But "Abro" is hardly limited to just sweet stroking from distance. This is a well-rounded player who can take it to the rack, get to the line, rebound with effect and hold his own as a defender.

Thus, to this reporter, Abromaitis should pursue every avenue available to him to try to keep the good times coming in South Bend. That means the 22-year-old who hails from Unionville, Connecticut owes it to himself to do everything possible to see if he can extract from the powers-that-be at the NCAA one more season of eligibility. Abromaitis should plead the fifth so that he may obtain a sixth. Year that is!

The 2011-12 campaign was supposed to be a fitting capper to Abromaitis's admirable career. A legitimate All-Big East candidate and a Domer co-captain, Abromaitis figured to be the glue that would hold a rather youthful and inexperienced team together. There was no denying that Abromaitis was the centerpiece on which ND would rely. He was the puzzle piece the Irish just couldn't do without.

But things began unraveling for the fifth-year senior right from the get-go. First, he was forced to serve a four-game suspension at the outset of the season. This was the result of a misinterpretation of an eligibility rule when he appeared in two exhibition contests before redshirting his sophomore season.

Alas, that was a mere bump in the road compared to what happened next. During a fateful practice on Nov. 25th, Abromaitis planted and then tore an ACL in his right knee. Two things probably died at that precise moment. For sure, Abromaitis's season was done and, most likely, so were ND's hopes for being a factor in the Big East Conference. It's hard to envision the Irish, deprived of their linchpin, doing anything of substance in the upcoming months. Making a run at an NCAA Tournament berth now seems a farce. To be frank, it will be damn near impossible.

Abromaitis underwent reconstructive knee surgery on December 2nd and all indications are it went well. Which brings us to the question, where does "Abro" go from here?

Some are saying that Abromaitis, armed with a degree in finance and an MBA in business, should move on. Even his coach Mike Brey inferred that there might not be anything to be gained if Abromaitis sticks around, at least, not from an academic perspective.

Most observers make it a long shot as to the likelihood that Abromaitis will ever again don an Irish uniform. Aside from the academic considerations, they point to the fact that there's no guarantee that "Abro" would be granted another year in college by those whose duty it is to render such judgments. Abromaitis's case veers into some gray area that might leave it open to interpretation. He could very well get turned down if he attempts to stay aboard.

Yes, the odds might be against it but if Abromaitis still has the hunger to finish out his Irish career on an uplifting note, he should explore every option open to him.

Moreover, "Abro" is on record as indicating he'll look into seeking a sixth year sometime in the near future. If that's the case, then it should be left to him to decide without having to deal with any unnecessary outside interference. Uninformed voices should not dissuade Abromaitis from doing what's in his heart. In this regard, he should keep his own counsel.

And despite the arguments the naysayers may advance, there are some very compelling reasons to seek an extension of his tenure at ND. Going for it, would hardly be a sin.

First and foremost, if Abromaitis is interested in furthering his basketball cred, returning to the Irish fold would serve him well. Coming off major knee surgery, few pro teams, be they of the NBA or European variety, are going to invest in someone they might consider to be a risky commodity.

If Abromaitis is permitted to remain at college, he could prove his knee to be sound and immeasurably strengthen his stock. By having a big year at the Golden Dome, few questions would remain about his health, heart or talent.

By staying on, Abromaitis would also be doing the Irish a huge favor, which should be no small consideration. Coupled with the foolhardy early departure of Carleton Scott, the probable career-ending eye injury to Eric Katenda and ND's conspicuous lack of experience, Abromaitis's absence almost certainly dooms this season to be a trying, if not altogether, painful one. Many pundits are already writing the Irish off and claiming they won't even be NIT worthy.

But with a year's seasoning and toughening up, players such as intriguing guard Eric Atkins, the surging Jerian Grant, freshman hustler Pat Connaughton, versatile Alex Dragicevich and improving big man Jack Cooley might be able to position the Irish for a quick turnaround. Now, you throw in a healthy and committed Abromaitis into that mix and, suddenly, the Irish take a quantum leap forward. Overnight, they return to becoming a real factor in the Big East. Getting the Irish back to a place of prominence might very well appeal to Abromaitis's sense of loyalty. In the above role, he could literally be a lifesaver for the program.

As to the academic equation, this writer doesn't buy the contention that Abromaitis would be wasting his time lingering for a couple more semesters as a Domer. What, are there no classes or fields of study that would challenge or stimulate Abromaitis? Really, has he already absorbed everything there is to learn in his five years on campus? This whole line of reasoning is absurd on its face. "Abro" is a sharp and studious young man and there's no way he wouldn't find something to satisfy his academic thirsts should he truly seek them out.

It would be presumptuous for anyone outside his family or close circle of friends to guess what Abromaitis is thinking or which way he might be leaning. Perhaps he will ultimately conclude that his time in South Bend has run its course. After all, that sheepskin and MBA from ND will provide a nice entree into the business world and job offers should be plentiful. If playing pro hoops is on his mind, his achievements as an Irish standout should get him a look though questions about his knee will be asked.

But Abromaitis doesn't have to vacate the college landscape if that's not his wish. At least, he doesn't have to depart without a fight.

There are many of us, based on his skill with a roundball and his undeniable class as a person, that would love to see him petition the NCAA for one more go around. If he wants it, then he should use every tool at his disposal to get it.

Something tells this writer that there's lots of magic left in the Irish-Abromaitis connection if all parties are on board and desire it to continue. Suffice it to say, it would be a great sight to see this gifted student-athlete returning to the starting lineup when the Irish commence their 2012-13 campaign. Any Irish hoop fan would be thrilled by the prospect of another Abromaitis sighting.

Well, there's a modest chance it could happen.

No doubt, "Abro" has shown us some magic before. If he's willing, there still should be some tricks up his Irish sleeve. All he need do is say the word, "Abrocadabra."