Friday, Mike Brey coaches Notre Dame, a No. 2 seed, against Akron to open the NCAA tournament at Chicago's United Center. Despite an unheralded roster, Brey led Notre Dame to 26 wins and its seventh appearance in the tournament in his 11 seasons as coach. Last week, he was voted the Big East coach of the year.
Slowing down Ben Hansbrough hasn't been easy for any team all season and the Akron Zips know it.
Notre Dame figured it had made a strong case for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament despite a crushing overtime loss to Louisville in the Big East semifinals.
It was almost a green sweep for the Fighting Irish when the Big East announced its biggest awards.
Ninety minutes before his final home game, Ben Hansbrough's emotions are toying with him. A part of his life is about to end. You wouldn't know it, though, because he is on the basketball court _ the place he enjoys most. He jumps up and down in exhilaration.
