preferences.
I never attempted to change yours...and you're most certainly not gonna change mine.
Yes, the Irish Men's team has not been competitive for some time...largely brutal since Brey abdicated the job while still standing in place for a number of years. (Savvy Jack?) However, despite being of a certain age, that does not make it impossible to recall "watchable" male basketball players at ND.
Last one who comes quickly to mind is Pat Connaughton. I believe he is still in the NBA with the Hornets and was on a championship squad with the Bucks in 2021 (to respond to others).
Just when I was there alone, it was Tripucka, Jackson, Woolridge, Hanzlik, Branning, Paxson. Long long ago now, to be sure, but I can still "recall" these things...and a great many players before and after. (Sadly, Digger actually seriously underachieved with that roster after the early Final Four success.)
Where college sports are headed now, I don't really see ND Men's basketball coming back...to be honest. That fact does not make me, personally, any more likely to watch women's basketball. I always wish them and their players the utmost success.
ND Fencing is probably the greatest most consistent sport there these days. You go to a lot of their matches?