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Notre Dame Men’s Basketball Begins Season 4-1

By Chase Eyrich

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Notre Dame Men’s basketball has been looking to put last seasons 15 -17 record and any doubts that this team isn’t ready for their second ACC season. So what can we say about the Irish’s 4-1 start to the season? Well, honestly who knows?

ND started the season off 4-0 with each win extremely impressive and in fact crushed every single opponent. The closest game was against an impressive Massachusetts Minutemen team in which the Irish won by 13. They also had a dominating win against Navy who many thought would be a look at how the Irish would fair against Michigan State after Navy only loss 64-49. But Mike Brey put the Midshipmen away with no problem 92-53, out scoring Navy’s entire game in the second half alone putting up 56 points.

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So if Notre Dame is dominating these teams why are we worrying? The one loss, that’s why. Don’t get me wrong Providence is a good team plus they are 5-0 but with being in the ACC ND cannot afford to lose close games like this. They need to take advantage of every non-conference win that they can to gain momentum going into their demanding and straining ACC schedule.

So let’s look at what has been going right for the Irish. First off, Jerian Grant is back! And he’s showing off what we all missed the second half of last season. He’s been doing everything, shooting 55% and averaging 18 points a game. His most impressive stats have been 10 steals and is dominating with 37 assists. Nonetheless, what is worrying me about Grant is his 3-point shot. So far he’s only 6-24, that’s 25%. We all know Brey loves to go to the “live or die by the 3” whether he knows it or not so this comes as a concern for me.

Demetrius Jackson has been doing great as a floor general while averaging 11 points a game. Jackson has the second most assist on the team but is struggling with turnovers. Look for that to slowly fix its self as he becomes more comfortable with his newfound leadership role.

Speaking of leadership, this is where ND will prosper. Mike Brey finds guys that will stay 4 years at Notre Dame and that is going to help the team tremendously this season. Jerian Grant and Pat Connaughton have showed that they are ready to take on this leadership role and they are running with it.

The most impressive player for the Irish this season is none other than Zach Auguste. ND knew they were going to be struggling in the big man position and Auguste has answered the call. He has been dominating the boards with 31 total rebounds. Not to mention he is shooting 68% and is 20-28 at free throw attempts.

Overall this team has the talent and could easily do well this season, but it’s going to come down to if they take advantage of the opportunities they are granted. They are going to be out matched as far as talent goes in the upper part of the ACC so Brey has to have these guys playing smart, taking high percentage shots and outstanding defense is what’s going to help the Irish have a successful season.