To return to the NCAA tournament, a team needs contributions from both returning players and incoming recruits. Here's a look at Notre Dame and its chances of dancing again in 2016.
Quick references:
Possible 2015-16 starting five
F: V.J. Beachem
F: Zach Auguste
Who is lost: The Irish will lose the heart and soul of their team in Jerian Grant and Pat Connaughton. Grant has turned in a remarkable senior season as he will leave the team leading the Irish in assists per game and free throws made and attempted. More than numbers, Grant has been a crunch-time performer and leader for coach Mike Brey. Connaughton gave Brey a lights-out deep shooting threat and was a highly productive rebounder at 6-foot-5. Grant and Connaughton both had outstanding senior seasons and careers as both have improved under Brey's tutelage.
Who is added: We know that Notre Dame wins games with skilled players who possess a strong basketball IQ with a bit of toughness. Brey continues to bring in that type of prospect. Three new players will join the Irish, led by ESPN 100 Rex Pflueger (No. 96), who can swing between a shooting guard and small forward as he brings perimeter versatility with his scoring and shooting talent. He came from a winning program at Mater Dei High School (California) and will be ready to contribute immediately. Shooting guard Matt Ryan is a high-level shot-maker with NBA range and very little wasted motion in his game. Power forward Elijah Burns will give the Irish a combination of a strong body on the defensive end and a willing rebounder who can pass and score some with a knowledge of how to process the game while competing. More skill, finesse and shot-making are headed to South Bend, Indiana.
What it means for next season: The Irish still return a lot of offensive firepower from a team that shot a high percentage from the floor. Jackson, Auguste and Vasturia will be ready to assume their new roles as leaders by way of numbers and by example. Beachem and Colson will make a strong push for a starting position as they provided their team with valuable minutes and production this season. This team will continue to score points with fluidity but maybe not at the same rate it did this season. The Irish will still be a dangerous offensive team.
Trending: Up: There has been a steady flow of talent pouring into this program while Brey and his staff develop the talent to fit the system. When you combine the veterans and the fresh faces along with a winning culture that’s been in place and recruited to fit the style of play, we can expect continued success for the Irish.