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Notre Dame Basketball: D.J. Harvey is the perfect fit for the Irish

By Noah Strackbein

Jan 24, 2017; South Bend, IN, USA; The game ball sits on the floor in the first half of the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Virginia Cavaliers at the Purcell Pavilion. Virginia won 71-54. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2017; South Bend, IN, USA; The game ball sits on the floor in the first half of the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Virginia Cavaliers at the Purcell Pavilion. Virginia won 71-54. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Notre Dame basketball’s sole 2017 commit, D.J. Harvey, is the perfect fit for Notre Dame and their sharp shooting offense.

The senior small forward out of DeMatha Catholic in Maryland has made a lot of noise during his high school career. As the ninth best SF in the country and the 45th best recruit in the country, Harvey has dominated the court as one of the best offensive players in his class.

As a junior, Harvey averaged 15.4 points, seven rebounds, and four assists per game. The 6’6 forward is a proven offensive threat and thrives with the ball in his hands. Playing for DeMatha, Harvey’s played some of the best talent on the east coast. To put up the numbers he has, it shows that this kid is college basketball ready as a senior in high school.

Harvey signed his letter of intent to Notre Dame on Nov. 9. Now, the 4-star athlete becomes a part of a team he fits perfectly within. Looking at his film, Harvey is explosive from the outside. When he gets hot, he can pull up and shoot from anywhere on the court.

Although his strength is shooting from the outside, Harvey can drive when necessary. He doesn’t have the best moves inside, but he’s capable of taking the ball to the rim. His ball handles give him an advantage with any forward, and are robust enough to match up with guards as well.

“He is a big guard with a complete skill set. He has a feel for the game and a great shooting stroke,” Notre Dame head coach, Mike Brey, told und.com. “Add in his athletic ability and high basketball I.Q. and we feel he will fit really well into our system. He has been our number-one target for two years and we are thrilled that he will be joining us.”

Heading to the 18th best 3-point shooting team in the country, and a team shooting 46% from the field, Harvey fits right in with the Irish. He’s a two-three guard who can match up with players from the point to power forward and compete.

His seven rebounds per contest show he’s not just a shooter. His height and athleticism make him capable of getting after the boards. At 185 lbs, he may not be big enough to out-muscle a lot of college forwards, but he could still out jump plenty of players he’ll try to beat in the paint.

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Harvey is a player that’ll come in and play a role for the Irish immediately. He’s talented enough to be a college started as a true freshman. With his shooting ability, Mike Brey is going to fall in love with this forward.

Harvey chose Notre Dame because he believed it’s where he’ll shine. Luckily enough, he truly is the perfect fit for the Irish.