The Notre Dame Fighting Irish will make their 34th appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
Here are five fast facts you should know heading into March Madness:
1. As their shooting goes, they go. They’re in the top eighth in the country in terms of 3-point percentage, shooting 37.3% for the season.
2. Eric Atkins and Jerian Grant are their two best – and only reliable – playmakers. Atkins is a true point guard and Grant is more of a scoring guard who helps to carry the playmaking load. If they face pressure defense, these two better bring their A-game or the Irish will head home early.
3. At 70.7%, they rank 130th in the nation at the free throw line as a team.
4. Their go-to scoring in the paint comes from Jack Cooley, who is an expert at using his wide frame to gain position on opponents. He averaged 13.1 points (57% FG) and 10.1 rebounds this season.
5. Mike Brey has been the coach of Notre Dame for 12 seasons prior to this NCAA Tournament. He’s guided Notre Dame to the Sweet Sixteen just once, in 2002-03.
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[ NCAA TOURNAMENT FAST FACTS INDEX ]
Jeremy Bauman is an aspiring shooting coach and scout who writes columns and blogs for SheridanHoops.com. Follow him on Twitter.
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