Beginning Monday, June 21st, 2004 CHN began unveiling 144 Team previews in 144 Days. CHN ranked the nations top 144 teams, and is unveiling one per day leading up until the opening day of the 2004-05 Season.

Bookmark the 144 Teams in 144 Days home page, and check back each day to see which team is previewed next.

#18 Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Big East

2003-04: 19-13, 9-7, 7^th

2003-04 postseason: NIT Quarterfinals

By Joel Welser

Health was a major issue for the Irish only making the NIT last year.  Chris Thomas was in pain much of the year, Torin Francis missed the last 12 games of the year and Omari Israeli had to redshirt while rehabbing an ACL injury.  With all three healthy heading into the season, the expectations in South Bend have quickly grown.  The question remains if the team can stay healthy throughout the entire grueling Big East schedule.

Who’s Out: A couple big guys are gone in 6-9 guard/forward Torrian Jones and center Tom Timmermans.  Jones started in 31 games and averaged 8.4 points and 5.8 rebounds.  Timmermans saw quite a bit of action under the basket as well, starting 16 games during the season.  Timmermans averaged 6.0 points and 4.3 boards.

Who’s In: There are plenty of replacements for the departing frontcourt players to join returning star Torin Francis.  Newcomer Dennis Latimore will probably start up front alongside Francis.  Latimore, a transfer from Arizona, will provide another big physical preference under the basket.  He never saw much action in Arizona, but is a skilled player who will make an immediate impact.  The lone incoming freshman on the roster for the 2004-2005 season is Rob Kurz.  The 6-9, 215-pounder will compete with returnees Jordan Cornette, John Carlson and Rick Cornett for playing time.  Omari Israel should see some minutes in the frontcourt as well.  He redshirted last year, but his versatility inside and out will get him an opportunity to play.

Who to Watch: The backcourt was explosive and will be again.  Chris Thomas will lead the way, but Chris Quinn, Colin Falls and Russell Carter provide some quality depth.  Thomas, a senior point guard, averaged 19.7 points and 4.7 assists last year.  Despite nagging injuries, Thomas averaged 38.3 minutes per game.  After offseason surgery, Thomas finally appears healthy.  If he averaged 19.7 points with the injury, the expectations for a healthy Thomas are through the roof.  Thomas may have shot too much last year though and, with some scoring options under the basket and the emergence of Quinn, Thomas needs to create more opportunities for his teammates and realize that he doesn’t have to be the only scoring threat on the team.  He will dish it though and dish it well.  He’s a tremendous passer with excellent court vision.

Projected Conference Rank: If everybody stays healthy, this is a very talented team.  Dennis Latimore practiced with the team all last year and shouldn’t have a problem fitting in with Torin Francis under the basket.  Chris and Chris comprise one of the most explosive backcourt duos in the nation.  Throw in Jordan Cornette for a big lineup or sharpshooter Colins Falls on the wing for a smaller lineup and you have a big threat in South Bend.  A 4^th place finish will be tough but feasible and the Irish will once again be dancing after a year in the NIT.

Projected Post-season Tournament: NCAA

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Email Joel Welser: jwelser_chn@ameritech.net

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