Get ready for an exciting basketball showdown as we delve into the highly anticipated Notre Dame basketball exhibition opener against Butler! This match-up is a blast from the past, harkening back to a time when these two Indiana powerhouses faced off annually, sometimes even twice a year, for decades. But here's where it gets interesting: it's been over two decades since they last squared off at Hinkle Fieldhouse, and this Friday, they're rekindling that rivalry.
Notre Dame, now a proud member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, is making the journey down U.S. 31, a two-and-a-half-hour trip, to take on Butler at their iconic Hinkle Fieldhouse. It's a homecoming of sorts for Notre Dame head coach Micah Shrewsberry, who spent four seasons as an assistant at Butler under former coach Brad Stevens. This exhibition marks a significant moment in the history of these two programs.
The last time these teams met at Hinkle was in 1995, a year that marked the end of an era for Notre Dame basketball as they prepared to join the Big East. Fast forward to today, and both teams have found new homes in the basketball world, with Butler now also a member of the Big East. The all-time series record favors Notre Dame, with a 72-31 lead, including a 29-20 advantage at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
For basketball enthusiasts, this game offers a unique blend of history and anticipation. It's a chance to witness the talents of the next generation of players, like Notre Dame's highly touted freshman wing, Jalen Haralson, and Butler's freakishly athletic freshman forward, Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor. Haralson, a five-star prospect and the first McDonald's All-American to sign with Notre Dame under Shrewsberry, is expected to make an immediate impact and could potentially follow in the footsteps of Blake Wesley, becoming the program's second one-and-done player.
On the other side, Oliogu-Elabor's highlight reel has left Butler head coach Thad Matta in awe. With eleven new players on the Bulldogs' roster, including Oliogu-Elabor, this game promises to be a showcase of fresh talent and strategic adjustments.
As for the game details, mark your calendars for Friday, October 17th, at 7 p.m. The game will be held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with tickets available. While there won't be a TV broadcast, you can tune in to 960 WSBT-AM in South Bend for radio coverage, or stream the game on SiriusXM's ACC Radio and channels 955 and 956. Unfortunately, there won't be a livestream available.
This exhibition is just the beginning of an exciting season for Notre Dame basketball. Keep an eye out for their upcoming games, including their next exhibition against DePaul on October 24th. With a challenging schedule ahead, including matchups against Kansas, Rutgers, and Stanford, the Irish are poised to make a statement in the ACC.
And this is the part most people miss: the impact of athletic director Pete Bevacqua, who is bullish about the future of Notre Dame basketball. With his support and the talent on the court, this team is poised for success. So, will Notre Dame live up to the expectations set by their athletic director? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: this season is shaping up to be a thrilling ride for Notre Dame basketball fans.
So, basketball fans, are you ready to cheer on your favorite team? Will Notre Dame continue their dominance in this series, or will Butler pull off an upset? Let's discuss in the comments! Who do you think will come out on top in this highly anticipated exhibition opener?
