In 2000, the Notre Dame Men’s Basketball was in a lack-luster state. Following the departure of legendary coach Digger Phelps in 1991, the Fighting Irish floundered in mediocrity for the bulk of the 1990s, posting a record of 128-139 over nine years. This was followed by an abrupt exit of 1-year coach Matt Doherty at the end of the 1999-2000 season.
Athletic Director Kevin White took a chance on hiring the little known head coach of the Delaware Blue Hens, Mike Brey. The list of accolades that have accumulated since then are practically innumerable, including several post-season appearances, three Big East Coach of the Year selections, one of the highest graduation rates in the country, and culminating in his most recent honor as the recipient of the Jim Phelan National Coach of the Year award.
Play Like a Champion Today® couldn’t be prouder to have a close relationship with such a great role model and coach. He epitomizes what it means to be a good coach, both in his ability to develop fundamental basketball ability in his players, and to make his players get the most out of basketball as they can. In a sport where only 1% of Division I athletes end up going to the pros, the goal of collegiate basketball has to be about more than just the number of wins your team strives for. Wins should be strived for, (and Brey’s 259 wins show that he accomplishes that goal regularly) but Coach Brey realizes that he is coaching people, not just athletes. He develops players to handle a full court press, and to handle challenges in their personal lives. He trains men to prepare for a zone defense and to prepare for their first job interview. If you watch him on the sideline, he stays positive, and uses encouragement to motivate. Brey knows the value of relationships in producing winning teams.
Coach Brey’s teams have a way of quietly surprising viewers with little-known recruits. His teams have a patient style of play, and win games usually without a superstar. This past season was called by many a surprise. But next year, the Irish won’t be surprising anyone: everyone is seeing that Coach Brey’s ways are a recipe for success.
