Notre Dame Basketball: Matt Farrell’s Time Is Now

Much like Notre Dame basketball, Matt Farrell has spent most of his time overlooked. 2017-2018 will serve as his time to shine.

It may have been a secret two years ago when Matt Farrell was playing in the shadows of Demetrius Jackson, but not anymore. It’s a well-known fact that Farrell is dangerous on the court. Yet he will still not receive as much media attention as he should.

Jackson moved on to the NBA and the ball since has been placed in Farrell’s hands, a phenomenal changing of the guards for the Irish. It didn’t take long to the New Jersey native to get things cooking. In the Legend’s Classic, Farrell sent his first message to the rest of the NCAA. Starting in the semifinals against Colorado, he put on a 20 point, six assists, and three steals performance. In the championship game, he let everyone know he was cold-blooded. The team found themselves down late against Northwestern. Farrell would go on to score the final five points including a game-sealing three-point play.

He was just getting started. Averaging 14.1 ppg and 5.6 apg last season Farrell was considered one of the most improved players in the nation. Farrell also ended the season on the ACC All-tournament first team.

Will that suffice Farrell’s hunger? Absolutely not.

This team is coming into the new season with high goals: a Final Four appearance. High goals, but rightfully set. In the last three years, Notre Dame has been to two Elite Eights and two ACC Championship games. Purcell Pavillion now has an ACC Champions banner hanging from the rafters.

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This team has all the makings for a deep run. The Irish will only go as far as Farrell takes them. Bonzie Colson may be in the running for National Player of the Year and he should be, but Farrell is the quarterback of this team.

He is taking on a leadership role that he hasn’t had to before. Now as a senior and point guard, Farrell will be the vocal leader of the Irish. He sets the tone for this team.

New Role, Same Farrell

Just because he’s taking on this leadership role, don’t think he’s going to change his style of play. Farrell will continue to play with a chip on his shoulder. A reckless player that will make you will probably dread having to guard.

There is one other thing Mike Brey has asked out of his point guard for this season. Shoot! The Irish want Farrell to get the ball off earlier rather than deferring to see other options. With the personnel around Farrell, Notre Dame should be able to run faster offensively.

Last year the teams passing was incredible. This year they can get out and run. Rex Pflueger and TJ Gibbs will be great assets to help make this happen.

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If this team can run fast offensively it will set up shots for Farrell in transition. Scary for any of Notre Dame’s opponents as Farrell is the teams best shooter. Farrell remains dangerous with distance shooting 42% from beyond the arc last season.

When you add in the fact that he will play alongside Bonzie Colson, it could be one of the most impactful one/two punches in the nation.

Overlooked long enough, Farrell is primed for a season of dominance. His time is now.