OK, fessing up, I had this quotation wrong in the first version of the story. I’m not sure why I thought it was Terry Hanratty talking about Ara Parseghian, but I think my brain’s warranty ran out at 40. I’m sure Ara feels the same way, but I’ve corrected the citations.
One of my earliest ND-related memories is sitting in the den in my parents’ house watching their videotape copy of “Wake Up The Echoes”. This visual history of ND football probably sits on the shelf of most ND fans, so it’s no surprise it was on mine.
Among the myriad quotes and stories on the tape, one always stood out to me. Former Irish QB Terry Hanratty Johnny Lujack was talking about Ara Parseghian Frank Leahy, and he described Frank’s philosophy on life as believing “anything really worth having, you had to pay a price for.” The basic truth of the statement struck me, and became kind of a mantra.
As has happened so many times in my life, I was reminded once again of this mantra as the seconds ticked down in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Notre Dame’s first ever conference championship in men’s basketball. This 2014-15 season has been an absolute joy to watch for me, even more so than some of the other high-quality regular seasons they’ve enjoyed lately.
But as Jerian Grant stepped to the free throw line to ice the game, the mantra popped into my head. Because this pleasure being felt by the team and the coaches and all the fans out there was bought with pain — the pain of last season.
If Grant had played out last season (which didn’t start out all that well with him to begin with), he wouldn’t have been on the roster to contribute today. If Grant weren’t in uniform, would Pat Connaughton had chosen to play out his basketball eligibility, or would he have looked at continuing his career with the Baltimore Orioles?
If anyone had told me as the Irish walked off the Greensboro floor last year, ousted from the ACC tournament almost as soon as they arrived, that they’d be cutting down nets 12 months later, I’m not sure I would have believed it. But it’s happened, and for long-suffering ND basketball fans (like there’s any other kind), it’s a sweet sweet evening.
I’ve been running this site since the last game of the Matt Doherty era, and finding the banner graphic to put at the top of The Pit this evening was the happiest NDNation moment I’ve ever had. That and realizing with UCLA probably out of the post-season, Bill Walton is in hell right now. $15,000 to write a book foreword my ass.
It’s been a long, hard slog, but well well worth it. Hopefully we’ll have more to celebrate in Indianapolis in three weeks.
PaddyIrish says:
Sweet Night !!!! ACC Champs. They will screw us tomorrow in the seeding, but any more success this season will be just cherries on top. Let’s get past the 1st weekend and see what happens from there. Go Irish!!!
Pat O'Leary says:
Yes, this hoops’ season has been joyful to watch, and it’s time for the ND Nation to get on the bandwagon! I fully understand the trepidation given the ghosts of Marchs Past. However, this time the team and the head coach (most importantly) are different.
Mike Brey has become a top-tier coach. In his 15 seasons, he has found ways to win with a slow-burn offense and the current up-tempo attack. Additionally, his team does not have a dedicated practice facility (not until 2016), and the academic standards make recruiting a real challenge.
However, Brey’s weakness has been a poor defensive identity and the lack of bench depth on his teams. A match-up problem or a poor shooting night by the star player usually spelled doom in March. Moreover, the Irish typically lacked athleticism to advance far in the tourney.
After watching the barrage of treys (along with the stops and turnovers) against North Carolina, I’m convinced that the Irish have enough maturity and commitment to defense to make a run in the tourney. It starts with coaching, and Brey did not allow his team to fold in the second half of all the ACC tourney games. While the Irish will struggle with strong, beefy teams, particularly on the boards, their athleticism and ball handling skills present match-up problems for other teams. Just ask Miami, Duke, and North Carolina.
Not only has the improvement been dramatic from the end of last season, it has been apparent during the season. I attended the 2OT victory against Georgia Tech in early January. Now the Irish likely would comfortably win that game. This Irish team is totally un-selfish and knows how to win. I’m sure that Brian Kelly and his staff will use this example of teamwork to motivate the football team.
Enjoy the moment Irish fans! In an age when college hoops games are Brick City USA clank fests, this Irish team plays an exciting brand of basketball. Thinking back to 1995, a 15-12 Irish team that played a ridiculously cupcake schedule was rightfully deemed not worthy of an NIT appearance. The basketball program was dead 20 years ago, but tonight it’s fully alive and ready to soar to new heights. Go Irish!
Geoffrey '73 says:
McGraw & Brey – the best basketball coaches the Irish could have right now.
Terry says:
Mike Brey is a top tier coach indeed, and we are lucky to have him.
The way college basketball is run today the teams such as Kentucky run their programs on a-one-and-done basis, so they get the absolute top players who are essentially auditioning for the NBA draft as soon as they set foot on campus.
So for the most part Notre Dame doesn’t get the top-tier players. But occasionally (this year?) the chips fall in the right order and in the right place and ND comes up with a team like we’ve got now.
The odds are against us, but wouldn’t it be a kick?
GO IRISH!!