Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Record: 29-5, 14-4 ACC
Head coach: Mike Brey (15th season)
Season summary: Led by seniors Jerian Grant and Pat Connaughton, the Fighting Irish are one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the country because of their explosive offense. Notre Dame ranks second in the nation in offensive efficiency as measured by basketball statistician Ken Pomeroy and surrounds big man Zach Auguste (12.4 PPG, 6.2 RPG) with four perimeter players at almost all times. The result is floor spacing and ball movement that are almost unparalleled and make up for the team's lack of size—the Fighting Irish rank 250th in the nation in rebounds per game.
Grant (16.8 PPG, 6.6 APG) makes Notre Dame's offense go as a dynamic lead guard and took home first-team All-ACC and ACC tournament MVP honors after leading his team to its first-ever conference tournament title. But Connaughton (12.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG) is the heart and soul of the team, drawing opposing big men away from the basket to spark wins against Duke (twice), North Carolina (twice), Louisville, Michigan State and N.C. State.
How they make a run: Grant and point guard Demetrius Jackson continue getting into the paint and kicking out to open shooters to keep one of the hottest teams in the nation on fire.
How they falter: Teams with strong post play get Auguste in foul trouble and punish Notre Dame down low as the Fighting Irish finally cool off from distance.
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