First-team All-Big East selection Jack Cooley, a forward who was named Notre Dame's Most Valuable
Player this year, is the only starter that will not return for the Irish next season.
photo by joe raymond
"We always love drama here at Notre Dame," head coach Mike Brey said. "Now he can focus on his
pursuit of a professional career.
"The main goal right now is to get some workouts with some NBA teams and then go to the combine.
After that, work hard until the draft."
Junior walk-on Patrick Crowley was honored with the Rockne Student-Athlete Award, while senior
Tom Knight, a forward with a year of eligibility remaining, was named Most Improved Player. In addition,
sophomore guard Pat Connaughton was honored with the Defensive Player of the Year award, junior
guard Jerian Grant was recognized with the Outstanding Playmaker award and junior point guard Eric
Atkins was the winner of the Captain's Award.
Cooley, sixth-year swingman Scott Martin, forward Mike Broghammer and guard Joey Brooks all delivered senior speeches, some more emotional than others. Martin, who missed the last half of the year
with a knee injury, was the shortest, summing up his long and malady-riddled career in just over three
minutes. There were a number of people he wanted to thank, but first …
"You all owe me a thank you," he said. "I had to room with Ben Hansbrough for two years. I don't know
if you know Ben, but he's nuts."
— Wes Morgan
