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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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 11: A Notre Dame Fighting Irish cheerleader performs. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 11: A Notre Dame Fighting Irish cheerleader performs. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

PF Nate Laszewski – Northfield, MA

Arguably the best shooting big man in the 2018 recruiting class, Nate Laszewski is an outstanding stretch forward. Standing at 6-foot-10 with a smooth shooting stroke, Laszewski is still developing as an interior threat but already possesses a versatile skill set. With his ability to stretch the floor, Laszewski should immediately receive playing time for the Fighting Irish. He is the top-rated recruit in the ND class at No. 63 overall.

Clearly, Laszewski’s biggest strength at this point in time is his 3-point shooting ability. He spaces the floor extremely well with his ability to step out for jumpers and his versatility is also useful in pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop situations. Also, if someone closes out on him too hard, Laszewski also has flashed the ability to put the ball on the deck and attack the basket. In addition, he is blossoming as a rebounder despite not being all that strong.

During this past high school season, Laszewski averaged 19.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. These are already solid numbers for a big man and his efficiency really stands out as well. Over the course of the new, Laszewski shot 49.2% (474 FGA) from the field, 40.4% from three (327 3PA), and 80.0% (109 FTA). These numbers were all improvements from his junior campaign and he is clearly growing as a player with each season.

Laszewski’s game is already extremely polished but the next step is that he needs to get bigger and much stronger. Despite standing at 6-foot-10, he is listed at just 190 pounds. At this height and weight, it is hard to imagine that he will be able to finish inside let alone defend right away at the college level. Mike Brey seems eager to change this and get Laszewski on the floor right away (247Sports):

"“We have to get Laszewski ready because he stretches it, he shoots it and he can rebound with his length. He gets blasted out of there because his ass and shoulders are still narrow. We’ve got to get him stronger. But he can score, he’s better than I thought defensively, and he can hold his own in the post.”"

Next: Updated 2019 Bracketology

Notre Dame obviously has some holes to fill heading into 2018-19. Hopefully, though, these five players can make an immediate impact and help the team. Head coach Mike Brey is one of the best in the business and the Fighting Irish should not be counted out in terms of making the NCAA Tournament next season. Will this be a reloading year rather than a rebuilding one?

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