Gonzaga is entering the marquee portion of its attractive nonconference men’s basketball schedule. First up: Notre Dame, a 27-win team last season – one of those ‘W’s’ came against Gonzaga – that is dealing with the loss of standout forward Tim Abromaitis to a torn ACL last week. The Fighting Irish (5-2) open GU’s arduous stretch of games that includes Illinois, Michigan State, Arizona, Butler and Xavier before the arrival of 2012. Tip-off is at 8:20 at the McCarthey Athletic Center. “That’s why everybody comes here, to play in those big games,” junior forward Elias Harris said/Jim Meehan, SR. More here. (AP file photo: Notre Dame coach Mike Brey)

Question: How will Gonzaga do against marquee teams in preseason?

Item: Notre Dame president catches heat for Obama invite/AP

More Info: The Rev. John Jenkins … is getting plenty of criticism from Catholic leaders, students and alumni because of the university’s decision to invite President Barack Obama to deliver its commencement address and receive an honorary degree Sunday. Opponents of the invitation, including at least 70 bishops, say Obama’s support for abortion rights and embryonic stem-cell research contradicts church teachings and that Jenkins has created a breach with the church.

Question: I’d like to hear from local Catholics on this one. Do you agree with Rev. Jenkins decision to invite President Barack Obama to deliver Notre Dame’s commencement address? Sunday.