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Notre Dame Basketball: V.J. Beachem went from Naismith Watchlist to NBA Draft hopeful

By Noah Strackbein

Mar 15, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward V.J. Beachem (3) shoots the ball during the practice session for the first round of 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward V.J. Beachem (3) shoots the ball during the practice session for the first round of 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Notre Dame basketball had one of the most promising seniors in 2016-2017, but after a tough year, V.J. Beachem is hoping he’s done enough to be drafted.

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The Indiana native spent four years in Notre Dame making a name for himself. After testing the NBA Draft waters last summer, V.J. Beachem decided to return to Notre Dame for his senior season.

Heading into the year, Beachem was considered one of the best returning players in the country. A Naismith watchlist candidate, Beachem was set to lead an unpromising Irish team in the ACC.

After a 14.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game season, Beachem now hopes his return wasn’t the wrong move. Despite Notre Dame’s breakout year, ACC Championship game run, and claiming a four seed in the 2017 NCAA Tournament, Beachem has fallen off of many NBA teams’ radars.

In DraftExpress.com’s 2017 NBA Mock Draft, Beachem is the last pick, 60th overall, in the entire draft. Heading to the Atlanta Hawks, Beachem would look to join Michael Cooper, Drazen Petrovic, and Isaiah Thomas as final NBA Draft picks with noteworthy careers.

With his physical traits, standing 6’8″ tall with a long wingspan, Beachem may still have the attention of some NBA scouts in the second round. As a reliable offensive scorer with both shooting and ball handling ability, Beachem is a constant threat with the ball in his hands. He isn’t the greatest at finding his way to the rim but can control the rock on the perimeter while he looks for an open shot.

As a one-dimensional player, though, it’s going to take some work before he’s able to play extended minutes at the next level. Without any real defensive skill, Beachem is going to have to really work at his game on the other end of the court.

Beachem will likely have to prove himself during Summer League before he’s given any opportunity in the NBA. His lack of all-around ability won’t appeal to many teams during the draft. If he falls out of the top 60 picks, he’s in for a long road ahead before earning a spot on a team. He’ll need to quickly develop a stronger frame and focus on his defense before a professional team is going to take a chance on him.

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Returning for his senior season may not have been the best move for V.J. Beachem. It’s behind him, though, and now, he must focus on the NBA Draft. With a few changes to his game and some hard work, the Notre Dame product could find himself as a second-round steal come June.