has to make a change. I’m still not convinced it’s gonna happen .

 

[TNUtoNotreDame]

How many coaches has Swarbrick fired? He is slow to the trigger it seems so I bet Brey is around next season.

 

[Irish YJ]

IMO Brey is coinflip this year. Either way wouldn't surprise me. If I absolutely had to bet, I'd say he'll be back.

And not sure why anyone should compare ND basketball with ND football (talking history and expectation).

 

[notredomer23]

IMO Brey is coinflip this year. Either way wouldn't surprise me. If I absolutely had to bet, I'd say he'll be back.

And not sure why anyone should compare ND basketball with ND football (talking history and expectation).

I get ND basketball’s expectations are the floor and I think that’s what allowed Brey to get a free pass for a while. Fact is, ND basketball is one of the most winningest basketball programs in history behind only 7 others. If they weren’t so bad the last 3 years, they’d prob be close to top 5. Facilities are in place now to compete with the big boys. The expectations need to be way higher going forward whether it’s Brey next year or someone else.

 

[Irish YJ]

I get ND basketball’s expectations are the floor and I think that’s what allowed Brey to get a free pass for a while. Fact is, ND basketball is one of the most winningest basketball programs in history behind only 7 others. If they weren’t so bad the last 3 years, they’d prob be close to top 5. Facilities are in place now to compete with the big boys. The expectations need to be way higher going forward whether it’s Brey next year or someone else.

IDK. You're looking at total wins, and perhaps ignoring how long ND has been playing sports compared to others (and more than anything, the timing of ND's success). We're more like Temple and St. John's than one of today's blue bloods (look at both their histories). In the last 50 years, ND has been to the E8 4 times. 2 of the 4 have been in the last 6 years with Brey. Prior to that, you have to go back to the late 70s for the other 2 with Digger. And prior to that, the only other 3 were in the 50s.

I do agree it's probably time to move on, but my gut tells me things won't get better (consistently better). Getting the blue chip BB kids is just harder for ND. And given it's more of a 1 and done type of league now, that just doesn't bode well for us. Could we catch lightening in a bottle with some luck with 3 to 4 year players with the right timing of some others, perhaps... I just don't see it as ever being consistent though. It's a down year for a lot of blue bloods right now, but I don't see us ever being able to reload like UK, KS, UNC, Duke, etc..

 

[TP81989]

IDK. You're looking at total wins, and perhaps ignoring how long ND has been playing sports compared to others (and more than anything, the timing of ND's success). We're more like Temple and St. John's than one of today's blue bloods (look at both their histories). In the last 50 years, ND has been to the E8 4 times. 2 of the 4 have been in the last 6 years with Brey. Prior to that, you have to go back to the late 70s for the other 2 with Digger. And prior to that, the only other 3 were in the 50s.

I do agree it's probably time to move on, but my gut tells me things won't get better (consistently better). Getting the blue chip BB kids is just harder for ND. And given it's more of a 1 and done type of league now, that just doesn't bode well for us. Could we catch lightening in a bottle with some luck with 3 to 4 year players with the right timing of some others, perhaps... I just don't see it as ever being consistent though. It's a down year for a lot of blue bloods right now, but I don't see us ever being able to reload like UK, KS, UNC, Duke, etc..

Being better than a bottom tier ACC program is a reasonable expectation for ND basketball. That's what they've been the last 3 years with Brey. It's time to move on.

 

[Irish YJ]

Being better than a bottom tier ACC program is a reasonable expectation for ND basketball. That's what they've been the last 3 years with Brey. It's time to move on.

Like I said above, I don't disagree it's time to move on. I just don't see us having a better "next twenty years".

 

[irishandy]

If Brey does leave, who does ND get?

 

[Irish YJ]

If Brey does leave, who does ND get?

That's the scary question lol.

And is ND willing to pay.... Isn't Brey outside of the top 40 in CBB coaching pay?

 

[BabyIrish]

Before the last three years, Brey has done about as much as you can for ND basketball. It’s not just the elite eights. He had us regularly in the top 25. He had us competing for conference championships. He had us in the top 10 for about 25% of the seasons he coached. He was at one point called an offensive guru. He maximized the talent that he had at his disposal.

Im sad and sick about the last three years of ND basketball, mostly for Coach Brey. I hope people won’t stick with that memory but rather how great of a coach he was in the other 17 years.

 

[IrishLax]

If Brey does leave, who does ND get?

Yeah, this is going to be a bad year to be looking for a coach. Not a lot of obvious options, and a ton of schools will be looking.

 

[Ndaccountant]

Like I said above, I don't disagree it's time to move on. I just don't see us having a better "next twenty years".

I see what you are saying, but I think context is important here. Brey has had an excellent career at ND. I hope the next coach would mirror most of that, especially how he represents himself and the school. Brey was always about the best you could hope for in that regard. I would take a Brey over a Boeheim any day of the week, even if that means passing up on some wins.

That said, there are two issues with Brey's history at ND. First, he last three years are considerably different than the rest of his tenure. There was a gap early on in his career where ND missed the NCAA three years in a row. This current drought is different though were you could see the bright future in that 2005/2006 team. That year they lost 5 OT games that year, including 3 against ranked teams including losing by 1 on the road against a loaded #3 UCONN that year. They also lost by 1 on the road against #11 WVU and lost a heart breaker to #6 Nova at home by 2. It was a considerably different year than this year. As it stands, it would take a small miracle to see how this team could play its way into the 2nd round of the NCAA.

The other issue with Brey is that for as many chances as he had, he only had 3 teams win a second round game in the NCAA.

I love the guy and have no ill will against him, despite my frustration with the state of the program. He should be celebrated for what he has done. But getting back to the standard he created would be a big jump from where they are now. I would welcome that with open arms. I also don't think he has what it takes to do it himself.

 

[Ndaccountant]

Yeah, this is going to be a bad year to be looking for a coach. Not a lot of obvious options, and a ton of schools will be looking.

But would ND attract the "obvious" choice? Seems to me ND will need to choose from a high profile assistant (Doherty came from Kansas without any HC experience) or the mid-major head coach with some recent success. There are so many of either of those, it amounts to a gamble.

 

[Irish YJ]

I see what you are saying, but I think context is important here. Brey has had an excellent career at ND. I hope the next coach would mirror most of that, especially how he represents himself and the school. Brey was always about the best you could hope for in that regard. I would take a Brey over a Boeheim any day of the week, even if that means passing up on some wins.

That said, there are two issues with Brey's history at ND. First, he last three years are considerably different than the rest of his tenure. There was a gap early on in his career where ND missed the NCAA three years in a row. This current drought is different though were you could see the bright future in that 2005/2006 team. That year they lost 5 OT games that year, including 3 against ranked teams including losing by 1 on the road against a loaded #3 UCONN that year. They also lost by 1 on the road against #11 WVU and lost a heart breaker to #6 Nova at home by 2. It was a considerably different year than this year. As it stands, it would take a small miracle to see how this team could play its way into the 2nd round of the NCAA.

The other issue with Brey is that for as many chances as he had, he only had 3 teams win a second round game in the NCAA.

I love the guy and have no ill will against him, despite my frustration with the state of the program. He should be celebrated for what he has done. But getting back to the standard he created would be a big jump from where they are now. I would welcome that with open arms. I also don't think he has what it takes to do it himself.

I don't disagree with really anything you're saying. My major sticking point is that I'm just not sure ND will do better. I don't see them getting a new rock star coach. And I don't think CBB itself is the same as it was 10 years ago. Not even 5. And like other's have mentioned, it's not a good year to be coach shopping. And will ND even be willing to pay what it takes if they can draw interest from a good candidate. Then on top of that, you have in-state IU likely also looking for a new HC. Not saying IU is a no-brainer more attractive program right now, but they will likely pay more, are easier to recruit too, and has a better history.

IMO, they'll have to take a chance on someone that's an up and comer, but likely has less of a resume than most will hope for.

 

[Irish#1]

You can't put more value on that win than any other this year. It would be fools gold to do so. You have to look at the entire body of work for not just this year, but probably the last 4 or 5 years. Where's is the program trending? What does Jack see and hear when he's watching practice and talking to Brey? Ask yourself this. What is accomplished by keeping Brey one more year? Does it outweigh results from the last few years? Plenty of good coaches out there. Just because you haven't heard of the guy or he's not a current HC doesn't mean he can't be successful.

 

[notredomer23]

https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/sta...28690185760775

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our <a href="https://twitter.com/SethDavisHoops?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SethDavisHoop s</a> on Mike Brey’s future at Notre Dame. As clear a position as it gets, straight from the Irish head coach.<a href="https://t.co/ndQ4ofHVzd">https://t.co/ndQ4ofHVzd</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ff4IHIDNQk">pic.twitter.com/Ff4IHIDNQk</a></p>— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/1369028690185760775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Did they get rid of the twitter button?

 

[NDGOLDEN]

https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/sta...28690185760775

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our <a href="https://twitter.com/SethDavisHoops?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SethDavisHoops</a> on Mike Brey’s future at Notre Dame. As clear a position as it gets, straight from the Irish head coach.<a href="https://t.co/ndQ4ofHVzd">https://t.co/ndQ4ofHVzd</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ff4IHIDNQk">pic.twitter.com/Ff4IHIDNQk</a></p>— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/1369028690185760775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Was just about to post that. So brey is coming back unless jack fires him it seems.

 

[BeauBenken]

Did they get rid of the twitter button?

For the moment to make sure we get everything else running smoothly.

 

[IrishSportsDaily]

Self plug....but if you guys can subscribe to our YouTube channel that'd be wonderful!

 

[zelezo vlk]

Sure thing

 

[notredomer23]

For the moment to make sure we get everything else running smoothly.

Thanks Beau. I thought I was losing it for a moment there.

 

[IrishLax]

https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/sta...28690185760775

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our <a href="https://twitter.com/SethDavisHoops?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SethDavisHoop s</a> on Mike Brey’s future at Notre Dame. As clear a position as it gets, straight from the Irish head coach.<a href="https://t.co/ndQ4ofHVzd">https://t.co/ndQ4ofHVzd</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ff4IHIDNQk">pic.twitter.com/Ff4IHIDNQk</a></p>— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/1369028690185760775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Did they get rid of the twitter button?

Yeah we removed all plug ins for a bit, will be adding them back. I would not take that at face value. He told people last year that he was stepping down to take a broadcasting job, then changed his mind, and then agreed to step down this year. No one is planning on him being back. I'm shocked that he gave that powerful of a quote instead of a non-answer, but Notre Dame is literally calling coaches around the country right now and telling them that the job will be open.

 

[notredomer23]

Yeah we removed all plug ins for a bit, will be adding them back. I would not take that at face value. He told people last year that he was stepping down to take a broadcasting job, then changed his mind, and then agreed to step down this year. No one is planning on him being back. I'm shocked that he gave that powerful of a quote instead of a non-answer, but Notre Dame is literally calling coaches around the country right now and telling them that the job will be open.

So do you think there’s any scenario where the top few choices say thanks but no thanks, and ND retains him?

 

[IrishLax]

So do you think there’s any scenario where the top few choices say thanks but no thanks, and ND retains him?

The only reason ND would retain him would be financial. ND, and every other school out there, is very far in the red this year because of COVID. So if Brey changed his mind again and refused to go on a negotiated settlement then you're stuck having to swallow a LOT of money. ND might not do that if they don't think they're landing a coach that would be a good replacement.

 

[NDGOLDEN]

Anyone think we can win 5 games in 5 days? Lol