It is going to be here before you know it. The college basketball season is right around the corner and Phenom Hoops wants to take their shot at previewing teams around the country for this upcoming season. All throughout the upcoming weeks, we will be previewing teams for this upcoming season, so be sure to check out all the latest talk.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
2020-21 Season:
Record: 11-15 (7-11)
Points per game: 72.7
Rebounds per game: 33.4
Assists per game: 14.9
Points allowed: 74.3
Top Performers 2020-21:
Points per game: Prentiss Hubb (14.6)
Rebounds per game: Nate Laszewski (7.3)
Assists per game: Prentiss Hubb (5.8)
Field goal percentage: Juwan Durham (60.2)
A ton of guard firepower
Notre Dame is going to be a very intriguing team to watch; they have the talent and firepower that could make them a serious contender towards the top half of the conference and it will be because of the firepower they have at the guard position. Prentiss Hubb returns after leading the charge and having a fantastic season in which he averaged 14.6 points and 5.8 assists per game. But he won't be alone with Dane Goodwin also returning as well (11.8ppg). But the list doesn't stop there… Trey Wertz had a terrific first season at Notre Dame and looks to showcase more of his outside shooting, while Cormac Ryan, a 6'5 prospect, also comes back. The Irish has the firepower in their backcourt to make a ton of noise and they will be required to step up in a big way if they want to make a run in the ACC.
What can Nate Laszewski provide'
I've been a big fan of Laszewski and this young man has racked up a ton of experience but it really wasn't until last season in which he broke out and showcased his full potential as a 6'10 forward that can stretch the floor. After a season in which he averaged 13.3 points and 7.3 rebounds while shooting nearly 59 percent from the floor and 43 percent from three, will he be able to elevate those numbers even more' He is a matchup nightmare for teams and Notre Dame will be reliant on him to be a big leader for this team. With another big year, he could be sneaking up on a few NBA draft boards as well.
What does Paul Atkinson bring to this program'
Irish fans have to be excited about the addition of Atkinson, who was the Ivy League's Co-Player of the year in 2019-20 after posting averages of 17.6 points 7.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. Now, the 6'10 big man heads to the ACC and brings a serious presence down low. Though he might not reach those numbers that he did at Yale, he still is a skilled big man and can be a huge physical presence down low that will not only help offensively but also on the boards, especially with the loss of Juwan Durham.
Key Stat to Watch:
It has to be on the defensive end, as the Irish allowed opponents to score nearly 74 points per game which ranked 14th in the ACC last year. They will have the firepower offensively to put up some points but they will need to make strides on the defensive end if they want to make a run in the ACC this year.