Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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BY JORDAN WELLS Notre Dame put together one of the best stretches in school history this past March, defeating Louisville (71-59) and Duke (74-64) by double digits in away and neutral-site settings, beating UNC (90-82) in Greensboro, N.C., to win the ACC championship, and advancing to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tourna- ment before falling to then-No. 1 and undefeated Kentucky by two points, 68-66. The successful run has already had a direct impact on the recruiting trail, with Notre Dame landing a verbal commitment May 3 from West Orange (N.J.) Seton Hall Prep junior Temple Gibbs Jr. — a top Irish target in the class of 2016 — at the conclusion of his of- ficial visit to campus. "It happened right before we left for the airport," Gibbs Jr. said. "I just knew that was the place for me, and I felt re- ally comfortable there. "I told head coach Mike Brey I'm ready to commit. He literally jumped up and said, 'We're happy to have you.' He couldn't wait to get started. "It's a huge weight off my shoulders. It's something you really have to think about. It's going to affect your life for the next four years, and even after that. You really have to take your time and make sure you get it right." The 6-3, 185-pound four-star recruit is ranked as the No. 14 point guard and No. 66 overall prospect nationally by Rivals.com, making him the high- est-rated recruit to commit to the Irish since Demetrius Jackson (No. 9 point guard and No. 38 overall player nation- ally) in 2013. Gibbs Jr.'s recruitment with Notre Dame first picked up steam Feb. 13, when Brey offered him a scholarship af- ter watching him finish with 20 points, three rebounds and two assists in a 64-57 win over Irvington High. Then Notre Dame's incredible run through March sealed the deal with the stand- out point guard. Notre Dame Felt Like Home For New Jersey Point Guard COMMITMENT PROFILE TEMPLE GIBBS JR. Gibbs Jr. is listed as the No. 66 overall prospect in the class of 2016 by Rivals.com, making him the highest-ranked commitment for Notre Dame since Demetrius Jackson in 2013. PHOTO BY JACEY ZEMBAL