Notre Dame basketball: 2017-18 season preview

Starters

SR Matt Farrell

There might not have been a more improved player in the country than Farrell last year. His minutes spiked from 13 to 34 minutes, and his scoring went from 2.6 to 14 ppg. Even though he’s only 175 pounds, he’s one of the toughest players on the court. Out of all the guards in the conference, he might be the one you pick for just one game.

SO TJ Gibbs

As a freshman, he averaged less than five points in 15 minutes of work. He played every game, with Brey trusting him more and more down the stretch. As the most athletic guard on the roster, his role will increase in the same way Farrell’s did the year prior.

FR DJ Harvey

Ranked No. 44 by 247 Sports, Harvey will play an immediate role as the athletic wing of the team. He averaged 17 and nine at DeMatha High School and can play the four in the small ball lineup Brey likes to use.

SR Bonzie Colson

The first team All-ACC stud averaged a double-double in conference play. Even though the team went down in the NCAA Tournament, Colson still managed to drop 27 and eight rebounds that night against WVU. The only reason he’s not in the NBA is his 6’6 height; otherwise, he’d already be gone. Normally, he’d play the five, but he’s been extending his shooting range. He made six three-pointers in his first couple of years, compared to 26 last year.

SR Martinas Geben

The senior had 23 starts last season and will need to become the new defensive anchor of the team. Colson shooting stretching the floor will allow Geben to play alongside him to benefit the defense, without sacrificing the flow of the offense.