Recruiting Overview

As mentioned briefly yesterday, a look at the four newest members of the Notre Dame men's basketball team.

Joey Brooks- 6'5" 215 lbs *** SG

Brooks was the first to commit last November. A very athletic Russell Carter-type who can play shooting guard or small forward with the skills to back up the point if needed. He has good size and should beef up just a little more to be able to finish in the paint. Averaged 23 points and 8 rebounds a game last year as a junior at Strake Jesuit (Houston).

Jack Cooley- 6'8" 210 lbs *** PF

Our second commit has been compared to Luke Harangody a lot lately. Smallish for a center, he shows no fear in the post and can score and rebound well. He was also recruited by Illinois and Wisconsin early in the process. Averaged 25 points a game last season for Glenview (northern Chicago).

Mike Broghammer- 6'9" 220 lbs *** PF

Broghammer was not as well recruited as the other three, receiving only one other high major offer (Iowa). Averaged eleven points last season, but the most impressive part of his game is the continuing development of his shot. Has shown a willingness to become a stronger offensive presence and should continue to work on that.

Tom Knight- 6'9" 260 lbs *** PF

The biggest of the frontcourt prospects, Knick picked the Irish over Big East foes Providence and Seton Hall. Brey sounds impressed with his future saying, "The one to watch is really Tom Knight because he may be the late bloomer of the bunch. He is the one we know the least about." At the very least, he is a guy with big body who should be a force down low.

I would rate Cooley and Brooks as the top two pickups in the class. Cooley could be in starter in a couple years upon the departure of Harangody, Abromaitis, and Nash. I would like to see Brooks in person before making a judgment, but it sounds like he brings a good slasher-style that has been lacking a bit since Carter's graduation.

Broghammer and Knight bring depth to the a frontcourt that is a little shallow right now. I don't think either will be able to contribute serious minutes right away, but if one or both can develop into a solid starter I will be very pleased.