Notre Dame Basketball: Irish will turn to Laszewski in expanded role

Nate Laszewski came to the Notre Dame basketball program as a highly touted prospect who looks to break out in his junior year on campus.

Looking to fill the void left by John Mooney, the Irish will turn to the likes of Nate Laszewski in its 2020-2021 campagin. The 6-foot-10 forward from Northfield, Massachusetts, Laszewski is entering into his 3rd season in South Bend. As he does so, the Irish will need him to develop into a consistent contributor.

The Irish will look to the likes of Juwan Durham to anchor the Irish in the middle, but much of the scoring burden and floor spacing left by Mooney will undoubtedly fall to Laszewski.

Known for his prowess as a perimeter shooter, Laszewski has shot 32.4% from beyond the three-point arc during his freshman and sophomore seasons in South Bend. While that number is by no means anything to scoff at, Laszewski likely wants to improve on that number this season, and there is no reason to expect that he won’t.

While consistency has been the biggest culprit to his game, the sharpshooter has demonstrated his ability to make big shots when called upon on more than one occasion.

Laszewski was named the “Mr. Clutch” Award Winner for the Notre Dame basketball team, after hitting multiple clutch shots at the end of wins over Toledo and North Carolina.

Clearly, the ability to hit the big baskets is there. Laszewski just needs to do it on a consistent basis.

Finally, Laszewski will be called upon to use his lengthy frame to be an important cog on defense for the Fighting Irish as well. If he can continue to evolve into a versatile defender on the perimeter and on the interior, the sky is the limit for the lineups Mike Brey can utilize.

Often, college players make the biggest leap in their development between their second and third year on campus. There’s no reason to expect anything less from Nate Laszewski.