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Notre Dame Basketball: Why Prentiss Hubb is primed for a breakout year

By Ben Belden

SOUTH BEND, IN - MARCH 07: Prentiss Hubb #3 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish dribbles the ball during the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Purcell Pavilion on March 7, 2020 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - MARCH 07: Prentiss Hubb #3 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish dribbles the ball during the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Purcell Pavilion on March 7, 2020 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Notre Dame basketball has relied heavily on the contributions of Prentiss Hubb the past two seasons. His third season in South Bend might be the one where everything clicks.

After two seasons in the Notre Dame Basketball program, Prentiss Hubb is primed to have a dominant junior campaign.

Hubb has been integral to what the Irish have accomplished the past two seasons. Last year, Hubb logged nearly 35 minutes per game, which lead the team. Hubb averaged 12.1 points per game and also lead the Irish with 5.1 assists per game.

But there is certainly room for improvement in Hubb’s game: He also led the Irish with 2.7 turnovers per game and shot only 38.5% from the field.

That said, improvement certainly should be expected from Hubb, as the Irish look to bounce back and re-form their identity following the departures of John Mooney, TJ Gibbs, and Red Pflueger.

Perhaps the biggest addition to the new-look Irish will be Cormac Ryan, a 6-foot-5 combo guard from New York, New York. Ryan sat out last season after transferring to Notre Dame after playing his freshman season at Stanford.

Hubb should be the biggest beneficiary from the addition of Ryan, who figures to help Hubb shoulder the load of point guard duties, while also providing the Irish with another steady shooter on the perimeter.

Without a doubt, Hubb excels in the open court and in catch-and-shoot opportunities. If the 6-foot-5 Ryan can take over as the team’s primary ball-handler and distributor, Hubb will undoubtedly have new opportunities within the Irish offense. Operating on the wing feels like it will allow Hubb opportunities in an area that he seems more comfortable.

Make no mistake about it, Hubb has great scoring and play-making abilities that have made him a mainstay in the Irish offense. Playing with another guard in Cormac Ryan who can help him shoulder the ball-handling load while also providing space for Hubb to operate.

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Hubb likely is going to be the focal point of what Notre Dame does on offense this year. With the opportunity to play with another guard who is comfortable handling the lead guard responsibilities, Hubb may have a chance to do what he does best.