Blue and Gold Illustrated

January 2019

Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football

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www.BLUEANDGOLD.com JANUARY 2019 51 BY COREY BODDEN A lthough it was a move that re- ceived little attention over the summer, the Milwaukee Bucks' sign- ing of former Fighting Irish guard Pat Connaughton to a two-year deal is paying off well during the early stages of the 2018-19 campaign. Through Milwaukee's first 25 games, Connaughton had played in 22 — including 21 straight — in a reserve guard role for a Bucks team that stood second in the Eastern Con- ference with a 17-8 record. Connaughton played four minutes in the Bucks' first four games of the year, with all of that time coming in a win over the Indiana Pacers. That didn't deter the now fourth-year pro, however. The former Notre Dame star carved out a role for himself after receiving three dreaded DNPs (did not participate), and was averaging career highs in scoring (6.5 points per game), rebounding (3.9) and minutes played (18.7). "Pat's been huge," Milwaukee starting wing Khris Middleton told The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "He just knows how to play — he's a smart player, athletic. He's been do- ing a great job coming in, knocking down shots and making big-time plays on the defensive end also. "He's been a huge lift off our bench, especially when we're strug- gling." Connaughton has drawn praise due to his hustle and timely cuts, which have produced multiple high- light dunks. He also was tied for third on the team with 13 blocks dur- ing the first 25 contests. "For me, it's about making the winning plays, making the right plays, making the basketball plays and being aggressive whether it's on defense or offense," Connaughton told The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Milwaukee's star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo receives a ton of at- tention each night due to his athleti- cism, length and skill. The so-called "Greek Freak" was averaging 26.5 points per contest through Dec. 9. When teams do more to neutralize his impact, Antetokounmpo knows where he can go with the ball. "He tells me whenever I drive the ball everybody's looking at me, so he's going to cut," Antetokounmpo told The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "But before he does it he always tells me, so when I drive the ball down I always know I'm going to have an outlet and it's going to be Pat. "He's doing a great job of spacing the floor and being in the right place at the right moment." About two-thirds of the season still remains, but so far Connaughton is making the most of his opportunity with the ascending Bucks. NBA PLAYER UPDATES As of Dec. 9 • Pat Connaughton (Played at Notre Dame from 2011-15), G, Milwaukee Bucks: Saw action in 22 of the Buck's first 25 contests off the bench … Was averaging 6.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 0.6 blocks per game, while shooting 42.4 percent from the field and 29.3 percent from three-point range. • Jerian Grant (2011-15), G, Orlando Magic: Played in each of the team's first 26 games as a re- serve point guard … Was averaging 4.3 points, 3.4 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game, while shooting 38.0 percent from the floor and 35.8 percent from three-point range. NHL PLAYER UPDATES As of Dec. 9 • Anders Bjork (Played at Notre Dame from 2014-17), F, Boston Bruins: Has three points in 20 games played … Has notched one goal and two as- sists during his time on the ice. • Ian Cole (2007-10), D, Colorado Avalanche: Recorded nine points in 30 games … Had eight as- sists and one goal. • Vinnie Hinostroza (2013-15), C, Arizona Coy- otes: Tied for fourth on the team in points with 12 after notching four goals and eight assists in 27 games played. • Stephen Johns (2010-14), D, Dallas Stars: Has not played this season due to a head injury … There was still no timetable for a return to the ice. • Anders Lee (2010-13), F, New York Islanders: Tied for second on the team in points with 22 be- hind a team-leading 11 goals through 28 contests … Also tallied 11 assists. • Kyle Palmieri (2009-10) F, New Jersey Devils: Was second on his team in points with 26 to- tal, while leading the Devils with 16 goals … Also notched 10 assists during his 28 games played. • Cal Petersen (2014-17), G, Los Angeles Kings: Was called up Nov. 12 due to injuries … In his first nine games played (eight starts), he recorded a 2.41 goals against average and a .929 save percent- age, which was best on the team. • Bryan Rust (2010-14), F, Pittsburgh Penguins: Connected on one goal and six assists in his open- ing 28 games of action. • Riley Sheahan (2009-12), F, Pittsburgh Pen- guins: Recorded four goals and one assist in his first 27 contests this season. ✦ IRISH IN THE PROS James Onwualu Signed By 49ers On Nov. 19, former Notre Dame linebacker James Onwualu was signed to the San Francisco 49ers practice squad after spending much of the year as a free agent. He was reunited there with former Irish stars in offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey and defensive tackle Sheldon Day. Onwualu didn't have to wait long to see action. The 49ers signed him to the active roster Nov. 27 to play in the team's Dec. 2 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks, and he saw 16 special teams snaps in the 43-16 loss. The following week, he logged 15 special teams snaps and posted a tackle with a forced fumble on a kickoff return in the 20-14 victory over the Broncos. Pat Connaughton Is Thriving In Milwaukee Through 25 games, Connaughton had seen action in 22 and was averaging career highs in scoring (6.5 points per game), rebounding (3.9) and min- utes played (18.7). PHOTO COURTESY MILWAUKEE BUCKS

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