Notre Dame Basketball Returns An Excellent Possible Starting Five

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The Fighting Irish dropped a heartbreaker to the top-rated Kentucky, 68-66, yesterday. Notre Dame Basketball proved they could play with any team in the country, no matter how many McDonald’s All-Americans they have on the roster. It was 36 years between Elite Eight appearances. Will it be 36 more years before Notre Dame lands in the Elite Eight again? Notre Dame’s roster indicates that it will not be that long. Here is next year’s possible starting lineup:

Mar 26, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Demetrius Jackson (11) reacts after a shot during the first half against the Wichita State Shockers in the semifinals of the midwest regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Point Guard: Junior Demetrius Jackson (12.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.1 APG)

The rising Junior will be counted on to lead the Fighting Irish. Jackson possesses next level athleticism and may play in the NBA some day. Despite having an excellent Sophomore season, Jackson needs to improve his passing ability. Departing Senior Jerian Grant lead the team in assists. Jackson, as the point guard, needs to pick up the slack. Additionally, as evidenced by the Sweet 16 matchup with Wichita State, Jackson will need to assert himself as a scorer. Jackson blew the Shockers out of the water with 20 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.

There is an outside possibility that Jackson departs for the NBA this spring. However, the NBA is currently log jammed with great points guards who are as good or better than Jackson. It would be better for Jackson to return to school for the 2015-2016 season.