ND Basketball: A Season in Review

The season ending loss to Winthrop was disappointing to say the least. ND could not seem to get anything going, and Ted Valentine's officiating did not help matters. The Big East fired Valentine, and it is unconscionable that the NCAA assigned him to referee a game involving a Big East team. How could he not be biased? ND belongs to the organization that fired him.

However, this team deserves to be remembered for their accomplishments despite the disappointing ending. They were picked to finish eleventh in the conference, and they proved everyone wrong by finishing fourth and winning a Big East tournament game against Syracuse. They also played very well at home and have a twenty game home winning streak.

Yet, the season has ended leaving ND fans with a sad feeling. The sadness stems not only from the most recent loss but also from the graduation of Russell Carter and Collin Falls. Irish fans will miss them immensely. It is hard to believe that Carter is the same player who played out of control and repeatedly was called for charges four years ago. Likewise, it is equally hard to believe that Falls is the same guy as that skinny freshman who hit the game winning three-pointer against West Virginia. It has been a lot of fun watching their improvement over the years, and it is clear that they worked very hard to get to their current level.

Now it is time to look forward to next season and the promise of rebirth of Irish basketball. Replacing Carter and Falls will be four freshmen by the names of Abromaitis, Scott, Proffitt, and Nash. They will be added to a team that return many talented contributors including three starters. Tory Jackson will return at the point with Luke Harngody and Rob Kurz starting in the front court. Kyle MacAlarney is the probably starter at the off guard spot, and the swingman will probably either Zach Hillesland or Ryan Ayers. Questions remain whether MacAlarney can defend the bigger players he will be forced to guard at the two spot, but Ayers and Hillesland have both proven themselves to be capable replacements for Carter. Next year should be another bright season of Notre Dame basketball.