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.

Newcomers

With the Irish picked to finish 9th in the Big East (certainly no one around the program truly believes the team will finish that low, but being underrated is rarely a bad thing), it's time to take a closer look at the guys who make up our squad. First, the freshmen.

#21 Tim Abromaitis- 6-8/220, Unionville, CT

A two-star recruit on Scout.com, Abromaitis (correct spelling) projects as a small forward on the college level. He was also recruited by Northwestern, Penn, Princeton, and William and Mary. Birthday is 9/17/1989, making him the youngest player on the team.

#1 Tyrone Nash- 6-8 / 220, Queens, NY

Nash is the most ready of the freshmen to make an impact. A three-star recruit, he certainly looks far more prepared than fellow three-star classmate Scott. Playing both forward positions, he will be the first to wear Chris Thomas' old number. Notre Dame beat out several schools including Georgetown, Indiana, and Marquette for his signature.

#13 Ty Proffitt- 6-4 / 206, London, KY

A two star recruit out of high school, Proffitt will look for playing time at both guard positions. Also recruited by (Western, Eastern, and University of) Kentucky, Proffitt hit a game winning shot to secure his high school team's regional championship and was all-state his sophomore and junior years.

Carleton Scott- 6-7 / 198, San Antonio, TX

On the surface, Scott is a promising, if undersized, prospect. He might need a year or two to grow into his body, but has the best upside of the class. Can play both forward positions. Was also recruited by Georgetown.

Thomas Kopko- 6-0/175, Bubank, IL

Kopko is a freshman walkon who was a two-star recuit according to Scout.com. He has no official ND bio yet and, judging by his picture, he's not happy about that.

Some fun facts: Abromaitis had a brother who played at Yale and father James played for UCONN and the Nets. Nash averaged a double-double his last two years in high school. Proffitt played varsity high school ball in 8th grade. Scott helped his high school team to go their first ever Texas state title game.

So now you know a little more about our youngest players. Tomorrow I will begin a little more game-oriented breakdown of the returners.