Notre Dame Basketball: 3 takeaways from road victory over NC State

Paul Atkinson Jr. continues to put up huge numbers

Early on in the year, Paul Atkinson Jr. had some good games, but as of late he is really playing great for Notre Dame. In his last four games, he has scored at least 14 points in each contest, and also grabbed at least nine rebounds as well. He finished with nine rebounds against both Virginia and Duke or else he would have four consecutive double-double performances.

The graduate transfer in Atkinson Jr. really fits in so well with this Notre Dame team. The only other forward in the rotation currently is Nate Laszewski, but he is more of a guy who does his damage from outside of the paint. Atkinson, on the only hand, does his work around the rim. He has only attempted two 3-point field goal attempts on the season. Surrounding Atkinson Jr. with the shooters on this Notre Dame roster is literally a perfect match and it really is showing as of late since ACC play has begun.

Many expected Atkinson Jr. to be a big part of this Irish team, but not sure anybody was expecting this much out of him on the offensive end. For a while a good word to describe Paul Atkinson Jr.’s role on this team was him being a safety net. He was there to contribute as maybe not the first or second option, but available when needed to score and be productive.

Teams usually are trying to stop Dane Goodwin and Blake Wesley the most with the seasons they have had so far. The teams the rest of the way on the Irish schedule are going to be making sure they have more of a game plan for Atkinson Jr. with the numbers he is putting up as of late.