2017 Maui Jim Maui Invitational breakdown

Notre Dame: Harvey’s development will create national champion contender

As their championship opponent, Notre Dame has a multitude of upperclassmen with experience on the biggest stage. But, sole freshman D.J. Harvey does not.

Yet.

Harvey was held to just two points to conclude his first early season tournament. However, one made field goal in three attempts is not an accurate representation of what the DeMatha High School product presents. Instead, 12 points on a neutral court serve as an accurate illustration.

“I was very impressed with D.J. Harvey,” said Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey on Monday. “He continues to give us great stuff off the bench, and only getting more confident.”

Standing at 6’6″, Harvey carries an impressive frame for a true freshman. Furthermore, he possesses a hunger to score as well as rebound the basketball.

Through his first half dozen of collegiate contests, Harvey is posting the averages of 8 points and 2.5 rebounds per game in 19 minutes. Additionally, the former ESPN 100 prospect is shooting an efficient 62.1 percent from the floor — a sign of his patience to pick the right spots in Brey’s offense.

Ultimately, with senior Matt Farrell and sophomore T.J. Gibbs, very little of the primary ball-handling responsibility is currently required from Harvey. Though, his gamesmanship and readiness off the bench will pay dividends as the collegiate newcomer becomes more experienced towards the later stages of this season.

A talented role player, like Harvey, is an ingredient for any national championship contender. After all, didn’t Wichita State have a true freshman in Fred VanVleet logging big minutes during their 2013 Final Four run?

Exactly.