I think Mike Brey has proven himself as one of the best coaches in the country in terms of developing players and teams, getting far more out of the talent he has.
So let's speak about the talent.
I have no idea if Brey simply does not target top 50/100/whatever talent, or if that talent just does not want to come to Notre Dame (Jackson being a notable recent exception). My best guess is Brey prefers players who stand a good chance of being around 4 years. If that's the case, I'd like to see him take a chance on the occasional one-and-doner and maybe more kids who might hang around only a couple of years. Not a lot of these types of kids; maybe one every year or two. That is, if they want to come to ND.
ND's athletic shortcomings in basketball are well known to this board. It seems every year the Irish lack one more big, strong, athletic guy who can score in the middle and can compete on the boards.
What he's done with the scraps ND gives him is nothing short of amazing.
Maybe if Brey recruited a few more big athletes, we would be better. Tired of the facilities argument. Reminds me of BVG blaming football losses on players not getting his scheme. It comes down to players, and we do not have enough. That being said, very proud of the kids they did their best.
ND reached Elite 8 this year by beating 3 unranked teams, with two miracle finishes.
They were much better last year, darn near beat Kentucky, and deserved their plaudits. They had 4 potential NBA players -- some of us disagree about Auguste (and after last night, I may be wrong about him being NBA-caliber) -- for the first time during Brey's incumbency.
Brey coached very well for much of the year. I thought his tournament coaching was so so.
I believe the "burn" offense was a mistake last night, particularly when they got behind. Numerous posters below noted desperation shots became the norm in the second half.
ND can't rebound -- much of that is NOT physical size, but coaching and discipline -- but it sure can play outstanding offense. Why get the team out of what it does best? And why convince your team that it does not have the stuff to play the opposing team in the manner which got the team to this point? What is the risk? That you get murdered by UNC's offense??
I have felt for years that coaching wins in the regular season and talent wins in the tournament. I think ND and Brey exemplify that theory. You made a great point about ND being seemingly one or two great players away from competing for a NC every year.
With 2 elite 8 finishes in a row, if they are going to shoot for some top level talent, now is the time. Can't help but think that if they had another big guy with similar talent to August they would have had a shot. We seem to have no trouble finding guys that can shoot and do well with ball handlers, but can't seem to get multiple quality bigs playing at the same time. In the tournament, that will eventually come back to haunt you.
Very well put. I think Mike needs to be more aggressive in recruiting. He gets kids who fit his comfort zone. But the last two years have been nice.
clearly, he has to work harder at recruing, - the team needs more height and quicker players...unfortunately, Brey and the AD are in a comfort zone and seem content with having nice runs but no real chance for a NC...the great tease..