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Message: [QUOTE="JoePgh, post: 4052491, member: 1131"] Actually, Geno commented on that specific subject at one time, back in the early 2000's when he last had a really deep team. I don't remember the exact source, but I remember the quote. He said that having a larger number of high-quality bench players is desirable from a defensive standpoint, since it helps to avoid both foul trouble and exhaustion in late game situations. But, he said, it is unhelpful in offensive execution, since having to integrate a larger number of players into the rotation lessens the opportunity for players to develop on-court chemistry and synchronicity with each other. Sounds reasonable to me. Having said that, the 2001 team lost in the National Semifinals despite its incredible depth, because Shea and Sveta were injured and the other players, although very good (the same people who went undefeated and won an NC the next year), were not able to stop Notre Dame from overcoming a 15-point deficit and winning the game by 15 points. [/QUOTE]