End of the Bench

Starting our season preview in earnest today, we will take a look at the reserves who will not be getting a lot of action this year.

Tim Abromaitis-

The 6'8", 232 pound sophomore forward from Unionville, Connecticut played sparingly last season. Scoring 1.7 PPG in 12 contests, Abro provides decent size on the wing and might see some time as a Rob Kurz-type high post player. Probably still a year away from serious minutes.

Tim Andree-

A second generation Notre Dame forward, the junior walk-on from New Jersey plays a bit like Zach Hillesland. Tall and lean at 6'8", 213 pounds, he will probably not see any more action than his five games last year.


Tom Kopko-

The sophomore walk-on from Chicago turned down a few D1 offers to attend Notre Dame. With solid ball-handling skills, Kopko can run the offense. As he fourth point guard (behind Jackson, K-Mac, and Peoples), he will only see more playing time due to a starter's injury or possession of marijuana.

Ty Proffitt-

The backup point guard played in eight contests last season and transferred back home to Morehead State in August. Best of luck to him.

Ben Hansbrough and Scott Martin-

Two very talented transfers will not see action in the regular season this year, but will contribute next season.

Off the Bench

#41 Tim Andree- 6-8 / 210, Colts Neck, NJ-

Andree enters his second season as a walkon. Last year he played in five games, making one of the two shots he attempted. Dad Tim played under Digger Phelps from '79-83. Was born in Tokyo, Japan.

#20 Jonathan Peoples- 6-3 / 215, Bellwood, IL-

Peoples was a steady hand off the bench last year for the Irish and should serve the same role this year. With McAlarney out during the Big East schedule, Peoples gave Coach Brey some quality minutes when Tory Jackson needed a breather. A three-star recruit, Notre Dame beat out Northwestern to land him two years ago.

Jonathan played in 26 contests last season, averaging 6.4 minutes a game. He should get about the same amount of action, since both K-Mac and Tory can play the point. While Peoples can play shooting guard, Coach Brey is more likely to have Ryan Ayers or others fill in when either McAlarney or Jackson is on the bench.

#40 Luke Zeller- 6-10 / 239, Washington, IN-

Luke entered the program as a heavily recruited prep star. Indiana Mr. Basketball and McDonald's All-American, Zeller was a four-star recruit out of high school. He also received scholarship offers from Stanford, Kansas, Illinois, and Missouri. Needless to say, there were some high expectations for Mr. Zeller. Entering his junior season, Luke has yet to add a effective inside game with his strong outside shooting.

Last year, he started the first 16 games and played in all 32, averaging 3.8 points and 2.2 rebounds in 12.4 minutes a game. He will be the main substitute for Luke Harangody and Rob Kurz down low. If this year's version of Zeller (an inch shorter and somewhat more agile) can contribute steady minutes off the bench, the Irish will be ok. With two very good starters, all we need from Luke is a guy off the bench who can get rebounds and still threaten the defense inside. He has the talent, now is the time to become a legit Big East forward.

Tomorrow I will focus a little more on our key players, starting with 6th man Zach Hillesland.