Notre Dame heads into the 2015-2016 season coming off one of the more magical and impressive postseason runs in school history. The Fighting Irish ran the table at the ACC Tournament in Greensboro for the program’s first title in its new league, and came within an eyelash of upsetting undefeated Kentucky and advancing to the school’s first Final Four since 1978.
“It really gave us confidence,” said rising junior guard Demetrius Jackson of Notre Dame’s run. “It showed us that hard work does pay off. We kind of understand it now. We’ve been there. We’ve done it. It’s something we want to do again, but also take it to the next level.”
As the Fighting Irish rallied toward its memorable postseason run, then-sophomore Jackson fought his way into the starting lineup and became a key player for Mike Brey’s squad, averaging 12.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.1 rebounds per game while shooting nearly 43 percent from 3-point range.
Jackson now knows he has to help make up for the production loss that comes with the departures of perimeter phenoms Jerian Grant and Pat Connaughton. He will also take the reins exclusively at point guard with the loss of Grant, one of the ACC’s best players.[hr]
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