Notre Dame Basketball: Steve Vasturia’s Silent Rise to a Star
Steve Vasturia says little, but has been a “loud” part of Notre Dame’s success
Most Notre Dame basketball fans were well aware of
Steve Vasturia‘s potential coming into this season. Now, thanks to some clutch shots against Duke in the regular season, the ACC Tournament, and now the NCAA Tournament–more of the country is aware of it.
After starting 12 games in his freshman year, Vasturia hasn’t missed one this year. And his numbers across the board have improved from last season. And while none of the numbers will draw any national praise, they are the building blocks of a possible star in the making.
Nevermind the fact that on a regular basis, coach Mike Brey chooses to put Vasturia on the opponents top offensive threat. And more often than not, its lead to the shutdown of a team’s top scorer. And even after grinding it out on defense against top scorers, he’s found himself in the position to make clutch baskets for the Irish.
And he hasn’t missed many.
In the regular season win against Duke, it was his three-pointer in the closing moments from the corner that helped seal the upset for Notre Dame.
Against Butler in the second round of the NCAA tourney, Vasturia found himself on the wing, with a Jerian Grant pass on its way and the shot clock winding down. One point lead, trip to the Sweet 16 possibly in the balance. No pressure.
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Just like several others from the same spot this season, Vasturia watched it drop through the net. The sophomore has made a habit of shots like these, and the Irish will need more of them against Wichita State on Thursday night.
The sophomore, who played his high school ball at St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, isn’t a one-trick pony. He plays great defense, has improved from three-point range from last season dramatically (.329 to .409), and can handle the ball and get to the rim. Not in the same way as Jerian Grant, but not many can do what Grant does–so it’s surely not a knock on Vasturia.
One thing’s for certain, while Pat Connaughton and Grant will be a big part of tonight’s Sweet 16 matchup against the Shockers–Vasturia will play a key role as well.