Hale's rebuilding challenge more difficult after Willen injury

Notre Dame's new coach, Paul Hale, knew he was in for a challenge when he took over the Bulldogs program last spring.

Hale's challenge became even greater when last year's leading scorer, Bryce Willen, injured his knee in the soccer district title game, effectively ending his Notre Dame basketball career.

Without a proven scorer and coming off one of the worst seasons in the program's history, Notre Dame could be in for another long year.

"We lost a big part of everything we do with Bryce," Hale said.

Willen averaged 18.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game last season. He was held to single digits in scoring only once.

The Bulldogs will be a guard-oriented squad, with little returning size from last season. Senior guards John Eric Klein and Jeremy Brinkmeyer were two of Notre Dame's top outside shooters last season. Alex Ressel, a 6-foot-3 junior, will play the post for Notre Dame.

"I'm not sure how much scoring we've got," Hale said. "There's not a lot of proven scorers there."

Mark Unterreiner also is a returning starter at guard. Juniors Frankie Ellis and Kirk Boeller and sophomore Abe Dirnberger saw varsity time at guard last season. Steven Eeftink, a 6-0 senior forward, also returns.

Hale said without Willen, the Bulldogs will simply have to rethink their approach while facing a tough schedule.

"We're basically starting from scratch," he said. "As long as they keep a good attitude and try to compete. Don't give up."

With plenty of tradition, Notre Dame's players are not going to simply throw in the towel before the season begins. Notre Dame has not had back-to-back losing seasons since 1997 and 1998, and over the past 40 years the Bulldogs have only finished with single-digits in wins four times.

"I'm not giving up on this year," Hale said.

Notre Dame opens the season Monday against St. Vincent.