Comments on: Wonder, Think & Know — Thirteen Percent Edition

By: Terry

Terry — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 15:52:37 +0000

In reply to rays15.

The geographical alignment for regionals ended pretty much around the same time seeding began. You’re right that ND often ended up in pretty strong regionals, given the number of strong teams in relatively close proximity to Notre Dame.

Within the past 10 years, ND’s pod sites have been as follows:

2015: Pittsburgh
2013: Dayton
2012: Greensboro
2011: Chicago
2010: New Orleans
2008: Denver
2007: Spokane

So I think it’s 2007 you’re thinking about. Fwiw, ND was the highest seed in the pod only twice (this year and 2011) of the years referenced above. In years where we’re not the highest seed in the pod, all bets are off in terms of staying close to campus.

By: 2015

2015 — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 03:10:55 +0000

Going to game on Thursday. Should be fun. Shock the shockers ! Go Irish !

By: rays15

rays15 — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 02:05:19 +0000

In reply to Mugs (1982). Mugs, totally agree about Jackson.

By: Mugs (1982)

Mugs (1982) — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 22:03:02 +0000

The one person who has failed to get the attention he deserves in all of this is Demetrius Jackson. This kid has raised his level of play several times over when compared to last year. You can see now why he was a Parade All-American and top recruit for the Irish. I must admit that I was a little disappointed with his play as a freshman. Now he plays with confidence, swagger, and intelligence. He is so gifted physically, that it is almost impossible to stop one of his drives to the rim without fouling him or giving up an easy two. Demetrius will be the focal point of next year’s team. It is reassuring that he and some of the other underclassmen have stepped up this year. Rather than a once-in-a-generation team, this squad has hopefully set the tone for many recruiting years to come!

By: Chris Everrett

Chris Everrett — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 11:58:51 +0000

This has been the most enjoyable ND team to watch since Rich Branning and Kelly Tripuka. Not just because of the wins but because of the style they play. What an awesome passing team, both Jerian and DJ can create so much not just for themselves but for the other guys on the court. Simply dynamic. Wich State is going to be toughest test all year due to style they play, but I can’t wait and happy we get at least one more game to watch this once in a generation ND hoop team play together. Thanks Irish!

By: rays15

rays15 — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 04:24:36 +0000

Terry, I could be wrong, but I think that prior to the 64-team tournament, there really was an attempt to put teams pretty much in regions that made geographical sense. Didn’t always happen, as you might have more strong teams in one area of the country than in another, but it seems like the Irish were inevitably in the Mideast or Midwest regions, and played teams like Cincinnati, Michigan, Michigan State, Toledo, Miami of Ohio etc. Of course, travel is easier now, but I still liked it when the regions made sense and it was easier for fans to get to games. Didn’t the Irish have to play an opening round game in the northwest, thousands of miles from campus, a few years back?
Also, I’m not disagreeing with your recollection of when seedings began, but then how did the NCAA determine first-round byes when it was a 24-team tournament? Was it by major conference championship?

By: Terry

Terry — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 15:25:09 +0000

Historical comparisons of NCAA tournament results are problematic, at best, particularly if you go back far enough. The NCAA didn’t begin seeding tournament teams until 1979, so before that, your draw was pretty much a crapshoot. And there’s also the argument that the NIT was the more prestigious tournament until about the late 1950’s/early 1960’s.

By: PC

PC — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 14:07:42 +0000

Congrats to Mike Brey and team! A sweet 16 berth is a nice accomplishment and helps solidfy a wonderful 2014-15 season. I would like to be a bit greedy however and get a shot at Kentucky. I have no delusion though that Wichita St will be anything less then a mountain of a team to climb. Great coach, good players at every position, top PG and experience in the tourney. This will be the first time the Irish need to shoot the lights out and probably score 80 to win. I’ll say the ride continues for one more game-ND 81-78

By: rays15

rays15 — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 13:54:54 +0000

I will leave it alone after this as I am sure your readers can make up their own minds. You set up the comparison to teams who won two games, so the relevant comparison would be to look at the teams previous ND teams beat in winning two tournament games. If the comparison is to ND teams that got upset in the tourney, it’s been an unfortunate record in the Brey era as much as any other time. The tournament is a little bit of a crap shoot because there are so many good college players and on a given day someone gets hot, matchups favor one team etc. Anyway let’s agree that we hope this run continues!

By: other_guy

other_guy — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 13:38:35 +0000

Good for Mike Brey! Having taken so much crap over the years makes these moments so much more satisfying.

. . . while other schools have players, Brey has a t-e-a-m!