2006 Surprise - Notre Dame...But Still No Respect

As we enter the BCS Bowl week, there are still complaints echoing throughout the country concerning the possibility that the Fighting Irish are only playing Wednesday night in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, despite having no marquee wins, because they are Notre Dame; a university with one of the most prestigious football programs in the country, surrounded by a legacy of success and talent. The basketball program, at the same university, has been shown none of this respect, regardless of how they have played on the court.

Entering the ’06-‘07 season, it is doubtful that any lay college basketball fan could name Notre Dame's starting lineup, or even there best player(s). Even the so called experts weren't aware of the team's talent; the Irish did not receive a single vote in any of the major top 25 polls. During the non-conference season, Notre Dame (12-1) has more than shown that they deserve to be named along with top ranked teams such as Connecticut and Pittsburg, who also come from the powerful Big East. Notre Dame is averaging almost 89 ppg. and easily handled No. 5 Alabama (12-1) by 14 points, as well as handed No. 19 Maryland (13-2) their first lose, on the Terps home court. Unlike teams such as No. 9 Kansas (12-2), who lost to no name schools such as Oral Roberts (7-7), Notre Dame fell by a bucket to a very good Butler (13-1) squad, now ranked 13^th, in only the Irish’s second game of the season; a game in which Notre Dame was still in search of their identity.

Despite such a resume, the Fighting Irish are only just now rising in the ranks. It will be interesting to see if Notre Dame can continue their eleven game win streak when conference play begins and if they will receive the recognition that they deserve.