ND lost the heart of its offense when Falls and Carter graduated. They will not shoot it like they did last year. And they might benefit from the lack of reliance on the long bomb. McAlarney is back and that will help in the backcourt. But ND will find it hard to match last year’s record.

Frontcourt - The good news here is that Luke Harangody is back. The bad news is that he tore ligaments in his thumb and will miss the first 4 weeks of the season. Harangody (11.2ppg, 6.2rpg) was a bear last year. He was the perfect compliment to Rob Kurz (12.6ppg, 8.0rpg). Kurz can take it inside or shoot from the perimeter. Luke Zeller (3.8ppg, 2.2rpg) was once a starter, but after Harangody arrived he now provides excellent depth down low. The only problem with that is that Zeller likes the 20 footer more than the banging in the post. Freshmen Carleton Scott and Tim Abromatis will look for minutes. GRADE - B+

Backcourt - The good news is Kyle McAlarney is back. The bad news is that his point guard position has been taken by Tory Jackson (7.8ppg, 4.3apg). Jackson is a slasher and did a great job stepping in midseason last year. McAlarney will move to the SG position. He has the range and ability (10.3ppg, 5.4apg) to play either guard slot. Zach Hilleland (5.8ppg, 4.8rpg) will take over at SF. Hillesland is a whirlwind on the floor but many times plays out of control. Jonathan Peoples (1.8ppg, 0.7apg) got some PT in the Big East and NCAA’s but he will be a bit player. Look for Ryan Ayers (2.9ppg, 1.4rpg) to push for time at the SG or SF positions. He was the Irish best shooter down the stretch last year. Frosh Tyrone Nash and Ty Proffitt will watch for the most part. GRADE - B-

Depth - Zeller and Ayers are quality players off the bench. After that there is very little. This bench is better than some but ND is not especially deep this year. GRADE - C

Outlook -The Irish look like they have the makings of a pretty good squad this year. Haragody’s injury is a big question. There is no way they can replace Falls and Carter. Mike Brey is going to have to change the style they played last year. The 3 point shooters just are not there. GRADE - B-

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