Pflueger Looking To Expand Leadership & Offensive Role
Rex Pflueger arrived in South Bend known for his offensive game and his freakish athleticism two summers ago. Over the last two seasons, the California native has shown grit and toughness to become one of Notre Dame’s best defenders.
The 6-foot-6, 206-pounder has also shown a fiery attitude, which molds well with point guard Matt Farrell and power forward Bonzie Colson.
“Our team is more emotional this year, but not in a bad way,” the junior guard explained before Notre Dame’s first practice of the season. “We’re hungry and excited to prove ourselves once again this year.
“We have a lot of intensity that will be shown on both sides of the ball. We haven’t been known as a defensive team as much, but I am excited for our team to come together to show differently.”
Notre Dame lost two starters in guard Steve Vasturia and small forward VJ Beachem to graduation. The two players leave a void of just over 27 points per game.
Pflueger averaged 4.7 points per game in 2016-17, and he’s looking to expand his offensive role this season.
“I see myself having an expanded role,” stated Pflueger. “I want to come out and be an aggressive leader. I always want to play hard on both sides of the ball by doing my thing on defense, but looking for my shot a little more this year.
“There is a role to fill right now, and I hope to be able to fill it.”
Don’t expect Pflueger to start taking 15 shots a night, as there are others who can score and that’s what could make the Irish offense very tough to guard. Colson and Farrell will get their points, but there are a number of players who can get to double-digits on any given night.
“I’m excited,” Pflueger said when asked about the offense. “I think everyone on our team is an offensive weapon. Everyone has different skill sets that can contribute to the team, especially with our style of play. Having five guys on the floor that can score the ball is dangerous at any level.
“Everyone has been working in the offseason. DJ Harvey is going to come in and help us out. I know everyone has been working their butts off.”
Pflueger will also be counted on to be a leader for head coach Mike Brey. Farrell and Colson have established themselves as leaders, but it’s Pflueger who could be heart and soul of the team.
“I speak for myself, and I believe I can speak for the seniors, but having the older guys with us the last two years has helped us mold into key contributors,” stated Pflueger. “We’re ready to step into our role and be leaders. We have learned from them, and we are going to be better leaders by being leaders.
“Everyone has done a great job this summer and during preseason talking to our younger guys to get them ready for the season.”
As the Irish enter the second week of practice, Pflueger knows the talent is there to have a big season, but the next few weeks are crucial for the long run.
“We are getting a lot more comfortable, and the confidence is there,” said Pflueger. “Right now, I think it’s an important time for us to get together and start practicing. Going every day will be good for us.
“We know we have the talent level to do great things this year and go deep in any tournament we are in. We have to make sure we come together as a team right now to get the most of our practices.”