What’s the plan for Notre Dame hoops and hockey? How real is the ACC exit? Irish mailbag

Notre Dame's spring practice will conclude with the Blue-Gold Game on April 25. Head coach Marcus Freeman will lead a significantly revamped team back into spring training around Saint Patrick’s Day, amid high expectations and a roster with over one-third of new players, alongside three new assistant coaches.

Currently, Notre Dame's basketball and hockey programs are struggling. The men’s basketball team risks not qualifying for the ACC tournament, while the women’s team may miss the NCAA Tournament despite star player Hannah Hidalgo. The hockey team, under first-year head coach Brock Sheahan, sits at 1-15 in the Big Ten. This contrasts starkly with the success seen a decade ago when Notre Dame’s basketball and hockey teams achieved significant milestones. The shift from legendary coaches to less experienced ones is a major factor in the current performance issues. It remains uncertain whether Notre Dame will invest in revitalizing these programs, as football remains the primary focus of the athletic department.

Speculation about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and