Can Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men's Basketball Return to Championship Form This Season?
I remember watching Kobe Bahay's debut season with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish last year, and honestly, it was tough to witness at times. The kid arrived with all this incredible hype - comparisons to former program legends, projections as the next great guard to lead the program back to prominence. But as Bahay himself would admit, his rookie year fell short of expectations. He played under what felt like a microscope, trapped inside a pressure cooker created by the massive expectations placed upon his shoulders. Compounding this pressure was navigating the uncertain waters during what became a down year for the program, with the team finishing 14-18 overall and a disappointing 7-13 in ACC play. That's a far cry from the championship standards this program has set in the past.
Looking at this season's roster, I'm genuinely optimistic about their chances to make significant strides back toward championship contention. The return of senior forward Matt Zona provides crucial veteran leadership in the frontcourt, while junior guard J.R. Konieczny has shown flashes of being a consistent double-digit scorer. But let's be honest - the key to everything remains Bahay's development. Last season, he averaged just 8.7 points and 3.2 assists while shooting 38% from the field. Those numbers need to jump significantly, maybe to something like 15 points and 6 assists per game with improved efficiency, for Notre Dame to compete with the Dukes and North Carolinas of the ACC. What many fans don't realize is how much the mental aspect affects young players. The transition to college basketball is challenging enough without carrying the weight of an entire program's expectations. I've spoken with several former players who went through similar situations, and they all mention how the second year brings a different level of comfort and understanding.
The schedule presents both challenges and opportunities for this team's growth. Early non-conference games against Kentucky on December 14th and UCLA on December 21st will test their mettle before ACC play begins in earnest. Last season, the Irish went 2-8 against ranked opponents - that simply has to improve if they want to return to the NCAA Tournament conversation. From what I've seen in preseason workouts, the team has focused heavily on defensive principles and offensive spacing, two areas where they struggled mightily last season, ranking 11th in the ACC in defensive efficiency. Coach Mike Brey has always been an offensive-minded coach, but I think he needs to adjust his philosophy slightly with this group, perhaps implementing more half-court sets to maximize Bahay's playmaking abilities while reducing turnovers.
What really gives me hope is the addition of freshman forward Chris Johnson, who brings the kind of athleticism and scoring punch this team desperately needs. Pairing him with returning big man Kebba Njie could create one of the more intriguing frontcourt combinations in the conference. I'm predicting Johnson averages around 12 points and 6 rebounds if he adapts quickly to the college game. The development of sophomore guard Braeden Shrewsberry is another X-factor - his three-point shooting could space the floor beautifully for Bahay's drives and kick-outs. Last season, the team shot just 32% from beyond the arc, ranking near the bottom of the ACC. That number needs to climb to at least 36-37% for the offense to function optimally.
The ACC landscape looks particularly challenging this season, with at least six teams projected to make the NCAA Tournament. For Notre Dame to break into that upper echelon, they'll need to improve their road performance dramatically - last year's 2-9 record away from home simply won't cut it. I'm looking specifically at that February stretch against Virginia, Clemson, and Miami as the true measuring stick for this team's growth. If they can split those games or better, we might be looking at a potential tournament team.
Ultimately, the path back to championship form begins with restoring the program's identity - tough, disciplined basketball with offensive creativity. The pieces are there for a significant turnaround, but it requires Bahay making that sophomore leap we've seen from so many great guards before him. If he can embrace the leadership role and play with the freedom that made him a top recruit, combined with improved defensive intensity from the supporting cast, I believe this team can win 20-22 games and secure an NCAA Tournament bid. The journey back to relevance won't happen overnight, but the foundation is being laid for Notre Dame basketball to matter again on the national stage.