Nonconference Notes: Backcourt

With only two nonconference games to go, a few midseason comments:

Starting Guards-

Tory Jackson- The senior point guard has been very efficient handling the ball so far. Though it has come against easy competition, Jackson has averaged over five assists per game. His 4.67 assist to turnover ratio is simply obscene. Scoring has been an issue, however. His two-point shooting percentage of 40% is by far the worst on the tam. Drawing up ineffective last minute plays for him won't help that any.

Ben Hansbrough- Has struggled at times to mesh with Jackson. The most athletic shooting guard we've had in a while, his style seems to conflict a bit with Tory. Can't argue with the results on offense, however. Take away his egglaying performance against Northwestern and he's shooting 56% from three point land. Even with that 0-7 effort, he has posted career bests in three-point percentage, points per game, and assists. On defense, he has struggled along with everyone else, but certainly has more potential than K-Mac.

Off the Bench-

Jonathan Peoples- Started the first eight games and has been terrible all year. His offensive efficiency (96.6) is 13 points lower than anybody else. The fact that his stats actually indicate a marginal improvement over last year's ineptitude indicate just how awful he was under the radar last season. Has failed to score in four games despite averaging 17.5 minutes in those contests. Somehow he managed to convince Coach Brey that he was talented enough to start for a Big East team despite being one of the most unathletic guards in the country.

EDIT: Originally I had intended to hand out grades to each player. Unfortunately, that's pretty tough to do (except for Peoples). We're a top 25 team on offense and everyone has had their share of failures on D.

First Guys Off the Bench

On to two of the players who played solid minutes in the rotation last season.

Jonathan Peoples-

The backup point guard is a junior this season. With Jackson and McAlarney playing side by side for the second straight year, Peoples will have very similar numbers as last season. In 07-08, he played 11.5 minutes a game, averaging 3.3 points and an assist per contest.

Luke Zeller-

Coach Brey may play around with the lineup a bit in the early going, so don't be surprised to see Zeller starting at some point during the year. For now, I'll keep him as a substitute. He should get an increase in minutes and will need to take over some of Rob Kurz's vacated role. Last year, he averaged 11.8 minutes, 4.5 points, and 2.2 rebounds a game. That 38% number from beyond the arc should be increased a bit. I'd like to see him be a solid 40% guy from three point game.

Off the Bench

#41 Tim Andree- 6-8 / 210, Colts Neck, NJ-

Andree enters his second season as a walkon. Last year he played in five games, making one of the two shots he attempted. Dad Tim played under Digger Phelps from '79-83. Was born in Tokyo, Japan.

#20 Jonathan Peoples- 6-3 / 215, Bellwood, IL-

Peoples was a steady hand off the bench last year for the Irish and should serve the same role this year. With McAlarney out during the Big East schedule, Peoples gave Coach Brey some quality minutes when Tory Jackson needed a breather. A three-star recruit, Notre Dame beat out Northwestern to land him two years ago.

Jonathan played in 26 contests last season, averaging 6.4 minutes a game. He should get about the same amount of action, since both K-Mac and Tory can play the point. While Peoples can play shooting guard, Coach Brey is more likely to have Ryan Ayers or others fill in when either McAlarney or Jackson is on the bench.

#40 Luke Zeller- 6-10 / 239, Washington, IN-

Luke entered the program as a heavily recruited prep star. Indiana Mr. Basketball and McDonald's All-American, Zeller was a four-star recruit out of high school. He also received scholarship offers from Stanford, Kansas, Illinois, and Missouri. Needless to say, there were some high expectations for Mr. Zeller. Entering his junior season, Luke has yet to add a effective inside game with his strong outside shooting.

Last year, he started the first 16 games and played in all 32, averaging 3.8 points and 2.2 rebounds in 12.4 minutes a game. He will be the main substitute for Luke Harangody and Rob Kurz down low. If this year's version of Zeller (an inch shorter and somewhat more agile) can contribute steady minutes off the bench, the Irish will be ok. With two very good starters, all we need from Luke is a guy off the bench who can get rebounds and still threaten the defense inside. He has the talent, now is the time to become a legit Big East forward.

Tomorrow I will focus a little more on our key players, starting with 6th man Zach Hillesland.