Mike Brey Notebook | 11.12

Notre Dame basketball coach Mike Brey spoke on Monday afternoon before a big week of basketball for the Irish. 

On guard TJ Gibbs:
"I know he wants a big bounce-back year. He had a tough year last year, but my God, he was babysitting all year with all our young guys. His partner, Rex (Pflueger), wasn't there and that's really helped him. Our young guys aren't the children they were last year. 

"I like that he's taking his jump shot and he's not turning it down. When Rex is on the court with him, Rex finds him and is a great get to the paint guy and find him. He needs to keep doing that.

"His defense has been excellent and his assist/turnover is good. He takes care of the ball."

On point guard Prentiss Hubb:
"Is there a guard playing better than Prentiss? Well, I guess the guard at North Carolina is playing better. If that guy doesn't go crazy and we tip our cap to him, but the story would have probably been Prentiss Hubb. 

"I'm not surprised. He gave us some good stuff last year and we threw him to the wolves. Now, he's really the quarterback. He feels he's the voice. When you have Rex and TJ endorsing you, I think that really helps." 

On Hubb's better shooting:
"I think he's stronger and healthier. He was able to get a little stronger and improve his body. I think he's lower body feels better. It's been two years since the ACL and it's not even an issue anymore. 

"Being confident and feeling like he belongs, instead of something new every day." 

On Hubb's footwork:
"Coach Ayers has done a lot with his feet and calming him down. One of our phrases is having calm feet when you catch it. Some guys get dancing with it and want to drive. I think his feet have been calmer. It's just a mental thing when you feel good from out there. 

"He feels good and he's not turning stuff down."

On excitement of where the team is at:
"I think we're really joined at the hip defensively. We're invested there. We talk about as a group wanting to guard. We've been good with the ball. We just haven't really made a shot until the other day.

"Moving it, sharing it and juice coming off the bench, we're pleased with playing well in our building. Hopefully, it's something to build on. I love the fact we have a lot of games coming at us." 

On what he wants to see on Tuesday night:
"I'd love to see us continue to play the right way. We're talking on defense. We're unselfish defensively. We rotate and help my partner, come over and take a charge. I like how we're throwing the ball down the court and getting into it. We want to play fast. 

"We'd rather not play against as many set defenses and walk it up. I'd like to see us continue those habits in our building."