Notre Dame ranked 14th in preseason USA Today coaches poll

After losing to West Virginia in the second round of the 2017 NCAA tournament, Notre Dame looks to bounce back in the 2017-2018 season.

What do you think of when you hear the words “Notre Dame Men’s basketball”? If it’s anything other than Bonzie Colson, well then you missed a heck of a 2016-2017 campaign. One of the nation’s best big men, Colson lead the Fighting Irish to a 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament in March. Sadly, being that high of a seed worked against the team, as they had to face West Virginia in the second round, where they wound up ultimately losing.

Mike Brey and company are ready to prove to the NCAA, and the rest of the ACC that they are tired of being considered the red headed step child of the big boys. Along with outstanding big man Colson, Matt Farrell is projected to be a big part of the FIghting Irish’s offense this season. He finished third on the team in scoring last season, with just over 14.

There are points up for grabs this season, with guards VJ Beachem and team folk hero Steve Vasturia leaving the team for greater pastures (NBA). With those two gone, there are 27 points that will be needed to come from another source, it wouldn’t be out of the question to see Colson and Farrell both average 20 this upcoming season.

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Stepping in at guard will be D.J. Harvey, who was the 48th overall recruit in the class of 2017. At 6-6, 220 lbs, Harvey will likely have his way with opposing defenses and will look to pass the ball to the two main cogs of the offense, Matt Farrell and Bonzie Colson.

This could be a special season for Notre Dame, as they look to add yet another Final Four to the teams rafters. As one of the elite coaches in Men’s basketball, Mike Brey will surely have Notre Dame built for the long run this season, and with Colson expected to be one of the best players in college basketball, it’s only a matter of time until Notre Dame deservedly gets talked about as one of the best teams in college basketball.

What do you think of Notre Dame’s preseason ranking? Let us know in the comments below!