Notre Dame Basketball: Team Overview and Season Prospects

Ed Bradley

2 min read

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20-11-2024

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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish men's basketball team enters the upcoming season with a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers. After a somewhat inconsistent 2022-2023 season, expectations are moderate, but the potential for a strong showing in the ACC and a deep NCAA Tournament run remains.

Key Returning Players

The Irish will rely heavily on the experience of several returning players. Cormac Ryan, a consistent scorer and ball-handler, is expected to lead the offense. His ability to both create his own shot and distribute to teammates will be crucial. Dane Goodwin, another veteran presence, brings valuable scoring and leadership to the team. His improved efficiency from beyond the arc will be key to the team's success. The performance of JJ Starling, a promising guard, will be closely watched as he looks to build on his previous season's contributions.

Newcomers and Impact Players

The addition of several highly-touted recruits adds a layer of excitement. While it remains to be seen how quickly these newcomers integrate into the team dynamic, their potential impact is undeniable. The coaching staff will need to effectively blend the experience of the returning players with the energy and athleticism of the fresh talent. The early performances of these players will be a key indicator of the team's overall ceiling.

Coaching and System

Head Coach Mike Brey enters his 23rd season at the helm. His extensive experience and knowledge of the program are invaluable assets. However, the team needs to find more consistency in their execution, particularly in closing out games. The coaching staff will be focusing on improving defensive intensity and limiting turnovers, two areas that hampered the team last season. Adjusting to the evolving dynamics of the ACC will also be crucial for their success.

Season Prospects and Predictions

Predicting the outcome of any college basketball season is always challenging, particularly in a competitive conference like the ACC. However, based on the returning players and the incoming recruits, the Fighting Irish have the potential to achieve a solid regular season record. Reaching the NCAA Tournament remains a realistic goal, but their success will hinge on their ability to improve consistency in their offensive and defensive performances. The development of the newcomers, and their overall team chemistry will be critical factors in determining just how far this Notre Dame team can go. A mid-range ACC finish, followed by a potential deep run in the NCAA tournament if everything aligns favorably is a reasonable expectation.