Story Poster
Photo by Matt Freeman
Notre Dame Basketball

Notre Dame F Nate Laszewski Motivated Heading Into Final Year

July 20, 2022
2,244

Notre Dame basketball made noise in March last season and the Irish got a shot of momentum when Nate Laszewski returned to school after going through the NBA Draft process. 

The 6-foot-10 forward provides offense and much-needed rebounding to a team that has virtually no experience in the post. 

Junior Matt Zona has played in 23 career games, but has averaged just 4.1 minutes per night and then Notre Dame’s two freshmen have never stepped foot in a college game. 

Laszewski's career averages of 9.0 ppg and 5.5 rpg should easily be surpassed as he feels his game really grew over the last few months. 

“I needed to go through the process,” Laszewski stated following Notre Dame’s last summer practice. “My dream is playing in the NBA and professional basketball, so it was amazing to work out in Vegas and being out there with Blake (Wesley) was awesome too. It was a couple months of really good work and not just the process, but the development of my game.” 

The decision to return to Notre Dame was an educated one as Laszewski worked out for NBA teams and got valuable feedback from the NBA world along with those around him, including Mike Brey. 

“When it came down to it, I had a couple workouts with teams and after talking with Coach Brey and my family and having gone through the process I made the decision to come back to school,” said Laszewski. 

Laszewski pushed himself in Vegas and the Irish should benefit as he’ll bring a more aggressive mindset to the floor this year, but Brey should also get a motivated player. The Jupiter (Fla.) native saw where he needed to get to play professionally and that wasn’t lost on Laszewski as he spoke on Tuesday. 

“I think being able to compete every single day against those guys who are at that super high-level, first-round picks and NBA guys - you’re in the gym with them every single day, so you have to compete every single day,” explained Laszewski. “I think that’s a big aspect of my game that helped me mature and having that mindset of coming to work every single day.

“Definitely being more aggressive with my shot and making some more plays off the dribble. Being more involved as a leader in my role on the team.” 

Leadership is another area Laszewski has grown in over the last few years and it’s something he’ll continue to focus on during his final year at Notre Dame. 

“Yeah, the last couple years, I’ve taken steps to use my voice more whether it’s on the court, but also off the court hanging with the guys,” said Laszewski. 

“I’ve never really been super quiet on the court, but off the court, I am a little bit more reserved. Once I’m comfortable around people, then more comes out, but it’s something I’ve focused on the last couple years.” 

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Game Day Performance Polo

 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.