The energetic Notre Dame basketball team has gotten my attention. They've opened my eyes. They've surprised the hell out of me.

But as of now, I'm not buying into their legitimacy. There's still a mighty long road to traverse in the form of a testing Big East schedule. Do something impressive with that challenge and maybe I'll start buying into ND's viability.

Maybe then I'll take the quantum leap from skeptic to believer. From doubter to convert.

But as of this moment, the Irish haven't won me over. They've teased me with their potential, intrigued me with their remarkable balance, fascinated me with their infusion of youth and earned my grudging admiration with their flat out hustle.

And as far as the team concept is concerned, they've embraced it as if it were a hug from Beyonce.

Yet, I still question their core. I wonder aloud about their toughness and resolve. To me, their early season success is not much more than lip gloss and window dressing.

Their true essence will soon be revealed. The upcoming Conference battles will see to that. What lays straight ahead will be the real measure of their make-up. It will expose their character for better or worse. We'll find out in short order if this edition of the Irish is more inclined to fight or retreat.

But why be so jaded and negative you may ask?

After all, hasn't Mike Brey's squad notched impressive victories over ranked opponents Maryland and Alabama?

Haven't they ripped off a 10-game winning streak in route to a sparkling 11 and 1 record.

And what about their proclivity to score like nobody's business. Already, the prolific Irish have exceeded the 90-point mark on seven occasions. They've been shooting the lights out. They've been finding the hole with the same panache as Tiger Woods.

So why not get aboard the bandwagon? Why reserve judgment?

Simply because we've been down this road before and its been a road well traveled. Over the previous three seasons, we were duped into thinking that the Domers were for real only to discover they were fool's gold. Just when it appeared they were on the brink of a breakout, they broke down instead. They've been pretenders not to mention heartbreakers.

Three years of disappointment, underachievement and late-season fades have wised me up. To be brutally frank, I'm not willing to believe in a Mike Brey coached team. At least not yet. There's just been too much bad history as of late. Too many painful memories.

The Irish are like a spouse that's been unfaithful. It's going to take a heck of a lot to regain the trust factor. ND must prove themselves when it matters most to recapture what they need and crave the most, namely national respect.

Can they do it? Who knows? Most any Irish fan would be gun-shy about getting his or her hopes up after three consecutive trips to the NIT. That's an embarrassing and inexcusable run. With that kind of record, Brey's head should be on the chopping block.

But even this sometimes callous, often cynical writer must confess that this version of the Irish is captivating in many ways. I'm resisting their appeal with all my might but I feel as if they're drawing me in.

Suffice to say, they do have a lot to offer.

Leading scorer Russell Carter (17.4 PPG) is a dynamic and electric player who can jack up a crowd whether he's taking it to the rack or firing from downtown.

Junior forward Rob Kurz has been an absolute revelation as both a scorer (15.9) and on the boards (8.8 RPG). He battles and competes as if he were "Braveheart."

Sharpshooter Colin Falls remains a dangerous weapon from the outside. When he's on, Falls has a stroke that's pure.

Confident point guard Kyle McAlarney has assumed a leadership role on the court that belies his sophomore status. With his shooting sharpening and given his passing and ball handling skills, McAlarney could become a star.

And how about the freshman factor. Coming off the bench, the physical Luke Harangody has been a legitimate stud. Notably, he's averaging in double figures (12.4) and ranks second in rebounds (6.0). Harangody has been money from the start.

The other fine frosh is the colorful Tory Jackson.   Exciting, quick and active, Jackson is capable of being a threat at both ends of the court. He can penetrate as well as defend (21 steals). Self-assured and a bit brash, Jackson plays with an attitude that indicates he's going places.

Put them all together and you have the makings of a club that's a delight to watch. A team with real promise that could be a handful for almost anyone to contain. A team that might stun the prognosticators who predicted that the Domers would be nothing more than run-of-the-mill or mediocre.

Because thus far, ND is playing like a fast rising stock. They've been a hot commodity. The question is will they stand the test of time? Or will they go el-foldo as has been their pattern as of late?

That's why I'm still holding out. Both Brey and the Irish have to show me something significant before I'll drink the Kool-Aid.

But I must admit to being tantalizing close to giving in. A few key Big East wins and it's safe to say I'll probably surrender and succumb. At that stage, the Irish will have me. I'll be a believer again!