Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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basketball recruiting "I think you have an open mind to everything," Brey said. "There's always a high school senior that could emerge. That's a longer shot in this day in time, but you never know. [Former Irish guard] Russell Carter [2003-06] was a pretty good spring signee for us and had a heck of a career. You're always evaluating that, and we'll get a bunch of calls on kids that are having great senior years. The transfer situation certainly is something to evaluate this spring." 247Sports recruiting expert Jerry Meyer views the class as a success for Brey. "I think Notre Dame got two really good players," he said. "They're not super highly ranked, but they're right there in that high three-star, low four-star range. And they've had success playing against more highly ranked players. That's one of the most important things there. They're physically strong players, both like to compete and both had very good summers. "Especially with Bonzie Colson you add versatility. He fits that mold of combo forwards Notre Dame has had success with. Coach Brey does a great job of taking advantage of their versatility." Meyer agreed with Brey that Colson does not need to be restricted at one position, but rather is an athlete that can succeed on the court in many different ways. ✦ 2014 Notre Dame Signees Name (National Rank*) Bonzie Colson (114) Martin Geben (105) * According to 247Sports Pos. Ht. SF 6-5 PF 6-9 Wt. 218 230 "He knows how to play," Meyer said. "He has a mature game both mentally and physically. He is a strong player, very physically strong, very mentally astute. He's on top of the game; he anticipates. You can tell he's played basketball and has been around the game." Meyer expects Geben to be able to compete for minutes right away in Brey's program, especially with the void of big men next season. "Martin Geben is tough down low," he said. "He has a shooting touch and can do some things away from the basket, but he will get you buckets and rebound strong. That's where you want to start with your big man. "He's played against high-caliber players here in America and outside of America. I think you gain experience and you gain toughness that prepares you to be more ready to play at Notre Dame. … I see him as a Harangody- or Jack Cooley-type player as well. I like those comparisons. He needs to get stronger. There's a natural progression for players when they get to college, but he has similar traits to Cooley and Harangody." With the coaching staff now focused on 2015 recruiting, Brey said the primary focus will be on frontline players and a swingman, with freshman ball handlers Demetrius Jackson and Steve Vasturia likely to hold down point guard duties after senior Eric Atkins graduates. ✦ Hometown (High School) Barrington, R.I. (St. Andrew's) Hagerstown, Md. (St. Maria Goretti)