Luke Harangody diary: Feeling good at 5-0

We're off to a 5-0 start (after Tuesday's 80-62 win over Kennesaw State), and in the last week, we have really learned a lot about our team. I really like how we have come out ready to play in our first four games; we've come out with a lot of intensity and have been ready to play.

We have guys in a lot of new roles this season, and everyone is adjusting to playing with each other. We have rally been unselfish and smart on the floor, and that is something that Coach (Mike) Brey has emphasized to us in practices and after games. I really like our team chemistry because all the guys are doing whatever they can to make us better each and every day. I don't think we've had a bad practice this year.

Each day we go out there and try to get a little bit better. We've had wins over North Florida, St. Francis (Pa.), Long Beach State, Liberty and Kennesaw State. Our win over Long Beach State was a really good one for us because it was very similar to a Big East game. Long Beach State was picked to win the Big West Conference; at the end of the season, this is going to end up being a very good win for us.

All of our young guys have been really stepping up. Tim Abromaitis has played particularly well in our first (five) games. After not playing at all last year as a sophomore, and very little as a freshman, he has stepped up big for us coming off the bench and has scored in double figures in each of our first (five) games. I'm really happy for Tim because he is such a great teammate.

We now head to Chicago for Thanksgiving as we continue play in the Chicago Invitational Challenge. The tournament is being held at the UIC Pavilion on Friday and Saturday. I know that tickets are still available so it would be great to see familiar faces out there cheering on us.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and Go Irish!

Luke Harangody

LUKE HARANGODY DIARY

Editor's note: Two-time Big East Preseason Player of the Year Luke Harangody, an Andrean grad and Notre Dame senior, writes an exclusive diary for The Times. Read how the Irish beat Kennesaw State on PAGE B5.