BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: NOTRE DAME

August 14, 2006


COMMITMENT ALERT: Carlton Scott, (F) Madison HS (TX) San Antonio


Projected 2007-2008 Roster


Seniors: Robert Kurz (F)
Juniors: Ryan Ayers (F/G), Kyle McAlarney (G), Zack Hillesland (F), Luke Zeller (BF/C)
Sophomores: Luke Harangody (BF), Tory Jackson (PG), Jonathan Peoples (G), Joe Harden (WF)
Freshmen: Carlton Scott (F)

No better way to show how on top of Notre Dame recruiting than to post an overview on Saturday morning and see a commitment later that day from a player we did not even mention!! That was how it went down this past weekend when Texas Forward Carlton Scott Picks Notre Dame (South Bend Tribune).

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Read More...Click 'Read More' Below!!!

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Carlton Scott is the first commitment for Mike Brey and the Irish in the class of 2007. Scott is a 6'8, 200 lb forward out of San Antonio, Texas who was not a big name on the recruiting trail until just a couple weeks ago when coaches got a look at the athletic frontcourt performer out in Las Vegas in an AAU tournament. Schools like Texas Tech and Vanderbilt were also impressed enough with Scott to go after him aggressively, but the Irish prevailed, even though he had never been to South Bend.

Scott only played in 5 games during the high school season last year after transferring to Madison from Roosevelt HS and then suffering a season-ending leg injury. One thing I like about Scott immediately for Notre Dame is he mentions defense as his strength. Otherwise, I can't really give much more on Scott as I am not really familiar with him. He sounds like an intriguing prospect and we will try to get someone from Texas to give us a little more perspective on the newest Irish recruit.

With Scott committing, the Irish have three scholarships open for 2007. I still insist that their biggest need is a strong post player that can alter, or block, shots and rebound. The commitment of Scott could take them out of the running for similar-sized forwards such as Tyrone Nash, Jerai Grant and maybe even Chandler Parsons as all three are in the combo-forward mold. As for the big men, nobody currently jumps out to me as a shot-blocking post player that the Irish have on their radar, but then again, I did not see Carlton Scott prominently on their radar, so we shall see! A couple names to mention are the ultra-thin Michael Eric and Josh Owens and the sweet-shooting Jon Leuer. None of those three offer much of a physical aspect to their game, but all have some upside or skill. A more physical and imposing possibility remains Alexis Wangmene, although we have not seen many updates on him in some time.

On the perimeter the Irish have stayed involved with Blake Hoffarber who is one of the best, if not the best, shooting prospect in the class of 2007. He would be more of the same for the Irish from the perimeter and is a player that definitely fits the Irish mold. A compliment to Hoffarber on their recruiting wishlist is Jacob Pullen from Proviso, IL. Pullen is a physical and tough guard that offers a possible different look for the Irish, which I think is important to them being able to be more flexible in the Big East.


For me, the Irish need to change some of their philosphy in recruiting. On many nights, the Irish may be the most skilled team on the floor, however, they seem to be lacking the athletic ability or physical toughness, at least in the paint, to do the little things to win games. I lost track on how many games they lost last year because of their inability to make the crucial stop, grab the important rebound or come up with the physical play to win a game. They have players that try hard and are smart, but in the Big East you have to be able to physically stand up night in and night out. Luke Harangody looks to be a player that can do that and Tory Jackson adds a different speed on the perimeter. Now, they need to continue to add more of that in the paint and on the wing. Hopefully Carlton Scott is a player that provides some of what they need and is a sign of things to come. An assistant like Gene Cross, with his ties to Chicago, is a good start and might be a little bit of what they need, hopefully, for the Irish, it turns into some players that will excel in the Big East.

With three more scholarships to offer, we will be watching closely if the Irish can recapture some of the excitement under Mike Brey they had not too long ago.

Thanks for stopping by!