Update on Former Players

Slightly dated news, but I'm still struggling a bit to find solid news stories before the season officially starts. Rob Kurz, the Cavaliers' final cut of the summer, will start his second professional season trying out for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, an NBDL squad that has also invited Kyle McAlarney and Rob Kurz to training camp. The final roster should be ten men out of the seventeen in camp. Good luck to all three making the squad.

Chris Quinn is still in the NBA, but has yet to play a game this year for the Heat following a sprained ankle in the preseason.

Offseason Posting, Part II

A couple of things I need to comment about, albeit briefly.

First, Luke Harangody has declared for the NBA Draft. Not really a big surprise. He and Coach Brey keep talking about the need to go into this "all the way" and not just half-hearted. That's the right attitude to go about things and I don't mind seeing him test the waters. Of course, unless he locks up a first round selection with some great workouts (he won't), I believe it would be a terrible decision to skip his senior year. I'll be shocked if Luke isn't wearing an Irish jersey next season.

Also on the NBA front, congrats to Chris Quinn for a career-high 26 on Wednesday. He bounced back from a tough game the night before (though he did have 7 assists) and led a Dwayne Wade-less Heat team to victory. Luke can learn a lot from the Babyfaced Killer's career so far. Play hard for four years at ND, learn a lot, and find a niche for yourself at the next level. Kudos to CQ, one of my favorite Irish players, for making himself a success professionally.

Undrafted Irish Breaking into the Pro Ranks

Big congratulations are in order for Chris Quinn. Former Irish point guard and all-around good guy, CQ has taken advantage of extended playing time the last two days and lead the Miami Heat to their first win streak of the season. Averaging 12.5 points and 3.5 assists with no turnovers the last two games, Chris has been on fire shooting and always looks to distribute. The unselfish understudy of more heralded Chris Thomas for three years, Quinn took control of the Notre Dame offense but suffered a string of tough losses his senior year. He certainly deserved to be drafted and is making the Heat look great with their decision to hold onto him since his signing as an undrafted free agent. Here's to you holding down a steady job in the NBA and making some big guaranteed money for the next several years, Chris.

Also, Darius Walker saw his first action with the Houston Texans over the weekend. Projected as a possible first day pick, Walker left a year early and went undrafted. The running back was the first undrafted free agent to be signed, but was cut by the Texans during training camp. He eventually landed on Houston's practice squad and worked his way up after injuries to the top backs. He only gained 46 yards on 16 carries against Tampa Bay, but coach Gary Kubiak said he likes the improvement Darius has made this year. With Walker, Green Bay's Ryan Grant, and Dallas' Julius Jones, the last three Notre Dame starting running backs have spent time as their respective teams' feature backs this year. New nickname for Notre Dame: Runningback U.

Thanks to Chris and Darius for their contributions to the University while they attended. Both are top of the line athletes and even better people. Notre Dame is blessed to have such great gentlemen playing at the next level.