| | By Jay Bilas
Special to ESPN.com
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Friday, Oct. 13
Notre Dame had some big victories last season, but it also had some big losses. The Irish were inconsistent and just missed the NCAA Tournament. Instead of crying about it, the Irish played the NIT to win it and almost did just that.
Now, under coach Mike Brey, Notre Dame is looking to take the next step in learning how to win, and that is to compete at the highest level all the time. The pieces are there for Notre Dame to be a
Top 20 contender, and Brey has a good understanding of how to lead this team
to that level.
Brey is an even-keeled leader who can inspire players to motivate themselves. He is smart, energetic and will be well received by the players. Matt Doherty did a good job in his season at Notre Dame, and Brey
will be able to take that foundation and take it to the next level.
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Frontcourt
Troy Murphy led the Big East in scoring and rebounding last season, and you can expect a repeat performance this season.
Brey will challenge Murphy to be more of a leader and let his undeniable talents work for the success of the team. Murphy is a left-handed scoring machine who is a major match-up problem in the Big East. Murphy (22.7 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 49 percent FGs, 81 percent FTs) improved his three-point range, got his weight up and his body
fat down. He's worked on his game all summer to be a more complete player,
and to be prepared for the defensive attention he will see.
Murphy is a double-double guy, who can explode for 30 or more anytime he steps onto
the court. Look for Brey to run plays to Murphy more often, and for Murphy
to become even better this season.
Murphy's load will be lessened by the arrival of Oklahoma transfer Ryan Humphrey, an athletic player who will be
an anchor inside. Humphrey came to Notre Dame in large measure because Matt Doherty promised him he would be able to play the wing. But Humphrey would be much more effective as a power forward who can step out occasionally.
Brey knows the value of Humphrey alongside Murphy and will make that tandem work.
Harold Swanagan (6.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg) adds muscle up front and is a capable post defender. If Swanagan concentrates on rebounding, defense and diving for loose balls, he can really contribute to this team.
Ivan Kartelo can bang inside, has good hands and can work hard. He can provide
another big body and will give everything he has. Jere Macura, Hans
Rasmussen and To Timmermans are all long-term prospects who will
contribute in spot duty.
|  | | Troy Murphy is a tough matchup for any player in the Big East. |
Backcourt
Senior Martin Inglesby, who started at the point under John McLeod, should man that position to start the season.
Inglesby (4.7 ppg, 42 pecent 3pt, 92 percent FTs) is a steady ball-handler and will not make a lot of mistakes. What Brey wants from Inglesby is to simply get the Irish into their offense and be reliable at the point of attack on both ends.
Although Inglesby is not a devastating penetrator, he will still be effective if his goal is to simply run the team. David Graves (13.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 45 percent 3pt, 81 percent FTs) is a very good perimeter shooter who has gotten stronger each season in South Bend. He has a soft touch, hits his free throws and works hard to get open. Graves came to Notre Dame from Lexington. He was a lifelong Kentucky fan, but the Wildcats didn't recruit him. After two
seasons averaging double figures and shooting very good percentages, that seems a mistake.
Matt Carroll (10 ppg, 2.6 rpg 40 percent FGs) had a very solid freshman season and should blossom this season. Carroll is an intelligent player with a nice stroke, a quick release and good range. Around the
basket, Carroll is very crafty and can shoot with either hand. He is a
good passer and will be counted upon to score when Murphy and Humphrey are
keyed on inside.
Freshmen Torrian Jones and Chris Markwood were both expected to contribute immediately, but Markwood had knee surgery just before the start of practice and will be out until mid-January. Markwood's absence makes an already thin backcourt thinner and takes away a very good defender.
Jones is a wing guard who can play point, and he is very athletic and quick. Jones might push Inglesby for playing time at the point, but he will not be as steady. Jones will be able to give a different look to the Irish when he is in the game, but he would not be the best option at point.
Bottom Line
The Irish can challenge for the West Division in the Big East but must avoid injuries to do it. Brey will have this group playing with confidence and abandon. This group will take ownership of its own success. Notre Dame, however, needs to surface as a good defensive team. The Irish gave up more than 68 points per game last season and forced only 14 turnovers per game. Behind Murphy and Humphrey inside and with solid perimeter shooting from Graves and Carroll, this can be a good team. | |
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