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Notre Dame Basketball

Pflueger On Tap For Bigger Role

July 12, 2017
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Notre Dame junior Rex Pflueger has learned and waited behind Steve Vasturia for the past two seasons for this moment.

“I definitely believe I am going to be a voice for us this year,” stated the 6-foot-6 guard. “I have two years under my belt and have been through the fire. I am excited to be another voice for us.”

It’s time for me to take that role. Steve (Vasturia) and VJ (Beachem) were a great source of scoring for us, and I can hopefully help fulfill that role. - Notre Dame guard Rex Pflueger
As a sophomore, the California native averaged 4.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. Pflueger expects his production to increase this season with more opportunities and aggressiveness on the offensive end of the floor.

“It’s time for me to be a little more aggressive,” said Pflueger. “It’s time for me to take that role. Steve and VJ (Beachem) were a great source of scoring for us, and I can hopefully help fulfill that role.

“I feel I have to do a little bit more of everything in terms of driving and shooting. I want to be a playmaker and work off ball screens. All in all, I want to be able to contribute to the team in whatever aspect it is on offense.”

Notre Dame and Pflueger are taking the time to work on chemistry and improving during six summer practice sessions. The Irish might have lost Beachem and Vasturia, but now is the time new leaders are developing.

“The cool thing about the summer is the new voices emerging,” explained Pflueger. “People are talking more and trying to get more communication from different areas you haven’t heard from before.”

Head coach Mike Brey is counting on his upperclassmen to bring along the new additions to the team in freshman forward DJ Harvey and sophomore transfer Juwan Durham.  

“I love them,” Pflueger said of the two new players. “They came in with a maturity we didn’t expect with newcomers. Juwan has a year of college under his belt and knows the process of everything. DJ carries himself with a lot of class, and he’s a hard working kid.

“We’re excited about our future.”

It’s still early in his career, but Pflueger has already seen the positive traits Harvey brings to the program.

“He has a lot of tools and played at a top-tier high school,” Pflueger stated. “He understands the competition. The summer is to help you get ready and adjusted to the team. He’s a great kid and seems like a great person to have on our team.”  

Some struggle with taking on a new role or a larger leadership role, but that’s where Pflueger could thrive.

“It’s great to have the younger guys coming in, and it’s great because I love the process of teaching people,” said Pflueger. “I have been through the same situations they are in, and I want to be a voice for them.

“I want to help people become calm and confident.”
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Pflueger On Tap For Bigger Role

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