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Jahvon Quinerly Could be a Great Addition to Notre Dame Basketball: Film Breakdown and Analysis

By Noah Strackbein

Mar 11, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; A member of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish dribbles a ball onto the court prior to the Fighting Irish' game against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the semi-finals of the ACC Conference tournament at Verizon Center. The Tar Heels won 78-47. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; A member of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish dribbles a ball onto the court prior to the Fighting Irish' game against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the semi-finals of the ACC Conference tournament at Verizon Center. The Tar Heels won 78-47. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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There are few players Notre Dame basketball is targeting for the 2018 class with more talent than Jahvon Quinerly.

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The 4-star point guard out of Jersey City, New Jersey has made his name known by showcasing some of the best skills in his class. As one of the top players on Notre Dame’s target list, Quinerly possesses enough talent to be considered a player likely to start as soon as he gets on campus.

Quinerly’s biggest skill on the court comes from his hands. The way he’s able to control the basketball may be better than some NCAA players. Starting with his deadly crossover, and usually finishing with his speed to the basket, Quinerly often gets himself into a position to make an easy layup.

More than once we’ve seen him pull off a move no one would’ve thought a junior in high school could perform. Whether it’s a behind the back finish or getting a defender to the floor after a life-changing spin move, Quinerly always finds a way to catch the opposing team off-guard.

At 6’0, he has to deal with taller defenders in the paint more times than not. Because of this, he usually rolls in a layup after ducking underneath a defender while in mid-air. But his athleticism allows him to gain the separation he needs after jumping, giving him the opportunity to switch sides of the basket or stay in the air long enough to get through the opposing big man.

His shooting is spot on as well. As a point guard, Quinerly usually creates his own shot, which is much easier when you can handle the ball this well. Although most of his shots come from inside the perimeter, he can launch the long ball when open. Most times, he uses a crossover or quick first step to gain some space, then pull up for a quick release near the top of the key.

One of the most significant factors in a strong college point guard is his ability to pass. Last season, Notre Dame averaged 15.7 assists per game. As a team who relies heavily on their outside shot, you need to be able to find the open man quick. Quinerly may like to create open shots off the dribble, but he’s a magician at finding a teammate as soon as the extra man slides over.

The slight flaw in his game is his defense. He can lock down on a defender, but he talent is based on his offense much more than his ability to defend. He has so much athleticism and speed, though, that once he gets into a college program, he’ll adjust to playing on both ends of the floor. He is already trusted to square off with some of the best in the state. Even if he’s a more talented offensive player, he’ll be equally as dangerous on both ends with the right coaching.

Then, there’s all the talk of his speed and athleticism. It’s been mention in every aspect of his game, that he can make plays with his speed. Well, it’s no exaggeration. Quinerly is hands down one of the fast players in the recruiting class.

Whether it’s off the first step or sprinting down the court, expect this guard to finish ahead of the pack. Even with the ball in his hands, Quinerly can still blow past almost any player. For a shorter player, his strides and length in his legs make him a monster when it comes to speed.

His athleticism and agility are the same. At 6’0, he may not be throwing down, but he could get up for a rebound. What his biggest threat is, though, is his agility. His ability to stop on a dime and pick back up again causes a lot of problems for defenders. With all the speed he carries plus his ridiculously quick cuts, it’s nearly impossible to stay in front of him.

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Currently, Quinerly has 20 offers. As the junior begins to break down his decision, Notre Dame basketball is hoping they can squeeze their way into his mix. While some experts believe he’s headed to St. John’s, other say his list is wide open.

For the Irish, they’d love to bring in an addition like Quinerly to be the point of an already stacked lineup.