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!!

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!