Notre Dame basketball: 2017-18 season preview

BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 18: Head coach Mike Brey of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish watches on against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at KeyBank Center on March 18, 2017 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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BUFFALO, NY – MARCH 18: The mascot of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in action against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at KeyBank Center on March 18, 2017 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Key Reserves

JR Rex Pflueger

While he might not drop 30 anytime soon, Pflueger is a quality 3 and D guy that has good size at 6’6. Because he can play the 1-4 spots, he’s better suited to come off the bench for Brey to use him in the best way for the team.

SR Torres Austin

The 6’7 230 pound forward was granted another year of eligibility for this season. He’s considered more of an energy player who can play solid defense on the wing.

SO John Mooney

A former four-star prospect, Mooney didn’t play much, only participating in 12 contests. With a top recruiting class coming in, he may be a transfer candidate if he’s not able to get on the floor this year.

JR Elijah Burns

Another forward who lacked playing time last year, his size at 6’8, 230 pounds may make him a backup at the five-spot.

One weakness that this roster has is the lack of true perimeter players. Farrell played nearly 35 minutes last year and will have to do this same this year. While Gibbs and even Pflueger could play point if something happens, the thinness at the guard position has to be a concern for Brey.

The other problem is who will be the third scorer after Farrell and Colson? No one else who returned averaged more than five, putting even more on the plates for the senior duo.

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