2020 PF Matt Zona Fell In Love With Notre Dame

Matt Zona didn’t seem to be feeling any pressure during the recruiting process, but the 2020 New Jersey power forward wasn’t going to let it play out any longer than it had to, which is why Zona brought to a close following an official visit to Notre Dame this past weekend by committing to the Irish.

“On my visit, I kind of fell in love with the place,” the Bergen Catholic High School standout told Irish Sports Daily. “Of course, basketball-wise, but just the school itself. It’s such a high-quality academic school along with all of the tradition they have there, it was just really hard to say no.

“The campus itself is so beautiful. Everywhere you go, it’s great. The football game was an awesome experience as well, showing how the fans really come out and support.”

The 6-foot-9, 240-pounder also feels comfortable with the fit on the court in South Bend.

“Coach (Mike) Brey told me they’ve had guys just like me and everyone has gradually better each year and he thinks I’ll fit that mold,” said Zona.

He’s also plenty comfortable with Brey’s staff.

“That’s what made the decision pretty easy,” Zona added. “I have a good relationship with all of the coaches there. Coach (Ryan) Ayers was the main guy recruiting me, but after Coach Brey offered, I started talking to him and Coach (Ryan) Humphrey and everybody else. It was really easy.”

Robby Carmody served as Zona’s host during the official.

“I hung out with him mostly, but I hung out with pretty much all of the guys on the team,” said Zona. “It’s a great group of guys and they’re going to be really good this year.”

He also had offers from schools like Penn State, St. John’s, Vanderbilt, St. Joseph’s, Harvard and Davidson and others, but didn’t need long to know he’d found his home.

“I got off the plane and talked to my parents about it and I called Coach Brey,” Zona explained. “He was super excited.

“I’m really happy with how it all ended up. I feel like I was blessed with a bunch of great opportunities from all of the schools that recruited me. I’m grateful for all of those schools having interest in me. I’m really happy I was able to commit to Notre Dame.”