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Pat Connaughton may have led the league in minutes played this summer. He averaged around 30 minutes per game. This is a good sign for his future with the Portland Trailblazers. Pat started the summer league with a bang, dunking one down early against Spurs. He then shot poorly vs Suns, going only 1-for-7 from beyond the 3 point-line. However, he adapted by scoring 14 points on hard drives and drawing fouls. Pat’s leaping ability was also on display on the defensive side as he managed a block or two per game. In one of the more exciting summer league games, Pat hit four 3-pointers and scored 19 points in OT win over Jazz. Watch this video of Pat’s late game heroics against the Jazz. In the final summer league game for the Blazers, Pat played big minutes once again and ended the day with 23 points, four rebounds and shooting 3-for-10 from downtown. The Blazers have shown great confidence in Connaughton this summer and we will surely be seeing more of him in this upcoming season.

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Jerian Grant had a roller-coaster of a summer league. He started against Sixers and a plus of 12 with seven points and a couple assists. Grant’s best moment of that game was getting two steals in a row while pressuring the inbound. It is obvious that Grant is still gaining confidence on shot. He had 14 points against the Celtics, but went 2-for-8 from 3. Against the Wizards, Grant put up eight assists but also missed all seven threes that he attempted. Jerian hit his stride in the second half of the semi-final game when he scored 13 points to lead the Bulls to a comeback victory over the Cavs. Then Grant won MVP of the summer league finale! He collected 24 points, 10 rebounds (!) and five assists in the final game and was also clutch in overtime. His Chicago Bulls ended up being the only undefeated team this summer. It was also nice to see Grant and the 14th overall pick Denzel Valentine playing together in the backcourt as opposed to subbing for each other. Jon Barry, an ABC/ESPN analyst, likes Jerian Grant, saying “he’s a nice young talent.”

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Jack Cooley was a a welcome surprise for me and for the Bulls. Against the Philadelphia 76ers, Jack provided a defensive spark with two blocks, while also getting a couple buckets. Jack looks stronger than most players down low, but he is also a little short, especially against the exceptionally long Sixers team. Jack subbed in real well against the Celtics. He battled for 11 points and eight rebounds (including five offensive) in only 16 minutes of play. Jack has a knack for making the most of his minutes, in only seven minutes against the Spurs, he managed six rebounds, two steals, and a bigman’s three-point-play. And in only 10 minutes of play, Jack put up seven points and eight rebounds against the Wizards. He did not play in final game. Did you know Jack Cooley once got a 27 point 29 board game in d-league play??   Watch this video of Jack being Jack. I think he should shoot more 3’s!

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Zach Auguste was a spark for the Lakers against the Sixers. In 20 minutes, Zach recorded eight points, seven boards, two steals, and a block. While Zach did have a play where he drove hard and fell over himself, he finished at the basket well. It was nice to see Zach’s usual passion and hustle on display. In 15 minutes against the Cavs, Zach collected five rebounds, drew fouls, and he even ran the fast-break on a couple of plays! He has seemed to amp up his aggressiveness on both sides of the ball, whether demanding the ball in the post on offense or contesting shots on defense. Unfortunately, in the same game against the Cavs, Zach only went 2-for-8 from the free throw line and showed some frustration in that regard. Auguste started in the final summer league game for the Lakers, but only played 12 minutes collecting two points and two assists. The Lakers have plenty of bigs on the roster including the recently signed Timofey Mozgov, Ivica Zubac, Robert Sacre, and Tarik Black. In my opinion, Zach outplayed Zubac this summer. However, because Zubac was actually drafted, he has already signed on with the Lakers. Given the crowded roster I imagine Zach will be playing in the D-league or perhaps finding a home on another NBA team or even overseas.

Credit: Bart Young/NBAE

Demetrius Jackson put his leaping ability and defensive prowess on display this summer. Jackson picked up guards full court and managed almost two steals per game in limited minutes. In 14 minutes against the 76ers, Jackson got two steals and two assists. He started against the Spurs and played well, collecting 11 points, two steals, three boards, and shooting 3-for-4 from deep. The highlight of Demetrius’s summer league was getting two-and-1 plays in a row against Cavs. This was also the same moment in which Jon Barry said he was impressed with Jackson’s NBA ready strength and physique. Jackson had mixed results with his high flying drives to the hoop as he got blocked four times against the Cavs in the first round of the tournament. He started the final game but only tallied 14 minutes, managing four points, three assists, a steal and a block. Jackson has some stiff competition in Terry Rozier. The Celtics GM Danny Ainge even said Rozier was his best player in summer league. Isaiah Thomas, of course remains the starter and former All-Star for the Celtics at point guard. Meanwhile, rumors are circulating about Russell Westbrook coming over in a trade. As long as things remain up-in-the-air for the Celtics, so too does it for Demetrius. Getting signed to a guaranteed deal is a positive first step.

The post Checking in on Former Irish Now in the NBA appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.

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Team captain (and team barber) Zach Auguste leaves the University of Notre Dame with quite a legacy.

Always a vital piece of size and skill for the Irish, Zach helped the team reach two elite 8 appearances in a row! Now he could make even more *Irish history* if selected in this year’s NBA draft.

Early on in his Notre Dame career Zach had a rather frustrating tendency to merely stand straight up on defense. I often found myself yelling “JUMP!” at the TV during his junior year. However, Zach made great strides in that regard and improved his shot blocking numbers from a mere 0.7 per game (junior year) to 1.1 per game as a senior.

In each game this year Zach seemed to have at least one emphatic help-side rejection. The most notable swat was against Duke’s Brandon Ingram in this year’s epic ACC quarterfinal comeback, in which Auguste also collected 19 points and 22 rebounds! Look up Zach Auguste’s top 5 games for more reasons to miss the big guy…

ESPN’s Chad Ford projects Auguste as either a late second round pick or an undrafted prospect. Ford noted lack of elite size and improvement needed on defense as Auguste’s main weaknesses. His greatest virtues include Zach’s soft touch around the rim and surprisingly solid ball handling skills which help him reach said rim. Lofty shooting percentages of 62% in his junior year and 56% senior year provide the evidence.

Given his vast improvement on defense from his junior to senior year, I think there is good reason to believe Auguste can continue to develop in the NBA. However, I also wonder if his lack of elite size will push Zach into more of a stretch-four role. Shooting long jump-shots may be deemed necessary for his survival in the league. Can you imagine Zach shooting threes for a living? Yet, when it’s all said and done, Auguste is an interesting character who plays with tenacity and heart. Even if not selected in the draft, I know he will work hard for a signing – whether in the NBA or abroad.

Bonzie Colson

If Auguste does get picked in the 2016 draft, NDInsider.com said it would be the first time that multiple Notre Dame players have been selected in consecutive drafts since 1980-81.

BONZIE’S BACK

Bonzie Colson III is one of my favorites! At only 6’5 but with a 7 foot wingspan, Bonzie averaged 11 points and nearly 7 rebounds last year. For many Irish fans, it is Bonzie’s return this season that makes the loss of Auguste a much easier transition. Bonzie has a proven ability to score. Just check out highlights from Bonzie’s 31 point explosion against Duke in January and another 24 point outing against Indiana. Note the quality of competition in these games as well. Plus, when it comes to the defensive side of the ball, Bonzie has shown more aggressiveness than Auguste ever did. His evolutionary wingspan is helping him greatly in that regard.

However, Irish fans also know that – despite his ridiculous wingspan – Bonzie will need a taller teammate presence to help against the centers and the larger power-forwards of the ACC. While Coach Brey will no doubt utilize Bonzie at the center position whenever he can play a smaller lineup, there will be times – such as the start of each game – where a taller presence will be needed. Hence, the 3 solid prospects below…

Credit: NDInsider.com

TORRES HAS HUSTLE

This year, Austin Torres is to be a Senior at 6’7 228. In his limited time, Austin Torres has shown Irish fans what we love most: effort and hustle. This is especially evident on the defensive side of the ball, where Torres has provided noticeable energy off the bench. In fact, one can argue that Torres is a foil of Auguste (i.e. Torres is steady on defense and needs to prove himself on offense, while Auguste is the opposite). That being said, there is reason to believe Torres can improve offensively, especially given his shooting percentage at nearly 62% (although that’s only from a total of 55 shots).

I believe Torres has the inside track to becoming the starting center this season, since he’s a senior and he’s actually seen the floor. But he may have some stiff competition from the ballers below…

BURNS HAS UNTAPPED POTENTIAL

Big man Elijah Burns is heading into his sophomore year. He is 6’9, 232 pounds and was a former 4 star recruit according to ESPN. Most Irish fans know very little about this young talent because he hasn’t played. However, ESPN gave Burns some very high praise when he committed to the Irish. With Zach’s departure, the team will need all the height they can get. There is no doubt Burns will get plenty of opportunity to impress and play in this upcoming season. Based on the ESPN analysis, one can argue that Burns has the highest potential for stardom among the Irish bigs.

“Burns is a powerful four-man with a good intellect for the game. He owns a strong, college ready body (and this was written 2 years ago), is a well schooled interior defender, and consistent presence on the glass. He consistently knocks down mid-range jumpers, has a dependable jump hook on the block, and is gradually expanding his face-up game farther from the basket. He is now a threat to make an open three at the top of the key and a very underrated passer.”

Credit: DailyHerald.com

GEBEN GETTING READY TO PLAY MORE

This upcoming season, the 6-foot-9-inch, 255 pound Martinas “Martin” Geben will be a junior. Geben is from Vilnius, Lithuania. Last year, all of Geben’s time on the floor was as a member of the cleanup crew. (He only went in when the Irish were either ahead by a lot or very very desperate for some kind of spark.)

This summer and beyond, Geben will have ample opportunity to impress coaches and compete for minutes. Besides his NBA ready size, one great thing going for Geben is his touch from the free-throw line. A big man that shoots well from the line is huuuge in this quick whistle sport. Martin made all 10 of his free throws in 2016! Admittedly, it’s a small sample size – but a hopeful sign nonetheless.

Conclusion: The IRISH front-court will be vital for another good showing in the super competitive ACC. Fans should keep one eye on Bonzie Colson’s development as a starter and the other eye on which of these 3 unproven bigs impresses Mike Brey the most.

The post How Does Notre Dame Replace Zach Auguste? appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.

Half of the setup at Table 11. The other iPad is hidden and propped behind the centerpiece.

The bride and groom had long since finished their first dance, toasts delivered, and the cake cut. The DJ did his level-best to fire up the dance floor, but the only dance at Table 11 was the setup of iPads and a WiFi hotspot.

Such is life at a Domer wedding when one of the major sports just happens to take center stage on your big day. But honestly, who could have seen this interruption coming, especially if you make the conscious decision to avoid scheduling the dreaded fall wedding?

Plus, if you want to plan a Texas wedding, as a native Texan (which the bride was), you certainly know that the summer is borderline crazy and the late spring is seriously pushing your luck with the Texas sun. March and April are the ideal months and late March should be a time of no conflicts with sporting events.

St. Patrick’s Day is well in the rear view and Notre Dame hasn’t been to the Sweet Sixteen since 2003 and the Elite Eight since 1979. Neither of those years are even in your mind when looking at potential March wedding dates, especially after last season.

But now, just off to the side of the dance floor Table 11 continues their dance. Chairs slide into position. Bodies in the front row hunch over to gain optimal viewing angles while additional interested alumni and parents find themselves slowly drawn to the glowing screens.

We are so sorry. We all love you, but we also know you understand.

2-0 Kentucky, 1st Half, 19:51 Remaining

As Trey Lyles throws down a dunk for the opening points of the game, my mind immediately begins to think of two things going on right now:

1) How excited and terrified that everyone is for this game and how cool it is that we get to experience this ride together and not through text, Twitter, or Facebook.

2) Thank God there is an open bar because we’re gonna need it.

Speaking of said open bar, we made the conscious decision to ban all Kentucky spirits for the evening. There was Maker’s Mark available. This was no small sacrifice.

4-3 Notre Dame, 1st Half, 15:53 Remaining

ND has managed to score on two layups and my mind is just not sure how to accept a world in which the Irish have scored all their points in the paint against Kentucky. At first glance, the size difference in the two teams makes it seem like a NBA team decided to pick on a college team for shits and giggles. Hilariously/sadly enough, this isn’t too far from the truth.

Still the Irish ball movement allowed for two easy layups and a lead by the first media timeout. My brain starts to go to places of joy that I do not want it to go for fear of the ultimate disappointment later.

But still, if the Irish can keep this up…just maybe…

11-10 Notre Dame, 1st Half, 12:54 Remaining

Pat Connaughton drills the first three of the game and creates the first huge cheer from Table 11 and Friends.

It is at this point that we realize the joy of on-demand streaming technology: the delay. My side of the table is now spoiling the game for the other side of the table.

Through various freezes and buffering oddities, this switches throughout the night, but never stops being hilarious.

19-19 Notre Dame, 1st Half, 6:33 Remaining

Zach Auguste picks up his second foul after just having gone full #DunksDulac at the other end. The entire table is loudly cursing the level of officiating by this point.

Sure, the game is still tied, but everyone in attendance knows that Kentucky living at the free throw line will kill any upset hopes. And those hopes are still certainly there at this point. The conversation around the table buzzes during the commercial break of just how well the Irish are playing right now.

No one has really moved from the table either, but the wedding reception is still living on without us. And really so, is the rest of life.

I’m not sure when it happened, but at breakfast the next day, I had a rather hilarious story relayed to me. At some point during the gamewatch, one of my friends looked over at me and stated “holy shit, Ritter’s going to be a dad in a couple months.”

I can only imagine it happened during of these TV timeouts in which I’m furiously drinking whiskey and coke like it’s water and cursing officiating incompetence. Life certainly does move on regardless of sports and somehow I’m going to be entrusted with another human life.

21-19 Kentucky, 1st Half, 6:33 Remaining

But right now, I’m screaming “THAT MOTHERFUCKIN’ BALL IS LYING” in between gulps of booze at the top of my lungs after Karl-Anthony Towns drains his two free throws.

Future father of the year. Book it.

31-31, Halftime

As soon as the halftime buzzer sounds, by what has to be instinctive habit for us, our entire table gets up and takes either a much-needed trip to the bathroom or to the bar. The only difference between this and a game at the stadium or even a gamewatch at the bar is that we also find our way to the dance floor.

Any halftime “analysis” of the game is limited to conversations while waiting for alcohol or the walk to/from the bathroom. But once feet hit the dance floor, all of that fades into the background with our iPads in the distance.

We can compartmentalize. The game is great and we are all loving what Notre Dame is doing to this point, but we all wouldn’t be in the same place if it weren’t for the bride and groom to begin with.

You bet your ass we are going to dance with them just as they continue to stop by our table to watch the game with us.

38-33 Kentucky, 2nd Half, 17:38 Remaining

Jerian Grant is about to shoot a pair of free throws, but the DJ rolls out a slow dance, something my wife was hoping would happen during halftime.

Before she even looked at me, I was out of the chair and taking her to the dance floor. I don’t pretend to be an expert at this marriage thing, but I know better than to disappoint the pregnant wife, especially a pregnant wife that offered to keep my iPad in her purse just so I didn’t have to carry it so I could watch the game.

I make sure I don’t dart my eyes behind her to the iPads at Table 11 either. The road from awesome husband to asshole is short and filled with too much regret to quantify. I’m definitely steering clear of that detour tonight.

As we dance, cheers from Table 11 continue to erupt in the background. I ensure my gaze goes nowhere besides my wife even though she too is taunting me and asking if it’s hard to not look over. I stay strong, with the hope that I will see some replays and that Notre Dame will have the lead when I sit back down.

46-42 Notre Dame, 2nd Half, 14:24 Remaining

I arrive back at Table 11 in the middle of a timeout. Half the table is excitedly telling me about Auguste and Connaughton dunking with a Steve Vasturia three in between.

The other half is telling me to go back to the dance floor because we went on a run while I was out there.

I love my friends.

48-44 Notre Dame, 2nd Half, 11:15 Remaining

The anatomy of a major upset is an interesting beast. For most of the game, the reality of a win is nothing more than a fleeting thought and fantasy. At some point though, you start to realize that it could happen. Eventually you start to buy in.

TBS shows a graphic that Notre Dame is beating Kentucky soundly in points in the paint, turnovers, and assists. I’m starting to believe an Irish victory is a very, very real possibility.

However, you don’t vocalize this. You aren’t all-in quite yet. There is still some doubt because you know the other shoe can drop. Because there is another point in the potential upset in which you actually go all-in. We aren’t quite there yet.

59-53 Notre Dame, 2nd Half, 6:16 Remaining

Vasturia hits a three. Kentucky calls timeout. They look shell-shocked, exhausted, and you can see that they see a potential future in which their undefeated season could end tonight.

There’s a great scene from Rounders that describes where I am mentally right now:

I could be completely satisfied how everything has played out and take that to the bank. It’s clear Kentucky is getting pushed to the limit, a result a certainly would be more than happy with before the game started.

Mike (Matt Damon) eventually can’t shake the thought of not just shutting up a taunting KGB (John Malcovich), but being the guy that takes him down. Mike wants to avenge his past loss, and prove to both KGB and himself that he’s good enough to win and dance with the big boys at the table.

Much like Mike, I know I can’t win much if I don’t put it all in the middle.

I’m all-in.

64-63 Kentucky, 2nd Half, 3:18 Remaining

Want to know what one of the worst feelings in poker is? Going all-in with pocket kings only to watch your opponent call with pocket aces. Sure, you have a couple of outs to survive, but all you want to do is grab you bet back immediately.

Aaron Harrison hits a three to give Kentucky the lead back and I’m diving across the table to get my emotional investment back, but it’s too late.

66-64 Notre Dame, 2nd Half, 2:36 Remaining

Jerian Grant gives me one of the few outs left in the deck with a three of his own and I can breathe again. I need another drink, but I’m not moving and neither is anyone else save for the bride who had to leave the table to toss her bouquet.

66-64 Notre Dame, 2nd Half, 1:53 Remaining

The DJ decides to play “Living on a Prayer”. I have no idea if it was any kind of intentional, but the group of 30-40 people at our table are now screaming the song in hopes we somehow will the Irish to victory.

The moment is equal parts incredible and heart-attack inducing terror.

66-66, 2nd Half, 1:14 Remaining

We try to scream Bon Jovi’s lyrics even louder as Karl-Anthony Towns ties the game.

We have now entered #NDMensBBallIsDeterminedToKillMe territory.

66-66, 2nd Half, 0:36 Remaining

It’s ND Ball, with 1 second on shot clock after one of the worst possessions that we’ve had all game.

I’m pretty sure I’m almost dead.

66-66, 2nd Half, 0:34 Remaining

Notre Dame turns the ball over for the first time in nearly 30 minutes on a shot clock violation. Kentucky can now take the last shot.

My mind is screaming at itself with “THIS CAN’T BE HAPPENING” and “JUST STOP THEM!”

The DJ calls for the garter toss. The groom is at the table and isn’t moving. The DJ then sheepishly then asks for permission to do the garter toss and then follows up with “is now not a good time?”

NOT GREAT, BOB!

68-66 Kentucky, 2nd Half, 0:06 Remaining

So, uh, can we get “Livin’ on a Prayer” going again?

68-66 Kentucky, Final

Jerian Grant’s prayer of a corner three falls harmlessly to the ground. My all-in bet of emotions is quickly scooped up by Coach Calipari and an overjoyed Kentucky Wildcats team.

I’m proud of my team, but I’m crushed. There are no moral victories in sports. I firmly believe that ND and her fans should hold their heads up high, but, in the end, the scoreboard is a cruel reminder of the reality that the Irish were two points short. You can’t shake that cold, hard fact regardless of how well-fought the game was.

The dance to put away the iPads is a collection of long sighs, random four-letter outbursts, and a shaking of heads. With the technology put away, we head to the bar, reminisce on what could have been and hit the dance floor for the remainder of the evening.

Because, as one wise Texan sage said, “the road goes on forever and the party never ends.” Life continued on its course, uninterrupted by Irish defeat, but altered with the memories of a wedding and the rare opportunity for a group of friends to cheer for the Irish together just as they had done in college.

The post Wedding and Wake: A Tale of Notre Dame vs. Kentucky appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.

Defense is still a touch lacking and often times the Irish have dug themselves into holes because of some defensive lapses. Despite that, the Irish have found ways to claw back into games, including an improbable 18 point comeback in the second half to topple North Carolina State on their home court (where, incidentally, Duke recently lost) just this past weekend. The Irish have never felt outclasses, even when they fell against undefeated Virginia, one of their only two losses on the season.

So now Duke rolls into the Bend with likely future #1 NBA draft pick, Jahil Okafor (yes, that last name should ring a bell, he’s Emeka’s cousin), with a similar two loss record against a very similar schedule. I could attempt to break this game down, but it’s already been done, and, to be frank, much better than I could even hope to do. This matchup is a far cry from last year in which yet another sure-fire NBA lottery draft pick, Jabari Parker, came into South Bend to take on an Irish squad that struggled to down Canisius at home and weren’t too far removed from the news that Jerian Grant would miss the remainder of the season. That game was a pure, unexpected upset, seemingly an annual staple for Notre Dame squads.

But that’s not what’s happening tonight. Tonight is a heavyweight fight between two of the nation’s best. Jerian Grant is generating his own NBA draft buzz while Demetius Jackson is coming into his own and Zach Auguste has found the next level of his game. Of course, we can’t forget Pat Connaughton still managing to do his thing, leading the Irish in both three-point shooting (45%) and rebounds (175).

I know we’ve all been conditioned to not get too excited until March when the rug gets pulled out from underneath us. But this is different. No Mike Brey team has ever gone this far into a season with just two losses–hell, I only found a couple of Brey teams that managed to not lose more than two games in the month of January when conference play ramped up. Simply put, this team is different. Not just in record, but in the style of ball that they play as I mentioned at the start of the post. Worries about what may or may not happen in the postseason are so incredibly fruitless when this team is so much fun to watch:

https://vine.co/v/Od5rX7TWDxg

https://vine.co/v/Op3zbJwxB6l

https://vine.co/v/Od5pxTKgDYZ

To hell with the ides of March. #4 Duke is here tonight in our house. Posterize them like we did last year:

Go Irish. Beat Devils.

The post Notre Dame vs. Duke and Why You Shouldn’t Be Waiting Until March appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.