BIG EAST Coach of the Year: Mike Brey
11th Mar 2008
Notre Dame Men’s Basketball Coach Mike Brey was named the BIG EAST Coach of the Year for the second season in a row. He followed up his impressive 23-6 (11-5) regular season record last year with an even better 24-6 (14-4) record this season. This is the first time the Irish have recorded at least 12 wins in conference play since joining the Big East and it’s a new school record with 14 conference victories. This team was predicted to finish 9th in the Big East and \sure have exceeded expectations by finishing in a tie for second place. They have a real good shot at winning the Big East tournament this week because of their all-around play, so don’t be surprised if they do.
The Irish never have the top talent in the country but Brey is able to string everything together and develop a successful team each year. He recruits the right players who are not only talented but responsible young gentlemen which leads to great accomplishments. His knowledge of basketball and teamwork helps guide these student-athletes to bright futures in life if not in basketball. He greatly impacts each and every player he coaches through his teachings and should be the Irish coach for a long time.
Mike has been coaching Notre Dame since 2000 and has guided the Fighting Irish to a BIG East Conference championship and four (soon to be five) NCAA tournament appearances which includes a visit to the Sweet 16 in 2003. He has been coaching college basketball for 20 years at programs such as Duke and Delaware before coming to South Bend and his experience shows. No other coach in the conference could lead this team to the success that Mike Brey has been able to capture this year. Let’s hope he can bring home another Conference championship and a successful appearance in the NCAA tournament. Congratulations Mike Brey and as always, Go Irish!
