Busting Brackets
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Notre Dame Basketball: Breaking down the 2018 recruiting class

By Lukas Harkins

SOUTH BEND, IN - JANUARY 16: Notre Dame Fighting Irish fans get ready before a game against the Louisville Cardinals at Purcell Pavilion on January 16, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - JANUARY 16: Notre Dame Fighting Irish fans get ready before a game against the Louisville Cardinals at Purcell Pavilion on January 16, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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DURHAM, NC – JANUARY 29: Head coach Mike Brey of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC – JANUARY 29: Head coach Mike Brey of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

PF Chris Doherty – Marlborough, MA

Although Chris Doherty is the only player in this recruiting class ranked outside of the top-100 nationally, that doesn’t mean that he cannot be an impact player. Ranked at No. 317 overall, Doherty is a well-balanced forward who can be useful in a variety of situations. Despite standing at just 6-foot-7 as a power forward, Doherty is an outstanding rebounder. He does an excellent job using his body to create space and then is a solid athlete that can rise up for boards. He might not be a “glass cleaner” per say but he understands the importance of boxing out and is a fundamentally sound rebounder.

According to Notre Dame’s website, head coach Mike Brey had this to say about Doherty:

"“Chris is your blue-collar workman-like banger. A very physical front-line guy. He has a nose for the ball, is an excellent rebounder and plays with a great edge and a great energy that is contagious to those that play with him.”"

In addition,  Doherty is a capable defender who can guard positions 2-through-4, if necessary. He functions well within a team defense dynamic and also can hold his own when isolated. He brings an incredible amount of energy to both ends of the floor and is never going to someone who takes a possession or two off.

While playing for Marlborough High School this past season, Doherty had an awesome season. He posted averages of 19.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, 4.5 blocks and 3.1 assists per game. From a Notre Dame perspective, you may recognize this high school as well. This is because it is the same one that former UND big man Zach Auguste went to.

In regards to playing time right away, Coach Brey has hinted at the potential for a redshirt but nothing is set in stone (247Sports):

"“We talked to him about the possibility of red-shirting on the front end of the recruiting process. He may talk us out of a red-shirt because he’s an animal. He’s a man. He’s physical as hell and he’s been very productive in our two practices. He’ll compete for minutes; I just don’t know if there are enough to go around on our frontline.”"

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