Notre Dame Preview Capsule
Notre Dame Preview Capsule
By The Associated Press=
Notre Dame
Last season: 24-12, lost in NCAA Tournament Regional Final.
Nickname: Fighting Irish.
Coach: Mike Brey.
Conference: Atlantic Coast.
Who's gone: G Demetrius Jackson, F Zach Auguste, F A.J. Burgett.
Who's back: F V.J. Beachem, who put his name briefly into the NBA draft, was third on the team with 12 points and 3.9 rebounds and was at his best in the NCAA Tournament, averaging 17.5 points; G Steve Vasturia, who averaged 11.4 points and 3.2 assists; and F Bonzie Colson, who averaged 11.1 points and 6.7 rebounds. Brey is counting on Beachem and Vasturia to set the pace for the Irish.
Who's new: G T.J. Gibbs and F John Mooney are expected to contribute, with Gibbs expected to push Matt Farrell for time at point guard.
The Skinny: Expectations are a bit lower this season even though Irish players are talking about going further after back-to-back NCAA Tournament regional finals. It's going to be hard for the Irish, though, after producing three NBA draft picks the past two years. Another NCAA Tournament berth is possible.
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Online:
AP College Basketball: collegebasketball.ap.org
