Matt Zona Making The Most Of Time Before Reporting To Notre Dame

The people at Notre Dame were a big reason why Matt Zona committed and signed with the Irish basketball program.

In the current state of uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 crisis, the New Jersey big man stays in touch with the Notre Dame staff and can’t wait to get to South Bend.

“I speak to all of the guys, not every day, but I’m talking with all of the coaches and players,” the former Bergen Catholic star says. “It’s a crazy time right now, but we’re trying to do the best we can.”

The message from the Irish staff is a simple one.

“It’s just that everybody has to keep working,” says Zona. “They sent me over the workouts I need to be doing. I’m trying to do them in my driveway. It’s not everything I’m used to, but I’m happy with it.

“It’s just a different way of working. I have weights at home, but they’re not what I’d use at the gym, so you have to find things around the house to use and figure things out.”

The 6-foot-9, 240-pounder is ready to get to college.

“I’m excited to get on campus,” he says. “I’m looking forward to it.

“I’m excited to be around all of the guys. When I was on my visit, I really enjoyed being with all of the guys. I just can’t wait to get to work. I really want to play basketball at a high level, so I just want to get to Notre Dame and start doing that.”

His personal goals for his first year of college are relatively simple.

“I just want to come in and compete,” he says. “I’ve always wanted to come in and play.”

Zona understands things are fluid at this point and his current reporting date of June could be pushed back.

“I’m just trying to come to terms with all of it, just kind of keep my head down and keep working and whatever happens happens,” he says.

“I really hope I do get out there in June.”