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Notre Dame Basketball: The Matt Ryan Loss Hurts

By Noah Strackbein

Nov 26, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Matt Ryan drives the lane around Chicago Cougars guard Anthony Eaves during action at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Raymond-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Matt Ryan drives the lane around Chicago Cougars guard Anthony Eaves during action at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Raymond-USA TODAY Sports /
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Notre Dame basketball may not have used Matt Ryan to his fullest potential in 2016-2017, but he would have been a major contributor next year.

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After requesting to be released and transfer following his sophomore season, Notre Dame basketball approved his release. Now, that Ryan is a free agent, the Fighting Irish are hoping the loss of the sharp-shooting forward isn’t going to affect them.

The problem is that it is. Ryan would’ve been a serious contender for the starting lineup next season. His ability to play from the outside or within the paint make him a dangerous player on the offensive end. As a 6’7 forward, Ryan could’ve been the perfect compliment to Bonzie Colson in the paint.

As a sophomore, Ryan only played 7.9 minutes per game, almost half of what he averaged during his freshman season. While he only averaged 4.3 points per game during his two years in South Bend, he began to become more involved during the Irish’s ACC and NCAA Tournament appearances.

Next season, the Fighting Irish are looking to fill two starting positions. T.J. Gibbs will be a great fit to take over Steve Vasturia’s shooting guard spot, but now, Mike Brey will need to decide on another player to fill V.J. Beachem’s. With Notre Dame’s small ball lineup, Bonzie Colson will likely be the center again.

Ryan would’ve have filled the four next season. With the group of shooters, Notre Dame would have had, this team could have been one of the best offensive teams in the country. Put two seniors, Matt Farrell and Bonzie Colson, leading the way and this team could be a real ACC competitor.

Notre Dame still has a strong roster returning next season. But this isn’t a player who wasn’t supposed to contribute that’s leaving, it’s Matt Ryan. The Irish will need to fill a major piece to their puzzle. With one incoming freshman, it’s going to be a challenge finding the perfect fit for the starting role.

DJ Harvey will likely be the guy put into the role. The 4-star forward could be the perfect four spot from the outside. He doesn’t have the size Ryan has, but he could dominate on the offensive end the way Ryan can.

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Notre Dame can figure it out. Losing Ryan is going to put a significant hole in the roster, but the Irish have the options to fill it.

Wherever Ryan plays next, Irish fans wish him the best. As one of the best college basketball free agents this offseason, Ryan will find a place where he can shine as a junior.