Notre Dame Basketball: Irish Picking Up Steam With Tre Mitchell

Notre Dame basketball appears to be zeroing in on talented 2019 big man Tre Mitchell

Any of you who have read my pieces about Notre Dame basketball recruiting know that I am not a huge believer in the clairvoyance of the crystal ball. It is simply a tool used to generate conversation in the recruiting world amongst those of us that aren’t “insiders.” That said, it is a nice tool for guys like me to keep track of who is at least in the running for specific recruits.

In the past week, Notre Dame has picked up at least two predictions in the crystal ball for 2019 big man Tre Mitchell. The third is a protected prediction from Brian Snow that I am unable to view because I am not a VIP member at 247sports.*

*Editor’s note: Mychal needs to stop being so stingy.

Mitchell — a 6-9, 245 pound post player — is one of the top targets for Notre Dame coach Mike Brey.

Currently ranked No. 92 in the country, Mitchell is a versatile post that can play all over the court.

He has what some might call an “old man’s game.” All that really means is that he doesn’t punish the rim. If I had to make a comparison, I would say he has a Boris Diaw-type game. Mitchell possesses a large lower body which he uses to get — and keep — post defenders on his hip while he uses a variety of moves over each shoulder to get easy layups.

Tre also posesses an above average ability to play in the high pick and pop game that extends past the three point line, which is something that guards Temple Gibbs and Prentiss Hubb will surely love.

Given what the Notre Dame brought in for a 2018 recruiting class, a quality big such as Mitchell would the logical point of focus for the 2019 recruiting period.

One does have to wonder where this puts the recruitment of fellow 2019 big man Isaiah Stewart. While the Irish would certainly take both, you could come to the conclusion that Mitchell has become the number one focus of the Irish staff over the past few weeks.