Rarely do they get their just deserts. Too often they are overlooked and unsung. Never it seems are they given due credit. Aside from their coaches, peers and the most discerning of observers, they go underappreciated and devalued by virtually everyone else.
Even the name that's applied to them has a somewhat negative connotation. They're known as role players. But make no mistake about it, they're key. Though their worth is sometimes lost in the glare of more celebrated teammates, they're nonetheless invaluable. Their contributions can never be minimized. Like an effective adhesive, they help glue things together and keep a squad's chemistry flowing. Without them, very little could be accomplished.
Notre Dame, better than most clubs, knows the importance of these unheralded athletes. The Irish probably would be scuffling without the impact that these complimentary pieces have provided. Time after time during this splendid 21 and 6 season, the role players have stepped up and made their presence felt. They've made more than their share of clutch plays. In short, they've been heard from and then some. Coach Mike Brey must thank his lucky stars that he's fortunate enough to have such an accomplished supporting cast.
Any respectable Big East fan is well aware of ND's stalwarts and standouts.
Luke Harangody has been so consistently outstanding with his scoring and rebounding ( 21.0 pts., 10.6 boards per game ) that he's the frontrunner for league MVP honors. Guard Kyle McAlarney has turned into a true offensive force ( 16.3 average in conference play ) with his downtown bombing ( .466 from 3-point land ) and teardrop jumpers. McAlarney's backcourt mate, the sometimes electrifying Tory Jackson, is an ascending point guard who can score, pass ( 162 assists ), rebound and come up with a passel of steals ( 53 ). And let's not forget the steady and reliable Rob Kurz, who seems impervious to pressure and often saves his best for when it matters the most.
Those are the headliners, the marquee guys, the studs. And they're deserving of all the accolades that have been heaped upon them. Each has starred in his own, singular way.
But though they're the top guns for the Irish, they couldn't have soared nearly as high without the able assistance of their wingmen. Namely, three subs and a under-the-radar starter who don't know much about glory but do know how to play the game. It's interesting to speculate just where would the Irish be without them? Probably mired in the middle of the Big East pack and certainly not flirting with a conference championship.
So, who are these rather nondescript and little known cagers? Who are these complimentary ingredients that are so instrumental in helping to make the Irish go?
Even though he's 6-9, junior forward Zack Hillesland can be easily ignored when measured against the four others ( see above ) whom he starts alongside. The 233-pounder isn't really dynamic in any one area, he's just solid in a number of them. Never was this more in evidence then during last Sunday's tussle against scrappy Syracuse.
On three critical occasions when the Orangemen were closing in and threatening to catch the Irish, Hillesland stood tall. First, he made a nifty move to the hoop and scored on a reverse lay-up with the off-hand. Next, he showed his mettle at the other end with a simply sensational blocked shot that negated a sure Syracuse basket. Finally, he drove the hoop again, drew the defense to him and then whipped a perfect feed to an uncovered Harangody for a wide open jam.
Each of these plays were things of beauty and demonstrated that Hillesland possesses a high basketball IQ. It's no coincidence that since Hillesland was elevated to the starting lineup in late January, the Domers are clicking much more effectively. In addition to his surprising ball-handling skills, Hillesland brings a hustle, determination and energy that can't be discounted.
The man that Hillesland replaced in the starting lineup was swingman Ryan Ayers. Though he had his moments, Ayers was somewhat erratic when playing with the first unit. In what has proven to be one of several inspired moves by Brey, the coach elected to jumpstart Ayers by bringing him off the bench as ND's sixth man.
The results speak for themselves. Ayers has clearly taken his game to a higher level and provided the Irish with instant offense. A danger from long distance as he was versus Louisville, Ayers can also put it on the floor and attack the rim. Just ask Syracuse. Against the Orange, he gathered in a pass and then threw down a monster dunk that had the Joyce Center rocking. It was a most impressive stuff.
Moreover, Ayers can get to the line and once there, knock down his free throws. The author of more than a few big shots that have lifted the Irish, Ayers' significant contribution off the bench must continue if the Domers are to remain one of the nation's top scoring teams.
Let's face it. When ND recruited the 6-10 Luke Zeller, then Indiana's Mr. Basketball, expectations were off the charts. It was naturally assumed that Zeller would someday be a star and a centerpiece. So much for best laid plans.
No one could have foreseen that in Zeller's junior year, he would still be coming off the bench and contributing sporadically. He's struggled somewhat in the physical Big East and has had trouble finding a consistent rhythm. Nonetheless, the big fella has had his moments. He certainly hasn't been a total bust or washout.
Mainly, Zeller has made his mark by scoring from the perimeter. Not all that comfortable underneath, Zeller likes to do his damage primarily away from the hoop. Blessed with a nice touch for someone his size, Zeller has nailed some huge shots and in doing so, has provided Brey with another viable option off the pine. Whether Zeller will emerge in his senior season as a player of prominence remains to be seen, but for the time being, his periodic stroking has hardly been incidental.
Perhaps the most obscure of the contributing role players is 6-3 guard Jonathan Peoples. Because McAlarney and Jackson log some major minutes, Peoples often doesn't get much time to showcase his skills. Yet, he generally makes the most out of the opportunities he's given.
It seems that whenever he spells either one of the backcourt starters, not only does he hold his own, but the sophomore usually distinguishes himself. His stint against Syracuse was a perfect illustration of this. In just 11 minutes of action, Peoples converted all three of his shots and looked totally at ease on the floor.
Both a high percentage shooter and trustworthy with the rock, Peoples has potential written all over him. Not surprisingly, Brey is looking for ways of getting Peoples more involved including running him out there on occasion in a three-guard set alongside McAlarney and Jackson.
Though he figures to be battling for playing time until McAlarney graduates in '09, Peoples is too good not to make a notable imprint on the program sometime soon. But, for the now, he's found a nice niche as a key component of a solid and productive bench.
If Notre Dame is to entertain finishing strong in the Big East and then doing some damage during March Madness, the starters must have plenty of assistance. They can't possibly do it all on their own. In fact, it might be asserted that how ND's bench performs in the coming weeks could be the wildcard factor in determining just how the Irish will fare from here on out.
Up until now, the role players have, for the most part, done their job and played their part. When they've stepped onto the court, they've been more asset than liability. No dramatic drop-off has taken place when they've been called upon. They've done a splendid job of holding things together and earning their spurs.
In other words, because of their role players, the Irish have rolled.