Wow, to paraphrase Robert Hunter and the Dead, what a long, strange trip it's been for Dara Mabrey to get to Notre Dame. On one hand, what seemed obvious in March when she first announced she was in the portal (when she said she wanted to play more point guard) became not so obvious when star point guard (and fellow Jerseyan no less) Olivia Miles committed to ND in late April.
Some thoughts from a post I put on The Bench:
- As many of you know, as a Jersey guy, I'm a Mabrey family follower/fan and have seen zounds of Dara's games. As
@Charliebball knows, I hoped Dara would've come to ND as a frosh. Still, better late than never.
- As for position and playing time, I'm guessing there were lots of conversations between the coaching staff and Dara regarding what position she'd best play and which she'd best have a chance at seeing the floor.
- That said, if she has to sit out 2020-21(probable), that could be an advantage. She can practice ball-handling and shooting and coaching staff can see where her strengths are. One thing for sure: her intensity in all facets will be noted and will help the team.
My immediate gut is that I think her best avenue at getting on the court is taking over Destinee Walker's shooting guard responsibilities (Walker is out after 20-21). Dara is still, at best, a long-range shooter who can also drive to the hoop (she's the quickest of the Mabreys, by far).
- She's also a good -- and pesky -- defender due to her quickness and dogged determination. Teaming wit Anaya Peoples, Abby Prohaska and Alasia Hayes, I see a trend towards tough(er) defenders.
- I'm guessing that this signing means it's open house/competition at Camp Niele, not just this year, but in 2021 as well. That's all a competitor can ask for.
- And because of that, I wouldn't count out Dara to be on the court. A lot. As Skylar Diggin's tweet (attached) indicates, Mabreys not only have swag(ger), but ND teams tend to win -- a lot -- when there's a Mabrey on the roster. Let's hope that record continues. (well at least for ND fans
)
P.S. Two attachments:
- article by long-time Jersey shore hoops writer and observer Gregg Lerner on Dara's transfer and interesting differences between the Mabrey sisters.
- Skylar Diggins-Smith's reaction to Dara coming aboard. This reaction is no surprise.
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