In the 2020-2021 college basketball season I think we've all learned to expect the unexpected and Trey Wertz being eligible this season is yet another example. Back in April Brey said that he would not have even offered the guard a scholarship if he wasn't willing to sit out a season, but like almost everything in the last few months, things have changed. A few months ago Brey started endorsing and pushing for a policy that allows for transfers to be on rosters this season and play without losing a year of eligibility which hinted at him wanting the guard to be on the court this season. On Wednesday the veteran coach will likely see his wish come true. After Notre Dame's huge win at Rupp Arena on Saturday Mike Brey said he expects Wertz to be active for Notre Dame's first ACC game against Duke on Wednesday (because of the all hands on deck policy).
While Brey is normally a huge proponent of transfers sitting out a year, a combination of injuries, a weird year, and an extremely talented transfer likely pushed him to make an exception. In the last few months the Irish have lost two key (potential) pieces of their rotation in Elijah Taylor along with Robby Carmody which forced Brey's hand.
Here is what Wertz becoming eligible provides for the Irish
A Spark
Trey Wertz is known as a low key quiet kind of guy, but he will add some excitement to the team when he steps on the floor for the first time. Spririts are already high around Rolf's Athletic Hall after the Irish defeated Kentucky at Rupp Arena for the first time in program history and with Wertz finally being granted eligibility, there will be more buzz surrounding the Notre Dame Men's basketball program than there has been in years.
An Increase in Depth
Wertz is being injected into a team that has only been able to have a six man rotation at times this season. In Notre Dame's opener vs Michigan State, just 6 of Notre Dame's 70 points came from the bench and in the Kentucky and Ohio State games the Irish faded late in the game partly due to a lack of depth. The Irish have been especially shorthanded when it comes to guard depth, Prentiss Hubb and Cormac Ryan have only sat for 10 minutes each through four games which has led to some late game struggles for each of them. Whether Wertz starts immediately or comes off the bench, he will provide a huge boost in backcourt depth compared to what the Irish have had early on this season and will allow Brey to confidently rest Hubb and Ryan. The transfer gaining eligibility is the first step to turn turn the bench which has been a weakness thus far into a strength.
An Increase In Shot Creating
In his final season at Santa Clara Wertz shot 40% from three, but he has proven to be much more than just a sharpshooter. Early on this season Notre Dame's guards have struggled to create their own shots at times, this has led to huge scoring droughts that have cost the Irish time and time again in games so far. The transfer from Santa Clara has proven that he can create his own shot off the dribble which will take some pressure off of Prentiss Hubb and Cormac Ryan and help eliminate some of these scoring droughts the Irish have had early this season.
Another Ballhandler
Notre Dame's guards have also struggled with ball pressure at times (particularly against Kentucky and Michigan State) which has led to strings of turnovers and huge momentum shifts. The 6'5 guard can help to alleviate this because of his ability to handle the ball. Wertz has proven that he can play both positions in the backcourt and in his final season at Santa Clara he only averaged 2.5 turnovers a game so he will be a steady ballhandling option.
In an event that was almost unimaginable when Wertz committed this spring, Notre Dame will get a spark and increase in areas where they have struggled mightily early this season. Many people (including myself) think that Wertz could step in and become Notre Dame's best player and leading scorer, if he is anything close to that this season the Irish could be a serious threat in the ACC.
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