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| 16. NOTRE DAME |
LAST YEAR: 22-15 |
'99-00 RANK: NR |
 Why No. 16?: Notre Dame didn't lose when Matt Doherty left for North Carolina. What they lost in energy, they may have gained in experience with the addition of Mike Brey. The former Delaware coach had success coaching a balanced, cerebral team at Delaware. But he didn't have Troy Murphy. Murphy enters the season as a leader for player of the year. Murphy didn't return to Notre Dame for Doherty. He came back to lead Notre Dame to the NCAA Tournament. He shouldn't be disappointed. This is his team and he can handle the double and, potential, triple teams he'll face this season. But he's not alone. Murphy can play off Oklahoma transfer Ryan Humphrey in the post with Humphrey taking more of the physical defensive assignments. Forward David Graves has developed into a double-digit scorer, giving the Irish one of the top frontcourts in East/Midwest. The key will be whether or not guards Matt Carroll and Martin Inglesby can be factors on the perimeter. They have to knock down shots when the ball comes out of the post.
Will Climb If: Doherty left Brey with a schedule that can keep the Irish in the top 25 all season. Notre Dame has a shot to beat Cincinnati in Indianapolis, hosts Indiana, travels to Syracuse and in early January goes to Kentucky. All four games are winnable and could go a long way toward determining the Irish seed in the NCAA Tournament. Yes, it should be a lock that the Irish will make the field.
Will Fall If: The Irish hit a wall again in the Big East. Losing to Providence at home late in the season was a crushing defeat for Notre Dame. The Irish shouldn't be in jeopardy of losing an NCAA bid late in the Big East season, but falling apart against lower-level Big East teams won't help their positioning for a top eight seed.
Bilas Breakdown | HTV's Take | Team Page
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"All I can say is that if Notre Dame isn't ranked in your top 15, then you guys have some issues. With All-American Troy Murphy returning along with junior transfer Ryan Humphrey, Notre Dame should not only be making a run to the NCAA tourney, but as well as a Sweet 16 appearance."
Eric Henry, South Bend, Ind.
"I love Coach Huggins, but UC is ranked too high. Conference USA is tougher, and it will take this squad some time to figure out who the LEADER is on this team, much less the offensive and defensive presence Kenyon Martin provided. One game in the field of 64 and out this year."
David Love, Cincinnati, Ohio
"We will be there in March. Yes no Martin, Mickeal, Fletcher, Johnson or Tate, but Coach Huggins will rally the troops. Remember a team in '92 that no one knew about either. Go Cats!"
Rob Mayer, Powell, Ohio
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