ESPN.com Preseason Power Rankings - College Basketball
22. Notre Dame
The Irish's luck appeared to expire early a year ago, when leading scorer Tim Abromaitis was rendered ineligible before the season even started. Instead Notre Dame surprised everyone, rolling to a 13-5 Big East mark. It's that experience that has people excited about the Irish again this year; that and the return of Jack Cooley, Scott Martin, Pat Connaughton, Eric Atkins and Jerian Grant. Cooley has established himself as a Big East beast and while he may tire of the comparisons to Luke Harangody, they are deserved and are high praise. The catch for Notre Dame is March. The Irish suffered yet another early-round bounce from the 2012 NCAA tourney, so tihs team needs March success to cement its status. -- Dana O'Neil
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