I remember watching Notre Dame basketball during the Mike Brey era when the program felt like it was on the cusp of something special. Those teams had an identity—tough, disciplined, and fundamentally sound. But lately, I've found myself wondering if we'll ever see that level of consistency again. The question isn't just whether they can win games; it's whether they can recapture that championship DNA that made them so compelling to watch year after year.
Looking at last season's 13-20 record, it's easy to be pessimistic. They finished 11th in the ACC standings, and their defense ranked among the bottom third in Division I basketball. Those numbers tell a story of a program that's lost its way. But here's what the stats don't show—the intangible growth that happens during rebuilding seasons. I was particularly struck by something I read recently from a player on another team who said, "Pero, it's a good win for us kasi it's not just a positive thing to win, nakakuha din kami ng ganitong klaseng experience as early as now." That quote resonated with me because it captures exactly what Notre Dame needs to embrace—the value of experience, even in difficult seasons. Every close game, every tough loss, every moment where young players are forced to step up—that's where championship habits are formed.
What gives me hope is the recruiting class coming in. Micah Shrewsberry has been quietly building something interesting, and I believe his system will start showing results by year three. We're talking about a coach who helped lead Purdue to consistent tournament appearances, and his offensive schemes are genuinely innovative. The freshman class includes two four-star recruits who could make immediate impacts, particularly 6'8" forward David Jones who averaged 22 points and 11 rebounds in his senior high school season. These aren't just numbers on a page—I've watched his tape, and his footwork in the post reminds me of a young Bonzie Colson.
The ACC landscape has shifted dramatically since Notre Dame's last deep tournament run. Duke and North Carolina remain powerhouses, but programs like Virginia and Miami have shown that smart coaching and player development can create contenders without five-star recruits every year. Notre Dame's path back to relevance likely mirrors what Virginia accomplished under Tony Bennett—building through defensive identity and offensive efficiency rather than chasing one-and-done talent. Personally, I'd rather watch a team grow together over three or four years than reload with transfers every season. There's something special about watching players develop from nervous freshmen to confident seniors.
Financial investments tell part of the story too. The program's operating budget has increased by approximately 18% over the past two years, with particular emphasis on sports science and player development technology. They've installed the same motion capture systems that professional teams use, and the new practice facility renovations should be completed by November. These might seem like minor details, but in modern college basketball, these marginal gains separate good programs from great ones.
What often gets overlooked in these discussions is fan engagement. During their 2015 and 2016 tournament runs, Notre Dame consistently sold out Purcell Pavilion, creating one of the toughest home court advantages in the conference. Lately, attendance has dipped to around 78% capacity, and that atmosphere matters more than people realize. I've attended games in both eras, and the energy difference is palpable. Winning back the student section should be as much a priority as improving three-point percentage.
The transfer portal presents both challenge and opportunity. While Notre Dame lost two key players to graduation and one to transfer, they've added graduate transfer point guard Marcus Hammond, who averaged 16.4 points at Niagara last season. In today's college basketball landscape, strategic portal use is essential, but I worry about teams becoming too reliant on quick fixes. The most sustainable success stories—programs like Villanova and Gonzaga—balance portal additions with strong high school recruiting and internal development.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, I'm cautiously optimistic. The non-conference schedule includes challenging games against Kentucky and Michigan State—exactly the kind of early tests that build character, win or lose. Remember that quote about gaining experience? Those high-pressure environments against ranked opponents provide invaluable learning opportunities that pay dividends during conference play. I predict they'll finish around .500 this season, with noticeable improvement in defensive efficiency and ball movement.
Championship form isn't rebuilt overnight. It requires patience from fans, visionary leadership from coaches, and buy-in from players who understand that every practice and every game contributes to long-term growth. The foundation appears to be there—the question is whether all the pieces will coalesce at the right time. Having followed this program for over two decades, I've seen both the heights and the rebuilding phases. This current group reminds me of the early Brey teams that laid the groundwork for later success. They may not cut down nets this year, but the journey back toward championship relevance appears to be underway. Sometimes the most important wins aren't the ones that show up in the standings, but the experiences that build toward future greatness.
