Forget that Torin Francis didn’t play basketball until he was 14 years old. Using the determination and desire that has become his trademark, Francis has more than made up for missed time.

Francis joined Notre Dame in 2002, only four years after first picking up basketball. Despite starting his basketball career later than most players, Francis quickly became the inside presence that the Irish (12-9, 6-5 Big East) needed. Francis and his Notre Dame teammates visit the Carrier Dome tonight at 7.

Notre Dame might be without its key player tonight, though. Francis has been struggling with back problems since the Irish’s Feb. 7 loss against Pittsburgh. While listed as a game time decision against Syracuse, Notre Dame knows that when Francis is in the game, its chance for victory is greater.

‘He’s the key to our success,’ Notre Dame senior Torrian Jones said. ‘He has to be consistent down low. We need him. He’s a big part of the team. We’ve played the whole season with him. We love to have him in the lineup.’

If his past is any indicator, Francis will make an impact even if he is injured. His determination to succeed pushes him to test his limits.

‘Anytime he got banged up, he played through it,’ said David First, Francis’ high school coach at Tabor Academy and now an assistant at St. Bonaventure.

Francis learned at a young age the necessity of hard work. His mother, Brynell Francis, raised six children by herself. Her commitment and work ethic led Francis to work just as hard in everything he does.

‘I saw how hard my mom worked,’ Francis said. ‘Everything she taught me is the main reason I am who I am today.’

Francis has succeeded at almost everything he has attempted because of his willingness to work. While at the Tabor Academy in Marion, Mass., he was a two-year starter on the basketball team, vice-president of the senior class, sports editor of the school newspaper and a residence assistant.

Francis managed to balance his activities and still receive good grades in school. His success in multiple areas attracted many Ivy League schools to try to recruit him.

‘He didn’t need basketball to get in (to college),’ First said. ‘He’s going to do great things beyond basketball.’

For now though, Francis is focused on doing great things in basketball. He is constantly working on improving his game. His non-stop work has caught the attention of his teammates.

‘He’s an all-around player and he still has room to improve,’ Jones said. ‘He just works so hard.’

Francis is always improving and is never happy with what he has achieved in the past. His only goal is to be the best in everything he does.

‘He is competitive with everything,’ Jones said. ‘He wants to be the best. When you’re like that, it’s hard to stop you. He’s relentless. He doesn’t back down. He wants to dominate.’

The Irish are pleased with his need to take over a game. While Notre Dame has been disappointing this year, one bright spot is Francis’ progression. He has improved so much that Notre Dame’s game plan often revolves around Francis.

‘He does change the complexion of a game,’ said Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey. ‘Anytime you have a double-double guy, which is pretty much what he’s averaged consistently this year, he has an impact on the game. We want him to change the game by rebounding the basketball. That’s always the first focus for Torin Francis: try and control the backboard.’

By rebounding, Francis becomes more aggressive and gets into a rhythm. Francis said that aggressiveness is the main key to how well he plays.

Francis was not always aggressive, though. He had to work on becoming assertive on the floor. Francis began to catch people’s eyes when he began to play physical. It’s part of his continuing development.

‘He didn’t show his desire during his sophomore year,’ First said. ‘In his senior year, he wore his emotions on his sleeve. He let himself know how badly he wanted to become a good player. He’ll do what it takes to be successful.’

In order to be successful on a young Notre Dame team, Francis sometimes even needs to be a leader. Although the Irish have a proven leader in junior Chris Thomas, Francis had challenged his teammates at times.

‘I consider myself a captain too,’ Francis said. ‘As I get older, I will be more of a leader, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be a leader now.’

Francis’ confidence allows him to be a leader despite being only a sophomore. From the beginning of his Notre Dame career, he came in wanting to make his presence known.

‘He was more vocal as a freshman than most freshmen are,’ Jones said. ‘He came in with confidence knowing that he was going to contribute.’

With his confidence, work ethic and desire, Francis may ultimately end up in the NBA. It is a goal that until recently was only a dream.

‘(Making the NBA) is my main goal, but I’m not really focused on that right now,’ Francis said. ‘I’m focused heavily a successful season.’

While Francis is focused only on the present, his teammates are dreaming for him. He will not be caught thinking about the future. It is more Francis’ style to work until his dream becomes reality.

‘He has NBA talent,’ Jones said. ‘He has determination and work ethic. The sky’s the limit for Torin.’

Published on February 15, 2004 at 12:00 pm