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Notre Dame Basketball: Is Steve Vasturia NBA Worthy?

By Noah Strackbein

Jan 4, 2017; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Steve Vasturia (32) shoots a three point basket as Louisville Cardinals forward Ray Spalding (13) defends in the first half at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2017; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Steve Vasturia (32) shoots a three point basket as Louisville Cardinals forward Ray Spalding (13) defends in the first half at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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After four years of leading Notre Dame basketball, Steve Vasturia turns his focus towards the 2017 NBA Draft.

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It isn’t certain whether or not Steve Vasturia will see himself in an NBA uniform next season. After four years as one of Notre Dame’s best players, Vasturia made his mark in South Bend. But now, he needs to make his mark elsewhere, and with the future uncertain, people are wondering if he’s NBA worthy.

Most NBA draft experts don’t have Vasturia being selected in the 2017 draft. Draft Express predicts Vasturia’s teammate, V.J. Beachem as the 55th pick to the Brooklyn Nets, but do not have Vasturia hearing his name called.

During his time as an Irish, Vasturia finished his career with 1,400 points, breaking Notre Dame’s free throw percentage record during his senior season, shooting 91% from the line. As one of Notre Dame’s greatest offensive threats, Vasturia made his living through his ability to drive and hit the open shot outside.

Vasturia would be a great addition off the bench for an NBA team. He may not be starter ready straight out of college, but he could very easily step in and contribute to a pro team as an offensive threat. If an organization game plans around his strengths, he could quickly step into a role where he adds points off the bench.

Chances are he isn’t going to get drafted this June. That doesn’t he won’t be a part of a team in 2017, though. Someone will take a chance on this 22-year-old shooting guard. Where he’ll get his chance is probably going to be through the Summer League. Once a team lets him prove himself, he’ll be able to shine enough to get a contract.

His 6’6, 212-pound frame is the perfect fit for a wing position in the NBA. He’s big enough to compete with shooting guards and small forwards and has a good enough shot to play the outside while being a threat to drive.

Is Steve Vasturia NBA worthy? Yes. Over the last four years, he’s contributed to Notre Dame’s two Elite Eight runs and 2015 ACC Championship win. When teams are looking for a player to bring leadership and fight, they’re going to look Vasturia’s way.

He needs some work on the defensive end, although he’s still able to defend some of the best players in the NCAA. Once he begins to work on his lockdown defending, which will come in the NBA, he’ll be a fine tuned all-around talent.

Vasturia will find himself on an NBA team next season. He may have to work his way through the organization, and possibly play sometime in the Developmental League, but he will find his way onto an NBA roster.

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He’s NBA worthy. He’s helped turn Notre Dame into one of the best teams in college basketball, and it will be rewarded. Don’t expect his name to be called on draft night, but eventually, his name will be on the back of an NBA jersey.