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Notre Dame Women’s Basketball New Faces to Know: Abby Prohaska

By Ben Belden

TAMPA, FL - APRIL 05: Head coach Muffet McGraw of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts in the first half against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the NCAA Women's Final Four Semifinal at Amalie Arena on April 5, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - APRIL 05: Head coach Muffet McGraw of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts in the first half against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the NCAA Women's Final Four Semifinal at Amalie Arena on April 5, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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Copying off a series Slap the Sign has done about the Notre Dame Men’s Basketball team, it’s time to take a look at some of the new faces on Muffett McGraw’s Notre Dame Women’s basketball team.

The good news for the Notre Dame Women’s Basketball team is that they have a lot of talent returning from their championship roster. The better news is that they have a new crop of talent coming that will, in turn, help the Irish gain some depth as they look to defend their title. In all, the Irish have four signees in the class of 2018. All could compete for playing time this season.

The first of those on the list is Abby Prohaska, a 5-foot-10 guard from Lakota West High School in West Chester, Ohio.

Strengths

According to the evaluation of Prohaska’s game on ESPN’s recruiting website, she can best be described as a fundamental off-guard. Prohaska’s skill set is one that translates well to the college game.

Prohaska’s film shows a few distinctions. The most obvious strength of her game is her court vision and basketball IQ. In watching some film, it seems clear that she has a great feel for where she should be and when she should be there.

This is true on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. It is her smarts and ability to anticipate that makes her astute at tracking loose balls.

For her size and position, Prohaska is a solid rebounder. She also shows the ability to find soft spots in the a team’s defense to create scoring opportunities.

A lefty, Prohaska has an interesting feel to her offensive game. While she wasn’t her team’s primary ball-handler, she demonstrated the ability to either catch and shoot from the perimeter or penetrate to create opportunities for herself and others. At times — when her team faced a zone defense — Prohaska was moved inside for her court vision and passing abilities.

How will she fit in?

Abby Prohaska could fit into Muffett McGraw’s plans immediately next season. She won’t be counted on to be the primary guard. That job will be shared by Jackie Young, and Marina Mabrey. She will, however, provide a nose for the ball, a reliable defender, and a good standstill shooter.

Next: Notre Dame Basketball New Guys: Prentiss Hubb

In short, Prohaska is a coach’s dream. She’s reliable, athletic, and has a feel for the game. In Abby Prohaska, Muffett McGraw found a solid-four year player.