Notre Dame Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Fighting Irish

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 16: Head coach Mike Brey of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts against the Indiana Hoosiers during the Crossroads Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 16, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Indiana won 80-77 in overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Season Outlook

Last year the Irish had a ton of expectations and they fell flat when Colson got injured. This year they seem to have no expectations and that might be exactly the way the Irish and Coach Brey like it.

Everything is set up for the Irish to slip down to the bottom half of the ACC. They lost Colson, Farrell, and Geben who were big-time scorers for the Irish. They had a disappointing end to last year and they are counting on a lot of freshmen for big minutes this year.

But the Irish have proved before that they can play with the big boys. And they might just sneak up on some teams this year. Mike Brey is a great coach and he has brought in some big-time talent. Pair the highly touted freshman with Gibbs and Pflueger and this team might not be as bad as many have predicted them to be.

North Carolina, Duke and probably Syracuse are still at the top of the conference and there are a lot of improving teams, but don’t count out the Irish. With a moderate non-conference schedule this team could find its footing early and be ready to make some noise in the ACC.

Next. Preseason ACC Rankings for 2018-19. dark

They aren’t ready to win the ACC yet but do not be surprised if they are in the top five this year. If the young guys can step up and produce they could be a very tough out for any team. Never count out a Mike Brey coached team. Look for the Irish to battle through the ACC and finish in the top half of the conference and a possible NCAA tourney berth.

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