Is Harangody best as a 6th man?

Maybe we should start calling Notre Dame Omega Prime.

Their transformation from college basketball's version of a sports car to a slow, lumbering machine has been nothing short of incredible.

For years, the Irish under Mike Brey were known as a team that wanted to outscore you. They wanted to run the floor, jack up some threes, and get the game into the 80's. Its exactly what this team was until mid-February. Defense took a back seat to controlling -- pushing -- the tempo. The shell drill wasn't as important as working on spacing the floor in transition.

"The offensive tempo. That's the biggest change we've made," said Notre Dame coach Mike Brey.

"It was something we had to do to survive."

Survive has turned into thrive, as the Irish have embraced this new style. Instead of outscoring teams, Notre Dame is out-executing. Instead of taking the first open shot, the Irish are working the shot clock and moving the ball, waiting for the perfect shot, even if it takes 34 seconds off the shot clock.

What surprised people about the Irish without Harangody is that they have been just as good on the offense end of the floor. True, their total scoring numbers are down, but more points scored aren't always necessarily the best indicator of how well you are playing offensively. It is the number of points you get on each trip down the floor, your offensive efficiency.

Would you believe me if I told you the Irish two most efficient offensive games playing real competition came without their all-american?

You see, Harangody is a possession ender. When he got the ball, more likely than not a shot was going up. Without Harangody on the floor, there is much better ball movement. The Irish spread the floor, make the defense move, and as a result create driving lanes and open shots. Even without Gody on the court, this team still has guys that can hit shots.

The talk about the Irish being better without Harangody is silly. No one is better missing an all-american.

But perhaps they are better with the big fella playing a different role.

Right now, Brey is bringing Gody off the bench. While that is mostly a result of Gody's conditioning, it is quite effective. The Irish can establish a tempo, a rhythm on offense if you will. When Gody comes in, he provides a spark.

Tonight was the perfect example. The Irish looked sluggish before Gody came in, but he scored a quick 10 points, helping Notre Dame erase an early 11-2 deficit and giving them some momentum.

Is it too crazy to think that he is the most valuable now as instant offense off the bench?