Notre Dame 2023-24 Season (merged)

[KY Card Fan]

Leah Macy was an Irish focus for the Class of 2025 because Maddy Westbeld (as well as transfers Liatu King and Liza Karlen) will be out of eligibility after the '24-'25 season. If things go as planned, Ms. Macy will walk into a starting frontcourt role next to post Kate Koval and point guard Hannah Hidalgo. There will be other areas to fill, as well, but this is really solid first-step for Coach Ivey and Michaela Mabrey, the Irish's recruiting coordinator.

Irish killing it! Lots of disappointed folks here in Louisville.

 

[Dillon77]

Irish killing it! Lots of disappointed folks here in Louisville.

I can understand it. McGraw's Bench and many Irish fans in Indiana felt the same when Ayanna Patterson -- from nearby Ft. Wayne, Indiana -- committed to UConn.

Seemed to be a solid connection between the Irish and Ms. Macy from the get-go: they were constantly at her club tournaments and she came to ND twice. Coach Ivey and Coach Mabrey play things close to the vest, but there was a bit of a trail with Leah Macy. For all intensive purposes, she's Maddy Westbeld's successor.

 

[WLT1717]

All-BIG EAST First Team Forward Liza Karlen Signs With Notre Dame

fightingirish.com

Solid, heady, vet will contribute much of an already talented squad. Good choice, both ways!

 

[Frankus]

Out of all the portal pickups I’m most excited about Liatu King. She has the kind of quickness and athleticism that we lacked in the front court last year and is an accurate shooter.

We’re going to be able to go at our opponents with waves of talented players and have size, speed, athleticism and shooting talent.

Winning a NC is tough, but we have a veteran, talented and deep squad. Barring injuries, we’re right there in the hunt.

 

[cancontent]

I know the thread is for the current generation of Irish players, but I didn't want to start another thread. Wasn't sure how posters would react if I posted it in the WNBA thread.

 

[Dillon77]

I know the thread is for the current generation of Irish players, but I didn't want to start another thread. Wasn't sure how posters would react if I posted it in the WNBA thread.

Thanks for doing so. Looking forward to seeing how Sky and Jewel do with the Storm this year.

 

[Dillon77]

Notre Dame Head Coach Niele Ivey doing her first tour of service for U.S.A. Basketball, serving as an assistant coach to Teri Moren.

 

[Dillon77]

...With Coach Ivey in Colorado with the U.S.A. National Team, ND's assistant coaches and Director of Player Development Carlos Knox are hitting the road to various AAU tourneys during this weekend's NCAA Recruiting Evaluation Period. Looks like the gig in Iowa is getting a double-up by Irish Coaches Mabrey and Allen.

 

[Dillon77]

Now that players have used up eligibility and/or graduated, here is where the ND roster stands; also factoring in transfers, and incoming frosh and the commitment of a player from the Class of 2025. This chart, courtesy of Baba Gnush, is included in the Recruiting Update that is at the top of McGraw's Bench, over at ND Nation.

 

[Vowelguy]

Now that players have used up eligibility and/or graduated, here is where the ND roster stands; also factoring in transfers, and incoming frosh and the commitment of a player from the Class of 2025. This chart, courtesy of Baba Gnush, is included in the Recruiting Update that is at the top of McGraw's Bench, over at ND Nation.

I only get my charts from Hugh Muss.

 

[Dillon77]

One current Irish (Cassandra Prosper) and one alum, a.k.a. Domer (Natalie Achonwa) in the Canadian Women's Basketball Training Camp. Go get 'em, Cass and Ace!

 

[cancontent]

 

[Dillon77]

Notre Dame Celebrates Cass Prosper Being Named to Canadian Olympic Team



The last -- group -- picture is illuminating because:

• It shows the entire 2024-25 team; and,
• You get an idea of just how tall incoming frosh post Kate Koval (3rd from left) is. KK Bransford, to her right and 'Liv Miles, to her left, are both 5'10" and look small compared to Kate.

 

[Bone Dog]

Notre Dame Celebrates Cass Prosper Being Named to Canadian Olympic Team



The last -- group -- picture is illuminating because:

• It shows the entire 2024-25 team; and,
• You get an idea of just how tall incoming frosh post Kate Koval (3rd from left) is. KK Bransford, to her right and 'Liv Miles, to her left, are both 5'10" and look small compared to Kate.

She looks like a true 6’5”. It’s a less clear comparison but she looks to be a couple inches taller than Maddy

 

[Dillon77]

She looks like a true 6’5”. It’s a less clear comparison but she looks to be a couple inches taller than Maddy

Agree. Hard to tell in a spontaneous line-up picture, but Maddy is a legit 6'3" and Koval has got some air on Ms. Westbeld.

 

[Dillon77]

Feature Article on Liatu King Reveals Many Challenges.

All power to her and her mom.
Apparently, her decision came down to ND and Syracuse and she went with her gut. Lucky Irish.

Inside the rise of Notre Dame WBB incoming transfer forward Liatu King

Undaunted by steep challenges, the former Pitt star is ready to embrace her latest leap of faith ... with the Irish.

notredame.rivals.com

* Thanks to mwayne on The Bench for first posting.

 

[cancontent]

This isn't a post about Nneka. Thought it would interest ND fans as there may another Irish alum to root for during the Olympics if Ebo makes Nigeria's roster.

 

[Frankus]

Notre Dame Celebrates Cass Prosper Being Named to Canadian Olympic Team



The last -- group -- picture is illuminating because:

• It shows the entire 2024-25 team; and,
• You get an idea of just how tall incoming frosh post Kate Koval (3rd from left) is. KK Bransford, to her right and 'Liv Miles, to her left, are both 5'10" and look small compared to Kate.

It’s going to be interesting to see what role Prosper plays. I found this interesting:

“Someone asked me the other day, when you played, did you feel like you were the old Cass?” she said. “Did you have glimpses of when you were the old Cass? And I was like, ‘Yeah of course, I feel great playing.’ But honestly, I’m not trying to be the old Cass. I’m trying to discover who I am, this new version of myself.”

The old Cass could not consistently make 3 point shots. Her career percentage is 21%.

Will the new version be more inside oriented? Will Ivey give her the green light for 3 point shooting? Can she be a consistent 3 point shooter? HH shot 34% from 3. The team shot 35% from 3.

It’s going to be interesting to see both her development and her role.

 

[cancontent]

FYI

 

[Dillon77]

Thanks, @cancontent for the ND vs. USC game promo, but we've got to have an ND post on an ND Thread, too.

 

[cancontent]

Thanks, @cancontent for the ND vs. USC game promo, but we've got to have an ND post on an ND Thread, too.

In fairness, I saw the ND post well after the USC version. Blame it on your social media team being slow on the trigger, even though they have a 3 hour headstart on USC.

 

[GoChips20]

I don’t bet but I’d place something on Notre Dame as a title favorite this year. Their backcourt trio is probably the best in the country and their frontcourt offers a ton of versatility. ND’s defense was strong last year and will be even better with DeWolfe gone and Miles returning who is a very good defender at the guard position. I really don’t see a clear weakness with this team. Maybe three-point shooting, but Citron and Westbeld consistently do damage from there so even that I think they’re fine in. I guess if I had to pick something I’d say rim protection but Koval may prove to be a force there. Fans in South Bend should be very excited.

 

[Dillon77]

I don’t bet but I’d place something on Notre Dame as a title favorite this year. Their backcourt trio is probably the best in the country and their frontcourt offers a ton of versatility. ND’s defense was strong last year and will be even better with DeWolfe gone and Miles returning who is a very good defender at the guard position. I really don’t see a clear weakness with this team. Maybe three-point shooting, but Citron and Westbeld consistently do damage from there so even that I think they’re fine in. I guess if I had to pick something I’d say rim protection but Koval may prove to be a force there. Fans in South Bend should be very excited.

Per the three-pt. shooting, Emma Risch was slotted to add to that as a freshman but ended up having hip issues and missed virtually the entire year. She's fully recovered and ready to try again this year...if she can get on the court. However, she is 6'1" tall and has a very quick release. Still, as noted, with Citron and Westbeld, they're in fine shape and Hidalgo's long-distance shooting was coming on well as the season progressed.

 

[Bone Dog]

Thanks, @cancontent for the ND vs. USC game promo, but we've got to have an ND post on an ND Thread, too.

What an excellent way to start the season!

 

[GoChips20]

Per the three-pt. shooting, Emma Risch was slotted to add to that as a freshman but ended up having hip issues and missed virtually the entire year. She's fully recovered and ready to try again this year...if she can get on the court. However, she is 6'1" tall and has a very quick release. Still, as noted, with Citron and Westbeld, they're in fine shape and Hidalgo's long-distance shooting was coming on well as the season progressed.

Forgot about Risch, thanks for bringing her up. If she can have an impact like Tessa Johnson did for SC this year they’re in even better shape.

Curious to see how Prosper is utilized. They’re loaded at the 4 and 5 but the 3 is a little more open to backup Citron.

I think their biggest challenge early on might be figuring out how to share the ball between Miles and Hidalgo, but IMO Hidalgo can play SG with some playmaking as a nice bonus so I don’t think it’s going to be an issue for long.