Notre Dame basketball: 2017-18 season preview

Expectations for the season

Notre Dame has one of the more top-heavy rosters in all of college basketball. While they may have the best one-two punch outside of Duke and Kentucky, the rest of the roster is unproven. Even though both Colson and Farrell had career seasons a year ago, their ceilings may have already been reached.

As far as how the roster is made up, the best five players on the team would be Colson combined with the only four perimeter players. It might be the lineup used towards the end of the games, with the best offensive players out on the court together.

It would be a big boost for the team’s prospects if any big outside of Colson can step up on offense, as it would balance out the bench without the starters having to play 35+ minutes.

Some good news for the program includes a current top five recruiting class filled with some quality guards and frontcourt players that will lead the new era for the Fighting Irish. Coach Brey seemingly has built this program to be consistent contenders for years to come.

Next: 2017-18 ACC power rankings

They’ll certainly be contenders this year too, with another top-four finish in the ACC coming thanks to the double senior leadership at hand. A suspect non-conference will hurt their seeding somewhat, but this team could be a Sweet Sixteen squad. Possibly more, if Gibbs or another player scores at a consistent level. Who knows, maybe Colson can join the conversation for Player of the Year if things go that well.