Coach Brey is one of the best coaches in the country. If there is a knock against him, it is that everyone would like to see better recruiting. However, ND isn't going to be able to accept many of the recruits that go to the bball factories. Do you think any of the Kentucky recruits could ever qualify for ND's academic requirements? Generally, the one-and-done's have barely completed a reasonable high school curriculum - much less met the requirements that ND would require. Brey consistently takes players that may not be as quick, tall, or athletic and competes well against the toughest conferences in the country (ACC and BigEast previously). Don't get me wrong - ND has some really good basketball players - but none would ever be a threat talent-wise of being able to jump to the NBA after one year. Frankly, I wouldn't want to have any one-and-done's anyway. If I was a D1 type player, I would sign up to play under Brey without question. At ND, you learn to play basketball they way it is meant to be played. Soccer is considered the beautiful game - but watching ND on offense, the way they move the ball, move without the ball and make the extra pass, it is really fun to watch.
Talent versus talent - should ND be able to beat Louisville consistently? NO WAY
The 5 OT game was one of the best examples of Brey's coaching ability. His teams play together, share the ball, have fun, and win games. If you have ever met him in person or heard him talk in a more relaxed environment, you would know that he is the same person that you see interviewed after games on TV. Coaches in general, across all sports, tend to be a$$holes. They have huge egos and feel that the world should bow before them. Brey isn't that way. I am sure deep down he is a pretty confident type of guy - but he relates to people really well.
Does he coach during games? Probably not to the degree other coaches do. Why is this? Because his teams are well prepared and he has coached them well during practice and throughout their careers. When you know what to do and understand the team basics, a lot of extra direction isn't necessary. Having players that stay for 3-4-5 years, the focus is more on their ability to play in the system - not pick-up basketball that is all 1v1.
Finally, let me pose this question - knowing that ND's talent is below most of the ACC and other Power 5 conference teams that ND runs into, could ND's team be as successful as they have been without some great coaching? Do you think the players (who again aren't as naturally blessed with God-given talent) just do it all on their own?
I bet Brey sleeps well at night while all the other coaches are popping their blood pressure pills.
Talent versus talent - should ND be able to beat Louisville consistently? NO WAY
The 5 OT game was one of the best examples of Brey's coaching ability. His teams play together, share the ball, have fun, and win games. If you have ever met him in person or heard him talk in a more relaxed environment, you would know that he is the same person that you see interviewed after games on TV. Coaches in general, across all sports, tend to be a$$holes. They have huge egos and feel that the world should bow before them. Brey isn't that way. I am sure deep down he is a pretty confident type of guy - but he relates to people really well.
Does he coach during games? Probably not to the degree other coaches do. Why is this? Because his teams are well prepared and he has coached them well during practice and throughout their careers. When you know what to do and understand the team basics, a lot of extra direction isn't necessary. Having players that stay for 3-4-5 years, the focus is more on their ability to play in the system - not pick-up basketball that is all 1v1.
Finally, let me pose this question - knowing that ND's talent is below most of the ACC and other Power 5 conference teams that ND runs into, could ND's team be as successful as they have been without some great coaching? Do you think the players (who again aren't as naturally blessed with God-given talent) just do it all on their own?
I bet Brey sleeps well at night while all the other coaches are popping their blood pressure pills.
